Meldreth Matters, October 2022

Contents

What’s On in October

FOHT Talk 7

Things to Do in October 28-29

Village Diary 30-31

Village Hall Open Afternoon 5

Future Events

Christmas Market 13

Christmas Tree Festival 13

Village Groups

Friends of Holy Trinity 6-7 Lift Off Choir 7 Women’s Group 8

Miscellaneous Letters to the Editor 26

Village News & Issues

Food Bank 57 MLHG Merchandise 12

Public Notice by Parish Council 3

Traffic Group Report 33-36 Warm Spaces, Hot Food 45

Sport

Cycling Group 11

Squash Group 10

Cookery

In Praise of … 18-21

Gardening and Nature

A Meldreth Garden 15-17 Melwood 14-15

Children & Education

Activities for Families 25 Primary School 22-23

Local/National Government

Local Councillors 39-43 Parish Council 51-53 Planning 54-55

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 60 Cambridgeshire Constabulary 37 Home-Start 48-49 MCCS 56-57 Mobile Warden Scheme 57 Neighbourhood Watch 46 Refuse Collections 30 Struggling with Bills? 44 Village Directory 58-59 Volunteering Opportunities 49

This month’s cover picture: Malton Lane, October 2021 by Kathryn Betts

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

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

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

Editorial

Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Like many people in our community, members of the MM team were saddened to learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022. Following the Queen’s passing, Meldreth Parish Council issued the public notice that appears on the following page.

Meldreth Village Hall has now re-opened, following its refurbishment. For more details of the work that was completed, see the article on page 5. All villagers are welcome to the formal re-opening of the hall at 2.00pm on Sunday 2nd October.

A gardening article makes a return in this issue, thanks to Iain McPhee. See pages 15-17. Iain would welcome any feedback; his email address is given on page 17 at the end of the article.

Finally, on behalf of the whole of the Meldreth Matters team, I would like to thank Sue and John Hanson for their generous donation towards the production costs of Meldreth Matters. As you probably know, MM is produced and delivered entirely by volunteers. Our only expense is the cost of printing the magazine. These charges have increased recently, as has the number of copies needed to serve the growing population of our village. Unfortunately, these increases have coincided with a decrease in advertising revenue as companies are forced to cut costs. Should you know of a local business that may be interested in advertising in the magazine, please ask them to email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176. Every issue of Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com/meldrethmatters and 900 copies of the printed magazine are delivered free of charge every month.

Kathryn 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 60 of this issue.

Public Notice

MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL

The Council was very saddened to hear that Her Majesty the Queen had passed away. On behalf of the community of Meldreth we join the millions of people who will pay tribute to this remarkable woman, who has led the nation – us, our parents and our grandparents - through the most challenging of times.

It is difficult to find words that can represent these circumstances. During her long reign the world recovered from a period of appalling conflicts, it embraced social challenges of a magnitude never previously seen and it was exposed to developments in science and technology on a breathtaking scale. Her Majesty’s unwavering humanity during these times has been a constant source of comfort and confidence, not only to her subjects in these islands but to the broader Commonwealth of Nations which she did so much to foster and support and, beyond that, to the wider world where she stood as an enduring beacon of hope and stability.

She combined these duties with a strong sense of family responsibilities. We wish to send our most sincere and loyal condolences to the whole of her family at what will be a very difficult time for all of them. Her family will share these feelings of loss and sadness with the other families in this land in facing bereavement and the loss of a loved one, but we hope they will be helped and their spirits lifted by the knowledge that their grief is shared by many millions worldwide who loved, respected and admired this wonderful woman.

We send our sincere condolences and loyal best wishes to His Majesty the King and to the whole of the Royal Family.

God save the King.

Meldreth Parish Council

Meldreth Village Hall

Meldreth Village Hall was closed through the school summer holidaybut we weren't taking a break! We brought in a fantastic group of craftspeople who have worked hard to transform the hall.

The toilets have been redecorated and refurbished with new sanitary ware, cabinets and flooring. The main hall, lobby, meeting room (now with a small kitchen area) and chair store have also been redecorated and new carpets have been put down in the lobby and meeting room.

Our thanks go to:

DMR Decorators

P.D Property Services

Prince Property Improvements Ltd

Melbourn Flooring

Hillarys Clearview2000 Norburys

Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society

all masterminded by our own Pat Gilmore.

We would also thank Meldreth Parish Council for a grant towards the costs of the refurbishment.

The results look wonderful, and together with the new kitchen which was fitted last year, should see the Hall through a good few years to come!

Open Afternoon

Please join us for our grand re-opening on Sunday 2nd October at 2.00pm, followed by tea and cake and a chance to see it all for yourselves. We look forward to welcoming you.

Now for the outside … watch this space.

Meldreth Village Hall Trustees

Friends of Holy Trinity

www.foht.org.uk

Car Show

The 17th annual Car Show took place on 11th September on a dry and sunny day with an eclectic mix of cars from 1913 onwards, including some interesting new exhibits. The first of these was a 1938 French Delahaye 135M first owned by the Marquis de Cuevas. The car has been exhibited all over the world and has won many Concours d’Elegance. The car has a straight six cylinder engine with an ingenious whistle on the carburettor air intake operated by a chain near the steering wheel.

There were two more interesting exhibits. The first was a Dutch c 1960 DAF 600 with the first practical continuously variable (stepless) automatic transmission called the Variomatic. This is achieved by the engine driving the rear wheels via belts and an expanding cone pulley. It was know as the 'Rubber Band Car'.

The Triking is a modern three-wheeler similar to early Morgans and was designed in 1977. Chassis: tubular steel space frame/integral sheet backbone and floor, polyester powder coated finish. Engine: Moto Guzzi 1100 cc vee-twin, air -cooled, fuel injected, 75 bhp. Transmission: Moto Guzzi 5speed sequential gearbox. in-line reversing gearbox. Brakes: front – 290mm Grimeca vented disc brakes. Rear – 260mm disc brake with adjustable bias.

This Month’s Event

Thursday 6th October - a talk by Mary Macleod Rivett

“The Vikings and Scandinavian Colonisation of the North Atlantic” 8.00pm in the Holy Trinity Meeting Room

Tickets £7.00 to include a glass of wine or juice are available from: Peter Chilvers (01763) 260742

Ian Mitchell (01763) 260319

John Price (01763) 260048

Next Month’s Event

Thursday 10th November - Modern Houses in East Anglia

A talk by Meredith Bowles, principal of Mole Architects.

John Price

Lift Off Choir

After the summer break it feels so good to be back singing together again.

We have welcomed new members, who say they find the choir fun and accessible. They love that it takes place during the daytime and that it includes tea, coffee, biscuits and the chance to meet new friends.

Over the last year we have visited some uplifting songs, both old and new. This term we have kicked off singing Song Sung Blue by Neil Diamond and Proud Mary by Tina Turner; last term we finished off with the wonderful Count on Me by Bruno Mars.

Why don't you come along and join us? We are actively seeking new members for our community of singers on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30-2.45pm at Meldreth Village Hall. For more information contact me on 07548 247755.

Clare Silver

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

In August we had a really enjoyable meal at The Queen’s Head Thai restaurant in Harston. Seventeen of us went and we all thought that the food was delicious and the service very good. Everyone had a great time. Our thanks go to Sue Toule for organising this for us. Such socials give us a chance to chat and catch up with one another in a leisurely way.

Our October meeting will be in All Saints’ Community Hall when we will meet to make our decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church in Meldreth. Our theme is The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so we expect to see some sparkle on our decorations. None of us claim to be artistic, but it is generally a fun evening with laughter and chat.

We usually start our meetings with any notices and our Women’s Group prayer, and finish with a cuppa and biscuits. If you would like to know more about the group, need a lift to meetings or would like a copy of our programme please contact any of the following 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, Diane Blundell (01763) 221415.

All Saints’ Autumn Fayre

Please to Remember 5th November 2022

The Women’s Group hope to hold an Autumn Fayre in All Saints’ Church on 5th November after an absence due to Covid restrictions. We look forward to receiving your support and to seeing you at the event.

We will have refreshments in the hall and a selection of stalls in the church; some old favourites such as cakes, jigsaws and puzzles, jewellery and gifts, tombola and hamper draw and some new stalls too. Save the date and come and join us at this community event.

Pat Smith

New Squash Group

Keep fit and make new friends at MVC Ladies’ Squash Club.

We are a friendly group of local women and girls, meeting weekly on Tuesday nights from 7.00-9.00pm at Melbourn Village College Sports Centre. We are looking for new squash players to join us.

All standards are welcome, from experienced beginner to advanced. We have regular coaching from a professional coach. Experienced players may also take part in MVC Squash Club general club night (Thursdays from 7.009.00pm) and internal leagues.

For more information contact: Nicole Rincon on 07762 908461 or njr2020@gmail.com

Jan Brynjolffssen on 07730 406688 or janik17@hotmail.com. Madjuri Bolton

Meldreth Marvells Cycling Group

We are always welcome at the once per month

Haslingfield Pop Up Café, held in the Methodist Church Hall.

Elsie and her volunteers look forward to our arrival for their delicious cakes and beverages on our return break to Meldreth, as part of our usual 25 mile or so ride.

We are heartily thanked for our voluntary contributions for the particular charity being sponsored that day.

Future cafés will be supporting the following good causes: 11th October, Prostate Cancer

8th November, Project Linus 13th December, Trussel Trust

The café will be open from 8.45am to 11.30am on the above dates.

We look forward to seeing you on the next ride.

John Rogger

Group Members Outside the Pop-Up Café in Haslingfield

Wanted: Photographs of Snowy Meldreth!

Can You Help Meldreth Local History Group?

Last year, Meldreth Local History Group (MLHG) sold Christmas cards with the two images shown on the right on them. We would like to add one or two new card designs for this year, but we need your help!

If you have any images of snowy Meldreth that you think may be suitable, and which you would be prepared to allow MLHG to use, then please email your images to info@meldrethhistory.org.uk by 31st October.

The History Group does not have the funds to pay for the use of your image(s) but instead we will give you some free packs of Christmas cards with your photograph(s) on them.

We look forward to receiving your photographs!

In the meantime, our existing Christmas cards and our village tea towels (pictured right) can be purchased by emailing info@meldrethhistory.org.uk. Cards cost 60p each or £5 for 10 and the tea towels cost £5 each.

Meldreth Local History Group

Visit your local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present

See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups

Christmas Tree Festival

Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2022

11.00am and 4.00pm.

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

If you are in the process this autumn of making jams, marmalades, chutneys and cakes we would very much appreciate it if you could make some extra to donate to the produce stall. These can be delivered to the church on Thursday 24th, Friday 25th, Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th.

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

The Christmas Tree Festival Committee

Christmas Market

We will have lots of lovely stalls, many selling unique hand-crafted goods at the Christmas Market in the newly refurbished Village Hall from 10.00am to 3.00pm on Sunday 27th November. Perhaps most of your Christmas shopping can be done under one roof! It has been arranged for the same weekend as the Christmas Tree Festival, which always brings lots of people into the village and we hope that in doing this it will give everyone an opportunity to easily visit both.

Items available include, ceramic and beaded jewellery, hand-knitted socks, mittens and children’s items, photographic prints, greetings cards, beaded Christmas decorations, a raffle and more. Home Start will once again have refreshments available for purchase and we hope to have Christmas crafting for children as well.

There will be more information in November’s MM and please keep an eye open for the posters in the coming weeks.

Lesley Farbridge

Melwood Survives the Drought

The prolonged drought has taken a toll on wildlife and gardens alike. Some damage was expected in Melwood but it has been primarily the herbaceous plants that have taken a real hit. We have heard in the news about tree plantings along the banks of new roads which have cost a fortune and largely failed to survive, but thankfully the recent plantings in Melwood all seem to be healthy, even before the stimulus of recent rain. As a precaution, the Conservation Group held a watering session in early August. Water was taken from the River Mel in a large bucket and used to fill watering cans which were taken to all the small trees and bushes planted by the group in recent years. One to three cans (5 – 15 litres) was carefully poured around the roots and this was probably enough to ensure survival until the rain came. Eight members of the group managed the task in a little over an hour.

The drought provided an opportunity to assess plant species that are tolerant of dry conditions. This is likely to be a significant factor in future plantings if forecasters are correct and this is a weather pattern that is likely to continue. Within the wood, dusky cranesbill flowered early and managed to set seed. With a swollen base that stores some water, this species had little trouble in surviving. Nettle-leaved bellflower also survived well by virtue of tuberous roots but being a late flowerer, the blooms were hit by the August heat wave and died without setting seed. Iris are also suited to survival in hot dry conditions.

Back home in the garden, the lawn was soon brown and crisp, with hardly a green blade of grass to be seen. Despite this, a number of short stems of Ragwort appeared and were soon flowering, to the delight of bees and butterflies alike. Dandelions and their relatives also appeared green and healthy and flowered well. They have quite long tap-roots but I doubt they could have found any moist soil even two feet down by mid-August. Bladder Campion, on the other hand, has roots so deep and thick that survival was not a surprise. Blue Fleabane was an unexpected wild flower new to my garden and apparently drought-hardy. All this provides clues as to species worth trying in dry, sunny grassland.

The mature Elder bushes did not fare too well and to save these, it may be necessary to coppice them. It seems the roots cannot support large growth in very hot dry conditions but short re-growth is less demanding, as demonstrated by the bushes we coppiced in the spring.

A few mature Ash trees are looking very poorly as a result of Ash dieback disease and it may be necessary to fell these. The dilemma is whether to fell them when they die or leave them standing for the benefit of birds and insects. Felling will provide space for re-planting much sooner and may protect those trees that are still healthy. In the main body of the wood, species such as Dog’s Mercury and Herb Robert were flattened but retained enough green to recover with a bit of rain. Cleavers completed growth and then dried up once seed was set, as also did the Hedge Parsley. This makes it easier to cut and clear these species but lots of seed will be left for next year and their smothering habits will continue. Nettles were unaffected by the heat and drought and will continue to be a problem that will need controlling in some parts of the wood. In open sunny areas they are the food plants for the caterpillars of butterflies such as Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell but they are hardly ever used when in the shade.

If you are interested in joining us in our conservation work, please contact either Jim Reid on (01763) 260231, Bruce Huett on (01763) 232855 or get on touch with us via the website.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group

A Meldreth Garden

My garden here in Meldreth, established over the past 20 years is about half an acre and I have an allotment at St Georges in Melbourn. I enjoy growing and propagating plants; am less interested in garden design.

We are well into Keats’ ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. As nights draw in it is time to plan for next year, perhaps making changes to improve the displays our flowering plants.

Are there some poor doers that would flourish in a sunnier or a shadier position; are there plants getting crowded out that need more space?

con nued ...

We should be thinking of plants that will withstand drought. My spring garden was tremendous this year but late summer was a disaster, the late flowering yellow crocosmia ‘George Davidson’ turned brown and died. I hope it will come back. Prairie and Mediterranean plants, helenium, phlomis, lambs ears, yarrow, Russian sage, red hot pokers, lavender and sages are just a few drought tolerant plants we may think about.

October is a timely month to maintain and repair your lawn after the wear and tear of summer, especially following this year’s hot and dry conditions. Firstly scarify the lawn removing thatch, spike to aerate if compacted and top dress with a mixture of loam and sand or feed with a low nitrogen fertiliser. I use fish, blood and bone; cheap and effective. New turf or seed can be put down to repair damaged areas.

Jobs to do now in the Flower Garden

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Remove saucers from under pots and raise off the ground with pot feet or tiles, so the pots will not spend the winter in standing water.

Check tree ties and stakes to ensure branches are not constricted and prune out any dead or dying branches. Buddleia can be pruned back by a third to stop wind rock.

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Continue dead-heading flowering plants cosmos, geraniums, alstomeria, marigolds, dahlias etc. to encourage flowering.

Collect seed for next year’s sowing. I collect seeds from cosmos, calendula, nigella, cornflower, corn cockle, annual hibiscus, honesty, helenium, echinops, sunflowers, etc.

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Clean up leaves from lawns and flower beds before they block out light and air. Make leaf mould or put on the compost heap.

Sow hardy perennials including sweet peas for an early crop in 2023. Plant out biennials sweet William, wallflowers and hollyhocks into their permanent positions.

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There may be bargains to be had, including perennials and seeds, at supermarkets, nurseries and garden centres as they move out stock to make way for Halloween and Christmas displays.

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Herbaceous perennials can be planted out in their final position, as can divisions. It is a good time to lift and divide congested herbaceous perennials like hardy geranium, day lily, lily of the valley and hosta.

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Plant spring bulbs in the ground and in pots particularly daffodils; tulips can wait. Also pot up forced hyacinths and hippeastrum for a Christmas display.

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Take hardwood cuttings of buddleia, mock orange, sambuca, weigelia and many others.

Place tender perennials undercover or into the greenhouse before the first frosts - geraniums, tender salvias, gerbera, cana, etc.

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Tidy up the garden. Clear out spent plants and stems unless seed heads are retained for insects or winter interest. Remove annual bedding as it dies back, replace with forget me nots, polyanthus, and violas.

Jobs in the Vegetable Garden

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Plan the crop rotation in the vegetable garden and purchase seeds.

Harvest main crop potatoes and store the good ones. Continue to crop apples and pears and store for the winter. I wrap each one in newspaper and store in a cardboard box.

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Keep picking outdoor cucumbers, courgettes and beans when small and sweet, while they last.

Tidy fruiting berries such as blackberries and tayberries as they produce most fruit on the previous season's new growth, cut out old canes.

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There is still time to plant out garlic and shallots for an early crop next year and to sow broad beans. Use hardy cultivars such as Aquadulce. Sow and or plant out hardy lettuce and Asian greens such as pak choi for winter salads and stir fries.

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Once cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes are finished, clear them out and give the greenhouse a good clean, before introducing new plants for over wintering.

Do you have any unusual plants or plants that have flourished during the drought? A plant, new to me that I have enjoyed this year is scabeous ‘Perfecta Alba’, a pure white cultivar.

Please feedback your comments and ideas to mcpheia1@gmail.com.

Happy gardening.

Iain McPhee

In Praise Of … … Courgettes

This month we showcase courgettes, which may be bland, but that also means they are versatile. They can be dressed up in a creamy lemon sauce and served with pasta, grated and added to a quiche, or served as crisp fritters. In fact, recipes for courgettes come in as many shapes and sizes as the squash itself: varieties of this summer vegetable can range from small and flying-saucer shaped, to dark-green and tennis ball-sized, to long and yellow.

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

Courgette Fritters with Marinara Sauce

Preparation time less than 30 mins, cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour, Serves 6

Ingredients

For the marinara sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large red onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 400g can chopped tomatoes

2 sprigs thyme, leaves finely chopped (about 1 tsp chopped leaves) pinch of caster sugar flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper large handful fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

For the courgette fritters

3 medium free-range eggs

50g wholemeal or plain flour

125g dried natural breadcrumbs

2 packed tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese

2 tsp chopped rosemary leaves

2 medium courgettes

spray oil

Method

For the marinara sauce, heat the oil in a medium pan over a low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until beginning to soften, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Stir the tomatoes, thyme, sugar (if you think it needs a little sweetening) and some salt and pepper. Turn down the heat so that the mixture is just simmering and leave to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavours have intensified.

Meanwhile, make the courgette fritters. Line two large baking trays with baking parchment. Beat the eggs in a large shallow bowl. Put the flour into another and stir in a couple of large pinches of salt and lots of pepper. Divide the breadcrumbs, parmesan and rosemary evenly between two large shallow bowls and set aside.

Trim the courgette ends and slice one lengthways into three evenlysized slices. Cut each slice into three long, evenly-sized strips and then in half across their width to give 18 chips. Repeat with the second courgette to give 36 chips in total. Each one will be about 1.5cm/¾in wide and 7-8cm/3in long, depending on the size of your courgettes.

Working with a few at a time, toss the courgette batons in the flour until well coated - this will help the egg to stick in the next stage. Toss through the beaten egg and, after allowing the excess egg to drip off, roll them around in one of the batches of breadcrumbs to stick all over evenly. Arrange in a single layer on the baking trays as you go. Repeat until all of the courgettes are coated, using the second batch of breadcrumbs once the first has been used up.

The marinara sauce will probably be nice and thick at this stage. If it's too thick to pour, stir in a little water. Remove from the heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, add the basil leaves and cover to keep warm until ready to serve.

Spray the courgettes with the oil and place in the oven for 20 minutes. If tight on space, nestle the garlic parcel onto one of the courgette trays. Half way through cooking time, remove the courgettes, turn them over, give another spray and pop them back in the oven - this time on the opposite shelves to those they were already on. Once cooked, they should be lightly browned and very crisp all over.

Spoon the marinara sauce in a serving bowl. Pile the courgettes onto a serving platter and serve with the lemon wedges.

Grilled Courgette Salad with Basil, Mint, Chilli and Lemon

Preparation time less than 30 mins, Cooking time 10 to 30 mins, Serves 4-6

Ingredients

6 courgettes, ends trimmed, cut into long strips

1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for dressing

1 fresh red chilli, seeded, finely chopped (or 5 tsp dried chilli flakes) sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ lemon, juice only handful fresh mint, roughly chopped handful fresh basil, roughly chopped

Method

Toss the courgette strips in a bowl with the olive oil (just enough to coat the courgette), chilli, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a ridged grill pan until smoking hot and griddle the courgettes in batches, about four minutes per side, being careful not to crowd the grill pan. They should be tender, but with a crunch to them in the middle. If the strips are not quite cooked, leave them on the grill pan for longer, but watch the heat as you don't want them to burn. Don't be tempted to move the courgette while it is cooking or you won't get the chargrill marks across the flesh. Drain on kitchen paper.

Toss the griddled courgettes in the lemon juice, mint, basil and a good slug of your best extra virgin olive oil.

Chocolate Courgette Cake

Prep:10 mins, Cook:1 hr Serves 10

Ingredients

350g self-raising flour

50g cocoa powder

1 tsp mixed spice

175ml extra-virgin olive oil

375g golden caster sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

500ml grated courgette (measure by volume in a measuring jug, but it's about 2 medium courgettes; if using 1 overgrown one, peel first and take out seeds)

140g ground almonds

For the icing

200g dark chocolate , chopped 100ml double cream or crème fraiche

Method

Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, mixed spice and 1 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla essence and grated courgette. Mix the dry and wet mixture until just combined, then fold in the toasted hazelnuts. Line a 24cm cake tin with greaseproof paper, then pour in your mixture. Bake for about 40-50 mins, or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool.

To make the icing, place the chocolate in a bowl and bring the cream to the boil in a saucepan. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until completely smooth and melted. Leave the icing to cool slightly and thicken, then spread it over the cake so it’s covered and the icing starts to drip down the sides.

Jane O’Hagan

Meldreth Primary School

The first year in school is an exciting time for our children and their parents and we were delighted to see a new group of Puffins joining us this September. They have found their feet quickly and settled into school life during the past few busy weeks. Here are a few things they have enjoyed so far: exploring the classroom, inside and out… meeting new friends in their own class and from the rest of school… imaginative play in the pizza parlour… working in the mud kitchen… getting to grips with our new school uniform and eating our first school lunch in the hall… beginning our reading journey… finding out about foods in our Yummy Scrummy topic… preparing different foods (making fruity kebabs, carrot muffins, pizza)… it’s been a very busy few weeks.

This is what the children have said they have enjoyed:

‘Playing in the outside space on the slide’ Lilly

‘Doing experiments in the water’ Emma

‘Playing with my friends’ James

‘Using the mud kitchen’ Fiadh

‘Drawing and I liked colouring a house’ Alfie

We are looking forward to working with all the children to make the most of all that school life has to offer. Next half term they will be investigating different stories by Julia Donaldson and all the exciting school events leading up to their first nativity and Christmas in school.

Kate Samways - Early Years Leader

Starting School

At the time of writing this article, it is a big week for thousands of families across the UK with young children who will be starting school for the first time. Starting school is a big milestone for families from uniform, organisation, school lunches and early bedtimes as children fall asleep in their dinner after a busy day in school. Both of my boys did this!

Starting School in September 2023?

Applications are now open for a September 2023 start and will close on 15th January 2023. Your child will be three or have just turned four when you apply. Apply online through our website www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/admissions.

Parent Information Meetings

We will be holding information meetings for parents of children starting school in September 2023

Take a tour of our school, meet members of our leadership team and have an opportunity to hear about what we do in our school.

Friday 4th November at 9.30am

Monday 5th December at 9.30am

I look forward answering your questions about our school. To arrange to join us, please contact us by telephoning (01763) 260432 or email the school office at office@meldreth.cambs.sch.uk. We look forward to meeting you!

Sasha Howard - Headteacher

Things for Children and Families To Do

Friday 7th October, 10.00am - 10.45am or 11.00am - 11.45am

Early Years Studio, Kettle’s Yard, Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AQ

Artist-led creative experience for children aged 0 - 4 years. Play, activities and stories. £5 per child. Book at www.kettlesyard.co.uk.

Saturday 8th October, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Apple and Harvest Fayre, Palace Green, Ely CB7 4EW

Apples, juice, crumbles, stalls, workshops, music and competitions. Apple and spoon races, longest peel competitions.

Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th October, 10.00am - 4.00pm

Halloween Half Term

Audley End, off London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF

Follow Dennis, Gnasher and friends to solve creepy clues on a fun family quest. Meet costumed performers to hear strange and silly stories. Free for English Heritage members. Adults £21, children 5 -17 years £12.60, family ticket £33.60. www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Monday 24th to Friday 28th October, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Holiday Bushcraft, Wandlebury, Gog Magog Hills CB22 3AE

Survival skills for ages 5 - 12 - games, woodcrafts, fire lighting, shelter building. Sessions encourage self confidence and a sense of achievement. £40 per child per day. Bring a packed lunch. www.cambridgeppf..org.

Wednesday 26th October, 10.00am - 12.00pm

Wild in the Woods, Cambourne Nature Reserve, off School Lane CB23 6BJ

Family walk and pond dip led by Becca Badger. Perfect for ages 7 - 11. No children under 5. £7.50 per child (£5 members). Accompanying adults free. Essential information and booking on www.wildlifebcn.org.

Thursday 27th October, 10.00am - 2.00pm

The Word: Exploring Text in Art

Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ

Artist Jo Miller will lead this workshop for ages 12 to 14. Learn about how to use words in your artwork in interesting and inspiring ways. £15. Book on www.kettlesyard.co.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Letters to the Editor

Missing Cat

My much loved ginger and white cat has been missing since Friday 19th November. Have you seen him? He is four, neutered and chipped. Are you feeding him, thinking he is a stray? His brother and sister are also pining for him.

Can you please check and let me know if you find him or have seen him anywhere? You can contact me on 07734 749162 or at 11 Howard Road, Meldreth. Thank you.

Paula Jones

Meldreth Funeral Bier

Thank you for publishing Terry Dash’s letter in your September issue, bringing to our attention the matter of the Meldreth Funeral bier. We were due to have a PCC meeting on the night that the Queen died which we thought right to cancel. The bier was on the agenda.

We intend to have a full discussion about it at out next PCC meeting on 22nd September and will seriously address the points raised in Terry Dash’s letter, and those raised by other members of the parish, in a letter to the editor in November’s issue of Meldreth Matters.

Julie Draper & David Coton

Co-Church Wardens, Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth

MM is Available in Colour Online

To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters

Things to Do in October

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

Saturday 1st October, 12noon to 11.30pm (begins Friday 30th September, 5.00pm)

Royston Heath Beer Festival

Therfield Heath Cafe, Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG

A weekend full of live music, local brewers, food stands and children’s activities. For more information visit the Royston Heath Beer Festivals Facebook page.

Friday 7th to Sunday 9th October, at varying times

Ely Cathedral Harvest Weekend

Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL

A seasonal celebration with Harvest Supper, Tower and Octagon tours, spectacular floral displays, harvest produce sale, food fair, Harvest Ceilidh and other events. For timings, admission prices and to book tickets visit www.elycathedral.org.

Wednesday 12th, 19th and 26th October, 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Public Open Evenings Cambridge Institute of Astronomy Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA

The Astronomy Institute will be open every Wednesday evening from 12th October through to March 2023. Doors open at 6.30pm and a half hour talk by an astronomer starts at 7.15pm, followed by stargazing (weather permitting) through the historic Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes. Watching the stars can be cold so wrap up warmly! For detailed programme of talks visit www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk.

Friday 14th October, 8.00pm to 10.00pm

Foyer Jazz: Django’s Tiger Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH

Round off your week with a relaxed evening in the Saffron Hall Foyer. Django’s Tiger play ‘gypsy swing’ in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stefan Grapelli. A sound which grew out of American swing jazz of the 1920s to 1940s - melodic and with an infectious sense of fun. Tickets from £13.50. Book at www.saffronhall.com.

Sunday 16th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm)

Chippenham Park Open Garden

Chippenham Park, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT

Beautiful 300 year old gardens set amongst lakes, canals and woodlands. Last opportunity in 2022 to visit for late flowering plants and early autumn colours. Fully licensed Potting Shed tearooms serving excellent refreshments. Garden entry £7 adults, £3 children 5-16 years Cash only. Dogs on leads welcome. www.chippenhamparkgardens.info.

Sunday 16th October, 11.00am to 4.00pm

Saffron Day, Market Place, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1HR

A celebration of all things saffron with cooking and dyeing demonstrations, saffron-related stalls, food, music, Morris dancing, living history performers and lots more. For further details and a programme: www.visitsaffronwalden.go.uk.

Tuesday 18th October, 10.00am to 1.00pm

Creative Garden Writing

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE

If you’ve ever felt inspired to write by a garden or favourite landscape this workshop will help you get started. Expert advice, guided exercises and a chance to produce your very own piece of prose or poetry. Free admission. More details at www.museums.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd October 9.00am to 5.00pm

Big Tree Climbing

Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, SG8 0BW

Join the Big Tree Climbing Company and explore Wimpole Estate from the tree tops! Using ropes and harnesses you’ll ascend into the canopy of a tree - an exhilarating adventure at new heights. With two skilled and friendly instructors, you’ll be securely attached at all times. Hourly climbing sessions throughout the day, each run for 8 people. Suitable for all ages from 6 upwards. Tickets £25 and pre-booking essential.

Thursday 27th October, doors open 7.00pm, film starts 7.30pm

‘Death on the Nile’ - Orwell Film Club

Orwell Village Hall, 32-66 High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN Orwell Film Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, except August and December. Showing a wide range of recent and classic films. Free teas and coffees on arrival with membership available at the door, £6 per year. Guests also welcome, £3 per visit.

Compiled by John Crawforth

Meldreth Village Di

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thurs

Refuse Collections

Half Term is the week beginning 24th October

Black bins: 11th, 25th Blue & green bins: 4th, 18th

Getremindersonyourmobile: downloadtheBinCollectionsapp

9.30am Zumba

10.00am-midday MLHG 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

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

9.15am Cycling Group

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm L O Choir 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P

3 4 5 6

7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish 8.00pm FOHT page 7)

9.30am Zumba

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

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

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

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

9.15am Cycling Group

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting

4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

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

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes)

10 11 12 1 17 18 19 20

24th & 31st:

9.30am Zumba

11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

31st only:

4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children

9.15am Cycling Group

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 7.45pm Women’s Group

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

10.45-11.30 Mobile Library 6.30-7.20pm Dance Aerobics

7.30-8.20pm Barre Fitness 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

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

4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T 6.00-6.45pm P 7.00-9.00pm T

25 26 2

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

ary - October 2022

sday Friday Saturday Sunday 1

Thecopydeadlinefor theNovemberissueof MeldrethMattersis Wednesday12th October

6.45pm for 7.30pm HomeStart Quiz Night (ticket holders only)

9.45am Sung Eucharist— Harvest Festival

2.00p-5.00m Official ReOpening of Village Hall and Open Afternoon (see page 5 and back cover)

8.00am Said Eucharist9.30am Slimming World

Acro Pilates

9.45am Sung Eucharist pm ulti classes)

Table Tennis h Council T talk (see pm ultiple Acro Pilates Table Tennis

9.30am Slimming World

9.30am Slimming World5pm ultiple

Acro Pilates Table Tennis

Pilates Table Tennis 9.30am Slimming World

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

The Letting Centre is a dedicated letting agency established for 29 years, operating from High Street premises in Melbourn. We offer an expert, tailored service to suit each clients’ individual needs. Covering Cambridge, Royston, Melbourn and surrounding villages.

Friendly, no obligation advice on how to achieve the best possible return on your rental investment with clear and simple guidance on your legal obligations.

The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6AP. Tel: 01763 263039. Email: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk. www.letting-centre.co.uk

Registered Office: The Letting Centre Ltd, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Nr. Royston, Herts. SG8 6HH Tel: 01763 263039 Registered in England No. 4472384 VAT No. 700035112 Director Mrs Angie Rixon E-mail: enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

Meldreth Traffic Group Report

Introduction

Meldreth Traffic Group is a working group of the Parish Council and local residents; it was formed a few years ago to address traffic issues in the village and to promote and secure improvements to our street environment. Its activities include motor traffic, cyclists and pedestrian issues. We know that increasing traffic volumes in the village are a matter of concern to residents along with prudent safety measures across the whole range of traffic types.

The Group’s activities were somewhat reduced during the pandemic and there have been recent changes of membership of the Council. A meeting of the Group was recently held to reinvigorate its activities and this note is a summary of where we are at the moment.

Need for More Volunteers

The Group currently consists of three Councillors, four members of the community and our County Councillor and we urgently need more volunteer help to assist with day to day issues across a range of subjects that this article describes. If you feel that you can help in any way please get in touch either with Councillor Adam Bostanci, who leads the Group from the Council side, or our Parish Clerk Judy Damant. Their contact details are at the end of this report.

Issues of Current Concern

This is not an exhaustive list but seeks to highlight the main issues at the moment. It does not attempt to prioritise the issues set out below but we know that all members of the community will agree that these should be on our list of matters of concern. We do have some positive progress to report on long-standing projects such as our Speedwatch activities and the electronic Speed Indicator Device (SID) that you will have seen at the Stocks, or in Fenny Lane and Whitecroft Road. This is capable of being moved to and from various positions in the village and this is an area where more help would be appreciated. We are actively looking into buying a second such SID so that we can have two on duty and help in moving these from time to time would be greatly welcomed. We will start our list with this and give some recent information about its most recent installation.

Meldreth SID

Here are our latest results (for July and August 2022) from the SID located at the Stocks with the screen facing incoming traffic from the Shepreth direction. Compliance to the 30mph limit overall was good with a few exceptions. A maximum speed of 62mph, double the speed limit, is however, sad to see.

Departing motor vehicles from Meldreth towards Shepreth

Evaluation time

Speed Limit Speed Violations

09 July 2022 to 26 August 2022

Vehicle Numbers

Average Speed Maximum Speed

30 mph 19% 15120 26mph 62mph

Average Daily Vehicles 315

Arriving motor vehicles from Shepreth towards Meldreth

Evaluation time 09 July 2022 to 26 August 2022

Speed Limit Speed Violations Vehicle Numbers

Average Speed Maximum Speed

30 mph 14% 14748 24mph 58mph

Average Daily Vehicles 307

Speeding in the Village

Our Speedwatch project has continued to operate during the summer months and, again, it is an activity where more volunteers would be welcome. We know that the issue of speeding is a matter of concern to residents. There have been two attempts in recent years to secure an award under the Local Highways Initiative (LHI) scheme for traffic calming/anti-speeding measures in Whitecroft Road; neither of these succeeded and only seventeen proposals out of around 45 submitted by local Councils were awarded, with Meldreth’s proposals being about halfway down the list. The Group is actively considering proposing a 20mph speed limit throughout the village; we think that a positive result of this would be a greater likelihood of being able to introduce more traffic calming measures such as chicanes and speed humps.

Road and Footway Conditions

We have an indication that works are planned over the next two years but these are only likely to be large patching and fall short of complete resurfacing. In the meantime concern about potholes continues to be

high on our list. We do urge residents to report these and other Highway issues using the on-line reporting system and also to note them to our Parish Clerk (links at the end of this report). We believe that there is a direct link between the number of reports received and the urgency that will thereby be attributed by the Highways authority. So please do report these as this will help to resolve the issue faster than might otherwise be the case.

With regard to footways (the pedestrian paths alongside highways) we continue to have some issues with a few residents about the need to trim hedges. Thanks go out to all those many residents who have actioned the cutting back of their hedges to their boundary lines. This is greatly appreciated by footway users including the more vulnerable user groups in our community.

There is still some work to do, to ensure unencumbered passage along all of our village footways and now that the bird-nesting season has conclusively concluded there is no reason for this work to be deferred. To this end, the Parish Council will monitor the situation through the winter, taking appropriate action where needed to ensure unencumbered access for the benefit of all footway users.

Railway Bridge

The two main issues with the railway bridge concern the pedestrian access over the bridge, the speed of vehicles over the bridge and the behaviour of some users seeking to overtake while crossing the bridge. The width of the footway over the bridge is very restricted; previous research indicated that it would not be structurally possible to widen the footway without a major reconstruction of the bridge, unless the width of the highway was itself reduced. The Group will look at other possibilities that could be discussed with the Highways/Railway authorities such as, for example, the creation of an adjacent footbridge but we imagine that this might be ruled out on grounds of cost. The extension of the footway down to Fieldgate Nurseries is a recurring subject and it may be possible for this to be financed by Section 106 payments that the Council receives from property developments in the village but, again, this seems likely to be a costly proposition.

The introduction of a 20mph speed limit accompanied by more effective central white lining over the bridge would help to reduce the risks to pedestrians crossing the bridge and investigating this will be a priority.

Dangerous Junctions

The Group is aware that the crossroads at Fenny Lane/Whitecroft Road and the junction at the War Memorial are viewed as the most dangerous junctions in the village. In both cases the white lining is in very poor condition and seeking restoration of this will be one of the first things the Group will address with the Highways Department. Longer-term measures will remain under discussion.

Conclusions

We hope that this is useful summary of our current work. Please do report Highway faults on the website at https:// highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk and to our Parish Clerk at parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org. More help is needed, so please contact either our Clerk or Councillor Adam Bostanci at adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com.

Meldreth Traffic Group

South Cambs Community Engagement Meeting

Our next online meeting will take place on Tuesday 1st November from 7.00-8.00pm. The meeting will include a presentation on recent policing activity from our team, we’ll listen to concerns, present the results of the survey (see below) and allow you to have an influence.

After the meeting, your neighbourhood policing team will work on the matters we agree and update you with our progress over the coming weeks and months.

We hope you will get on board with this community engagement plan so that we can work together to create a safer Cambridgeshire.

To fill in our online survey or to register your attendance at the online meeting please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-cambscommunity-engagement-meeting-november-2022-tickets315306138147.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary

EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

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

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

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed:

‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’

‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’

‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’

‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’

Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

District and County Councillors’ Report

An Extraordinary Example

It is great sadness that we write this piece. The death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has affected so many people, just as in life. Her dedication to duty was beyond reproach. We would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary example of life-long service, carried out with humour and humility. Our deepest condolences to her family and all who mourn her passing.

SCDC: Radical thinking on addressing workforce shortages

A three-month trial of a four-day week will begin in January for deskbased staff at South Cambridgeshire District Council – as a similar pilot of over 3,300 staff continues at more than 70 UK organisations. People now think differently about work-life priorities; nationally and locally it is harder than ever to recruit and retain staff.

Indeed, in our interactions with the District and County Councils, as well as a whole range of service organisations including rail and bus operators, health and care providers, schools, and many others, workforce shortages are a headline concern hampering the delivery of key public services.

What impact the trial has on services for residents and businesses will be carefully monitored. Service levels cannot drop if a four-day week is to be considered as a viable option in the longer term. The Council will keep a check on things like how long it takes the Council to process benefits claims, Council house rent collections, how fast planning applications are determined, staff turnover, call answering times and more.

For more than a year, the Council has only been able to fill around eight out of every ten (or fewer) of its vacancies. Between January and March 2022, only around half were filled. There are currently 23 agency staff covering office-based roles, which should ideally be filled by people in permanent positions. Over a whole year, these agency staff could cost the Council more than £2million. If the Council filled all these posts with permanent staff, it would only cost around £1million per year.

Not being able to fill vacant posts – or switching between agency staff to cover them – is also disruptive to services for residents. For example,

when case officers change during the process of a planning application, it can cause delays and frustration because a lot of context and institutional memory is lost.

This has led to the Council looking at the viability of a four-day week through a proposed trial between January and March next year. A four -day week is when people work one less day per week but still get paid the same salary. A four-day week, which for a full-time employee at the Council would consist of 30 hours, can make an organisation stand out from others and be more attractive to talent. It is also seen as a tangible incentive to encourage staff to stay.

Another aspiration of the trial is to investigate whether it would help the Council to attract a more diverse workforce. For example, for those families where childcare costs can be a big blocker from working, or those people with caring responsibilities, it could be a more attractive option than the traditional five-day working week model. This is because the cost of childcare or caring could be reduced, which can also help support wider cost of living rises.

Cambridge ‘City Access’ Strategy Proposed

A Cambridge ‘City Access’ strategy has been put forward by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, to deliver improvements to public transport, reduce congestion, and improve the environment through lower emissions. The proposals follow on from the GCP's ‘Making Connections’ consultation, which showed public support for improvements to the public transport network, as well as reductions in pollution and congestion.

Only following the introduction of a significantly improved and cheaper bus network in the wider area, a congestion charge to drive into and around Cambridge, focusing on the 7.00-10.00am peak time, would be introduced. The GCP would fund the roll-out of the new bus network; thereafter it would be paid for by the congestion charge. The package is being considered as part of a ‘once in a generation’ plan for a fundamental shift in how people get around.

While driving in the city could get more expensive, the scheme aims to make bus travel cheaper and more accessible. Indeed, a key principle is for bus travel to the most affordable travel option. Flat fares have been proposed; in Cambridge a ticket could cost £1 to travel in the city, with a ticket in the wider ‘travel to work’ area proposed to cost £2. The bus

network would be extended, vitally important in the villages and for those who rely on travelling with a bus pass.

The concept of a Cambridge congestion charge, for the purpose of mitigating against road congestion and worsening air pollution, and providing revenue to help fund a vastly improved public bus network for the wider area, is something Cambridgeshire County Council formally voted to approve, with support from all political parties, back in 2009 under a central government scheme called ‘Transport Innovation Fund’. This was based on transport modelling showing that gridlock congestion would eventually choke the local area and make it impossible for buses to provide reliable journey times. The investment of the Fund would have created a network of cycle paths into the city and provided start-up funding for a new bus network, before a congestion charge was introduced, in order to fund the network longterm. In the event, the Fund disappeared in the wake of the financial crisis and huge cuts to public services. But the factors which had led to its inception remained.

Since then, bus services have significantly reduced – including the Meldreth-Cambridge bus services which disappeared completely, in part due to dwindling ridership. Home-to-school transport from villages without public transport into Cambridge, including to post-16 training and education, has now come to rely heavily on private car transport. Over time this and other car commuting led to the filling up of Cambridge residential parking by day commuters, and in turn to residents’ only parking schemes. Meanwhile, hopes for game-changing government funded bus improvements have been dashed; this year’s government Bus Improvement Fund saw nothing at all for Cambridgeshire.

In post-Covid times, unprecedented transitions and uncertainties bring new and important questions to the fore, including workforce and driver shortages, fuel costs, etc.

There are many, many points of local detail and personal concern which are essential to flush out and bring to attention. So, we strongly urge people to take part in the upcoming public consultation. At the time of writing, we await a consultation date, which has been delayed due to the national period of mourning. We will provide more information as soon as we have it.

A10 Underpass Progress

Much work has been done over the summer to analyse the underpass survey results (375 responses received) and gain advice from CCC Highways, Melbourn Village College Art Department and SDC contractors (currently at Melbourn Science Park) on optimal measures to improve lighting and the overall environment of the underpass. These include jet washing, painting walls, ceiling and floor white, and providing new panels of original community art, plus improvements to the electric light provision. Some funding has been secured via the Community Rail Partnership (CRP) from Govia Thameslink Railway, the Community Safety Partnership (Cambridgeshire Police) and SDC; and the CRP is coordinating further funding applications.

Meldreth Road Shepreth ‘Level Crossing Upgrade’

There has been considerable frustration around communication and engagement with Network Rail’s proposal to upgrade the level crossing at Meldreth Road, Shepreth – currently a half-barrier and proposed to become a full barrier with longer down-times. Locally, strenuous objections were lodged back in 2021, including by the Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership. Current proposals are narrowly set out around necessary land acquisition but do not afford an opportunity to challenge fundamental principles; furthermore, the time window has been narrow. We are in close contact with Network Rail, and District and County Councils who also have roles to play in responding to proposals, for opportunities for challenge. We understand that a public inquiry is likely further down the line – which would be open to all. Please watch this space.

Local Recycling of Small Electricals

Easy local recycling of small electricals at the Melbourn village car park is now available and saves a trip to the recycling centre – and can be transported on foot or by bike! The new pink recycling container can take the following: anything up to 29cm in its largest dimension, which has a plug, battery or cable. If batteries are removeable, take these out and recycle them separately. Some examples of suitable items include:







Kettles, toasters, sandwich toasters, stick blenders

Games consoles, DVD players

Hand-held vacuum cleaners, electric toothbrushes

 Mobile phones, tablets and smart devices

Cables and headphones

Printers and scanners

Laptops, keyboards and IT accessories

Please note that smoke detectors, light bulbs, e-cigarettes, batteries, paints, chemicals or aerosols are not accepted in these banks.

‘Wimpole for Everyone’ – Free Access Pass for Community Groups

The General Manager of Wimpole Hall is passionate that everyone can enjoy all that Wimpole has to offer and recognises that National Trust membership or the standard admission charges are not accessible to everyone. Community Group free access passes issued under this initiative would provide free access for up to 16 people. Passes may be used on any day except on bank holidays and the weekends preceding bank holidays. Please see the News section of the Meldreth Parish Council website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk/news.html, for an application form. Those intending to use the pass are asked to email wimpolehall@nationaltrust.org.uk or call the estate before coming, stating the name of your group, the number of people and approximate time of arrival.

Mondays: Zoom Cuppa, 5.00-6.00pm

We hold a Zoom Cuppa Councillors’ surgery on Mondays from 5.006.00pm – please let us know if you’d like to join us. Or contact us any time and we’ll arrange a time and means to meet or chat, to suit.

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

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

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

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 60 of this issue.

Warm Spaces, Hot Food – Urgent Support Needed

How can we support those people in our community who may struggle this autumn/winter with cold homes and large bills?

By working together, SCDC, Meldreth Parish Council and MCCS (re-launched as Meldreth Crisis Community Support), will contribute to the costs of providing a warm space and hot food for people in Meldreth during the next few months.

We plan to open the Sheltered Housing Community building in Elin Way for a few sessions each week to provide a warm room, hot drinks and soup, and an opportunity to meet others for a chat, games, book sharing, craft sessions or simply a quiet space for a few hours.

Plans are underway but we are limited in finding volunteers to support this project. Are you able to help? The more volunteers who come forward, the more days we can open.

During the Covid emergency, many people came forward; can we repeat this for the Cost of Living Crisis?

If you can offer a few hours a week, have any questions, or suggestions, please contact me using the details below.

Helen Meridew Parish Councillor helenmeridew@gmail.com

07787 734973

Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare 01763

lawnpartners.co.uk

Little Hands Nursery School

The Moor, Melbourn

A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives

High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am –5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two

We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds

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

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

Romance Fraud

As with many things on the internet, fraudsters take advantage of online dating because it may be mostly not face-to-face. Romance fraudsters will spend weeks gaining their victims’ trust, feeding them fabricated stories about who they are and their lives, and make no suggestion of any desire to ask for any money, so the victim may believe their new love interest is genuine. But weeks or months later, the fraudsters will ask for money for a variety of emotive reasons and as the emotional relationship has already been formed, victims often transfer money without a second thought. Even if you don't use online dating yourself, but you know of friends or family who do, looking out for warning signs or talking to them about these scams could help prevent them from becoming a victim.

Some of the warning signs to be aware of when speaking to someone online are:

 fraudsters often try to move victims onto other platforms and sites to chat, away from the protection and monitoring of a professional dating site;

 fraudsters will often use polished and professional-looking photos on their profiles that are taken from other areas of the web;

 when asking for money, fraudsters will often concoct elaborate or emotive stories, either about an illness, a crisis or perhaps for a business venture or travel costs to come and see you;

 fraudsters often show a reluctance to meet up in person or will let you down at the last minute giving an excuse as to why they couldn’t make it.

Never send money to someone you have only met online. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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

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

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

AND

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire

www.hsrsc.org.uk

Annual General Meeting

HSRSC will be holding its AGM at 7.30 for 8.00pm at Icknield Walk School, Royston on Tuesday 4th October. Please join us; you will meet some of our trustees and staff team and we can share with you the important work that Home-Start has been doing in our local community over the last year. You will hear from Sarah, our Scheme Manager and Maureen our Chair of Trustees, who will reflect on the last year as well as touching on what is to come over the next year. We also hope to share the Home-Start experience of a past family we have supported, which is undoubtedly the best way to really understand the difference Home-Start makes to people’s lives! To confirm your attendance, please email admin@hsrsc.org.uk or call us on (01763) 262262

Our 40th Birthday

HSRC is extremely excited to announce that in 2023, the charity will have its 40th birthday. That means that Home-Start have been supporting families in our local community for an incredible 40 years! We consider that to be a significant achievement, especially considering the funding challenges faced along the way alongside all the other changes we have worked through. Over the last 40 years we have seen hundreds of different faces in the roles of staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters who have helped hundreds of different parents and children. The continuity amongst all these faces is the unwavering commitment and dedication to the important work that Home-Start does with local families. We couldn’t have done it without these incredible people sharing our journey.

We are already planning some interesting ways to mark our 40th Birthday so look out for our 40th themed events and our 40th blog thread amongst other things, but we are also calling out for anyone with a history attached to our charity to get in touch. Did Home-Start support your family sometime over the last 40 years? Were you a trustee or perhaps you were a home-visiting or family group volunteer? If you have a story about Home-Start, we would love to hear from you! Or maybe you could help us mark our special birthday by getting

involved with our fundraising? Are you a business that could make us your charity of the year for 2023? Could you get together with some work colleagues or friends and take on a 40th themed sponsored challenge? Could you donate £40 in 2023, £1 to mark each year of our existence?.

The ideas list is endless and if you would like to share ideas about how to get involved then we would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, watch this space for details about how we plan to celebrate and how you can be a part of our special plans. Please get in touch by calling us on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk

Tracy Aggett

Fundraising Events Support Manager (01763) 262262

Volunteering Opportunities

The following groups and organisations are looking for volunteers. Warm Spaces, Hot Food

Volunteers who are able to give up a few hours a week are needed to help open the Sheltered Housing Community building in Elin Way, Meldreth for a few sessions each week. This will allow villagers to access a warm room and hot drinks and soup and provide an opportunity to meet others for a chat, games, book sharing, craft sessions or simply a quiet space for a few hours.

Please see the article on page 45 for further information.

Meldreth Traffic Group

Meldreth Traffic Group would like more volunteers to join them to help with the Group’s work. Please see pages 33-36 for further information.

Volunteers for Schools

Cambridgeshire County Council is urgently seeking Volunteer School Appeals Panel Members. The panel members review a school’s decision to refuse a school place and determine whether one should be offered or not. See page 24 for further information.

Compiled by the Editor

Meldreth Parish Council

www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 1st September 2022. This meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. The main points of the meeting are set out below in the usual summary format. The full formal minutes can be viewed in due course on the website noted above and on the Parish Council notice board; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussion and Decisions

District and County Reports

The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for the very useful information they continue to provide each month. The latest report can be seen in Meldreth Matters on pages 39-43 and questions and requests for further information on this wide range of subjects can of course be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

Pedestrian Underpass; Meldreth Station to Station Road Melbourn

A consultation about this footpath has now concluded. Work has so far been carried out by volunteers with help from local businesses in Melbourn. The Council has been asked to become more closely involved with this project and awaits further information, including more details of the results of the survey.

Donation of Land

The Council has received the kind offer of a piece of land adjacent to Melwood owned by the Braggins family of 90A High Street, following the passing of the late Mrs. Braggins who expressed a wish to give it to the community. Councillors will visit the site to get more information as soon as possible.

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support (MCCS)

MCCS is considering how its operating brief and volunteer resources can be extended to assist in the cost of living crisis. Discussions are taking place regarding a new food bank, the provision of warm spaces and other forms of direct assistance to those in need. The Council wishes to assist financially and will clarify how this is best done. There has so far been no detailed indications from national government of what actions they will take to alleviate this very serious cost of living crisis.

Recreation Ground and Pavilion

Most of our equipment remains in good order but certain repairs and adjustments are needed; the latter require better weather conditions.

General Financial Issues

The Council needs to investigate its expenses base to ensure that, wherever possible, money can either be saved or deployed more productively in the current circumstances. Energy costs at our pavilion and office are a particular issue and telecoms/internet costs will also come under close scrutiny.

Village Hall

There will be a public session at the Village Hall on Sunday 2nd October (2.00pm to 5.00pm) to enable the community to view the work that has been done. To date, the Council has contributed £11,000 to this project. We were very pleased to hear that our Council colleague, Councillor Joan Fallon, has been asked to ‘cut the tape’ at this occasion.

Vandalism

There has been a report of vandalism at the village cemetery with obvious evidence of damage to an ornament.

Village Infrastructure

Some of the work has now been completed and the Council remains in good contact with its contractors over outstanding issues.

Traffic Working Group

The Speed Indicator Device has been repaired and has been reinstalled. This will be moved from time to time to our various locations. The TWG is meeting shortly to discuss its agenda and priorities and this will be the subject of a separate report in Meldreth Matters [see pages 33-36].

Community Benefit Application

The Council considered and approved a donation of £700 to Relate, the same amount as last year, to help this charity finance its personal counselling activities. These are an important and well-appreciated resource for our village community.

Other issues

The Council intends to explore the establishment of a Time Bank in our village.

Location of Future Meetings

The next Council meeting, on Thursday 6th October, will be held at the Elin Way Community Room and a decision will be taken then about the location for future meetings.

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 Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cllr Helen Meridew 07787 734973 helenmeridew@gmail.com

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

vacant

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

Planning Matters

Parish Council

The information below was provided by the Parish Clerk following a recent planning meeting. The minutes of the planning meetings on 7th April, 4th August and 1st September were not available online at the time of going to press. Meeting minutes, when available, may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Ref. and Address Details

Valley Farm 22/02850/FUL

Construction of a replacement dwelling house

PC Decision

Recommended ‘No recommendation’. The Planning Committee expressed concern over the entrance to this property which is on a busy road and has restricted visibility in both directions, with pedestrians crossing the road.

Blacksmiths Cottage 29 North End 22/0770/TTPO

Other Items

Call for Sites

T1 Ash – remove deadwood from canopy

Noted no comments

Response regarding the updated ‘call for sites’, sent from the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. Councillor Goddin reported that there has been a new site added, this is the land behind 19-20 Whitecroft Road for 5-6 dwellings, but there are no further details at this time.

Will wait for further details expected in 2023. With reference to the other sites, some have been withdrawn from the list and some sites are still listed but there is no new further information.

SCDC Decisions

Some recent decisions are listed below.

Ref. & Address Decision

29 North End 22/0777/TTCA

11 Marys Way 22/02632/CL2PD

Land SW of Whitecroft Road S/0971/18/CONDF

Former Gocold Building Station Yard High Street Meldreth SG8 6JR

T2 fell sycamore to ground; No objection

Request for a certificate of Lawfulness under S192 for single story extension; refused

Details required by conditions 10 (Surface water drainage and 11 (foul water drainage): conditions discharged in full.

Submission of details required by conditions 19 (Plant Noise Assessment) and 20 (Lighting Assessment and Lighting Plan) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL have been discharged condition in full. Submission of details required by condition 3 (Contamination) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL: discharged condition in part

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

Meldreth Parish Council and the Meldreth Matters Team

MCCS – Community Support

At this time of severe pressure on the cost of living, MCCS aims to provide emergency supplementary support to Meldreth residents who may be struggling with basics.

Cost of Living Support

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

MCCS Winter Emergency Food Bank

This will open at the Elin Way Communal Room the first Tuesday in November, from 10.00am to midday, and then every Tuesday at this time. Please see the special notice on the following page for key details.

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380

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

If you have any questions, please let us know.

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

Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank

MCCS is setting up a Winter Emergency Food Bank at the Elin Way Community Room, starting on Tuesday 1st November and running every Tuesday morning from 10.00am-12.00 during the winter months.

A donations box for food items - tins, pasta, rice, etc - will be left outside 62 High Street (opposite Elin Way).

For any offers of financial support or questions about food donations, please contact Jo Cheetham-Desmarais on 07572 443522.

You can also contact Jo on this number with questions about accessing the Food Bank, for example at times outside of Tuesday opening hours.

County and District Councillors

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

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

Village Directory

Litter Picker Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118

Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358

Children Church Sport Clubs & Societies Facilities

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

Village Hall Bookings

Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

Village Hall Chairman David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group John Rogger—(01763) 260809

Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk

Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327

Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk

Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440

U3A Chris Davison—(01763) 264189

Bowls Club Christine Piper Hatch—(01223) 263266

Croquet Club Janet Pope—(01763) 248239

Meldreth United FC 07930 650036

Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676

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

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

Rev. Mary Price (01763) 261569

Bells Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451

John Price (Friends) (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com orJulia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com

Hartbeeps Kelly@hartbeeps.com

Meldreth Rainbows 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com

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

Parish Council

& Govt.

District Councillors

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

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

Station Ticket Office

Non- Emerg. Emergencies Support Services Health Transport Misc.

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

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

Govia/Great Northern www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline www.thetrainline.com

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

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery (01763) 260220

Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151

NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)

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

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

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

Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn

Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk

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

General Emergency 999 or 112

Gas 0800 111 999

Electricity 0800 783 8838

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

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

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org

Police 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk

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

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

Taxi (Butler Meltax) (01763) 244444; 212223

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

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578;

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

Advertising Rates

Size per issue 6 months 12 months

Half page £27.25 £134.00 £216.00

Quarter page £16.50 £74.00 £118.00

Eighth page/banner £8.75 £43.00 £65.00

Business listing per line £11.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

Index to Advertisers

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

A10 Timber ........................................9

AngliEAR Hearing .....................Cover

Art of Clean ....................................53

Art of Clean Wood ..........................21

Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........38

Bury Lane Farm Shop ......................55

Cam Valley Orchards ......................54

CHS Day Centre ...............................4

CHS Group .....................................50

The Country Store

Eternit Sports and Social Club ....Cover

Eve Construction ............................21

Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......11

iPlaster ............................................23

Lawn Partners .................................45

The Letting Centre ...........................32

Little Hands Nursery School ............45

Melbourn Auto Services ....................9

Melbourn Flooring ..........................47

Melbourn Village College.................37

Meldreth Landscapes .......................50

Meldreth Motor Company ..............27

Meldreth Plant Hire .........................4

Moncraft Computers ........................11

N J Chapman, gardening .................10

Newlings of Royston Funeral Service .9 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .........4

P D Property Services ......................32

Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................47

Queen Bee ..................................Cover

Reflections .......................................32

Richard Burns Electrician .................10

Rod’s PC Support ............................36

Sage Blinds and Interiors .................47

Sparky’s ...........................................50

Specialist Dental Partners ...........Cover

Trademark Kitchens ........................27

Travel Counsellors ..........................18

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Licensed bar

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

Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on)

Snooker room, Pool table

Large children's outdoor ac vity area

Petanque pistes

Football pitches, changing rooms

Entertainments

1st Friday of the month

Melbourn Rock Club

One Saturday a month

Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night

Every Thursday night

Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm

Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year

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

Club Charity - LUPUS

Friendly, Professional, Expert

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

Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk

9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB

Free parking outside

world-class dentistry, on your doorstep