June 2021
In this issue … Meldreth Village Hall Trust Memories of Meldreth River Mel Restoration Group
Events … Village Hall Trust AGM Walking Market
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Contents Miscellaneous Zoom Prayer Tree 29
What’s On in June Centre Pages Diary 30-31 Things to Do in June 12-13 Village Hall Trust AGM 10 Walking Market 11
Children & Education 1st Orwell Scouts 38-39 Activities for Families 42 Baby & Toddler Group 34 Melbourn Youth Club 34 Primary School 35-37 Shepreth Spitfires 41
People In Memory of Clare McPhee 4-5 Village Groups Bowls Club 33 Friends of Holy Trinity 28 Local History Group 7-9 Tennis Club 32 Women’s Group 27
Local/National Government Local Councillors 50-51 Parish Council 45-47 Planning 48 Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 60 Community Transport 44 Coronavirus Support 54-55 Covid Rapid Testing 53 Mobile Warden Scheme 47 Neighbourhood Watch 49 Refuse Collections 31 The Anne Robson Trust 56 Village Directory 58-59
Village News Meridian Maycroft Arts Centre 26 Speed Monitor Data 24 Village Hall Trust 10 Gardens & Nature Gardening 18-19 River Mel Restoration Group 14-15 Tree Clearance 17 Cookery In Praise of … 20-22
MM is available in colour online To view this or past issues online, visit issuu.com/meldrethmatters 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. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.
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Editorial Welcome to the June issue of Meldreth Matters. As covid restrictions are due to be further eased this month, more groups are intending to resume their regular meetings. Please see the centre pages diary for details of all meetings and events taking place in the village and if in doubt, please check with the organisers before attending. The Village Hall Trust will be holding its AGM on Friday 25th June and is looking for new committee members. If you are interested in being involved in the running of this vital village facility, please see the article on page 10. Also this month, on Sunday 27th June, Meldreth’s Walking Market will be held, which is being organised by Lesley Farbridge. At the time of going to press, 24 stallholders have signed up for the event. Stalls will be located throughout the village including in the churchyard and the Village Hall. Each stallholder will be raising funds for a charity of their choice and Lesley is also fundraising for Holy Trinity Church and the purchase of a specialist chair for the Intensive Care Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Please see the back cover and page 11 for further details. Finally, to read what the Primary School children love doing in Meldreth, please see the article on pages 35-37. Kathryn
Cover Photograph Front cover: Buttercups, North End. Photograph by Kathryn Betts.
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In Memory of Clare McPhee Clare and I first met several years ago. Through many shared interests, we soon became close friends. She encouraged me to have a go at writing poetry by becoming a member of her poetry and stanza groups. Clare had the gift of seeing the link in things, not the gaps. I wrote the following poem on 3rd April, the last time I saw her. Clare died on 7th April.
Sometimes you talk In unfinished sentences, Nodding to my questions, Showing interest But as if from afar No longer with concern Devoid of urgency Sometimes there is a Flow of words, Unconnected, Before dwindling Into quiet mumbling, No sign of recognition When I leave Sometimes you gaze at me For a long time Without turning Your eyes away Looking at something I cannot see 4
While nature is Heralding spring outside, New life, Yours is ebbing away In slow exhalation As you lie in this room That you will not Leave again And yet you're doing so Already, Coming and going Still hours spent Sitting near you Missing you You will always be Coming over the hill on the rec Waving enthusiastically With both arms Your dog ahead of you Greeting mine by the gate Before we set off Along the paths That you know Like no other
Ursel North
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Memories of Meldreth Memories of Meldreth and the War by George Newell is one of the latest pages to be added to Meldreth Local History Group’s website. After George’ died in 2013, his son Colin found George’s handwritten memories and kindly allowed the History Group to include them on its website. The following extract concerns George’s memories of Meldreth, where he lived from 1932 until 1947. To read the whole article, including information about George’s wartime work at the Engineering Laboratories in Cambridge, please see our website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/new-contributions/memories-of-meldrethand-the-war. In late 1932, when I was 8 years old, my family and I moved to Meldreth. Dad had just retired from the Police Force and had, a year earlier, purchased Cornwall House and its orchard in Stone Lane, North End from his brother-in-law, George Nodder. I started at Meldreth Village School in December 1932. I went there until I was 11. The headmistress at this time was Miss Grace Butler. There were two other mistresses, sometimes three. Although my mother tried to ‘push’ my education, at that time I was not too willing a pupil.
George Newell Supplied by Colin Newell
I can remember the Jubilee sports (George V & Queen Mary) mainly for the astonishing performance my father showed in several of the events. I remember he won the 100 yards sprint followed by the slow bicycle race. He was a very fit man. I used to either walk or cycle to school, about a mile each way. We sometimes played marbles on the way in the summer or had whipping tops. In the winter time many of us had hoops of steel approximately ¼ inch round section and 2 – 2½ feet diameter, which we trundled 7
along the road with a wooden rod about 15 inches long, trying to keep it moving and also control its direction. Together with cycling, this kept us fit. I cannot remember any organised games at Meldreth School, just some very basic P.E. after morning prayers. I do remember several children contracting tuberculosis (TB), two of whom died. This was a very serious disease at the time and patients were sent away to sanatoriums to live with as much access to sunshine and fresh air as possible. The spread of TB was mostly through milk, most, if not all of which, was not pasteurised. Milk was sold from open churns, the amount being measured out in half-pint or pint scoops into all kinds of containers. Any farmer could sell his milk to anyone who would buy it. I do not know when the testing of dairy herds for TB began but there was, as far as I know, none in the Meldreth area in the early 1930s. Fortunately I did not like cold milk. At the school leaving exam in 1935 I won a minor scholarship [from the Triggs Charity, which still exists] and went to the County High School for Boys in Hills Road, Cambridge. There was no piped water or sewerage in villages in those days. In Meldreth there were a number of natural springs from which we obtained drinking water. Our family had to fetch the drinking water in galvanised buckets from a spring about a quarter of a mile away. We paid one shilling a year for this water. Rainwater for washing and laundry was collected in tanks The School Scholarships Board where George or pumped by hand from boreholes. Newell’s name appears Laundry was done by boiling the clothes in a Photograph by “copper”. This was a large (2½ ft diameter) Andrew Jones hemisphere of copper recessed into a square brick-built fireplace with chimney, which heated the wash-water in the ‘copper’ from underneath, using sticks, wood and coal. The laundry was agitated with a copper dolly on a long wooden handle. The laundry, after boiling, was then put through the “mangle” – a wringer with large wooden rollers to squeeze out the water. The usual Monday “wash-day” took all morning. 8
My formative life revolved around fruit farming – mostly apples and plums. It was a hard life. There had been a national recession for several years and money was tight. My older stepbrother Bill also lived and worked at home. There was also Ralph, my younger brother by two years. During the fruit-picking season the whole family had to ‘muck in’. There were a lot of plum trees of the variety “Pond’s Seedling”. The trees were very tall and usually bore very heavy crops to such an extent that branches sometimes fractured with the weight of the plums. On some occasions I was made to climb up very tall ladders held vertically by two men because the branches would not bear the weight of the fruit plus a man on a ladder. I was thus indoctrinated to heights at an early age. Fruit was sent to Covent Garden market by goods train, so it had to be packed into round wicker baskets, covered with newspaper, which in turn was covered with straw, which was tied down. These were then loaded on to a pony cart and one of us, often myself, drove it to Shepreth station for the overnight journey to London. There it was auctioned. After transport charges and auctioneers commission, in times of glut little was left for us, sometimes just 6d for 20lbs of fruit. I used to make some pocket money by picking up fallen apples for the local cider company. I remember I sometimes made a shilling a hundredweight. Two or three tons sometimes accumulated before they were collected and by this time many were rotten, but they were pressed for cider just the same. Times were hard then and money was scarce, but we were never hungry. We grew all our own vegetables and of course had plenty of fruit. My mother made jam and preserved a lot of soft fruit and plums. She also made pickles of all descriptions. We kept a lot of chickens in the orchards, sold the eggs and also some table chickens and geese and ducks for the Christmas trade. From about the age of 12 I kept a sow and reared the piglets, one of which was fattened and kept for eating ourselves. There were no freezers in those days, so some of the pork was salted and made into bacon and ham. When the war came the rifle was also a very important tool in acquiring food. Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk info@meldrethhistory.org.uk 9
Meldreth Village Hall Trust With the benefit of good advice from Cambridgeshire ACRE, the Village Hall has come through Covid-19 safely so far. As restrictions are further lifted we look forward to seeing our remaining regular hirers again and to the hall being the weekend venue for social gatherings and children’s parties. Thanks to income from those regular hirers who have (perforce intermittently) used the hall, and some very generous Government and South Cambridgeshire District Council grants, we are in good financial shape; we will not need to put up hire charges and we will be able to fund several planned refurbishment projects. On Friday 25th June we plan to hold an AGM in the hall; this is open to any residents of Meldreth and adjacent villages. We are looking for some more people who have the time and energy to get involved in the running of the Hall. Sherida Richards has been our Administrator for bookings (a paid role) for 16 years and I have been Chairman and Hon Secretary (effectively the Hall Manager) for eight years; we are both looking for fresh challenges and will be happy to hand over to anyone interested in making a real contribution to the hall and thus to the village. Please put 7.30pm on 25th June in your diary; the agenda is on the noticeboard outside the hall. If you are interested in more information on our roles, please contact Sherida on (01763) 262512 or me on (01763) 260304. Paul Ray
MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 10
Meldreth Walking Market
10.00am—3.00pm Sunday 27th June As I write this, we already have 24 stalls for the Walking Market and it isn’t too late to get yourself one. Reservations can be taken up to Sunday 20th June which is the map completion deadline. The Village Hall will also probably be available for stall set up if enough people show an interest in this; with a maximum charge of £25 per stall. There are a few people from outside the village who would like to participate so do please get in touch if you have space - a garden or driveway with toilet access - that you can offer for them to set up. I am very grateful to the people who have so far generously offered prizes for the raffle, the proceeds of which will be split between Holy Trinity and the purchase of a specialist chair for the Intensive Care Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. So far, there is a box of locally grown organic vegetables, Esse and garage vouchers. More will be very gratefully received, goods or services. Would anyone like to offer an hour’s gardening for example? Do please come and support the people who are having stalls. See the poster on the back of the magazine for more details. Let us hope for kind weather. Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com (01763) 261578 11
Things to Do in June Here are some things happening in June in the local area. Some depend on the current Coronavirus restrictions being relaxed as planned please check before you book. If you want to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Throughout June The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington St., Cambridge CB2 1RB Cambridge’s famous museum is open again and hosting various exhibitions during June. ‘The Human Touch’, with works of art spanning 4,000 years, explores how we connect with the world through touch and ‘Scent from Nature’ features watercolours from their exceptional botanical collection. Booking a time slot is essential - free but donations welcome. Please visit: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Throughout June Fulbourn Fen, Stonebridge Lane, Fulbourn, CB21 5BW An ancient grassland bursting with flowers, birds and insects. Six species of orchid grow here - can you spot them? Early summer is just the time to look. Small car park on Stonebridge Lane. Free. Dogs on a lead. Throughout June The Fry Art Gallery, 9b Museum St, Saffron Walden CB10 1BN Lovely small gallery featuring works by Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious and other Great Bardfield artists. Paintings, prints and decorative designs. Open again with admission by pre-booked timed slots (limit of 12 people per hour) until June 20th. Visit www.fryartgallery.org to book and for further details of current exhibitions. New online shop open. Saturday 5th June, 11.00am to 12.00noon Journey into Space, Alconbury Weald - The Watch Office, The Boulevard, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 4XA Paul Hill from Sirius Astronomy presents a fast-moving, interactive show, explaining the science behind how to get people safely to and from space. Discover how spacesuits keep you alive and how to survive re-entry into the atmosphere. For families with children aged 5+. Tickets £5, children and concessions £3, are available from www.cambridgelive.org.uk. 12
Sundays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June, 10.30am to 4.00pm Bottisham Airfield Museum, Wilbraham Rd., Bottisham CB25 9BU Innovative museum dedicated to telling the story of a busy WW2 airfield, its impact on the local community and role of the RAF, USAAF and Belgian Air Forces. A registered UK charity run by volunteers. Free admission but donations towards the museum’s work welcomed. Visit www.bottishamairfieldmuseum.org.uk for details. Sunday 6th June, 12.00 noon to 4.00pm Cars at the Castle, The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR Motor on down to Hertford’s largest free car show of the year set within the picturesque castle grounds. Wide range of modern and vintage cars, food and refreshment stalls, live music. Visit www.hertford.gov.uk/events for further information. Friday 11th June, 7.30pm to Friday 18th June, 7.30pm Supernatural Shakespeare Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge CB23 8AQ Condensed versions of three Shakespeare plays - The Tempest, Macbeth and a Midsummer Night’s Dream - performed in the gardens and with a focus on the supernatural. Journey to enchanted islands, haunted forests, magical fairy kingdoms and more! Best-loved characters and speeches all feature. Minimum age 9. Please bring your own chair. Tickets £12 adult, £10 under-18s, www.adcticketing.com. Sunday 13th June, 10.00am to 4.00pm Rose Day at Chippenham Park Gardens Chippenham Hall, Chippenham Park, Newmarket CB7 5PT Open for one day only in June - a perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful rose gardens and rose terrace, plus a look at the summer gardens. Entry £5, children free. BBQ sausages, home-made cakes, scones and refreshments from licensed Potting Shed Café. NB payment on gate and in café by cash only. Please observe social distancing. Sunday 20th June, timings to be confirmed Fete de la Musique The Common, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JH Live music, free performances and a range of food and refreshment stalls. Various locations around the town. All taking place outdoors with appropriate social distancing. Free. For timings and further details please visit www.saffronwaldenartstrust.co.uk. 13
Compiled by John Crawforth
River Mel Restoration Group The last twelve months or so have certainly been very different for members of the River Mel Restoration Group (RMRG), particularly for those usually active on the river. Several periods of lockdown have meant that we have not been able to work on the river in our normal fashion. Those working parties that we were able to organise last summer were very task orientated and limited to a single team of no more than six. Sessions were kept short, socially distanced, and with no tea or coffee breaks. Not the way we like to work, but these have been unusual times. This does not mean that our work completely stopped. Early last year we had secured some local funding through the Wild Trout Trust to enhance habitat for water voles in Melbourn. The first lockdown immediately threw our plans into some disarray as our volunteers were prevented from taking part in the project due to the prevailing Covid regulations. Consequently, more of the work than had been anticipated had to be carried out by a contractor, supervised by the Wild Trout Trust, with the RMRG having to fund the extra work from our reserves. However, by the time this lockdown eased we were able to work in a socially distanced manner to repair the access point on the Melbourn recreational field using surplus gravel left over from the water vole project. In Meldreth, on a stretch of the river behind Holy Trinity Church, a new project is being delivered in partnership with the Wild Trout Trust and the local Wildlife Trust. Selective clearance of overgrown bankside vegetation will be followed by the introduction of gravel riffles to promote breeding habitat for the native brown trout and other fish species local to the river. Funding for this project has come from Cambridge Water’s Pebble Fund, and the initial enabling work has already been carried out. We hope that the rest of these works will be completed by the end of the year. Again, the funding and access allows for a contractor to do the ‘heavy lifting’, but we hope that the Covid regulations will allow some volunteer involvement as the project progresses. 14
The series of lockdowns and the rules governing social distancing have severely curtailed the amount of maintenance work that we have been able to carry out. The high levels of water over the winter washed a lot of woody debris down the river, and winter gales brought down a number of trees, some into the river. We did manage to do some emergency clearance, using a party of two or three from the same household, to move debris that was threatening to block some of the bridges (see page 17). We were fortunate that none of the debris blocked the river completely, and some even did good by causing the water flow to swirl and eddy, which helped clear through any residual silt. This spring, with the high water levels and faster flow, the river is looking in better health than it has done for many years, with beautiful clumps of water crowsfoot and starwort. A colony of water voles has taken up residence near Flambard’s bridge and mallards and moorhens are nesting along the river. To contact the River info@rivermel.com.
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Tree Clearance A tree on the bank of the River Mel in the wood along Footpath 6 near Topcliffe meadow had progressively fallen into the river and was an eyesore. Unfortunately, the River Mel Restoration Group working party could not do anything about it due to Covid restrictions. Recently Tim Price and sons Sam, Josh and Stan worked to clear the river. They were helped by Alan Tobin and his son Will at the final stage. The photographs show the initial state of the river and the debris removed by the group. Without Alan Tobin's six-wheeled vehicle the largest piece (see bottom, right) could not have been pulled out. John Price
Photographs by Mel and John Price
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Notes from a Small Garden Flaming glorious June this month. But after our cold weather with night frosts until well into May during these times of climate change, I wonder what are we to expect in terms of our gardens? I’ve turned to the May edition of the RHS magazine which this month is full of gems for us. I should love to visit Ordnance House outside Salisbury (www.ordnancehouse.co.uk) as it has a large potager, a nice term meaning a surrounded vegetable or kitchen garden usually planted with paths and near to the house. Peter and I planted ours many years ago. It’s a square shape, divided into 16 beds; some are square and some triangular in shape. It has grass paths, and is surrounded by a box hedge and backed by a larger yew hedge with a crossing arbour planted with honeysuckle, roses and clematis. My idea to start with was to copy an Elizabethan herb garden, with beds small enough to weed and plant without needing to put my wellingtons on! Our children were small then, and I usually only had time to weed one bed at a time. Over the years we had so much fun planting and rejoicing, or lamenting over successes and failures of crops, but the stalwart broad beans, shallots, French climbing beans, lettuces, potatoes, tomatoes and herbs have done us proud. Now I let annuals seed between the vegetables to produce what I hope is a riot of colour; poppies, escholzia, clary, cornflowers and larkspur in the summer months. In the last fifteen years I’ve always sought out the vegetable gardens when visiting many beautiful sites all over the UK. Increasingly, garden designers have gone to town on their ingenuity in planting, with an eye to beauty as well as providing the house with fresh vegetables. See the RHS garden at Hyde Hall Chelmsford, rhs.org.uk/hydehall and Somerleyton Hall Gardens near Lowestoft, somerleyton.co.uk. But back to May’s edition of the RHS magazine. See how to keep those pesky slugs and snails at bay; this year as well as putting copper tape and sharp flints on top of compost, specially good for hostas, I shall try garlic spray and Vaseline and salt around pots, once a fortnight. Interestingly if you remove hosta flowers and any dead vegetation this is also helpful in sending a different vegetation scent preserving leaves from tell-tale damage. 18
Other useful articles including how to plant out the courgette family: as well as lots of muck, make sure that they are well watered for the first fortnight. Also, how to grow first class French beans (don’t plant them out till the frosts are past), plants to attract night flying moths, rose care without chemicals, how to control box blight and finally laid back lawns! We are trying this, this year, as well as planting wild flower mixes where we can rake down to bare earth. I fear we will not be in the King’s College wildflower lawn class, but we can but try! But nearer home let’s all visit the new Westacre estate in Meldreth. According to a friend, who is nameless but a fountain of all knowledge in the village, not only will there be wildflowers under the trees but also the nettles have been left for the bees. Jim is safely home which is such good news. Good gardening, but take time to sit and admire your efforts with your favourite tipple. Julie Draper Juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk
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In Praise Of … … Asparagus This month we showcase asparagus; its season runs from as early as May until the end of June. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy and seasonal vegetable, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E. The arrival of asparagus marks a change in the year, yes, it's luxury, but the home-grown stuff will only be with us for a short while. When buying asparagus, first look for freshness since stale asparagus is bitter. Look for spears of an even size and try to cook them as soon as you purchase them as it gives a better flavour. There's nothing mysterious about cooking the perfect fresh asparagus. Just boil it in shallow water like any other vegetable, or steam and served with butter or hollandaise sauce. Here are four recipes to celebrate asparagus in all its glory. Enjoy. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan Cooking Time 20 min 180 °C/Gas 4 Ingredients 12 Asparagus stalks 1 lemon zested, ½ lemon juice 25g grated parmesan 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper Method Peel the stalks of the asparagus, place on a baking tray, sprinkle with lemon zest, olive oil and salt and paper. Roast for 20min until soft and golden. Sprinkle with parmesan and lemon juice to serve. Goes well with: any spring lamb dish. Asparagus with Risotto Verde Cooking time 35mins. Serves 4 Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 150g frozen peas, 250g spinach and 8 stalks of asparagus ends trimmed. 20
800ml of vegetable stock 1 onion peeled and finely chopped 300g risotto rice 50ml of white wine 50g parmesan cheese grated to serve Salt and pepper Method Finely chop the asparagus stalks until about half way up. Add to pan with peas and spinach and 150ml stock, cook until soft. Puree in a liquidiser or food processor and set aside. Heat olive oil in a frying pan, add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cover with lid and sweat over a gentle heat until soft. Add in risotto rice and stir it around for a minute., then add the ¼ of remaining stock. Cook for 10 minutes and then add in the pureed vegetables, stir and keep covered on medium heat. You will need to keep adding the stock if it gets too dry. Cook until the rice is soft and stock absorbed. Give a final stir to release the starch and make the risotto creamy. You can either roast the asparagus or steam for 5 minutes, serve on top of the risotto, finish with grated parmesan. Goes well with: crispy bacon or pancetta Asparagus Arancini Cooking time 5 minutes, preparation time 10 minutes. Serves 2. Ingredients 150g chilled verde risotto (see above recipe) 1 egg beaten 100g panko breadcrumbs 100g plain flour Salt and pepper Method Shape the risotto into 6 balls the size of a golf ball. Dip in flour, then egg and finally breadcrumbs. Deep fry for 5 min until golden brown and crisp. Goes well with: roasted tomatoes (baby tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted in the oven for 15 minutes until soft). 21
Asparagus and Gruyere Cheese Tart Ingredients For the pastry (or use 250g ready-made shortcrust pastry) 120g cold butter, plus extra to grease 225g plain flour, plus extra to dust 1 medium egg yolk For the filling 300g asparagus, trimmed 2 shallots finely chopped 284ml double cream 2 eggs, beaten the leaves from 4 or 5 few sprigs of tarragon 75g gruyère, or nutty cheddar, finely grated Method To make the pastry, add the cubes of butter into the flour and rub in roughly with your fingertips to coat. Stir in the egg yolk and a pinch of salt and, if necessary, a drop of cold water to bring it together into a dough. Form into a thick disc, wrap and chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 160°C (350F/gas mark 4) and grease a 22cm round tart tin. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and use to line the tin, pressing it into the sides with a small ball of excess dough. Prick the base with a fork, line with baking paper and baking beans or pulses/rice and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the beans and paper and put back into the oven for five minutes. Meanwhile, steam the asparagus for about four minutes, until al dente. Chop into short lengths, and cook about half of the stalks for a little longer then place these into a food processor (keep all the tops). Puree. Pour the double cream into a jug and add the eggs. Beat together, then stir in the puree and the grated cheese. Season well. Fry the shallots in oil and arrange with the remaining asparagus pieces on the bottom of the tart, and then pour in the cream mixture. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until jiggly but set, and golden on top, and allow to cool slightly before serving. Goes well with: Jersey royal new potatoes steamed with mint. Jane O’Hagan 22
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Speed Monitor Data: March & April 2021 The monitor is still placed approximately 200 metres from the crossroads on Whitecroft Road. March & April 2021 Arriving into Meldreth
Departing from Meldreth
Speed violations: % > 30mph
30
47
% of vehicles within the speed limit
70
53
19,310
23,555
Maximum speed (mph)
60
64
Average speed (mph)
28
30
Total no. of vehicles in 2 months
When leaving Meldreth, almost half of all vehicles are speeding. Stopping Distances at Different Speeds, Assuming a Dry Road Speed
Thinking + Braking Distance (metres)
Total Stopping Distance
20mph
6m + 6m
12m (40 feet)
30mph
9m + 14m
23m (75 feet)
40mph
12m + 24m
36m (118 feet)
50mph
15m + 38m
53m (174 feet)
60mph
18m + 55m
73m (240 feet)
It takes six times the distance to stop if travelling at 60mph compared to travelling at 20mph. Iain McPhee Meldreth Transport Working Group 24
Starting 12th May Easy pace, 20-50 minutes approximately
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Meridian Maycroft Arts Centre Our small but intimate Room 1 Art Centre continues to be the room where I see fellow residents at present, but I have experienced the impact of Room 2 in the old building now that the essential redecorating has been done; I can only repeat what I have said before, that visitors to the room will be amazed at the challenging space and grandeur of the windows and high ceiling, so unlike any other space on the Maycroft site. The monumental task of transporting books, paintings, ideas and bits and pieces from my home studio at Knavery Den to this room cannot take place before the end of June. Each week I continue to see Lynn regularly, before and after each of my sessions when I see three of my fellow residents, to discuss how successful we have been. This is essential if we are to provide for each individual’s needs. The sessions are unusual, quite unlike school, as mine are based usually upon a photograph or object, after an introduction by me welcoming them and outlining my intentions to help them to use their eyes more, by allowing their feelings to help. ‘Concentrate and try to make a mark to express what you see. Only you can do this, mistakes are impossible IF you do this.’ I limit my talking and frequently seek opinions, which may lead to discussions and differing points of view, with no right or wrong answers, as all views are correct with a reason. Enlargements of my photographs, found objects and contrived shapes using crumpled paper, have been used and some have been successful. When signs of boredom have arisen a change of topic is swiftly made for the person concerned. Many pleasing results have involved seeing faces and creatures, often looking at an ordinary object and using imagination. Each other’s efforts are compared but never judged harshly. Likes and dislikes are considered with reasons if possible. A period of reflection always occurs towards the end of each session and we consider what we have done and where we have shown to be using our eyes. Peter Stone 26
Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our meeting on 27th April was held on Zoom and fifteen members joined us. We started with our Women’s Group prayer and then six members shared reminiscences with us. We have not done this before and it certainly encouraged an evening of chatting; after each member had shared with us, it jogged memories of the listeners. Our first sharing was about how the Women’s Group came into being, as members of Young Wives felt unable to fit the description of young and after discussion with the vicar, Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group was formed. The next sharing was an experience of leaving Huddersfield, moving to Melbourn and settling well, despite things going a little haywire with the plans for the move. Another member shared memories of attending Sunday School at the local Methodist Church and their annual Sunday School celebration. Our fourth topic was totally different as memories were shared of hosting various students as the wife of a member of university staff. Often these were international students and it was a window into different cultures and experiences. Our fifth memory was of arranging a special trip away for a 60th birthday only to have it revealed on the day by the birthday boy’s mum. However, it went ahead and there was still the surprise of a friend and his wife turning up with good timing as his first words were “I’ll have a pint please”. Our last sharing was about the gift of two teddies who were precious and this mingled with the loss of a loved one and the reuniting with one of the teddies some fifteen years later. Whilst all the events recounted were different, they brought back memories to us all and showed how society has changed and yet those memories are the very things that make us the people we are today. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd June when Peter Draper is due to give us a talk on Meldreth Church; the venue is yet to be confirmed. If you would like to know anything more about the group please feel free to contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Diane Blundell (01763) 221415. Pat Smith (01763) 262575 27
Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Now that Covid restrictions are being progressively lifted the committee can start planning future events. One of these will be the Car Show and it is hoped to run it on 26th September. In 2020 we were again offered a flypast by the Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and when the venue was changed the RAF agreed to move the flypast to new the venue at British Queen. Unfortunately, in the end all public flypasts were cancelled. Applications for flypasts have to be submitted by the previous September and Covid restrictions prevented this so there will not be a flypast this year. The committee are due to have a Zoom meeting soon to review the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 accounts. John Price
Reflections Hair Studio My name is Kim, a caring and experienced dog sitter who can also care for other pets in your own home. Holiday house checks with pets or not. References available. Insured. Having owned animals all my life, I am passionate about your pets’ welfare and happiness. Pets are Family. Please call or text Kim 07737 155554.
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Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration
01763 260431
Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?
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Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering
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Zoom Prayer Tree From May of last year we held Zoom services on some Wednesdays. We had a set service sheet based on what had been in our Sunday@11 monthly service. Each service had a different bible passage and theme but each time we had a period of prayer. We set up this tree as a place for our intercessions to go and we would write the requests on a leaf and stick it on the tree. As you can see, over the period of time our tree came into full bloom! Our intercessions very much brought before God those situations we were experiencing personally, locally and globally in this period of the global pandemic. It also contained our thanks for the blessings which we have encountered in difficult times. We hope to be able to display the tree in Meldreth and Melbourn Churches at some time and you will be able to see it then. As our services have moved back into the church buildings, we have stopped our Zoom services but be assured that our prayer ministry goes on. If you have any prayer concerns at all, please do contact either Mary or Pat and we will uphold those for you as we continue to hold one another and our world in prayer before our loving God. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that our weekly e-news letter gets sent out by email on Fridays; if you don’t already get it please email Ian Henderson at ian.melbournas@gmail.com and he will add you to our mailing list so that you can receive our up to date information regarding services etc. Pat Smith 29
Meldreth Village D Monday
Tuesday 9.15 onwards Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
Wednesday
Thurs
5.30pm Slimming World
6.00-6.45pm P
7.30pm Slimming World
7.30pm Parish
10.00am Hartb
Monday 31st May to Friday 4th June School Half Term holiday
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15 onwards Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
9.30-11.30am Toddler Group
4.00-5.00pm A
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
5.30pm Slimming World
6.00-6.45pm P
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm Slimming World
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15 onwards Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
9.30-11.30am Toddler Group
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children
10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 5.30pm Slimming World 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.30pm Slimming World
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates
9.15 onwards Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group
9.30-11.30am Toddler Group
4.00-5.00pm A
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children
1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
5.30pm Slimming World
6.00-6.45pm P
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm Slimming World
7.00-9.00pm T
9.15 onwards Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics
9.30-11.30am Toddler Group
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm Slimming World
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children
7.00-8.00pm Aerobics
8.00-9.00pm Zumba
5.30pm Slimming World
10.00am Hartb
4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P
10.00am Hartb
The Meld
Church services are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Library Service visits B
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Diary - June 2021
sday
Pilates
Friday
Saturday
9.30am Slimming World
9.45am Said Eucharist with organ
9.30am Slimming World
8.00am Said Eucharist
Council
beeps
Sunday
ACRO
Pilates MM Copy Deadline
9.30am Slimming World
9.45am Said Eucharist with organ
beeps
9.30am Slimming World
ACRO
7.30pm Village Hall AGM (see page 10)
10.00am-3.00pm Walking Market - various locations throughout the village (see page 11 & back cover)
beeps
ACRO ilates
Pilates
Table Tennis
e copy deadline for the July issue of dreth Matters is Saturday 12th June
Refuse Collections Black bins: 8th, 22nd Blue & green bins: 2nd*, 15th, 29th * late collections due to public holidays
Bell Close. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
31
Meldreth Tennis Club https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub Meldreth Tennis Club has entered a ladies’ team into the Cambridgeshire LTA Summer League this year. We entered knowing that we will struggle through inexperience, but we enjoy playing other teams and we are constantly striving to improve our tennis. We have played two matches so far. The first was a home match against Fulbourn, who are currently in third place in Division 8. We had a great, enjoyable and fun afternoon of tennis and it was a close call in the end. We lost by 5 sets to 3 but the total of games won was very close as Fulbourn won 37 games to our 36. Although we lost, this was a good result for us as we often find ourselves struggling! Our second match was away to Shelford who are top of the division. We always knew this would be hard as they are a large Club with some excellent players. The sets were hard fought, but unfortunately all went Shelford’s way in the end. Between now and the end of June we have another five matches to play against Cottenham, Haslingfield, Ely, St Neots and Steeple Morden. We are looking forward to some competitive matches and maybe even a win or two! We are a friendly club and would welcome anyone who would like to play some fun and sociable tennis. Please contact me for more information. Jo Kitteridge Team Captain jo.kitteridge5@gmail.com 07771 823064
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today Section for information on local clubs and groups 32
Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk At long last the eagerly awaited lawn bowls season has started although, judging by the weather in early May it is more like winter than spring! Let’s hope for some warmer weather soon. Our green was opened for play on Wednesday 28th April and members have enjoyed ‘organised sport’ at both the Tuesday Club Mornings and the team matches in the Meldreth District, Foxton Midweek and County Triples Leagues. Whilst prospective members are warmly invited to the Club Morning, which starts at 10.00am every Tuesday, we have organised a special Recruitment Day for Saturday 3rd July commencing at 2.30pm Some of our members will be on hand then to welcome bowlers, beginners through to experienced, of all ages, to see our club and to try their hand. Fresh air, exercise, good company and a relaxed atmosphere; what more could you want? We hope to see some new faces then; you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Jim Hatch, Chairman Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk
N J Chapman Garden Services Handyman Mobile: 07592 725 169
Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives
High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am – 5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds
For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com
Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com
Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk
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Baby & Toddler Group It has been fantastic to see the Baby and Toddler group busy again after such a long break. We have been delighted with the turnout and to welcome familiar faces and new friends. With so many babies born during the last year it has been especially wonderful to see them discover a new opportunity for socialising and playing. For so many years the group has been such an important part of village life, providing parents, grandparents, carers with the chance to meet regularly with a welcoming and supportive group of other local families. We are planning some fun activities for the little ones to enjoy before we take a short break over the summer holidays. Join our Facebook group (search Meldreth Baby and Toddler) for regular updates. We are open every Wednesday (term time only) from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Village Hall. The cost is £2 per family which includes tea/coffee and biscuits for adults and a drink and snack for children. Julia Moore
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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Lockdown or no lockdown, there is no doubt that Meldreth children really love their village and can certainly find plenty to do here! The first few responses here come from our youngest children in Puffin Class, before some of the Year 5 children in Kestrel Class share their favourite Meldreth haunts and activities. I think you will agree that there is a rather magical air to their descriptions of halcyon days spent in their village. Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher Josh: I like going to the park because it has a secret passage way I can go in and find sticks. I've seen the Gruffalo's purple prickles and orange eyes in there. Lily T: I like to see the tadpoles in the ditch because they have got bigger. Violet: I like going to the church because there are lots of activities I can do inside like arts and crafts. Maya: I like seeing my friends in the park because I have known them since I was a baby. I like doing tennis and dancing with them at the park. Finn: I like playing outside my house with my friends on my bike. Sometimes they are a bit lonely so I come out to play with them. Hugh: I like seeing the tadpoles in the secret garden lake! Bethan: I like walking and seeing butterflies and listening for the birds. Noah: I like going for bike rides in the park because I can ride without stabilisers now. Next, I spoke to some of the older children about what they like to do too … Maya S: At the gate by the Church there’s a field and a bridge where there used to be some horses. It is so nice to go up there and walk because there’s some really big trees, like two big conker trees and nature and lots of birds singing. 35
Fred F: I went down to the war memorial and looked at all the names of the soldiers who died in the war. It made me feel proud but sad at the same time. McKenzie: My family used to do geocaching which is where you go round and find little containers with a piece of paper in them to sign your name and a clue to find the next one. Sometimes there’s little toys in there too. It was a fun and exciting thing to do! Chloe P: During Lockdown you could go to the woods and there was a trail where you could look for all the creatures from the Gruffalo and once you’d spotted them all there was a folder on a tree where you could get a sticker and write your name to show that you’d done it. I think it was meant for children but ... Sophie: There were also these little fairy doors which were in the actual trees. They were so magical to look at and they made you feel good in lockdown. Sam: There was a teddy bear hunt too. Nearly everyone in Meldreth had a teddy bear in their window and they all had a different number. You had to tick off the numbers when you found them and it was just great fun. Sunny: I really like when we go to the pub because you can walk there and there’s a swing you can play on and sometimes we can go down and play by the river. Joe Y: We always play pooh sticks on the bridge in the woods when you go for a walk along the River Mel. We do it at every bridge. The mill has the best bridge because the river is really fast flowing there! Maya: Now they’ve got some new lambs there. Once they were all jumping over their mums … it was so cute. Toby: I really like going to the park with my friends. We usually go on hot days. Sometimes we cycle over there, or sometimes we play football or we just talk and sit around. Isla: I like going to Melwood because it’s so peaceful there and my dog loves to go and play in the river. We always see squirrels and there’s some pigs there and loads of birds singing. Sophie: I go on a ‘Daily Mile’ run every day with my dad down Chiswick End. There’s like a little bit at the end where the train track is 36
and we sometimes run and play in the wheat there! There’s a little bit where the fence is down and you can go into a giant forest. McKenzie: I love going to the fishing lake at Eternit. It’s so calm there. It’s pretty big. I go down there with my uncle and we catch all sorts of fish like carp and maybe pike. We always put the fish back after we catch them. Sometimes you meet people who come by and they ask you what you’re doing but they’re always really friendly. Chloe V: Me and Sunny and Maya like going all round the village to look for the painted stones. They’re all hidden in bushes and trees and on fenceposts and things. When you find them, you don’t keep them but you can take them and hide them somewhere else for other people to find! You can also make your own ones and put them down too. Joe Y: The shop is great – it is by far the best shop for sweets – you can get packets and then there’s tubs or little small packets of sweets. They have different sweets for different seasons, like little eggs for Easter and Christmas sweets for Christmas. Mrs T and Sophie: What I really like in Meldreth is that wherever you go for a walk – any time – everyone says hello and they’re always really friendly. Everyone seems to know one another and looks out for each other. McKenzie: If you go over to the ditch at the end of the playing field in spring, you can sometimes find frogs there and tadpoles. It’s fun to jump across it. There’s also a bit of shelter there so you can just sit and look at the water if you want. Meldreth Primary School PC Repairs
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Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer
Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning
Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)
Call today on 01223 863 632
E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk
Please quote “Meldreth Mag”
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37
1st Orwell Scouts
Throughout the most recent lockdown months, activities continued across Cubs and Scouts using Zoom. Designing and delivering Zoom sessions has been challenging, but also rewarding in its own way. The Cubs used the opportunity of meeting digitally to work on their Digital Maker badge, which involved using Raspberry Pi and other programmes to create digital music and design a moving digital image. The Group also practised their map reading skills to identify local features and in February made some very brightly coloured pancakes! The Scouts meanwhile have learnt about meteorology and ways in which they can provide emergency aid, as well as taking part in geocaching activities. However, it’s hard to describe the real excitement with which both section leaders and children have welcomed the return of face to face activities. Not least as this has meant that those children who found the online sessions less attractive have been able to throw on their coats and shoes and enjoy having fun with their sections out on the Moor. From 12th April all sections have been able to meet outside. Wide games were the order of the day for the first meeting of the Cubs, followed by a session dedicated to St George on 23rd April. Our new Cubs were also invested during this meeting, and the whole Pack was able to renew their Cub scout promise. The focus now is on working towards the Cyclist badge, which involved fixing punctures in the first session and a trip to Wimpole to explore the multi-use trail in the second. For the existing Scouts and their ten newly invested members, the sessions have also involved playing wide games and renewing their promises for St George’s Day. They have also had the opportunity to practice their fire lighting skills and cook over open flames. Of course, many of the children have been busy at home, outside the organised sessions, working towards a variety of badges. These include specific Activity Badges in areas of interest, as well as the Challenge 38
Awards that encourage the children to step outside their comfort zones and try things they might not normally do. On Sunday 10th April we were pleased to be able to host Larry Eeles, who presented 13 Cubs with their Chief Scout Silver Awards - the highest award that a Cub can achieve. The Scout section meanwhile awarded seven Chief Scout Gold Awards (pictured above). This is the highest award in the Scout section and is the equivalent to a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award in terms of work. To achieve the Gold Award, Scouts must complete an expedition, volunteering activities and development and demonstration of a range of skills. These are amazing achievements for both our Scouts and our Cubs, not least as they were in large part worked towards over lockdown. We were also incredibly proud that Sian Bolitho, our dedicated Scout leader, was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for outstanding services to scouting. Most fittingly, this was presented to Sian in the dark, standing in a muddy, windy field accompanied by a campfire with marshmallows. This is a wonderful recognition of all the energy and commitment that Sian brings to 1st Orwell Scouts. 1st Orwell Scout Group meets on a Friday evening in Melbourn. The Group is currently full, but please contact admissions@1storwellscouts.org.uk to add your child to our waiting list. We are really keen to hear from any adults interested in becoming leaders as this will allow us to accept more children and reduce our waiting list. As a Beaver/Cub/Scout assistant leader you could inspire our young people to grow in ability and confidence through a huge variety of activities and challenges, which is incredibly enjoyable and rewarding; why not give something new a go! Please contact GSL@1storwellscouts.org.uk if you are interested in finding out more. Rebecca Murphy 39
MELDRETH WEDNESDAY PM Alison 07812 825 389 FRIDAY AM Angela 07708 444 991 Meldreth Village Hall High Street Booking Essential
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BESPOKE LAWNCARE SERVICES SINCE 2005 Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare
01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk
nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514
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Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk It is great to be enjoying the lovely sunny warm weather over at Shepreth Recreation Ground. The youngsters love finishing off training with a penalty; if they score they can go to the amazing park and if they miss they take another penalty until they are all over at the park together. The children are enjoying lots of footie and extra playing time together and it is great to see more and more children from the villages and further afield joining the Spitfires teams. The older Spitfires who train at the Eternit Sports and Social Club in Meldreth, are enjoying their fixtures. Lots of the teams are playing in top divisions of the Cambridgeshire and Crows Leagues and they are really flying; two Spitfires teams in particular remain unbeaten since the start of this season. The older teams are also welcoming new team mates and we have also welcomed three new coaches and assistant coaches. So a big thank you to them and all of the adult volunteers at the club especially those younger and older siblings who have also been helping to keep all our facilities good and tidy. Of course as the weather gets warmer, the children are looking forward to their Spitfires Trophy Presentation and the club will host two tournaments at the Eternit Sports and Social Club this year. Fingers crossed that by then we will be presenting indoors on the stage again. Our thanks to Toz, Colin, Steve, Alan and all of the team at Eternit for keeping such a great place for local grass roots sports and social events. If anyone would like to join Shepreth Spitfires Football Club please use our webpage, http:///www.Sheprethspitfires.co.uk or contact me on 07510 175370. Lucy Smith 41
Things for Children and Families To Do Saturday 29th May - Sunday 6th June Wildlife Week, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB Visit the new nature corner, watch live shows, take a train ride, do the Fairy and Elf Walk and explore the Adventure Play Area. Book on www.audley-end-railway.co.uk. Everyone over 92cm £13.50, others £6.75, English Heritage members and children under 1 year free. Saturday 29th May - Sunday 6th June Activities at Cambridge Science Centre, 44 Clifton Rd CB1 7ED Explore an astronaut’s life, find out about Charles Darwin, learn about sound, floating and sinking and Sailing Science. Various times - book sessions in advance. For ages 7 -11. www.cambridgesciencecentre.org. Wednesday 9th June - Sunday 13th June, at various times Circus Berlin, Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB5 8DJ Clowns, acrobats, high wire acts, motor bikes in a socially distanced Big Top. www.circusberlin.co.uk. Monday 28th June - Saturday 4th September Cows about Cambridge Trail (a Wild in Art project) Spot 40 cow sculptures and 45 mini moos decorated by artists, schools and community groups. www.cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk. Cambridge Museum of Zoology, Downing Street CB2 3EJ Opening times: Thursdays - Saturdays, 10.00am to 4.30pm Booking essential: www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk. Download one of the trails shown on the website before you visit. For young children try the Rainbow of Colour trail; for ages 8-12 try the Amazing Adaptations trail; for 11-14 years, try the Animal Key trail; for adults and older children try the Highlights trail. Follow the Cambridge Safari trail round the city to find animals incorporated in the architecture. Saffron Walden Spy Mission Treasure Trail, CB10 1JH Download the trail (£9.99) from www.treasuretrails.co.uk and use detective skills to stop a world class villain. Takes 2 hours. Wicken Fen Buy a Fen Explorer ticket and take a 50 minute boat trip then cycle for 2 hours. Pre-bookings only: www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 42
Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL
Club Facili es
Entertainments
Licensed bar Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates) Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on) Snooker room, Pool table Large children's outdoor ac vity area Petanque pistes Football pitches, changing rooms
1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm Local gig venue
Big charity events during the year Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es Club Charity - LUPUS
43
Royston & District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk Vacancy for Manager Royston and District Community Transport, a charitable trust, is a Community Transport operator which has provided a service for those unable to use other forms of transport covering Royston and its surrounding area for over 25 years. We are now looking for a Manager who, working with the Trustees, will take the organisation forward during a particularly challenging period. The Manager will be responsible for the effective day to day management of a small team of employees and large number of volunteers together with a small number of vehicles. They must have experience in office administration and associated systems and be adept in dealing with a diverse range of people and organisations. A positive attitude to hands on management is essential. Starting salary £24,690 per annum. 30 hours per week. For further details HR@Roytrans.co.uk.
please
contact
(01763)
245228
or
Royston & District Community Transport Registered in England & Wales, No. 6744379, and limited by guarantee. Registered charity No. 1127052
Huw Shortle
Cambourne Self Storage Outdoor Storage
Pure Water Window Cleaning
24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year 24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting Keypad Entry and High Security Locks,
07915 378397
Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors
01767 676189
info@huwclean.co.uk
www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk
44
Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk The Annual Meeting was held on Thursday 6th May 2021, through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 2020. The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting. Discussions and decisions Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman For the forthcoming twelve months the following were appointed by the meeting into these positions on the Council: Chairman: Councillor R W Goddin, Vice-Chairman: Councillor R A Searles. Proposal for Major Town Development in South Cambridgeshire There is no further specific news but Parish Councillors remain fully engaged with this subject and are maintaining a careful watch on developments. Melbourn Conservation Area The Council has objected to certain properties in the Station Road area of Meldreth being included in this conservation area and is awaiting a response from the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service. Working Groups/Key Representatives and Trustees This information was updated and information will be posted on the Council’s website in due course. Covid 19 Update Progress towards more normal conditions is encouraging but care is still needed. Recreation Ground The play equipment is generally in good order and matting will be installed in areas of high footfall. The new play tower is scheduled to be installed in June. Dog fouling continues to be a major issue and new signage will be erected to remind dog owners of the need to act responsibly. 45
Adult Gym Equipment The Council has agreed to install six pieces of adult gym equipment near the play area. The equipment and supplier have been finalised and a final survey of the installation sites will be carried out to ensure safety issues are properly addressed with regard to the proximity of other users, including football players. This equipment will be financed by Section 106 funds generated by the most recent development in the High Street. Traffic Working Group Speed camera data has been collected and will be shared with the community through Meldreth Matters. A traffic survey has also been agreed with Highways Department and will take place when traffic conditions are more normal as the recovery from Covid gathers momentum. To help in determining further Local Highways Initiative projects, the Group will gather further opinions about what measures could be taken throughout the village to ensure greater road safety. These could include broader speed reduction measures in strategic locations. Future Meetings The Annual Village meeting is scheduled for Thursday 20th May in the Village Hall but numbers will have to be restricted to conform with Covid requirements. The next Parish Council meeting, on Thursday 3rd June, will be held on a face-to-face basis at the Village Hall. This is to conform with the government’s ruling that Zoom or other virtual meetings of Councils are not permitted after 7th May. Primary School Swimming Pool Project The Council noted that good progress in fund raising is being achieved and agreed to donate £2,500 to this out of its community project funds. Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd June 2021 at 7.30pm. Meldreth Parish Council
46
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 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061
goddin@btinternet.com
Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)
(01763) 260435
robert.searles@btinternet.com
Mrs C J Fallon
(01763) 262822
joan.fallonpc@gmail.com
Mr N Garner
(01763) 268328
nickphgarner@gmail.com
Mrs P Gilmore
(01763) 263138
gilmorepat@aol.com
Dr R James
(01763) 261085
roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Mr C A Land
(01763) 261004
conradland@btinternet.com
Mr Nigel Pellatt
(01763) 262444
nppellatt@btconnect.com
Mr A Young
(01763) 263484
andrewmpc@gmail.com
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What is the service? We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia. Who provides the services? Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked. What will it cost? We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week. How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity
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Planning Matters Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings on 18th February, 4th March, 18th March, 15th April and 6th May were not available at the time of going to press. For further information and to view the minutes (when they are made available) please check the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk. SCDC Decisions The following decisions were made in April and May. Ref. and Address
Decision
21/0271/TTPO & 21/0272/TTPO 120-130 High St. & 108A to 120 High St. 21/00690/HFUL 67 Whitecroft Road
Permission granted to clear BT line by 1m to allow for maintenance of new broadband cables to be installed
Permission refused for a single storey extension and raising of roof ridge height for the addition of bedrooms within roof shape 20/05059/FUL Permission granted for the erection of a Former scrapyard, detached dwelling house to plot 6 (revised Chiswick End design) S/0971/18/OL Land to Refusal to discharge the following conditions: the south of Submission of details required by conditions 8 Whitecroft Road (Ecological design statement), 10 (Surface water drainage) and 11 (Foul water drainage) 87 High Street No objection to felling of Silver Birch tree as 21/0517/TTCA the tree is dead. 6 Marys Way Permission granted for erection of pergola to 21/00299/HFUL the rear Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications. The Meldreth Matters Team 48
Bank Text Scam One of the ways in which banks try to protect their customers from fraud is to send a text message when a new payee is added in online banking or from a banking app. This means that if a new payee is added to your account fraudulently, you should receive a warning and can contact your bank to deal with it. However, fraudsters have begun to take advantage of these security measures by sending false warning messages in a effort to steal victims' personal details. In my experience, when I add a new payee in my banking app, my bank sends me a warning text. The text contains the last four digits of my account number, and asks me to contact my bank via the banking app if it wasn't me that added the payee. This gives me some confidence that the text is authentic, because it contains some personal information about me, and doesn't ask me to click a link or telephone a particular number. A bogus message will probably not contain any information unique to you (although, be aware that it might, if your details have been obtained by the fraudsters), and will ask you to click a link or call a particular number, which will connect you to the fraudsters. If the message asks you to click a link, the internet address, which is clearly visible in a text, probably won't be anything like the real internet address of your bank. Never assume that a text message (or email or telephone call) is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Never click a link (or telephone a number or use an email address) given in an unsolicited communication. Instead, use the official details from the organisation's website or from the back of your bank cards. Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 49
District and County Councillors’ Report Elections With the elections in May, things have been quiet at the District and County Councils as formal meetings are always suspended during ‘purdah’ so our report is a bit shorter than usual. So firstly, Sally Ann writes: For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sally Ann Hart and I am your newly elected South Cambridgeshire District Councillor. I’ve lived in Melbourn High Street in ‘the blue house’ for over 18 years and I’ve been a Melbourn Parish Councillor since 2016. I was elected in the by-election for the Melbourn ward which includes Meldreth, Whaddon and Shepreth. I really enjoyed speaking with all those who were at home while I was out and about canvassing ahead of the by-election and hearing what’s important to you in terms our community and how it needs to develop. I will be working closely with my fellow District Councillor Jose Hales and alongside Susan van de Ven, our Cambridgeshire County Councillor. Susan writes: Thank you so much for your support and confidence in the recent elections. I look forward to continuing to work together in the community! Drains! It rained a lot in early May and we’ve been able to let Mother Nature test the drains that were cleared out in late March. As you may remember, this is a step-by-step process in which Highways will return to investigate any drains that show significant pooling. Please could you report on any drains you’re concerned about – feel free to contact Susan directly with the exact location of the drain and a brief description including how long you think the pooling lasted. You can also do this by going directly to the Highways reporting website https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk. South West Cambridge New Town: Latest FAQs The latest information on Thakeham's speculative proposal for a new town in and amongst our villages, including a set of Frequently Asked Questions, is posted on the South West Cambridge Action Group website: http://www.swcag.org.uk/news-and-events. Our next meeting dates will be posted there too. 50
New Cambridgeshire Director of Public Health Dr Jyoti Atri takes up the post of Public Health Director in mid-June and will pick up on liaising with the District Council’s Communities Duty team, which in turn communicates with local Covid support groups. Local Covid-19 information is always available at https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-overview. Oil Club Rebate Our bulk-buying household heating Oil Club, which exists to facilitate lowest available prices, gets an annual rebate from the supplier which is always donated to a local community group. This year’s rebate of £100 has gone to Home-Start South Cambridgeshire, Royston and Buntingford. Home-start reports that the most commonly identified needs by referred families are parent isolation and parental mental health problems. The overall service is recognised in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire County Council’s care plan, but central government cuts to local authorities mean that the councils are no longer able to provide financial support. The Oil Club’s bulk buyer is Jeremy Cole of Agricole Oil - http://www.heating-oil-prices.co.uk or (01954) 719452 or 07860 904 045. Or please feel free to contact us if you’d like to know more. Drop-in Surgeries Over the past few months we’ve been holding weekly Zoom Cuppa surgeries. With Covid restrictions easing and the expanded Melbourn Community Hub due to reopen soon, we hope to reinstate our drop-in surgeries at the Hub as soon as possible – and continue to be available to meet by Zoom or speak over the telephone at any time. Details are still being worked out at the time of writing, so please feel free to contact any of us by phone or email. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us – many thanks. District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574 51
MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738
DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK
MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Vast Range of:
Carpets and Vinyls Real/Engineered Wood– Woodpecker, Xylo and many more Balterio & Quickstep Laminates Karndean, Amtico, Moduleo and Project Floors– Luxury Vinyl Tiles Safety Flooring Brand leading manufacturer samples available to take away Free survey and Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOMS 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF. AMPLE FREE PARKING.
www.melbournflooring.co.uk
@melbournflooring
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Covid-19: Rapid Community Testing The communications team at Cambridgeshire County Council is working to promote rapid Covid testing and thereby helping the government achieve the aims set out in its roadmap for moving out of lockdown. Everyone over the age of 18 can now access twice-weekly rapid testing as part of the national efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19. This testing is supplied by NHS Test and Trace and is strictly for people who have no symptoms of Covid-19. You are being urged to get twice-weekly rapid Covid tests which are a vital tool in identifying cases of Covid-19 that would otherwise be missed. With one in three people with coronavirus showing no symptoms and potentially spreading it without knowing, rapid testing helps to identify positive cases quickly, preventing the spread of infection. Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Getting into the habit of twice-weekly testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to keep each other safe. Alongside the ongoing vaccine rollout, it will help us to move forward with the roadmap out of lockdown.” There are several ways you can access rapid testing. You can take a test at one of the rapid testing sites locally. Your employer may be offering testing in the workplace. You can also collect tests to complete at home or order tests to be delivered to your home. Secondary school pupils are also being asked to take a twice-weekly test. You can find out more about all of these options at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch; (01733) 452304 or 07572 463528. Communications Team Cambridgeshire County Council 53
Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Once again, we’d like to thank Meldreth residents for contributing to the community effort to help curtail the spread of Covid-19. We continue during this transition time to try and support those adversely affected by the pandemic where possible, bringing friendship and social contact too, knowing that many people have experienced minimal contact for a long time. Free Covid Tests The Government is encouraging everyone to take two rapid flow tests per week. There are many ways of obtaining free Covid tests, including at some local pharmacies. They are also available online and packs of seven tests can be sent to your home address with repeat orders possible every week. Visit www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flowtests. [See page 53 for further information.] Assistance from MCCS If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, shielding or have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace and your usual support is unavailable, please contact Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support using the contact details below and we will do our best to assist. Vaccinations Thank you to people who’ve contacted us with questions about vaccinations; we can help point you in the right direction. Transport to Vaccination Appointments Help is available via the County Council for anyone who is stuck without transport to their vaccination appointment – please ring the Countywide Hub on 0345 045 5219. Royston and District Community Transport is also offering lifts to vaccination appointments. Pharmacy Deliveries If you are unable to travel to a pharmacy, medication can be delivered directly to you by a number of methods. Please ask your local pharmacist - WELL Melbourn on (01763) 260221 or Bassingbourn Pharmacy on (01763) 250660 - about the services offered. Our coordinator for pharmacy assistance is Nick Garner on 07968 568599. 54
Local Shops Taking Telephone Orders and Making Deliveries Home delivery is available from Fieldgate on (01763) 260737 and Bury Lane on (01763) 260418. For Leech & Sons butchers ring (01763) 260255 to collect outside in the car park at the back. Meldreth Walking Friends We hope you will contact us if the idea of a Meldreth walk in company would be something you’d enjoy. Please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121 to find out more. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support We are supported by the very useful resources available to all at CPSL Mind – that’s Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Suffolk and Lincolnshire Mind - including common-sense helpful reminders and also telephone numbers and links if you’re worried or anxious and need to talk to someone who can help: https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/top-tips-self-helpresources or for general queries please call 0300 303 4363 (9.30am – 5.30pm). Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders Please remember that our team is always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone. Our zone leaders’ telephone numbers are below. Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard & Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 Any other questions, please let us know! County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team
55
The Anne Robson Trust www.annerobsontrust.org.uk A unique nationwide telephone helpline service has recently been launched by The Anne Robson Trust. I am one of fourteen volunteer call handlers across the country that have been recruited by the charity and have been given extensive training in order to be able to listen and offer support to callers. The helpline is for anyone who is struggling to cope with a terminal diagnosis or the imminent death of someone they care about. Whether they are family members, friends or neighbours they may just need someone to talk to, or indeed just listen to how they are feeling, to help them get through this difficult time. Prior to the pandemic, the charity was already working with five partnership hospitals in the East of England and Hertfordshire, and were in discussions with several others to train Butterfly volunteers who sit with patients in hospital, patients who often have no visitors and face being alone in their last days or hours of life. However, due to Covid restrictions the charity was forced to withdraw their volunteers from the hospitals, and in response to this, decided to set up its nationwide helpline as more and more people have sadly been unable to visit their loved ones dying alone in hospital. We passionately believe that no one deserves to die alone. As restrictions lift our volunteers are gradually starting to return and the helpline continues to offer another means of accessing support. The helpline number is 0808 801 0688. The service is confidential, free to call and operates five days a week; more information and a short video about the work we do can be found on our website: www.annerobsontrust.org.uk. Please do get in touch with either Paula Kerswell, Helpline Manager on 07862 099157 or Liz Pryor, Director, on 07971 817552, or email liz@annerobsontrust.org.uk should you have any questions or would like to know more. Mandy Chilvers Helpline Volunteer
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The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org
EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY
A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum. OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed: ‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’ ‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’ ‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’ Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org
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One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman
(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304
Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group
www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation U3A WI
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638
Sport
Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club
Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Church
Litter Picker
Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)
(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk
Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School
Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
Parish Council
Please see details at end of Parish Council report
District Councillor
Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303
District Council Offices
03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/
County Councillor
Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/
County Council Offices MP
0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/
Councils & Govt.
Clubs & Societies
Facilities
Neighbourhood Watch
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358
Children
Village Directory
58
Hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm
Rail User Group
07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Transport
Govia/Great Northern
www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)
www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Health
Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS
(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline
Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank 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 (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water
999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers
S Cambs Fire & Rescue
0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Melbourn Hub
(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Royston Museum
(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Misc.
NonEmerg.
Emergencies
Support Services
Station Ticket Office
Citizens Advice Bureau
Police
Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223 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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and David & Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)
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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line
6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00
12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. AngliEAR Hearing ...........................19 Art of Clean .....................................37 Art of Clean Wood ...........................28 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........43 Cambourne Self Storage ...................44 CHS Day Centre ..............................16 CHS Group ................................Cover Coach House Health Care ................23 The Country Store ..............................3 Ely Design Group ...............................6 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........43 Eve Construction ..............................23 Home Tutor .......................................2 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........44 Jason Cox Opticians ..........................2 JN Garden Services ..........................23 Lawn Partners .................................40 The Letting Centre ...........................15 Little Hands Nursery School ............33 Melbourn Flooring ...........................52 Melbourn Village College..................57
Meldreth Landscapes .......................6 Meldreth Motor Company .........Cover Meldreth Plant Hire .........................52 Moncraft Computers ........................37 N J Chapman, gardening ..................33 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................57 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service .6 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......40 P D Property Services .........................2 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................57 Pet Sitter ..........................................28 Reflections Hair Studio ....................28 Richard Burns Electrician ....................2 Rod’s PC Support ............................16 Sage Blinds and Interiors ....................6 Slimming World ...............................40 Sparky’s ...........................................16 Specialist Dental Partners ...........Cover Trademark Kitchens ....................Cover Tudor Access Scaffolding ....................2 Village Garden Services ......................3 60
Moorlands Court
Local Community Services
Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves. Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you. Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.
To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Unit 1, Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, SG8 8NE
MELDRETH WALKING MARKET Sunday 27 June 2021 10am to 3pm Refreshments throughout the day at Holy Trinity Church Games for children More than 20 stalls throughout the village each supporting a charity/good cause of their choice, selling vintage goods, hand-made crafts including quilts, wood turned items, recycled shopping bags, jewellery, plants, produce, greetings cards, previously loved books, handbags, shoes, clothes, CDs, DVDs, toys, etc.
Raffle to raise funds for Holy Trinity Church Meldreth and a specialist chair for the ICU at Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Maps of the stalls, where they are located, what they will be selling and the cause they are supporting will be available on Facebook nearer the time and from various stalls on the day including 9 High Street and 41 North End.
More stalls welcome, please sign up by 20 June. All enquiries please to lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or 07917 065465 Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407