Meldreth Matters, June 2023

June 2023

In this issue …

Events include …

Lift Off Choir Meldreth Parish Charities Meldreth Primary School

An Evening with Sarah Harrison Church Fete Scarecrow Festival

Contents Village News & Issues Auction of Lots & Promises 3 Church Fete Competitions 7-8

What’s On in June A10 Awareness Ride 16 An Evening with Sarah Harrison 4, cover Bowls Club Open Afternoon 6 Church Fete 7-8 Events at Melbourn Hub 11 Melbourn Family Fun Day 10 Motorcycle Show 4 Scarecrow Festival 5, 8 Things to Do in June 20-21 Tractor Run …23 Village Hall AGM 4 Village Hall Film Night 4 Village Hub Summer Tea Party 11

Miscellaneous Letter to the Editor 31 Meldreth Parish Charities 18 Orwell Singers Summer Concert 10 Children & Education Activities for Families 25 Melbourn Dynamos 26-27 Primary School 26-27 Local/National Government Local Councillors 36-38 Parish Council 34-35 Planning 38 Traffic Working Group 17

Village Groups Cycling Group 16 Friends of Holy Trinity 14 Lift Off Choir 12-13 Meldreth Local History Group 12 Women’s Group 12

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 44 MCCS 41 Mobile Warden Scheme 6 Neighbourhood Watch 33 Refuse Collections 22 Village Directory 42-43

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 30-31 Cookery In Praise of … 28-29

This month’s cover picture: Fenny Lane, April 2023. Photograph by Gabrielle Wilbur.

(See Letter to the Editor on page 31.)

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.

We were pleased to receive £500 from Tesco following the recent voting in store.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to all those who have made donations towards the magazine’s production costs. Many thanks, too, to everyone who came to the Topcliffe Mill open afternoon on 14th May. We were able to donate £245 to Meldreth Matters as a result.

Kathryn

Auction of Lots and Promises We are very grateful to everyone who has offered items for our Auction of Lots and Promises to raise much-needed funds to ensure the continued production of Meldreth Matters. Items continue to be offered, with the latest being: 

A ride for up to six people in the ex-Maharaja's 1927 Rolls-Royce.



A week in a cottage in France



One day’s use of a pressure washer



A Steepletone Chichester II Music Centre (used but in good working order)



A case of wine



A “surprise bundle” of five perennial plants



Computer equipment (used but in good working order).

We hope to begin an online auction next month, with a live event in the Village Hall on Saturday 16th September. More details will follow in the July issue.

If you have any items or services you can donate please get in touch. We are looking for items/promises of small value as well as large because we very much want it to be open to everyone. Questions, ideas, and offers please to lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or 07917 065465.

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Village Hall AGM The AGM of the Village Hall will be held on 16th June at 7.30pm in the Hall.

Apart from all the usual reports and elections, we are looking in particular for someone who can take on the role of Honorary Treasurer. This is a key position; without a volunteer the continued availability of the Hall is in doubt. While we have most other roles covered, keeping this one separate helps to ensure "good governance", which is a basic requirement for a charity. Although the job is not complex and full support is available, some experience of accounting (not necessarily formal training) is necessary. Please contact David Coton on david@coton.me.uk or 07749 850026 for a chat or further information.

We would also like to remind our regular non-commercial users that you can appoint a representative to serve on the committee, in addition to the elected members.

Meldreth Village Hall Trust Committee

Royston & District Motorcycle Club Show This will be held on Wednesday 21st June at Eternit Sports & Social Club from 6.30pm onwards. £5 cash entry. See https://www.facebook.com/events/s/roystondistrict-motorcycle-cl/544030417672567 for further information.

Kathryn Betts, Editor

An Evening with Author Sarah Harrison Sarah Harrison is best known as the author of over thirty successful novels but finds it very therapeutic to get out from time to time, especially if there’s a jolly crowd and some laughs involved.

On 30th June, Sarah will be in Meldreth Village Hall sharing her good sense of humour on underwear, old age, beauty products, exercise, dating, childbirth, supermarkets, telly, road users and technology, to name but a few…

See the poster on the back cover of this issue for ticketing information.

Tracy Aggett Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire 4

Advertising Feature

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Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk No sooner does the bowls season start than the rain comes! This makes the green soft and ‘heavy’. It will probably be the middle of June before the green hardens up so until then we will just have to push those woods that little bit harder.

Our ‘Open Day’ at the end of April attracted a dozen or so people keen to try out the sport. At least half of those have returned for our Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon roll-ups and we hope they will join us as members.

If you missed out on the April Open Day never fear, there is another opportunity for you to try out the sport of bowls at our next Open Day on Saturday 3rd June, commencing at 2.30pm. If you can’t make 3rd, you are always welcome to come along to a roll up on Tuesdays, 10.00am to 12.00 midday and Saturdays from 2.30 to 4.30pm. You will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

Team matches will be coming thick and fast from now on, with sometimes three or more matches in a week. We have a list of home matches on the noticeboard by the entrance gate and you are welcome to come and support your village team.

Our website also contains lots of information about our club. www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.

Jim Hatch, Chairman

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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

Holy Trinity Church Fete – Cake Recipes for Competitions BASIC FRUIT CAKE 6-inch

VICTORIA SANDWICH CAKE 2 x 7inch INGREDIENTS 4 oz. self-raising flour (4 heaped tbsp) 4 oz. Stork table margarine 4 oz. caster sugar (4 rounded tbsp) 2 eggs

INGREDIENTS 8 oz. self-raising flour (8 heaped tbsp) 4 oz. Stork table margarine 4 oz. caster sugar (4 rounded tbsp).

4-6 oz. mixed fruit (currants, sultanas, raisins, etc.) cleaned 2 oz. mixed cut peel 1 egg 5 tablespoons milk

OVEN – Pre-heated to very moderate (Gas No.3: 335°F) – middle shelf

OVEN - Pre-heated to moderate (Gas No.4: 360°F.) – middle shelf

METHOD

METHOD

1. Use creaming method.

2. Divide the mixture equally between the 2 x 7-inch tins and smooth evenly.

3. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 25-35 minutes.

4. Turn out: remove paper and cool on a wire tray.

5. When cold, sandwich together with jam and sprinkle with caster sugar or icing sugar.

6. Display on plate and cover loosely with cling film.

1. Use rubbing in method.

2. Put in the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1¼ -1½ hours.

3. Turn out, remove paper and cool on a wire tray.

4. Display on cake board and cover loosely with cling film.

Meldreth Scarecrow Festival: 10th & 11th June Meldreth Scarecrow Festival returns with the theme “Top of the Crops” musicians, pop stars etc. The judges will walk around the village on Saturday afternoon, with Sunday being for those scarecrows that survive the night! There will be prizes for the top three best scarecrows. Please don’t leave actual musical instruments outside, and don’t block pavements.

Register your scarecrow at meldrethscarecrow@gmail.com by the Saturday morning and as last year we will have a custom Google maps for you to follow with a link publicised on the Spotted in Meldreth Facebook page. There will be paper copies on the noticeboards in the village and at the church fete. Please get in touch if you can help out with some light admin as well.

Thank you to everyone who plans to enter.

Roger Faires 8

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Melbourn Family Fun Day Saturday 24th June 1.00pm – 5.00pm The Moor, Melbourn We’re back! After a five-year break, Melbourn Fete Committee is relaunching with a Family Fun Day to kickstart summer and raise funds and awareness for local groups and charities.

There will be children’s entertainment, animals, classic cars, model train rides, stalls showcasing local businesses and community groups and much more. A selection of local food and drink vans, as well as the ever-popular Home-Start café, will also be there providing a range of refreshment options.

Entry is FREE and we are grateful to our many sponsors for making this possible.

See www.facebook.com/MelbournFete or www.melbournfete.co.uk for more information.

If you’re interested in being a stallholder, volunteering on the day and/or know how we can guarantee good weather, please get in touch on info@melbournfete.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!

Melbourn Family Fun Day Organisers

Orwell Singers Summer Concert Our Summer Concert will take place at Orwell Village Hall on 8th July at 7.30pm, featuring a variety of songs, both ancient and modern. Ticket prices will be £10, including a buffet. We have choir members from several nearby villages and are always keen to welcome new members. Anyone interested in finding out more about the choir or the concert can contact me at jdavidmarsh@gmail.com or (01763) 261443, or Katie Reid at katie.reid@talk21.com or (01223) 207387.

At the concert we’ll be saying farewell to our present Musical Director, and will be looking to find a replacement well in time for the Autumn term. We offer fees and expenses so please contact Katie if you’re interested in hearing more about what’s involved.

David Marsh PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

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Meldreth Village Hub Summer Tea Party – Saturday 24th June from 1.00–4.00pm Meldreth Village Hub – Elin Way Bring a friend (or two) and join us for some mid-summer fun, FREE cups of tea and coffee, cakes, tasty summer food and entertainment for the children.

For more information about this event or how you could become a volunteer, please contact me on 07787 734973 or Jenni on 07792 578786.

We look forward to seeing you!

Helen Meridew Lead Volunteer

Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk After a very busy May, when we celebrated the King’s Coronation in style with a fantastic street party, we’re very much looking forward to the summer at the Hub - hopefully with a bit more sunshine to come! Our artist in residence will be Ruth Westwood, and here’s what’s on over the course of the month.

Weekly Events Thursdays: Primary Care Network 10.00-11.30am - Drop-in session providing advice and support on health and wellbeing.

Fridays: Children's Story Time 10.00-10.30am - For under 5s. No need to book!

June Events Thursday 1st June - Carers Cafe - 2.00-3.30pm. A safe place for carers to come along to chat freely and enjoy a tea/coffee and cake. No need to book, just drop in.

Wednesday 21st June - Menopause Cafe 10.00am - 12 noon. Meet others and get advice and support from the personalised care team. Please book via email at cpicb@meridiancare.nhs.net.

Wednesday 28th June - Monthly Lunch Club 12.15-1.45pm. Meet others for a social lunch together. Booking essential - contact the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com.

Special for June Saturday 3rd June 4.00pm - “Tea at four and more” with author Mandy Morton.

Tickets £10. Includes a cream tea and a book. Booking essential - contact the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com.

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub 11

Meldreth Local History Group (MLHG) www.meldrethhistory.org.uk MLHG held its AGM on 24th April. This was followed by a presentation by Alan Williams on life in Meldreth in the 1960s. We would like to thank Alan for all his hard work on putting such an entertaining and well-researched talk together.

Both the AGM and the talk were attended by over 50 people and we’d like to say a big thank you to all the attendees for their continued support of Meldreth Local History Group. As usual, there was no charge for this event and we are grateful to those who made a donation on the day towards our work.

There are over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present, on our website or follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/meldrethhistory).

Kathryn Betts MLHG Webmaster

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group At our April meeting we welcomed the Lift Off Choir, led by Clare Silver. She began with a warm up session which we were encouraged to take part in. We were then invited to sing along with the choir in some short songs. It was most enjoyable. Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks and a donation.

In May we had our usual Summer Supper. Our next meeting will be in Meldreth on 27th June. This is a members’ music evening when we have the opportunity to take along our favourite pieces.

For more information about the group, or if you would like a programme or a lift, please telephone one of the committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.

Angela Leach

Lift Off Choir Lift Off Choir made their feature film debut in April, featuring in a scene in the film Opus 28. It was a surreal moment when I found myself on a zoom call with a Canadian film director and associated team a few months ago, negotiating terms for our choir to appear in their film. Once we had agreed to take part, a song arrangement was written for us by a Canadian choral arranger and we had four rehearsals to get ourselves up to performance standard.

It's fair to say that a lot of hard work went into those rehearsals, as well as plenty of personal practice, as choir members sang along at home to the YouTube tutorial videos I made specially for the project. On the day that the film crew 12

came to see our work in the Village Hall, we were all incredibly nervous, but it was a joyous moment when all the hard work came together and the film makers were delighted with the singing.

So, on a Monday evening in April we spent four hours filming the scene at Meldreth Church. It was an eye opener for us all. Filming is not glamorous. It is a lot of standing around and repeating the same task over and over again, but ... it was so interesting, and great to have a shared experience as a choir probably never to be repeated again. After all it's not every day one appears in a film.

Myself and all the singers felt so much pride at being involved in the project, especially because the film had a focus on our lovely village of Meldreth. The singing was a real team effort and I am so grateful to the singers who gave up their time and worked so hard to achieve the final result. We will have to wait sometime to see the finished film - hopefully that will be some time next year - but we can't wait until we do.

In other news, the choir visited Meldreth and Melbourn Women’s Group to lead a singing workshop last month and on 10th June we will be performing at Meldreth Church Fete. For more information about the choir please contact me.

Clare Silver 07548 247755 www.claresilver.co.uk

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Friends of Holy Trinity (FOHT) www.foht.org.uk The FOHT held their 37th AGM on Friday 12th May 2023. With a couple of missed AGM years, the Friends have now operated for nearly 40 years. The Friends’ aims are to provide financial support for the maintenance and improvements of the historic church building, and to organise activities at the church for the involvement and entertainment of the local community.

The Friends have made significant contributions towards these aims over the years through a varied programme including talks, presentations, suppers, open garden days and, over the past eighteen years, the hugely popular Classic Car Show, held in the church grounds. This event has been instigated, investigated, motivated and organised almost single-handedly over the years by John Price, Vice Chair of the Friends for 25 years now. (The Chair is always the incumbent local vicar.)

The Car Show day is now a well-rehearsed activity with a regular bunch of helpers. What goes unseen, however, is the huge investment John makes throughout the year, networking with fellow classic car enthusiasts and encouraging them to participate in our Meldreth event. This enthusiasm and persistence is special and unique.

At the meeting John announced his retirement from the role of Vice Chair. Steve Hawkins proposed a vote of thanks for the enthusiastic involvement John has brought to the Friends over the years. This was fully supported by those present.

I was voted in as the new Vice Chair. John is a huge act to follow! Fortunately John will be staying on the committee, ‘without portfolio’ and will continue with a keen interest in the car show, with music from his band, whenever possible.

I approach this new role with some trepidation! Interest and involvement in local churches is challenging, whether from a religious or any other angle. We on the committee of the Friends will continue to try to organise events villagers may be interested in, but we are always looking for ideas, so please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Annual A10 Awareness Ride/Walk/Scoot Sunday 11th June Cyclists: Depart from Trumpington Park and Ride at 10.00am.

Plus the option to cycle to Trumpington in company with our marshals, who will be leaving Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Stations at 9.00am.

Walkers and scooters: Depart from Melbourn Hub at 10.15am.

Refreshments will be on Phillimore’s front lawn (please bring cup/water bottle) plus DR BIKE repairs and E-bikes to try out!

The event is sponsored by the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign with the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership.

Please email me at susanvandeven5@gmail.com if you can help as a marshal, serve refreshments or bring a cake.

Susan van de Ven

Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group On one of our recent rides we celebrated the 90th birthday of Michael Stapleton, one of the founding members of Meldreth Marvels and a regular leader of our rides.

We enjoyed a delicious cake, appropriately decorated with bicycles, provided by the most attentive staff, at the Stove Café in Bourn.

For safety reasons, due to the numbers meeting on a Tuesday, we now split up into smaller groups. Varying distances are now an option according to one’s abilities. Many of us now use electric assisted bikes, which is such a bonus for our breezy, sometimes hilly routes.

To coincide with the A10 Awareness Ride [see article above] we are arranging for some electric bikes to be available for allcomers to trial, to encourage a healthier lifestyle. These will be available between 11.00am and 12.30pm on Sunday 11th June at Phillimore Garden Centre, Melbourn. Of course, if you have a conventional bicycle and wish to convert it to an E-bike, that option can also be explored on the day.

We look forward to seeing you at the Awareness Ride.

John Rogger 16

Meldreth Traffic Working Group The Traffic Group has met once since our last report in Meldreth Matters. We discussed which safety or traffic calming measures in the village to prioritise in future Local Highway Initiative applications, with one such application being anticipated in the autumn. Anyone who has views is encouraged to get in touch.

We also discussed how the Group could provide specific input into planning applications for larger new developments to ensure that access arrangements, such as location of dropped kerbs or location of drains, adhere to best practice.

Liaison with the team implementing the “Melbourn Greenway”, which includes changes to provide improved access to Meldreth train station, is ongoing.

Since our last report in Meldreth Matters, the Parish Council has decided to apply for funding from Cambridgeshire County Council to create a 20mph area in Meldreth. The Traffic Working Group always welcome new volunteers. In fact, we are still looking for volunteers to operate the speed indicator and hope to publish a “Job Description” detailing all the benefits and perks of the role in a future issue of Meldreth Matters.

Finally, we continue to urge residents to report potholes and other highways issues such as disappearing road markings by using the online reporting system.

Adam Bostanci, Parish Councillor

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

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Meldreth Parish Charities Meldreth Parish Charities (Charity Number 233979) comprising: Robert Halfhead (1658) Lettice Martin (1562) James Addlestone (1723) These ancient bequests were set up to provide an annual income which was originally disbursed at the discretion of the Trustees. Over time, this purpose was modified by the introduction of the Welfare State and social benefits and subsequently the Trustees have been able to use the annual income to provide assistance to residents who have a particular need that cannot be met by normal sources of income or support.

A reminder that we are here to help There is money available from these historic bequests to help Meldreth residents or village organisations with a particular financial need that cannot be met through normal sources of income or support.

Examples:  Provision of books /equipment for students  Costs involved in hospital visits, medical prescriptions  Special payments to help in cases of financial need, or support in the case of illness or infirmity Applications are invited and can be made to any of the Trustees or the Clerk.

Applications are, of course, treated as strictly confidential.

Trustees Mrs Ann Askham Tel: (01763) 262133 Mrs Jane Bates Tel: (01763) 261638) Mr Graham Borgonon Tel: (01763) 260358 Mrs Joan Fallon Tel: (01763) 262822 Theresa O’Malley Clerk to the Trustees (01763) 260433)

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

Throughout the month, during normal Anglesey Abbey opening times Beyond Anglesey Abbey - a fenland walk Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ Explore the footpaths around Anglesey Abbey on this 4.6 mile, fenland family walk. Passing through nearby villages, winding fenland waterways and Quy Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest before returning to the Abbey. To view/download the trail visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/anglesey-abbeygardens-and-lode-mill/beyond-anglesey-abbey-walk.

Saturday 3rd June, 1.00pm to midnight Strawberry Fair, Midsummer Common, Cambridge CB5 8DJ Popular free, volunteer-run, one day music and arts event celebrating the vibrant and creative cultural life of Cambridge. With arts area, ‘kidz park’ and lots of stages for live music. Visit www.strawberry-fair.org.uk.

Thursday 8th June, 10.30am to 12.00noon Cuckoo Walk at Wicken Fen Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP Join cuckoo expert Nick Davies for a guided walk on Sedge Fen to look for these mysterious, deceptive birds and their unsuspecting reed warbler hosts. Meet at entrance to nature reserve. Free event but booking required at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cuckoo-walk-at-wicken-fen-with-nick-davies-tickets611093947447. Car park charges for non-National Trust members.

Friday 9th June, 8.00pm to 10.00pm (open from 7.00 pm) Foyer Poetry: Hollie McNish Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH Enjoy a great evening of poetry, drinks and street food at this popular venue. Live poetry readings with two support acts and headlined by Hollie McNish. Tickets from £13.50; book and pre-order food at www.saffronhall.com. NB This event not recommended for children under 13.

Sunday 11th June, 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm) Chippenham Park Open Gardens Chippenham Hall, Chippenham Park, near Newmarket CB7 5PT Only open on selected dates throughout the year and awarded their highest rating by the Good Gardens Guide. Canals, woodland walks and formal gardens with roses and summer flowers in full bloom. Licensed Potting Shed tea room. Entry £7, children 5-16 £3. NB admission and tearoom are cash only. www.chippenhamparkgardens.co.uk.

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Wednesday 14th June to Wednesday 26th July, normal opening hours Threads Through Creation Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Breathtaking exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation - in more than eight million stitches! The bold, colourful embroidery can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Normal cathedral admission charges apply; see www.elycathedral.org.

Sunday 18th June, 2.00-4.00pm Cambridge Sport: in Fenner’s Hands - Walking Tour Starting on Castle Hill and finishing at Fenner’s Cricket Ground £9 or free if purchasing the new book, Cambridge Sport: in Fenner’s Hands.

For details visit: cambridgeshportstours.co.uk Tuesday 20th June, 7.30pm The Lost Words - A Spell Book West Road Concert Hall, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DP Elektra Women’s Choir present an evocative musical interpretation of the bestselling book by Cambridge author Robert Macfarlane (who will read each spell) and artist Jackie Morris. Tickets £20, £10 for children under 18 and full time students. Book online at http://www.westroad.org/event-info/elektra-womenschoir/ or call ADC Ticketing on (01223) 300085.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June, 8.00am to 6.00pm Duxford Summer Airshow Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR With flying beginning at 1.00pm, you are guaranteed a magical day out with aerial displays, flypasts and special entertainment across the showground. Tickets from www.iwm.org.uk. Standard adult admission £47.50; accompanied children 15 and under go free. NB Book early, they sell out quickly.

Sunday 25th June, 6.00pm to around 8.30pm (concert from 7.00pm) Singing on the River 2023 Back Lawn, King’s College, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST Pack your picnics and head for the lawns of King’s College for this annual event.

The King’s Men perform a delightful programme of madrigals, part-songs and close harmony on the banks of the River Cam. Tickets £20 with concessions (£10 and £5) for students and children. Under 5s, free. Bring warm clothes - and umbrella if needed! Visit www.kings.cam.ac.uk for details and to book.

Wednesday 28th June, 10.00am to 12noon Wildflowers of Coton Coton Reserve, Grantchester Road, Cambridge CB23 7PZ Gentle guided walk led by knowledgeable warden to learn about summer wildflowers using their colour, form and habitat. Meet at large noticeboard in car park. Free, suggested donation £3. NB no toilet facilities on reserve.

Compiled by John Crawforth 21

Meldreth Village D Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Refuse Collections Black bins: 6th, 20th

Thurs

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish

The copy deadline for the July issue of Meldreth Matters is Monday 12th June

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

10.00am Meldreth Local History Group 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.00-7.20pm Aerobox 7.30-8.20pm Yoga

7

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps (mu classes) 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.00-7.20pm Aerobox 7.30-8.20pm Yoga 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps (mu 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.00-7.20pm Aerobox 6.30pm Motorcycle Show Eternit S&S Club (see p4) 7.30-8.20pm Yoga 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps (mu

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 10.45-11.30 Mob Library 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.30-7.20pm D. Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Yoga 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps (mu

5

Blue & Green bins: 13th, 27th

6

9.15am Cycling Group

1

8

12 13 14 15 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

19 20 21 22 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 7.45pm Women’s Group

12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm P

7.00-9.00pm T

26 27 28 29

12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

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

22

Diary - June 2023

sday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

pm 9.30am Slimming World ult. classes) Village Hub Acro Pilates Table Tennis Council

2.30pm Meldreth Bowls Club Open Day (see page 6)

9.45am Sung Eucharist

pm ultiple

All day: Scarecrow Festival

All day: Scarecrow Festival 8.00am Said Eucharist 9.00am A10 Cycle Ride, depart Meldreth Station (See page 16) 10.00am-3.00pm Charity Craft Fair 6.00pm Church Service for Wholeness and Healing

1

8

Village Hub Acro Pilates Table Tennis

2

9.30am Slimming World

9

3

11.30am-4.00pm Holy Trinity Church Fete

4

10 11

9.30am Slimming World pm ult. classes) 7.30pm Village Hall AGM Village Hub (see page 4) Acro Pilates Table Tennis

9.45am Sung Eucharist

5 16 17 18

pm ulti. classes)

9.30am Slimming World

1.00-4.00pm Summer Tea Party, Meldreth Village Hub (see page 11)

Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club NHS Road Run 11.50am approx. in North End, then via High Street and Whitecroft Road to Kneesworth. About 100 tractors. Please donate on the day.

2 23 24 25

Village Hub Acro

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

Pilates

Table Tennis

pm ulti. classes)

9.30am Slimming World

7.00pm for 7.30pm An Village Hub Evening with Sarah Harrison Home-Start Event Acro (see page 4 & back cover) Pilates Table Tennis

9 30

7.00 for 7.30pm Film Night: A Man Called Otto.

Pre-booking essential (see page 4) or scan the QR code)

hurch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet opposite Community Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

23

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24

Things for Children and Families To Do Throughout June and July, 9.30am - 5.30pm Mog’s Remarkable Adventures at Anglesey Abbey Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ Step into the paws of Judith Kerr’s Mog the cat, leap through the giant cat flap, explore Mog’s toy box and enjoy adventures in the garden. Free event but admission charges apply unless you are National Trust members.

Wednesday 7th June, 7.00pm Robin Hood with the Three Inch Fools Wimpole Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW A riotous summer adventure for all the family. Three actors tell the story - but can’t agree about how it should go. Outdoor, whatever-the-weather performance.

Ice cream, coffee and crepes available. Take your own picnic from 6pm. Tickets £18 adults, £10 children from www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Friday 9th June and every Friday, 10.00am - 10.30am Children’s Story Time, Melbourn Hub, High Street, Melbourn SG8 6DZ Stories for under 5s. No need to book.

Saturday 17th June, 11.00am - Sunday 18th June, 12.30pm Family Wildlife Camp Out Trumpington Meadows, Grantchester Road, Trumpington CB2 9LH Join the Rangers to explore a remote area of the reserve. Set up camp then try sweep netting, pond dipping and a reptile survey. Later, set a moth trap and go on a bat hunt. Enjoy a camp fire and marshmallows. For ages 7 - 11. £35. Book on 07894 599020 or email rebecca.neal@wildlifebcn.org.

Sunday 18th June, 2.30pm (and monthly March to July) Science on Sundays, Cambridge Botanic Gardens, Brookside CB2 1JE Find out about the fascinating world of freshwater microbes and how climate change is affecting freshwater ecosystems. Free, informal talk in the Classroom but garden admission charges apply. For adults and ages 12+.

Saturday 24th June, 1.00pm - 5.00pm Melbourn Family Fun Day Bouncy castles, stalls, competitions, classic and vintage vehicles, egg throwing, tug of war. Refreshments. For more details see www.melbournfete.com.

Sunday 25th June, 1.00-4.00pm Studio Sunday Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ Join us in our Clore Learning Studio for a practical art making workshop.

Suitable for 3-11 year olds. This is a free drop-in event.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 25

Meldreth Primary and Preschool www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk With the sun finally starting to poke its head out, spring at Meldreth Primary meant more time outdoors and an amazing trip to Grafham Water for our Year 4 students.

Arriving early on Monday morning, their first task was to make their beds and unpack their suitcases – quite the endeavour for those sleeping on the top bunks! The next few days continued in this vein with a programme of activities designed to promote maximum independence and problem-solving skills. Our students had to figure out how to build dens that would withstand heavy rainfall, construct rafts that would comfortably seat twelve and work together to get to the top of the infamous 40foot high ‘Jacob’s Ladder!’

Our school value of ‘courage’ was a perfect fit for this residential trip as all of our Year 4s conquered their fears in one form or another, whether it was heights, bikes or being away from home for the first time. I was very impressed with the way they looked out for each other and gave one another encouragement and support when necessary.

Indeed, their positive attitude and excellent teamwork was commented on by multiple instructors from Grafham who noticed their patience and resilience.

Mr Chapman Assistant Headteacher

Attention All Young Footballers!

Are you looking for a team to showcase your skills and passion for the world’s greatest game? Melbourn Dynamos under 13s (starting Year 8 at school in September 2023) Football Team is recruiting new players to join our squad!

As the players are moving up to eleven-a-side games in the new season, we are looking for some extra players to complete our squad. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to train every week as well as play competitive games against other local teams.

At our club, we strive to create a fun and supportive environment for our players to learn and grow their skills. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential on and off the field. We also benefit from 26

excellent training facilities throughout the year on the AstroTurf at Melbourn Village College. As a member of a team, players develop important values such as teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship that will serve them well both on and off the field. Our focus is on helping each player develop their skills while having fun and building lasting friendships with their teammates.

We have spaces in all positions across the squad, for everyone whether you have played in a team before or not. Why not come along to a taster session to see what it’s all about? For further information, contact me on 07866 348578 or email me at benyelton@yahoo.co.uk.

Ben Yelton

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In Praise Of … Gooseberries This month we showcase Gooseberries which are native to the UK. Varieties vary when ripe from green through to white and red. They are eaten in a range of desserts, but also can be served with mackerel. They can be made into fools, jam, jelly, wine or even vinegar. The best things in life are free and elderflower is no exception, not just for the quintessential summer cordial, but for pickles and ices too and goes beautifully with gooseberries.

Here are two recipes to celebrate gooseberries and elderflowers in all their glory.

Enjoy.

Gooseberry and Orange Drizzle Cake Prep:10 mins, Cook:35 mins Ingredients 225g softened butter, plus extra for the tin 225g caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 4 large eggs Grated zest and juice 1 orange 225g gooseberry, topped and tailed 140g granulated sugar Method Heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Butter and line a 20 x 30cm traybake tin with baking parchment.

Put the butter, caster sugar, flour, eggs and orange zest in a bowl. Beat thoroughly with an electric whisk until creamy and smooth. Stir in the gooseberries, then spoon into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 35 mins until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Stir the orange juice and granulated sugar together, spoon over the surface of the warm cake and leave to cool and set. Cut into squares.

Gooseberry Gems Prep:10 mins, Cook:20 mins, Ready in 30 mins plus cooling Ingredients 225g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 200g golden caster sugar 3 eggs 150g pot natural yogurt 4 tbsp elderflower cordial 175g butter, melted and cooled

For the fool: 330g gooseberry, topped and tailed, or use frozen 50g golden caster sugar 1 tbsp elderflower cordial 200g crème fraîche Icing sugar, for dusting 28

Method Heat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Put 12 muffin cases into a muffin tray. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Beat the eggs, yogurt, elderflower cordial and melted butter together with a pinch of salt, then stir into the dry ingredients. Spoon into the cases (they will be quite full), bake for 18-20 mins until risen and golden, then cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, put the gooseberries and the sugar into a frying pan, then gently cook for 10 minutes until most of the berries have collapsed, but there’s still some texture. Taste for sweetness (add more sugar if you like, but remember that the cakes are sweet), then stir in the elderflower cordial and allow to cool. Once cool, fold into the crème fraîche.

To serve, cut a section out of the top of each cake using a small, serrated knife heart shapes look sweet, but if that’s too fiddly simply cut off the top and cut in half, like a butterfly cake. Spoon a dessertspoonful or so of the fool into each cake, top with the piece that you cut away, then dust with a little icing sugar.

Jane O’Hagan

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A Meldreth Garden I am planting up gaps in the flower beds with potted bulbs and plants; annuals for instant colour, for scent and to add height to the display. For example after the forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) have flowered and been removed, gaps appear. Polyanthus primrose (primula × polyantha) and hellebore seed, picked fresh, were sown as soon as the seeds were ripe. It is always interesting to see the colour-ways of the resultant plants.

I have been cutting back clumps of spring flowering perennials to ground level after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of foliage; oriental poppies, geraniums, pulmonaria and leopard's bane (Doronicumcan), to stimulate fresh growth.

I have been taking softwood cuttings of plants like hydrangeas, penstemons and buddleia, etc. Even roses can be propagated from softwood cuttings. I try to have backups of all important perennials. Collect strong healthy young shoots about 8cm (3 inches) long, early in the day after preparing pots and a propagator. Trim shoots below a leaf axil, then remove the lower leaves from the stem with a knife, dib-in the cutting around the edge of a pot and trim off remaining leaves by half to reduce water loss. Put in a propagator or in a pot covered by a plastic bag, keep damp and place in the greenhouse out of direct sunlight, these will root in a month or so.

My plant of the month is acanthus mollis, not acanthus spinosus, which is a prickly thug. Acanthus mollis has deep lobed bright green leaves and tall white and purple flower spikes in May/June. Almost evergreen, it is a tough plant that will last for years and is suitable for difficult positions. I have acanthus mollis planted in light shade at the front of the shady border behind damson trees. There is both the standard green leaved form with white and purple flowers, a white flowered form acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' and a golden leafed form acanthus mollis 'Hollards gold'.

The allotment is filling up nicely; a period of improved night time temperatures is getting things moving. The asparagus, first crop of the season after rhubarb, has been lovely if restrained in size. Keep flower and vegetable plants moving as they do much better without a halt. I have been potting-on plants as necessary.

A main job is keeping on top of weeds and pests, flea beetle, aphids, butterfly, etc.

Flea beetle is a particular problem for radish and turnips this year. I should have covered them with enviromesh netting after planting the seed.

Activities I will consider in the Flower Garden  Pot-on biennials grown from seed e.g., foxgloves, sweet william, wallflowers, honesty, icelandic poppies and verbascums  Cut out reverted green shoots on hardy variegated evergreens, e.g., Elaeagnus pungens 'Frederici'  Plant out tender bedding and tender perennials such as cannas and dahlias now the danger of frost has passed 30

 Fill gaps in herbaceous borders with annual bedding  You can sow the seed of winter bedding, winter pansies, wallflowers and polyanthus, making good sized plants for planting out in October Vegetable Garden  Start harvesting early potatoes if they're large enough, 80 days from planting to cropping  Sow spring onions, endive, lettuce, rocket and oriental greens and for a winter harvest kale, chicory and cabbage, etc. For florence fennel sow seed after the longest day to reduce the chance of plants bolting later.  Plant outside cucumbers, courgettes, squash, pumpkins, sweet corn and outside tomatoes if the weather is warm enough  Pinch out the side shoots of cordon tomatoes varieties, keep tomatoes evenly moist to avoid the skin breaking  Transplant leeks to their final position when they're pencil thick & 40cm (15”) long  Keep on top of weeding to stop weeds romping out of control Enjoy your garden and take time out to sit and appreciate the fruits of your activity.

Ian McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor Wildflowers To my delight, it seems that mowing of the Fenny Lane roadside verge has ceased (for now), with wonderful consequences for the flora of the verge.

On a recent dog walk, I counted 42 species of vascular plant, with some lovely species not uncommon in wildflower meadows coming through - Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), common knapweed (Centaurea nigra), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and cowslip (Primula veris).

Long may this trend of less intensive management continue. Hopefully this photograph does it some justice.

Gabrielle Wilbur Editor’s note: Please see this month’s front cover for another of Gabrielle’s photographs.

31

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Amazon Brushing Scam If you’ve received an unexpected ‘Suzhichou’ branded scarf (or another relatively small and light item) in the post, it’s likely that you’ve been targeted by a 'brushing' scam. Brushing scams involve dodgy sellers on online marketplaces such as Amazon submitting fake orders of their own items. After submitting an order, the seller sends a cheap, low-quality product to a random address.

This generates a tracking number on the marketplace. Once the recipient receives the item, the scammer will be able to leave a fake five-star review. These 'sales' bolster the seller’s figures, helping their products rank higher in search results. A variation of the scam involves you ordering an item from a marketplace but being sent a completely different item. In these instances, the fraudster sends out a cheap product with the same tracking number that was generated by your actual order.

If you receive one of these items, it means a fraudster has got hold of your name and address. Some shoppers have reported receiving these scarves after ordering a different item from a Facebook marketplace store based in China. Alternatively, your address may have been taken from a publicly available source, been compromised as part of a data leak or been accessed as a result of entering your details into an unsecure website.

If you receive an unsolicited item from an Amazon marketplace seller, report the package to Amazon by going to Help and typing in ‘Report Unwanted Package’ in the help search. You should also change your Amazon password and set up twofactor authentication. The unsolicited package indicates that some of your personal information has been compromised, so you should check bank and credit card statements for unexpected transactions.

This article was adapted from an article on a Which Scam Alert email. To subscribe to these free emails, go to which.co.uk and look for 'Scam Alerts newsletter'.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://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 Peter (01763) 260323

Linda Tim

(01763) 261405 (01763) 262801

You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by phoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

33

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 4th May 2023 This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the Parish Council website and on the PC noticeboard and will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions Comments from public. It was reported that the adult gym equipment may need operating adjustments. The Council will look into this as a matter of urgency.

Council posts, committees and working groups: the current Chairman and Vicechairman (Councillor R Goddin and Councillor R James) were elected for a further period of twelve months. All the memberships of the Council’s committees/working groups were reviewed and additional appointments made to replace vacancies and to strengthen those areas where particular work will be needed in the forthcoming year.

District and County Reports The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report; this can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 36 to 38. Questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives. It was noted that the redecoration of the pedestrian underpass between Meldreth Railway Station and Melbourn has been completed and the next stages in upgrading the path (currently only a footpath) for wider use are now on the agenda. It was noted that the SCDC Zero Carbon Communities Grant scheme has a closing date of 2nd June 2023 and the Parish Council’s working group will consider possible subjects for application.

Recreation Ground and Village Infrastructure The ditch at the end of the recreation ground will be cleared. As previously reported, progress in other projects continues to be made.

Community Projects The Council agreed to adopt the revised version of the application form and notes. This does not change the basic intention of the Community Projects (Solar funded) scheme but inter alia clarifies the Council’s policy to require all applicants to investigate other sources of funding such that the Parish Council will aim to provide a proportion of the overall costs.

Hub and Food Bank Both these facilities continue to operate as planned. The Hub is appreciated as a point of social gathering and the village food bank now assists fifteen families totalling 55 people. There will be a need to bolster donations to the food bank.

34

The Council will be passing a previously agreed donation and there may be a wider fund raising appeal. We continue to thank our teams of volunteers who give up their time to manage these important community facilities.

Traffic Issues The proposal for a 20mph speed limit in most of the village was duly submitted and the Council awaits the next stage of this process.

Grass Cutting There will be no cuts in May in line with national council policies, “no mow May” – to allow natural grasses to seed. The Council now has the three quotations it has been seeking for the continuing contract and a decision was taken to employ Buchans.

Burial Ground The Council will be appealing for volunteers to help clear certain parts of the cemetery and the shed in which equipment is stored. This will include the newly restored funeral bier once the shed has been satisfactorily cleared.

Next Parish Council Meeting: Thursday 1st June 2023 at 7.30pm at the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

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

(01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci

07400 236329

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon

(01763) 262822

c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey

07496 324701

j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt56@gmail.com

Vacancy

35

District and County Councillors’ Report A few local and wider issues which we hope will be of interest. As always, please feel free to contact us with any concerns, gripes, ideas, observations – thank you!

High Street Road Deterioration Susan has been out with the head of maintenance to look at a trial method of repair which could work well along the High Street, characterised by trench seam failure. We are awaiting confirmation that this can be brought to Meldreth.

Royston Recycling Centre Productive discussions are ongoing between Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire County Councils regarding access by Cambridgeshire residents at Royston recycling centre. It’s estimated that the majority of users there are Cambridgeshire residents, but funding comes entirely from Hertfordshire County Council so there is a large-scale financial question to be worked out. Hoping for resolution soon.

Foul Water/Plumbing Problems?

We’d be really to grateful to hear from anyone who has been experiencing foul water plumbing problems at home – and especially if you have reported these to Anglian Water (which is really important to do). We are aware of some problems but don’t know the extent of them. Just drop any of us a line with your address, any reference number and a brief description. We would then follow up in our discussions with Anglian Water.

Meldreth Road Level Crossing Thanks to Councillor Roger James for the invaluable contribution to the Public Inquiry. On behalf of the Community Rail Partnership Susan has written in support of representations by Meldreth and Shepreth Parish Councils.

Very Localised 2021 Census Results and Public Data Cambridgeshire County Council hosts Cambridgeshire Insight, a rich source of open data including 2021 census results. Search for detailed demographic information by village, or thematic issues arising from the Census. https:// cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk.

SCDC Four Day Week Trial You may have read about South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) running a four-day week trial for office-based officers. Results of the trial have been published. All local authorities across the country are facing huge problems in recruiting and retaining staff. It is impossible to compete with the private sector especially for planning and environmental services officers and so councils have to offer something other than money. The cost of having to use agency staff for unfilled posts is currently running at £2m per year - which is a lot of money for a District Council like South Cambridgeshire. For these reasons SCDC has had to think laterally, hence the Four Day Week trial. During the trial, officers have had to work very differently and in a more focused way, in order to do 100% of the work in 80% of the time to receive 100% of the pay. The results have been 36

enormously encouraging: performance, which has been independently assessed, has been maintained and in some instances improved. Staff who were thinking of leaving are now likely to stay. Officer feedback was 88% positive; and satisfaction feedback from residents was not impacted. The recommendation is to extend the trial for a further year.

Councillors are also to be asked to include the refuse collection services in the Four Day Week trial as of this summer. Many councils already do not collect bins on a Monday because of the disruption caused by bank holidays so this is being looked at as a way of extending the benefits to more staff.

Right to Buy Council house tenants have long had the ‘right to buy’ their home at a discount.

What has been frustrating for councils who own the houses is that the government takes most of the money from these sales which makes it really hard to replace sold homes with new ones. Finally, it appears that Government is allowing us to keep our Right to Buy receipts but only for two years. We sell about 30 properties a year and this will mean that we have to borrow less when we build new houses.

Community Group Funding A total of eleven voluntary sector groups have received SCDC funding including Home Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (£13,711), Royston & District Community Transport (£7,000) and Citizens Advice (£100,000). The grants are given at the start of each new financial year and the Council makes a pledge to continue that support for the next three years, subject to satisfactory progress reports.

Paying Council Bills Most people pay their council bills online or by direct payments. However, we know some people are not able to do this. Council house rents can be paid on the phone - if for some reason this is not working for you please let us know. We closed the cash payment office at South Cambridgeshire Hall ages ago because payment of invoices in cash was declining. However, provision was made to offer customers the opportunity to pay by cash at the Cambridge City Council cash office which remains open. There is also the facility to have a payment card issued which enables customers to pay at banks and post offices by cash or cheque.

Transport Needs and Background Costs Recent challenges from residents about ‘what my Council Tax is used for’ led us to think it’s useful sometimes to remember how wide CCC services are. So for example, residents of Cambridgeshire have many and varied passenger transport needs: travel to work, travel for leisure, travel for health, travel to school and these are all met with a variety of transport solutions. For example, the Home to School Transport Budget this year costs the taxpayer) £29.3 million. Travel for health is provided in the case of patients who can’t use public transport by the Cambridgeshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) which costs £6m per year. All other 37

transport needs are met via commercial bus services and community transport on which roughly £60 million is spent per year as well as £9m on all bus services through concessionary fares and supported bus services at £7.1m. This totals roughly £111.3 million being currently spent per year in Cambridgeshire on meeting the passenger transport needs of residents.

Zoom Cuppa – Mondays 5.00-6.00pm We hold a weekly Zoom cuppa on Monday afternoons. Please let us know if you’d like to join and we’ll send you the link – or we are happy of course to meet in person or to talk by phone any time.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 2nd February and 6th April were still not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

The following items have been taken from the minutes of 20th April: Meldreth Road Level Crossing, Meldreth Road, Shepreth 22/05204/FUL PC recommended rejection, with detailed comments (see minutes online).

43 Whitecroft Road 23/01248/HFUL Single storey front extension. No recommendation with no comments.

25 Oakrits 23/01169/HFUL Single storey side and rear extension; loft conversion with side facing dormer windows and associated alterations. No recommendation with comments: “It is not clear from the diagrams if there is an overlooking issue at the new dormer windows level.”

Recent Planning Authority Decisions Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth SG8 6JP 22/02850/FUL Permission granted for the construction of a replacement dwelling house Details of all applications and all Planning Authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team 38

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

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

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 If you have any other questions, please let us know.

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

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

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

Susan van de Ven 41

Village Directory

Village Hall Chairman

David Coton—07749 850026

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

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Nicola Searle—(01763) 852738

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

Vicar Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

Post vacant (01763) 261569 Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com or Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Guides (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

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

District Council Offices

01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

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

County Council Offices MP

0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Children

Clubs & Societies

Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

Sport

Neighbourhood Watch One Stop

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

Church

Facilities

Litter Picker

42

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954)

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

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

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

(01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Emergencies

Support Services

Health

Streetlights (faulty)

Non-merg.

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

Misc.

Transport

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

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

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

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Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.

Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

A10 Timber .........................................2 Melbourn Flooring ............................2 AngliEAR Hearing ............................32 Melbourn Village College ............Cover Art of Clean ......................................18 Meldreth Landscapes .......................19 Art of Clean Wood ..............................3 Meldreth Motor Company ..............17 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................13 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ...........39 Moncraft Computers .......................10 Bury Lane Farm Shop ........................19 N J Chapman, gardening .................18 CHS Day Centre ...............................32 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service24 CHS Group .......................................39 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......19 The Country Store .............................10 P D Property Services ......................40 County Broadband ............................24 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................39 Davey’s Butchers ..........................Cover Queen Bee .........................................9 Eternit Sports and Social Club .....Cover Reflections .......................................40 Eve Construction ...............................29 Richard Burns Electrician ...................3 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........27 Rod’s PC Support ............................40 iPlaster ..............................................27 Sage Blinds and Interiors ...................2 Knibb’s Butchers ...............................15 Sparky’s ...........................................15 Lawn Partners ...................................15 Specialist Dental Partners ................27 The Letting Centre ............................24 Trademark Kitchens .........................9 Little Hands Nursery School .............14 Melbourn Auto Services ...............Cover

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 44

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

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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

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

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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

Meldreth Matters is printed by Plumridge Printers 41 High St Linton 01223 891407