Meldreth Matters, November 2018

November 2018

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Contents People

Local Facilities/Issues

Lysa Kemp (1984-2018) 4-6

Village Hall 20

Geraldine West (1929-2018) 6 Transport Letter to the Editor

Malton Lane Closure 44

Varsity Railway Line 29

New Train Line 16-17, 25, 61 & 66 Trains & Stations 46-47

What’s On Christmas Tree Festival 28

Gardens & Nature

Football Club Fixtures 22

Gardening 52-53

Forthcoming Event 68 Local Events 50-51

Thirty Years of Meldreth Matters See pages 8-9, 26, 30-35, 47, 53, 63

Pantomime back cover Primary School Open 3, 13 Summary of Meldreth Events 3

Local/National Government

Wine Tasting 3, 24

County Councillor 16-17, 58-59 District Councillors 16-17, 61-63

Village Groups

Heidi Allen, MP 66-67

Friends of Holy Trinity 24-25

Parish Council 39-44

Friends of Maycroft 21

Planning 64

Futures Group 2 Local History Group 19

Advice/Information

Photographic Club 22

Advertisers’ Index 72

Waterlight Project 26

Mobile Warden Scheme 55

WI 20

Neighbourhood Watch 54-55

Women’s Group 19

Refuse Collections 36 Royston Lunch Club 57

Children & Education

Stronger for Longer 68

Events for Children 15

Village Directory 70-71

Preschool 10-11

Volunteering Opportunities 48

Primary School 11-13

Cover: The Changing Face of Meldreth Matters, 1988-2018. Design by Kathryn & Laura 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.

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

Editorial Welcome to the November issue of Meldreth Matters.

It’s over 30 years since Ann Barnes first had the idea of producing a village newsletter (see pages 8-9). The first issue, in October 1988, was a single folded sheet of A4 paper, edited by Ann and printed at home by Brian Rastall. After a vote, it was named Meldreth Matters. By January of the following year, Eternit had offered to print the magazine and 21 people had offered to deliver it. Two of those original deliverers - Ann Askham and Ann Barnes - are still part of the delivery team today.

With the advent of the internet and the rise of social media, it is a testament to Ann’s original vision and to the many people who have helped produce and deliver MM since then, that there is still a perceived need for a magazine like ours.

Over the past thirty years, there have been relatively few people involved in MM’s production. The current team, which collectively has well over 100 years of MM service, is Ann Barnes, Lesley and Robin Farbridge, Richard Burns, Ken McLean, Beverley Cottrell and me. We are all volunteers, as were our predecessors: David Morfill, Christine Skeen, Pam Mynn, Sherida Inman, Sandra Pegg, Tony Palmer, Lynn Florence, Helen Leighton, Joe and Jackie Gelling, Richard Harper, Ted Inman, Annie Wing, Nikki Mutti, Shirley Bell and Laura Elvin.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our advertisers, without whom we could not afford to produce MM, and our team of deliverers. Without them, you would not be reading this now. Thanks also to our contributors, particularly those of you who submit regular articles.

Kathryn P.S. As you are no doubt aware by now, one of the proposed routes for the new Oxford-Cambridge rail link is via Meldreth. There is extensive coverage of this issue in this month’s Meldreth Matters.

Meldreth Futures Group There is money available from solar funds for projects that will be beneficial to our community.

Visit www.meldrethfutures.org.uk for details of how to apply.

For further information, email admin@meldrethfutures.org.uk or contact the Parish Clerk, Judy Damant, on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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November Events in Meldreth

Friday 2nd, 8.30-11.00pm

Friday 9th, 3.10-6.00pm

Live rock music with Stormchaser

Open Afternoon Meldreth Primary School

Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road Visit the school to see the newly extended building

All welcome, free entry, licensed bar, real ale etc

Sunday 11th, 9.30am Remembrance Service at the War Memorial They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Saturday 24th, 7.30pm

Friday 30th, 8.00pm Cinderella Pantomime Meldreth Village Hall See back page for details

Friends of Holy Trinity Wine Tasting Holy Trinity Church

Performances also on Saturday 1st December at 2.00pm & 7.30pm and Sunday 2nd December at 2.00pm

Tickets ÂŁ15 per person See page 24 for details 3

Lysa Kemp 20.1.1984 – 3.9.2018 Lysa was born at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge on 20th January 1984. She was the eldest of four and has two sisters Emma and Megan and a brother Reece. Mum Jackie and dad Terry’s family home was in Harston where Lysa went to primary school. Then she attended Melbourn Village College from 1995 to 2000. After college she went to work in Cambridge at a nursery as she loved children.

Following that she was employed by Next plc in Cambridge and not surprisingly, worked her way up to be Manager of children’s wear.

Lysa met Stuart in the Porsche garage in Harston where they both worked in 2003 and quickly fell in love. They moved to Cambourne where in 2005 they had their first child Carys, followed by Kai in 2006.

They moved to Comberton in 2006 and to Foxton in 2007, where Lysa set up a childminding business at home before joining Foxton Preschool and taking on a part-time job at Baby Boodle. In 2010 Lysa and Stuart were married in front of friends and family in beautiful Cyprus. Five years later Lysa, Stuart, Carys and Kai moved to Melrose in Meldreth.

Lisa joined Little Hands Day Nursery in Melbourn before becoming a Teaching Assistant at Meldreth Primary School to a child she knew from the nursery. Lysa absolutely loved working with children and they adored her. She even had a child ask his mum if he could have Lysa, his nursery assistant, come to his fourth party as that was all he wanted. Lysa typically obliged, went with the whole family and stayed for hours; afterwards becoming good friends.

Sadly, in 2016 Lysa became very unwell and after many episodes of Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Malignant Insulinoma, in which tumours secrete insulin and lower blood sugar to life threatening levels. Unfortunately the disease had spread to other organs which meant it was incurable and 4

surgery was not an option. Lysa was 32 yearrs old. However, when most of us would have run for the hills and hidden away, Lysa was the most positive person, who never moaned and made the absolute most of each and every day. In late 2016 she was given a lifeline and Addenbrooke’s provided Lutate therapy which targets the receptors of the tumours and delivers radiation directly to them, thus slowing the progression of the disease. This gave Lysa nearly twelve months symptom-free, enabling her to go on holidays, days out, theatre trips and to concerts, making so many precious memories for her loving family to treasure.

In June this year Lysa’s symptoms returned and she was given the news that there had been some growth of the tumours and more treatment was necessary. Unfortunately the NHS was unable to fund this so a Just Giving page was set up with a target of £28,000, which seemed at the time an unreachable amount of money. Everyone loved Lysa and she touched so many people that the amount kept rising higher and higher every day and within weeks it was a reality. The community we live in is just so amazing and I cannot name all the events that were held but they included sponsored fun runs, cake sales, afternoon teas, ladder climbs by Royston Fire Service, non-uniform days at schools, and little toddlers toddling around the woods - which was just amazing to see! Lysa was totally overwhelmed by everyone’s love, kindness and generosity as sometimes they did not know her personally. It was a tribute to her wonderful personality that everyone wanted to help.

Nearly the whole amount was raised in around eight weeks but sadly Lysa took a turn for the worse and surrounded by her loving family and friends she passed away in the Arthur Rank hospice on Monday 3rd September aged just 34 years.

Lysa was the most organised person and when first diagnosed started writing in a book to make things easier for Stuart after she was gone.

Her “hopes, dreams and wishes” book. In it were instructions for many upcoming events that she would not be there for, including how she wanted her funeral. Lysa had chosen the songs carefully because of the lyrics and anyone who attended on 25th September will know those lyrics were very moving and touched one’s soul deeply.

Always thinking of others, Lysa was an inspirational lady who singlehandedly brought our community together in a way I have never seen before. We both shared a birthday on 20th January and usually texted each other wishing one another “Happy Birthday” then went for lunch 5

with the girls to Bury Lane. Next year I don’t think it will be the same without her beautiful smile lighting up the room.

To end this tribute I would like the last words of wisdom to come from Lysa herself from her little book: Don’t go to bed on a row - life is too short!

Enjoy life and have no regrets!

Nicky Sell

Geraldine (Gerry) Frances West 1929-2018 Gerry, as she was known to local people, lived for many years in Oakrits, Meldreth.

She was born in Dublin in 1929 at a time when Ireland was changing and at a time of great austerity for many in the world. Gerry was brought up in a good Irish family with her two sisters. She used to talk to me about the “good old days”. She met her husband to be, John West, in Ireland where they married in the 1950s. At the time, Gerry was working in jewellery retail in Dublin and John was a Sales Manager for a company there. He was then transferred to England, and they lived in Oxfordshire and Surrey. Gerry found work in the jewellery department at Peter Jones and Harrods.

In the 1980s, they moved to Melbourn and finally to Meldreth. Gerry worked in Royston and then in Melbourn Post Office. In 1987 her beloved John died whilst only in his 50s. Gerry never recovered from his unexpected death and she grieved for the next 30 years. She had a few close friends, especially Sue and Mike who supported her for many years. She worshipped at Shepreth Church with John and now she has been laid to rest in Shepreth beside him. I will miss our chats about Ireland.

Joan Gane 6

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Thirty Years of Meldreth Matters I have been trying to think back to the days when Meldreth Matters first started, and realise a) that 30 years have simply flown past, and b) just how much the world has changed in that time, with the impact of computers and the internet being so much greater than I sometimes realise. I just need to think of ribbon typewriters, black, flimsy carbon sheets inserted between two 'Quarto' size sheets of paper to The winning MM team in 1989, left to produce the all-important right, Ann Barnes, Sherida Inman, Pam carbon copy; the cutting and Mynn, Helen Leighton, Lesley Farbridge pasting that we needed to do (quite literally cutting out letters or words to paste over mistakes in the typing) and all those bits of hand-written copy handed in, often on scruffy bits of paper, to be included in the next issue of the magazine, to really take on board how much progress there has been in the way we produce printed material now. Getting the magazine put together thirty years ago was time-consuming, fiddly, challenging, but also great fun, in its own way! And no computer can compete with the wonderful illustrations that Lesley Farbridge used to produce for many of those early copies of the magazine!

I think too of how much the village has changed over thirty years; Flambards Close and the Grange were relatively newbuild parts of the village; we had a garage on the High Street (pictured left) and if I remember rightly Mrs Gadsby still ran the wool shop next door to what is now One Stop. Fieldgate was morphing gradually from the original stall with a few vegetables on the drive of the Ward's home to the thriving business it now is; and there was a hardware shop where Tavern Gallery was until very recently. We had thriving Scouts and Guides, Brownies and Cubs, and my children were able to go to swimming lessons in the Manor School swimming pool. Diesel trains ran through Meldreth, which meant changing trains at Royston, where the electric trains stopped. There was no footbridge over the river at 8

Flambards Close and the footpath the other side of the river was very narrow and little used. Melwood was in its infancy, and the River Mel Restoration Group a thing of the future.

It's easy to reminisce and I think it is important too to remember the many people who over the years have helped to make Meldreth Matters what it is. I so remember that first open meeting we had in our sitting room here, with people willing to take a risk and get the magazine off the ground. Among them was Brian Rastall who actually paid for the first two single-page issues to be run off on one of those awful cyclostyle machines! After that, Lesley took over the job of layout, with all the fiddly bits of cut-andThe cover of the paste, and after a few years I was able to pass the first magazine, November 1988 editing over to Sandra Pegg. When she left the village Joe Gelling did the editing until Kath took over at the end of 2004, building Meldreth Matters up to the wonderful magazine we have today. We owe a lot to the support of Nick Monks and Anne Lambert at Eternit who arranged for the company to sponsor us for a number of years, by printing the four pages of the magazine each month, until we took the plunge and went commercial, using advertising space to pay for the printing.

This allowed us to expand, giving us more space for the wide variety of material that Kath manages to find each month. Over the years so many people, too many to mention individually, have helped with the distribution (no small job with 900 copies to sort into relevant piles) and with the delivery of the magazine; with getting advertisers, managing the finances and most importantly, providing material for inclusion each month.

Kathryn Betts (left) and Lesley Farbridge with the awards won by MM, 2014

In those thirty years of changes and growth in the village, there have been many things that have remained constant, among them a strong sense of community.

That Meldreth Matters has contributed to this I have no doubt; that it is itself a most precious 'Constant' I believe is also true – may it continue to be so for many more years to come!

Ann Barnes 9

Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschool.com In the run-up to the Preschool’s big move over to our new room at Meldreth Primary School, there is a lot going on. We have been gradually clearing out the store cupboard, ridding ourselves of toys with missing pieces and broken parts and sorting through the various toys and games that we have designed to make Preschool a fun and educational experience for all the children in our care.

I’m sure many people will recognise the feeling of trying to cull belongings before a move to avoid taking a load of unwanted stuff to their new location. Hopefully this will enable the Preschool to focus on the most popular and versatile toys and equipment for our new space.

Several tip runs later, we are starting to see a difference in the amount of equipment we have. We still seem to have plenty that will not be needed, however, so keep an eye on our Facebook page in the run-up to Christmas as we will be offering some toys, games and equipment for sale.

As many of you will know, our other fundraising efforts have included the incredibly popular Gin Night which we hosted on 6th October. The Village Hall was transformed into a glamorous gin palace for the night as we welcomed nearly 70 guests with a range of difference gins, mixers, garnishes and snacks. Our goal was a night with a difference – not just a great way to support the Preschool, but a great night out in itself and the feedback suggests that we achieved just that. It was lovely to see so many people from the village coming for a night out and we really appreciate the support of all those who came along. We raised over £1,100 which will go a long way towards settling us into our new home across the road. We are hoping to host some similar nights in the future, so if anyone has a preference for wine, cocktails, whiskey or any other beverage, please let us know as we will take all suggestions on board. Thank you for the tireless work (some might say obsession) of our valiant treasurer Helen, all the family members that she recruited for the event and a crowd of volunteers.

If anyone wants to help us with our fundraising efforts with minimal effort and no need to spend a single additional penny, please sign up with EasyFundraising and install the app. You can raise money for 10

Meldreth Preschool simply by shopping online for the things you would buy anyway, on sites such as eBay, Amazon, a host of supermarkets and a number of utility switching services.

Places at the Preschool are in high demand, so please get in touch for an application form if you want one.

You can email us at manager@meldrethpreschool.com or call on 07518 173653 to arrange to have a look around and find out about our availability.

Meldreth Preschool

Preschool Gin Tasting Evening Well done to the Preschool on your recent gin tasting evening.

Excellent drink, food and company plus great fundraising.

The Meldreth Retirees’ Table

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk During ‘Walk to School Week’ in the summer term, our Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTAs) pointed out that their head honcho, Mr Jones (that’s me), was not setting a very good example, by driving to work every day. As a result, I took up their challenge and have managed ever since to cycle eleven miles to and from work at least twice every week.

The first day I cycled home, I made the foolish mistake of turning right from Meldreth onto the A10, believing there to be a cycle track all the way up to the village. Nothing could have persuaded me better than the hair-raising hell-ride I made, on the cycleway-free stretch from Meldreth to Shepreth that evening, for the urgent need for a good cycleway between Melbourn/Meldreth and Royston.

Enter Susan Van de Ven, who came into school in June to meet with our renowned Junior Travel Ambassadors to discuss an opportunity to meet with the Greater Cambridge Partnership and state our case for the urgent need for the development of this important cycle link.

Brother and sister, Yunus and Iris Bostanci are SERIOUS cyclists, relying heavily on two wheels as their family does not own a car. They 11

had some very strong views and great questions with which to address our local decision makers.

So, along with another of our JTAs, Alfie Richardson, I drove the children to Cambourne on 11th October where we met with Susan and were led to the main Council Chamber where the full meeting of the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board was just starting up. Close to the top of the agenda, our young ambassadors were called forward to pose their questions, which I have reproduced in full below.

My name is Yunus Bostanci. I am 10 and live with my family in Meldreth. I am a Junior Travel Ambassador at Meldreth Primary School. I think the Melbourn to Royston link is important because fewer people from Meldreth would have to drive and more would be able to cycle without fearing for their safety. They could use it to go to Tesco, to go to the Leisure Centre, or to just go for a cup of tea in Royston. Next year, I will go to school at Melbourn Village College. I will have friends from Melbourn, from Royston, as well as other surrounding villages. Safe Melbourn Greenways cycle paths would mean that I can visit my friends independently. My question is: Do you want me to grow up being a cyclist and active commuter, or do you want me to grow up getting in the habit of driving everywhere?

My name is Alfie Richardson and I'm a Junior Travel Ambassador at Meldreth Primary School. My job is to persuade more people to walk, scoot and cycle to school. Our Deputy Headteacher Mr Jones has mostly given up driving to work and cycles from Shelford, though he had to drive today in order to get us to Cambourne. I cycle with my Dad as much as possible but in many places the roads are too dangerous. My question for you is: What ideas do you have for getting 12

children involved in making decisions about improving cycle links between villages?

My name is Iris Bostanci. I am 7 years old. I go to Meldreth Primary School, and I am a Mini Junior Travel Ambassador. I enjoy cycling because when I cycle I feel free. I have taken part in the A10 Bike Ride twice already. Last time, I cycled the 11 kilometres from Cambridge to Melbourn by myself. I was the youngest person to do so. My question is: How old do you think I will be by the time the Melbourn to Royston bike path is finished?

The power and impact of the children’s questions was palpable in the hall and they were discussed and praised wholeheartedly.

Clearly the Partnership expressed their desire to develop more and better links between local villages and towns, and indeed crossing the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border. However a specific answer to Iris’ question could not on this occasion be made.

Engaging in political hurly burly such as this is indeed an exhausting process.

Shortly after we had retired to our seats in the public gallery, Iris was curled up on her father’s lap, while a well-earned energy boost was provided by Susan in the shape of her really rather good chocolate brownies, gratefully received by our young delegates!

Meldreth Primary School Open Afternoon Readers may also like to be aware that on Friday 9th November the school will be open to all interested parties to view the school building in its newly developed and extended state.

Visitors will be welcome to visit between 3.10 and 6pm Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher 13

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What’s On for Children and Families in November Saturday 3rd November, 11.00am - 3.00pm Nature Mandalas, Cambridge Botanic Gardens CB2 1JE Search for seeds, cones and leaves and add them to a giant mandala then make an outdoor artwork of your own. Free, drop-in event. Adults pay usual admission charge. See www.botanic.cam.ac for details.

Monday 5th November, 6.00pm - 8.00pm Wandlebury Adventures - Burning Man: Guy Fawkes Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge CG22 3AE Learn about why we burn a guy. Build a stick and straw wicker man to burn. Toast marshmallows on the fire. For ages 8 to 12, unaccompanied. Book on (01223) 243830.

Wednesday 14th, 1.30pm and Thursday 15th November, 10.30am Luna, Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER An enchanting first theatre experience for 2 to 5 year olds and their families about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark.

Tickets £10, £5 for under 18s from www.saffronhall.com.

Saturday 17th November ReSource: Blue Light, 11.00am to 1.00pm Make! Instant Photoprints, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB ReSource is for ages 13 - 18; Make! for ages 11 - 13. £5 per student.

Book on (01223) 332904. Experiment with photosensitive paper and cyanatype to make simple photo prints.

Saturday 17th November until 6th January 2019, 12.00pm - 9.00pm Monday to Friday, 11.00am - 9.00pm weekends The North Pole, Parker’s Piece, Parkside, Cambridge CB2 1AA Open-air ice rink. Adults £12.50, 15s and under £11, 12s and under £10.50 for 45 minutes. Skate hire included. Limited numbers of skate aids available to hire. Refreshments and fairground rides.

Saturday 24th November, 10.00am - 1.00pm Christmas Market and Family Fun Day, Wood Green, London Road, Godmanchester PE29 2NH Stalls, entertainment, activities, refreshments. Adults £2, under 12s free.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 15

Bedford to Cambridge Rail Connection: Local Implications We continue to be contacted by concerned residents who rightly feel that more should be done to raise awareness on this matter, which was first covered in last month’s Meldreth Matters.

About 150 people attended the meeting on 25th September in Shepreth Village Hall in order to hear a presentation from the ‘CamBedRailRoad’ (CBRR) group. The backdrop is the likely recommended ‘preferred route’ for the Bedford-Cambridge segment of ‘East West Rail’ – a project seeking to connect Oxford and Cambridge, with onward regional connections.

An announcement is expected before the end of 2018 and the preferred option is likely to run alongside Bassingbourn Barracks, Whaddon, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton (Route C2-2 opposite). It appears that the line would join the existing London-Cambridge line between Shepreth and Foxton, but you should be aware that unfortunately there are no plans for these new trains to stop at our village stations. There would of course be some significant local impacts in terms of the line running close to (or through?) some properties and requiring new level crossings.

CamBedRailRoad proposes an alternative route along the A428 corridor on the basis that this is where the bulk of South Cambridgeshire’s planned population growth is focused – Bourn Airfield, Cambourne and Northstowe - yet the A428 corridor lacks a strategic public transport link. CBRR are asking for equal consideration of both schemes.

The approximate route of the current ‘preferred route’ of C2-2, which is the most southerly line, as CBRR have best been able to derive from available information, is shown on the map opposite.

16

Clearly all major infrastructure projects create challenges, but we do feel in our councillor roles that it is important for the villages to be informed, as once final the final routes for consultation are announced we will have limited opportunity to influence the outcome.

Please note: the preferred route came from the Jacobs Report commissioned by Network Rail, but the East West Rail project is now the responsibility of the newly constituted East West Rail Company. If you would like to learn more, there’s lots of information under the 'Resources' section, www.cambedrailroad.org.

Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales and Philippa Hart County and District Councillors

CBRR’s alternative route

Route C2-2

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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Meldreth Local History Group is looking for people of any age to help us add information to our website. We have a great deal of very interesting material but not enough people to help add it to our site.

If you like history then this could be an enjoyable way to help record the history of Meldreth and while away those miserable winter evenings.

We are happy to hold a morning or evening session to help you achieve this. Why not give it a try and be part of Meldreth’s history team?

Please visit our website to see how you can make a difference.

Joan Gane Chairman, MLHG

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our September meeting was held in Meldreth but did not turn out as we had expected. Kimmi Crosby had planned a “Pointless” game but due to low numbers in attendance, we were unable to play it. The lack of members present was due to holidays and a training session being held in the church. This was disappointing for everyone and we had to resort to chatting over coffee and biscuits.

Our next meeting will be held in Meldreth on 27th November when Alan Hay will lead us in an Advent reflection.

If you would like to know anything about our group or require a lift to any of our meetings, please feel free to contact one of the committee: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763)262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 or Kimmi Crosby.

Anne Harrison

19

Meldreth WI We have had quite a busy two months. Last month we were shown how to use the defibrillators should the need arise. We also had an amusing talk by Robert Berridge, an ex police protection officer. That was followed by a produce sale. Unfortunately, due to the weather we have had there was not too much garden produce. Many thanks to Alan for stepping in as auctioneer. We were also entertained at Foxton WI by The Meldreth Ladies Barbershop Quartet.

The walking group are still enjoying some lovely walks and spent a pleasant afternoon at Fowlmere Bird Reserve. There are also many outings arranged by our head office. Some of our ladies are going to visit ‘Windsor in Winter’, first visiting St George’s Chapel then going into the castle to visit the State Apartments and finishing with a visit to the Windsor farm shop. We will also be visiting the newly refurbished Zoology Museum in Cambridge. There is lots to see and do.

At our October meeting, we were entertained by ‘The Laughter Specialists’ and what wonderful work they do. Annie and Patrick first met while on a clown training scheme. They now visit sick children in many local hospitals and hospices including Addenbrookes, Great Ormond Street and Granta School, Linton. Their clowning, play acting and music bring happier times to some very sick children. One parent once said, “Annie reminds me of The Pied Piper; wherever she goes there will be a little person with a drip stand following her.” How very, very true.

Next month we will be starting the build-up to Christmas with Helen Pigott showing us how to make our own special Christmas cards. We will also be making arrangements for our Christmas meeting, which will be a ‘bring and share buffet’. We look forward to seeing you.

Kathleen Thompson

Village Hall Meldreth Preschool will be vacating the Village Hall in early January when it will become available for daytime classes and clubs. For booking enquiries, please contact me on (01763) 262512 or 07803 896042.

Sherida Richards 20

Friends of Maycroft So dear friends, here we are on 4th October, a glorious sunny day, lighting the fast falling leaves of the aged conker tree. It appears to us that there are many notable things to celebrate day by day, indeed the days are crowded this week … wait for it … it is National Seafood week and today is National Poetry Day! We have been having poetry readings, many favourites including Wordsworth’s poem “Daffodils” which speaks of “the inward eye”; so many treasures in the various collections to please “the inward eye” which though changing the ages still have notable inclusion, old favourites by Tennyson and Edward Thomas as well as poets of our own age; some set to music, some light of heart.

Going into autumn a season of fruit, harvest, jam and chutney making.

Kitchens full of sweet aromas, store shelves filling with delights for winter.

Here the daily round of Maycroft life echoes in many respects the daily round of village life. Although we have no lawns to give a last mow to, or pruning to do, we are cooking delicious scones to have for tea with cream and jam.

Our best wishes for a kindly autumn.

Carol and Ray

The Walk for Alzheimer's Research It is with great delight that the Manager of Maycroft, staff and friends, can announce that the walk raised £2,263.45 this year. Really, the families and friends of the residents and members of the local communities must have been very generous for us to be able to contribute this amount. We did hope we might swell the fund to nearer £2,000 this year, but to exceed this by so much is amazing.

We are hoping to be able to arrange the hand over of the cheque in the next few weeks, so will put a photograph of the occasion in the December issue.

Rosemary Childerley Friend of Maycroft 21

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

With the year drawing to a close, we have a full and varied programme for the winter months including one lecture, four competitions and two club evenings.

November’s meetings are as follows: 6th: Club Night. Using non-auto camera settings – David Stocks.

Useful Photoshop techniques – Peter North 13th: 2nd Open Projected Image Competition. Judge: Jane Goodall 20th: Melbourn Trophy 1st Round vs Cambridge Critique Group.

Judge: Adrian Stone 27th: Village Challenge/ Points of View. Self judged Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April.

Looking in the Mirror

by Dave Cole

The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability.

Anyone wishing to know more details or to see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email me, the club Secretary, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Club Secretary

Meldreth Football Clubs: Home Fixtures Saturday Team: Saturday 10th November, kick-off 2.00pm There may be Saturday cup matches at home later in the month Meldreth United: Sundays, 11th, 18th & 25th November, kick-off 10.30am Joan Fallon 22

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23

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk

This Month’s Event:

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2019 Events: Saturday 19th January - Annual Supper Bubbly with light canapĂŠs followed by two courses and wine, coffee and mints and a table quiz February and March - talks yet to be confirmed Friday 10th May - AGM Sunday 2nd June - Open Gardens Sunday 22 September - 15th Churchyard Car Show Events tickets are usually available from the following: Mary Gregory (01763) 260120; John Price - (01763) 260048; Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742 John Price

Proposed Routes for the East West Oxford Cambridge Varsity Rail Line The East West Railway Company are working with Network Rail to develop a number of possible route options, in collaboration with local authorities and rail industry stakeholders, on the proposed new train line between Oxford and Cambridge.

There are a number of options for the preferred route for the above project which will each impact Meldreth in different ways. These options have been announced in the media. It is understood that only one option will be published for consultation and that preferred option will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2018.

There is a proposal from the local group CamBedRailRoad to offer an alternative route which has not been put forward as an option by Network Rail.

This can be seen and reviewed at www.cambedrailroad.org.

If you would like to have your say, you may do so, via the CamBedRailRoad website on the proposed route.

Meldreth Parish Council [Editor’s Note: see also pages 16-17.]

25

Waterlight Project www.waterlightproject.org.uk Poet Clare Crossman and film maker James Murray-White have been collaborating on the development of a film about the River Mel, which rises in Melbourn and flows through Meldreth to eventually link to the Cam. An interactive website has now been developed to provide background information on the project and the river.

Please visit https://waterlightproject.org.uk to view the site and perhaps to add your own memories or thoughts about the river.

The site has extracts from the film footage, abstracts from interviews with residents and “memory capture� events and footage filmed by pupils at Meldreth Primary School. There is also introductory material about the Mel and photographic material, both recent and historical.

In addition there are creative reactions to the Mel by local residents.

The project has been supported by Meldreth and Melbourn Parish Councils, South Cambridgeshire Community Fund and TTP as well as donations through crowd funding. The full film will be available in late spring 2019.

Bruce Huett

We love you Meldreth Matters!

On behalf of us all we would like to thank the Meldreth Matters team for all their hard work in producing such a wonderful village magazine.

Thirty years is a great achievement. It is interesting and informative to read and has great reviews from any visitors to the village.

A much loved and appreciated magazine.

HC, LH, JD, TM, BJ, JG Chiswick End 26

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28

Letter to the Editor Varsity Railway Line I am sure that I am not the only local resident who had not heard about the proposed new “varsity line” linking Oxford and Cambridge. It was only when a neighbour informed me that this line could be going at the bottom of our gardens in Meldreth Road, Shepreth that I was nudged into action to find out more about it. I searched online and found that the Royston Crow had published an article about it in a September edition. Like many other villagers I stopped getting a free copy of the Crow delivered a long time ago. The Crow article explained that CamBedRail Road, a new thinktank, had been set up in response to the proposals.

CamBedRailRoad (CBRR) held a meeting at Shepreth Village Hall on the 25th September and I attended this along with some 150 other concerned residents. We were advised that the Network Rail preferred route would go through Whaddon, Meldreth and Shepreth, but the line would not be accessible to these villages. CBRR outlined: “The routes were designed by Network Rail before 2016 when their criteria were to design the quickest cheapest route intercity from Oxford to Cambridge. They did not consult with Highways about the new expressway to the north of Cambridge or with planners about new housing developments (i.e. Cambourne, Northstowe, etc) or with planners about social needs, local commuting or environmental aspects.

In our view this is why their routes are so unsuitable. They don’t offer any local commuting, don’t go where the majority of people live or attempt to reduce damage to countryside.”

The CBRR team have proposed a new route north of Cambridge to take in the new settlements and in my mind this makes more sense than the southern one. The frightening thing about this whole issue is that the decision on this is to be made by the end of the year. CBRR want to get their proposal on the table for consideration as quickly as possible and therefore are calling for local support to enable this to be done. If you do feel as I do that the southern route is ill advised and CBRR deserve a chance to put their route on the table - please help by signing the petition on their website at www.cambedrailroad.org/ support-us and let as many fellow villagers know as possible.

Christine Knight Editor’s Note: See also pages 16-17, 25, 61 and 66.

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1988 - 2018 According to Meldreth Matters The following is a brief look at the last thirty years, as seen through the pages of Meldreth Matters.

1988 The first issue of the Meldreth newsletter (one folded A4 sheet of paper) was produced in November 1988. Edited by Ann Barnes, the cover design was by Jamie Inman. A coffee morning to raise funds for the production of the newsletter raised £46.40.

1989 Following a vote, the newsletter was named Meldreth Matters. Eternit offered to print the magazine and 21 people offered to deliver it. Advertisers included the Hair Design Salon at 59 High Street and The Maltings Studio at 99 North End (selling giftware and furniture).

Several social events were held at The Gables. Groups in the village included Scouts, Brownies, Guides, Young Wives, a Youth Club and Meldreth Village Association. Nancy Gadsby (who kept the wool shop) left the village and Meldreth Motor Company started selling unleaded petrol.

The Post Office was under threat of closure and there was fund-raising for a community swimming pool.

1990 Fundraising began for the refurbishment of the Village Hall. A pageant to mark the 900th anniversary of the church was held. Houses in the village began to be connected to natural gas. The Croquet Club was formed; Meldreth Cricket Team played their first match.

1991 Advertisers included Meldreth Taxis.

The first Frollies was held. A Cycling Club was formed. Only 188 out of 1306 registered voters voted in the Parish Council election.

1992 Sandra Pegg became the Editor of Meldreth Matters in January. Fund-raising for the village hall continued. Kitty and Gordon Hardwick left the village.

1993 Advertisers included an Au Pair Agency, based in The Grange.

The Village Hall rebuilding fund stood at £15,000. The High Street flooded. Bill Wing (right) celebrated his 100th birthday and “Old Bill, Memories of a Meldreth Man” was published by the MVA. The Child Health Clinic, which was 30

held in the Village Hall, closed. The Holy Trinity Church extension was officially opened by the Bishop of Ely. A Sunday School started in the new room.

Mrs Stockbridge at St. John’s Farm stopped taking everyone’s paper and cardboard for recycling.

1994 Advertisers included Meldreth Thatch Crafts at 3 Station Road. The MM team placed an advertisement for a “committed villager” in the “snipping and sticking department”. In November, David Morfill joined the MM team. A desktop publishing package was used to produce the magazine for the first time and there was a move to a two-column format.

The British Queen Golf Society was formed.

1995 In May Joe Gelling took over as Editor of MM. John Gipson stood down from the Parish Council after 31 years. It was announced that Meldreth Station would be manned on Saturdays from 8.00am to 2.30pm as an experiment. The Village Hall re-opened on 18th March following refurbishment.

1996 Jim Greasley, vicar of Holy Trinity and All Saints, left to take up a new appointment at Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire. The Meldreth Super Troupers were in rehearsal for “Pot Pourri of Memories”.

1997 Helen Leighton resigned as treasurer of MM and left the village. She was replaced by Sherida Inman.

Jo and Gordon Bates, who had kept the newsagents and PO for many years, left the village. Gordon had served on the Parish Council for 20 years. The Chiswick End stream completely dried up for the third time in four years.

Andrew O’Brien arrived as the new vicar.

A Dial-a-Ride minibus service to Cambridge was introduced (£1.50 each way).

1998 A special 10th Anniversary Issue of MM was published in October - one month early!

1999 Richard Burns joined the MM team.

Various events were held throughout the year to raise money for Millennium projects including the meridian marker, finger post at the Stocks, village trail, village quilt and a clock for the village hall. It was announced that the station 31

ticket office would be manned on weekday mornings, heralding David Piggott’s arrival. Link Murang’a was launched.

2000 Ken McLean joined the MM team. A tribute to Moira Humphris, who had been killed on Mettle Hill along with her horse, was published.

The Primary School celebrated its 90th birthday.

Thaxted Morris Men danced at The British Queen and the sites of all the former pubs in the village (right). The Share Club was formed. Mary Course retired as Chairman of Meldreth Parish Council after 25 years and was succeeded by Sherida Inman.

2001 The MM Team called a meeting at the Village Hall to discuss the future of MM. An obituary of Jo Bates was published. Reports of Parish Council meetings appeared for the first time in the magazine.

Green Boxes were delivered to all households ahead of the introduction of recycling. Meldreth Railway Station celebrated its 150th birthday. Flooding in the village led to a suggestion that some of the old drainage ditches should be opened up.

2002 Eternit withdrew their sponsorship of MM. Ted Inman emphasised the need to earn revenue from advertisers/sponsors to cover production costs, which were estimated at £2000 per annum (now over £7000 pa but the magazine has quadrupled in size and circulation has increased). Advertisers included “Heavenly Hatz” in Bell Close.

The Jackdaw After School Kidz Club opened in Meldreth Village Hall.

Meldreth Auto Centre opened at College Farm, North End.

2003 There was yet more flooding in the High Street. Sherida Inman resigned as Chairman of the Parish Council and was replaced by John Chamberlain.

Melwood Conservation Group was formed. A public meeting was held to discuss the drafting of a village plan.

2004 In May, MM announced that it had its own email address. Jackie and Joe Gelling retired from the MM team due to ill health after ten years’ service.

Kathryn Betts took over. Tributes appeared to Sandra Pegg and Fred Askew.

A Scrapbooking Club and Meldreth Residents Association were formed. In July Mary Course resigned from the District Council after 21 years. David Piggott appeared on Mastermind. Chiswick Supplies closed.

32

2005 The PC was still tussling with the issue of the travellers’ site at Mettle Hill.

The Parish Paths Sub-Committee was set up. The River Mel Restoration Group was formed. Postman John Hanson celebrated 30 years as an employee of Royal Mail.

2006 Obituaries to the following were in MM: Arthur Harcourt, James (Jim) Hollamby, Betty Greasley and Eileen Martin.

A new Brownie unit started in Meldreth. There was severe flooding in the village.

2007 Obituaries to the following were published: Jack Farnham, Mary Course, Anne Saunders, Jo Rathbone, Jackie Gelling, Doreen Ward and Herbie Henry.

A new extension was completed at the Primary School. A Table Tennis Club started. The Parish Plan Implementation Team presented their final report.

Meldreth Local History Group and Meldreth Play Reading Group were formed. The Youth Club closed.

2008 Meldreth Matters won a Highly Commended award at the CBS Magazine Awards. Obituaries of Tom Jude and Ken Singleton were printed. A regular children’s section was re-introduced into the magazine, edited by Laura Elvin.

David Piggott won an Outstanding Customer Service Award. A bicycle wheeling channel was installed at the station but was virtually unusable.

Plastic recycling was introduced into the village.

2009 MM went global: issues from January 2009 onwards became available online.

MM was “highly commended” at the Magazine Awards for the second year running. Beverley Cottrell joined the MM team, taking over the advertising and accounts from Shirley Bell, who left the village. Obituaries of Don Findlay, Dorothy Burlton, Jill Birch, Dorothea Jude, Gladys Clarke and Nan Neale appeared in the magazine.

Parking near the station increased following the introduction of car parking charges. Susan van de Ven became our County Councillor, launched the idea of a local rail user group and started an electronic community newsletter. A proposal to reduce the opening hours at Meldreth Station booking office met with a lot of opposition. Julie Draper formed the Veg Club.

2010 Obituaries of the following were published: Joyce Howard, Jan Hazelwood, Graham Ward, Gilly Gilham, Derek Thomas and Bill Wing.

33

Meldreth Primary School held an open day to celebrate its 100th birthday.

Coffee Break started in Elin Way. Sheila Pinney left the village. Norman Clark retired after cutting Meldreth Bowls Club’s grass for 36 years. 30mph bin stickers were introduced. New blue bins were to be distributed by SCDC. Sue and Alan Tobin purchased The British Queen.

2011 Obituaries of Margaret Jones, Doreen Clark and Don Braggins were published.

Events included Frollies. The national census was held. The Melbourn County Division Oil Club was formed. A book, “A Centenary Portrait” of the Primary School, edited by Catharine Walston, was published. A Royal Wedding Street Party was held in the High Street (right). MLHG announced the launch of its own website. The Railway Station celebrated its 160th birthday. John Gipson rang his 3000th peal at Holy Trinity Church.

2012 Laura Elvin left the MM team. Obituaries were published of John Chalkley, Dorothy Brown, Joyce & Eric Walbey, Reg Hodder, Joe Gelling and Alec Yates.

The Rail User Group announced the start of the Station Gardens scheme. Car parking charges at the station were reduced from £3 to £1.50 a day. David Piggott’s outstanding customer service was recognised by FCC. The Diamond Jubilee street party took place on a very wet day. The High Street flooded near the stocks to a depth of two feet. A Flood Avoidance Sub Committee of the Parish Council was formed. Mary Wedge retired as housekeeper of the Village Hall. Yvonne Chamberlain left Meldreth Post Office.

2013 Obituaries of the following were in MM: Eileen Jacklin, Peter Oakman, Hilda Mathews, Michael Walford and Fred Dye. A new-look MM was launched with a colour cover; a contents page, editorial and advertisers’ index were introduced. There was an advertisement for “Meldreth Muntjac”.

The separate Post Office was removed in One Stop and was incorporated into the main counter. MLHG organised a big test pitting project in the village under the guidance of Carenza Lewis, former Time Team presenter. Jenni Bone proposed starting a craft group. Slimming World started in the Village Hall. Hundreds attended meetings on the proposal to reopen the travellers’ site on Mettle Hill. After years of campaigning and fundraising, the swimming pool was restored at the Primary School. Susan van de Ven was elected as our District Councillor. Meldreth Station Yard Community Liaison Group was formed. A Community Rail Partnership was signed. The first A10 cycle awareness ride took place.

34

2014 MM won two awards. Obituaries of Barbara (Vicki) Dash and Sheila Pinney were published.

There was more flooding in the village. Philippa Hart was elected as District Councillor. A Mettle Hill Working Group was formed. Fibre broadband arrived in Meldreth.

2015 MM won an award for the second year running. Hilary and John Crawforth began compiling the events listings for MM. Obituaries of the following were published: Janet McClean, Keith Jacklin, Dennis Dash, Valerie Hatfield, Dennis Pepper and Edward Mallen.

The Holy Trinity bells were restored. Rev. Andrew O’Brien left the village.

There was a survey regarding possible uses of the land at Mettle Hill, which had been purchased by the Parish Council. David Piggott retired.

2016 There were obituaries of the following: Dorothy Pepper, Joan Gipson, Mary Findlay, Roger Hart and Keith Humphreys.

Marley-Eternit submitted a planning application for 170 houses on their brownfield site. Rev. Lizzie Shipp was appointed as our parish priest. A petition in favour of introducing a 20mph speed limit in the village gained over 500 signatures. A cycling group was formed.

2017 Obituaries of the following were published: Elizabeth (Betty) Izzard, David Childerley, Michael Rogers, Barry Burchett, John Fallon and John Gipson.

MM began to use a large colour picture on its front cover. Robin Farbridge joined the MM team.

Messy Church began. Meldreth Tennis courts were refurbished.

2018 The following obituaries were published: Don Chinery, David Piggott, Sandra Searles, John Handscombe, Lysa Kemp and Geraldine (Gerry) Frances West.

A new “Pub Club” was started by Julie Draper. A new train timetable was introduced and chaos ensued. Two defibrillators were installed in the village.

A sewage leak temporarily closed the recreation ground. The Primary School was extended.

Kathryn Betts Please note that many of the obituaries mentioned above are available on Meldreth Local History Group’s website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, where there is also more information on many of the events mentioned here.

35

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

Refuse Collections Black bins: 13th, 27th Blue & Green bins: 6th, 20th 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

9.15-11.15am Baby & 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts Toddler Group 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 10.00am-12.00 Handbells

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

Copy deadline for December issue

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

Thurs

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.30pm Parish

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30pm WI

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30am Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

12.00-2.00pm British Queen

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meld Way. Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trin lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise 36

ry - November 2018

sday

m Fitness

m Table

h Council

m Fitness

Friday

Saturday

8.30 - 11.00pm Live rock music with Stormchaser, Eternit Sports and Social Club

3.10-6.00pm Open Afternoon at Meldreth Primary School (see page 13)

Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion

10.00am Veg Club Plus, 26a Chiswick End

8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Remembrance Service at the War Memorial

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club

m Pub Club, n

m Fitness

m Table

m Fitness

7.30pm FOHT Wine Tasting, Holy Trinity Church (See page 24)

m Table

m Fitness

m Table

8.00pm Cinderella Pantomime (see back page)

8.00am Holy Communion

The copy deadline for the December issue of Meldreth Matters is Monday 12th November

reth Local History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin nity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the e indicated.

37

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38

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 4th October 2018 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

Present: Councillors R Goddin – Chairman, C J Fallon, N Garner, R James, C A Land and N Pellatt In attendance: J Damant (Clerk), District Councillors P Hart and J Hales and County Councillor S van de Ven Apologies for absence: Councillors P Gilmore, R Searles and A Young (all personal reasons).

Public Participation There were three members of the public in attendance.

The Chairman welcomed Sarah Grove, the Project Officer for Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group who addressed the meeting on the work being undertaken, primarily the Line Action Plan. The station gardens in all three local stations have proven to be a great success, though each one is managed in a different way. She also informed the meeting that information on the group can now be obtained using Twitter and Facebook and this is proving to be very positive. There have been major problems with the new timetable implemented earlier in the year; however since July 2018 this appears to have settled down a bit. The Group is now trying to get the ½ hour trains reinstated and it is hoped that the new timetable, due in December, will show this. The rail company is focusing on getting the weekday trains running better, but once this has been achieved it is hoped to secure a better weekend service. At the recent Rail User meeting three items concerning Meldreth Station were discussed: 1. In March, a shelter will be placed on the Cambridge platform.

2. Information boards will be installed in December.

3. Application for ‘Access for All’ projects to improve access to the station will be submitted to GDR. This will include a ramp and lifts to improve station access.

Sarah Grove has also visited Melbourn Village College to inform students and their families on how to access funding for train transport for Sixth Form College.

39

District Councillor Report [See pages 61-63] Councillor Goddin asked how the grant pot would be advertised.

Councillor Hales stated that there is a link on the SCDC website. This grant fund is mainly aimed at voluntary groups; for instance the CAB. County Councillor Report [See pages 58-59] Councillor van de Ven stated that in order to have a better case for the ‘Access for All’ it is important that all correspondence regarding the difficulties that residents experience should be recorded in the Parish Council minutes.

The report included one resident’s difficulty in trying to reach Meldreth Primary School from Melbourn with a pushchair. There are two possible routes. The first is to walk across the railway bridge via Station Road. When pushing a child and holding onto another child, this is dangerous as the footway is not wide enough. The second is to cross the railway platform bridge, which again is not easy to negotiate with two young children and a pushchair. The kissing gate at the end of the footpath is also difficult to get through with a pushchair.

The issue of the kissing gate and that it is difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs to negotiate is one area that the Parish Council could look into and try and find a solution that would benefit everyone.

The time frame is short and it is hoped to get all the information before the Community Partnership Meeting. Councillor van de Ven will meet with Councillor James to discuss a way forward.

Close meeting 8.55pm. There was a discussion about the presentation of District and County Councillor reports. Open meeting 9.10pm.

Office IT Computer System The Clerk has forwarded information of two website companies who specialise in Parish Council websites. Councillor Young will make enquiries.

Working Group Updates/Reports: Meldreth Futures (MFWG) Bicycle planter racks are to be installed opposite the shop on SCDC land. Permission has been granted and these planters will not be fixed to the ground. They can now be purchased.

Line markers for the Football Club. MFWG are in favour of this item being purchased using the Community Benefit (Solar Fund) at a cost of £425. Proposed by Councillor Land, seconded by Councillor Goddin, 40

all agreed. Councillors Fallon and Pellatt declared a personal interest as members of the Football Club.

Bowls Club – MFWG have requested further information.

Mettle Hill Councillor Goddin reported that they have spoken to CAPALC with regards to finance and reserve implications and how best monies can be managed. Further investigation is needed.

Meldreth Traffic Deferred until the next meeting as Councillor Gilmore was not present.

MAYD (Melbourn, Meldreth, Foxton and Shepreth) Councillor Garner circulated his report to council members. A meeting is to take place next week and it is hoped that he will be able to present his final report at the next Parish Council meeting. Councillor James asked if all the other group parishes are now financially supporting the youth club. Councillor Garner believed this to be the case.

Playground Councillor Fallon reported that all equipment appears to be in good working order. The steps on the trip trail still need to be filled in and the bolt on the zip wire cover still needs to be replaced. Councillor Land will install the missing bolt. A quote has been received from Wicksteed for resurfacing the matting; others are awaited. These will then be looked at by the Recreation Ground Working Group. Chain spares for the cradle swings and handles for the springy horse have been received and will be installed.

Bench for WW1 Commemorations A bench has been ordered and will be received prior to the 11th November commemorations. It was agreed to ask the Primary School if they would like to have the bench placed on the verge at the front of the school. Alternatively the bench could be placed in front of the Village Hall.

Recreation Ground It was agreed that the Parish Council should ask Anglian Water for compensation for the sewage spillage on the recreation ground and the disruption this caused. A donation will be requested to enable some trees and guards to be purchased. Councillor Goddin has spoken to Mrs Lynch, the Parish Council’s tree warden, for her advice on what trees would be best.

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Cycle Stands Due to the planning development in Melbourn, cycle racks have been offered to Meldreth to be placed near the station. Under s106 arrangements, the racks have to be placed either on Local Authority land or Parish Council land. It would not normally be possible to locate these on third party land, including Network Rail station land although that is the obvious place for them. The site proposed by Cambridgeshire County Council near the noticeboard opposite the station entrance was felt not to be safe. The Parish Council discussed all the suggestions being put forward by CCC but do not believe that any of the suggestions are safe. It has been latterly suggested by CCC that the Parish Council could approach Network Rail, who are regarded as a third party, to see if they would agree to have these cycle racks installed on their land. Councillor Goddin will contact CCC for a contact name whom the Parish Council may approach to ask the question.

Correspondence and Clerk's Report:  Bollards for the Stocks area have been ordered from Wickstead,  Malton Lane – carriageway repairs will take place from 5th to 16th November [see page 44]  Noticeboards will be purchased for the pavilion and the burial ground  There is a new dog bin near the Fenny Lane crossroads  There has been a request for a memorial bench to be placed on the recreation ground. This was agreed; a decision on where it should be placed is to be taken at a later date.  There has been a request to install three planters at the Stocks area representing Orchard Manor, Meldreth Manor and Maycroft. This was agreed to be a good idea and the Parish Council would support this. However they would want to see what type of planter is to be installed prior to any works being carried out.  Audit has passed with some comments.

Policies Updated Standing Orders 2018: proposed by Councillor Garner, seconded by Councillor James all agreed.

Media & Press: proposed by Councillor Goddin, seconded by Councillor Pellatt all agreed.

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Safeguarding: proposed by Councillor Fallon, seconded by Councillor James all agreed.

Other Items: Rail User Group Councillor James reported that some of the services have been reinstated. There was a discussion about the Cambridge-Oxford link and a forthcoming consultation on it. The preferred route has not yet been formally announced. [See pages 16-17, 25, 61 and 66 and the letter on page 29.]

Emergency Plan SCDC would like all parishes to submit an Emergency Plan. A template has been circulated to all councillors. This is a suggestion, not a requirement. There were no councillors able to give this the time at the moment. However, it was suggested the Clerk speak to Councillor Searles to enquire if there is a concern regarding flooding in the village.

Lengthsman A note had been circulated by Councillor Gilmore. This matter was briefly discussed but it was agreed to defer this item until Councillor Gilmore can be in attendance.

11th November 2018, 9.30am Councillor Garner and Councillor Gilmore will jointly lay the wreath.

Volunteers are needed to help with the event’s traffic management.

Last year Councillors Searles, Young and Land assisted with this and Mr Hawkins kindly operated the PA system. Clerk to enquire if the same set up can be repeated this year.

Councillors' Reports Councillor Goddin asked the Clerk to contact Mr D Llewellyn to request that he meet Councillors Goddin and James to discuss his survey on the church wall. The Tennis Club public booking system is operational and will be reassessed in the spring.

Councillor Fallon noted that Mr Charter would like to rabbit-proof the burial ground over the next couple of months. It was agreed that this can be done as the rabbit population needs to be kept down. The Clerk was asked to arrange to have the water tap housing repaired.

Meeting closed at 9.28pm. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st November at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

Meldreth Parish Council 43

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 (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk richardgoddin@gmail.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Road Closure of Malton Lane: 5th-16th November Cambridgeshire Highways will shortly be carrying out repairs to the road surface on Malton Lane, Meldreth close to the junction with North End. This is to address flooding problems at this location.

The works require both Malton Lane, Meldreth and Malton Road, Orwell to be closed to traffic between North End, Meldreth and Barrington Road, Orwell. The works are expected to start on Monday 5th November and will last for ten days until Friday 16th November. Work will take place between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm and the road will be open to traffic outside of these hours.

A full diversion route via Barrington and Shepreth will be in place during the works and signposted. Access to properties along Malton Lane and Malton Road will be maintained at all times.

Judy Damant Meldreth Parish Council Clerk 44

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Trains and Stations Bread and Butter Services At the end of September, we met senior GTR staff at King’s Cross to press for the restoration of the May timetable and semi-fast London services, plus other issues of concern raised by rail users. Two services have now been reintroduced and the rest of our missing weekday services should be restored by December. We are now pushing hard on a plan for the restoration of weekend services – a key timetable for shift workers and for leisure activities.

We liaise closely with our MP’s office and are pleased that our recent submissions to the Inquiries of the Transport Select Committee and the Office of Rail and Road were considered in detail by the new GTR CEO when he met Heidi Allen to understand ground-level realities. We try to attend any potentially useful stakeholder meetings to make sure that as relatively small stations we stay on the radar. All reports are posted on our website: http://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk.

We receive a regular update from GTR on reasons for cancellations and delays, which continue to be a problem – this makes sobering reading due to insights into the bigger picture. We can always forward this to anyone interested – just drop us a line.

Finally, as a Rail User Group, we can’t support plans to increase fares from January, for obvious reasons.

Platform Shelter on our Cambridge-Bound Platforms All three of our stations will be getting new shelters on the Cambridge platforms. For Shepreth and Foxton these will be situated on the elongated new platform sections, by December. For Meldreth Station, the first ever Cambridge platform shelter will be installed, we are told,

by March 2019. This will be situated on the space which our gardening team refers to as the Wee Patch, adjacent to the Gents’ loo – and which is currently planted up. It is, in fact, a bit more than we can handle gardening-wise and provides enough space to accommodate a good waiting shelter.

Thanks to Our Gardeners Platform tubs are due to be planted up for winter at the end of October.

Thanks to all our volunteers and to Bury Lane for a donation of plants and bulbs.

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‘Access for All’ Funding for Meldreth Station We’ve been invited to apply for funding to make Meldreth Station accessible – a wretchedly difficult bureaucratic process and something we’ve been campaigning on for years already. Nevertheless, an application is now being submitted, and we will keep our fingers crossed. A ramp connecting to the Melbourn path and lifts to enable step-free passage over the tracks are what we’re after.

Our next Rail User Group meeting will take place on 5th December, 7.30-9.00pm at the Elin Way Community Room in Meldreth.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Chair and Project Officer Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

When we first came to Meldreth five years ago we knew virtually nothing about the place and even less about the people who lived here, what sort of things they did and how we might get involved in village life. Meldreth Matters was the perfect antidote to all that. It was - and continues to be - a fantastic source of information about what goes on here, keeping you up-to-date with everything you need to know about what is happening locally and - just as important - letting you know how you can play your part. It’s no exaggeration to say that the magazine is the heartbeat of the village it brings together so many people, such different strands of village life and it helps build up that sense of community spirit which makes Meldreth such a great place to live.

To have gone on doing all this for 30 years is a remarkable testimony to the dedication of the magazine’s editorial team, those who deliver it and above all, to someone who for more than ten of those years has put in an enormous amount of work, month by month, not only in sustaining the magazine’s very high standards but in continually looking at fresh ways to improve it - the Editor, Kathryn Betts. All of us here in Meldreth owe her and her team a huge vote of thanks.

Hilary and John Crawforth Chiswick End 47

Volunteering Opportunities Volunteering at ‘The Barn’ Please see page 57 for volunteering opportunities at ‘The Barn’ in Royston.

Meldreth Local History Group The Group urgently needs more volunteers. See page 19.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

48

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

Tuesday 6th November, 7.30pm for 8.00pm till late Fashion Party in aid of Home-Start Royston and South Cambs.

Esse, Station Road, Melbourn SG8 6DX See and try on fun clothes and accessories. Tickets £12 to include glass of wine. Available from (01763) 262262 or email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk or www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc. Raffle in aid of Home-Start’s work.

Wednesdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th November, 7.00-9.00pm Public Open Evenings (doors open 6.30pm) Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA Introductory talk by astronomer then explore the night sky through their historic telescopes. Admission free. No need to book unless groups of 15 plus. NB Weather-dependent. See: www.ast.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 10th November, 7.30pm Britten Sinfonia, ‘The Last Letter’ by Nico Muhly Saffron Hall, Audley Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH A dramatic evening of music and words to mark the 100th anniversary of the ending of the Great War. Featuring a moving selection of letters written by soldiers, with poetry and music by composers on both sides of the conflict. Book on: www.saffronhall.com or call 0845 548 7650.

Thursday 15th November, 9.30am to 12 noon.

Monthly Meander, Trumpington Meadows Meet at Byron’s Pool car park, Grantchester Road CB2 9LJ Guided walk through this delightful reserve - meadows, woodland, hedgerows and riverside. New and special highlights to see each month.

No need to book - just turn up! See: www.wildlifebcn.org.

Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th November, at varying times Christmas Gift and Food Fair Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL One of East Anglia’s foremost Christmas shopping experiences. With over 120 stalls in a magnificent setting. Morning, afternoon and evening slots available. Entry £4, under 16s free. NB buy tickets in advance from: www.boxoffice@elycathedral.org. or (01353) 660349.

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Saturday 17th November, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting Village Hall, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RN Rev Sonia Falaschi-Ray talk: ‘From city slicker to freelance vicar.’

Contact Tony Garrick (01763) 221658; garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377; mark-howard@uwclub.net to reserve your place. £7 donation requested towards running costs. All welcome.

Saturday 17th November, 10.15am to 4.30pm Royston and District Model Railway Club Annual Exhibition Bassingbourn Village College, Bassingbourn SG8 5NJ Many impressive layouts, plus traders’ stalls and miniature train rides (weather permitting). Refreshments available. Adults £5, accompanied children free. More details: www.roystondmrc.co.uk.

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November, 11.00am to 4.00pm Foxton Art Exhibition, Foxton Village Hall CB22 6RN Annual award-winning event displaying and selling quality works by local artists, in aid of Foxton Primary School. Entrance £2, children free.

Refreshments available. For more details: www.foxtonart.org.

Sunday 18th November, 11.00am (concert at 12.00 noon) Sunday Coffee Concert with Sarah Dowling Quartet Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP Gifted vocalist Sarah Dowling, accompanied by piano, bass and drums performs a range of jazz numbers and classic ballads. Tickets £12 from www.staplefordgranary.org.uk or (01223) 849004.

Tuesday 20th November, 7.00pm for 7.30pm start Wine Tasting Evening Gin Palace, 41 Kneesworth Street, Royston SG8 5AB Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire in association with Cambridge Wine, Royston. Wine expert to introduce tasting, light refreshments to complement wines. Tickets £20 available from (01763) 262262 or email: admin@hsrsc.org.uk or www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc.

Limited number of tickets so book early to avoid disappointment.

Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November, various times and locations Cambridge Literary Festival From poetry to politics, fiction to finance, history to hip-hop, comedy to current affairs. Many of today’s best writers, thinkers and speakers. For programme and to book visit: www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com or call Box Office (01223) 357851. NB Popular event so book early!

51

Compiled by John Crawforth

Notes from a Small Garden This year has been the autumn of the quince and the medlar. Both trees have pretty spring flowers; the quince pink and the medlar white. Both have lovely autumn colouring, particularly the quince and both are perfect trees for a garden.

Keeping up with these perfect, golden quinces (are they the origin of the nursery rhyme “and a silver nutmeg and a golden pear” I wonder?), has been hard work! As I write this they are now dropping on the grass, without bruising which is a piece of luck. But I must pick them and put them in boxes and see whether they will keep in the garden room.

But what to do with them? I have baked them in syrup and spices, cooked them to a pulp and put them through the Moulinex and eaten them with yoghurt and yesterday I made quince cheese. Medlars are more difficult to deal with; you must wait until after the frosts, pick them with when they are black and soft and then spoon out the pulp and have them with cream. They are an acquired taste, but were popular with gentlemen in the 19th century! They make the most beautiful jelly; pink, quite sweet, but again with a special taste all of its own.

At the time of writing, the vegetable patch is still producing. We have lots of salad and parsley, Cavallo Nero, spinach, a few last potatoes and courgettes. This year the spaghetti squashes have done us proud. You can pick them when they are quite small and use them like courgettes, or wait for them to get bigger and boil them for 20 minutes or so, cut them in half, cover the cut sides with butter and salt and pepper, and hollow them out with a spoon and fork. Delicious! Alas the tomatoes aren’t ripening in the polytunnel any more so I must bring them in. It’s too cold at night.

The rest of the garden is full of colour. Dahlias, Michaelmas daisies, and my favourite aster fricartii, roses (the new David Austin roses have done really well and several are on their third flowering) and a wonderful red begonia (not usually my favourite flower) with bellshaped flowers called Million Kisses Amour. I shall take care of this one and once it has finished flowering, together with all the dahlias, I shall dig them up, dry them off, wrap them in newspaper, label them, and hang them up in the garden room so that the mice don’t get at them!

52

Its supposed to be a long and cold winter so there are certain plants I don’t want to lose; including my phormium and my rosemaries. I have just brought back some lovely plants from a friend in Provence; looking under her big plants there were lots of stems which had rooted. This one is a good blue colour and may be Rosemary officinale prostratus Roman Beauty.

Jobs for November  Make the most of the daylight and prepare the garden for next year: prune, sweep, mulch and plant tulips, the last of the spring bulbs.  Mulch once the soil is moist again and certainly before frost gets into the ground. Bare soil is not a natural state, and mulching will provide a protective eiderdown over the winter and prevent leaching and erosion.

Composted bark, mushroom compost, leaf mould and well-rotted manure are also great soil improvers – there are a plethora of bagged-up products available in garden centres.

This month’s Veg Club Plus meeting will take place on Saturday 10th November at 10.00am, at Dick Flude’s, 26A Chiswick End. Good gardening!

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk (01763) 260323

I have been lucky enough to live the majority of my life in Meldreth. I have seen many changes over the last thirty years but the one constant theme has been Meldreth Matters dropping through my letterbox every month.

I used to edit a music magazine so I know all about deadlines, the battle to achieve advertising revenue, and delivery problems. That is why I raise a glass in admiration for all involved in producing such a quality magazine, especially Kathryn, the Editor, who goes about her work in a quiet and unassuming manner.

Congratulations!

Terry Dash 53

Neighbourhood Watch Fake TV Licensing emails Thirty years ago, when Meldreth Matters began, email as we know it today had yet to appear. Now, it has become not only an invaluable tool, but another aspect of life where the unwary can be taken advantage of.

Fraudsters are sending out fake TV License refund emails that lead to convincing looking websites in a bid to steal victims' bank account details. They claim that TV Licensing have been trying to get hold of recipients regarding an overpayment refund or that due to invalid account details a credit was not possible. The refund links lead to cloned TV Licensing websites that are designed to harvest bank account and credit card details.

TV Licensing has issued a number of tips for spotting a scam email:  Check the email contains your name – TV Licensing will always include your name in any emails they send you.  Check the email subject line - anything along the lines of "Action required", "Security Alert", "System Upgrade", "There is a secure message waiting for you" and so on, should be treated as suspect.  Check the email address - does the email address look like one that TV Licensing use? For example donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk. Look closely as often the address may be similar.  Check for a change in style - often the scammers will take the real emails and amend them. Look out for changes in the wording used, especially if it seems too casual or familiar.  Check for spelling and grammar. Are there any spelling mistakes, missing full stops or other grammatical errors?  Check whether the links go to the TV Licensing website - hover over the links in the email to see their destination and check the web address carefully. If you are not sure, go directly to the TV Licensing website.  Never provide details by email. TV Licensing will never ask you to reply to an email and provide bank details or personal information.

54

If you're not sure whether an email or text message is genuine, talk to someone else for advice; there are a number of trusted contacts in Meldreth who you can talk to about a possible scam: Graham (01763) 260358 Peter (01763) 260323 Linda (01763) 261405 Tim (01763) 262801 Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Every report matters.

For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 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

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 55

The Letting Centre 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 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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A “Lunch Club” … but not just a “Lunch Club”!

Royston Day Centre, “The Old Barn”, Upper King Street, Royston Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10.00am to 1.00pm Telephone: (01763) 244229 There’s tea, coffee, biscuits and chat upon arrival.

“Clients” arrive under their own steam or make their own transport arrangements. For those with restricted mobility who live in Royston, the Royston Community Transport Bus can pick up and take home.

A team of volunteers takes turns in the kitchen, other volunteers organise activities such as quizzes, bingo, etc. Lunch consists of a main meal, dessert, tea or coffee. Joining in with any of the activities or staying for lunch is optional and attendance can be on any or all of the days that “the barn” is open.

Those wishing to, may take advantage of either of the following: a foot health practitioner who visits every six weeks and a bi-monthly hearing aid service.

If you are interested in finding out more, whether for yourself, a relative or a friend, please call Sharon at “The Barn” on (01763) 244229 or call in for a chat between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Volunteering at ‘The Barn’ P.S. Have you ever thought about volunteering or know someone who is considering taking the plunge? Why not give our “Lunch Club” a try? It might be just what you are looking for!

Daphne Jones-Barrie Volunteer at “The Barn”

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

See page 72 for our rates.

57

County Councillor’s Report Attending a big meeting with Meldreth School Junior Travel Ambassadors The highlight of the month for me has been attending a meeting of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (yes, another meeting!) BUT with an enthusiastic delegation of Meldreth Primary School’s Travel Ambassadors: Alfie, Yunus and Iris, plus Mr Jones the Deputy Headteacher and Yunus and Iris’s Dad, Adam. You will no doubt have read Mr Jones’ account of our expedition [See pages 11-13] but just to add here how proud I felt to be associated with this wonderful team of articulate, intelligent and passionate representatives. I think everyone who attended the meeting in the giant room with no windows will remember Iris saying that, ‘On a bike, I feel free’.

Could You Be a Teacher?

As you may know, there’s a shortage of teachers in Cambridgeshire.

The County Council has organised an Initial Teacher Training provider event to make people more aware of all the options open to them.

Please help spread the word about the Getting into Teaching event at Anglia Ruskin University on Monday 19th November 2018, from 6.00pm-8.00pm. There will be a range of local providers attending offering all phases and routes such as school centred places, PGCEs, B.Ed or internships.

To book a place for the event, please follow this long link – or if that’s a pain, just contact me! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-intoteaching-information-event-tickets-47983942263.

Oil Club and Energy Switch Reminder Our local Oil Club can help with finding lowest prices on household heating oil. We get a rebate every year which is donated to a local community group; last year this went to the Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in service at the Melbourn Hub. Our supplier’s details: Jeremy Cole on (01954) 719452 or 07860 904045 for more information, email jeremy@agricole.co.uk or see www.agricole.co.uk.

Meanwhile, one of the really good things the County Council does is facilitate shopping around for energy suppliers. Just google Cambridgeshire County Council Energy Switch.

County Council Finance – the Grinch Steals Christmas As I write, it’s just been announced that Council staff who earn more 58

than £25,000 per year will be required to take three days’ unpaid leave between Christmas and New Year in order to save the Council £880,000. Meanwhile, the Council Leader openly predicts that CCC will follow the Northamptonshire bankruptcy path in two years’ time.

However, there are choices to be made: If the County Council had taken recent council tax increases permitted

by Government, it would have an extra £26 million revenue this year.

Going forward, the administration plans to resume council tax freezes for three years, starting in 2020. It concedes that this is due to a perceived advantage in local elections, even though freezes mean more cuts. Is a rethink possible?

Soon the Council will receive no further Revenue Support Grant from government – instead ‘Negative Revenue Support Grant’ will kick in, whereby the County Council must pay into central government coffers rather than the other way around. This is central government policy.

Maybe a rethink here too?

Our council budget planning papers cite risks around Brexit: the likelihood of a national economic downturn, workforce shortages, and a disrupted regulatory environment. The council’s biggest area of activity is social care, which is intricately bound up with health services and these very risks. To my mind this is a difficult but necessary discussion at an unprecedented time. Please feel free to contact me with your views or any questions.

Looking for a Highways Officer or Two Meldreth and Melbourn are missing a County Council Local Highways Officer (LHO) as well as a District Manager. The LHO post has been vacant for nearly a year. While the council tries to fill the two posts, our villages are being temporarily looked after by a very dedicated Local Highways Officer from a neighbouring patch, with responsibility for just 39 villages!

Any questions, please get in touch.

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

Did You Know?

Meldreth Matters is also available online. To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters.

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MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

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

Tel: 01763 261463 www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

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District Councillors’ Report CamBedRailRoad (CBRR) Many local residents attended the presentation of the CBRR at Shepreth Village Hall. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of plans for the re-establishment of a direct rail link between Oxford and Cambridge and to promote a route to be part of the government’s upcoming consultation which would serve the growing communities of St Neots, Cambourne, Northstowe and Waterbeach. If you would like to find out more, please go to the website at www.CamBedRailRoad.org. [See also pages 16-17, 25 and 66 and the letter on page 29.]

Parliamentary Constituencies The Boundary Commission for England has published final recommendations for changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries which you can see at https://www.bce2018.org.uk. The Mordens ward is proposed to be split between the South Cambridgeshire Constituency and the Letchworth & Royston Constituency.

Melbourn and Bassingbourn wards are both fully within the Letchworth & Royston Constituency. The final recommendations will need to be passed by parliament. If and when they are passed, they will take effect at the next parliamentary election. Currently this is scheduled to take place in 2022. If, for whatever reason, parliament does not pass these changes, the current constituency boundaries will remain in place.

Waterbeach Waste Incinerator/Barrington Quarry The planning application to build a giant waste incinerator at Waterbeach in which all our rubbish could be burnt for heat and electricity generation came to the County Council’s Planning Committee, where it was refused contrary to the Officer’s recommendation. The impact on the landscape, the listed buildings at Denny Abbey and the immediate neighbours were felt to outweigh the benefits of the application. The Committee has also met to discuss the proposal that the restoration of the quarry at Barrington be extended for up to fifteen years. Neighbours and the Parish expressed concerns about the trains being used and the application was deferred for more information.

AgeUK Handyman Scheme SCDC in partnership with the County Council run a countywide Handyperson Service delivered by AgeUK. The scheme entitles older 61

people to a free home assessment and will fit any grab rails free of charge. Please follow this link on the council’s website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshireandpeterborough/ourservices/cambridgeshire-handyperson-service.

Repair Cafés The District Council helps volunteers to set up new Repair Cafés.

Working with voluntary organisations, Cambridge Carbon Footprint and Transition Cambridge, who run the successful Cambridge Repair Café, we have helped set up Repair Cafés in Histon, Waterbeach, Girton, Fulbourn and Sawston. Cambridge hardware store Mackays and their suppliers, Draper, have donated a generous toolkit for use at the Repair Cafés.

If you are interested in setting up a Repair Café and would like support, or if you would like to volunteer as a repairer, please email spep@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713070.

If you have items and would like to see if they can be fixed, check out www.repaircafe.org.uk for details of repair cafés coming up. £400,000 grant pot launched to help communities Voluntary and community groups are being asked to step forward and bid for a share of over £400,000 of grant funding to make sure vital services are delivered in South Cambridgeshire villages.

The three-year funding deal by South Cambridgeshire District Council will see money available for groups supporting communities on issues ranging from community transport and homelessness to living independently and support for people for upcoming national changes to benefits. The areas of work service support grant funding is available in include housing options advice and services preventing and relieving homelessness, community transport, specialist and general welfare advice, independent living and fit to learn as well as support for parishes and communities.

Full details of the service support grants available along with application forms can be found by visiting http://www.scambs.gov.uk/ community/grants/service-support-grants/ Charges for Second Green Bins (pending decision 8th November) Changes to some aspects of bin collections in Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire are being proposed in order to streamline the service. Most of the changes affect Cambridge City only but the one proposed change for South Cambrideshire residents is the introduction 62

of a charge for those who want more than one green bin, which Cambridge City residents already pay. The first green bin will remain free. 95% of Councils that offer a garden waste service already charge for additional green bins, including Cambridge City Council. The charge will be £35pa but reduced to £20 for the first year. The scheme would officially begin in April 2019 with residents able to sign-up from early next year.

Community Calendar If you have an event to publicise please send it to Gareth Bell at the Communications Team at SCDC and he will consider putting it in the Community Calendar in the SCDC Magazine. The magazine comes out quarterly - so think about advertising Christmas events now - and reaches most of the households in the district.

Councillors Philippa Hart and Jose Hales, Melbourn Ward Philippa - philippajoyhart@gmail.com, 07811 323571 Jose - jose@josehales.me.uk, 07703 262649

Drop-in Advice Surgery Jose, Philippa and Susan will be at the Melbourn Hub on the first Monday of every month, from 3.00 to 4.00pm and I will be at the Limes Community Room Bassingbourn every third Monday of the month, from 3.00 to 4.00pm.

If these times are inconvenient for you, let us know and we’ll arrange another date and time to suit.

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

Congratulations to you and all the team for your special issue and all your continuing hard work.

Best Wishes from Pat Smith 63

Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Showman’s Variation of condition 2 Site, (materials) of planning Biddalls Blvd. application S/2607/12/VC S/2242/18/VC

Fenny Lane The conversion of a timber Farm, barn into two dwellings.

S/3418/18/PA The conversion of a brick chitting shed into one dwelling. The conversion of a timber cart shed into one dwelling. The demolition of one redundant barn and some lean-to structures to provide private amenity and car parking space.

Scrapyard, Chiswick End, S/3318/18/DC

Discharge of condition 18 parts a, b, c and d of planning permission S/3529/16/OL information only

The Parish Council noted that this is not a material application as previously stated but refers to Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning application S/2607/12/VC – more play area for plot 38 to plot 21.

Meldreth Planning Committee recommend ‘Support’ with no comments.

Meldreth Planning Committee recommend ‘Support’ with no comments.

Meldreth Planning Committee noted the application but made no comment.

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

There have been no SCDC decisions to report.

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 64

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News From Heidi Allen, MP www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk Parliament returned at the beginning of September and although the next few months will inevitably be dominated by Brexit, I continue to work on many other issues, both at a national and local level.

I’ve had a significant number of emails from residents wanting to know more about the Oxford to Cambridge railway project, crucially asking where the route will be. A meeting I hosted with the East West Rail company last month reassured me that no decision has yet been taken, though route options are anticipated towards the end of the year. I have been clear, that in line with the National Infrastructure Commission’s view, I support a route that is aligned with the A428 corridor which would provide much needed transport connections for Cambourne, its surrounding developments and Northstowe. I do not agree with a route that cuts through the south of the constituency, not least because this part of South Cambridgeshire is already well served by the Kings Cross line. I will of course let you know as soon as I have any updates. [See pages 16-17, 25, 61, 66 and the letter on page 29.]

Last month, I met with the new Chief Executive of GTR and had a robust discussion about the significant impact that the timetable disruption continues to have on the lives of my constituents particularly those using the smaller stations. I can report that GTR are working incredibly hard to restore as many services as possible as they build up to delivering the May timetable we were promised. After continued pressure and lobbying on behalf of constituents, I was pleased to hear that the 06.57 Cambridge to London and 17.51 London to Cambridge services were being reinstated from 24th September. This has alleviated some pressure during peak times and there have been encouraging signs of stabilisation over the past month. Our villages still desperately need more support and GTR have committed to a restoration of the May timetable service levels from 10th December onwards. I am continuing to press for a New Year fare freeze until the full timetable has been delivered consistently for a three-month period and will monitor the situation very closely to ensure GTR’s commitments are finally delivered.

I had the time of my life when I was invited to Duxford to start the annual Soapbox Derby race in aid of Cancer Research. I haven’t laughed so much in ages, you really had to be there to believe what an 66

awesome success the day was. The ingenuity of the DIY carts brought tears to my eyes! I’d like to bottle this project and replicate it in every village in South Cambridgeshire, with a grand final cart-off! Later in the month, I was back in Duxford for the air show at IWM. Although the weather was less than kind, the displays were spine tingling as always and this year’s event particularly poignant as we celebrated 100 years of the RAF. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made the day so memorable for my dad, my husband Phil and me.

One of greatest pleasures of being the MP for South Cambridgeshire is witnessing the number of growing and successful businesses we have.

So I was pleased to be invited by Meteor Inkjet to open their new premises at Harston Mill.

In recent months, I have been inundated with emails from constituents who were concerned about proposals to construct a waste incinerator in Waterbeach. Having shared those concerns and submitted my own representations to the Council, I was delighted to learn the application was rejected. Yet again, just as with the decision to save Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, our submissions to public consultations really can make a difference to local decisions.

At the beginning of my newsletter, I mentioned the “B” word - Brexit.

Whatever your views, I think we all know the next few months will be critical. Your emails haven’t stopped since the referendum result in 2016 and such was their volume, I held two public meetings to respond to constituents’ concerns. As negotiations reach their climax, I have decided to hold further public meetings in order to hear your views and answer questions. Pre-registration will be required to manage numbers attending, so please look out for further details as they are posted to my website in the coming weeks: www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk.

If there is anything you would like to talk to me about more generally, my next “by appointment” surgery will be on Friday 2nd November between 3.00pm and 5.00pm in Bassingbourn. If you would like an appointment, please call my office. My next “drop in” surgery, where no appointment is necessary, will be on Saturday 1st December in Sawston at the Parish Council office, Links Road, CB22 3GB between 10.30am and 12.30pm. You can find more details on my website here: https://www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries.

In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on (01223) 830037.

Heidi Allen, MP 67

Stronger for Longer A major new strength and balance campaign has launched to help people in Cambridgeshire stay stronger for longer. Simple strength and balance exercises twice a week are proven to keep you stronger for longer so you can keep independent and enjoying the great things in life, whether it’s playing with grandchildren, shopping, socialising with friends or gardening.

For success stories and more information on classes and activities in your area visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/strongerforlonger.

The campaign has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council working with local NHS health partners.

Helen Tunster Cambridgeshire County Council

Make Your Own Christmas Door Decoration: a Workshop Tuesday 4th December Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton CB22 6RN A choice of times: 11.00am to 2.00pm or 7.00pm to 10.00pm Tickets £25 to include the framework, foliage and ribbons. Please bring gloves, secateurs and any special foliage or baubles that you’d like to incorporate in your finished article.

To book, call Tracy on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk.

Proceeds and raffle in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire. www.hsrsc.org.uk Charity No. 1105385

Be careful with fireworks.

Follow the Firework Code at www.rospa.com.

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Can we help with your hearing Wax removal Hearing assessments No obligation, 30 day free trial On hearing aids

0% interest free credit available Subject to approval

01223 661399 www.angliearhearing.co.uk Suite 3 Grain House, Mill Court, Great Shelford

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 69

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

Cycling Group Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Marian Oakman—(01763) 261481 (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 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

Claire Thunder—07908 902017 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

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 in 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; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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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.

Abode Town & Country .................56 Affordable Plumbing .......................14 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................69 Art of Clean ....................................65 Art of Clean Wood ..........................45 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........27 B2B Automotive ..............................65 Black Barn Turkeys .........................14 C & D Autos ...................................45 Cam Valley Orchards ......................49 Cambourne Self Storage ..................27 Cambridge Solar .............................23 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................60 CHS Day Centre .............................18 CHS Group .....................................69 Coton Electrical ..............................23 The Country Store ...........................57 Dog Walker/Animal Sitter ................7 An Evening with Dave Bilbrough ....49 Eddies .............................................49 Ely Design Group ............................45 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........23 Gilhooly ...................................Cover The Green Lounge ............................7 iPlaster ............................................27

Jewellery & Sewing Tutor ................45 Lawn Partners ..................................49 The Letting Centre ...........................56 Little Hands Nursery School .............7 Melbourn Flooring ...........................38 Melbourn Village College (1) ............27 Melbourn Village College (2) ......Cover Meldreth Landscapes .......................60 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................55 Moncraft Computers .........................7 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................65 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service60 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......45 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................38 Reflections Hair Studio ....................18 Richard Burns Electrician ...................7 Rod’s PC Support .......................Cover Royston Fencing ...............................38 Shelford Energy ................................45 Slimming World .........................Cover Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ...............7 Summit Landscapes ...........................14 Village Garden Services ....................65 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ...........18 72

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