Meldreth Matters, October 2017

October 2017

In this issue ... Application to build 150 houses in Meldreth turned down Planned extensions and alterations to Primary School Events include ‌ Friends of Holy Trinity Talk Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning

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Meldreth Matters, October 2017 Contents include … Meldreth Events John Fallon Memorial Cup Match The Stink Pipes of Meldreth Events for Families Primary School Preschool Gardening Friends of Holy Trinity Football Fixtures Letters to the Editor District Councillor’s Report County Councillor’s Report County Councillor’s News Planning Parish Council Volunteering Opportunities WI and Women’s Group Elin Way Lunch Club Pet News Maycroft Photographic Club Local Events Link Murang’a Neighbourhood Watch News from Heidi Allen Advice Pages Village Directory Index to Advertisers

Page 2-3 5 6-7 8 10-13 15 16-17 18-19 20 21 23-25 26-27 29 30-33 37-43 45 46-47 47 49 50-51 53 54-55 56 58-59 60-61 62-65 66-67 68

Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters. The observant amongst you will have spotted that we have a new cover design, which we will be using from now on. As before, the photograph will change every month. This is our first cover change since 2013 and the first time since 2001 (with the exception of our 20th anniversary issue in 2008) that we have not used a map on the cover. We would also like to welcome Robin Farbridge to the MM team. Robin helped us out earlier this year and will be assisting me with the editing on a more regular basis from now on. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and discovering what is happening in the village. Please let us know what you think of our new cover design. Kathryn

Cover: Meldreth sign near Sheene Mill, made by Percy Cox to commemorate the Festival of Britain, 1951. Photograph by John Crawforth. The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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October Events in Meldreth Friday 6th October 8.30 - 11.00pm Live rock music with 'Stormchaser' Eternit Sports and Social Club, Whaddon Road All welcome, free entry, licensed bar with real ale, etc. Saturday 7th October, 10.30am - 12 noon Coffee Break Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way Our Coffee Break mornings continue to be popular. We serve coffee, tea and squash at very reasonable prices with a selection of biscuits included. We continue to support Meldreth’s Good Companions and were able, this year, to donate £100 towards the cost of the bus for their annual outing. All are welcome so please join us if you can and help us to continue to support our community. If you would like to use this venue for your own fundraising, please get in touch with me on (01763) 261365. Marion Long Saturday 7th October, 7.00pm for 7.30pm Home-Start Quiz Village Hall

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Monday 9th October, 10.00am - midday Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning Sheltered Housing Community Room, Meldreth 'Crime and Disorder in Nineteenth Century Meldreth' Capital punishment, transportation and prison with hard labour: just a few of the sentences handed down to Meldreth people in the nineteenth century. What kinds of crime had they committed? How were these punishments carried out? And what glimpses do we get into the lives of some of those who lived in our village at the time? John Crawforth, formerly Chief Probation Officer for Lancashire and Greater Manchester and a member of the Sentencing Council, has been researching this topic for the Meldreth Local History Group and will talk about some of the cases he has uncovered. All welcome; free refreshments provided. Friday 27th October, 7.30pm FOHT talk: Cambridge University Past and Present An illustrated talk by Dr Brian Cox, Praelector at Wolfson College Holy Trinity Church Tickets include wine and nibbles cost £7.50 (Friends £7.00). See page 18 for further details of how to buy tickets.

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The John Fallon Memorial Cup Match Meldreth Saturday and Meldreth Sunday football teams played each other on Wednesday 30th August in memory of John Fallon, who passed away in June. After a wet day, the rain cleared in time for the 6.00pm kick-off, which was preceded by a minute's silence. Meldreth Sundays quickly scored to take the lead, but Saturdays replied with an equaliser and then another goal, making them 2-1 up at halftime. Two more goals for Saturdays after the break gave them an unassailable lead and, although Sundays scored a consolation goal near the end, the final score was 4-2 to Saturdays, making them the inaugural winners of the John Fallon Memorial Cup. We would like to thank the players, referees and spectators for participating in the event, which has so far raised a total of ÂŁ208 for the Arthur Rank Hospice. Joan, Caroline & David Fallon

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The Stink Pipes of Meldreth! I wonder how many people have noticed a number of unusual pipes located around the village. The picture shows a rather ornate one on Whitecroft Road outside number 65. There is another example in the garden of 112 Whitecroft Road near the Fenny Lane junction and one just around the corner on the Kneesworth Road. Others are outside number 35 in Chiswick End and on Station Road opposite Valley Farm. These are sewer ventilation pipes or more colloquially stink/stench pipes. They were installed to vent the gases, especially the “rotten egg” smelling gas hydrogen sulphide, from the sewer pipes below the roads. This was in the early 1960s when the sewage system came to Meldreth. Before that most sewage would be discharged into local water courses or collected by hand from the outside toilets or cess pits by “night soil men”. With the introduction of household toilets connected to a sewage system, any build-up of gas in the pipes worked its way back up through the household toilets. The invention and installation of the ‘S-bend’ toilet, solved the problem of the backflow of gas for the householder but it made the gas build up in the sewage system worse thus necessitating the stench pipes. The problem of smells from discharged sewage into the River Thames became a major problem in London in the mid 1850s. It was eventually solved by the ingenious sewage system designed by Joseph Bazalgette and following the introduction of this system stench pipes started to appear in London. This may have been related to a scheme designed by 6

Sir Goldsworthy Gurney to try and solve the problem of smells at the Houses of Parliament. He constructed a pipe alongside Big Ben’s tower and tried to burn off the gases from the top. It was rumoured that he almost blew up the Houses of Parliament! (1854/55 Mr Gurney’s report, 1857/58 Report from the Select Committee on the River Thames). Stink pipes were made of cast iron and then covered in concrete. The original cast iron framework can be seen on the one at 65 Whitecroft Road; all the others still have the concrete covering. I have not been able to identify the manufacturer of the ones in Meldreth but the company that made one in Harston is still in existence: Ham Baker & Co Ltd. The Meldreth Local History website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, has more information and pictures of all of the Meldreth pipes. Some of this information has come from an article in the Melbourn Magazine of Spring 2017 written by Peter Simmonett. Have you seen any other stink pipes? Please let me know at brucehuett@compuserve.com or telephone (01763) 232855 (takes messages). Bruce Huett Meldreth Local History Group

Meldreth Local History Group Change to Meeting Dates From now on, Meldreth Local History Group will meet on the first and third Mondays of the month only. Our meetings take place in the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way from 9.30-11.30am and anyone who has information or photographs of the village that they would like to share is welcome to join us. Meeting dates will be shown in the centre pages diary of Meldreth Matters each month. For more information on the Group or Meldreth past and present, please see www.meldrethhistory.org.uk or email info@meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Local History Group 7

What’s On for Children and Families in October These events are taking place in the local area. For Meldreth events, please see pages 2-3. Saturday 7th October, 11.00am – 4.00pm Houghton Mill Scone Baking Day, Houghton PE28 2AZ Find out about Houghton Mill scones and try making your own. Free, no need to book. Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October, 10.00am – 6.00pm Ploughing Festival, Prickwillow Museum, Ely CB7 4UN Horses, tractor ploughing, classic cars, stalls, children’s rides, music and refreshments. Admission £7.50, under 16s free. Tel (01353) 720737. Saturday 14th October, 11.00am – 1.00pm ReSource – Degas’s Figures in Motion, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1QA Expand your drawing skills guided by a guest artist. Sketch in the gallery then develop your work using oil pastels. Ages 13 – 18. £5. Booking essential. Ring (01223) 332904. Monday 16th – Sunday 29th October Cambridge Festival of Ideas, various venues and times See www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk for the full programme or ring (01223) 766766 to book. Monday 23rd October, 11.00am – 4.00pm Imposter!! Whipple Museum, Free School Lane CB2 3RH Join Whipple detectives for a family hunt for fakes and forgeries then try to make your own forgery. (Festival of Ideas). Wednesday 25th October, 6.30 – 9.00pm A Festival of Light, Botanic Gardens, Cambridge CB2 1JE Visit a light-based installation in the glass houses, create a lantern, contribute to an art work in the garden, listen to Indian music and sample Indian food and drink. Free but pre-booking required. Tickets from: www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk. (Festival of Ideas). Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th, October, 11.00am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.00pm Woolly Mammoth Fun Days, Saffron Walden Museum, CB10 1JL Learn about mammoths and see a real tusk, models of a sabre-toothed tiger and a wolf. Drop-in. Adults £2.50 admission, children free. 8

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Meldreth Primary School Vacancies for Governors Would you like to enhance your CV whilst giving back to the local community? Do you have spare time to dedicate to governance within a local school? If so, the Governing Body of Meldreth Primary School is seeking to recruit new Co-Opted School Governors to enrich the existing skills mix. The current board has gaps in the following areas: Legal Finance However, a background in these areas is not essential. Dedication to the role and time are vital. Full training with regards to School Governance is provided.

Role of a School Governor: To contribute to the work of the governing board in ensuring high standards of achievement for all children and young people in the school by: ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school monitoring the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent. If you think you have the skills we are looking for and would like to join the team then please contact Emma Tidby, Chair of Governors, Meldreth Primary School. Email: Chair@meldreth.cambs.sch.uk. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children 10

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk 21st Century Classrooms at Meldreth Primary School July saw the end of another successful academic year at Meldreth Primary School allowing us to celebrate yet more achievements for our pupils and the school. We are currently enjoying hearing news from pupils who recently moved on to secondary schools and have been sharing their new experiences with us. This academic year we are very excited as a school community and are looking forward to important new developments which have been planned for our school building, which will be commencing in the forthcoming year. As you may be aware, the pupil roll at Above: the proposed elevations Meldreth Primary School has been steadily increasing in recent years and new housing developments have been proposed both in and around the village. To meet this additional demand for places in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire County Council have planned a government-funded building scheme to provide more high quality primary school places in our area and we are pleased to announce proposals to expand our school to 210 places. We were pleased to see so many representatives from our local community at the recent planning consultation event in school. New plans have taken all feedback into account and will mean that we will no longer be using the original classroom sizes built in 1910 and will be extending our existing learning space with three new classrooms, cloakrooms, toilet facilities and a large open-plan learning corridor for additional learning activities. Hard and soft play and social areas, including the creation of a hard PE court are planned, alongside provision of additional car and cycle parking spaces and two new canopies to allow all-weather play for our youngest pupils. The project 11

Above: the proposed floor plan will be completed with landscape planting throughout the site and new allotment spaces provided for our busy Gardening Club. Accommodation is also planned to allow for the relocation and possible expansion of Meldreth Preschool which currently uses the Village Hall. Subject to a satisfactory planning process, it is intended that the construction work will commence in February 2018, with a view to us occupying the new buildings from the October 2018 half term. This means that we will be able to start the 2018-19 academic year with seven classes, with the first half term in our existing space prior to building handover, thus removing the need for difficult decisions when splitting year groups for children in our older classes. From February 2018, there may be implications to the already difficult parking situation around the school. There will be no on-site parking for staff and visitors and we plan some reorganisation of the school day to allow parents a longer window of opportunity to drop off and collect their children from school. We hope to have additional information available soon in order to alleviate any potential difficulties. Safeguarding our pupils is of the utmost importance to the school, our governors and our project team. Therefore regular meetings are being 12

held with the school, principal contractor and project consultants to ensure layout plans and project timescales minimise the impact on dayto-day activities of the school whilst works are being carried out. Site plans are available on our school website news pages at www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk and it is our intention to keep a pictorial record of the build and post updates here too. As with many building projects, Meldreth Primary would like to place a time capsule in the building's foundations. We intend that each class will make a contribution to the capsule, about which more details will follow. The planning reference number S/0244/17/CC can be entered online at http://planning.cambridgeshire.gov.uk where you can find all the information that has been submitted as part of the planning application. We look forward to working with you during this period so that our school facilities are improved for the benefit of all current and future Meldreth children and their families. Sasha Howard Headteacher

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Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschool.com This term we have been welcoming familiar faces and new starters to the preschool after the summer break. Although we were very sorry to lose our excellent manager, Cassie, just before the summer holidays, the committee have been hard at work over the last six weeks trying to find someone to replace her. We are pleased to announce that we have found someone who is more than capable of stepping into the role and building on our current success. Her name is Lianne Beer and she is from Meldreth, so will already be a familiar face to many of the local families. She is an excellent childcare practitioner with plenty of experience and lots of amazing ideas, so we are very much looking forward to her starting at the end of September. Until then, our amazing team comprising Louise and Lucy will be running the show, with help from Jolene Cole, who has come on board for some sessions and may also be known to you. Jolene is another experienced childcare professional and a welcome addition to the team. We are also going to have some help from another new team member, Sofi, who will be joining us during some of our busier sessions to ensure that everything is running smoothly. We still have places available and will be hosting some open days this month, so check our website for details or come and visit us for a look around. We cater for children from the age of two until they start school, so it’s the perfect way to kickstart your child’s learning journey. For further information or to book a visit, contact us: by telephone: 07518 173653 By email: Administrator@MeldrethPreschool.com or Manager@MeldrethPreschool.com. Meldreth Preschool

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Notes from a Small Garden I hope those of you who managed to get to the monthly coffee morning in Elin Way enjoyed the fruit and veg show put on by Veg Plus club in early September. There were marvellous displays of beans, tomatoes, potatoes and lovely autumn bunches of flowers. Sherida had done a splendid display of about 20 herbs all in their separate test tubes and beautifully labelled. Others had bought old tools and useful books. My tools were inherited from my parents and always remind me of them when I use them, although the garden spade is now so worn down and sharp, it’s best used as an edging tool. But the pièce de résistance was the celebration cake (pictured left) made by Jane and Jim’s granddaughter, Elizabeth. Thank you Elizabeth - it was delicious! Looking round our rather windswept garden, I have been noting the successes this year. Roses that flower twice (mainly David Austin) have done very well, especially the Pilgrim, a gorgeous primrose coloured quartered rose which is paler in the middle. Alas, I have lost the label of another favourite David Austin rose, an arching white rose which has an apricot centre. My other big success this year has been our leeks. They were all planted out in early June which may have something to do with it! I have never been in a position to make leek and potato soup in August before. My tomatoes have been so so, but I have managed not to buy any lettuces for about three months now; a great boon. My fellow Veg Plus clubbers have had great success with their courgettes, as well as beetroot and peppers. I should have lifted the rest of our potatoes at the time of writing as slugs have been at them. A memo for next year; do come and join us as we are always looking for new members. The next meeting will be at 5.30pm on Tuesday 17th October at Sandra and Paul Ray’s house, 45 North End. 16

Things to do in October: ⇒ Divide established rhubarb plants to create new crowns ⇒ Cut back perennials which have died down ⇒ Continue to pick apples, pears and nuts ⇒ Collect seed heads you want to sow next year ⇒ Think about which new spring bubs you want to plant next year and order them. The RHS suggests pruning climbing roses in October, which I usually do in February. What do readers think? Good gardening! Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

Fruits of Meldreth Do you have a favourite recipe using plums, cherries, apples, crab apples, pears, quinces or any other fruit grown in Meldreth? Are you happy to share your recipe with others? If so, please email or send your recipe to: Hilary Crawforth, 1 Chiswick End, Meldreth SG8 6LZ, hilaryjcrawforth@btopenworld.com I shall be making a Meldreth recipe book to sell at the Christmas Tree Festival on 2nd and 3rd December and would love to include your recipe. Sweet and savoury recipes, starters, main dishes, desserts, jams, jellies and chutneys are all welcome. If your recipe has a story I’d love to hear it – has it been in the family for generations? How did you come across it? Who likes to eat it? Please remember to let me have your name and contact details in case of queries. I looking forward to hearing from you before 14th October. Hilary Crawforth 17

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Sunday 3rd September 13th Annual Churchyard Car show On a rather gloomy day with a short light shower, the show attracted more people than last year with receipts much the same. This year there was a mix of new exhibits and some popular ones from previous years covering veteran pre and post war and classic cars with a definite sporting flavour. The oldest was a 1913 Buick and on the sporting front an iconic Lotus Elite with its most distinctive feature of a highly innovative fibreglass monocoque construction. In addition there was a mixture of motorbikes and a couple of vintage bicycles. There were two other attractions. There was a display of pre war and classic prams belonging to Anne Bartle which brought back memories to a number of mothers. For the children, Peter Hinton had a bell ringing set up, but with the bells not striking but swinging in the bell chamber. This allowed children on the ground floor to pull a bell rope and, via a CCTV camera, see the bell swinging high up in the bell tower together with synchronised electronic bell sounds in the ringing chamber. This proved to be very popular and many children tried their hand; maybe some will come along to Peter’s weekly introduction to bell ringing. To complete the afternoon tea and cakes were served in the Meeting Room.

This Month’s Event: 27th October, 7.30pm - Cambridge University Past and Present An illustrated talk by Dr Brian Cox, Praelector at Wolfson College Tickets include wine and nibbles cost £7.50 (Friends £7.00) from: Robert Long (01763) 261365 Mary Gregory (01763) 260120 John Price (01763) 260048 Peter Chilvers (01763) 260742 18

Forthcoming Events: 24th November - Flanders and Swan Revisited A reminder of their comic songs by Peter Chapman and Mike O’Neill January 2018 - Annual Supper Date to be confirmed March 2018 - The Story of Saffron in East Anglia and Beyond by Dr Sally Francis. Date to be confirmed. John Price

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting again on Tuesday 17th October at 8.00pm at 85 North End, Meldreth. Please feel free to join us for this time of quietness, meditation and prayer. Please contact me if you would like further details. Marion Long (01763) 261365 Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only ÂŁ6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 19

Meldreth Football Club Fixtures Saturday team home fixtures (subject to change) Saturday 14th October, 3.00pm Saturday 11th November, 2.00pm Saturday 18th November, 2.00pm Saturday 9th December, 2.00pm Saturday 16th December, 2.00pm Sunday team home fixtures (subject to change) Sunday 1st October, 10.30am Sunday 29th October, 10.30am Sunday 12th November, 10.30am Sunday 26th November, 10.30am Sunday 10th December, 10.30am Joan Fallon

Meldreth Futures Group The Parish Council currently has funds available Your ideas are important We need ideas of projects that are beneficial to this village so the funds can be released. Visit our website, www.meldrethfutures.org.uk, for further information and an application form. We can help you complete the form if necessary. To contact us email admin@meldrethfutures.org.uk or contact our Parish Clerk, Judy Damant, on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk. Joan Gane on behalf of Meldreth Futures Group 20

Letters to the Editor Dog Fouling on the Playing Field We are appealing to dog owners who walk their pets on the recreation ground. The football season has started and we are finding dog mess on the football pitch every week, which is very annoying. It gets onto the players’ boots and on their football kits, then the person who washes the kits has to deal with this mess on them. In addition, it is dangerous if ingested by young children, who also use the playing fields. There are three dog bins around the recreation ground. Please use them or bag your dog’s mess and take it home. Thank you. The Two Meldreth Football Clubs

Cream Teas at Holy Trinity Although we did not attract many ‘passers-by’ our Cream Tea afternoon in August at Holy Trinity was very pleasant and I would like to thank everyone who came and supported us, and for those who donated home-made scones for us to enjoy. We raised £123 which has been given to support the church. Thank you again. Marion Long

Witnesses Needed Were you travelling by train on the evening of Thursday 20th July? The train left Cambridge at 8.56pm and stopped in Meldreth at 9.12pm for longer than usual. Did you witness an incident when a woman wearing red trousers fell from the train when the door closed on her? Please get in touch if you did on 07711 500596. Belinda Brown 21

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District Councillor’s Report Marley Application Turned Down at Planning Committee You may already have learnt of this verdict on the Marley outline planning application for 150 houses on the old Atlas site. It is the right decision and one which your representatives on Parish, District and County Councils and the Marley Eternit Working Group, worked very hard to achieve. The site was unanimously deemed unsustainable, too large, remote and lacking in services. In any event it was also deemed unlikely to play a part in solving the five year housing land supply given how lengthy the remediation operation to clean up site contamination would be likely to take. It should be noted that over fifty letters from Marley employees had latterly been received by the Planning Department in support of the application and that the Secretary of Eternit Sports and Social Club also attended Planning Committee and spoke in support of the application. I should not want this result in any way to be interpreted as criticising a local employer, nor our failing as a community to support jobs in our parish. Local Plan update SCDC Head of Planning has told members that 1675 homes are needed to be delivered in the District per year for 20 years and that it is contemplated that there will be 44,100 jobs generated in that time. The Local Plan has been suspended for almost as long as I have been a District Councillor but it is something to be able to report that the examination in public finished in July 2017! The Inspector’s report is expected autumn 2017 which may require potential modifications to be made by SC Planning Department. With a following wind, adoption of the Plan is hoped for early 2018, by which time the Council will be starting to consult on the next Local Plan! Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor The Mayor, James Palmer, has had his plans to increase his budget for staffing his office by £500,000 over his campaign pledge of £1.3million thwarted by the Combined Authority Scrutiny and Overview Committee calling the decision in. The Committee also expressed concerns over consultancy fees which run into hundreds of thousands of pounds and which do not appear as staffing costs, even though they are. As required by the call in, the Combined Authority Board held an EGM on 4th September but in the intervening time the Mayor had capitulated 23

in part and revised the budget increase he initially sought, reducing it by £150k of the extra ask. The Board decided to endorse this revised model and the Scrutiny Committee was thanked for reminding Board members that their decisions need to be accountable, reasoned and transparent. Combined Authority Transport Strategy Various projects have been given the green light by the Combined Authority to be explored which include a rapid transport strategy for Cambridge, possible dualling of the A10 and improving the A47 to improve connectivity for the Fens. None of this is set in stone and in the meantime Planning Committee is passing planning permissions for hundreds of new houses in advance of any prospect of infrastructure improvements. As I have said previously, we have hitherto been lucky in Meldreth to have only had one really large application on the Marley site to have had to deal with. Bin Collection The Environmental Services Portfolio Holder has recommended to SCDC Cabinet that the council moves to a mixed recycling strategy. As I understand it this means that there will no longer be a separate paper caddy within the blue bin and all dry recycling will be able to be disposed of together. I will have more information in due course. Elite Athlete Award Scheme The Elite Athlete Award Scheme opened for applications on 1st September with £10,000 available to help support local elite athletes reach their potential. The scheme is open to both able-bodied and disabled athletes who live in South Cambridgeshire, whether competing regionally, making progress nationally or representing Team GB. Grants can be used to fund any aspect of equipment, training or competition costs. The maximum grant award will be £2,000 per applicant. Full details and an online application form can be found at: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/eliteathlete. Enquiries should be directed to: duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713070 Community Chest Grants There has recently been a windfall of £30,000 into the Community Chest administered by SCDC owing to a community project not getting off the ground. Local groups and charities are invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 for identified projects or contributions towards them. The Community Chest Grants scheme is available to voluntary and community sector groups and Parish Councils and funding is 24

allocated on a first come, first served basis. Awards are decided at the Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder's meeting (usually monthly). For further information on eligibility and the information needed to support an application please go to www.scambs.gov.uk/communitychest. National Non Domestic Rates Local Discretionary Relief Recent government changes to business rates, although they have benefitted some businesses, have also resulted in a number of small businesses having their rates increased dramatically. The District Council has a ring-fenced amount of money and runs a discretionary scheme for businesses experiencing hardship as a result of the changes. For more information please contact Katie Brown, Revenues Manager on katie.brown@scambs.gov.uk or (01954) 713109. Community Housing Groups to Receive Boost from Council On 12th September the Housing team at South Cambridgeshire will be launching a new community-led housing initiative. The Department for Communities and Local Government’s Community Housing Fund recently awarded both South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council just over £50,000 each in grant funding to help boost the provision of affordable homes delivered by community-led housing groups. The two Councils have decided to pool their funds and embark upon a year-long pilot of advice, support and funding for community groups to kick start their housing ambitions. At a Parish Forum on 12th September details of how community-led housing groups can apply, on a competitive basis, to the Council for up to £4,500 in grant funding was due to be released. This funding is intended to help communities to develop their ideas for community-led housing, explore opportunities in their local area and form a legally recognised entity in order to further their plans. For more information please contact Emily Mulvaney emily@clteast.org or on (01353) 668985 or 07766 991145.

at

Councillor Philippa Hart Meldreth and Shepreth Ward 01763 261255 or 07811 323571 philippajhart@brinternet.com

25

County Councillor’s Report The following report was presented at the Meldreth Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 7th September. Marley Planning Committee Representation Thank you to Philippa Hart for reading out my representation at the meeting on 6th September, which I was unable to attend due to being away. Meldreth Station Sign It has been pointed out that the Meldreth Station signage could be made clearer and more prominent. If the Parish Council would like to approach this together with the Rail User Group, we can do so. Third Party Funding for Highways Projects It is becoming more difficult to advance small highways schemes that County Highways are unable to support. The Local Highways Initiative (LHI) is one route and the other is third party funding, which is premised upon a 100% contribution and now requires a payment of £250 simply to start discussion. There is no special leverage for councillors to get this process moving without the down payment. Children’s Centre Consultation While Meldreth itself does not house a children’s centre, young families access those in Bassingbourn and Melbourn. As a result of this year’s council tax freeze, the County Council needs to make an additional £5 million in cuts. The proposed scaling down and redesign of children’s centre services will provide £1 million of that sum. Bassingbourn is one of nineteen proposed for closure, while Melbourn will be ‘redesignated’, although information about what this means is vague. Overall, the change will mean the loss of universal walk-in services and a continuing trend to targeted need, and some would say, unhelpful stigmatisation. Many councillors have been working over the summer to persuade the council to hold local consultation events; for our area this has been scheduled for 14th September at Bassingbourn Children’s Centre. There is no event for Melbourn. Mobile Telephone Masts Thanks for adding this to the agenda. It would appear that there has been some improvement in service. I’ve asked Heidi Allen’s office if they could liaise with mobile phone providers, as this is something that does not fall in the remit of Connecting Cambridgeshire (which is limited to broadband). 26

Bus User Group and Community Transport The 128 bus service has now moved to a new operator under a new contract. Unfortunately, we were not warned by the County Council that fares would be rising so dramatically. This has been very difficult for those without entitlement to a bus pass. The council says that fares have not risen for many years and ‘should probably have risen more.’ On the plus side, we still have a bus service – though we will have to fight even harder in this year’s council budget to retain the subsidy upon which it depends. Meanwhile the Department for Transport has issued new guidance for community transport providers that inhibits their potential to provide group lifts on a regular basis. This comes at a time when councils are reducing subsidies to run basic bus services and community transport providers are trying to step up to the plate to help people who are left stranded. But by upgrading the service they provide, to meet need, community transport providers are entering new territory that the Department for Transport is now looking to regulate more stringently. This is because the Department for Transport is being asked by other transport providers (taxi and bus companies) for a level playing field of regulation. This is understandable of course, but it doesn’t necessarily sort out lack of transport. Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

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County Councillor’s News Drop-in Surgery: Susan van de Ven and Philippa Hart These take place on the first Monday of every month, from 3.00-4.00pm at the Melbourn Hub. Alternatively, contact us any time with your queries or concerns. New Station Platform Tubs and Quirky Platform Party Our Community Rail Partnership has received a grant to install new weather-proof flower tubs at Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Stations. Some of the old wooden tubs have started to deteriorate, depending on where in the elements they sit and pose a hazard. The new tubs will be installed in October and will coincide with the completion of platform lengthening at Shepreth and Foxton Stations. We’ll be having a Quirky Station Platform Party to celebrate at 2.00pm on Saturday 28th October at Shepreth Station. Please come along to raise a teacup and enjoy a slice of cake. Transport User Groups As you know, we have set up user groups for several types of transport – bus, rail and cycle - because this has proven to be an effective way of advancing collective concerns. They all meet on a quarterly basis. Making the case and advancing the cause depends on a good underpinning group, so please do feel free to come along just to listen to what it’s all about. Our October meetings are as follows: Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group 4th October, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, at the Elin Way Community Room. Govia Thameslink and Network Rail will be attending. A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign 11th October, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, at Royston Town Hall. Susan van de Ven County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574

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Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Land Rear of 19-21 Whitecroft Road S/2553/17/OL

Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved apart from access for the erection of two dwellings and change of use of part field/paddock to ecological amenity land

32 Station Road (Fieldgate Nurseries) S/2465/17/FL 7 Brewery Lane, Agricultural barn at rear of Brewery Farm S/2346/17/FL

Retrospective replacement single storey storage shed

Vote taken with four Councillors in agreement of recommending Object and one against. The Parish Council Recommended Object with comments. The proposed dwellings were outside the village framework and the integrity of the village envelope should be protected. Councillors were concerned that if this application was allowed it would set a precedent for encroachment into the countryside. The Parish Council did not want the application to be referred to the South Cambridgeshire District Council Planning Committee Vote taken with all Councillors in agreement of recommending Support.

34 Chiswick End S/2319/17/FL

Demolition and replacement of existing detached garage

Conversion of Vote taken with all Councillors in existing barn into a agreement of recommending Support. single dwelling including a single storey extension to the west and proposed carport Vote taken with all Councillors in agreement of recommending Object. The Parish Council Recommended Object with comments. The size of the proposed garage is not on the scale of a domestic garage, being four times the size of what is currently there. The industrial nature of the proposed construction materials are not suitable for a residential village setting.

56 Whitecroft Two storey rear Meldreth Parish Council recommend Road extension and 'Support' with no comments S/276117/FL detached garage 30

Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Scrap Yard, Chiswick End S/3529/17/OL

Erection of 6 dwellings with associated access and car parking

The outline application has been changed from 5 dwellings to 6. One dwelling has been turned into two semi-detached dwellings. Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Support' with comments. All concerns raised in the past appear to have been addressed.

85 High Street Installation of gas S/2528/17/LB boiler that will require the addition of a horizontal flue and condensate pipe to the rear of the property, the removal of two oil storage tanks and replacement of oil pipework with gas pipework Meldreth Development of the Primary existing 171 place School Primary School to S/0244/17/CC include two single storey extensions, 2 canopies, additional car and cycle parking, hard PE court together with hard and soft landscaping to enable it to expand to a 210 place Primary School

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Support' with no comments. Councillor Young abstained.

Orchard Lodge,80A High Street S/2724/17/FL

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'Support' with comments. 'If permission is granted for this application that the cabin it will not be sold as a separate dwelling to 80a High Street.

Erection to 'The Master Annexe' - single storey, two bedroom log cabin to be located to the side of existing property as ancillary accommodation 31

The Parish Council have concerns about parking issues during the construction period. The carpark at the Village Hall belongs to the Parish Council and is used daily especially during school times. The Parish Council would like to reiterate that construction vehicles are parked onsite. However, school staff may use the Village Hall car park. It must be made clear that the Village Hall car park is well used by other users of both the Village Hall and recreation ground and is also used by staff and parents of the nursery and is especially busy during drop off and pick up times from the nursery.

Planning Matters Reference and Address

Detail

63 High Street S/2507/17/TP

Robinia (T30) reduce There were no concerns raised. height by 20% because of excessive shading and to encourage growth to lower branches. Ash (no TPO) reduce height by 20% because of excessive shading and to encourage growth of lower branches Proposed alterations Meldreth Parish Council recommend and extension 'Support' with no comments. Councillor Searles abstained. Erection of a new Parish Council recommend 'Support' single storey school with no comments. Proposed by building and Councillor Goddin, seconded by associated works, Councillor Land all agreed. including demolition of adjacent single storey building.

4 Stone Lane S/2845/17/FL Meldreth Manor School S/2953/17/FL

Parish Council Recommend

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

SCDC Decisions Reference and Address

Decision

5 Whitecroft Road S/1921/17/FL

Permission has been granted for first floor extension above existing single storey garage. Councillors asked that their surprise and disappointment at this decision be noted.

Court Stables, 114 High Street S/0700/17/FL

Permission has been refused for construction of a single storey dwelling and carport within existing private garden, with new driveway access off highway.

34 Chiswick End S/2319/17/FL

Permission has been granted permission for demolition and replacement of existing detached garage. 32

Other Planning Items: S106 Agreement for land at rear of 79 High Street. The application was due to go before the SCDC Planning Committee on 9th August 2017 when the S106 agreement was due to be discussed. The District Councillor has been contacted by the case officer in regards as to what the Parish Council would be looking for. At the moment they have highlighted play equipment, sports provision and local community space but there may be other projects which the Parish Council may be looking into. It was stated that the Parish Council had asked for this application to go to the South Cambridgeshire District Council Planning Committee. As part of the process a representative from the village was invited to speak at the meeting for three minutes. A discussion took place on the neighbouring Maycroft Home and the impact this proposal was likely to have on the vulnerable residents. It was felt that no account had been taken of the needs of these residents. Safety issues regarding the access to the High Street were also a concern. The Chairman asked if there was a member of the Parish Council free to attend. Councillor Land advised that, if work commitments allow, he would attend the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council. Councillor Young would also contact a concerned resident to see if he was available. It was agreed that Councillor Searles would compile a statement for the representative to read. If there was nobody available then the statement would be sent to the Planning Committee Chairman even though it was recognised that this was not standard procedure. A discussion then took place on the Section 106 requirement should the application be successful. The Chairman had circulated a draft of requirements, amounting to a total of ÂŁ65,000. It was agreed that this be submitted as part of this application. Land at rear of 19-21 Whitecroft Road Note from SCDC. In accordance with the Council's scheme of delegation these were considered by the Chair of the Planning Committee and the Head of Development Management on 14th August 2017. The Parish Council did not request that this be looked at by the Planning Committee (see minutes 3rd August item 5.1). Marley/Eternit Development: Councillor Goddin reported to the Council that the matter had been discussed at the SCDC Planning Committee on 6th September and a vote was taken of 12-0 to refuse the application. However, it must be remembered that the application may still go to appeal.

Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s Note: Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 33

Meldreth Village Monday 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-midday Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning, Elin Way 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thur

2.00-4.00pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm 6.00-7.00 Brownies Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis 7.30pm Paris

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

6.00-7.00 Brownies

7.30pm WI

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00-10.00pm Crafters 9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30am Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 5.30pm Veg Club Plus, 45 North End 7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 8.00pm Prayer Group

6.00-7.00 Brownies

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

10.00am-12.00 Handbells

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

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

School half term holiday is the week beginning 23rd October

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownie room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the lay-by oppos 34

e Diary - October

sday

Friday

Good

m Fitness

8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Music with Stormchaser, Eternit Sports & Social Club (see page 2)

m Table

Saturday 10.30am - 12 noon Community Coffee Break 7.00 for 7.30pm Home-Start Quiz (sold out)

h Council

Sunday 9.45am Harvest Festival: Family Communion & Sunday School 8.00am 5.30pm Meat Holy Raffle, BQ Communion 3.30-5.30pm Messy Church (back page) 5.30pm Meat Raffle, BQ

m Fitness 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School 5.30pm Meat Raffle, BQ

m Fitness

1.00pm Elin Way Lunch Club (see page 47)

8.00am Holy Communion

7.30pm FOHT Talk, Holy Trinity (see page 18)

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School 5.30pm Meat Raffle, BQ

5.30pm Meat Raffle, British Queen

m Table

m Fitness

m Table

The copy deadline for the November issue of Meldreth Matters is Thursday 12th October To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

North End. Cam Valley Crafters, Good Companions, Meldreth Local History Group and the es, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting ite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. 35

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extract of the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 7th September 2017 in Meldreth Village Hall. Present: Councillor R Goddin - Chairman, Councillor N Pellatt – Vice Chairman, Councillor C J Fallon, Councillor R James, Councillor A Keena, Councillor C A Land, Councillor D Lee, Councillor R A Searles and Councillor A Young In attendance: J Damant (Clerk); Councillor S van de Ven (CCC) Apologies for absence: Councillor P Hart (SCDC) Public Participation There were six members of the public in attendance. Mrs P Gilmore, of the Meldreth Futures Working Group, updated the Council on her work on a map of the village which will include all village amenities. Mrs Gilmore also asked that if there were any other items the Parish Council feel should be included. Mrs Gilmore believes that the map should be placed in the Clerk's office with another copy placed somewhere else, possibly in the Village Hall. Councillor Young congratulated and thanked Mrs Gilmore for all her hard work. District Councillor Report See pages 23-25. County Councillor Report See pages 26-27. Marley Eternit Working Group The group was set up to look at the issue of the proposed development. It was agreed that the group now be disbanded, as the application has been refused planning permission by SCDC, but with the option to reinstate if needed. Meldreth Futures Working Group There have been two applications for funding which the Meldreth Futures Group have looked at. It was agreed to donate £200 from the Community Benefit to the Christmas Tree event. The application from the Tavern Writers is still under review. Councillor Young reported 37

that the working group is presently looking into play equipment for older children. Village Traffic Working Group The first meeting will be held 26th September in the Green Room. Marley Eternit: Proposed Development of 150 Dwellings The application was discussed at the SCDC planning meeting at SCDC on 6th September. Councillor Goddin, Mr P Kratz (planning lawyer), Councillor Hart and Councillor van de Ven were all in attendance and spoke against the application. The matter went to a vote and it was 12-0 in favour of refusing the application on various grounds. However, it must be noted that the applicant may still take this matter to appeal. Pavilion Construction Locks: it has been suggested that the changing rooms need locking during matches. It was proposed that the Parish Council install a lock plate so individual teams can bring their own padlock Painting: it was agreed that a professional painter be contracted to finish off the painting and for contractors to give their suggestions on how best this can be done, particularly for the shower areas. Security: a protocol for the CCTV has been produced and is being finalised. Management Programme: cleaning will commence on Friday 15th September 2017. Cleaning is to be monitored to establish if it is needed or whether users will abide by their agreements to clean after use. It is hoped that the pavilion is used by many groups/individuals not just the Football and Tennis Clubs. It was also suggested that the pavilion be advertised for use by other groups or individuals; this to be reviewed in twelve months. Pavilion Agreements and Payments: it has already been agreed that the Saturday Football Club will pay £300 per annum, invoiced in three instalments. The matter on what to charge village team users was discussed. It was suggested and agreed that the Sunday Football and Meldreth Tennis Clubs be charged the same but be credited with £300 for the work they do in preparing the football pitch and raising funds for the recent major upgrade of the tennis courts; one of which is available for public use. General pavilion use is set at £5 per hour. 38

Mettle Hill A site safety survey has now been carried out by Bidwells. Some questions were raised in the report regarding asbestos and isolation of sewage, water and electricity. The Clerk will check with CCC, as they were the previous owners, to see that all supplies have been disconnected to check with SCDC regarding building regulations to see if asbestos was used in the buildings. It was agreed that based on the survey the Parish Council should now go out to companies who can carry out the work necessary to make the area safe. Local Highway Improvement Scheme The deadline for submission is 30th September 2017. It was agreed to resubmit last year's application for the dilapidated verges along North End. The Clerk will contact Councillor van de Ven to see why last year’s application was turned down and if the Parish Council can make the case stronger. Playground All equipment appears to be in good working order apart from a rotten piece of wood on the trip trail stepping stone and the large swings matting which needs some attention. Clerk is meeting with Sovereign to look at putting in a play tower once the hedging has been removed. Recreation Ground Ditch Clearance: tenders have been received to clear the ditch, which must be done before any of the companies can tender for maintenance and repairs to the banks on the ditch. SP Landscapes were awarded the job and will be clearing the neighbouring ditch for SCDC in November and it is hoped that both ditches will be cleared at the same time. Once this has been done, further tenders will be needed to repair the banks along the ditch. Maintenance: tenders have been received to clear hedges at the play area along with other maintenance work needed in the recreation ground. It was agreed that SP Landscapes be awarded the contract to clear the hedge/trees within the recreation ground. Horse Chestnut Tree at Stocks Tenders have been received to maintain the horse chestnut tree at the Stocks. It was agreed to award the contract to Acacia. Proposed Closure of the Railway Crossing on Footpath 10 An inquiry on all proposed rail crossings in Cambridgeshire will run for 39

four weeks commencing 28th November. There were 72 reported objections for the whole scheme. However, this footpath was not mentioned. Councillor James thought it important to reiterate that the Footpaths and Rail-user groups should give feedback and also look into accidents on the bridge. The deadline for submitting this information is the end of October. Councillor James will go through the documents which are in the Clerk's office. Defibrillators Village Hall: the defibrillator and case have been ordered. Red telephone box: the maintenance work needed at the telephone box situated on North End is achievable. Once the box has been repaired the Clerk will order the defibrillator, which will be installed by Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT). The Clerk has asked that the box be adopted by CHT on behalf of the Parish Council, but that the Parish Council remains responsible for it. Correspondence and Clerk's Report Cambridgeshire Acre are holding a workshop to look at the future of libraries on Monday 2nd October at Cambridge Central Library from 6.30-9.00pm. The Christmas Tree Festival will be held on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December. Volunteers are needed. Report that the gulley at the junction of the High Street and Gable Close has been done incorrectly and that incorrect materials have been used. The gulley outside the school which was reported some time ago has still not been reset and resurfaced. Refer to Councillor van de Ven (CCC). Remembrance wreath: Clerk has agreed that the Parish Council will lay a wreath again this year. The matter of organising the event will be discussed in October. There have been reports of straw along North End. Clerk to notify farmers that straw, along with leaves, can cause problems along this area as it blocks up drains which are not being jetted with the same frequency as before due to CCC cutbacks. Clerk is in the process of trying to install the dog fouling notices in a way in which they can be erected around the village at noted dog fouling hotspots. There has been concern raised by residents on Woolpack Way 40

that many visitors who are attending football matches are being directed by Satnav to Woolpack Way instead of the Recreation Ground. Councillor Fallon stated that all teams are notified of the location of the recreation ground but a notice might be of benefit. Concern has been raised about the inadequate signage at the train station; this matter has been forwarded to the Rail User Group. A letter of thanks received from the Tennis Club for the funds received. Footpaths – Peter Gaskin (CCC) has thanked the footpaths team for all the hard work they have put in to keeping the footpaths in good order. He also stated that bridges are now covered by a separate team at CCC. Meeting with Cambridgeshire Acre A meeting date has still to be finalised but will be in October and will be for members of the Parish Council and Meldreth Futures Working Group. Neighbourhood plans will be discussed. Melwood Conservation Group There has been a retrospective funding application showing what has been spent as there was an under-spend. It was agreed that the group should reimburse the funds, which will go back into the Community Benefit account. Community Access Point (CAP) A decision was requested from the Parish Council on whether to continue with the scheme once the present computers have ceased to be functional. Meldreth Local History Group still use the machines. However, training, which is now very limited, is done using laptops and tablets. It was agreed that the Parish Council will not renew the computers at the Community Rooms. Community Gritting Scheme 2017/18 Under this scheme the Parish Council agrees specific routes in their area which are important to the local community and agrees them with the County Council. Volunteers can then sign up to grit these routes using equipment provided by the County Council. This could be an option that the Village Traffic Working Group can look into for next year. The main routes through the village will be gritted but we are requested to identify routes off the main road which volunteers would be interested in gritting. 41

Rural Travel Hubs Meldreth has been identified as a possible location for a transport hub to serve a wider locality. Councillor Goddin reported that he had met with Ms Kirsty Human (SCDC) who explained what the idea is. It is thought that building hubs will help to reduce traffic going into Cambridge. However, Meldreth does not have a large car park so where would cars be parked if this was to be encouraged? Meldreth already has issues regarding parking by commuters who don't like to pay car park fees. It was agreed that the matter can be looked into further once there is more information. Councillors' Reports Councillor Goddin reported that concern had been raised regarding high hedging along North End. The matter was discussed but it was thought unlikely that this is a Parish Council matter. However, the matter will be discussed in October when this has been investigated further. The Mettle Hill Working Group is still investigating new usage for Mettle Hill; the decision regarding Marley Eternit may have an effect on what can be achieved with this land. Councillor Keena reported that the street lights at the crossroads are operating intermittently; all lights have a number which is needed when reporting problems. The 'Give Way' sign at the crossroads at the Kneesworth Road/Fenny Lane crossroads is being obscured by overhanging foliage. The Clerk will contact the land owner. The Clerk will contact Peter J Taylor (CCC Highways) to find out why the traffic safety fencing along North End has not been repaired as already agreed. The Clerk will also contact Diane Duncan (SCDC) as the new North End sign has not been erected either. The next meeting is on 5th October 2017 in the Green Room of the Village Hall. Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice boards, opposite the One Stop Shop and at the corner of Elin Way and Whitecroft Road. 42

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 Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger@rogerjames.net

Mr A Keena

(01763) 260267

alankeena@aol.com

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

c.land963@btinternet.com

Mr D Lee

(01763) 261571

david@oakrits.plus.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt (Vice Ch) (01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr R A Searles

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

Change to 26 Bus With immediate effect there have been the following changes to this service: 3.57pm (Mon – Sat) Trumpington P&R – Royston journey now ends at Royston bus station, not Tesco 4.51pm (Mon -Fri) / 4.41pm (Sat) Royston – Cambridge journey now starts at Royston bus station at 4.45pm (Mon - Fri) / 4.35pm (Sat) before continuing to Tesco There have also been other changes to Stagecoach services. For full details and copies of timetables please contact Stagecoach directly on (01223) 433250 or email cambridge.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com or www.stagecoachbus.com. Passenger Transport Team Cambridgeshire County Council 43

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Volunteering Opportunities Meldreth Primary School Meldreth Primary School is seeking to recruit new Co-Opted School Governors. This can be a very rewarding role and an opportunity to contribute to your local community. Please see page 10 for details.

Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire Are you looking for a new challenge? Have your children just started at school or university or are you newly retired? Would you like to make new friends and learn new skills or do you simply have a bit of spare time on your hands? Would you like to join Home-Start as a volunteer? Our volunteers are all parents or grandparents who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope. All parents need emotional and practical help to get through the first few years, but not everyone has friends or families nearby. This is when Home-Start volunteers can help! If you are interested, please contact the office on (01763) 262262.

Cambridgeshire Police Volunteers are needed to become Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs). ICVs work in pairs to make unannounced visits to custody suites to check on the wellbeing of detainees and the standard of facilities. They also act as independent monitors and report on whether Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) guidelines are being met. To find out more visit http://www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/volunteer -schemes/independent-custody-visitors-scheme/ where you will find details about the scheme and an application form. 45

Meldreth WI September’s meeting was a busy one with us “travelling” thousands of miles. It was certainly “Wet, Wild and Green”, which was the subject of our speaker Geoff Evans’ talk on his third visit to us. For “wet” we went north to the Jura area in Scotland and saw the terrible flooding there, fields waterlogged and massive waterfalls. Next, we travelled south to Essex and Hedingham Castle to view some of the jousting at the medieval weekends held there. Finally “green” was a visit to Kulusuk in Greenland to see some of the icebergs and frozen waters. It is a small island with a population of only 250. There is no popping to the supermarket there should you forget something: hopefully, the supply ship comes every month, ice permitting. It may be the gateway to Greenland but it is still very isolated with very little house sanitation. There are some very pretty flowers that bloom there but they are all at ground level because of the strong winds. The cemetery also has beautiful flowers and wreaths; the flowers are all hand made from material. Geoff and his wife stayed at the Hotel Kulusuk with spectacular views from the hotel windows - but don't expect a luggage carousel at the airport or a taxi to take you to the hotel! However, he said it is still worth a visit and he wants to return and see more of the islands. I came home and switched the central heating on! Following the talk we had our annual autumn auction with lots of home grown produce and cakes. It was a happy and friendly meeting. Next month we will be having a talk by Angela Collins entitled 'A Puppet's Tale'. Please come along and join us for her talk at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th October in the Village Hall. We would like to see you. Kathleen Thompson

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group In August, 21 of us went to The British Queen for a meal and our thanks go to the staff for their attentive service and lovely food; also to Angela who organised this for us. We will have our jewellery stall at All Saints Bazaar in November and would be grateful for items for us to sell. If you can give them to a committee member before the event this would be really helpful as it 46

allows us to sort and price them in advance. As always we are grateful for your support and if you can help on the day please get in touch with me. This month’s meeting is on 24th October in All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn at 7.45pm. We will be sorting our decorations for Meldreth Church Christmas Tree Festival. If you would like to know more about the group please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith on (01763) 262575), Sue Toule on (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775 or Angela Leach on (01763) 262793. Pat Smith

Elin Way Lunch Club Menu Friday 20th October: £8.00 Home made steak, mushroom and onion pies Apple crumble Friday 1st December: £12.50 Christmas dinner turkey Trifle or Christmas pudding Lunch will be served at 1.00pm on the above dates and will finish at around 3.00 to 3.30pm. The Club is open to the over 50s. Lunch must be booked in advance by calling Eileen Allan, Estate Officer on 07712 411976. If you book to have a meal and then are unable to attend, we would appreciate it if you could still pay for your meal as the food will have been ordered and paid for. Thank you. For further information, please contact Eileen Allan, Estate Officer on 07712411976 or email eileen.allan@scambs.gov.uk. Eileen Allan Sheltered Housing Estate Officer 47

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Pet News: Back to School Our social media has contained countless lovely photographs of friends' children going back to school or having their first day at school, standing by the door, smart and excited and ready to face the day! Getting your child ready for the big wide world is so important and can really impact on the rest of their lives. In our experience the same is true of puppies. We are seeing an increase in behavioural issues in young dogs. Very clever breeds, such as cockapoos, are becoming more and more popular and if early training is not done well or is lacking, one can very quickly end up with a six-month old dog which is nervous, aggressive, not used to being handled and more likely to have a stressful life! It is super important to get the training in while your dog is a puppy. Most responsible owners know that socialisation plays a huge part in the type of dog you will end up with but most of us, if we are honest, bumble along with no real plan. I have come across a scheme which helps with this. Www.thepuppyplan.com, a scheme run in association with Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, gives a timeline and a plan for what your puppy should be able to do and when. For example, they suggest that by the time your puppy is seven weeks old, it should have: met seven types of people been on seven different surfaces played with seven types of toys heard seven loud and unexpected noises been in seven different locations eaten in seven different locations done seven different problem-solving activities and been out and about to see seven different places or things. We think that this scheme gives trustworthy information about socialising dogs and is a really useful resource for anyone who owns a dog or is thinking of getting a puppy. It is a scheme which I feel will help many dogs in the future. Jo Brown Veterinary Nurse 49

Maycroft Care Home Apart from the usual activities we had two special events this month which lit up the lives of some of us. Trip to Clacton, 16th August The much anticipated day arrived with lovely sunshine. Everyone was invited but in the end it was Ann, Carol, Gerald, Michael and Sally who opted to go. Accompanied by staff and family members, we were off on time at 10.15am on the comfortable Royston and District Community Transport vehicle. The journey to Clacton took just over two hours and we could smell the salty air as we neared the sea front. We were soon off the bus and after a refreshing drink we went for a good walk along the Promenade. It was lovely to see the families sitting by the sea wall with children and adults digging in the sand or splashing in the shallows of the incoming tide. We also admired the brightly painted beach huts, before we realised that the walk had sharpened our appetites. We found a cafĂŠ serving traditional fish and chips which we enjoyed. Full up, we walked out along the pier enjoying all the lights and music. In the distance we could see many wind turbines with their slowly turning blades. Just before returning we visited the ice cream man and had enormous cones overflowing with delicious vanilla ice cream. With ice creamy lips, we got on board the coach again and travelled through beautiful sunny countryside back to Maycroft. A fine day enjoyed by us all. Carol and Ray The Walk for Alzheimer's Research UK. Sunday 20th August, 2017 It was another sunny Meldreth morning and Maycroft was bedecked with bunting and balloons. There was much noise and excitement as many of us dressed in our bright orange t-shirts and set out on our two-kilometre walk to raise money for a very worthy cause. Residents Anne, Carol, Don, Gerald, Michael, Peggy and Sally set out; some on foot, some in wheelchairs pushed by family or staff. We went down the High Street past the British Queen and One Stop into Flambards Close. The walkers who were able went over the clickety clackity bridge above the stream and into the sun-dappled woodland. The path winds and twists alongside the stream, which runs more or less parallel to the High Street. 50

Those remaining in Flambards reversed and made their way back to their final destination which differed according to the residents and their supporters. Eventually those walking the footpath came to the meadow which was full of curious cows with their calves, which followed us until we reached Topcliffe Mill. We kept to the path until we came to the church. Here we were met by the congregation emerging from their service. Several put donations into our bucket and we received a blessing from our vicar, Lizzie Shipp. With most of our journey done we were beginning to think of a good cup of tea or coffee with cakes made in the Maycroft kitchen. Here we were congratulated, had photographs taken and there was a lot of chatter and laughter. This was a great community effort as we were also joined by some villagers and their children. We hoped to raise £1000 but we are very proud to announce that the final total was £1,558.60. Thank you so much to those who helped in any way. We know the money will be well spent to help those who develop this slowly, destructive disease. The Maycroft New Buildings Work has progressed very fast in the past few weeks. All the foundations with damp course are in, with the drainage and sewage pipes for the ensuite rooms. Now the insulated external walls are being built so it won't be long before the external brick walls are also constructed. These walls will be in the same coloured red bricks as the original Homestead house. There is a small sample wall to the right of the house to show how carefully these have been matched. The only difference being that the old house bricks are slightly larger, as this is how they were made at the end of the 19th century. All being well the building should be finished by the end of January 2018. Rosemary and the Friends of Maycroft

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51

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club http://melbournphotoclub.com Following the start of the new season in Sept, we have a full and varied programme for the late Autumn months including one lecture, five competitions and one club evening. October’s meetings are as follows: 3rd:

1st Open Projected Image Competition. Judge: David Steel

10th:

Club Evening – Group Critique sessions

17th:

1st Open Print Competition. Judge: Adrian Stone

24th:

Points of View Judging / Club Night. Organiser: Jo Norcross

31st:

Wildlife Photography: The Lecture by Sarah Kelman

easy

and

the

hard

way.

Hummingbird by Ian Tulloch

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. Anyone wishing to know more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email the Secretary at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Peter North Secretary 53

Local Events in October Here is a selection of events happening nearby this month. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Sunday 1st October, 10.00am to 4.00pm Great Chishill Antiques and Vintage Fair Village Hall, Hall Lane, Great Chishill, Cambs SG8 8SH Around 20 stalls packed with antiques, collectables and vintage items. Homemade refreshments. Entry: £1 for over 18s. Further details: www.wherecanwego.com or ring 07720 647696. From Tuesday 3rd October until 14th January 2018, at normal museum opening times (see their website) Degas: a passion for perfection – an exhibition, Galleries 11 - 13 Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB To mark the centenary of Degas’s death with a celebration of his remarkably varied work. Paintings, pastels, drawings, prints, sculptures. Free. For more information: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Saturday 7th, 10.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday 8th October, 2.00pm to 5.00pm: 18th Ashwell Book Weekend St Mary’s Church, Mill Street, Ashwell, Hertfordshire SG7 5LY Established book fair with wide range of titles to browse or buy. Proceeds to the church. Nominal admission charge (£1 in 2016 – Under 16s free). For more details check: www.stmaryashwell.org.uk. Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October, from 10.00am Cambridgeshire Autumn Crafts and Food Fair Wood Green, Kings Bush Farm, Godmanchester PE29 2NH Wide range of arts, crafts and gift stalls. Tickets (only available on the gate) £3, concessions £2.50, accompanied children 16 and under free. For more details email: admin@oakleighfairs.co.uk. Saturday 7th October, 12 noon to 5.00pm Foxton Village Scarecrow Festival Wander through the village to view the scarecrows, join in fundraising on the way and enjoy home-made refreshments. Programmes £1 on day from St Laurence’s Church, village shop or 17 Fowlmere Rd. More details: jillbuggey@ntlworld.com or call (01223) 573007. 54

Sunday 8th October, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Wicken Fen Nature Reserve History Discovery Walk Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP Layers of Fenland history discovered on this guided walk around Wicken Fen. Booking essential: call (01353) 720274. A National Trust event; normal admission charges apply. Dogs on leads welcome. Saturday 14th October, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast, Foxton Village Hall CB22 6RN This month Nancy Stephenson will talk on ‘Compassion in World Farming’. Contact Tony Garrick (01223) 510201 garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377 markhoward@uwclub.net to reserve your place. All are welcome. Saturday 14th October, 9.00am onwards Burwash Manor Apple Day Burwash Manor, Barton, Cambridgeshire CB23 7EY Vintage ploughing match, traditional countryside crafts, apple-based games and stalls (including Meldreth’s Cam Valley Orchards!). Fairground, music from Sawston Steel Band and much more. Entry: Adult £3, children under 12 free. Proceeds to Sick Children’s Trust. Tuesday 17th October, 12.15pm to 2.15pm Literary Lunch at The Old Bull Inn, High St., Royston SG8 9AW Jude Simpson in conversation with local artist and author Ophelia Redpath. Starts with buffet lunch. Tickets £15 from (01763) 262262 or admin@hsrsc.org.uk. In aid of Royston & South Cambs Home-Start. Friday 20th October, 6.45pm for 7.30pm “Mummy, what is that man for? Archbishops in the Life of the Nation” Church of St Mary and St Andrew, Whittlesford CB22 4NY Talk by Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Tickets £15, to include glass of wine, available from the village shop, High St, Whittlesford or call (01223) 835252, 833759 or 833063. Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th October, 9.00am to 4.00pm Classic Bike Live at Peterborough East of England Showground, Cambridgeshire PE2 6XE Showcasing the best in restored British, European and Japanese motorcycles. Displays, demonstrations, expert advice, parts on sale. Discounted advance tickets £9; under 15s free. Phone: (01775) 768661. Compiled by John Crawforth 55

Link Muranga The link between Meldreth, Melbourn and Murang’a in Kenya has been established for several years and during that time, friendships and fellowship have been formed. The Link has sponsored several projects in Kenya from water pumps and wells, to training motorbike mechanics and providing goats for rural communities. The current project is helping to support the building of a Dispensary in Kambiti in the South of Murang’a. Kambiti is in a poor area and the local community are struggling to overcome many issues especially around providing adequate food and fighting diseases such as malaria and typhoid. Providing basic health care for pregnant mothers and those suffering from heart disease is a constant struggle. The community is building a dispensary which will serve them. Link Murang’a is holding a Musical afternoon, featuring local musicians and singers at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th October in the Community Room, Melbourn in aid of the Project. Donations of £7 per ticket will include tea and cake. For further details contact Bernice on (01763) 261950 or Karen on (01763) 261885.

07507

863232

or

Bernice Gregory

Refuse Collections Collections in October will be on the following dates: Black bins: 3rd, 17th & 31st Blue and Green bins: 10th & 24th 56

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Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch Avoid Becoming a Victim of Car Crime Cars can be as vulnerable as houses because they are also left unattended. However, in addition to the security features of modern cars there are other ways to try to ensure that your car is as secure as possible. Always lock your car. Ensure all doors, windows and sunroofs are shut and locked. Even if you get out of your car for a few moments, such as to pay for fuel at the petrol station or quickly talk to a friend, don't leave your vehicle unlocked and unattended. Get into the habit of always closing the windows and sunroof and locking the car. A small but growing feature of vehicle crime is the use of key jammers, where criminals use a device to jam the signals from your car fob, so if you have remote control locking, ensure that it has worked. The only sure way to know your car is locked is to check manually. Most cars have another indication that the lock has been deployed, such as the indicator lights flashing, wing mirrors drawing in, or the horn giving a short toot. If you're close enough to the car you can also hear the central locking clunk into place. Try and park in a garage or public car park if you can. If not, at least try to park in areas that are busy and are well-lit, open and with minimal concealed areas. Remove all valuables from your vehicle; don’t leave any items on display. Even non-valuable items such as old coats, plastic bags or CDs can attract the attention of a potential thief. Remove sat-nav or phone cradles and try not to leave marks on the windscreen showing that they have been in the vehicle. Ideally, take all items with you but if you're not able to, put them in the glove compartment or lock them in the boot. However, be aware that if you put valuables into the boot just before leaving the car, someone may be watching and may then target your car. Never leave house keys or documentation, e.g. registration documents, insurance certificates, in the car. If keys and documents are discovered you may find your home could be targeted. When at home, hide your car keys out of sight and well out of reach of doors and windows. Because modern cars are difficult to steal without keys, potential thieves will break into houses to steal car keys, 58

particularly for high value cars. If your car keys are hidden, the opportunity to quickly steal the car is removed. If you have been the victim of car crime, call the Police on 101. As always, the Police emergency number is 999. The advice in this article has been partly adapted from the vehicle crime page of Cambridgeshire Constabulary: http://www.cambs.police.uk/ GetCloser/VehicleCrime.asp. If you would like to be involved in crime prevention in Meldreth with Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Blue Skies for Fowlmere St Mary’s Church, Fowlmere, Saturday 11th November at 8.00pm A one night “Jazz Special” is being arranged to help raise funds towards the programme of ongoing church improvements. The Blue Skies Big Band, Saffron Walden, will entertain with a wide range of Swing, Dixie and popular Jazz music. The “line up”, with a fifteen piece band and two vocalists, will provide a sound that is unique to this wonderful 12th century church. It is hoped that our valued supporters will reunite with others to enjoy a nostalgic evening of fun. Doors open at 7.30pm for the music to start at 8.00pm. Tickets will be available from Monday 9th October at the Foxton and Thriplow village shops. Wine and light refreshments will be available on the night. Enquiries may be directed to Robin Dring on (01763) 208432. Please make a note in your diary. This promises to be an enjoyable evening of big band music, and at the same time help to raise valuable Church funds. John Holmes 59

News From Heidi Allen www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk As we approach autumn, the big news from my constituency office is that we’ve moved! I’ve been looking for some time for an office that was more visible and accessible for my constituents so I’m pleased The Open House to mark the we now have official opening of my new Sawston office a High Street location in Sawston. We have been made to feel very welcome and it was great to meet the local businesses who came to our “open house” afternoon. The new address is: 82A High Street, Sawston CB22 3HJ and you can call on (01223) 830 037. Health was on my agenda this month as I visited Addenbrooke’s to observe the bed managers in the operations centre. They have the challenging job of managing patient flow and beds across the whole hospital, 24 hours a day. Given the huge scale of the task, the challenges of our growing, ageing population and the great weight of Addenbrooke’s reputation, they do an amazing job. I’d like to thank the whole team for allowing me to spend the morning with them and gain an insight into their pressures. A morning in the hospital reminded me of the need for blood donations, so I popped round the corner to the permanent donation centre at Addenbrooke’s. They are open six days a week and with free parking (and biscuits!) so there really is no excuse. It’s honestly not that painful! Simply go to www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to book an appointment. It really does save lives. I continue to work hard to improve our transport infrastructure across South Cambridgeshire so am delighted our aspiration that a railway station be built at Addenbrooke’s has been given the thumbs up by Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport. I shared our proposals 60

with him just before the summer recess and he swiftly grasped the need to ensure the Biomedical Campus reaches its full potential as a world renowned centre of excellence. I am confident that this station will not only support the local economy, but also ease congestion by removing many of the cars currently used by those who commute to the campus. I also continue to work closely with local communities to improve our rural public transport. Whippet’s recent announcement of a reduction in some of their services understandably caused a lot of concern amongst our parishes, so I was relieved that the County Council have retained most of South Cambridgeshire’s services, albeit with some changes. Bus provision remains a complex issue in rural areas and I encourage you to lobby your local County Councillor to ensure they are aware of your concerns and transport needs. You can find out who your County Councillor is on the Cambridgeshire County Council website: https://cmis.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ccc_live/Councillors.aspx. Some of you contacted me about the County Council’s consultation on Children’s Centres, which is due to close on 22nd September. I met the council’s service director for children and families to gain a deeper understanding of the proposals and challenged her on the level of analysis that lay behind the proposals. I am currently scrutinising the detailed data and assessments that I have since been sent to ensure I am happy with the potential changes. If you would be affected by the proposals and want to have your say, you still have time to submit to the consultation at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-andfamilies/children-s-centres/children-s-centres-consultation. My next constituency surgery is on Saturday 21st October from 10.00am to 12 noon at the Melbourn Community Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn SG8 6DZ. This will be my usual drop-in type of event with no appointment necessary. Details of all the upcoming surgeries can be found on my website at www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-dropsurgeries. You’ll also find further information about my work and news stories there. To contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk. You can also telephone my Westminster Office on 020 7219 5091 about national issues or my constituency office on (01223) 830 037 to raise local concerns. Heidi Allen, MP

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Hoarding

www.helpforhoarders.co.uk or by telephoning us at South Cambridgeshire District Council on 03450 450 063. Alternatively you can contact the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 917 9994 or http://www.cambsfire.gov.uk and visit the ‘home safety’ pages.

Hoarding is a serious and complex issue that goes far beyond simple untidiness. It is a recognised mental health condition requiring careful treatment. Hoarding is a widespread issue affecting between 2% and 3% of the population - approximately 1.2 million people in the UK.

Kathryn Hawkes Development Officer South Cambridgeshire District Council

People who display hoarding behaviours excessively collect items such as newspapers, books, clothing, and in some cases rubbish, rotten food and animals, resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter. This in turn can cause serious health problems, structural damage, pest infestations and serious risk of fire.

ROYSTON FENCING TEL 01763 261150

Since 2014, we have engaged with over 50 households in South Cambridgeshire alone. In more serious cases, it can sometimes lead to emotionally distressing enforced clearances. People who display hoarding behaviours need help to learn how to change the way they think about acquiring, purchasing, or collecting as well as how they relate to their belongings.

FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE

If you discover someone displaying hoarding behaviours, you can find help and practical advice online at

WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

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Fire & Rescue Service www.cambsfire.gov.uk Chimney fires continue to be a common occurrence in homes, with an average of 81 chimney fires a year in Cambridgeshire alone. To ensure you keep your home safe from fire: ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

⇒

⇒

⇒

Have your chimney swept to avoid a build-up of ash and soot Avoid burning resinous woods that quickly build up soot Only burn fuels suitable for your burner Do not overload grates/appliances Do not bank fires too high and remember to let them burn out well before you go to bed Check around fires for hot sparks/embers Do not place objects on or over your mantelpiece which will cause you to stand too close to the fire in order to reach them Use a fire/spark guard to prevent accidental fires and ensure it has the kite mark or conforms to British/European standards Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure it is sound and sparks/fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks For each slow burning period there should follow a quick burn to dry out unwanted tar/creosote deposits and to warm up the chimney again At the end of each burning season and at least once during the season the entire system should be cooled and thoroughly cleaned to maintain top performance. Also ensure that wood and multi-fuel burners are installed and regularly maintained by a qualified and competent engineer. You can refer to www.solidfuel.co.uk for further advice and information.

Finally and most importantly, fit a smoke alarm that carries the kite mark or British Standard Number 5446 and test it weekly. Install a Carbon Monoxide alarm in the room where the burner is installed. For more information log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk, follow us on social media or call (01480) 444500. Cambridge Fire & Rescue Service 63

Personal care for your feet in the comfort of your own home • Nail Trimming • Hard Skin & Cracked Heels • Corns & Verrucas • Fungal Nails Telephone

on 01763 261250 or 0791 3913955

Nancy Foster MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

G I L H O O LY

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

MOTS Cars and vans Service and repairs to all COMMERCIALS HORSE BOXES MINI BUSES

VANS

Flexible working hours to suit you Monday — Saturday

Phone Mick on: 01763 263248 64

Housing Options for Older People We are working with South Cambridgeshire District Council on an exciting six-month pilot project which launched in South Cambridgeshire at the beginning of August: HOOP (Housing Options for Older People). The project offers specialist housing advice and support to older people. The customer journey starts with a questionnaire asking older people (over 65s) about their home and how it suits them. This can be completed online or via a leaflet. The answers are then used to put people in touch with local housing options, support services and community groups that can provide a mixture of practical support and advice with the aim of helping people to make informed choices about their housing and wellbeing at an early stage. This is only the second place in the country that the service has been localised; up until now HOOP has been a national tool. We want all people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible and are committed to helping them to do that. Therefore this pilot proposes more local solutions and suggests alternative independent housing opportunities and support to help people think through their housing options. It is hoped that if the pilot is successful, a full Cambridgeshire HOOP tool will be developed in 2018. For further details of the scheme or to fill in the questionnaire, please visit https://hoop.eac.org.uk. Cambridgeshire County Council

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

Personal Trainer Michael Easton

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Training in Your Own Home or at Melbourn Gym Individual, personalised programmes http://backtothefitness.co.uk

Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag�

01763 249254

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

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(01763) 262199 Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304

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

John Rogger (01763) 260809 L. Pocknell—(01763) 261432 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates-(01763) 261638

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

Shirley Lambert (01223) 207888 Janet Pope (01763) 248342 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Church

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

(01763) 220626; www.meldrethchurch.org.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

Rosalind Wing - 07432 150721 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—(01763) 261255 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Community Access Point Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

Childn.

Village Directory

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

(01763) 261833; www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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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. A10 Timber .....................................36 Abode Town and Country ..............14 Affordable Plumbing .......................48 Art of Clean .....................................2 Art of Clean Wood ..........................65 B2B Automotive ..............................57 Benjamin and Fredericks .................22 Cam Valley Orchards ......................64 Cambourne Self Storage ...................2 Cambridge Roofers .........................48 Cambridge Roofers (2) ..............Cover Cambridge Sunblinds ......................44 CHS Day Centre .............................36 CHS Group .....................................57 Coton Electrical ..............................28 The Country Store ...........................27 Ely Design Group ............................13 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........44 Four Counties Tree Services ..............9 Gilhooly ..........................................64 Handyman ......................................48 Home Foot Care .............................44 iPlaster .............................................5 Keyholes Driving School............Cover Lawn Partners .................................14 The Letting Centre ..........................4

Little Hands Nursery School ............51 Mandy Thornton Counselling ..........48 Melbourn Flooring ...........................36 Melbourn Village College..................28 Meldreth Landscapes .......................14 Meldreth Manor (Aurora) Job ad ......9 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................29 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ......65 Moncraft Computers .........................5 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................64 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service .9 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......52 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................22 Quicksilver Yoga ..............................27 Reed Autos .................................Cover Reflections Hair Studio ....................52 Richard Burns Electrician ...................3 Rod’s PC Support ...............................4 Royston Fencing ...............................62 Shelford Energy .................................3 Slimming World ...............................28 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ..............13 Summit Landscapes ..........................22 Village Garden Services ....................51 Walkers Partnership Solicitors .....Cover Z Web Hosting .................................52 68

THE WALKERS PARTNERSHIP SOLICITORS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A WILL OR REVISE YOUR EXISTING WILL? If so, please take advantage of our reduced rate wills offer. Please note that reduced rate wills will be available every week day from 8.00am until 6.00pm and on Tuesdays evenings until 8.00pm, by appointment only. Also on the Saturday morning of 7th OCTOBER, again by appointment only: Reduced rates are:Double Wills - £250.00 plus VAT Single Will - £130.00 plus VAT HOME VISITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITHIN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF ROYSTON. For more information please contact:Fish Hill Chambers, 2-3 Fish Hill, Royston, Herts SG8 9JY Tel: 01763 241121 t.donnellan@walkerspartnership.co.uk

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