September 2018
In this issue … Croquet Club New Train Line Volunteering Opportunities Events include … FOHT Car Show
The Letting Centre Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With longstanding clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in Melbourn and surrounding area. Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack. The Letting Centre, 24b Orchard Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6HH Tel. 01763 263039 email enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk
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Contents What’s On
Children & Education
Christmas Tree Festival 15
Baby & Toddler Group 28
FOHT Car Show 18 & cover
Events for Children 32
Forthcoming Events 31, 44
Preschool 30-31
Local Events 40-44
Primary School 34-35
Summary of Meldreth Events 3
Transport
Village Groups
New Train Line 37
Croquet Club 16
Local/National Government
Friends of Holy Trinity 18
County Councillor 6-9
Friends of Maycroft 21
Parish Council 27
Photographic Club 19
Advice/Information
WI 20
Advertisers’ Index 48
Women’s Group 20-21
Make A Will Month 45 Gardens & Nature
Mobile Warden Scheme 11
Gardening 14-15
Neighbourhood Watch 10-11
Spotted Flycatchers 13
Refuse Collections 24-25
Local Facilities/Issues
Reporting a Highway Problem 38
Recreation Ground Report 4
Village Directory 46-47 Volunteering Opportunities 23
Cover: The Stocks and Whipping Post. Photograph by Kathryn Betts The opinions expressed in the letters and articles in this magazine are those of the writers, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within them.
The last date for copy is the 12th of each month. Copy should be submitted by email where possible, to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com 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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Editorial Welcome to the September issue of Meldreth Matters. Richard Burns and I represented Meldreth Matters at the 19th Community Magazine Awards in July. This is an annual event, hosted by the Cambridge Building Society. This year over 30 magazines were assessed by a panel of judges who took into consideration the editorial quality, community content, use of imagery and overall presentation, as well as the publication’s usefulness to those it serves. Once again, we came away empty-handed but were encouraged by the judges’ comments which included, “Substantial and info-packed, village diary is a great idea. Can't imagine a villager not buying this. Really useful village magazine.” The Awards are a great opportunity for us to chat to the editors of local magazines and to see the range of publications and formats produced and we are always on the look out for new ideas or ways of improving Meldreth Matters. Why not tell us what you like or don’t like about MM and maybe we will win an award next year? Please send your comments to meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Kathryn
September Events in Meldreth
Sunday 2nd
Friday 7th 8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Music with Wolf Pack All welcome: free entry licensed bar with real ale Eternit Sports & Social Club, Whaddon Road
2.00-5.00pm FOHT Car Show Holy Trinity Churchyard See page 18 and back cover for details
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Recreation Ground Report Residents will be aware that we reopened the recreation ground on Monday 6th August. We appreciate that the closure was inconvenient to regular users, especially at school holiday time. We could not reopen the facilities until it was confirmed by contamination experts that it was safe to do so and we were also bound by a minimum 28-day period. With those necessary requirements in mind, we opened the facilities as soon as we could and most residents appeared to agree that we acted swiftly and properly in these difficult circumstances. It was unfortunate that a small minority did not take this view and were abusive towards some of those trying to put the matter right. It was also a pity that anti-social behaviour resulted in fences being interfered with and warning notices torn down. The great majority of residents understood the need to err on the side of the safety and health of our residents – and of young people in particular. We appreciated the forbearance and support of the community. We also need to thank the Primary School for making an important contribution to communicating with parents. The area of the five-a-side pitch has needed to be resurfaced and reseeded and remains fenced off so we ask residents to remain clear of this area until the grass has re-established itself. As part of this we have needed for the time being to close off the path from Elin Way to the five-a-side location. Meldreth Parish Council
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County Councillor’s Report Police in the Community The way Police services are delivered in the villages has clearly changed. In recent years Police Community Support Officers were often out and about on village streets and the quarterly Neighbourhood Panel public meetings meant that any interested residents had a chance to be informed about what was going on, and to convey their concerns in person to the Police. That visible presence has gone. Anyone who now subscribes to eCops will be aware of the daily reporting of incidents around South Cambridgeshire villages – some less significant but others giving cause for concern. Recently I met with a Cambridgeshire Police Inspector to understand the reasons for change and to seek reassurance that our community is not being ignored. The following key points were made to me: Police priorities are domestic violence, modern slavery, sexual offences, child sexual exploitation and dwelling burglaries. This involves focusing on issues of vulnerability and harm and shutting down criminal gangs. Terrorism and cybercrime are dealt with by the Home Office. South Cambridgeshire has a very large number of Neighbourhood Watch volunteers who ‘want to do more’ – suggesting that there is capacity for ‘community resilience’ via community groups. The Crime and Disorder Partnership is the engine for district-wide problem solving and deals with hare coursing, fly tipping and ‘nightmare neighbours’. The following work is in progress: Better direct liaison with the parishes and councillors. A quarterly online survey to be introduced via all channels including eCops, twitter, school student mail, etc – designed to facilitate anonymous reporting. Useful resources: Crime mapping at Cambridgeshire Insight. See https:// cambridgeshireinsight.org.uk/ Report a crime on-line – anonymously if you like: https:// www.cambs.police.uk/. Click ‘Report a Crime’ at the top of the page. You can also subscribe to eCops via the website. 6
I’ll be proposing that Police representatives are invited to meet the parishes to help impart these changes to ways of working, and also to make sure local concerns are heard. Train Services: the slow trek back Thanks to everyone who has been in direct contact with us about difficulties with train services. In the wake of the catastrophic introduction of the May Thameslink timetable, Govia Thameslink implemented an ‘Interim Timetable’ on 15th July – designed to restore basic stability ahead of building back to full service. On the basis of user feedback, the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group and Community Rail Partnership has brought to GTR’s attention unacceptable peak time gaps and the justified perception that the three stations are being sacrificed for the bigger picture. In addition, a representation has been made to the Inquiry by the Office of Rail and Road. To address the key question of viable commuting lifestyles to and from our stations, and the restoration of the full timetable, a meeting with GTR has been agreed next month. Meanwhile advice is being shared on compensation, and particularly ‘consequential costs’ – not widely advertised by train operating companies but to which rail users are entitled. There is further concern that the compensation framework offered by GTR does not allow claims against the missing peak time service now embedded in the interim timetable. All of this and more information can be found at www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk. Transport Secretary Visits South Cambridgeshire Chris Grayling MP will be visiting South Cambridgeshire on 13th September. This presents an ideal opportunity for him to meet Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton rail users and to learn first-hand concerns about regularised peak time gaps in the interim timetable, unfair compensation anomalies and limitations, and the future of decent services in an area where people have settled precisely in order to travel and commute by rail – dependent not only on the train operating company but also on up-to-scratch Network Rail infrastructure. Unfortunately, Mr Grayling isn’t able to fit rail users into his schedule, but at least he’ll have the opportunity to experience the train service for himself on his journey here. Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group Meeting The next meeting will be held on 3rd October, venue to be announced. 7
Our Roads and Paths are Officially No Longer Declining! I submitted this question to the July full council meeting: 'Given the state of 'managed decline' of the County Highway network, which is reflected in the dramatic jump in numbers of potholes reported and compensation claims made thus far in 2018, should the County Council be reviewing and increasing its network inspection schedules?' The response I received states that inspection schedules need not be increased and claims that the Highway network is not in fact in a state of managed decline. This came as a surprise! Changes to Local Bus Services We’ve seen contrasting changes to local bus services. The subsidised 127/128 service has now been amalgamated to form the new 127, with a mix of changes but essentially still an expensive and bare minimum service. As I’ve reported previously, current funding arrangements are unsustainable and the future beyond this financial year is unknown. Recently the Campaign for Better Transport invited bus campaigners to contribute to its feedback to the Mayor in conjunction with the Mayor’s Bus Review. I attended this meeting, together with the Cambridge Area Bus Users Group. The strong consensus was that bus franchising should be deployed by the Mayor, as it represents a unique opportunity for redesigning services and critically, supporting services in rural areas like ours. Copies of the new timetable have been requested for the Elin Way Meldreth Community Room. It is also available online at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk, by clicking on “Buses”. Meanwhile, the Stagecoach 26 bus running from Royston through Melbourn, Shepreth, Foxton and Harston has been replaced by the Stagecoach ‘Busway A’, part of the Guided Busway network and running all the way to St Ives via Trumpington Park and Ride, Addenbrooke’s, Cambridge Station, Cambridge North Station and along the busway. This is a commercial service. Timetables have been requested for the Melbourn Hub, or you can look up the schedule at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables. A frequent connecting service to Cambridge and Royston should be the rule, not the exception – and it is possible, as Busway A shows! Community Sweeper Pilot This pilot project has been going very well, with a few test runs in the past month by a team of four volunteers, from the villages and 8
Royston. On its runs on the A10 path up to Harston, the team has collected a vast amount of dust and debris and tackled some residential streets that had not been visited for years. Thanks to Wyevale Garden Centre for helping out with storing the vehicle when needed. That’s all for now! Susan van de Ven County Councillor susanvandeven5@gmail.com 07905 325574
Drop-in Advice Surgery Unfortunately, in September we will be unable to hold our usual first Monday surgery at the Hub, but please contact us any time and we’ll do our best to help. We’ll be back at Melbourn Hub on the first Monday in October, from 3.00 to 4.00pm. Jose Hales and Philippa Hart, District Councillors Susan van de Ven, County Councillor
"It's the Economy, Stupid!" This Autumn, Royston WEA will be hosting a 10-week course entitled "It's the Economy, Stupid!". From 18th September to 27th November, with a break for half-term, Andrew Beharrell will explain how economies work, why there are winners and losers and why there are so many different opinions from different economists, past and present. The sessions will be held in Royston Town Hall on Tuesday mornings, between 10.00 and 11.30am. The cost is £54.75, but free for holders of certain benefits. For further information contact Pauline Baney on (01763) 248436 or email paulinebaney@hotmail.co.uk. Janice Clarke 9
Neighbourhood Watch Oil Tank Security As we near the end of the summer you may be thinking about stocking up on heating oil for the cooler autumn months, so it's a good time to also think about oil tank security. Even though heating oil theft is most prevalent in the first three months of the year when tanks are likely to be full and the days are short, thefts occur year-round, so it pays to be vigilant at all times. Tank Security Fit a sturdy lock to the fill cap of your tank and also to the vent cap, if possible). Consider installing a security cage or protective casing to your tank and any exposed pipes. Ideally, any casing should be locked with a closed shackle padlock, which can’t be easily broken with bolt croppers. Monitor Your Tank Check the tank gauges regularly to alert you to any sudden drop in oil level, which might indicate a theft. This action might also help the police in any subsequent investigation by narrowing down the times of the offence. Tank Placement Where possible, keep your tank out of sight. If installing a new tank, you should consider the placement very carefully. Ideally, your tank should not be visible from the road and should not be placed near any external gates or doors. Restricting access to the tank in the first instance is very important, so make sure your boundary walls and fences are up to the job and lock driveway access gates, doors and garages at night and when you are away. Security lighting Install a motion sensor security light to alert you to any late-night visitors. CCTV If you decide to install a system, you should also place a ‘CCTV’ sign on your gate to let any potential thieves know that you are taking measures to protect your property. Make sure to save any relevant CCTV recordings and pass on any other pertinent information to the police. 10
Signage A cheaper alternative to CCTV is to place a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign on your garden gate. Thieves tend to avoid houses that have dogs, as they may bark and attract attention during a theft. If you are going on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your oil tank and report any suspicious activity. As with any valuable item, you should check that your heating oil supply and tank are covered by your home insurance. If you discover that a heating oil theft has already occurred, you should call the non-emergency 101 police number and report the crime immediately. If you witness an oil tank theft in progress (an intruder inside or leaving a property), be wary of disturbing or approaching the intruder; instead, call the Police on 999. For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Graham Borgonon on (01763) 260358. Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme
Now operating in Meldreth Can we help you? Your relative? Your neighbour? What are our Services? The wardens make regular visits and telephone calls to provide social contact and friendship. They help people to keep safe and healthy in their homes and carry out errands around the villages for their clients, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and paying bills. Wardens assist clients to access other support they may need such as domestic help, home maintenance , meals or benefits etc. What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the services. The fee is only £6 per week (a little more for couples). How can I join? For more information please contact Jeannie on 07808 735066 or Jane on 07592 821976. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity 11
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Those Spotted Flycatchers Again! In the last issue of Meldreth Matters, we told you about the pair of Spotted Flycatchers which successfully raised a brood of four chicks near the churchyard, back in June. On 17th July it was noted that the female was sitting on the nest again and sure enough, on 19th July three eggs were seen in it. About 20% of successful early pairs will try for a second brood, often laying only two or three eggs. At the time, we were unsure whether this was the original pair, a new pair or the original bird with a new partner! We wanted to be 100% sure that this was the blue/red tagged pair.
The tagged Spotted Flycatcher in Meldreth Š Lee Barber (BTO)
On 28th July it was noted that one egg had hatched and the following day there were at least two chicks present. On 2nd August, nets were set up to try and catch and identify the parent birds as they had commenced feeding the young. The parents were caught and identified as the birds we had originally ringed/tagged. The chicks, three in number, were too small to ring at that stage, but were successfully ringed three days later. Two were of average size and one was very small. Young usually leave the nest at 12 -14 days, but may be delayed by bad weather such as the rain we had on 9th/10th August. On 9th August, a young bird was found perched on a fence and the nest was empty. Two days later, the adults could be seen in the churchyard but their behaviour did not indicate that they were feeding young. As we go to press there is no sign of the adult or juvenile birds in their usual territory. Let’s hope that the juveniles are all alive and that they all the birds survive their journey to Africa this autumn and return to us in the spring. Jan Butchers and Ken McLean 13
Notes from a Small Garden After nearly six weeks of no rain, the weather changed abruptly and we gardeners heaved a sigh of relief that we might get some evenings free from watering pots, hanging baskets and tomatoes. But the RHS in their magazine, The Garden, reminds us this month, in an article on taking care of plants and trees in pots, that rain does not provide much of a watering. I always reckon that pots need at least a third of a large watering can each time. But I love the smell of the garden after a dry patch relieved by gentle rainfall such as we had in mid August, despite the downpour on the second day of the cooler weather. On our return from two weeks away we were met with a lawn alive with large outgrowths of a false Acacia we had taken down last year, and what made the scene even more odd was that the lawn was covered with the flowers from a green Rhus! But everything in pots, hanging baskets, the tomatoes in the poly tunnel and my cuttings in the garden room were looking wonderfully well-watered and healthy. A public big thank you to my garden carer, especially when she had all her own plants to water as well! I have always been a poor recorder of what happens in our garden. I also have great difficulty remembering tips and information for this article as I’m very bad at writing them down. But last week we went to a lovely exhibition of Edward Bawden’s watercolours and lino cuts in the Fry gallery in Saffron Walden. There were some lovely prints to buy but my eye alighted on a garden diary illustrated beautifully by Bawden. He also puts in some useful gardening ideas and tips from William Corbett’s book, The English Gardener of 1827, although these are perhaps more suited to gardeners working on great estates! So now, so far, I am enjoying writing my diary up. If you want colour in your garden during August and September go on a garden “crawl”. You will soon see which plants flower well at this time of the year. My phloxes have done really well, montbretia or crocosmia x crocosmiliflora which seeds itself so freely, but is so colourful if kept under control. Luckily the plants are easily pulled out. My new red David Austin roses, Munstead Wood, Darcy Bussell and LD Braithwaite have done well too with regular watering! Moses in the 14
Bullrushes (tradescantia) doesn’t seem to mind the drought, which has been a useful discovery. Jobs for September Plant lettuces to overwinter; small cosmos lettuces such as “Little Gem”. Think about the structure of your garden. The autumn is a good time to think about plants and trees that you don’t want to be without. Pick tomatoes, autumn raspberries, blackberries, loganberries, apples, pears, plums and quinces. Freeze, bottle, make into jams, jellies, chutneys and wine if you are so inclined. September is the month when gardens are at their most prolific in terms of fruit and veg. Enjoy! This month’s Veg Club Plus meeting will take place on Tuesday 11th September at 5.30pm at Anne Braggins’ house, 90a High Street. Good gardening in September from Jim and me. Julie Draper juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk
Christmas Tree Festival This year’s Christmas Tree Festival will take place in Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December. If you're getting around to making your jams, jellies and chutneys following all the hot weather, please put some aside if you can, for us to sell on the produce stall at the Christmas Tree Festival. This stall is always vey popular and your generosity in the past has been much appreciated. If you enjoy baking it would be lovely if you could make a cake, either to sell on the day or to serve with tea or coffee. With many thanks for your ongoing support. Please call me on (01763) 260456 if you would like me to collect anything. Carol Osborne 15
Meldreth Croquet Club Meldreth Croquet Club has entered the East Anglian Croquet Federation Handicap League for the second year running. We play in the Central division which consists of six other teams. Meldreth have now played all six of their matches and have had a great deal of success, winning four games, drawing one and losing one. At the time of writing we are leading the League. However, as there are still a few matches for other teams to play, we may finish in second place: a great result for such a small club. The team consists of four when we play away as the other clubs have more than one lawn, but only three players are needed for our home games as we have only the one lawn. As most know, the lawn is situated behind the British Queen so players and visiting teams can enjoy playing croquet in a scenic location and also enjoy a drink and/or a meal in our excellent village pub. Golf croquet is an easy game to understand, is very sociable and fun to play, albeit a little frustrating at times! Novices can learn as they play, requiring only a little tuition covering the basics beforehand. A full game lasts about 45 minutes, and can be played as singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two). Each player is fully active throughout the game so there is no time to be bored. If you are interested in playing croquet, the U3A (Melbourn, Royston and Cambridge) run both beginners and improvers courses with mallets provided and Club sessions are held every Sunday morning and alternate Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, weather and lawn condition permitting, throughout the year. The club also play Association Croquet on a friendly basis on Thursday mornings. If you are interested in this game, please contact Robert Skeen on (01763) 262269 or email robertskeen@email.com. The Club contact for Golf Croquet is Roger Wallbridge, telephone (01763) 261405 or email rl38@myphone.coop. Lin Wallbridge 16
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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”
Contact : Campbell Weir Mobile : 07798 924022 Home : 01223 207583 Email : campbell.weir@outlook.com
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
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Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk This month’s event: Sunday 2nd September 14th annual Churchyard Car Show The recruitment of exhibits is virtually completed and we will have an eclectic mix of around fifty cars with the usual addition of some motor bikes and a few pedal bikes. Among the cars will be a selection of Ferraris dating from 1966 to 2010 - models 275GTB, Dino and 458 Italia, the latter previously owned by Chris Evans and Sir Chris Hoy. At the other end of the scale is a Pembleton Brooklands with an 800cc BMW motorcycle engine built by Pete Golsby over five years and driven by his wife Hazel, pictured. There will also be a 1927 Austin Swallow. This was developed by Sir William Lyons Swallow Sidecar Company; which in turn led to the creation of the SS brand being the foundation for Jaguars cars. Additional attractions in the church will be a model railway set up, with tea, coffee, cake and soft drinks in the Meeting Room and with music by the Memphis Jazz Band in the churchyard.
Future Events: Saturday 20th October “TEU World Tour” by Peter Hesketh A circumnavigation of the world by container ships - positively not a cruise. Saturday 24th November 2018 Wine Tasting by Noel Young Wines Early in 2019 A talk by Andy Malcom from the Fisherman’s Mission. John Price 18
Melbourn & District Photographic Club The new season starts with another full and varied programme for the autumn months. September’s meetings are as follows: 11th: Welcome Evening, talks by three club members 18th: Group photo critique by members 25th: Club Evening Meetings are held weekly from 7.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesdays at Foxton Village Hall from September to April. The Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. Anyone wishing to know more details or see some of our work should visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com or email the club Secretary, Peter North, at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com. Melbourn & District Photographic Club
We can make life a little easier Local Community Services at Moorlands Court
Day Centre Our friendly day centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Interesting activities, sociable atmosphere, home cooked lunch. Transport available for older people living in Melbourn and nearby villages. From ÂŁ8.40 per hour. To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email: denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
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Meldreth WI Periodically we invite members from other local groups to our meetings and in August, Jane welcomed several members from Foxton WI. Forthcoming meetings and events were discussed. On 22nd August we enjoyed a visit to Docwra’s Manor in Shepreth and then relaxed over a cup of tea at Teacake. On 19th September we will have our group meeting at Foxton where the entertainment will be a Ladies’ Barbershop Choir. Where would we be without our WI husbands? Alan is always there to put out the chairs and tables and last month Margaret Reid’s husband, Jim, took the pace of our booked speaker who was unable to come. Jim is very keen on entomology and gave a talk on Meldreth butterflies and moths, showing some very good slides of them. I didn’t realise there were so many to be seen in our area. Of special interest is the Raspberry clearwing moth Jim discovered here in Meldreth in 2008: not nearly as attractive as some of the butterflies. Thank you very much Jim. Next month’s will be an open meeting so please bring your husbands, sons, daughters, neighbours and friends. Our speaker will be Robert Burrage, who will be giving us an insight into being a royal protection officer (armed police). We will also be having a produce auction (fruit, jams, chutney and cakes). Do come along at 7.30pm on Thursday 13th September in the Village Hall. Kathleen Thompson
Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our meeting of 24th July was held in Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth. Sixteen members turned up not quite sure what to expect, as Pat Ames was leading us on a musical bingo evening. It turned out to be great fun and members were bursting into song as they recognised some of the tunes. Sue Toule gave a vote of thanks and will take a thank you gift around to Pat. Our September meeting will be on 25th, again in Meldreth and we look forward to another evening of entertainment as Kimmi leads us on a “Pointless” evening: think quiz. 20
The Joint Parishes Harvest Supper, which the Women’s Group are organising, will take place on 28th September in Meldreth Village Hall. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available from Sue Toule or Mary Bailey at a price of £6.50 which includes your first drink. Offers to make salads or cold apple pies would be appreciated. Once again, the Women’s Group will be holding a jewellery stall at the Melbourn Bazaar in November and we would be grateful for any donations; the earlier the better as this gives us time to prepare and price items. Please contact Pat Smith on (01763) 262575. If you would like to know more about the group please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Anne Harrison (01763) 261775, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130 or Kimmi Crosby. Pat Smith
Friends of Maycroft Writing in early August, we at Maycroft greet you. We have been looking back over the past few months of Meldreth Matters and are struck by the range of activities in Meldreth and surrounding villages in the diary; a picture of a vigorous community in which we live. By the time you read this our annual walk in support of Alzheimer Research UK will have taken place. A number of our residents are expected to take part and we would like to thank everybody who supported us in so many and various ways, not least sponsoring us. And so the year rolls on, school holiday, family at home and abroad, autumn hard on the heels of summer which has been so gloriously sunny, our children changing classes, teachers and schools, another generation of leavers setting out into the world, going into colleges or university, choices to be made … ahh the homes and dreams of youth … may life be good to them as they set out. Best wishes to you all. Carol and Ray 21
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Volunteering Opportunities Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire We are looking for home visiting volunteers for the Royston and Buntingford area. Our volunteers are all parents or grandparents who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope. All parents need emotional and practical help to get through the first few years, but not everyone has friends or family nearby. This is where Home-Start volunteers can help! For further information please contact us: Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP Tel: (01763) 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk, www.hsrsc.org.uk. Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire
Barrington Beavers Need Your Help Barrington Beaver Colony is having difficulty recruiting helpers for our weekly meetings. This may be because of the time of the meetings, which take place on Monday evenings from 5.00 pm until 6.00pm in Barrington Village Hall. Many parents work and find it hard to commit to these times If there are any retired people or people who work from home that may find the timing less of an issue, the Beavers (age 6-8 years) would love to see you. You do not need to have children in the group to be a helper. Please come and support the volunteers who give our children so much fun! For more information, or to offer help, please contact: Carol Alderton (Group Scout Leader) scouts.barrington@gmail.com Alexandra Coxall (Beaver Leader) barrington.beavers@outlook.com Barrington Beaver Colony 23
Meldreth Village Dia Monday
Tuesday
The copy deadline for the October issue of Meldreth Matters is Wednesday 12th September 9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
Wednesday
Thur
Refuse Collections Black bins: 4th, 18 Blue & Green bins: 11
10.00am-12.00 Handbells
9.15-11.15am Baby & 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts Toddler Group 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters
7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates
7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis 7.30pm Paris
School Te 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
9.30-11.30am Meldreth Local History Group 7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
7.30-10.00pm Old Time Dancing
9.15-11.15am Baby & 9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells Toddler Group 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 6.00-7.00pm Brownies 5.30pm Veg Club Plus, 90a High Street Copy deadline for 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics September issue 7.00-10.00pm Crafters
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates
10.00am-12.00 Handbells 10.40-11.30am Library 5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts 7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics 7.00-10.00pm Crafters
9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group
12.00-2.00pm British Queen
9.15am Cycling Group 10.00am-12.00 Handbells
9.15-11.15am Baby & Toddler Group
5.00-6.00pm Martial Arts
6.00-7.00pm Brownies
7.00 - 8.00pm Aerobics
7.30pm WI
6.00-7.00pm Brownies
6.00 - 6.45pm 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing Pilates 7.00 - 9.00pm Tennis
6.00 - 6.45pm Pilates
7.00 - 9.00pm 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing Tennis
7.00-10.00pm Crafters 7.45pm Women’s Group
Church Services and Bell Ringing are held at Holy Trinity Church. Cam Valley Crafters and Meld Way. Brownies, Messy Church & Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group meet in the Holy Trin lay-by opposite Holy Trinity Church. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise 24
ry - September 2018
sday
Friday
Saturday
8.00am Holy Communion 2.00-5.00pm FOHT Car Show, Holy Trinity Churchyard (see page 18 and back cover)
th 1th, 25th
m Fitness
m Table
Sunday
8.00am Holy Communion
8.30-11.00pm Live Rock Music with Wolf Pack, Eternit Sports & Social Club (see page 3)
2.30-6.30pm Tea Dance
h Council
erm Starts
m Fitness
9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club
m Pub Club, n
8.00am Holy Communion
m Fitness
m Table
m Fitness
9.45am Family Communion and New Seekers Children’s Club
7.30pm Harvest Supper (see page 21)
m Table
reth Local History Group meetings are held in the Sheltered Housing Community Centre, Elin nity meeting room. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. The Cycling Group meets in the e indicated. 25
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Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk There was no Parish Council meeting in August. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6th September at 7.30pm in the Green Room, Meldreth Village Hall. Details of the planning items that were discussed in August will be included in the October issue of Meldreth Matters. Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT
Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant (01763) 269928 Mr R Goddin (Chairman) (01763) 260061
parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk richardgoddin@gmail.com
Mr R A Searles (Vice Ch)
(01763) 260435
robert.searles@btinternet.com
Mrs C J Fallon
(01763) 262822
joan.fallonpc@gmail.com
Mr N Garner
(01763) 268328
nickphgarner@gmail.com
Mrs P Gilmore
(01763) 263138
patgilmore.mpc@gmail.com
Dr R James
(01763) 261085
roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Mr C A Land
(01763) 261004
conradland@btinternet.com
Mr Nigel Pellatt
(01763) 262444
nppellatt@btconnect.com
Mr A Young
(01763) 263484
andrewmpc@gmail.com
New to the village? Information on village facilities and local groups is available at
www.meldrethhistory.org.uk 27
Baby and Toddler Group Meldreth Baby and Toddler Group will be re-opening for the autumn term on Wednesday 5th September, when we look forward to seeing some familiar and new faces coming together. It is the ideal group for children aged 0-4 years and their parents and carers. We provide a fun and nurturing environment where parents can have a chat and make friends and children can enjoy socialising and trying different crafts and activities. We are open on Wednesdays during term time from 9.15am until 11.15am. The cost is £2 per family and includes a snack for the children and a hot drink and biscuits for the grown ups. We hope to see many of you there with your little ones. For further information, please contact me on 07908 902017. Claire Thunder
Watch this space… Mid-November 2018 ‘Welcome to our new school’ event at Meldreth Primary School, to view the changes and enjoy a slice of homemade cake. Family treasure hunt and much more...
28
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Meldreth Preschool www.meldrethpreschool.com Although Meldreth Preschool isn’t open during the summer, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy, which will be clear to those of you who came to our Fun Day Fundraiser at the British Queen in August. We had a great day and raised over £900 which will go a long way towards keeping the children entertained next term. We would like to say a huge thanks to Cambridge Bouncy Castles for providing the entertainment and also to the British Queen for hosting the event. We also really appreciated the support of a number of local businesses who donated raffle prizes: Beauty By Bethany, Valet Cam, Shepreth Wildlife Park, 360 Play, Boogie Bounce, Venture Wildlife Park, Kingsway Golf, The Picture Framers, The Fox and Duck in Therfield, Old Bicycle Shop in Cambridge, Standalone Farm, Frog End Pet Supplies, Belle and Beau, Esse, East Roast Coffee Shop, Clip ‘n’ Climb, Beloved Beauty and Hill View Farm Shop who we also rely on for the children’s snacks throughout the year. I hope we haven’t forgotten anyone as we were really thrilled to have so much support from the local community. It was lovely to see so many people coming along to have fun, and none of it would have been possible without the hard work of the volunteers involved, especially Helen, our committee treasurer, who organised it all, the preschool staff who turned out to help run the stalls and a number of parents and helpers who made the day such a success. The generous loan of tables from the church was a huge help as well and thank you to Anne-Marie for helping us move furniture around on such a hot day! October Gin Tasting Evening For those who had a great time but would like something a little more adult-oriented next time, then you will be thrilled to hear that we will be hosting a Gin Tasting evening on Saturday 6th October from 7.30 – 10.30pm at the Village Hall. It will be a great opportunity to learn about this fascinating drink and meet up with fellow enthusiasts for a night of tasting and discovery. Tickets are £20 per head and guests will get to taste eight different gins, which will be accompanied by a range of snacks and a quiz. We will be making arrangements for safe, sober 30
rides home for those coming from out of the village. Email chair@meldrethpreschool.com or call Jo on 07812 166573 for tickets. We will shortly be opening again for the new term which will be our last in our current home before we move over to our new room at the Primary School, which will be very exciting. We are still accepting applications for places in the new term, so please get in touch for details on how to apply. As we are moving over to our new site at Meldreth Primary School in January 2019 we may have additional capacity in some sessions, but we are filling up fast so please get in touch on 07518 173653. Meldreth Preschool
Did You Know? Meldreth Matters is also available online. To view issues of Meldreth Matters online, follow us on Issuu: https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters. 31
What’s On for Children and Families in September Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September, 9.30am - 5.30pm Ancient Oak Medieval Fayre, Quy Country Park CB25 9AF Medieval entertainment including jousting, falconry, music, battles, jester. In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Online tickets for adults £7.50, over 65s £3.50, under 16s free. See www.medieval-fayre.uk. Saturday 8th September Dragon Boat Festival, River Cam, Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton CB5 8ST In aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. Watch 40 crews compete. Bankside entertainment including a funfair, inflatables, Chinese lion dancing and refreshments. See dragonboatfestivals.co.uk. Sunday 9th September 12.00 - 4.00pm Hertford Castle Heritage Day, SG14 1HR As part of National Heritage Weekend the castle will be open, free of charge. Explore dungeons, watch battles, falconry displays and more. Charity donations welcome. See hertford.gov.uk. Saturday 22nd September, 11.00am - 5.00pm Cherry Hinton Festival, Cherry Hinton Recreation Ground Experience the planetarium, and gyroscope, encounter Daleks and dinosaurs and meet astronomers. Watch dancers, puppet shows and bands. Try sports, science and activities. Lots of stalls to visit. Free admission and activities. See cherryhintonfestival.org. Saturday 29th September, 1.30 - 5.00pm Soham Pumpkin Fair, Recreation Ground, Soham CB7 5HS Stalls, vintage vehicles, funfair, pumpkin competitions, refreshments. Details available on sohampumpkinfair.co.uk. Sunday 30th September, 3.00pm Legends of Land and Sea, a Concert for Families Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH A combination of music and painting on the theme of knights, giants, mermaids, oceans, caves and castles. Suitable for ages 4+. The paintings will be raffled to raise funds for the Saffron Centre which gives disadvantaged children a chance to learn an instrument. Tickets £12, £6
for under 18s.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 32
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Meldreth Primary School www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk The school year finally drew to a close in sweltering and noisy fashion as temperatures rose to 34° in the classrooms for successive days while bulldozers and drills raised their singular cacophony all around. To add to the chaos, all of us had to box up every last book, staple and pin from our classrooms and carry all our equipment and furniture to temporary homes until our new ‘holding’ rooms become available in September, whereupon the lifting and carrying will recommence ready for the new term. A final pack up and move will be undertaken by some of us during October when the new classrooms are finally ready for us to occupy. It has certainly been the most testing end of year that I have ever encountered, but the excitement around the completed building works is beginning to become palpable. It was with great sadness that we bade farewell to two long-standing and muchloved members of staff in July. Mrs Dawn Pavlitski (pictured right) retired at the end of term after twenty one years’ service in school as a teaching assistant. Everyone who attended the school during that period is likely to have been supported by ‘Mrs Pav’ as she was often affectionately addressed by the children. Dawn was ever innovative and creative in school and had a significant impact in shaping school culture over the past two decades, not only through some of the academic interventions she led on, but also in developing pupil voice in school. As the school’s Senior Lunchtime Supervisor, she encouraged children to seek their own solutions to conflicts and disagreements establishing a ‘no-blame’ culture in school which has led to significantly calmer and happier breaktimes for children and adults alike. In addition, she led a range of clubs over the years including the school choir and a popular drama club. She was an exceptional classroom teaching assistant and enjoyed supporting on numerous school residential trips over the years to Scarborough, the Peak District and the Isle of Wight. In our farewell assembly at the end of term, the very first pupil that Dawn ever 34
supported gave a moving tribute by video, while the choir serenaded her before she received our gifts and made an emotional and heartfelt address to the school. Sally Willan (pictured far right on a Viking Day at school) has had enormous impact as our Year 6 teacher for the past eight years; indeed over the past twenty one years there have only been two Year 6 teachers in school – remarkable for this most demanding post! After an initial year with the younger juniors, she took on Woodpecker Class, quickly earning a reputation for having the very highest expectations of her pupils who, whilst giving their all were equally devoted to her, sharing in her appropriately juvenile sense of humour and absolute love of dogs; her own dog Crumble served as a virtual class pet for the children. Though diminutive in stature, Sally certainly made up for this with her trademark exceptionally high-heeled shoes and manicured nails, and her forthright, yet warm manner with the children. She consistently inspired confidence in the children who were always perfectly prepared for the demands of secondary education and absolutely promoted the maxim that learning should be fun. Always eager to don a wig and fancy dress, Sally made many a memorable appearance on ‘theme’ days in school, dressing variously as an Oompaloompa, Simon Cowell, the Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine and perhaps most memorably, as the Wolf from Red Riding Hood, wearing grandma’s dress and apparently hungry for another meal! Sally was an important member of the school’s leadership team and has taken these skills with her to Coton Primary School, where she will be Assistant Headteacher. For the evening of her final day with us, she sent out an open invitation for parents and pupils past and present to join her in the British Queen, which turned out to be a delightful and memorable occasion for one and all. Both Mrs Willan and Mrs Pavlitski will be sorely missed and fondly remembered for many a year to come, by all who worked with them. We send them off with our very warmest wishes. Andrew Jones Deputy Headteacher 35
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New Train Line via Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton? Public Meeting: Tuesday 25th September It’s understood that the preferred option for the final OxfordCambridge ‘East West Rail’ link will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2018. This will almost certainly see the final Bedford to Cambridge link running via Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth and joining at Shepreth, though without passenger access unless Bassingbourn Barracks is developed. It is understood that only the one option will be published for consultation. We attended a presentation by the Cam Bed Rail Road group, chaired by retired civil engineer Brian Bell and introduced by County Councillor Sebastian Kindersley, setting out an alternative option that would follow roughly the A428 corridor and serve existing and future settlements at St Neot’s, Cambourne and Bourn. The window of opportunity to consider alternatives options is now limited. All welcome at Shepreth Village Hall on 25th September to hear the CBRR presentation and learn more about a potentially important alteration to our area. Jose Hales and Philippa Hart, District Councillors Susan van de Ven, County Councillor
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Reporting a Highway Problem to Cambridgeshire County Council If you have noticed a problem with a pothole, pavement surfacing, manhole cover, flooding or verge then here is a guide to reporting the issue online. 1. Go to the Cambridgeshire County Council website. https:// www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ 2. Navigate to ‘Report a highway problem’ using the following thread: Residents > Travel, roads & parking > Roads and pathways > Report a highways fault
3. The link takes you to a map of Cambridgeshire which you zoom in on to pinpoint where the problem is. The map shows the status of faults already reported in the area. On the right is an example near the Village Hall in Meldreth. 4. Clicking on the map adds a new red pin and brings up a ‘Report a Problem’ form where you can provide a description of the problem and upload a photograph. For potholes it helps to include the depth of the pothole, as this measurement affects the response time from the council. 5. Each report is assigned a reference number so that you can track progress on a fault already reported. Meldreth Parish Council
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Local Events in September Here is a selection of events happening nearby in September. To have your event listed, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com. Saturday 1st September, 12 noon to 4.30pm Stourbridge Medieval Fair at the Leper Chapel Barnwell Junction, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ Step back in time with this re-enactment of the famous fair. Costumed dancers, music, storytelling, stalls and history talks. Free but donations welcome. See: www.cambridgeppf.org for more infornmation. Sunday 2nd September, 9.00am to 6.00pm (air display 2.00pm) Shuttleworth Heritage Day Old Warden Aerodrome, Nr. Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9EP Celebrating the contribution of women to aviation, engineering and Shuttleworth’s exceptional collection of vintage aircraft and veteran vehicles. Live music, heritage trail, children’s activities. Admission: Adults £24; up to 4 children free with each paying entrant. See: www.shuttleworth.org. Saturday 8th September, Ride, 10.00am to 6.00pm Ride, Drive + Stride - Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust Cycle, Drive or Walk around Cambridgeshire churches or chapels to raise money for the Church or Chapel of your choice. See: www.camhct.uk/ride or email tim.1206@gmail.com. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, 9.00am to 5.00pm Haddenham Steam Rally and Heavy Horse Show Sutton Road, Haddenham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 3PT Traditional steam and country fair. Vintage steam engines, cars, tractors, plus popular heavy horse show. Adults £10, accompanied children free (unaccompanied over 14s £3). See: www.haddenhamsteamrally.co.uk. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, 12.30pm to 5.00pm Stotfold Mill Craft and Print Weekend Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU Craft work from local artists - silver jewellery, ceramics, pottery, textiles and sculpture. Working watermill and riverside nature reserve. Free entry. Traditional tearoom refreshments. Tel: (01462) 734541 for more information or visit: www.wherecanwego.com. 40
Tuesday 11th September, 10.30am to 12.30pm Widflowers in Autumn Wandlebury Country Park, Babraham, Cambridgeshire CB22 3AE Take a stroll around the woods and meadows of Wandlebury while one of the Wardens helps you identify early autumn wildflowers. Meet at car park notice board. Free event but donations welcome. Parking charge for non-members. See: www.cambridgeppf.org. Thursday 13th September, 7.30pm An Evening with Val McDermid Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB 11 4UH One of the biggest names in crime writing talks about her journey to becoming an internationally best selling author. Tickets £12.50 from Box Office 0845 548 7650 or www.saffronhall.com. Friday 14th and Saturday 15th September, at various times Open Cambridge (as part of national Heritage Open Days) Annual opportunity to discover Cambridge’s history and heritage; offers special access to many places often closed to the public. Huge range of events, walking tours and more. See: www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk. Saturday 15th September, 8.30am Men’s Breakfast Meeting Village Hall, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RN This month guest speaker Peter Topping will talk about the work of the Hong Kong Police. Contact Tony Garrick (01763) 221658; garrick.tony@gmail.com or Mark Howard (01223) 503377; mark-howard@uwclub.net to reserve your place. All are welcome.
Saturday 22nd September, 10.00am to 4.00pm Basic Beginners Blacksmith Course Wimpole Hall, Arrington, SG8 0BW £120 including tea, coffee and lunch. Booking essential: www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0344 2491895. Saturday 29th September, 7.15pm for 7.30pm 60s Night & Disco Seth Ward Community Centre, Luynes Rise, Buntingford SG9 9SG £15 includes hot dog supper; vegetarian option. In aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (HSRSC). To book call HSRSC on (01763) 262262, email admin@hsrsc.org.uk or book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc. 41
Compiled by John Crawforth
Royston & District Choral Society www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk Royston & District Choral Society (RCS) rounded off its 2017-18 season with a well-received concert in Barkway Parish Church. Join us for our 2018-19 season as a singer or audience member! Tuesday 11th September 7.45–9.45pm: Open Rehearsal in Royston Parish Church The second Tuesday evening rehearsal of each term is arranged as an open rehearsal. Potential new singers are welcome to join in for the evening to see how they get on. If you are tempted to join us you are welcome to contact our Chair, Huw Jenkins, or just turn up. You will not be asked to sing on your own. RCS is a sociable choir. We have a coffee break half way through rehearsals and a popular 100 Club. Members often enjoy a drink together after rehearsals and a group meal a couple of times a year. Our current membership is around 70 and new singers are always welcome. Members come from Royston and many surrounding villages so there’s every chance new members will find someone they know in the choir! Sunday 30th September: Royston Arts Festival Finale Concert Royston & District Choral Society is delighted to be taking part in Royston Arts Festival’s Finale Concert again this year. Our slot will probably reprise one or two numbers from our popular Serenade to Music summer concert and give a foretaste of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. We will then enjoy taking part in the closing singalong. Sunday 4th November: Britten War Requiem Haileybury College The War Requiem, first performed on 30th May 1962, was commissioned to mark the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral, replacing the original building destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. Britten, a pacifist, combined the traditional Latin Mass for the Dead with poems by the English war poet Wilfred Owen. This performance will be in partnership with Haileybury College choirs and orchestras. For more information about the choir, see our website www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk, find us on Facebook or contact Chairman, Huw Jenkins by emailing chair@roystonchoralsoc.org.uk or telephoning 07855 311192. Jennifer Leitch, Publicity Officer 42
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01353 649649 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk www.elydesigngroup.co.uk
Bridge the Gap Charity Walk Sunday 9th September, Parker’s Piece Bridge the Gap is once again expected to be a fantastic family day out. This popular annual walk will enable you to visit some of the stunning Cambridge colleges and their gardens, which aren’t normally open to the general public. 2018 is set to be another super year featuring Christ’s College, Sidney Sussex College, St Catharine’s College and Trinity College, with walkers also looking forward to being captivated by the fabulous exhibits at the newly opened Museum of Zoology. At the end of the walk a lively atmosphere in the tea tent will welcome you back, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy a slice of cake. If you'd like to get involved visit www.arhc.org.uk/bridge-thegap.asp or pick up an entry form from any of the Cambridge Building Society stores or branches. Online registration is available until 1.00pm on Friday 7th September for £18 each, or walkers can sign up on the day for £20. Children are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Jade Griffiths, PR & Events Assistant The Cambridge Building Society
Forthcoming Event: Literary Lunch Local entertainer and Home-Start’s Poet in Residence Jude Simpson hosts a chat with Gavin Glayton and Tom Sparke, Author and illustrator of children’s book Brollo. Tuesday 2nd October The Old Bull Inn, High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Buffet lunch from 12.15pm Chat 1.00 to 2.15pm, with time for questions Tickets: £15 from (01763) 262262, email admin@hsrsc.org.uk or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc All proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Charity No. 1105385 Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire 44
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Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118 Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358 (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Sherida Richards—(01763) 262512 Paul Ray—(01763) 260304
Cycling Group Good Companions Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809 Marian Oakman—(01763) 261481 (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Nikki & Julie—07599 292327 (01763) 232855; www.melwood.btck.co.uk
Photographic Group
www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation U3A WI
Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440 Chris Davison—(01763) 264189 Jane Bates—(01763) 261638
Sport
Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club
Vivien Constable—(01223) 207557 Janet Pope—(01763) 248239 07930 650036 Christine Knight—(01763) 261676 (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Church
Rev. Lizzie Shipp Rev. Mary Price Bells John Price (Friends)
(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Peter Hinton—(01763) 262045 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk
Baby & Toddler Group Pre-School Primary School
Claire Thunder—07908 902017 07518 173653; www.meldrethPreschool.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk
Parish Council District Councillors
Please see details at end of Parish Council report Philippa Hart—07811 323571 Jose Hales—07703 262649 03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/ Susan van de Ven—07905 325574 susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/ 0345 045 5200; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ Heidi Allen—(01954) 212707; www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/
Councils & Govt.
Clubs & Societies
Facilities
Litter Picker Neighbourhood Watch One Stop Village Hall Bookings Village Hall Chairman
Childn.
Village Directory
District Council Offices County Councillor County Council Offices MP
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Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg. Misc.
Station Ticket Office
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7-11.15am, Sat 8.45am - 1.25pm
Rail User Group
07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk
Govia/Great Northern
www.thameslinkrailway.com
The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc. Streetlights (faulty)
www.thetrainline.com www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge 0345 045 5212; http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ HighwaysReports/Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx 08007838 247 - give location, fault & SC or CCC no.
Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS
(01763) 260220; Dispensary—(01763) 261246 (01223) 245151 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline
Community Transport Home-Start Mind (mental health) Samaritans
0800 1111 (24 hours) Cambridge: 0344 848 7979 Royston: 03444 111 444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water
999 or 112 0800 111 999 0800 783 8838 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers
S Cambs Fire & Rescue
0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org 101; www.cambs.police.uk Report issues: www.contactcambspolice.uk (01480) 444500; www.cambsfire.gov.uk
Melbourn Hub
(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com
Royston Museum
(01763) 242587; www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
Police
Details of village groups and facilities can be found in the Meldreth Today section at www.meldrethhistory.org.uk. Meldreth Matters Team: Chairman: Lesley Farbridge 261578; Editor & Layout: Kathryn Betts 268428; Distribution & Proof-reading: Ken McLean 261243; Treasurer, Secretary & Trade Advertising: Beverley Cottrell 262176; Advertising Layout: Richard Burns 263121; Editorial Assistant: Robin Farbridge; Founder Member: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at issuu.com (search for Meldreth)
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Advertising Rates Size per issue Half page £27.25 Quarter page £16.50 Eighth page £8.75 Business listing per line
6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00
12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00
Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request. For all advertising enquiries, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com or telephone Beverley Cottrell on (01763) 262176.
Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends entirely on advertising revenue to cover its production costs. Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers. A10 Timber .......................................2 Abode Town & Country .................26 Affordable Plumbing .......................17 AngliEAR Hearing ..........................29 Art of Clean ....................................33 Art of Clean Wood ..........................36 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........39 B2B Automotive ........................Cover C & D Autos ...................................36 Cam Valley Orchards .......................2 Cambourne Self Storage ..................33 Cambridge Solar ...............................5 Cambridge Sunblinds ......................43 CHS Day Centre .............................19 CHS Group .....................................36 Coton Electrical ..............................29 The Country Store ...........................17 Ely Design Group ............................43 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........33 Gilhooly ..........................................12 iPlaster ............................................36 Jewellery & Sewing Tutor ...............36 Lawn Partners .................................29 The Letting Centre ....................Cover Lingualounge ..................................26
Little Hands Nursery School ............17 Meadowsweet Gardens ....................33 Melbourn Flooring .....................Cover Melbourn Village College (1) ..............2 Melbourn Village College (2) ............12 Meldreth Landscapes .......................39 Meldreth Plant Hire ...........................4 Moncraft Computers ........................33 Nancy Foster Footcare .....................39 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service33 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement .......26 Penn Farm Physiotherapy .................19 The Plough, Shepreth ........................5 Reflections Hair Studio ....................17 Richard Burns Electrician ..................17 Rod’s PC Support .............................22 Royston Fencing ...............................43 Shelford Energy ................................37 Slimming World .........................Cover Spice Hut Indian Takeaway ...............5 Summit Landscapes .............................2 Village Garden Services ....................17 Walkers Partnership Solicitors ...........22 Wedding Stationery ...........................37 48
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