Meldreth Matters, November 2021

November 2021

In this issue …

Letters to the Editor Meldreth During the Coronavirus Pandemic The Oxford Cambridge Arc Consultation Raymond Course

Events …

Christmas Market Christmas Tree Festival Messy Church Preloved Clothes Sale Service of Remembrance

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Contents Miscellaneous Christmas Cheer Boxes 23 Letters to the Editor 25

What’s On in November Centre Pages Diary 32-33 Christmas Market 2 Christmas Tree Festival 9, cover Messy Church 31 Preloved Clothes Sale 9 Remembrance Service 8 Things to Do in November 10-11

Children & Education Activities for Families 30 Messy Church 31 Primary School 26-27 Primary School PTA 28

Future Events Carol Singing 9 MADS Cabaret 9

Transport A10 Corridor Cycling Group 43 Community Transport 42 Rail User Group 43

People Raymond Course 5-7

Local/National Government Local Councillors 50-55 Oxford Cambridge Arc 47-49 Parish Council 44-46, 57 Planning 56-57

Village Groups Croquet Club 21 Friends of Holy Trinity 14-15 Lift Off Choir 17 Local History Group 22-23 Meldreth #Together 12-13 Photographic Club 18 Women’s Group 16-17

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 64 Coronavirus Support 60-61 Home-Start 58 Mobile Warden Scheme 55 Neighbourhood Watch 59 Refuse Collections 33 Village Directory 62-63

Gardens & Nature Gardening 36-37 Melwood 34-35 Cookery In Praise of … 39-41

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.

Alternatively, it may be delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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Editorial Welcome to the November issue of Meldreth Matters.

The issue starts with a tribute to Raymond Course (see pages 5-7) who will be well known to many of our readers. Raymond died recently, having lived for 91 of his 97 years in Northfield House in Malton Lane. Raymond was a familiar face in Meldreth and he and his late wife Mary were involved in many aspects of village life.

There are several events taking place in the village this month. News has just come in of a Preloved Clothes Sale which is being held in aid of Community Support for Dementia. It will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 7th November from 11.30am to 3.00pm. See page 9 for details. On Sunday 14th, the annual Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial will be followed by refreshments at the Village Hall (see page 8). Messy Church makes a welcome return on the same day (see page 31). Later in the month, you will find me at the Christmas Market in the Village Hall on 21st November when I will have my History Group “hat” on. Please be sure to look out for the Meldreth Matters and History Group trees at the Christmas Tree Festival on the last weekend of this month too.

Kathryn

Cover Photograph Front cover: The former Green Man Public House, North End. Photograph by Kathryn Betts

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Raymond John Course 12 January 1924 – 20 September 2021 Raymond was born in 1924 in Cambridge; the fourth generation of farmers at Northfield House in Malton Lane, which was built by his great great grandfather. He went to the village school, leaving at fourteen to help his father on the farm and cycling to Chrishall for paid work at his aunt’s farm, because in those days one was expected to work unpaid on the family farm until the age of 21. His mother Emmie and sister Joan left home when he was a young boy and Raymond was brought up by Grannie Course: RoseAmanda.

She was ‘formidable’ said Raymond’s second cousin Terry, eleven years younger than Raymond but he always described her as ‘strict but kind’. Terry and his father, fourteen years older than Raymond, were like brothers for Raymond and they spent much time on the farm, where they got into all sorts of mischief.

Terry recalled recently how they went shooting rabbits with a Sten gun and collected useful scrap (most probably illegally!) from a crashed airplane dump on the Newmarket Road in Cambridge, which was then incorporated into machinery in his workshop.

Raymond in his Home Guard uniform

When he tried to enlist in the army and was asked “Name, age and occupation?”, the Recruiting Officer said, “Get back to the farm sonny, we need the food!” He joined the 4th Battalion of the Cambridgeshire Home Guard, making the rank of Lance Corporal by his 18th birthday. He was put in charge of four 5

men and a Lewis gun. He always said, “That was the end of my military career.” It is only in recent times that the huge contribution made by ‘Dad’s Army’ has given them the acknowledgement it deserves. Raymond recalled that it was first called the Local Defence Volunteers and renamed once this was referred to as the Look, Duck and Vanish army!

Raymond and his wife Mary had known each other since they were small children because her parents lodged with his Aunt Ethel while her father was stationed at Duxford. They married in October 1952 and Ian and I were born in the following four years.

Raymond loved to swim in the summer in the nearby Cam chalk pit, washing off the first layer of dust after a day on the combine harvester, then in the winter ice skated on the frozen, flooded fields, fens or Cam pits. He also enjoyed motorcycling and taking holidays around the UK but particularly to Scotland, with Mary.

Both he and Mary contributed enormously to Meldreth village life.

Raymond skating on Cam pit

Raymond bought more land, raised chickens for their eggs which were stacked in trays in wooden crates (one of these was a bedside table for years!) grew mushrooms and had a six-van caravan site in the orchard at Northfield House where people frequently returned to enjoy the wonderful sunsets. While Roger Hart farmed the land, Raymond worked for a few years in the Pye Group in Cambridge in the 1960’s where he met Brian and his wife Sally who became lifelong friends with Mary and Raymond. They visited us just four days before Raymond died, never realising this would be the last time.

The diversification many know about first hand in Meldreth and beyond, is his woodwork. As a school boy, Raymond cycled to Melbourn School for woodwork lessons. Woodwork continued to interest him and it was a necessary source of income. He was an extremely competent carpenter and joiner. He designed and built a workshop to accommodate his woodworking machinery. The Royston 6

Building Supplies lorry regularly collected large timbers which he cut to size, but his real skills were the bespoke pieces and the little gifts, crafted with care and built to last; a turned bowl or salt box, embroidery frame, breadboard, dining table, dresser, windows, staircase, bookcase, bed, wardrobe and covers for the millstones in Topcliffe Mill!

Some 50 years after owning his first motorbike, a Triumph Tiger 100, he bought a Moto Guzzi, rejoined the Royston Motor Cycle Club and was honoured to be their President for several years. He enjoyed long rides and weekends away with them and hosted bbqs in the orchard at Northfield House. He finally gave up his leathers and the Moto Guzzi when he was 84. However, at the age of 92, my friend Tony offered him his first pillion ride on his Triumph Bonneville 900. After reassuring Raymond, the mini-trip was planned and they were such a perfect team that Tony had to keep putting his hand back to ensure Raymond was still there!

Having lived for 91 years at Northfield House, he spent the last six years of his life in Plymouth with me from where he enjoyed trips to France, northern Spain and Lanzarote. He was blessed with good health and happily joined in with a singing group, many outings, boat trips, fishing, walks along the quays and his meals. His appetite always astounded everyone who ate out with him or generously invited him to their homes! He could recite many pieces of poetry, play croquet, cards, Scrabble, ‘3s & 5s’ dominoes, table Jenga and was fortunate to maintain his eyesight and skills until the end of his life. When he could be persuaded to use his hearing aids, his speech wasn’t peppered with – ”beg pardon?” as Lesley Farbridge and Nick Nutt were tickled to notice.

He enjoyed reading and sitting by the sea in the sun, watching the gulls soaring effortlessly. It was such a pleasure to have him living with me.

Cilla Course

To hear Raymond telling an amusing story about an “explosion” at Meldreth school, see the following page on Meldreth Local History Group’s website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/topics/ education/a-history-of-meldreth-school-1930-1939/explosion 7

Remembrance Sunday Service of Remembrance The service will take place at 9.30am on Sunday 14th November at Meldreth War Memorial.

Refreshments After the annual 9.30am Remembrance Service at Meldreth War Memorial on Sunday 14th November, everyone is warmly invited for refreshments at the Village Hall.

We hope that you will be able to stop for a cup of coffee. Weather permitting, this will be outside in the garden, otherwise in safe numbers, covid measures and lots of ventilation inside.

Donations to The Poppy Appeal may be made on the day if wished.

Please contact Maggie Smith on 07929 969613 or Lindsey McCaig on 07884 432345 if you would like to bake a cake or biscuits or help in any other way.

Maggie & Lindsey For more information on wartime in Meldreth and the men whose names appear on the war memorial, please see Meldreth Local History Group’s website: www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/category/topics/wartime_in_meldreth

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Preloved Clothes Sale Saturday 6th November, 11.30am - 3.00pm, Meldreth Village Hall Raising funds for Community Support for Dementia. £1.00 entrance fee enters you into a free prize draw. Tea, coffee and cake available.

If you would like to donate any clothes, please text 07961 574104 for details of where to deliver.

Stephanie

Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November, 11.00am - 4.00pm We are looking forward to seeing as many visitors as possible at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival.

If you are able to provide marmalades, jams, chutneys and cakes for the produce stall it would be much appreciated. These can be brought to the Church during the day on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Any queries, please call me on (01763) 260062 or Jill Price on (01763) 260048.

Margaret Goddin

MADS Winter Wonderland Christmas Cabaret Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th December Meldreth Village Hall Seating 6 per table; fish and chip supper included; licensed bar.

Tickets £15 per person from Melbourn Hub or call 07513 457845.

Donna Sleight, MADS

Carol Singing at The British Queen Monday 20th December This is a ‘save the date’ notice but you will understand we cannot be absolutely certain at this stage if restrictions in place at the time will allow us to meet safely in the marquee on 20th December.

Pauline Penfold 9

Things to Do in November Throughout November and until 30th January 2022 ‘Gold of the Great Steppe’ Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Exhibition displaying an archaeological sensation - hundreds of gold artefacts discovered in the extraordinary ancient burial mounds built by Saka people of East Kazakhstan. Ticket-only event, free but option to donate to the Museum’s work. www.tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 6th November, 10.00am to 12.00pm Orwell Pannier Market, Orwell Village Hall SG8 5QN Biggest village market in South Cambridgeshire with around 30 stalls.

Saturday 6th November, 10.00am to 1.00pm Morning Market In the grounds of All Saints’ Church, Melbourn Variety of stalls - jewellery, home-made cakes, books, gifts and more.

Delicious refreshments in the Community Hall. All proceeds go to All Saints’ Church Funds.

Wednesday 10th November, 10.00am to 12.00pm ‘The House, the Horse and the Holes in the Ground’ Garden History Walk at Wandlebury Country Park Wandlebury Ring, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Join the Wardens for a stroll around Wandlebury and discover some of the Iron Age and 18th century history of this scheduled Ancient Monument, country estate and stables. Meet at noticeboard in car park. Free event with suggested donation of £3. No need to book.

Thursday 11th November, 8.00pm Dracula, Part 1, Jonathan Harker’s Journal The Manor House, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PE28 9BN Master storyteller Martin Prest returns to the 900 year old Music Room to bring to life Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania and his initial, terrifying encounter with Count Dracula. Tickets £20 from the Manor on (01480) 463134 or email diana_boston@hotmail.com.

Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th November, 7.30pm (with additional 2.30pm performance on the Saturday) The Sound of the Movies 3 The Icknield Centre, Garden City Church, Letchworth SG6 1EF 10

An evening of some of the best songs from the greatest movies of all time. Tickets £15 from www.ticketsource.co.uk.

Wednesday 17th - Saturday 20th November, at varying times Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift and Food Fair Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Discover perfect presents for family and friends at over a hundred stalls located in the Cathedral’s magnificent nave and Lady Chapel. Plus Festive Village on the East Lawn, outdoor shopping and refreshments.

Entry £4.50. NB. All tickets must be bought in advance from www.elycathedral.org/events/ely-cathedral-christmas-gift-food-fair.

Friday 26th November, 11.00am to 1.00pm Ride Out - a guided cycle ride Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Lode Lane, Wicken, CB7 5XP Find out all about the wildlife of this stunning reserve under wide East Anglian skies. A cycle ride with a leader and breathers to admire the views. Aimed at those new to cycling or just getting back to longer rides. Bike hire available at the reserve. Event free; no booking needed but normal National Trust admission applies. See ww.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Friday 26th November, 3.00pm to 8.00pm (with lights switch on) Saturday/Sunday 27th/28th November, 11.00am to 7.00pm Hertford Castle Christmas Market Hertford Castle, Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR The Castle hosts a first Christmas market in its striking grounds with an array of stalls on the Castle lawn - homeware, jewellery, crafts and much more. Plus festive entertainment and food and drink stands. Free but donations welcome to Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund.

See www.hertford.gov.uk for access/parking and Covid-19 safety measures.

Sunday 28th November, 12.00pm (coffee from 11.00am) Lucy Cavendish Singers Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP A sparkling mixture of folk, jazz, classical and seasonal songs to bring on the festive spirit! Tickets £12, concessions £8. Book on (01223) 849004 or via www.staplefordgranary.org.uk and for further concert details.

Compiled by John Crawforth 11

New Village Group – Meldreth #Together “#Together is a nationwide alliance of campaign groups, business leaders, professionals, and citizens of the UK, united in opposition to the unnecessary authoritarian Government response to Covid-19.” - togetherdeclaration.org.

I am starting up a local village #Together group, after contacting the #Together Declaration campaign to receive their endorsement, to enable Meldreth residents who support the declaration to come together locally. Help will be needed in creating and running a local referendum on vaccine passports to determine if we stand together as a community against the creation of a ‘papers please’ society. This local grassroots referendum model can be repeated in communities across the UK. As part of the group, I will be starting a local ‘Stand in the Park’ on the recreation ground, which will take place on Sundays at 10.00am for an hour next to the bench near the tennis courts and open air gym – come along, meet others and have a chat.

If you are interested in joining and would like to find out more, please email Paul at meldreth.together@gmail.com or just turn up on any Sunday at 10.00am.

Below is the text of the Together Declaration, reproduced from the website togetherdeclaration.org, which has received over 107,000 signatures so far: We the undersigned reject vaccine passports or any similar form of medical certification in the United Kingdom and invite you to add your voice to ours by signing this open letter.

Together, we represent more than 200 organisations, business groups, campaigners and professionals who have come together because we are gravely concerned about where the introduction of vaccine passports could lead.

In the UK, we enjoy many hard-won liberties and rights, all fought for and defended by our ancestors. These rights are not only fundamental to our understanding of democracy, they are rights we believe all humans should have.

Some of us are lucky enough to have been born with these rights, but others have experienced the perils of segregation, suppression, and surveillance first hand.

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However with vaccine passports in the picture and digital IDs under consideration, some of our hard-won rights are now under serious threat.

We have already come together and made incredible sacrifices throughout the Covid-19 crisis. What began with ‘three weeks to flatten the curve’ turned into months of isolation with millions missing out on medical treatment, children deprived of education, businesses and livelihoods lost, families unable to visit elderly loved ones, and weddings, funerals, and social gatherings restricted or cancelled.

The glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel — ‘15 million jabs to freedom’ to protect the most vulnerable — soon faded as the goalposts kept on moving. When ‘freedom day’ finally arrived, the accompanying announcement of vaccine passports meant the prospect of returning to ‘normal' had once again slipped away.

We are human. We know this makes us seek safety above everything else. We seek it for ourselves, we seek to protect those we love, and we strive for a safe world for our children — and sometimes rules and restrictions can help us to feel safer.

But we also know life is about balance and catching ourselves when we go too far in response to our own fear.

Being ordered to produce medical certification at pubs, clubs, theatres, on public transport, at schools, universities, or anywhere else, is unwarranted and risks deepening the inequalities already present within our society.

Today it could be a vaccine passport to enter a pub, but what could it be tomorrow?

We can already see from where these measures have been introduced elsewhere in the world that they lead to many a free society would wish to avoid. Among the consequences are segregation, suppression and surveillance, being unable to dine together, long queues to enter venues, children barred from taking exams or socialising, and the nightmare scenario of being denied access to healthcare We want a free, fair and open society for ourselves, our friends and our families.

We want to eat, work, dance, and pray together. We want our children to be able to play, learn and grow together.

This is therefore the moment when we must catch ourselves, when we recognise we are going too far by requiring medical certification just to participate in normal life.

Now it is our turn to protect the freedoms our forebears sacrificed so much to protect — for ourselves, for our children and for our communities. Now is the time to say ‘no’ to any mandate requiring permission to participate in everyday life.

If you agree that now is the time to work together to help keep each other safe whilst also safeguarding our democracy and normality, then this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

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Paul Inman meldreth.together@gmail.com 13

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk September Car Show

Above: Replicas of two evocative cars: the 1950s Jaguar XK 120 and the 1966 Le Mans winning Ford GT MK2

Above: a 1933 Daimler LQ220 - a make much liked by the royal family until one owner had their Daimler painted in a hideous yellow; the royals then changed to Rolls Royce and Bentley

Above: Iconic motorbikes - a Brough Superior 11-50 and two Vincent Type C Rapides, made pre and post WWII

We were very fortunate with the late summer weather and it was like old times being able to hold our Car Show in the churchyard once again. Many owners of the exhibits, dating from 1913 to 2006, enjoy taking them out on the road as well as meeting like-minded enthusiasts 14

for a chat. There were over 40 cars and motorbikes on display and the Memphis Jazz Band provided music to match the age of many of the exhibits.

As usual teas, which were served outside this year, were very popular and an auto jumble stall added to the interest as owners and visitors sifted through the items for sale. None of this would have been possible without the team of Friends and helpers and those who donated cakes for the teas for which we are very grateful.

The Car Show was planned at relatively short notice but the profits were up to the level of the best years and, together with the Open Gardens event, contribute around 60% of The Friends’ annual income from events.

It is not certain how our other events can take place since most of them use the meeting room where social distancing is difficult to maintain. A committee meeting will be held soon to discuss these issues including the AGM. John Price

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We met in All Saints Community Hall Melbourn for our first in-person meeting since February 2019 and whilst it was good to meet, we are aware that some members feel unable to join us just yet. We had a very interesting talk about the stand-by-me bereavement support group which was given by Carol Read.

The charity was launched in 2014 to support bereaved children, young people and their families in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage where one in 29 children had lost one parent. Initially it started with a telephone line which was manned every Tuesday evening, but youngsters said they wanted to meet with others who had lost a parent.

The charity has now developed into group work which runs for a period of seven weeks for three age ranges (five to nine, ten to thirteen and thirteen to eighteen).

Funding was originally given by the NHS but after this was withdrawn, the charity stand-by-me was formed with trustees who have many different specialist skills to offer. After much effort, three years of funding was obtained from Children in Need and this has enabled them to employ a manager who organises the groups. They receive local donations and Hitchin Rotary and local people are very supportive; Hitchin Youth Trust now let the charity have office space and room for group meetings at no cost.

Volunteers are important and all need to receive training and continual oversight for what can be demanding roles. Carol gave some moving examples of how they have helped both children and remaining parents through this period of grief. She used the analogy of dragging a big heavy suitcase along; at some time it gets wheels and is easier to pull along, then it becomes a briefcase and then a wallet that in the end you learn to live with.

We can’t cover all their work but recent developments have included the setting up of ‘contact-me’ for schools through which, a bereaved child chooses someone in school whom they can talk to if they need to and who will keep an eye on them, particularly at demanding times.

Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks and a donation for the charity. If you would like to know more please contact Carol Read on

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safeguardingtrustee@stand-by-me.org.uk www.stand-by-me.org.uk.

or

see

their

website,

Our November meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd in Holy Trinity Church meeting room, where we hope to have an Advent talk by the Reverend Caroline Brownlie.

If you would like to know anything more about the group please contact one of the committee members whose details are given below: Pat Smith (01763)262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171 or Diane Blundell (01763) 221415.

Pat Smith

Lift Off Choir is Back in Person!

What a momentous day it was in mid September when Lift Off Choir finally got to sing together again. For many of us it was quite an emotional moment, as we realised how much we had missed singing with our friends, and the joy that it brings to our lives. Never before has it felt so important to so many of us.

Everybody’s voice felt a little rusty coming back after so long, myself included. For this reason all sessions are geared towards improving vocal health and confidence, with vocal warm ups and fun songs to give us all that much needed lift.

Lift Off Choir meet every Wednesday during term time from 1.30pm2.30pm in Meldreth Village Hall. All abilities are welcome and there is no solo singing involved.

For more information on Lift Off Choir or my forthcoming short course which starts on 9th November, contact me on 07548 247755.

You can also visit my website claresilver.co.uk, to find out more about me.

Clare Silver

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club With the year drawing to a close, we have a full and varied programme for the winter months including five lectures, three competitions and one club evening. The November events are as follows: 2nd Studio Night – Steve DeHavilland Editing Techniques. Lecture by Keith Truman & David Stocks 9th

Mono Processing. Lecture by Jonathan Vaines

16th Focus Stacking. Lecture by Ian Tulloch 23rd 2nd Open Print Competition. Judge: David Steel 30th The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.

Lecture by Glyn Edmunds Meetings are held weekly from 7.30-9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall, from September to April.

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

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If Four Spotted Chaser by Ian Tulloch you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join us for up to two meetings free of charge before deciding.

To do this, please email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club

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Meldreth Croquet Club https://sites.google.com/view/meldrethcroquetclub/home The Club was founded in 1991 and since 1997 has been based behind the British Queen pub in Meldreth. It has a full sized lawn which can also be laid out as two short lawns. We play both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet. Several Golf Croquet sessions are run by club members for the U3A. Royston U3A restarted on 7th June and Melbourn U3A on 7th July. After a gap of fifteen months due to Covid, the restart was much welcomed by their players.

This summer Meldreth played in the East Anglian Croquet Federation Golf Croquet Handicap League. This is our sixth year in the competition and we once again more than held our own against bigger clubs. We finished at the top of our group equal on points with Newport Oaks. However, because of their superior games difference (the difference between overall games won and games lost) it meant that we finished second to them, even though we had actually beaten them in our first match, and so we didn't quite make it to the final.

We also had two club competitions running during the season, the Nickisson Cup for Association players and the Golf Croquet Handicap Trophy. For the latter competition, there were thirteen entrants playing in two groups, followed by semi-finals and a final. It was hotly contested and was eventually won by Peter Jackson (far left of the photograph). For the Nickisson Cup, there were fewer entries but it was eventually won by Chris van Essen (far right of the photograph), an incredible feat as he was the first winner of the cup in 1991!

To end the summer season we had a very successful BBQ at the British Queen on Wednesday 22nd September on a lovely sunny afternoon.

The cups for both the Association and Golf Croquet competitions were formally presented during the afternoon; see photo.

For more information, please see our website at sites.google.com/view/ meldrethcroquetclub/home.

Meldreth Croquet Club 21

Meldreth During the Coronavirus Pandemic The Meldreth Local History Group website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, now has over 650 pages recording the evolving story of our village and the people who have helped to make it.

Some of this material stretches back over hundreds of years to the life of the village in early medieval England and reaches forward to much more recent and contemporary events. We are always looking to record things that have been of significance in the history of the village and helped shape the way it is today.

In the last few decades few things will have had more impact on all of our lives than the Coronavirus pandemic with all its implications for health and well-being, the economy, public services and people’s daily lifestyles. This is a continuing history - we are not through the pandemic yet - and there will undoubtedly be further chapters to be written but it seems important that we should try to capture something of what it has been like to live through these times here in Meldreth and in our local area.

With this in mind, we will be assembling as much material as we can to illustrate how life in the village and for its residents has changed over the past eighteen months. All of us have been affected in so many ways and we would like your help in recording what the impact has been.

Do you have any photographs, for example, of deserted village streets in lockdown, of queues of shoppers waiting in their face masks outside our local shops, or of posters in windows supporting the NHS? Would you be prepared to write a few paragraphs saying how the pandemic affected you and your family, your work, your daily activities and your contacts with other people? Are you one of the people who has been involved in the Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support scheme and what sort of help were you able to provide? If you were ‘shielding’ what was that experience like and how did you manage 22

being confined to the house for months on end? Were you furloughed, working from home or facing the demands of home-schooling young children?

In years to come people will be fascinated to read about this extraordinary period in our history and how people living here in Meldreth experienced it. By contributing you will be helping to tell the village’s story and keeping our history alive. If you can help in any of the ways suggested - or have other ideas and experiences to offer - it would be great to hear from you. Please contact me in the first instance by email at info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or by telephone on (01763) 262848.

John Crawforth Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Meldreth Christmas Cheer Boxes Last year the team at Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support organised Christmas cheer boxes to make sure that everyone in our village felt supported and connected at Christmas time.

People were so generous and it was a joy to see our community coming together at an important time of the year. So, we’re getting organised to do the same again this year.

How You Can Help If you’d like to make a contribution, please ring Anne on 07592 355279, or drop by 69 High St (opposite the British Queen) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where you will find a box just inside the gate by the front door. Some things that would be enjoyed by young children would be especially appreciated. If you would like to make a cash donation, please contact our treasurer Roger on 07808 235873. Collections will run from 1st November to 15th December.

Susan van de Ven Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support 23

MELDRETH

Moorlands Court

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Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463 www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

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

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

Licensed bar Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates) Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on) Snooker room, Pool table Large children's outdoor ac vity area Petanque pistes Football pitches, changing rooms

1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es Club Charity - LUPUS

24

Letters to the Editor Jazz and Gin Evening A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Jazz and Gin evening in Meldreth Village Hall in September to raise money for the Arthur Rank Hospice.

We raised £3,250! Thank you all so much.

Helen Meridew

Mary Price & Pat Smith In April of this Year George Howard and I started a collection for Mary and Pat to show the appreciation of the congregations and parishes of our two villages for those two ladies in respect of the way they have looked after us all during the incumbent’s absence on maternity leave.

The thoughts behind the collection also demonstrate the love and respect we have for them. Personally, I do not know how we would have managed without them. There are others in both parishes who have taken on extra work, but it is Mary and Pat who have borne the brunt of it. They have both worked so hard and although there was some criticism that we were starting the collection too early, we wanted to get the ball rolling.

George collected in Melbourn and I collected in Meldreth. The money raised was to be from the people of the villages with no involvement from the PCCs and the response has been amazing. We are now in a position to make the presentation and this will take place at All Saints, Melbourn on Sunday 28th November after the 9.45am service.

Personally, I would like to thank all of you in Meldreth who contributed to the collection and if there is any one who would still like to contribute, it is not too late but I will require cash please.

Peter Chilvers (01763) 260742 peter.roger.chilvers@gmail.com 25

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Autumn is in the air at Meldreth Primary School, with the sounds of children singing their harvest songs and preparing for the harvest festival. Year 2 have been creating some lovely harvest artwork and reciting poetry, and we are all excited to hear the Year 4’s version of Mamma Mia, sung to newly written harvest lyrics!

In Year 3, children have been writing lovely acrostic poems using the word ‘harvest’, of which a selection is attached below. We hope you enjoy!

Acrostic Harvest Poems By Year 3

Happy harvest time, thank the Lord for another harvest time!

Amazing harvest time for everyone! Happy houses go to the harvest.

Resilient farmers growing food to eat for another harvest. Another harvest, an amazing hot harvest.

Veggies for happy, beautiful boys and girls.

Evie and Caia in the happy harvest.

Sunny time for everyone as they play in the sun! Sunny, sad because it’s too hot!

Time for the lovely harvest! Funny fairies floating everyone.

by Evie, Year 3

Honey from the bees. Hazelnuts from the trees.

All is ripe and fresh. All is well, Rabbits roll and bounce in roses of pink, yellow, red, white.

Very cold it gets in very cold winter.

Easter is the part where Easter birds fly away.

Stores are very important for squirrels.

Tea is very warm and tasty, for tea is good for you.

by Amy, Year 3 26

Hazelnuts lay on the ground waiting to be picked by happy children.

Animals eat apples all day long in Autumn.

Rabbits eat ripe radishes.

Vegetarian people come to harvest.

Enjoying various yummy vegetables.

Sweet strawberries smell nice.

Trees start to grow in the green grass.

by Will, Year 3

Happy, holly, hay, help, hamper. All part of harvest.

Amazing apples are amusing.

Ripe, rose, radish, rabbits. All part of nature.

Vegetables, vegetarians eat.

Eating, evening makes it fair.

Sweet strawberries are ripe.

Tall trees, brown and big.

by Oscar, Year 3

Harvest time is for happy hazelnuts to grow.

Apples fall from the tall trees and get picked up and eaten.

Rabbits raid the farms and red roses die.

Vegetables are picked politely and cooked for supper.

Eating eggs and getting excited.

Stems of strawberries are getting picked.

The people are carefully climbing tall trees in excitement.

by Clara, Year 3 Natasha Hill Meldreth Primary School 27

Meldreth PTA The PTA have been hard at work raising funds for school resources and we are concentrating on the school pool, but are not ignoring the other requests from the school. After a very successful back-to-school event in September followed by a Zumbathon in October, we feel excited about the coming festive season.

We are pleased to be repeating our bags2school collection on Monday 8th November. If you are having a pre-Christmas clear out, feel free to drop off good quality clothes, bags, shoes and accessories to the school garage during school hours the week beginning Monday the 1st of November; each kilo donated raises money for the school. For full details check out the website. https://bag2school.com The end of November brings a flurry of activity for us. To celebrate the school preparations for the festive season, just after decoration day, we hold our infamous hamper raffle, with over twenty prizes. The school office and school families will be selling tickets. Open to all so feel free to contact us for more details.

We are also excitedly getting our Christmas craft boxes out for the Christmas Market on Sunday 21st November at the Village Hall. [See page 2.] We will be holding a raffle once again, to raise funds for the pool. We are thrilled to announce that we will be present at the Christmas Market offering Christmas crafts for the kids so parents can browse the craft stalls in peace. Some simple crafts will be on offer for free such as Christmas cards and gift boxes. Bring some pocket money too, as also available will be some lovely homemade presents for the kids to make for friends and family, at very low cost. All funds raised go directly into our swimming pool funds.

Finally watch out for details of our spring planters. Would you, your business or family like to donate money to the pool fund and also add to the schools beautiful ambience? We will have a limited number of planters to sponsor. Plant it yourself or nominate a class to plant it for you. These planters will then be on display all year at the school.

Watch out for details soon.

Helen Popwinski Meldreth Primary School PTA meldrethpta@gmail.com 28

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29

Things for Children and Families To Do Friday 5th November, 9.30am - 10.45am or 11.15am to 12.30pm Fireworks, Cambridge Science Centre, 44 Clifton Rd CB1 7ED Creative activities for ages 2 -5. Run by experienced science communicators. Entry free for carers and under 3s, £4.50 per child over 3 and £5 over 16s. Book at www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.

Sunday 14th November, 4.00pm Apple’n’Spice, Sawston Library, Sawston Village College, New Road, Sawston CB22 3BP Indian storytelling, dance and puppetry. A new fairy tale for children aged 3+. Tickets £4. See www.library.live.

Wednesday 17th November, 10.00am - 11.30am SG Minis at the Stained Glass Museum, Ely Cathedral CB7 4DL Multi sensory activities - dance, story, singing, craft for under 5s. £3.50 per child including refreshments.

Sunday 21st November, 11.00am - 12.00pm AlgoRHYTHM An online (Zoom) dance and science workshop to learn about Cocolithophores and how these creatures help with the battle against climate change. For ages 7 to 13. £5. www.library.live.

Saturday 27th November, 11.30am (and 11th December) Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert Little St Mary’s Church, Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1QG Magical music, festive frolics, sparkles and spices. Outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances. Book: www.bachtobaby.com.

Keen on Dinosaurs?

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Downing St, Cambridge Try the Museum’s trails - Discovering Dinosaurs, Alphabet Challenge, Pre-historic Poop trail. Free but book on www.sedgwickmuseum.org.

Enjoy Art? Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, Trumpington Street CB2 1RB Try some of the Gallery activities in the Museum - e.g. find the pictures in the Hands trail or listen to Tales from the Museum online and try the Look, Think and Do activities. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 30

31

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

7.00-9.00pm T

2.00-3.00pm Disco Duck

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

6.30pm Slimming World

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance

7.00-8.00pm Pilates

6.00-6.45pm Pi

7.30pm Meldre Council

8.00-9.00pm Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb

2.00-3.00pm Disco Duck

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

7.00-9.00pm T

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance

10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

6.30pm Slimming World

6.00-6.45pm Pi

7.00-8.00pm Pilates 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

2.00-3.00pm Disco Duck

10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 6.30pm Slimming World 7.00-8.00pm Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb 6.00-6.45pm P

7.00-9.00pm T

8.00-9.00pm Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb

2.00-3.00pm Disco Duck

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

7.00-9.00pm T

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

7.00-8.00pm Pilates

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

7.45pm Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

2.00-3.00pm Disco Duck

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

7.00-8.00pm Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

7.30pm Rail User Group meeting on Teams (see page 43)

6.00-6.45pm Pi

6.30pm Slimming World

Refuse Collection

Black bins: 9th, Blue & green bi

Church services are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell C MLHG meet in the Community Room in Elin Way. Short mat bowls takes place in Meldreth

32

ry - November 2021

sday

beeps

Friday 9.30am Slimming World

ilates able Tennis

eth Parish

beeps

Saturday 11.30am-3.00pm Preloved Clothes Sale in aid of Community Support for Dementia (see page 9)

9.30am Slimming World

able Tennis MM Copy Deadline

9.45am Said Eucharist with organ 10.00am-3.00pm Christmas Market (see page 2)

9.30am Slimming World

ilates

Table Tennis

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ilates

Table Tennis

ns

23rd ins: 16th & 30th

9.45am Said Eucharist with organ

8.00am Said Eucharist 9.30am Act of Remembrance (War Memorial) followed by refreshments in Meldreth Village Hall (see page 8) 3.00pm Messy Church (see page 31)

ilates

beeps

Sunday

11.00am-4.00pm Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church (see back cover)

11.00am-4.00pm Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church (See back cover) 4.45pm Advent Carol Service (Holy Trinity)

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

lose. Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. h Bowls Club pavilion. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

33

Work Resumes in Melwood www.melwood.org.uk There have been two working parties in Melwood since summer gave way to autumn. Both concentrated on cutting and clearing the dead remains of summer growth and opening up the soil for new seedlings and new plantings. Most of the western side of the wood has been cut and 100 English bluebell bulbs have been planted. The cut will also help expose one of the large areas of snowdrops, when they emerge early in the new year. Areas where, in previous years, primroses and oxlips have flowered, were also cleared of tall vegetation that might otherwise have smothered their early growth.

The combination of warm temperatures and occasional heavy rain storms has led to some vigorous growth of both grass and broad-leave plants in the meadow and nettles have spread in many places. These are now becoming invasive and will need some serious effort to contain them. The centre of the meadow was cut in late summer but the edges were left, so these are now due to be cut and the woodland edge was completed by the early October working party. The western edge will be cut later, taking care to protect woodland margin species that we hope will flourish on this sunnier side. The whole area will need a further cut before spring, to ensure cowslips have a chance to grow.

We are keeping a close watch on the ash trees for evidence of ash dieback disease and one mature tree in the centre of the wood is looking clearly less healthy than those around it. Fortunately, being away from footpaths, it does not pose an obvious and immediate threat to the public but it may need to be removed in the next year or two. It will be replaced with another local native species and help to maintain continuity of woodland in the reserve.

Sadly, within hours of the end of the last working party, a bush near the seat on the edge of the reserve had been vandalised, apparently by a local young teenager. It will need to be coppiced to tidy up the damage and hopefully stimulate recovery from ground level but ten years of progress towards an attractive resource of spring-flowering and autumn fruiting has been lost or at least put back.

Cleaning and repair of nest boxes will be important this year and should probably be tackled before Christmas, as birds often use the 34

boxes for shelter in the worst of the weather in January and February, not to mention the frequent discomfort of working in the wood in those months.

More work on trees and bushes is also scheduled for the winter months, when they are dormant.

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist • Exterior and interior home decorating • Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda design and construction • General home repairs • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming • Professional service

We hope to be able to tackle spring and early summer tasks such as control of cleavers and hedge parsley (after flowering) in 2022 without the interruption of Covid lock-downs.

Jim Reid Melwood conservation group www.melwood.org.uk

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

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Notes from a Small Garden As I write this, the leaves are beginning to turn with the promise of wonderful autumn colours lying ahead. Old Man’s Beard is covering the hedges and the garage roof; the Virginia creeper is fast changing to its brilliant orange and reds.

I read somewhere that the autumn colours should be spectacular this year but can’t track it down; we will have to see.

In our garden the autumn colours I love best are from the Parrotia, (Parrotia persica or the Persian Ironwood, member of the witch hazel family), Acer griseum a beautiful member of the maple family with a red peeling bark, the birch trees, and a favourite crab apple, Everest with its lovely scarlet fruit which stay on the tree right up to Christmas; for some reason the blackbirds shun the fruit up till then. We also have a stunning liquid amber tree in the garden next door!

Each year I struggle to remember what causes autumn fall so I’ve had to look it up again. Apparently the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down and the remaining yellow and orange colours become visible.

Different plants have differing amounts of the various pigments.

According to the Woodland Trust, the depth of the colour is influenced by cold nights, dry weather and bright sunny days. Have a look at their website for more detail on this fascinating subject: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.

I’m coming to the end of our summer vegetables in the garden. Our spectacular success this year has been the indoor and outdoor cucumbers. I don’t think I have bought one for a couple of months.

Why were these so successful when my tomatoes have been mediocre?

I’m doing better with the autumn vegetables though. For once, I sowed more lettuce, salad leaves and spinach in good time (the end of August) to get good second crops. Golden beets have done particularly well and will last us into November. I like the taste of them better than the red variety. This year we’ve done better with the brassicas and I’ve got some good kale including the Italian Cavolo nero.

36

Some Jobs for November  Clear up fallen leaves, especially from lawns and ponds  Plant tulip bulbs, and daffodils if you haven’t already done so, for a good display next year  Spread leaf mould over the beds. I used fallen oak leaves from a friend last year, which was really successful in that I had record growth from perennials.  Make sure you have enough bird food for the feeders  Cut down canes of autumn fruiting raspberries  Sow broad bean seeds five centimetres deep (aqua dulce or the Sutton).

Good gardening and keep fit and well!

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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37

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In Praise Of … … Plums This month we showcase plums, which are closely related to greengages, damsons and sloes. Of plums proper, some are red, some orange, purple or black and they are jam-packed with fundamental nutrients, minerals, cancer prevention agents, and fibre. You can eat plums fresh or dried and they are in season from August to October.

Here are three recipes to celebrate plums in all their glory. Enjoy.

Poached Plums Prep and cook: 30 minutes, serves 2 300g plums 150g castor sugar 1 star anise and 3 cloves Vanilla pod Method Wash and cut plums into quarters and remove the stone, tip the sugar into a pan with 100ml water, cinnamon and vanilla. Gently heat until the sugar is dissolved, slide the fruit into the syrup and let it simmer for 5 -10 minutes. Leave to cool slightly.

Goes well with: meringues and cream or custard and shortbread

Roasted Duck Breast with Plum Sauce Cook time: 15 -20 minutes, serves 2 Ingredients 2 duck breasts 1 thyme sprig 1 star anise 25g butter

For the Plum Sauce 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 250g dark red plums, halved, stoned and cut into small wedges 50g demerara sugar 50ml red wine 300ml beef stock ½ tsp cornflour 39

Method For the sauce, fry the shallot in the oil for 5 minutes or until softened but not coloured. Add the plums and sugar, stirring for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Add the red wine and stock, then simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly thickened. Thicken with cornflour mixed with water if you want the sauce thicker. Keep warm or leave at room temperature for up to a day before reheating to serve.

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Score the skin of the duck breasts with a sharp knife and season well with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick frying pan and place the duck breasts in, skinside down. Fry for 6-7 minutes, then turn and add the thyme, star anise and butter. Allow this to melt, basting the duck with the juices, then transfer everything to a small roasting tin and finish in the oven for 5-6 minutes for pink or 10-12 minutes for well done.

When the duck is ready, baste again with the juices, and then rest for 5 minutes while you finish everything else. To serve, thinly slice each duck breast on a chopping board. Arrange on each plate along with some of the plum sauce and some vegetables.

Goes well with: creamed potatoes and wilted spinach Plum and Almond Crumble Prep time 5 minutes, cooking time 10 minutes; serves 4 Ingredients 400g cooking plums halved and stoned Grated zest and juice of an orange 25g light brown sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tablespoon of plain flour For the crumble 125g plain flour 75g butter 40g castor sugar 40g demerara sugar 30g ground almonds 20g flaked almonds

40

Method Heat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas 6. Put the plums into the base of a shallow tin, mix together with sugar, zest and spices, trickle over juice of an orange and plain flour. Mix together.

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Put all the crumble ingredients apart from the flaked almonds in the food processor and whizz until mixture starts to clump together. Scatter over the plums, bake for 30 minutes then sprinkle on flaked almonds and bake for a further 10 minutes until golden brown.

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Goes well with: custard or cream.

Jane O’Hagan

The Letting Centre is a dedicated letting agency established for 29 years, operating from High Street premises in Melbourn. We offer an expert, tailored service to suit each clients’ individual needs. Covering Cambridge, Royston, Melbourn and surrounding villages.

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41

Drivers Wanted www.roytrans.co.uk Royston and District Community Transport are always looking for drivers ... especially now as we expect to have increased demand for travel to flu and Covid vaccination centres.

Do you like helping people?

Have you a few hours to spare?

Do you hold a full driving licence?

Do you have a 4-door car?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then you could be just who we are looking for to help us provide transport for people who are unable to use conventional public transport. You would use your own car and receive 50p per mile. Personal accident and public liability insurance is provided through the scheme.

As a volunteer you would tell us when you are available, and you may refuse a drive if it is suddenly not possible for you.

For further information please call our office on (01763) 245228 between 9.00am and 3.00pm or email us at info@roytrans.co.uk.

Royston and District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk

Home Tutor Does your child need a bit of help catching up?

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I am an experienced Primary School teacher providing 1:1 tuition for primary school children (KS2) in a calm, caring environment, based in Shepreth.

Focussing on Literacy and Numeracy.

Please contact me for more information: Carol Dutton BSc (Hons) PGCE cassakd@icloud.com / 07986 978 358

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Rail User Group meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group will be meeting on 30th November at 7.30pm, via Teams. We hope to have lots of updates for you about our stations and train services. Please get in touch with railusergroup@gmail.com if you’d like to attend and we will let you have a link to the meeting.

Meanwhile we’d like to thank Great Northern for attending very quickly to the matter of excessive volume of loudspeaker announcements on the Meldreth platform.

And a thank you to our station gardeners for turning the lovely platform tubs around at all three stations.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership

A10 Cycle Awareness Ride www.a10corridorcycle.com Thanks to all who participated and supported the A10 Awareness Ride on 3rd October which drew about 50 riders including lots of children (some very young, cycling independently all the way to and from Trumpington Park and Ride) and many new faces. We were hosted by Phillimore Garden Centre on their front lawn where we were served some wonderful cakes. The ride was co-sponsored by the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign and CamCycle in Cambridge.

The A10 Campaign would like to thank all those staff from TTP at Melbourn Science Park who have been giving up their lunch hours to help cut back vegetation on the cycle path, making a big difference for all who enjoy the A10 route. More at www.a10corridorcycle.com.

Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones contacta10cycle@gmail.com 43

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 7th October 2021 This meeting was held in the Green Room of the Village Hall. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions Parish Council Vacancy A vacancy on the Council has arisen and the Council has started the process of co-option. The first stage of this is for volunteers to fill the post to come forward.

County Council Issues The Council was concerned to read that there is a £64 million budget gap in the medium term; this could have implications for future council tax levels.

Greater Cambridge Local Plan The First Proposals (committee stage version) have been published on line and are now due to be the subject of public consultation, running from Monday 1st November to Monday 13th December.

‘Oxford Cambridge Arc’ Consultation Individuals have been encouraged to put their views forward in the public consultation. The Council considers that the announcements contain little detail, do not show clear intention or purpose and confusingly sit alongside the Local Plan. The Parish Council intends to reply by letter to the current consultation and will note its concerns about the growing number of such consultations with an increasing political dimension becoming evident. [See pages 47-49.]

Proposal for Major Town Development in South Cambridgeshire No further direct actions have taken place recently and the situation is being kept under close review.

Covid-19 Update The MCCS arrangements remain in place for those in need of assistance. It was noted that there has been a significant increase in Covid cases in our area.

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Community Projects Working Group The Council has published an article in Meldreth Matters asking for volunteers to help. Applications for funding should continue to be submitted to the Parish Clerk.

Recreation Ground The regular inspection routine shows that most of the play equipment is in excellent working order. Work is, however, needed on the zip wire and matting also needs to be installed. Erection of the new dogfouling signs will be concluded shortly; the Council is concerned that the issue of dog fouling has increased in Meldreth and in other villages during the Covid pandemic, possibly as a consequence of significant growth in dog ownership. The disabled play equipment is scheduled to be put in place during the month of October. Tree planting in the two cultivated areas is now being planned. The new play equipment and adult gym machines recently installed have been well received but the Council does ask that the tower, in particular, is treated with due respect by those using it. The Recreation Ground Group is now considering further pieces of equipment including a permanent table tennis table and a new multi-games area.

Ditches The work on clearing various ditches has had to be postponed because the contractors have had difficulty in sourcing fuel for their vehicles and equipment but it is hoped that progress will resume in the near future.

Highways and Traffic A Local Highways Initiative application for speed control measures in Whitecroft Road has been lodged. Traffic surveys have now been carried out by the Highways Department in Fenny Lane, Whitecroft Road, Station Road and High Street and the results will be reviewed by the Traffic Group.

It continues to be important for the Council to be notified by residents of any incidents in the village involving traffic, such as collisions and near misses. In this way we can build up a solid database of evidence to support further measures for traffic management. All residents are therefore strongly urged to promptly report such incidents to the Parish Clerk, preferably by email to parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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Village Infrastructure The hedge at the crossroads junction of Whitecroft Road and Kneesworth Road has been substantially trimmed and there is a welcome improvement in lines of sight. Replacing the broken street names at that junction is the responsibility of SCDC and we continue to press them to undertake this work. The new notice boards have been purchased and will shortly be installed. A new bench will be placed near the junction of Howard Road and Whitecroft Road.

Flambards Estate The Council continues to await the proposals of the Residents’ Association for repairs to one of the small public areas which are leased to them by the Parish Council and for which they have maintenance responsibility. The broken surface constitutes a trip risk and it is hoped that it will not be necessary to securely fence off the site in the interests of public safety.

Churchyard The Council is in discussions with risk assessment specialists with regard to those issues where it is thought that there is some risk to the public.

The Chairman of the Council will meet with the churchwardens to agree the position of a bench in the churchyard.

The bench will be provided by the church but will be installed by the Council for public use.

Next Meeting: Thursday 4th November 2021 at 7.30pm.

Meldreth Parish Council The Parish Council’s contact details are on page 57 of this issue.

N J Chapman

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Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

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The Oxford Cambridge Arc Consultation Below is a copy of our recent statement regarding the OxCam Arc consultation which we have sent to our local and national politicians.

The statement stems from a recent council meeting at which our Parish Council were being chivvied into a response on the OxCam Arc. Ever diligent in our work we are keen to engage but the timescales provided, together with the partial nature of the questions being asked, made a representative and thoughtful response impossible.

At our meeting, this led to a wider discussion on the pressure for developments in the area of South Cambridgeshire and the initiatives which, taken together, identify over 100,000 new houses in the next 20 years. This equates to a near tripling of the existing buildings or two new ‘Cambridge Cities’ in the fields of South Cambridgeshire.

The issue lies with the sham democracy. Different groups of ‘planners’ are presenting a partial and incomplete view of their specific hobby horse. The wider integrated impact of the proposals are not raised and the options for genuine alternatives are suppressed. On housing the Local Plan is treated separately from the OxCam Arc and from Thakeham – does this mean triple the development?

As a Parish Council we see sustainability in the round, as the accommodation of the many factors and forces which together produce a pleasant place to live. We only ask that the consultations give us time for a considered response, are based on a joined-up agenda of all aspects of development and there is clarity in the relationship between schemes.

Ever alert to the accusation of NIMBYism, we recognise a very different scale of development for South Cambridgeshire that equates to NIEBY (Not In Everyone’s Back Yard). Our very real fears are that we, and our communities, are being played in the game of Development Top Trumps with our fields and natural environment as the stake.

Meldreth Parish Council’s Statement As a Parish Council we have been asked to provide our feedback on the Oxford Cambridge Arc proposals but with the request comes an impossibly short deadline. This can be viewed as a democratic insult, which is tantamount to being bullied into an unconsidered response.

This statement is our response to those requesting our participation in the consultation.

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After spending considerable effort to provide quality feedback on the proposed sites for the Local Plan we seem to be inundated with multiple schemes each of which will have a significant and material effect of the quality of life in Meldreth yet none of which seems coordinated or integrated. In council discussion we had a deep suspicion that we were being ‘played’. The requests for our input were sham democracy “were they asked?”- missing the genuine opportunity to listen to local views, the participation of the bottom tier of democracy was treated as a cynical tick box exercise.

One of our councillors offered the suggestion that our area, South Cambridge, was under the greatest pressure of planning initiatives in the country. We can already identify the A428 consultation, the OxCam Arc, Cambridge South Station, the Local Plan, Foxton Travel Hub, EW Rail and Thakeham. Each of these initiatives, taken individually, would be a major change to life in South Cambridgeshire.

On a single element of sustainability – housing - the stock in South Cambridgeshire is 60,000 (2018). The Local Plan currently proposes 35,000 new dwellings before 2041, the OxCam Arc proposes a total of 1M houses by 2050 of which, scaled by population, suggests 42,000 here (although likely to be many more), the Thakeham statement explicitly states 25,000. Together over 102,000 new dwellings are double the current size of Cambridge City (50,000) and nearly twice the existing stock in South Cambridgeshire.

Should we think of the game being played as ‘best out of n’ – that is a process whereby these ill-considered and partially explained schemes are presented and when, from oversight or exhaustion, we fail to respond to one it is declared the winner and passed? Or should we think of these schemes as cumulative - a process whereby each, and every, scheme in the consultations is put into operation?

Perhaps we should assume that the prejudicial and partial consultations are simply a battle of vested interests in the local councils, the national authorities, and various businesses. The Travel Hub is but one example, from a group responsible for “improving transport in the Cambridge area” their consultation and ideas have no element which improves road traffic, it is a scheme which disadvantages the majority, increases pollution, increases CO2 and adds to the hazard for pedestrians.

The pattern of ‘consultation’ in each of these recent initiatives presents a ‘stacked’ agenda, the Foxton Park & Ride promoting cycling whilst 48

endangering pedestrians and strangulating vehicle traffic, Thakeham prioritising the ‘carbon cost’ of heating homes whilst ignoring the carbon debt of building them in the first place and so on. That the Travel Hub consultation asked for comments on the landscaping, in an area that will be decimated by EW Rail, highlights the partial and uncoordinated nature of these initiatives.

Our environment, and our future, is a significant concern to the Parish Council and to our residents. These important questions should be shared by all, and the decisions shaped by a representative many. It is wrong for a single group, including ourselves, to speak for others where we have had no opportunity to sound out their opinion. This is our primary responsibility and one we take very seriously. Give us time and we would be happy to speak with a representative caucus from Meldreth and provide the answers needed (even perhaps desired?). Part of our thinking is already contained in the Local Plan – is the OxCam Arc intended to be subservient to the Local Plans or is it a superordinary directive as suggested on slide 12 of the engagement handout?

Without the time and opportunity to develop a considered response we can add that our goal, always, is for sustainable development for Meldreth and district. However, we recognise sustainability is not simply a ‘badge’ (such as net zero, eco-friendly) but is formed from an understanding and recognition of the different pressures on our local environment. It is to give due and balanced weight to all forms of transport, to consider the opportunities of putative residents and those of the existing population and so on. The sham democracy presented by the Arc questionnaire simply highlights this ‘agenda’ bias; where is the ‘box to tick’ which is critical of the scheme or the opportunity to place Local Plan developments over Arc developments?

If democracy is to work in South Cambridgeshire and an ethical approach taken to the prospect of life-changing developments, we ask for:  the time for consultation and the opportunity to respond properly,  responses that incorporate the ‘joined-up’ big picture and integrate the disparate agendas,  clarity on the status and priorities given to this current charade of ‘Development Top Trumps’.

Meldreth Parish Council 49

District and County Councillors’ Report Covid Case Rise At the time of writing, while government ending of restrictions means that we are free to move around as we like, without masks or social distancing if we so choose, Covid cases are very high in Cambridgeshire and the county is at ‘Major Incidence’ status.

More than 50% of cases are in the 0-17 age group. Schools have now been advised by the Cambridgeshire Director of Public Health to reintroduce the wearing of masks, for staff and students alike, as well as some social distancing measures.

The end of September saw vaccinations starting to be offered to 12-15 year olds in secondary schools. Vaccinating this age group should also help to reduce the need for young people to have time off school and reduce the risk of spread of the virus within schools. Cambridgeshire County Council education and public health teams continue to work closely with schools to manage the high number of Covid cases and to ensure that schools can continue to keep children learning in the classroom.

For vaccination bookings, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 For information on vaccination walk-in centres and pop-up clinics, see: www.thevaccinators.co.uk Government Ends Shielding Scheme for Clinically Vulnerable People The County Council is writing to everyone on the local shielding list to ensure they are aware of this. They will also receive a letter from the Government. The county-wide coordination hub, which has supported thousands of people since the start of the pandemic, will continue to operate, alongside a network of support hubs across the county, with anyone in need of help urged to get in touch.

See https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/covid-19coordination-hub-your-community-needs-you The Government has extended the financial payments available to help people self-isolate, until the end of next March. These payments

50

support people who will lose income as a result of having to self-isolate and will struggle to pay their bills or buy food and essentials.

See https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/ coronaviruscovid-19-support-to-self-isolate Lateral Flow Test (LFT) Availability Following central government changes, we are advised that people collecting a test kit from a pharmacy are now being asked to register for a 16-digit collect code via gov.uk/get-collect-code or 119. This will then be recorded by the pharmacy. Cambridgeshire County Council is advising residents that if they do not wish to register for a code, government guidance also states that their pharmacist should still provide them with the required test kits and record this as an anonymous collection.

That said, it seems that some of the local pharmacies previously providing LFTs are no longer being supplied with test kits by government. If you wish to go online to order a kit, this seems to be the easiest way: Google ‘order rapid lateral flow tests’ or visit https:// www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

Greater Cambridge Local Plan: THE Growth Plan for Our Area We’ve heard so much about growth – both speculative plans by developers like Thakeham and big ideas from central government like the OxCam Arc that threaten to override local decision makers.

However, the ‘Greater Cambridge Local Plan’ is the basic legally required growth plan for South Cambridge and Cambridge. Local Plans are the ways that growth is carefully planned around necessary infrastructure. The decision-making process must be transparent and democratic. Responsibility rests with South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council, working together. We reported on this in some detail in last month’s Meldreth Matters, in the context of the Thakeham, because Thakeham has not participated at all in the Local Plan process.

Now, the public consultation on Local Plan proposals takes place from 1st November to 13th December. Please, do take a look if you can, and feel free to get in touch any time if you have questions about it.

For further details, visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-and-neighbourhood-planning 51

‘My Maps’ and Public Information A great deal of public information is available around publicly owned property and demography.

For property, please go the County Council home page and click ‘Maps’ at the top of the home page.www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

For demographic information, please see Cambridgeshire Insights, and explore the various filters: https://cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk.

Home Adaptations for the Elderly We’ve had a couple of calls from residents about this service, including how confusing it can be to locate the right person to talk to. The number to call is 0345 045 5202. Susan is more than happy to be contacted directly with any questions for anything that is unclear.

Unfortunately, as with so many public services now, and especially in health and social care, there’s a very long waiting list – about six months. Nevertheless, please, do still get the ball rolling if you have concerns.

Anglian Water Meeting We are meeting Anglian Water on site in late October, to review the general system capacity situation in our area. Good relations were established last winter when excessive rainfall caused new problems in many parts of the village.

Oil Club A reminder as we move toward winter that our local bulk buying household heating oil club is still up and running. We work with a local supplier to get best prices on the day. There’s no joining fee and no requirement for repeat orders. An annual rebate is received each year and donated to a community group – this year’s donation went to Home-Start Royston and South Cambs.

Our supplier is Jeremy Cole, Agricole Oil: (01954) 719452 or 07860 904 045, jeremy@agricole.co.uk, www.agricole.co.uk.

High Street and Fenny Lane Road Surfaces These streets have now been put forward for surface repair treatment – this is competitive and there are no guarantees as resource is slim, but the officer in charge has come out to Meldreth and agrees that work is necessary and that a bid should be made. If successful, this would not

52

be until 2023, as the 2022 list is full. We completely appreciate how frustrating this is; the state of roads and pavements reflect the very poor state of local authority finance – please see the item above on Peer Challenge.

HGV Driver Shortages The shortage of HGV drivers means the County Council is facing challenges in both home to school transport and school catering. These difficulties are being managed but are adding still more pressure for staff on top of Covid.

Watercourse Reinstatement Grants The County Council has agreed to offer grants from a pot of money set up to ensure watercourses across the county are properly maintained.

Applications may be made by established community flood groups and parish councils where a watercourse needs to be reinstated, and the riparian owner either cannot be identified or genuinely cannot afford the works to reinstate their watercourse.

A riparian owner is anyone who owns a property where there is a watercourse within or adjacent to the boundaries of their property. A watercourse includes a river, stream or ditch. A riparian owner is also responsible for watercourses or culverted watercourses passing through their land.

The Council’s Environment and Green Investment Committee has set criteria against which applications will be considered. It is expected that the work to bring the watercourse back up to standard would be one-off in nature, with them being regularly maintained thereafter.

Tree Planting: Queen’s Canopy This scheme will see thousands of trees planted between now and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next summer.

Individuals, schools, businesses, community groups and councils are all being encouraged to plant trees where appropriate to do so.

The County Council’s website includes advice on this, and the national Queen’s Green Canopy website will soon include a map on which residents can mark the trees they have planted as part of the scheme. In Cambridgeshire, the initiative is backed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence. The County Council will be identifying some land in its ownership on which to plant trees.

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For more information, see https://queensgreencanopy.org and www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/climate-change-energyandenvironment/improving-the-natural-environment/trees-andwoodland/ queens-green-canopy-project #BeKind Campaign - Supporting all Who Work at our GP Practices GP practices are under enormous and unsustainable pressure, like so many working in health and social care. There is an enormous buildup of problems from the pandemic period, and not enough doctors, nurses and other staff in the system to cope with it all. The ‘BeKind’ campaign is about remembering that everyone is human and many humans are carrying very heavy loads these days. Please spread the words: ‘Be kind!’

The local NHS write “Over the last 18 months our GP practices adapted at pace, in many cases overnight, to new ways of working and they have continued to work tirelessly to offer online, telephone and face-to-face appointments throughout the pandemic, alongside supporting our Care Homes, patients in the community and delivering the lifesaving Covid-19 vaccination programme.

The demand we are seeing on Primary Care is unprecedented and unsustainable. Demand that is increasing month on month and is expected to continue to increase further as we head into a difficult winter.

Recruiting and retaining GPs and other healthcare professionals remains a significant challenge. We now have fewer GPs and healthcare professionals looking after more patients with more complex needs. BMA figures suggest practices have seen a 22% increase in patients and 4.5% decrease in full time equivalent GPs since 2015. Understandably many of our highly valued workforce are becoming increasingly demoralised.

Primary Care have been on the receiving end of increasing negative, and at times misleading, media coverage coupled with abusive and threatening behaviour from patients in recent months.”

NHS Restructure Just to flag up that on top of everything else, a big NHS restructure is taking place, and this involves our County Council especially, due to its responsibility for social care and the ways in which health and social care need to work together to support people in various ways. District Councils are involved too due to the ways they work closely with local 54

communities. If you are curious to know more, please contact Susan, whose special responsibility at the County Council is health and social care.

Zoom Cuppas We are always available to answer any questions or concerns, and to follow up any ideas you may have. We hold a weekly ‘Zoom Cuppa’ councillors’ surgery on Wednesdays from 5.00-6.00pm – just get in touch with any of us and we’ll send you the link. Or don’t hesitate to get in touch by telephone or email at your convenience.

District Councillor Sally Ann Hart, sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com, 07791 233303 District Councillor Jose Hales, Josehales@gmail.com, 07703 262649 County Councillor Susan van de Ven, susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905 325574

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Supporting people in Melbourn, Meldreth & Shepreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour?

What is the service?

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

Who provides the services?

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

What will it cost?

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

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

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Planning Matters Parish Council The information below has been taken from the minutes of the PC Planning meeting on 16th September. The minutes of the planning meetings on 5th August and 7th October were not available at the time of going to press.

Meeting minutes (when available) may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Ref. and Address 116 High Street 21/03830/ CL2PD Land South West of 31 Whitecroft Road 21/01443/REM

PC Decision Certificate of lawfulness under Section 192 for a garage conversion. Information Only

Information only

Approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/0971/18/OL for residential development (nine dwellings) (resubmission of 20/02313/REM) Granary Developments Ltd. Amendment is for alterations of design of plots (including reduction in scale of garages) and response to technical objections.

PC recommended ‘Refusal’ with comments (see below)

PC’s Comments on above application: This latest Reserved Matters Application bears no significant resemblance to the original outline application. The size and nature of the buildings, the density of the plot and the proximities to existing houses are on a completely different scale. The greater density and scale of development also has clear implications for access issues onto Whitecroft Road and we cannot see that these have been properly taken into account. This proposal should not be considered as Reserved Matters when the scheme is so obviously different to the original proposal in so many fundamental and important respects and to our mind this warrants the submission of a new application for outline consent. We would also like to note our concern about the way in which revised Reserved Matter details have been submitted, with a Council Officer himself informing us that “there is a bit of spot the difference to play”. If the Planning Authority seriously wishes the Parish Council to look constructively and in detail at planning proposals then they need to be provided with greater clarity. Without this the Parish Council will be less than fully able to consider the interests of the community we represent. We concur with residents’ concerns about the treatment of boundaries and the apparent disregard in this respect of the Design and Access statement. We are also particularly concerned that the location of the proposed garage at Plot 1 of the scheme, immediately adjacent to the boundary with 1 Chiswick End, will block sunlight from the garden of that neighbouring property.

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SCDC Decisions Recent decisions are listed below.

Ref. and Address

Decision

111 North End 21/03492/PRI01A

Single storey rear extension. Prior approval not required.

Full details may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team

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 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.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

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Vacancy

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 57

Home-Start www.hsrsc.org.uk Fashion Show: Esse, Melbourn Tuesday16th November, 7.30-10.00pm Our fashion show is sure to get you set up for the festive season and beyond! Every guest receives a glass of wine on arrival and a handy guide to all the outfits featured in the show. The outfits range from everyday casuals to a-little-bit-special formal wear, and there’s something for every size, shape and personality.

As the fashion show progresses, the models circulate the room, allowing you to see the clothes in action, up close and personal. More than 30 outfits will be modelled for you to see, touch and love – or even try on and buy. Ten percent of the proceeds from sales on the night come to Home-Start: what better excuse to do a little retail therapy!

Our fashion show has some great ideas for Christmas gifts; winter warmers for colder weather (scarves, gloves, hats); jewellery to add that little touch of sparkle to your favourite outfit and much, much more!

Tickets £12 per ticket including a complimentary glass of wine. Visit our website, www.hsrsc.org.uk or to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ homestartroystonbuntingfordandsouthcambridgeshire/590540.

The Home-Start Team Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Telephone (01763) 788071 Charity Number: 105385 PC Repairs

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Advice & Installation of Home Networks

A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives

Help with Selecting a computer

High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am – 5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two

Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole)

We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds

E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk

For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-Binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

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Fake Emails Impersonating Supermarkets Emails claiming to be from ASDA, Morrisons or Tesco have been reported to be circulating. These emails look very convincing and they include the logo and use the colours of the supermarket that they claim to be from. The emails invite the recipient to click a link to complete a marketing survey about their shopping experience, in return for which the recipient will receive a gift card or special offer worth around £100.

Needless to say, these emails are not sent by the supermarkets concerned, and clicking on the link may take the recipient to a fake webpage designed to trick the recipient into revealing personal information such as usernames and passwords.

A message in a genuine email should address you by your first name as a minimum. If an email invites you to comment on your shopping experience but does not address you by name, or uses your email address as your name, you should be suspicious.

Never click on the link in a suspicious email. However tempting an offer might be, take a few moments to think before clicking a link, or if you've already clicked the link, think again before giving away any personal information.

If you have clicked on a link and given away any personal details, telephone your bank using the number on your bank card. They will reissue any compromised cards and put a watch on your account for suspicious activity. Change the passwords on any online account (e.g. email, social media, shopping) that you may have given away the passwords to.

Always report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358

Linda

(01763) 261405

Peter

Tim

(01763) 262801

(01763) 260323

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

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Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Covid-19 is still here, but so is Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support (MCCS). We’d like once again to thank Meldreth residents for contributing to the community effort to help curtail the spread of Covid-19. We continue to try to support those adversely affected by the pandemic where possible, provide basic information, and bring friendship and social contact too, knowing that many people have experienced minimal contact for a long time.

Assistance from MCCS If you are self-isolating and your usual support is unavailable, please contact Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support using the contact details below and we will do our best to assist.

Vaccinations Thank you to people who’ve contacted us with questions about vaccinations; we can help point you in the right direction.

Where to Get Your Covid Jabs The Vaccinators website gives www.thevaccinators.co.uk.

lots

of

information:

https://

Transport to Vaccination Appointments Help is available via the County Council for anyone who is stuck without transport to their vaccination appointment – please ring the Countywide Hub on 0345 045 5219.

Royston and District Community Transport can also give lifts to vaccination appointments; telephone (01763) 245228.

Pharmacy Deliveries If you are unable to travel to a pharmacy, medication can be delivered directly to you by a number of methods. Please ask your local pharmacist about the services they offer. Contact WELL Melbourn on (01763) 260221 or Bassingbourn Pharmacy on (01763) 250660 about the services offered. Our coordinator for pharmacy assistance is Nick Garner on 07968 568599.

Local Shops Taking Telephone Orders and Making Deliveries Home deliveries are available from Fieldgate (01763) 260737 and Bury Lane (01763) 260418. For Leech & Sons butchers ring (01763) 260255 to collect outside in the car park at the rear of the shop.

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Meldreth Walking Friends We hope you will contact us if the idea of a Meldreth walk in company would be something you’d enjoy. Please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121 to find out more.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support We are supported by the very useful resources available to all at CPSL Mind – that’s Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Suffolk and Lincolnshire Mind - including common-sense helpful reminders and also telephone numbers and links if you’re worried or anxious and need to talk to someone who can help: https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/top-tips-self-helpresources. Or, for general queries please call 0300 303 4363 between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders Please remember that our team is always on hand for a friendly chat by phone – our zone leaders’ telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard & Road: Helen Munday, 07712 555598 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 Any other questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors Susan van de Ven, Jose Hales, Sally Ann Hart and all at the MCCS team Christmas Cheer Boxes MCCS is once again organising some Christmas Cheer Boxes.

Contributions can be left at 69 High Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1st November. See page 23 for further information.

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One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—07403 462198 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

Litter Picker

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

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569

Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Julia Moore—07403 462198 Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillor

Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/

County Council Offices MP

0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

Children

Village Directory

(01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

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.

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank 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 (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 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

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223 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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

AngliEAR Hearing ...........................35 Art of Clean ....................................46 Art of Clean Wood ............................3 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ....Cover Cam Valley Orchards .......................19 Cambourne Self Storage ....................8 CHS Day Centre ..............................24 CHS Group ......................................15 The Country Store ...........................42 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........24 Eve Construction .......................Cover Home Tutor ....................................42 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........38 Jackson Cox Opticians .....................19 JN Garden Services ..........................20 Lawn Partners ..................................38 The Letting Centre ...........................41 Little Hands Nursery School ...........58 Melbourn Flooring ...........................29 Melbourn Village College..................19

Meldreth Landscapes .......................24 Meldreth Motor Company ...............4 Meldreth Plant Hire ...................Cover Moncraft Computers ........................58 N J Chapman, gardening .................46 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................20 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service29 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......35 P D Property Services .......................20 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................29 Pet Sitter ..........................................8 Richard Burns Electrician ..................38 Rod’s PC Support ............................38 Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................20 Singing Course .................................38 Slimming World ...............................37 Sparky’s ...........................................41 Specialist Dental Partners .................4 Trademark Kitchens ....................Cover Village Garden Services ....................3 64

EVE CONSTRUCTION LTD Experienced professional local builder

Extensions, garden rooms, home office, alterations, structural work, carpentry, block drives, landscaping, and all types of general building work Contact Mark 07889 669138 | 01223 264909 enquiries@eveconstruction.co.uk www.eveconstruction.co.uk

We are recruiting!

Would you like to join our amazing team of Support Workers at Aurora Meldreth and Orchard Manor?

Find out how you could make a difference to the lives of children and young people with multiple complex needs.

Call:

01763 268 000 to register your interest or visit:

https://www.theauroragroup.co.uk/meldrethmanor

Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November 11.00am to 4.00pm No entrance fee and ample free parking

We are delighted to announce that the Christmas Tree Festival will be taking place again.

Unfortunately, last year’s event had to be cancelled due to stringent Covid restrictions.

The church will be festively decorated with many individually decorated Christmas trees on display for your enjoyment.

In order to keep everyone safe, we request that all adult visitors to the church wear face masks.

There will be a one way system around the church to allow for social distancing which will be monitored throughout the weekend.

There will be a craft stall selling delightful home crafted gifts and a produce/cake stall.

This year the stalls will be outside in the churchyard.

Light festive refreshments will be available in the courtyard.

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