Meldreth Matters, November 2022

November 2022

Contents

What’s On in November Christmas Market 9 Christmas Tree Festival 9 MLHG Coffee Morning 7 Remembrance Sunday 7 Things to Do in November 22-23 Village Diary 24-25

People

David Indaco 4-5

Village Groups

Friends of Holy Trinity 15 Lift Off Choir 12 Photographic Club 10 Women’s Group 12-13

Village News & Issues December Carol Services 15 Meldreth Parish Charities 41 News from the British Queen 30 Rail News 40-41

Miscellaneous Community Support for Dementia 19 Letter to the Editor 33

Cookery

In Praise of … 28-29

Gardening and Nature

A Meldreth Garden 26-27 Hedgehogs 27 Sport Croquet Club 15 Tennis Club 16-17

Children & Education Activities for Families 21 Primary School 20 Shepreth Spitfires 17

Local/National Government Local Councillors 37-39 Parish Council 34-35, 37 Planning 37 Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 48 Home-Start 43 MCCS 44-45 Mobile Warden Scheme 43 Neighbourhood Watch 45 Refuse Collections 24-25 Village Directory 46-47

This month’s cover picture: Footpath 3. Photograph by Laura Betts

The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

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

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

Editorial

Welcome to the November issue of Meldreth Matters. Events in the village this month include a History Group Coffee Morning, Remembrance Sunday service followed by refreshments in the Village Hall, the annual Christmas Tree Festival, a charity craft fair and a Christmas Market. This issue is smaller than usual as I have had to shorten some articles and omit others altogether in order to reduce our printing costs. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Olly Plumridge, our printer, for his fantastic service and all he is doing to help us keep our costs down. If you have any printing needs, please give him a call on (01223) 891407. Once again, if you know of a business that would be interested in advertising in Meldreth Matters or are aware of any grant funding we may be eligible to apply for, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Kathryn

Closure of Meldreth High Street

Meldreth High Street will be closed between Elin Way and Fenny Lane from 5th to 9th December for “two large patch repairs”.

Judy Damant Meldreth Parish Council Clerk

Meldreth Village Hall

The official reopening of the newly refurbished Village Hall took place on Sunday 2nd October, with Joan Fallon cutting the ribbon.

It was good to see so many villagers in the Hall enjoying the refreshments, together with the slideshow of images and the display on the hall’s history provided by Joan Gane of Meldreth Local History Group. Many thanks to Malcolm Woods for taking these photographs.

The Trustees of the Village Hall would like to thank all the contractors who worked on the refurbishment and the Parish Council for their grant towards costs.

David Coton

Above left: David Coton and Joan Fallon Above right: the meeting room

Indaco (1942-2022)

David was born in Harrow on 1st October 1942 and died on 16th September 2022, just short of his 80th birthday. His father was Alfred, whose father had come to England from Italy as a small boy; Alf was a proud cockney with an Irish mother and David’s mother Megan was from the Welsh valleys, so David was a true mongrel! His younger sister Jeanette completed the family. He attended two universities, Liverpool and Brunel, studying veterinary sciences and biology, and spent most of his working life as a medical representative for various pharmaceutical companies. David and Maureen, his wife of 53 years, met at a student party in Reading and, after realising that their homes were only a few miles apart in Palmers Green, kept in touch and married on 1st July 1969. Two children followed; their son Peter and their daughter Julie. In time Julie and Darren gave them their grandsons Bradley and Jake, and Peter and Liz gave them their third grandson Edward. David loved all three and was very proud of them.

In his prime, David loved rock climbing, sailing, squash and riding motorbikes. In later years he took to bowling; carpet to begin with, then indoors at Chesterton and outdoors at Meldreth Bowls Club. After a game there was nothing he liked more than a pint in the clubhouse or in a pub on the way home. Over the years he won many trophies, including Men’s Singles. In 2016 he was awarded the “Player of the Year” trophy and in 2018 he was made a Life Member. He also enjoyed cryptic crosswords, sudokus, jigsaws and astronomy when the nights were clear, all of which helped him through lockdown. He enjoyed a game of Scrabble with Maureen even though she only ever managed to beat him twice! He spent a fortune on bird food as he loved to watch birds and didn’t mind too much when squirrels and even rats took advantage. He always preferred listening to classical music and opera to watching TV. On retirement, he joined a group maintaining local footpaths and also Royston and District Community Transport as a driver. It made him feel useful and got him up in the mornings and he made several friends among his regular clients. Any local walk involved litter picking. He also started growing vegetables, first in an allotment, then at the bottom of the garden and in a good year his fresh vegetables were delicious.

He had finished the Sunday Times crossword, played a successful game of bowls and was visited by the best man at his wedding in the week he died. Everyone who knew David liked him - he was an honourable, kind, friendly, considerate and generous person, willing to help anyone who asked him and going that bit further for them if he could. He always looked for the best in people. His widowed mother’s bungalow was once burgled just before Christmas and he wondered if the burglar couldn’t afford to buy presents for his children!

A lot of people used to complain that he was regularly late, but his argument was that he was on time and they were early! That was about the only criticism that

was made of him. However, his family knew well about “Indaco lethargy” as it was called and realised that he might have been even more successful in life if he hadn’t been so lazy! He had trouble motivating himself at times and making decisions, which might explain why his beloved Vincent Black Shadow is still in pieces, but he only needed someone else to tell him what to do and he was well away! It was a very pleasing surprise to see what a good bowls team captain he managed to be. He had no enemies, he really valued his extended family and friends old and new. As one friend said, the world is a poorer place without him. He will be sorely missed by all.

The Indaco Family

OFSTED

Remembrance Sunday, 13th November

Act of Remembrance

The annual Act of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial on the corner of Station Road/Whitecroft Road at 9.30am on Sunday 13th November.

Refreshments

After the service, all are welcome at the Village Hall for refreshments.

Donations of cakes would be gratefully received. Please contact Maggie on 07929 969613 or Lindsey 07884 432345 if you can help in any way.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Maggie Smith and Lindsey McCaig

Meldreth Local History Group

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Coffee Morning: Monday 7th November

Meldreth Local History Group would like to welcome you to a Coffee Morning at the Sheltered Housing room in Elin Way at 10.30am on Monday 7th November, when Alan Williams will be giving a presentation on Meldreth in the 1950s.

This will be our first Coffee Morning since pre-pandemic so we look forward to welcoming you back and perhaps seeing some new faces too! There will be no charge for this event, however any donations will help Meldreth Local History Group in the future.

MLHG Merchandise

Our Christmas cards and tea towels (pictured) may be purchased at the coffee morning and also at the Christmas Market in the Village Hall on 27th November (see page 9).

If you cannot attend either event, please email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or contact me on (01763) 260129 to make a purchase.

Christmas cards cost £5 for a pack of ten or 60p per card and the tea towels, which make perfect stocking fillers, are just £5 each. For our other merchandise, which includes notelets and walk booklets, please see our website: https:// www.meldrethhistory.org.uk/about/how-to-help/merchandise.

Joan Gane, Chairman

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Christmas Tree Festival

Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2022, 11.00am - 5.00pm

We hope to see you at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival to enjoy the wonderful tree displays, craft stall and homemade produce stall.

We would appreciate donations of jam, marmalade, chutney and cakes for our produce stall. These can be delivered to the church on Thursday 24th, Friday 25th, Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th.

If you have any queries, please contact Margaret Goddin on (01763) 260061.

The Christmas Tree Festival Committee

Christmas Market

Sunday 27th November 10.00am - 3.00pm in our newly refurbished Village Hall This will be held on the same weekend as the Christmas Tree Festival this year, which we hope will benefit both events. There will be many stalls selling mainly hand-crafted and unique items ranging from cards, decorations, scented candles, jewellery, photo prints, dried plant and flower items, novelties, hand-knitted items, stocking fillers and much more.

Home Start will be providing refreshments throughout the day and holding a raffle. Friends of Foxton school will have Christmas Crafting activities for the youngsters.

This year we are donating the proceeds of the booking fees for the stalls to Meldreth Community Crisis Support.

Watch out for the posters around the village featuring little gnomes! Enquiries please to lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com or call me on 07917 065465.

Lesley Farbridge

Little Hands

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

Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton

Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

Foxton Illuminates for Christmas

Tour Foxton Christmas windows on Sunday 4th December from 3.30-7.00pm. Programs available in Foxton Village Hall.

Finest cakes, snacks, mulled wine at the Windows Café Christmas Market  Lighting the Christmas Tree Foxton Singers will perform a selection of Christmas songs

All proceeds shared between Foxton Primary School, Foxton Preschool and St Laurence Church.

Steve and Kimberly Tongish foxtonwindows@gmail.com

Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

With the year drawing to a close, we have a full and varied programme for the winter months including three lectures, five competitions and one club evening.

The November programme is as follows:

1st 2nd Open Print Competition. Judge: Alison Jenkins

8th Critique Evening—David Stocks, Roger Care & Keith Truman Getting Off Auto Session 1 - Phil Dent

15th Mono Competition, PDI and/or Print. Judge: Tony Bramley

22nd Print Battle. Melbourn (host) vs Ely vs Bottisham & Burwell Judge: Vic Hainsworth

29th The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya (2) - Lecture Glyn Edmunds Meetings are held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Tuesdays at 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 you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two meetings for free before deciding. If you would like to do this, email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary

Black Sand Sunrise by Roger Care

Lift Off Choir

On Monday 10th October we celebrated World Mental Health Day. Did you know that singing is a natural and effective activity to help mental health? Its positive benefits are boosted even more when singing in a group.

 Singing Boosts Confidence. Singing is a way to get out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill, which can help boost self esteem and self-confidence.

 Singing makes you happier. Studies have shown that singing increases the levels of the 'happy hormones' oxytocin and seroton in the body.

 Singing makes your brain healthier. Singing decreases the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which helps to reduce feelings of worry and sadness.

 Singing Forms Bonds. Singing together has a variety of physical and emotional benefits. People's heartbeats synchronise when singing together, which can create a feeling of calm.

 Singing Gives You a Physical Workout. Singing can give your lungs a workout; you might not realise that it works your heart and muscles too.

We would love you to come along to Lift-Off Choir and experience for yourself the benefits that singing offers to mental health.

We meet every Wednesday during term time at Meldreth Village Hall from 1.30pm-2.45pm. Refreshments are included. For more information contact me on 07548 247755.

Clare Silver

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

In September, we met at Holy Trinity for a quiz compiled by Pat. It was fun, but there were only eleven of us, due to several members being away on holiday. Janet Backer won and was given a box of biscuits as a prize.

Our next meeting, on Tuesday 22nd November, will be held at All Saints Community Hall; it is entitled Advent Reflection.

We start our meetings at 7.45 pm with any notices, followed by the Women’s Group prayer. We finish with a chat over coffee and biscuits.

For information about the group or if you need a lift to one of our meetings, please call one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01753) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976228377 Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Diane Blundell (01763) 221415.

All Saints’ Autumn Fayre

We would love to see you on 5th November from 10.00am-2.00pm when we will be back

church with our stalls, including cakes, jewellery, books, hampers, raffle, bottle tombola, crafts, gifts and pre loved toys in good condition. Refreshments will be available in the hall. Please note the new time and if you have any donations you would like

make, please contact any of the following: Pat Smith, Mary Bailey, Diane Blundell or Kimmi Crosby on the numbers above, or Pauline Hay on (01763) 260649 or Avril Mellor on (01763) 220463.

Pat Smith

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk

The Vikings and Scandinavian Colonisation of the North Atlantican illustrated talk by Mary Macleod-Rivett

In early October, a good size audience attended the first talk held by The Friends since February 2020.

Vikings were natives of Scandinavia, basically from three countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They were an ancient pagan warrior tribe who travelled in their iconic ships, raiding and trading far and wide. They used a common design of ship, slender in breadth, shallow draught and flexible in structure, with variants to suit where they were used. The average speed varied from ship to ship but lay in the range of 5 -10 knots, with a maximum speed for a longship under favourable conditions at around 15 knots.

Vikings sailed in sight of land where possible and the ships were able to tack by swivelling the top spar and adjusting the sail ropes. They sailed to Greenland, Iceland and Canada and South along the Atlantic coastline to the Mediterranean. They also travelled south along European waterways as far as the Black and Caspian seas.

European religions merged with Viking pagan life through missionaries and as they settled in European countries.

Mary covered many aspects of Viking life: social strata, craftsmanship, inter mixing where they settled, customs and governing structures. She answered many questions from the audience and The Friends were most grateful to her for sharing her enthusiasm for Vikings in the North Atlantic and their history.

Unfortunately the planned talk for November has had to be cancelled as it was not possible to find a date that suited both the availability of the Meeting Room and the speaker.

John Price

December Carol Services in Meldreth

Sunday 18th December

Church Carol Services: Holy Trinity 4.00pm, All Saints 6.00pm

Monday 19th December

Join us at 7.00 pm at The British Queen for our annual village get together.

Pauline Penfold

Meldreth Croquet Club

https://sites.google.com/view/meldrethcroquetclub/home

As readers will know, Meldreth Croquet Club is situated in the grounds of the very popular British Queen pub in Meldreth High Street. The Club has a very active membership and the one lawn is very well used. Both disciplines of the game, Association and Golf are played and play continues throughout the year, weather permitting.

For the seventh successive year, the Club entered the East Anglian Croquet Federation Golf Croquet Handicap League. The league is divided into four regions: Northern, Eastern, Western and Central. Meldreth were placed into the Central Area and after each team had played each other, Meldreth were the winners. They then proceeded to the semi-final which was played at Watford against Stony Stratford Blues who won the Western Area. Once again, Meldreth were the winners. The final was played on Sunday 2nd October against Unity (Sudbury) from the Eastern area who had beaten Newport Oaks from the Northern Area to get to the final. It was a lovely, sunny, autumn day at Wrest Park. Meldreth were again victorious coming out winners 11-3, there being no need to play the remaining four games. During the season, six members of the club played in the competition and above is a picture of the team after the presentation of the trophy.

If you are interested in finding out more about the game and the club, visit our website: sites.google.com/view/meldrethcroquetclub/home.

Lin and Roger Wallbridge

Meldreth Tennis Club www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub

Autumn Fun Tournament

The weather on the day before this tournament was dreadful with heavy rain and blustery winds, so we all had our fingers crossed for it to improve on Saturday 1st October. Well, the Gods were with us and in clear blue skies the 2022 Autumn tournament got underway at 9.30am. This was the first time this tournament had been held since 2019 due to Covid restrictions, so it was good to be back on court.

We had ten entrants, who were split into two groups. Each group played four rounds of five games, swapping partners with everyone in their group. The whole tournament was very close and the final winners of Group One were Jo Kitteridge

and Mark Shepherd with Janet Martin and new member, Lucian de Boinville, winning Group Two. These four players went on to play the grand final.

In a very exciting five game match, Janet and Lucian triumphed and they took away the trophies and a bottle of wine each, with runners up Jo and Mark receiving chocolate bars. The players thanked Christine Knight for organising the tournament again this year.

Meldreth Club membership is now half price from now until March 2023. Adults can now have a full membership for £22.50 and a family membership for £47.50. The Club now has 158 members with many families, adults and juniors joining to enjoy playing on the courts at club sessions, booking the courts online to play or taking lessons with the Club Coach.

Potential new members are welcome to come to any of the club sessions, free of charge up to three times, to try the club out. For details of this, membership, playing times etc. please go to the website www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ meldrethtennisclub.

Meldreth Tennis Club

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk

It has been a lovely warm start to the season and the Spitfires have been enjoying every minute of their footie this month. There have been some incredibly good matches at the Eternit Sports and Social Club including a 3-0 win over Priory Park for the under 13s, and a super close 3 - 2 league win against Newmarket for the under 8s. The Spitfires newest under 8s team are also enjoying their football, the park and their traditional post-match ‘bundles’ (pictured).

This month, Shepreth Spitfires have been invited to watch Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium; this is a club which the children are super excited about. In addition to this, the older boys and girls will enjoy watching the men's team, The Rovers, that play at Eternit in the Men’s Sunday FA Cup. Anyone who wants to watch Sunday football at Eternit can also take advantage of refreshments in the Sports and Social Club.

In the coming months, we look forward to sharing with you the images of our trip to the Abbey Stadium and more of the Spitfires' results.

If anyone would like to join Shepreth Spitfires Football Club, please contact us via our website, www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk or call 07510 175370.

Lucy Smith

Community Support for Dementia

We are here to support those ‘living with dementia’, their carers, family and friends with dementia friendly activities, social stimulation, training and support. We have personal experience in caring for a loved one ‘living with dementia’ so we truly understand how important it is for you to have support during this difficult time.

Memory Cafés at Meldreth Village Hall

Our monthly Memory Cafés provide an opportunity to have a cup of tea or coffee, a slice of cake and to relax amongst friends, chatting and sharing experiences, whilst we hold a dementia-friendly activity coordinated by a Dementia Champion.

Forthcoming Dates: 2.00– 4.00pm, Meldreth Village Hall

Saturday 19th November: Strictly Come Dancing Theme

Saturday 10th December: Upwood Ukulele Band Christmas Show

Additional Support Services Available

 Information on making your home ’dementia’ friendly. We have a professional dementia specialist/trainer on hand to give essential advice as and when required.

 Help in applying for Attendance Allowance (65+) or Personal Independence Payment (under 65). If you are ‘living with dementia’ you are entitled to these benefits. They are not means tested, will not affect other benefits and help to fund the hidden costs that occur along the way.

 Information on local care companies and/or carers who can provide care in your home.

 Dementia training for personal carers. NB: when covid conditions allow we will be holding a ‘Virtual Dementia Experience’! This is a must for anyone in contact with someone ‘living with dementia’, whether it is your mum, dad, husband, wife, grandparent, brother, sister, friend etc. It will give you a true understanding of their day to day challenges and enable you enjoy quality time with them on their difficult journey.

We have received a lot of positive feedback from those attending our cafés, describing them as “real highlights”, “a really supportive community”, “helpful and informative”, “a tremendous asset” and “warm and welcoming”.

For further information on our Memory Cafés please telephone me on 07961 574104 or email davinabiswell@gmail.com or call Stephanie Trayhurn on 07710 198299 or email Stephanie@traykyps.com.

Davina Biswell

Meldreth Primary School

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk/web

Harvest News from Meldreth Primary School and Preschool

It is at this time of year in school that our attention turns to Harvest. Our lockdown-planted orchard, most surprisingly, bore its first apple (just one!) this year after a summer with very little rain.

The children have worked hard to learn songs, poems and stories to perform for an enthusiastic school audience. Although very nervous, the children did an amazing job at conveying the important message of Harvest, that we should give thanks for the food that we have and do our best to share it with those less fortunate.

Swift Class performed the poem ‘The Pumpkin’ from the book ‘I Am the Seed that Grew the Tree’. It is a book created by the National Trust, which contains nature poems for every day of the year.

Wren Class retold the story of The Enormous Turnip as a celebration of the harvest. The children have been using their storyteller voices and have worked together to act out key events.

Osprey Class combined teamwork, artwork and poetry to create a short acrosticstyle poem to present. Each group of four children was given a letter in "harvest" to decorate with autumnal colours and they then had to learn their line of the poem to read aloud.

Kite Class changed the lyrics to ‘Here Comes The Sun’, by the Beatles to be all about Harvest - ‘Here Comes The Crops’.

Kestrel Class produced a short dramatic piece on the importance of harvest during World War 2, with a specific focus on the land army.

Hawk Class carried out research on different fruits from around the world, which the children presented in groups.

School collected donations, from our School Harvest Festival, were gifted to support Meldreth’s Emergency Winter Food Bank. The Foodbank is open at the Elin Road Community Centre on Tuesdays from 10.00am – 12.00pm.

Thank you to our parents, pupils and staff who supported our Harvest Festival with such generous donations.

Sasha Howard Headteacher

Things for Children and Families To Do

Saturday 5th November, 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Cecily Donkey’s Bring-A-Sing-A-Picnic Sawston Library, 41 New Road, Cambridge CB22 3BP

A musical balloon animal show for children under 7 with counting, singing, movement. Tickets£4. Book on www.ukpatronbase.com.

Saturday 12th November (during library opening hours)

Teen Comic and Manga Club Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard CB2 3QD

A drop-in session for 12 to 16 year olds who love comics and want to share their art work or writing with others. Paper and some drawing materials provided. Register on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Saturday 12th November, 12.00noon - 6.00pm

Royston Board Games and Magic Day

1st Royston Scout HQ, Barkway Street, Royston SG8 9EW

Play your favourite games and learn new ones. Bring your Magic the Gathering deck along. Tickets £5.98 from www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Thursday 17th, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th November Elf the Musical, The Maltings, Ely CB7 4BB

The story of Buddy the Elf told by Ely’s Campaign Amateur Theatre. For timings and tickets visit www.ticketsource.co.uk.

Friday 25th November to Sunday 1st January, from 4.30pm Christmas at Wimpole

Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

A magical illuminated trail with over a million twinkling lights, street food and a glimpse of Santa. Tickets £19 for NT members with parking, £27 nonmembers with parking, £14.50 child members aged 3 - 16, family tickets £64 - £72. www.christmasatwimpole.seetickets.com.

Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th November (more dates in December)

Santa’s Breakfast, Dobbies, Dunsbridge Turnpike, Shepreth SG8 6RA

Choose a traditional or vegetarian breakfast or pancakes/bagel. Children’s tickets include activities and a gift from Santa. £13.99 per child, £7.39 adults. Book on www.events.dobbies.com.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Things to Do in November

Here are some things happening in November in the local area. If you would like to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Friday 4th November, 5.30pm to 8.00pm

Diwali Fireworks

University of Cambridge Primary School

Eddington Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0QZ

After last year’s stunning display an even bigger and better one is promised for 2022. Delicious food and drink available to purchase on the night. Tickets: adults £8, children £5. See www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Friday 4th to Sunday 6th November, 10.00am-3.00pm

Antiquarian Book Fair

The Rectory Restaurant, Wimpole Estate

Browse a selection of preloved, vintage and antique books with suggested donations from £1 to £100. All proceeds directly support projects across the Wimpole Estate. Normal admission charges apply.

Friday 11th November, 3.00pm to 4.00pm (and each month)

From Darwin to Dodos - Guided Tour of Museum of Zoology Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ

Where is there a fin whale skeleton in Cambridge? What can we learn from the bones of a Dodo and what did Darwin collect on the Voyage of the Beagle? Find out and learn much more besides on a guided tour around this fascinating Cambridge museum. Free but booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Wednesday 16th November, 10.00am to 1.00pm

Cambridge Jobs Fair

The Guildhall, 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB

Want to get back to work or started on a new career? Wide range of stands with local employers looking to recruit to vacancies, apprenticeships, training courses and voluntary roles - also opportunities for becoming self-employed. Plus careers advice for job seekers. See www.thejobfairs.co.uk.

Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th November, at varying times

Cambridge Literary Festival

Venues across Cambridge City Centre

The celebrated annual festival gives you chance to hear from some of today’s top thinkers, writers, politicians and broadcasters. Over 45 events in some iconic Cambridge venues including the historic University Union debating chamber. For full programme and to book, visit www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com or call (01223) 515335.

Saturday 19th November, 10.00am to 3.00pm

Orwell Art Exhibition

Orwell Village Hall, 32 - 66 High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN

Over sixteen local artists will be exhibiting and selling their work, some taking commissions. Perfect for picking up that special Christmas gift. Tearoom available selling drinks, cake and light lunches.

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Hay Barn Christmas Fair 2022

Hay Barn, Five House Farm, Therfield, Royston SG8 9RE

Get into the Christmas spirit and put some early ticks on your present list. Range of local stall holders offering perfect stocking fillers and delicious gourmet gifts. www.haybarnhealth.co.uk.

Friday 25th November, 7.45pm, ends 9.00pm, no interval.

Tim Garland and Jason Rebello

Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, CB22 5BP

Saxophonist and clarinetist Garland and pianist Rebello, two of the UK’s most celebrated jazz musicians, come together in the wonderful setting of the Granary to launch their new album, ‘As Free as the River’. Tickets £22, £11 under 25. Doors and bar open 6.45pm. Visit www.staplefordgranary.org.uk to book or call (01223) 849004.

Saturday 26th November, 10.30am to 3.30pm

Forest of Imagination Exhibition 2022 Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, CB22 3AE

An outdoor exhibition of artworks, displayed in Wandlebury’s striking avenue of beech trees and created by Cambridgeshire people of all ages, to celebrate World Tree Day. Free event but donations to Wandlebury’s conservation work always appreciated. See www.cambridgeppf.org for further information.

Tuesday 29th November, 11.00am to 1.30pm or 2.30pm to 5.00pm

Make your own Christmas Door Decoration

Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambs CB22 6RN

Choice of workshop. Tickets £25 to include framework, foliage and ribbons. Please bring gloves, sharp scissors and any special decoration you want to include. Proceeds in aid of Home-Start, Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire. To book call Tracy on (01223) 262262 or email:events@hsrsc.org.uk.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Volunteer Drivers Desperately Needed

Royston & District Community Transport need more volunteer drivers in this area to help them provide their vital service to the community. For more information or to volunteer, please see www.roytrans.co.uk or telephone (01763) 245228.

Meldreth Village Dia

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurs

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Saturday12th November

9.30am Zumba

10.30am-midday MLHG Coffee Morning (page 7) 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing 9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 10.45-11.30 Mob Library 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

Refuse Colle Black bin Blue & g Getreminde downloadth

Church services, Messy Church, Ukrainian refugee meetings, Women’s Group meetings an Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group meet in the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. MLHG meet in th

ary - November 2022

sday Friday Saturday Sunday

9.30am Slimming Worldpm ulti classes)

Acro Pilates Table Tennis h Council

pm ulti classes)

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Sung Eucharist

8.00am Said Eucharist 9.30am Act of Remembrance at Meldreth War Memorial followed by refreshments in Meldreth Village Hall (see page 7)

9.30am Slimming World

2.00-4.00pm Memory Café (see page 19)

9.45am Sung Eucharist 10.00am-3.00pm Charity Craft Fair in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance

9.30am Slimming World5pm ultiple

Acro Pilates Table Tennis pm ultiple Acro Pilates Table Tennis 10.00am-3.00pm Christmas Market (see page 9)

Acro Pilates Table Tennis

ections

ns: 8th, 22nd green bins: 15th, 29th ers on yourmobile: heBinCollectionsapp

11.00am-5.00pm Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church (see page 9)

11.00am-5.00pm Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church 5.30pm Advent Carol Service

Please Support Meldreth Matters

900 copies of Meldreth Matters are delivered every month. To advertise in the magazine, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.

Our rates are on page 48 of this issue.

nd FOHT talks are held in Holy Trinity Church. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. he Community Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

A Meldreth Garden

In my garden shade and semi-shade areas are considerable, structure is provided by a fig, dogwood (cornus), bamboos and old damson trees with plants growing through them, ivy, clematis and honeysuckle. There is inevitable shade from the house and surrounding greenery. These shady areas currently lack interest. I have the usual suspects growing in shady areas; spring bulbs, acanthus mollis, cyclamen, hellebores (Christmas cactus, helleborus niger in semi shade can brighten up a dull corner), turks head lily, grasses, ferns, geraniums and crocosmia cultivars. I am looking into other plants that will grow in shade and next time I will share the new plant list I’m considering. It is amazing the range of plants, some of which I currently grow in full sun, that will grow in semi shade. For the new planting I will look for plants with light or variegated foliage that will lighten dark spaces and a varying texture of leaf and bark, and unusual shapes that will help to break up the bulk of the shade. In preparation for spring planting, this autumn I will improve the soil as this will be important to success; my soil in the shade of trees is good but impoverished and dry. I will also mulch new planting with garden compost to retain moisture. Presently I will start by moving some pulmanaria, euphobia polychroma and Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina lanata) from full sun to the shadier areas. All these can be divided and moved while there is some warmth in the soil.

Tasks in the Flower Garden

 Do any tasks from last month that were overlooked or which continue, like collecting fallen leaves.

 Increase the cutting height of the mower, now grass is growing slowly.

 Cut back and tie in climbing roses.

 Cut back penstemon by one third after flowering.

 Mulch dahlias or lift and store over winter after the first frosts.

 Move badly positioned trees and shrubs; we all make mistakes.

 After leaf fall you can prune many trees and shrubs but not those that will flower next year on this year’s growth, e.g. snowball bush (viburnum opulus). Follow the three Ds: remove dead, diseased and dying wood, before reducing and shaping. Always prune back to something, don’t leave a stump.

 Plant bare rooted plants, berries, rhubarb, roses, etc.

 Clean pots and seed trays.

 Plant tulips, iris (iris reticulata comes in a range of shades) and crocus in the ground or in pots; pile them into pots but ensure they do not touch.

 Take root cuttings, plant thick roots vertically the right way up, such as verbascums, oriental poppy, acanthus and bugloss (anchusa). Plant thin

roots such as geranium, Japanese anemone and phlox horizontally and cover with grit, water and leave sheltered.

 There is still time to take hardwood cuttings of cornus, flowering currant, forsythia, willow, roses, etc. Have at least two plants of each cultivar to insure against loss.

Tasks in the Vegetable Plot

 Reduce greenhouse watering.

 Cover brassicas with netting to protect against pigeons, clean around the base of Brussel sprouts to deter slugs and snails.

 Plant hardy peas and broad beans in a sheltered position. Sow chilli and sweet pepper seeds as they need a long season; keep frost free.

I’m happy to receive your feedback. Happy gardening.

Iain McPhee, mcpheia1@gmail.com

Hedgehogs

As we come into bonfire season, when you may be tidying your gardens before winter, please be mindful of hedgehogs. There is a good population of hedgehogs in our village and they will be sleeping each day and creating hibernation nests in piles of branches and under dense bushes and hedges. Please be careful with forks and strimmers and don’t set light to bonfires without checking or rebuilding them first.

If you do find an injured hedgehog, please take it to a vet or telephone Shepreth hedgehog hospital on 07947 361187. Thank You.

Hilary Marsh

Please Support Meldreth Matters

To advertise in the magazine, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176. Our rates are on page 48 of this issue.

In Praise Of …

… Apples

Each month I focus on seasonal fruit and vegetables with some recipes to inspire you. This month the focus is on apples. Due to the large number of varieties available, you can buy British apples all year round, but traditionally apples are in season in the UK from September to February.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Cooking time 25 mins, Serves 6

Ingredients for the soured cream shortcrust pastry

200g plain flour, sifted

1 pinch of salt

100g butter, chilled and cubed

2 tbsp soured cream, or crème fraîche

Ingredients for the filling

4 eating apples, Granny Smith or Golden Delicious

125g caster sugar

100ml water

25g butter

1 free-range egg, beaten

Method

For the pastry, place the flour, salt and butter in a food processor and blend briefly. Add half of the soured cream and continue to blend; you may add a little more soured cream, but not too much as the mixture should be just moist enough to come together. If making by hand, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs then, using your hands, add just enough soured cream to bring it together. With your hands, flatten out the ball of dough until it is about 2cm thick, then wrap in cling film or place in a plastic bag and leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling, peel the apples with a peeler to keep them in a nice rounded shape, then cut into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter and set aside. Don’t worry if they go brown, and don’t cover in water or they will be too wet.

Place the sugar and water in a medium-sized ovenproof saucepan set over a low–medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and boil the syrup until it starts to caramelise around the edges; about five minutes. Do not stir once it has come to the boil otherwise the syrup will crystallise. Once the syrup starts to turn golden-brown, you may need to swirl the pan slightly to even out the caramelisation. Once the syrup is a golden-caramel colour, add the butter and swirl the pan again to distribute it through the caramel.

Remove the pan from the heat and place the apple quarters in a concentric circle around the outside and any remaining pieces in the centre, keeping in mind that the tart will be flipped over when serving. The apples must completely cover the base of the pan so you may need an extra apple! Place the pan back over a medium heat and cook for 10 minutes to slightly caramelise the apples, while you roll out the pastry.

Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured work surface to a disc about 2cm wider in diameter than the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and place the pastry on top of the almost cooked apples. Using the base of a spoon or a fork, tuck the pastry in around the edges of the apples. Brush the pastry with beaten egg then, using a skewer or fork, prick a few holes in the pastry.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the apples feel cooked when you insert a skewer through their centre.

Remove from the oven and allow to stand for just a few minutes before placing a plate on top of the pan and carefully (it will be hot) but quickly, flipping it over. Use a plate with a slight lip to catch the delicious juices. Cut into slices to serve and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Dutch Apple Cake

Preheat the oven to 180ºC or gas mark 4. Bake 20 mins.

Ingredients

100g caster sugar

100g butter or soft baking spread

2 eggs

100g self raising flour

1 x 5ml spoon baking powder

2 eating apples

1 x 5ml spoon cinnamon

1 x 5ml spoon demerara sugar

Method

Grease and/or line a single sandwich tin. Cream the sugar and fat together until light and fluffy. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Add the beaten egg, a little at a time, to the fat and sugar. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl, or onto a plate or piece of greaseproof paper. Fold the flour and baking powder into the mixture, a spoonful at a time. Spread the mixture in the cake tin. Core the apples and slice thinly. Arrange the apple slices over the cake mix, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar on top.

Place in the oven and bake for around twenty minutes, until golden brown and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Jane O’Hagan

News from the British Queen www.thebritishqueen.com

Hello Meldreth residents. We hope you are all keeping well and digging out all you warm weather clothing! We know it is that time of year again when we are lighting the open fire in the pub. We have introduced a new autumn menu, which is full of pub classics and some winter warmers for you all to enjoy. Unfortunately we have some sad news as Charlie our black and green duck, which we hand reared, has succumbed to a fox attack. So now we have one very lonely Pancake on the river, but not for long as he will soon be taking a new little duckling under his wing. On 4th October, we hatched in our incubator one more little duckling which in a few weeks will be joining Pancake. This little ducking has been named Parker, so keep your eyes peeled to see if you can locate him in a few weeks’ time.

On Sunday 6th November, we will be starting our Sunday afternoon meat raffles for charity in the bar at 5.00pm. Russell will be in charge of the event, with his voice calling for you all to dig deep with, “You’ve got to be in it to win it”. Please come and have some fun, raise some money for local causes, have a drink and warm up by the fire.

Our shop, the Queen Bee, has taken delivery of some pretty autumn/winter gift ideas. Please come in and have a wander around whilst out on your walks through the pub garden.

We are pleased to announce that Danielle our lovely colleague has passed her personal licence course with flying colours, so many congratulations to her. Finally, we had all our used and new cooking oil stolen from our store. This happened overnight on 30th September/1st October. It seems that even in our lovely community we must stay vigilant. Take care of each other and hopefully we will see you soon.

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Licensed bar

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

Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on)

Snooker room, Pool table

Large children's outdoor ac vity area

Petanque pistes

Football pitches, changing rooms

Entertainments

1st Friday of the month

Melbourn Rock Club

One Saturday a month

Melbourn Rock Club

Rock and Roll Night

Every Thursday night

Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm

Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year

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

Club Charity - LUPUS

Letter to the Editor

Meldreth Funeral Bier

The Parochial Church Council (PCC), which is the legal governing body of Holy Trinity Church, met to discuss two letters about the funeral bier, one published in Meldreth Matters [September 2022 issue] and one sent to PCC members. Both were asking the PCC to place the bier in the church.

While we are sympathetic to this request there are a number of issues to consider. It is not clear to the PCC who owns the bier. It seems, from information on the Meldreth Local History Group website, that the bier was commissioned by the Parish Council in about 1922 when the Fenny Lane cemetery opened, the graveyard at the church having been closed in 1907. We have therefore assumed that the bier is now the property of Meldreth Parish Council (MPC), but if that is not the case we need to establish who we should be talking to. We do not believe that the bier was ever owned or maintained by the church.

Members of the PCC had three main concerns about the proposal:

Space. The only area which the bier could get into is the back of the church. Access is required to the bell tower, and to the storage cupboards on one side of this area. The remaining space is normally used by the children's corner, and there is no obvious space to relocate this. The area is also used for seating for large occasional services, and for a variety of other events not easily compatible with the presence of the bier.

Safety. The church is often open for private prayer and for visitors. The bier could be an unacceptable safety hazard to visitors, particularly children.

Security. As noted, the church is frequently open but unattended. The PCC were concerned that the bier would not be secure in these circumstances.

The PCC would welcome the bier into the church or churchyard for suitable occasions, as and when they arise.

We were able to make one suggestion. While we are not able to take on any financial or managerial liability for the care and conservation of the bier, we would be minded to support a suitable proposal by the bier's owner to provide an enclosure for the bier in the churchyard. To do this would require planning permission from the Diocese of Ely, financial guarantees to indemnify the PCC and the agreement of MPC who are responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard, so it is not certain that it could happen despite our support.

The text of this letter has been approved by the Standing Committee of the PCC.

David Coton, Churchwarden on behalf of the PCC of Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 5th October 2022

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

Discussion and Decisions District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for the very useful information they continue to provide each month; their latest report can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 37-39 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

All residents are urged to take part in the forthcoming public consultation about the Cambridge ‘City Access’ proposal (of which a congestion charge forms part) as there are important issues relating to access to the City and key services. It was noted that there is no current plan to include the Trumpington Park and Ride within the restricted zone but the situation regarding hospitals remains unclear. [See pages 38-39 for further information.]

There is also a public petition at the Melbourn Hub in respect of the 915 bus service and all residents are urged to consider signing this to make their views known about this important public bus service.

Pedestrian Underpass: Meldreth Station to Station Road

The Council’s Community Projects Working Group has met to consider the proposals to refurbish the pedestrian underpass and has written to the project manager for more information about other parts of the scheme. It is noted that the success of the whole project will depend on creating a safe and adequate thoroughfare from one end of Footpath 9 to the other, and that this could include major works for which more information is needed.

MCCS

As noted at the last meeting, the organisers of MCCS are considering how its operating brief and volunteer resources can be extended to assist in the cost of living crisis. Discussions are taking place regarding a new food bank, the provision of warm spaces and other forms of direct assistance to those in need. Good progress on the main tasks is being achieved and the Council agreed to make a donation of £500 towards the setting up costs of the food bank; this will operate from the Community Room in Elin Way.

The Warm Spaces project will also be based at the Community Room and volunteers are being recruited to help with this. If members of the community

think that they might be able to help, please contact Councillor Helen Meridew who is the project’s lead volunteer. The Council agreed to provide a provisional/ refundable funding float of £200.

Recreation Ground and Pavilion

Most of our equipment remains in good order. Repairs and adjustments are being carried out as quickly as possible, subject to the availability of contractors. The energy costs of running the pavilion are to be checked so that any changes in charging rates to users can be reviewed. The Council is investigating more robust dog signs for the Recreation Ground.

Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD)

Following a period of relative inactivity, a consequence of Covid, MAYD is fully resuming its activities. The costs of running MAYD are shared by local communities relative to the numbers attending; Meldreth’s latest figure was just over 15% and this indicates a contribution of £1,941. The Council believes that MAYD is an important community project and agreed to make this contribution. The Council will keep itself well informed about the progress of MAYD and is represented on the MAYD panel of organisers.

Village Infrastructure

Some of the necessary work to repair and/or install equipment has now been completed and the Council remains in good contact with its contractors over outstanding issues.

Traffic Working Group

The Council approved the purchase of a second Speed Indicator Device and will have discussions with Highways for location approvals in addition to those already in use. The next edition of Meldreth Matters should contain an up to date progress report on other issues being taken forward by the group; these are likely to include special markings on the railway bridge and the general question of speed limits in the village; a subject that will now be investigated with Highways. It is considered that lower speed limits on our village roads will hopefully have the desired effect of reducing traffic speeds but will also provide a more favourable background to the consideration of other traffic calming measures.

Other Issues

The Council has started to explore the establishment of a Time Bank in our village and will work closely with Melbourn in this respect.

Location of Future Meetings

The Council agreed that for the time being, its Council and Planning meetings will continue to be held at the Elin Way Community Room.

Next Meeting

The next Council meeting will be on Thursday 3rd November at 7.30pm.

Meldreth Parish Council

Planning Matters

Details of planning items have been omitted this month in order to save space. The minutes of the Parish Council planning meetings on 1st September and 6th October were not available online at the time of going to press. Other minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Details of SCDC decisions may be viewed on the following 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 Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cllr Helen Meridew 07787 734973 helenmeridew@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt (01763) 260909 nppellatt56@gmail.com

vacant

District and County Councillors’ Report

Local NHS Survey on Accessing Health and Care Services Health and care services have been under severe strain over the past few years. Please, if you can spare a few minutes, could you look at this survey on your own experience accessing the services you need, and how things might be improved? The ‘Integrated Care Partnership’ is our local NHS. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5YGGF3P.

Deadline is 10th November 2022. Thank you to all who are working in health and care, to look after us!

Future of Bus Services

This autumn we are in a period of uncertainty about the future of bus services. By the time you read this, the commercially run 915 bus operating between Royston-

Melbourn-Cambridge will have been withdrawn by Stagecoach – together with seventeen other services that the company operates in Cambridgeshire. This was a private company decision.

The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough then announced that £1.7 million would be allocated to keeping these services going until the end of the financial year. But keeping services going also depends on bus operators coming forward to run them. At the time of writing, we don’t know yet where things stand for the 915.

Meanwhile the 17 bus, which runs from Meldreth to Melbourn and Royston once per day, is subsidised by the Mayor’s Combined Authority until the end of the financial year. Ridership is low and that means that the cost of subsidising a single journey is high. A lot of bus services will be competing for a limited amount of subsidy and choices will have to be made by the Combined Authority about where to allocate that funding.

We will know a bit more as the weeks pass, but it’s clear that things are changing and not likely to go back to the way they were. Bus subsidies are drawn from council tax, which can only rise by a limited amount each year; and there are many essential services that will be competing for public money at local government level. Inflation alone has hugely increased the County Council’s budget gap for next year and planning to make ends meet is going to be tough.

Royston and District Community Transport: Drivers Needed

This fantastic organisation provides essential lifts for people who would be otherwise unable to travel, and especially, to reach medical appointments. Volunteer drivers are needed for the Melbourn and Meldreth area – can you help? Please ring (01763) 245228 to learn more.

Police in the Community

In 2022, we have three Police Community Support Officers covering the whole of South Cambridgeshire, which consists of over 100 villages and a couple of towns. We have invited the Police to attend two in-person public information evenings this autumn to learn more about their work on our behalf, and to hear concerns from the public. All our welcome to the following meetings:

 Melbourn Hub, 2nd November 7.30pm

 Bassingbourn Old School Community Centre (formerly The Limes, in the ‘old school’ building just next to Hattie’s in the High Street opposite Knutsford Road), 7 December 7.30pm.

‘Making Connections’ This consultation is important!

Bus improvements and Cambridge congestion charge: this consultation is now underway and runs till 23rd December. A once-in-a-generation change in the way buses are provided, greater bus frequency and reach, reducing congestion, improving air quality and a congestion charge for Cambridge, the revenue from

which would pay for the running of the bus network. Please, make your views known. The link is http://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/mc-2022.

EV Charging Provision

Questions continue to arise regarding EV charging provision for residential properties without on-site parking and access to home charging. In a vacuum of national EV charging planning, this is not something that can be comprehensively tackled by the District or County Councils.

SCDC with its housing remit is looking at options for providing a limited amount of communal EV charging on suitable communal property in its ownership, as well as further information on charging solutions. For example, the development of an app that tells you the nearest location for private property rented EV charging. It will be trialling communal charging points at Meldreth and Willingham Sheltered Housing car parks (great news for Meldreth). The Greater Cambridge Partnership is looking at increasing grid capacity for South Cambridgeshire, especially the south of the district.

Meanwhile, we asked Highways about the rights of property owners without private off-road parking to connect a charging cable submerged across the pavement. The answer: “The Department for Transport is considering guidance but we haven’t had an indication of when this might come.” Private householders can apply to put cables under footways through what is called a Section 50 licence – example here: https://gul-e.co.uk.

Melbourn Timebank

This organisation shares ideas, favours and skills, and company, to which all are welcome. There is strong support for Meldreth and MCCS is joining the Timebank and has been asked to share ideas around the food bank and warm spaces initiatives. Find out a little more by coming along:

 Tuesdays 10.00am-12 noon Dog Cafe at The Dolphin Pub, Melbourn

 Wednesdays 10.30am Wellbeing Walk from The Hub

 Thursdays 10.00am-12 noon Coffee morning at The Dolphin Pub More at https://www.facebook.com/melbourntimebank.

Mondays: Zoom Cuppa, 5.00-6.00pm

We hold a Zoom Cuppa Councillors’ surgery on Mondays from 5.00-6.00pm. Please let us know if you’d like to join us or contact us any time and we’ll arrange a time and means to meet or chat, to suit.

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

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

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

Rail News – A Good Future for our Train Service

Please Try the Train!

We have a partial half-hourly service now (peak time) but to restore a full halfhourly service, all day ridership needs to go up and stay up. It is now at about 6570% of pre-pandemic.

Meldreth Station Booking Office – Necessary Refurbishment Works

The walls have been crumbling inside Meldreth Station ticket office. Refurbishment was to have happened pre-pandemic and is now underway –apologies that we didn’t have this information in time to forewarn you. The office will be closed for a total of about ten weeks – but it is stressed that this is temporary and part of keeping a working ticket office in good order. The Meldreth ticket vending machine will be available for ticket purchase throughout this time. Staff along the line are aware of the temporary situation at Meldreth Station.

The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group regularly posts updates on its Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail. Or you may join our mailing list by contacting railusergroup@gmail.com.

Pay and Display Ticket Machine, Meldreth Station Car Park

Firstly, thank you to GTR for maintaining our amazingly cheap station parking rate - £1.60 at peak time and 60 pence after 10.00am.

From our rail operator: More people are opting to pay online, by app or by phone and the card-only machines are increasingly costly to maintain and upgrade, both in terms of hardware and software. We trialled the removal of machines at seven of our station car parks during the last year and no significant issues were raised. We’ve therefore taken the decision to phase them out over the next few months. Car Park users will be able to pay using one of the alternative methods provided by our car park managers, APCOA. These are: ·









On the APCOA Connect website, https://www.apcoaconnect.com

On the APCOA Connect app

By calling (01895) 262122

At ticket vending machines (at car parks without automatic number plate recognition)

We are conscious that this will be a change in routine for those who do use the machines, so we are working with APCOA to let customers know in advance via banners/posters, or stickers on the machines.

There is no change for Blue Badge holders - parking remains free.

We’re aiming to start this programme from the week commencing 17th October. The first stage will focus on car parks where there is no automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system. We will then take around four weeks to review the

plan, and then the second stage will be at our stations where ANPR is in place. We will review feedback through the project and will focus on helping people to move to the alternative methods as smoothly as possible.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com

Meldreth Parish Charities

comprising

Robert Halfhead (1658), Lettice Martin (1562), James Addlestone (1723)

Charity Number: 233979

These ancient bequests were set up to provide an annual income which was originally disbursed at the discretion of the Trustees. Over time, this purpose was modified by the introduction of the Welfare State and Social Benefits and subsequently the Trustees have been able to use the annual income to provide assistance to residents who have a particular need that cannot be met by normal sources of income or support.

A reminder that we are here to help

There is money available from these historic bequests to help Meldreth residents or village organisations with a particular financial need that cannot be met through normal sources of income or support.

For example:



Provision of books/equipment for students

 Costs involved in hospital visits, medical prescriptions

 Special payments to help with sudden financial need, or support in the case of illness or infirmity.

Applications are invited and can be made to any of the Trustees or the Clerk. Applications are, of course, treated as strictly confidential.

Trustees:

Mrs Ann Askham (01763) 262133, Mrs Jane Bates (01763) 261638 Mr Graham Borgonon (01763) 260358, Mrs Joan Fallon (01763) 262822

Clerk to the Trustees: Theresa O’Malley (01763) 260433

Theresa O’Malley Clerk to the Trustees

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk

Become a Home-Start Trustee and Empower Families With Us!

Due to the continued growth of our charity, we are looking for the right person(s) to join our fun team as a Trustee in each of the following areas: Chairperson, Treasurer and General Trustee. Full details of the Trustee job roles can be found on our website at www.hsrsc.org.uk/home-start-trustee-role.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that Home-Start achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Home-Start has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Board members have a collective responsibility, always acting as a group and not as individuals.

If you would like to find out more about the role and the impact of our work, please check our website: www.hsrsc.org.uk. Alternatively, please call us on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk (with "Trustee Role Enquiry" in the subject line) and a member of the team will get back to you.

Tracy Aggett

Fundraising Events Support Manager

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire Charity Number: 1105385

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

MCCS – Community Support

MCCS exists to provide support to Meldreth residents who may be struggling with the basics. Please read on if you think you may be interested or would like to contribute something (or both!).

MCCS Winter Emergency Food Bank

The Food Bank will be open at the Elin Way Community Room from the first Tuesday in November, from 10.00am-12.00 noon and then every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12 noon during the winter months.

Please feel free to contact Food Bank coordinator Jo on (07572) 443522 for support if Tuesdays are difficult for you. Another time for you to visit can be arranged.

Donations of food: please leave any donations of food or toiletries in the box at the end of the drive, 62 High St (opposite Elin Way) or ring Jo on 07572 443522.

Warm Hub

Helen Meridew and team will be running a regular ‘Warm Hub’ at the Elin Way Community Room from November. Hot drinks and biscuits, friendly company and a chance to be warm and a lovely warm space. Please keep your eye on village notice boards and social media for timings and further details. Once it gets going (just sorting out which afternoons it will be running) this will be run on a consistent schedule.

If you’d like to volunteer to help, please contact Helen on 07787 734973 or hmeridew@btinternet.com.

Cost of living support information has been collated in the South Cambs Magazine, and is constantly updated on the South Cambridgeshire District Council website: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support. This includes a range of financial and practical advice, and support for distress.

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders

Please remember that our team is always on hand for a friendly chat by phone, and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Our Zone leaders’ telephone numbers are below:

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

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

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

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

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

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

If you have any questions, please let us know.

County and District Councillors

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

Ofgem Energy Rebate Scam Emails

Energy prices increased on 1st October and in the two weeks leading up to Monday 5th September, over 1500 scam emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain, were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS).

The reported scam emails claim that the recipient is due an energy rebate payment as part of a government scheme and provide links for the recipient to follow to apply for the rebate. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information. All of the reported emails display the email subject header “Claim your bill rebate now” and the criminals behind the scam are using the Ofgem logo and colours to make the emails appear authentic. However, the emails ask recipients to “apply for an energy bill rebate before September 2020”, which prompted many recipients to realise that the emails were not genuine and subsequently report the scam.

As always, never click on the link in an unsolicited email. If you have doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly using contact details from their website, not from the email.

To report an email which you think may be a scam, send it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you're not certain that the email is a scam but it just feels suspicious, still send the email. It will be checked to see whether it is a scam. This will help to stop scam emails.

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

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

Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

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

Village Hall Bookings

Clubs & Societies

Sport

Church

Children

Facilities Councils & Govt.

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

Village Hall Chairman David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Chris Davison—(01763) 264189

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

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

Rev. Lizzie Shipp (01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk Rev. Mary Price (01763) 261569

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 John Price (Friends) (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com orJulia Moore—07403 462198 Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Hartbeeps Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

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

Parish Council Please see details at end of Parish Council report District Councillors Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303 District Council Offices 01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/ County Councillor Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com/ County Council Offices 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ MP Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Non- Emerg.

Misc.

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

Rail User Group 07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline www.thetrainline.com

Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

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

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

Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220

Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151

NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)

Citizens Advice Bureau Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk

Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk

Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency 999 or 112 Gas 0800 111 999

Electricity 0800 783 8838

Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk

Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org

Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk

Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk

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

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

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223

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

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578;

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

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