Meldreth Matters, May 2023

Events … Annual Parish Meeting Film Night

What’s On

30

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This month’s cover picture: Black 5 steam loco 44932 at Meldreth Station on Friday 31st March. Photograph by Ralph Betts.

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.

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Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428

The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

Local Events

Sunday 14th May 2.00-6.00pm

Topcliffe Mill Open for Na onal Mills Weekend

Come and visit this centuries-old watermill opposite Holy Trinity Church, North End, Meldreth

Admission £5 per adult

Accompanied children under 16 free No unaccompanied children

All proceeds will be donated to Meldreth Ma ers

Editorial

Welcome to the May Issue of Meldreth Matters.

There are several events taking place in the Village Hall this month. These include a Family Feast to mark the Coronation, the Annual Parish Meeting and a Village Film Night when The Lost King will be shown. I can recommend this film, particularly if you attended the talk by Mathew Morris on “Richard III: the King Under the Car Park” which was organised by Meldreth Local History Group in 2016.

In addition to the above, Topcliffe Mill in North End will be open from 2.00-6.00pm on Sunday 14th May as part of National Mills weekend. This is the first time that the mill has been open since 2019, so don’t miss the opportunity to see inside this wonderful watermill. Admission is £5 per adult and this year all proceeds will be donated to Meldreth Matters.

Kathryn Auction of Lots and Promises

The team is very grateful to those who have already responded with items for the Auction of Lots and Promises to raise much-needed funds to ensure the continued production of Meldreth Matters.

Items donated so far include:

 A set of golf clubs

 A group walking tour of Cambridge

 A bottle of dessert wine

 A flight in a light aircraft

 Beaded items

 An Introduction to Art Therapy session

 A week in a cottage in Anglesey

 A Samsung computer monitor

We are considering holding an online auction, perhaps followed by a live event in the Village Hall on Saturday 16th September if we receive sufficient offers/ donations. More details will be given in the June issue.

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

The Meldreth Matters Team

Enid Marion Martin

Enid Marion Martin was born in Meldreth in March 1928 to Sidney and Helena Fost and lived in Allerton Terrace in the High Street. She had a very happy childhood. She went to school in Meldreth and Melbourn and started work aged fourteen.

Enid worked at Shepreth Station in the ticket office initially, and whilst working there was invited to the Lord Mayor’s Luncheon at The Mansion House in London; a very proud moment for her. She then worked at Foster Instrument Company in Letchworth alongside her brother Keith. In her spare time Enid enjoyed amateur dramatics and when she was sixteen played the part of Cinderella in the Meldreth pantomime. That is where she first met her husband, Robert Martin, who was from Scotland but was lodging in Meldreth at the time. As a result, Robert’s nickname for Enid was “Cinders”. Enid and Robert married in 1950 and soon after was the happy arrival of their only child Stephen.

Once Stephen was old enough, Enid worked for a few years at the local grocery shop owned by Mr Salisbury, but always had a driving ambition to own her own house. Enid therefore applied for the job as a Post Lady in Meldreth in 1959. This was quite something at the time and she was criticised by a few locally for taking a man’s job. Enid was determined though and after eleven years they were able to buy their own home in Hale Close, Melbourn.

Two years after moving in, Enid's husband became unwell and sadly died five years later. Enid was only 49 at the time. Enid spent the rest of her life devoted to supporting Stephen and Gilly and their children Jemima and Charlie. She often said that her grandchildren saved her life after Robert’s death.

Sadly both of Enid’s grandchildren had health issues and Enid then became the family backbone. She would cycle from Melbourn to Foxton to collect the children from school every day and would be a constant support with their many health issues, moving in at times when one or other of them was in hospital. Consequently her grandchildren adored her and they miss her terribly.

Despite her family commitments, Enid managed to find time to travel, visiting Australia, Russia, Singapore, China (where she walked along the Great Wall), the Caribbean and many more places.

At 75 Enid was still helping at the over 60’s Club in Melbourn. Ironically she was one of the oldest there. She also really enjoyed going to Meldreth Local History Group coffee mornings and reminiscing about the olden days.

Enid lived independently and managed her own home well into her late 80’s, taking great pride in her garden and still cycling long after most would have given up. However, her greatest pride and joy was always her family. She still talked constantly about her parents, as if they were still here. After Robert’s death her life revolved totally around Stephen and her grandchildren; never missing a holiday with all the family or Sunday lunch, complete with robust discussions on politics and the Royal Family! Sadly Enid died eleven days before her 95th birthday. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Steve, Gilly, Jemima & Charlie Martin

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth

Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

We offer twice weekly visits and daily phone calls to support elderly or mobility impaired residents in their own homes by building a friendship and helping prevent social isolation. We can carry out errands such as local shopping, collecting prescriptions, paying bills or going to the Post Office so people can remain supported and independent at home. We can also help couples or those living with their family. We are also trained to support people living with dementia.

Who provides the services?

Mobile wardens, who have all been carefully selected for their caring nature and are DBS checked.

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as £7.50 per week.

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity Richard Burns

For installation, repair or advice please call Tel: 01763 263 121

Iris Rathwell

The death has occurred of Doctor Iris Rathwell. Iris, who was born in Albania, had lived in Meldreth for fourteen years. Iris was often seen walking in the village with her dog Lorcan and her young niece, Poppy. She was an enthusiastic restorer of her thatched house. She was a leading doctor in the UK in child mental health. Iris had many visitors: close friends from the village, colleagues from the NHS and friends and relatives from around the world. This gave her great joy.

There has been acknowledgement on the public record about this extraordinary individual who so much represented the dedication, skill and innovative imagination of professionals at all levels of child mental care.

Iris spoke often about the difficulties in overcoming the natural tendency of elements of the profession and of politicians and commissioners to separate themselves due to professional training in variations and levels of response. Iris was, I believe, at the forefront in finding ways both to encourage and to structure flexible and responsive capacities that considered ever changing ways of dealing with issues of funding and planning.

Both pre and post pandemic, and in the face of cutbacks she worked with a national team to respond. She also found ways of training and inspiring new professionals to meet new challenges. Iris was commended for many things, among which was the training of Judges in understanding a child-first approach to the legal problems of child abuse. In her clinical work at grass roots level she was committed to the child, to the family and to the professionals involved, often over problematic areas of custody and of development of individuals for year after year.

We are all only superficially aware of Iris’ origins. I know her early training and love was in the realm of music where she reached a professional ability. The Communist regime in Albania overseeing Iris’ education as a teen had other views of the assignments to be given to women of her intellect and family party background so Iris was steered to become a doctor; one of the few in the country in the profession of Psychiatry. When the regime fell, a long period of chaos followed but as a young doctor she stuck to her post cheerfully while engaging the realms of aid workers from the outside world swarming into this last Communist dictatorship in the needs of the children there.

Iris won short term scholarships to Belgium and then found ways to come to Britain to work from the ground up to retrain in her profession. She worked in all areas and at all levels of child mental health in some of the most difficult areas of London and the UK. She was involved in assessment and testimony in notorious areas of abuse which deeply affected public concern.

Step by step and on merit Iris became a leader in national outreach services for children in the UK.

Iris accepted with humility and courage every challenge of child mental health, the realities of social conditions from education and critical response especially challenges in professional development and in bureaucracy. Her

age is a great loss to the United Kingdom, the NHS and Child Psychiatry. She will be much missed by colleagues, stepson Daniel, husband Richard and dog Lorcan.

The Opus 28 Canadian Filmmakers’ Visit to Meldreth

I’d like to thank everyone for making the filmmakers so welcome during their recent fourteen day visit to the village.

As I mentioned in the March issue of Meldreth Matters, this film records the life of the famous Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow. The Director of the film, Sofia Bohdanowicz, has a personal connection to Kathleen as her grandfather was taught the violin by Kathleen. I had already discovered in 2015, that Kathleen Parlow had lived in Meldreth from 1912 to 1925. She and her mother Minnie found Meldreth to be a place of tranquillity, especially during WW1 and later a peaceful place to return to after Kathleen resumed her worldwide touring as a concert violinist.

Filming began in Toronto and the filmmakers flew to the UK in March so that they could film in Meldreth. It was quite a whirlwind visit. The seventeen members of the crew stayed in Meldreth, Melbourn and Royston and brought a lot of business to our local area. I became their Meldreth liaison person and found other residents to be involved too. The Canadians found Meldreth so friendly as people were interested in their project. The British Queen was brilliant as usual. The crew also found various coffee shops/restaurants and local shops very useful. They leased The Homestead (next to Maycroft Care Home) for nine days. To create the film set there several Meldreth residents helped to clear out rooms and later put everything back as it was before. They then filmed in one of the sheep fields at Topcliffe Mill, in Melwood, at the British Queen and at Holy Trinity Church where they had obtained special permission to film from the Dioceses of Ely. They requested extras to be part of the congregation and the Lift Off and Church Choirs to be present, in a candle lit setting.

The choir had already been practising a piece of music under the tuition of Clare Silver, our Meldreth Choir Master. It all sounded and looked beautiful. The

Filming in The Homestead, Meldreth

From left to right: Eileen Davies, Sofia Bohdanowicz, Joan Gane at the BQ

filming took place inside the church one evening between 7.00pm and 10.00pm and then the crew continued filming in the churchyard during the night.

During their second week, the production team moved on to film in Cambridge at Clare College and at the Faculties of English and Music. After saying goodbye to Meldreth they flew to Oslo on 8th April for several days of filming there, as Kathleen Parlow had a concerto dedicated to her by the Norwegian composer Johan Halverson.

The film will be presented at various International Film Festivals in early 2024. Our thanks go to the Opus team for the generous donations given to Meldreth Local History Group, Holy Trinity Church and the Lift Off Choir. We look forward to seeing the final film next year.

For more information on Kathleen Parlow’s time in Meldreth and to hear a recording of her playing her violin, please see the History Group website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. An additional page on the filming in Meldreth will be added shortly.

Joan Gane Meldreth Local History Group Chairman

The Opus 28 Canadian Filmmakers

The Opus 28 team consisted of the screenwriter and film director Sofia Bohdanowicz, the director of photography Nickolay Michaylov, plus a film crew of fifteen including producers and support crew. Sofia has worked on many films in the last twelve years and won various awards at international film festivals. She was recently named as one of the 22 most influential people in Canadian film. Sofia often works with the actress Deragh Campbell whose Great Grandmother was Dame Sybil Thorndike and her grandparents were the actors Douglas Campbell and Ann Casson. Deragh takes one of the lead roles as Audrey Benac in the film, with the actress Melanie Scheiner taking another.

In the film, Audrey Bernac is on a journey searching for a connection with the Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow, which brings her to Meldreth. While in Meldreth she meets me in my role as Chairman of Meldreth Local History Group. In the film I am played by the British Actress Eileen Davies. Eileen is well known in British films and TV. Most recently she was in Eastenders and Coronation Street and is in the new film, Allelujah.

This mirrors the meeting of Sofia, Deragh and me when they were ‘scouting’ the location of Meldreth in 2019. I showed them around and gave them historical information on the places that will be shown in the film Opus 28.

Being involved in the filming was such a wonderful experience for me, particularly as they were so kind, good fun and respectful. I never imagined how involved I would become with the props, locations, etc required in the preparation of the film. I do not regret a minute of it and will remain friends with some of the lovely people I met.

Joan Gane

Letters to the Editor

Opus 28 Canadian Filmmakers Visit to Meldreth

The cast and crew of Opus 28 were so moved by the extraordinary generosity of local villagers in Meldreth. Without their open arms, warm helping hands and excellent energy the film would not have been possible. We all remain marked by the wonderful people we met when we filmed in the British Queen, Holy Trinity Church and The Homestead in Meldreth and the Oak Barn in Melbourn. Lastly, the images and beautiful sounds from Clare Silver’s heartful choir will forever point to the loving spirit of all who live in Meldreth.

Sofia Bohdanowicz, Director of Opus 28

[Editor’s note: please see pages 8-9 for Joan Gane’s full report on the filming.]

Potholes and Other Highways Issues

We regularly report potholes and other road issues on the Cambridgeshire County Council website, yet very few are filled in or done properly, with new potholes inevitably appearing around the repair.

We reported the pothole opposite One Stop. It was fixed eventually after a number of people reporting it and a few burst tyres. However, when repairing it the excess tarmac went down the drains nearby instead of being cleaned up properly. As a result, the drains became blocked and unable to take any water, causing flooding. So we reported this and it should be fixed within twelve weeks. If the workmen had disposed of the tarmac correctly we wouldn't be in this situation; they have caused more problems.

We reported the large dip in the road outside Station Road, no 61, yet we were told that this didn’t meet the criteria to be fixed. It has now become an even worse problem which, when reported again, is going to be fixed.

It seems all potholes are getting worse as the road surfaces deteriorate and instead of resurfacing, the roads become a patchwork of repairs. The hill over the railways is always an issue; potholes appear which you are unable to dodge due to it being a hill and on a bend. At the bottom of the hill into Whitecroft Road are a large number of potholes all the way to Chiswick End. These get worse and are a major concern to everybody. Debris off the hill doesn't help and makes the problem worse. At the time of writing, Elin Way has two big potholes either end with cars parked opposite making avoiding them very difficult.

The lines which need repainting outside Meldreth Primary School were reported on 1st December 2022, with a return email stating work would be completed within twelve weeks. Here we are over four months later and no repainting has been done. Instead, if you recall, last year Cambridgeshire County Council

decided to repaint lines outside a Primary School that no longer exist. Why is our school less important than one that doesn't exist? (Reference: 00407329.)

The pavement surface in the High Street from outside the Village Hall to Bell Close is dangerous, crumbling and a trip hazard. We reported this on 1st December 2022, with a reply from Cambridgeshire County Council stating it would be fixed with twelve weeks. Again, here we are over four months later with no repairs being done. (Reference: 00407330.)

Yes, as you state, reporting potholes and other road issues on the Cambridgeshire County Council website is relatively easy if you are tech savvy. However, in order to get them to fix the problem you need to over estimate the size, use certain buzzwords and say they are dangerous to road users. Even then they probably won't get fixed anywhere near the twelve week timeline given.

A friend of ours from South Africa says the roads in England are far worse than in South Africa, that says it all.

The Hanson Family

Meldreth Church Fete: Saturday 10th June

Wanted for our Fete: Bottles, Plants, Books, Bric a Brac & Cakes

Bottles: Could you spare a bottle for our ever-popular bottle stall? Wine, whisky, shampoo, ketchup, lemonade etc. - any bottle welcome! Bottles can be delivered before the Fete to Toni's house, 26 High St, Meldreth (box at front door) on 13th May or 3rd June. Or get in touch by emailing canntwins@icloud.com and we will be happy to collect.

Plants: If you have any plants to donate to our plant stall, please bring them one or two weeks before the fete and leave on the grass beside the drive at Sherida and John's house, 39 Whitecroft Road, SG8 6LS.

Books: If you have any second hand books or bric a brac you would like to donate for our stalls, you can bring these to Holy Trinity Church on the morning of the fete or email canntwins@icloud.com and we will be happy to collect themCakes: Cakes are needed to sell; please bring them to Holy Trinity Church on Friday 9th June by 2.00pm or deliver to Carol Osborne at 6 Cam Farm, North End, Meldreth. Please mark these 'For Cake Stall' and if cakes contain nuts, please label accordingly.

Most of the money we raise goes to support our very old and rather fragile church, and some also goes to other local charities. Thank You.

Toni & Karen

Meldreth Village Hub

Meldreth Village Hub in Elin Way (previously Warm Hub), will continue to open throughout the spring and summer, every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 3.00pm. There are free lunches every Tuesday and lots of chitchat, tea, coffee, and biscuits every Thursday. We also play darts and board games and there is a selection of music to suit most tastes!

After our successful Christmas party in 2022, we have decided to invite everyone in Meldreth to three more free events at the Hub in 2023:

❖ Summer Tea Party - Saturday 24th June from 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

Tea, cakes and entertainment for the children

❖ Bingo Lucky for some! - Saturday 7th October from 1.00pm - 4.00pm. Tea, coffee, snacks and prizes to win!

❖ Christmas Party 2023 - Tuesday 19th December from 12 noon - 3.00pm. Light refreshments, raffle, tombola and Christmas music.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who give up their time to ensure each session is well organised and caters for everyone’s needs. All donations gratefully received!

If you have any questions about these events, or would like to find out about volunteering, please contact Helen on 07787 734973 or Jenni on 07792 578786. Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you.

Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.co.uk

May will be a month of fun and celebration at Melbourn Hub! On Sunday 7th, we will be hosting a Coronation Street Party and later in May we will be welcoming the popular Megson for a family-folk festival! Our artist in residence in May will be Rachel Haynes. For our full list of events for the coming weeks and months visit our website, www.melbournhub.co.uk.

Weekly Events

Wednesdays: Citizens Advice - 10.00am-12 noon - To book a slot contact us on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbourn.co.uk.

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

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

May Events

Thursday 4th May - Carers Cafe - 2.00-3.30pm. A safe place for carers to come along to chat freely and enjoy a tea/coffee and cake. No need to book, just drop in.

Sunday 7th May - King's Coronation Street Party - 12.00-5.00pm. Join us to celebrate the King's Coronation! Supported by Melbourn Parish Council and Melbourn Fete, we will be hosting a street party. Entry is free and there will be bands playing, a cafe, bar and BBQ and lots of activities for all the family, including a children's fancy dress parade.

Sunday 14th May - Megson Family Folk Show - 11.00am. Interactive folk concert for little music connoisseurs 0-8 years. Tickets online -https:// www.megsonmusic.co.uk/product/family-folk-show-the-hub-melbourn-11am.

Sunday 21st May - NHS Vaccinations Day 10.00am-3.00pm. Covid-19 vaccinations for those eligible

Wednesday 31st May - Monthly Lunch Club 12.15-1.45pm. Meet others for a social lunch together. Booking essential - contact the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com.

SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org

A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum.

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed:

‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’

‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’

‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’

‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’

Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

The Moor Melbourn

EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

Things to Do in May

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

Until Sunday 2nd July, 2.00pm to 5.00pm (Saturday from 11.00am)

Interwoven Lives: Marianne Straub, Great Bardfield and Friends

Fry Art Gallery, 19a Castle Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1BD

Marianne Straub was one of the most important commercial textile designers of the twentieth century. This exhibition features a unique scrapbook, displayed together with works from the gallery’s collection and on loan. Free admission. For further details visit www.frygallery.org.

Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th May at varying times and locations

Ashwell Music Festival, Ashwell, Hertfordshire

With a rich variety of performances, events and musical entertainment on offer including festal evensong, a Flanders and Swann evening, big band, young musicians concert and family ukulele workshop. For the full programme and to book tickets visit www.ashwellmusicfestival.org.uk.

Tuesday 9th to Monday 15th May, 10.00am to 4.00pm (12 noon to 3.00pm Sundays)

Ukraine: One Year On Exhibition

Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL

World Vision presents an art exhibition in the Lady Chapel which powerfully captures the stories of displaced Ukrainian families forced to flee their homes during the conflict. With photographic portraits and artwork by Ukrainian artist, Maria Tsymbal. Free but normal cathedral admission applies. See www.elycathedral.org.

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May, 10.30am to 5.00pm

Steam Fair and Country Show (for National Mills Weekend)

Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU

Returning for its 19th year this popular event attracts thousands of visitors from all over the UK. Combining a spectacle of steam power with a variety of entertainment, it’s a great day out for families and steam fans alike. Admission £12 adults, £10 children, NB with substantial discounts on advance tickets purchased online by 5th May. See www.stotfoldmill.com for details.

Wednesday 17th May, 10.00am to 12noon

Hanging Basket Workshop

Arrington Garden Centre, Ermine Way, Arrington, Royston SG8 0AG

Plant a hanging basket with guidance from the Garden Centre Manager. Compost will be provided. Buy your basket and plants from the garden centre or bring your own basket to plant up and any tools or gloves you’ll need. Admission £5 per person. To book email manager@arringtongardencentre.com or telephone (01223) 208194. All attendees will be given a £5 voucher for the garden centre.

Saturday 20th May, 7.30pm

The Sounds of Shakespeare

West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DP

Conductor Lucy Hollins leads the Cambridge Philharmonic through a programme of music by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Bernstein, accompanied by excerpts from some of Shakespeare’s most loved plays. Tickets from £15, with discounts for students and under 18s. Book online at www.westroad.org.

Sunday 21st May, 2.30 to 5.30pm

Madingley Hall Open Gardens (for NGS)

Madingley Hall, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB23 8AQ

Magnificent grounds landscaped by Capability Brown, attractive walled garden with arched hazel walk, historic meadow, topiary, mature trees, ornamental shrubs and flower beds. Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas at St Mary

Magdalene Church in the Hall grounds.

Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th May, 5.00pm to 10.30pm daily

Cambridge Beer Festival 2023

Jesus Green, Cambridge CB5 8BL

This festival returns after a three year gap. It will feature over 200 British real ales from more than 100 breweries and 80 ciders, together with an international bar, mead and wine. Cambridge CAMRA’s cheese counter will showcase cheese from around Britain together with pork pies, scotch eggs, olives, breads and more. For admission arrangements and to book visit www.cambridgebeerfestival.com.

Thursday 25th May, 10.00am until 12.00ish

Accessible Wildlife Stroll (meet on track at North side of wood)

Gamlingay Wood, Gamlingay Road (B1040), 1 mile NE of Gamlingay

This is one of a series of walks specifically for local people with limited mobility who would benefit from being able to park close to the wood. Enjoy a short flexible stroll then sit together to enjoy the sights and sounds of this nature reserve at its finest. To book a place call 07894 599020 or email: rebecca.neal@wildlifebcn.org. Free but optional donation welcome.

Friday 26th May, 8.50pm to 9.45pm

Bat Walk at Wandlebury

Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE

Join an expert from the Cambridge Bat Group to learn about the amazing world of bats. Using an ultrasonic bat detector your guide will teach you how to identify the different species found in the UK. Suitable for ages 9+. Free. Meet at car park noticeboard. See www.cambridgeppf.org for details.

Monday 29th May, 12noon to 2.30pm (and last Monday every month)

Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band

The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW

Excellent traditional jazz with snacks available at the bar. Admission £10.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Public Meeting – 20mph Area in Meldreth

A public meeting was held in the Village Hall on 13th April 2023 to discuss the proposal to apply for a 20mph area in Meldreth under a new County Council funding scheme. Details can be found on the Parish Council website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

The meeting began with a short introduction on the proposed extent of the 20mph area, as well as safety considerations and perceptions of safety by vulnerable highway users motivating the proposal. Some residents intervened to question the need for and expected compliance with a 20mph area in Meldreth.

After that, everyone was invited to discuss the proposal amongst each other –prompted by large maps of the village on tables – and with Parish Councillors and members of the Traffic Working Group present, and to leave “post-it” notes with comments on the maps.

In no particular order, these comments espoused a range of views: the need for additional traffic calming measures and problems with HGVs along Whitecroft Road; suggestions about the extent of the area – either to be scaled back or expanded; support for the proposal; the perceived danger of walking on footpaths and crossing roads; the need for additional enforcement and traffic calming measures; pleas to introduce no more speed humps; disagreement with the safety argument for the proposal; and the view that other issues are of higher priority at the present time.

The meeting was certainly productive. In addition to collecting direct feedback, it was good to see residents in discussion with each other, often adjusting their views on the proposal in conversation with others, for example when they learned about their interlocutors' considerations of convenience, perceptions of safety, or altogether different priorities.

The meeting also showed that many residents feel that more should have been done and should be done to keep the footpaths and roads in Meldreth safe and in good order. In this spirit, everyone reading this is invited to join the Traffic Working Group to help us in our important work.

Councillor Dr Adam Bostanci Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Matters is an independent magazine, run by volunteers. We rely on advertising income to fund the magazine. Please mention Meldreth Matters when responding to advertisements. To advertise in the magazine, please telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176 or email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

See our rates on page 48 of this issue.

District and County Councillors’ Report

Meldreth-Melbourn – The Wonderpass

Words cannot do justice to the transformation of what was just a few weeks ago a dingy and neglected place that didn’t inspire confidence – but which figures on the essential off-road walking route between our two villages. Two weeks of community art, in which people of all ages have come down to pick up a paintbrush and found themselves unable to put it down, have resulted in a tribute to the vibrant place that is our community. There will be a special opening ceremony, with a chance to say a very big thank you to all the people and groups that have made this happen. But in the meantime, if you’d like to feel your heart uplifted, please walk from the London platform at Meldreth Station across the field to Melbourn. Smiles are guaranteed!

Royston Recycling Centre Restrictions to non-Hertfordshire Residents

Following Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC’s) announcement that Cambridgeshire residents would be restricted from using the Royston Recycling Centre, Susan has asked Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) to discuss options with HCC, who indicated there was scope for special arrangements. CCC is in a minority of local authorities not to restrict access to non-county residents.

Potholes

We’re extremely concerned and know that our local highways officers are currently overwhelmed with potholes, many more like craters. This is a matter of urgent concern with senior officers. Thanks to everyone who’s been in touch.

We’ve had a series of temporary emergency fixes which have been very short-lived and ineffective and are in the process of following these up. There should now be some more lasting repairs done on the hot spots that have plagued anyone using the roads over the winter, though the list is long and this will take time. Nevertheless, if you want to bring to attention any unacceptable repair job you’d like us to be sure to highlight, please write to Susan. If you can provide the exact location and a simple description that would be much appreciated.

Police Community Meeting

Anyone can attend the quarterly online police community meetings. The next is on 2nd May – sign-up in advance: https://orlo.uk/ZpXeG.

If you are concerned about any pattern of crime or anti-social behaviour, feel free to let us know and we’ll help bring it to attention.

Supporting Home-Start – Sponsor our Turtles Swim Team!

Once again the Turtles Swimmers (maybe slow, but determined) are jumping into the pool to raise much needed funds for Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire – which provides essential support to young families.

The Aquathon took place on 23rd April but you can still donate via this link: https://visufund.com/aquathon-2023-south-cambs-turtles. Thank you for your support!

EV Charging Points at Elin Way Meldreth Sheltered Housing Facility

SCDC write: ‘We have installed public electric vehicle chargers in Meldreth, at the Sheltered Accommodation communal building parking. There have been some hurdles in getting these online following installation but they are now operational. These are a trial and we will be monitoring usage over the coming months. They are available to the public as well as SCDC tenants and each charger can serve two vehicles simultaneously in the marked parking bays.

The chargers are now registered on Zap Map so anyone looking for a public charger can find them.

2x 7kw AC single socket chargers, Type 2 connectors (wall mounted)

Network: Fuuse

Payment: contactless card and/or via Fuuse app

Price: 35p /kWh

Healthier Futures Fund

This is a grant funding pot designed for the voluntary sector, supporting:

 Children’s and young people’s mental health

 Frailty

 People who use health services very frequently

 People who have an irreversible progressive disease or medical condition that can significantly impact on quality of life

 Cardiovascular disease (including but not limited to smoking cessation)

 Supporting people who are medically fit to leave hospital

Please see https://www.cpics.org.uk/news/healthier-futures-fund-1967.

New Government Funding to Decarbonise Council Homes

South Cambridgeshire District Council has successfully bid for £1.7 million Government funding, to continue work to decarbonise Council homes. This will be added to the projects the Council has already started to improve the fabric of its Council homes. It will also support other measures being put in place to help the Council achieve its own and the Government’s Net Zero targets.

The money is coming from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and is designed to upgrade a significant amount of the social housing stock across the country that is currently below Energy Performance Certificate C, up to that standard.

The District Council owns and maintains around 5,600 Council homes in South Cambridgeshire. The new funding will go towards energy efficiency upgrades within these homes. Energy saving measures such as exterior wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new windows and doors, draft proofing measures, as well as heat pumps and solar panel installation can be provided with the funding. These measures could save tenants between £220 and £400 a year on energy bills. More than £2 million had already been allocated to continue work

to retrofit the Council’s existing housing stock over the next two years, as part of ongoing carbon reduction efforts. Solar panels have already been installed on almost 2,200 SCDC Council homes to help tenants generate their own electricity. Nearly 870 solid wall homes have been fitted with external wall insulation.

East–West Rail Route: Announcement Due in May

In the Spring Budget policy paper released following the Chancellor’s Budget speech on 15th March, it was confirmed that:

 The East–West Rail route announcement will happen in May.

 The government will provide up to £15 million local capacity funding to support local authorities along the East West Rail route to maximise economic opportunities.

In The News: Cambourne to Cambridge Busway, and question of a referendum on a Sustainable Transport Zone in Cambridge

This is not local to Meldreth but is of interest to many following media reporting. If you’re interested in reading the background, we have included this in our Spring Community Newsletter, which is posted on Susan’s website: https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk. Alternatively, please contact any of us and we can print you off a copy and drop it by.

Zoom Cuppa Mondays 5.00-6.00pm

We hold a weekly drop-in surgery via Zoom every Monday. Please contact us for the link or feel free to get in touch any time and we’ll find a time and place to suit.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303

District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649

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

Malton Lane Litter Pick: 24th May

A litter pick is being organised for Malton Lane on 24th May, starting at 3.00pm. Please meet on the day at the junction of Malton Lane and North End.

An Orwell group will be starting from the other end at the same time. Gloves, litter picking devices, high vis and bags will be provided.

Please let me know if you think you might like to come along – just so I have enough kit. Thank you!

Susan van de Ven

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Annual A10 Awareness Ride/Walk/Scoot

The annual A10 Awareness Ride - with walking and scootering too - will take place on the morning of Sunday 11th June. Please save the date!

This year we want to highlight all the different ways of getting around by active travel – how lucky we are to have off-road paths and train stations.

Cyclists: Groups will depart at 9.00am from each of the following stations: Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton. Each group will use the A10 path to Trumpington Park and Ride. At 10.00am we will all set off together from the Park and Ride site to Phillimore Garden Centre.

Walkers and Scooterers: Leave from Melbourn Hub at 10.15am and head up the path to Phillimore Garden Centre.

There will be an opportunity to try out an electric bike. Local tours will be offered after teas, including the new Melbourn-Meldreth Wonderpass.

We’re looking for people who would be able to help out as marshals or with serving simple teas – please let us know if that’s you!

More details will be in the June issue of Meldreth Matters.

Susan van de Ven and Adam Bostanci (Iris’s Dad) Susanvandeven5@gmail.com or contacta10cycle@gmail.com

Meldreth Cycling Group

Members of Meldreth Cycling Group having a break at Stapleford Granary during one of their recent bike rides.

Photograph by Nikki Jeffreys

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub

(see page

(see page 12)

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

Diary - May 2023

pm ult. classes)

Village Hub

Acro Pilates

Table Tennis Council

pm ultiple

Village Hub

Acro Pilates

9.30am Slimming World

8.00pm Friends of Holy Trinity AGM (see page 33)

sday Friday Saturday Sunday 4 5 6 7 1 12 13 14

Copy Deadline for the June Issue of MM

10.30am onwards Meldreth Family Feast to mark the Coronation (see back page)

9.45am Sung Eucharist

8.00am Said Eucharist

2.00-6.00pm Topcliffe Mill Open Afternoon, 36 North End. See page 2.

7.00-9.00pm Table Tennis pm ult. classes)

Village Hub

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Sung Eucharist

8 19 20

Table Tennis pm ulti. classes)

Acro Pilates al Village page 30)

9.30am Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Cafe

Village Hub

21 5 26 27 28

Acro Pilates Table Tennis

9.30am Slimming World m

Thecopydeadlineforthe JuneissueofMeldreth Matters is Friday12thMay

7.00 for 7.30pm Film Night: The Lost King. Pre-booking essential (see page 2)

Refuse Collections

Black bins: 10th*, 23rd

Blue bins: 3rd*, 16th, 30th

Green bins: 3rd*, 16th, 31st*

* changed days due to public holidays

Getremindersonyourmobile:downloadtheBin Collectionsapp

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

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 Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

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Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 6th April 2023

This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions

District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report which can be seen in this issue of Meldreth Matters on pages 18 to 20. Questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

The Council remains concerned about the state of our local roads, both as regards potholes and drainage. The discussions about issues such as a City traffic exclusion zone and rail links continue to be contentious as regards the ways in which the wishes of the broader community appear not to be taken into account within broad democratic principles.

Ongoing Projects Update

1. Flambards Estate: the Council will seek to accelerate the process of resolving the issues of maintenance of open spaces on the Flambards estate that are the responsibility of the Residents’ Association.

2. Churchyard Wall: the temporary stakes and boundary tapes have been in position for about a year and there is no evidence of accidents arising from the differing heights of the churchyard wall. The Council voted to remove the temporary barrier.

3. Village Hall Car Park: the Council noted that the conveyance of the land to the trustees in 1965 included a significant part of the car park and that the Council was not, nor had ever been, an owner of this area. This view is open to change if any further relevant documents indicate otherwise.

Recreation Ground and Village Infrastructure

Our equipment appears to be in generally good order but we continue to wait for the availability of contractors to carry out groundwork and other repairs. The ditch at the end of the recreation ground is due to be cleared but clearance needs to be deferred in view of the frog spawning/tadpole season.

Community Projects Funding Requests

The Council agreed two donations: £617 towards the set up costs of Meldreth Guides and £200 towards the cost of providing refreshments for the event at the Village Hall, in which the Village Hall and (newly renamed) Meldreth Hub will be co-operating to celebrate the Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in early May [see back page].

The application paperwork for Community grants/donations will be revised to clarify the Council’s policy to require all applicants to investigate other sources of funding such that the Parish Council will aim to provide a proportion of the overall costs.

Traffic Issues

After the Village meeting on 13th April [see page 17] there will be a need for an Extraordinary Council meeting to agree our submission in respect of a 20mph zone covering most of the village. The deadline for this is Sunday 30th April.

Next Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 4th May 2023 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times

Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Cllr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061 goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci 07400 236329 adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon (01763) 262822 c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner (01763) 268328 nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085 roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land (01763) 261004 conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey 07496 324701 j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

Vacancy (see page 30)

(01763) 260909 nppellatt56@gmail.com

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

Annual Parish Meeting: Thursday 18th May

The Annual Parish meeting will be held in Meldreth Village Hall on Thursday 18th May at 8.00pm.

 Apologies for Absence

 Chairman’s Welcome

 Minutes of previous meetings

 Matters Arising from the Annual Meeting

 Chairman’s Report

 Financial Report 2021/2022

 Reports from village clubs and organisations these will be available online

 Open Discussion

Meldreth Parish Council

Vacancy for a Parish Councillor

Judy Damant

Clerk

Due to the resignation of Councillor Meridew, there is a vacancy on the above Council.

A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if, within 14 days (computed in accordance with the Regulations) from the date below, ten electors for the said parish give notice in writing requesting that an election be held.

Such notice must be delivered to the Returning Officer at South Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA

If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Dated: 13th April 2023

Signed: Judy Damant, Parish Clerk

Meldreth Parish Council, Parish Office, Meldreth Housing Scheme, Elin Way, Meldreth, SG8 0ET

Planning Matters

Meldreth Parish Council

The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 2nd February, 2nd March, 6th April and 20th April were not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Meldreth Parish Council

Recent Planning Authority Decisions

12 Fenny Lane, 23/0015/TTPO

T 1 beech - fell due to a well established infection of the fungal pathogen honey fungus (most likely Armillaria mellea). Approved.

37 North End, 23/00501/LBC

Installation of replacement heating system. Approved

Details of all applications and all Planning Authority decisions may be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

Traffic Working Group

Please see page 17 for the report from the recent Public Meeting to discuss proposals for a 20 mph area in Meldreth.

Road and Footway Condition Problems

The temporary repairs are being overtaken by new and dangerous potholes appearing. We continue to urge residents to report these and other highways issues, including disappearing road markings, by using the online reporting system (see below).

The Traffic Working Group always welcomes new volunteers.

Traffic Working Group

Meldreth Parish Council

Reporting a Highway Problem

If you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding, or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online.

1. Go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

2. Click Report > Report a highways fault. Then click on the blue box, “Report a highways fault online”.

3. The link takes you to a map of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a ‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole, as this measurement affects the response time from the council.

4. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can track progress on a fault already reported.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Meldreth Parish Council

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Friends of Holy Trinity

www.foht.org.uk

AGM: 12th May at 8.00pm

This will review the 2022/2023 year including accounts, fundraising activities, constitution, current and future projects supported and election of committee members and officers.

Friends’ Website

Following the comments in a recent issue of Meldreth Matters relating to updating the website, we are grateful to a local volunteer who has offered to liaise with Peter Hinton over the original website which he created and to progressively update it over the next few months.

John Price

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

We are a small friendly group, who, except for December, meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at either ASCH Melbourn or Holy Trinity meeting room Meldreth. We meet at 7.45pm and our meetings last about one and a half hours. We commence with any notices and the Women’s Group prayer. We either have a speaker or some in house entertainment, followed by coffee and biscuits. We make a charge of £2 to cover expenses and then we are free to make a donation to the charity pot. This year the charity we are supporting is Camsight. New members are most welcome.

At our March meeting we welcomed Barry Griffiths from Jimmy’s Night Shelter. Barry had started there after previously being on the streets and has now worked for them for a number of years. His talk was most informative and we were told that the original place was sited in the Baptist Church and now there are a number of properties. Barry happily answered members’ questions and he also said that we were welcome to visit to see what they do. Mary Bailey gave a vote of thanks and a donation.

At our April meeting we were entertained by the Lift Off Choir. Our Summer Supper will be held in Melbourn on 23rd May and we welcome members and their guests. Tickets need to be booked beforehand as we need to know numbers.

If you would like to know more about the group and receive a programme, or need a lift, please telephone one of the committee members, Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.

Angela Leach

In Praise Of … Strawberries

Each month the focus will be on seasonal fruit and vegetables. This month it is strawberries. Coming into season in May and lasting until October, strawberries are very versatile and can be used in a wide range of desserts and cakes. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and may also help reduce risk factors for heart disease and control blood sugar. For better flavour, let strawberries come to room temperature before eating them: if possible, put them out to warm in the sun for a couple of hours to bring out their full taste and aroma.

Eton Mess

Preparation time less than 30 mins, Serves 6

Ingredients

600g strawberries, hulled

2 tbsp icing sugar

Method

600ml double cream

200g seasonal berries (optional)

5 readymade meringue nests

Put 150g of the strawberries into a blender or food processor with ½ tablespoon of the icing sugar. Pulse to form a smooth purée. Halve or quarter the remaining strawberries into bite-size pieces.

Whip the double cream and remaining 1½ tablespoon of icing sugar together until soft peaks form when you remove the whisk (they should almost hold their shape).

To assemble, crumble four of the meringues and add to the cream along with all the berries. Fold in lightly, then very briefly stir in the strawberry purée to make swirls in the cream (as you spoon the mess into bowls it will ripple more). Divide between six bowls or glasses, crush the final meringue over the top. Top with additional seasonal berries or strawberries if you wish and eat immediately.

Strawberry Galette

Preparation time ½ hour, preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Cooking time 10 to 30 minutes, Serves 4 - 6.

Ingredients

250g puff pastry

For the Pastry Cream

3 egg yolks

35g caster sugar

35g plain flour

250ml milk

1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped

Raspberry liqueur such as framboise, to taste

To Serve

500g ripe strawberries, hulled and halved

15g icing sugar

50g apricot jam, loosened with a little water and warmed

400g clotted cream

Method

Roll out pastry on a lightly floured work surface into a 1cm thick rectangle. Chill in the fridge for ½ hour.

To make the pastry cream, mix the eggs, sugar and flour in a bowl to form a paste. Heat the milk and vanilla in a saucepan until almost boiling, remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Pour the milk over the egg paste, whisking to combine as you go, then pour into a saucepan. Cook, stirring, until thickened, then add the raspberry liqueur to taste. Leave to cool.

To assemble the galette, toss the strawberries in the icing sugar. Spread the pastry cream on the pastry base, leaving a 2.5cm border around the edges. Top with the strawberries and fold up all the edges of the dough border. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes, until browned and fruit is softened. Brush with the apricot jam and serve with clotted cream.

Jane O’Hagan

P.D. Property Services

1 Abbots Close Litlington Nr Royston, Herts SG8 0QQ

A Meldreth Garden

Severe frosts should now be past. With the cold and wet we are a couple of weeks behind expectation in the garden, leading to an extended spring display that is delightful.

It has been a trial to get seeds sown and plants planted in the allotment this spring. The weather made the soil difficult to cultivate, but it is all done now, if a bit late. The third sowing of broad beans made it. The first planting was frozen off, and in my second attempt the seeds were taken by rodents.

A recommended plant I have had for a few years is the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria) a staple of the cottage garden which comes in a range of colours. I have a white cultivar, Alstroemeria [Princess Fabiana]. This looks spectacular and delicate, but is rugged, reliable and robust. Flowering from late spring to autumn, it is frost hardy and grows in difficult dry positions. It will not tolerate standing in wet soil. To encourage new flowering stems, pull out the old flowered stems and feed during the growing season. I have taken softwood basal cuttings this spring and await the outcome.

Another propagation task was digging up clumps of primulas after flowering, dividing and replanting. I have separate colourways in different flower beds, cream, white, red and mauve.

I have just planted two bare-rooted apple cultivars, Royal Gala and Braeburn, both on M26 rootstock. These are in the allotment, to be trained as step over apples at 30cm high, to separate the paths from the vegetable beds.

Tasks in the Flower Garden

 Deadhead spring flowering bulbs. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps and apply a liquid fertiliser, allow foliage to die down naturally.

 Take softwood cuttings of tender perennials, e.g. marguerites (argyranthemum), fuchsia, dahlia and geraniums (pelargonium). Perennials showing new shoots can be propagated via basal stem cuttings.

 Put supports in place for tall plants in the borders - peonies, delphiniums and oriental poppies, etc. Tie in climbers to their supports - for example honeysuckle, clematis and wisteria.

 Cut back tender shrubs like penstemons, caryopteris and fuchsia that can get leggy and ungainly. Clip evergreen hedges e.g. yew. Prune out frost damage from shrubs. Prune forsythia, ribes (flowering currant), weigela, clematis montana and chaenomeles japonica (ornamental quince) after flowering.

 Lift and divide congested clumps of iris after flowering.

 Undertake the Chelsea chop on perennial heleniums, rudbeckia and sedums, etc. to extend the flowering and enhance self-support.

 Start sowing the seeds of biennials, foxgloves, hollyhocks, sweet william and wallflowers.

 Plant autumn flowering bulbs and then summer bedding at the end of the month.

Tasks in the Vegetable Garden

 Earth up potatoes as shoots appear, to protect from late frosts.

 Harden plants raised in the greenhouse by gradually acclimatising to the outside before planting out.

 Transplant leeks to their final growing positions.

 Sow hardy and half hardy vegetables outdoors, e.g. roots and brassicas. Sow tender vegetables, e.g., pumpkin, squash and courgettes indoors.

 Prepare trenches for planting out French and climbing beans; greedy plants that will need moisture.

 Lookout for the myriad of pests such as sawfly on gooseberries, vine weevil grubs in pots, black fly on beans, green fly and scale insect on other plants and red spider-mite in the greenhouse.

Ian McPhee

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Things for Children and Families To Do

Throughout May

Cambridge Urban Safari

Go on safari in Cambridge’s urban jungle, following the Zoology Museum’s trail map. www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk. See ‘Visit us’ section.

Saturday 6th May, 10.00am - 1.00pm

Let’s Grow, Cambridge Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE

Free, drop-in activities for children aged 5+ on the first Saturday of each month in the Schools Garden. Garden admission applies to accompanying adults.

Sunday 7th May, 3.00pm - 10.00pm

Coronation Celebration, Steeple Morden Recreation Ground

Live music, bar, hot food, tea and cake, crafts for children and a Grand Prize Draw. www.steeplemordenpc.org.uk.

Saturday 13th May, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Barkway Village Market

Over 180 stalls in the grounds of Manor Farm, selling antiques, bric-a-brac, artisan food and drink, homewares, plants, clothing, jewellery and more. Craft fair in the church. Bar, refreshments, miniature steam train, children’s entertainer and music by Royston Band. Organ and piano recital in the church. Parking £1, entry £4 per adult. www.barkwayvillagehall.org.uk.

Sunday 21st May, 5.00pm

Ben Miller: Stand-up Science

Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX

Funny, educational and deeply personal. The show explores the science of anything from milk to thermodynamics. Tickets £14.50. Ages 14+. www.junction.co.uk.

Saturday 27th May, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Wildlife Watch - Pond Dip

Trumpington Meadows Rangers’ Office CB2 9LH

Explore the ponds and try games and crafts. For 5 - 11 year olds. £7.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book on www.wildlifebcn.org.

Sunday 28th May, 2.00pm

Mayhem Fun Dog Show

Brook Road, Bassingbourn SG8 5NS

Judging at 2.30pm. Entries £2 per class - cutest puppy, most regal, most handsome etc. Part of Mayhem Family Fun Day. Tickets £5 from yourboxoffice.co.uk. See also http://bassingbourncharities.com.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Meldreth Primary and Preschool

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Football Success

The penultimate day of the school Easter Term ended in wild celebrations and scenes of elation as the Meldreth Primary School football team were crowned champions of the South Cambridgeshire Riverside League in front of a huge crowd of friends, family and classmates, having gone undefeated for the entirety of the season!

By being placed first out of eight schools, including Harston & Newton, Great Abington and local rivals Melbourn, the team finished with the stars (and rain) aligned for us, with six wins, one draw and a positive goal difference of 24.

That is not to say that it was an easy ride however, as the final game of the season was against second place Petersfield, who were only one point behind. So we needed a win to leapfrog us to the top of the table and in an extraordinarily tense and closely-matched contest, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, a fair result and one that sealed victory for Meldreth in the league.

The squad, which consisted of striker Samuel T (who bagged an astonishing seventeen goals over the season), midfielder and inspirational captain Maisie, wingers Ben, Willem, Olly and Samuel J, defenders Javier, Cam and Haiden and goalkeeper Ashton, performed consistently well all season and adhered to the school values which we instil in our students from early years until they leave in Year Six.

Time and again, they played with determination, courage and resilience, and often turned the game around from losing positions and refused to give up. They worked extremely hard during our weekly training sessions where we focused on fitness, strategy and technique and they consistently drew praise from spectators of opposing teams for their sense of fair play and team spirit.

I am extremely grateful to have coached such a talented and dedicated team and am delighted that they have done their families, school community and village so proud!

Mr Chapman Assistant Headteacher

School Governor Vacancy

We currently have a vacancy for a new school governor and are seeking nominations for an enthusiastic and committed person to join our governing board. The term of office for all governors is four years. There are no particular qualifications required for the role but following an analysis of the results of our skills audit, we have skills gaps in the areas of legal and financial and would be particularly keen to receive nominations from someone with experience in any of these areas. The core functions of our governing board are:

 Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

 Holding senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the school, its pupils, and the performance management of staff.

 Ensure oversight of the financial performance of the school to make sure that its money is well spent. For more information about the role, please contact our Chair on chair@meldreth.cambs.sch.uk.

Mr Chapman Assistant Headteacher

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Licensed bar

Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates)

Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on)

Snooker room, Pool table

Large children's outdoor ac vity area

Petanque pistes

Football pitches, changing rooms

Entertainments

1st Friday of the month

Melbourn Rock Club

One Saturday a month

Melbourn Rock Club

Rock and Roll Night

Every Thursday night

Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm

Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year

Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es

Club Charity - LUPUS

WhatsApp Account Takeover Scam

Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. By early April, Action Fraud had received over 60 reports relating to this scam.

The scam begins when a criminal gets access to a WhatsApp account that has you listed as a contact. The criminal will pose as your friend, or as a member of a WhatsApp group that you are also a member of and will send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you. However, at around the same time, you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their own code by accident and ask you to help them by sending the code to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out. The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.

How to protect yourself:

 STOP. THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.

 Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account. This means that a PIN, set by you, will be needed together with the six-digit code to register your number on another phone. From the WhatsApp home screen, select Settings > Account > Two-step verification.

 Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the six-digit SMS code).

 You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. From a user or group screen, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.

If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth:

Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405

Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

We would like to congratulate the ten new volunteers who recently completed an initial training course to become Home Visitors. The six-week course helped the new volunteers to understand their role as Home Visitors and prepared them to feel confident when they are matched with their first families.

Being the parent of young children can be particularly hard work and most parents have periods of time when they feel exhausted and overwhelmed by family life stresses and strains. For some, additional challenges like post-natal depression, relationship breakdown, a child’s disability, isolation or cost of living worries, make coping day-to-day feel unachievable. Asking for help isn’t easy, especially when you need it the most. But Home-Start can help and any parent or carer can even refer themselves! Home-Start support is free and confidential and will take place at your pace in the way you need it most. If you are a parent or carer of children aged nine or under, live in the SG8 and SG9 postcode areas and would like to have a free, confidential and non-judgemental conversation about the support we may be able to offer, get in touch today. Email admin@hsrsc.org.uk, telephone (01763) 262262, or contact us via our website, www.hsrc.org.uk/ contact-us, or via Facebook Messenger.

Tracy Aggett

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub.

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

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

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838

Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684

High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

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

17 Bus Service

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

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

Susan van de Ven

Village Directory

Facilities

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

One Stop

Village Hall Bookings

Village Hall Chairman

Cycling Group

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

David Coton—07749 850026

John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Clubs & Societies

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Nicola Searle—(01763) 852738

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Sport

Meldreth United FC 07930 650036

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

Tennis Club

(01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Post vacant

Church

Rev. Mary Price

(01763) 261569

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451

John Price (Friends) (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

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

Children

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com

Guides (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethguides@gmail.com

Hartbeeps

Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

Pre– and Primary School (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council Please see details at end of Parish Council report

Councils & Govt.

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649;

Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574

https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

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

Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

Potholes, problems,Highways etc.

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

Streetlights (faulty) Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954) 713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Community Support for Dementia

Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299

Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub (01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223

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

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

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