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

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.