Meldreth Matters, May 2016

May 2016

MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Cherry Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Fax: 01763 262450 Vast Range of Carpets, Vinyls, Real Wood, Laminates, Karndean, Amtico and Project Floors Free Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff Dulux Paint stocked in a wide range of colours Over 6000 Wallpaper samples Colour co-ordination service by experienced staff Designer Fabrics, most with next day delivery - Curtain making service Match flooring to walls and fabric for a designer finish New Tile showroom at 26 Royston Road, Foxton, CB22 6SE, 01223 870011.

Covering all your tiling needs. www.melbournflooring.co.uk j.shepherd@melbournflooring.co.uk VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF. AMPLE FREE PARKING.

WE LISTEN SUPPORT ADVISE EMPOWER. YOU ASPIRE. There are many demands on a business owner’s time, and despite what most accountants think, the accounts are not usually at the top of the list! Having the support of a Business Advisor who not only takes care of the financial essentials but who listens and empowers you to focus on those areas that only you can deal with is essential in helping your business thrive.

If that’s the kind of relationship you want with your accountant, give us a call.

Bracey’s Accountants (Cambs) Limited HFL House 1 Saxon Way Melbourn Cambs SG8 6DN Tel: (01223) 929150 Email: tracey@braceys-accountants.co.uk

Meldreth Matters, May 2016 Contents include …

Memories of Roger Hart May Events in Meldreth Marley Eternit Devt. Update Vacancy for a Parish Councillor Local History Talk on Brexit Church Fete Letter to the Editor Gardening It’s Time to Fly the Nest Melwood Councillors’ Reports Annual Parish Meeting News from Heidi Allen FOHT & Church News Link Murang’a Volunteering Opportunities Parish Council What’s On for Children Primary School & Toddler Group 1st Melbourn Guides Cycling Women’s Group Club Log & Good Companions British Legion & D of E Volunteers Neighbourhood Watch Planning Matters Update on Drainage Action Local Events in May Sports Pages Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 2-3 4-5 7 8 10-11 12 12 15 16-17 18-19 20 22-25 25 26-27 28-29 30-31 33 36-41 42 44-45 46 48-49 51 52-53 54 57 58-59 61 62-63 64-65 66-67 68

Welcome to the May issue of Meldreth Matters.

Never let it be said that not much happens in Meldreth!

In this issue there are details of a wide variety of events taking place in the village: from a rat show to a talk on Brexit; from a rock concert to a bird walk; from a musical comedy horror show to open days at Topcliffe Mill.

In addition, the Annual Parish Meeting will be taking place on Thursday 19th May (see page 25) and will include a presentation of proposals for the use of the land on Mettle Hill and an update on the planning proposals for the Marley Eternit site (see page 7).

Kathryn

Cover: Grade II Listed Water Pump, North End. Photograph by Francesca 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.

1

Memories of Roger Hart My good friend Roger Hart passed away on 12th March aged 78. My first memory of Roger was playing cricket with him on the front lawn of Fenny Lane Farmhouse where his father Vernon and mother Kathleen lived.

Vernon and my father Bill Dash were good friends. Both had an interest in Greyhound racing and they also went into business together when they started The Royston Milk Company which was based in Stamford Yard, Royston.

I did not see much of Roger after he started his schooling at Meldreth before going on to the Perse. He then went to Oaklands Agriculture College in St. Albans but had to cut short his education because of his father’s failing health. In 1958 the family moved to the Grove at the top of Fenny Lane. Again, cricket brought us together as we did battle on the field when Roger played for St. Giles and I was playing for Royston. Roger’s ambition was to farm in New Zealand but this was not possible as he was committed to the land at Fenny Lane Farm. He married Joy, whom he had met through cricket and when his father Vernon died in 1963 Roger took on the responsibility of running the farm and caring for his family.

All his life Roger worked extremely hard and aided by his trusty lieutenants, Reg Prime and Nobby Easter, turned the farm into the thriving enterprise it is today. Roger employed several local people on a full or part basis, particularly at harvest and potato picking time. Some names that spring to mind are Nigel Clark, Graham Hanscombe, Ron Hunt, Nina Henry, Iris Howell and John Williams, who took on the gamekeeper duties. An amusing story from this time concerns Roger, who was driving the tractor with the potato spinner behind: Mrs Day, who was the leader of the potato picking gang, said “Roger, either you slow down or we are all going home.” In 1975 Roger, Joy and 2

daughters Joanne, Philippa and Victoria moved to 18 Fenny Lane, while Kathleen was at number 8. It was around this time I began to see Roger and his family more frequently. I would often visit Kathleen and would chat with Roger, usually in neighbouring fields. We would put the world to rights, moan about wheat prices, speak about the England cricket team, and then decide we should do some work. I was extremely fortunate to have Roger and Dennis Pidgeon as my farming neighbours as they helped me out on numerous occasions. They must have dreaded seeing me drive into their yards thinking, “what does he want now?” Both were very generous with their time and patience.

Roger loved many sports including cricket, squash, horse racing, shooting and salmon fishing. The latter took him to Scotland and to the Wye on the Welsh Borders usually accompanied by his great friend Terry Brown. We also shared a love of jazz music and Roger and Joy were often seen at music evenings at Haslingfield Village Hall and The Manor School.

When Roger had to retire due to ill health we started to go out to lunch together and these were very enjoyable occasions. Although Roger never joined any village groups or clubs he was always interested in what was going on in the village and wanted to know, had I seen so and so? He was especially interested in the Local History Group and although he declined to be interviewed, he was always forthcoming with information when asked.

Roger was a real countryman. He loved the land, the wildlife, the seasons and all that goes with farming. I was able to say goodbye to him shortly before he died at his home in Fenny Lane and I am grateful for that. My sympathy goes to Joy, Joanne, Philippa, Victoria and Roger’s sister Christine.

I was honoured to know Roger. He was a true friend.

Terry Dash

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 3

May Events in Meldreth To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Friday 6th May, 8.30-11.30pm Live Rock Band “Riff” Eternit Sports & Social Club, Whaddon Road All welcome. Free entry, licensed bar with real ale, etc.

Saturday 7th May, 10.30am-12.00 noon.

Elin Way Community ‘Coffee Break’ Please come along for a chat, fresh coffee or tea with biscuits. We look forward to seeing you there.

Marion Long (01763) 261365 Monday 9th May, 10.00am Meldreth Local History Group AGM Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Including a presentation on the Group’s current projects Free refreshments - all welcome Friday 13th May, 7.45pm Dr Chris Grey: Brexit: What Would Come Next for UK Trade?

Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Continental and British cakes, teas and coffee, or bring your own tipple. All welcome, no charge.

See page 12 for further details Friday 13th May, 8.00pm FOHT 32nd AGM Holy Trinity Church See page 28 for further details 4

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th May, 7.30pm MADS present Bluebeard: a Musical Comedy Horror Meldreth Village Hall Please see back page for further details Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th May 2.00-5.00pm Topcliffe Mill Open Days In conjunction with National Mills Weekend See page 11 for further details Thursday 19th May, 7.30pm Annual Parish Meeting Meldreth Village Hall See page 25 for further details Saturday 21st May, 8.00am Bird Walk in Melwood Meet in lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church See page 59 for further details Saturday 21st May, 11.00am - 4.00pm National Fancy Rat Society Annual Meldreth Rat Show Meldreth Village Hall Pet rats have featured on a number of programs recently including the One Show and Sunday Brunch, and now's your chance to find out in person why they make such excellent pets.

Visitors are welcome to drop in between 11.00am and 4.00pm to meet some friendly rats and see a huge array of different varieties. There will be refreshments available, as well as stalls selling accessories and food for small pets.

Mary Giles 5

A10 TIMBER CO. For Timber & Sheet Material

COUNSELLING, THERAPY &

Graded Timber Mouldings & Flooring Decking & Fencing Insulation Cutting & delivery service All enquiries welcome.

SUPPORT IN THE WORKPLACE With Mandy Thornton Private sessions for help with depression, stress, relational problems, anxiety, lack of confidence, bereavement, etc.

~

www.a10timber.co.uk

Workplace support sessions for companies wishing to support their staff in stressful job situations

Barwick Ford Ware, Herts. SG11 1AL Tel: 01279 842016 0808 155 3631 sales@a10timber.co.uk

01763 208516 mandythornton.com

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 6

Marley Eternit Development Proposal Update As you probably know, the Parish Council and the village have now been consulted by developers on behalf of the Marley Eternit (ME) factory sited on the Whaddon Road in Meldreth with a view to their lodging a speculative planning application for 170 houses, either on the redundant part of the factory site or on agricultural land owned by ME adjacent to both Whaddon Road and Fenny Lane.

In the past few weeks a good deal of progress has been made by a handful of individuals who have stepped forward to form a working group. This comprises several Meldreth residents, three Parish Councillors, your District and County Councillors and we also have been able to draft in on a voluntary consultancy basis several individuals with particular and useful areas of expertise. We are drawing on experience from other parishes both in dealing with large speculative applications and in being ready to realise the maximum benefit to the local community if permission is obtained; also specialist environmental and contamination knowledge; historic buildings; planning legislation.

Again drawing from the experience of neighbouring parishes, the Parish Council has lent its support by ring-fencing a large amount of money ÂŁ25,000 - to draw upon for the costs of any work involved in addressing an application. For example, we may have to instruct specialist planning agents and lawyers. A website, Meldreth Future, has been set up and will be used to provide information and invite comment and volunteers www.meldrethfuture.org.uk.

Conversations with local infrastructure providers such as educational establishments, highways, drainage and NHS are well underway; it is vital that we know how these services will be challenged by a potential additional 20% homes. If we know what the challenge is, then we will know what to require from the developers if the permission goes through.

We will also have to carry out a thorough audit of existing village organisations and consider what assistance might be needed to improve and possibly augment these services.

Members of the working group have met with planners at SCDC and learnt that although the ME proposal has progressed locally, no communication of any kind has yet been received from ME developers by the Planning Department. At the time of writing we await further information from ME about its intentions in Meldreth; if we learn that the planning application is definitely to go ahead, then the next step will be to launch a village-wide consultation.

Marley Eternit Working Group 7

Meldreth Parish Council A vacancy exists for a Parish Councillor A Parish Council is a local authority in its own right and makes decisions on behalf of the residents in its parish. Councillors are elected but are unpaid for their time. Becoming a Parish Councillor is a rewarding experience and often described by those who get involved as a way of giving something back to their community.

The Council usually meet on the third Wednesday of the month for two or three hours depending on what needs to be discussed.

Council meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month and are open to the public.

If you are interested, please contact the Parish Clerk on parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk or telephone (01763) 269928 Judy Damant Clerk to the Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk 8

MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Hig h Street, Meldreth Tel: Karen 01763 243604

RML

IT CONSULTANTS LTD

RML IT Consultants Ltd Newton Hall, Town Street, Newton, Cambridge CB22 7ZE Tel: +44 (0) 1223 873747, Mobile 07946 216268 Email: info@rmlconsultants.co.uk

INCORPORATING WANT YOUR P.C. REPAIRED AT REASONABLE RATES?

All our solutions are individually specified for your company ensuring the best and most cost-effective result:

whatever the size of your company we can help‌ Internet connection and security Firewall/VPN solutions provider Installations and upgrades Network and computer support Wireless networking and security

GIVE ME A CALL ON:07946 216268

Implementation of messaging systems Web design and content management Email compliance (archiving and retrieval) Hardware and software expertise and sourcing

9

Meldreth Then and Now Each month we are showing ”then and now” images of Meldreth scenes. This month’s images are of the High Street, with Keys Cottage in the foreground. The top photograph is from a Bell’s Postcard and dates from the 1920s. The lower image was taken by Francesca Churchill earlier this year.

10

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Our forthcoming events: Monday 9th May, 10.00am This will be our 9th AGM. There will be a short meeting followed by a presentation on our current projects. Everyone is welcome to join us in the Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way. Free refreshments will be available.

Please like our page on Facebook Meldreth Local History Group is now on Facebook. Please “like” our page.

Kathryn Betts Secretary, MLHG

National Mills Weekend 14th and 15th May 2016

Topcliffe Mill, Meldreth Open Ope Saturday S tu day 14th 4th & Sunday nday 15th May 2.00pm 2.00p to 5.00pm 5.00p £3.50 per adult, accompanied children free.

No unaccompanied un cco p n ed children h ld n willll be e admitted. mitt .

Proceeds in Group, Proc n aid ai of Meldreth el reth Local History Hs Grou www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Location: 36 North End, Meldreth SG8 6NT. Limited parking opposite Church. i i pa kin available av pposi Holy Trinity i hur

11

Brexit Talk Friday 13th May, 7.45pm Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Dr Chris Grey: Brexit: What Would Come Next for UK Trade?

How would Brexit Trade Deals Actually Work?

To consider just one question in the EU Referendum debate, Dr Chris Grey, Professor of Organisation Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London (and a Shepreth resident) has kindly agreed to give a talk in the Elin Way Community Room. Dr Grey has published widely on Brexit, including very readable articles available to read online at ‘The Conversation’ and ‘The New Stateman’.

Please come along to hear what Dr Grey has to say. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. There will be a second opportunity to listen and discuss on 10th June, at 7.45pm in Foxton Village Hall.

Continental and British cakes, teas and coffee, or bring your own tipple.

All welcome, no charge.

Susan van de Ven Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

Meldreth Church Fete The annual church fete will take place on Saturday 25th June. As usual, entries are invited for our Flower and Produce competitions. Full details and an application form will be in the June issue of Meldreth Matters.

Last year’s auction was very well received and another will be held this year. We will be looking for donations of good quality items for auction, so now is the time to decide which items you no longer need and could go to a good cause.

Please contact me by email: meldrethfete@hotmail.com or telephone (01763) 262191.

Chris Mannix 12

College Farm Bed and Breakfast

Friendly, family run B&B, in 17th century farmhouse.

Tel 01223 208955 www.collegefarmbandb.co.uk Church St, Whaddon, Royston. SG8 5RU

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS Home heating oil • Prompt delivery service

FOR

• Competitive prices

PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATIONS

01223 846846

NEW PROPERTIES, EXTENSIONS, LOFT CONVERSIONS, ETC.

www.shelfordenergy co.uk

CONTACT US now to arrange a FREE on-site meeting at your convenience to discuss your project.

PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding

ELY DESIGN GROUP ‘Architecture By Professionals’

Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

www.elydesigngroup.co.uk/mm1.php

E-mail bg@moncraft.co uk

Tel: 01353 649649 Mob: 07939 158482 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk

We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

13

MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

Design & Layout Plans Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463 www meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

ETERNIT SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB 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

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

J.P.K.

gg Nigel Wigg

Plumbing and Heating

e Improvement Home Specialist I p rove m t S p ia lis t • Exterior andd interior n or home om

Jack Kew

Flambards Close, Meldreth Hertfordshire. SG8 6JX

Tel: 01763 260693 Mobile: 07870 496498 Email: J.p.k@live.co.uk

14

d decorating ti g •T Tiling i g •C p r Carpentry •R Refurbishment f r h t •T r por and Timber carport a veranda v r n d g and d construction n design • Generall home repairs o e i •P m mi g Pruning and i g / hedge he a tree tr e trimming •P fe i a e v Professional service o

e g @ m i nigelwigg@gmail.com 7 262990 29 T 01763 7 0 1 057514 57 14 M 07801

Letter to the Editor 20's Plenty – Traffic Calming - Update We have been surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response shown to us by the residents of Meldreth when we canvassed their opinion on the 20’s Plenty Campaign. To date we have obtained almost 500 signatures in favour of the introduction of a 20mph limit on the roads in our village.

We discovered that the majority of the residents we spoke to were extremely concerned not only about the current situation but also about how future developments in the area would add to the problems across all aspects of vehicular movement, not just with speeding but also the rise in number of vehicles, heavy lorries in particular. Safety was the primary concern notably by the school and shop, over the railway bridge and along Whitecroft Road. No-one believes we should wait until there is a serious accident, possibly fatal, before action is taken.

Of all the residents we canvassed only seventeen (two were Parish Councillors) refused to sign and expressed concerns over any changes.

We appreciate that a small minority do not like having such restrictions imposed upon them but 20 miles per hour will undoubtedly make our roads safer, especially for children and our older residents.

We handed the signatures gathered so far to the Parish Council at their meeting on Thursday 7th April to show them the strength of feeling in Meldreth. We hope that they listen to the village, accept our proposal and take action to make our roads safer and allow us to join the other 15 million UK residents who enjoy a safer 20’s Plenty environment.

This item should be open for discussion at the next Council meeting on Thursday 5th May at 7.30pm in Meldreth Village Hall so do please try to attend and voice your concerns about the current situation.

We are still collecting signatures so if you were out when we called and would like to add your name to the campaign you may do so at One Stop, The British Queen, The Hairdressers and Fieldgate Farm Shop.

Thank you for your support, together we can make our village a safer place to live.

Pat & Sandy Gilmore (01763) 263138 15

Notes From a Small Garden With the sweet peas beginning to get away fast, Jim and Jane have tried a new idea: planting Rudbeckias in the middle of the canes. These should take over when the sweet peas have finished flowering. They have planted seeds of Morning Glory, runner beans and dwarf and climbing French beans in small pots. These will need to be hardened off by placing outside during the day and placing under cover at night. They will then be planted out at the end of May or beginning of June depending on the weather.

Goldfinches have found a small lavender bush which missed being trimmed in the autumn and are enjoying a feast of lavender seeds.

Julie is back from hospital after a back operation and is happily able to walk round the garden, making plans and noticing where things are amiss. This year she has been thinking about blind daffodils (those which don't flower). These have been less of a problem over the last few years, possibly because of a higher rainfall in the winter months. In fact, a species daffodil with a small flowers and long stems, despite becoming blind, has seeded itself elsewhere in the garden! However, if blind daffodils are a problem for you, here are some tips from the RHS: Select good quality bulbs in the first place If planting daffodils in turf, ensure you select cultivars suitable for naturalising such as 'Peeping Tom', 'Fortune' or 'February Gold' The bulbs may not have been planted deep enough or may have been planted during the summer - especially dry summers. Try digging up the bulbs in April/early May (certainly before the foliage dies right down or you may not be able to find them) and plant deeper. There needs to be at least twice the height of the bulb of soil above the bulb. That is, if the bulbs are 2.5cm tall plant them 7.5cm deep; i.e. with 5cm of soil above the bulb.

Flowers should be removed or pinched off (deadheaded) as they fade Avoid tidying up the foliage by tying the leaves into a knot; leave them to die down naturally After flowering, leave a period of at least six weeks before leaves are removed 16

In dry conditions after flowering, water thoroughly until the foliage shows signs of dying down naturally Improve dry soil by mulching around the bulbs in early spring with organic matter. Avoid planting bulbs in very dry areas under turf or near trees. A site that is initially suitable may become less so over several years due to encroaching trees and shrubs, making it more dry and shady Where flowering rapidly declines, try feeding the bulbs. As the growing points emerge in the spring apply Growmore at a rate of 70g per sq m (2oz per sq yd) sprinkled evenly on the soil surface around the bulbs. After flowering, especially for container-grown bulbs, apply a high potassium liquid feed, such as tomato food at one to two week intervals from when the blooms have faded until the first signs of yellowing of foliage If overcrowded groups of daffodils are not flowering, lift them when the foliage dies back in the summer. Improve the soil with organic matter and a little general purpose fertiliser.

Things to do in May Lightly prune all stoned fruit. Make sure bedding and vegetable plants are well hardened off before planting out. Any shrubs and trees that have been planted in the autumn or winter will be glad of a thorough watering. And watch out for late frosts!

Now that the best of the gardening year is in front of us, enjoy it!

Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

If anyone has a watering can or pail to spare, the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Fail User Group can put it to use looking after station platform tubs. Please contact Susan van de Ven on susanvandeven5@gmail.com or telephone 07905 325574.

17

It’s Time to Fly the Nest!

Well, spring is most definitely springing all around us, and as a result our resident wild birds are all working hard raising their babies; from owls and buzzards to wrens and robins everyone is working hard because those babies are growing fast!

It’s at this time of year that veterinary practices see an influx of baby birds picked up by members of the public and brought into the surgery because they think that the birds cannot fly, have fallen out of the nest, or been abandoned. Because we are all by nature caring human beings and worried about what might happen to the birds, members of the public often do not realise that doing this is about the worst thing you can do. True abandonment is incredibly rare, and unless the parents have been killed, it is very likely that the little hop–a–long is doing just that - hopping along and learning how to fly. It would be a wonderful sight indeed if our fledgling wild birds launched gracefully and flew with gay abandon into the air “a-la-Disney” but instead in reality the whole thing is rather clumsy!

It can take a good few days for fledglings to learn how to fly and this is when we find them on the ground, in our gardens ... practising and often failing badly! Mum and dad are usually not far away and it is absolutely imperative that the young birds are left alone. If you're worried about them being predated on by your cat then unfortunately kitty may have to stay indoors for a bit! If you've ever seen a young tawny owl chick at the base of a tree you can bet your life it is perfecting its owl manoeuvres and picking him up is not the right thing to do. Even though they look a bit of an uncoordinated hot mess, they are on a mission!

So what do you do if you are worried about a wild bird?

The first thing to do is nothing. Observe (from a distance) make sure the young bird is not under any risk of predation (if it’s in the middle of the road feel free to usher it to a safer spot nearby) and get on the telephone to the local vets or wildlife sanctuary. If you can take a photograph or try to identify the bird then that will be very useful.

The wildlife experts will be able to advise you whether the bird’s behaviour is normal. It’s no good picking up a bird, keeping it overnight and then taking it somewhere. Some young birds need feeding every twenty minutes and the best feeders are its parents, so picking him up, however well intentioned may mean that his chance of survival is lower than had you left him alone! A quick telephone call will usually be enough to ascertain whether or not human intervention is required. The RSPB website also holds plenty of information.

18

Sometimes, however, young birds do need our help! Recently we had a long eared owl kindly brought into the surgery by a member of the public. This was an adult bird found by the side of the road and unfortunately had been hit by a car. Despite our best efforts the didn't make it. In situations like this it’s worth giving them every chance and veterinary help will be required, so of course, we took him in and treated him, but often people who bring in fledging birds to the surgery will be told to take it back to where they found it and let it back out!

I love living in the village and I'm always impressed by not only the numbers but the variety of species of birds we have here, it’s great to see them, but I have to admit that I hope we don't see too many baby birds brought into reception in shoeboxes this year!

Joanna Brown RVN

Bags of Help for Community Projects Do you know of a local community green space project that would benefit from up to £12,000? If so, there are Bags of Help at hand! The money raised from the 5p bag charge in Tesco stores is being used to pay for a large number of local projects to improve green spaces in communities across the UK. Grants of £8,000, £10,000 and £12,000 are on offer through the scheme. Community charity Groundwork is administering the funding and you can find all the details on our website, www.groundwork.org.uk/tesco.

In total the Bags of Help programme will support around 2,500 projects each year across the UK – about 40 of those are in Cambridgeshire.

There will be two funding rounds per year over the next three years, meaning that around £700,000 will be given out in grants.

The next round of applications is now open, with applications closing in June. A further round of funding will open in early 2017. Don’t miss your chance to benefit! All information about the scheme is on the website (details above) but you can also contact your local Bags of Help Enabler for further information about applying on Katie.dean@groundwork.org.uk or 07736 132870.

Mandy Kershaw Marketing & Communications Manager Groundwork Cambridgeshire & Peterborough 19

Melwood www.melwood.btck.co.uk Melwood is a designated local nature reserve.

As such it is managed according to an official management plan, which is approved by appropriate organisations such as the Wildlife Trust, and authorised by the county Council who own the land and are responsible for the designation of nature reserve.

The management plan and a large body of other information about Melwood is on our website, www.melwood.btck.co.uk/ or type in ‘Melwood Conservation Group’ into a search engine online for a wide variety of entries from us and from other sources.

Work in Melwood is carried out by volunteer working parties with members from Meldreth and Melbourn, according to a schedule outlined in the management plan and decided by the management committee, whose members are elected at the annual general meeting, to which the public is invited.

Last year, there was not enough progress made in the pruning and felling of selected trees (mostly non-native) to be able to plant more.

There was a great deal of shade in the wood and new stock would not have grown well. At the December committee meeting, it was decided that we should plant some young trees this year now that the wood has been opened up enough to support them. Trees will now be planted to increase woodland diversity later in late autumn/winter, when they are dormant.

Melwood is not ‘just a wood’, it is a nature reserve. It is managed for wildlife and for the benefit of the local community who use it on a regular basis. It will continue to be managed as such.

Any member of the public may contact the Melwood Group with their concerns or to support the group.

If anyone is interested in helping in Melwood, 2016 working parties will be on: 25th June, 10th September, 8th October and 26th November.

Melwood Conservation Group 20

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Call today on 01223 863 632

fkaf^k q^hb^t^v

Please quote “Meldreth Mag”

P qÜÉ läÇ pí~íáçå eçìëÉ

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

pí~íáçå ^ééêç~ÅÜ eáÖÜ píêÉÉí jÉäÇêÉíÜ EkêK jÉäÄçìêåF `~ãÄêáÇÖÉ pdU Sgo

Richard Burns ELECTRICIAN

léÉåáåÖ Üçìêë

For repairs, installation & advice please call

pÉîÉå a~óë ~ tÉÉâ RKMMéã J NMKPMéã áåÅäìÇáåÖ _~åâ eçäáÇ~óë

Tel: 01763 263 121 Mob: 07958 028 729 Email: sockets@tesco.net Part P approved Certified installer

tÉ ~äëç Å~íÉê Ñçê é~êíáÉë

qbiW MNTSP OSOQOR qbiLc^uW MNTSP OSOSPS

Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

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

21

County Councillor’s Report The following report was presented to the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 7th April.

Boundary Commission The Boundary Commission’s new county division lines for 2017 will be re-consulted. It would seem that there has been a slip-up somewhere on process. The new consultation will take place between May and June – I will let you know the details when I have them. This would be a chance to promote education and transport commonalities of a division encompassing the A10 corridor and Melbourn Village College catchment area.

Devolution The Chancellor’s ‘East Anglian Devolution Agreement’ on Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk was signed without councils’ consent by our County and District Council leaders. Powers for transport, highways, house building and general infrastructure were to go to a single elected mayor, diminishing the opportunity of local people to influence decision-making on issues that affect their community. The timing of the Agreement was to coincide with the announcement by George Osborne of the budget, but the County Council took the chance of a regularly scheduled meeting to pass a motion indicating its unhappiness with the proposal. The vote was almost unanimous (one abstention) and even our leader voted to reject the motion he himself had signed. George Osborne’s promise of financial support was disingenuous when put into context: £30 million per year spread across three counties doesn’t go far. The cost of one km of single carriageway is £4 million. The vote doesn’t kill the Agreement, but was a resounding condemnation of the plan and discredited the notion that it met the true sense of the term ‘devolution’.

Combined with the announcement of mandatory academisation of all primary schools, and the cessation of government revenue support grant, one can’t avoid the conclusion that this is another chapter in the march to dismantle local government.

Meldreth Station Booking Office Govia Thameslink has been consulting on changes to booking office opening hours across their patch. The idea is that staff are not necessarily behind the counter but out on the platform assisting people with the newly available electronic transactions. Naturally this has 22

caused concern and Royston is one station affected. Meldreth Station is not affected and it would be nice to think that that the continuing existence of a strong Rail User Group has made the operator think twice about any on-site staff service reduction.

The Community Rail Partnership has submitted an application to the Department for Transport under its ‘Heritage and Tourism Community Rail’ fund for £70K for a pedestrian ramp and pedestrian directional signage.

Rail campaign - parish support needed: the scope of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group is expanding. We launched the Community Rail Partnership (CRP) two years ago, to take on more strategic interests and because CRPs are recognised by the Department for Transport and thereby can access various funding opportunities.

Next autumn we will be establishing local partnerships for each station under the CRP umbrella. This will require formal support of our Parish Councils - not financial, but a signature supporting general aims to improve access to rail services. I have mentioned this before; it’s now taking shape so I just wanted to let you know.

North End near the Church Residents living close to the bend near the church have been concerned for more than ten years about the erosion of the verge, which has no kerbing. The knock on effect is a footway that is often impassable on account of accumulating mud. I have asked Highways over many years if they would fund kerbing but they have never been able to make it a priority. Bearing in mind that we are encouraging people to walk not drive, and that this is right in the middle of a key walkway, would the Parish Council consider taking the initiative to provide funding?

Prospective Large-scale Speculative Planning Applications I will be meeting soon with relevant officers regarding local school and health services capacity.

Village Bench and Bicycle Racks on the Corner of Bell Close I understand that there has been a possible offer of a bench to be located near the notice board, though it might be wise to plan ahead if bicycle racks are to be placed on the same site.

Susan van de Ven County Councillor 07905 325574 susanvandeven5@gmail.com 23

District Councillor’s Report Devolution I reported last month that District Councillors had been told very little about moves from on high in government to force an East of England (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) devolved authority upon us, and lo and behold it was announced by George Osborne in the Budget.

Devolution should be good news; if implemented truly in the spirit of its meaning, power would be devolved down to communities to make decisions and administer their localities as they see fit. However, this proposal high-handedly inserted an additional level of government with an elected mayor and very little in the way of real investment. Since the Budget, the County, City and Local Enterprise Partnership have all rejected this offer of devolved authority for the East of England. SCDC members will finally get to debate this in June.

Eternit Site I have not been able to be actively involved owing to my father's death, but it has nevertheless restored my faith in the local community to see that a working group has been assembled with such expedition to take forward our response to the possibility of over 20% more houses in Meldreth. I am really impressed by how much has been accomplished in such a short time - well done!

Problem Hedges I met with an SCDC Housing officer to look at several overgrown hedges in Meldreth on a case-by-case basis. This seems to be the way forward in the case of certain overlooked areas of the village owned by the Council and I am happy to bring any other areas residents deem worthy of attention to the notice of the Council.

Community Groups event If you are a local organisation seeking to apply for funding or build your group or you are thinking about setting up a local community group, there will be a Cambridge Community Fair on 7th June from 2.00pm-6.00pm at The Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives PE27 6WU. There are workshops which you will need to sign up to.

Scrutiny This month the Scrutiny Committee at SCDC considered the performance of the Council's planning department, which has been woefully understaffed and overworked for a long time. While my sympathies have been with planning officers snowed under with their 24

caseloads, I have nevertheless had to field complaints from residents who have received a truly shocking level of service. Five planning officers have now been recruited and the huge backlog of work is starting to be cleared. We have asked the department to come back in front of the Scrutiny Committee in July. Shared services in the ICT, Legal and Building Control Departments with Huntingdon and Cambridge City Councils were also scrutinised. Staffing in these services may also be an issue and we have requested that Senior Managers come back before the committee to report on the success or otherwise of recruitment.

Philippa Hart District Councillor, Meldreth and Shepreth Ward philippajhart@btinternet.com 07811 323571 or (01763) 261255

Meldreth Parish Council Chairman Mr A Land

Notice of Annual Parish Meeting in Meldreth Village Hall on Thursday 19th May at 7.30pm Agenda Apologies for Absence Chairman's Welcome & Report Minutes of 2015 Annual Parish Meeting Matters Arising from the 2015 Annual Meeting Financial Report 2015/2016 Written Reports from Village Organisations Open Discussion There will presentations from the following regarding their proposals for the use of the land at Mettle Hill: Bathing under the Sky Tingdene Park Homes The Showmans Guild There will also be a brief statement as to what is happening with the proposed development at Marley Eternit.

25

News From Heidi Allen www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk The last month or so has been incredibly varied with me having been involved in everything from education to road and rail infrastructure projects and the Child Support Agency. There is almost nothing that an MP doesn’t need to get up to speed with.

Since I last wrote, I have visited five primary schools and co-hosted a meeting at Cambourne Village College with the Regional Schools Commissioner. Heads and Governors from secondary schools across Cambridgeshire were invited to share best practice, concerns and generally anything on their minds. Difficulties with teacher recruitment was probably the main topic of conversation and we floated the idea of running a recruitment fair to help schools fill their vacancies. I’ll be looking at this over the next few weeks. At a sixth form level, the principals of Hills Road and Long Road came to Westminster this month to meet the Minister Nick Boles. The Government is currently reviewing sixth form provision across the country, so we were relieved to hear he was fully aware of the excellent education these institutions provide and has no plans to change the way they are structured.

From schools to roads and I met with the Secretary of State, Patrick McLoughlin and his special advisor to ensure funds remain in place for the upgrade to the A428. I had heard rumours that the project may be delayed, however I was told that was not the case. It will be a complex and expensive project from an engineering point of view, but I will ensure local residents are kept informed at every step of the way.

Highways England are currently identifying possible outline routes and I will share these as soon as I have them.

Progress has been made for the Parish Councils in Duxford and Whittlesford as we met with Peter Topping (County Councillor) and Network Rail to discuss a cycle path to join the two villages. We are liaising with Abellio Greater Anglia to see whether a path via Whittlesford station is possible. Early investigations suggest this may be very achievable.

After Christmas, I met an inspirational group of mums who shared with me their difficulties with the Child Support Agency over the years. The Government are currently moving CSA clients over to a new system, so now is the perfect time to review failings in the old system. My brave ladies came down to Westminster to meet the Chair of the Work and 26

Pensions Select Committee, of which I am a member, to convince him that this was an area the Committee should look at. I am absolutely delighted to report he agreed, so the Committee will now formally review the failings of the system and make recommendations to the Department of Work and Pensions. With all the recent drama at the DWP, I’ll be making sure that the new Secretary of State, Stephen Crabb has a full in-tray!

And finally, over the last month I have been trialling a new way of running my surgeries. I held two “no appointment necessary” drop-in events in Sawston and Comberton. The sessions proved really popular with dozens of residents coming along to talk to me on a wide variety of topics. My next surgery will be held on Saturday 21st May from 10.30amto12.30pm in Duxford/Whittlesford. Please see my website - www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk - for further details on this and future scheduled sessions.

As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help with anything.

You can contact me by phone on (01954) 212707 or via email at heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk. I look forward to hearing from you!

Heidi Allen MP

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Keeping vulnerable people in your community safe and well Do you know someone living in your street who is vulnerable, elderly, or may just need some assistance with everyday life? These people could be at an increased risk of fire.

We offer free home fire safety checks to those who are potentially more vulnerable to incidents so if you know someone who you think might benefit from a free visit from fire service staff, call 0800 917 99 94.

You can also contact us through our website, www.cambsfire.gov.uk where you find information about keeping vulnerable people safe from fire.

And don’t forget to test your smoke alarm – and that of elderly relatives – by pressing the ‘test’ button on the device.

You can follow us on social media, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk or call us on (01480) 444500.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service 27

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Calligraphy Talk A good audience came along on Saturday 19th March to hear Hallam Kindersley talk about Calligraphy. He explained, and illustrated with slides, how letters can be formed in different ways, but even when following a pre-designed alphabet the carver will need to ensure that the letters "look right" when laid out in a particular phrase and create exactly the best visual shadow effect. Hallam was passionate about the art which his late father, David, worked at all his adult life and his mother still heads the studio workshop in Cambridge which is nationally and internationally famous. He showed a carving made for Margaret Thatcher's headstone and he was accompanied to the talk by a gentleman from Boston, USA, who is currently commissioning a memorial piece to be placed in Scotland. A subject which few of us knew much about turned out to offer a fascinating evening.

Stephen Marshall This Month’s Event: Friday 13th May 32nd AGM in the Meeting Room at 8.00pm Forthcoming Events: Saturday 2nd July Summer Garden Choir Concert in the churchyard Sunday 4th September Car Show - this will be the 12th year the event has been held.

John Price

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 17th May at 8.00pm at 85 North End, Meldreth. Please join us if you would like to benefit from an hour of prayer and meditation.

Marion Long (01763) 261365 28

Church Services Sunday 1st May 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 8th May 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 22nd May 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 29th May 8.00am Holy Communion Marion Long

Meldreth’s Favourite Recipes We are hoping to make a book of the village’s favourite recipes to sell at the next Christmas Tree Festival and we hope you will help us – we’d like to include contributions from as many people as possible.

Please send your recipe, preferably by email, to: hilaryjcrawforth@btopenworld.com.

Alternatively, please send to Hilary Crawforth at 1 Chiswick End, Meldreth SG8 6LZ. You can add a photo of the dish or yourself if you’d like us to try to include those – no promises!

Please add some information about yourself and the recipe along these lines: Your name ...

Why this is your favourite recipe ...

Who likes to eat it and when ...

Where the recipe came from originally ...

Any interesting stories about your recipe ...

Hilary Crawforth 29

Link Murang’a and Friends of BIDII We understand that people are confused and hope that this will explain.

Link Murang’a is a partnership between the Parish churches of All Saints Melbourn, Holy Trinity Meldreth and the Diocese of Mount Kenya Central. The link grew out of a visit to the parishes by Bishop Julius Gachuche in 1998, prior to his attending the Lambeth Conference. Bishop Julius retired and the new Bishop, Bishop Isaac Ng’ang’a, continued the Link between our parishes and the Diocese of Mt Kenya Central. The Cathedral of St. James and All Martyrs is in Murang’a.

There have been visits by members of our congregations to Murang’a, in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2015. One of the projects we have been supporting is the building of a Dispensary (Health Centre) for the Kambiti community, in an area that has suffered prolonged drought and severe food insecurity resulting in many health issues. To date there is no health provision in Kambiti, but funds sent out in 2011 have enabled the community to start building on a piece of land purchased for the Dispensary. The diocese was going to build a church but the priest in Kambiti argued that a Dispensary was more important.

Over the years Link Murang’a has sponsored young women through the three year course at the Training School for Motor Vehicle Mechanics at Karaha; funded three staff houses and a girls’ dormitory at the new Training Centre at Muriranjas; funded and helped to build a 20,000 gallon rainwater holding tank at Muriranjas; funded the costs of a water project in Kiambicho, a drought-ridden area of the Diocese, collected and sent out large numbers of books for use in schools and provided science equipment. We have sponsored a number of goats for the Mothers’ Union Goat Project where a goat is given to a woman who has fallen on hard times, so that she can get milk and later breed from it, the first kid being returned to the Mothers’ Union for another needy woman. Through Christian Aid we have also supported the work of the BIDII, a small N.G.O. dedicated to small scale community work in the Machakos area, Lower Eastern Kenya.

During the visit to Murang’a in June 2015 the team visited the Kambiti Dispensary project and were able to see that having purchased the land and drawn the plans, the main walls of the dispensary had been built.

Following this visit, as we are the only group supporting this project, 30

the committee agreed that all our fundraising efforts would be focused on building and completing the Dispensary at Kambiti.

In May 2015 David Hollamby had signalled his intention to stand down as Chair of Link Murang’a after the trip to Kenya. In July he resigned from the committee. David and Lesley have since set up The Friends of BIDII. Link Murang’a continues to raise money to support the building of the Kambiti Dispensary. We are selling £5 ‘bricks’ with a chance of winning Afternoon Tea for two, a hamper or a bottle of Champagne.

‘Walk for Kambiti’ is a ‘guided’ 9 mile walk around Thriplow, Foxton and Fowlmere on Sunday 8thMay. For more information please see below or contact Karen Lillie on (01763) 261885, Bernice Gregory on (01763) 261950 or Ruth Hopper on (01763) 260183.

Ruth Hopper

Sunday May 8th - Walk for Kambiti Supporting the Kambiti dispensary project.

Meet by Thriplow Village Hall at 11.30am for a circular walk taking in local war memorials (about 8 miles) Donations of £7.50 adults and £3.50 for children for goody bag containing map, walk instructions, a drink, crisps and an energy bar Bring a packed lunch Support driver on route – available for those who wish to take a shorter walk.

For further details contact Bernice on 07507 863232 or (01763) 261950 or Karen on 01763 261885.

31

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

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

Also on the Saturday morning of 7th May 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:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241121 t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

AFFORDABLE PLUMBING FIXED PRICE SMALL WORKS: We can make life a little easier

Taps changed/repaired Ball valves changed Cisterns repaired/replaced Blockages cleared Outside taps installed Washing machine/dishwasher installation Radiators replaced, trv valves fitted/changed

Local Community Services at Moorlands Court

Day Centre Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays.

All at Affordable prices Free no obligation quotes Contact Michael 07850 652838 or 01223 264658 Email: affordableplumbing99@yahoo.co.uk ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED

32

Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch.

Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages.

From just £7.90 per day.

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

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

Home-Start is looking for a Voluntary Fundraising Co-ordinator For over thirty years, through trained volunteers, HomeStart Royston & South Cambridgeshire (HSRSC) has been providing support for local families facing potential crisis because of isolation, illness, bereavement and other major problems.

Events

Fundraising through events and other activities plays a vital role in enabling us to raise our local profile and to build confidence in parents and children and open doors to a happier, less stressful, family life.

We are looking for someone with several hours a week to spare, sometimes at weekends, and who is enthusiastic about our aims and the success of our work and wanting to develop skills in events management keen to take initiative, contribute ideas for fund-raising through events and see them through to successful conclusion able to work independently, flexibly and as part of a team computer literate in Word and email ideally available for a minimum of a year If you are interested in joining the HSRSC team, please have a look at our website for further details of this vacancy: www.hsrsc.org.uk.

Meldreth Parish Council There is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. Please see page 8 for full details.

33

Meldreth Village Monday 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

2 9 16 23 30

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

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

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

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Tuesday

Wednesday

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

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

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00-8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-9.00pm Table Tennis 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

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

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts

Thurs

7.00am - 10.0 Elections

3 4 5 10 11 1 17 18 1 24 25 2 31

5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

8.00pm Prayer Group

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 5.30pm Slimming World

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

5.00-6.00pm Junior Martial Arts

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.30pm Parish

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI

Copy d for Jun

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm Annu Meeting (see

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tennis

Malton Lane will be closed from 8.00am to 5.00pm on 16th-20th May. See page 41 for details.

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 34

Diary - May 2016

sday

00pm Local

Friday

Saturday

8.30-11.30pm Live Rock Band “Riff”, Eternit Sports & Social Club (see page 4)

10.00am - 4.00pm Mouse Show

Sunday 9.45am Family Communion & New Seekers Sunday School

1

5 6 7 8 2 13 14 15 9 20 21 22 6 27 28 29

h Council

10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Break (see page 4)

8.00am Holy Communion

m Fitness

eadline e issue

m Fitness

7.30pm MADS Production (see back page) 7.45pm Talk on Brexit, Elin Way (see page 12) 8.00pm FOHT AGM, Holy Trinity (see p28)

2.00-5.00pm Topcliffe Mill Open Day (see page 11)

9.45am Family Communion & New Seekers Sunday School

7.30pm MADS Production of Bluebeard (see back page)

2.00-5.00pm Topcliffe Mill Open Day (see page 11)

7.00 - 9.00 pm Table Tennis

8.00am Bird Walk in Melwood (see page 59)

al Parish page 25)

m Fitness

11.00am - 4.00pm Rat Show (see page 5)

12.00-5.00pm Craft Fair

9.45am Family Communion & New Seekers Sunday School

8.00am Holy Communion

m Table

Half term is the week beginning 30th May

Did You Know?

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

The copy deadline for the June issue of Meldreth Matters is Thursday 12th May

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

35

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 7th April in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall.

Present: Mr C A Land - Chairman, Mr R A Searles - Vice Chairman, Mrs C J Fallon, Mr A Keena, Mr D Lee, Mr D Stewart & Mr A Young In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) and Councillor P Hart (SCDC) Apologies were received from Mr N Pellatt. meeting at 9.15pm due to work commitments.

Mr A Keena left the

Public Participation: [For up to 15 minutes members of the public may contribute their views and comments to the Parish Council - 3mins per item] There were three members of the public in attendance.

Mrs Gilmore presented the Parish Council with a petition regarding the speeding concerns of residents within the village. The petition is for reducing the speed limit in the village to 20mph and/or chicanes to ensure better traffic calming in the village particularly along Whitecroft Road. The Chairman responded that the Parish Council have been trying to address this matter for many years but are always open to new ideas. Mrs Gilmore stated that there is presently a campaign which is trying to get an enforceable 20mph speed limit introduced. The Chairman also reported that Meldreth is part of a group of villages looking at vehicle movements. Mrs Gilmore is happy for the Clerk to hold the petition and when the data from the A10 survey is known then maybe the question can be raised again.

Mr Borgonon addressed the meeting with regard to Speedwatch. There is now available a more updated and user-friendly piece of Speedwatch equipment. It is hoped that with more volunteers and more accessible equipment Speedwatch would be able to run on a more regular basis.

The cost of the equipment is ÂŁ2,400. Mr Borgonon also explained how speedwatch operates. For the first offence, the vehicle will be noted, second offence a letter from the police is sent out, third offence there will be a visit by the police. The present Speedwatch signs are being replaced, but there is no cost to the parish.

Footway at The Boulevard Councillor van de Ven has reported the subsidence of the footway to Emma Murdon. Mr Young reported that the footway is getting worse.

36

The potholes and disintegration of the verge is due to the inadequate new footway. It was suggested that the Parish Council write formally to Councillor van de Ven with their concerns.

Solar Money Working Group Many projects have been identified for possible funding from the solar fund. Mr Searles suggested that some funding amounts be drawn up and that ongoing projects be identified, RDCT for example, to determine what they would require. Mr Lee will arrange another meeting.

Melrose A response is awaited from SCDC Planning Department on the landscaping issues and on the concern about the asbestos cement located in the proposed community orchard which adjoins Melrose.

The Clerk has been unable to contact Mr Sexton at the Planning Department but will continue investigations.

Marley Eternit Mr Young reported that the working party now consisted of four members of the Parish Council along with other people who can offer experience and assistance. There have been several meetings and the group will remain neutral as all they are doing is collating information.

There will be a brief summary, plan of the site and a questionnaire sent out to every household in the parish. This will be a neutral document; all it will be looking at is what residents want. Residents will then have the opportunity to drop off their responses at the One Stop shop, Parish Office or leave outside their properties to be collected on a particular date. It was agreed that a ring fenced amount of £25,000 be allocated to this project.

Playground All equipment appears to be in good working order. Three quotes have been received to extend the fenced area around the play equipment: Kompan (£3,086.17) vat £514.36, Sovereign (£3,086.56) vat £514.13 and J Hill & Co (£5,289) + vat or with additional double leaf gate (£6,462) + vat. It was agreed to accept Sovereign's quotation as they are a company known to the Council.

Pavilion Mr Steward requested a site meeting at the pavilion. Before any refurbishment commences, and to justify the expense, the Parish Council should consider a management plan that can be implemented to accommodate its further use by the community. The requirement for 37

changing room seating and a designated secure metal storage shed for the football club equipment will require funding. The FA have a scheme and details have been passed to Mrs Fallon and Mr Pellatt who are presently looking into it. Mr Searles suggested that the Clerk enquires if planning permission is needed for a shed.

Rugby Group Benevolent Fund Mrs Fallon has contacted Ian Southcott at Rugby to enquire what would be needed to apply for some funding. The funding application will be from the Football Club but for the Pavilion project. One idea would be to get funding for the shed.

Correspondence and Clerk's Report: Other items may be included for information Village Organisations: These are presently outdated on the website. Are they needed? Many people do searches and do not use the Parish Council website to access this type of information. Mr Young will look at the website and take off the clubs and societies.

Children, families and adults services key dataset for Melbourn Division: This has been emailed to councillors for information.

Street Sign: Request concerning the street sign on North End regarding The Paddocks and neighbouring properties has been forwarded to SCDC. Sun Edison Agreement: this has been sent, awaiting response as to when funding can be expected.

Hedge: Clerk has contacted the relatives of the land owner at Sudely Grove.

Tree: Clerk would like to thank Mrs P Hart for clearing the tree which had fallen at the cemetery.

Street Lighting The Parish Council were informed that some of the street lights would be turned off during the hours of midnight until 6.00am. This is no longer relevant as the lights near the station will not be turned off.

A10 Corridor Traffic Survey Information concerning the survey locations have been emailed to all councillors. Meldreth has four locations: Station Road (Melbourn end); Whitecroft Road (at the 30mph sign); Kneesworth Road (just past West Way) and High Street (North End past the junction). Meldreth PC have 38

also requested a further survey to be carried out along the High Street, between the school and the railway station. Survey areas have now been submitted to the Highways Department.

Mettle Hill There have been three responses regarding alternative uses for Mettle Hill from the Showman's Guild, Tingdene Park Homes and Bathing under the Sky, all of which have been invited to attend the Village Meeting on 19th May. Councillor Hart has received emails on behalf of a local Community Land Trust and a Co-housing project team in the context of possible uses for the Mettle Hill site.

Mr Searles reported that the correspondence from the Local Community Land Trust had been circulated to councillors but they needed 10 hectares, which would make Mettle Hill nonviable for their purposes.

Councillors' Reports Mr Searles gave an update on the Parish Planning Forum Meeting.

There has been concern regarding the Planning Department. Julie Beard is now Head of Planning and has suggested that they would like more contact with Parish Councils. There is still the policy of 40% affordable housing on any development.

Mr Searles updated the Council on the work that has been done by the Flood Avoidance Working Group. Some areas have now been identified where the drains need unblocking; by 9/10 High Street there is one drain that has been blocked for a long time. The ditch at the bottom of the hill near Valley Farm needs digging out. The blockage along North End has now been identified and will be unblocked by the Highways Department. Many of the ditches that have been cleared in the past are now filling up with silt so need to be cleared again. The Clerk will write to riparian owners.

Mr Lee reported that once again there is straw along roads, which will start to block drains. Can the Clerk contact the private landowners and ask if they can either clear the roads of straw or use netting? With further budget cuts from CCC it is important that we try to stop the drains from blocking up with straw and debris as CCC may not keep jetting them.

Mr Stewart reported that MAYD has been awarded first place in the Outstanding Youth Initiative.

External Auditor 39

The audit commission ceased to exist on the 1st April 2015 and a new company – Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments Ltd has been created recently to take over the appointment of external auditors as of 2017. It was proposed that the Parish Council stay within the scheme and allow NALC and SLCC to choose the next external auditors. No action is required if opting to stay in.

Accounts Appointment of internal auditor: Mr Bruce Huett has agreed to do this year's internal audit.

Indemnity Form: 23 Howard Way S/0746/08/F Public Open Space £2,244.90. Chair and Vice Chair to sign. It was proposed by Mr Young that the Chair and Vice Chair sign the document which will be witnessed by the Clerk/Proper Officer.

Seconded by JF; all agreed. Documents were duly signed.

Meldreth Matters It was agreed that Mr Land, Mr Searles, Mr Lee, Mr Stewart and Mr Young would prepare the extracts. The Clerk will draw up a rota.

Speedwatch Sessions will restart in April. Whaddon PC have enquired whether Meldreth would be interested in sharing the costs in obtaining a new kit which would be shared between the two parishes. It was agreed to accept this proposal in principal. Mr Borgonon will be obtaining costings. The cost of a machine is £2400.

AED Machines The Clerk is still investigating what type of machine would be best and which parishes would be interested. According to the Ambulance Service the machines themselves are very similar and must be easily accessible at all time s.

New Councillor The process to co-opt or elect a new councillor will now start.

Village Meeting: 19th May in the Village Hall [See page 25] A reminder will be sent to all interested parties who have shown an interest in submitting a proposal. There will also be a short statement of where the Council stands regarding the Marley/Eternit proposal.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 5th May at 7.30pm in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall.

Meldreth Parish Council 40

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

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

Refuse Collections Collections in May will be on the following dates: Black bins: Friday 13th, Friday 27th Blue and green bins: Saturday 7th*, Friday 20th * day late due to public holiday 41

What’s On for Children and Families in May Monday 2nd May, 10.30am – 4.00pm Craft Fair, Farmland Museum, Denny Abbey, Ely Road, Waterbeach CB25 9PQ Try Maypole dancing, make something in the craft area and buy food and crafts. Adults £6, children £4, under 5s free. For information, ring (01223) 860988/489.

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saffron Walden Crank Up, Sparrows End Hill, CB11 3TU A steam and vintage vehicle show with an old fashioned children’s fairground. Adults £5, under 16s free. Ring (07882) 175438 for details.

Saturday 21st May, 9.00am – 6.00pm A Day @The Gog, Gog Magog Hills, Heath Farm CB22 3AD Sample food from sausages to smoked salmon, cheese to chutney, salami to marmalade. The kitchen team will help children ice biscuits.

For information telephone (01223) 248352 or see www.gogmagoghills.com.

Sunday 22nd May, 11.30am and 2.30pm Three Little Pigs at Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX Puppets, music, comedy and thrills for ages 2+. £10 for adults, £6 for children. Drop-in craft session before the show. Book on (01223) 578000 or www.junction.co.uk.

Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June, 11.00am – 3.00pm Hobbies and Adventures at Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5QE Enjoy craft activities and games in the West Wing gallery. Outside, try den building and become a nature detective. Activities free but admission prices apply. For details ring (01284) 735270 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Tuesday 31st May 10.00am – 12.00pm Muddy Fingers at Wandlebury, Gog Magog Hills, CB22 3AE Build dens and stick towers, make tree faces and learn basic tracking.

For ages 3 to 6 years, accompanied by an adult. £8 per child. Bring a drink and snack. Book on www.cambridgeppf.org.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 42

Flat Roofing Specialists CAMBRIDGE ROOFERS

INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES FOR ALL NEW ROOFS

01223 782382 info@roofing-cambridge.co.uk www.roofing-cambridge.co.uk

Cambourne Self Storage Outdoor Storage 24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year 24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting Keypad Entry and High Security Locks, Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors

01767 676189 www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk

43

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk In recent years the school has made more and more use of Melwood, predominantly as an important educational resource for our younger children, who make regular weekly visits as part of our Forest Schools programme.

However, an additional annual fixture on our calendar is the annual charity fun run which we hold in support of Sports Relief. Here, Matthew, aged 7 and James H aged 11 record their experience of the event this year.

At the fun run, me and my mummy both had a job, because I was a bit poorly. We both made drinks for the whole school. Also, at the end I got a golden sticker and it said Sport Relief and my mummy got one for a good job. I felt really excited to see my mummy, the people looked really colourful. The people ran really fast. They also looked really tired and out of breath. I gave cups to people and my mum poured the drinks in the cups. When the jugs were finished, I gave them to Mrs Pavlitski. My mummy also gave a cup to little Sam in Robin Class. I felt really proud of myself and I cuddled my mummy because I felt so excited. At the end, my mum gave me a big kiss.

Matthew, Kingfisher Class.

On Friday 18th March, the whole school gathered into a mob of people doing a warm up led by Miss Jackson, our PE teacher, at about half past nine. Half nine: this is when classes start to bomb off, starting with Kingfisher (Year 2) leading the charge, with Jay (Year 1) in close pursuit. Unfortunately, Woodpecker (Year 6), my class, sprinted off last, trying to make up ground that we had already lost … well, most of us!

About a quarter of the way through the course, I was blocked-in about five times by children who had gone before me. Even though I’m a very good runner, I did not go for the win, so I used the motto, “slow and steady wins the race!”

44

At the end, I bolted back to the finish line, overtaking six or seven people (most of them were in Year 1 … but still!). It was a great experience, my seventh Fun Run in fact, and they just keep getting better!

James H, Woodpecker Class Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group Welcome back for the new term! Last term, our group grew from strength to strength with everyone enjoying busy, yet relaxed and supportive, weekly sessions. We also had a special visit from Jomry from Music Tots, as well as a fun session at the end of term, with bouncy castle, ball pit and egg hunt! Plans so far for this term are: another Music Tots session, a messy play session and, of course, a fun session at the end of term.

We are a friendly group welcoming babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents/grandparents/carers for relaxed play and chat. We provide a fun and nurturing environment where parents and other carers can have a chat and make friends and their children can enjoy socialising, doing different crafts and experiencing various activities.

We are open in Meldreth Village Hall from 9.30 until 11.30am on Wednesday mornings during term time. The cost is £2 per family and includes a drink and snack for the children and tea/coffee with biscuits for the grown ups. Please come along and give it a try!

For further information contact Rosalind Wing on 07432 150 721 or (01763) 661394.

We would like to this opportunity to extend our thanks to Melbourn Co-Op for its generous assistance with the children’s snacks. If any other local businesses, or indeed individuals, are able to make a small donation towards the running of the group, this would be much appreciated and would be put towards updating the toys and activity equipment.

Rosalind Wing 45

1st Melbourn Guides A mixture of old favourites and new projects kept the girls busy in the Spring Term. The Go For It Showtime patrol entertained us with a play parodying the film Inside Out, and a dance routine. Meanwhile the Passion for Fashion groups customised old clothes, put on a fashion show, and made purses from bubble wrap.

We then tried a new resource called Free Being Me. This encouraged the girls to be confident about themselves and their bodies and to recognise the impossible expectations of appearance (the ‘image myth’) that the media portrays.

Once again Bury Lane Farm Shop helped us out with donated cut flowers which the girls mixed with foliage to make table-top flower arrangements for Mothers Day. The girls also love a competition; on one evening the patrols gained points in a taste test, board games against the clock, cow herding trials, and paper aeroplane flying.

In March we joined up with the 2nd Melbourn Guides for a geocaching hike and sleepover at Cottered. The girls gained their Traditions of Guiding badge by learning how use a compass, set a table for dinner, draw the union flag, and they made up a short play illustrating a brief history Guiding and Scouting. There was also time for an indoor campfire, and playing outside on the trim trail.

We ended the term with an Easter themed evening making chocolate nests, an Easter basket from a paper plate, and hunting egg images around the hall.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Guide or a leader, or if you have any skills or hobbies which you would like to share with us, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com.

Hilary Marsh 46

Lawn Cutting Service

Handyman

Call 01763 262773 (answer phone) • • • • • • • • • •

Carpentry Painting Concrete Work Slabbing Fencing Gardening Building Flat Pack Blockwork Pointing General Handyman Duties

Lawn Edging General Maintenance Fencing Repairs Pressure Washing Reasonable Rates

Village Garden Services Contact : Campbell Weir Mobile : 07798 924022 Home : 01223 207583 Email : campbell.weir@outlook.com

07845 804289 07530 171263

Reliable and friendly service for all your general garden maintenance needs and much more ...… !

joecowan0107@hotmail.co.uk

ROYSTON FENCING TEL 01763 261150 FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

47

Cycle Routes Around Meldreth This month I outline several of my favourite routes to the west of Meldreth. The roads in this area are ideal for cycling being relatively flat and not very busy with through traffic. The villages and countryside are beautiful too.

The “Croydon Circuit” is a 16.5 mile circular route. From the village stocks ride along North End towards Shepreth. Turn left into Malton Lane and ride to Orwell. At the T-junction in Orwell turn left and ride through Orwell. Turn left at the T-junction with the A603. If you are not confident enough to ride on the A603 you can dismount, cross the road on foot and proceed along the path on the north side of the road.

Turn right at the next junction and ride towards Wimpole Hall, turning left into the Wimpole Hall Estate. Continue past Wimpole Hall to Arrington. This is a beautiful part of the route so do stop and admire the Hall, its grounds and drive. In Arrington cross the A603 and continue towards Croydon. There are lovely expansive views to the south from this elevated section of the ride. Continue through Croydon and at the T-junction turn left. Continue to the T-junction and turn left onto the A603. Turn right after about a quarter of a mile onto Mill Lane. At the T-junction turn right towards Guilden Morden. Take the first left onto Fen Road towards Shingay and Bassingbourn. Continue to Bassingbourn and turn left onto High Street. Hatties Tea Shop on the left makes a pleasant stop. Continue along High Street which becomes the Causeway.

At the mini roundabouts turn right then left towards Meldreth.

Continue straight on at the Whitecroft Road crossroads and ride along Fenny Lane to the village stocks.

This ride can be extended to include Abington Pigotts and Litlington to give an 18.5 mile circular route. Turn right off Fen Road towards Abington Pigotts and ride through Abington Pigotts to Litlington. At the T-junction with Litlington Road turn left then left again towards Bassingbourn.

The ride can be further extended to include Guilden Morden and Steeple Morden and give a 20.5 mile circular route. Instead of turning left onto Fen Road continue to Guilden Morden then to Steeple Morden then back to Litlington. Consult your map for details.

This ride can be even further extended to include Ashwell to give a 25 mile circular route. Ashwell is an attractive village with a wealth of timber framed buildings, an interesting museum and springs which are one of the sources of the River Cam. Every year there is an “Ashwell at Home” event with open gardens, an opportunity to climb the Church 48

tower which affords great views of the local area, and other attractions.

This year it is on Sunday 8th May. From Guilden Morden take the road to Ashwell. From Ashwell ride to Steeple Morden then to Litlington.

Once again, consult your map for details.

There is a lovely off-road alternative to get to Ashwell from Meldreth or vice versa. It is about 9 miles each way and is suitable for most bicycles with the possible exception of those with very narrow wheels and tyres.

From the village stocks follow the High Street towards Melbourn. After crossing the railway bridge turn right just before Fieldgate Nurseries and follow the path to the A10. Proceed along the path on the Meldreth side of the A10 towards Royston past Bury Lane Farm then turn right onto the bridleway. This turning is just before the junction on the left that leads to Melbourn. Continue on this bridleway under the railway bridge and past Apocalypse Paintball. Cross the A1198 and continue on the bridleway. This is now “Ashwell Street” and takes you all the way to Ashwell. Once in Ashwell turn right onto Bear Lane into the centre of Ashwell. I recommend “Rhubarb and Mustard” on the High Street for a tea stop. You can return along the same route or use the road circuit described above.

As a matter of interest, I would like to point out that it is possible to buy custom made Ordnance Survey Maps centred on Meldreth or any place of your choosing. A 1:50,000 scale map covers all of the routes that I will describe from Meldreth. You can even have one of your own photographs on the front! These maps are more expensive than standard maps but it seems well worth it to me. For more details visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/.

Ralph Betts

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Annual Ride The annual A10 Awareness Cycle Ride will take place on Sunday 15th May, starting out at 10.00am from Trumpington Park and Ride and heading to Phillimore Garden Centre, Melbourn, for tea and cake. This will be a great opportunity to experience first-hand the new off-road cycle path connecting Harston to Foxton and Shepreth. It has been decided that the Royston-Melbourn segment is too dangerous to include on this year’s ride and we are continuing to work for a safe link to Royston. All information about the ride will be posted at www.a10corridorcycle.com.

Susan van de Ven Susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574 49

M.C.T CONSTRUCTION Small building firm From small patios to extensions, No job too small, Friendly reliable service, 25 years building experience, City & Guilds advanced crafts bricklayer Contact:

Mark Tyler Home ‐ 01763 264166 Mobile ‐ 07968 510645 10 The Grange, Meldreth, Herts. SG8 6JZ

L

Keyhole’s School of Driving The Key To Success

L

To discuss driving lessons or courses please call:

Kay 07816 361 733 or Grant 07807 862 126 www.keyholesdriving.co.uk

****Special Introductory Rates**** Please call for latest offers

Uifpsz Uftu Xfctjuf Worth £8.00 per month to all our pupils www.keyholes.theorytestpro.co.uk

50

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Fourteen members met in the meeting room in Meldreth when Marion Long led us in our Lent Reflections. She said although it was Holy Week it was still Lent which is our spiritual time when we take into account our commitment to God: do we read our Bibles enough, do we give way to temptations? We had three readings from St. Luke's Gospel. The first was when God was tempted by the Devil. Marion had brought along a stone, a globe and a picture of Jerusalem. The second was the parable of the fig tree which was without fruit for three years. He told the gardener to cut it down but he said to leave it another year and if there is no fruit then I will cut it down. Marion had water to make it grow. The third reading was indicating the fish - a symbol of faith - and the fourth reading, which was from John’s Gospel - coins denoting Jesus’ betrayal. Marion then played a Gregorian chant which was very soothing. We finished with some questions and then grace. Finally we prayed for Alan Hay, who had been taken into hospital and for Pauline. Anne thanked Marion and presented her with a garden centre voucher.

Our next meeting is the Summer Supper which we are holding in Melbourn on 24th May. If you would like to know more about the group please contact, Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775, Sue Toule on (01763) 260955 or Angela Leach on (01763) 262793.

Anne Harrison

Drop-in Advice Surgery Please feel free to drop in to my monthly advice surgery at the Melbourn Hub. As the first Monday in May is a bank holiday, the surgery will take place the following week on Monday 9th May from 2.30-3.30pm. As always, if you’d like to meet at a more convenient time closer to home, this can easily be arranged.

Susan van de Ven Tel 07905 325574 Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 51

Club Log: Good Companions Why sit at home when you could be out having fun?

Part of a national group of social clubs for the over 50’s, the Good Companions Club has run in Meldreth for over 55 years, and is still going strong.

On 20th November 1959 at Mrs Powles’ home at Meldreth Court, a committee of nine friends gathered to form the club and plan the first of the fortnightly meetings: a half hour of films, followed by a game of Lotto supplied by Mrs Andrews. Mrs Pinney would bring hymn books for some carol singing and Mrs Powles promised refreshments. Subs would be 2/6d per year, with a weekly charge of 3d for tea.

The current club chairman Marian Oakman remembers that when she joined nearly 30 years ago there were 40 members and a waiting list.

The numbers are lower now, but the members still enjoy meeting once a month for games and speakers, or an outing courtesy of Royston Community Transport. “We come along for the company, and to have a laugh” explains Lorraine, the club secretary. Pat joined soon after moving to the village: “You can sit at home, or you can come out and have some fun” she declared as she shared out her huge chocolate birthday cake. A recent highlight for the club was an outing to Harrow, organised by the Lions Club, for a lunch, live music and Indian dancing.

The club now meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 2.00 to 4.00pm, usually in the Elin Way Community Centre, and subs are only £6 per year. On 5th May there will be bingo and a beetle drive, and in June they’ll be having a day out in Haverhill. The club would be delighted to welcome new members and they’ll be happy to collect you if you need a lift. Just telephone Lorraine Pocknell on (01763) 261432.

Hilary Marsh If you would like your club or group featured in our Club Log series, please contact the Editor by emailing meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

52

Good Companions The AGM on 7th April went well with lots of lively discussion regarding activities and outings. We also have new programmes for the coming year which were distributed, and we would like to say a heartfelt thanks to Ron Comben for helping with these again.

Mary held an Easter service for us and also judged the posy/buttonhole Easter competition (late this year due to an early Easter) which was won with a lovely posy by Barbara Shaw, one of our members from Melbourn.

We would also like to welcome two new members who have recently moved to the village, and wish them well in their new home, it was lovely to see you at our meeting.

New members are always sure of a warm welcome, why not give us a try!

Laraine Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432 Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

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

What are our Services?

The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc.

What will it cost?

We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples).

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 53

Royal British Legion Women’s Section.

Melbourn and Meldreth Branch The Women’s Section has enjoyed various activities over the last few months. Twenty members enjoyed a belated Christmas lunch at the Dolphin in January and our meeting later that month was a tea party.

In February we had our bring and buy to raise funds. Our March Easter Egg decoration competition was won by Mrs Sheila Gouldthorpe.

The Women’s Section of the Legion is open to all women over 18 who support the Legions objectives and we aim to make our meetings and activities entertaining, interesting, stimulating and most of all good fun.

We meet at Vicarage Close Community Centre on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm. Please come and join us; you will be assured of a warm welcome.

For further details, please contact any of the following: President, Molly Chamberlain 07746 823072; Chairman, Una Cleminson (01763) 269544; Secretary, Elizabeth Murphy (01763) 220841.

Una Cleminson Chairman

Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers at Meldreth Station Four Melbourn Village College Year 9 boys will be doing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, volunteering at Meldreth Station over the next six months.

Their help in keeping the station environment cleared of litter and platform flower tubs watered during the summer months, will be invaluable. If anyone else is looking for Duke of Edinburgh volunteering or skills places, please contact Susan van de Ven. Susan van de Ven Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 54

w No

en Op

!

A garage for the village, run by people from the village MOTs|Servicing|Tyres|Repairs|Diagnostics|Exhausts|Clutches|Cambelts Cars|Light Commercials

Is your car ready for Winter?

FREE Winter Health Check | FREE Collection & Delivery

Book Today Tel: 01223 491005 Email: Info@b2bauto.co.uk Web: www.b2bauto.co.uk *Station Garage* Unit 2 * Whitecroft Road * Meldreth * Herts * SG8 6NE *

Coton Electrical for all Domestic wiring Your local lawncare company, offering:

Full rewiring Consumer units Lights and switches New sockets Gardens Kitchens & bathrooms

• Lawn moss killing • Scarification • Aeration • Complete weed and disease control • Bespoke feed programme • Reseeding • Hard surface moss & weed control

NEW! Inspections PAT Tests NEW!

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

Please contact us for a free Lawncare Analysis

Call David on 07749 850026 17 Flambards Close, Meldreth

Tel: 01763 242909 meridian.lawncare@btconnect.com

55

Personal Trainer

HOME FOOTCARE

Michael Easton

Training in Your Own Home or at Melbourn Gym Individual, personalised programmes http://backtothefitness.co.uk

Jane Cavanna (MCFHP MAFHP)

01763 249254

For all your chiropody needs in the comfort of your own home.

The Salisbury String Quartet Fabulous Music For Weddings and functions Are you or one of your family getting married soon?

Do you require music for ceremony, drinks reception or party?

We have a wealth of experience providing classy & entertaining background music for all of the above.

Call today to book:

01777 816696 or 07769 347903

Hertfordshire based.

01707 260615 www.salisburystringquartet.co.uk

G I L H O O LY

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

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

VANS

Flexible working hours to suit you Monday — Saturday

Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 56

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Every month we give details of one of the most current scams. You may think that they would never happen to you. However, this month we have details of a scam that has been tried on the Editor of Meldreth Matters together with someone else in the area. Neither of them fell for it, but you should always treat unsolicited calls with suspicion.

Fraudsters telephone and ask whether you receive unwanted telephone calls. If you say that you do, and who doesn't, they offer to register you as not wanting to receive marketing calls in return for a payment.

If you receive a call that claims to represent such a scheme, it is a scam.

End the telephone call. Do not give out any personal or financial data.

If you receive a call like this, or any other that you believe is a scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. This will help Action Fraud build up a picture of current scams, so that they can be tackled as well as the details circulated.

To register (free of charge!) to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing calls, go to the Telephone Preference Service at www.tpsonline.org.uk. However, note that this will not stop scam calls entirely since fraudsters do not abide by any codes of conduct.

The Cambridge Police website for reporting a variety of issues is: www.contactcambspolice.uk.

If you are the sort of person who likes to watch out for neighbours and notices things out of the ordinary, joining Neighbourhood Watch in Meldreth will allow you to contribute to keeping crime low across South Cambridgeshire. Please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Meldreth’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 57

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address 73 High Street, S/0563/16/LB

Detail Repair and reinstatement of existing gable wall of The Homestead, following demolition of the abutting Maycroft Care Home prior to redevelopment, as already approved under planning permission S/0984/14/VC

Parish Council Recommend Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Approval' with no comments.

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address Decision

17 North End, S/1504/15/FL

Permission has been approved for the relocation of vehicular access

11 The Grange, S/2858/15/FL

Permission has been approved for a single storey rear and front extension

11 North End, S/004/15/FL

Permission has been refused for a conservatory

40 Bell Close, S/2507/15/FL

Permission has been approved for a single storey link between house and swimming pool

Other Items The residents at 97 North End would like it clarified that they had sought permission from the Planning and Highways Departments regarding their new driveway prior to their removing part of the hedge.

Mr Searles also reported that a letter has been sent to the residents explaining the situation and that the Parish Council had tried, on numerous occasions, to clarify whether planning had been sought but had not received any response from the Planning Department, which is why it was questioned on the application.

Deferred: 104 High Street, S/2519/14/FL - Erection of six residential flats, bin store and new link with additional commercial (B1 office) space for existing commercial unit. The Parish Council have deferred discussion of this application until their next meeting on 21st April, as they had still not received the plans. continued ...

58

Appeals: Orchard Cottage, Bury Lane S/2244/15/OL for an outline application for the erection of a timber framed eco-friendly detached house (all matters reserved) has now gone to appeal (APP/W0530/ W16/3145057).

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

Meldreth Parish Council 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

Melwood Conservation Group Invites you to our 2016 BIRD WALK in MELWOOD (your Local Nature Reserve)

Led by Mike Foley (British Trust for Ornithology Volunteer) on Saturday, 21st May, 2016 Meet in Church Car Park at 8.00am ***************** We will be looking for birds and bird activity in the wood and along the No 6 Footpath.....please remember to bring your binoculars.

No charge, but donations are welcome.

Melwood Conservation Group: (01763) 260358 http://melwood.btck.co.uk

59

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

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

Professional, Friendly and Reliable Window Cleaning Service

Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions”

Andy Armstrong

All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

M: 07791769036 E: andy@armstrongwindowcleaning.co.uk www.armstrongwindowcleaning.co.uk

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

iPLASTER

The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

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

01763 260 526 07837 645173

Call today on 01223 863 632

Email - iplaster@outlook.com CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTE IAN NORTH END MELDRETH

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

Reflections Hair Studio

Lynn Driscoll DipCFHP, MPSPract

Specialist in all Aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Foot Health Practitioner Member of the Accredited Register of Foot Health Practitioners

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions

• • • • • • •

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

Long nails trimmed Thick nails reduced Corns & Verruca treated Hard skin/callus reduced Fungal Infections Dry and cracked heels Diabetics cared for

Mobile service providing foot care in the comfort of your home

Tel: 07771 735300 60

Update on Drainage Action Following our work with Council officers to get Meldreth’s drainage matters into better shape, the Meldreth Flood Avoidance group has had another walk around the village to ensure that all hotspots under County Highways responsibility are logged, and that any matters of concern on private property are noted and communicated appropriately. We also noted many examples of good work undertaken by residents and the Council, which was very encouraging.

An open manhole, several severely blocked drains and culverts, an untended access chamber and suspected snags under the road have all been logged. Timing was fortuitous as our report had been sent in just before a dual burst water mains incident late one night.

Thank you to the new Meldreth residents who have already contacted us about bulrushes in their ditch and what to do about them. Bulrushes are a menace to free-flowing ditches and need to be dug out and the ditch checked every year for regrowth. If not possible to dig them out, we can access advice from South Cambridgeshire Environmental Health Department on more drastic treatment options.

Riparian ownership – owning land abutting watercourses - involves legal responsibilities that might not be obvious or clearly set out. We are always happy to pass on information about this. A number of riparian owners have done thorough work to maintain their ditches, which of course needs to be kept up to scratch every year.

Now we hope that staff from the Highways Department will visit Meldreth very soon to carry out all the works we jointly identified as urgent and important. We know there are severe financial pressures on the Council; they know and we know that prevention jobs save money in the long run. Hopefully there will be enough money to save money!

Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

61

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

Until Sunday 8th May, at normal opening times ‘Running with Brushes’ Art Exhibition The Plough, 12 High Street, Shepreth SG8 6PP Features the work of 10 highly accomplished local artists, including war artist Sophie Whittaker, a serving officer in the British Army.

Until Saturday 9th July, at normal museum opening times ‘1816: Prints by Turner, Goya and Cornelius’ Gallery 16, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Prints by three major artists from the year the Fitzwilliam was founded.

Free. Visit: fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk; telephone: (01223) 332900.

Sunday 1st May, 10.30am to 3.00pm Sponsored Dog Walk for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Wimpole Estate, Arrington, SG8 0BW 3km or 8km dog walk and see hearing dog puppies in training. £10 to take part. Tickets available from HDDP, www.greatbritishdogwalk.org.

Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May, 10.30am to 4.30pm Ely Eel Festival, Palace Gardens, Ely, Cambridgeshire Ely pays homage to the humble eel! Food and drink market with celebrity chefs, including (on Sunday) Ian Cumming, Cambridgeshire’s 2015 ‘Bake Off’ finalist.

For more details see www.visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk.

Wednesday 4th May, 10.00am to 12.00pm A walk around Gamlingay Wood, off B1040, SG19 3DH Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants Plenty of spring flowers and excellent for bluebells. Free, but voluntary donations welcomed. Meet at wood entrance. Suitable footwear for muddy paths. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 6th May (and four other dates), 11.00am to 12.30pm Capability Brown “CB300 exclusive” guided walk Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Discover how Capability Brown swept away the formal garden styles of the past and created the natural looking parkland that we see today.

2.5km walk with experienced guide. Free, no booking needed.

62

Saturday 7th May, from 10.00am Fenland Dash – Ely CB6 3LU ‘Mucky racing’ with plenty of glorious mud in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Includes a testing 5km course, a ‘muddy beginner’ event and an obstacle course. Come and join in the fun or even enter as an individual or group. For more information: muddyrace.co.uk.

Wednesday 11th May, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Sit and Sew: Priority Quilters Royston and District Museum and Art Gallery, Royston SG8 5AL Pop in and see the quilters in action and view a sample of their beautiful textile work. Free. Visit: roystonmuseum.org.uk.

Friday 20th May, 7.30pm ‘Mozart for Four Hands’ Piano Concert Stapleford Granary Recital Hall, Bury Rd. Stapleford CB22 5BP John Bryden and Thomas Uhlmann play a selection of Mozart’s works for one piano but four hands. Tickets £15 (under 16, £8). Book online: staplefordgranary.org.uk or telephone (01223) 849004.

Saturday 21st May, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting, Foxton Village Hall This month the speaker is Rev Garry McDermott who will talk about the Cambridge Street Pastors: “Christians Working in a Practical way in the Night Time Economy”. To book breakfast contact Mark Howard at Mark-Howard@UWclub.net, (01223) 503377 or Tony Garrick at garrick.tony@gmail.com, (01223) 510201.

Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th May (at varying times) Cambridge Beer Festival, Jesus Green, Cambridge (no postcode) Wide range of local and national beers, renowned CAMRA cheese counter, locally produced bread and savouries. For programme details and timings: cambridgebeerfestival.com. Tel: (01223) 967808.

Thursday 26th May, 10.00am (10.30am for a shorter walk) Healthy Walking, Wandlebury Country Park CB22 3AE Healthy, sociable weekly walk for people of all abilities. Free. No need to pre-book but arrive 10 minutes early to register if your first time. For more information on this and other events: cambridgeppf.org.

Compiled by John Crawforth 63

Melbourn Sports Centre www.mc-sport.co.uk Swimathon Melbourn Sports Centre participated in the world’s biggest fundraising swim recently when swimmers of all ages and abilities, from Melbourn and the surrounding area, helped to raise money for Sport Relief through Swimathon’s established 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k distance challenges.

Melbourn Sports Centre was one of more than 600 pools nationwide hosting Swimathon. Manager, Graham Johnson-Mack, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people in our community getting in the pool for this fundraising challenge. People taking part seemed to have fun, as well as raising money for a great cause.”

May Half Term With half term only weeks away, why not plan your children’s holiday fun? We have a variety of activities to choose from including our Ofsted Registered Playscheme (The Kidz Factor), trampoline tasters and a swimming crash course.

Get Fit for the Summer We have lots of classes to keep you fit and healthy as summer approaches, including boxercise, aerobics, boot camp, pilates and body sculpture. Alternatively, why not take advantage of membership of our fitness suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including CV machines fitted with audio visual technology.

For further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Graham Johnson-Mack, Melbourn Sports Centre

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

Quicksilver Yoga Stretch, strengthen, energise and relax.

Suitable for all abilities.

New classes starting Thursday evenings at Gymbos Personal Training Studio, Meldreth.

7pm - 8pm and 8pm - 9pm Small class size. Book your space now.

For more information contact Quicksilver1yoga@gmail.com Or phone: 07874719155

See page 68 for our rates.

64

Would you like to play cricket?

Bassingbourn Cricket Club is a friendly village club always looking for new players of any age and ability!

We play in a local league on Saturdays and have friendly Sunday fixtures arranged throughout the summer.

Our 2016 league campaign starts at home on 7th May Please come and join us at our weekly nets sessions at the Bassingbourn Recreation Ground, Thursday evenings starting @18:30 Visit our website for contact details and information on club events at: http://bassingbourn.play-cricket.com/ or contact Dave Bartlett on 07968 568533, david.bartlett@matthey.com

The 2016 Hoohaah 10k Series As part of this series, there will be a run at the Wimpole Estate on Sunday 22nd May 2016, starting at 10.00am.

Please register in advance at www.hoohaah.co.uk, where you will also find information on the final run of this series: Hatfield Forest, Essex on 19th June.

The entry fee of £18 per adult covers costs only and competitors are encouraged to obtain sponsorship for their run. Funds raised will go to the MindEd Trust, which was set up in memory of Meldreth’s Edward Mallen who died in 2015.

Hannah Hodgson Director, Just Happen Ltd.

65

(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

66

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

(01223) 453702 only during the following times: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm

Rail User Group

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

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found 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)

67

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.

MCT Construction .......................... 50 Melbourn Flooring .................... Cover Melbourn Village College................. 13 Meldreth Landscapes ....................... 14 Meldreth Plant Hire ........................... 3 Meridian Lawncare ......................... 55 Michael Easton Personal Trainer .... 56 Moncraft Computers ....................... 13 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 6 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ..... 14 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................. 43 The Picture Framers ........................... 6 Quicksilver Yoga.............................. 64 Reflections Hair Studio .................... 60 Richard Burns Electrician ................. 21 Rod’s PC Support............................... 9 Royston Fencing............................... 47 Salisbury String Quartet .................. 56 Shelford Energy ................................ 13 Slimming World ................................ 9 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ............. 21 Summit Landscapes ......................... 50 TCS Design ..................................... 21 Village Garden Services ................... 47 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ......... 32 Weight Loss and Nutritional Advice 47

A10 Timber ....................................... 6 Affordable Plumbing ....................... 32 Armstrong Window Cleaners .......... 60 Art of Clean ..................................... 60 Art of Clean Wood .......................... 21 B2B Automotive ............................. 55 Bracey’s Accountants ................. Cover Cambourne Self Storage ................. 43 Cambridge Roofers ......................... 43 CHS Day Centre ............................. 32 CHS Group ................................ Cover College Farm B & B ....................... 13 Coton Electrical .............................. 55 The Country Store .......................... 43 Eternit Sports and Social Club ......... 14 Gilhooly .......................................... 56 Handyman ....................................... 47 Home Foot Care ............................. 56 iPlaster ............................................ 60 JPK Plumbing and Heating .............. 14 Keyholes Driving School .................. 50 Lawn Cutting Service ...................... 47 Lawn Partners ................................ 43 The Letting Centre ..................... Cover Little Hands Nursery School ........... 60 Lynn Driscoll Foot Care ................. 60 Mandy Thornton Counselling .......... 6 68

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

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

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

The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039

Fax 01763 263458 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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