Meldreth Matters, September 2022

September 2022

In this issue …

Letters to the Editor MADS’ 10th Anniversary Margaret Hunter (1925-2022)

Events …

FOHT Car Show

RML

IT CONSULTANTS LTD

RML IT Consultants Ltd Newton Hall, Town Street, Newton, Cambridge CB22 7ZE Tel: +44 (0) 1223 873747, Mobile 07946 216268 Email: info@rmlconsultants.co.uk

INCORPORATING WANT YOUR P.C. REPAIRED AT REASONABLE RATES?

whatever the size of your company we can help…

Internet connection and security Firewall/VPN solutions provider Installations and upgrades Network and computer support Wireless networking and security

GIVE ME A CALL ON:07946 216268

All our solutions are individually specified for your company ensuring the best and most cost-effective result:

Implementation of messaging systems Web design and content management Email compliance (archiving and retrieval) Hardware and software expertise and sourcing

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

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

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

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

Contents Transport Cycling News 36 Rail Updates 34-35 Speedwatch 37

What’s On in September FOHT Car Show 22, back cover Things to Do in September 28-29 Tractor Run 30 Village Diary 26-27

Future Events Home-Start AGM 24 Home-Start Quiz Night 23 Stand-Up Comedy Night 24

People Margaret Hunter 4-7, 11 Miscellaneous Devil’s Dyke Morris Men 15 Duxford Music Workshop 32 Letters to the Editor 10-11

Children & Education Activities for Families 31 Young Arbury Music Makers 33

Village Groups Friends of Holy Trinity 22 MADS 10th Birthday 17-19 Women’s Group 20-21

Local/National Government Local Councillors 46-47 Parish Council 44 Planning 45

Village News & Issues Bikes for Ukrainians 9 News from the British Queen 12-13 Village Hall Re-Opening 9 Volunteering Opportunities 47

Advice/Information Advertisers’ Index 52 Cambridgeshire Constabulary 9 Coronavirus Support 48-49 Mobile Warden Scheme 13 Neighbourhood Watch 38 Refuse Collections 27 Village Directory 50-51

Cookery In Praise of … 41-43

This month’s cover picture: Railway Underpass by Kathryn Betts

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

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

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

1

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

• Exterior and interior home decorating

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

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

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

MELBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS LIMITED Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 262413 Vast Range of:

 Carpets and Vinyls  Real/Engineered Wood– Woodpecker, Xylo and many more  Balterio & Quickstep Laminates  Karndean, Amtico, Moduleo and Project Floors– Luxury Vinyl Tiles  Safety Flooring  Brand leading manufacturer samples available to take away Free survey and Estimates - Fitting by experienced staff VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOMS 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF. AMPLE FREE PARKING.

www.melbournflooring.co.uk

@melbournflooring

2

Editorial Welcome to the September issue of Meldreth Matters.

The Village Hall is re-opening this month, after its summer-long refurbishment.

The trustees are planning to hold an open afternoon next month (see page 9) which will give everyone an opportunity to view the changes.

Also in this issue is news of the proposed upgrade of the level crossing barriers on Meldreth Road, Shepreth. This would see the current half barrier replaced by a full barrier, resulting in significantly longer waiting times. A formal objection period is open until Friday 23rd September. See pages 34-35 for details.

Kathryn

Daniel Goodfellow Congratulations to Daniel Goodfellow who won a gold medal in the Men’s 3m Springboard Diving Final at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Daniel is a former resident of Meldreth and attended Meldreth Primary School and Melbourn Village College.

The Meldreth Matters Team

Lost Ring Has anyone lost a ring between Melbourn/Meldreth, Station Road? If so, please call (01763) 262083.

Rosemary

Richard Burns

Village Garden Services

ELECTRICIAN For installation, repair or advice please call

Tel: Mob:

Contact : Campbell Weir Mobile : 07798 924022 Home : 01223 207583 Email : campbell.weir@outlook.com

01763 263 121 07958 028 729

sockets@richardburnselectrician.co.uk Part P approved Certified installer

Reliable and friendly service for all your general garden maintenance needs and much more ...… !

3

Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

Margaret Hunter (9/10/1925 – 30/6/2022) Margaret Hunter lived at Keys Cottage, the pink thatched cottage next to the school, where over a period of half a century she created one of Meldreth’s most beautiful natural gardens, running down to the River Mel. If you knew Margaret, you’ll likely have strong memories of her. She had red hair and was imbued with the capacity to love fiercely and to fight for what she believed in. She saw it as her duty to speak out, and indeed you may remember her voice, whether literally or figuratively, calling out to a beloved dog, volunteering her opinion, proposing a resolution, welcoming a friend or relation, thanking someone for a favour, or indeed, telling someone or some creature off – and later, offering a humble apology.

Margaret grew up in Cambridge along the Huntingdon Road, the youngest by ten years of two sisters; the elder and better behaved was Kathleen. Her father Herbert was a plant breeding scientist at St Catharine’s College; her mother Rosa hailed from Kansas City, Missouri and had broken off her engagement to another man after falling in love with Herbert while on holiday in Ireland. Margaret’s earliest memory was waiting at the front gate for her beloved father to arrive home on his bicycle, often with a book from his St Andrews Street newsagent “in the hope I would start reading”.

“Unlike my sister I was a rebellious pupil at the Misses Macleods’ Kimway School and spent a lot of time under the pegs in the cloakroom in disgrace.” The same pattern followed at home: “I tried running away after turning the gas taps on in the kitchen and the cat we had was almost strangled several times! Nevertheless I was affectionate by nature, if impulsive.” Her parents were hospitable and her father’s students from all over the world would visit regularly. “In the world of the thirties, summers would see the hammock and deck chairs set off much lively discussion.” One of her greatest childhood friends, Elizabeth Metters, with whom she played on the University Farm opposite the family home, would later become her stepsister.

Margaret adored her parents and bore her first great loss when her mother died in July 1945. At the end of her own life, when she found 4

each day so hard, Margaret was comforted by the memory of her father’s words as they stood together at her mother’s graveside: “Courage” he said (in a French accent).

On VE Day 1945, Margaret’s ancestral American flag was draped out of the upstairs front window over Huntingdon Road. She was proud to have served her country during the war, serving with the Wrens in London and Scarborough as a wireless telegrapher. The war and her mother’s ill health had interrupted her education, and she went back to complete her A-levels at the encouragement of Tom Henn, a St Catharine’s tutor who persuaded her to apply to Trinity College Dublin. She spent a vibrant time there immersed in books and poetry – life-long loves – and somehow persuaded Philip Larkin to visit from Belfast as a guest of the Trinity Poetry Society, which she had founded.

In 1954, after seeing an ad in the local paper, Margaret persuaded her father to buy Keys Cottage. Herbert and Margaret’s stepmother Blanche set about transforming the Keys Cottage wilderness, building on part of an old orchard of Bramleys and Greengages. With Herbert’s death five years later – ‘an enormous tragedy for me’ – and then her stepmother’s decision to move back to her Warwickshire roots, Margaret took on responsibility for the cottage.

Over the course of her life, she enjoyed two cherished family circles, and Keys Cottage featured importantly in their lives too. Her sister Kathleen’s family from the south of France, including her children Anne and Hugh and their children too, for whom Margaret and Meldreth constituted a second home; and her stepmother’s Blanche’s family, especially her beloved stepsister Elizabeth, her stepbrothers and flourishing next generations – all close connections “without which my life would have been immeasurably impoverished”. The house didn’t change much in 68 years of Hunter occupancy and visiting family members would seek out their cubby holes up steep narrow stairs and settle down for the night.

Margaret’s long career in Adult and Further Education saw several periods of intense fulfilment and the acquisition of great friends. The first was at Swavesey Village College with her mentor John Gale. She was appointed Adult Tutor “over three male candidates” which meant organising activities for the brand-new college across its catchment of eight surrounding villages. This was followed by a stretch as Cornwall County Organiser, where “again I beat the men to it”. Then a spell at Melbourn Village College, and nine years at a new Community College 5

in Ilfracombe, Devon, again under John Gale. Finally, she served as Principal at a college in Ealing, London, where she managed a staff of 100 – which she loved, but she began to feel ‘tired and used up after 25 years in a job which committed me day and evening if I was to achieve the results I desired’. When she was offered early retirement at the age of 56, she took it, which left her a full forty years for a second life.

First and foremost, she set out to nurture the Keys Cottage garden, which at that point crossed over the River Mel and extended quite a ways on the opposite bank. She gifted that parcel to the County Council and helped create Melwood, and over the years planted silver birch, whitebeam, rowan, willow, cherry, hazel, beech and field maple, as well as daffodils and bluebells.

At the same time, she embarked on a period of politics and community service, as a Parish Councillor (first at Meldreth) as well as Melbourn Division County Councillor. The ‘yellow lollipop’ would appear in her front garden without fail at every election, and Margaret volunteered for every job going, while keeping politicians of all colours on their toes. Those who served alongside her will recognize the spirit behind her approach: “I enjoy stirring things up where necessary. One should always be involved in Home and World Affairs. It is part of being alive.” In Melbourn she founded the Mobile Warden Service, which is going strong today and now serves Meldreth and Shepreth too. She served as Meldreth Tree Warden and delighted in seeing rows of new trees take root in Kneesworth Road and Malton Lane. In Whaddon she gifted the village the unique wrought iron name plate denoting its village hall.

At the age of 84, she was not finished with public life. With a deep affinity for Shepreth, where long before she had decided to buy her burial plot, in June 2010 she stood in a hotly contested Shepreth Parish Council election. Margaret, the outsider, having assiduously knocked on every door in the village, came in first in a field of four candidates.

The following year, in a disagreement over a matter of principle, she resigned in protest – but continued as organiser of the 2011 Shepreth village fete, one of its best.

Margaret never retired from expressing her opinion, indeed she was adamant that it was everyone’s duty to do so and often admonished others for not doing the same. She wrote copious letters to politicians and newspapers, pounding away on her manual typewriter, never 6

mincing her words. She found it difficult to come to terms with overwhelming changes in the world, particularly the loss of countryside and threats to natural habitats, and the internet which completely excluded her.

Her garden however brought only peace and joy. Clearly, she had inherited her father’s plantsman-ship skills and tended the garden with a vision for its trees, its clearings, its wildlife, and its constant yearround contrast of colour. She fed the birds with huge generosity, and set traps to prevent resident mice from invading what was not theirs.

One morning around the age of 94, she instructed Richard her gardener to chop down the largest Bramley apple tree in the garden – one predating her father’s purchase of Keys Cottage. ‘I’ve got to be able to see down to the bottom of the garden.’ Which that afternoon she was able to do. The tree however decided it still had life in it and soon began sprouting new shoots out of its stump.

Margaret died at home, her bed in the living room open through French doors to the spectacle of the ‘American Pillar’ rambler rose planted by her father in memory of her mother, and with a vista of great trees marching down the orchard to the River Mel. Visits by Anne and Hugh in her final months provided enormous comfort, especially after long absences forced by the pandemic. This conclusion of her life under her own roof – “Keys Cottage, my haven” – was made possible

by Richard Parker who kept the garden exquisite and was the first person to greet her each morning, even before her carers arrived, and Julie Draper, who organized all of her care, played Scrabble and read aloud, and made sure that Margaret was safe.

When you’re next walking through Melwood, please take note at the extra loop running away from the opposite bank to Key’s Cottage and enjoy the trees and spring bulbs that Margaret planted for future generations to enjoy. As for the garden, “I hope so much that those who come to Keys Cottage after me will love it and care for it in its natural state as I have tried to do.”

Susan van de Ven A memorial service for Margaret will be held at midday on Saturday 1st October in Whaddon Church, with a lunch afterwards at the British Queen. Please RSVP to Julie Draper on juliedraper@dumbflea.co.uk or 07976 879350, particularly if you will be attending lunch at the BQ. 7

8

Bikes for Ukrainians Further to the article in last month’s Meldreth Matters, we have received some donations of bicycles which have been checked over and matched to some of the Ukrainian guests here. We could still do with more bikes, particularly those suitable for women and teenagers.

We would appreciate flat handle bar bikes, rather than sports or dropped handle bars. Typically they will be used for transport to schools by the younger people and simply getting around locally by the grown ups. Ideally they will be complete and in running order, but we will check, adjust and lubricate all bikes to ensure they are safe for use.

If you have an unused bike languishing in your shed or garage please consider offering it for this very good cause. We can collect locally.

Please contact Richard Fry on 07802 774851 or me on 07726 936635.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Ian Mitchell

Meldreth Village Hall Re-Opening The Village Hall re-opens this month, following redecoration and refurbishment of the toilets.

We are planning an open afternoon on 2nd October from 2.00-5.00pm.

We would be delighted for many of you to come and explore what has been done, see a display of the hall's history and share a cup of tea and some cake with us!

The Village Hall Trustees

South Cambs Community Engagement Meeting Our next online meeting will take place on Tuesday 1st November from 7.00-8.00pm. Join us to find out about the work of police across South Cambridgeshire and to share your concerns.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-cambs-communityengagement-meeting-november-2022-tickets-315306138147.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary 9

Letters to the Editor Meldreth Funeral Bier As a long time member of Meldreth Local History Group, I was delighted by the restoration work carried out on the village funeral bier by John Morgan, with the help of John Richards.

I naturally thought it would be on display in Meldreth Church where villagers and visitors alike would see it in its full glory, similar to other churches in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk (see the photograph below of a much plainer bier in Blakeney Church in Norfolk).

In these churches the funeral biers act as focal points, usually with a display of flowers and church literature on them and are welcomed by the churches as it is part of their history.

The bier prior to restoration

I understand that there is John Morgan with the restored bier considerable opposition to this idea from certain parties within Meldreth church, and I find this very sad. The funeral bier is part of Meldreth’s history and it should be seen where it naturally belongs, not stored away out of sight. If the church do not want their funeral bier back, there is the great risk that it will at some point leave the village to never return.

A bier in Blakeney Church

Terry Dash Editor’s Note: The funeral bier was made by Herbert Gipson in 1921-1922.

Information and photographs on the history of the bier and its restoration can be found at https://www.meldrethhistory.org.uk.

10

An Appreciation of Margaret Hunter Margaret Hunter was a lively, complicated and occasionally impossible character who worked ceaselessly for the Liberal Democrat Party in South Cambridgeshire, which my late mother, Ethel Palmer, (a retired English teacher) and I supported. She was a good friend and hostess.

She worked hard behind the scenes with a team organising quizzes for the Liberal Democrats, which were not only useful for raising funds but also for sheer enjoyment. She also shared a non-political monthly event at our house and hers, where a group of retired people, including Julie and Peter Draper, got together for a play-reading event.

Another local cause which she supported was the Melwood Conservation Group and as a keen gardener, she was particularly outspoken about plants she thought should be reined in, like ivy. So, her interest in the environment did not extend to “wilding” or daisies and buttercup meadows perhaps! She was very fond of roses though.

She was basically a warm and kind hostess to my mother, definitely and me, up to a point. She could be abrasive and downright rude but underneath this rude persona was a warm, friendly and practical woman who loved her dog and her family and friends, was a hospitable, able organiser of groups of all kinds and contributed a great deal to the social development of our Meldreth community. I share the sadness of her death with many others who knew her well, although we know that in the last few years, she had not been well.

May she rest in peace.

Eleanor Fitzgerald-Palmer

N J Chapman

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

Garden Services Handyman Mobile: 07592 725 169 Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com

Our rates are shown on page 52 of this issue

11

News from the British Queen www.thebritishqueen.com Hi from The British Queen. We have been having quite a busy time of it at the pub lately.

Our ‘mums to the lambs’ all had a nice new haircut, thanks to Charlie Dellar who came out in July to give them all a short back and sides.

We are pretty sure with all the hot weather we have been having, they were all more than relieved with his handy work. Since being trimmed up, the ‘mums’ have now been returned to the farm in Thriplow, in readiness for becoming mums all over again. Our lambs will still be out in the field for the next four weeks.

We have said our farewells to our pigs, who have had a fantastic time up by the river, enjoying being fed and treated by all the local walkers. So thank you for all the treats you have bestowed upon them.

Although our ducks Pancake and Charlie are still living their best lives on the River Mel, we have suffered another dog attack on Pancake, so when walking your dogs on the pub land or the river walk, I would again request that whilst you are near the ducks, please, please keep your dogs on a lead. Thank you.

We had a lovely time with the Devils Dyke Morris Dancers, who arrived at the pub for their annual dance around the car park; they were joined by another group of Morris Dancers. The dancing was really enjoyed by all the 12

patrons and staff. It was great to see the children from the local Primary School and their parents joining in with the Morris men for the final round with sticks and handkerchiefs in hand.

Weddings for two lovely local couples have also taken place at the pub: Ben and Trudy followed by Louis and Jessica. We would like to wish both couples all the very best for their future years together.

Our little shop, The Queen Bee, is doing well and being supported locally. If you would like a little look in the doors, please come and enjoy a coffee with us while you are there.

We are still recruiting for full time employees. If you are interested, please call in or telephone on (01763) 260252. We would love to add you to our team.

Thanking you for your continued support.

All at the British Queen

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

What is the service?

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

Who provides the services?

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

What will it cost?

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

How can I join?

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

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme is a registered charity

13

Moorlands Court

P.D. Property Services

Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely?

Why not try our Day Centre?

1 Abbots Close Litlington Nr Royston, Herts SG8 0QQ

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

Why not give us a call?

25274

25274

PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS FULL BATHROOM DESIGN & INSTALL OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

01763 853 778 MOB 07768 332380

TEL

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

ASK FOR PAUL

Our trademark is our exceptional ‘conception to completion’ quality of service. We can assist you in everything from inspiration & design management to project delivery & installation.

BEFORE

WINNER

AFTER

“Best professional kitchen remodelling service - East of England”

“The judging process is driven 100% by merit which means that awardees must demonstrate expertise within a given field, dedication to client service and satisfaction and on going commitment to excellence and innovation” - Build Magazine, Home and Garden Awards 2021

43 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Call us on 01763 245000 / 01223 870440 Email: info@trademark-kitchens.co.uk Follow us on Instagram for inspirational kitchen, bathroom and bedroom ideas @trademarkkitchensandbathrooms

www.trademark-kitchens.co.uk 14

Learn to Dance with Devil’s Dyke Morris Men www.devilsdykemm.org.uk The Devil’s Dyke Morris Men danced at the British Queen recently (as pictured).

Perhaps you saw us and would like to give Morris dancing a try?

Morris dancing is a great way to keep fit and meet others and helps to keep an ancient tradition alive. We would also like to hear from any musicians who would like to play for us. We are funded by money collected from our performances and donate some of the collection to charity. We currently support the Royal Papworth Charity.

Why not come along to one of our free “Have-a-go” sessions which take place every Thursday at 8.00pm from 22nd September to 13th October? It is also free to join our group!

We meet at The Scout Hut, Bottisham, CB25 9BB. For more information or to organise a lift contact: Gordon on (01223) 833983 or bagman@devilsdykemm.org.uk or visit www.devilsdykemm.org.uk.

Keith Farrow Devil’s Dyke Morris Men

Visit your local history website

www.meldrethhistory.org.uk Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present See the Meldreth Today section for information on footpaths * facilities * over 25 local clubs & groups 15

Reflections Hair Studio

MELDRETH

Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

LANDSCAPES

Design & Layout Plans

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions

Hard Landscaping & Lighting

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Planting & Water Features

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

Pergolas, Decking, etc

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth

Tel: 01763 261463

Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

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

Friendly, Professional, Expert

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

Call us on 01763261129 or email reception@specialistdentalpartners.co.uk 9 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB Free parking outside world-class dentistry, on your doorstep 16

Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society: Ten Years www.melbournamdram.co.uk It’s hard to believe that it has been ten years since the idea of a Melbourn based amateur dramatics group was brought to life.

It all came about when husband and wife, Paul and Donna Sleight, attended a local performance for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and loved the show so much that it inspired them to join an amateur dramatic group. They were surprised when they discovered that there was no group in either Melbourn or Meldreth.

From there, the immortal words “how hard can it be?” were first muttered and following a successful application to South Cambridgeshire District Council’s ‘Community Chest’ funding, the concept of a Melbourn based amateur dramatics group was achieved.

Along with nine of their good friends, they got together and with the help of two local writers put together their first script, The Lost Slipper, which was performed in December 2012 on stage at Meldreth Village Hall and Melbourn Village College.

These were very humble beginnings for the team. Costumes were sourced from charity shops, chopped about, cut, reshaped and fabric added to transform them from an evening dress into an elaborate dame costume. Curtains were made into nineteenth century style britches and jackets and props were put together using items from either recycling centres or from odd bits and bobs found in the loft or at the back of the garage.

The scenery was built using two hanging rails with fabric draped over, which was then painted to depict a scene. This made it through the first show, with help of Gaffer tape but then, mid-way through the second 17

show – yes you guessed, it duly collapsed beyond repair, much to the audience’s delight! Why do they love it so much, when it all goes wrong? We learned a lot from that first show and we all agreed that comedy is our ‘thing’ and have never tackled serious plays or shows.

Even today, we still go by the philosophy that as long as the show is funny and the audience are having fun, then all is well with the world!

From these humble beginnings, MADS has gone from strength to strength. The first show proved so popular, was such a lot of fun to put together and received amazing feedback from ticket buyers, that we decided to do it all over again the following year. So in 2013, we brought to the stage Murder Down the Aisle followed by the pantomime Aladdin in December.

The MADS family continued to expand and by having extra people in the team, this meant that we no longer had to double up with doing stage and backstage duties.

Mother Goose Dec 2019 MADS have grown into the successful and popular group we are now. We are a not-forprofit society, so proceeds from ticket sales are used for buying and improving either technical equipment such as lighting, speakers and radio mics or costumes - which all enhance the enjoyment of our shows for all who come.

As the shows get bigger our team also grows and we a lucky enough to have some very talented members. Our youngest MADS member is just eight years old and our oldest is 79. New members are always welcome irrespective of their knowledge or experience. Technical skills can be easily learned so reliable, friendly people who like to occasionally do silly things and generally love to have fun are always welcome.

It is with great excitement that this year we will be seeing our first MADS wedding as two of our members, who met during one of our former pantomime rehearsals, got married in July.

18

Over the last ten years we have performed eight pantomimes, three interactive murder mystery evenings, two comedy plays, a fundraising variety show and (in December 2021) a Christmas cabaret. Now things are starting to get back to some normality, we are all very excited to announce that for Christmas 2022 we will be back on stage at Meldreth Village Hall to perform our Christmas Pantomime Dick Whittington. We hope that you will come along and help us celebrate our tenth birthday.

More information about what we do and the shows we have performed in the past can be found on our website at www.melbournamdram.co.uk. You can also keep up to date with our next events and shows on the website or on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MelbournAmateurDramaticsSociety.

We look forward to welcoming back all our old friends and offer a huge welcome to all those who will be joining us for the first time!

Donna Sleight (MADS Founder and Producer)

Whaddon Road, Meldreth, SG8 5RL

Club Facili es

Entertainments

Licensed bar Hall available for private hire for any occasion (compe ve rates) Fully equipped gymnasium (annual subscrip on) Snooker room, Pool table Large children's outdoor ac vity area Petanque pistes Football pitches, changing rooms

1st Friday of the month Melbourn Rock Club One Saturday a month Melbourn Rock Club Rock and Roll Night Every Thursday night Eternit bingo—starts 7.30pm Local gig venue

Big charity events during the year Motorcycle Rally - Air Ambulance - Mini Chill weekend - Camping - Local Chari es Club Charity - LUPUS

19

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Our July Meeting was held in All Saints’ Community Hall and Ray Munden gave us an illustrated talk on his bird watching holiday to Kazakhstan, along with his wife, Joan and fifteen other travellers.

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, but has a population of only seventeen million. The UK, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands could all fit in and there would still be land left over. Kazakhstan has borders with China and Russia and once belonged to Russia, so occasionally it gets Russian intervention. Almaty used to be the capital, but due to its closeness to the border with China, it is now Astana.

Almaty, which means apple, has the second tallest wooden cathedral in the world. The Kazakhs think that the apple originated from Almaty.

Almaty was chosen for the starting point of the holiday and it was emphasised to the group that they should pack some of their belongings in their carry-on bags just in case their hold luggage did not turn up, as there was little chance of their belongings ever catching up with them.

As it turned out the luggage was only two days late so catching up was only a minor problem.

Bird watching calls for early morning rising, so the group had to be up at 5.30am and out by 6.00am; not a holiday for those who like a lie-in.

At the end of the holiday the group had listed 220 species of birds and of those, 120 were new to Joan and Ray. Wildlife sightings included wild camels on the Silk Route, Lammergeier (a type of vulture), Short Tailed Eagles, Long Eared Owls, Red Starts, Brown Dipper, Rose Coloured Starlings, White Winged Larks and the very rare Black Shoulder Kites.

The land in Kazakhstan is very fertile and roamed by Nomads. There is still a functioning Russian Cosmodrome nestling in the snow 9000 feet up in the Tian Shan mountains. At the higher level of 11,000 feet, the Himalayan Snow Cock can be seen; Ray gave us an impression of the Snow Cock’s call.

In the Tamgaly Gorge there are rock paintings; some are around 3,500 years old, others relatively recent. It is now a World Heritage Site.

Travel on this holiday was done in a rather cramped van/bus which not only accommodated seventeen people plus driver but also tents, 20

provisions, tables chairs etc. Washing and toilet facilities were very basic. On arrival back at the hotel where they had started out from, there was a mad dash for a much-needed shower to wash off all the dust and grime accumulated over the holiday.

Ray was thanked for his very interesting talk and presented with a cheque in appreciation. Ray said that he was going to give this as a donation to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 27th September in the Meldreth Church meeting Room when Kimmi will lead us on a Pointless Quiz; the meeting begins at our usual time of 7.45pm.

If you would like to know more about the group, need a lift to meetings or would like a copy of our programme please contact any of the following committee members: Pat Smith (01763) 262575, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Pat Ames (01763) 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976228377 Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Diane Blundell (01763) 221415.

Avril Mellor

EVE CONSTRUCTION LTD Experienced professional local builder

Extensions, garden rooms, home office, alterations, structural work, carpentry, block drives, landscaping, and all types of general building work Contact Mark 07889 669138 | 01223 264909 enquiries@eveconstruction.co.uk www.eveconstruction.co.uk 21

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk 17th Car Show - Sunday 11th September, 1.30-4.30pm Planning is well underway for the usual mix of veteran, vintage, classic and sporting cars and a few motorbikes. Refreshments will be served, with a barbecue at lunchtime with tea and cakes all day.

There will be display of quirky ceramics in the church by a local artist and an Autojumble in the churchyard, with music from the Memphis Jazz Band. See the poster on the back cover for further information.

Open Gardens Running this event had been considered for late September. However, with the current drought that is not now an option.

Talks Meredith Bowles will give a talk in late September entitled “Modern Houses in East Anglia”. See https://www.molearchitects.co.uk.

Editor’s Note: No further details about this talk were available at the time of going to press.

Tom Heap is currently busy presenting Sky News Climate “Change” feature and will give us a talk on this subject on a date to be agreed.

Dates for other talks have yet to be arranged.

John Price

Huw Shortle Pure Water Window Cleaning

Independent and family run, we put the care into lawncare

07915 378397

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

info@huwclean.co.uk 22

23

Stand Up Comedy Night Melbourn Football Club is hosting a Stand Up Comedy Night on Saturday 19th November at Melbourn Village College. Doors will open at 7.30pm.

There will be four comedians performing, including three who regularly play on the London circuit and headlining is Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, Robert White.

Admission is £10 plus a booking fee and there will be a fully licensed bar. Twenty percent of the profits from the evening will be split between CPSL Mind and Parkinsons UK. To purchase tickets go to www.eventbrite.com and search for Melbourn FC or scan the QR code.

Stuart Smith Melbourn Football Club

24

We are recruiting!

Would you like to join our amazing team of Support Workers at Aurora Meldreth and Orchard Manor?

Find out how you could make a difference to the lives of children and young people with multiple complex needs.

Call:

01763 268 000 to register your interest or visit:

https://www.theauroragroup.co.uk/meldrethmanor

Contact me, your Meldreth-based travel expert, for holidays, river and ocean cruises, honeymoons, UK breaks, bucket-list trips and more! emma.fitzgibbon@travelcounsellors.com

Five great reasons to book your next trip with me:

travelcounsellors.com/emma.fitzgibbon

1. Expert travel guidance 2. Personal caring service 3. ATOL & 100% Financial protection 4. Always available to take your call 5. Covid-19 guidance

25

Meldreth Village Dia Monday

Tuesday

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

School term begins on Monday 5th September

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

1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 4.00-5.00pm A

4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do

8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00-6.45pm P

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates

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

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

9.15am Cycling Group

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

Thurs

7.30pm Parish Elin Way Com

9.30am Zumba 10.00am-midday MLHG 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

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

Wednesday

7.00-9.00pm T

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

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 4.00-5.00pm A

6.00-6.45pm P

7.00-9.00pm T

5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics

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

3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do

8.00-9.00pm Zumba

5.00-6.00pm Rainbows

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu classes) 4.00-5.00pm A

8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

6.00-6.45pm P

7.00-9.00pm T

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 9.30am Zumba 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multiple classes) 8.00-9.00pm Zumba

9.15am Cycling Group 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 3.30pm Ukrainian Refugee Meeting 4.45-5.45pm Tang Soo Do 5.00-6.00pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 7.45pm Women’s Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps (mu 10.45-11.30 Mobile Library classes) 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm P 8.00-9.00pm Bell Ringing

7.00-9.00pm T

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

26

ry - September 2022

sday

5pm ulti. classes) Acro Pilates Table Tennis

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Sung Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World

8.00am Said Eucharist

h Council mmunity Rm

pm ultiple

1.30-4.30pm FOHT Car Show (see back cover)

Acro

Pilates

Table Tennis

pm ultiple

9.30am Slimming World

9.45am Sung Eucharist

Acro

Pilates

Table Tennis

5pm ultiple

9.30am Slimming World

Acro

Pilates

Table Tennis

pm ultiple

9.30am Slimming World Refuse Collections Black bins: 13th, 27th Blue & green bins: 6th, 20th

Acro

Pilates

Table Tennis

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

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

27

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

Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout September, 11.30am and 2.30pm Inside View: The Lancaster Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR Join an expert guide for a behind-the-scenes exploration of the iconic Avro Lancaster. Learn about the bomber’s illustrious history (including the famous Dambuster’s Raid) and heroism of its young crews. Tickets £10 adult; £8 concession; £5 accompanied child (NB in addition to normal IWM Duxford admission). Book at www.iwm.org.uk.

Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th September, 9.30am to 5.00pm BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF Hear expert talks, listen to live music, gather garden inspiration, buy plants and visit the good food market. Tickets for English Heritage members: 10.00am entry £11.00; 12.00pm entry £9.50. Non-members from £18. All include access to house, grounds and gardens. Available from: www.gardenersworldfairautumn.seetickets.com.

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, 10.00am to 4.00pm Harv’Fest 2022 - Wimpole Produce Weekend Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW Head to the Wimpole stables to discover the plentiful produce grown on the Estate. Visit the Walled Garden stall to purchase their homegrown produce. Watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like ceramic making and wood turning and discover how apples are pressed to make juice. Free event but normal National Trust admission applies.

Sunday 4th September, 2.30pm to 5.00pm Hinxton Watermill Open Day Mill Lane, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1RD Look around a beautiful working watermill dating back to the 17th century, the only one still working on the River Cam. Children can take part in the popular ‘Where’s Ratty’ contest with a chance to win a prize. Cambridge PPF members free, non-members £3 adult, £1 child.

28

Tuesday 6th September, 10.00am to 12noon Autumn Wildflowers in Wandlebury Wandlebury Ring, Gog MagogHills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Want to learn more about wild flowers? Enjoy a stroll around the woods and meadows of Wandlebury, led by a warden who will help you with identification. Meet at noticeboard in car park. Free event but donations welcome. No need to book. Parking charge for nonmembers.

Friday 23rd September, 8.00pm Foyer Folk: Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH Enjoy a relaxed evening in the concert hall foyer with street food, bar and live music from two highly-acclaimed young folk musicians who combine their love of Celtic music with a passion for rock and blues.

Great way to end your week! Book now from £13.50. Age guidance 7 plus. Tickets available from www.saffronhall.com.

Saturday 24th September, 11.00am to 4.00pm Cambridge Bead Fair Harston Village Hall , 20 High Street, Harston CB22 7PX Beads and pearls for the home jewellery maker. Free admission and free refreshments. Easy parking next to hall.

Saturday 24th September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm (revised date) Megson Live in Melbourn All Saints Church, High Street, Melbourn SG8 6DY Well-known English folk duo, Megson, will be performing in a fundraising event for All Saints’ Church, Melbourn. There will be a bar available in the Community Hall.

Book directly at https:// www.megsonmusic.co.uk/product/live-melbourn.

Tickets: Adults £14.00, children half price.

Thursday 29th September, 12.15pm Literary Lunch with Jude Simpson The Old Bull, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Singer/songwriter Sarah Harrison in conversation with poet and performer Jude Simpson. Buffet lunch begins 12.15pm; Chat with Q and A session follows from 1.00pm. Tickets £15 per person, by phone on (01763) 262262 or visit www.hsrsc.org.uk/events. Proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston, Buntingford and South Cambridgeshire.

29

Compiled by John Crawforth

Five Churches Vintage Tractor Run www.tractors.live The inaugural “Five Churches Vintage Tractor Run” will take place on Saturday 17th September 2022 starting from Croydon, Cambridgeshire SG8 0DL. Family members of all ages will enjoy seeing a wide range of vintage tractors drive by and learn about their role in farming and importance to UK food production at the stop off points en route.

Approximate schedule: Croydon Showfield SG8 0DX 11.00am-midday Arrington, Ermine Way SG8 0AH 12.15-12.30pm Wimpole Hall SG8 0BW 12.45-1.20pm Wimpole, Cambridge Road SG8 5QE 1.30-1.45pm Orwell Pavilion SG8 5QJ 2.00-2.45pm Barrington, The Green CB22 7RZ 3.00-4.00pm There will be free entry for all the family and refreshments available at Croydon, Orwell and Barrington. Wimpole Hall is free for National Trust members.

Donations would be welcome to support Arrington, Barrington, Croydon, Orwell and Wimpole Churches.

Why not track the tractors on the day so that you don’t miss them as they drive between villages?

Scan the QR code to access the map.

Nick Everington for and on behalf of the Orwell Benefice

30

Things for Children and Families To Do Saturday 3rd September, 12.00noon - 4.30pm Stourbridge Medieval Fair, Leper Chapel, Newmarket Rd CB5 8JJ Dancing, singing, storytelling, crafts and history talks. View the historic chapel. A free event. See www.cambridgeppf.org.

Saturday 3rd September, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Tree-mendous Trees, Trumpington Meadows, Grantchester Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LH Discover trees, enjoy games and crafts. For ages 5 - 11 (accompanied). £7.50 per child. Adults & under 3s free. Book on www.wildlifebcn.org or book in advance for Bushcraft on Saturday 1st October.

Saturday 3rd September, 10.00am - 1.00pm Sun Prints, Cambridge Botanic Gardens, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE Drop in to try taking photographs of plants using sunlight. Learn about botanist Anna Atkins who took photographs this way. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

Monday 12th to Sunday 18th September Heritage Open Day, Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode CB25 9EJ Enjoy the colours of the gardens, especially the dahlia border, view art works by Constable, try the new scramble climber in Hoe Fen or explore the tree house. Book on www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September, 10.00am - 5.00pm Harvest Falconry, Audley End, off London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF Watch falconers demonstrating traditional hawking methods. Displays and activities. Book online at www.english-heritage.org.uk. Members free. Non members £21, children 17 and under £12.60.

Sunday 25th September, 3.00pm - 4.30pm Once Upon a Tune: Spooky Stories, Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH A spooky extravaganza of music, painting and stories. for children aged 4+. James tells the stories, he and Antonio paint spine-chilling scenes while the Saffron Walden Orchestra plays. The paintings will be auctioned at the end, with profits going to Refugease. Over 16s £15, under 16s £6. Book on www.saffronhall.com.

31

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth

Duxford Music Workshop www.duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk If you love music …and would like to learn to play an instrument, play alongside others, or sing in a choir, you’ll be hugely welcome to come and join in the delights of “Duxford Workshop” at Duxford Village School - which is held on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Duxford Saturday Music Workshop holds group tuition sessions, where adults and children from Year 5 onwards can learn to play an instrument. There is also a ‘junior music group’ for children from Year 1 upwards, as well as classes for adult beginners and groups both for ‘improvers’ and for competent players. Our members include adults who have always wanted to learn an instrument but haven’t had the opportunity, alongside those – so many of us - who “haven’t played for donkeys’ years” but would like to get back into playing music again.

In addition to the tuition classes, Workshop also has ensembles ranging from recorders, strings, jazz and wind bands, to folk fiddlers, ukulele players, guitarists, an adults’ community choir and a full orchestra offering so many opportunities – all for you!

A registered charity, Workshop is all about having fun by learning and performing together in an enjoyable and supportive environment.

Even if you don’t have an instrument of your own, don’t panic – we have instruments for rental on very reasonable terms so will be happy to help you out if we can.

Registration for the 2022-23 Workshop year is being held on Saturday 17th September from 10.00 – 11.30am at Duxford School, St. John’s Street, Duxford. Term begins the following week, at 9.30am on Saturday 24th September. For more information, please see the Workshop website at: http://duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk. If you love music, do come along to see what ‘Workshop’ can offer you.

Peter Howarth Duxford Workshop Management Team

32

33

Rail Updates www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk Reduction in Off-Peak Services Due to low ridership, GTR have announced that from September, services at Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton stations will need to be scaled back during off-peak times.

Services will remain half-hourly during peak times and run hourly between 10.00am-3.00pm and after 8.00pm. The Cambridgeshire Student Connect card (the 50% 16-18 year-old student discount which is unique to our area) is protected, supporting the rail commute to sixth form colleges and training in Cambridge. The link is: https:// meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk/50-discount-on-season-tickets-forstudents.

The challenge of regaining and retaining the all-day half-hourly service at this unprecedented time is very significant. Please do use the train when you have the choice and opportunity to do so, and help ridership to grow. At the end of the day, the service needs higher ridership in order to develop.

Meldreth Road, Shepreth Level Crossing Upgrade Network Rail’s consultation last year on upgrading this level crossing, currently a half-barrier and proposed as a full barrier with a significantly longer waiting time, drew strenuous objections from local residents and groups, including the Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership. These objections were supported by the County Council in its response to the consultation.

The proposal is part of what’s called the C3R Cambridge Re-signalling Project. More information is available on our website: https:// meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk/meldreth-road-level-crossing.

A hard copy of the application and associated documents may be inspected at Cambridge Central Library until Friday 23rd September.

No meaningful response was received to those objections and it appears that Network Rail is proposing to go forward with the upgrade, although a current ‘formal objection period’ is currently underway .

We are working with the County Council to understand the options and how to register concern at the lack of response to previously lodged objections. At the time of writing this has yet to be clarified.

34

In the meantime, objections to, or other representations about, the proposals in the application should be sent to the Secretary of State for Transport c/o Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit, Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR or by email to transportinfrastructure@dft.gov.uk.

The consultation closes on Friday 23rd September 2022.

Please contact us if you’d like to join our mailing list and receive further information.

Breastfeeding Campaign Led by Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership (CRP) Enjoy this story about breastfeeding and public transport, which has been reported by multiple news outlets. Our CRP’s ‘Try the Train’ scheme was the catalyst. See: https://communityrail.org.uk/communityrail-partnership-leads-try-the-train-trip-in-support-of-breastfeedingcampaign.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove sarahgrove.msfcrp@gmail.com

A10 TIMBER CO. For Timber & Sheet Material Graded Timber Mouldings & Flooring Decking & Fencing Insulation Cutting & delivery service All enquiries welcome.

Barwick Ford Ware, Herts. SG11 1AL Tel: 01279 842016 e: sales@a10timber.co.uk w: www.a10timber.co.uk 35

Cycling News Melbourn Greenway The Greater Cambridge Partnership is now getting into the detailed planning of the Melbourn Greenway, which is the planned ‘multi-use active travel’ (walking, mobility scooters, bikes, etc) link between Royston and Cambridge. The route takes in Melbourn and Foxton village centres and includes the upgrade path from Melbourn to Meldreth Station. This is one of twelve Greenway schemes running on corridors from Cambridge and was approved in principle in June 2020.

There’s still a great deal of detail to be worked out and funding for the Melbourn-Royston segment depends on specific grant bids.

Annual A10 Awareness Ride In conjunction with the Greenway team’s quest to update on local concerns and ideas, the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign will hold its annual Awareness Ride on Sunday 25th September, setting off from Trumpington Park and Ride at 10.00am, bound for Phillimore Garden Centre for refreshments. A walking and scooter contingent will set off from the Melbourn Hub at 10.00am.

Please bring your own drinks and do get in touch if you would like to help as a ride marshal or contribute any cakes; many thanks in anticipation!

We’ll be collecting local views on the day and should be joined by a Greenway team officer.

Susan van de Ven and Adam Bostanci A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Contacta10cycle@gmail.com

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

High staff to child ratio, individual child centred planning & learning, Flexible booking system for the 08.00am – 5.30pm nursery day. Optional holiday clubs available, dedicated baby room for children under two We accept nursery funding giving 15 & 30 hours/week of free funded nursery for all 3 and 4 year olds & eligible 2 year olds

For further information contact Sharon Tutty,nursery manager on 01763 260964 lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

36

Speedwatch Speedwatch in Meldreth has operated continuously since 2003, just as in many other South Cambridgeshire villages. Our spring to summer season runs from February to the end of July, subject to weather and the availability of our volunteers.

During that period nearly 5400 vehicles passed though our watches, of which 9% were violating the 30mph village speed limit by travelling at 35 mph or above. That is a small improvement on previous years. The police contact drivers of such vehicles by letter to politely remind them to keep to the statutory limit. These letters are sent for up to two violations. If a vehicle is observed speeding three times by a Speedwatch team, then the vehicle owner receives a visit by a uniformed police officer delivering a third letter.

We know from feedback that these letters largely work. Local residents have told volunteers that the receipt of a letter definitely reminds them to be aware of observing limits. A small minority of course do ignore the police reminders and in our area three police visits have had to be made this year to date.

In our last article we mentioned our need for new volunteers. Our watches always need a minimum team of three persons. Unless that number is available, the watch cannot run. Speedwatch is a community initiative in cooperation with the police to educate the driving public in the interests of road safety for all users, not just those driving vehicles.

If our community is still concerned about speeding traffic please help to keep Speedwatch running by volunteering a few hours each week.

If you would like to join us or just want further information on Speedwatch, please contact us on csw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Graham Borgonon Meldreth Speedwatch Team

37

Courier Fraud: A Reminder It's been a couple of years since we warned about ‘courier fraud’ scams, where fraudsters pose as a police officer or bank official to persuade their victims to hand over large amounts of cash or high value items. These scams still occur and victims of courier fraud typically tend to be between the ages of 70 to 89 years old, with women more likely to be targeted than men. Even if you don't think that you would fall victim to this kind of scam, if you are in a caring or supportive role to people in this group then looking out for warning signs or talking to them about these scams could help prevent them from becoming a victim.

Courier fraud usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call requesting that the victim withdraws cash or purchases high value items for collection by a courier, or transfers money to a 'safe' account.

Fraudsters claim that this is part of an 'undercover investigation' so they shouldn't tell anyone what they are doing. Fraudsters may request that the victim ends the call and calls their bank for confirmation, but the fraudsters keep the line open and pose as bank officials.

The police will never request that you transfer money to another account or send someone to your home to collect cash or valuables. If you receive an unexpected call, you should verify that you are speaking to someone genuine by hanging up and calling back on a number you know is correct on a different telephone. If it's not possible to use a different telephone, wait for five or more minutes and ensure that there is a dialling tone before dialling. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different telephone from the one the scammer contacted you on, and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

If you're not sure whether something is a scam, you can talk to one of the trusted contacts in Meldreth: Graham (01763) 260358 Linda (01763) 261405 Peter (01763) 260323 Tim (01763) 262801 You can contact Neighbourhood Watch by phoning Graham on the above number, or by emailing nhw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch 38

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

EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY

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

OFSTED (Sept 2017) confirmed: ‘An innovative curriculum that truly meets the needs of pupils’ ‘The first school in Cambridgeshire to introduce Mandarin at Key Stage 3’ ‘The school’s vision of Everybody is Somebody is evident in the support you provide for all pupils’ ‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school’ Senior Leaders will be delighted to show around prospective students and their parents. For more information or to book your tour, please contact Karin Doyle – office@melbournvc.org

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

39

Moorlands Court

Local Community Services

 Homecare – our fully trained carers visit you in your home.  Si ng service – a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers me for themselves.  Day Centre – based at Moorlands Court, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.  Meals service – nutri ous, hot lunch me meal delivered to you.  Housekeeping – we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

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

For all your domestic electrical needs.

Visit

sparkys.online

Mobile

07974 375 377 Email

info@sparkys.online 40

In Praise Of … … Plums This month we showcase plums, which are closely related to greengages, damsons and sloes. Of plums proper, some are red, some orange, purple or black and they are jam-packed with fundamental nutrients, minerals, cancer prevention agents, and fibre. You can eat plums fresh or dried and they are in season from August through to October.

Plum & Almond Crumble Slice Prep:15 mins Cook:1 hour and 5 mins Ingredients 250g pack butter (this must be very cold) 225g caster sugar 300g ground almond 140g plain flour, plus 25g 2 eggs 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder 6 Victoria plums , stoned and cut into sixths 50g flaked almond Method Heat oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Butter and line a 20 x 30cm baking tin with baking paper. Put the butter, sugar and ground almonds into a food processor, then pulse until the mixture resembles very rough breadcrumbs. Spoon out half the mix into a bowl and set aside.

Add 140g flour into the mix in the processor and whizz until it just forms a dough. Tip into the tin and press down with the back of a spoon. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

To make the filling, put the remaining butter and the sugar and almond mix back into the processor, saving a few tablespoons for the topping.

Add the eggs, the 25g flour, cinnamon and baking powder and whizz to a soft batter. Spread over the base.

41

Top with the plum pieces and a little extra caster sugar and cinnamon.

Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining crumble mix and flaked almonds. Cook for another 20 minutes or until golden. Leave to cool in the tin before slicing.

Plum, Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake Prep: 25 mins Cook:50 mins Ingredients 175g butter , plus extra for greasing 500g Victoria plums 175g light muscovado sugar 175g self-raising flour 175g ground hazelnuts 3 eggs 1 tsp baking powder 50g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa), chopped 2 tbsp hazelnuts 2 tbsp redcurrant, damson or plum jelly Method Heat oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Butter and line the base of a round 20cm cake tin. Halve and stone four plums, set aside for later, then roughly chop the remaining plums.

Put the sugar, butter, flour, ground hazelnuts, eggs and baking powder into a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or electric hand mixer for 1-2 mins, until smooth and light. Stir in the chopped plums and chocolate, then tip into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.

Arrange the halved plums over the top of the mixture, pressing them down lightly, then scatter over hazelnuts. Bake for 40-50 mins until the top is golden and the cake feels firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out, remove the paper and cool on a wire rack. Heat the jelly, then brush over the top of the cake before serving.

Roasted Beetroot, Plum and Pecan Salad Prep:15 mins Cook: 15 mins Ingredients 4 large beetroot (about 500g), peeled, ends trimmed and spiralised into thick noodles 1 tbsp olive oil 42

4 ripe plums (about 200g), cut into wedges 60g pecans, toasted and roughly chopped 1 small pack mint, leaves picked, some reserved for garnish For the dressing 1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ tbsp red wine vinegar ½ tbsp pomegranate molasses Method Heat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Toss the spiralised beetroot in the olive oil and some seasoning in a roasting tin, then spread out into an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes until tender.

While the beetroot is roasting, combine the dressing ingredients together in a jug with a little seasoning.

To assemble the salad, toss the rest of the ingredients in the roasting tin with the cooked beetroot and dressing. Serve on a sharing platter, garnished with a few reserved mint leaves.

Jane O’Hagan

Book your

FREE ear health check today

Reconnect to your life Whatever your hearing difficulty, angli-EAR Hearing uses the most up-to-date tests and equipment to find the best solution for you.

Independent audiology experts you can trust Hearing Assessments

Ear Wax Removal

Hearing Aids

Tinnitus Solutions

BOOK ONLINE

www.angliearhearing.co.uk

43

01223 661399 info@angliearhearing.co.uk

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk There was no meeting of the Parish Council in August. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st September 2022 at 7.30pm.

Meldreth Parish Council Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk Parish Office, Meldreth Sheltered Scheme, Elin Way, Royston SG8 6LT Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm By appointment at other times Parish Clerk: Mrs J Damant Assistant Clerk: Mrs Sally Walmesley (01763) 269928 parishclerk@meldreth-pc.org.uk Cllr R Goddin (Chairman)

(01763) 260061

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci

07400 236329

adambostanci@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon

(01763) 262822

joan.fallon@btinternet.com

Cllr Nick Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) (01763) 261085

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr Helen Meridew

07787 734973

helenmeridew@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt@btconnect.com

vacant

PC Repairs

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer

Is your Wooden Floor in need of Sanding?

Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk

Call today on 01223 863 632

We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

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

Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

44

Planning Matters Parish Council The information below has been taken from the unapproved minutes of the planning meeting on 7th July. The minutes of the Planning Meetings on 7th April and 4th August were not available at the time of going to press. Meeting minutes, when available, may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldreth-pc.org.uk.

Ref. and Address

Details

PC Decision

18 North End 22/02136/FUL

Erection of single story dwelling with associated hard and soft landscaping, following the demolition of existing garage.

Recommended refusal with comments: Meldreth Planning Committee believe the development to be too close to the neighbouring property at 22 North End and that this would set up a precedent of backfilling which is not a feature of this part of the village.

SCDC Decisions Some recent decisions are listed below.

Ref. & Address

Decision Refusal to discharge the following condition: Submission of details required by conditions 9 (Landscaping) and 27 (Fire hydrant plan) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL.

Former Gocold Approval of the details submitted regarding details required Building, Station by condition 17 (construction - Airborne Dust) of planning Yard, High Street permission S/1502/17/FL S/1502/17/FL Refusal of the details submitted regarding details required by condition 21 (Highway) of planning permission S/1502/17/FL For full details of the above SCDC decisions, please see the decision letters on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications Full details may be viewed on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website: https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.

The Meldreth Matters Team 45

District and County Councillors’ Report Cost of Living: Support and Information in One Place South Cambridgeshire District Council has now created a ‘Cost of Living’ webpage which is constantly updated and seeks to include all known support information in one place. This will be replicated in the September issue of the SCDC Magazine.

The webpage includes general advice and support providers, financial help and household grants, childcare, health, food and travel cost support, energy advice and support and home improvements. Please visit and have a read through the information: www.scambs.gov.uk/ cost-of-living-support.

SCDC is in the process of setting up a ‘warm places’ scheme for the colder months, with publicly accessible warm space. It doesn’t have the capacity to run these in-house, nor in every village. At the time of writing, SCDC is tendering a service through the voluntary sector and we will share further information when we have it. Locally, the Melbourn Hub with its library and other services, is a publicly available space.

Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank MCCS, the Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Group, is now re-convening to meet the ‘cost of living crisis’. To begin with, it will be opening a new Meldreth Winter Emergency Food Bank for the Meldreth community, run on a voucher system and with support from SCDC. This will be operated once per week at the Elin Way Sheltered Housing Room, with an aim to start the scheme in November. More information will be given in the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Meldreth High Street Repairs The very poor state of Meldreth High Street and the junction of Station Road and Whitecroft Road has been a blight for some time. County Highways will be treating the worst of this stretch with large patching in October, the idea being to bring the road up to the required standard for surface treatment, as is now taking place in Fenny Lane.

Standard procedure means that after patching, the High Street and the Station Road/Whitecroft Road junction will need to be assessed for surface treatment, but together with County Highways’ Head of Maintenance, we are pushing for this to be in next year’s surface 46

treatment programme. All of these works only take place in the drier, warmer months of the year.

Zoom Cuppa We hold a monthly ‘Zoom Cuppa’ the first Monday of every month from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Please let us know if you’d like to join. Or we’re happy to talk any time, by telephone, email or in person.

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

Volunteering Opportunities The following groups and organisations are looking for volunteers.

Meldreth Speedwatch Speedwatch is looking for additional volunteers to help with monitoring the speed of vehicles travelling through our village. For more information, see the article on page 37 or contact Speedwatch on csw.meldreth@btinternet.com.

1st Melbourn Guides This Guide unit is full and has a waiting list, so would welcome another adult leader. If you would like to know more, please contact Hilary Marsh on (01763) 261443 or email melbournguides@gmail.com.

Royston & District Community Transport (RDCT) RDCT is looking for new volunteer drivers in our area. Please contact them if you have a day or more on weekdays or at weekends to take people to appointments. You will be paid 50p per mile mileage allowance. For more information, call (01763) 245228, email manager@roytrans.co.uk or visit their website, www.roytrans.co.uk.

Compiled by the Editor 47

Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support MCCS was set up to support the Meldreth community during the pandemic. It is still going and is now turning its attention to the ‘cost of living crisis’ - about which there will be more to come in the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Below is our regular round-up of community support.

Vaccinations Mobile vaccination centres are still in operation; see the schedule at: https://www.thevaccinators.co.uk.

Pharmacy Deliveries If you are choosing to self-isolate and unable to travel to a pharmacy, medication can be delivered directly to you by a number of methods.

Please ask your local pharmacists; WELL Melbourn (01763) 260221 or Bassingbourn Pharmacy (01763) 250660 about the services offered.

Our coordinator for pharmacy assistance is Nick Garner on 07968 568599.

Local Shops Taking Telephone Orders and Making Deliveries Home delivery is available from Fieldgate (01763) 260737 and Bury Lane (01763) 260418. For Leech & Sons butchers, ring (01763) 260255 to collect outside in the car park behind the shop.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support We are supported by the very useful resources available to all at CPSL Mind (that’s Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Suffolk and Lincolnshire Mind). These resources include common-sense helpful reminders and also telephone numbers and links if you’re worried or anxious and need to talk to someone who can help.

See https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/top-tips-self-help-resources or for general queries, please call 0300 303 4363 (9.30am – 5.30pm).

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

Kneesworth Road, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road: David Hollamby 07732 106828 48

Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Mary’s Way, Westacre: John Crawforth 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard & Road: Lindsey McCaig 07884 432345 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell 07773 592838 & Ian Mitchell 07726 936635 If you have any other questions, please let us know.

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

The Most Thorough Clean or it’s Free!

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rug & Stone/Tile Cleaning Call today on 01223 863 632 Please quote “Meldreth Mag” Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

iPLASTER

Phil Clarke

SKIMMING / PATCHING CEILING REPAIR WATER DAMAGE REPAIR ARTEX COVERED

and Associates

01763 260 526 07837 645173

01223 874433

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

pennfarmphysio.com

49

Village Directory

Village Hall Chairman

David Coton—07749 850026

Cycling Group Local History Group Lunch Club Melwood Cons. Group

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

Photographic Group

www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk

Revelation U3A

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

Bowls Club Croquet Club Meldreth United FC Table Tennis Tennis Club

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

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

(01763) 220626; https://allsaintsmelbournholytrinitymeldreth.co.uk (01763) 261569 Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 (01763) 260048; www.foht.org.uk

Baby & Toddler Group

Bridget Rinaldi—bridgetjrinaldi@gmail.com or Julia Moore—07403 462198

Brownies (1st Meldreth) Hartbeeps Meldreth Rainbows Pre– and Primary School

Email: 1stmeldrethbrownies@gmail.com Kelly@hartbeeps.com 1stmeldrethrainbows@gmail.com (01763) 260432; www.meldreth.cambs.sch.uk

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

Jose Hales—07703 262649 Sally Ann Hart—07791 233303

District Council Offices

03450 450500; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

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

County Council Offices MP

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

Councils & Govt.

Children

Clubs & Societies

Village Hall Bookings

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198

Sport

Neighbourhood Watch One Stop

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

Church

Facilities

Litter Picker

50

Transport Health Support Services Emergencies NonEmerg.

Misc.

Station Ticket Office

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

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

Streetlights (faulty)

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

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

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

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Taxi (Butler Meltax)

(01763) 244444; 212223

Citizens Advice Bureau

Police

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

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

51

Advertising Rates Size Half page Quarter page Eighth page/banner Business listing per line

per issue £27.25 £16.50 £8.75

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 .....................................35 AngliEAR Hearing ...........................43 Art of Clean ....................................49 Art of Clean Wood ..........................44 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) ..........25 Bury Lane Farm Shop ......................8 Cam Valley Orchards ......................35 CHS Day Centre .............................14 CHS Group ......................................40 The Country Store ...........................36 Eternit Sports and Social Club ........19 Eve Construction .............................21 Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .......22 iPlaster .............................................49 Lawn Partners ..................................22 The Letting Centre .....................Cover Little Hands Nursery School ............36 Melbourn Auto Services .................8 Melbourn Flooring ...........................2 Melbourn Village College .................39

Meldreth Landscapes .......................16 Meldreth Motor Company ..............39 Meldreth Plant Hire ...................Cover Moncraft Computers .......................44 N J Chapman, gardening ................11 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service40 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement ......2 P D Property Services .......................14 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ...............49 Queen Bee .................................Cover Reflections ......................................16 Richard Burns Electrician ..................3 Rod’s PC Support ......................Cover Sage Blinds and Interiors ..................2 Sparky’s ..........................................40 Specialist Dental Partners .................16 Trademark Kitchens ........................14 Travel Counsellors ...........................25 Village Garden Services .....................3 52

Giftware & Homeware

Men’s, women’s, baby & home

At The Old Barn The British Queen, Meldreth (rear of the car park)

Call us on: 07821680936 Email: info@queenbeemeldreth.com Instagram: @queenbeemeldreth Opening times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5.30pm

MELDRETH PLANT HIRE TEL: 01763 262738

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

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