… FOHT Car Show Home-Start Quiz Night PTA Back to the 90s Quiz & Party
Mark your calendars for these exci ng updates and upcoming events in September at The Royal Oak in Barrington that you won't want to miss out on!
Friday, Sept 6th: Food vans Goofy & Cambridge Fish Bar will be parked outside the pub star ng from 4 pm, offering delicious treats throughout Car club.
Saturday, Sept 14th: Indulge in our popular Breakfast Club from 9:30 to 11:30 am, now with a refreshing smoothie op on added!
Thursday, Sept 19th: Join us for Sausages & Mash Night, featuring the perfect classic pub dish supplied by our local Butcher, Barker Bros, in Great Shelford.
Be sure to reserve your spot!
Sunday, Sept 29th: It's Quiz Night! Only £2 to enter, with all proceeds suppor ng Friends of Barrington School. The fun begins at 6 pm and wraps up by 8 pm.
Come down and join us for a fun filled month at the Royal Oak!
This month’s cover picture: The View from Fenny Lane
Photograph by Lesley Farbridge
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.
Thelastdateforcopyisthe12thofeachmonth
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.
Editorial
Welcome to the September issue of Meldreth Matters.
After the relative quiet of the summer holidays, it will get busier in the village this month with the start of a new academic year and the resumption of term-time only groups and classes in the Village Hall. There are also some events being held including a Back to the 90s Quiz and Party organised by Meldreth Primary School PTA, a Home-Start Quiz Night, a charity craft fair and the Friends of Holy Trinity Classic Car Show in the churchyard.
Finally, a reminder that everyone involved in the production, distribution and delivery of Meldreth Matters is a volunteer. We rely on advertising income to pay for the printing of the magazine and would like to say a big thank you to all of our advertisers for supporting MM. Our index of advertisers is on page 44; please remember to mention MM when contacting them. If you are a business owner and would like to advertise with us, please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.
Kathryn
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
Meldreth Primary and Preschool PTA
Back to the 90s Quiz & Party!
Friday 27th September, Meldreth Village Hall, Doors open 7.00pm, quiz starts 7.30pm
£10pp tickets for 90s quiz and party (must be pre-booked) £5pp on the door from 9.00pm for 90s party only
Join us as we go back to the 90s and celebrate everything that made the decade iconic! Starting the night off with a quiz featuring rounds on music, film and TV, toys and technology, celebrities, news and politics and sport. Teams of 6-8. Cash prize for the highest scoring team!
After the quiz finishes we'll be cranking up the music to dance the night away reliving all the classics including indie, Britpop, rock, house, R&B, pop, girl bands, boy bands and everything in between!
Retro drinks, treats and party accessories will all be available to buy on the night. 90s wear is optional but party spirit is essential!
To book tickets for 90s Quiz & Party email meldrethpta@gmail.com. Tickets for just the 90s party can be bought on the door from 9.00pm for £5pp. All money raised goes towards supporting projects, resources and activities for pupils at Meldreth Primary and Preschool.
Home-Start Quiz Night with Supper
Saturday 28th September, Meldreth Village Hall
6.45pm for a 7.30pm start
Cash and card payments on the night. Licensed Bar and raffle.
£14 per ticket to include an Honest Fig grazing box and a dessert.
If you are interested in getting together a team of six, please reserve a table and let us know your team name and any dietary requirements.
If you are unable to get a team together, but would still like to join us, let us know and we can put you in a team with others.
Call (01763) 262262 or email events@hsrsc.org.uk to book.
Tracy Aggett, Fundraising Events Support Manager Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk
Meldreth PTA
Meldreth Village Hall
www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
In August, Meldreth Village Hall had an unusually busy month, with many of our usual classes and plenty of private bookings keeping us on our toes. In September, classes and events that were suspended for the holidays are restarting and we also have a series of bookings for craft fairs, quiz nights, dances and table top sales. Check the board by the front doors for details or look on our new Facebook page, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561147259407.
As we mentioned in July, the Village Hall is finally hitting the 21st century with a new website and an online booking system. During August we had a test launch and we’re pleased to report that we seem to have a system that works well and which will be live from Sunday 1st September; the website address is www.meldrethvillagehall.co.uk and this will be the preferred method for booking the Hall or making an enquiry. If you don’t have internet access, then please contact Julia, Andrew, Thomas or David.
On a serious note, following the atrocious attack in Southport we have reviewed our own security and evacuation procedures. As a result, we will issue all our users with a document called ‘Fire and Evacuation Action Plan’; we ask that you read it and action what you can. Additionally, we realise that we need a better system of entrance and exit through the front doors. A number of companies are providing us with potential solutions which we will implement at the earliest opportunity. While the events in Southport are extremely rare and Meldreth is a safe community, by taking a few extra precautions, potential incidents can be avoided.
As part of ongoing maintenance, we are checking that the building is good for another 50 years, but we still need to find a friendly Building Surveyor who can cast a professional eye over the building. If you know of someone who can help us with this, please do get in touch. As part of our “Next 50 years’ we have had a government funded Energy Efficiency Survey which raised a number of ideas to help make the hall more energy efficient. This gives us some projects to work towards but all will require external funding and another grant application to the Lottery!
The Village Hall is available for bookings by businesses and residents from the local area to host regular and private events such as well-being activities, birthday parties, wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries and assorted gatherings! We have good lighting, heating and facilities throughout the hall as well as free 300mbps fibre broadband. Use of the kitchen, tables, chairs, screen, projector and speakers can be included in the hire rates. We are always trying to increase the usage, looking for new ideas and new helpers, so if you think you can help, please contact us.
Our email addresses are as follows:
Andrew Young: Chair@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
Thomas Bennet: Secretary@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk
David Coton: Treasurer@meldrethvillagehall.co.uk. Alternatively call Andrew on 07572 553647.
We hope to see you at a fundraiser soon.
Andrew Young Chair, Meldreth Village Hall Trust
The development at Holy Trinity is continuing with the drainage works in the churchyard starting in mid-August. Please do be careful in or around the churchyard while the works are ongoing, as there will be machinery, etc. operating. It is possible that the churchyard will be closed at times to allow the contractor to work safely but we will keep you informed of the dates of these closures as soon as possible. The work will be paused to allow the Car Show to be held on 15th September but will hopefully be finished by mid-October if not before.
You may also be aware that the funeral bier is now homed in Holy Trinity Church. Please pop along and have a look at this beautifully restored part of village history. I am currently working with the History Group to provide more information about the bier and the church, which I hope will be the focus of a permanent display in our church in the coming months.
At the public meeting in July, we had a good number of local people who came to help me understand what the community wants from their local church and indeed from me as your Vicar! We talked about making the church feel brighter and lighter! In response to this we have removed the curtain which created a small vestry. This has already made an enormous difference. I have also asked a church lighting company to quote for a new lighting scheme for the church. Hopefully I can tell you more about that in the next issue! We are looking closely at some of the other suggestions and working to implement as many as possible, including a library area, coffee mornings and better connections with Meldreth Primary School. Your Churchwarden, Toni and I have contacted the school and new projects are in the pipeline to strengthen that link. I am currently going through the process to be accepted as a Governor at the school too! We are incredibly grateful for the support of Sasha and Dan (Head and Deputy Head) at the school for working with us.
I hope that as we progress through the rest of this year, you will see more events at Holy Trinity and Holy Trinity represented at more events in our community. As ever, I am always happy to meet and chat with anyone about the church and always ready to accept an invitation to come and talk to local groups too. If you have any questions, or comments, please do get in touch.
Rev. Andrew Birks (01763) 230178
Friends of Holy Trinity Church
www.foht.org.uk
This Month’s Event
Sunday 15th September, 1.30-4.30pm
Churchyard Classic Car Show at Holy Trinity Church
The 19th edition of this popular event will take place on Sunday 15th September. The show will open to the public at 1.30pm with around 45 selected cars on display, along with some motorbikes and other related exhibits. There will be refreshments and a BBQ all afternoon and a jazz band will be providing musical entertainment. Admission at the gate will be £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s.
Exhibitor enquiries to John Price on 07770 758373 please.
Future
Event
Thursday
14th November
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
We have booked the return of the This is My Theatre Group to perform their adaptation of A Christmas Carol on Thursday 14th November.
“On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited and miserly old man, is visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley. Shown visions of Christmases Past, Present and Future he is offered one final chance of redemption … But will he take it?
This Christmas, audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season as critically acclaimed theatre company This Is My Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol to life in a stunning one-act adaptation.
Packed with charm, cheer and, of course, plenty of carols, our production is sure to spread joy and warm hearts this Christmas!”
Tickets will go on sale online during September here: https:// www.thisismytheatre.com/tickets.
Meanwhile we would love to hear from you with any ideas you may have for the FOHT to organise. Please get in touch.
Ian Mitchell, Vice Chair FOHT ianmmeldreth@gmail.com 07726 936635
Visit your local history website www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Over 700 pages on Meldreth, past and present
MELDRETH MATHS TUTOR
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Meldreth Tennis Club
clubspark.lta.org.uk/meldrethtennisclub
We held our annual Tennis Club BBQ (right) in July. We were lucky enough to enjoy a warm balmy evening and everyone had a great time.
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite anyone who may be interested in joining the club to come along and test out your skills. We are a friendly bunch and look forward to welcoming you.
Social sessions take place at the following times:
Please call or email me for any further information or visit our website.
Some of our members take part in Cambridgeshire league tennis matches, playing against other clubs throughout the year. We are not at the top of the league but we thoroughly enjoy the matches, which enable us to play against other likeminded folk! Again anybody who may be interested should please contact me.
Jo Kitteridge Meldreth Captain jo.kitteridge5@gmail.com 07771 823064
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
N J Chapman Garden Services Handyman
Mobile: 07592 725 169
Email: nigeljchapman3@gmail.com
Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group
We are a small friendly group who either meet at ASCH Melbourn or Holy Trinity meeting room at Meldreth; meetings commence at 7.45pm and normally last about one and a half hours. We either have a speaker or some entertainment which is followed by refreshments and a chance to chat with one another. A charge of £2 is made to cover expenses and we are also able to donate to the charity pot. The charity that we are supporting this year is Home-Start.
At our July meeting we had a music evening where members brought along their favourite pieces to play. In August, we will have been out for our usual meal, this year at a Royston restaurant.
Our next meeting is in Melbourn on Tuesday 24th September and we will be enjoying a talk by Pat Smith on her trip to see the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau.
If you require any information about the group or a lift to a meeting, please telephone one of our committee members: Diane Blundell (01763) 221415, Sue Toule (01763) 260955, Angela Leach (01763) 262793, Mary Bailey (01763) 220171, Janet Backer (01763) 221492 or Mary Purdy (01763) 260864.
Angela Leach
Meldreth Local History Group
Canadian Film Makers
Many of you will remember the Canadians who spent time in Meldreth in early 2023 when they were making a film about Kathleen Parlow, a world-famous violinist.
As you may remember Kathleen was originally from Toronto but lived in the Homestead (now Maycroft) in Meldreth, between 1912 and 1925.
The film, called Opus 28, has now been completed and was submitted to the Toronto Film Festival panel a few months ago. I have just heard from the Director, Sofia Bohdanowicz, to say that Opus 28 has now been chosen for the Canadian Film Festival and will be premiered in September 2024.
Sofia and her film crew are thrilled about this. She has kept in touch with me since last year and once again said that how much the Canadians loved Meldreth and that they really appreciated all the friendship/help shown by villagers last year.
She is hoping to find a venue for Opus 28 to be screened in the UK, so I will keep you informed once I have more news.
Joan Gane Chairman, MLHG
Meldreth Village Notelets
Showing four seasons in Meldreth, our notelets are available now and feature photographs taken by Meldreth Local History Group members. The notelets are blank inside and cost £5 for a pack of ten cards, including envelopes.
To purchase some notelets, please email us on info@meldrethhistory.org.uk or telephone me on (01763) 260129.
Joan Gane, Chairman Meldreth Local History Group
Congratulations!
Many congratulations to Violet and Mick Taylor, who will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on 24th September.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Mick too, for keeping our village looking so neat and tidy.
The Meldreth Matters Team
RML
Meldreth Village Hub
Everyone welcome: bring a friend or two!
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 noon – 3.00pm
Community Room, Elin Way (not the Village Hall)
Pop in and join us for a delicious FREE freshly cooked lunch every Tuesday (served at 1.00pm) and FREE refreshments on Thursdays.
Various activities are planned for the autumn, as well as our usual chit chat, music, jigsaws, painting, table football and air hockey! Feel free to sit and watch, or maybe have a go at something new.
Would you like to join our friendly team as a volunteer? We can be very flexible around your availability; we all have other commitments and family always come first!
I look forward to meeting you, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Helen Meridew, Lead Volunteer hmeridew@btinternet.com 07787 734973 (Donations gratefully received)
Meldreth Cares – Community Support
We’d like to thank local people for their kind and generous donations to the Meldreth Food Bank, both unsolicited and in response to our July appeal.
Around £5000 is needed over the course of the year to keep the Food Bank running and able to provide basic essentials for the 20+ households (approximately 60 people) that depend on support on a regular basis.
Please look out for a flyer to be delivered through all letter boxes with more details on how the Food Bank operates and what’s still needed to keep it going.
Thank you from all at MCCS.
Susan van de Ven, Chair
Roger James, Treasurer
Ian Mitchell, Secretary
Melbourn Hub
www.melbournhub.co.uk
Summer seems to have flown past, but as we look ahead to the autumn, Melbourn Hub still has plenty to offer! We have launched new menus which now offer different meal choices at different times through the day (see our website for details). The library is open from 2.00pm-4.00pm every weekday and from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays. Our artist of the month in September will be Angela Cox.
Breast Health Awareness Session
‘Health at The Hub’ continues to host some of your local GP practice services and other health and wellbeing related topics. In partnership with Nuffield Health, the Hub is hosting a free breast health awareness session presented by clinical nurse specialist Lorraine Walker. It will be held on Wednesday 11th September from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. The free places will need to be booked via hubadmin@melbournhub.co.uk.
Weekly
Events
Every Tuesday - Lunch Club - a weekly social gathering for older people to meet and enjoy the company of others over a two course, subsidised, meal. There are a few places available for Lunch Club. If you are interested please contact Melbourn Hub on (01763) 263303 or email hubadmin@mebournhub.co.uk.
Every Wednesday - Citizens Advice - 9.30-11.30am
No need to book, just drop in! Citizens Advice offer pre-booked appointments in the afternoon but Melbourn Hub is unable to make these bookings for you. So please contact Citizens Advice directly.
Every Friday, Relate Counselling - 9.00am-12.00pm
Relationship, autism relationship and personal counselling. To book a session, please contact Relate by emailing counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk or telephoning them on (01302) 347886 or . Melbourn Hub is unable to take bookings for this service.
Every Friday – Storytime – 10.00-10.30am
Offering stories and songs for the under 5’s. No need to book.
Last Wednesday of the month (25th September)
Breakfast Club - 9.30-11.00am
Come and socialise, make new friends and enjoy breakfast or just a coffee! No need to book – just come along.
Don’t forget you can always see the full range of events and services we offer by visiting our website - www.melbournhub.co.uk.
Jeannie Seers on behalf of Melbourn Hub
Explore the Churchyard at All Saints, Melbourn
Sunday 6th October, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Come and explore the churchyard and see what you can find. Let us use our five senses and give nature a chance to speak to us. Can they help us to see God around us?
Help us to build bird boxes, a bat box and an insect hotel. Can you think of a name for the hotel? There will be toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate to warm you up at the end. Please advise us if you plan to come and of any dietary requirements.
Contact me on (01763) 262575 or email reader.asmhtm@gmail.com.
Meet at the front porch on the day. Don’t forget to wear stout footwear and outdoor clothing. We might get grubby so don’t wear your “Sunday best”. Children bring adults with you!
Pat Smith
Things for Children and Families To Do in September
Sunday 1st September (also Saturday 31st August), 10.30am - 5.30pm
Ancient Oak Fayre, Quy Country Park, Stow Road CB25 9AF
Entertainment including an equestrian stunt display team, jester, drummers, folk music, wolfdogs, falconry, a mermaid tank, Viking re-enactment, archery, axe throwing, face painting, workshops in the fairy glade, stalls etc.
Help wildlife shelter over the winter by making a bug hotel. Ages 3+. Free but book online at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Accompanying adults pay admission.
Thursday 12th September (and weekly) 10.00am - 12.45pm
Baby Sensory classes, Royston British Legion, Mill Road SG8 7AE
Different classes of 45 minutes for babies and children 2 months - 4 years.. Songs, sensory experiences and a chance to meet other parents. £28 a month or £8 for a trial or single session. www.baby-boo-bears.classforkids.io.
Make a scarecrow to represent a group you belong to and deliver it to Wimpole by 12 noon, 13th September or just go along to see the display and enjoy harvest activities - live music, corn dolly making, Shire horse demonstrations, exhibitions, walks and talks. Free but NT admission applies (members free).
Saturdays 21st and 28th September, 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Life Drawing Workshop, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB Workshop based on the exhibition ‘Paris 1924: Sport, Art and the Body. For ages 15 - 25. £5. Book on www..tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.
Sunday 22nd September, 10.00am
Tulip Fun Run and Walk in aid of Parkinsons UK Scotsdales Garden Centre, Great Shelford CB22 5JT
Run or walk 4 miles from Scotsdales along the DNA path and raise money for charity. Dogs on leads welcome. www.parkinsonscambridge.wordpress.com. to register. £12 for adults, £7 for under 18s.
Compiled by Hilary Crawforth
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If you love music and would like to learn to play an instrument, play alongside others, or sing in a choir, please come and join in the delights of ‘Duxford Saturday Workshop’ at Duxford village school on Saturday mornings during school term-time.
‘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 to playing music again.
As well as 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 loads of opportunities for you to join in.
A registered charity, which has now been going for over 50 years, 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! Would you believe that? Honestly, it’s true … I’m one of them. So do come along and find out why we enjoy ‘Workshop’ so much and see what you can achieve!
Incidentally, if you’re keen to learn but don’t have an instrument of your own, don’t panic; we have instruments for rental on very reasonable terms so we’ll be happy to help you out if we can.
Registration for the 2024/25 Workshop year is on Saturday 7th September, from 10.00am–11.30am at Duxford School, St. John’s Street, Duxford and term begins two weeks later, at 9.30am on Saturday 21st September. For more information, please see the Workshop website at: http://duxfordsaturdayworkshop.org.uk.
Peter Howarth
Duxford Workshop Management Team
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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.
Sunday 1st September, 9.00am to 3.00pm
Great Chishill Antiques and Vintage Fair
Village Hall, Hall Lane, Great Chishill, Cambridgshire SG8 8SH
Approximately 20 stalls packed full of antiques, collectables and vintage items to entice dealers, TV and film prop buyers and the general public. Tearoom and free parking. Admission £1, children free. See wwwruralmagpie.co.uk.
Delve deep beneath Royston’s streets and explore this unique heritage site with a guided tour. Tickets from www.eventbrite.com. Adult admission £10, under 16s free, concessions for students/senior citizens £8. NB Book early.
Gentle, guided walk to learn about late summer flowers at Coton Reserve. Led by a knowledgeable warden who will help you identify wild flowers by their colour, form and habitat. Free event with suggested £3 donation. Book a place on www.cambridgeppf.org/Event/wildflowers-of-cotonsept2024.
Saturday 7th September, 11.00am to 4.00pm
The Buntingford Classic
High Street, Buntingford, Hertfordshire SG9 9AB
Classic cars, trucks, tractors and bikes of all ages adorn Buntingford’s historic High Street for the annual vibrant and colourful spectacle. Barbeques, food stalls, live music and entertainment complete the picture. See www.buntingfordclassic.com for more information.
Saturday 7th September, 12.00pm to 4.30pm
Stourbridge Medieval Fair
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8JJ
Popular re-enactment of the famous Stourbridge Fair at one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings. Music, storytelling, stalls, crafts and fascinating history talks. Refreshments available. Free event with donations welcome. Street parking.
Monday 9th September, 9.30am to 12.00pm
Monthly Meander - Migration at Trumpington Meadows
Byron’s Pool Car Park, Grantchester Road, Cambridge CB2 9LJ
One of the reserve’s regular, themed, guided walks, around 2 - 3 miles, mainly on grass or gravel paths. This month you’ll be looking for signs that some of our
summer visitors are preparing to migrate south for the winter. To book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/monthly-meander-migration-tickets.
Thursday 12th September, 12.15pm to 2.15pm Home-Start Literary Lunch
The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Award-winning author, storyteller and translator Wafa Tarnowska will share her inspiring story ‘Nour’s Secret Library’, set in war-torn Syria. Tickets £15, to include buffet lunch. To book call (01763) 262262, email events@hsrsc.org.uk or visit https://i.mtr.cool/qbpzxgyevi. Proceeds in aid of Home-Start.
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th September, 9.00am to 5.00pm Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre
Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9EJ
Held in the picturesque setting of Old Warden Park which houses the world famous Shuttleworth Collection, the fayre gives an insight into country life in the heyday of steam. Working demonstrations, live music, stage show, fairground rides and attractions. Advance tickets £17.50, (on the day £20); children under 16 free. To book visit www.bseps.org.rally.
Saturday 21st September, 12.00pm to 4.30pm
Commemorate Arnhem 80
Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR
Enjoy a screening of the classic war film ‘Theirs is the Glory’ to commemorate the British 1st Airborne Division holding the Bridge at Arnhem for nine days against overwhelming odds, plus introductory talk by IWM curator and Q&A. Tickets £30 from www.iwm.org.ukevent-tickets.
Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September, various afternoon/evening admission times
Oktoberfest, Jesus Green, Cambridge CB5 8BL
Cambridge’s re-invention of a Bavarian classic celebrated in the heart of the city with German beer, food and music! £10 entrance fee on Friday and Saturday afternoons; £15 on Saturday evening - or package with food, beer and seat reservation. Marquee with room for 2,000 people. Visit www.cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk for more information and to book.
Sunday 29th September, 11.00am to 4.00pm
Cambridge Bead Fair
Harston Village Hall, 20 High St, Harston, Cambridgeshire CB22 7PX
Excellent range of beads and pearls, including semi-precious ones, for the home jewellery maker. Free entry and free refreshments. Good parking. Full details at www.mrbeadshop.com/pages/cambridge-bead-fair.
Compiled by John Crawforth
9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training
10.00-11.00 Functional Fitness
10.00-12.00 History Grp
11.00-12.00 TP Pilates
9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
6.30-8.00pm Guides
9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
6.30-8.00pm Guides
9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
6.30-8.00pm Guides
9.00-10.00am Functional Strength Training
10.00-11.00 F. Fitness
11.00-12.00 TP Pilates
4.00-6.30pm Street Dance for Children (multi classes)
Church services, Women’s Group meetings, bell ringing and FOHT events are held in Holy Trinity Chu Church. MLHG meetings, Parish Council meetings, Food Bank & Village Hub are in the Commu
- September 2024
Hartbeeps
Village Hub
Trigger Point
Table Tennis Council
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise*
8.00am Said Communion*
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise*
Village Hub
o rigger Point
able Tennis
Hartbeeps
Village Hub
o Trigger Point Table Tennis
Hartbeeps
Village Hub
o Trigger Point
Sunday 5 6 7 8 2 13 14 15 9 20 21 22 6 27 28 29 1
Table Tennis Hartbeeps
9.30am Slimming World
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise*
9.45am Sung Communion*
1.30-4.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity Car Show, Churchyard (see page 9 & back cover) 9.45am Sung Communion*
er
9.30am Slimming World
7.00pm onwards PTA Back to the 90s Quiz and Party (see page 5)
8.30-9.30am Jazzercise*
1.00-5.00pm Dementia Memory Café
6.45pm for 7.30pm HomeStart Quiz Night (see page 5)
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ meldrethmatters
rch. The Mobile Library Service visits Bell Close. Meldreth Cycling Group meet opposite Holy Trinity unity Room in Elin Way. All other events are held in the Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.
ameldrethgarden.co.uk
I aim to be organic in my gardening activities in the vegetable and flower garden. In my youth I used pesticides with largesse; time, attitudes and ideas change. This year I have used ferric phosphate slug pellets without which I would have no dahlias nor cone flowers Rudbeckia, but have accepted the repeated loss of annuals due to slugs and snails. The essence of organic gardening is to work within natural systems and cycles. Organic growing doesn’t just mean avoiding the use of chemical weed killers and pesticides, it is more exciting, challenging and satisfying. Using natural ways to promote a complete, healthy, productive and sustainable growing environment. It involves feeding the soil, encouraging wildlife, perhaps not muntjac and working creatively alongside nature when managing pests, diseases and weeds. There are five objectives for sustainable growing that are presented in many different ways.
Build and Maintain Soil Health
A healthy soil is the basis for growing healthy plants and food. Feeding the soil, rather than the plant, ensures the best results for flowers, fruit and vegetables. This means a need for organic matter like garden compost. A major problem for no dig systems is the need for more organic matter than I can get hold of.
Encourage Biodiversity
With a variety of different species, all working together, the organic grower encourages a healthy interdependency between plants and wildlife, encouraging predators, ladybirds, tiger slugs, wasps, etc.
Use Resources Responsibly
The organic grower uses resources sustainably, with minimum damage to the planet. Reduce, reuse and recycle is an important part of organic growing. I don’t use the green bin; all waste organic material is composted or reused on site. Small branches from trees are shredded for compost, medium branches added to the log pile and large branches/trunks used for firewood.
Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals
Toxic chemicals used to kill weeds, diseases and pests can damage the health of our growing areas and the life-forms within and beyond them. Insecticides are generally indiscriminate in their action for example the adverse effect of neonicotinoid insecticides used on sugar beet and rape seed that adversely affect honey bees and other beneficial insects. To deal with blackfly on broad beans I use a strong jet of water to flush them off. I use lots of plastic mesh as a barrier against other pests, though plastic, an oil based product, has its own environmental issues.
Maintain a Healthy Growing Area
Keeping your growing area in good health, rather than just pest and disease free, is at the heart of organic growing. A technique in the allotment is to grow green manure when soil is not in productive use and a good crop rotation. This is the time for late summer planting to come into its own to see us through into autumn, no wishy washy pastel colours in September: dahlias, rudbeckia, verbena bonariensis, tobacco plant and autumn bulbs. My passionflower Passiflora caerulea 'Constance Eliott' has come back after the hard frosts a few years ago. I have gluts of fruit and vegetables; does anyone want some courgettes or cucumber? Preservation by freezing, bottling, pickling and drying, etc. is ongoing.
Continue to cut back the side shoots on cucumbers to two leaves after the first fruit to encourage new growth and better fruiting. Tie in the growth from trained fruit including apples, pears and soft fruit if grown against a wall or cordoned. Prune out the canes from summer fruiting raspberries.
My beef steak tomatoes ‘burlesque’, said to be blight resistant succumbed badly. The other cordon tomato, ‘Cocktail Crush’, has resisted blight infection. I removed blighted potato shaws as soon as blight was evident. Potatoes have given excellent crops: one of my first earlies ‘Winston’ produced a potato weighing over a kilogram. Now is the time to sow spring onions, hardy broad beans, spring cabbage seed and purple sprouting broccoli, if you have not already done so. Plant out winter onion sets. I have sown moss curled parsley, more hardy than flat leafed which will not withstand frost; it is now ready to plant out.
I will be feeding, scarifying and edging the lawn for a neater look for the autumn. It is the time to severely prune lavender and other herbaceous perennials now they have finished flowering; don’t cut into old wood.
Tender houseplants have spent the summer outside but they will be returned indoors before the risk of frost. I have a Jade plant Crassula ovata that is more than 25 years old. Also dig up tender perennials and pot them up to keep them over winter. In my case Salvia Patens ‘Oxford Blue’, chocolate cosmos Cosmos atrosanguineus and geranium Pelargonium 'White Glory'.
I have ordered some autumn flowering crocus including saffron crocus for late autumn flowering. In the past I have had mixed results and they have never naturalised. Save seeds and take softwood cuttings.
Happy gardening.
Iain McPhee mcpheia1@gmail.com
Can You Help Us Plant Daffodil Bulbs?
The Meldreth Veg Club has arranged, with funding from the Parish Council, for the purchase of daffodil bulbs to plant out on the roadside verges. Our aim is to enhance the built environment of Meldreth village for all residents.
Groups of individual daffodil cultivars will be planted out in October on the verges by the church wall, the Stocks, two sites in North End, Bell Close near the shop and around the War Memorial.
The date is yet to be arranged, but we are looking for volunteers to assist the Veg Club members with the planting. If you are interested in helping us with this task, please contact Iain on 07879 692497 or Margaret on (01763) 260475.
We look forward to hearing from you and will update you on the date, task and progress.
Veg Club
Update on Spotted Flycatchers in Meldreth
Over the past eight years a small team of helpers has been monitoring the comings and goings of Spotted Flycatchers in Meldreth. These small brown birds usually arrive in the UK in summer to breed, having flown all the way from Africa. Typically, they arrive in Meldreth in early May and feed in the churchyard and neighbouring gardens. However, this year, flycatchers were not observed until July and in a different location from usual.
In previous years, eighteen birds have been ringed in an attempt to determine whether it is the same individuals returning to our village. This generally requires the birds to be captured again so the ring numbers can be read. However, on some individuals, coloured rings have been used. These birds can be identified with binoculars, and it is likely that in 2019, a colour-ringed flycatcher returned to Meldreth. There was no indication that the birds seen this year had rings. However, it does appear that they have bred successfully.
Sadly, the number of Spotted Flycatchers recorded in the UK has been gradually decreasing. We shall continue to monitor them in future years. Information on any sightings in the village would be welcome. Many thanks to those who have already provided their assistance.
Jan Butchers
Meldreth
Moorlands Court
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
In Praise Of … Blackberries
This month our focus is on blackberries, which are available from now until the end of October. They are lovely in cakes, ice creams and desserts. Classic blackberry recipes include summer pudding, trifle and blackberry jam. Try savoury recipes using blackberries with rich meat like duck. You can even pick your own from the hedgerows. Here are two recipes to inspire you this month.
Pear and Blackberry Crumble
Ingredients
110g butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing
For the filling
5 pears, peeled and left whole
150g caster sugar
300g blackberries (or frozen blackberries)
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Grease an ovenproof dish with butter.
In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips, until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, mix well, then set aside.
To make the filling, place the whole pears in a pan, cover with water and add 50g/1¾oz of the sugar. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Drain well and set the pears aside to cool. Remove the pear cores and chop the flesh.
Spoon one-quarter of the pears in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared ovenproof dish. Scatter one-quarter of the blackberries over the pears and then sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of the remaining caster sugar. Repeat the layering process until all the pears, blackberries and sugar have been used.
Sprinkle over the topping and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden-brown and bubbling.
Serve with cream or custard.
Blackberry Bakewell Tarts
Ingredients
250g shortcrust pastry sheet
100g butter, softened
100g caster sugar
1 large egg
1½ tsp almond extract
1½ tsp vanilla extract
30g plain flour
100g ground almonds
1 large punnet blackberries (about 200g or 36 small blackberries from the hedgerows)
Handful flaked almonds, to decorate
5 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4 and place a large, heavy oven tray on the middle shelf to preheat.
Roll out to pastry until it is 2–3mm thick. Use a 10cm/4in pastry cutter to cut your pastry into 12 circles. Line each hole of the muffin tin with a pastry circle. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess pastry. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 15 minutes.
For the frangipane, beat the soft butter and caster sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and beat to combine. Mix in 1 teaspoon of the almond extract and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract.
Sieve in the plain flour. Add the ground almonds and fold to gently incorporate them into the batter.
Put the blackberries into the pastry cases in the muffin tin – you will need about 3 small blackberries per hole, if yours are particularly large you may need to cut some in half.
Spoon over the frangipane and use the back of a spoon to gently push the mixture down and smooth the tops, making sure the fruit is covered and the frangipane goes right to the edges to meet the pastry and create a seal. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top.
Bake directly on the preheated tray for 25 minutes, or until golden-brown on top. Leave the tarts to cool in the tin.
Meanwhile, make your icing. Sieve the icing sugar into a bowl and mix with a drizzle of water. Add half a teaspoon of vanilla and almond extracts and whisk through. Add an extra drizzle of water, if needed, to make a smooth icing that's just thin enough to drizzle.
Once the tarts have cooled, remove them from the tin and drizzle with the icing. Finish with a final dusting of icing sugar.
Jane O’Hagan
Meldreth Parish Council www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
There was no Parish Council meeting in August. The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 5th September in the Elin Way Community Room.
Meldreth Parish Council
Meldreth Parish Council - Contact Details http://www.meldreth-pc.org.uk
Cllr Roger James (Vice Ch.) roger+pc@rogerjames.net
Cllr Alan Land conradland@btinternet.com
Cllr James Mossey j.mossey1211@gmail.com
Cllr Nigel Pellatt nppellatt56@gmail.com
All correspondence should be directed to the Clerk in the first instance
Meldreth Speed Monitor Data
Speed Monitor Data for the Period 9th July to 6th August 2024
The speed monitor was located at the stocks with the screen facing incoming traffic from the Shepreth direction.
Compliance with the 30mph limit overall was good with some exceptions. A maximum speed of 62mph was recorded; double the speed limit. It is worth noting that for most of this period, the road between Meldreth and Shepreth was closed, resulting in fewer vehicles than usual using this route.
Arriving vehicles from Shepreth towards Meldreth
Average daily total of vehicles Speed violations Total no. of vehicles Average speed Maximum speed
Departing vehicles from Meldreth towards Shepreth
310 14.7% 8599 25mph 58mph Average daily total of vehicles Speed violations
Meldreth Transport Working Group
Footway Access
Hedges Verging on Our Footways
Thanks go to the many residents who have cut their hedges back to their boundary lines. This is greatly appreciated by footway users, including the more vulnerable user groups in our community.
There is still some work to do to ensure unencumbered passage along all of our village footways*. To this end, the Parish Council will monitor the situation throughout the autumn and winter, taking appropriate action where needed to ensure unencumbered access for the benefit of footway users.
*A footway is the council term for a path on the edge of the highway. It includes pavements and footpaths.
Meldreth Transport Working Group
Planning Matters
Meldreth Parish Council
The minutes of the Parish Council planning meetings on 4th January and 23rd May were not available at the time of going to press. The information below was taken from the minutes of 18th July. When available, minutes may be viewed on the Parish Council’s website: www.meldrethpc.org.uk.
2 Marvell Green 24/0709/TTPO
T1: Sycamore – section fell as close to ground level as practically possible and treat to prevent re-growth. The tree is in decline and has a few cavities around the base. Application was noted but no comments were made.
Go Cold Site, Station Yard, High Street 24/02509/FUL
Demolition of existing factory building and office and construction of 22 dwellings with associated landscaping. It was proposed by Councillor Goddin to refuse with comments, seconded by Councillor Land and agreed by all.
Following the withdrawal of the previous submission 23/02578/FUL, a revised proposal 24/02509/FUL has been submitted. The proposal has only minor changes and does not address the fundamental concerns of Meldreth Parish Council. As far as the Parish Council Planning Committee are aware, all previous attempts to develop this site have been refused. The earlier proposals highlighted the problems with traffic and despite repeated attempts, this has never been addressed successfully. The Parish Council Planning Committee would also like this application to go to Full SCDC Planning Committee.
A summary of the Council’s reasons for recommending refusal is set out below.
Open Space & Facilities
A development of 22 houses on this site is unable to provide adequate open space and community facilities. The village recreation ground is poorly located for access to and from this site, especially for children.
Local Development Plan
Meldreth is a ‘Group Village’ and under S10 of the Local Development Plan, development is usually limited to eight dwellings, exceptionally fifteen. A development of the 22 units proposed is not sustainable on this site.
Road Access
Access to the site is by a narrow service road from the nearby public highway, which is one of the busiest roads in the village and immediately adjoins the threeway junction of Station Road, High Street and Whitecroft Road. This junction has been the scene of collisions between vehicles.
The service road is used by all railway station traffic (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) and the station car park, nearby bungalow properties and the recently developed block of flats on the station site at Victoria Place.
This restricted access route is already unsafe and cannot sustain the proposed addition of a further 22 properties.
The safety issues will also apply to the construction traffic that will need to be employed on the proposed project.
Local traffic increasingly includes cyclists and pedestrians, especially children travelling to and from local schools and colleges in both Meldreth and Melbourn.
Footway Access
The footway arrangements over the railway bridge on Station Road and the incomplete footway connections on either side of the bridge do not provide safe pedestrian access to the nearest groceries, farm and butchers shops.
Affordable Housing
One affordable house out of the proposed total of 22 does not reflect a serious attempt to take fair and proper account of the need for lower cost housing in our community. The need for more affordable houses was recently demonstrated in an independent survey conducted by Cambridgeshire ACRE. There should be significantly fewer houses on this site and a greater proportion of them should be affordable for local people.
Planning Authority Decisions
80A High Street Meldreth, 23/04762/NMA1
Non material amendment on application 23/04762/HFUL to omit proposed window to side elevation, a total of three pitched roof lights, one sun tunnel and a total of two flat roof lights. Permission granted
Northfield Kennels And Cattery Malton Lane, 23/04702/FUL
Change of use of kennel blocks and workshop to residential storage (Class C3). Permission granted.
Details of all applications and Planning Authority decisions can be viewed online: https..//applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications.
Please continue putting donations in our collection boxes, talk to the Food Bank team every Tuesday from 9.00am - 12 noon at Elin Way Community Centre, contact the Treasurer Roger James on 07808 235873 or donate to MCCS. Sort code 30-99-50. Account No. 25558260.
ThankYou
District and County Councillors’ Report
National Planning Policy Framework – Proposed Reforms
There has been much speculation on changes to planning policy, as directed by central government, following the General Election. A government consultation has now been launched which is open for responses until Tuesday 24th September. For the full context and information, and for how to respond search www.gov.uk for “Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework”.
Overgrown Vegetation
It’s hard to find a path that has not been beset by encroaching plant life! Thank you to all residents who have taken the time to cut back any overhanging hedges or trees from their property. County Highways should be contacted to cut back vegetation on public land; please use the Cambridgeshire Report a Fault website and keep a note of the reference number to share with me if necessary. Among those areas we’ve asked Highways to prioritise is the Melbourn bypass junction (A10 and Station Road) which had been cut earlier in the season but needs it again.
State of Roads, Pavements and Highway Infrastructure
As reported over months and years, the effect of so many years of severe national underfunding has left the Highways’ workforce slim and the maintenance budget very low. Cambridgeshire local authority funding is well known to be particularly low per head of population hence the lobbying nationally by all Cambridgeshire councils for ‘Fair Funding.’ Government gives out some extra pothole funding every year, but this is only a tiny fraction of what is needed. If maintenance grant funding were to vastly increase, as it needs to, the workforce too would need to increase, to manage and carry out works and that would require increased revenue funding.
Cambridgeshire Active Travel Hierarchy Consultation
Please use this opportunity to look at the current hierarchy of local road classification for maintenance purposes and to have your say as to whether you think they need greater protection. The consultation consists of a mapping exercise where you can identify very local areas, and a survey on principles of classification. The consultation closes on Monday 16th September. See https:// consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/active-travel-hierarchy.
Among other things we’ve highlighted for Meldreth is the need to keep Station Road clear of vegetation overgrowth all year-round.
Melbourn-Meldreth Path Upgrade
This is part of the ‘Melbourn Greenway’ delivered by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, whose remit is to deliver infrastructure improvements through ringfenced national funding. Eventually the Melbourn Greenway is designed make some safety improvements for active travel in Melbourn High Street and to create a new off-road path and bridge to Royston.
The current works are well underway with much attention having been put into the diversionary footway along Station Road, a fundamentally difficult route and indeed one of the reasons for improving the field path. The diversion has had vegetation cut way back (and we have pointed out that this needs to be a yearround standard) and has been tested by a local resident rail user and her guide dog. Some signage has been moved or gone missing; please get in touch if you spot anything that needs tweaking and we’ll help get in touch with the project delivery team.
The new path will be lit and will accommodate all forms of active travel. Some cycle parking will be installed at the base of the London platform. Together with the ‘Wonderpass’ and its public art (which will be receiving some remedial paint work and tidy up during the construction period), the new route will have a wellsupported feel.
Greater Accessibility Needed at Meldreth Station
Meldreth Station is owned by Network Rail and leased to the Train Operating Company, GTR.
Meldreth Station inaccessibility (over the tracks and to the London platform) has been actively taken up by the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership and Rail User Group over the past fifteen years. The Community Rail Partnership works with the rail industry toward local access and service improvements.
Lifts: Meldreth station is relatively small in terms of footfall so lags behind larger stations like Letchworth and Royston. A ramp from Meldreth Station car park to the Cambridge platform was achieved some ten years ago. Partial funding from a TTP (Melbourn Science Park) Section 106 agreement has been allocated for a ramp from the path to the London platform but the rest needs to come from the rail industry. An ‘Access for All’ application to the Department for Transport for that ramp funding, due for determination last year, was delayed then announced as unsuccessful just before the General Election. GTR have told us they will try again. Meanwhile the Community Rail Partnership helps with signposting to GTR’s Mobility Assistance scheme at Meldreth Station.
Combined Authority Bus Franchising Consultation
Bus services in our area are poor and have been declining over many years. The Transport Act 1985 removed the public sector's role in fare-setting, routes and bus frequencies. Bus services are run by commercial providers; where a commercial provider does not come forward the local transport authority may step in with a publicly subsidised ‘contracted service’ – and this is the case for all of our local bus services.
The Mayoral Combined Authority (which is our Local Transport Authority) will launch a consultation on 14th August proposing a new framework of public control permitted in the mayoral local government framework. The consultation
will run for fourteen weeks and will compare a franchising solution with an Enhanced Partnership approach.
‘Under a franchised network, the Combined Authority would contract bus operators to run services on its behalf but have control over the routes, frequency, fares and overall standards of the region’s buses. An alternative Enhanced Partnership solution, while producing benefits over the current bus service, provides less control over the routes, frequency and overall delivery of the services.’ Search cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk for “Bus Consultation” for further information.
This is part of a continuing search for means of improving local public transport. Last year’s Making Connections public consultation saw an unprecedented response; the Cambridge city road charge would have generated very significant income to fund a publicly controlled and augmented bus network. Lack of political support meant the discontinuation of that scheme.
On-call Firefighter - have you considered doing this?
On-call firefighters are not based at fire stations. They carry a pager and respond to emergency incidents as and when they happen. They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours).
As well as being an on-call firefighter, many also have other jobs and are able to provide evening, daytime or weekend cover. When they are on-call they may be at home, working for themselves or for a nearby company, or out in their local community (staying within a five-minute travel time of the fire station). The role forms a vital part of today's Fire and Rescue Service, providing emergency cover to more than 90% of the UK. In Cambridgeshire, they make up more than half of the workforce and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages.
To be eligible, you will need to be 18 years of age or over, with a good level of general fitness and be able to respond within five minutes to emergencies. For more information see www.cambsfire.gov.uk/careers/on-call-firefighter.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund in Cambridgeshire closed to new applications on 26th July as the national scheme finishes at the end of September. The July closure was to ensure demand is managed and the fund does not overspend. In April 2024, Cambridgeshire County Council was awarded over £3,580,000 to support households in need and help with the rising cost of living. The scheme has experienced significant demand, with large numbers of applications being submitted every day both directly and through partners.
The council’s Household Advice and Support Team will continue to process applications, with the current processing time being approximately three weeks. If funds remain after all outstanding applications have been processed, the scheme
will briefly reopen for new applications. Although the scheme is being discontinued, advice is still available to those struggling with the cost of living. Help with utility bills, housing support, emergencies and benefits from Cambridgeshire County Council can be found on the council’s website. See www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/communities/support-with-the-cost-of-living.
Localised Information on Cost-of-Living Support
South Cambridgeshire District Council offers a comprehensive directory of available cost-of-living support, partly through the South Cambs Magazine and also online: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support.
Around 25% of benefit entitlement is not claimed; SCDC continues to work to raise awareness. Please get in touch if you need specific signposting or have any other queries or concerns.
Government offers help and advice with living costs, childcare and maternity costs, managing money and debt and guidance for those over 60 or those who have a disability or health condition. See www.gov.uk/cost-of-living.
Old Shire Hall
Cambridgeshire County Council’s former Headquarters, Shire Hall is set to become a luxury hotel, having originally been put up for sale in 2018 as CCC HQ relocated to the purpose-built New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald in 2021. The original deal fell through and the site was remarketed earlier this year.
Fifteen bids were received with a range of different uses proposed for the various buildings on the site, including hotels and extended stay apartments, retirement living, student, co-living, research, residential apartments, offices and business space. The bid aims to create a luxury hotel with a restaurant and spa complex.
Pegasus Scheme to Help People Communicate with the Police
The Police have launched a new scheme to help people communicate with them; it is particularly intended for anyone with an illness or disability who may wish to have easier access system in place, but anyone can apply. For more information on the scheme or to register, visit https://www.cambs.police.uk/contact/af/contactus/us/contact-us/sspegasus-scheme/pegasus-scheme.
Zoom Cuppa Weekly Surgery
We hold a Zoom Cuppa surgery every Monday from 4.00-5.00pm. Please contact any of us for a link. Alternatively we’re always happy to meet or chat to discuss any concerns or ideas you may have, at a time that’s convenient for you.
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
• Victoria Plums
• Cambridge Greengages
• Eating & Cooking Apples
Cider
• Now selling our freshly picked Orchard Fruit • Our own Farm pressed Apple Juice & Cider: preservative free We grow a huge range of Orchard Fruit which you won’t find in the Supermarket! All produce is freshly picked from our local orchards.
Meldreth Bus Services
17 Bus Service
This bus runs Mondays to Saturdays from Guilden Morden via Steeple Morden, Litlington, Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth, Melbourn and Kneesworth to Royston and return.
The bus stops in Meldreth High Street (near the Stocks) at 10.20am and then makes several stops in Royston including Tesco at 10.35am before the last stop at Royston Bus Station at 10.49am. The return bus leaves Royston Bus Station at 1.10pm and Tesco at 1.21pm, arriving in Meldreth at 1.31pm.
26 Bus Service
Operated by A2B, the core service runs Mondays to Saturdays via Melbourn, Foxton/Fowlmere, Harston and Trumpington Park & Ride en route to Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge. All fares are just £2 per journey. The 10.53am service from Royston Tesco will now stop at the Stocks in Meldreth at 11.18am and then in Shepreth High Street at 11.22am, arriving in Cambridge at 12.05pm.
The return service leaves Drummer Street Bus Station at 2.40pm, arriving at the stocks in Meldreth at 3.26pm.
The bus will stop on request at other Meldreth bus stops in addition to the one at the Stocks.
For more information on this service visit a2bbusandcoach.com or call the A2B free telephone number 0800 001 6255 .
Susan van de Ven, County Councillor
Village Directory
Litter Picker
Mick Taylor—(01763) 261118
Neighbourhood Watch Graham Borgonon—(01763) 260358
One Stop (01763) 262158, open 7am-10pm, 7 days
Village Hall Bookings
Julia Moore: email meldrethvillagehall@gmail.com
Village Hall Chairman Andrew Young—07572 553647
Cycling Group
John Rogger—(01763) 260809
Local History Group (01763) 260129; www.meldrethhistory.org.uk
Lunch Club Nikki & Julie—07599 292327
Melwood Cons. Group (01763) 232855; www.melwood.org.uk
Photographic Group www.melbourn-photographic-club.co.uk
Revelation Miriam Skuce—(01763) 262440
U3A Nicole Searle—(01763) 269561
Bowls Club
Croquet Club
David Rich—(01763) 262116
Janet Pope—(01763) 248239
Table Tennis Christine Knight—(01763) 261676
Tennis Club (01763) 243376; http://cspark.at/Meldr2
Vicar
Rev Andrew Birks—(01763) 230178
Bells Jayne White—jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Ian Mitchell (Friends) 07726 936635; www.foht.org.uk
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 www.thetrainline.com
Stagecoach www.stagecoachbus.com/Cambridge
Potholes, problems,Highways etc.
Streetlights (faulty)
http://www2.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/ Highways/ReportProblem1.aspx or in an emergency tel 0345 045 5212
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 (01763) 260220
Addenbrooke’s (01223) 245151
NHS 111 (24 hour non-emergency number)
Childline 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787808; www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Support for Dementia Davina Biswell 07961 574104 or Stephanie Trayhurn 07710 198299
Community Transport (01763) 245228; www.roytrans.co.uk
Home-Start (01763) 262262; www.hsrsc.org.uk
Melbourn Time Bank (01763) 263303; https://tol2.timebanking.org/melbourn
Mind (mental health) 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm M-F); www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours); www.samaritans.org
General Emergency 999 or 112
Gas 0800 111 999
Electricity 0800 783 8838
Anglian Water 03457 145145; www.anglianwater.co.uk
Cambridge Water (01223) 706050; www.cambridge-water.co.uk
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111; crimestoppers-uk.org
Police 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
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 07798 586875, Graham Borgonon & Dawn Browning; Founder: Ann Barnes Meldreth Matters is available online at https://issuu.com/meldrethmatters
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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.
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