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March 2016

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Meldreth Matters, March 2016 Contents include … Mary Findlay Meldreth Pre-School Meldreth Primary School Gardening Rail User Group Letters to the Editor March Events in Meldreth Link Murang’a Events for Families Club Log: Meldreth Brownies Friends of Holy Trinity Good Friday Craft Workshop Good Companions Church News Meldreth Parish Council Notices Volunteering Transport Subsidies and Oil Club Parish Council Meldreth WI Meldreth Then and Now A10 Cycling Campaign County Councillors Report Local Events District Councillor’s Report Women's Group Neighbourhood Watch Forthcoming Events Planning Matters Home-Start Advice Page Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 3-4 4 6-7 8 9 10-11 12-13 14 15 17 18 19 21 21 23 24 26 30-32 34 35 36 38-39 40-41 42-43 44 47 48 50-51 52 53 54-55 56

Welcome to the March issue of Meldreth Matters. If you have received this it means that I have not been totally overwhelmed. I am standing in for Kathryn this month as Editor and it is not as easy as I remember, even though I do not remember it as very easy! So I hope that Meldreth Matters is up to its usual high standard and that you can enjoy reading it.

At the moment it is very cold, but when you read this you will be seeing if March comes in like a lion or not; certainly some of the early flowers are suffering but will hopefully have recovered in time for the Open Gardens Day in April.. Meanwhile I hope you have an enjoyable Easter and can relax in the knowledge that Kathryn will be editing again for the April issue. Thank you Kathryn and welcome home. Richard Burns

Cover: Miniature snowscape at Topcliffe Mill by Fran Churchill The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Mary Findlay, nee Adcock 17th September 1922 - 19th January 2016 Grace Mary Findlay, always known as Mary, was born at Court Lodge in High Street, Meldreth, the youngest child of Edwin and Margaret Adcock; her father being the miller at Topcliffe’s meant a lot of her time was split between the two places, playing at the mill with her sister Gwen and brother Eric. She attended St. Mary convent in Royston and was very sad to see it pulled down in later years. Many of her friends in the village, Mary Dainty, Gordon Handscombe, Den Pepper and Raymond Course, all grew up together and remained friends over the decades. After taking shorthand and typing courses in Cambridge she assumed that a quiet office life would be in order, but on joining the Wrens as a writer she was sent to Norfolk House in London to work on Operation Overlord under Admiral Ramsey; meeting Monty and Eisenhower on several occasions. She went to Germany as part of the Allied Expeditionary Forces and ended up in Paris on VE Day. Life back in Meldreth after that must have seemed very quiet! She worked in Banham’s Solicitors and then moved to work with her sister Gwen at Kennedy’s Auctioneers, a job that would last almost 50 years on and off. Mary met Don Findlay when he moved from London to lodge at Mrs Jude’s in Whitecroft Road whilst learning to be a draughtsman in Cambridge, introduced by Gordon Handscombe as they fettled their motorcycles. Mary was married to Don in 1952 and they lived at Lodore Cottage in North End; eldest daughter Jane was born there and, when the council built houses on the meadow next to Court Lodge, they moved to 5 Bell Close; where Elizabeth and Alistair were born. In 1965 Mary’s aunt 3

Grace decided Geneva House, opposite the stocks, was too big for her alone, so the family moved in. Over the years it proved big enough for many animals and birds that all made their way to the front door for help and assistance; Mary always found time and space for them. I think 36 was the record at one point so all the family had endless feeding, exercising, etc. chores to do before we were fed! After Don died several years ago the house and garden were Mary’s hobby and joy and she vowed never to leave it, unless in a “box”. She got her wish aged 93 years, when she died peacefully in her sleep just a week after a tea party for friends to celebrate Raymond Course’s 92nd birthday. Jane Findlay

Meldreth Pre-School www.meldrethpreschool.com We are a friendly Pre-School offering a quality term-time service at competitive rates in line with NEF funding. We take children from the age of two and are happy to welcome children in nappies. You can find out about our Pre-School by visiting our website www.meldrethpreschool.com and following us on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to know more about what we do, have an idea for a fundraiser or are interested in joining the committee, please email preschool@meldrethpreschool.com or pop into the setting and speak to the staff. Staff Vacancy We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic workers with CACHE Level 2/3 in Childcare to join our team as qualified bank /staff. We are also looking for a Deputy Manager with a minimum NVQ level 3 in Childcare and experience in a similar setting to support our Manager in a full time role. Meldreth Pre-School 4

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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk What a week (and a bit)! Sometimes, the gap between Christmas and the summer whirl of assessments and sport might seem a bit of a respite for the busy staff and children at Meldreth Primary School. Well, certainly not this year! January proved to be an exceptionally busy time, with some events known in advance and others a bit more of a surprise … OFSTED has been looming for a while, as the school’s last inspection was in 2010. In preparation the Local Authority kindly sent a ‘Mocksted’ team to see how we would bear up under the Real Thing. They visited on a Tuesday afternoon and gave the school a preliminary ‘thumbs up’. The following day the ACTUAL telephone call came and the long-awaited inspection was underway. As ever, the children of the school behaved impeccably throughout the visit. We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection and the full report can be found on the Ofsted website. Not enough excitement for you? The same evening of the inspection was the school choir’s concert which was to be a ‘dry run’ for their performance the following week. The children sang their hearts out, ably assisted by Mrs Pavlitski and Mrs Thomas waggling their arms around at the back. For the children the highlight was the guest artiste of the evening, none other than Mr Jones, resplendent in his blue coat and Buggles glasses, giving us his singular rendition of ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ with the full choir. The following Tuesday the excited children boarded a coach to London. Destination – the O2 Arena! There they joined over 7,000 other children, soloists and a professional band to sing and dance to fourteen songs ranging from traditional gospel numbers to ‘Everything is Awesome’ from ‘The 6

Lego Movie’. Again, fantastic behaviour from the children and an amazing experience for them and the parents who came to watch. [It should also be noted that Mrs Thomas herself popped down to join a small group of teachers on the main stage to join the teachers’ choir and sing to 70 000 people! What a feat! - Mr Jones’ aside.] But that was only Tuesday! The culmination of Meldreth’s amazing week and a bit came the following Friday with a trip to Ely for the football team, winners of the South Cambridgeshire Small Schools competition. Victory in that tournament gave a pass to the county competition. Meldreth battled their way through to the finals again, including another penalty shoot-out with local rivals Harston and Newton and despite suffering severely from fatigue, triumphed in the second half to win 6-0! Next stop, the Eastern Regional finals in London. This put the icing on the cake for Meldreth’s most incredible week. Whatever next? Barbara Thomas Year 2 Teacher

MVC STEM Club Our teams of Year 7 and 8 students have finished writing up their projects as presentations to enter the BP Ultimate Challenge competition and are now waiting to hear if they have been successful. They have the chance to attend a celebratory event at the Science Museum in London, win £500 for the school and Science Museum goodies for themselves. Meanwhile, they have been getting messy again in the lab! The Royal Society of Chemistry have devised a project for everyone to become more aware of the water cycle. The capture of water by hydrogels in nappies, disposed of in landfill sites, is potentially a major environmental problem. Our results have been submitted on the following website: www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/collections/ experimentation/collaborative-chemistry/water-global-experiment-withhydrogels and can be compared to other schools all over the world! For regular updates and news from the College please visit www.mvc.org.uk. Melbourn Village College 7

Notes From a Small Garden We have started off our cucumber, tomato and melon seeds by placing them in the airing cupboard. These must be checked daily and as soon as they show signs of germination moved to a light frost-free environment. The best time to prick them out singly into small pots is when the second pair of leaves is showing. In the large cold frame we have set lettuce Little Gem, carrots and radish. In the garden the daffodils, snowdrops and Anemone Blanda are all flowering together. As these begin to fade they make next year’s flowers. To give them a helping hand we have scattered some pelleted poultry manure amongst them; Growmore or any granular fertiliser is OK. Sprinkle it on top of the ground and let the rain wash it in. The wallflowers will benefit from a high nitrogen fertiliser. The “old boys” used to do this while it was raining to avoid burning the leaves. We have purchased another apricot tree, Golden Glow; this species was found growing wild on the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire several years ago and has since been propagated and is now available from growers. Julie has had lots of help spreading compost over the vegetable garden and the main flower beds. They all looks wonderfully brown and healthy now. The peach tree has been checked for scale insect. This is a flat brown insect which sucks up the sap and weakens the plant which is infected. It tends to go for house plants, fruit trees, greenhouse plants and ornamental plants grown outside. Treatment is complicated and Julie looked up ideas on the RHS website. They are too numerous to put in this article, but rubbing the insects off is a good way to start! Writing this piece in mid February Julie wondered how this spring is going to turn out in Meldreth gardens. Her tree peonies are in bud now and don’t feel “safe” from any frost. Thank goodness for fleece! Will everything come out earlier than usual? Will the roses be out in May? Some people’s daffodils have been out for more than a month. Luckily hers are only just coming out as are the snowdrops, which have done really well this year. As we were going to press, a few more frosty nights were forecast so Julie decided to put off the main pruning until the end of the month in order to prevent die back or even the loss of the plant. Readers may not agree with this policy! 8

Things to do As the peach blossom comes out, pollinate by using a small paint brush. Set seed potatoes, onion sets and also seeds of any kind of bedding plant. The â€œold boysâ€? would look outdoors at about 10.00pm and if the stars were bright would cover anything susceptible to frost. Good gardening! Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group Tuesday 15th March 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Shepreth Village Hall There will be a short AGM followed by our usual meeting, all to conclude at 9.00pm. In attendance will be Govia Thameslink Railway and Network Rail, so as always this is a good opportunity to bring any queries you have. Please contact railusergroup@gmail.com or me with any questions. Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Meldreth Station Gardening Please come along and help us tidy up Meldreth Station Garden after the winter on Wednesday 23rd March at 3.00pm, with 30th March at the same time as a back-up day in case of rain. New faces always welcome, just bring your gardening gloves. Always accompanied by tea and cake! Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 9

Letters to the Editor Melwood, or is it? Two or three weeks ago when I was down in my little copse at the end of my estate a member of the public said how delighted he was to see some new trees I had planted there and asked why elsewhere in the wood was so bare. I told him that when I started to clear the jungle there thirty years ago I planted over thirty new trees, a number of them given to the Parish by the County Council, who in those days gave to parishes on request. I was, and still am, passionately fond of trees. Sadly over the last twenty years not one single new tree has been planted in Melwood to ensure constant reinvigoration, apart from my small section at the back and one by another member of the public. New priorities instead dictate the cutting down of fine, healthy trees for more light to the ground cover and woodpiles for insects! First and foremost this is supposed to be a wood and the trees’ protection and replacement should be of the highest importance. We desperately need an “Oliver Rackham” in this area. He did so much in West Cambridgeshire, Waresley, Gamlingay and district to promote the growth of healthy woods. The woodland Trust in its last publication calls for a Tree Charter and the mobilisation of a people’s army of tree champions. Never has it been more needed and especially in our own back yard! Margaret Hunter

Shepreth Village Hall I thought that any of your readers who use Shepreth Village Hall may be interested to know that the refurbishment has now been completed. Facilities include wheelchair access, a reception area, a spacious main hall, kitchen and parking for 50 vehicles. Unfortunately the Montessori Nursery School is no longer using the Village Hall, as they had done for over twenty years, as they have recently closed. Pauline Brackenboro 10

20's Plenty Action Group We would like to see a 20 mph speed restriction introduced throughout the village of Meldreth. We don’t want to wait until there is a fatality, further serious deterioration to the environment or permanent damage to our homes. Already there are over 15 million people who live in local authorities that have already adopted or are in the process of adopting this policy. Through democratic debate, these communities have decided that “20’s Plenty” and they have changed their driving behaviour accordingly. Most importantly they have forced those who DON’T live in their community to change as well. Whaddon has already introduced a “20’s Plenty” restriction in their village. We need your help to achieve “20’s Plenty” for Meldreth and aim to give a clear message to everyone that uses our village. We have originated a petition to canvas opinion in the village and shall endeavour to collect signatures and views from you all throughout the spring. If you would like to help or wish further information please contact us. Pat & Sandy Gilmore (01763) 263138

Polite request to Dog walkers Whilst walking along Footpath 6 from Melwood to the church last Saturday after a very pleasurable morning working in the wood, I picked up around ten bags of dog dirt, as well as the usual cans and bottles. It seems to have become rather a habit for some dog walkers to clear up after their dog but then sling the resulting package into the hedge bottom. To my mind, this seems a lot of bother to go to and, as the plastic bags do not naturally degrade, rather a nasty habit. I am a dog owner myself so must state an interest in the subject but PLEASE can you put your bags either in the dog litter bins in the village or take them home to dispose of. Lin Wallbridge 11

March Events in Meldreth To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Friday 4th March, 7.00pm for 7.30pm Meldreth Primary School PTA Quiz Night and Bar Meldreth Primary School Teams of 8 £8.50 per person, including supper or £3.00 without supper To book your place and meal choice email meldrethpta@gmail.com. Friday 4th March, 8.00pm-11.00pm 'Scream Serenity' Live Rock Band Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road, Meldreth Free entry, public event Saturday 5th March, 10.30am-12.00 noon. Elin Way Community ‘Coffee Break’ We hope to have a selection of ‘Bring and Buy’ cakes and donations would be most welcome. We look forward to seeing you on the 5th. Marion Long (01763) 261365 Monday 7th March 10.00am - 12.00noon Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Our guest speaker will be Wendy Braid, who is known as the Meldreth Showgirl. Wendy will tell us of her involvement with the WI, The Super Troopers and Frollies. Everyone is welcome to join us and contribute their memories in convivial company. 12

Saturday 12th March, 12.00-2.30pm Link Murang’a: Lunch for Kambiti Holy Trinity Meeting Room

Soups and Puddings See back page for details Saturday 19th March, 7.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity Talk on Calligraphy by Leda Lopes Cardozo Tickets £7.50 (Friends £7.00) See page 18 for details Wednesday 23rd March, 3.00pm Station Gardening Meldreth Railway Station Reserve date in case of rain: Wednesday 30th March See page 9 for details Friday 25th March, 10.00am - 12 noon Good Friday Craft Workshop and Easter Egg Hunt Holy Trinity Church

See page 19 for details 13

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What’s On for Children and Families in March Monday 7th March to Sunday 20th March Cambridge Science Festival Book on (01223) 766766 or go to www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk Numerous events (most free) at different venues in Cambridge such as: Monday 7th March, 5.00pm - 6.00pm Chocolatology at Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Site CB3 0AP The science of chocolate for children aged 8+. Free. Pre-book. Saturday 12th March, 10.15am onwards Chaos and Robogals, Dept. of Zoology, Downing St CB2 3EJ Robotics workshops-make your own robots. Pre-book for timed tickets. A few drop-in tickets available on the day. Free. Saturday 12th March, 10.00am - 4.00pm Fixed wing Aircraft University Centre, Granta Place, Mill Lane CB2 1RU Drop in free and make model aircraft with help from engineers. Sunday 20th March, 11.00am - 4.00pm Slippery, Slimy Science, Wandlebury Country Park CB22 3AE Study snails, slugs and worms then track them down on a scavenger hunt. Drop in session. Free. £3 parking fee. Sunday 20th March A Real Operating Room, Addenbrookes Hospital CB2 0SP Various times from 11.00am to 3.45pm. Pre-book. Free. Scrub up like a surgeon and learn about the team and equipment that make safe operations possible. Friday 25th March, 10.00am - 5.00pm Easter at the Cambridge Science Centre, 18 Jesus Lane CB5 8BQ An amazing chocolate show-discover the science behind what makes chocolate taste so good. Talks and demonstrations. Children £2.50, adults £3.50. Book on (01223) 967965. Saturday 26th March, 10.30am - 12.30pm Exploring Egypt, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Tour the exhibition then get creative with clay. For 5 -7 year olds accompanied by an adult. £8 per child. Booking essential on (01223) 332904 or education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 15

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Club Log: Meldreth Brownies ‘A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day’ Meldreth Brownies was formed in 1956 as 1st Holy Trinity Brownie Pack. In the early 1960s Carol Mead and Audrey Hollamby were running both Brownies and Guides, meeting in Meldreth Village Hall. Between 1963 and 1976 Ann Handscombe became Brown Owl of the 24 strong pack of girls aged from 7 to 11 years Brownies: Penelope, Phillippa and old, assisted by Gillian Fleet, Annabelle (left to right) Joan Gipson and Mrs Marfleet. Ann remembers a highlight of that time being a visit to Cambridge by Lady Olave Baden Powell, Chief Guide and wife of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, whom all the Brownies were invited to meet in Long Road school. Due to a shortage of leaders the Pack closed for a while, then Rosemary Childerley, Barbara Housden and Bridget Chilvers re-started it. Ann Barnes was Brown Owl from 1985 –1995, then it closed for ten years. The Meldreth Brownies are flourishing once again, now meeting in the church hall and following the Brownie Adventure programme. Brown Owl Samantha Pascoe ensures that fun is at the heart of their weekly activities and encourages the girls to enjoy the outdoors and meet girls from other Packs. “It’s really fun to do different things for different seasons” says Emma, aged 8. Annabelle says “I like it when we spend the whole evening outside playing games.” Olivia enjoys earning badges and Alice likes singing. Zoe has been a Brownie for two years and loves Pack holidays. “We go to different places and try things like zip wires and climbing trees.” Brownies are part of Girlguiding, an international organisation promoting confidence and personal development for all girls whatever their background. If you’d like to know how to join the Meldreth Brownies email Samantha at 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com. Hilary Marsh 17

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk An Undiplomatic Memoir David Wright gave a fascinating talk wearing his diplomatic regalia including sword and many medals denoting his Honours. He set the tone for the evening by saying everything was off the record, non attributable and would be denied. The challenges of being a diplomat were outlined, from literal translations to how to say 'No', best defined by Lester Pearson the Canadian PM who said “The chief distinction of a diplomat is that he can say no in such a way as it sounds like yes.” A further quote was “Why does the sun never set on the British Empire? Because God would not trust an Englishman in the dark.” Altogether a very entertaining evening. This month’s event: Saturday 19th March, 7.30pm: talk on Calligraphy A talk by Leda Lopes Cardozo (widow of David Kindersley) and assistants on making letters in stone, glass, metal, paper and wood, including headstones, commemorative plaques, heraldic carving, and many others, cutting by hand avoiding using machines. Wine and nibbles included. Tickets £7.50 (Friends £7.00) from: Robert Long - (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 Steve Marshall - (01763) 261442 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742 Forthcoming Events: Sunday 24th April: Open Gardens A chance to visit some of the most attractive gardens in the village Friday 13th May: 32nd AGM This will be held in the Meeting Room at 8.00pm Planning is underway for the Summer Garden Concert in July, date to be confirmed, and the car show in early September. 18

Holy Trinity and All Saints Vacancy The Bishop of Ely has appointed The Reverend Elizabeth (Lizzie) Shipp as Parish Priest for Melbourn and Meldreth with her licensing to take place on 19th July. Lizzie grew up on a Norfolk farm and was ordained in Norwich. She spent four years as an assistant Curate in Wymondham, followed by five years in her present position as the Bishop’s Chaplain in the Diocese of Worcester. Heating Grant Now that the heating project has been completed, we have received a £1,000 grant from the Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust. This body previously supported the renovation of the stained glass window and we are most grateful to them. Around 50% of their funds come from the September Ride and Stride event with riders and walkers obtaining sponsorship by visiting as many churches as they can on the day. John Price

Good Friday Craft Workshop and Easter Egg Hunt Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth Friday 25th March 10.00 am - 12 midday Starting with a short act of worship and finishing with an Easter Egg hunt. All children and parents welcome. Lots of paint and glue – please wear suitable clothing. Children under school age should be accompanied; school age children can be signed in and out if a contact phone number of a responsible adult is left. For further information contact Karen on (01763) 261885, Ruth on (01763) 260183 or David on (01763) 260085 or david@coton.me.uk or just turn up on the day. We look forward to seeing you. Ruth Hopper 19

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Good Companions Our February meeting was a ‘Games Afternoon’ – as in board games, dominoes and card games and not physical jerks, I hasten to add! Amongst a lot of hilarity and chat some members even learnt some new card games. Our next meeting is on the Thursday 3rd March at 2.00pm in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way. We would like to see some new faces! L. G. Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 15th March at 8.00pm at 85 North End, Meldreth. We are happy to take prayer requests which are always treated in strict confidence. For further information please call Marion Long, (01763) 261365. Marion Long (01763) 261365

Church Services Sunday 6th March 9.45am Family Communion for Mothering Sunday Sunday 13th March 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 20th March 9.45am Family Communion for Palm Sunday Sunday 27th March 11.00am Easter Day Family Communion Marion Long 21

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The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management • Established 20 years and based in Melbourn, we manage around 100 properties in Cambridge and the surrounding area • We offer discounted management fees for multiple properties and free, no obligation visit to value for the purpose of rental • We have no ‘hidden’ fees and do not take commission on maintenance charges Call us for a Landlord Pack and Letting Centre leaflets providing information about fire, furniture, gas, electrical regulations or tax

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Meldreth Parish Council Notices Dog Fouling The Parish Council has put in another dog bin at the corner of the recreation ground leading to Howard Road, this now gives three dog bins in the recreation ground at three of the corners: one near the village hall entrance and at both corners leading to Howard Road. Mick our very loyal litter picker, who I am sure you all agree does a great job, does try and recycle as much as he can and it would be very much appreciated if dog bags can be put into the correct bins (the red dog bins) and not the regular litter bins. Thank you for your cooperation in this. Trees and Foliage Can all residents please look at their hedges and make sure they are not overhanging any footways or pavements. It should not be necessary for pedestrians to have to step onto the road to avoid foliage especially on busy roads. If this could be done soon before the birds start nesting it would be very much appreciated. Malton Lane Closure We have received notice that Malton Lane will be closed from 16th May to 20th May 2016 from 8.00am to 5.00pm in order to install a new sewer connection. Meldreth Parish Council

Meldrethâ€™s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you. Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 23

Volunteering Opportunities Please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com if you need volunteers for your group or organisation.

Cambridgeshire Police There are lots of ways in which you can volunteer in policing, from being an Independent Custody Visitor to volunteering as a Special Constable. Independent Custody Visitors are volunteers who visit in pairs to check on the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are being held. For more information, visit www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/ volunteer-schemes/independent-custody-visitors-scheme. Police Support Volunteers give their time and enthusiasm to make a difference to their community and help Cambridgeshire Constabulary to create a safer Cambridgeshire. For more information visit www.cambs.police.uk/recruitment/volunteers. Volunteer Police Cadets follow an intensive 13-week induction programme to prepare them to support their local communities. Volunteering activities can count towards the Princes Trust and Duke of Edinburgh Schemes. For more information, see www.cambridgeshirepcc.gov.uk/volunteer-schemes/volunteer-police-cadets-scheme. Special Constables play an important role in providing additional officers at local events and provide vital support across a whole range of policing activities. For more information, go to www.cambs.police.uk/recruitment/specials. If you are interested in either direct application or the Employer Supported Policing Scheme, a partnership between employers, their staff and Cambridgeshire Police, then please contact Victor Kerlin, Head of the Special Constabulary in Cambridgeshire, by emailing Victor.Kerlin@Cambs.pnn.police.uk. Victor Kerlin is available to meet with local employers, groups or local people to provide more information about the scheme and also to provide information about the recruitment process generally. Further information on the Employer Supported Policing Scheme is available on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website: www.cambs.police.uk/recruitment/specials/esp/. 24

Handyman • • • • • • • • • •

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Removal of Transport Subsidies for People with Disabilities At the time of writing this article, amongst the spectre of proposed County Council cuts is £125k used to fund a discount for people using Dial a Ride (community transport for people needing wheelchair and other disabled access), and discretionary bus passes before 9.30am for people who are registered blind. This is just one example of the transformational nature of the local authority cuts now happening under the obliteration of government funding for public services. Meanwhile, as people probably know, the County Council is legally required to fund the general concessionary bus pass scheme, whereby it must reimburse bus companies for journeys taken with bus passes. This costs the council about £5 million a year and most journeys are on commercial routes that don’t need council subsidy to keep them going. Something is not quite right in the balance of need and expenditure. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Oil Club and Camsight This year, the Melbourn Division bulk-buying Oil Club will be donating its small rebate to Camsight and we’d like it to go toward transport for people in our area who are registered blind, to help raise awareness the difficulties now faced. We’ll work with Camsight and Royston and District Community Transport (RDCT) to make our small contribution. If you’d like to know more about the Oil Club, which is designed to help households access lowest prices on household heating oil, please get in touch. Equally, if you would like to help support Camsight in our area, please contact them directly on (01223) 420033. Royston and District Community Transport provides essential lifts to people who can’t otherwise get around and always welcome donations and new volunteer drivers. RDCT may be contacted on (01763) 245228. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 26

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Meldreth Village D Monday The copy deadline for the April issue of Meldreth Matters is Saturday 12th March

Tuesday 10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

Wednesday 9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

5.30pm Slimming World 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Cam Valley 6.00-7.00pm Brownies Crafters 7.30pm Slimming World 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00pm Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning, Elin Way (see page 12) 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

Thurs

2.00pm Good Companions 6.00-6.45pm 7.00-9.00 pm Tennis

7.30pm Parish

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 5.30pm & 7.30pm Slim W 7.30pm WI

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Cam Valley 6.00-7.00pm Brownies Crafters 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Cam Valley Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & T 3.00pm Station Gardening (see page 9) 5.30 & 7.30pm Slim. W. 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

5.30pm Slimming World

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 7.00-10.00pm Cam Valley Crafters

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 8.00pm Prayer Group

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

7.30pm Slimming World

Last day of s

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Browni Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherw 28

iary - March 2016

sday

Pilates Table

h Council

Friday 7.00 for 7.30pm MPS PTA Quiz Night, Meldreth Primary School (see page 44)

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

12.00-2.30pm Link Murangâ€™a Lunch for Kambiti, Holy Trinity Church (see back page)

8.00am Holy Communion

Copy deadline for March issue

m Fitness

12.00 noon-5.00pm Craft Fair

m Table

7.00 for 7.30pm FOHT Talk, Holy Trinity Church (see page 18)

m Table

9.45am Family Communion for Mothering Sunday

8.00pm-11.00pm Scream Serenity, Eternit Sports and social club

m Fitness

Sunday

9.45am Family Communion for Palm Sunday

11.00am Easter Day Family Communion

10.00am - 12.00 noon Craft Workshop and Easter Egg hunt, Holy Trinity Church (see page 19)

chool term

m Fitness

m Table

Did You Know? Every copy of Meldreth Matters from January 2009 onwards is available online at free.yudu.com

North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History Group and the es & Melbourn and Meldreth Womenâ€™s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The wise indicated. 29

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 4th February 2016 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Mr C A Land - Chairman, Mr R A Searles - Vice Chairman, Mrs C J Fallon, Mr S Hawkins, Mr D Lee, Mr N Pellat, Mr D Stewart, and Mr A Young. In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Guest Speaker: Mrs Juliette Walters on CPR training and AED (automated external defibrillator) machines. Public Participation: There were five members of the public in attendance. Guest Speaker Mrs Walters brought along to the meeting an AED machine and a resuscitation manikin whereby a demonstration was given on how one of these machines would be used in the unfortunate event of a cardiac arrest. It is suggested that these machines should be placed in areas which are easily accessible at all times. If parishes got together and purchased a block order it may be cheaper. Residents from Biddalls Blvd Seeking information regarding land at Mettle Hill, the Parish Council explained that at the moment all interested parties need to submit a proposal to the Parish Council; they would then be invited to present this proposal to residents at the Village Meeting on 19th May 2016. Report from District Councillor A copy of the report was received by Councillors and is shown on pages 42-43. Report from County Councillor A copy of the report was received by Councillors and is shown on pages 38-39. Solar Money Working Group Minutes were circulated and the group are presently looking into several of the options, further discussions are needed. Matters arising Precept request has been sent to SCDC. 30

Dog Bin â€“ response from SCDC on placement of new bin has now been received. Mud on road â€“ Clerk has contacted Mr Burlton who was aware of the situation and the roads are being cleaned. Clerk is still trying to contact the landowner of the land near Sudely Grove. Mr Young will make enquiries as all avenues the Clerk has tried have not come to any result. Mettle Hill Clerk has sent out letters to all those who had shown an interest in Projects for Mettle Hill asking for their proposals along with an invitation to put forward these proposals at the Village meeting on 19th May 2016. Update on Landscaping Issues at Melrose There is concern about the asbestos cement located in the proposed community orchard which adjoins Melrose. Clerk is still awaiting updates on both accounts. Eternit There was an update regarding the proposal for 170 houses on their brownfield or arable land. There will be a public exhibition on Saturday 27th February in the Village Hall from 2 .00 to 8.00pm. The leaflet design has been circulated along with comment forms from Eternit. It was suggested that some of the wording in the comment form should be changed and that the reference to Meldreth Parish Council in the leaflet be omitted as it could be misleading. Comments to be sent to the Clerk who will then contact the company with the suggested changes. Clerk has still not heard back from Eternit regarding the four banners the Parish Council had requested. It was proposed by Mr Young, seconded by Mr Hawkins, that if Eternit could not organise the banners then the Clerk would do so and the costs to be met by Eternit. Financial Regulations Documentation had been circulated. It was proposed by Mr Young and seconded by Mr Hawkins to accept the new regulations; all agreed. Clerk to contact Lloyds to see how some of these changes, i.e. three signatories on the BACS payments can be achieved.

Parish Footpaths The recent minutes had been received together with a spreadsheet for works for the footpaths. The footpath team is opposed to any proposal to close the railway crossing on footpaths 6 and 10. Councillor van de Ven reported that Network Rail have promised that there will be a consultation on this matter. Correspondence and Clerk's Report Street Lighting (CCC) â€“ the Parish Council were informed that some of the street lights would be turned off from midnight until 6.00am. The Parish Council enquired if some of these lights could be turned back on at 5.30am for residents travelling to the station for the early trains. Following further discussions with CCC the lights will now be turned off from 2.00am to 6.00am. Unfortunately, there is no option to have the lights turned back on at 5.30am. The only option the Parish Council has is to pay ÂŁ7.70 per light and have them turned on for the whole night. Agenda item for next meeting. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon. By appointment at other times. Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Councillors: Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr S Hawkins

(01763) 261451

s.hawkins@dsl.pipex.com

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land (Chairman) (01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

(01763) 261571

david@oakrits.plus.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice-Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr D Stewart

(01763) 261562

derekstewart67@hotmail.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmaail.com

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Meldreth WI Lemon balm for insomnia, passionflower for stress, rosemary for winter depression, dandelion for arthritis â€Ś.. The list of herbs for healing was a real eye opener for Meldreth WI when herbalist Julie Dore gave her talk this month. So many plants have been proved to assist recovery and health over not only centuries, but millennia, that our gardens and meadows represent a natural pharmacy available to anyone. Julie explained how roots, leaves, flowers and seeds can be gathered and formed into tinctures, teas and ointments to be sipped, inhaled or applied to the skin. This was a fascinating talk and one any group would enjoy. As an accompaniment, Julie judged a competition of winter foliage arrangements which showed off some membersâ€™ floristry skills. An excellent evening. In March we have our annual meeting together with a quiz, raffle and cakes. We will also be having a demonstration of first aid skills. We always welcome guests, so put the second Thursday of the month in your diaries and come and join us - 7.30pm, Meldreth Village Hall â€“ see you there! Maureen Moody, President, maureenjmoody@ntlworld.com

Refuse Collections Collections in March will be on the following dates: Black bins:

4th and 18th March

Blue and green bins: 11th & 26th March* * change of day due to public holiday 34

Meldreth Then and Now Each month we are showing ”then and now” images of Meldreth scenes. This month’s images are of Topcliffe Mill in North End. The top photograph was taken by Alison Chalkley in the 1970s, the bottom photograph, by Kathryn Betts, shows the mill as it is today. For more information or to view more photographs, visit www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 23rd March, 7.00pm for 7.30pm at TTP, Melbourn Science Park. All welcome.

Who is cycling the A10? Shane Raison, Royston I work at Urban Plastics in Melbourn and cycle there and back every day. There are always about six others doing the same journey at the same time as me. The bus fare was costing about ÂŁ125 per month so I am saving. The A10 path is in terrible condition and the journey is very dangerous. Jens Richter, Harston (GP at Orchard Surgery, Melbourn) I cycle on the A10 path at least three times a week, commuting from Harston-Melbourn-Harston. Reason for cycling: it improves my wellbeing and fitness, reduces my CO2 footprint and is a good example for others. Sarah Hinton, Meldreth My name is Sarah Hinton and I work at Sagentia on the Harston Mill site and live in Meldreth. We have over 45 people who cycle to work on the site, either coming from Cambridge or from the villages between Harston and Royston. I cycle three or four times a week all year round and am greatly appreciating the new cycle path. I usually see about four other cyclists on my way to work and on the way home. There are also a few pedestrians, who are much easier to pass safely with the wider path. I cycle into Cambridge now and then and Royston too, although crossing the A505 has to be done very carefully â€“ a bridge over the A505 would persuade me to almost always cycle rather than drive into Royston! William Bains, Melbourn I live in Melbourn, and I cycle to the centre of Cambridge and back for work about 50 times a year (I work part-time in Cambridge). I cycle because it is healthier, much cheaper, and at 8.00am it is actually faster than driving. Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 36

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County Councillor’s Report Potholes Measurements are now more explicit. The Council website says: 'If you feel the issue presents a danger to the public, please call the police on 101. Please be aware that we will not repair defects below our agreed intervention levels. If you are reporting a pothole or road damage on quieter or residential roads, we will not repair it if it is under 50mm deep (about 2 inches). On all other roads, it must be over 20mm (about 1 inch) deep before we will repair it. For footways, we will not repair it if it is less than 25mm (1 inch) high or low'. Social Care 2% Extra Council Tax The Chancellor is allowing local authorities to raise an extra 2% in Council Tax specifically for social care. For Cambridgeshire that would bring in an additional £4.8 million; a lot of money though even with it massive cuts will have to be made. Parish Councils are being encouraged to write with their support for the rise. High Street Footway Highways has responded to my request to cost the footway work and look for funding, though there are no guarantees. The cost of resurfacing between One Stop and the station on the west side of the road would be £17K. I have arranged to take the new Highways officer to inspect it when he visits Meldreth later this month. Drainage In advance of the drainage information evening on 29th February, a date has been set for the relevant officers to tour Meldreth’s drainage network. Rob Searles will be joining the team. We will look at areas where residents have proactively improved drainage systems on their property as well as work that the parish needs the County Council to do. Flood Risk Audit Unfortunately the online map is somewhat superficial – much detailed information that would paint a more helpful picture is not there. I have asked if detailed local knowledge from the Highways team could be added in. There is a severe resource problem and funding for the audit project ran out some time ago. To be pursued. Fenny Lane/Whitecroft Road Junction Due to the fact that the junction appeared on the accident cluster list, its status for funding purposes has changed and therefore we should be 38

able to access some modest work from the Road Safety team. They are not able to help yet but have agreed to liaise in April on a plan to meet and figure out what remedial measures are possible. Superfast Broadband Anomalies in Meldreth There are two neighbourhoods that have been entirely missed out from the superfast broadband roll-out, that I am aware of, Burtons and Marys Way. It is critical that if you are having problems accessing this service, that you let the County Council’s Connecting Cambridgeshire team know. Their job is to chase BT very energetically to overcome the technical difficulties that have got in the way. Please contact me and I will put you in touch. Shepreth Parish Council has invited the Connecting Cambridgeshire team to a Parish Council meeting and if Meldreth would like to do the same that can be arranged. Susan van de Ven County Councillor 07905 325574 susanvandeven5@gmail.com

Police to Hold Cybercrime Conference Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner are to host a Cybercrime conference on Thursday 10th March between 6.00pm and 8.00pm at ARM’s offices, 110 Fulbourn Road, Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB1 9NJ. The conference will provide information about what the police are doing to combat one of the fastest growing crime types and also provide some practical advice on what businesses and individuals should be doing to protect themselves. You can meet members of the new Fraud and Cyber Investigation Unit (FCIU), hear about what the police are doing to tackle this threat and what businesses in particular should be doing to protect themselves. It will also enable businesses to share their concerns and their ideas with the police. If you would like to register to attend please contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by telephone on 0300 333 3456 or email cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk. Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner 39

Local Events in March Here is a selection of events happening nearby in March. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Until 6th March Opening Bold by local artist, Samuel Benjamin Harris The Upper Galleries, the Plough, Shepreth Sam will be using the gallery as an open studio most days except Wednesdays & Thursdays. Call (01763) 290348 to confirm details. Until 22nd May Death on the Nile: Uncovering the afterlife of ancient Egypt Galleries 12 and 13, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, CB2 1RB Free. For museum opening times visit: fitzwilliam.cam.ac.uk or telephone (01223) 332900. Sunday 6th March, 11.00am-4.00pm Mill Road Feast, Gwydir Street Car Park, Mill Road, Cambridge The Mill Road mile of international food and independent shops presents a pop-up market offering high quality local produce and street food. Parking at Parker’s Piece or just a short walk from Cambridge rail station. For more information visit: millroadfeast.com. Monday 7th to Sunday 20th March Cambridge Science Festival Venues throughout Cambridge From astronomy to zoology – talks, hands-on activities, performances, exhibitions, tours and films. The 2016 Festival focuses on how we manage the vast amounts of data we collect to increase our understanding of the world. Includes….. Tuesday 8th March, doors open 7.00pm & show starts 7.30pm Ladies Fashion Show and Pop Up Shop Melbourn Village College High Street fashion at 50% or more off. For tickets and further information email afriday@mvc.org.uk. Thursday 10th March, 6.00pm-7.00pm Turing’s Imitation Game Mill Lane Lecture Rooms, Cambridge CB2 1RW Professor Kevin Warwick challenges you to try to tell the difference in conversation between a human and a machine! Pre-book: www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk or call (01223) 766766. 40

Saturday 12th March, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting, Foxton Village Hall The speaker will be Vicky Ford, MEP who will talk on ‘The EU and its Development – In or Out?’ To book breakfast contact Mark Howard at Mark-Howard@UWclub.net, (01223) 503377 or Tony Garrick at garrick.tony@gmail.com, (01223) 510201. Saturday 12th March, 6.30pm-9.30pm Wimpole After Dark, Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW An exciting night-time event with live jazz/blues and a choice of exclusive tours in the house, gardens and parkland. Tickets £10, children £5. Booking essential: live.advancedticketing.co.uk. Saturday 12th March, 8.00pm Brahms Violin Concerto Cambridge University Music Society Symphony Orchestra West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge CB3 9DP Competition-winning soloist Julia Hwang, violin; conductor Carlos Izcaray. Tickets £10 to £20. Concessions available and students £5: ADC Box Office (01223) 300085 or book online: westroad.org. Sunday 20th March, 7.30pm Royston Choral Society Concert for Palm Sunday Standon Parish Church, near Ware, Herts SG12 1RJ Featuring music from Stainer, Mendelssohn and Handel inspired by Christ’s Passion. Tickets £12, concessions £9, school students £1 from Royston Library, choir members or at the door. Sunday 20th March, 11am-4.00pm Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre 250th Anniversary Open Day Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0SL Drop in to discover the inside story of this famous 250 year-old hospital. Meet the people who work there, learn more about its achievements, the science behind the medicine and what the future holds: www.cuh.org.uk/250openday; telephone (01223) 274470. Tuesday 22nd March, 10.30am-11.30am Drawing Workshop Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery, SG8 5AL Improve your drawing skills with expert tips and guidance. Led by local artist Susan Sanders. £5 per person. Please book in advance: (01763) 242587 or email: curator@roystonmuseum.org.uk. See www.roystonmuseum.org.uk for details of other events and workshops. 41

Compiled by John Crawforth

District Councillorâ€™s Report Reminder and Point of Clarification The presentation of the proposals for development of the Eternit Marley site is to be held on Saturday 27th February from 2.00-8.00pm. All are welcome and I understand that there will be an opportunity to make views known. The Marley development team is making two alternative proposals: one is to clean up and construct 170 houses on the old "Atlas" factory site, the other to build 170 houses on agricultural land owned by the factory bordered by Whaddon Road and Fenny Lane. For the record, my father has farmed the agricultural land in question as a tenant for many years and does not own or have any rights over this land. Shared Services South Cambridgeshire District Council continues to explore sharing services with neighbouring councils for cost cutting and economies of scale reasons. Local Plan Schedule The Planning Inspector has now published a schedule for considering the revised Local Plan. Hearings will not resume until June 2016 and there will then be several weeks of hearings, in blocks of weeks with gaps between, which I anticipate will possibly push into next year. The Inspector will then adjourn for deliberations, so we could be looking towards the back end of 2017 before a decision is reached. New Gypsy and Traveller Officer I met with the newly appointed SCDC Gypsy and Traveller Officer, Stephanie Kuch, and explained some of the background of the Mettle Hill site and the results of the recent village wide consultation. She has visited the Showmen community in Meldreth this month as part of a district wide assessment of housing needs in the traveller community. Council Tax Needs to be raised otherwise there will be major cuts. It is proposed to have a ÂŁ5 per year rise over the next five years on Band D houses. Scrutiny Committee I attended the SCDC Scrutiny Committee in February and am pleased to report that the performance of the Contact Centre has improved 42

considerably. Calls are being answered more regularly and waiting times for calls to be answered are down. The Council is still aiming to direct customers to its Digital by Default service whereby they hope that residents will use the Council website to see if they can find the information they seek rather than telephone or visit the Camborne Office. The Council has a new programme seeking opportunities to commercialise add-on services as an income generation exercise and given the financial challenges facing Council budgets this, I believe, is to be welcomed. Planning I also sat on the Planning Committee in February. Among the applications was one for a massive 106 hectare 50 MW solar farm on land North of the A428. As you know, several solar farms, mainly sited on agricultural land, have been approved in South Cambridgeshire. However, last year the government issued new guidance which was aimed at discouraging the siting of solar farms on good quality agricultural land, categorised as Best and Most Valuable Land (BMV). This was the first such application on BMV land coming before Planning Committee after the issue of the guidance and it was unanimously refused, both for misuse of BMV quality land and because the proposed site was too large in scale. It remains to be seen whether the application will be appealed. Bin Tidiness I have been contacted by a resident who has asked me to request that bins be tucked away once they have been emptied by the Council. I think this is a reasonable request. The government in fact requires any newly built house to have a bin store in which to tidy away and conceal bins; while I know that not everyone has the means to conceal their bins, we can all do our best to keep the street clear from bins when they are not waiting to be emptied. Philippa Hart District Councillor, Meldreth and Shepreth Ward philippajhart@btinternet.com 07811 323571 or (01763) 261255

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our AGM was held in All Saints Community Hall on Tuesday 26th January and Rev. Mary Price kindly chaired the meeting for us. Formal reports were given and adopted. The committee was elected with no changes. We also nominated The Laughter Specialists as our charity of the year. The Laughter Specialists work in hospices, SEN centres and schools; in fact anywhere that they are required. They can visit for a short show of up to an hour or come for a whole afternoon visiting individual children in wards, classrooms or playrooms. We look forward to learning more about them and the proceeds from the raffle are already on the way to the charity. After the formal business was complete we had a bring and share supper which was of the usual high standard. Our new programme was given out and we look forward to another interesting year. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd March in Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. This will be a lent reflection led by Marion Long and begins at our usual time of 7.45pm If you would like to know more about the group please contact any of the committee members: Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775 or Angela Leach on (01763) 262793. Pat Smith

Meldreth Primary School PTA Quiz Meldreth Primary School PTA Quiz Night is to be held at Meldreth Primary School on Friday 4th March 2016, 7.00pm for 7.30pm. To book your place meldrethpta@gmail.com.

and

choice

meal

please

Teams are in groups of eight and the ticket cost is £8.50 per person, including supper or £3.00 without supper. Nina Lancaster 44

Coton Electrical

For your choice of Excellence .....

Granta Montessori School Shepreth Village Hall, Station Road, Shepreth, Royston, Herts.

for all Domestic wiring Full rewiring Consumer units Lights and switches New sockets Gardens Kitchens & bathrooms

At Granta Montessori School, we are proud to offer a child-centered, Montessori environment where learning is joyful and caring, and where courtesy, acceptance and compassion prevail. The foundations of “Learning for life” are acquired through a varied curriculum, which closely follows the Montessori Method of Education in conjunction with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. With a memorable and highly successful 26 years behind us – let us show you how we can help your child (2-5yrs) develop. (Nursery Education Funding accepted) Places now available.

NEW! Inspections PAT Tests NEW!

Free estimates www.cotonelectrical.co.uk david@cotonelectrical.co.uk

Call David on 07749 850026 17 Flambards Close, Meldreth

For further information please call: Dianne Sinnatamby : 01223 502992.

TCS Design

CharteredArchitecturalTechnologists

Architectural Design ▪ Planning Drawings ▪ Building Regulations ▪ Construction Drawings ▪ Project Administration

Providing personal and professional architectural design service from inception to completion for all residential and commercial construction projects. Our services include: • • • • • • •

Feasibility Studies Concept Designs and 3D Sketches Planning Drawings Building Regulations and Construction Drawings Specifications Tender Management Project Administration

For further information and examples of our work please visit our website

www.tcs-design.co.uk Unit 9, Avenue Business Park, Brockley Road, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4EY t: 01954 267771 m: 07962 066132 e: info@tcs-design.co.uk New Buildings ▪ Extensions ▪ Alterations ▪ Refurbishments ▪ Conversions ▪ Space Planning ▪ Low Energy Design

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

ETERNIT SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Licensed Bar ~~~~~~~ Children’s Outdoor Activity Area ~~~~~~~ Fully Equipped Gym (Membership Required) ~~~~~~~ Hall Available For Private Hire (Competitive Rates) ~~~~~~~ Local Gig Venue ~~~~~~~ Tel. 01763 260250 www.melbourn-rock-club.com

Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Telephone: 01954 269259

Pet & Livestock Feeds, Bedding, Hay & Straw, Wild Bird Food New Lines: Rat Poison, Road & Water Softener Salt Email: judy@fenfeeds.co.uk

www.fenfeeds.co.uk

Bespoke picture framing service, with 12 years experience, offering friendly professional advice using quality materials.

NEW STUDIO & WORKSHOP Unit 2, Cambrad Building College Farm Business Park, North End Meldreth. SG8 6NT

www.the-picture-framers.co.uk Mon - 9am-3.30pm / Tue-Fri - 9am-5pm Please call for Saturday and evening appts.

Tel. 01763 261972

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch The following is a fraud reported by Cambridgeshire police; an example of the sort of apparently convincing story that fraudsters will use to try to trick the vulnerable. If you know a vulnerable person, why not suggest to them that they contact you before agreeing to anything as a result of an unsolicited telephone call or visit. Some older people have received telephone calls from a caller who purports to be from their G.P. surgery and asks for an appointment to discuss the personsâ€™ mobility needs. During the appointment, the older person is persuaded to buy mobility aids which are either unnecessary or inappropriate and always expensive. If you receive a call like this, please check with your G.P. surgery first before agreeing to a visit. This has already been circulated to all G.P. surgeries and the Clinical Commissioning Groups by the N.H.S. In South Cambridgeshire, we have already received a report of a similar incident in the Fen Ditton area, where a resident received a fraudulent call from a company trying to sell them medical/vitamin equipment. The caller kept demanding their bank details; they appeared to know the individual's medical history and claimed to be from their local G.P. surgery. The caller threatened that they would continue calling until they got the response they wanted. If you have concerns that you or someone you know may have received a similar call, please do report the details via 101. The Cambridge Police website www.contactcambspolice.uk.

report

various

issues

If you would like to get involved with Neighbourhood Watch in Meldreth we have some areas that need coordinators. If you are the sort of person who likes to watch out for neighbours and notices things out of the ordinary this will allow you to contribute to keep crime low across South Cambridgeshire. Please contact Graham Borgonon on 01763 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Oral History of the Americans in World War Two Do you remember the Americans here during World War Two? Was your home used by servicemen during the war? Did you live near a base during World War Two? Would you like to share those memories? We would love to hear from you, or someone you know, who has memories and stories to share. If you are interested please contact us for more information! The 8th in the East is collecting stories of the “Friendly Invasion” to document the impact of the American Air Force presence during World War Two. We would love to record your memories as part of this project. Call (01449) 775542 or email info@8theast.org. Karina Flynn Project Assistant

Forthcoming Events The more than just a quiz - Quiz Night Saturday 16th April, 7.00pm for 7.30pm (prompt start) Meldreth Village Hall To raise money to enable Caitlin to join a team to go to Tanzania to help build a school on behalf of the incredible organization Childreach International. A friendly quiz with raffle prizes and more Teams of 6, £24 per table Bring your own drinks and nibbles Telephone 07933 388722 or email ann.rogers333@gmail.com with your team name to book your table Ann Rogers Spring Open Gardens Sunday 24th April A chance to visit some of the most attractive gardens in the village. 48

CYTECH Trained Prepare your bicycles for spring and summer cycling. We can carry out a wide range of tasks:

• • • • •

Assemble boxed bikes Customise Service Maintain Repair

Competitive out of town rates available for all customers, drop in and see us.

All enquiries welcome. For rent in Central Algarve, Portugal

Casa Sarita - 3 or 4 bedroom holiday villa Between Loulé & Santa Bárbara de Nexe, 15-20 minutes from Faro airport. Private pool, stunning sea views, not far from golf and the beach, sleeps up to eight. Further pictures and information on our website: www.casasarita.com or e-mail Lynn at ritsema@btinternet.com

To advertise in this space, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

See page 56 for our rates.

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address 33 North End, C/11/17/07/02

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Tree Work â€“ Crown lift Beech Tree

Meldreth's tree officer Mrs Margaret Lynch, has arranged a site meeting with the resident. It was suggested that the Clerk ask for an extension so that the comments from the Tree Warden can be incorporated. However, it was felt that the work should be kept at a minimum. The solar array would require a heavier pruning and this is felt to be not justified. The trees form an important part of the streetscape near the church.

11 The Grange, Single storey rear S/2858/15/FL and front extension

37 Station Road, Melbourn, S/3097/15/FL

Erection of detached Annexe containing five hotel rooms, laundry room and disabled WC

29 North End, S/3127/15/DC

Discharge of conditions for application S/2617/14/LB & S/2618/14/FL

11 North End, To erect a S/3004/15/LB & conservatory to S/3005/15/FL the rear of the property

Meldreth Parish Council recommend Approval with comments. 'Have there been discussion with No. 12 The Grange regarding a 'Party Wall Agreement'? Meldreth Parish Council recommend Approval with comments. 'Meldreth Parish Council were not previously consulted on the previous application S/0899/15/FL, which was refused. Due to the documents not being received in time, this application has been deferred until the Planning Meeting on the 4th February.

Meldreth Parish Council recommend No Objection with comments. 'If SCDC are minded to approve this application a condition to be inserted that the converted garage remains ancillary to the occupation of the main building and not as a separate residence'

Continued 50

Reference and Address 29 North End, S/3127/15/DC

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Discharge of conditions for application S/2617/14/LB & S/2618/14/FL

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'No Objections' with no comments.

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

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address Decision

Has been granted permission for Variation of Condition S/1616/15/VC 2 (Approved Plans ) of planning consent S/1427/14/FL Land between Railway and Sewage for Solar Farm and Associated Works. Disposal Works, Royston Road, Melbourn C/11/40/071 Dangerous Elm tree on Manor Road, Meldreth.

Consent has been given by SCDC to have the tree felled in front of 9 Manor Road and Fenny Lane. 'There is a statutory requirement to have this tree replaced by any species or size and can be planted any where within the property' (Town and Country Planning Act 1990 s198).

S/2981/15/LD 7a Whitecroft Road,The Sidings

A certificate of Lawful Development (Town and Country Planning Act 1990 s192) has been given for the conversion of integrated garage to habitable space.

1 Flambards Close, S/2618/15/LD.

Lawful Development Certificate: Class A – Garage Conversion to kitchen and associated internal alterations.

Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 51

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire http://www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start are exploring ways of asking volunteers to assist us in providing our much needed service to families. We are therefore looking for volunteers to help us with our Fundraising events in the role of Volunteer Fundraising Events Co-ordinator and to assist our Office Manager with some administrative tasks. If you think you, or someone you know, would be interested, please give us a ring on (01763) 262262 or email us on admin@hsrsc.org.uk. Flowers with Chrisâ€Ś Have fun creating your own flower design for Easter on: Tuesday 22nd March 11.00am - 1.00pm Abington Pigotts Village Hall SG8 0SH Tickets: ÂŁ12.00 Materials provided but please bring sharp scissors, any small-leafed foliage and Easter accessories.

Tea, coffee and delicious home-made cakes available. Please ring Tracy on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk for tickets and further information. Proceeds to Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk

Registered charity no: 1105385 52

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service www.cambsfire.gov.uk Did you know that being a smoker or living with someone who smokes puts you at higher risk of having a fire in your home? Throughout March we are raising awareness of the fire risks associated with smoking and we would like you to join in. Smoking is one of many factors making someone more at risk of fire. For example, when combined with poor mobility, health problems or being elderly, it increases someoneâ€™s chance of having a fire. Here are some tips to take on board or give to friends and family that smoke: Never leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended. Always use a proper ashtray and make sure the contents are cold before you tip it in the bin. Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking in a chair if you are likely to fall asleep. If you're feeling drowsy, are drinking alcohol or are taking prescription drugs, take extra care when smoking. It is very easy to fall asleep and not notice a cigarette is still burning. Most importantly, fit a working smoke alarm and test it regularly. Donâ€™t forget to also test the smoke alarms of those you love. If you have an elderly or vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour, pop by and make sure they have a working smoke alarm. If you think someone is vulnerable and could be at a higher risk if a fire broke out in their home, then please call us on 0800 917 9994 and we can provide advice and support. Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service (01480) 444500 www.cambsfire.gov.uk

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

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

Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Maureen Moody—(01763) 260938

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 Tracy Aggett—(01763) 243376

Church

Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

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

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

(01223) 453702, Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm

Rail User Group

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

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrookeâ€™s NHS

(01763) 260220; Dispensaryâ€”(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found on the PC website,

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com (search for Meldreth)

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. Lynn Driscoll Foot Care .................... 22 Mandy Thornton Counselling ........... 27 MCT Construction............................ 37 Melbourn Flooring ............................ 14 Melbourn Village College.................. 33 Meldreth Landscapes .......................... 5 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 53 Meridian Lawncare ........................... 33 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ...... 33 Moncraft Computers......................... 22 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 33 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ....... 20 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................. 20 The Picture Framers .......................... 46 Reflections Hair Studio ..................... 27 Richard Burns Electrician .................. 16 Rod’s PC Support................................ 2 Royston Fencing................................ 16 Salisbury String Quartet .................... 16 Shelford Energy ................................. 22 Slimming World ................................ 14 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 25 Summit Landscapes ........................... 49 TCS Design ....................................... 45 Village Cycle Repairs ........................ 49 Village Garden Services ..................... 27 Walkers Partnership Solicitors .... Cover Weight Loss and Nutritional Advice . 46

A10 Timber ...................................... 37 Algarve Villa ..................................... 49 Armstrong Window Cleaners ........... 37 Art of Clean ...................................... 16 Art of Clean Wood ........................... 46 B2B Automotive ................................. 5 Bracey’s Accountants .......................... 2 Cambourne Self Storage ................... 33 Cambridge Roofers ........................... 27 CHS Day Centre ............................... 37 CHS Group.................................. Cover College Farm B & B .......................... 5 Coton Electrical ................................ 45 The Country Store ............................ 37 Ely Design Group ............................. 20 Eternit Sports and Social Club .......... 46 Fen Feeds Limited ............................. 46 Gilhooly....................................... Cover Granta Montessori Shepreth ............. 45 Home Foot Care ............................... 16 iPlaster .............................................. 27 James, Handyman ................................ Joe Cowan, Handyman .................... 25 JPK Plumbing and Heating ............... 20 Keyholes Driving School .............. Cover Lawn Partners .................................. 25 The Letting Centre ............................ 22 Little Hands Nursery School............. 16 56

We can make life a little easier Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court Homecare: our fully trained carers visit you in your home. Sitting service: a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers time for themselves. Day Centre: based at Moorlands Court with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch. Meals service: nutritious, hot lunchtime 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, call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564 or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS HAVE MOVED Our new address is:

FISH HILL CHAMBERS, 2-3 FISH HILL, ROYSTON, HERTS, SG8 9JY Our reduced rate wills will be available every week day throughout March 2016 from 8.00am until 6.00pm, and on Tuesday evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only. Also on the Saturday mornings of 5th and 19th MARCH 2016, again by appointment only: Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £250.00 plus VAT Single Will - £130.00 plus VAT HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF ROYSTON. For more information please contact:Tel: 01763 241121 or email: t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

Saturday 12th March Lunch for Kambiti

Holy Trinity Meeting Room 12.00 – 2.30pm for lunch Soups and Puddings

Members of the Link Murang’a team visited Kambiti, which is a small rural area in Murang’a South, Kenya, in June 2015. The dispensary there will provide the community with basic health care against Malaria and Typhoid, an immunization programme for the children, basic health screening for diabetes and heart disease and pre and post natal support for mothers.

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