Meldreth Matters, September 2023

September 2023

In this issue …

Events include …

Auction of Lots and Promises Meldreth Bowls Club Melwood

FOHT Car Show Home-Start Quiz Village Hall Film

Garden Maintenance

Garden Design

Plants & Planting

Nick Goodridge +44 7557 887487 Helen Page +44 7735 442612 office@goodridgepagegardens.uk www.goodridgepagegardens.uk

Contents What’s On in September Auction of Lots & Promises 3 Car Show 4 Events at Melbourn Hub 11 Home-Start Quiz 5 Things to Do in September 12-13 Village Hall Film 5 Wimpole Community Picnic 5

Gardening and Nature A Meldreth Garden 25-26

Village Groups Bowls Club 8 Friends of Holy Trinity 4 Lift Off Choir 6 Local History Group 7 Photographic Club 6-7

Local/National Government Local Councillors 32-33 Parish Council 29 Planning 30

Cookery In Praise of … 16-17 Children & Education Activities for Families 15

Advice/Information 17 Bus Service 37 Advertisers’ Index 40 MCCS 37 Mobile Warden Scheme 17 Neighbourhood Watch 19 Net Zero Now 34 Refuse Collections 20 Village Directory 38-39

Village News & Issues Auction of Lots & Promises 3 Melwood 22 Station Ticket Office Closures 34 Miscellaneous A10 Path Maintenance 29 Duxford Saturday Workshop 14 Wimpole Estate 4-5

This month’s cover picture: The Deltic 55009 ‘Alycidon‘ at Fieldgate Crossing on 29th July 2023 on a Derby to Kings Cross special. Photograph by Mick Barstow 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

MELDRETH MATHS TUTOR

Moorlands Court Over 60? Feeling a bit lonely?

Why not try our Day Centre?  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?

Contact:

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

Fully DBS Checked

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

2

Editorial Welcome to the September Issue of Meldreth Matters.

We’d like to thank everyone who has supported our online Auction of Lots and Promises. To date we have raised over £2100 for the magazine. The auction will be finishing this month so keep checking the site and look out for bargains as we relist some of the unsold lots! See below for details.

There are several village events taking place this month including the Friends of Holy Trinity Car Show (see page 4 and back cover) and a Home-Start quiz and Village Hall film night (both on page 5).

Kathryn

Meldreth Matters Auction Last Few Weeks!

We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our auction, whether by donating an item or items or by bidding. In addition to the individuals and companies mentioned in recent issues of Meldreth Matters, we would like to thank the following for their kind donations: Meldreth Maths Tutor, Christine and Maurice Prové, Sue Stanton and ARC Personal Training.

The auction has been running since the beginning of July and will be drawing to a close this month. By the time it finishes, we will have listed over 70 lots and we hope to have raised over £3000.

Lots currently open for bidding include French conversation sessions, a crocheted baby blanket, prints, a flight in a light aircraft, two hours of electrical work, some led crystal, a case of wine and an Indian cookery session.

More lots will be added during September so please keep checking the auction site. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram (search for Meldreth Matters) for updates.

Visit our auction site at

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters

or scan the QR code The Meldreth Matters Team 3

Friends of Holy Trinity www.foht.org.uk The Friends have two events scheduled for this autumn which we hope many of you will find of interest and attend.

Car Show, Sunday 17th September The first is the annual Car Show, now in its eighteenth year. This will take place on Sunday 17th of September, from 1.30 to 4.30pm. As well as the vehicle display there will be live jazz music, a BBQ and tea and refreshments. Entry costs £5 for adults and £1 for accompanied children up to 16 years of age. See the poster on the back cover for further details.

Talk by Tom Heap, Tuesday 17th October The second event is a talk by the well-known television and radio presenter Tom Heap, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday 17th October at the church.

Tom is best known for his contributions to the BBC One programme Countryfile, the same channel’s Panorama programme and the BBC Radio 4 programme Costing the Earth. He also currently presents The Climate Show on Sky News.

We are delighted that he has agreed to present a talk for us and are certain that it will be highly informative as well as entertaining. More information will be given in the October issue of Meldreth Matters.

Ian Mitchell

Wimpole Estate Harvest Scarecrow Competition Please consider entering a scarecrow in our competition. The idea is to build a scarecrow that reflects the purpose or the interests of your community group for public display at Wimpole from Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th September 2023.

It is a good opportunity to promote your group, have some fun and be part of Wimpole’s Harvest celebrations. The scarecrow must be attached to a pole to keep it upright and be able to be secured to a hay bale. In addition, we would ask for a label with the name of your group and the scarecrow if you like, plus a brief description of who you are and what you do. The label could be attached the scarecrow or on a stick to be attached to the hay bale.

If you would like to participate, please email Anne.French@nationaltrust.org.uk as soon as possible. Scarecrows will need to be installed on Friday 15th September and collected from 25th to 27th September.

4

Wimpole Community Picnic, Sunday 24th September We would also like to invite people from Meldreth and our other local parishes to come and enjoy a community picnic near the stables at Wimpole on Sunday 24th September. Entry will be free on proof of address. Please bring your own food.

Entry to all parts of the estate will be included.

Anne French Senior Volunteering and Community Officer National Trust Wimpole Estate

Huw Shortle

Richard Burns ELECTRICIAN

Pure Water Window Cleaning

For installation, repair or advice please call

Tel: Mob:

07915 378397

01763 263 121 07958 028 729

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

info@huwclean.co.uk 5

Compliant to BS7671 Based in Meldreth

Lift Off Choir Men, We Want You! As we relaunch after our summer break, we are accepting new choir members and would especially love to have more men join us.

We already have a keen core of gents whose voices bring much valued richness to our sound. The choir is a great place to socialise with others and there is no solo singing, just the joy in singing with each other.

Here are the thoughts of one of our male choir members.

I could sing once, back in the day. Yesterday....

You could sing then and you can sing now! It's true. After only six months with the Lift-Off choir, what a pleasure to have regained the habit of singing - to play a part in carrying that melody, creating that harmony, perhaps adding some new colour to the song. What's made the most difference? It's the encouragement to listen. The better your listening, the better your singing. And better listening helps in other areas of life too!

Such a warm and friendly welcome - with the interest always on what each of us adds to the sound we make together. There have been public performances too even a film-shoot.

Clare's energy and enthusiasm has led us through an ambitious mix of new and classic songs. Where will the new season take us?

For more details contact me on 07548247755 or visit www.claresilver.co.uk.

Clare Silver

Melbourn and District Photographic Club www.melbournphotoclub.com The new season starts with another full and varied programme for the autumn months including three lecture evenings, three competitions and two club events.

September’s meetings are as follows: 12th Welcome Back – three short presentations by members 19th Confessions of a Landscape Photographer – lecture by Paul Mitchell 26th 1st Club Projected Image Competition – judge: Jackie Gillman 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, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and always welcomes new members, whatever their ability.

6

For details about the Club, and to see some of our work, visit our website at melbournphotoclub.com. If you are interested in joining, we are happy for you to attend up to two meetings free of charge before deciding.

To do this, just email me at melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com.

Peter North Club Secretary

Meldreth Local History Group www.meldrethhistory.org.uk We are continuing to have our meetings from 10.00am to midday on the first Monday of each month in the community room in Elin Way. It is always a pleasure to see new faces. Sometimes people bring us photographs or information on Meldreth or they may want to find out more about their own family history.

October Coffee Morning We will be holding a coffee morning on Monday 2nd October.

We have decided to dedicate it to stories about the Atlas/Eternit/ Etex site due to the closure of the site. There will be a presentation of old photographs and there will also be a chance to share stories about working there.

All are welcome. Please arrive from 10.00am onwards. The presentation will begin at 10.30am.

Please contact us on the email address below if you would like more information on the Group.

Joan Gane Chairman info@meldrethhistory.org.uk (01763) 260129 PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards, etc.

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

7

Meldreth Bowls Club www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk By the time that you read this the 2023 summer outdoors bowls season will have almost come to an end and we will be starting to look forward to bowling indoors over the winter months.

Following on from an unusually hot and dry June, we had to endure a cold and wet July with several fixtures having to be re-arranged in what was then a shrinking season. Hopefully we will get all of these in before we lose the light in the evenings!

We sit in the middle of the leagues that we play in and have reached the final of the Kenzie Cup, where we will play Foxton.

Our recruitment campaign for this year has been very successful with several new bowlers joining our club and finding themselves being picked for matches shortly thereafter. All seem to be enjoying the experience and are readily signing up to play in more games. Formal coaching is also being provided to members and play has improved as a result.

As well as bowls there is a social side to our club and we have organised a number of functions including quiz nights, a Pimms and Puddings afternoon and a Race Night, all of which were much enjoyed by those that attended. We also arranged for our members to receive CPR and defibrillator training, which was provided by MAGPAS. If you are a bowler or would like to learn or instead would just like to join us as a social member you will be very welcome. Details of our club can be found at www.meldrethbowlsclub.co.uk.

Jim Hatch Chairman The Most Thorough Clean or it's Free!!

Carpet, Upholstery, Leather, Rugs & Stone/Tile Cleaning Call today on 01223 790020 Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

01763 244955 lawnpartners.co.uk

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering www.artofclean.co.uk / info@artofclean.co.uk

Raising funds for Meldreth Matters: www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters 8

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

A10 TIMBER CO.

MELDRETH

For Timber & Sheet Material

LANDSCAPES

Graded Timber Mouldings & Flooring Decking & Fencing Insulation Cutting & delivery service

Design & Layout Plans Hard Landscaping & Lighting Planting & Water Features

All enquiries welcome.

Pergolas, Decking, etc Barwick Ford Ware, Herts. SG11 1AL

Tel: 01763 261463

Tel: 01279 842016

www.meldrethlandscapes.co.uk

e: sales@a10timber.co.uk w: www.a10timber.co.uk

Kneesworth Rd., Meldreth, Royston, Herts

9

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

10

Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk September at Melbourn Hub We’ve had a fantastic summer at the Hub and have loved seeing so many of our customers enjoying what the Hub has to offer, inside and out, depending on our quite unpredictable British summer! A real highlight was our Hubby Bear event during the summer holidays, which lots of children really enjoyed.

September sees a return to normal in terms of all our usual events and services.

Sue Bergquist will be back as artist in residence - do come and have a look at her work.

Here’s what’s on and don’t forget you can always take a look at our website too www.melbournhub.co.uk.

Weekly Events Every Thursday - Primary Care Network 10.00-11.30am Drop-in session providing advice and support on health and wellbeing Every Friday - Children's Story Time 10.00-10.30am For under 5s. Come and enjoy a story and a singalong. No need to book!

Special for September Thursday 28th September - Meet the Author Event 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.

Come and hear from author Laura Thompson. Laura writes biographies and her subjects include Agatha Christie, the Mitford Sisters and her own publican grandmother. Booking essential - contact the Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@melbournhub.com.

Linsey Craike on behalf of Melbourn Hub

N J Chapman

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Garden Services Handyman

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

Mobile: 07592 725 169

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

Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com

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

11

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

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd September, 10.00am to 5.00pm BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF Celebrate autumn gardening with plants to buy, inspirational showcase gardens and beautiful borders; Capability Brown tours; expert advice from BBC Gardeners’ World presenters including Adam Frost and Frances Tophill. For further details and ticket prices visit www.gardenersworldlive.com.

Saturday 2nd September, 11.00am to 4.00pm The 22nd Buntingford Classic Car Show, Buntingford town centre SG8 9AE For those who love all things mechanical … classic cars, trucks, tractors and bikes displayed along the town’s historic High Street. Live street-corner music and BBQs. Free entry. See www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk.

Saturday 2nd September 12.00noon to 4.30pm Stourbridge Medieval Fair Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ Re-enactment of the famous fair at Cambridge’s oldest building. Step back in time to a medieval age. With dancing, singing, storytelling, stalls, crafts and fascinating history talks. Free event. See www.cambridgeppf.org.

Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd September and each September weekend, 10.30am to 4.30pm Harv’Fest 2023, Wimpole Hall Estate, Arrington SG8 0BW Each weekend will focus on a different part of the Estate to celebrate Wimpole’s produce and farming. Apples in the orchard, rare breeds at Home Farm, shire horse demonstrations, fruit and vegetable stalls, traditional crafting activities and more. Normal National Trust admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate/events.

Tuesday 5th September, 10.00am to 12noon Autumn Wild Flowers in Wandlebury Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE Want to be able to identify autumn wild flowers? Join a gentle warden-led walk around the woods and meadows of Wandlebury to learn how. Free event though donations welcome. Wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing and meet at the car park notice board. Parking charge for non-members.

Friday 8th to Sunday 17th September, at varying times/locations Open Cambridge Annual celebration of the community, heritage, history and stories of Cambridge and surrounding area. Programme includes guided museum tours, musical events, 12

open observatory at the Institute of Astronomy, wildlife in the city trail and much more. Visit www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk for details.

Saturday 16th September, 2.00pm to 10.00pm & Sunday 17th September, 1.00pm to 9.00pm WillowFest The Willow Tree, 29 High Street, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2SQ Live music festival plus DJ disco, festival-style food/drink and plenty of fun for everyone. Bouncy castle, face painting, crafts and games for children. All set in the beautiful Bourn countryside. Tickets: £15 adults, £8 children, 5 - 12.

Thursday 21st September, 12.15pm to 2.15pm Home-Start Literary Lunch The Old Bull Inn, Royston SG8 9AW Buffet lunch served from 12.15pm followed by a chat between host Jude Simpson and New York Times best-selling author of The Radium Girls and The Woman They Could Not Silence, Kate Moore. Tickets £15, to include lunch, available by calling the Home-Start office on (01763) 262262, emailing events@hsrsc.org.uk or visiting www.hsrsc.org.uk/events.

Friday 22nd September, 7.45pm to 9.00pm (no interval) Paul McKenna Band Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP Critically acclaimed folk band drawing on traditional Scottish and Irish roots, combined with contemporary acoustic pop. Tickets £22/£11 (under 25). Preconcert ploughman’s boards available from 6.15pm but must be pre-ordered. Visit www.staplefordgranary.org.uk for details and to book.

Sunday 24th September, 9.00am to 1.00pm Gransdens Farmers’ Market Village Hall, 6 Primrose Hill, Little Gransden, Sandy SG19 3DP Excellent, friendly local market on the fourth Sunday of each month. Wide variety of stalls with speciality foods and drink, fruit and vegetables, craft items, gifts, pottery, glassware and a lot else besides. See www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk/event/the-gransdensfarmers-market.

Friday 29th September to Friday 13th October, Cathedral opening times Iceni Botanical Artists Exhibition - Herbals and Harvest Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral, The College, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL East Anglian artists exhibit paintings and drawing of the plant world using a wide range of styles, techniques and mediums. All the work will be for sale, as well as cards and prints. Please check for detailed visitor hours at www.elycathedral.org.

Normal Cathedral admission applies.

Compiled by John Crawforth 13

Duxford Saturday Workshop www.duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk Registration Day: Saturday 9th September If you enjoy music and would like to learn to play an instrument, to play alongside others, or to sing in a choir, you’ll be hugely welcome to come and join in the delights of “Duxford Workshop” which is held at on Saturday mornings during termtime. Registration for the 2023-24 Workshop year is on Saturday 9th September from 10.00 to 11.30am at Duxford School, St. John’s Street, Duxford so, if you love music, do come along to see what ‘Workshop’ can offer you.

Workshop holds group tuition sessions, where adults and children from Year Five onwards can learn to play an instrument. There is also a junior music and drama group for children from Year 1 upwards, as well as classes for adult beginners and ensembles 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 of us who haven’t played for 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 - so there are loads of opportunities for you! A registered charity, Workshop is all about having fun by learning and performing together in an enjoyable and supportive environment. Indeed, some of our members find it so enjoyable that they have been coming along since the last century. Honestly, it’s true!

Finally, don’t worry if you don’t have an instrument of your own – we have instruments for rental on very reasonable terms so will be happy to help you out if we can. So, do come and find out why our members enjoy Workshop so much and see what you can achieve!

Registration for the new 2023/24 Workshop year is on Saturday 9th September and term begins two weeks later, at 9.30am on Saturday 23rd September. For more information, please see the Workshop website at https:// duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk.

Peter Howarth Duxford Workshop Management Team

Please have a look at our online auction Bid for a flight, hand-crafted items and much more!

www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters 14

Things for Children and Families To Do Saturday 2nd September, 10.00am - 4.00pm Rose Quarter Family Open Day Rose Crescent, Cambridge CB2 1SU Rose Quarter shops and restaurants are offering discounts and freebies. Games and competitions, a magician and Fitz and Will the Cambridge cats. Go to www.star.radio to find out how to win £250 to spend in the Crescent.

Saturday 2nd September, 10.00am - 1.00pm Leaf Art, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside CB2 1JE A workshop for children aged 3+ making leaf artworks. Try leaf rubbing with crayons and watercolours. Adults £8 admission, under 16s free.

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September, starting 9.30am DogFest, Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage SG1 2AX A fun dog show, activities, a Big Dog Walk, dog displays, advice from experts, stalls, refreshments. Use KNEBWORTH20 for 20% discount. Dogs free.

See www.knebworthhouse.com.

Sunday 17th September, 10.00am or 12.00pm Pigs and Bears Don’t Come in Pairs Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford CB22 5BP Puppet show with imaginative story-telling, humour, ingenious sets and music.

For ages 3 to 7. Adults £9, under 25s £7. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk.

Sunday 17th September, 1.00pm - 4.00pm Sandon Fête - Animal Magic Sandon Village Green and Hall, Sandon SG9 0QX Milk a cow, splat the rat, enter the dog show (£2 per dog per class), buy homemade preserves and plants. Money raised goes to Sandon Church.

Sunday 24th September, 11.00am - 12.20pm Go Go Rainbow Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington Ave, Cambridge CB3 1AA Local band Shake, Rattle and Roll launch their new album in an interactive musical show. Lots of audience participation, multi-sensory activities and fun.

Book online at www.happity.co.uk. Adults £15, children £10.

Sunday 24th September, 11.30am or 2.30pm Pippi Longstocking, Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way CB1 7GX Playful, quirky solo storytelling about ‘the strongest girl in the world.’

Audience participation, music. For ages 4+. Optional craft activity. £13.50 adults, £9.50 child. www.junction.co.uk.

Compiled by Hilary Crawforth 15

In Praise Of … Plums This month we showcase Plums, which are closely related to greengages, damsons and sloes. Of plums proper, they can be red, 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 Upside-down Cake Ingredients 50ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin 50g butter, softened 300g light brown soft sugar 6 plums, stoned and cut into 8 wedges 284ml pot buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract 4 eggs 325g self-raising flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

Method Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base of a deep 20cm springform cake tin. Combine the butter with 50g of the light brown soft sugar and spread onto the base of the lined tin. Arrange the plum wedges on top in concentric circles.

Tip the buttermilk, vanilla, oil, remaining sugar and eggs into a large bowl and beat for 1-2 minutes using a fork or whisk to break up the eggs. Tip in the flour and bicarbonate of soda and mix until you have a smooth batter. Carefully pour this on top of the plums, then put in the oven for 45 mins to 1 hour until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin completely, then remove from the tin and invert onto a board or serving plate.

Limoncello Plum Tart Ingredients 500g ready-made shortcrust pastry Zest and juice of 2 unwaxed lemons 4 tbsp double cream 100g pack ground almonds 5 eggs

100g butter, melted 8 tbsp limoncello liqueur 6 plums, stoned and cut into wedges 200g golden caster sugar

Method Roll out the pastry and use to line a loose-bottomed tart tin, 25cm diameter and about 3.5-4cm deep. Chill for at least half an hour.

Heat oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Line the pastry with greaseproof paper, fill with baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove beans and paper.

Put the lemon zest and juice, cream, almonds, sugar, eggs and melted butter in a large bowl and whisk until smooth then stir in the limoncello.

16

Put the plums in the pastry case then pour the custard mixture over. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until the custard is just set. Allow to cool then dredge with icing sugar before serving.

Reflections Hair Studio Specialist in all aspects of Unisex Hairdressing.

Cutting * Colouring Techniques * Hair Extensions

Jane O’Hagan

We have a wide range of home hair care retail.

Bid for an Indian cookery session with Jane in the Meldreth Matters Auction

Gift vouchers and hair accessories available.

01763 260431

45 Whitecroft Road , Meldreth Tuesday & Thursday 9am - Late Monday &Wednesday closed Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 3pm

www.jumblebee.co.uk/ meldrethmatters

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

17

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 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

18

WhatsApp Scam Targeting Community and Religious Groups Members of large WhatsApp groups, such as community, alumni and academic, work groups, and religious groups (such as church or prayer groups) are being targeted by fraudsters who infiltrate them to try and deceive their members into sending them money. Since January of this year, 268 people have reported falling victim to this scam to Action Fraud. The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, claiming to be a member of the group. This is done in order to gain the victim's trust, and often the fraudster will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group.

The fraudster will then call the victim and say they are sending a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The fraudster then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call. What’s really happening is that the fraudster is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device where they then “port” their WhatsApp profile over.

Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to access their account. The fraudster will then message other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.  Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.  Never share your account’s two-factor authentication (2FA) code (that’s the six digit code you receive via SMS).  Think. Call. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.

If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://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 Peter (01763) 260323

Linda (01763) 261405 Tim (01763) 262801

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

Meldreth Neighbourhood Watch

Raising funds for Meldreth Matters: www.jumblebee.co.uk/meldrethmatters 19

Meldreth Village Diar Monday

Tuesday

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

Thurs

Refuse Collections Black bins: 12th, 26th Blue & Green bins: 5th, 19th

Get reminders on your mobile: download the Bin Collections app

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 10.00am History Group 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00-12.00 TP Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank

9.00-10.00am Cardio 10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness 11.00-12.00 Trigger Point Pilates 4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes) 6.30-8.00pm Guides

9.00am-12.00 Food Bank 9.15am Cycling Group 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows 7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates 7.45pm Women’s Group

4

Wednesday

5

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 6.00-7.20pm Dance Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates

6

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T 7.00-9.00pm T 7.30pm Parish

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 6.00-7.20pm D. Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15p Hartbeeps 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T Pilates 7.00-9.00pm T

9.30-11.30am Baby & Toddler Group 1.30-2.45pm Lift Off Choir 6.00-7.20pm D. Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps 12.00-3.00pm

9.30-11.30am B&T Group 10.45-11.30am Mobile Library 1.30-2.45pm Choir 6.00-7.20pm D. Aerobics 6.00-7.30pm Brownies 7.30-8.20pm TP Pilates 7.45-9.00pm Bell Ringing

10.00am-1.15 Hartbeeps 12.00-3.00pm 4.00-5.00pm A 6.00-6.45pm T Pilates 7.00-9.00pm T

7

11 12 13 14 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

9.15am Cycling Group

18 19 20 2 12.00-3.00pm Village Hub 1.30-2.30pm 50+ Aerobics 5.00-6.15pm Rainbows

7.00-8.00pm Fitness Pilates

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

25 26 27 28

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

20

ry - September 2023

sday

pm

7

Village Hub Acro TP Pilates Table Tennis h Council

pm

Friday

Saturday

9.45am Sung Eucharist

9.30am Slimming World

1 9.30am Slimming World

8

Sunday

2 2.00-4.00pm Dementia Memory Café

9

9.30am Slimming World

3 8.00am Said Eucharist

10 9.45am Sung Eucharist 1.30-4.30pm FOHT Car Show, Holy Trinity Church. See page 4 and back cover

4 15 16 17

m Village Hub Acro Trigger Point

Table Tennis pm

9.30am Slimming World

7.00 for 7.30pm Film Night: The Shawshank Redemption Pre-booked tickets only (see page 5 or scan the QR code)

1 22 23 24

m Village Hub

Acro Trigger Point

Table Tennis pm

9.30am Slimming World

Community Support for m Village Hub Dementia Event in the Village Hall Acro Trigger Point (No details have been received for this event)

6.45 for 7.30pm HomeStart Quiz Night

8 29 30

(see page 5 or scan the QR code)

Remember our online auc on (see page 3)

Table Tennis

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

21

Melwood, Summer 2023 www.melwood.org.uk Holidays and weather often combine to make June, July and August difficult months to arrange working parties and this year has been no exception. The cow parsley flowered into late May and probably needed cutting before the end of June but this didn’t happen and a benefit of that is that Nettle-leaved Bellflowers along the path edges have had their best year ever for flowers. When the lane edges were cut in late July it was easy to see the stems of blue flowers and avoid cutting them. Earlier in the summer the foliage is so similar to stinging nettles it would probably have been cut. Some years back we controlled the cow parsley by pulling up plants after flowering and before the seed had chance to fall. It is more labour-intensive but effective and if the stems break, the remaining stumps can sometimes be pulled up later in the summer. The bellflowers will be left to shed seed, which may grow if not smothered by other undergrowth. It was surprising to see so much foliage of Sweet Violet under the nettles when these had been cleared. We must try to give these room and light to flower in spring.

The Conservation Group are hopeful of the meadow beside the wood becoming formally part of the reserve when the estate of the owner is finally wound up. In the interim, the group have been given permission to manage the land whilst probate is still progressing. To this end, we started cutting some of the areas of coarse grass, nettles and dock in mid-July. The task was made more difficult by the flattened vegetation resulting from heavy rain earlier in the month and it took two working parties to clear the area we intend to maintain as short grassland.

The plan was to cut in the traditional manner, with scythes, but this really needs the grass stems to be upright and dry, so strimmers and a brush-cutter also had to be employed. All cut material has to be raked up and removed, so that it does not smother smaller plants and add to soil fertility thereby benefitting the taller and more vigorous species. The intention is to produce areas of short turf and areas of taller meadow flowers, giving bloom throughout the summer and plants that will support a larger range of butterflies and other pollinating insects than is currently the case. This will not be achieved after a single cut but will need a long term approach. The level of shade afforded by the surrounding trees makes the establishment of some meadow species more difficult but trial and error will no doubt get there in the end.

Jim Reid

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 22

Amethyst Need someone to talk to?

Sometimes we need extra support either in our professional or personal lives.

I am an experienced coach/ mentor who likes to help people discover practical solutions to help them move forward.

Ring Maggie on 01763 263275 for an initial no obligation chat.

23

£1,000 welcome bonus!

Get paid to pursue your ambitions and career in care, while making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs.

• Earn from £11 per hour - no experience necessary as we’ll train you.

• Earn an extra £25 per night shift.

• Plus, a £1,000 welcome bonus, great benefits and opportunities to develop your career with qualifications fully funded by us!

Earn from £11per hour No experience necessary

Contact liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com or karen.barnfield@the-aurora-group.com Visit www.theauroragroup.co.uk/careers or Scan QR Code.

Day Support Workers wanted Night Support Workers wanted

Rewarding work that changes lives

24

A Meldreth Garden The garden is looking good with late summer rain prolonging the flowering season; water buts are full. To maintain the garden display to the first frosts, continue deadheading, removing faded blooms and foliage, and plant into gaps.

Many plants have a range of cultivars, annuals, biennials and perennials. The gardener’s better option may be a perennial, less work to maintain, so I am now being more selective in my choices. For years I have grown white hollyhock Alcea rosea 'Chater's White' from seed, it has never lasted more than one season. I have now sown Alcea rosea ‘Halo White’, reputedly a more perennial strain. Selection of strains applies to a number of other plants, Coneflowers Rudbeckia is one I have grown for years as a late summer flowering annual. The perennial Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' is an interesting cultivar that I will try next year. Who would have guessed that sunflowers come in perennial cultivars?

The showy sunflower Helianthus laetiflorus and western sunflower Helianthus occidentalis are good choices, once established they are not invasive, unlike Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus, also a sunflower.

Invasive tendency is an important characteristic to consider for a number of plants. I have Chinese lanterns, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii, that look good at this time of year, but is a disaster in a mixed border because of a deep rooting sprawling habit. I will be dividing clump forming herbaceous perennials like day lilies Hemerocallis hakuunensis cultivars, Phlomis russelianadone and Achillea filpendulina ‘Cloth of Gold’. Division every few years ensures healthy vigorous plants that will continue to perform year after year. It also offers the opportunity to multiply your plants for free. The same treatment can be undertaken with ornamental grasses.

For late flowering perennials such as sedums and perennial helianthus a good way to ensure they stay upright next season is to lift and divide after flowering. Not being fully established they will remain shorter and sturdier. An alternative to the Chelsea chop.

Jobs for the Flower Garden  Collect seed from perennials and annuals; seed from hardy annuals can be sown now. I am sowing California poppies, honeywort Cerinthe major 'purpurascens' and white laceflower Orlaya grandiflora. Growing plants from seed is generally straightforward and inexpensive. It is an opportunity to increase the number of plants in your garden for free. Note; seed from F1 hybrid plants will not come true to the parent plant.  Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway  Plant spring flowering bulbs e.g. Iris reticulate and daffodils, leave tulips till later in the season to avoid tulip fire  Grow a tree from seed, e.g. rowan, holly, yew, euonymus and crab apple. I have grown a number of yew trees from seed.

25

 Rejuvenate the lawn, scarify, spike, fill hollows, reseed and top dress  Dig up tender perennials to overwinter in the greenhouse like tender geraniums Pelargonium and African daisies, osteopariums, pelargoniums, tender fuchsias, tender salvias, gazanias and marguerites, argyranthemums, etc.

Jobs for the Vegetable Garden  Dig up remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them  Prune out old raspberry canes and reduce the number of new stems of summer fruiting raspberries, feed and mulch  Water new plants if dry, using rain or grey water if possible  Clean out cold frames and greenhouses so that they are ready for use in the autumn  Plant Japanese onion sets  Cover leafy vegetable crops with bird-proof netting  Start planting out winter salads crops  Support Brussel sprouts which may topple later in the season.

Enjoy your garden.

Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com

Musk Beetle Marian Mair took this fabulous photograph of a Musk beetle in her garden. To see it in colour, visit https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters

26

Advertising Feature

27

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

01223 661399 info@angliearhearing.co.uk

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 28

Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk There was no Parish Council meeting in August. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 7th September at 7.30pm in the Elin Way Community Room.

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

(01763) 260061

Mrs Jenni Bone

Contact details had not been provided at the time of going to press

goddin@btinternet.com

Cllr Adam Bostanci

07400 236329

adam.bostanci.pc@gmail.com

Cllr Joan Fallon

(01763) 262822

c.jfallon@icloud.com

Cllr Nick Garner

(01763) 268328

nickphgarner@gmail.com

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

roger+pc@rogerjames.net

Cllr Alan Land

(01763) 261004

conradland@btinternet.com

Cllr James Mossey

07496 324701

j.mossey1211@gmail.com

Cllr Nigel Pellatt

(01763) 260909

nppellatt56@gmail.com

A10 Path Maintenance Grant A new maintenance grant from Melbourn Science Park’s Melbourn Community grant scheme will enable better vegetation cutback along the A10 path between Melbourn and Trumpington. Cambridgeshire Highways cuts the verges and does spot work where it can, but more is needed to keep the path in best condition.

The grant was awarded in April and with nesting season nearly over, a late summer hard cutback is now being planned. The grant is held by the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign and deployed in liaison with Cambridgeshire Highways. If you’d like to be involved in the campaign, please get in touch.

Susan van de Ven and Adam Bostanci A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Contact10cycle@gmail.com www.a10corridorcycle.com 29

Planning Matters Meldreth Parish Council The minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meetings of 2nd February and 6th April are now available on the Parish Council website. The following items were taken from the minutes of the Parish Council Planning Meeting on 27th July.

The full minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website, www.meldrethpc.org.uk.

5 Bell Close, 23/02152/HFUL Single Storey front and side extension to the existing garage, garden room, rear conservatory, boundary adjustment and drop kerb widening.

No Recommendation, with comments: the Planning Committee were concerned about the construction traffic; can they use the car park on Bell Close?

Station Yard, High Street 23/02578/FUL Demolition of existing factory building and office and construction of 23 dwellings with associated landscaping.

Recommend ‘Objection/refusal’, with comments.

For the comments, please see Appendix 1 of the Parish Council planning meeting: https://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk/uploads/mpc-planningminutes-270723.pdf?v=1690988544 or scan the QR code on the right .

Planning Authority Decision 64 North End, No: 23/01926/HFUL Permission granted for a single storey front porch, single storey rear extension with balcony above and alterations within the existing roof including rooflights.

For all your domestic electrical needs.

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

Visit

sparkys.online

Mobile

07974 375 377

The Meldreth Matters Team

Email

info@sparkys.online 30

P.D. Property Services

Nigel Wigg Home Improvement Specialist

1 Abbots Close Litlington Nr Royston, Herts SG8 0QQ 25274

• Exterior and interior home decorating

• Tiling • Carpentry • Refurbishment • Timber carport and veranda

25274

PLUMBING, HEATING & GAS FULL BATHROOM DESIGN & INSTALL

design and construction

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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

01763 853 778 MOB 07768 332380

TEL

nigelwigg@gmail.com T 01480 700266 M 07801 057514

ASK FOR PAUL

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

31

District and County Councillors’ Report At the time of writing, it has been a relatively quiet summer. We hope you have had a good one.

Government Announcement on a Massive Expansion of Cambridge It would be remiss of us not to mention the extraordinary announcement by Michael Gove of the expansion of the Cambridge area on a completely unprecedented scale.

Plans by the Government for a major expansion of dwellings, along with scientific research space, in and around Cambridge were leaked to the national press in mid July. None of the local authorities affected had been informed or consulted about these plans. A formal announcement was made by Mr Gove on the morning of Monday 24 July: “Proposals will see Cambridge supercharged as Europe’s science capital, addressing constraints that have left the city with some of the most expensive property markets outside London, and companies fighting over extremely limited lab space and commercial property with prices that rival London, Paris and Amsterdam …”.

This is extremely significant news for our area, already struggling with water stress and huge transport deficits, as well as an acute shortage of affordable housing. The original leak referred to 250,000 additional homes in Cambridge.

The announcement by Mr Gove neither repeated these numbers, nor offered any others. It was not specific about the geographical extent of the plans.

To our already five tiers of local government (Parish, District, Greater Cambridge Partnership, County, Mayoral Combined Authority) the announcement adds a sixth layer, to which it is unclear how the others will relate. Large amounts of work have already gone into development planning for Greater Cambridge (Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire) by the respective local councils, with a robust evidence base and following local consultation.

More in due course, no doubt.

Anglian Water Remedial Works Thank you to Anglian Water for tending to infrastructure problems in a residential part of the village. Please continue to let us know if you have any concerns, and we’ll do our best to liaise with Anglian Water.

Meldreth High Street We are still working closely with the Highways department on the continuing need for something significant to repair the surface of the High Street. As previously reported, it has failed the test for surface treatment, both because of structural defects and because any added height to the surface would in many places bring the level of the road to pavement height, creating flood issues. Susan went out with staff from the Highways department to see a trial method of repair 32

to a very similar stretch of road in Huntingdonshire, which has proven successful, and an application has been made for this to be done for Meldreth. We are hoping for a positive outcome and will keep you posted.

Road Markings at Whitecroft Road/Kneesworth Road/Fenny Lane Junction These should be refreshed soon.

Neighbouring Village Speed Limit Reductions Over the summer, Melbourn’s 20mph speed limit has been implemented, following a public consultation that indicated support for a consistent whole village zone. You’ll see the Station Road ‘gateway’ outside Sheen Mill.

Meanwhile, Whaddon’s new 40mph has been implemented along the A1198 between Kneesworth and Whaddon Gap, with final infrastructure adaptations near the Barracks entry point and Whaddon Gap. The Bassingbourn 20mph zone was implemented last November.

Become a Mentor for Care Leavers The County Council has an ongoing recruitment campaign for foster parents and now also a mentoring programme to support young people in mapping out life choices and strategies.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor in Cambridgeshire for young care leavers, visit https://www.goal17.global/cam.

Zoom Cuppa Surgeries We hold a Monday ‘Zoom Cuppa’ from 5.00-6.00pm every week. Please let Sally Ann know if you’d like to join and she’ll send you the link. Alternatively, contact us any time by email or telephone.

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

Dust Free Wood Floor Sanding & Restoration

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

Is Your Wooden Floor In Need Of Sanding ?

Call today on 01223 790020 Please quote "Meldreth Mag"

Denny Lodge Business Park, Ely Road, Chittering

See our rates on page 40

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

33

Station Ticket Office Closures The rail industry’s very short July consultation on nationwide ticket office closures was extended, on the closing day, to 1st September. Unfortunately, this did not fit in with any local parish magazine editorial deadlines, meaning that we couldn’t share this with you on paper. However, we did write via email to all those on our Rail User Group list.

Our Rail User Group response to the consultation can be seen at www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk.

We emphasised that the new proposed arrangements make no convincing case concerning the exclusion of the one in ten passengers who currently rely on human beings at ticket offices to purchase their tickets, and for whom digital exclusion stands to disincentivise use of the railway – all at a time when public transport is still struggling to regain ridership post-Covid and when increasing digitalisation of public services is intensifying isolation for those who don’t use the internet or carry a smart phone.

Meanwhile on a more positive note, our three stations have looked lovely all summer – thanks due to the station garden volunteers who work 52 weeks per year to keep the flowerpots watered, which in turn seems to enthuse all station users to do their bit to maintain a well-looked after environment.

Please do choose to travel by train whenever you can!

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

Net Zero Now Applications will open on Monday 11th September for another Net Zero Now course for residents of South Cambridgeshire. This is a free, six-week community climate action course designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to support your community on its journey to net zero. This challenge to net zero is a unique opportunity to build communities that are not just more sustainable but also healthier, happier and more resilient.

Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint with the support of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the National Lottery Community Fund, Net Zero Now will give you the opportunity to connect with others working on community climate action in the area and discuss a range of themes.

Applications close on Sunday 8th October.

To sign up, visit https:// cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/what-we-do/net-zero-now.

Alice Vodden Net Zero Now Coordinator 34

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

35

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

36

MCCS – Community Support MCCS is pleased to be coordinating the Meldreth Food Bank and Meldreth Village Hub. Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting these initiatives, whether through volunteering and warm welcomes, or donations of daily basics to the collection box outside 62 High Street, or cash support from individuals and groups (please contact MCCS Treasurer Roger James 07808 235873). Behind the scenes, invaluable support has been received from our Parish and District Councils. Core funding initiative for the Warm Hubs comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (our local NHS).

Our Neighbourhood Zone Leaders are always on hand for a friendly chat by telephone and to help locate the support you’re looking for. Their telephone numbers are below.

Kneesworth Rd, West Way, Burtons & Fenny Lane: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 Elin Way and Howard Road Zone: David Hollamby, 07732 106828 Whitecroft Road, Chiswick End, Oakrits, Melrose, Marys Way, Westacre: John Crawforth, 07595 627684 High Street, Flambards, The Grange, Woolpack Way, Station Yard and Road: Lindsey McCaig, 07884 432345 Bell Close and Gables Close: Cathy Walston, 07757 086380 North End, Brewery Lane, Malton Lane, Cam Farm: Bev Cottrell, 07773 592838 and Ian Mitchell, 07726 936635 If you have any 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

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

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

Susan van de Ven 37

Village Directory

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 Nicola Searle—(01763) 852738

Sport

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

Vicar Bells Ian Mitchell (Friends)

Rev Andrew Birks (from 1/11/23) Sandra Webb—(01763) 261451 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk

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

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

Parish Council

Please see details at end of Parish Council report

District Councillors

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

District Council Offices

01954 713000; www.scambs.gov.uk/

County Councillor

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

County Council Offices

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

Councils & Govt.

Clubs & Societies

Village Hall Chairman

(01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days Julia Moore—meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com or 07403 462198 David Coton—07749 850026

Church

Neighbourhood Watch One Stop

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

Children

Facilities

Litter Picker

Village Hall Bookings

MP

38

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

Rail User Group

07905 325574; www.meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk

Govia/Great Northern

www.thameslinkrailway.com

The Trainline Stagecoach Potholes, Highways problems, etc.

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

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

Melbourn Surgery Addenbrooke’s NHS

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

Childline

Community Support for Dementia 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 Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299 (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org

General Emergency Gas Electricity Anglian Water Cambridge Water

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

Crimestoppers Police

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

S Cambs Fire & Rescue

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

Melbourn Hub

(01763) 263303; www.melbournhub.com

Royston Taxis

(01763) 0250811

Emergencies

Support Services

Health

Streetlights (faulty)

Non-merg.

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

Misc.

Transport

Station Ticket Office

Citizens Advice Bureau

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

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

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

39

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

6 months £134.00 £74.00 £43.00 £11.00

12 months £216.00 £118.00 £65.00 £16.00

Occasional full page advertising features are also available on request.

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

Index to Advertisers Meldreth Matters depends on advertising revenue to cover its production costs.

Please mention Meldreth Matters when contacting our advertisers.

A10 Timber ........................................9 Amethyst ..........................................23 AngliEAR Hearing ...........................28 Art of Clean ......................................8 Art of Clean Wood ...........................33 Aurora Meldreth Manor (Job) .........24 Bury Lane Farm Shop .......................23 Cam Valley Orchards .......................26 CHS Day Centre ..............................18 CHS Group .......................................2 The Country Store ..............................7 County Broadband ........................... 27 Davey’s Butchers .............................36 Eternit Sports and Social Club ..........2 Eve Construction ..............................28 Goodridge & Page Gardens ......Cover Huw Shortle Window Cleaning .........5 Knibb’s Butchers .............................24 Lawn Partners ....................................8 The Letting Centre ..........................31 Little Hands Nursery School ............11

Melbourn Auto Services .............Cover Melbourn Flooring ..........................10 Melbourn Village College .................18 Meldreth Landscapes ........................9 Meldreth Maths Tutor ......................2 Meldreth Motor Company ..............36 Meldreth Plant Hire ...................Cover Moncraft Computers .........................7 N J Chapman, gardening .................11 Newlings of Royston Funeral Service10 Nigel Wigg Home Improvement.......31 P D Property Services ......................31 Penn Farm Physiotherapy ................23 Queen Bee .......................................35 Reflections .......................................17 Richard Burns Electrician ...................5 Rod’s PC Support ...............................9 Sage Blinds and Interiors .................10 Sparky’s ..........................................30 Specialist Dental Partners ................35 Trademark Kitchens .................Cover

MM is Available in Colour Online To view this or past issues online, follow us on: issuu.com/meldrethmatters 40

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