Meldreth Matters, September 2015

September 2015

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Meldreth Matters, September 2015 Contents include …

September events in Meldreth Letters to the Editor Photographic Club Women’s Group Good Companions WI Gardening Local History Church Services Harvest Supper Church News Friends of Holy Trinity Pre-School Baby & Toddler Group Primary School 1st Melbourn Guides Home-Start Parish Council County Councillor’s Report District Councillor’s Report Volunteering Opportunities District Council Elections News from Heidi Allen Solar Panel Discount Scheme Local Events in September Planning Matters Melbourn Sports Centre Rural Crime Local Links Index to Advertisers Local Telephone Numbers

Page 3 4-7 8 10-11 11 13 14-15 16-17 19 19 20 23 24-25 25 26-27 28 30-31 34-41 42-43 44-45 45 47 48-49 50 52-55 56 59 60 62 63 64

Cover: Malton Lane, 2011

Welcome to the September issue of Meldreth Matters.

I’m sure most of our readers will have heard the news that Scope has agreed proposals to close Meldreth and Orchard Manors. Meldreth Manor has been an integral part of our village for over 50 years and whilst there will be only 17 children at the site from this month, closure of the facility will have a devastating impact on those children, their families and the staff who care for them.

Scope’s decision is explained in their letter on page 4 and there is further information in the District Councillor’s report on pages 44-45. Those opposing the proposals have started a Save Meldreth Manor Facebook Group and a petition to stop the closure can be signed at change.org.

Scope is keen to receive comments on their proposals.

A consultation period is now underway and will end on 17th September, with Scope’s final decision due in October.

Kathryn

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

The last date for copy is the 12th of each month.

Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or delivered to the Editor, Kathryn Betts at 36 North End, Meldreth, SG8 6NT Tel. (01763) 268428 The Editor reserves the right to withhold from publication or to shorten if necessary, any article or letter sent to her.

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September Events in Meldreth To see your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com Saturday 5th September, 10.30am - 12 noon Elin Way ‘Community Coffee Break’ Please come along and enjoy a refreshing cup of filter coffee or tea, together with biscuits, at very reasonable prices. A ‘bring and buy’ cake stall will also be held and we would appreciate donations of home made cakes or biscuits for sale. We look forward to seeing you.

Sunday 6th September, 2.00 - 5.00pm FOHT Car Show Holy Trinity Churchyard Teas will be served all afternoon and music will be provided by the Memphis Jazz Band.

Entrance: adults £5.00; children up to 16 with an adult £1.00 See page 23 for further details

Sunday 27th September, 2.30pm onwards Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Meldreth Village Hall in aid of Look Good Feel Better Please bring along your unwanted quality clothing and accessories Raffle and entertainment Tickets £10 each, to include a make-up goodie bag donated by Esse, with the contents valued at up to £50 For tickets call Wendy on 07985 480993 For further details see back cover 3

Letters to the Editor Meldreth Manor and Orchard Manor I am writing to inform you that Scope’s Board of Trustees has agreed proposals to close Meldreth Manor School and Orchard Manor by 16th March 2016.

Scope’s Board of Trustees agreed these proposals because we are already losing money at both services and student and customer numbers are falling. It is also difficult to recruit permanent staff and we are having to rely on agency staff. In addition, local authorities are increasingly choosing to place disabled children in local schools, rather than independent schools and are moving away from placing young disabled people in independent transition services.

All of this is having a significant impact on the financial position of both Meldreth Manor and Orchard Manor. We are unwilling to compromise on the quality of support and education provided and unable to continue losing money running these services.

We want to start talking and listening to everyone affected by these proposals - our consultation starts today and the last day for you to share your views with us is 17th September 2015.

We know this proposal may cause anxiety about the future for residents, families and staff and we have a range of support available so that everyone can share their views and any alternative ideas or proposals. Scope’s Board of Trustees will seriously consider all views and ideas before making a decision.

To share your views please email consultation.meldreth@scope.org.uk for Meldreth Manor or consultation.orchard@scope.org.uk for Orchard Manor. Comments relating to both locations may be sent to either address. Alternatively, please write to me at the address below.

Kathryn Jefford Project Manager Scope 6 Market Road LONDON N7 9PW

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Letters to the Editor Melwood Melwood has been a huge asset to the village for a good number of years. It has been managed with great love and care, and continues to be a very precious part of village life. From the days when the Meldreth Guides planted daffodil bulbs as part of that year’s ‘Adopt and Cherish’ Guiding challenge to this summer when we heard lovely music and poetry in the Melwood meadow, it has continued to provide Meldreth folk with somewhere to go for fun, exercise, peace and enjoyment.

But I am increasingly saddened when I am there at the expanses of ground that are becoming denuded of growth – swathes of bare ground, where ground flora is becoming decimated and even the ivy is unable to flourish. It seems a bit of a contradiction in terms to call Melwood a conservation area when the exact opposite seems to be happening in some parts of it. I guess it has just become a victim of its own success – a lovely piece of ground like that is bound to attract a heavy footfall and of course dogs do not like sticking to paths.

Equally sad, more sickening, but perhaps more manageable in the short term at least, as it can easily be rectified with a plastic bag, is the amount of rubbish that gets left, particularly in the meadow. It is not unusual to find up to a dozen empty cans on a Sunday morning, along with crisp packets, glass bottles and more. Sad indeed.

But . . . there are some beautiful and unexpected things too. It was a real thrill to come across some simple artwork beside one of the paths a few weeks ago. It didn’t last long, so I don’t suppose many people saw it – so I share it with you now. I still wonder who did those little pictures on the ground – whoever it was gave this soul a real lift that morning!

Ann Barnes

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Letters to the Editor Planning Application S/2944/14/FL - Fillcup Field: approval granted On 5th August I attended the South Cambridgeshire District Council Planning Committee meeting at which the above application was considered. The village was kept in the dark about this application from the start and it was only the few people who lived next to Fillcup field who received a planning notification and got together to bring this to the other villagers’ attention. The initial response was impressive, with over 150 objections sent to SCDC and only a handful of residents supporting the application. The website that was set up was very professional, raising all the salient points about why this should not be built in our village. Shepreth Parish Council voted narrowly to oppose the application. Meldreth Parish Council also voted against it and Bassingbourn Parish Council expressed concern over the HGV route.

With so many residents from surrounding villages against this development, it is therefore puzzling why SCDC Planning Committee voted to approve it - especially in light of the pledge by our Prime Minister to allow villagers more say on what is proposed in their locality. It was very disappointing that only five Shepreth residents bothered to turn up at the planning meeting, with no one speaking on behalf of Meldreth residents. Those attending were dismayed at the District Councillor’s report to the Committee supporting the application, saying she believed the development will benefit the community. She also told the Committee that the site will be producing fruit and vegetables. In fact Nethy is to produce “exotic herbs” and as these will be sold direct to wholesalers, the local community will not be able to purchase anything from this site. The so-called benefit of twelve jobs cannot be guaranteed to go to locals and is a tiny benefit when put against all the problems this site could cause.

The controversial issue of the route of the large HGVs on totally unsuitable village roads was glossed over at the planning meeting with confusion over the map that was displayed. Therefore this major objection was not adequately addressed. The route proposed from the A10 via Meldreth firstly has to negotiate a tight right hand turn into Station Road, a route used by children and many cyclists going to and from Meldreth/Melbourn schools and to the station. The railway bridge has a blind hump with a very narrow pavement and cyclists have been knocked off their bikes many times over the past few years.

Whitecroft Road is a residential road and often cars are parked along it 6

which could make negotiation of this road difficult. The crossroads at Fenny Lane/Whitecroft road has a blind view up Whitecroft Road when crossing from Kneesworth Road (the other entry point from the A1198) and there have been deaths here and many accidents. North End is a winding road with narrow pinch points and blind bends, often with cars parked either side, definitely no room for passing lorries and dangerous for pedestrians. Finally, Meldreth Road where I live is the de-redistricted part of the road and cars and motorbikes often exceed the 60mph limit in a “burn up” along this section. The entrance to the proposed development is after a sharp bend and this will prove very dangerous if high speed traffic suddenly comes across a HGV turning in and out of the site. There are no footpaths and pedestrians will be in mortal danger, especially when two HGVs pass. It is imperative that this stretch of road be changed to a 30mph zone, thus continuing this speed from both villages. A footpath/cycle path must be installed to protect cyclists and pedestrians. I would ask both Shepreth and Meldreth Parish Councils to get this in place as quickly as possible.

The Planning Committee set out over 30 conditions that Nethy, the developers, will have to fulfil before they can dig the first sod on the site. These include environmental, wildlife, biodiversity, ecology, site contamination, archaeological issues and many more. The committee charged Shepreth Parish Council with the responsibility of keeping the village informed on both pre and post build issues with the site. The Planning Committee also advised villagers that they should immediately report any problems with odour, noise or environmental issues directly to the Environment Agency’s hotline.

I lived in Meldreth for 25 years before moving to Shepreth three years ago. I find it disappointing that people sitting on committees with no connection to the communities they are making decisions about have the power or right to overrule the wishes of the majority of the local residents.

Christine Knight Editor’s Note: there are further references to this application on pages 44 and 56 of this issue.

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Melbourn and District Photographic Club melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk The new Club season will begin on Tuesday 15th September. The programme for the new season has been finalised and can be found on the Club website. The season comprises an exciting mixture of photographic talks, competitions and Club evenings.

Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays in Foxton Village Hall through to April 2016. At this time of year, the Club particularly welcomes new members, whatever their ability and will provide support to beginners to help them to take better photographs and to improve their post-processing skills. If you would like to take your photography more seriously, it would be great to see you.

Lotus Pond by Jo Norcross Other useful information about the Club, including a selection of our work, can be found on our website: http://melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk.

Anyone wishing to know more details about the Club should email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Keith Truman

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Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Our August meeting was held in All Saints Community Hall and twenty members gathered to hear Dr Joseph Simon speak to us about The National Autistic Society which was the charity we supported last year.

Dr Simon initially worked as a volunteer for the charity’s Cambridge Branch and he is now an Adult Autism Support Manager for them. Dr Simon’s experience started on a family level as one of his sons has autism. He explained that autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and that it is a hidden disability as people with autism don’t look any different from anyone else. Autism has no single cause and it is not rare as some 700 000 individuals throughout the UK have it and, when you take into consideration their families, it affects over 2.7 million people.

Autism can affect people in different ways although some of the recognised features of autism are: one sided interaction, repeating things, having special interests, lack of motivation to join in, lack of pretend play and different responses to people, e.g. rather than saying hello to get attention they may kick someone. Difficulties can be experienced in many different ways; among them communication, social integration, imagination and flexible thinking (things are seen in concrete terms – i.e. black and white) and also sensory sensitivity and processing. Conversely some strengths may also be apparent as in good visual skills (being able to see in 3D), or being highly knowledgeable in areas of special interest, visual memory and/or factual memory. To illustrate this Dr Simon told us of a student at university who read a 300 page book and was able to get a high pass in the exam the next day using visual and factual memory.

Many difficulties can be faced by individuals with autism and their families and The National Autistic Society seeks to help by providing information and advice support – befriending schemes and outreach and residential services pioneering services campaigns for a better world for people with autism both in education and employment.

The Cambridge Branch provides information and signposting to local and national services as well as raising awareness by coming to groups 10

such as ours. They also provide a 24/7 helpline and support groups for families and peer support. They run a social club for adults who can meet in a safe environment and they raise funding for their own branch.

If you would like to contact Dr Simon you can do so by emailing Joseph.Simon@nas.org.uk or telephoning 07436 542729.

After a question and answer session, Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks for an informative evening and a cheque for The Cambridge Branch.

Our next meeting will be 22nd September at 7.45pm in Holy Trinity Church Meeting room Meldreth. We look forward to hearing Julie Draper talking about how to get the best out of your G.P. Do feel free to come or if you would like to know about the group please contact Pat Smith on (01763) 262575, Anne Harrison on (01763) 261775 or Sue Toule on (01763) 260955.

Pat Smith

Good Companions August’s meeting was held in our Chairperson’s garden. We had plenty of lovely cakes and cups of tea, a raffle and really hard quiz.

It was another lovely afternoon and many thanks to Marion and especially Lyn for all her hard work, bless her.

We have a trip out to a garden centre in September which we are all looking forward to. We may have spare seats on the bus so if anyone is interested please give me a ring.

L. G. Pocknell, Secretary (01763) 261432

Meldreth Millennium Trails These trails were created to celebrate the life and environment of the community of Meldreth and to be a permanent marker of the second millennium.

These booklets include five trails around the village and include maps and illustrations. They cost £3.50 and are available from Joan and Tim Gane, by telephoning (01763) 260129. Proceeds to Meldreth Local History Group.

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Meldreth WI What a lot of laughter there was at our August meeting, but more of that later. We would like to thank everyone for attending our tea party in July: we were able to send a donation of almost £250 to the British Heart Foundation, which was very gratefully received.

Mrs Moody welcomed four new ladies to our last meeting and spoke about past and forthcoming events. Our evening meeting in The Green Man was enjoyed by everyone and we were looked after very well. On 22nd September we will be introduced to clock croquet (weather permitting) at the rear of The British Queen. Two days later we will have our group meeting at Wimpole, celebrating the WI Centenary year once again and we will be entertained by The Royston Ukulele Orchestra. On 14th October we will visit Emmaus for a look around and perhaps a coffee.

And now for the cause of all the laughter at our August meeting. Mrs Paula Dolan spoke to us about 1950s and ‘60s childhood memories but there were plenty mentioned for the 1940s too and so many "do you remember when?" How many of us remembered 'prefabs'? I did, my auntie was given one when my uncle was demobbed; you burnt at the front and your back was always cold! And what about the lovely fleecy lined liberty bodices - how they kept you warm and snug and how later on you used the buttons if your suspender button broke! Later on in the 50s, how many of us dipped our dirndl skirts in sugar and water to stiffen them? I won’t go into how we wet our mascara but us ladies of a certain age knew! I think we could have sat and reminisced and laughed for a lot longer.

Next month Steve Price will come and tell us about 'The Bobby Scheme'. Come along and join us - you will have a very entertaining evening, a cup of tea and a natter!

Kathleen Thompson

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Notes From a Small Garden Jim reports that in his greenhouse the melons are growing slowly due to the cold nights in June/July but the scented carnations which were planted in a border in the greenhouse appreciate the cold nights and are now growing strongly and coming to bud. The ones he gave to Julie are also doing well lovely strong plants. Jim and Jane have sown Iceland Poppies in small pots to plant out next spring. These are the only poppies that can really be used as cut flowers. In their plastic glazed greenhouse the small Red Alert tomatoes and the Burpless cucumbers keep the ‘five a day’ going.

Outside, the runner beans are now setting well. The old boys’ way of helping them set was to spray them with cold water in the evening. Jim recommends the climbing French beans (purple podded Violette) which turn green when boiled and are good stored in the freezer for winter.

The row of dwarf runner beans are cropping freely and are ideal for anyone with a very small garden or window box as they grow to only about two feet high and have very decorative red/white flowers. Julie visited Jim's garden recently and was very taken with them. They produce early normal size runner beans and prolong the season.

Jim's summer fruiting raspberries have produced a very good crop and the surplus have been frozen; Julie's autumn fruiting ones are just beginning to crop. She finds them easier to manage as the whole plant can be pruned down to the ground in the winter. It looks as if we are in for a good apple and plum season, including greengages, but very few pears.

Jim's apricot tree has at last given a good crop of juicy delicious fruit and in its first year Julie's peach tree (Peregrine) has 12 good-sized fruit on it, which is very exciting. She has been careful to water it once a week, especially during the hot weather we are all having as this goes to press. Jim's strawberries grown from seed last year as an experiment have given a moderate crop of mis-shapen fruit but again were delicious; the Stella cherries were picked and the stones removed, and some were frozen despite being attacked by snails! The reason they are better frozen stoned is because like plums, if you don't stone them before you freeze them, the fruit has a curious taste of almonds. Julie remembers being told that by Pat Elbourn many years ago.

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Things to do Take cuttings of pinks and carnations. Clear and cultivate the ground ready for broad beans. Sow any vacant ground with turnips or green manure to dig in later. The old boys’ way to do this was to broadcast any unused seeds and use these as green manure. There is still time to sow annual flowers for late spring/early summer next year.

Julie has tried taking cuttings from her tomato plants, something professional gardeners do especially when the plant is a F1 hybrid apparently. You just pop a side shoot into potting compost and off you go. Julie now has about five of these cuttings growing strongly but they won't produce fruiting plants this year as she only heard of the idea three weeks before going to press. Also she hasn't labelled them!

Never mind, it's an idea for next year when she can go round friends’ greenhouses and ask for a side shoot of a tomato plant she particularly admires.

Good gardening to everyone.

Jim and Julie juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk, (01763) 260323 jane_eggleton@yahoo.co.uk, (01763) 261824

Community Benefit from Solar Farms Meldreth Parish Council will be receiving a one-off payment of £50,000 from SunEdison and approximately £12,000 per year, index linked, for the next 20 years from Lightsource.

The Parish Council would like to spend this money on a project or projects that will benefit the whole community.

If you have any ideas or would like to join a working party to determine how the money should be spent, please contact Judy Damant, Parish Clerk on (01763) 269928 or email parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk.

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Local History ‘Intoxicated’ Surgeon Refused Ticket to Board Train at Meldreth M e l d r e t h Station, seen here in around 1880, was the scene of an unusual case before the Arrington Petty Sessions on 20th February 1870. Thomas Henry Colman, described as ‘a surgeon, late of Royston’ was charged with being in a state of intoxication there and with using abusive language to station staff. The station master, William Frederick Perkins, told the court that Mr Colman had come to the booking office and been refused a ticket because he appeared to be under the influence of drink. He attempted to board the 1.19pm train and was prevented from doing so by Mr Perkins who was abused for restraining him.

The Royston Crow reported that the police were called and, finding the defendant in licensed premises adjoining the station, assumed he was drunk. However, he had told the station master that he needed medicine and, on searching him, Sergeant William Redhouse found he had two empty bottles marked ‘poison’ in his possession. He was ‘in a very excited state and every nerve seemed agitated’. Later, at Melbourn Police Station, he begged Sergeant Redhouse to go to Dr Parkinson and get him some laudanum ‘as he thought he might die.’ At court, where he defended himself ‘with considerable ability and the readiness of a well-educated man’, Mr Colman argued that he was not drunk but suffering from an illness that required him to take laudanum. The magistrates did not accept this, described it as a ‘bad case’ and fined him 15 shillings, which he paid.

Laudanam was a tincture of opium now recognised as highly addictive but widely used in Victorian times for medicinal and recreational purposes. Famously, it was the drug of choice for Romantic era writers 16

such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas de Quincey. Coleridge’s celebrated poem, ‘Kubla Khan’, is said to have been composed following a laudanum-induced dream. As the century wore on, alarm about opium dens in the East End of London led to a campaign against its unrestricted use but, until the turn of the century, few doctors and scientists warned of the dangers of addiction. Some members of the medical profession were habitual laudanum users themselves and Thomas Colman (if he was a surgeon) may have been one.

John Crawforth

From the Archives This month’s dip into the archives has produced the photograph below, which appeared in the Royston Crow in 1970 with the caption: “The grins of victory on the faces of these lads were well justified—they heaved their dads off their feet at the Meldreth Parents Associate fete.”

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Church Services Sunday 6th September 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 13th September 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 20th September 9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School Sunday 27th September 8.00am Holy Communion

Joint Parish Prayer Group The Prayer Group will be meeting on Tuesday 15th September at 8.00 pm at the home of Mrs Barbara MacKellar, 13 Vicarage Close, Melbourn. Please join us if you feel the need for meditation and prayer. Prayer requests are also welcomed and treated in strict confidence. Please get in touch with Barbara on (01763) 260951 if you need further information.

Marion Long

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Meldreth Village Hall 7.30pm Friday 2nd October Tickets ÂŁ6.50 in advance only from Sue Toule on (01763) 260955 or Pat Ames on (01763) 261130 Children 12 and under FREE 19

Church News Church Heating The final work will be carried out in the early autumn.

Bell Restoration The latest phase of work is to install a steel frame to support the main bell frame. However we owe a special vote of thanks to Peter Hinton and Derek Sibson, who first rang a peal with John Gipson in 1958, and his group of septuagenarian bell ringers who over two days mixed and lifted 2.6 tonnes of concrete, bucket by bucket - about 200 in all - for concreting the ends of the frame into the bell tower walls.

The Bishop of Ely will take a service of dedication for the restored bells at 4.00pm on 3rd October.

Holy Trinity and All Saints Vacancy Andrew O’Brien officially left Holy Trinity on 21st July when he was installed as vicar of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks and a large group from both congregations joined him during this service.

Both parishes held PCC meetings shortly afterwards to outline the process of filling the vacancy and preparing the Parish Profile. The formal letters from the Diocesan Secretary to start filling the vacancy were received in mid August and both PCCs are required to hold meetings within four weeks to deal with the initial actions defined in the letters.

Work on rewiring the vicarage has begun and we expect an update from the Diocesan office once the work is complete.

Filling vacancies is a slow process and the Archdeacon of Cambridge has a growing number of other vacancies to deal with.

In the meantime the churchwardens are working together with Mary Price to maintain services. Some college chaplains are helping together with other clergy, some of whom are retired; however with so many vacancies it is hard to cover all services and we are indebted to Mary Price for taking many of them.

The strict requirements of DBS (CRB) checks means that a vicar from one diocese, like Jim Greasley, cannot officiate in another diocese without undergoing a new Ely DBS check; so we are rather limited to those who have Ely clearance.

Theresa O’Malley, Roger Mellor, Mike Galley and John Price 20

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21

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With a memorable and highly successful 26 years behind us – let us show you how we can help your child (2-5yrs) develop.

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Private pool, stunning sea views, not far from golf and the beach, sleeps up to eight.

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For further information please call: Dianne Sinnatamby : 01223 502992.

22

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk Sunday 6th September, 2.00-5.00pm: 11th Car Show Exhibiting a mix of vintage, classic and sports cars plus a few motor bikes and pedal bikes, recruitment is well on the way with a 1920s Fiat saloon which has one of the earliest types of engine with an overhead camshaft (pictured above right).

At the other end of the range there will be a superb example of an iconic American Ford Mustang (below right) and there will be many interesting cars, hopefully including a Ferrari Testarossa.

Teas will be served all afternoon and music will be provided by the Memphis Jazz Band.

Entrance: adults £5.00, children up to 16 with an adult £1.00 Exhibitor enquiries – John Price (01763) 260048

Forthcoming Events Friday 23rd October: Talk on China A talk by Hans van de Ven based on his passion for Chinese history Friday 13th November: Quiz

by Colin Limming, including a Ploughman’s Supper January 2016: Annual Supper Date to be confirmed Friday 12th February 2016: HM Diplomatic Service A talk by Sir David Wright GCMG LVO former ambassador to Korea 1990-1994 and Japan 1996-1999 John Price 23

Meldreth Pre-School www.meldrethpreschool.com Another year is starting and we are looking forward to welcoming new children and our old friends. We are also welcoming Victoria Walker as our new Pre-School Manager and wish her the very best in leading our group in the coming years.

We are looking into providing afternoon sessions for our current ‘rising fives’ in the first few weeks of the school term. Please let us know if you are interested.

Our Pre-School is currently struggling financially due to government cuts in our funding. We are doing all we can to ensure it can stay open by applying for grants and planning lots of fundraising events. Our summer fête was a roaring success and we raised over £500! Many thanks to all who supported us.

This summer also saw the Pre-School run its first ever summer camp.

Everyone had a great time; many thanks to the Hertfordshire Fire Service, the Royston Museum and Phil from Royston Football Club who came out to see us and a huge thank you to The Co-operative in Melbourn who provided snacks for us, including the coffee! We will be running the club again next summer; dates will be confirmed and bookings taken at Christmas time.

We are still looking for a new treasurer as well as general committee members. If you are interested please contact us for more details. You don’t have to be a parent, anyone from the village would be welcomed.

Please email preschool@meldrethpreschool.com for more details or pop into the setting and speak to the staff.

We are a friendly Pre-School offering a quality term time service at competitive rates in line with NEF funding. We take children from the age of two and are happy to welcome children in nappies. You can find out about our Pre-School by visiting our website www.meldrethpreschool.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Staff Vacancies We are looking for friendly, enthusiastic workers with a CACHE Level 2/3 in Childcare to join our team as qualified bank /staff.

For more information about this opportunity please contact Sarah Isle preschool@meldrethpreschool.com.

Meldreth Pre-School

Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group We are re-opening for children aged 0-4, their parents and carers at Meldreth Village Hall on Wednesday 9th September 2015 at 9.30am.

A fun and nurturing environment where parents can have a chat and make friends, and their children can enjoy socialising, doing different crafts and experiencing various activities.

We operate during term time from 9.30am until 11.30am. The cost is ÂŁ2 per family and includes a snack for the children and a tea/coffee with biscuits for the grown ups.

We hope to see many of you there with your little ones.

Sarah Bellabarba 25

Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk Fond Farewell – Another Year Over!

Another academic year is about to start, but there is just time to reflect on the end of the last one when another fabulous group of Year 6 children were packed off on their way to secondary school. Anyone who has ever taught a Year 6 class will understand the double-edged sword that the end of the summer term presents. Yes – everyone is exhausted and in desperate need of a nice long break, BUT that break comes at a cost. The cost is waving “goodbye” to children I have had under my wing for a year (some of them two years), having spent literally a thousand hours (plus) ensuring that they have achieved all they are academically and socially capable of. The knowledge that those young people are ready to go, doesn’t make it any easier for me. I’m pretty selfish and I’d be happy for them to stay with me for another year, and another after that. But leave they must. How proud am I that each and every one of them will be able to hold their head up and face the challenges that come with the transition to a new school.

I know they are ready because I have witnessed their truly amazing existence in the last few months. The end of year play - ‘Ali Baba & the Bongo Bandits’ provided a pantomime backdrop to the age old Arabian Nights Tale. Year 6’s take the lead roles supported by the 5’s and 4’s. Jokes and double entendres abound – phenomenally hard to deliver for 11 year olds! But deliver they did – in buckets! Performing on the hottest night of the year simply highlighted their astonishing commitment and ability – not least the fabulous duo comprising Humphrey the Camel’s front and rear end, who left me genuinely concerned as they danced and sang in two tonnes of fur in 30° heat!

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Move forward one week – Scarborough. It is my good fortune to spend a week away, in beautiful Yorkshire, with all my Year 6’s on their residential. It is a defining week. For some of them, the first time they have been away from their family and it is my responsibility to keep them safe and well, whilst allowing them freedom and independence to grow. It is the week when my Year 6’s make their most dramatic metamorphosis.

They realise they can be away from their families and survive without their parents.

They selfsufficiently get themselves ready for a number of activities from making films at the National Media Museum to walking 12 miles – 6 miles out in the bright burning sunshine, 6 miles back in the thunder and lightning, soaked through to their skin without a moan or gripe!

Finally, they return to Meldreth – with only a week to plan their Leavers’ Assembly, they once again knuckle down to deliver a showcase of their considerable talents on their last day at Primary School.

Parents, carers, friends, old head teachers and their current school friends watch their send off. Singing, dancing, gym, sketches, karate, poetry! What a mix. As always, there are plenty of tears from those present. Not least from me. A perfect mix of sad and happy tears – for they are superb individuals and they are ready to leave me. The old adage is true: “At some point you have to realise: people can stay in your heart even if they cannot stay in your life!”

Sally Willan Year 5/6 teacher 27

1st Melbourn Guides

It is a happy coincidence that lighter evenings and livelier girls both occur in the summer term when there is plenty of opportunity for playing outside!

We kicked off the term with the first of two sports evenings, both organised by the older girls as part of their Baden Powell Challenge badge. Both featured the ever popular rounders competition; we also had a quiz and seated indoor volleyball. We celebrated St George’s Day with a croquet game, creating the dessert Eton Mess, learning the words to the National Anthem and making a paper rose badge. A mapreading, photo identification and quiz competition saw four groups navigating Dolphin Lane and Riverside Park and on another fine evening we practised putting up a tent and toasting marshmallows on a small fire.

In June there were two opportunities for the girls to serve the community: on one wet Saturday they served tea and cake at Melbourn Lodge Open Garden, helping to raise over £250 for the local charity ‘Blue Smile’. One week later at the Melbourn Fete we ran a toy stall to raise money for Wood Green Animal Shelter. Two groups competed to make the most profit, choosing the toys they wanted to sell and the prices they wanted to charge. The results were surprisingly close, so both teams had the opportunity to visit Wood Green to present the cheque.

Our day trip this year involved skating and swimming. We spent the morning at the newly refurbished Planet Ice in Milton Keynes, then enjoyed the flumes and wave machines of Oasis pool in Bedford.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Guide or a leader, or if you have any skills or hobbies which you would like to share with us, please contact me on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com.

Hilary Marsh 28

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Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Hertfordshire County Council Children’s Services Panel recently accepted the recommendation ‘to no longer fund the home visiting service provided by Hertfordshire Home-Start schemes’. This will mean that the statutory funding for Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (HSRSC) will cease from 1st October 2015.

This is devastating news for the scheme. However, the Board of Trustees has been working over the last few years to diversify our funding streams and this plan, along with good financial management, means that over the next few months there will be no immediate changes to how we work with families and volunteers.

The strength of HSRSC is that whatever our involvement in the scheme, be it staff, trustee, volunteer, supporter or member we all share the same vision, “supporting families in our local community”. We are sure that this spirit, combined with the heart-warming testimonials from our families, will continue to inspire us to find every possible way to finance this great service and allow our staff team and volunteers to get on with what they do best, supporting families.

So, how can you support us? There are very many ways, including becoming a volunteer or helping to raise funds or supporting our fundraising events.

Volunteering Opportunities: Home Visiting A home visiting volunteer would normally be a parent or have parenting experience with an understanding of the problems and pleasures of family life. We link this well-supported and trained volunteer to the most suitable family referred, offering home visits, usually for 2-3 hours a week.

Family Group These volunteers help set up the equipment and activities and spend time with both the children and parents, offering practical and emotional support at our family support group.

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Home visiting and family group volunteers are required to attend the Home-Start preparation course. The next training course will start on 16th September 2015 and it is not too late to sign up for this – please contact us on (01763) 262262.

Supporters If you have a few hours to spare now and again, please consider becoming a supporter. Supporters helps us with activities ranging from wrapping the children’s Christmas presents, baking a cake, donating tombola prizes for our ‘mum’s tombola’ at Christmas time and helping with fundraising events.

Fundraising: Saturday 10th October - Quiz Night, 7.00 for 7.30pm This will be held in Meldreth Village Hall.

This will be a fun quiz for teams of six. If you can’t get a full team, please do still join us and we can include you in another team. Tickets cost £10 each including supper and there will be a licensed bar and a raffle.

Fundraising Events Committee Why not become a member of our Fundraising Events Committee?

This committee, chaired by a Trustee, plan and organise our programme of events. Volunteers on this fun and lively committee are always needed to attend meetings and take part in the events.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (01763) 262262 admin@hsrsc.org.uk

Meldreth’s Community Access Point Free tuition in computer use Whether you are a complete beginner or want to learn more about getting the best out of your computer, our volunteer tutors can help you.

Interested? Call Ron on (01763) 262199 31

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

5.30pm Slimming World

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts 5.30pm Slimming World Classes for Children 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.30pm Slimming World

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.45pm Women’s Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group

10.00am-12.00pm Handbell Ringing

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

4.00 - 6.00pm Martial Arts Classes for Children

5.30pm Slimming World

7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics

7.30pm Slimming World

DID YOU KNOW? Meldreth Matters is available online at free.yudu.com 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing

7.30pm Slimming World

5.30pm Slimming World

Thur

2.00-4.00pm Companions 6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis 7.30pm Paris

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.30 pm WI

6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.30pm Slimming World

5.30pm Slimming World 6.00-7.00pm Brownies

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates 7.00 - 9.00 p Tennis

7.30pm Slimming World

6.00-7.00pm Brownies

T

Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. The Prayer Group meets at 85 N Councillors’ Surgeries, Meldreth Local History Group and the ‘Coffee Break’ mornings are held in Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trinity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Clo 32

ry - September 2015

rsday

Friday

m Good

Saturday

Sunday

10.30am - 12 noon Coffee 8.00am Holy Communion Break

m Fitness

2.00-5.00pm FOHT Car Show, Holy Trinity (see page 23)

m Table

sh Council 8.00am Holy Communion

m Fitness Copy deadline for the October issue of Meldreth Matters

9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Sunday School

m Fitness m Table

2.30-6.00pm Tea Dance

m Fitness

8.00am Holy Communion

pm Table

2.30pm Afternoon Tea at the Ritz (see back cover)

Term starts on hursday 3rd September

The copy deadline for the October issue of Meldreth Matters is Saturday 12th September

North End. Good Companions, A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Meetings, District & County the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin Way. Brownies & Melbourn and Meldreth ose. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk There will was no Parish Council meeting in August. The next meeting will be on Thursday 3rd September at 7.30pm in the Green Room of Meldreth Village Hall.

Below are the notes of the Annual Village Meeting which was held in the Village Hall on 21st May 2015 There were no apologies received.

There were 50+ members of the public in attendance.

The Parish Council put up display boards for the use of village groups to display information about their activities, as it was hoped that this would allow residents to see what the village has to offer. These reports were also available in printed format.

The notes of the 2014 meeting were agreed as read and proposed by Mr C A Land and seconded by Mr S Hawkins.

Chairman's Report: Mr S Hawkins read out his report Attendance at meetings (out of 11) Mr S Hawkins (11), Mrs J Fallon (11), Mr C A Land (11), Mr. N Pellat (7), Mr R Searles (10), Mr D Stewart(11), Mr A Keena (3/6), Mr J Fenner (4/6), Mr. D Lee (2/2), Mr G Borgonon (2/2), Mr J Chamberlain (2/2) Planning There were 45 planning applications during the year. The Parish Council recommended approval of 21, with “No Objections” for 16 and recommendations for refusal for 8. In addition to planning applications there were three applications for tree work and eight for information only.

Village Precept The Meldreth Precept has been set at £55,500. This represents an increase of 0.04% from last year for the average Band D property to £74.32. This has been kept as low as possible but the Parish is having to pay for items normally covered by SCDC and CCC as well as village maintenance and costs, as we know, are always increasing.

Renewable Energy Following the installation of solar panels behind Bury Lane Fruit Farm and modifications to the adjacent sub station, the Parish Council has been granted funds by the operators for “Community Projects” suitable ideas are being sought.

34

Dog Fouling This continues to be a problem both on the recreation ground and public footpaths. Additional signs and bins have been installed but the onus must rest with owners to clear up after their pets.

Financial Assistance The Parish Council has limited funds to aid local groups. Any group wanting assistance should apply to the council by 11th November for consideration for grants to be awarded in April 2016. This is to enable proper financial planning for next year’s precept.

Recreation Ground and Pavilion Plans are continuing to provide an extension and improvements to the pavilion. Further progress on this is dependent on raising funds through grants and donations. Improvements have been made to the children’s play area.

Mettle Hill The Search for suitable uses for the Mettle Hill site continues. See below for details of a presentation to the meeting by the Mettle Hill Working Group.

Youth Club Meldreth Parish Council is working with Melbourn and other local villages to support youth activities.

New Council Last year three Councillors decided to step down after years of loyal service to the village. Unfortunately, despite our campaign in Meldreth Matters no new volunteers had come forward to replace them, leaving us 33% short of our quota. The Council has co-opted three new Councillors since then. We will be looking for one more Councillor later this year as one of our current members will be moving out of the village.

I [Mr Hawkins] have resigned as Chairman this year and Councillor Alan Land has been appointed Chairman. Councillor Robert Searles remains as Vice Chairman.

Once again it has been a year full of business for the Council. I would like to thank on behalf of the village all members of the Council for the work they have done on the various sub committees and working parties throughout the year.

Finances (read out by the Clerk) These figures are presently being inspected by the Internal Auditor so may be amended. Once they have been approved they will be submitted to the External Auditor.

The accounts for 2013/14 have been audited satisfactorily and have passed the external inspection. The draft accounts for 2014/15 are available for inspection. It is recommended that general reserves should allow the Council to operate for a year without any income.

35

Apart from the general increases along with an increase in the street lighting, there has been expenditure on the burial ground with further work expected in this financial year; it is hoped to have the front seeded with wild flowers and a possible rose garden as well as getting the shed painted. This is once the problem with rabbits has been solved. A new burial book was also purchased.

The previous book was the first used and has recorded the burials since 1922 when the burial ground first opened. The play area has had new railings installed; it is hoped that this will help alleviate the dog fouling problem which was of concern especially in this area where children play.

The closed churchyard has had no funds spent on it this year. However it is hoped that the next stage of repairing the church wall will take place this financial year.

The accounts were also distributed within the report which was given out to all attendees.

Bank Reconciliation March 31st 2015 Balance brought forward:

143,426

Total income

95,606

Total expenditure

83,484 (incl VAT)

Balance Uncleared cheques

155,548 547 27 156,122

Bank Statements 0724

84,867

8384

1,606

1363

69,649 156,122

SCDC Report Councillor Philippa Hart's report was attached to the main report. However. she had some information on the 2016-31 Local Plan which she felt should be included. The plan, which SCDC had published last year and which has been undergoing a public inspection, has now been officially suspended. It was felt that the new housing planned did not match the land required and was therefore felt to be an inadequate proposition. This may mean increased pressure on the green belt as they start looking for more land to meet the demand for the proposed house build.

36

Mettle Hill Presentation A slide show of the land as it presently looks was shown. A presentation was then given by Councillor Philippa Hart and members of the Mettle Hill Working Group.

The state of the site was discussed as it presently stands. To clear the land and make it safe would cost approximately £28,000.

The group decided that its brief should take into consideration the following: 1. Affordable and achievable use, with permanent presence on the site 2. Longevity 3. Sustainability 4. Demand 5. Be at least cost neutral and produce an income if possible 6. Ownership 7. Encouraging young people to live in the village.

Options that have been looked at to date 1. Work/live and self build – option of building and starting up a small business, thereby reducing commuting. Small start up businesses which will give options to all people.

2. Self build or custom build – these can be custom built or self-built houses and they tend to be cheaper than market priced housing. The Parish Council would retain ownership of the land and rent it out.

3. Park homes – these are pre-fabricated homes. The site could hold 30-40 homes comfortably and produce an income. The land would remain under the ownership of the Parish Council but would give an annual income. These homes have traditionally been used by retirees, however younger people (45+) are now purchasing them.

4. Do nothing but make it safe.

5. Sell - the showmen have offered to purchase the land to house retired showmen.

A park home developer has offered to purchase at considerably more than the purchase price.

Planning At the moment half of the land has agricultural permission and the other half is for traveller development. There may need to be a 'Change of Use' application which may not be easy and comes, depending on what is being proposed and the complexity of the scheme, with a cost of approximately £20,000. The Local Plan does not allow residential communities to be set up outside the village envelope. Planning officers, in so far as they are prepared to give an 37

opinion, have indicated that a park home development might be treated more favourably than other residential uses; the other ideas could establish a precedent for similar developments outside the village envelope and South Cambs is vulnerable to opportunistic planning applications at the moment because the Local Plan is currently suspended, pending an inspection by the Government Planning Inspector.

Councillor Searles explained the village envelope and building regulations.

You may build within the village envelope, social housing can be outside the envelope but it has to abut it on one of the boundaries. The development at Burtons was put to a panel and the Secretary of State as it was an exception to the rule because it does not abut the village envelope but no other land was available. Since then further land has come forward which now has housing.

This would indicate that the land at the back of Burtons would not be allowed to be developed into housing.

In the case of Mettle Hill the planning permission for the travellers’ site is still valid as there is no time limit once building work has started.

Public Open Discussion - Q (question), A (answer), C (comment) Q. If the decision is for work units, what is stopping travellers from moving in?

A. The Community Land Trust would be enforced. The land is owned by the community and has a different legal use. There is a tenancy rule whereby the community own the land and are able to make the rules. The metal containers proposed are not caravans and are used as a work place and businesses have to be run from the building/container.

C. This is quite a visionary aspect and live/work units have been successful in other areas.

Q. When this first came about were the Showmen's Guild interested in renting the land for retirement homes?

Q. If there is varying interest from different parties could the land be divided between them?

A. A mixed use site has been discussed. However, before a decision can be made on that ideas for all uses are being sought which can be put forward to the whole community.

Q. Weren’t other ideas, including a woodland burial ground also put forward?

A. The present burial ground has had few burials over the past couple of years, as cremation is becoming more popular. There is ample space in the cemetery.

Q. What about solar panels?

A. This was looked into but the land is not large enough to make it a viable commercial option to an external developer.

38

C. The Chairman stated that there would be legal agreements with the site, what is being asked for at this moment are ideas of what the land can be used for. There needs to be an indication of what the village want.

C. Mr Searles suggested that a village questionnaire be hand delivered to every household as was done with the Parish Plan.

Q. Does it need to be a residential development?

Q. What are the practicalities of mixed use?

A. Half of the site already has hard standing areas and there is a gate at the side which leads to the field, which is the part under agricultural use. So it would be possible to have a mixed use. What the Parish Council need is an indication of what villagers do and do not want.

Conclusion Mettle Hill questionnaire to be designed and sent out to all villagers with results collated by the Mettle Hill Working Group. Volunteers will be needed to distribute the questionnaire.

Solar Panel Community Funding Meldreth Parish Council has been offered a one-off cash payment of £50,000

by SunEdison, operator of the Bury Lane Solar Farm and £12,000 (index linked) per year for the next 20 years from Lightsource, who are building two solar farms in nearby Melbourn and an new sub-station in Meldreth to handle the power generated.

The offers were made after planning permission had been given. The monies should benefit the whole community so the Parish Council are seeking ideas from the village on how best to spend this money. The types of projects SunEdison would be in favour of are: Installation of solar panels on village hall/local school – this is quite popular due to the energy saving and revenue stream from the subsidy with the panels.

Contributions towards rebuilding village hall.

Improved stiles and signposting on local footpaths.

Provision of village playground and bird nesting habitat provision and nest boxes/habitat and ecological improvements.

Other ideas which have come forward are: Improved access at Meldreth Railway Station – DDA compliant ramp and properly maintained pathway. The cost of the DDA compliant ramp leading down from the London platform to the bottom of the steps would cost £45,000. The pathway to Melbourn would then need to be upgraded, including lighting and provision made for its adoption.

39

Mettle Hill - the village has already paid to purchase the site at a cost of £122,500. Clearing the land is estimated at £28,000.

Pavilion: to improve and extend the pavilion would cost approximately £80,000. The Parish Council has allocated £25,000 towards this project.

Village Hall – quotations being sought for solar roof panels Local Infrastructure: traffic calming - two chicanes in Whitecroft Road, a dropped kerb opposite the station and traffic calming on Mettle Hill.

Chicanes cost £5,000, new kerbing is £650 per 20 metres.

Community Transport – any extra funding would be welcomed.

Councillor Searles reported that larger projects could also be considered. The annual payment of £12,000 could be used to pay off the capital of a loan as was done to purchase the land at Mettle Hill. A loan was granted by Public Works Loan Board which has a lower fixed rate of interest specifically for organisations like Parish Councils.

Allotments The Parish Council have a statutory duty to provide allotments if there is a demand. Councillor Hart reported that she has 16 private plots with one person on the waiting list. If six residents inform the Council that they would like an allotment then they will have to be provided.

Communication Is there a better way for information to get to residents? All agendas and minutes are on the website but not everyone looks at this. Is it possible to improve the website? Councillor Stewart reported that he would be interested in having an email system in operation. Councillor Searles stated that Orwell have a village email system but the Clerk explained that there have been problems with this over the past year which it is hoped have now been rectified.

Mrs Searles, from the floor, suggested thanks were due to Councillor Hart and the Mettle Hill Working Group for all their hard work.

Mr Hawkins thanked everyone for attending and informed the meeting that he had stepped down as the Chairman of the Parish Council and introduced Councillor Land as the new Chairman.

The meeting closed at 10.00pm.

Meldreth Parish Council The official Minutes of Meldreth Parish Council are those signed in Public Meetings by the Chairman. They are available for public inspection from the Clerk and can also be accessed on the Parish Council website at www.meldreth-pc.org.uk or on the Parish Council notice board opposite the One Stop shop.

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Meldreth Parish Council contact details: Web: www.meldreth-pc.org.uk; Email: parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Telephone: (01763) 269928. For contact details of Parish Councillors, see page 64.

Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Meldreth SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon.

By appointment at other times.

Reporting Faults and Problems Please report faulty streetlights by using freephone number 0800 7838 247, giving the SC or CCC identification number, street name, village and fault description.

Problems on the roads, including potholes and poor pavement surfaces should be reported on the Cambridgeshire County Council website: http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/Highways/ ReportProblem1.aspx.

Meldreth Parish Council

Refuse Collections

ROYSTON FENCING

Collections in September will be on the following dates:

TEL 01763 261150

Black bins: 5th*, 18th

FENCING, GATES INCLUDING ELECTRIC MADE TO ORDER

Blue and Green bins: 11th, 25th

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND GATES

* day late due to public holiday

SHEDS AND GARDEN FURNITURE

Green Bin Collections As last year, green bin collections will be changing to monthly over the winter as far less compostable waste is put out for collection.

DECKING, PATIOS & PERGOLAS SLEEPERS, PAVING & NATURAL STONE WWW.ROYSTONFENCING.CO.UK

Monthly collections will start at the end of November, returning to fortnightly in March 2016.

KNEESWORTH RD. MELDRETH ROYSTON

41

County Councillor’s Report Recent Household Flooding I have received reports that sadly, storms commencing on 16th and 17th July brought renewed flooding to a number of properties in the village. The County Council, which deals with surface water drainage on public highways, needs to be made aware of instances of flooding if pressure is to be brought to bear for drain inspection and remedial work. Please report any instances of flooding by logging a report at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20081/roads_and_pathways/10/ roadworks_and_faults. That said, I am painfully fully aware that some residents have taken the trouble to report highways faults and have had no response. Please do let me know if you have experienced this.

Meanwhile, I have asked Highways for an update. They have promised to investigate a broken pipe discovered while jetting in the High Street near the Primary School; also, they have discovered a broken foul water pipe at the Stocks and have reported this to Anglian Water, whose responsibility it is.

On a positive note, thank you again to everyone who has been working to maintain drainage ditches on their properties; for example along College Farm bend.

Mind in Cambridgeshire: local mental health service now underway The first full day of Mind in Cambridgeshire’s Melbourn Hub public mental health service took place at the end of July and the next service is scheduled for 27th August.

The autumn sessions will be held between 9.30am and 4.00pm and are scheduled for the following dates: 25th September 30th October 26th November 18th December These one-on-one sessions last one hour and are intended to provide practical advice and signposting to more specialist support if necessary.

All sessions are free of charge and appointments can be booked via the self-referral form at www.mindincambs.org.uk. Funding is provided by Cambridgeshire County Council and the Melbourn Hub itself is maintained by the parish of Melbourn. The Mind service is open to residents of all villages in the area.

42

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group The group meets next on 17th September, at 7.00 for 7.30pm in Shepreth Village Hall. We will have updates on the situation at Foxton Level Crossing where the pedestrian gates have been out of action for almost six months, and the whole array of access to rail service issues we always cover. Please do come along if you are interested.

Drop-in Advice Surgery My next surgery will be on Monday 7th September, from 2.30-3.30pm at the Melbourn Hub. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to get in touch at any time with matters of concern.

Change of Email Address I am switching to a new email address, listed below. I’m very sorry for the bad emails that went out from my Yahoo account over the summer on two occasions when I was hacked.

Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com (01763) 261833

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District Councillor’s Report Fillcup Field planning application, Meldreth Road - greenhousing and associated energies This application was heard by the SCDC Planning Committee on 5th August. Permission was granted under delegated powers by a 10:2 vote. Delegated powers mean that planning conditions will now be negotiated by the Planning Department with the applicant and will be attached to the permission. These will address among other things traffic routing, environmental safeguarding and the possibility of a pavement at least along the most exposed parts of the route between Meldreth and Shepreth.

Mettle Hill Watch out for the briefing document and questionnaire which should come through your doors at the beginning of September. We are asking the village for its views on the way forward for the former travellers' site. Details will be given about where your completed questionnaires can be delivered.

Meldreth Manor and Orchard Manor Schools Scope, the charity which runs the Manor Schools, has confirmed the very sad news that they have agreed proposals to close the schools next year. Permission was granted in 1963 for an educational establishment for 120 disabled children and the Manor School has therefore been a presence in the village and a beacon for the care of disabled youngsters for over 50 years. I reproduce here the statement which Scope has issued and urge you to take part in the consultation detailed therein.

"Scope has announced proposals to close Meldreth Manor School and Orchard Manor Transition Service in March next year. A trend by local authorities to place disabled children in mainstream and nonindependent specialist schools has contributed to drastically low enrolment and an unsustainable financial position. Scope is unwilling to compromise on the quality of support and education provided and unable to continue losing money running the services. This is not a reflection of the staff who work hard to provide education, care and support each person who attends Meldreth Manor School and Orchard Manor Transition Service. Consultation began on 27th July and closes on 17th September. Scope’s Board of Trustees will carefully consider all alternative proposals and feedback before making a final decision. If you would like to contribute to the consultation please email consultation.meldreth@scope.org.uk."

44

Your local councillors met with representatives of the school on 14th August to learn more. There will only be 17 children and young adults on the combined school rolls from September, yet the number of staff needed to run the service and maintain the 13-acre site is 150 employees. Recruitment is very difficult, with comparable local employers able to offer better salaries and benefits. As a result Scope has to engage a high proportion of agency staff at a high cost. As stated above, Scope is happy to hear from as many stakeholders and interested persons as possible as part of the consultation process.

Philippa Hart District Councillor, Meldreth and Shepreth Ward philippajhart@btinternet.com 07811 323571 or (01763) 261255

Volunteering Opportunities The following organisations are looking for volunteers. If you need volunteers for your group or organisation, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Opportunities in Meldreth Alzheimer’s Society A volunteer is required to help support an activity group for people living with dementia on the first Tuesday of every month from 10.00am to 12 noon at the Community Room, Elin Way, Meldreth. If you are interested and would like more details about the volunteering opportunity then please contact Joshua Pearce on 07766 058767 or email joshua.pearce@alzheimers.org.uk.

Pre-School We are looking for a new treasurer as well as general committee members. You don’t have to be a parent to help; anyone from the village would be welcomed. If you are interested please contact us for more details by emailing preschool@meldrethpreschool.com.

Opportunities in Royston and the local area Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire See feature on pages 30-31 for details of volunteering opportunities.

45

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If that’s the kind of relationship you want with your accountant, give us a call.

Bracey’s Accountants (Cambs) Limited HFL House 1 Saxon Way Melbourn Cambs SG8 6DN Tel: (01223) 929150 Email: tracey@braceys-accountants.co.uk

MELDRETH WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meldreth Village Hall Hig h Street, Meldreth Tel: Karen 01763 243604

46

Views Wanted on Future of District Council Elections A consultation has been launched to ask how often elections should be held to appoint councillors to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Local residents, businesses and other organisations are being asked whether there should be a move to ‘all-out’ elections of the whole Council once every four years, or preservation of the current ‘by thirds’ system of electing one-third of Council seats each year for three successive years out of four.

The change is being considered ahead of a scheduled boundary review later this year by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE). The review will see wards - the geographical area councillors cover – adjusted to ensure that all District Councillors represent approximately the same number of electors.

As part of the review, LGBCE will consider how many councillors are needed to effectively represent South Cambridgeshire residents. If the Council continues to elect ‘by thirds’, the Commission will look to introduce three-councillor wards across the district. An ‘all-out’ election cycle - which would begin in 2018 at the earliest – would see a mixed ward pattern, favouring single-councillor wards where possible.

Currently, 57 councillors serve four-year terms representing 34 wards across South Cambridgeshire. Depending on their size, some wards have one councillor while others have two or three, meaning that some residents are eligible to vote in District Council elections more frequently than others.

Councillor Sue Ellington, Chair of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Civic Affairs Committee, said: “There are pros and cons to both options for running our elections in the future. We’d like as many residents, partners and other organisations as possible to give us their views and all feedback will be considered ahead of a vote on the matter by all councillors later this year.”

The consultation closes on 18th September 2015. More background information and an online survey form can be found at www.scambs.gov.uk/local-elections-consultation. Paper surveys are also available from richard.may@scambs.gov.uk or by telephoning (01954)713366.

Anna Efford, Communications Officer 47

News from Heidi Allen MP Parliament may be in recess but that hasn’t meant South Cambridgeshire’s Heidi Allen has taken a break! From supporting local innovation through to the opening of a local fete near you, life as an MP goes on for Heidi.

A week before Parliament’s recess Heidi was presenting prizes at the Girton Feast. Taking in the atmosphere, and a wonderful display of baking by the Cambridge Ladybird WI Heidi said “It was a lovely display of community spirit and fantastic to see so many young children getting Above: Heidi with WI members at the Girton Feast involved with the WI baking”. Saturday 18th July may have been an escape from the dizzying heights of Westminster but not from those of the Helter Skelter as the Duxford Village Show was opened by Heidi making the short trip from the top of the tower to the recreation ground below.

However, the easy goings of village fetes have been broken up by the more serious side of an MP’s work. A parliamentary reception saw Heidi sponsor South Cambridgeshire based Alzheimer’s Research UK as they looked to MPs from all parties for help in identifying desperately needed funding for research.

Following on from July’s article, Heidi’s work on the House of Commons’ Work and Pensions Select Committee has begun to take shape. The agenda has been set and a meeting is planned with the local Papworth Trust to discuss the government’s work programme.

The cross party relations of the select committee have not been left in Westminster though. To highlight her commitment to cross party relations Heidi held a meeting on 17th July with all non-Conservative local councillors so they could raise any issues they had.

48

With a growing economy comes local innovation.

Heidi’s nomination of Girton based Visualplanet’s touchfoil product for an award from the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group is evidence of the exciting businesses springing up all over South Cambridgeshire.

Touchfoil is a large format selfadhesive clear film sensor that turns any non-metallic surface into a table-style touch screen.

Speaking about the work carried out by Visualplanet Heidi said “This is one of those rare examples of a simple idea being turned into a phenomenal business opportunity…

I challenge anyone not to be impressed by this example of British innovation at its best.”

Heidi’s next surgery date will be held from 4.00-5.00pm on Friday 18th September in Bassingbourn. If you would like to make an appointment, contact Heidi about an issue, or find out what else she has been up to, visit www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk, email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or telephone (01954) 212707.

Alex Lyons-Negus Administrative Officer

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

Telephone: 01954 269259

Pet & Livestock Feeds, Bedding, Hay & Straw, Wild Bird Food New Lines: Rat Poison, Road & Water Softener Salt

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49

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Solar Photovoltaic Panels Group Discount Scheme Back in 2011 a group from Coton got together to form a solar PV panel bulk purchase scheme. The resulting eCoton scheme allowed 75 residents from South Cambs to install solar panels at a reduced price. Now, in 2015, a group of volunteers from the Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership are organising a second scheme, ‘eCoton Solar Savers’, open to all property owners in South Cambridgeshire.

Prices of PV panels have come down significantly since the first eCoton scheme. In fact, they are now around half the price that they were in 2011! The largest domestic system is around £6,000, although eCoton Solar Savers (2015) hope to negotiate a lower price. Financial returns are partly through savings on electricity bills and partly through the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT), the government payment scheme to homeowners.

This has been reduced since 2011 but the ‘payback period’ is still about seven years and panels can be expected to last for 20–25 years. If you would like to register interest in this scheme, send an email to ecoton.solarsavers@gmail.com. When prices are arranged, you will receive details and then be invited to attend an information meeting on Wednesday 23rd September in Haslingfield, where you can meet the SPEP volunteers running the scheme and the solar panel installation company. Following this, the installers will arrange for an assessor to visit your property to establish its suitability for solar panels.

Should your property be suitable for solar panels, then it is only at this point that you would need to decide if you want to proceed. All contracts and payments will be made between you and the installer – the role of SPEP volunteers is to set a price with the installer and set up the scheme. eCoton Solar Savers is open to anyone with a property in the South Cambridgeshire area, so if you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint and making a sound investment then register and save with solar!

For more information on SPEP, please visit https://www.scambs.gov.uk/ content/sustainable-parish-energy-partnership.

Amanda Fuller 50

Public Notice Speed Restriction (40mph) and 2-way traffic lights Kneesworth Road To whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given that Matrix Networks has made an application to Cambridgeshire County Council to implement an Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as follows: To temporarily introduce a 40mph speed limit on the following length of Kneesworth Road, Meldreth in the District of South Cambridgeshire as specified below. The road is currently 60mph.

Road

Description

Kneesworth Road, Meldreth

From a point approximately 740 metres east of Chestnut Lane, approximately 1.7km west of junction with Whitecroft Road.

The speed restriction is scheduled to commence on 28th September 2015 for two days (times as signed on site) or where appropriate signs are showing and weather permitting, and is required for the safety of the public and workforce whilst electricity cabling work is undertaken.

Access for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained at all times during the speed restriction.

The Order will come into effect on 28th September 2015 and may continue in force for five days or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

All enquiries please contact Jake Juszkiewicz, Matrix Networks, Lower Green, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6NL. Email: Jakejuszkiewicz@matrixrenewables.co.uk

51

Local Events in September Here is a selection of events happening nearby in September.

To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Until Sunday 4th October Ruskin’s Turners The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge has an exhibition of 25 watercolours given to it in 1861 by John Ruskin. This includes those made for engraving and book illustration as well as landscape watercolours. None of these works can be lent outside the museum so this is a unique opportunity to see them. Shiba Gallery. Free. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk Until Sunday 25th October ‘From Eric Ravilious to Grayson Perry’ The Fry Gallery at Saffron Walden is showing works by the 'Bardfield Artists', from the arrival of Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious around 1930, through wartime and beyond to the emergence of Essex village, Great Bardfield, as a centre for British art and design. www.frygallery.org Saturday 5th September, drop in 11.00am - 3.00pm Cambridge Botanical Garden Family Event: Leaf Window Art Want to brighten up your bedroom? Then come along to this drop-in session where we’ll be trapping real plants inside sticky back plastic to make colourful decorations to hang in your window. £3 per child, payable on the day. Normal garden admission for adults. Parents/ carers to stay. No booking required. Telephone (01223) 331875 or visit www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

Saturday 5th September, 12.00 noon to 4.30pm Stourbridge Fair at the Leper Chapel Cambridge’s oldest complete building, the Leper Chapel on Newmarket Road, will host a re-enactment of the famous medieval Stourbridge Fair. Visitors will be able to browse stalls selling much of the fair produce that was typical at the time and will be entertained by dancers, musicians, singers and storytellers. Free event but donations appreciated to support the upkeep of the Chapel. Directions: the Chapel is located at Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ, opposite Cambridge United Football Ground.

Please park in nearby streets (no parking on site) or come by bike or bus. There are no toilet facilities at the Chapel. For more information 52

email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, telephone (01223) 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on.

Sunday 6th September, 2.30pm to 5.30pm Hinxton Watermill Open Day with teas in Hinxton Village Hall. Drop in and explore this impressive 17th century working watermill built on a site dating back to the Doomsday Book. £3 for adults, £1 for children. No need to book. Directions: Mill Lane, Hinxton CB10 1RD. For more information email bookings@cambridgeppf.org or telephone (01223) 243830.

Mondays, 7th, 14th, 21st September, 10.00am to 11.00am Buggy Boot Camp, Wimpole Hall Fun, fitness and fresh air in a beautiful National Trust setting. Adults £6. This programme has been designed for mums with their babies and toddlers. ‘Help regain your strength and confidence…and make friends for you and your baby.’ All sessions are designed by a qualified pre/ post natal fitness instructor. For more information contact Elisa Turner on 07900 431675 or email elisaturner10@hotmail.com.

Saturday 12th September, 7.00pm BBQ and Ceilidh in Aid of Save the Children, Barkway Village Hall with ‘Tam Lin’ and caller. Tickets £14 adults, £7 children. Two course barbecue with a welcome drink included. Cash bar. For tickets please contact Liz on (01763) 838172.

Sunday 13th September, 10.00am ‘Autumn Walk and Hedgerows at Coton Countryside Reserve, A 2-2½ hour autumnal countryside walk around the reserve. Free event but donations are always welcome towards the reserve’s upkeep.

Booking essential: please email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, or telephone (01223) 243830 extension 207. Directions: Meet at the reserve’s Martin Car Park, Grantchester Road, Coton CB23 7PZ. Saturday 26th September at 8.30 am Men’s Breakfast Meeting, Foxton Village Hall Helen Wordsworth will be the guest speaker and will be talking about parish nursing, its history and increasing relevance to our social needs today. To book your breakfast, or for further information, please contact Mark Howard on (01223) 503377, email Mark-Howard@UWclub.net or Tony Garrick on (01223) 510201 or email garrick.tony@gmail.com.

Compiled by John Crawforth 53

Royston Choral Society Royston Choral Society is delighted to welcome Andrew O’Brien as its new Musical Director following the retirement of David Boarder for health reasons after 17 years with the choir. Andrew took Heath Mount School Junior Choir to win BBC School Choir of the Year 2012 and one of his singing pupils won BBC Chorister of the Year 2013.

Commenting on Andrew’s fourteen years as Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, Bishop Michael Marshall said, ‘I have been astounded by his ability ... to draw out others’ gifts for making music – not least an ability to sing of which they had been unaware.’

Andrew says, ‘As my first work with Royston, on 21st November, I have chosen Brahms' stunning Requiem. This is not your average setting as it is written in German and not Latin. The setting of the words however is simply sublime and the choral writing is particularly stunning. There are moments where the listener is transported to another world. I adore this work and it is a piece I know the choir has never performed in its 40 history. I cannot wait to get started on this work and very much look forward to starting my journey with this choir. They already have a good reputation and I look forward to building on this.’

There could not be a better time for aspiring singers to join Royston Choral Society (RCS) and benefit from this talented new conductor’s expertise. RCS is a friendly choir with members from around the district, who all share an enthusiasm for singing. Just come along to Royston Choral Society’s next free Open Rehearsal on Tuesday 15th September 8.00pm at Royston Parish Church and join in for the evening. You will not be asked to sing on your own. The ability to read music is helpful but not essential. Being able to blend with others in your voice part is more important. Membership fees are modest.

There is a small charge for refreshments and a popular optional, 100 Club. Members often meet for a drink after choir and get together for a meal a couple of times a year.

For more information about Royston Choral Society, see our website, www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk, look out for our leaflet in libraries, or contact our Chairman, Heather Howard - telephone (01763) 249058 or email heather@lemonyellow.org.

Jenny Leitch Publicity Officer, Royston Choral Society 54

For Conscience Sake A short play to be performed in aid of Cecily’s Fund, educating children orphaned by AIDS in Zambia

Friday 25th September 7.30pm Melbourn All Saints Community Hall

This play is written and performed by a duo of Arthur Pritchard and Mike Casey – ‘the Plain Quakers’. It is set in WW1 and concerns the issues around those who objected to being called up for military service on conscientious grounds, against the backdrop of the growing militarisation of our present society, particularly in schools.

The proceeds will be shared between Meldreth Local History Group, who have done a lot of research into the villagers who were caught up in WW1, and Cecily’s Fund, which supports orphaned children through education. Children in Zambian society who have no parents suffer enormous deprivation – of home, sufficient food, security and any hope of achieving a healthy productive life unless they can get an education.

Cecily’s Fund supports up to 8,000 children each year out of the estimated million children orphaned through AIDS in the country.

Your support for this little charity would be enormously valued.

Tickets for the play cost £10 and include refreshments after the performance together with a chance to chat to the authors/actors.

Space is limited, so it is important to book in advance. Tickets are available from the following: Ann Barnes - courtspinney@hotmail.com or (01763) 261073 Bruce Huett - brucehuett@compuserve.com or (01763) 232855 Chris Duguid - chrisduguid@btinternet.com or 07946 484389.

Ann Barnes 55

Planning Matters Parish Council (meeting held 16th July) Reference and Address

Detail

Parish Council Recommend

S/1616/15/VC Land between railway and sewage disposal works, Royston Road, Melbourn

Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of Planning consent S/1427/14/FL for Solar Farm and Associated Works

Meldreth Parish Council recommend 'No Objection' to the detailed changes to the project.

However, they note that the splitting of the site into three seems to be a way to get around the Government’s new limitation on the proliferation of large solar sites and they would like to draw your attention to the letter dated 25th September 2014.

Royston Solar Projects

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

SCDC Decisions There were no decisions discussed.

Other Items: Fillcup Field, Shepreth S/2944/14/FL The matter concerning the Fillcup development was not received in time for the agenda. However, it was felt that a response from the Parish Council should be sent to SCDC as the time scale was short and it would not be able to wait until the next meeting. This application was to be discussed at an SCDC Planning meeting on 5th August 2015.

Meldreth Parish Council Editor’s note: SCDC approved the above planning application at the meeting on 5th August.

See letter on pages 6-7 and District Councillor’s report on pages 44-45 for more information.

Full details of all planning applications may be viewed at this website: http://plan.scambs.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display 56

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For grass cutting / weeding / fence painting / hedge cutting and handyman jobs as well.

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Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers: Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions”

Call David on 07749 850026 17 Flambards Close, Meldreth

All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for eligible funded 2 year olds and all funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted

For further information contact Anne McCrossen: 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

58

Melbourn Sports Centre Whatever the weather Melbourn Sports Centre has plenty of activities to keep you fit. Prices for table tennis, squash and badminton start at £4.85 per hour and there are lots of classes including boxercise, zumba, boot camp and body sculpture. Or why not visit our gym or swimming pool.

During the October half term we will have a swimming crash course, trampoline taster sessions and our Ofsted registered playscheme. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

For further details on these or any other activities, please visit our website, www.melbournsports.com, call in to the centre or telephone (01763) 263313.

Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Sports Centre

Can You Challenge Yourself for Charity?

Would you like to see Cambridge from a unique perspective? Do you know anyone brave enough to scale the 80 foot drop off the historic Cambridge Guildhall? Registration is open to be part of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Cambridge Abseil on Sunday 18th October. Sign up, take part and help raise valuable funds for EACH, who care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire. Spaces are limited so please book quickly to avoid disappointment. People who take part always feel a great sense of achievement – so even if you don’t have a head for heights why not push yourself to take part and raise money for a great cause at the same time! Entry fees are £15 per person, with a minimum sponsorship figure of £85 per person for anyone aged 17 and over or sponsorship figure of £30 per person for anyone aged 16 and under.

Minimum age for participants is 12 years.

Abseilers will be in the safe hands of professional company, Creation Climbing Centre, who will be running the event on the day. To sign-up for the abseil visit: www.each.org.uk/cambridgeabseil or telephone (01223) 204916.

Lucy Glover Supporter Services Administrator, EACH 59

Cost of Rural Crime Falls The cost of rural crime in Cambridgeshire has fallen 30% in the past twelve months thanks to an extensive police training programme and proactive intelligence operations. The new training programme, which has involved the majority of Cambridgeshire’s frontline officers, has been undertaken in partnership with local farmers, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and Countryside Watch and is believed to have played a key role in reducing the cost of rural crime from £2.4m in 2013 to £1.7m in 2014. Chief Inspector James Sutherland said, “Nearly all Cambridgeshire frontline officers are now specifically trained to deal with rural crime, which is a huge achievement for the Force – and indeed a first for the country. This knowledge and experience will be a hugely valuable operational tool and will greatly improve communication between officers and our rural residents.”

Stephen Hutchinson, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Cambridgeshire, said, “That there’s been an overall decline in the cost of rural crime over the last twelve months is welcome news. That said, problem areas remain and thieves continue to exploit weaknesses. So, while today’s survey contains some good news, it also highlights the need for rural communities to remain vigilant and put security at the forefront of their minds.”

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner

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HOME FOOTCARE

MELDRETH LANDSCAPES

Design & Layout Plans

Jane Cavanna

Hard Landscaping & Lighting

(MCFHP MAFHP)

Planting & Water Features

For all your chiropody needs in the comfort of your own home.

Pergolas, Decking, etc

Tel: 01763 261463

Call today to book:

01777 816696 or 07769 347903

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

iPLASTER SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

01763 260 526 07837 645173

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

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Local Links Cambridgeshire County Council County Councillor: Susan van de Ven Fix My Street

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk Email: susanvandeven5@gmail.com www.fixmystreet.com (Report, view, or discuss local problems)

Govia/Great Northern

http://www.thameslinkrailway.com

Holy Trinity Church

Main website: www.meldrethchurch.org.uk Friends’ website: www.foht.org.uk

Melbourn & District Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Melbourn Hub

www.melbournhub.com

Melbourn Sports Centre

www.melbournsports.com

Meldreth History & Meldreth Today Meldreth Manor School

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk atschool.eduweb.co.uk/Meldreth/textandinfo/index.html

Meldreth Matters

free.yudu.com [search for Meldreth]

Melwood Conservation Group

www.melwood.btck.co.uk

Parish Council

www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk Email: heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk www.meldreth-pc.org.uk

Pre School

www.meldrethpreschool.com

Primary School

www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Rail User Group

www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup/

Royston CAB

www.adviceguide.org.uk

MP: Heidi Allen

Royston & District Community Transport Shape Your Place South Cambs DC Stagecoach Train times/tickets

http://www.roytrans.co.uk/ http://southcambridgeshire.shapeyourplace.org/ www.scambs.gov.uk www.stagecoachbus.com/cambridge/ www.qjump.co.uk/index.html 62

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

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

A10 Timber .................................... 22 Algarve Villa .................................. 22 Art of Clean .................................... 57 Art of Clean Wood ......................... 22 B2B Automotive ............................. 43 Boiler Juice ............................... Cover Bracey’s Accountants ..................... 46 Cam Valley Orchards ....................... 2 Cambourne Self Storage ................. 58 CHS Day Centre ............................ 12 CHS Group .............................. Cover College Farm B & B ....................... 21 Coton Electrical ............................. 58 The Country Store ......................... 61 Ely Design Group.............................. 2 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........ 22 Fen Feeds Limited .......................... 49 Gilhooly ......................................... 58 Granta Montessori Shepreth .......... 22 Home Footcare .............................. 61 iPlaster ........................................... 61 James, Handyman ........................... 57 JPK Plumbing and Heating ............. 18 Keyholes Driving School ................. 12

The Letting Centre ..................... Cover Lingualounge ................................... 18 Little Hands Nursery School ............. 58 Lynn Driscoll Footcare ....................... 2 MCT Construction .......................... 57 Melbourn Flooring .......................... 21 Melbourn Village College ................. 61 Meldreth Landscapes ........................ 61 Meldreth Plant Hire .......................... 13 Meridian Lawncare .......................... 57 Michael Easton Personal Trainer ....... 2 Moncraft Computers ....................... 18 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service 12 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ........ 9 Penn Farm Physiotherapy.................. 18 The Picture Framers ............................ 9 Richard Burns Electrician.................... 2 Rod’s PC Support ....................... Cover Royston Fencing ............................... 41 Royston Golf Club ............................. 9 Shelford Energy ................................ 18 Slimming World ............................... 46 Spice Hut Indian Takeaway .............. 21 Summit Landscapes........................... 57 63

Local Telephone Numbers Tennis Club: Tracy Aggett 243376 WI: Maureen Moody 260938 Meldreth United FC 07930 650036 Holy Trinity Church: Rev. Mary Price 261569 Adult Choir: Pauline Penfold 260163 Bells: Peter Hinton 262045 Friends: John Price 260048 Sunday School: Karen Lillie 261885 Melbourn: Doctors Surgery: appointments 260220 Dispensary 261246 Baby Clinic 262861 Library 269956 Village College 223400 U3A (Chris Davison) 264189 District Council 03450 450500 Housing Services 03450 450051 Waste, Recycling and Environmental Health 03450 450063 Councillor Philippa Hart 261255

Meldreth: Community Access Point 262199 Litter Picker: Mick Taylor 261118 Neighbourhood Watch: Police Co-ordinator Graham Borgonon 260358 Pre-School 07518 173653 Primary School 260432 Lunch Club - Nikki & Julie 07599 292327 Village Association (MVA) 07961 128323 Village Hall: Chairman: Paul Ray 260304 Hiring: Sherida Richards 262512 Meldreth Clubs and Societies: Babies & Toddlers Club: Lynda Heard 260545 Bowls Club: S. Lambert (01223) 207888 Croquet Club: Janet Pope 248342 Local History Group: Joan Gane 260129 Melbourn Mushroom Club 260258 Melwood Cons. Group: B Huett 232855 Revelation: Miriam Skuce 262440 Table Tennis: Christine Knight 261676

MELDRETH PARISH COUNCIL - CONTACT DETAILS http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Mr D Lee Mrs C J Fallon Mr J Fenner Mr S Hawkins Mr A Keena Mr C A Land (Chairman) Mr Nigel Pellatt Mr R A Searles Mr D Stewart

parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk david@oakrits.plus.com joan.fallon@btinternet.com julian.fenner@tomblackwell.co.uk s.hawkins@dsl.pipex.com alankeena@aol.com c.land963@btinternet.com nppellatt@btconnect.com robert.searles@btinternet.com derekstewart67@hotmail.com

269928 261571 262822 268523 261451 260267 261004 262444 260435 261562

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS Emergencies Crimestoppers Police (non emergency) S Cambs Fire & Rescue Cambridge CAB Royston CAB Childline Samaritans NHS Direct (24-hr service) Addenbrooke’s Hospital Report potholes (Highways) Royston Health Centre

Miscarriage Support Community Transport Anglian Water Cambridge Water Co. Gas Emergency Electricity Emergency National Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus Cambs County Council Councillor: S. van de Ven S Cambs MP: Heidi Allen Home-Start R. & S. Cambs

999 or 112 0800 555 111 101 01223 376283 08448 487979 08444 111 444 0800 1111 08457 909090 0845 4647 01223 245151 0345 045 5212 242981

Village shop opens 7 am - 10 pm 7 days Tel. 01763 262158

07906 559756 245228 08457 145145 01223 706050 0800 111 999 08007 838838 08457 484950 01223 433250 0345 045 5200 261833 01954 212707 262262

Station tkt office opens Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm Tel. 01223 453702

Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Cover & Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Founder Member: Ann Barnes

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The Letting Centre Setting Standards in Property Management •

Established 20 years and based in Melbourn, we manage around 100 properties in Cambridge and the surrounding area • We offer discounted management fees for multiple properties and free, no obligation visit to value for the purpose of rental • We have no ‘hidden’ fees and do not take commission on maintenance charges Call us for a Landlord Pack and Letting Centre leaflets providing information about fire, furniture, gas, electrical regulations or tax

The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039

Fax 01763 263458 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk

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