A Meldreth Garden

A difficulty of gardening without peat is the quality of commercial peat-free seed and cuttings compost. The formulae I have tried are very poor; they generally hold too much water and seedlings rot off or are too sharply drained and dry out quickly, or worse, both hold too much water and dry out like concrete. For that reason I have started making my own compost,. Last year I had several failures but now have an idea of what works well enough. It Includes leaf mould, sharp sand, perlite, and hot composted garden compost; all ingredients other than the perlite are sterilised in the microwave. The aim to provide the correct amount of water holding capacity while still allowing free drainage and low nutrients needed for seed and cuttings compost. Due to ingredient variability, I am still formulating by eye, but will report back when things are a bit more quantitative. For seed sowing, it is start again for everything half hardy that froze in the greenhouse. Most hardy plant seedlings survived the cold spell in the non-heated greenhouse. There is still time to re-sow for the coming year, but it all gets a bit frantic as space is at a premium when potting on. I can see the need for a cold frame.

I have sown seeds of leeks, onions and beetroots in modules and I have planted shallot sets to replace the few that died with frost in the allotment, while the garlic appears untouched. Early potatoes ‘Casablanca’ and second early ‘Charlotte’ are chitting; main crop ‘Picasso’ and ‘Pink fir apple’ will follow for later planting.

I have potted on plants grown from seed including chilli and sweet peppers, three varieties of tomato ( crimson crush, losetto and burlesque, all outside varieties resistant to blight). Of the flowers, the annuals, dwarf rudbeckia, heleniums, white laceflower ‘orla grandiflora’ and nigella grown from seed, have been potted on. They go into the greenhouse when the weather allows, currently on south facing windowsills.

Blooming at the moment are: daffodils and purple crocus at their peak, species tulip, white crocus, fritillary, garden hyacinth, pulmonaria, white periwinkle (a thug, don’t introduce it to your garden), grape hyacinth and forget-me-nots. Have a walk along the river Mel to Melwood for a great show of daffodils, including some native daffodil ‘Narcissus pseudonarcissus’. At this time of year I remember the ten mature Prunus serrulata ‘kanzan’ trees my parents grew around their garden. A beautiful, short lived, double pink flowering cherry tree, growing to ten meters high. The wind would come and blow confetti petals to a carpet of pink across the lawn.

Tasks for the Flower Garden

 Order plug plants.

 Prune winter flowering jasmine, buddleia, eucalyptus, bush and climbing roses.

 Deadhead hydrangeas cutting back stems to healthy buds.

 Start sowing half hardy annuals undercover.

 Plant out indoor bulbs like hyacinths into the garden when finished flowering indoors, be careful not to damage the roots.

 Put flower supports in place before being needed for a more natural effect.

 A good time to lay turf or to reseed lawns. Cut the lawn on a high cut if weather allows, followed by edging which makes the garden look neat.

 Mulch around fruit trees avoiding the neck to stop rotting and mulch anywhere else to nourish the fruit trees and suppress weeds.

 Take tip cuttings from tender fuchsias when they come into growth.

 Take basal cuttings from new growth at the base of, e.g. chrysanthemums, delphiniums, lupins, daisies and phlox.

 Plant out hardy herbaceous perennials and plant hardy annual seed outside.

 Lift and divide overgrown clumps of hardy perennials.

Tasks for the Vegetable Garden

 Protect early vegetables with cloches.

 Stay on top of weeding now to save problems later.

 Plant out onions and garlic sets. Grow leeks from seed under cover.

 Open the greenhouse to ventilate on warm days.

 Sow seeds in the allotment if weather permits.

 Pot-on tomato, pepper and other seedlings as required.

Iain McPhee

Melbourn Hub http://melbournhub.co.uk

March is set to be a very exciting month at the Hub. Our artist in residence is Beth Pyle, who will be exhibiting her acrylic paintings. We have updated our website: www.melbournhub.co.uk so you can look at future events.

Weekly events:

Every Wednesday: Citizens Advice 10.00am-12.00pm - to book, contact us on (01763)263303 or email hubadmin@melbourn.co.uk (note; no CA on 1st March)

Every Thursday: Primary Care Network 10.00am-11.30am - drop-in session providing advice & support on health & wellbeing.

Every Friday : Children's Story time 10.00am-10.30am –for under 5s. Drop-in.

Monthly events

Thursday 2nd March: Carers Cafe 2.00pm-3.30pm.—A safe place, come along to chat freely and enjoy a tea/coffee and cake. No need to book, just drop in.

Wednesday 15th March: Menopause Cafe 10.00am-12.00noon. Please book via email at: cpicb@meridiancare.nhs.net

Monday 20th March : ‘Healthy You' Free Health Checks 9.00am-4.30pm

Wednesday 29th March: Monthly lunch club 12.15pm-1.45pm. Meet for a social lunch together. Booking essential; contact the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com

Special for March:

Sunday 5th March: Melbourn Community NHS Health and Wellbeing Day. 10.00am-3.00pm Services include: Covid-19 vaccines for those eligible, child immunisation checks, (you will be contacted by the NHS if eligible) general lifestyle advice and free NHS MOTs.

Thursday March 9th: Meet the Author evening with Lucy Lewis. 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm). Booking essential; call (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com

Saturday March 11th: Festival of Stories 10.00am-12.00noon. A sensory story experience for children followed by a book hunt around the village. To book, contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbourn.co.uk

Shepreth Spitfires FC

I would like to start this village news piece by letting all of the villagers know that Shepreth Spitfires Football Club is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom live in Meldreth, Shepreth and Barrington. Further, Sean and I (who are also volunteers) would like to say a big thank you to all of the coaches, referees, organisers and fundraisers who give up their time for free, for the children of the villages and surrounding areas. It really makes a big difference to many families, especially since the fundraising keeps football at the club affordable, or indeed free for some, and that is especially meaningful these days.

The club also has sponsors for each of the teams to help with the cost of kits and equipment. The under 11 66 Sqn are very excited and very lucky that the Chequers at Fowlmere restaurant sponsors the boys and girls and have this month bought the team fantastic waterproof coats to keep them dry during winter; a big thank you to Tiffany and everyone at The Chequers.

Shepreth Spitfires are also very proud of the under 10s who are battling hard in a tough division; they are so enthusiastic and were very unlucky to lose 2 -0 this Saturday. They are very dedicated, and myself and their coaches Richard and Kevin W, both from Meldreth, would like to say what great little footballers and team mates they all are.

If anyone would like to join Shepreth Spitfires, please contact www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk or call Sean on 07510175370. Thank you

Volunteer Drivers Desperately Needed

Royston & District Community Transport need more volunteer drivers in this area to help them provide their vital service to the community. For more information or to volunteer, please see www.roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.

Canadian Film makers: March Visit

Three Canadian film makers came to Meldreth last month with a view to filming a documentary about a past Meldreth resident called Kathleen Parlow, a famous young Canadian classical violinist who lived at The Homestead in the High Street between 1912 and 1925. They have been sponsored by a Canadian Arts Fund. Kathleen was a prodigy, a great violinist and the first woman and international student to attend the famed St. Petersburg Music Conservatory in Russia. She did some of the first musical recordings with Thomas Edison on blue amberol cylinders in the early 1900's with the London Gramophone Company. When she was 17 she had a concerto dedicated to her by the famed Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen titled Opus 28. The film will re-piece her career so that her incredible accomplishments can finally be recognized. and celebrated. Originally the director and one of the actors visited Meldreth in 2019 and considered it an ideal location for their film. Later, three members of their small film company revisited Kathleen‘s life here again this January. Look out for them in the village between March 25th to April 7th. If you have a connection with the Parlow family, please contact me via the email below. More information about Kathleen on our Meldreth History website: https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/newcontributions/kathleen-parlows-relationship-with-meldreth-1912-to-1925

Joan Gane

Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Things for children & families to do in March

Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March, 9.30am - 4.00pm

World Book Day: Anglesey Abbey, Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ

Dress as a book character, bring your favourite book for story-telling, writing and fun. Visit the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Under 17s free. Story time at 11am, 12.00noon, 1.00pm and 2.00pm. Non-members normal admission charge.

Tuesday 7th March, 4.00pm - 6.30pm

Apprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair: CRC, Kings Hedges Rd CB4 2QT

Talk to local employers about placements, work experience, apprenticeships, training and volunteering.

Saturday 11th March, 11.00am - 1.00pm

Whipple Museum: Connections (part of British Science Week)

Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard CB2 1JE

Interactive fun using scientific instruments and models relating to astronomy, navigation, surveying, medicine etc. Book on: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Sunday 12th March, 11.30am or 2.30pm

Hulla Balloony Moon Time: Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX

A zingy, high energy story with riotous rhyme, zany puppets and music. For ages 2-7. £12.50 adults, £8.50 children.

Sunday 12th March, 4.00pm - 5.00pm

Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley: Saffron Hall, Audley End Rd, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH

Winner of the BBC Young Musician Brass final in 2016, horn player Ben teams up with pianist Richard to play music from Beethoven to Bozza. Tickets £10, under 25s free. www.saffronhall.com.

Saturday 18th March, 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Dino Crafts: Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard CB2 3QD

Part of British Science Week. For accompanied children of 4+. Free but book a place on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Saturday 25th March, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Plants that bite back: Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE

Discover how carnivorous plants catch their prey and what they have eaten; make your own model plant. For ages 12+ with accompanying adult. Book on www.eventbrite.co.uk. Free.

Things to do in March

Saturday 4th March, 1.30pm to 2.15pm

‘Snow Widows’, a talk by author Katherine MacInnes

Scott Polar Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER

Celebrate International Women’s Day by hearing the untold stories of the race to discover the South Pole from the perspective of five remarkable women whose lives were forever changed by it. Free event.

Sunday 5th March, 11.00am to 7.00pm

Indian Street Food Mela: Namaste Village, 45 - 47 Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AH

Showcasing the varied food traditions and flavours of the country’s different regions. Plus guest speakers, dance, music, henna and handicrafts. Experience India’s rich cultural heritage. Admission £3 per person. For details visit www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Friday 10th March, 8.00pm

Foyer Folk: Gilmore and Roberts: Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH

Celebrated folk/acoustic duo Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar); relax in the Saffron Hall foyer. Street food and bar. Tickets £13.50, under-25s £6.75 from www.saffronhall.com.

Saturday 11th March, 7.30pm to 11.00pm

Melbourn FC Quiz Night: MVC The Moor, Melbourn SG8 6EF

Teams of up to six people, licensed bar, snacks provided. For tickets (£5 per head) contact Ash on 07845 766945, email melbournfc@outlook.com or buy on the night. 20% of proceeds goes to charity.

Sunday 12th March, 10.00am to 3.30pm

Peterborough Book Fair: Highgate Hall, Overend, Elton, Cambridgeshire PE8 6RU

Popular fair held in a pretty village. Up to twelve dealers selling books covering a wide variety of subjects, also postcards. Delicious home-made refreshments. Free parking. Admission £1, children free.

Wednesday 15th March, 7.00pm (online Zoom event)

‘A life in Stained Glass and Geometry’ with Debora Coombs

Ely Stained Glass Museum: South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL

A series of talks by influential stained glass artists share their skills and experience. Debora, a graduate of the London Royal College of Art, has done pioneering work in the UK and America, using mathematics to explore the way light is projected. Reserve your place at www.stainedglassmuseum.com. Joining fee £6.50.

Friday 17th March to Sunday 2nd April, varying times and venues: Cambridge Festival, University of Cambridge Online, on-demand and in-person events covering all aspects of the research happening in Cambridge. Over 350 events: panel discussions, film premieres, selfguided walking tours to family interactive events. Sign up for full programme details and news at www.festival.cam.uk.

Sunday 19th March, 7.30pm

Songs of Springtime, New Cambridge Singers: St Botolph’s Church, Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1QA

The choir, conducted by Graham Walker, will perform songs by Elgar, Howells, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Rutter and others, each inspired by a flower. Tickets £16, students £8, under-18s free from www.concert-diary.com.

Wednesday 22nd March, 10.00am

Woodland and Wildlife Walk: Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE

Enjoy the woods and learn about its wildlife. Gentle two hour guided walk led by one of Wandlebury’s wardens. Meet at noticeboard in the car park. Free but donations welcome. www.cambridgeppf.org.

Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th March, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend and Country Fair

Two days of fun activities, street food, bars, live music, Morris dancing, hot drinks and great home-made refreshments. Browse over 100 stalls and watch blacksmiths at work in the smithy; the daffodils are pretty spectacular too!

Admission on the day £10 adults, Children 5 - 16 £5, under 5s free.

Saturday 25th March, 7.00pm (doors open 6.30pm)

J S Bach: St Matthew Passion: St John’s College Chapel, 11 St. John’s St, Cambridge CB2 1TW

The Fairhaven singers will sing Bach’s masterpiece complete, in German (full translation provided in free programme). Tickets: adults £19 (rear) £27 (front), students £11/£18, under 18s free from www.fairhavensingers.org.uk.

John Crawforth