Meldreth Matters, October 2018

October 2018

In this issue …

Melwood and Butterflies Volunteering Opportunities Events include …

FOHT Talk Gin Tasting Messy Church MLHG Coffee Morning Race Night

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Contents Children & Education

What’s On Forthcoming Events 14

Baby & Toddler Group 7

Gin Tasting back page

Events for Children 8

Local Events 40-41

Melbourn Youth Club 10

MLHG Coffee Morning

Messy Church 9

13

Project Waterlight 13

Preschool 6-7

Race Night 12

Primary School 4-5

Summary of Meldreth Events 3 Transport Village Groups

Changes to Bus Services 16

Croquet Club 17 Local/National Government

Football 16 Friends of Holy Trinity 18-19

County Councillor 46-47

Friends of Maycroft 24-25

District Councillors 44-45, 47

Lunch Club 11

Heidi Allen 56-57

Maycroft Alzheimer’s Walk 22-23

Parish Council 35-39 Planning 52-54

Photographic Club 20 Pub Club 11

Advice/Information

Women’s Group 19

Advertisers’ Index 64 Cambs Fire & Rescue 60

Gardens & Nature

Lasting Powers of Attorney 59

Chiswick End Ditch 31

Mobile Warden Scheme 23

Gardening 26-27

Neighbourhood Watch 49

Melwood & Butterflies 27-29

Refuse Collections 33

Local Facilities/Issues

Village Directory 62-63

Fenny Lane Cemetery 51

Volunteering Opportunities 43

Hedges 50

World Mental Health Day 59

Cover: Small (Cabbage) White Butterfly. Photograph by Jim Reid.

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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Editorial Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Next month marks thirty years since Ann Barnes, who remains on the MM team today, produced the first issue of Meldreth’s village newsletter, which subsequently became known as Meldreth Matters.

To mark the occasion, we will be publishing a special 30th anniversary issue and would welcome contributions from you, our readers.

Please submit any copy as soon as possible. You may like to send in a short message to the MM team or write an article. For example,  Do you remember the first ever issue?  What were you doing 30 years ago?  How do you think the village has changed in the last 30 years?

Contributions, which should be sent in no later than Friday 12th October, may be emailed to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or hand delivered to 36 North End. Kathryn

MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

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

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

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October Events in Meldreth

Friday 5th, 8.30 - 11.00pm Punk Rock Music with The Bleach Boys supported by Freak Barn Accident

Friday 5th 7.00pm for 7.30pm Race Night Meldreth Bowls Club

Eternit Sports & Social Club

All welcome, Free entry, licensed bar, Real Ale etc

See page 12

Saturday 6th

Sunday 14th

7.30-10.30pm

3.30-5.30pm

Gin Tasting

Messy Church “Joseph’s Coat”

Village Hall

Holy Trinity Church

See back page

See page 9

Monday 15th, 10.00am

Saturday 20th, 7.30pm

MLHG Coffee Morning

FOHT Talk

Meldreth “Then and Now”

‘TEU World Tour’

by Peter Hesketh

Elin Way Community Room

Holy Trinity Church

See page 13

See page 18 3

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk While staff and pupils enjoyed their summer holidays, work continued to progress on our school site.

Much of the focus over the summer has been the creation of a new playground: for those of you who know our school well, this one is flat! We are all thrilled to be on the point of completing this exciting project to extend the provision that we can offer in our school.

The facilities that the school will get as a result of this £2 million build include improvements to both our inside and outside learning environments.

This is a really exciting opportunity to make a lasting and tangible difference to the school.

From October, when the build is completed, in addition to a new suite of classrooms we will have a large learning corridor, bespoke nurture room, enhanced facilities for pupils in our ‘Lookout Club’, wrap around care and a new school library.

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Our new building will provide space to:  Extend the curriculum we offer through sport and physical wellbeing through the development of a new hard standing playground/sports pitch and a new safety-surfaced adventure play area.  Enable better communication with staff, allowing parents to drop off and collect pupils from their classroom door due to our external space redesign.  Enhance our excellent Early Years provision with new indoor and outdoor learning environments and facilities for our youngest pupils.  Teach children in single age groups due to the addition of three new classrooms and a lovely learning corridor.  Provide a fantastic space to host Meldreth Preschool on site.

This term, following the completion of the refurbishment to existing classrooms, work continues on our new extension.

Until the work is completed please make any children in your care aware that construction sites can be dangerous and that they must not enter the site.

In September we welcomed fifteen new pupils to school and 23 new four year olds in Puffin class and we also look forward to welcoming you to our new school opening event in November. Watch this space!

Mrs Sasha Howard Headteacher

Meldreth Matters’ 30th anniversary issue will be published in November 2018. Please send your contributions to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com by 12th October.

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Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschool.com With autumn upon us, the children at Meldreth Preschool have been enjoying their topic of the term – Under the Sea. They have made jellyfish and starfish, which visitors to the Village Hall will be able to see on display. On their woodland walks on Wednesday mornings the children have been making the most of the changing colours of the trees and the falling leaves .

With the move over to the Primary School imminent, we are preparing for the big day, not least with our fundraising efforts. If you would like to help us to raise money, you can do so at no cost to yourself when you sign up to EasyFundraising. You can open an account on the website, select Meldreth Preschool as your chosen cause and then you will be able to donate money to us while you shop online without it costing you anything.

You may also have noticed that Meldreth Preschool is one of the causes in the ‘Bags for Help’ scheme at Tesco at the moment. Tokens are no longer only for those buying plastic bags – anyone can vote for their chosen charity! Simply pick up the tokens at the checkout (there are pots available in the self checkout areas as well) and drop them in the collecting box by the door.

We are hoping to raise money for some equipment for our new outdoor area at the school to ensure that the children have a range of stimulating activities when we move over there. The Local Authority has no budget to provide the preschool with any additional equipment after the move, so we really appreciate any help that the community can offer to ensure that the preschool has the resources we need to give all the children in our care the best start possible.

Gin Tasting Evening We are hosting an exclusive gin tasting event on 6th October at the Village Hall. We will be welcoming guests from 7.30pm and it will be a great opportunity to learn about this fascinating drink and meet up with fellow enthusiasts for a night of tasting and discovery. We are expecting a number of special guests who will be on hand to offer the benefit of their expertise and answer any questions. Tickets are £20 per head and guests will get to taste eight different gins which will be 6

accompanied by a range of snacks and a quiz. We will be making arrangements for safe, sober rides home for those coming from out of the village.

Email chair@meldrethpreschool.com or call Jo on 07812 166573 for tickets.

We are now operating a waiting list for January 2019, so please let us know if you want to apply for a place. You can call 07518 173653 or email manager@meldrethpreschool.com to learn more.

Meldreth Preschool

Baby and Toddler Group

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group meets on Wednesday mornings during term time from 9.15am to 11.15am in Meldreth Village Hall.

The cost is ÂŁ2 per family and includes a snack for the children and a hot drink and biscuits for the adults.

It is the ideal group for children aged 0-4 years and their parents and carers. We provide a fun and nurturing environment where parents can have a chat and make friends and children can enjoy socialising and trying different crafts and activities.

Can You Help?

We are looking for more helpers to run the group as two of our main helpers are leaving. If you can spare a few hours on Wednesday mornings to help set up/tidy away on a regular basis or perhaps you fancy reading some stories and singing some songs to our very youthful crowd. Any help would be very much appreciated. Come along and see how much fun you can have!

For further information come along to one of our meetings or contact me on 07908 902017.

Claire Thunder 7

What’s On for Children and Families in October Saturday 6th October, 11.00am - 3.00pm Autumn Monsters, Cambridge Botanic Gardens CB2 1JE Make creepy autumn monsters and find out about autumn seeds and leaves. A free, drop-in event for accompanied children. Adults pay garden admission charge. See: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

Friday 12th 4.30pm to Saturday 13th October Royston Library Soft Toy Sleepover, Market Hill SG8 9JN Bring a soft toy, listen to stories then tuck your toy into bed. Pop back to collect it in the morning and find out what the toys have been up to!

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October Ely Cathedral Harvest Festival Weekend, CB7 4DL Free admission to the cathedral. Flowers, food and farming displays from 10am to 5.00pm (Sat), 4.00pm (Sun). Activities for children and a wormery. Saturday concert at lunchtime. See: www.elycathedral.org Saturday 13th October, 10.30am - 12.30pm Bedazzled at Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Design and create jewel encrusted art works with an artist’s help. £8 per child. For children aged 8 - 12 years. Book on (01223) 332904.

Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th October, 11.00am - 4.15pm Pumpkin Carving, Wimpole Hall, Arrington SG8 0BW Book a 45 minute slot and pick a pumpkin, choose a design and carve it. £4 per pumpkin. Non NT members pay £12 admission to the farm and gardens, children £6. Call 0344 249 1895 to book.

Wednesday 24th October, 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm Geocache event, Wicken Fen, Lode Lane, Wicken CB7 5XP

For children aged 6+, £10.00 per family for one GPS use. For beginners and those with experience. Book on 0344 249 1895.

Saturday 27th October, 2.00pm The Story Orchestra, Stapleford Granary, Stapleford CB22 5BP An interactive workshop with live music, art and craft activities, a story with beautiful illustrations and baroque instruments. A music workshop will create a thunderstorm body percussion piece. Suitable for primary school age children. Tickets £15, £8 for under 16s from www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 8

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Pub Club The Pub Club takes place at The British Queen on the third Thursday of each month from midday to 2.00pm and presents an ideal opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

This month’s meeting will be on Thursday 18th October: do come and join us. You can have lunch or even just a drink or coffee.

Julie Draper

Lunch Club Meldreth Communal Room Elin Way, Meldreth SG86LX Thursday 25th October 12.30pm for 1.00pm. ÂŁ8.50 beef stew & cobbler, followed by cherry gateau.

Please contact Eileen Allan, Sheltered Estate Officer on 07712 411976 or Judy Damant, Parish Clerk, on (01763) 269928 no later than Thursday 11th October, if you would like to attend.

Judy Damant Parish Clerk Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire Notice of Annual General Meeting to be held at Icknield Walk First School, Poplar Drive, Royston, Herts SG8 7ER On Tuesday 16th October 2018 7.30pm for 8.00pm Refreshments will be available from 7.30pm Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire is a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales) Company Registration No: 5183873 Charity No. 1105385 11

Meldreth Bowls Club North End, Meldreth SG8 6NR

Race Night Friday 5th October 7.00pm for 7.30pm start Tickets ÂŁ12.00 each to include fish & chip Supper Available from Ann Carter - (01763) 260603 Roger Mead - (01763) 220095 Peter Constable - (01223) 207557

www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk 12

Project Waterlight Website Launch Wednesday 10th October Melbourn Hub 11.00am to 2.00pm Come and see how our wonderful River Mel will be portrayed on this website dedicated to the film being made of the river including:  Extracts from the film  Memories from local residents  Primary School films  Poems  Photographs Bruce Huett

Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning Our autumn coffee morning will be held on Monday 15th October, from 10.00am to midday.

Come along to the Sheltered Housing Community Room in Elin Way for a short slideshow of images of “Meldreth: Then and Now”. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the scenes and the changes that have occurred in the village.

Refreshments will be provided. All Welcome.

Kathryn Betts MLHG Webmaster

Did You Know?

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

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Forthcoming Meldreth Events Watch this space…

Mid-November 2018 ‘Welcome to our new school’ event at Meldreth Primary School, to view the changes and enjoy a slice of homemade cake.

Family treasure hunt and much more...

Christmas Tree Festival This year’s Christmas Tree Festival will take place in Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December.

If you're getting around to making your jams, jellies and chutneys following all the hot weather, please put some aside if you can, for us to sell on the produce stall at the Christmas Tree Festival. This stall is always vey popular and your generosity in the past has been much appreciated.

If you enjoy baking it would be lovely if you could make a cake, either to sell on the day or to serve with tea or coffee.

With many thanks for your ongoing support. Please call me on (01763) 260456 if you would like me to collect anything.

Carol Osborne

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15

Meldreth Football John Fallon Memorial Cup Match 2018 The Meldreth Saturday Team (Yellow) played Meldreth Sunday Team (Blue) in the second John Fallon Memorial Cup match on Wednesday 29th August at Eternit Sports and Social Club. It was a close-fought game with Meldreth Saturday Team coming out winners for the second year running, with a final score of 4-2. The match raised ÂŁ208 for the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth, who provided care at home for John during his illness. Thanks to Meldreth Saturday and Meldreth Sunday Teams, Mark Flitton for refereeing the match, Eternit Sports and Social Club and Paul Norman for running the barbeque.

October Fixtures Saturday home fixtures, start time: 3.00pm Saturday 6th; Saturday 20th; Saturday 27th Sunday home fixtures, start time 10.30am Sunday 21st; Sunday 28th Joan Fallon

Changes to Local Bus Services Stagecoach has made changes to the following services: Route A Trumpington Park & Ride to/from Royston The 7.19pm journey between Trumpington and Royston and the 6.18pm journey between Royston and Trumpington will now operate as Route D, not A. There is no change to departure times .

Full details and copies of the timetable are available as follows: Online: www.stagecoachbus.com, Email: cambridge.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com Telephone: (01223) 433250 Stagecoach 16

Meldreth Croquet Club As a follow-up to the article about Meldreth Croquet Club in the September issue of Meldreth Matters I am pleased to say that Meldreth finished in first place in the Central Division of the East Anglia Croquet Federation Golf Handicap League and will now take part in the semi-finals.

Our match will be on 15th September at Wrest Park against Northampton for a place in the final. The overall winner will be awarded the trophy shown above.

Whatever happens in the semi-final, Meldreth are proud to have reached this stage in the competition.

STOP PRESS: Meldreth were beaten 10-8 in a closely fought match with Northampton at Wrest Park on Saturday 15th September. It was a very enjoyable day and the team from Meldreth are, despite being a bit disappointed, extremely proud of their very strong performance throughout the season.

Lin Wallbridge

Royston Health Walks Royston Health Walks is a social walking group which sets off from The Heath Sports Centre, Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG every Wednesday afternoon at 1.30pm. We walk at a leisurely pace over Therfield Heath, have a chat and then go for refreshments in the cafĂŠ.

Everyone is welcome to join us regardless of age, level of fitness and, in principle, state of health. Children, buggies and dogs are all welcome.

The walks are free and no booking is required.

For more information telephone roystonhealthwalks@btinternet.com.

(01763)

852769

or

email

Richard Williams 17

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk The 14th Annual Churchyard Car Show This was a considerable success with attendance up over 50%, leading to the best financial result to date. The excellent weather contributed to the successful day. As ever this would not have been possible without all of the helpers, including those serving teas and those in the Churchyard. Of course, the support of the car, motorbike and bicycle owners also made the day the success it was.

There were two additional attractions this year - three model railway layouts in the church and auto bits on sale in the churchyard, both of which created added interest. In addition the Memphis Jazz Band played in the churchyard, with music reminiscent of the era of the old cars.

Within the exhibits were eight MGs dating from 1935 K1 to a 1978 MGA. Two cars vied for the highest top speed: the Ferrari 458 Italia at 202mph and the Rover SDI special with a supercharged Rolls Royce Meteor engine, the ground based derivative of the WWII Merlin fighter engine, now at 187mph but aiming for more!

This Month’s Event: Saturday 20th October 7.30pm ‘TEU World Tour’ by Peter Hesketh A circumnavigation of the world by container ships - positively not a cruise. The talk will give an insight into life at sea nowadays and the impact that containerisation has on world trade: from Southampton to the Suez Canal, across the Pacific, through the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic to Felixstowe.

Tickets cost £7.50 (Friends £7.00) with wine and nibbles included and are available from: Mary Gregory - (01763) 260120 John Price - (01763) 260048 Peter Chilvers - (01763) 260742 18

Future Events: Saturday 24th November 2018 Wine Tasting by Noel Young Wines Early in 2019 A talk by Andy Malcom from the Fisherman’s Mission.

John Price

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small friendly group; we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month except in December, and we vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. We either have a guest speaker or in-house entertainment followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. There is a fee of £1 on the evening and a chance to make a donation to our charity of the year, which is Cambridge Street Pastors.

In August, we went to The Green Man for a meal and enjoyed a night of food and friendship. Our October meeting will be at All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn when we shall be preparing our decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival at Meldreth. Remember to bring your red decorations.

Our thanks go to all those who helped in any way with the Joint Parishes Harvest Supper in September which was organised by the Group. This is always a popular event and it is good to have willing helpers. We shall be having a jewellery stall at All Saints Bazaar in November and would be grateful for any donations in advance, made either to Pat Smith or any committee member.

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

Pat Smith 19

Melbourn and District Photographic Club http://melbournphotoclub.com Following the start of the new season last month, we have a full and varied programme for the late autumn months including three lectures, five competitions and two club evenings.

Our October events are as follows: 2nd

1st Open Projected Image Competition. Judge: Sue Dobson

9th

Lessons Learnt. Lecture by Justin Minns

16th

1st Open Print Competition. Judge: Colin Strong

23rd

Club Night. Effective Image Workflow – Keith Truman 10 Days in Myanmar. Lecture: Paul Ravenscroft

30th

New Horizons. Lecture with prints by Naomi Saul

Meetings are held weekly at 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at the 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 Zebras Crossing by Graham Martin more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com Peter North Secretary

New to the village?

Information on village facilities and local groups is available at

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 20

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Maycroft Alzheimer’s Walk This took place on 19th August and what a totally magical morning this was. From 9.30am, some staff and friends of Maycroft arrived to blow up balloons and to suspend bunting from lamp posts, trees and fences. Then they spread white cloths on the refreshment tables and put out literature about dementia research, for those interested to read then or take away. Benches and chairs were carried out and placed in the shade of the horse chestnut tree. It was busy, but in spite of this, there was lots of happy chatter full of fun and useful suggestions. By 10.15am friends and families had arrived to greet their relatives who live in Maycroft and who were venturing out in wheelchairs or on foot.

We also had some lovely friendly dogs going with us and young children as well. A number of Meldreth Manor residents arrived too, pushed by their carers. As you can see from the photograph, it was quite a crowd that set forth, many in the bright orange Alzheimer's Research t-shirts, to walk or ride their chosen route.

The weather was perfect, cloudy but warm, with a gentle soothing breeze. We were a noisy crowd but members of the public and drivers we saw on the way were very generous, placing spare change and notes in the three buckets we carried with us. By the time we arrived back at Maycroft, the kitchen staff were waiting at the tables with tea, coffee, 22

juices or water to quench our thirst. Delicious foods of home-made sausage rolls and several types of very tasty cakes were all available to lift our energy levels again.

This made it a very sociable occasion, as we sometimes met with new people and got to know something about why they were prepared to give up their time, to join us on this occasion. Last year a cheque for £1600 was presented to Dr Steve Andrews, the Head Research Scientist on behalf Alzheimer's Research. This year we will be able to donate over £2000. We hope to be able to show you a photograph of this in the November issue of Meldreth Matters.

We would sincerely like to thank all those who helped in anyway, however small, to make this such a successful morning.

Rosemary Childerley

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 £6 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 23

Friends of Maycroft The months fly by with autumn hard upon us ‌ daily routine, the trivial round, the common task and special days. Most months we celebrate a birthday or two of our fellow residents with traditional cake laden with candles to be blown out, a mighty puff and a wish.

We read Meldreth Matters magazine with great interest month by month, reading about all of the activities in and around the village and we greet and are greeted by you on our visits to the shop. Of particular interest in Meldreth Matters are the reports from our valiant representatives on the Parish, District and County Councils who spend time and care on our behalf.

We note a proposal to plant trees in our beautiful village and having seen the huge tree looming over the stocks, we remember that this was once small and was planted by our forebears with thought for the future. This is an example to us all. A member of the Friends has expressed an interest in making a contribution to the funds for the purchase of trees. If the proposal is accepted it has been thought that we could place a memento of our village times when planting.

Everyone at Maycroft has basked in the wonderful summer sunshine and take full advantage of all the opportunities offered on our weekly activities calendar. A trip to Audley End House was enjoyed by those residents who chose to go and our chef prepared an elaborate picnic which was eaten in the shade provided by one of the many large old trees growing in the extensive grounds. Our regular weekly outings to local garden centres continue to be popular and for the more energetic residents we venture to Biggleswade on personal shopping trips, always taking time for the all important break for refreshments.

Although we will miss the sunny weather and the relaxed feeling of dining alfresco which our courtyard has provided throughout the summer, the imminent move to our new building will provide alternative opportunities for autumn and winter, especially for those residents who have chosen ground floor rooms. They can take advantage of the doors leading into their new gardens and enable residents to feed the birds, followed by the pleasure of watching them feed, all in the comfort of their armchairs. For those residents who have booked the second or third floors of the new home, a communal landscape garden will offer the same interests.

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Maycroft provides a well planned programme of activities to suit all residents if they choose to take part and currently during a morning walk a resident accompanied by a member of staff was invited to join members of the Meldreth Bowls Club in their clubhouse for morning coffee and biscuits. We thank them for their warm welcome and hospitality and here at Maycroft we extend the same welcome to you all.

Carol, Ray and Jane

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25

Email - iplaster@outlook.com CONTACT FOR FREE QUOTE IAN NORTH END MELDRETH

Notes from a Small Garden As I write this, the temperature has plummeted to 13°C and it is raining. So my first two jobs come thanks to Monty Don. First, cut down the seed heads of my agapanthus as they need spare energy for plant growth next year, rather than going into seed growth now. Second, rake the dry patches of lawn we have after this very hot summer, and reseed them.

Often it is difficult to keep colour in borders and beds at this time of year. I needed to break up the view of a mould-stricken favourite clematis tesensis ‘Gravetye Beauty’ so I visited Arrington nurseries and found a beautiful specimen of hydrangea paniculata ‘limelight’! This hydrangea bears big lozenge shaped blooms on long stems which turn a very pale pink as the flowers come to the end. I planted it in a large pot as I’m not sure how much it will like our alkaline soil. Anyway it is doing the job beautifully! The clematis it is hiding needs moving; it gets mould every year. Why do I put up with it? Well, it was given to me by a cousin, and I love its colour and shape.

If you want colour, go for heleniums. They come in all colours from yellow to burnt red. Some are annuals while the perennials are really good value and will fill a gap where a shrub has died down, or has perished in this dry summer.

I went to Wimpole with old friends from the village this week and after tea, we raided the shops in the stable block where I found some good second hand books on gardens including one on ‘Pots and Containers’.

Some of my pots are now cracking and araldite will alas no longer do!

The book ‘The Terracotta Gardener’ has some really beautiful examples of pots and planting. I went round our garden with it in hand and found one or two areas which would look stunning with the right pot thoughtfully planted. So I am going to save up for a good big pot and forbear to order more tulips!

Two great quotes from Jim this week: “My grandfather used to throw ripe tomatoes against a red brick wall, and later collect the seeds, dry them and keep them in a cool place ready for planting out next year”. And “Put a marrow under the hedge and leave it until spring when you will have lots of seedlings!”

26

Google the RHS site for jobs to do in the garden this month. I’ve run out of time!

This month’s Veg Club Plus meeting will take place on Saturday 13th October at 10.00am at Beatrice Fisher’s, Meldreth House, High Street.

Good gardening from Jim and me.

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

The Long Hot Summer and its Effect on Melwood and Local Butterflies “It is possible to have too much of a good thing” is a well known saying and I suspect for many that was true of our summer heatwave.

It certainly was for me. “The Beast from the East” meant that I was late planting both bedding plants and vegetables, which then needed regular watering to get them established. In a way, the same was true of Melwood. We planted some trees in early spring 2018 and as the soil dried to an ever greater depth, it became necessary to water these to ensure they were able to establish their root systems. On two weekends during June and July, we had to organise a relay of watering cans from the river to the trees. For good measure, we also watered bushes planted from 2016 onwards and some herbaceous flowers planted in 2017 and 2018.

Melwood is, by nature, a relatively dry wood and some of the species of flowering plants that we have introduced were selected for their drought tolerance. Dusky Cranesbill flowered before the drought, really took hold and remained green and healthy thereafter. The Nettle -leaved Bellflowers had their best show ever in July and early August.

Ferns are plants that are normally associated with damp shady locations and it was therefore surprising to find one establishing itself in a corner of Melwood. It was growing at a point where the autumn leaves accumulate, when blown by the wind. The leaf mould must have formed an effective mulch to limit the drying process. We can take this 27

as a good indicator of areas that may be useful for planting other species whose drought tolerance is in doubt.

The butterflies of Melwood have suffered in line with the wider countryside but the situation is very complicated and some species have suffered far more than others.

I cannot see any good reason why Small Tortoiseshells and Red Admiral - sometimes the only coloured butterfly on my buddleia bush Peacocks were in such low numbers coming out of hibernation. Normally they are the dominant species on warm days in March and April, along with the Brimstone, which is often even earlier to visit the garden. Brimstone numbers were normal this spring, as were the other main spring species. Some, like the Holly Blue, were in even better numbers than usual.

The butterflies that really suffered from the heatwave were those that live in grassy meadows. They emerged much as usual from early June onwards but found flowers in the meadow increasingly short-lived. As a result, species such as Meadow Brown, normally abundant in meadows throughout July and into August were gone by the end of July. Much the same was also true of Small and Essex Skippers, Ringlets and Gatekeepers.

Critically, the grass on which their caterpillars rely was too dried up to be palatable to tiny larvae. The drought may have effects on these species well into next year .

By the time my Buddleia came into flower, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell should have been on their second (summer) generation but neither was to be seen. They were replaced by migrants from the far south; the Red Admiral, Painted Lady and an occasional Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

The most notable beneficiary of the hot summer seems to have been the Cabbage Whites. With flowers for nectar and cabbages for their 28

caterpillars, they had all they needed without leaving gardens and numbers remain high in both gardens and fields at the start of September.

In Melwood, the commonest resident species is the Speckled Wood, and this can have two or even three generations in a year. The first generation came before the heatwave and the second after the worst was over, so numbers are currently good. Grasses and sedges have remained green in many places under the shade of the trees and so there is plenty of food for their caterpillars.

One consequence of the very hot weather is that, instead of working in my garden, I spent some time sitting in the shade of a tree and watching the wildlife in it. I should do this more often! As a result, I noted the Common Blue butterfly and the Small Heath fairly regularly. In my garden I rarely see more than one or two specimens of these species annually. A Small Copper on 3rd September was the first recorded for my garden.

Readers may have noticed the severe effects of Dutch Elm Disease on hedgerow elms, with dead trees scattered at regular intervals along most hedges. The disease is a fungus that compromises the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients. It would not be surprising if the effects of this were made worse by the heat wave. I can only speculate whether the damage to elms was part of the reason that in July, I recorded the first White-letter Hairstreak butterfly that I have ever seen in my garden. It was also my first for the Meldreth area. This was followed, in August, by a White-Spotted Pinion moth, also an elm feeder and even rarer than the butterfly. The White-Spotted Pinion has declined nationally and the entire British population is now restricted to a small area around Huntingdon and just a very few scattered records elsewhere in the south-east. The good news for Meldreth is that a clump of elm trees near the station remains more or less disease-free, as it has for as long as I can remember and the elms in Melwood also appear to be resisting the disease. These are now potentially quite important trees.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group www.melwood.btck.co.uk

29

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Chiswick End Ditch Clearance Chiswick Enders take to clearing the stream and the ditches themselves For many years now South Cambridgeshire District Council has not been properly clearing the stream which runs beside Chiswick End in Meldreth; merely cutting back the bullrushes, grasses, reeds and other growth, rather than digging out the roots. As a result, the stream gets progressively overgrown, causing the water to back up and increasing the risk of flooding.

Long gone alas, are the days when two men came with their waders and specialised tools and skills, leaving the stream clear and healthy, supporting fish and crustaceans as well as water voles, nesting in the banks.

In 2006 we had a cloud burst over Meldreth and part of the road was covered with a foot of water that tipped over into the north west side of the lane, seriously flooding three houses.

Determined to avoid this happening again if exceptional weather should be experienced this winter, those living in the lane formed a large working party on a recent Saturday afternoon, with most residents helping in one way or another, bringing rakes, forks, sickles, choppers and a number of other useful tools. In three hours they cleared the stream and the ditch on the other side of the road, and in the nick of time, too, because after rain the following day there were two inches of water in the stream come the Monday morning.

The diggers and clearers were well sustained with tea, cake and water melon, and were rewarded afterwards with a splendid barbecue.

Everyone brought their own meat and there was plenty of salad and home grown tomatoes, followed by strawberries and chocolates and washed down by everyone’s favourite tipple. It was a great community occasion, and one which caused us to reflect that we had local authority budget cuts to thank for bringing us all together in a real community spirit.

Alas the SCDC had not gathered up all the spoils by the time this article was submitted. No surprises there!

Julie and Peter Draper 31

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

10.00am-12 noon Meldreth Local History Group Coffee Morning, Elin Way (see page 13)

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

7.00-10.00pm Crafters

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

Thurs

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.30pm Parish

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

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group

12.00-2.00pm British Queen

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

7.30pm WI

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

6.00 - 6.45pm 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates

7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis

5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters Half Term

Half Term

Half Term

Half T

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

The cop the Nov Meldr Friday

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Brownies, Messy Church & M Crafters and Meldreth Local History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Communit the lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless other 32

ary - October 2018

sday

Friday

m Fitness

7.00pm Race Night, Bowls Club (see page 12)

m Table

h Council

Saturday

Sunday

7.30-10.30pm Gin Tasting 9.45am Family Communion and New Evening Seekers Children’s Club 8.30-11.00pm Punk Rock (see back page) Music, Eternit Sports & Social Club (see page 3) 8.00am Holy Communion

m Fitness

3.30-5.30pm Messy Church (see page 9)

Copy deadline for 30th anniversary issue

5.30pm Veg Club Plus, Meldreth House, High Street

m Pub Club, n

m Fitness

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club

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

m Table

Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

Table

Term

py deadline for vember issue of eth Matters is 12th October

Half Term

Refuse Collections Black bins: 2nd, 16th Blue & Green bins: 9th, 23rd

elbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. Cam Valley ty Centre, Elin Way. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in wise indicated.

33

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34

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Extracts from the unapproved minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 6th September 2018 at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

Present: Councillors R W Goddin – Chairman, R A Searles – Vice Chairman, C J Fallon, N Garner, P Gilmore, C A Land, N Pellatt and A Young In attendance: J Damant (Clerk) and District Councillors Hart and Hales.

Apologies for absence: Councillor R James (personal reasons), Susan van de Ven Public Participation No members of the public were present District Councillor Report See pages 44-45.

No questions were raised.

County Councillor Report See pages 46-47.

Councillor Young enquired if Meldreth Parish Council could take up the invitation from the police to attend a meeting or to liaise with other parishes for a group meeting.

Office IT Computer System Councillor Young is looking into companies that would be best suited to put together a new website for the Parish Council.

Working Group Updates/Reports Church Wall Under review Mettle Hill Councillor Goddin reported that meetings have taken place and they are presently looking at options including legal and financial obligations. It is hoped that a proposal will be presented to the Parish Council by the end of the year.

35

Traffic Working Group Update including installation of bollard at Stocks junction - see item below. The working group recommend the wooden Glenwood posts from Glasdon UK. It was agreed by all that the Clerk should send out a letter regarding maintenance of the area near Fenny Lane crossroads.

Councillor Gilmore has been trying to contact Highways with regards to looking at the options of repeater signs and rumble strips for the Fenny Lane crossroads area, but has had no response.

MAYD Councillor Garner reported that the Service Level Agreement has not yet been agreed by the Parish Council. This needs agreeing before any invoice can be paid. There is to be a meeting next week with MAYD where this will be discussed. Councillor Garner and Councillor Gilmore will bring to the council their recommendation at the next meeting.

Playground The monthly report from Councillor Fallon was circulated. The Clerk has contacted Mr Chappell regarding the gates and the stepping stone.

The Clerk will purchase a bin from B & Q at a cost of £114.00 so that the litter picker can store rubbish until SCDC pick it up.

The drain in the recreation ground is still blocked; Mr Gilmore will assist in clearing it. It appears that soil entered the ditch following the contamination on the recreation ground.

A quote has been received from Wicksteed for resurfacing the matting.

The Clerk is awaiting an updated quote from Sovereign.

The Clerk reported the comments made by Rospa regarding the swings.

Wicksteed reported that this is not a recall notice but an information notification and that it was incorrect for the type of swings that Meldreth have. Wicksteed have notified Rospa of this inaccuracy.

Chain spares for cradle swings and handles for springy horse have been ordered at a cost of £124.70 Soldier to Commemorate the Ending of WW1 It was agreed that the Parish Council may not have the power to purchase this item as the ‘of direct benefit’ definition was too vague and councillors were not comfortable with the wording. Councillor Garner reported that according to NALC it would be up to the Parish Council to make a judgement. Councillor Garner also reported that this could be seen as a type of war memorial and this should be funded by private 36

donations. The Parish Council can donate to such a project but are not allowed to fund it themselves. Other councils that have purchased such items have done so through fundraising. It was proposed by Councillor Young that the Parish Council may not have the necessary power and therefore should not proceed with purchasing the soldier figure; this was seconded by Councillor Searles and all agreed.

It was then suggested that a commemorative bench might be another option. It was proposed by Councillor Young to purchase a bench; this was seconded by Councillor Land. A bench to be purchased from David Ogilvie at a cost of ÂŁ647.00. The placing of bench is to be discussed later.

Bollards at the Stocks Area Following the Traffic Group recommendation, it was proposed by Councillor Young to purchase three posts to be installed on each corner of the Stocks area junction. This was seconded by Councillor Garner and agreed by all.

Recreation Ground Ditch Councillor Goddin reported that the contamination in the recreation ground had now been dealt with and thanked everyone for their assistance in the matter. It was agreed by all that the Parish Council should write to Anglian Water with regards to compensation. It was proposed by Councillor Young that Anglian should contribute towards some new trees for the recreation ground.

A letter is to be sent to residents along Howard Road whose end boundaries adjoin the ditch, explaining the ditch clearance on 2nd-4th October and issues related to riparian responsibilities.

Cycle Stands Cambridgeshire County Council are considering installing cycle stands near the station, as part of the S106 contribution for Melbourn.

Possible positioning is at the junction near the war memorial near the notice board. It was agreed by all councillors that the placing of cycle racks at this junction would be dangerous and asked why they could not be placed within the station complex.

Correspondence and Clerk's Report Items on the calendar include Traffic Management Training, a Cambridgeshire Local Council Conference, CAPALC training, and a 37

M11/J11 Park and Ride Engagement Group Meeting on 17th September 5.30 to 6.30pm at Comberton Village College.

The Clerk, along with residents, has reported the blocked drain at the junction of Whitecroft and Station Road .

Work will be done to repair the bus shelters at the Stocks and at the War Memorial. The broken fence in the Village Hall car park is to be repaired.

Both defibrillators, in the North End telephone box and at the Village Hall, are now operational.

Burial Ground It was proposed by Councillor Gilmore that the Rules and Regulations Policy could now be agreed and this was seconded by Councillor Garner. It was agreed that these could now be distributed to funeral directors. It was also suggested that a notice go into Meldreth Matters [see page 51] stating that there were now new Rules and Regulations which can be obtained from the Clerk, with a set to be placed at the burial ground.

A letter will also be sent to as many burial families as can be identified, starting with the most recent burials. This is to explain that the changes could affect existing graves and memorials.

Councillors' Reports Councillor Gilmore reported that the safety fencing along the car park on Elin Way is damaged. To be investigated. Councillor Gilmore would like to have an agenda item regarding employing a lengthsman.

Councillor Young reported that the bags of sand on the verge near the burial ground were still there. The Clerk responded that it was believed they were left by one of the gravediggers, who have been asked to remove them. Councillor Young stated that they are dangerous where they are as a car could hit them. Clerk to contact the gravediggers again.

Councillor Searles reported that the new Local Development Framework does include changes for Meldreth. Flambards Green is now a Protected Amenity and no longer a Green Space, while the recreation ground is now a Green Space. Councillor Searles also reported that the damaged barrier and the damaged road sign along 38

recreation ground is now a Green Space. Councillor Searles also reported that the damaged barrier and the damaged road sign along North End have still not been repaired. The Clerk will chase Highways for the barrier and SCDC for the road sign.

Councillor Land reported that the safety barrier at Fenny Lane crossroads had not been replaced. He asked the clerk to enquire if Highways are going to reinstate the barrier.

Councillor Fallon reported that large delivery lorries from Tesco are driving up Elin Way, which is not suitable for them. The Clerk is to make enquiries with One Stop, which is owned by the Tesco group.

Councillor Fallon asked if the Clerk could arrange for grass cutting and tree maintenance be carried out along Polly Acre as it is very overgrown.

Meeting closed at 9.50 pm.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT

Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

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

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Mrs P Gilmore

(01763) 263138

patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 262444

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

39

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

Tuesday 2nd October to Sunday 9th December, Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5.00pm, Sunday 12.00noon to 5.00pm Virginia Woolf: an exhibition inspired by her writings Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Held in galleries 12 and 13, this exhibition focuses on the connections between the author, her contemporaries and those who’ve been inspired by her work. Free. See: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Tuesday 2nd October, buffet lunch from 12.15pm Literary Lunch in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambs The Old Bull Inn, High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Poet in residence Jude Simpson hosts a chat (1.00pm to 2.15pm, including questions) with Gavin Clayton and Tom Sparke, author and illustrator of children’s book, Brollo.. Tickets £15 from (01763) 262262, admin@hsrsc.org.uk or from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc.

Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th October, 11.00am to 12.45pm Wimpole’s Wednesday Walk Wimpole Hall, Arrington, Cambridgeshire SG8 0BW A different walk each week showing off best views, woodland paths and secret seats around Wimpole’s parkland. 2.5 to 4.5 miles, guided by experienced leaders. Free and no booking needed. Meet by stable block; dogs on leads welcome. Wellies or boots recommended - can be muddy!

Saturday October 6th, 10.00am to 5.00pm Sew Saturday at Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton CB23 7EY With summer over and autumn here, time to start thinking about fireside projects and sewing your winter wardrobe. Join us for ideas, inspiration, fun and discounts.

More details from: www.burwashmanor.com.

Saturday October 13th, 10.00am to 4.30pm Apple Day at Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton CB23 7EY A celebration of all things apple - cookery demonstrations, cider bar, food market, traditional fairground, magician, miniature steam railway, classic cars and much more. Featuring Meldreth’s own Cam Valley Orchards. Entry £4; under 12s free. In aid of The Sick Children’s Trust.

40

Monday 15th to Sunday 28th October, various times and locations Cambridge Festival of Ideas Over 200 events on the theme of ‘extremes’ - debates, talks, exhibitions and performances held in different locations around Cambridge. Most free. For bookings/full programme see: www.festivalofideas.cam.uk.

Thursday 18th October, 7.15pm to 8.15pm An Evening with Rob Macfarlane West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge CB3 9DP Award-winning Cambridge author will talk on the ‘Undiscovered Country of the Nearby: Walking into Wandlebury’ - how the chalk grasslands and woodlands south of the city have influenced his writing.

Cambridge PPF members free; non-members £10; concessions £7. Book at www.cambridgeppf.org. Proceeds go to protecting local landscape.

Thursday 18th October, 7.30pm to 8.45pm Organ Recital - Movie Night: The Phantom of the Opera Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL Edmund Aldhouse improvises a live soundtrack to the legendary 1925 classic. Tickets £5, under 16s free from Ely Cathedral Box Office (01353) 660349 or visit: www.elycathedral.org.

Saturday 20th October, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting Village Hall, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RN Brian Butcher will talk about making the most of government grants and incentive schemes to improve energy efficiency in your home.

Contact Tony Garrick (01763) 221658; garrick.tony@gmail.com to reserve your place. Donation of £7 requested. All are welcome.

Saturday 20th October, 10.00am to 5.00pm Cambridge Living History Fair, Wood Green Animals Charity Kings Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester PE29 2NH Aimed at those with an interest in historical re-enactment. Wide range of exhibitors/stalls. Admission £2, accompanied under 16s free. See: www.woodgreen.org.uk.

Saturday 20th October, 7.00pm for 7.00pm Quiz Night at Village Hall, Chrishall Road, Fowlmere SG8 7RY In aid of Home-Start Royston and South Cambs. Tickets £12.50 to include ploughman’s supper - please reserve by 18th October. Teams of 6 welcomed or individuals can be included in a team. Book on (01763) 262262, at: www.hsrsc.org.uk or from admin@hsrsc.org.uk.

41

Compiled by John Crawforth

JEWELLERY and SEWING TUTOR Hello, my name is Debbie, I run Jewellery and Sewing workshops from a fully equipped studio in North End, Meldreth.

Jewellery workshops can be booked via dvejewelleryclasses@outlook.com My website with all workshop information is dvejewelleryclasses.com Facebook: facebook.com/DVEJewelleryTutor/ PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

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

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42

Volunteering Opportunities Speedwatch - Meldreth ‌ Needs More Volunteers!

Speedwatch volunteer teams in Meldreth have been active since the schemes were started by the police some years ago now. Speedwatch is not enforcement it is intended to remind drivers that their speed should be kept within the limits set for any particular stretch of public road.

In most urban areas and for our village, this is 30mph. Other teams are active throughout South Cambridgeshire villages and report vehicles exceeding local limits to the police who may take further action.

Our Meldreth teams have dedicated members, some very long standing but inevitably our numbers depend on everyone’s personal commitments which of course change from time to time. That means, in order to continue fielding teams regularly, we need further volunteers.

Pretty well all of us using our roads are, at any one time, pedestrians, cyclists or drivers ‌ We all want to use the roads safely. We know from records that Speedwatch helps to keep speeds within highway limits and thus the roads safer for users.

Meldreth operates a monthly timetable for watches and members commit to watches according to their personal availability.

If you are interested in joining us and would like more details please email me on csw.meldreth@btinternet.com or call (01763) 260358.

Graham Borgonon

Baby and Toddler Group Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group is looking for more helpers to run the group at their Wednesday morning sessions (term time only). Please see page 7 for further information.

43

District Council Report Crop Fire A belated thank you to the Meldreth residents who remained calm, followed Fire Service advice and observed road closures when the crop fire along Whaddon Road at the end of July looked very threatening.

Special thanks from Councillor Hart who attended both in her capacity as landowner and councillor, and Councillor Hales who was also in attendance , helping to ensure the safety of the showmen community on Mettle Hill whose homes back onto one of the affected fields. It was an exceptional year weather-wise, but thankfully all ended well.

Parish Council Meetings Your District Councillors attend Parish Council meetings - which are held at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of each month in the Green Room at the Village Hall. Meldreth Parish Councillors require us to submit our report to the Parish Council in writing several days’ in advance.

This means that the report is considered in the closed session of the meeting after the public participation item on the agenda, thereby preventing residents attending the meeting from asking us questions or even necessarily having sight of what we have reported until the minutes of the PC meeting have been published (and only then in summary). Residents can rest assured we replicate much of what we report to the Parish Council monthly in this Meldreth Matters article and we are always happy to receive questions or requests for further information direct from you using the contact details given below.

Universal Credit (“UC”) South Cambs will be playing its part in the rollout of Universal Credit (UC) in Cambridgeshire taking place from 17th October. Both your District Councillors have attended training on this imminent change to the way benefits are already paid in most parts of the country. The Council administers the housing benefit part of UC and has been working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure that claimants transition successfully to the new benefit and will not be left out of pocket. Should any residents have trouble accessing a computer in order to make a claim or notifying the DWP of a change in their circumstances, then please contact either of us and we will point you in the right direction.

Local Plan The Local Plan has finally been declared sound by the Planning Inspector, subject to a number of minor changes, and clocks in at 44

officially the longest Local Plan inspection ever. South Cambridgeshire residents have not been well-served by the amount of time this process has taken. The Plan will now go forward for approval by South Cambridgeshire District Councillors at September’s Full Council Meeting.

Cambridge Ahead Members of the Council attended a presentation by Cambridge Ahead to hear about its in-depth analysis of what are the challenges facing the economy and residents of Greater Cambridge. A compelling case was given to show that the Office of National Statistics’ growth projections are way too low and that we are already experiencing exponential growth in terms of jobs and the consequent demand which they put on housing and infrastructure. We also heard a convincing argument that if housing and infrastructure do not keep up with economic growth then the tendency for life-sciences, tech and bio-medical companies to agglomerate might uncouple and mean the companies in this electorate vote with their feet and move overseas. To echo a fact in our annual report to Meldreth Parish Council, housing in Cambridge City is now much more densely occupied than a century ago, with young millennials sharing housing in order to be able to afford somewhere near to where they work. Meanwhile housing in our villages is under-occupied, with half the number of people than a century ago now living in older housing stock. The District Council is putting a new Housing Strategy in place which needs to accommodate these competing pressures and anticipate a fast-moving economy.

South Somerset DC Councillor Hart paid a visit to a fellow Liberal Democrat-run Council to learn about their programme of Income Generation. The Council has pledged not to cut services and at the same time has a green agenda at the heart of everything it does. It was an inspirational visit, the detail of which has been fed back to our colleagues at South Cambridgeshire.

Breastfeeding Room We are very pleased to report that South Cambridgeshire Hall, SCDC’s HQ office in Cambourne has a dedicated room for any mother wishing to breastfeed privately on the premises. The Lib Dem administration has gone further and made it clear that anyone wishing to breastfeed anywhere on SCDC premises is welcome to do so without fear of discrimination.

Councillors Philippa Hart and Jose Hales, Melbourn Ward philippajoyhart@gmail.com josehales@gmail.com 45

County Councillor’s Report Everything that I reported to Meldreth Parish Council’s September meeting was already in my Meldreth Matters blurb for the September issue. This always seems to happen at this time of year due to the August holidays, so you can enjoy an Indian Summer break from my bleak council reporting.

Meanwhile the sad state of rail services trundles on, while somehow the A10 Corridor Cycle Campaign continues to find opportunities. Finally, I’ve been pulling together a series of local conversations called ‘Europe in My Village’ – see below.

Train Services Update The Rail User Group receives a monthly report indicating the breadth of responsibility borne by the rail industry as a whole for continuing service disruption – this is illuminating but not encouraging.

Services remain below what they were prior to the roll-out on 23rd May and we are urging GTR to reinstate key morning services to London and evening commuter returns to the villages from Cambridge at the earliest opportunity. This ‘will happen’ but clearly improvements are being phased in at a snail’s pace.

Compensation: we’ve had some positive reports from some season ticket holders who have been contacted by GTR, as promised, and who report a simple and effective process.

A number of people travelling from Royston to Meldreth have experienced the blocking off of the last four coaches, finding themselves unable to disembark at Meldreth, where the short platform means selective door opening for the first four carriages only. This arises from the fact that different classes of trains have different arrangements – but the information isn’t made known to passengers in time. This has been particularly worrying for parents meeting their children, who end up having to get off the train in Shepreth and then walk back. I hope GTR will respond to our request for clear information and appropriate instructions to passengers before they leave Royston, to make sure they are able to disembark.

If you’d like to join our mailing list for updates to these and other issues, please let us know: contact us at railusergroup@gmail.com.

The Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group meets next on Wednesday 3rd October, Shepreth Village Hall, 7.30pm.

46

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign The campaign meets next on Wednesday 17th October, 7.30pm at The Plough in Shepreth.

We’re delighted that vegetation maintenance is shortly to be provided by a new contractor, Herts and Cambs Grounds Maintenance, thanks to a grant from AstraZeneca. This means that the very minimal work provided by Cambridgeshire County Council (two verge cuts per year) will be significantly topped up starting with a big cut back of overhanging trees and other vegetation – and cuttings to be removed at the same time. The volunteer Community Sweeper team is then set to help keep the path tidy during the messy autumn season.

In late September and early mid-October, we’ll be participating in meetings of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, supported by Meldreth Primary School Travel Ambassadors and Melbourn Village College Students and staff.

Europe in My Village I’ve compiled a series of conversations with local businesses and schools in our community, to try and better understand the ways in which Europe plays a role and makes a difference at a very local level. These are posted on my website and Facebook Page as ‘Europe in My Village’ and I have some paper copies available too – do please let me know if you’d like one.

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574 www.susanvandeven.com Facebook @SusanSouthCambs

Drop-in Advice Surgery We will be at the Melbourn Hub on Monday 1st October from 3.00 to 4.00pm. In addition, Susan will be at The Limes, Bassingbourn, on the Monday 15th October from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

Jose Hales and Philippa Hart, District Councillors Susan van de Ven, County Councillor 47

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48

Neighbourhood Watch Payment Redirection Scam The following advice has been published by Santander Bank regarding payment redirection scams. This is a type of scam where the victim is typically sent an email asking them to set up a payment to a new account or to amend existing account details. Sometimes these requests come out of the blue, but they often appear to come from someone the victim is already in contact with, such as a builder or solicitor.

Emails, text messages and telephone numbers can all be spoofed, so that they look genuine. In the case of emails, they can even be sent from a genuine email account that’s been hacked, so when you’re asked to make a payment to a new account, the account belongs to the fraudster, and the money never arrives with the genuine person or business.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, always confirm any instruction to make a payment to a new account, or change existing account details, directly with the person or company requesting the change. Don’t reply to the message or use the contact details included in it, until you’ve checked it is genuine. Check the request a different way, for example by using the contact details that you already have on any correspondence you’ve previously received, or by contacting the company or individual on a publicly available number, such as one published on a website.

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

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 49

Hedges Verging on our Footways In the village we have a number of vulnerable groups, who need clear and open access on our footways (footpaths), throughout the year.

Some of our footways are difficult to navigate due to encroaching hedges and overhanging branches.

It is time to cut back hedges. Ongoing hedge maintenance is necessary to avoid obstruct footways. It should be considered how much a hedge will grow before the next trim and ensure it is cut back sufficiently to avoid future obstruction.

If a hedge has already grown beyond the property boundary many types of hedging can be cut back severely, cutting back one side of the hedge, then cutting back the other side when the first cut side has recovered.

This will not work for the likes of leylandii where new shoots will not grow from mature wood, but is good for yew, beech, etc.

Whatever hedge you grow, the principles of keeping it in trim are largely the same. A hedge that has reached its desired size needs all of this year’s new growth cutting off, to ‘within ‘millimetres of last year’s tips’. Otherwise, over time it will get larger and encroach on the footways. Aim to keep the hedge narrower at the top than the base to encourage dense lower growth. More vigorous hedging plants need more clipping. If still growing to the desired height and width, cut back side shoots by a third to encourage bushy growth. Leave top growth to reach its final height before clipping.

Check any hedge for nesting birds before clipping as it is illegal to disturb them. The main nesting season is between March and August.

Birds may have a second or even third brood in a good season.

Pat Gilmore Meldreth Parish Council

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738 DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WHACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK 50

Fenny Lane Cemetery Virtually all Councils who own and manage local cemeteries have a set of Regulations. These include basic standards and rules relating to burials and the management of graves, the rights to be buried, funeral arrangements, fees, charges, memorials and general rules for visitors.

Meldreth is highly unusual in not having previously adopted Regulations for its cemetery but the Parish Council has decided that we should do so, both in respect of new burials and with regard to the future management of existing graves.

Copies of the Regulations will be provided to funeral directors and to anyone else who would like more information. These can be obtained from our Office in the Community Rooms at Elin Way and a copy will be uploaded to our Parish Council website.

Meldreth Parish Council

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Planning Matters Parish Council Reference and Address 1-8 Victoria Place, Station Road, S/2161/18/DC

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

Information Only. Discharge Cllr Land is concerned that the Parish Council were not notified of conditions of planning with regards to naming the new permission S/1140/15/FL development

112 High Street, T1 Hazel to be reduced by S/2561/18/TC 1.5m to clear house. T2 Zebrina to be reduced by 1.5m to clear crown of Ginkgo. T3 Leylandii Remove top die-back caused

by Coryneum Canker T4 Yew to reduce crown on south side by 2 to 2.5m and rest of crown to balance.

Planning Committee have no comments and refer back to the Tree Officer at SCDC

70 Whitecroft Road, S/0241/18/FL

Proposed demolition of 70 Whitecroft Road and associated outbuildings and the erection of nine new dwellings, including new access. Amended application: Revised site edged red to include land for maintenance of ditch and revised ownership certificates.

Amended Plan PO1 Rev A replaced with P01 Rev B

Planning Committee recommend ‘refusal’ with comments. The site lies outside the village envelope and therefore should not be developed under the emerging local plan. There are significant concerns about the proximity of the entrance road with nearby roads (Howards Road and Marys Way) joining Whitecroft Road Use of this site as proposed denies the future possible use of the site for affordable housing for local people as a rural exception site

97 North End (Blenheim House), S/0828/18/FL

Proposed new access onto the Highway, new access gates, removal of trees and erection of store to side of existing dwelling.

The Planning Committee recommend ‘No Recommendation’ with no comments.

50 Whitecroft Road, S/2446/18/FL

The Planning Committee Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning recommend ‘no recommendation’ permission S/1423/17/FL for with no comments. single storey rear extension and brick cladding to original building. Amended Plans.

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Reference and

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

24 North End, S/2319/18/VC

Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission S/1423/17/FL for single storey rear extension and brick cladding to original building. Amended Plans.

The Planning Committee recommend ‘no recommendation’ with no comments.

1 Chiswick End, Alterations to detached garage S/3196/18/FL 61a High Street, Garage extensions S/3085/18/FL

Planning Committee recommend 'Support' with no comments Planning Committee recommend 'No Recommendation' with no comments; however, they would like it noted that this is in fact an extension with a loft extension and not as described on the paperwork as a 'garage extension'.

Planning Committee recommend ‘refusal’

Former Gocold Building, S/1502/17/FL

Demolition of existing factory building and office, and construction of 22 dwellings with associated landscaping.

New description and amendments for reduction from 24 to 22 dwellings, revised plans and supporting documents.

37 Flambards Close, S/3040/18/LD

Lawful development certificate Planning Committee note this but have no comment for existing rear conservatory to be removed and a new construction to be built into a dining room

32 Station Road, S/2998/18/FL

Addition to timber and double- Meldreth PC recommend 'No glazed ground floor extension Recommendation' with no comments

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

PTO for more Planning Matters 53

SCDC Decisions Reference and

Decision

S/2719/18/PA 68 Whitecroft Road

This is a permitted development and is for information only

S/0914/18/RM Land to the rear of 19-21 Whitecroft Road

The Council hereby Approves details of reserved matters for the Reserved matters application for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following approved outline consent S/2553/17/OL for the erection of two dwellings and change of use of part field/paddock to ecological amenity land.

Marley Eternit – the appeal has been dismissed.

APP/W0530/ W/17/3186104 (S/1901/16/OL) APP/W0530/ D/18/3201602 (S/0510/18/FL)

64 Whitecroft Road – the appeal has been dismissed

Other Items: The proposed development at Marley Eternit has been refused by the Planning Inspectorate.

Councillor Searles attended the SCDC Planning Committee meeting on 11th July to reiterate the Parish Council’s recommendation of refusal on planning application S/0971/18/OL, Land to the south of Whitecroft Road. The result is that the application was refused. However, it could 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

Meldreth Matters’ 30th anniversary issue will be published in November 2018. Why not send in a message or write an article? Please send your contributions to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com by 12th October.

54

ROYSTON FENCING

Parish Clerk Vacancy Shepreth Parish Council

TEL 01763 261150

Shepreth Parish Council is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic person to fill the post of Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have supervisory experience and an administrative and financial background. Preferably they should have a working knowledge of local government law and procedures or show they have the potential and willingness to learn with training.

This is a part time, flexible position approximately 9/10 hours a week, working from home with an evening meeting on the second Thursday of each month.

For more information or an application form please contact the Chairman Ruth White on ruth.white@shepreth.org or 07510 157123.

FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

A10 TIMBER CO. For Timber & Sheet Material

Graded Timber Mouldings & Flooring Decking & Fencing Insulation Cutting & delivery service All enquiries welcome. www.a10timber.co.uk

Barwick Ford Ware, Herts. SG11 1AL Tel: 01279 842016 0808 155 3631 sales@a10timber.co.uk 55

News From Heidi Allen I hope you have been able to enjoy the glorious weather this summer!

During Parliamentary recess, my focus has been on important local issues and as always, my newsletter can only give you an overview of what I have been up to!

The major infrastructure improvements needed in South Cambridgeshire remain a priority for me. In July, Highways England announced their plans to start construction work on the expressway between the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet in 2021/22.

This is later than originally planned and Highways England told me there are two reasons; the engineering at the A1 end is more complex than envisaged and they also want the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon works to complete before they begin construction work on the A428.

Soon, I am meeting with the Chancellor, along with the MP for Huntingdon, Jonathan Djanogly. to emphasise the vital importance of this road improvement scheme and that nothing can allow it to be delayed further.

Another much-needed improvement to local infrastructure is the Girton M11/J14 interchange. If improvements are not made, the benefits of the A428 expressway and the improvements to the A14 simply won’t be delivered as we won’t have a joined-up network. With the housing growth anticipated across Cambridgeshire and with new jobs being created at the Biomedical Campus, the infrastructure must match the ambition for the area. I have made a bid for funding for the Girton interchange ahead of the autumn statement and reiterated how vital it is, to the Chancellor and Roads Minister.

East West Rail (Oxford to Cambridge) is another project that many constituents have contacted me about and I want to reassure you that NO route has yet been chosen. I support a route that is closely aligned with the A428 corridor as public transport is almost non-existent in this part of the constituency; it would also support the housing growth planned at Cambourne and Northstowe. I am pushing this route with Rob Brighouse, Chairman of the East West Rail Company, who has shown interest and we’ll be meeting again soon. I’ll keep you posted on possible routes.

At the end of July, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that Cambridge Magistrates’ Court will remain open. Thank you to the many local people who contacted me about this. There were a number of concerns about the consultation, I am pleased that the right decision has been made. We made this happen!

56

I’ve recently been helping with the harvest in Thriplow and Boxworth.

I suspect I may have been more hindrance than help but I was very enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed it! Our farmers work hard all year round, but there is an undeniable pressure at harvest time as they work around the clock to bring our food in off the fields. Hats (caps?) off!

In August, I spent a shift with the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and donned boots, braces and trousers. They do an amazing job in often very difficult situations, but having participated in a training exercise in a smoke filled building I cannot commend them highly enough. It never occurred to me that when a building is on fire, they work in zero visibility. I couldn’t see a thing and speaking honestly, I was terrified. So I’d just like to put on record my personal thanks.

I have been taking action to hold Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to account for the debacle following the introduction of their new train timetable in May. I have been arguing that compensation must not apply only to season ticket holders as there are other commuters in South Cambridgeshire who have been affected. GTR has recently announced that the compensation scheme will now also include nonseason ticket holders. Although this is welcome news, I have contacted Chris Grayling again to urge him to delay the proposed rail fare increase until GTR services have been fully restored and maintained. I will be meeting with the new Chief Executive of GTR shortly and will leave him in no doubt about the strength of feeling of local commuters.

There will be an update on this matter on my dedicated website page: www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/gtr and in my next newsletter.

Meanwhile, if there is anything you would like to talk to me about, my next no-appointment “drop in” surgery will be on Saturday 6th October from 10.30am -12.30pm in Northstowe. If you’d prefer an appointment, I’ll be in Bassingbourn on Friday 2nd November between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. You can find more details on my website: https:// www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries. If you would like to contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on (01223) 830037.

See you next month!

Heidi Allen MP 57

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World Mental Health Day Wednesday 10th October is World Mental Health Day. Reed Autos based in Foxton, Cambridgeshire have a target to raise a hat-tastic £200 for Ben, an independent charity and dedicated partner to the automotive industry, providing support for life for its people and their family dependents. Reed Autos employees will be wearing their hats to work on 10th October, each donating £2 to support Ben’s work.

Donations can be given via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/reedautos-hatson4ben.

To find out more, visit www.hatson4ben.co.uk.

For more ways in which you can become involved in World Mental Health Day, see: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved.

Bessie Walker Reeds Autos

Talk about Lasting Powers of Attorney Thursday 25th October - 7.30pm Royston Methodist Church, Queens Road, Royston John Gibson will be giving a talk covering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and how vulnerable you and your family could be if you do not have them in place.

We shall also discuss various types of wills and how to best protect your family and assets. This will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided.

This is a free event, but donations will be welcome.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

59

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service As winter comes, do follow our advice on fires, burners and chimneys to ensure your home is kept safe and warm.

Chimneys and Fires  Have your chimney swept once a year, more frequently if you burn wood; avoid burning resinous woods that quickly builds up soot. Only burn fuels suitable for your burner (eg. never burn anything other than wood in a wood burner).  Do not overload the grate/appliance. Use a fire/spark guard. Do not bank fires too high. Let them burn out before you go to bed and check items near the fire for hot embers.  Inspect your chimney breast, particularly the roof space. Make sure it is sound and sparks/fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.

Wood/Multi-Fuel Burners  A qualified engineer should install all wood/multi-fuel burners and boilers. Ensure regular maintenance, ensure the appliance has correct ventilation and regularly inspect the chimney and flues.  Wood burning appliances should use well-seasoned wood, usually wood kept dry and stored for around two years; avoid wet or newly felled wood as this will cause tars/creosote deposits in the appliance and chimney. Avoid burning laminated chip boards which leave binding glue deposits.  Follow each slow burning period with a quick burn to dry out unwanted tar/creosote deposits and to warm up the chimney. 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 performance.

Most Importantly  Fit a smoke alarm to BS5446 and test weekly. Install a CO alarm in the room where the burner is installed.  We have an average of 81 chimney fires a year in Cambridgeshire.

Whatever fire you have, or fuel you burn, it is vital that you have your chimney swept to avoid a build-up of ash and soot.

For more information log on to www.cambsfire.gov.uk 60

Cambridge Fire & Rescue Service

Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

61

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

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

John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Marian Oakman—(01763) 261481 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A WI

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

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

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

Church

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

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

Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School

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

Parish Council District Councillors

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP

62

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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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.

Little Hands Nursery School ................

Melbourn Flooring ...............................

Melbourn Village College (1) ................

Melbourn Village College (2) ................

Meldreth Landscapes ...........................

Meldreth Plant Hire .............................

Moncraft Computers ............................

Nancy Foster Footcare .........................

Newlings of Royston Funeral Service ...

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ...........

Penn Farm Physiotherapy .....................

Reflections Hair Studio ........................

Richard Burns Electrician ......................

Rod’s PC Support .................................

Royston Fencing ...................................

Shelford Energy ....................................

Shepreth Parish Council (Job) ...............

Slimming World ...................................

Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ..................

Summit Landscapes ...............................

Village Garden Services ........................

Walkers Partnership Solicitors ...............

A10 Timber .........................................

Abode Town & Country .....................

Affordable Plumbing ...........................

AngliEAR Hearing ..............................

Art of Clean ........................................

Art of Clean Wood ..............................

Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .............

B2B Automotive ..................................

C & D Autos .......................................

Cam Valley Orchards ..........................

Cambourne Self Storage ......................

Cambridge Sunblinds ..........................

CHS Day Centre .................................

CHS Group .........................................

Coton Electrical ..................................

The Country Store ...............................

Ely Design Group ................................

Eternit Sports and Social Club ..............

Gilhooly .............................................. iPlaster ................................................

Jewellery & Sewing Tutor ...................

Lawn Partners .....................................

The Letting Centre ..............................

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The Letting Centre Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages.

We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area.

Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack.

The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

A garage for the village, run by people from the village MOTs|Servicing|Tyres|Repairs|Diagnostics|Exhausts|Clutches|Cambelts Cars|Light Commercials|Free Collection and Delivery

Book Today Tel: 01223 491005 Email: Info@b2bauto.co.uk Web: www.b2bauto.co.uk

*Unit 2 * Whitecroft Road * Meldreth * Herts * SG8 6NE *

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