Meldreth Matters, October 2024

October 2024

In this issue …

Events include…

Christmas Tree Festival John Hanson Melwood

History Group Coffee Morning Soup Kitchen Table Top Sale

Giftware & Homeware

Men’s, women’s, baby & home

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Contents What’s On in October History Group Coffee Morning 5 History Group Open Morning 5 Soup Kitchen 6 Things to Do in October 12-13

Explore All Saints’ Churchyard 14 Miscellaneous Foxton Level Crossing Closure 33 Melbourn Hub 10 Missing Cat 28

People John Hanson 3

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 18-19 Melwood 16-17

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 7 History Group 5 Women’s Group 28

Cookery In Praise of … 20-21 Local/National Government Local Councillors 35-37 Parish Council 30-32 Planning 32

Village News & Issues Christmas Market 6 Christmas Tree Festival 9 Dogs at the Recreation Ground 32 Village Hall 24-25

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 44 Bus Services 41 Cambridgeshire Acre 38 Home-Start 40 Mobile Warden Scheme 25 Refuse Collections 23 Village Directory 42-43

Church News Holy Trinity Church 27 Children & Education Activities for Families 15

This month’s cover picture: Meldreth sign made by village blacksmith Percy Cox to commemorate the Festival of Britain in 1951 Photograph 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.

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

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

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Editorial Welcome to the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

We are urgently looking for more people to join our distribution team. At the end of each month, the team distributes 900 copies of Meldreth Matters to approximately 30 deliverers. Additional people would make this task easier, whilst also allowing for holiday cover. Distributors will need their own transport, but we are also looking for a Distribution Manager who will need access to a computer, but not necessarily a car! If you have some free time (usually a Friday evening or Saturday morning) at the end of every month, then please consider joining us. Please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com if you think you can help or would like more information. Thank you.

I’d also like to give a quick mention to the fantastic new Village Hall website, www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk. This is where you can check availability, make bookings, see what’s on and find contact details for those running regular classes in the Village Hall. See the Trustees’ report on pages 24-25 for further details.

Kathryn

John Hanson It is with great sadness that we write to tell you of the passing of John ‘the Post’ Hanson.

Before retirement, John was the Meldreth village postman for over 35 years and many have fond memories of him from this time. He was known throughout the village as kind, chatty and always looking for a cup of tea. In Meldreth he'd been a Parish Councillor, youth club volunteer and poppy collector among many things over the years.

Husband of Sue and father of Sally, Jane and Jacob, he'll be greatly missed.

We would like to thank everyone for their help and support during this difficult time. John was able to plan ahead for his funeral and he wanted it to be private. We will hold a celebration of his life in the near future, as per his wishes.

Jane and Sue Hanson 3

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Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Monday 7th October Open Morning and AGM We would like to invite you to our meeting on Monday 7th October between 10.00am and 12 noon at the Community Room in Elin Way Meldreth.

There will be a very brief AGM at 10.30am, but primarily this is a chance to join us for a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat. You will be able to learn more about how we research Meldreth’s history and the various resources we use; for example original documents, photographs and printed matter together with online sites including Ancestry and FindMyPast. If you are researching your own family history or house history, then please call in and we can exchange tips and information.

There will also be an opportunity to browse our website, www.meldrethhistory.org.uk, which now has over 700 pages of information.

Monday 28th October Coffee Morning and Talk on The Railway in Meldreth by Greg Dash Please join us for our next coffee morning in the Community Room, Elin Way on Monday 28th October between 10.00am and 12 noon. There will be a presentation by Greg Dash on The Railway in Meldreth. Greg has had an interest in railways for many years so this talk and his knowledge will be of interest to many people.

If you have any photographs of Meldreth Station or railway people we would be pleased to see them.

MLHG Merchandise At both events there will be an opportunity to purchase our multiview notelets and multiview Christmas cards as well as walk leaflets and booklets.

Any money raised will go to support the work of the Group.

Joan Gane Chairman, MLHG info@meldrethhistory.org.uk (01763) 260129 5

Christmas Market Sunday 17th November 10.00am – 3.00pm Meldreth Village Hall Heads up for this year’s Christmas Market at the Village Hall where there will be a variety of stalls selling mainly hand-crafted and unique items including cards, decorations, hand-poured candles, jewellery, novelties, hand-knitted and personalised goods, stocking fillers and much more. Home-Start is holding a raffle and will be providing refreshments throughout the day. There will also be Christmas crafting activities for youngsters.

The net proceeds of the stall fees this year will be donated to Meldreth Food Bank.

Please come and support some good causes as well as the talented stall-holders.

Admission is FREE! Please get in touch with me with any enquiries.

Lesley Farbridge lesleyfarbridge@hotmail.com 07917 065465 6

Friends of Holy Trinity Church www.foht.org.uk Future Event Thursday 14th November A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens We have booked the return of the This is My Theatre Group to perform their adaptation of A Christmas Carol on Thursday 14th November.

“On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited and miserly old man, is visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley. Shown visions of Christmases Past, Present and Future he is offered one final chance of redemption … But will he take it?

This Christmas, audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season as critically acclaimed theatre company This Is My Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol to life in a stunning one-act adaptation.

Packed with charm, cheer and, of course, plenty of carols, our production is sure to spread joy and warm hearts this Christmas!”

The performance will start at 7.30pm and will end by 9.00pm, with no interval.

There will be a licensed bar serving drinks and snacks before the performance and briefly afterwards. Why not meet your friends there beforehand? Doors will be open from 6.00pm.

Tickets cost £15 per adult and £10 for under 16s. Accompanying registered carers and under 4s can attend at no cost. Please note there is a small additional charge added to cover booking and transaction fees. Tickets for this event are now on sale online at www.thisismytheatre.com/a-christmas-carol.

Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch.

Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com 07726 936635 7

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Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December 11.00am to 4.30pm Holy Trinity Church Free entry and free car parking We are thrilled to announce that the Christmas Tree Festival will be taking place again this year and we hope that you will all be able to join us during the festivities.

Whether you have recently moved to Meldreth or you are a regular, we very much look forward to welcoming you all.

The Festival has become a family tradition for so many residents in our community and those who live elsewhere. There will be around 40 lit Christmas trees/exhibits placed around our beautiful festively decorated candle-lit Church and delicious popular homemade soups, rolls and cakes will be available on both days.

We would appreciate your help with donations of cakes and tray bakes for the produce stall and the all day café to help make our Festival even sweeter. These can be brought to the Church on Saturday 30th November or if you would like them to be collected, then just let us know. In addition, if you are making chutney, marmalade or jams could you please make a few extra jars for the produce stall? If these could be brought to the Church on either Thursday 28th or Friday 29th November that would be a great help in setting up the stall. If collection is required, please get in touch.

The very popular craft stall is always a joy and unusual festive gifts can be found there.

If you would like to join our existing group of friendly volunteers for a couple of hours over the weekend of the Christmas Tree Festival please get in touch. We would love to hear from you. There are rotas for the various tasks that need to be covered. It would be a great opportunity for new residents to meet others in the community. Also if there are any qualified first aiders available we would like to hear from you too.

We look forward to you all joining us in spreading joy and cheer this festive season by sharing your time, skills and sweet treats at the Christmas Tree Festival.

Sharon Dunford (01763) 263021 Margaret Goddin (01763) 260061 9

Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk It’s been an exciting month for us at Melbourn Hub as we were thrilled to be shortlisted for a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire ‘Make a Difference’ award. There were eight categories and The Hub was nominated in the ‘community’ category, which is awarded to “an individual or a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community”. There were more than 300 nominations for the awards and the Hub was both amazed and proud to find itself in the final four in our group! Representatives from The Hub were invited to the award event on Friday 6th September at Hinxton Hall along with the other categories’ finalists. The evening showcased some of the wonderful things that many good people are doing around Cambridgeshire with awards given for bravery, great neighbours, carers etc. Although we didn’t win in our category, we were presented with an award as finalists and are extremely proud to have made the final and to see our wonderful staff and volunteers recognised in this way.

We’d love to see you in the Hub in October! As well as our cafe, library and meeting rooms, we have a range of events and services running for you. Our artist of the month will be Sylvia Jordan.

Weekly Events Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course, subsidised, meal. There are a few places available for Lunch Club. If you are interested please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk.

Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice - 9.30-11.30am No need to book, just drop in! Citizens Advice offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon but Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings for you. So please contact Citizens Advice directly.

Every Friday, Relate Counselling - 9.00am-12.00pm Relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. Melbourn Hub cannot take bookings for you, so please contact Relate by emailing counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk or telephoning them on (01302) 347886.

Every Friday – Storytime – 10.00-10.30am Offering stories and songs for the under 5’s. No need to book.

Last Wednesday of the month (30th October) Breakfast Club - 9.30-11.00am Come and socialise, make new friends and enjoy breakfast or just a coffee!

No need to book – just come along.

Visit our website, www.melbournhub.co.uk for more details of our services.

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub 10

MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL Maintenance opportunity We are seeking to engage a partme maintenance worker for various ac vi es in the village. The tasks include pain ng, carpentry, repairs and ground works.

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Things to Do in October Here are some things happening in October in the local area. To let us know about future events or activities please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Saturday 5th October, 9.30am to 8.30pm Barkway Literary Festival Village Hall, 4 Cambridge Road, Barkway, Royston SG8 8BS Barkway’s third literary festival with a diverse programme of leading authors, wordsmiths, podcasters, adventurers and (in the morning) children’s writers.

Authors will talk about their lives, careers and new books with book signings afterwards. Tickets £10 adults, £5 children from www.barkwaylitfest.co.uk.

Sunday 6th October, 9.00am to 3.00pm Orwell Antiques Fair Village Hall, High Street, Orwell, Cambridgeshire SG8 5QN Established and popular event, packed with antiques, collectables and vintage items - from ceramics (including Moorcroft and Crown Derby) to glass and jewellery. Admission £1, children free.

Sunday 6th October, 2.30pm to 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm) Hinxton Water Mill Open Day Hinxton Mill, Mill Lane, Hinxton CB10 1RD Experience this lovely working watermill set in picturesque surroundings on the River Cam. Guides will show you how the mill works and tell you about its history. Children can take part in the ‘Where’s Ratty’ competition and there are walks along the river. Admission £3 adult, £1 per child. No need to book.

Friday 11th October, 7.45pm to 9.00pm (doors and bar 6.00pm) Salt House Folk Trio Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP Based between the Scottish Highlands and Shetland and acclaimed as a mainstay of the folk scene over the past decade, Salt House perform a spell-binding mix of ancient and modern songs. Tickets £24, under 25s £12 from www.staplefordgranary.org.uk. Pre-concert food available to purchase.

Friday 11th October, 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday, 12th October, 1.00pm to 4.00pm Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL Harvest Weekend and (on Saturday) Open Afternoon Harvest weekend sees the nave beautifully decorated with flowers, fruits and harvest produce. Saturday’s Open Afternoon will showcase the cathedral, its history, work, range of activities on offer and ways to get involved. Tower tours also available. See www.elycathedral.org.

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Saturday 12th October, 12.00pm to 3.00pm St John’s Eco-Festival St John’s Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8RN Get inspired to reduce, re-use, repair and recycle. Garden club, natural soaps and fragrances, willow weaving, pottery demonstration, bee-keeping, environmental charities, Fairtrade - and bike repairs too! Free entry.

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm Autumn Colours at Chippenham Park Chippenham Hall, Chippenham Park, Newmarket CB7 5PT The gardens, lakes and borders of this lovely parkland estate will be full of colour and charm. Adult entry £10, children 5-16 £3. Dogs on leads welcome. NB last entry 3.00pm. Gate and tearooms are cash only.

See www.chippenhamparkgardens.info. for further details.

Sunday 20th October, 2.30pm to 4.30pm Purcell and a Pint St Andrews Church, Wimpole, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW Join Eboracum for an afternoon of rowdy drinking songs, instrumental sonatas and more! Be transported back to the alehouses of 17th century England.

Audience participation is a must! Tickets £22.50, students£12.50, under 18s free.

Purchase tickets by emailing info@eboracumbaroque.co.uk.

Tuesday 22nd October, 6.30pm to 9.00pm Museum Lates: Paris 2024 Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Go along after hours at the museum for a lively evening of art, music and conversation inspired by their ‘Paris 2024: Sport, Art and the Body’ exhibition.

Plus delicious food and drinks in the Courtyard Kitchen café. Free, but book a place at tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.

Wednesday 23rd October, 10.00am to 12.00pm Autumn Orchard Amble Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Gentle guided walk with a park warden to visit the estate orchard and garden, taking in the autumn colour and enjoying the fruit, fungi and foliage. Meet at the noticeboard in the main car park. Book on www.cambridgeppf.org or just turn up. Free event but donations welcome.

Thursday 24th October to Thursday 31st October, at varying times 43rd Cambridge Film Festival A week-long celebration of cinema with a wide-ranging programme of over 100 titles with something for audiences of all ages and tastes - UK premieres, documentaries, European films, family favourites and more. Visit www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk for full programme details and to book.

Compiled by John Crawforth 13

Explore the Churchyard at All Saints, Melbourn Sunday 6th October, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Come and explore the churchyard and see what you can find. Let us use our five senses and give nature a chance to speak to us. Can they help us to see God around us?

Help us to build bird boxes, a bat box and an insect hotel. Can you think of a name for the hotel? There will be toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate to warm you up at the end.

Please advise us if you plan to come and of any dietary requirements.

Contact me on (01763) 262575 or email reader.asmhtm@gmail.com.

Meet at the front porch on the day. Don’t forget to wear stout footwear and outdoor clothing. We might get grubby so don’t wear your “Sunday best”.

Children bring adults with you!

Pat Smith

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Things for Children and Families To Do in October Wednesday 2nd October, 10.00am - 12.00pm Family-friendly event, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Spend a relaxed morning at the Museum with picture books, drawing materials, sensory play and tips about how to enjoy your visit. Free.

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, 11.15 - 11.45am or 2.15 - 2.45pm Bubbles, Cambridge Science Centre, Science Park, Milton Rd CB4 0FN A bubble-filled show based on chemistry and physics. Book tickets on www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.

Tuesday 15th October, 9.40am - 10.20am Ready to Read, Coombes Centre, Burns Road, Royston SG8 5PT Fun session for ages 2.5 - 4 years. Games and songs to develop reading skills. £6.50 per session. Book on learnwithlorraine@hotmail.com.

Saturday 19th October - Sunday 3rd November Let’s Go Circular, Grand Arcade, St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3BJ A series of eco events - an Eco Fair, wreath making, climate change workshop, sewing, repair workshops and more. For details see www.grandarcade.co.uk.

Saturday 19th October, 7.00pm The Snowmaiden, Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH An English Touring Opera production sung in English. A story of love, packed with colour and folk melodies. Book on www.saffronhall.com.

Tickets from £22 to £48. Under 25s half price.

Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November, 9.45am - 12.30pm The Cops and Robbers Holiday Club Royston Methodist Church Holiday Club for children aged 4 to 11. Songs, Bible stories, games and crafts.

Tuesday 29th October, 12.00pm - 4.00pm Fearsome Family Fun Day, Museum of Zoology, Cambridge CB2 3EJ Try spooky crafts and a spooky quiz and handle real specimens under guidance.

Free. Just drop in.

Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st November, 9.30am - 12.00, 1.30 - 4.00pm Apple Day, Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP Celebrate harvest, orchards and apples - juice tasting, games, crafts. Enter the bake-off competition. All materials provided. Drop in activity. £5 per participant.

For accompanied children aged 3+.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

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Melwood www.melwood.org.uk As summer fades into autumn, the end of the growing and flowering season in the wood and meadow heralds the start of the work season for the Conservation Group. We do not normally run work parties in July and August but this year, with the meadow likely to contribute more to the overall workload, we decided to start the autumn cuts a bit early. The unusual mixture of warm then cool, wet weather had produced some prolific growth and a spell of dry weather suitable for a hay cut was an opportunity not to be missed.

In July we cut part of the meadow, avoiding the patches of Field Cranesbill, which were still in bloom. In August the area cut was extended to include some of the cranesbill and as it was dry enough, this was achieved by the use of a scythe. It did a pleasingly good job, to the credit of the user. The use of the scythe in the meadow released the brush cutter for work in the back of the wood and the areas on both sides of the path were opened up sufficiently to present bits of bare soil in which seeds should find it easier to germinate. One which appears to have done that unnoticed in the past has now produced a fine woody bush of a Hypericum species (Rose of Sharon or St. John’s Wort). There are many species and cultivars of this genus and I have tentatively identified this one as Hypericum androsaemun, named in some horticultural catalogues as “Tutsan” and characterised at this time of year by its black, oval berries.

Next year, hopefully, we will get the benefit of attractive yellow flowers. It is not clear how it found its way into the wood but seeds carried by birds is one possibility. Small teasel was another species new to the wood, discovered during this cutting session, but this almost certainly came from seed on adjacent land.

Teasel seed heads are popular with birds such as Goldfinches.

In August, the wood and meadow were visited by the County Council’s Biodiversity and Green Spaces Manager, one of his staff and two representatives of the Conservation Group as part of the process of formally adopting the meadow as part of the Melwood Local Nature Reserve. This was a constructive visit, highlighting potential work needed in future and help that the County Council may be able to offer. During the visit, a Treecreeper, a small, secretive, woodland bird not seen in the wood for many years, was noted on a tree trunk in the back of the wood.

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It is sad to report, but dog mess, both loose and in bags was evident around the paths through the wood. I repeat an appeal I have made before: please bag it and take it home with you. We continue our litter rota and usually find a few wrappers, bottles and cans. They weigh less when empty than when full, so there is no excuse for not taking these home as well.

An annual schedule of working party dates is circulated around New Year and the remaining dates for 2024 are Saturday 12th October, Saturday 16th November and (only if needed) Saturday 7th December.

Come and meet us if you are interested or may want to join the group. We often break for coffee at about 11.30am at the seat.

Jim Reid Melwood Conservation Group

Would you like to join the Meldreth Ma ers team?

We are looking for a Distribu on Manager and addi onal members for our distribu on team. Please see the Editorial on page 3 for further informa on or email meldrethma ers@hotmail.com.

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A Meldreth Garden ameldrethgarden.co.uk With the onset of October, the garden changes. We move from late summer to the basecamp of winter; this is a magnificent month full of colour, berries and low sunshine as the flower garden fades and leaves fall. Stars of the moment are dahlias 'Bishop of Llandaff' my favourite, annual rudbeckia that have better colourways than the perennials, Aster × frikartii 'Mönch' the best of the blue flowered asters, Sedum spectabile 'Stardust' white flowered and later flowering bee magnate Sedum spectabile Autumn joy, with red flowers. Chinese plumbago Ceratostigma willmottianum with blue flowers and autumn tones in the leaves and drifts of cyclamen hederifolium in white and pink forms.

Last month principles of organic gardening were outlined. This month the focus is on some activities and techniques that are used in my garden and allotment to reduce environmental impact.

Rainwater is collected in water butts totalling about 3,500 litres. No mains water is used in the flower garden but it is used on the allotment as there are no facilities to collect rainwater. In the allotment mains water is used conservatively, to establish transplants and for crops requiring a moist root run, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, celeriac, etc. Some crops, for example peas, beans and early potatoes, are grown early in the season when the soil is moist. This also has the advantage of minimising predator infestations and disease.

The garden is peat free. I make my own potting and seed composts. This is not without difficulty, especially seed composts which need to be sterile, free draining and water retentive. Sharp sand, grit and pearlite are purchased. Garden compost is generated through hot composting ' hard work' and leaf mould made from the collection of autumn leaves. Finally, top soil is taken from the garden. The above components form the basis of composts for seed sowing, cuttings and potting-on plants to their requirements. Plastic pots and trays are recycled.

Chemical fertilisers are not used on the garden; fish, blood and bone and pelleted chicken manure fertilisers together with liquid fertiliser made from green alkanet Pentaglottis sempervirens are used. Green alkanet makes a liquid feed like comfrey, any deep-rooted plant in the Boraginaceae family or nettles, for a high nitrogen feed, can be used. On the allotment green manure, blue tansy Phacelia tanacetifolia, is grown on bare ground. No insecticides, herbicides or fungicides are used, although occasionally this year I have used ferric phosphate slug pellets, indicated as safe by the Soil Association. Physical barriers are used in the allotment to control pest infestations. To reduce failures disease resistant tomato and potato seeds, and onion sets are used.

Where possible plants are sown from seed rather than buying plants in peat-based compost. Seeds are collected from garden plants and from the RHS seed scheme.

For an enhanced environment there are log piles, ponds and wild areas. Nectar 18

rich plants are in flower throughout the year, avoiding full double flowers without nectar or pollen. Companion planting on the allotment, e.g. growing French marigolds alongside carrots and basil with tomatoes deters carrot fly and aphids respectively. Crop rotation stops the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil along with hoeing and hand weeding to ensure removal of weeds before setting seed.

On the allotment, it is time to consider next year. Plant out garlic and winter onion sets. Divide established rhubarb crowns to create new plants. Continue the harvest of apples and pears, etc. In the flower garden, cut back perennials that have died down when not required for winter structure or seeds, divide or move established herbaceous perennials. Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year. It is the last chance to mow and renovate the lawn or create new grass areas by laying turf or seed. I have a few patches of lawn to repair.

Enjoy your garden.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

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Call today on 01223 790020 Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

Please mention Meldreth Matters when responding to advertisements.

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N J Chapman Garden Services Handyman

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

Mobile: 07592 725 169

See our rates on page 44 of this issue.

Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com

19

In Praise Of … Pears Each month the focus will be on seasonal fruit and vegetables with some recipes to inspire you. This month it is pears. Pears can be thick- or thin-skinned with juicy, sweet flesh that can be buttery or slightly granular in texture, depending on the variety. The main British-grown varieties are Doyenne du Comice, Conference and Concorde.

Saffron Poached Pears 2 hrs cooking and chilling; Serves 4 Ingredients 4 pears 320g caster sugar ½ a vanilla pod 100mg saffron 1 small stick of cinnamon Method Peel the pears, leaving the stalk intact. Crush the cardamom pods.

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan with 1 litre of water, bring to a simmer and gently poach the pears for about 2 hours or until tender. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, then refrigerate overnight to steep.

Before serving, remove the pears and set aside to bring to room temperature.

Boil the syrup until reduced to a sticky glaze, about 250ml. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of saffron glaze over the pears, then serve with ice cream or cream.

Pear and Chilli Pickle This take on classic Italian mostarda (with a kick!) loves chicken and pork and is great in sandwiches.

30 mins plus cooling time, makes 3 x 450g jars Ingredients 1 tablespoon salt, plus 1 extra teaspoon 8 firm pears, peeled, cored and quartered 140g sugar 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds 1 heaped tablespoon grated fresh ginger 4 teaspoons English mustard powder 150ml white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon chilli flakes and a handful of fresh mint leaves

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Method Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the pears in a colander.

Put 150ml water in a saucepan, add the sugar and simmer for 10 minutes until syrupy. Turn the heat down and add the mustard seeds and powder, ginger, vinegar and chilli. Simmer for a further 10 minutes.

Drain the excess liquid from the pears and add to the pan with the extra salt.

Cook gently for 5–8 minutes until softened slightly. Stir in the mint.

Cool a little, then spoon into sterilised jars, closing the lids tightly.

Jane O’Hagan

Would you like to join the Meldreth Ma ers team?

We are looking for a Distribu on Manager and addi onal members for our distribu on team. Please see the Editorial on page 3 for further informa on or email meldrethma ers@hotmail.com.

21

Meldreth Village Dia Monday Half term is the week beginning 28th October

Tuesday

Wednesday

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

9.15am Cycling Group

2

1

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

10.00-1.15pm H 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 12.00-3.00pm V 2.30-3.30pm To 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.00-6.45pm Tr 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise Pilates 7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point 7.00-9.00pm Ta Pilates 7.30pm Parish C

9.00-10.00am FS Training 10.00-11.00 F. Fitness 10.00-12.00 History Group AGM & Open Morning (see page 5) 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.00-10.00am FS Training 10.00-11.00 F. Fitness 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

9.15am Cycling Group

1.30-2.45pm LO Choir

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise

9.00-10.00am FS Training 10.00-11.00 F. Fitness 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training 10.00-11.00 F. Fitness 10.00-12.00 History Group Coffee Morning (see page 5) 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

7

9.15am Cycling Group

8

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

Thursd

3

9.30-11.30am B&T Group

10.00-1.15pm H 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 12.00-3.00pm V 2.30-3.30pm T 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 4.00-5.00 Acro 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise 7.30-8.20pm T Point Pilates 6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing 7.00-9.00pm T

9

10

10.00-1.15pm H 12.00-3.00pm V 2.30-3.30pm To 4.00-5.00 Acro 6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates 7.00-9.00pm Ta

14 15 16 17 7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

9.15am Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 1.30-2.45pm LO Choir 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00-1.15pm H 12.00-3.00pm V 2.30-3.30pm To 4.00-5.00 Acro 6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates 7.00-9.00pm Ta

21 22 23 24 28 29 30 31 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 6.15-7.15pm Jazzercise 7.30-8.20pm Trigger Point Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

12.00-3.00pm V

2.30-3.30pm To

6.00-6.45pm Tr Pilates

7.00-9.00pm Ta

Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Chu Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Village Hub are in the Commu

22

ary - October 2024

day

Friday

Hartbeeps 9.30am Slimming World Village Hub oneography rigger Point

3

able Tennis Council

Saturday 8.30-9.30am Jazzercise

4

9.30am Slimming World Hartbeeps Village Hub 12.15-1.45pm Sing-along oneography with Dementia

5

Sunday 9.45am Harvest Eucharist

6

8.30am-12.30pm Table Top Sale (see back cover)

8.00am Said Eucharist

0 11 12 13

rigger Point

11.30am-2.00pm Soup Kitchen, Holy Trinity Church (see page 6)

able Tennis

Hartbeeps 9.30am Slimming World Village Hub oneography

8.30-9.30am Jazzercise

9.45am Sung Eucharist

7.00pm onwards Halloween Quiz/Disco organised by Melbourn Dynamos FC

7 18 19 20

rigger Point

(For details email mdfc.fundteam@gmail.com)

able Tennis

9.30am Slimming World Hartbeeps Village Hub oneography

8.30-9.30am Jazzercise

4 25 26 27

Daylight Savings Time Ends (turn back clocks by one hour at 2.00am)

rigger Point

able Tennis

Village Hub

rigger Point

Refuse Collections Black bins: 8th & 22nd Blue & green bins: 1st, 15th & 29th

able Tennis

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

oneography

1

For more information on Village Hall classes or events visit www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk

The date for the Dementia Memory Café was not available at the time of going to press

rch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Cycling Group meet opposite Holy Trinity unity Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

23

Meldreth Village Hall www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk Autumn has started and the schools are back. This means that the Village Hall is busy again with assorted classes and events. We are working hard to try and have something for everyone! For further details please check the calendar in Meldreth Matters, look at our new website or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561147259407.

We have two big events coming up in the next few weeks.

Saturday 12th October, 9.00am-12.30pm: Table Top Sale This is our first fund-raising event of the autumn. Entry is free and there are lots of brilliant bargains to be had. The Village Hall has its own table and a raffle and every penny raised from the raffle and table go to the Village Hall. If you have any bric-a-brac that is in good order/complete that you’d like to donate please contact Andrew on 07572 553647. (Sorry, no books or clothes.)

Friday 1st November, 7.30pm: Quiz Night Our second event is a quiz, with tables of up to six people, £6 per person. We will have a licensed bar and raffle. To book a table please contact Andrew or Thomas via email (our addresses are at the end of this article) or contact Andrew on 07572 553647.

Check the board by the front doors for further details of both events or look on our new Facebook page @MeldrethVillageHall or our website.

Village Hall Website Our website, www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk, is now up and running. It provides anyone interested in the Village Hall or the events held there everything you need to know. Features include:  An online calendar that is up to date and shows what is on and when  A page of links through to the organisers of the many classes  Information on forthcoming events  A breakdown of what facilities we can offer  On-line bookings request. If you wish to book the hall, just complete the form and your booking is immediately reserved. You’ll receive an email requesting some other information and once that’s completed and a deposit paid, then your reservation is confirmed.

We do understand that not everyone likes to use online systems so bookings can also be made via bookings@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk but our preferred method is via the website. If you wish to book the hall or make an enquiry but are unable to 24

use or don’t have access to the internet or email then please contact us on the following telephone numbers: Andrew 07572 553647, Thomas 07817 727429, David 07749 850026 or Julia 07403 462198.

The Village Hall is available for bookings by businesses and residents from the local area to host regular and private events such as well-being activities, birthday parties, wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries and assorted gatherings! We have good lighting, heating and facilities throughout the hall as well as free 300mbps fibre broadband.

We are always trying to increase the usage of the Village Hall, looking for new ideas and new helpers so if you think you can help or are interested in becoming a Trustee then please contact us: Andrew Young: Chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk Thomas Bennet: Secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk David Coton: Treasurer@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk.

Alternatively call me on 07572 553647.

Thank you and hope to see you at a fundraiser soon.

Andrew Young Chair, Meldreth Village Hall Trust

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

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Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth melbournmeldrethcofe.com You can’t have failed to have noticed the works that have been going on at Meldreth! The works are being carried out by a local contractor and his team who have been very supportive of Toni and me. Sadly, when the work started, I had issues with my back and was struggling to walk, so my thanks to Toni for taking charge of everything – she has had a rough ride since volunteering to be churchwarden, but she really has risen to the challenge and put up with me at the same time! The works stopped for the Car Show, but were due to resume shortly afterwards and hopefully will be completed in full by mid October.

During the work, we asked the builders to move what is believed to be a Roman sarcophagus from near the church porch so that the drainage works could be completed. We had two stonemasons attend at the time of moving but sadly, as it was gently moved, it broke into several pieces due to its poor state (it had already been repaired previous, perhaps more than once?). We are currently seeking advice from the Diocese and the pieces have been moved together to a new location.

Toni and I have spoken to the contractors who installed the lighting scheme at Melbourn. Whilst they were at Melbourn recently, we asked them to quote for a new lighting scheme at Meldreth. We will report back hopefully in the next issue.

Our hope is to remove the current lighting and the redundant heaters and install new lights which will highlight some of the features of our wonderful building and allow the lighting to be used differently for various events. We know that the lighting scheme will cost many thousands of pounds, but we will bring you the plans as soon as the PCC have them.

We have removed the blue curtain that hung around the vestry, which has made the entrance to the church feel much brighter and lighter and I have spoken with the Local History Group about updating some of the noticeboards with information about the history of the church and the community.

If you would like more information about the plans for the church, then please speak with Toni or me.

Rev. Andrew Birks

Visit your local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present 27

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small friendly group who either meet at ASCH Melbourn or Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room at Meldreth. Meetings commence at 7.45pm and last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some in house entertainment. We then can chat with one another while having refreshments. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and we are also able to donate to the charity pot. This year we are supporting Home-Start.

At our August meeting we always go to a restaurant, and this year we went to the Thai Rack Glass House in Royston. Eighteen members attended including our president the Rev. Andrew Birks. We had a very enjoyable evening with delicious food. At our meeting in September we will have had a talk by Pat Smith about her trip to Oberammergau. Our meeting in October is on 22nd in Melbourn where we will be making decorations for the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival.

If you require any information about the group or a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of our committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Janet Backer (01763) 221492 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864. We would love to hear from you.

Angela Leach

Missing Cat My cat, Rosie went missing from Gables Close in August. She is grey and white with black stripes down her back and on her tail.

Rosie is missed by me and her sibling very much.

She could be in sheds or garages so please keep a look out for her. Rosie is timid and will run away if approached. She is an indoor cat so will be scared.

If there are any sightings please let me know via Facebook messenger.

Jennifer Wallis

Would you like to join the Meldreth Ma ers team?

We are looking for addi onal people to join our distribu on team.

Please see the Editorial on page 3 for details.

28

royaloak@cambscuisine.com ROakBarrington

01223 870791

29

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 5th September 2024 This Parish Council meeting was held in the Community Room in Elin Way. 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 noticeboard; these will be presented for approval at the next Council meeting.

Discussions and Decisions District and County Reports The Council thanks our District and County Councillors for their latest report, which can be read on pages 35 to 37 of this issue of Meldreth Matters. Questions arising and requests for further information on local issues can be raised directly with our District and County representatives.

Village Traffic The Speed Indicator Device in Whitecroft Road (believed to have been damaged by air gun pellets) will be repaired with a new plastic screen. The result of our 20mph application for the village is expected in the autumn. The Working Group will consider the next round of Local Highway Initiatives for further speed control measures. The Council gave their thanks to County Councillor Susan van der Ven for her work on encouraging progress on the footpath/cycleway improvements from the railway station to Station Road through the pedestrian underpass.

Village Maintenance It seems unlikely that an agreement can be reached with Melbourn for sharing maintenance resources; the village is therefore looking for tradesmen who can undertake these tasks for us and will need to ensure that proper liability cover for volunteers is in place.

Recreation Ground The general state of our play equipment is satisfactory. The Council agreed to retain the football goals at their pitch positions (each end of the pitch) so that they can be used for casual football by local residents. The arrangement for Orwell Football Club to use the pitch will continue for the current season, after which the Council will consider the future uses of the pitch and the area it occupies. An enlarged Recreation Ground Group has been formed to consider and investigate possible additional projects at the recreation ground to cater for all age bands of users. These could include replacing the kick wall with a larger installation, an open-air table tennis facility, improvements to our basketball facilities and other issues such as a small skateboard area. An earlier proposal to install a multi-use games area seems unlikely to proceed because of noise and proximity to residents, running costs and long-term surface maintenance costs which can be considerable for a hard surface open to unsupervised usage.

30

Parish Clerk Due to illness our Parish Clerk remains on long-term absence and we all wish her well. In the meantime, we are covering all the council duties so please continue communicating with us via the normal routes (telephone, email, e.) even if our response times may be slower than usual.

Next Parish Council Meeting The next meeting will be on Thursday 3rd October 2024 at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.

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)

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Jenni Bone

jenni.bone@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Adam Bostanci

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Glenn Foulger

glenn.foulger51@gmail.com

Cllr Nick Garner

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net Cllr Alan Land

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey

j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

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Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn A Private Nursery School specialising in quality care & preschool education for the under fives

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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

Call today on 01223 790020 Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

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

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

www.artofclean.co.uk / info@artofclean.co.uk

31

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council planning meetings on 4th January and 23rd May, 15th August and 5th September were not available at the time of going to press. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Planning Authority Decisions 24/0709/TTPO, 2 Marvell Green Permission granted for tree work: Sycamore - section fell as close to ground level as practically possible and treat to prevent re-growth. Tree is in decline and has a few cavities around base of the tree.

Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Dogs at the Recreation Ground The Parish Council is very concerned about the continued spoiling of the recreation ground by dogs and the ignoring by some dog owners of the rules for using the recreation ground with dogs. Many owners do observe the requirements but it is clear that there are significant and regular failures by some in this respect, despite the clear signage at the ground The recreation ground is a community resource and people are entitled to expect that (a) dogs are kept under control by being kept on leads at all times and (b) their droppings are properly collected and disposed of.

Your Council is therefore actively seeking to appoint dog wardens under a Dog Control Order. This could lead to legally enforceable financial penalties on dog owners. There are also cases where dogs are completely prohibited from recreation grounds – this is a further measure we do not want to have to consider but may be forced upon us as a last resort.

We therefore appeal to all dog owners to conform to the village’s very reasonable requirements and to encourage those in breach not to endanger access by dog owners to the recreation ground.

Meldreth Parish Council 32

Advance Warning: Foxton Level Crossing Closure Network Rail have informed the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership that: “We will be doing engineering work at Foxton level crossing over the Christmas period. As a result of this, the level crossing will be completely closed to vehicles and pedestrians continuously between Wednesday 25th December 2024 until Monday 1st January 2025, with further night-time closures over the following days.

The work will include renewal (replacement) of  Rails, sleepers and ballast in the area  Railway points west of and at the level crossing  The road crossing  The pedestrian foot crossing Amongst other things, we will be replacing the physical rail through the crossing and at the junction just west, as well as the rubber-like crossing ‘deck’ over which vehicles pass through the crossing. In total, we will replace over a mile of track, along with other works as above.

There will also be an engineering train located on the crossing itself for some of the works, which is why we cannot do the works whilst keeping the crossing open even for pedestrians.”

In response, we have indicated that the intensely local nature of walking and cycling over the Foxton Level Crossing, which sits in the middle of a residential community (both Foxton itself and surrounding villages), should somehow be protected during the period of works.

This movement includes people using the A10 path to cycle to work in Cambridge, and in particular at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital/Biomedical Campus site. With no trains running during this period the active travel commuting option will be even more important.

Please let us know if you’d like to join the Community Rail Partnership mailing list for general updates.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com or railusergroup@gmail.com

Wanted: Volunteer Drivers Royston & District Community Transport Visit www.roytrans.co.uk or call (01763) 245228 33

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District and County Councillors’ Report Flood Avoidance Committee Following the useful flood avoidance tour at the start of the summer, the County flood risk team have returned to the Station Road area to further investigate some outstanding issues identified around land ownership (private farm or local authority) and strategies for flood prevention.

Anglian Water An opportunity to raise Meldreth concerns presented itself at a county-wide meeting with Anglian Water. We noted that much work had taken place to identify problems but with little follow-up by Anglian Water. We were promised contact in the near future.

Melbourn-Meldreth Path Upgrade Fingers crossed, work is progressing well and so far is on schedule.

At the beginning of the school term, marshals were in place at school commuting times to ensure that children were comfortable with the route. This seems to have gone well.

Compliments on Meldreth-Cambridge Bus Service Thank you for compliments recently received about this ‘new’ once-per-day service which seems to be bedding in. Please do give it a try!

A-Road Litter Picking South Cambridgeshire District Council is responsible for litter picking on local A-roads and has been very responsive to suggestions for additional sessions where needed. Do please get in touch with us if you are concerned about litter on any stretch of A-road.

Pension Credit Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care and a free TV licence for those over 75. Pension Credit backdating rules mean it is possible for individuals to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to three months if they were entitled to claim in that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December. The Department for Work and Pensions has produced a toolkit to support councils to ensure older people understand how they can get Pension Credit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit.

Small Business Support Small businesses in South Cambridgeshire are being invited to apply for funding of up to £5,000 each in a new grant programme. The funding is available to those already trading with ambitions to grow and will provide grants, advice and support for existing businesses with up to nine employees. The new support grants are available as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. See www.scambs.gov.uk/business/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/small-business-grant.

35

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is the lead authority for delivery of the Fund, while the District Council is responsible for grant scheme delivery and allocation.

For those looking to start a business and get a foot on the ladder, there is free advice on offer, including how to create a viable business plan. The startup advice will be delivered by the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (search Cambridgeshire County Council’s website for BIPC) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub. Applications are open until 31st October 2024. Businesses may only make one application. The District Council reserves the right to close the application window earlier should the level of demand exceed the maximum funding available. For more information see www.scambs.gov.uk/business/uk-sharedprosperity-fund/small-business-grant or email businessgrants@scambs.gov.uk quoting Small Business Grant.

Household Support Fund: New Government Support until April This critical government funding, topped up with council funding, has allowed the County Council to support a number of cost-of-living support channels, including the charity Cambridgeshire Local Assistance, Cambridge Citizens Advice, and the Holiday Food Activities programme that has had enormous take-up by children county wide. Government funding was due to end in September but has now been extended to April, which is good news.

War Memorials Grant Scheme The War Memorials Trust is providing grants for the repair and conservation of free-standing war memorials in England intended to help those who are responsible for the upkeep of war memorials.

The grants support the care and preservation of war memorials to a high standard, and to prevent the decay of this important part of our built heritage. Grants will normally be for between 25% and a maximum of 75% of eligible costs. The maximum grant is £5,000 for non-freestanding war memorials while freestanding, non-beneficiary war memorials may be considered up to a maximum grant of £20,000. Application close on October 31st 2024. For further information visit www.warmemorials.org/grants.

Old Shire Hall The County Council relocated to the purpose-built New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald in 2021 and the Old Shire Hall was put up for sale. Unfortunately, the original deal fell through and the site was remarketed earlier this year.

Fifteen bids were received with a range of different uses proposed for the various buildings on the site including hotels and extended stay apartments, retirement and student accommodation, co-living, research, residential apartments, offices and business space. The preferred bid aims to create a luxury hotel with a restaurant and spa complex on the site. Details have not yet been made public as the Council will now enter an exclusivity period with the preferred bidder.

36

Zoom Cuppa – Mondays 4.00-5.00pm Please contact us if you’d like to join our Zoom Cuppa surgery on Monday afternoons – or feel free to get in touch any time via telephone or email with any questions or concerns. We will do our best to help.

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, susan.vandeven@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 07905 325574

MELDRETH

Moorlands Court

LANDSCAPES

Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely?

Why not try our Day Centre?

Design & Layout Plans

 Meet up for a chat and lunch?  Our Day Centre is comfortable, friendly and easily accessed.  Open Tuesday to Friday every week.  Transport can be arranged.

Why not give us a call?

Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463 www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

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

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

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

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Cambridgeshire Acre www.cambsacre.org.uk Village Agents in Meldreth and Melbourn In addition to regularly attending Meldreth Community Hub, which is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.00pm to 3.00pm in the Community Room in Elin, Way (as reported in the August issue of Meldreth Matters) Village Agents also work in Melbourn.

You can find our friendly Village Agents at 'MACS Cozy Corner' on Mondays and Thursdays, from 12.00pm - 3.00pm. They offer a confidential and completely free service, with a focus on assisting you with identifying entitled benefits, completing forms, submitting blue badge applications, understanding confusing paperwork and connecting you with local groups and other organisations that can provide additional help and advice. You can trust our Village Agents, as they are all Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and maintain strict confidentiality.

'MACS Cozy Corner' is a Timebank run community group focussed on providing a safe, warm and welcoming space to meet, socialise and take part in activities.

MACS Cozy Corner meets at Vicarage Close Community Hall, Vicarage Close, Melbourn, Royston, SG8 6DY ///wriggle.irrigated.craftsman.

If you or someone you know could benefit from their support, self-referrals are welcome, or professionals can make referrals using our easy Village Agent Referral Form at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/village_agent_referral.

To learn more about Village Agents and Cambridgeshire ACRE’s community wellbeing work, please contact Rachel Mason on (01353) 865025 or via email at rachel.mason@cambsacre.org.uk.

Staying Connected Cambridgeshire ACRE is hosting a special 'Staying Connected' session, delivered in collaboration with the Communities team at South Cambridgeshire District Council, to explore what we can collectively offer to help create vibrant communities, promote community action and support community growth in the district.

When and where?

The session is taking place on Thursday 17th October at 5.00pm online via Zoom. We hope you or another representatives from your organisation will come along to join us. Visit www.cambsacre.org.uk/events for more information or to book your place.

Cambridgeshire Acre 38

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist Specialists in made to measure window coverings: Beautifully made and locally produced Curtains and Roman Blinds Suppliers of Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin, Scion, Prestigious Textiles Roller, Vertical, Pleated, Wood, PVC and Aluminium Venetian Blinds Contemporary window dressings: Plantation shutters and Awnings Experts in home automated motorised solutions FREE- NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS. FIND US AT Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn. SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 www.sageblinds.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-1pm

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda design and construction

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

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514 39

Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Home-Start supports local families with children aged nine and under through tough times. We are a registered charity, independent of statutory bodies and entirely responsible for securing our own income. If you would like to find out more about what we do and how we can help you, or someone you know, please visit our website or call us on (01763) 262262.

Please support us by attending one of our forthcoming events.

October Events Friday 4th October Please come and say hello to us at the Tesco Extra Store in Royston on Friday 4th October between 9.00am and 6.00pm. We will have a great hamper raffle to help us raise much-needed funds in order to continue supporting local families.

Wednesday 23rd October, 6.00 for 6.30pm Icknield Walk School, Royston Please join us for our AGM. Come along and hear about how we are supporting our families through our home visiting service and at our three family support groups. You will also hear from two mums who will be telling us about their Home-Start journey and how Home-Start were there for them and their families when they all needed some support. If you would like to come along, please call the Home-Start office on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk.

Future Events Saturday 16th November, Cheese and Wine Event Meldreth Village Hall Save the date! Join us for an evening of fine cheese and wine at Meldreth Village Hall, in collaboration with Cambridge Wine and The Honest Fig. More details will be available in next month’s issue.

Wednesday 4th December, Christmas Door Decoration Workshop It may be early, but we wanted to give you a heads-up! Join us for a festive workshop at Royston Bowling Club and create your own door decoration. Enjoy a cuppa and a mince pie while you craft. Tickets are £30, with an optional £4 for flowers. We’re taking bookings now, so please contact us on (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk to reserve your place.

Tracy Aggett Fundraising Events support Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire 40

Meldreth Bus Services 17 Bus Service This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.

The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.

26 Bus Service Operated by A2B, the core service runs Mondays to Saturdays via Melbourn, Foxton/Fowlmere, Harston and Trumpington Park & Ride en route to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. All fares are just £2 per journey. The 10.53am service from Royston Tesco will now stop at the Stocks in Meldreth at 11.18am and then in Shepreth High Street at 11.22am, arriving in Cambridge at 12.05pm.

The return service leaves Drummer Street Bus Station at 2.40pm, arriving at the stocks in Meldreth at 3.26pm.

The bus will stop on request at other Meldreth bus stops in addition to the one at the Stocks.

For more information on this service visit a2bbusandcoach.com or call the A2B free telephone number 0800 001 6255 .

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor

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

Meldreth Food Bank The Food Bank currently supports about 60 residents in Meldreth Please continue putting donations in our collection boxes, talk to the Food Bank team every Tuesday from 9.00am - 12 noon at Elin Way Community Centre, contact the Treasurer Roger James on 07808 235873 or donate to MCCS. Sort code 30-99-50. Account No. 25558260.

Thank You 41

Village Directory One Stop Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Book online: www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk

Village Hall Chairman

Andrew Young—07572 553647

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 Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561

Sport

Litter Picker

Bowls Club Croquet Club Table Tennis Tennis Club

David Rich—(01763) 262116 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2

Vicar Bells Ian Mitchell (Friends) Churches Together

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178 Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group Brownies (1st Meldreth) Guides (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

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

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649; Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 https://susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/

County Council Offices

0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Pippa Heylings; www.sclibdems.org.uk/pippaheylings

Councils & Govt.

Children

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Neighbourhood Watch

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

Church

-

MP

Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178

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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 Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge

Report on SCDC website. For urgent faults use (01954)

Health

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

(01763) 260220 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)

Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Community Support for Dementia Community Transport Home-Start Melbourn Time Bank Mind (mental health) Samaritans

0800 1111 (24 hours) 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299 (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 Police

0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

(01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis

(01763) 0250811

Misc.

NonEmerg.

Streetlights (faulty)

Support Services

http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212

Emergencies

Transport

Station Ticket Office

713000 - Mon-Fri, 8am-5.30pm. Out of office hours: (01354) 65432. Give location, fault & SC or CCC no.

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: Graham Borgonon & Dawn Browning Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page/banner £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 on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.

Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

A10 Timber .......................................4 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................34 Art of Clean ....................................31 Art of Clean Wood ..........................19 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ....Cover Boscherini ........................................21 Bury Lane Farm Shop ......................14 Cam Valley Orchards .......................11 CHS Day Centre ..............................37 CHS Group ......................................2 The Country Store ...........................37 Davey’s Butchers ............................29 Eve Construction .............................17 Knibb’s Butchers .............................11 Lawn Partners ...................................4 Little Hands Nursery School ..........31 Melbourn Auto Services .............Cover Melbourn Flooring ..........................39

Melbourn Village College .................34 Meldreth Landscapes .......................37 Meldreth Maths Tutor ......................4 Meldreth Motor Company ..............26 Meldreth Parish Council (Job) ..........11 Meldreth Plant Hire .........................2 Moncraft Computers .......................37 N J Chapman, gardening .................19 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service..4 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......39 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...........Cover Queen Bee ................................Cover Richard Burns Electrician ...................4 Rod’s PC Support ..............................8 The Royal Oak, Barrington .............29 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................39 Sinclair Electrical .............................26 Specialist Dental Partners ..................8

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 44

Specialist Physiotherapists Keeping You Active 01223 874433 pennfarmphysio.com

Haslingfield Scan for an appointment

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