Meldreth Matters, October 2021

October 2021

In this issue …

Brownies & Guides Community Projects Working Group Len Saunders Rail & Cycling News

Events …

Race Night

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

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MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 6.30 PM Alison 07812 825 389 FRIDAY 9.30 AM Angela 07708 444 991 Meldreth Village Hall High Street

Contents Cookery In Praise of … 27-29

What’s On in October A10 Cycle Awareness Ride 31 Centre Pages Diary 32-33 Football Fixtures 21 Things to Do in October 12-13

Children & Education 1st Meldreth Brownies 38 1st Melbourn Guides 38-39 Activities for Families 37 Primary School 34-35 Primary School PTA 36 Shepreth Spitfires 40-41

Future Events Carol Singing 11 Christmas Fair 10 Christmas Tree Festival 11 People Len Saunders 4-5

Local/National Government Community Projects Working Group 50 Local Councillors 52-55 Parish Council 47-49 Parish Councillor Vacancy 2 Planning 46 What Have the PC Ever Done For Me 6-9

Village Groups Bowls Club 22 Friends of Holy Trinity 16-17 Local History Group 14 Photographic Club 15 Tennis Club 20 Women’s Group 19

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 64 Coronavirus Support 60-61 Charities’ News 58-59 Mobile Warden Scheme 5 Neighbourhood Watch 57 Refuse Collections 32 Village Directory 62-63

Village News Rail & Cycling News 31 Thakeham & SWCAG 42-45 Gardens & Nature Gardening 24-25 MM is available in colour online

To view this or past issues online, visit issuu.com/meldrethmatters 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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MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

VACANCY The Parish Council now have a vacancy. A notice was displayed on village noticeboards regarding residents calling for an election.

If this has not happened by 29th September the Parish Council are allowed to fill the vacancy via a process called ‘co-option’.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR? If so, please contact the Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

Would you like to find out more about what is involved?

Perhaps you have been on a Council elsewhere.

If you would like to find out what goes on at a council meeting, come along to the Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm or contact the Clerk for further information.

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Editorial Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters. We have another varied issue for you this month, including articles from several village groups and news of a variety of local issues.

If you are looking for a new challenge now that the autumn months are upon us, several groups and organisations are appealing for volunteers in this issue including 1st Meldreth Brownies (page 39), the Parish Council (pages 2, 6-9 and 40), Meldreth Local History Group (page 14) and Cambridgeshire Acre (page 59).

Finally, a reminder that should you need it, assistance is still available from Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support. Please see pages 60-61 of this issue for a summary of the help available.

Kathryn

Cover Photograph Front cover: Autumn in Meldreth. Photograph by Kathryn Betts.

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Meldreth Matters is an independent magazine, run by volunteers.

We rely on advertising income to fund the magazine.

Please mention Meldreth Matters when responding to advertisements.

To advertise in the magazine, please telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176 or email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

See our rates on page 64 of this issue.

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Len Saunders We are very sad to announce the death of our dad, Len Saunders. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday 7th September aged 91 years, after a hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s.

Len had lived in Meldreth for 64 years, before going into a care home in 2019.

Len married Anne in 1955 after meeting her during his time stationed in Ripon while completing his National Service. In the same year they set up home in a rented cottage on the High Street in Meldreth where their son Keith was born in 1956 and then they welcomed their first daughter Jenny in 1959. In 1960 they moved to Kneesworth Road, now known as West Way, and in 1961 their second daughter Linda was born. Their family was complete and Len and Anne worked hard to provide for their family.

Len worked at South Cambs Motors, Melbourn from 1955 until his retirement in 1995. Len of course didn’t really retire, as he still maintained motors, horse boxes, lorries and tractors for the many friends he had made over the years. He was approached many times over the years to go and work for the bigger companies, but Len wasn’t ambitious, he was happy with his lot. Being able to take his beloved Anne to work in the village shop in Meldreth, where she worked for many, many years, collect her at lunch time so they could go home for their bowl of soup and then be able to collect her at the end of the day, was worth more to him than any promotion. Anne sadly died in 2007 and he missed her every day.

One of his passions was his motorbikes. Not the modern ones, he loved to restore vintage bikes and was never happier than when he was riding them. He was an active member of Royston Motorcycle Club and attended the meetings at Eternit and many of the shows at 4

Meldreth Manor School where he showed off his bikes and admired all the others.

He also loved his garden. He grew his own vegetables. He wasn’t bothered about the flowers; that was Anne’s domain. He would get his instructions each day from Anne as to which vegetables they were having that day and would happily go off and harvest his crop.

The thing he was most proud of was his family. All he ever asked of his children and grandchildren was to be decent people who worked hard and treated people well. Len and Anne loved spending time with their grandchildren Theresa, Amanda, Laura and Jessica and they in turn all speak with so much love and warmth of their grandparents.

Len will be missed very much by all of his family and friends, but he is with his Anne now, back where he belongs.

Linda Christie

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

What is the service?

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

Who provides the services?

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

What will it cost?

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

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

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What Have the Parish Council Ever Done For Me? with apologies to Monty Python!

The Parish Council often seem to receive criticism about what they do or don’t do for the village community. There are a number of misconceptions around; that we are responsible for everything in the village or we are responsible for just the litter and playgrounds. Neither of these is actually completely true so this article will, hopefully, set out some of the things that we do for you in the background.

The Parish Council or PC aren’t here to just “persecute” dog owners with regard to the dog mess left around the village or to “harass” people about dropping litter in our village. We are here to try and help make our village a better place for everyone to live in. Yes, we are constantly complaining about the dog mess and the litter but there is only so much we can do to stop this. We employ Mick to collect the litter on a daily basis and he does a fine job. However, he can’t be out 24 hours a day. Take your rubbish home or use one of the bins provided. Additionally, the PC do not employ a dog mess warden/ cleaner and there is no such thing (sorry to tell some of you) as a Dog Mess fairy. If your dog leaves a mess, it is down to you to clear it up but don’t decorate a tree with the delicate little bags; this is almost as unpleasant as leaving it on the ground. Please deposit it in the dog bins provided, these are emptied regularly. Bag it and bin it! It is the responsible, neighbourly thing to do. The PC provide the rubbish bins and the dog bins which are placed around the village. We pay for them to be installed, emptied and repaired. The location of these bins is a much-discussed item and we have installed a number over recent months and have more to come. Please use them.

As a Parish Council we are responsible for and own some of the public spaces in the village, the main one being the Recreation Ground. Those of you that use or cross the recreation ground will have noticed over recent months that we have had a major review of the equipment available for children and adults. We have serviced the existing equipment and added new items. The children’s play tower and the adult gym equipment are proving very popular and have been in the pipeline for quite some time. It is only recently and after a great deal of work by the PC members that we have been able to have it installed.

Please feel free to use it, but look after it. We refurbished the pavilion 6

inside and out with the intention that it can be used by all members of the community. In addition to the recreation ground we are also responsible for the management, maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery on Fenny Lane. This has recently been refenced and a full review of the graveyard policy has been carried out. The PC is also responsible, under the closed churchyards provisions, for the upkeep of and maintenance of the churchyard surrounding Holy Trinity Church.

We also have a responsibility to maintain some of the verges in the village. This mainly involves a regular grass cutting scheme. However, there are some rules that we have to follow which are set by other government entities with regard to our legal responsibilities. This includes tree maintenance, providing public access to the land, footpath access and overall maintenance. The PC are not responsible for all the verges; it is a complicated system, some are owned by SCDC, some CCC and some Highways. Some of the maintenance responsibilities have been delegated by these organisations to us and some are maintained by the relevant authorities. We, as the PC, try and stay on top of it and if we feel another organisation is not pulling its weight, we will approach them and remind them of their duty.

Some of you will have noticed over the last couple of years that two new benches have arrived at the village hall/school. These are commemorative benches for WW1 and WW2, something organised by the PC to remember our past residents. We also maintain, repair and replace all the benches around the village. We are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of two wooden bus stops (North End and the High Street). Through a number of volunteer groups, the PC is also responsible for all the public footpaths in the village. These volunteer groups do a great job of keeping the paths clear and accessible. It needs to be added here that this does not include those footpaths that run beside the roads. Those are maintained by Highways, but we’ll come to that later.

Okay, so far, we have a lot of words but we haven’t even covered a fraction of what the PC actually do.

Did you know that the PC has actively and financially supported a number of our local sports clubs including the village’s tennis, bowls and croquet clubs? In addition to sports clubs we have also supported other local organisations such as Royston Community District Transport, Melbourn Area Youth Group, Relate, Meldreth Food Bank, 7

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support, Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme, the Community Rail Partnership, Melwood Conservation Group and Meldreth Local History Group to name but a few.

The Parish Council have over recent years contributed generously to a number of big items including the refurbishment of the tennis courts and the Village Hall. We also purchased the telephone box on North End and installed a defibrillator there and one on the Village Hall. We have also pledged a significant sum to the purchase of the new swimming pool at Meldreth Primary School. We donated a sum of money to the Meldreth Traffic Working Group to enable them to purchase a Speed Indicator Device (SID) which has helped to reduce the average speed of vehicles travelling through our village.

As well as donating both time and money to local organisations, the PC are also the first call for village crisis management. Fortunately, this is not a regular item for the PC but after the revolting sewage floods on the recreation ground, we pulled together to limit access, arrange emergency responses, chase those companies involved and ultimately win compensation for the repair and damage.

The PC are not just responsible for local groups and grounds. We also now have the street lights to manage in a way that is energy efficient, cost effective and cost efficient. Then there are the hundreds of planning applications to discuss and comment on to ensure the best interests of the village are served.

All of these items are just the tip of the iceberg. There are also the joint items we work on with our District and County Councillors to ensure that Meldreth is served as best it can be by South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. This list is forever changing and seemingly non ending! It includes the village road drainage. Working with Susan van de Ven, we have had all our road drains cleared which, for the most part, has significantly reduced the flooding problems after heavy rain. However, Susan is very much aware that this is not a “fixed” problem and is constantly working with the PC to manage the situation and apply pressure where necessary to fix problems.

Our roads and pavements are, to be frank, a disgrace. Unfortunately, the PC has no financial responsibility or legal position to actively repair the potholes or resurface the roads and pavements. Again, working with our local councillors we are constantly applying pressure to 8

prioritise our village. This has had some success, with limited repairs on our roads and pavements, but this is an ongoing battle which the PC are constantly fighting for. On the subject of roads, although we now have the SID, we are regularly pressing our local police contact to hold a speed awareness day on our streets.

This list of items is, as mentioned earlier, just the tip of the iceberg.

The minutes of our meetings (www.meldreth-pc.org.uk) are full of matters that we discuss and action that may never really be seen by the majority of the village. This doesn’t mean they’re not important: it’s the stuff we do to keep our village a pleasant place to be.

The PC consists of just nine people and we employ our Parish Clerk.

All nine of us are unpaid volunteers and give up our time willingly to help make the village a better and safer place. However, we need your help and understanding as we can’t do it alone.

So, people, you can help! Absolutely bin your rubbish and clear up your dog’s mess, but also watch your speed and report those potholes and pavements (https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk).

Aside from that, if you think you can help the PC in any way - from standing as a Parish Councillor to volunteering just an hour or two of your time, then please contact our Clerk. If you feel that the PC can help your organisation (it must be local) then again just contact our Parish Clerk. If you have something you want raised, again just contact the Parish Clerk. She can be reached on (01763) 269928 or at parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk. If there is an item on our monthly agendas that you want to contribute to in some way, please come to that meeting; you will always be given a chance to speak. The agendas are published in advance on our website and on the noticeboards at the Whitecroft Road end of Elin Way and opposite the shop. You are always welcome at any of our meetings. We meet in the Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month.

So, in answer to the question “What has the Parish Council done for me?” the answer is in fact “a great deal”. Most of it is the stuff that you might not see or might not care about, or feel that it doesn’t affect you but it still happens and we, the PC, make it happen. We aim to make the village a better place in which to live and we hope and think that actually we’re doing alright.

Meldreth Parish Council 9

Christmas Fair Sunday 21st November 10.00am – 3.00pm Currently 20 stalls are booked for this event with a wide variety of mostly hand-crafted goods available. Think ‘Christmas presents’ and because items are hand-made, it is likely you will find very individual and unique pieces. Meldreth Local History Group is also having a stall selling a range of merchandise and providing the opportunity for you to find out more about the village and the work of the group.

Meldreth Primary School PTA is organising a Christmas crafts area to keep children occupied while their parents and carers browse the various stalls. The PTA will also be holding a raffle, the proceeds from which, together with all profits from the hire of the hall, will go to the Meldreth Primary School Swimming Pool fund.

Home-Start is providing refreshments for purchase throughout the day.

More details will be given in November’s edition of Meldreth Matters when I hope to be able provide some website and Instagram addresses so that you can see some of the things that will be available for purchase, but for now, do please make a note of it on your virtual (or otherwise) calendars.

Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com 07917 065465

PC Repairs

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Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November 2021 The Christmas Tree Festival Committee is hopeful that we may be able to hold this event again, now that Covid restrictions are being lifted.

At the moment we are considering the ways in which we can proceed with safety measures in place. We will have a one way route around the church and will respectfully ask visitors to wear face masks inside.

We will hopefully have our usual produce/cakes and craft stalls under cover outside.

We look forward to seeing you all again.

Margaret Goddin

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

Lets hope the Meldreth 2021 pre Christmas get-together will happen!

Pauline Penfold

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See our rates on page 64 11

Things to Do in October To 31st October Photography Competition, Cambridge University Botanic Garden 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE Capture the spirit and beauty of this magical garden. Explore and showcase the garden’s landscape and plant collection which includes endangered plants from all over the world. Free to enter for adults over 18. See www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. for further details.

Saturday 2nd October, 10.00am to 5.00pm Sunday 3rd October, 1.30pm to 4.30pm 21st Ashwell Book Weekend, St Mary’s Church, Ashwell SG7 5LY Wide selection of books to browse and buy for children and adults, both fiction and non-fiction. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes available. Entrance £1, children under 16 free.

Sunday 3rd October, 2.30pm to 5.00pm Hinxton Watermill Open Day Mill Lane, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1RD See this ancient mill in action, plus riverside walk and “Where’s Ratty?” game for the children. For further information please visit www.cambridgeppf.org.

Tuesday 5th October, 7.00pm Bernadine Evaristo Live in Cambridge West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DSP As part of the Cambridge Literary Festival, the Booker Prize winning author talks about her intimate, inspirational new memoir, ‘Manifesto: On Never Giving Up’. This event will be held live for a socially distanced audience. Tickets £10 to £12. To book visit www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com.

Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th October at 10.00am Royston Health Walks Heath Café, Therfield Heath, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 9FB A social walking group with two walks every Wednesday, the 10.00am one over Therfield Heath, 1.5 miles at leisurely pace; second walk starting at 5.00pm is a bit longer and start time will be earlier as days shorten. Email roystonhealthwalks@btinternet.com for details. All welcome.

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Saturday, 9th October, 9.00am to 12.00pm (2nd Sat. each month) Guilden Morden Community Market The Three Tuns, 30 High Street, Guilden Morden SG8 0JP Launched April 2021 with high quality foods, drinks and crafts, plus plants, flowers and children’s clothes. Great place for outdoor shopping with fresh coffee/teas, pastries and bacon butties in the garden of the community-owned pub. See https://www.gmcpltd.com/market.

Saturday 9th October, from 10.00am Ely Apple and Harvest Fayre Palace Green, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EW Back for its 21st year and in conjunction with the Cathedral’s Harvest Festival. A celebration of the apple with longest peel competition, fresh produce from local suppliers, apple crumbles and much more. Free. See www.visitely.org.uk/whats-on for further details.

Sunday 17th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm) Autumn Gardens Chippenham Park, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT Open for one day only. Visit these lovely gardens for a blaze of autumn colour - borders formal and informal, woodland walks and lakes.

Home made cakes, scones, coffee, tea and BBQ’d sausages from the excellent Potting Shed Café. Entry £5 per adult, children free. NB payment on the gate and in the café by cash only. www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Friday 22nd October, 8.00pm Foyer Folk: Brooks Williams Saffron Hall, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH The well-known guitarist, songwriter and singer, born in Georgia but now based in Cambridge performs at one of Saffron Hall’s regular folk evenings. Tickets from £13.50.

Visit https://events.saffronhall.com/whats-on.

Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th October, 8.00pm Ghost Stories II with In Situ Theatre Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ Edge of the seat stuff in the setting of the mysterious Leper Chapel two ghost stories by H Russell Wakefield and Edith Wharton. Tickets £15 from www.insitutheatre.co.uk or call (01223) 211451.

Compiled by John Crawforth 13

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk On Monday 6th September we had our first meeting for eighteen months at the Sheltered Housing Room in Elin Way. It was great to see ten of our regular members. We had a catch up and were able to plan a few projects that members will be working on for the rest of the year.

We have decided to meet once monthly for the time being on the first Monday in the month, except Bank Holidays.

We have had many positive comments both worldwide and at home about our new website. Many people have noticed how easy it is to add comments to the website and more people are using our contribution form to add their own content to the site. We hope that the comments and articles keep coming and you all enjoy reading our continually evolving website.

We would love to have a few more members who could spare some time to help us. It is not difficult work and the evenings will be closing in soon. You can easily work from home. Thank you to all those who have helped already. Please email us at info@meldrethhistory.org.uk for more information.

Joan Gane Chairman, MLHG (01763) 260129

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info@huwclean.co.uk 14

Melbourn and District Photographic Club Following the start of the new season in September, we have a full and varied programme for the late autumn months. The October events are as follows: 5th 1st Open Print Competition. Judge: Vic Hainsworth 12th Art & Photography. Lecture by Tony Bramley 19th 1st Open PDI Competition. Judge: Sue Dobson 26th Panels Evening – Andre Neves LRPS / ARPS panels Meetings are held weekly from 7.30-9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall, from September to April.

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

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

If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to join us for up to two meetings free of charge before deciding.

Surf-Sand-Shadow

by Joe Norcross

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

at

Peter North Secretary Melbourn & District Photographic Club

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 15

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Sunday 5th September Meldreth Court Open Gardens After varying weather forecasts and on a beautiful sunny day we held our first event for eighteen months based around Meldreth Court, accompanied by the Coachman’s Cottage at 116 and 110 High Street which was originally part of the Court estate.

Some years ago the village fete was held at the Court and David Hollamby remembers going to one of those fetes when he was about ten.

Part of the approach to this year’s event was to bring the feel of a fete to a group of three open gardens. All three gardens back onto the River Mel, which provided an attractive back drop.

The event was very well attended with a variety of attractions at the Court including both teas and a barbecue. Children were catered for with a mixture of attractions from ‘hook a duck’ to basketball, plus swings around the garden.

Archie the rescue Little Owl also created some additional interested, he is about eight years old and has a damaged wing so is unable to fly.

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The gardens of the Court are extensive and there were stalls selling crafts, plants and wood turned items with background music from the Memphis Jazz Band.

The success of the event was encouraging for The Friends and net proceeds were at the levels of the best years in the past. The Friends are most grateful to Anne-Marie and Nick Garner for allowing their garden to be used for the various attractions and also thanks to the other two garden owners. Even so the event would not have been a success without the donations of cakes and the hard work of The Friends committee and many helpers on the day for which were are very grateful.

John Price

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Advertising Feature Recruiting in Meldreth: a fulfilling new job on your doorstep Do you have what it takes to make a difference to Meldreth’s vibrant community of children, young people and adults with physical and learning disabilities?

You can join the support workers at Aurora Meldreth Manor and Orchard Manor and have a fulfilling working life in your community by supporting young people to thrive.

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Aurora runs three different services on the same spacious site at the heart of Meldreth.

Aurora Meldreth Manor School is a day school for children with highly complex learning disabilities associated with conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy. Meldreth Manor is a children’s home for children who have complex learning difficulties, often associated with profound physical disabilities and/ or medical needs.

Orchard Manor is a care home for young adults with severe and profound learning difficulties and complex health needs.

Nicola Crozier, pictured top right, is an induction coordinator.

“Aurora created my job to look after the staff who join us as support workers.”

“I joined Orchard Manor 16 years ago as a support worker. I thought I’d only stay for a year! I’ve been able to earn while I learned too. I was paid to achieve my NVQ Level 3.”

“I’m involved with new support workers from day one with initial training. I’m always happy to chat or share tips to help settle staff in. It makes such a difference to their confidence.”

“They quickly understand how to tap into their qualities, skills and previous experience whether that’s caring for a family or other busy roles.”

“It’s ideal for sociable people who want to make a difference but don’t want to sit down all day.”

Get in touch for a fulfilling new job on your doorstep Call Denise Grayston on 01763 268000 for a friendly chat or go online to www.auroragroupcareers.com for more information about support worker roles at Aurora Meldreth Manor and Orchard Manor.

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Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group In August we met at The Old Bull Inn in Royston where nineteen of us had a very nice meal and the staff were friendly and helpful. For some of us it was the first time we had gone out collectively since the Covid restrictions began. Our thanks go to Diane and Kimmi for organising the evening for us.

We are a small friendly group and we usually meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month except December and vary our venues between Melbourn and Meldreth. There is no membership fee but when we have physical meetings, we do make a nominal charge of £1 to cover expenses. There is also an opportunity to make a donation to our charity of the year, which is The Helen Rollason Cancer Trust. We begin our meetings with our prayer, which you can see below, and then we usually have a guest speaker or in house entertainment followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. Because of Covid restrictions we have been meeting online using Zoom and we are awaiting confirmation from our speaker before we decide on the venue for our next meeting; we are hoping to have a talk about the Stand By Me Bereavement Support Group.

In October we will be making decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival at Meldreth which we hope will go ahead. Likewise, if there is an Autumn Fayre at All Saints Melbourn in November, we would hope to help with that.

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

O God, our Heavenly Father, we pray for your blessing upon us. Help us to extend the hand of friendship, to study your word and to serve you and mankind with love and dedication, so fulfilling the aims of our group. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pat Smith 19

Meldreth Tennis Club https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub Members of Meldreth Tennis Club enjoyed their annual social barbeque at the end of August, particularly as, for obvious reasons, it didn’t take place last year.

We were so lucky with the weather; the wind died down and we were treated to a beautiful sunset and even a fly past from two spitfires! The food, company and music were great and we all had a brilliant evening. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.

When not restricted by Covid, the Club holds social events and fun tournaments throughout the year. For the first time in two years we will be holding our annual autumn fun tournament for club members on Saturday 2nd October, starting at 9.30am. This is a fun doubles tournament for all abilities and there will be trophies and prizes for the winning pair and the runners up.

Since the rebuild of the Meldreth tennis courts in 2017, our membership has soared to 130 adults, children and families. Membership to 31st March 2022 is now available for half price, so why not join the Club and try our courts for yourselves?

For full details of club times, events and membership fees visit the club website at www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub.

Jo Kitteridge Team Captain 20

Football Fixtures Here are the home football fixtures for October.

Orwell First Team Orwell first team will be playing on Meldreth Recreation Ground on Saturdays. They play in Senior A of the Cambridgeshire County League.

Their home matches will be on 2nd, 9th and 23rd October, 3.00pm kick off.

Meldreth United First Team Meldreth United First play in Division 1 of the Cambridge & District Sunday League.

They will play their home games on the following Sundays in October: 3rd, 17th, 24th and 31st, 10.30am kick off.

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Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk Well, no sooner had the season started than it was over. With mixed fortunes in the three leagues that we play in, as well as some close encounters in the County Competitions, the membership have enjoyed a much-needed post Covid return to the green.

Two successful recruitment days have served to swell our membership and many of our newer bowlers have enjoyed the Tuesday morning roll ups. When the green closes for essential winter maintenance work, our bowlers will move into the club house for short mat bowls (again on Tuesdays from 10.00am to noon) before finally closing on Tuesday 9th November. So, if you still fancy trying bowls you are most welcome to come along on a Tuesday morning; you will be assured of a very warm welcome.

Plans are already under way for the 2022 season. This will be an important year in the life of the Club since we will be celebrating our 90th anniversary, so watch this space for some special events throughout the year. We will also be hosting an inaugural Open Pairs Competition with some attractive money prizes for the winners and runners up. We hope to attract entrants from all over the county.

Race Night: Friday 15th October The fact that bowls will have finished for the season does not mean that we have gone into hibernation; far from it! We are planning several social events, the first of which is the ever popular ‘Race Night’ to be held at the club on Friday 15th October commencing at 7.30pm. The ticket price is £10.00 and is inclusive of a fish and chip supper. Tickets, which need to be purchased in advance, are available from me on 07900 493182 or by emailing jim.hatch99@btinternet.com.

Jim Hatch Chairman

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Notes from a Small Garden Many of you will have attended the Friends of Holy Trinity Garden Open Gardens day at the beginning of September. It was such a beautiful day after all that cold weather in August and the visitors seemed very happy and relaxed. I know that the Friends are very grateful to all the owners who generously opened up their gardens, as well as the volunteers manning the stalls in the garden at the Court.

The plant stall was magnificent, all the items having been collected over the last year, beautifully potted up and labelled. One man spied some purple sprouting broccoli plants with glee and promptly bought six; his plants having been destroyed by caterpillars. The hardy geraniums were snapped up quickly and I came home with several treasures including a miniature tulbaghia violacea which is now sitting near the taller variety round our little fountain. This species resembles the agapanthus, is pinky violet, and belongs to the Amaryllis famiily. They seem to thrive in a pot; they have flowered all summer and are still going strong.

Lately members of the Veg Club have been exchanging emails about their tomatoes with some, including me, bewailing the loss of all our outdoor tomatoes to the dreaded blight. It’s so disappointing to see a plant suddenly look sickly and then succumb, with the leaves and stems turning brown. Fruit won’t ripen and you know that there’s nothing you can do to stop the plant dying. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans and is the same fungus as causes potato blight and usually occurs in warm wet weather. It’s uncommon to get blight on tomatoes grown in a greenhouse or a polytunnel. The key to prevention is keeping the leaves dry, providing enough ventilation and water only at the base of the plant. Don’t plant outdoor tomatoes near potatoes.

Our Veg Club members recommend Crimson Crush, Cherry Crush, Magic Mountain and Sungold which were all grown outside this summer without blight. The two plants which I lost were Shimmer and Costoluto Florantino. It’s useful information when ordering seeds for next year.

24

Now on to October and I have read that we are promised wonderful autumn colouring this year.

Some jobs for the month:  Rake up leaves and start making leaf mould  Cut down and divide herbaceous perennials  Plant or move shrubs and small trees If you are worried about losing dahlia tubers to the frost, towards the end of the month, dig up the tubers, wash and dry them, wrap them up in brown paper, label them and store where mice can’t get them!

Good gardening.

Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk

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In Praise Of … … Courgettes This month we showcase courgettes which many gardeners have a glut of towards the end of the summer; one plant can produce many courgettes and flowers.

These are members of the Cucurbitaceae family which also includes cucumber, gherkin, melon and squashes. Small courgettes, especially the yellow variety, can be treated like cucumbers and eaten raw, either sliced into salads, made into batons for dips, or grated into crunchy slaws. Larger courgettes can be baked, roasted or turned into a range of savoury or even sweet dishes.

Here are four recipes to celebrate courgettes in all their glory. Enjoy.

Chargrilled Courgettes with Chilli and Basil Cook time : 15 minutes, serves 2 Ingredients 2 medium courgettes, sliced into thick strips 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp lemon zest ¼ tsp crushed chilli flakes, plus more for garnish Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 basil leaves, torn into medium pieces Method Preheat grill on medium-high. In a large bowl, toss courgette with oil, lemon zest, and chilli flakes. Season with salt and pepper.

Once grill is hot, using tongs, place courgette on grill. Cover and cook, for 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking on high, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes more. When courgette is tender and golden brown, remove from heat and garnish with basil and more chilli flakes.

Goes well with: any grilled meat

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Courgette Fritters Prep time 5 minutes, cooking time 10 minutes, serves 2 Ingredients 2 medium courgettes, grated 2 tbsp plain flour or gram flour 50g grated parmesan, and gruyere cheese mixed together 1 tbsp olive oil ¼ tsp dried herbs of your choice Method In a bowl, combine the grated courgette, flour, herbs and cheeses.

Shape into walnut-size balls, then flatten. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve straight away with tomato salsa.

Goes well with: tomato salsa Courgette, Lime and Coconut Cake Prep time : 30 minutes, cook time: 25 minutes, serves 6 Oven temp 180 c/Gas mark 4 Ingredients 3 eggs 180g castor sugar 180g SR flour 180g softened butter 160g desiccated coconut 2 medium courgettes grated 3 limes zested and juiced 50g castor sugar 150g double cream 50g icing sugar Method Cream together the eggs, sugar, flour and butter with an electric whisk until light and creamy, add the desiccated coconut, grated courgettes and the zest of the limes. Divide between two sandwich tins and spread out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Make up the lime syrup with juice of limes and castor sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and cook for 5 minutes. Pour over the cakes in the tins and leave to cool.

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Sandwich the cakes together with double cream whipped with the icing sugar.

Goes well with : lime mascarpone cream Baked Courgettes with Lamb and Tomato Sauce Prep 25minutes, cook time 20 minutes, serves 2 Ingredients 2 large courgettes, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint 200g lean minced lamb 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 250g passata or a lightly diluted tomato sauce 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried herbs ¼ tsp cinnamon 6 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150g crumbled feta cheese 50g breadcrumbs Method Preheat the oven to 190°C (gas 5). Cut each courgette in half lengthways and scoop out the pulpy centre with a teaspoon, leaving an outside shell, 1cm thick. Reserve the pulp, and chop lightly.

Blanch the courgettes in boiling water for 5 minutes and chill quickly in cold water.

Fry the lamb over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cook for a further 5 minutes until the onion has softened.

Stir in half of the passata, reserved courgette pulp, rosemary and mint.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Stir in breadcrumbs and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Spoon the stuffing mixture into the courgette ‘boats’ and sprinkle with Parmesan and feta cheese. Pour the rest of the passata around the courgettes and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

Serve immediately.

Serve with crusty bread and a Greek salad.

Jane O’Hagan 29

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Rail & Cycling News Temporary Changes to Local Services GTR have notified us of changes to our rail services, which took effect on 6th September. They are continuing to recover from the disruption of the last eighteen months, but staffing levels are still being affected by the pandemic. In order to prioritise rush hour and school trains, our train service will go down to one train an hour in the middle of the day for the time being.

To clarify, two stopping trains per hour will run between Cambridge and King’s Cross during school and busy times. During the middle of the day, one of these trains per hour will not run between Cambridge and Royston, meaning an hourly service at Foxton, Shepreth and Meldreth outside of busy times. Customers are asked to plan their journeys ahead at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

We have been strenuously reassured that this is a temporary situation until staffing levels permit a return to normal services.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove railusergroup@gmail.com

A10 Cycle Awareness Ride, Sunday 3rd October

A reminder that the family friendly A10 Annual Awareness Ride will take place on Sunday 3rd October , leaving Trumpington Park and Ride at 10.30am, bound for Phillimore Garden Centre for refreshments. The ride will stick to the dedicated paths, and junctions and crossings will be marshalled. There will chance to hear about the improvements ahead for the Cambridge to Royston active travel route.

Susan van de Ven and Mike Prior-Jones contacta10cycle@gmail.com 31

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thurs

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

Refuse Collections Black bins: 12th, 26th Blue & green bins: 5th, 19th

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

7.00-9.00pm T

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance

1.30-2.30pm Aerobics

6.30pm Slimming World

7.30pm Meldre Council

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

7.00-8.00pm Pilates

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group 10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Pilates

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

6.00-6.45pm P

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

6.00-6.45pm Pi

10.00am Hartb

7.00-9.00pm T

6.30pm Slimming World

MM Copy Deadline 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Half Term

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group 10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls 10.40-11.30 Mobile Library 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Pilates

9.30-11.30am Toddler Group

10.00am Hartb

1.30-2.30pm Lift Off Choir

7.00-9.00pm T

9.15am Meldreth Marvels Cycling Group 10.00-12.00 Short Mat Bowls 1.30-2.30pm Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Pilates

6.30pm Slimming World

6.30pm Slimming World

10.00am Hartb 6.00-6.45pm P

7.00-9.00pm T

Half Term

Half Term

6.00-6.45pm Pi

Half T

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

32

ary - October 2021

day

beeps

Friday 9.30am Slimming World

Saturday 3.00pm Orwell Football match

Sunday 9.45am Said Eucharist with organ. Service taken

by Archdeacon Alex Jones 10.30am Meldreth Football match

9.30am Slimming World

ilates

3.00pm Orwell Football match

Table Tennis

eth Parish

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ilates

Table Tennis

7.30pm Race Night, Meldreth Bowls Club (see page 22)

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

ilates

9.45am Said Eucharist with organ 10.30am Meldreth Football match

3.00pm Orwell Football match

10.30am Meldreth Football match

Table Tennis

beeps

9.30am Slimming World

10.30am Meldreth Football match

ilates

Table Tennis

Term

Daylight savings ends Half Term

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

33

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk It is a brand new year at Meldreth Primary School and, after busy summers all round, the children are back and ready to learn! It has been wonderful to start loosening some of the Covid restrictions around school – the sounds of classes mixing on the playground and playing with their friends in other years has brought joy to all of us.

We have also enjoyed having assembly as a whole school (albeit socially distanced) event in the hall – the first time for many of our younger pupils – as well as starting to teach some lessons across classes. One of my favourite moments has been welcoming parents back onto our school site to drop off their children after such a long time separating at the gate.

During the first week back, I have been interviewing children throughout the school on their thoughts and feelings about being back after such a long period of being contained in class ‘bubbles’. Here are a few of their thoughts: Ellie, age 9: I feel happy because I get to see all my friends and get to do more learning. It feels good to be together on the playground because I can play with other people. It feels good to see the whole school in assembly. We have been learning about America – the music and the art.

Matilda, age 5: I like seeing friends at school. It feels a bit funny because we are trying to get used to it.

Fearne, age 6: I feel happy because I get to see all my friends again and I didn’t get to see them during the holidays. My class is good because it’s been a long time since we’ve been in classrooms. On the playground, I get to hug my brother now. In assembly, it’s good, but it’s a bit weird because I haven’t seen everyone in the school in a long time.

Gregory, age 7: School is really nice because all of us are together again. I really like being with everyone on the playground because I can meet new people 34

and play with my friends from different classes. Class is amazing. On the first day it felt scary because it was the first day of KS2, but now I’m getting to know everyone and I’m getting to know Miss McGinty.

Lily T, age 5: It’s nice at school and I like the classroom. I like seeing the bigger classes because my friends are there and I always play with them every day.

Oli, age 10: I felt nervous at first because it’s a different classroom and teacher.

Now I feel better because I know what it’s like being in the class. It feels free at playtime because I can walk into the playground and bump into another class!

Ellie, age 5: I haven’t been in assembly in the hall before. I’m a little bit shy to go to a new class and see new people. I like making new friends.

Charlee, age 8: It feels happy because I like playing with my friends, brothers and cousins. It’s pretty nice being in assembly to see everyone and see Mrs Howard. I like it in my new class because my new teacher is really nice.

Maya, age 5: It’s been good because I’ve liked all the changes and had assembly in the hall. I’ve liked doing the bell and I’ve liked playing wherever I want. I like seeing all my friends because I have lots of friends in other years. I like my class because we have our personal spots and get to sit on the same spot every day. We’ve been learning about the Sky Garden and it’s about people that haven’t been looking after their garden very well. When we went to the Secret Garden there was trash on it, but we tidied it up.

Sasha Howard Headteacher

35

Meldreth Primary School PTA The Meldreth Primary School PTA has a busy year ahead. Our school pool has been condemned and we need to save it.

With Covid restrictions lifting, we are looking forward to organising more events for our children and families this year and raising some much needed funds for the PTA coffers, as well as for the school pool.

We are three quarters of the way to raising the money needed to replace the school pool and hoping to reach our target by Christmas so that works can be completed ready for the children to swim next summer.

Our crowd funder page is still active if you would like to donate: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savemeldrethschoolpool.

Our events to raise money for the pool this half term include a Sponsored Zumbathon on 21st October [see back cover] led by our resident Zumba expert Thea Peacock. We will be starting a monthly Facebook Auction in the run up to Christmas. We are welcoming donations of any new, nearly new, or good quality second hand toys, books or other items. We would be happy to sell them in our Facebook auction to raise funds for the school pool. Please contact the PTA at meldrethpta@gmail.com if you have donations.

The PTA is also organising a crafts area at the Christmas Fair on 21st November [see page 10] to keep children occupied while their parents and carers browse the various stalls. We will be holding a raffle on the day too and proceeds will go to the Meldreth Primary School Swimming Pool fund.

Bags2School We are pleased to be repeating our Bags2school collection on 8th November. If you are having a pre-Christmas clear out, feel free to drop off good quality clothes, bags, shoes and accessories to the school garage during school hours the week beginning 1st November. Each kilo donated raises money for the school. For full details check out their website: https://bag2school.com.

Watch out for updates on our events by looking at our Facebook page or check our noticeboard at the school for updates. We look forward to an exciting year of fundraising.

Meldreth Primary School PTA 36

Things for Children and Families To Do Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd October, various times What the Ladybird Heard (online event) Music, puppetry and a farmyard of fun for children aged 3+. Based on the Julia Donaldson story. Book on www.fantasticforfamilies.com.

Saturday 9th October, 12.00pm - 5.00pm Foxton Scarecrow Festival Wander through the village spotting scarecrows (can you find the special hidden one?), try the children’s quiz, sample the refreshments, listen to the band. Prize giving at 4.30pm in the village hall.

Programmes available from the church, village hall and the shop.

Wednesday 13th October, 10.00am - 11.00am Gurgling in the Gallery (online event) A free, online interactive exploration of art for babies under 12 months and their carers. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk.

Sunday 17th October Duxford Dash, Imperial War Museum, Duxford CB22 4QR Choose your distance - the Family Mile for children, 5km or 10km.

Race round the airfield, take a selfie with a Spitfire and collect a race medal. Full details of entry fees and times on www.iwm.org.uk.

Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October Autumn Festival Trail, Hertford Castle A free outdoor trail for children in the castle grounds (open 6.30am to 9.00pm). Castle open day on 31st - explore the castle rooms and themed basement 12.00 - 4.00pm.

Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th, various times Bagshawe’s Antarctic Adventure (online event) Thomas Bagshawe and Max tell tales of their trip to the Antarctic 100 years ago. £8. For ages 8 to 11 years.

Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, Sunday 31st October, 11.00am/2.00pm A Spooktacular Halloween weekend Cambridge Science Centre, 44 Clifton Road CB1 7ED Ghoulish activities with slime, skeletons and screeching cups. No need to book.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 37

1st Meldreth Brownies Meldreth Brownies are thriving. In July we enjoyed a summer party to say goodbye to three Brownies who have flown up to Guides or other interests and we have since welcomed some new Brownies. We have a fun and interesting term of activities ahead, including Snow Vision, Un-fantastic Plastic, Insect Invaders, a night hike and a sponsored evening, accompanied by the usual games and songs of course.

Sadly Barn Owl is hanging up her uniform after four years of being part of 1st Meldreth Brownies. We are very grateful to her for everything she has done and wish her well. This means that we will need a third adult volunteer. If you can spare a couple of hours on Wednesday evenings to support girls to learn, grow and have fun at the same time, we would love to hear from you.

Please email us 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com.

Brown Owl and Snowy Owl

1st Melbourn Guides Summer Camp The weather was positive, the Covid was negative.

Nineteen girls from our Guide unit enjoyed five days of camping fun under sunny skies at Eaton Vale Activity Centre near Norwich. We followed Covidsafe guidelines by having fewer girls than normal per tent, doing lateral flow tests and using a ‘Tippy Tap’ when hand washing before meals.

38

Our theme was the Olympics, starting with a torch and firepit opening ceremony and featuring competitions throughout the week. There were medals for archery, Go-Kart racing and grass sledging, but the highlight was the field events, with frisbee, broom handle and a tennis ball-in-asock standing in for discus, javelin and the hammer. We also enjoyed adventurous activities including kayaking down the river, a high ropes challenge and the climbing wall.

Cooking on open fires is an essential part of camp and one day the girls planned their own patrol’s evening meal, walked to the supermarket to buy it and cooked it on their altar fire. Finland patrol (pictured) cooked vegetarian chilli, whilst others cooked pasta, garlic bread and potato wraps.

There were no other camping groups on the site, so we had the freedom to play football, rounders and cricket and a noisy game of capture the flag. We had the toilet and shower block to ourselves and peaceful nights, disturbed only by the hooting of owls.

We now return to normal Guide meetings at last, with a full unit of 26 girls and a varied programme including cooking, crafts and a HomeStart Marathon challenge.

If you would like to know more about our Guide unit, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com. You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more.

Hilary Marsh 39

Shepreth Spitfires Football Club www.sheprethspitfires.co.uk It is great for all of the Shepreth Spitfires to be back in training and enjoying the last of the scheduled tournaments before the season starts.

At the Cambourne Tournament, Shepreth had great success across the four age groups that entered.

While some Spitfires were too young to play competitively for trophies, the under -13s and under10s did play and both teams brought home some silverware.

The under-10s came runners up in the final, narrowly losing to Saffron Walden 2-1 and the under-13s won their age group, beating Cambourne 3-0 on penalties in the final after the match finished 0-0.

At this tournament, one of our newest teams also played together, some of them for the first time, and we would like to say how well they did and what great support those boys and girls had from their parents. A further thank you to their coaches, Jamie and Mo, for all of their hard work in preparation for their team's 2021/22 season. Good Luck!

A little update on the Spitfires’ goal keepers who train with their teams but also give up another evening to train just in goal. These boys and girls are super members of the teams and are very good at being very loud, as all keepers are! The goalies, as they get older, have dedicated lots of time to their technique by kicking off the floor, while our younger keepers have been reinforcing those 40

basic positions and further their footwork by playing outfield in some of our friendly matches. They have had great fun playing outfield, receiving big cheers from parents, teammates and Spitfires from other, older and younger, teams too. This is all in preparation for their sweeper keeper roles which, of course they love; who knows a keeper who doesn't want to get involved higher up the pitch?

If anyone would like to join the Shepreth Spitfires football team, please visit our web page or call Lucy on 07510 175370. The club is especially recruiting children under 13 (school year eight).

Lucy Smith Shepreth Spitfires Football Club

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk See the Meldreth Today Section for information on local clubs and groups

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

41

Thakeham and the Greater Cambridge Local Plan: What options are left for ‘South West Cambridgeshire’?

What Just Happened with the Local Plan?

The long process of putting together a Local Plan, the statutory framework for population growth and house building, included a ‘Call for Sites’ period which saw over 690 sites submitted for consideration.

These are then assessed over a two-year period, during which late submissions were legally required to be accepted.

The final closing date for late submissions was 31st August, because on 1st September 2021 the Local Planning Authority announced its ‘First Proposals’ based on the assessment of all sites submitted in the ‘Call for Sites’ window.

Out of that assessment, nineteen of the 690+ sites were taken forward to the next stage, with proposals centred primarily around the established growth site of Cambourne, where the gradual process of infrastructure development has been taking place over a period of decades.

Climate change and water resources are the headline considerations in these First Proposals. The Local Plan in essence provides protection for sustainable development.

All local authorities must align their Local Plans with central government parameters. Greater Cambridge, as a nationally important economic growth area, must in its Local Plan support the whole population with particular regard for lower paid key workers who require affordable homes, and with the necessary infrastructure for development that is ‘sustainable’ including things like travel to work.

All Local Plan information is given here: https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/emerging-plans-andguidance/greater-cambridge-local-plan/ Where Does Thakeham Fit In? Thakeham announced its 25,000 homes vision in December 2020, following a two year period in which it had been accumulating land options. Thakeham said it would make a late submission to the Call for Sites process by Easter.

But Thakeham made no submission at all. Instead, on 1st September, it launched a new website for its proposed South West Cambridgeshire new town: https://www.southwestcambridgeshire.com.

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Thakeham’s proposed development of 25,000 homes is twice the number of the new homes proposed in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan and nowhere near the geographic position identified by the Local Plan as the most sustainable, low carbon location for significant new population growth.

The only routes now open to Thakeham are: 1. Submit a planning application, which would stand little chance as it would fall totally outside Local Plan principles, or 2. Lobby senior members of the Government and influencers within the Conservative Party, which Thakeham supports financially.

Comment by SCDC Planning Portfolio Holder Councillor Tumi Hawkins: Where do the Local Plan numbers come from?

“On Sept 1st the two Councils [South Cambs and Cambridge City] published the First Proposals = Preferred Options for the new Greater Cambridge Local Plan. The new Local Plan is not starting from scratch as it is taking the current adopted local plan which is valid from 2011 to 2031, and rolling it into a new plan period of 2020 to 2041.

In the current Cambridge City adopted local plan, there is provision for 14,000 homes to be built between 2011 and 2031 to meet the objectively assessed need as required by Government. The current adopted local plan for South Cambs provides for 19,500 homes for the same period of 2011 to 2031. Remember that this was the local plan that the previous Conservative administration in South Cambs created and submitted to Government in March 2014.

So 33,500 homes in total are already in the pipeline due to current adopted local plans.

During the period between 2014 and 2018 when South Cambs Conservative administration did not have a five year housing land supply, 3000 or more planning permissions were granted by the Planning Inspectors in South Cambs. There have also been some ‘windfall permissions’ in the time being in both areas. This means the permissions in the current local plans for both councils are for 37,198 houses already.

Government requires all Councils to provide housing based on what it calls Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) as stated in the National Planning Policy Framework. This OAN uses the Government's standard method as a baseline, and takes account of additional factors 43

such as population growth/demographics, household projections, employment growth, expected levels of economic activity, and affordable housing needs.

This means that in areas with a growing economy, care must be taken to ensure the right level of housing is provided, otherwise the Planning Inspectors that examine the plan will demand to see the evidence base for the plan and may find it ‘unsound’, and send it back to the drawing board if it does not meet the OAN. South Cambs already went through that under the Conservatives and we don't want that to happen again.

The number of additional new houses being proposed for the new local plan period 2020-2041 using the OAN and allowing a small 10% buffer is 11,596.The current adopted plans for both councils already has 37,198 homes which is being carried forward, giving a total of 48,794.

That means 76.23% (over three quarters) of the housing requirement is already in the pipeline of the current adopted local plans. Just under one quarter, 11,596 is new proposed allocation that we are making.”

Next Steps for the South West Cambridge Action Group (SWCAG) 1. Make new Freedom of Information requests to Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on discussions between government and Thakeham about its proposed new town. Previous requests have been rejected as ‘not in the public interest.’

2. Request Anthony Browne MP to ask the Housing Minister to comment specifically on the status of Thakeham’s plans.

3. Ask Thakeham to withdraw their proposal as it is at complete odds with the principles of sustainable development in South Cambridgeshire.

4. Ask Thakeham if they intend to submit a planning application to the South Cambridgeshire District Council.

5. If so, lobby SCDC Planning Committee for outright refusal.

6. If not, ask SCDC to move forward and ratify its Local Plan without Thakeham.

7. Respond to the government’s OxCam Arc consultation with the benefit of sustainable development principles now set out in the Local Plan’s First Proposals.

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Please refer to the SWCAG website for information learned in the months since Thakeham’s December 2020 new town announcement.

To join the SWCAG mailing list please write to info@swcag.org.uk.

South West Cambridge Action Group www.swcag.org.uk

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Planning Matters Parish Council The information below has been taken from the minutes of the PC Planning meeting on 1st July. Applications discussed at the meeting on 15th July were included in the September issue of Meldreth Matters. The minutes of the Planning meeting on 5th August were not available at the time of going to press. Meeting minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Ref. and Address 128 High Street 21/02427/HFUL

PC Decision Apply rendering to top half of three No Recommendation elevations to dwelling house with no comments

24 North End 21/02444/HFUL

Single storey rear extension, including partial demolition of previous extensions

No Recommendation with no comments

5 West Way 21/02633/HFUL

Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and internal alterations

No Recommendation with no comments

SCDC Decisions Recent decisions are listed below.

Ref. and Address

Decision

1 Station Road 21/02298/HFUL

Permission granted for part one and a half storey, part single storey side extension and single storey side/rear extension, relocation of front door with new porch and associated alterations.

Permission granted for two storey rear extension with Juliet balcony

59 North End 21/03235/HFUL Old Congregational Chapel, High Street 21/03094/HFUL 73 High Street 21/02725/LBC

Permission granted for single storey front extension.

Resubmission of 21/01783/HFUL Repair and reinstatement of existing gable wall of The Homestead, following demolition of the abutting Maycroft care home prior to redevelopment, as already approved under planning permission S/0984/14/VC

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

The Meldreth Matters Team 46

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting held on Thursday 2nd September 2021 This meeting was held in the Green Room of the Village Hall. The main points are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions Greater Cambridge Local Plan The First Proposals (committee stage version) have been published on line and by the time this summary goes to press, there will have been a public webinar on the committee stage and evidence. These proposals include consideration of the recent ‘call for sites’. There are, however, no development proposals shown for Meldreth.

Proposal for Major Town Development in South Cambridgeshire The final date for submissions (31st August) has now passed and Thakeham has not put anything forward. Certain actions do, however, appear to be going on in the background and the Council will keep the subject under close scrutiny. [See pages 42-45.]

Community Projects Working Group The new Community Projects Working Group terms of reference and other administrative details have been agreed by the Council. This group will consist of Councillors and residents, working together to consider proposals for Community benefit funding in much the same way as our former Futures group. [See page 54.]

The Council has agreed a donation of £1,500 to Meldreth Bowls Club to help with the funding of necessary repairs to the clubhouse roof.

Recreation Ground The children’s play tower and the adult gym equipment have been installed, inspected by RoSPA and are now fully operational. Both installations have been well received by the community and are actively in use. It is expected that the two pieces of further equipment that can be used by disabled children and others without disabilities, will be installed in the near future. The Council is also investigating acquiring a permanent table tennis table for use at the 47

recreation ground. The condition of all the equipment at the recreation ground remains under regular scrutiny to ensure safety and proper maintenance. The two litter bins previously mentioned have now been put in place.

Following the closure of the Saturday Football Club, the Council has agreed to make the recreation ground/pavilion facilities available, at an agreed fee, to Orwell Football Club for the forthcoming season.

Managing Ditches etc. - Riparian Responsibilities Property owners whose properties abut a watercourse such as a ditch, do have certain legal responsibilities and obligations known as ‘riparian’. The County Council is keen to spread knowledge about this and has asked the Council to send out to our residents a link to a short survey on the subject: https://forms.office.com/r/5HQbNqGtba.

Highways and Traffic A Local Highways Initiative application for speed control measures in Whitecroft Road has been lodged.

It is important for the Council to be notified by residents of any incidents in the village involving traffic, such as collisions and near misses. In this way we can build up a solid database of evidence to support further measures for traffic management. All residents are therefore strongly urged promptly to report such incidents to the Parish Clerk, preferably by email to: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk The Council will shortly contact residents whose hedges are overhanging the public highway and footways with the request that these be trimmed. It will be very helpful if residents undertake the required trimming measures without any further reminders being necessary. This is an obvious way for everyone to play a part in improving access, especially for those with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Village Infrastructure We are continuing to investigate where further bench seats might be sited in locations that suit those taking walks around the village. As part of this exercise, the Parish Council has agreed to install a bench in the village churchyard, the bench itself already being owned and stored by the church. The Council is replacing two broken notice boards and is considering the provision of other boards in other parts of the village.

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Churchyard The Council has made the churchyard gates safe from the risk of accidental impalement and has agreed with the suggestion of the churchwardens that the wooden guards should be left in place as a possible longer-term measure, subject to tidying and painting. It had been intended as a temporary step but will now be reviewed regularly.

Next Meeting: Thursday 7th October 2021 at 7.30pm.

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

goddin@btinternet.com

Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)

(01763) 260435

robert.searles@btinternet.com

Mrs C J Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallonpc@gmail.com

Mr N Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Dr R James

(01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Mr C A Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Mr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt@btconnect.com

Mr A Young

(01763) 263484

andrewmpc@gmail.com

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Meldreth Parish Council Community Projects Working Group The Council has decided to rename our Meldreth Futures Group as the Community Projects Working Group (CPWG) as we think this more accurately describes its purpose and activities. The original group was established to help the PC consider applications for community funding following the award of two grants from solar energy companies in respect of installations in the village.

One of these grants was for £50,000 in a single payment; the other was for twenty annual payments starting at around £13,000 p.a. and growing with inflation. This scheme has about 15 years to run. To date, grants received under these schemes have totaled over £120,000 and around £55,000 has been disbursed or is committed, leaving a balance of about £65,000.

Future receipts from the annual programme, disregarding inflation, should bring in a further £200,000.

These are very significant amounts and the Council decided that it would be useful to have the help of a group working alongside to evaluate proposals from third party organisations and groups looking for funding. To date financial support has been given to our sports clubs, projects at the Village Hall, youth and school schemes, village infrastructure at the recreation ground and activities such as transport, social help services and local non-sports societies.

The other role of the CPWG is itself to identify projects that would have community value to the village and to present such ideas for consideration. The CPWG comprises both Parish Councillors and members of the local community and we are now looking for people to come forward who think they may be able to help us consider and develop proposals of this kind. The CPWG will meet regularly for this purpose, probably once a month. If you would find this an interesting assignment and one that serves the community in which we live please let us know by email or by phone and we can then give you more information.

Contact details are as follows: Parish Clerk, Mrs Judy Damant, parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk, (01763) 269928 or MPC Chairman, Councillor Richard Goddin, goddin@btinternet.com, (01763) 260061.

Meldreth Parish Council 50

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District and County Councillors’ Report Riparian Ownership and Responsibilities for Ditches and Watercourses This is a follow-up to our report last month, as both the District and County Councils are actively working to improve information dissemination on riparian ownership.

Cambridgeshire County Council reports: “As part of our Community Flood Action Programme, we are updating our riparian guidance document to make it more useful for those living next to a watercourse.

As this document is aimed at residents and landowners, we wish to seek their views and get a better understanding of their awareness of riparian issues. We have therefore prepared a short survey (five questions) which has been reviewed and approved by our Surveying Analyst Team.

We would be grateful if you could disseminate this with your residents and parishes by social media, word of mouth or on your website/ publications. Deadline is 30th September but could be extended. A link to the survey is here: https://forms.office.com/r/5HQbNqGtba.”

We are meeting South Cambs District Council’s new watercourse team in the village in late September to understand and discuss maintenance plans for Meldreth’s significant network of ‘Award Watercourses’ including the one running along the eastern side of Chiswick End. Civil Parking Enforcement Explored for South Cambridgeshire At their September meeting, the Highways & Transport Committee will be discussing the potential for the County Council to oversee inconsiderate parking (including, for example, pavement parking) in three districts including South Cambridgeshire. If agreed, the Council would apply to the Secretary of State for a Special Enforcement Area.

The Greater Cambridge Partnership has agreed to fund the project if it is decided to go ahead.

Citizens Advice at the Melbourn Hub Citizens Advice are back at Melbourn Hub every Wednesday from 10.00am to midday. Appointments can be requested via Melbourn Hub: email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk, telephone (01763) 263303.

Home Adaptations for Living Independently Every year the District and County Councils complete an annual report showing how many home adaptations for disabled and older people

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have been completed. You can see it at: https://www.cambshia.org/ about-us/plans-and-performance.

Given the challenges in 2020/21, it’s great that although the number of adaptations completed and the spend was lower than in previous years, the district and county councils still managed to complete 166 adaptations, by investing over £2m to enable residents to live more independently in their own home. Our service works closely with occupational therapists who were heavily redeployed to primary care services because of the pandemic. We look forward to a busy year ahead as these critical services resume. If you or a relative needs help to continue living at home please contact hia@cambshia.org.

Landlord Enforcement SCDC have approved a Private Sector Housing Policy which allows the council to intervene and take action, including fining landlords, if private rental housing falls below the standards we expect. If you are aware of sub-standard property being rented to friends or family, please do get in touch.

Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document This is an important piece of work that sets high ambitions for biodiversity in our district. South Cambridgeshire is one of the poorest areas in the country with regard to the amount of land managed for nature and for the number of trees. This document, together with our Zero Carbon Strategy and our Doubling Nature Strategy, will go a long way to addressing this lack of biodiversity. The document is available here: https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/emerging-plans-andguidance/biodiversity-spd.

South Cambs Magazine; are you receiving it?

We know there’s been a persistent problem with some postcodes not receiving the South Cambs Magazine. If you or someone you know is not receiving it, please get in touch.

Unemployment Rising in South Cambridgeshire Unemployment is going up in South Cambridgeshire and our main worry are the 4,197 redundancies affecting largely young people, in manufacturing as well as wholesale, hospitality and retail.

Welcoming Afghan Refugees Thanks to local residents who have contacted us asking how they can support Afghan refugee families. SCDC is building on the work it has 53

been doing since 2018, when we agreed to house four families a year from Syria and the surrounding areas, by now offering homes to three families escaping the terror in Afghanistan. SCDC will be using houses available through its private rental housing company and will be working with the County Council and with specialist charities to make sure that these people have the access they need to support, education and health services, so that they can start to rebuild their lives.

Planning; the Local Plan, Strategic House Building and Thakeham Please see the separate article in Meldreth Matters on pages 42-45 from the South West Cambridge Action Group.

OxCam Arc Consultation This is a central government issue playing out in the background with which we need to keep properly informed.

There is currently a consultation taking place on the ‘Spatial Framework’ for the ‘OxCam Arc’ which we encourage residents to respond to. The ‘Arc’ is the label given to central government’s ambition to massively increase economic activity in the broad swathe of land which runs from Oxford to Milton Keynes to Cambridge. This increase in economic activity will be accompanied by an increase in jobs and transport infrastructure, which will then inevitably lead to a requirement for more housing. There is as yet no defined target for this housing let alone allocated sites, but figures of over one million new houses have been mentioned.Development on this scale has potentially huge implications for us. It is really important that residents know what is proposed and understand its implications so that they are able to feed back their views in a meaningful way. You can find the consultation at: ://placebuilder.io/futureofthearc.

Combined Authority News The new Mayor Nik Johnson is moving forward with bus franchising proposals. Currently 90% of bus services are commercial and councils therefore have no control over their routes, frequencies or fares. We know that we urgently need at least a 24% shift to public transport from cars to reduce carbon emissions significantly. and this won’t happen unless we have attractive public transport alternatives.

The draft business case is expected in the Autumn prior to plans going out to public consultation. The leaders of the District and County Councils appealed for subsidised travel for young people as we are well 54

aware that in rural villages, getting young people to education or training is a real problem without access to a car.

The Mayor declined to declare a Climate Emergency but has established a Lead Member role for Climate Change and Environment which he has offered to the leader of SCDC, Bridget Smith. The CPCA Board voted, not unanimously, to accept all of the recommendations of the recently completed Independent Climate Change Commission which focused on moving us swiftly to Zero Carbon.

It is disappointing that not all members of the board accepted that rewetting peat is absolutely critical to minimising carbon emissions in our region and that future drying out of peat will in fact cause vast quantities of carbon to be released into the atmosphere.

The CPCA has been awarded £172,000 to run a career hub for next year. It will involve 30 schools and colleges and will hopefully help to get our young people into training and jobs.

Zoom Cuppa surgery: Wednesdays 5.00-6.00pm If you’d like to meet with your councillors by Zoom, to bring any concerns or ask any questions, please come along to our weekly Wednesday Zoom Cuppa Surgery. Please contact Sally Ann for a link: Sallyannhart@riskingonpurpose.com. Or feel free to pick up the phone/drop us a line any time: our contact details are given below.

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

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Reporting Suspicious Emails and Text Messages Each month, we warn readers about scams in an attempt to stop more people falling victim to criminals. However, if you receive an email or text message that looks like a scam, you can help to remove the scam and so protect others from becoming a victim.

If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Note that it's gov.uk, not co.uk. This will send the email to the National Cyber Security Centre for investigation.

Each time that you forward an email, you will receive an automated reply that explains what happens and contains up-to-date statistics about emails sent to the address. Here is a recent statistic: as of 31st August 2021 the number of reports received stands at more than 7,250,000 with the removal of more than 59,900 scams and 112,000 URLs (web addresses).

If you receive a suspicious text message, forward it to 7726. The message is free, and will be sent to your mobile network. In reply, you should receive a message asking you to reply with the number that the suspicious text came from. Unlike an email, if you forward a text message, the number of the original sender is not included. Once you have sent this second message, the suspicious text will be investigated.

If you have clicked on a link in a suspicious message and: 

You have given away your banking details, contact your bank, using the number on one of your bank cards, and let them know.



You have given away any password details, change the passwords on any accounts that use the same password.



You have lost money, tell your bank and report it as a fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit http:// www.actionfraud.police.uk.



You're not sure whether a caller is genuine, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 57

Home-Start www.hsrsc.org.uk Do you enjoy running?

We'd love you to take part in our HomeStart 'Team' Marathon event this month.

The Home-Start Team Marathon runs from 1st to 31st October and teams can run as a group or individually, with each team's distance adding up to 26 miles.

Each team will be provided with their own online fundraising page, a link to a distance tracker and a social media page where they can share their experiences and support each other.

Last year income from personal challenges brought in over £10,000 to Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire, which is enough to run one of our Family Support Groups for an entire year!

The marathon is also open to children and we encourage schools, groups and clubs to get involved as Home-Start is offering to give back 50% of each group’s sponsorship so that local schools and groups also benefit.

If you would like to find out more and sign up, please visit the event page on our website or call us on (01763) 262262.

The Home-Start Team Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, SG8 6JP Incorporated as Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Telephone: (01763 788071) Charity Number: 105385

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Cambridgeshire Acre: New Trustees Wanted Cambridgeshire ACRE is looking for new trustees to join its Board. We’re on the hunt for volunteers who would like to consider becoming a trustee of one of Cambridgeshire’s leading charities.

Our charity trustees, who also form our Board of Directors, play an important role in overseeing our governance, strategic direction and business effectiveness. We are searching for people from any walk of life with experience that might help with this.

If you’d like to know more about this opportunity, visit www.cambsacre.org.uk/new-trustees-wanted or please do get in touch directly.

Alison Brown Acting Chief Executive Cambridgeshire ACRE

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

Assistance from MCCS If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, shielding or have been instructed to self-isolate and your usual support is unavailable, please contact Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support using the contact details below, and we will do our best to assist.

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

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

Royston and District Community Transport can also give lifts to vaccination appointments.

Where to get your Covid Jabs The Vaccinators’ website gives https://www.thevaccinators.co.uk.

lots

of

information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

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One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman

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

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

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

Sport

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

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

Church

Litter Picker

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

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

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

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

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillor

Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

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

County Council Offices MP

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

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

Children

Village Directory

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Transport

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

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

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Museum

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

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Emergencies

Support Services

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223 Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Distribution: Lesley Pemberton 07798586875 and David & Maggie Smith 260378; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

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

AngliEAR Hearing ...........................21 Art of Clean .....................................55 Art of Clean Wood ...........................45 Aurora Group Advertorial (Job) ........18 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........56 Cam Valley Orchards .......................23 Cambourne Self Storage ....................3 CHS Day Centre ..............................25 CHS Group ................................Cover The Country Store ............................55 Eternit Sports and Social Club ....Cover Eve Construction ..............................45 Home Tutor .....................................49 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning ........14 Jackson Cox Opticians .....................23 JN Garden Services ..........................30 Lawn Partners ..................................14 The Letting Centre ...........................51 Little Hands Nursery School ............45 Melbourn Flooring ...........................51

Melbourn Village College .................56 Meldreth Landscapes .......................26 Meldreth Motor Company ...............41 Meldreth Plant Hire ...................Cover Moncraft Computers ........................10 N J Chapman, gardening ..................10 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................30 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service59 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......25 P D Property Services .......................26 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................30 Pet Sitter ..........................................11 Richard Burns Electrician ...................3 Rod’s PC Support ............................26 Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................59 Slimming World .........................Cover Sparky’s ...........................................30 Specialist Dental Partners .................17 Trademark Kitchens ..........................23 Village Garden Services ....................49 64

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738

DIGGERS, DUMPERS, BREAKERS, WACKERS, ROTAVATORS. AVAILABLE FOR DAILY OR WEEKLY HIRE. WWW.MELDRETHPLANT.CO.UK

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

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