Meldreth Matters, October 2020

October 2020

A detail from the Meldreth COVID Quilt, compiled by Lesley Pemberton

Contents Miscellaneous

What’s On in October

Letters to the Editor 4-5

Local Events 19-21 Village Groups

Local/National Government

Friends of Holy Trinity 8-9 Photographic Club 7

Local Councillors 37-41 Parish Council 30-33 Planning 34-35

Children & Education Events for Families 19 Meldreth Manor 16-17 Primary School 12-14 Shepreth Spitfires 10-11

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 52 Community Transport 25 Coronavirus Support 24-25 Fire & Rescue 44-45 Green Homes Grant Scheme 42 Home-Start 47-48 Mobile Warden Scheme 3 Neighbourhood Watch 29 Refuse Collections 26 Village Directory 50-51

Gardens & Nature Gardening 22-23 Holy Trinity Church Church News 9

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

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

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

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Editorial Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Unfortunately, the recently introduced “rule of six� meant that the planned gathering of car enthusiasts at the British Queen in September had to be cancelled. Unsurprisingly, we have not been notified of any village events this month, although several groups and activities have resumed in Meldreth Village Hall; see the centre pages diary for details.

John and Hilary Crawforth have also come up with a varied selection of things to do and places to go (see pages 19-21). As usual, please check details before travelling.

Kathryn

Cover Photograph Front Cover: a detail from the Meldreth Covid Quilt compiled by Lesley Pemberton. See page 4 for an image of the whole quilt.

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

What is the service?

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

Who provides the services?

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

What will it cost?

We do make a small charge for the services, which is from as little as ÂŁ7.50 per week.

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Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

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Letters to the Editor Meldreth COVID Quilt

I just wish to say thank you to all the people who sent in images reminding them of the pandemic and helping to create a lasting memory for the village. It shows what talent we have here in Meldreth and also demonstrates how art can help people cope with adversity.

Lesley Pemberton

Open Gardens and Plant Sale On Sunday 6th September, an Open Gardens event and Plant Sale was held in the village to raise money towards the upkeep of the fabric of the church.

Lizzie Shipp, the Church Wardens and the Parochial Church Council, wish to thank all those who worked to make our event such a success.

We raised over ÂŁ1000 and the money is still coming in. The funds raised will be used to help with the drainage issue and the continuing problem of damp in Holy Trinity.

But perhaps more important, was the happiness which people expressed at being outside in lovely gardens, meeting friends, having tea and being able to buy plants. A big thank you to all those who helped and to those who supported us on 6th September.

Julie Draper 4

County Broadband I am writing in the hope that more people will sign up for the new, fast, cable to the property broadband deal that we could have in our village.

The way it will work is that, if enough people pre-order, work will start soon and we could have fast broadband here. Unfortunately, if there is insufficient interest shown, the company will not build any facilities here. If any one area of the village doesn't have enough people preordering they will be left out of the system, even if the rest of the village is set up.

We live in West Way, an often forgotten part of the village and therefore, in danger of being left out again.

Please look at the County Broadband website to see the benefits of faster broadband and how easy it would be for us all to have that in our village. As they say, we can 'future proof' our connections now or continue to struggle with the ones we have. I have no affiliation with the company but, working from home, I am very aware of the limitations of our current system and hope that we can soon achieve the speeds and reliability we need for the future.

Mrs S Baines

Meldreth Village Trail Challenge Thank you to all the lovely people who contacted me and took part in this fun challenge to raise money for the Hospice.

All the correct entries were put into a hat in memory of David and one winner was selected. I have contacted the winner and a bottle of champagne and some chocolates have been delivered. I will email a list of the correct answers to each entrant.

If anyone would like to have a go at the challenge for fun and make a donation to the Hospice, please get in touch and I can email you a copy: hmeridew@btinternet.com.

Many thanks again.

Helen Meridew www.justgiving.com/fundraising/meridewfamily 5

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbournphotoclub.com

Following the start of the new season in September, we have a full and varied programme for the late autumn months including three lectures and five competitions.

October meetings are as follows; 6th:

1st Open Projected Image Competition. Judge: Ron Tear

13th: Woodland Ways. Lecture by Paul Mitchell 20th: 1st Open Print Competition. Judge: Naomi Saul 27th: Architecture & Editing (with Q&A). Lecture by James Kerwin Meetings are usually held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall from September to April.

However, because of the COVID-19 situation, all meetings for the 2020-21 season will need be held virtually via Zoom until further notice.

The Club has a diverse membership, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability and despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

Upon this Blasted Heath

by Jenny Collier & Trevor Marcusson

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com.

If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join up to two of our Zoom meetings free of charge before deciding. To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club 7

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Meldreth Car Enthusiasts The planned Meldreth Car Enthusiasts’ gathering at the British Queen on Sunday 20th September had to be cancelled due to the new maximum limit of six attending gatherings. Around 38 car owners were keen to attend as there have been few opportunities this year to meet up with like-minded enthusiasts.

This event was not alone, with the Goodwood Revival meeting and the Battle of Britain flying display at Duxford also having to be cancelled.

FOHT Committee Current restrictions prevented The Friends AGM from taking place last May. However, we need to make some changes to the committee as Tim Hoole our Treasurer wishes to stand down.

We have three potential new committee members and one of these, Robert Skeen, has agreed to take on the Treasurer designate role subject to approval at the AGM. To formalise this, Robert will be coopted onto The Friends committee as its constitution allows the cooption up to three people with special knowledge. Two other new committee members will be co-opted onto the committee as well.

Steve Marshall has been a member of The Friends committee for nineteen years of which he was Secretary for fourteen years and he has decided to stand down. The committee would like to thank Steve for his contribution over the years. Not only has he been a very efficient Secretary, he has contributed to The Friends’ activities across many subjects.

To mention a few: a visit to the RHS Garden Wisley, talks about hidden aspects of London’s history, the illustrated talk on his and Marilyn’s visit to the Galápagos Island with superb pictures and waiting on tables at the annual supper dressed with black bow tie etc.

He had a slight mishap one year when the cafetiere he was pressing down ejected its contents over his white shirt. Not to be put off, Steve continued in his white tee shirt and black bow tie!

8

Steve’s finale was to have been the organisation of a performance of Jane Eyre by "This is My Theatre" group in the nave of the church but the dreaded COVID has intervened. Nevertheless, Steve has made a wide-ranging and valued contribution to The Friends’ activities which has been greatly appreciated.

John Price

Holy Trinity Meldreth Public Worship resumed in churches at the beginning of July.

However, not everyone is willing, or able, to worship with us again just yet, and so we will endeavour to continue live-streaming our 9.45am Sunday service, as well as “red-letter” weekday festivals, via our Joint Parish Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asmhtm.

You do not need a Facebook account to watch these, nor do you need to sign in if you have a Facebook account. The services are also available to watch after they have been broadcast. We also have a fortnightly “Wednesdays @4” service via Zoom. If you would like to find out more, or join in, please contact The Reverend Mary Price on (01763) 261569.

As with everything at the moment, the situation can change rapidly, and to help us communicate information to you as efficiently as possible, we often use our eNews to keep you updated. This is already sent to all those who have given their permission. If you do not receive the eNews, and would like to, please email vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.com and you will be added to the list.

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Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk It has been a great few weeks at Shepreth Football Club and the children have been enjoying lots of friendly matches in preparation for the start of the 2020/21 season. The under 7s have particularly enjoyed their first five games as Shepreth players and have scored lots of goals.

Additionally, our goal keeper, who has been with us since Tots, has been asked to train with Cambridge Pre-Academy so all of the children enjoyed a big bag of sweets to celebrate his wonderful achievement.

We wish our littlest team all the best of luck.

Our older children from under 8s to under 11s have also had a great few weeks and, in addition to midweek and weekend matches, the club welcomed a Norwich coach to run some sessions with the children.

Both our coaches and players learned lots of new skills from these training evenings and the boys and girls had fun, listened well and were a great credit to Shepreth FC. The Club has also continued to contend very well in the under 12 age group where one of the under 11 Shepreth teams play.

The first friendlies have brought three very closely contested matches and the coaches and children are all excited to be playing in that higher age group and to continue this challenge which they began in the middle of last season.

All of the children have played their preseason matches in their new kits with new sponsors’ logos on the front. We would like to say thank you to all of our local sponsors. Without the support of The Eternit Sports and Social Club, Hot Numbers, GS Landscaping, Obstacle Training Ground, Eco Energy and Glazed 10

Creations, the children would not get to play footie for only £50 per season.

Shepreth FC would also like to say a huge thank you to Shepreth School Fund who support the families who struggle to pay. The club and the children really appreciate all of this help. If your child would like to join Shepreth Spitfires Football Club please contact Lucy on 07510 175370 or visit our web page www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk.

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Meldreth Primary School So, finally we are all back under one roof … four of our seven classes having been home bound since March 20th returned for ‘business as unusual,’ as the Autumn term unfolded.

The build up to our reopening on 7th September included a thorough redesigning of classroom spaces to maximise on social distancing and to ensure that each class bubble remains separate throughout the day, both indoors and out. The changes that I described in the July issue when the school partly reopened have been redoubled and reinforced to ensure safe movement of families and pupils to and from school and to minimise the risk of infection between class bubbles. It has been hard; it has been exhausting and it has been stressful, but these shortcomings are overwhelmingly counterbalanced by the delight that children have shown by being reunited with their classmates and staff. The sense of heartfelt joy was palpable on the first day of term – children just wanted to talk and talk and talk to their friends. There were very few signs of anxiety among the children once they were back in classes and whilst the appetite for learning has been high, we have noticed that many are much more tired in the afternoons; during the Home Learning period, most children tended to undertake he bulk of their assignments in the mornings, leaving afternoons free for play, so we understand that the coming weeks will represent a period of transition as children readjust to a full working day.

During the first week children reflected on their feelings about being back in school, in a new class on the first day of a new school year.

Here are a few of their thoughts: So here we are, Back at school, With all our friends and new teachers, Playing with my friends again; laughing and giggling.

I was nervous at first, but now I feel happy and great!

There are lots of new rules after this Covid thing.

We must ‘Wash Your Hands!

Stay in your bubbles!

Keep your distance!

But the most important thing is, that It’s great to be back!

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By Isla

Here we are!

It feels like we have not been here before.

So many things seem new, others don’t, But it’s so good to see all my friends again.

It seems weird not being allowed to brings bags, But I’m getting used to sitting on our chairs again, Writing and gluing sheets in our books, But the teachers can’t even mark our work, And I can’t see my siblings in their bubbles at break.

I’m sure everything will get back to normal in the end!

Here we are Sitting on our chairs, At our very own desks, With our very own journals, In the crazy Kestrel Class!

There’s the sun And the moon And the whole galaxy to explore…

But then I wonder; The world so big And my chair so small..

So now I wonder, What’s beyond the brick wall?

By Evie

By Iris B

Here we are Starting a new class, At least I recognise everyone – New classroom – old class.

But oh! All the washing!

‘Hi McKenzie! Hi Toby!’

Wear a mask, Stay in your bubble, Share the toilets..

Good teacher, no – great teacher.

It’s great to be back!

By Tom R Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher 13

Me Maps The maps below were created by Meldreth Primary School pupils, celebrating “the wonder of me�.

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Meldreth Manor School https://www.the-aurora-group.com/meldrethmanor We are so happy to be back!

Everyone at Meldreth Manor School is so excited and delighted to be back at school, and operating in our “new normal”.

Having relocated in the flats for ‘home schooling’ throughout the summer term, we are so glad to be able to be back within our school building. Obviously we have stringent COVIDsafe regimes in place, but we are happy to work through all these challenges in order to protect the integrity of learning and also to ensure that school is not intruding into the children’s Home. We even have stylish new t-shirts to help remember to socially distance.

Of course the Children’s Home, and Therapy teams have continued to provide the very best care and provisions for our children throughout the baking hot summer months.

With careful management and strict restrictions, our families have begun to be able to visit safely and some of our children have even been able to visit home.

Unfortunately the children did not enjoy holidays away as they usually would through the summer break. We 16

are all the more grateful that we have the large school grounds that we are so lucky to have. We love our new water wall and learning stations around the grounds.

We continue to work hard to make the grounds beautiful. Our dahlias and sunflowers have been amazing. The gardening bug is definitely starting to grow.

We are delighted to welcome new students and many new staff to our team.

Keep happy, healthy and safe.

Nadine McFadden Head of Education: Meldreth Manor School. nadine.mcfadden@the-aurora-group.com

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Things for Children and Families To Do The situation is changing constantly so please check that the following details are still current.

Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum Ely Road, Waterbeach CB25 9PQ The Abbey (ground floor and Nuns’ Refectory) and Museum are now open from Thursdays to Sundays. Book in advance. Free for all in 2020. Masks must be worn indoors and hand sanitisers are available.

Snacks available from the gift shop.

Cambridge Science Centre The centre is currently closed but watch the website for POPUP Science in various locations around the region (limited numbers). CSC Online provides free activities to try at home. Science@6 is a weekly web series released on Mondays at 6.00pm with interviews and question and answer sessions. Visit: www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.

Nicola Benedetti After School Sessions (online - Youtube) Songs and games, violin tutorials, Learn the Blues, Groove ’n’ Move.

For various ages and musical abilities.

Wild Earth www.wildearth.tv SafariLIVE is an expert-hosted live safari from the African wilderness.

Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Family First Saturdays, 2.00pm - 4.00pm each month Free, themed self-led activities and free family tours (pre-book). Take paper and pencils if you wish to draw. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November Where’s Wally? A spooky museum search at the Fitzwilliam Free. Can you find Wally? Pick up an activity sheet and a spooky bookmark if you do.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens Family activities to try at home. New activities added each week, from cooking to craft, games to gardening. Watch a video to learn new facts and create your own paper orchid. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 19

Things to Do in October Here is a selection of events and activities happening nearby. To have your event listed, please email: meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

NB Things are changing week by week, so please check details before travelling.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10.00am to 4.00pm Royston Library, Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JN The library has re-opened. Visitors can have up to 15 minutes to browse bookshelves and use self-service kiosks for borrowing/returning books. Computers are available in one hour pre-booked slots to members. Visitors must comply with social distancing and other COVID-secure measures, including wearing face coverings. For more information: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

Throughout October Cambridge Summer Music Virtual Festival Cambridge Summer Music had 30 fantastic concerts by world-class performers lined up for its 2020 Festival. Though cancelled due to COVID-19, they have created an online programme of music by the same performers - a ‘virtual festival’. Free to watch though donations welcome. Visit: www.cambridgesummermusic.co.uk.

Throughout October A Wellness Wander - Cambridge University Botanical Gardens 1 Brookside Cambridge CB2 1JE The Gardens are now open again, 10.00am to 5.00pm during October entry with pre-booked tickets only. For those unable to visit, staff are recording weekly walkabouts for everyone to enjoy the colours, sights and sounds. Visit: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. A daily plant quiz is also available on their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Throughout October, 12.00pm to 4.00pm Great St. Mary’s Tower Great St Mary’s Church, Senate House Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PQ The tower is now open again for panoramic views of the colleges and across the city. Admission £6, £16 for families. No need to book. Also, explore this beautiful historic church with their new self-guided walking tour. Face coverings must be worn. Visit: gsm.cam.ac.uk.

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6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October (to 1st December) 9.00am Giving Tuesday, Home-Start Royston & South Cambs Every Tuesday Home-Start Royston will be offering a new activity music, embroidery, creating a photo collage - some recent examples.

Some free, others paid-for activities as part of the group’s fund-raising programme. Visit: www.hsrsc.org.uk/giving-tuesday for further details.

Friday 9th October 8.00pm to 10.00pm Royston Arts Society, Market Hill Rooms, Fish Hill, Royston SG8 9DW Demonstrations by skilled local artists re-start on 9th October - this month the subject is ‘Cornish Wild Flowers in Acrylic’ by Susan Gray.

Also, painting sessions are running again on first and third Tuesday each month, 2.00pm to 4.00pm. For details: www.roystonarts.org.uk.

Until Sunday 11th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm Autumn Open Gardens, Chippenham Park, Newmarket CB7 5PT Spacious woodland garden with attractive lakes, lawns and borders full of autumn colour. Entry £5, children free. Dogs on leads welcome.

Potting Shed Café serves excellent refreshments (reduced menu).

NB Payments on the gate and in the café are cash-only. Please observe social distancing at all times. Visit: www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Sunday 11th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm Orwell Antiques and Vintage Fair Village Hall, High Street, Orwell, Cambridgeshire SG8 5QN Antique and vintage wares, collectables, memorabilia, clothing, accessories and jewellery. Tea and cakes available. Children welcome.

Dog-friendly. Free parking. Admission £1. COVID-19 secure venue and government guidelines apply. www.rural magpie.co.uk.

Saturday 31st October, 9.00am Team Addenbrooke’s Virtual Challenge 2020 Support our NHS heroes at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospital.

Either run 7.2km in one go or run/walk/cycle 72km over a month. To sign up and for more information visit: www.act4Addenbrooke’s.org.uk.

Looking ahead … Saffron Hall concerts are scheduled to begin again in December and are booking now. While you wait why not go online and take a virtual tour of Amsterdam’s brilliant Van Gogh Museum or listen to various performers/concerts online at www.saffronhall.com.

21

Compiled by John Crawforth

Note from a Small Garden Firstly, I must thank everyone who came to visit Sherida and John’s plant stall and our two gardens in aid of the fabric of the church on 6th September.

We had the most marvellous afternoon on a sunny September Sunday and made over £1000. Sherida had been preparing the plants for some months and what with donations from several good gardeners in the village, the stalls looked thoroughly professional with all the plants properly potted and with clear labels. The stall raised nearly £300 and together with very generous donations of entrance fees, and monies raised from the sale of jam, fruit and cakes from the produce stall, and crafts and cookery books from the craft stall, they all added up to magnificent total above.

The PCC and Church Wardens are extremely grateful for the gift and it will go towards repairing the drainage of the church which, unfortunately, is in a poor state of repair. But perhaps what was most important was how much people were enjoying the afternoon and how supportive they were. So a very big thank you again.

The Veg Club Plus met recently, suitably distancing in one of our gardens. We compared notes on what has been a queer summer, weather-wise, which has shown up in the unusual growth of various plants and vegetables.

Some people have had a rotten year in terms of runner and French beans but others had had good crops. The same has applied to tomatoes. Why were my tomatoes planted in the garden so much more prolific compared with those in the greenhouse?

I recently found a lost garden diary, first stated in 2013, in which I had recorded in May that I was trying borlotti beans for the first time (most successful this year) and that I had succumbed to Sarah Raven’s catalogue, particularly for tomato seeds. This year her Noire de Cremee, and a lovely heart shaped green and red striped tomato called Shimmer have been prolific and deliciously sweet. I thoroughly recommend them.

But as to the answer to why our crops should so differ from gardener to gardener, I really have no idea. We have had some lovely spells of 22

fine weather but also some very dry periods. I need to research gardens and climate change more. More next time.

Jobs for October  Bring tender plants inside  Once the cold weather comes and the dahlias are “caught”, dig the

tubers up, clean and dry them, wrap them in newspaper, label them and keep them away from mice!  Plant out winter tubs and hanging baskets  Start clearing the borders and plan what needs moving/dividing/

discarding.

Good gardening from the Veg Club, Jim and me.

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

23

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support www.facebook.com/groups/MeldrethCoronavirusCommunitySupport Meldreth Friends Out of lockdown and into an uncertain new season, we’d like to find as many ways as possible of supporting those who are isolated or might be finding it hard to get out. Lots of new friendships have been created during lockdown through the village volunteer scheme and it would be lovely to keep new friendships going.

Meldreth Walking Friends Village residents who previously put themselves forwards as volunteers for the Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support group are currently exploring the idea of organising an informal village walking group.

This would involve groups of no more than six people meeting once every fortnight or so for a gentle wander, some fresh air, and a friendly chat. If you would like to join, or possibly even volunteer to lead a walk around the village, please contact Paul Inman on 07976 256121.

Meldreth Driving Friends We would like to arrange lifts to the Melbourn Hub where there’s a library and lots going on in an exemplary COVID-sensitive environment, and perhaps also to the Melbourn garden centres, for Meldreth residents who don’t have a car of their own and would find it difficult to walk or cycle. Would anyone be interested in helping out?

This could be as little as a volunteer might have time for – once a week or whatever suits, to drop off and collect a bit later.

We’ve spoken to Royston and District Community Transport who would love to help out but who’ve seen quite a drop in their volunteer driver pool, as many of their drivers are not as young as they used to be. However, they do have a coordinator to help organise lifts and oversee all the necessary admin including insurance and reimbursement to volunteers for fuel costs. They are also carefully set up with COVID protocols and protections. They would be happy to help us out with this small venture if we can find some new drivers for this very local scheme.

So, if you are fit and able and have access to a four-door car, and might like to become a Meldreth Driving Friend, please contact Susan van de Ven on susanvandeven5@gmail.com or 07905 325574.

24

Meldreth Calling Friends Whether a chat by telephone, through the kitchen window or a garden visit with one’s own portable chair and blanket, there are various ways to keep in contact with our village neighbours in the coming season. If you’d like to take part on either side of the kitchen window, please get in touch with John Crawforth on 07595 627684 or email johndcrawforth@btopenworld.com.

Screenbank A huge thank you to Andy Thomas and the Meldreth team for a dazzling job supplying refurbished second-hand computers to students at Melbourn Village College - and to all who've donated to the project.

And finally… Meldreth Food Bank continues, thanks to the generosity of Meldreth residents. Donations can be made at any time to the box outside The Gables, 69 High Street. To use the Food Bank please ring Anne on 07592 355279 or drop by on Tuesdays from 10.00am to midday or on Thursdays from 2.00-4.00pm.

All at the MCCS Team

Royston & District Community Transport www.roytrans.co.uk With the recent changes in government advice, Community Transport is starting to get back to a normal service – but we’re not quite there yet! If you need Community Transport, please ring the office as usual and we will advise you what we can offer.

Telephone (01763) 245228, from 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Volunteer Drivers Needed We are always looking for drivers to help us provide our service. You would use your own car and receive 50p per mile. Personal accident and public liability insurance is provided through the scheme. We also need volunteer drivers to drive our minibuses and MPVs, for which you will receive 50p per mile for using your car to get to and from the vehicle. For further information telephone (01763) 245228 or email pru@roytrans.co.uk.

Royston & District Community Transport 25

Meldreth Village Di Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs 10.00am Hart

All events/mee ngs are subject to change or cancella on: if in any doubt, please check before a ending

Refuse Collections Black bins: Blue/Green bins:

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

13th, 27th 6th, 20th

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.30pm Parish (online meetin

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

4.00-5.00pm A

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba Copy deadline for the November issue 11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

10.40-11.30am Mobile Library, Bell Close

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World 7.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

11.00am-12.00 noon Trigger Point Pilates

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hart

7.00-8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

4.00-5.00pm A

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

6.00-6.45pm F Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba Half Term holiday

Half Term holiday

Half Term holiday

Half Term

Church Services are held in Holy Trinity Church. Football matches take place on the rec

26

ary - October 2020

sday beeps

Friday 9.30am Slimming World

Saturday 3.00pm Football match

ACRO

Sunday 9.45am Said Eucharist with organ and choir

Fitness

h Council g)

tbeeps

9.30am Slimming World

8.00am Said Eucharist

ACRO

Fitness

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

3.00pm Football match

9.45am Said Eucharist with organ and choir

9.30am Slimming World

3.00pm Football match

8.00am Said Eucharist

ACRO

Fitness

beeps

ACRO

10.30am Football match

Fitness

tbeeps

9.30am Slimming World

3.00pm Football match

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

ACRO

Fitness

m holiday

Half Term holiday

creation ground. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

27

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

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

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

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

iPLASTER

MELDRETH

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

LANDSCAPES

01763 260 526 07837 645173

Design & Layout Plans

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

Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features

Cambourne Self Storage

Pergolas, Decking, etc

Outdoor Storage 24 Hour Access 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

Tel: 01763 261463

24 Hour Remotely Monitored CCTV Sensor Flood Lighting Keypad Entry and High Security Locks,

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

Vehicle Access Directly to Unit Doors

01767 676189

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

www.CambourneSelfStorage.co.uk

28

Neighbourhood Watch People’s Postcode Lottery Scam Letters Not all scams come via emails or telephone calls, and not all scams are new ones. This particular scam was reported in one of these articles a few years ago, but it seems that it has been recycled.

Two Meldreth residents recently received a letter claiming to be from the People’s Postcode Lottery, informing them that they had won £375,000. The letters looked extremely convincing and requested that the "winner" should phone to claim their prize.

Luckily, in both cases the "winner" had suspicions so didn't call, but instead contacted Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch (see contact below) with the details. If they had called the number on the letter, then personal or financial information may have been requested. Note that there is a real People’s Postcode Lottery, but you won't win a prize unless you've bought a ticket!

Remember:  Never give out any personal or financial details in response to any

unsolicited communication (phone call, email, text, letter or personal visit).  Never phone the number or use the email address given in an

unsolicited communication. Instead, use the official details from the organisation's website or from the back of your bank cards.  If something looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Genuine representatives of County Broadband are active in Meldreth, but beware of scammers who may seek to pass themselves off as working for County Broadband. A genuine representative will not object to being asked to confirm their identity, and will not ask for money.

29

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 3rd September 2020 This meeting was held through a video/audio link, in accordance with revised procedures provided by the Coronavirus Act 2020. The main points of this meeting are set out below in the usual summary format.

The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Parish Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions  Traffic Management Proposals The Council discussed traffic issues in the High Street between the station and the stocks, from the viewpoints of speed limits and the use of the road by HGVs using it as a short cut through the village. It was agreed, in liaison with County Highways, to organise two feasibility studies, one in respect of the speed limit and whether a 20 mph limit could be introduced, and the other to examine HGV traffic from the viewpoint of possibly introducing restrictions on such traffic passing through the village as opposed to servicing local businesses. 

District and County Councillors’ Report This is set out on pages 37-41 of the magazine. It was also noted that a review of planning delegation at SCDC is taking place and that there will be sessions in mid September which will enable Parish Councils to contribute their views.



COVID-19 Local support services have been reduced but remain on standby.

There is increasing concern about the virus reasserting itself in certain parts of the country and caution is needed to respect the possibility of this.

The toilet facilities at the pavilion have been reopened and all the necessary measures of signage, social distancing and disinfection have been put in place. The changing rooms and showers will remain off-limits for the time being but preparatory steps will be taken forward and the latest information and guidance from the Football Association and others will be reviewed.

30



Pavilion Anti-Social Behaviour The anti-vandal paint will shortly be applied to deter those attempting to climb up onto the roof of the pavilion. There has been some delay in sourcing the necessary warning notices. The paint will be applied as soon as possible.



Village Infrastructure Repairs to the kissing gate and signposts have been completed.

Other work remains outstanding, inclusding repairs to the bus shelters, and there has been difficulty in sourcing contractors to quote for and carry out this work.

We have received a grant of £1,000 towards the commemorative VE Day bench and the Council agreed to meet the additional costs of delivery and installation. The bench will be installed outside the Village Hall, facing the commemorative bench on the other side of the road. An existing bench on the site will be repositioned on the Elin Way side of the Village Hall and the necessary permissions for doing this will be sought as soon as possible.



Recreation Ground Issues Kickwall: this will be re-established at the recreation ground to replace the wall that had to be removed on safety grounds. The Council agreed that the new wall would combine a kickwall and climbing wall. Discussions will now be taken forward with contractors.

Five-a-side Pitch: the Council considers that there is not enough level space at the tennis courts end of the main football pitch to safely reposition the five-a-side pitch. This will therefore remain in its present position but this may be reconsidered in the light of an overall plan for the recreation ground, which is currently under review. It was noted that the cost of removing the goals and repositioning them would be about £380.

Goal posts Storage: the large goal posts are currently stored next to the pavilion and close to the boundary fences of adjoining properties in Elin Way. The Football Club will investigate alternative locations for their storage in the vicinity of the pavilion where they would continue to be protected by the pavilion’s CCTV and not be immediately adjacent to 31

neighbouring properties. It was agreed that the nuisance caused by balls being kicked over residents’ fences needed to be addressed and it was hoped that the return to school would lessen the football kicking activities which are currently causing this nuisance. Progress will be further reviewed at the next Council meeting. 

Trees The Council awaits confirmation from the two tree surgery companies chosen to undertake the work needed on the village’s trees. The recent high winds have increased the workloads of most tree surgeons and there will be some delay in this process.



Cemetery The Council agreed to seek quotes for repairing the very uneven state of the hard surface inside the gate. There will be a further report on the fencing issues previously noted, but it was agreed that it was extremely difficult to reinstate rabbit fencing which had been breached. The Council will consult with SCDC officers for advice about the management of graves and memorials.



Rates Relief Grant A grant of £10,000 has been received. There are apparently no limits on how this money can be used and it will therefore form part of the general funding base of the Council.



Insurance The Council has reviewed its insurance arrangements and these were reported to be in good order.

Next meeting: Thursday 1st October 2020.

Meldreth Parish Council

COVID Symptom Study Help fight COVID-19 by aiding research. Join over 4 million members of the public supporting the NHS and scientists in the UK. Download the app on the App Store or on Google Play.

32

Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

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

Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.  Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.  Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.  Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.  Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk 33

Planning Matters Parish Council The following planning issues were discussed at the Parish Council Planning meeting on 3rd September 2020.

Reference Detail and Address

Parish Council Recommend

20/03400/ REM Land to the rear of 30 Chiswick End

Approval of matters reserved for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission S/4058/17/OL for the erection of two dwellings with demolition of lean-to of existing building and alterations to existing highway access.

The committee recommended ‘Object’ with comments. There are three main areas of concern.

1. This is an over development of the plot in size and mass of the proposed dwellings and garages.

2. There would be a strong visual impact on the landscape.

3. The road is narrow with no footway and there is concern on the increase in traffic. The Parish Council would also like to reiterate their comments made at the meeting held on 7th December 2017 on the outline application for which refusal was also proposed.

S/0971/18/ CONDA Land to the south of Whitecroft Road

Submission of details required by conditions 6 (contamination) and 9 (arbicultural Method Statement and Tree Protection plan) of planning permission S/0971/18/OL. Information only.

S/0971/18/ CONDB Land to the south of Whitecroft Road

Submission of details required by conditions 8 (Ecological design statement) and 10 (Surface water drainage) and 11 (foul water drainage) of planning permission S/0971/18/OL. Information only.

34

Parish Council: Other Items Four possible sites have been put forward to South Cambridgeshire District Council following its “call for sites” suitable for development. These include land on Fenny Lane and North End. The ‘Call for Sites’ asks people to put forward land they own for possible development under the next Local Plan. All areas will be looked into by SCDC and then they will decide on which of these proposals will go through to the next stage.

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

SCDC Decisions The following decisions have been made recently.

Reference and Address

Decision

20/02156/HFUL 74a High Street

Two storey rear extension and single storey rear extension has been granted permission.

20/02122/PR103Q Fenny Lane Farm

Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to three dwelling houses (class C3) has been granted permission.

S/3999/19/FL 53 Station Road

Non material amendment of planning permission S/3999/19/FL for traditional pitched roof dormer instead of velux windows above garage has been refused permission.

Variation of conditions 4 (Approved Plans), 11 (Visibility Splays) & 12 (Vehicular Access) of planning permission S/3529/16/OL has been granted permission.

20/01801/S73 Scrapyard, Chiswick End

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications/ The Meldreth Matters Team 35

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

36

District and County Councillors’ Report September came in with gusto: some of these items made it into our Parish Council report and others have been added subsequently.

Bus Services and Addenbrooke’s No doubt those who use the Stagecoach service are aware of fundamental changes that came into force on 30th August, with the ‘Busway A’ service between Royston and Cambridge replaced by the 915. The new service runs between Royston and Drummer Street Station Cambridge, including stops at Melbourn High Street car park and Trumpington Park and Ride for a short wait for anyone wishing to change to the ‘Busway A’ service from there to Addenbrooke’s. This means that the journey from Melbourn to Addenbrooke’s is now broken into two. The reason for the change – which has been replicated throughout Cambridgeshire – is the effects of the COVID pandemic upon public transport, both in terms of reduced users and revenue and a reduced workforce. Stagecoach have told us they are looking at this as a temporary alteration and hope to build back.

Meanwhile, for those bus passengers disembarking at Addenbrooke’s, the Outpatients bus stop has been moved in order to accommodate an enlarged ambulance access to the Emergency Department. The good news is that the bus stop will be restored imminently.

New Triage Pilot at Addenbrooke’s There is now a new pilot triage system at Addenbrooke’s Hospital launched to help make sure patients get the right care in the right place.

From 9.00am to 9.00pm, anybody who attends the Emergency Department without a referral from a medical professional, who hasn’t been brought in by an ambulance, or hasn’t called NHS 111 in advance will be reviewed by a senior clinician.

They will assess the patient’s symptoms and decide whether the Emergency Department is the most appropriate place for their issue. If the patient does not require care from the Emergency Department, they will be directed to call NHS 111 or to visit their GP or a local pharmacy.

This pilot supports the new national NHS “111 First” initiative that encourages people to contact NHS 111 before going to an Emergency Department in order to ensure they get the right help at the right time.

37

Public Health Intelligence Team, Cambridgeshire County Council: COVID-19 Updates The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Public Health Intelligence team produces frequent detailed updates on COVID cases and settings.

These are published on their website: https:// cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/coronavirus_cambridgeshire/ cambridgeshire-and-peterborough-public-health-covid-19-reports. You will arrive at the same place if you Google “Cambridgeshire Insight COVID-19 reports”, then click “Interactive Reports for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough”.

Planning The Government has published a White Paper on Planning Reform that is causing some consternation amongst planning authorities. Although there are some serious issues with current legislation, and things could be made slicker and better from the customer point of view, generally Councils do a good job of protecting the places that need to be protected including Green Belts, Conservation Areas, Heritage Assets and rural areas.

The Government blames local authorities for restricting the speed of housing delivery, but in fact this is caused by developers who will build houses only as fast as they can sell them.

The new proposal is that areas will be designated for ‘growth’ and that very few application processes will need to be got through for building to commence. Councils such as South Cambridgeshire are gravely concerned that ensuring that housing is built to high standards and is located close to jobs and facilities will be stopped and the planning system reduced to a random race to the bottom. There is a wideranging consultation underway and we expect that the final legislation will look quite different from what is currently proposed - at least we hope it will.

Business Recovery South Cambridgeshire District Council has distributed over £25 million of government grants to businesses. The flow of money has now stopped but the Council has appointed a team of four experts whose job it is to support local businesses in any way they wish - help with a planning application or a trading license or advice on business recovery and diversification and so on. The aim is to create a one-stop shop at the Council for all businesses regardless of size, and to give all business owners a single point of contact in terms of a real person with whom they can communicate. If you are a local business, please sign up for 38

the newsletter which contains updates on just about everything you could ever want to know as a business owner in South Cambridgeshire.

Lots of information is available. See: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/ business/coronavirus-information-for-businesses.

County Broadband Update We’ve reported previously on the detail of the County Broadband project to bring full fibre connections into individual homes and premises. County Broadband has been active, not just in Meldreth, but villages around us and there has been sufficient take-up of interest in Whaddon and Orwell to allow the project to go ahead there.

Meldreth has not yet reached that critical next step, but County Broadband are still open for new ‘registrations of interest’ – in which there is no upfront payment, just an indication of general interest that helps form a village-wide picture.

Importantly, ‘registering interest’ provides support to others in your street, who may want to connect their own property to the new infrastructure at some point in the future but will only have the option to do so if there’s sufficient concentration of interest in that street.

Here’s the link: https://countybroadband.co.uk. Please fill in your postcode and then link to ‘register interest’.

Poor Broadband Speeds on the Edge of the Village?

The Cambridgeshire County Council ‘Connecting Cambridgeshire’ team has launched a top-up scheme for rural gigabit vouchers – topping up the voucher value for those on the slowest speeds. Please, if you experience slow broadband speeds and live at the edge of the village, check this out by googling ‘Connecting Cambridgeshire gigabit broadband voucher’.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Mobile Libraries Resume The mobile library fleet is running again, with two new vehicles. The service has returned to its regular stops, but unfortunately access to the vehicle is limited to help keep staff safe, so customers will need to choose books in advance. To do so, please use the usual reservation service https://cambridgeshire.spydus.co.uk.

You may also use the new Select and Collect service which allows you to request a collection of books based on your tastes. See https:// cambridgeshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Select_and_Collect or telephone 0345 045 5225. Choose the mobile library as a pick up 39

point, and order as far in advance as possible to ensure a selection is ready and issued for you to pick up from your stop – ideally a week in advance, but the service will do its best with forms received after this.

If you have any queries contact the Mobile Libraries team by emailing MobileLibraries@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

‘Solar Together’ This comes a bit late but there may still be time. Apologies as we lacked sufficient advance notice to submit this information in time for September’s Meldreth Matters.

The County Council and District Councils have joined forces with Solar Together as part of the initiative to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Households and small and medium-sized enterprises can register free of charge and without obligation for the group-buying scheme, by visiting www.solartogether.co.uk/ cambridgeshire. When they register online for their complete solar PV system, applicants will be asked questions about their house, roof and electricity usage. The County Council will then arrange an auction with pre-vetted installers on 6th October. The auction is a reverse auction, meaning the lowest bid wins. The winning bid sets the price for all solar systems and battery systems. All installers are pre-vetted and must comply with certain criteria to guarantee the quality of the offer.

After the auction, applicants will receive a personal recommendation based on their registration details. They then have six weeks to decide if they want to take up the recommendation and proceed with an installation. Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity.

In order to use this energy, the panels mounted on a roof need to be connected to an inverter using cables. The Solar Together offer is for a complete service, including all equipment, survey, installation, monitoring and warranties. Afterwards, households or businesses will automatically generate their own electricity from the panels on their roof. Households that already have solar panels installed can also register to have battery storage added to their existing solar panels to maximise the benefits of their system. For further information, please contact solartogether.co.uk/Cambridgeshire or email cambridgeshire@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 048 8259.

Government Consultation on Pavement Parking As part of its suite of measures to encourage active travel, the government is consulting on significant restrictions on pavement parking. Sorry about this long link – you can also just google 40

‘pavement parking government consultation’ and you’ll land in the right place. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/managingpavement-parking/pavement-parking-options-for-change.

Home-Start Home-Start has been working very hard to support Meldreth children and families facing a particularly difficult stretch these past few months. They’ve had to adapt their services to virtual and telephone platforms but, taking stock, feel they’ve been able to make a fundamental difference – indeed their service is often described as a lifeline service. They rely on donations and grants to make their service possible. Thanks for all the support that has been directed their way.

To find out more including how you can help, please visit https:// www.hsrsc.org.uk or telephone (01763) 262262. [Editor’s note: see also the Home-Start article on pages 47-48.]

Drainage Once again, thank you to everyone who has so assiduously reported blocked drains on the Highways Reporting webpage, and especially Pat Gilmore for providing a gold standard oversight. Given that the County no longer provides annual drainage maintenance (it says it no longer has the money to do this), reporting takes on extra importance.

Supported by the legwork done by residents and Pat, Highways has been made aware of the urgent need to clear drains around the Elin Way/High Street junction.

And any questions, any time – we’re always here to help as best we can.

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Jose Hales, District Councillor

41

Green Homes Grant Scheme The Government will provide a voucher worth up to ÂŁ5,000 (or ÂŁ10,000 if you are on a low income and receiving certain benefits) to help cover the cost of making energy efficient improvements to your home.

Improvements could include insulating your home to reduce your energy use or installing low-carbon heating to lower the amount of carbon dioxide your home produces.

You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2021.

See www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme or www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/pages/green-homes-grant for full details.

Kathryn Betts Editor

Open Eco Homes – Autumn Season Has spending more time at home got you thinking about home improvement? The upcoming government Green Homes Grant (see above) offers homeowners and landlords grants covering two-thirds of the cost of many home energy improvements.

Local charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint is offering free advice on how to renovate your home to make it more comfortable and energy efficient with their Open Eco Homes Autumn Season. After ten years of running live events, this year we are offering our home tours and talks online.

There are three online talks and nine online tours to choose from. For further details or to register, visit openecohmes.org/autumnseason.

Alana Sinclair Manager 42

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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, 107 High St, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6AP Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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Getting Ready for Winter As the colder months arrive and we begin using our fires, burners and chimneys once again to warm our homes, chimney fires can become a common occurrence in our homes.

To ensure you keep your home safe from fire, follow our top tips below:  Whatever fire you have or fuel you burn it is vitally important to have your chimney swept to avoid a build-up of ash and soot  Avoid burning resinous woods (that quickly build up soot)  Only burn fuels suitable for your burner. For example, never burn anything other than wood in a wood burner  Do not overload the grate/appliance  Do not bank fires too high and remember to let them burn out well before you go to bed  Check the hearth, floor and furnishings near the fire for hot sparks/ embers  Do not place objects on or over the mantelpiece which cause you to stand too close to the fire in order to reach them  Use a fire/spark guard to prevent accidental fires and make sure it has the kitemark or conforms to British/European standards  Inspect your chimney breast, particularly the roof space. Make sure it is sound and sparks/fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.  Most importantly, always fit a smoke alarm and test it weekly.

Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in the room where the burner is.

For more information, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk, follow us on social media or call 01480 444500.

Test Your Smoke Alarm Did you know that you should test your smoke alarms at least once a month? Or that you should have smoke alarms on every floor of your home? Or that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service carry out free home visits to make sure your home is fire safe? Visit this website for helpful tips and advice: https://firekills.campaign.gov.uk.

It only takes one accident to start a fire. Fire kills. Let’s prevent it.

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Sign Up to Our Mailing List Would you like to have all of the latest news, safety advice or vacancies delivered straight to your inbox? Choose what you want to hear about and update your subscriber preferences at any time. Sign up to our mailing list at bit.ly/CambsFireBulletins.

Get the Call: Become an On-call Firefighter Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is recruiting more oncall firefighters to help serve local communities across the county.

CFRS is looking for men and women from all backgrounds to become on-call firefighters and provide emergency cover from either their home or their workplace. On-call firefighters are a vital part of our Service and Community. They respond to a wide range of incidents, from fighting fires, attending road traffic collisions and animal rescues, to supporting other emergency services. In addition to responding to emergency incidents, our on-call firefighters support their communities by providing information and advice on a range of community safety topics.

They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours). It’s a hugely rewarding role, and we hope to encourage members of the community from all backgrounds to get in touch and find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter. Visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk/oncall for further information.

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers:

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

Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions” All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com

See our rates on page 52

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

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P.D. Property Services

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist

1 Abbots Close Litlington Nr Royston, Herts SG8 0QQ

• Exterior and interior home decorating

25274

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda

25274

PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS FULL BATHROOM DESIGN & INSTALL

design and construction

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• General home repairs • Pruning / hedge and tree trimming • Professional service

01763 853 778 MOB 07768 332380

TEL

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

ASK FOR PAUL

Friendly, Professional, Expert

Visit our lovely private clinic on Melbourn Science Park for all your dental needs including general maintenance, fillings and restorations, braces, implants, tooth-whitening and much more. New patients are most welcome.

Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk 9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB Free parking outside world-class dentistry, on your doorstep 46

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start’s Hug in a Mug Campaign What is the thing you miss most at the moment?

Before lockdown, there were all sorts of things we took for granted: popping into a shop on a whim; sitting in a café and enjoying a cup of coffee; seeing a friend and giving them a hug.

It’s a touchy subject Touch is the first of the five senses to develop: embryos start to be aware of touch at around the 8th week of pregnancy and it’s the key sense in survival - young animals and humans instinctively pull away from discomfort and move towards things that feel good. Touch also affects the mental and physical development in children: research shows that a lack of physical contact from birth will have a severely detrimental effect on a child’s development which carries on into adulthood.

Touch is also a powerful communication tool: it’s the easiest way to say to someone that we care about them. As author Mimi Novic says, “Laughter with those that understand us is music for the soul. A hug at the right moment and a kind shoulder to lean on, is the sprinkle of magic that keeps us walking towards hope.” Receiving and giving hugs helps to relieve stress, reduces blood pressure and releases the happiness hormones oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin: in short, hugs are good for you.

In fact, hugs are one of the key tools our volunteers use when helping a family facing crisis.

We also use tea.

“While there is tea, there is hope.”

In Britain, offering a cup of tea during times of stress or distress is second nature.

Of course, with the current COVID-19 lockdown, sharing hugs and cups of tea (or coffee) are an increasingly rare commodity. Which is 47

why Home-Start have created our “hug in a mug” campaign. You might not be able to hug friends during these stressful times, but you can donate the cost of a cuppa to help us provide virtual hugs to families in crisis. And, while we’re also missing real hugs right now, we are providing the next best thing: a cup of tea, and hope.

If you’d like to support our Hug in a Mug campaign you can text HOMESTARTHUG to 70085 to donate £3 (or HOMESTARTHUGNOINFO if you’d rather not be on our mailing list).

And you can take a look at our Hug in a Mug campaign video, which is live on our website: www.hsrsc.org.uk Cathy Coulthard Community and Events Development Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntinford & South Cambridgeshire Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

Orwell Fundraiser Raises Funds for Patients In November I am doing a fancy dress month, where I will dress up as a different character each day of the month for the amazing Lysosomal Disorders Unit at Addenbrooke’s. They have helped me a lot in my life, from managing pain and my condition, to saving my life when I was fourteen years old. They are all heroes in my eyes; from the receptionists to the nurses and doctors.

I had planned to do a 24-hour awake fundraiser but as I have had a stroke I will be unable to do that. The fancy dress challenge is not going to be as stressful, but it will be hard work for me as I can’t really move my left arm.

I would very much appreciate any donations, as I would like to raise as much as possible for the Lysosomal Disorders Unit. If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising.kirsten-bailey12 Kirsten Bailey Orwell 48

For all your domestic electrical needs.

Visit

sparkys.online

Mobile

07974 375 377 Email

info@sparkys.online

New Yoga Class for Meldreth Meldreth Village Hall Mondays 9.00 – 10.30 am th

Starts 14 January 2019 and runs weekly during term time Friendly, supportive classes in a non-competitive environment helping you to develop strength, flexibility and well-being. Suitable for all abilities. ÂŁ10 drop-in or ÂŁ90 for a 10 class pass.

More details at www.yoga2.co.uk or email Chris and Shelagh: yoga2@btinternet.com 49

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 Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

WI

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk 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 Hartbeeps Pre-School Primary School

Thea Peacock—07930 893201 Kelly@hartbeeps.com 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council District Councillor District Council Offices

Please see details at end of Parish Council report 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/ Anthony Browne; www.anthonybrowne.org/

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

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

Childn.

Village Directory

Revelation U3A

County Councillor County Council Offices MP

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

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; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Bill Peters 260983; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

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

AngliEAR Hearing .....................Cover Art of Clean ....................................43 Art of Clean Wood ...........................9 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........36 Cam Valley Orchards .......................2 Cambourne Self Storage .................28 CHS Day Centre .............................18 CHS Group ....................................33 The Country Store ..........................41 Ely Design Group ...........................18 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........28 Eve Construction ............................43 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......43 iPlaster ............................................28 Lawn Partners ................................11 The Letting Centre ..........................43 Little Hands Nursery School ...........45 Meadowsweet Gardens ...................41 Melbourn Flooring .........................15 Melbourn Village College ...........Cover Meldreth Landscapes ......................28 Meldreth Motor Company .............36

Meldreth Plant Hire ........................17 Moncraft Computers ........................2 Nancy Foster Footcare ......................6 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service49 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .....46 Office to Let .....................................2 P D Property Services ......................46 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................15 Reflections Hair Studio .....................6 Richard Burns Electrician ...................2 Rod’s PC Support ...........................18 Royston Fencing .............................11 Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................15 Slimming World .........................Cover Sparky’s ...........................................49 Specialist Dental Partners .................46 Trademark Kitchens ...........................6 Tudor Access Scaffolding ...................2 Village Garden Services .....................9 Yoga2 Classes ...................................49 Z Web Hosting .........................Cover

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EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

The Moor Melbourn SG8 6EF 07163 223400 office@melbournvc.org www.melbournvc.org

A highly-rated community secondary school committed to ensuring every student achieves his or her very best through a rich and varied curriculum.

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed: ‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’ ‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’ ‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’ Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall High Street, Tel: Alison 07812 825 389

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