Issue 55 Autumn 2008 by Melbourn Magazine

...editorial How quickly the summer passes; we all enjoyed the Village Fete, and our congratulations and thanks to the committee, see report and photos on p.5 We hope that everyone enjoyed the summer, whether away on holiday or not, and that exam results, at whatever level, were good. We now have a complete Parish Council of fifteen members, see p.13 We thank them for volunteering their time for the good of the village and wish them success. In this issue we have some interesting reports from the Village College, and two really gripping stories (p.30), you will be amazed! Their report shows that MVC is going from strength to strength, and the students have fun at the same time. The Primary School also has a new Head Teacher; we welcome Mrs Jacqueline Bell-Cook to the community and look forward to getting to know her over the coming months. There is good news and bad news regarding village facilities. We are fortunate to have a new Hall, All Saints’ Community Hall, which is already well used. (see p.41). A profile of Dr Avison of TTP, who opened the Hall, is on p.19. TTP are great benefactors to the village, and indeed are sponsors of the Melbourn Magazine. The bad news is that we are in danger of losing our Library, which has been kept going by volunteers. Unless alternative accommodation is found very soon the Library may have to close, as the present building is unlikely to pass the next safety inspection. Any suggestions will be very welcome. At various stages in the past a Library has been housed in the URC church and the Primary School – there must be somewhere in the village where it could be temporarily housed until a more permanent solution can be found? Did you know that Melbourn now has a connection with the popular TV programme, ‘Time Team’? Read all about the adventures of Jason Baker and George Joyce on p.37 and do let us know if you have a ‘different’ hobby. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue; we really like to hear from you.

Cover image: Montage of the front windows at the entrance of All Saints’ Community Hall, from photos supplied by Mike Rawlings.

Village News

Melbourn Village Fete 2008

Parish Council

Safer melbourn

Profile

Dr. Gerald Avison

Education

Family Links

Family research on the website

Melbourn Village Website

Nature

Creative Writing

Village information

Diary

Feature

Archaeology

Church News

Entertainment

Sports & Club

Making Ripples designed by Dan Savage Drawing on the past and reaching out to the future; this artwork celebrates the community of Melbourn. The widening circular ripples in the water of the River Mel are a symbol of both unity and eternity. The colours and fruits are a reference to the thriving plum and greengage industry that Melbourn was once well known for, whilst the newer industries of science and technology are hinted at by the circular molecular structures. Melbourn’s origins are recalled in the Saxon ‘Radiate Brooch’, and the symbol reaches out to the figures of today and tomorrow. Dan Savage Artstop Studios 181 Boroughbridge Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO266AR Telephone 01904 781283 email: danjsavage@gmail.com www.artstop.co.uk

The new Community Hall showing front ‘art’ windows by Dan Savage melbournmagazine

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A New Home needed for our Library Vicarage Close Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Shingay Deanery Mothers’ Union Self Help Group Royal British Legion RNLI Melbourn History Group Free Computing & Computer Training in Meldreth Caring For Carers The National Trust Cambridge Mencap

Melbourn Village Website see page 29 for further details

Melbourn Village Fete 2008 With the success of last year’s Fete fresh in the memory, the committee started preparations for the 2008 event way back in September 2007. We hoped to stage an even bigger and better event than the previous year and attract more people to the Fete than ever before, so that all the clubs and societies would have a larger audience to highlight their particular cause. With this year’s Fete being advertised on the local radio station (Q103) and on our new website (www.melbournfete. co.uk) we hoped to reach a wider audience. With the Q103 Black Thunder attending this year’s Fete we asked them to open the proceedings, which they did, and started the Fete off with a thunderous Q103 welcome. There were lots of new attractions like the Lawn Mower Racing, Grafham Climbing wall, Bungee Trampoline and a Bungee Run, not forgetting the Molly dancers who took centre stage in the arena this year. With an even more varied selection of stall-holders, clubs and societies than 2007, it was excellent to see the Fete get off to a great start. Again this year the sun came out on the day and we estimate that over 3000 people attended (up from last year), with around 1000 of them being children, proving that local families came along and supported the Fete; helping to raise those much needed funds. We hope that everyone enjoyed all the new attractions as well as old favourites like the Tug of War, the fire engine and vintage cars. One of the new attractions that went down a storm, with large crowds watching the event unfold throughout the day up to the grand final, was the Lawn Mower racing. This has not been seen at the Fete for many years, but if the initial feedback is anything to go on, it may become a regular fixture. All the competitors who took part entered into the spirit of things, happy just to finish the course, whether they won or not! This year the committee took the bold and difficult task of asking many local

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companies to sponsor the fete. If you visit our website you will see that many did, which helped the 2008 Fete become the best attended and most profitable to date, raising over ÂŁ3000. We hope that all our sponsors realised the benefits of supporting the fete and will do so again. As in previous years all profits will go back into the local community. If you would like to claim some funding all you have to do is to apply in writing via our web site www.melbournfete.co.uk or e-mail melbournfete@aol. com. Alternatively contact the Parish office who will pass on your details. Lastly the committee would like to thank our sponsors and all the volunteers who helped making such a successful day. I would also like to thank the fete committee for their help over the last 10 months. As in previous years if anyone has any spare time and would like to get involved, please contact us, as next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s date has already been set - Saturday 27th June 2009. Brian Collingbourne Chair

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A New Home needed for our Library The Library Team had hoped that the Library would find a new home in the Community Hall proposed by the Parish Council. We have news that the Parish Council has had to abandon the original proposal for various reasons. We have explained to the Parish Council that the Library will need rehousing possibly as early as New Year 2009. We have been warned by the Library Service that our present building is unlikely to pass a safety inspection without major remedial work. If that happened we would have to vacate the building. The ideal solution to our problem would be if the Parish decided to build a smaller centre in the village to accommodate the Parish Office, the Library and other possible facilities. This would become an important village amenity. If this were built it would improve the usage of the library as it would be close to shops, which are visited by considerable numbers of local people every day. We would expect our turnover to increase dramatically. Any new building would have to go through a design and construction process, which would take some considerable time. We are likely to be faced with the need to find alternative accommodation in the meantime. Previous experience shows that this was very difficult to find, as the Library has very limited funding and needs to occupy a central location. In the meantime we are open to suggestions. We would accept that for a limited period a smaller location would be a possibility but this would lead to a reduction in our stock. We are very proud of our existing stock which is built up from new books from the County and donations from the village. We have been careful to choose books in good condition so that the overall quality of our stock is maintained. Everyone in the village can help by borrowing just a few books from us every year. If we could double our turnover we would have a powerful argument to go back to the County for maintenance of a Library facility in Melbourn. The provision

of static libraries in South West Cambridgeshire is non-existent. The nearest Library to Melbourn is Great Shelford. All the other facilities are Library Access Points run by volunteers, and a Library Van that calls just once a fortnight for an hour and a half. So if you want to keep a Library in Melbourn you need to support the Library Volunteers while there is still time. Mike Stapleton

Vicarage Close We have had a busy few months at Vicarage Close, enjoying a mystery tour followed by a pub lunch when we joined up with Meldreth and John Impey Way Sheltered Housing sites. We also continue our afternoon teas with speakers from Age Concern and the Police who gave us helpful and interesting advice on various topics including home safety and distraction buglaries. Our lunches continue for which we thank as always our volunteer helpers and we play bingo and bowls in the community centre regularly. Amanda Groves has now joined our local team and is based at Meldreth for the next few months covering at Vicarage Close on Monday and Tuesday. I am here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and can be contacted on those days on 263389, should you have any queries. Please leave a message if I am unable to answer and I will contact you as soon as possible. Thanks to all who continue to support our recycling, all monies raised are gratefully received by the Childrens Hospice and local causes. We are now thinking about our Christmas celebrations, where has the year gone!! Joy Hyde Lead Sheltered Housing Officer at Vicarage Close

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group The Women’s Group has enjoyed a good summer; even the annual Garden Party, normally held on a gloomy and wet evening, managed to have the sun shining on it. We now look forward to a glorious autumn as the leaves turn to red and gold. Our autumn programme is: 23 September Members’ Music; 28 October A-Z of a Parish Clerk by Avril Mellor; 25 November The Fruit Growing Year by Tim Elbourn As usual we are meeting at Holy Trinity, Meldreth starting at 7.45pm on the 4th Tuesday in the month. Next year we shall be returning to the old format of meeting on alternate months in Melbourn and Meldreth as the Community Hall in Melbourn is now available. The Melbourn and Meldreth Harvest Supper will be held on Friday 3 October, tickets available in advance only from Jane Stevens 261858. Jane Stevens

Shingay Deanery Mothers’ Union The Shingay Branch of the Mothers’ Union has members from all over the Deanery, which makes for an interesting mix of people. There is room for more! We are a friendly group of people who meet together regularly at least once a month, to discuss a variety of topics and to listen to recognised Speakers. We are a Christian based group from a number of different Churches. All welcome: If you think you might be interested, and would like to know more, please phone Anne Harding (Melbourn) 01763 260759, or Doreen Smith (Bassingbourn) Branch Leader, 01763 242731 If a one-off item interests you please feel free to come as you so wish. Autumn programme 2008: September 9: (please note: Wednesday): 2.30pm Methodist Church Hall, Orwell October 14: 2.30 Vicarage Close Community Room, Melbourn: ‘Hymns & Things’ by Jose Hopkins November 11: AGM 2.30 Fowlmere Church December: 2.30 URC Melbourn: Christmas Carols & Readings

COFFEE STOP

There will be no Coffee Stop on June 21st From June 28th the Coffee Stop will be in All Saints’ Community Hall

Self Help Group Melbourn and Meldreth Luncheon Club Luncheon Club continues to enjoy good attendance. Some of our ladies have not been too well, but fortunately have returned to good health and are back having lunch on Thursdays, and enjoying a good natter. We could still use some extra drivers, so if you have a couple of hours to spare on a Thursday at lunch time, and would be prepared to collect ladies or gentlemen from their homes to bring them to Vicarage Close and take them back home again, you would be welcomed with open arms. Please call Jayne White, 220250 if you are able to help in any way. Thank you.

Royal British Legion Once again I have been reminded that The Poppy Appeal is the next big event in The Royal British Legion calendar. Up and down the country, Poppy Appeal organisers will be working out what supplies are needed in their area and filling in order forms to request poppies, poppy trays, collection boxes, wreaths and numerous administrative documents. Storage space has to be made ready, and trays need making up and filling with poppies and pins for delivery to the many dedicated and loyal poppy sellers and businesses. melbournmagazine

Sadly, three of last years’ sellers are unable to assist this year and I would very much appreciate volunteers to replace them to cover the Moor and Dolphin Lane areas. I would also like to take this opportunity to remember all those who have served The Legion in the past, especially Terry Rolt, and to thank all those involved, some of whom I have not had the opportunity of meeting yet. Although only a small branch with just 31 members, we are still holding our own, despite most of us being well past school leaving age. We hold our monthly meetings at Vicarage Close, the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm,.and it would be nice to see as many members as possible attending. I recently attended a seminar for Poppy Appeal organisers to see how the money collected from the general public each year is used. It was most interesting, and also very useful to see how other organisers work to prepare for the appeal. Below are some examples of where your money goes. £5 will ensure that a housebound or hospitalised person receives a friendship visit. – £20 could help towards providing skilled advice and an hour’s legal representation at a Disability Allowance or War Pension Tribunal. – £75 could help towards providing a fresh start for an ex‑Service man or woman so that they can adjust to life outside the Services. – £250 could buy an emergency lifeline alarm for an elderly ex‑service person or their spouse – £360 would give an ex‑Service person or one of their dependants a much needed break at one of our Poppy Break centres. £500 could provide a severely disabled person and their carer with a much needed welfare break. – £2000 could purchase an Electricallv Powered Vehicle or scooter to give elderly or disabled veterans back mobility and an independent life. – £2500 could pay to install a stair lift in a home where it is needed. – £5000 could arrange a bathroom adaptation which would assist a disabled person to perform basic functions in their home such as having a shower or washing safely. Once again, thank you all for your continued support. Patrick Parkinson, Chairman/Secretary

RNLI Most importantly your local group would like to thank all those generous contributors who gave money and many good wishes on our Tesco Collection days on 23rd and 24th May. A tremendous £1400 was raised for RNLI. An acknowledgement was published eventually in The Crow – after 2 weeks of losing the details – but unfortunately no mention of thanks was made. I’ve heard of poetic licence so I think that this was probably journalistic licence. A big thank you anyway – and also to all the local Shoreline Members who volunteered to help and maintain a rota through Friday and Saturday. We now have 2 new Committee members as a result, and will be able to increase our funding efforts. (I have received the details of Christmas cards for this year – where has the year gone?) We hope that you have had a happy and sunny summer holiday and will continue to give us your support in the coming year. Jean Emes Secretary Royston Branch (245958)

Melbourn History Group Members of the Group are sometimes asked ‘and what project are you working on now?’ and ‘when is the next book coming out?’ The answer to those questions is very simple. We are not working on a new book yet although some of our members were much involved in the Parish Church Guide as was reported in a recent issue. But what we are working on is the transfer of the baptismal rolls to the village website so that anyone logging in can more easily trace their ancestors. As the records start about 1558 and continue to the mid 19th century, you will see that that we have quite a job on our hands. For my own part I have just entered number 749 on my spreadsheet and there are still several sheets to go. It struck me as I typed away that children were either born or baptised on the

Child and Family Nursing Team Well Baby Clinics Drop in clinics for parents and babies are held as follows: Melbourn clinic every Wednesday between 9.30 and 12 noon at: 35 Orchard Road, Melbourn Telephone 01763 262861 Cambourne clinic every Monday between 9.30 and 12 noon at: Room 12 (upstairs), Sackville House, Cambourne Telephone 01954 282830

same day as momentous events in our history. On 4th July 1776 James Cunnington son of James and Elizabeth Cunington and Ruth daughter of James and Susan Cole were baptised in the Parish Church. Were the families, or indeed any of the villagers, aware that in far-off America the Declaration of Independence was being signed? Or, that in July 1789 did the families of John Burditt, George Chapel, Kezia Cole or James Hinkins have any idea that the Bastille had been stormed and the French Revolution had begun? Had the news of the Battle of Trafalgar and death of Admiral Lord Nelson reached the families of Marian Worbey, Charlotte Everitt or Elizabeth Everitt when those three girls were brought into All Saints in October 1805? We were all struck by the number of baptisms held at certain times of the year, especially in July. It seems that reaching targets is nothing new and once a year a representative of the Bishop came round and checked if the numbers baptised this year had been better than last year. In order to ‘fudge the figures’ the Vicar would often round up former families who had left the Church but had then decided that they wanted to come back, gipsy families on the move through the village and anyone who thought it might be a good idea for the baby ‘to be done’. Their reward was tea and buns on the Vicarage lawn and when the Bishop’s agent turned up the Vicar could produce figures that melbournmagazine

satisfied even that august personage. Gipsy families made a habit of “volunteering” and it is recorded that one family held the record of having their children baptised some 200 times! We are indebted to Tom Doig, a well-known local historian, for that information. Nothing new under the sun is there? As for other work the Group has compiled again this year an entry for the “Village of the Year” competition and also “Community Building of the Year” which shows the new Community Hall. It is too early to say if we have been successful but at least we have tried. Colin Limming Chairman.

Free Computing & Computer Training in Meldreth Funded by South Cambs. D.C. and staffed by local volunteers, you can get free access to computers (and the internet) and/or free training in how to use them. Read what two recent trainees have written after using the Community Access Point (CAP) scheme:

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‘Having been given my first computer, (which I wasn’t sure I even wanted)! I thought I ought to get some basic lessons. There were several expensive options available leading to qualifications but they were not what I really wanted. My friend who had just bought a new computer said she could do with brushing up on her computer skills and that she had been given the number of Janet (01763 262305). I rang and was greeted by a very friendly lady who took a few details. We were able to start our lessons within the next few weeks, no waiting for the beginning of term and no fees to pay as it is all done voluntarily! We were paired with someone of our own age, (guess from our comment below)! Our volunteer tutor was willing to give us an hour’s tuition per week going through anything we needed, from turning on the computer to uploading photos and answered any questions we raised. We can’t image not having a computer; it has opened up a new world for us of sending emails, searching the net, and so much more. All this in the year we both get FREE bus travel!! So if you have a new computer and don’t know the first thing about it and need some tuition the Meldreth CAP team are there to help. Thanks to the CAP Team, Joan and Liz.’ We have volunteers who are skilled in very basic computer usage and also in more advanced aspects of Word, Spreadsheets, Power Point presentations, Photography, Ancestry and many other computing programs. If you would like to know more, or book access or training, please call Janet on 01763 262305 after 3.30pm.

Caring For Carers “My partner and I never do anything together any more!” one of my clients told me the other day. He was trying to care for an elderly parent along with the other

demands of daily life – but that meant he had no time for his partner, let alone any time for himself. No wonder their relationship was suffering! Many of us have to take on the role of carer at some point in our lives. There are some tough feelings to deal with here such as guilt, resentment, frustration, bitterness and anger to name but a few. Not only that, but sheer physical exhaustion can leave you feeling completely drained – as if you are running on empty with no resources left. Here are some practical tips: Don’t lose your identity. You may be a carer but you are also a person in your own right. Keep your own interests and hobbies going – it will help to keep things in perspective. It is not selfish to be self indulgent. Give yourself plenty of small treats that will recharge your batteries – you will then be able to give more back to those who are relying on you. Focus on activities that you can both enjoy – it may be something as simple as watching a TV programme together. You will get a tremendous boost once you realise that you don’t have to struggle on alone. Network like mad. Talking to friends and family will help to share the load. Look out for the professional help available for your situation and don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are local support groups around which have been specially set up to support carers such as those run by Crossroads (www.crossroads.org.uk). Relate is somewhere you can turn to for help and support - our counsellors are trained to deal with many different types of relationship problems. So don’t want until things get on top of you - if your relationship is under pressure, and you need someone to talk to, then call us at 01223 357424 to find out more about how we can help you. Elaine Taylor, Relate Cambridge Counsellor

The National Trust With the present cost of petrol many families are having to think twice before setting out for long drives to the seaside or far-off destinations in the country. There is a ready- made answer to that problem. Our local Trust property at Wimpole estate has much to offer. There is ample room for the children to run around or to play ball games; we have room for picnics and there are some lovely walks. If you want to splash out a little bit there are the extra attractions of the Hall and the Home Farm but if you just want to stretch your legs and enjoy a simple day out there is no compulsion to go to either place. Even in winter the walks are delightful and dogs, provided they are kept under control, are always welcome.

The local National Trust Association starts its winter programme again on Friday 3rd October with a talk by Jane Gosling on ‘Medieval Lavenham and its famous Guildhall’. This will be at Saffron Walden County High School sports centre but we meet on the last Friday in each month either there or in Royston Town Hall at 7.30 p.m. There is a full programme of talks and social events and you can find out more by contacting me at any time. Colin Limming 01763 260072

Cambridge Mencap Cambridge Mencap is seeking volunteers to support a child or young person with a learning disability. You could support someone to play games, enjoy arts and crafts, play in the park, go swimming, or just watch a DVD in the young person’s home. Your support could help the young person develop their social skills, interests, independence and self confidence, whilst also providing valuable respite time to parents and carers. If you could spare a few hours one evening of every month then you could be doing something new, or something you already do and enjoy, whilst making a BIG difference to a young person’s, and a family’s, life. Interested? Find out more by contacting Robert Wallace, Volunteers Support Coordinator, by Phone: 01223 883140 Text: 07835101621 Email: robert@cambridgemencap.co.uk

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MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL 28 Station Road Melbourn Cambs SG8 6DX Telephone 262494 e-mail: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk Chairman Donald Mowatt 23, High Street SG8 6AL

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Vice-Chairman Maureen Townsend 32 New Road SG8 6ER

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Clerk & Office Avril Mellor, 28 Station Road, SG8 6DX

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E-mail parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk

Website www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

Councillors Val Barratt 2 Station Road SG8 6DX 261227 Irene Bloomfield 78 Russet Way SG8 6HF 222558 Colin Charter 58 Bramley Avenue SG8 6HG 262278 Janice Guest 1 Mortlock Street SG8 6DB 260894 Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street SG8 6AL 261225 Dean Hardingham 1 Portway SG8 6EU 232757 Michael Linette 11, Chapel Lane 262534 Donald Mowatt 23 High Street SG8 6AL 268388 Clive Purbrook Glebe House High Street SG8 6DZ 260899 Andy Qulina 77 Orchard Road SG8 6BB Jocelyn Robson 91 High Street Mike Sherwen 3 Hale Close SG8 6ET 260070 Christopher Stead 70 Russet Way 260743 pm Maureen Townsend 32 New Road SG8 6BY 260959 Richard Wakerley 32 Chalkhill Barrow SG8 6EQ 262247 Employees Handyman and Caretaker Peter Andrews Emergency mobile. 07778-682245 Village Ranger Keith Rudge, 4 Dolphin La, SG8 6AF Internal Auditor Peter Chilvers, 68A High Street, SG8 6AJ

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County Councillor David Charles McCraith 104 North End, Bassingbourn D-Rmccraith@supanet.com (send agenda by e-mail) County Hall 01223-833555 District Councillors Janice Guest, 1 Mortlock Street, SG8 6DB Val Barrett, 2 Station Road

260894 261227

South Cambs M.P. Andrew Lansley

01954 212707

South Cambs M.E.P. Robert Sturdy

01954 211790

The Parish Office at 28 Station Road, is entered by the door at the front of the building directly opposite Sheene Mill. The Parish Office is now open on Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm, on Tuesdays from 2 pm from 4 pm, and on Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm. The office is not normally open on Wednesdays or Fridays. As the Clerk is sometimes out on Parish business it is better to ring 262494 to ensure that she is in the office. Meetings of the Planning Committee are normally held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month commencing at 7.15 pm. Council Meetings are normally held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.15 pm at Vicarage Close Community Centre. The Press Royston & Buntingford Mercury Tom Ship, Media Centre 40 Ware Road, Hertford, SG13 7HU 01992 526639 Royston Crow Heath House, Princes Mews, Royston, SG8 6RT 245241 Fax 242231 Cambridge News David Williams, 3 Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BP 249144 Fax 244502 BBC Radio Cambridge Reception Newsroom

01223 259696 01223 358510

From the Parish Clerk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Avril Mellor I hope you had a nice relaxing summer break and are now looking forward to the beautiful colours of the autumn foliage. A new hand-carved oak village notice-board has been ordered to replace the one which was blown done and then found to be so damaged it was not possible to re-erect it. There is also a hand-carved oak notice-board waiting to be erected inside the gateway to New Road Cemetery. When the proposed lychgate has been purchased this notice board will in placed within it. The wall to All Saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Churchyard has been damaged by tree roots and recently became unsafe. As a result the tree has had to be removed and the wall rebuilt. Maintenance of closed churchyards falls to local authorities and in this respect Melbourn is no exception so the cost of this work has to be met by the Council. The Council is also responsible for the upkeep of both Orchard Road and New Road Cemeteries. I was privileged to be invited to the opening of Moorlands Court on Friday 18th July where I witnessed Andrew Lansley, CBE MP cut the ribbon and Mr Hugh Duberly CBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire plant a tree with help from one of the care assistants. I was given a tour of part of the building by District Councillor Guest and I was most impressed by the high quality, not only of the building itself but also of the fixtures and fittings. We were treated to a delicious afternoon tea and students from the Village College did a very professional job of providing the back ground music. I missed the village fete this year as I was on holiday but I understand that it was once again a very good day with something on offer for all ages. I would like to congratulate the Fete committee on organising another successful event.

District Councillor Janice Guest Since writing in the Melbourn Magazine last, we have had a local election and I am pleased to have Mrs Val Barrett with me as the second District Councillor for the Melbourn Ward. Val and the Melbourn team worked extremely hard at election time and it was a very worthy outcome - my congratulations to Val. As you are no doubt aware, following the May election the Conservative group hold the majority on South Cambs District Council and the new Cabinet has been formed and all newly elected members have been selected to serve on various committees. I serve on Planning, Corporate Governance and Licensing; in addition I attend the meetings of 2 other local organisations on behalf of South Cambs, who have received funding from them. Following these meeting I am then expected to report back to full Council. One of the major concerns of the Council at the present time is the possibility of the housing stock transfer because it has to be made clear to all tenants that this is still under consideration and all tenants will be fully consulted before any decision melbournmagazine

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is made. With regard to housing, funding from the Housing Corporation has been secured to help provide affordable homes in this area over the next few years. This is of course a long-term investment and one that is greatly needed. At the time of writing, the Hanley Grange Eco Town development has been on the minds of many people in this area. This is a development, which has received a lot of publicity and considerable opposition from the local authorities, and I understand it’s future is uncertain. There are many issues which would make this development undesirable, specifically the loss of green and open areas and the lack of infrastructure to support a development of this size. On the other hand the Northstowe development will in time provide a lot of new homes and I think that the government should support that development and help to enhance the Eco values of Northstowe. The issues regarding climate change and enhancing the environment is very important to everyone and the Council take this very seriously. It is pleasing to see that the plastic recycling bins in the car park are being well used and the contractors responsible for the empting of them are doing so on a regular basis. The Council is still on schedule to start the kerbside plastic collection in the autumn and this will help to continue making our village a good place to live. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Val should you have any matter of local concern which you feel may be able to help with.

FARM SHOP OPEN FOR THE NEW SEASON

BRIDGE THE GAP 4.5 MILE CHARITY WALK AROUND THE COLLEGES Sign up now for the annual Bridge the Gap Charity Walk! Taking place on Sunday 14th September and one of the most popular charity walks in the region, Bridge the Gap is a lovely opportunity to see the sites of Cambridge and its colleges. And at just 4.5 miles, it’s something the whole family can enjoy together. This year sees the introduction of many new features including some fantastic entertainment on Jesus Green and along the route. To make sure you don’t miss out, download an entry form from www.bridgethegapwalk.org or call 01223 723 115. Registration costs £8 in advance (£14 on the day) for adults; entry is free for children under 16. The walk starts at 9.30 a.m. from Jesus Green.

District Councillor Val Barrett Since joining Janice on the District Council on 1st May, life has been fairly hectic. I have been attending training days on Licensing and Scrutiny which are the two Committees I am on. Finding one’s way round the building at Cambourne is a feat in itself, but I’m gradually catching on as to who’s who and where they are to be found. Besides the two Committees, a fair amount of time is spent answering emails from residents, then contacting the Officers concerned. Of course, my duties with Janice include Great and Little Chishill and Heydon so we attend all Parish Meetings along with those at Melbourn. Sometimes, District Council Meetings are on the same day/ evening, so it can be tricky getting from place to place. Four Meetings in one day occurs on a fairly regular basis. As it has only been two months, I am still on a learning curve, but so far, I have been able to respond to all telephone calls and emails with mostly positive outcomes and am happy to be contacted at any time.

NOW SELLING VICTORIA PLUMS SEASONAL, LOCALLY GROWN, ORCHARD FRUIT PLUMS, APPLES, PEARS. ALSO OUR OWN FARM PRESSED APPLE JUICE, CIDER AND HOMEMADE JAMS. FARM SHOP OPEN THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m. JULY – FEBRUARY 25 Whitecroft Rd, Meldreth, Royston, Herts SG8 6LZ 01763 262964 • 01763 262906 • 07770 461685

This morning on the motorway, I looked over to my right and there was a woman in a brand new Jaguar doing at least 90mph with her face up next to her rear view mirror putting on her eyeliner. I looked away for a couple seconds! When I looked back she was halfway over in my lane, still working on that makeup. As a man, I don’t scare easily, but she scared me so much, I dropped my electric shaver, which knocked the meat pie out of my other hand. In all the confusion of trying to straighten out the car using my knees against the steering wheel, it knocked my mobile phone away from my ear which fell into the coffee between my legs, splashed, and burned my nether regions. It ruined the darn phone, soaked my trousers and disconnected an important call. Darn women drivers!! melbournmagazine

M&M BOOKS CASH PAID for Old and Modern Books Also Purchased Coins, Medals, Postcards, China, Cigarette Cards, Jewellery, Furniture, Old Toys & Cars, Stamps, Programmes, Glass, Comics, Collectables

Phone 01763 849789 Mobile 07761 911730

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire

are looking for more volunteers - could you give a Home-Start family the most precious gift - your time ?

Our volunteers are all parents or grandparents who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope All parents need emotional and practical help to get through the first few years, but not everyone has friends or family nearby This is when Home-Start volunteers can help! Further details can be obtained by: calling us on 01763 262262 and talking to Sarah or Wendy or e-mailing admin@hsrsc.co.uk

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Police & Neighbourhood Watch Police Request We are committed to delivering the highest possible standard of service to residents of Cambridgeshire. To do that we need to develop a better understanding of what people in Cambridgeshire think about their local police service. We want to hear from you, even if you’ve never been a victim of crime. Have your say, complete our online survey and help us to improve our service. www.cambs.police.uk Julie Spence, Chief Constable

Dear Neighbours, As you know we do experience a level of ASB in the Village from time to time !! May I recommend that you consider responding to the BBC TV Look-East website request for us to assist the BBC to fill in a map of East Anglia highlighting where the ASB hot spots are ? To do this go to : www.bbc.co.uk/lookeast/ and click on the picture Icon Anti-Social Behaviour (middle left side of the website page) and then click on”Click here for the MapTube site to take part” I note at the moment that, according to reporting so far, our area appears to be totally dominated by the prevalence of only “boy-racers” !! Best Regards, Vic Nickson Village NHW Coordinator, Bassingbourn (Member of the Cambridgeshire NW Exec

Burglary Update – June/July 2008 I thought I would write to you all to let you know what we have been doing in the Community Safety Unit at Parkside Police Station. As you know under Operation Promenade we are continuing to visit sheltered schemes and other residential areas during their coffee mornings to raise awareness regarding distraction burglary and rogue trading. Recently invitations to the coffee mornings have been received from Fulbourn, Bourn, Arrington and Grantchester. We have also visited Church Close, Little Abington and Marshall’s Close Teversham to register the areas as ‘No Cold Calling’ zones to prevent traders from turning up unannounced and trying to sell goods at the door. The feedback so far from residents has

been very positive. In addition to the ‘No Cold Calling’ signs we have also marked personal property in the homes with Smartwater. Smartwater is a liquid forensic coding system made with a non-hazardous coded mix of chemicals in a water based solution. The system is similar to DNA profiling, each unique solution can be identified and authenticated. Each item is marked with the solution and once dry it is virtually impossible to remove, even a tiny trace can be analysed for evidence. Cambridgeshire Constabulary also organised the first Cross Border Conference on bogus callers. The programme was aimed at improving the way we work and collaborate together across borders, on joint prevention and enforcement activity. Delegates represented a wide spread of partner agencies including Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch and Age Concern etc. As the event was so well received and resulted in, as Elvis Presley would say, “a little less conversation, a little more action”., it was agreed that something on this scale should be held regularly to ensure “best practice” is achieved at all times. Cambridgeshire Police and Trading Standards are thrilled that they have now registered their 50th trader onto the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Registered Trader Scheme. As you know we would always advise residents not to use traders who cold call but to obtain a trader from the above register. Anyone over 60 years of age can use this scheme. Call your local

Melbourn Police Station Melbourn Police Station opening hours have changed as follows: Mon. 10.00 – 12.00 19.00 – 21.00 Tues. 10.00 – 12.00 Thurs. 10.00 – 12.00 The office is staffed by volunteers at the above times, but this is always subject to change.

Non emergency phone number 0845 4564564 or 01480 456111 melbournmagazine

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 Seizure of vehicle causing harassment alarm or distress Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 refers to vehicles being used in a manner that is causing, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. (An example might be performing screeching ‘Handbrake turns’ in a housing estate) Where a constable or PCSO has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor vehicle is being or has been used on any occasion which contravenes: Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, Careless and inconsiderate driving or Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, driving on common land/moor land/land which is not part of a road/a footpath/ bridleway/restricted byway) and in a manner which is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public A warning can be issued to the driver and the registered owner should the vehicle be used in the commission of similar offences within twelve months the vehicle will be seized by police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Warning includes; The same person using the same vehicle. The same person using another vehicle. A different person using the same vehicle. Charges in relation to the removal & retention of a motor vehicle Regulation 6 of The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002 refers to the charges payable in respect of the release of the motor vehicle. Currently the charge payable in respect of the vehicle’s removal is £105 and in respect of retention, £12 for each period of 24 hours or a part thereof during which the vehicle is in the custody of the authority.

www.cambs-police.co.uk/myneighbourhood/ecops/index.asp

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0A RT Y

Call Tina for a brochure on 01954 203447 or email gimme-gimiks@hotmail.co.uk

3 DI CHO SC OL O

Don’t forget, we still need your help to put a stop to these types of crimes. With thanks. Hilary Conner, Parkside Police Station

NG SI I RA T ND EN U & EV

#O N CE R

Age Concern number 01354 696650 for further details. May I just finish by reminding you that we are seeing a spate of walk-in thefts due to doors and windows being left open in the warmer weather. Items taken have included purses, wallets, mobile phones and car keys. Please remember a burglar only needs a few seconds to gain entry and steal your property. Try not to leave handbags, wallets and car keys lying around just inside the door, please take the time to place them out of sight in a safe place.

Meldreth Pre-School Reg.Charity no.1034965

Village Hall Meldreth High Street This friendly, non-profit making Pre-School now has spaces for September 2008. We offer Morning, Lunch Club and Afternoon sessions to children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. We offer a high staffing ratio, whilst maintaining competitive rates. £8.20 per session, £3.00 for Lunch Club We accept Government Vouchers (which makes sessions for the over 3’s free) For more information please Contact: Pre-School Leader, Jane Cable on 07952 295655 during Pre-School Hours (Mon/Tue 9-3, Wed/Thur/Fri 9-12.30) or telephone The Admissions Secretary, Yasmin Croxford on 01763 220246

Profile Dr. Gerald Avison It is many years since I was a ‘Working Woman’ and I was totally unprepared for the informality of The Technology Partnership when I went to interview head man Dr. Gerald Avison. Everybody, but everybody, calls him Gerald! I say ‘head man’ because I was told that nobody has a job title, unless they are visiting Japan or China where it is deemed a politic necessity! We met in one of the nine individually designed conference rooms which I had been lucky enough to see before when TTP allowed the History Group to launch our Melbourn 2000 book in their newly opened building. Since then, more building has taken place and the Science Park is certainly a credit and an asset to Melbourn. Over a cup of excellent coffee and a plate of biscuits which sorely tempted me, I learned that Gerald Avison was born in Yorkshire, near Saddleworth Moor – he grew up there and went to school in Manchester. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at Bristol University and went on to do a post graduate degree. He met and married his wife Jean (a midwife) in Bristol and worked for BAC on the Concorde project, living in Bristol until moving to Cambridge in 1972 when he got a job working for PA Consultants, who were then based in Milton. PA then transferred to the Industrial Estate in Melbourn where Gerald worked for several years until 1987 when there was a cataclysmic shake up and 32 key members broke away from PA. This was a considerable percentage of the workforce and I can remem-

ber the whole village buzzing with the news. These rebels set themselves up in the buildings alongside Moat House in Moat Lane – premises affectionately known as the Rat Hole! David Parnell, one of the group, lived in Melbourn at the time and was a well known member of the Parish Council and Fete Committee. This new venture provided consulting services (or contract development services) dedicated to developing new technologies, new products and to solving problems under contract. The company was owned by the founder employees who put up some £700,000 of their own money to fund the venture, with some external support from CinVen and a laboratory in Australia which had broken away from PA Technology the previous year. This ethos of share ownership within the company is still strong in the group, with opportunities given to new employees to become shareholders with interest free loans and a Share Investment Plan with monthly savings. There is also a profit related bonus scheme. Every effort is made to migrate shares to the next generation and the bulk of the shareholding may only be held by employees or ex-employees. After some years in the Rat Hole they were able to rent new premises in the newly established Science Park, then later they acquired a quarter of the site and eventually became owners of it all. They have a positive policy of interaction with the community, besides sponsoring our own Melbourn Magazine. In a very practical way they support other activities in the area. You will see in another part of the magazine the recent opening, by Dr. Avison, of the All Saints’ Community Hall – TTP were major benefactors in the establishment of the hall and I know from my husband George that they also support his Rotary Kids Out Day at Wimpole. So we build up a picture of a company which has quite old fashioned basic principles of supporting and valuing both their employees and the area in which they operate. In Gerald’s own words ‘I see the company as a social enterprise where people get together to earn a crust’ and this simple, down to earth philosophy is their great strength. Everyone will be familiar with the very attractive campus and the light and airy buildings and landscaping. I likened part of the building to being on a ship. Although they do not have a Social Club as such, members of the 300-strong staff do get together in informal ways for various activities – and they have Corporate Membership of McSplash and the Squash Courts and these facilities are widely used. Every Friday evening at 5 p.m. they may gather to have a talk, usually by a member of the company who will talk on his/ her subject – very often the individual will be working on a specific project and it is an opportunity for other employees get to know the speaker, and understand the other work going on around them. I know from my days on the Parish continued from page 21

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Profile – continued from page 19

Council that they took care to invite the councillors to view the plans and models for their various building programmes. Gerald says that it is not difficult to be a good neighbour! Now to get down to the technical stuff! I was very privileged to be given a tour of the buildings and to see for myself the exceptionally clever machines (and people) working there. TTP technology has been used in so many items in everyday use, from mobile DAB radios and TV handsets, asthma inhalers and nebulisers, glucose monitors, drills, jigsaws and mobile phones to a portable hand held carbon monoxide detector – perhaps the first thing we should pack in our suitcases! After several years of rapid growth, in 1998, they de-merged The Automation Partnership (TAP) now located in Orchard Road, Royston and, two years later, de-merged and listed TTP Communications on the London Stock Exchange. The company is still on site, but was bought by Motorola in 2006. How I wish my clever grandson had been with me as I walked round. He would have been far more able to ask pertinent questions than I but, however nontechnical, one couldn’t help but be fascinated by the brilliant machinery working nonstop to make our lives safer. I saw a machine developed for the French market which will detect the minutest particle of bacteria in water and another amazing pharmaceutical development; an enormous refrigerator containing thousands of samples in tiny phials, each one with an identifying code on the base. Then another machine produced a plastic tape upon which small 1” lengths of plasticcoated stainless steel were fixed. These miniature ‘pipettes’ were dropped into the tiny phials, the top of the steel pulled up, thus sucking a measured amount of liquid into the tube, thence it was carried on to be deposited onto a slide where it would crystallise and later be analysed. Now the other thing that caught my imagination is hot off the press, only just about to be released and in fact our printing deadline of 1st September may be too close for comfort! It is a method of printing photographic quality

digital images onto cans. This means that, as well as more serious applications, such as corporate promotional messages, you could perhaps have personalised cans of beer or soft drinks for your party etc. What a novel invitation it would be! This technology has been under development for 14 years, in fact some of the employees working on it have done nothing else! Big party when that one launches (with personalised cans?) I cannot begin to list all the complex applications of laboratory biochemistry for healthcare diagnostics and screening; the Dymo labelling machines, image-processing software, the list is endless. I did however, think that George would be interested in a ‘PerfectDraft’ system which delivers chilled draught beer in the kitchen, this was conceived and developed by TTP from start to finish and again, is a recent launch in Europe. What does a man like Gerald Avison do for a hobby, I asked. Gerald waved his arms to encompass the building. ‘This is my hobby’, he said, but when pressed he did confess to enjoy walking his dog, an eight-year-old rescue Lurcher and he enjoys travelling, particularly if it involves trains or boats. He has visited the Arctic three times and the Antarctic once and did a mammoth journey across Russia by train from Moscow to Beijing, via Tashkent and Samarkand. This year, however, they are following the trend and holidaying in Devon. His two children, just into their thirties, live and work in London but neither has followed in father’s footsteps. Margaret the elder of the two works for an animal charity and Tom works for a group of Arthouse Film cinemas. So I left feeling even more impressed that Melbourn is the base for such a world–renowned company which not only looks after its employees but also nurtures the community and very grateful that such a busy man could spare me the time for this interview, patiently explaining processes way above my head so that I could understand them. I hope that you, too, will be fascinated by this insight into the Melbourn Science Park. Mavis Howard

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Community Education Val Tookey 260566 Little Hands Karen on 01763 260964 Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford 07842 151512 Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231 Primary School Headmaster Maynard Dunlop 223457 Toy Library Yasmin Croxford 220246 U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman John Stevens 261858 Village College Warden Elaine Stephenson 223400

Melbourn Village College Adult and Community Learning Programme For 2008/2009 Art (Watercolours, Drawing and Painting, Pastels and Life Drawing); Ballroom Dancing; Driver Theory Test Training; Computing (including ITQ.); Book Keeping; Card making; Computerised Accounts; Word Processing; e-type (Touch Typing); Childcare Diploma; AAT Accounting; Personal Finance; First Aid; CIEH Food Hygiene; Embroidery; Digital Photography; Flower Arranging; Ceramics; Photography; Garden Design; Badminton (day); Yoga

Melbourn Village Collage The College celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2009. To celebrate the occasion, a number of events will be taking place to mark the occasion. These include: Saturday 11th. October 2008- ‘Auction of Promises’ Saturday 5th. September 2009-A giant ‘Tea Party’ and exhibition on the Willow Lawn In addition, we hope to produce a number of commemorative items:- a book of memories and photographs, and a CD-ROM. We are also asking our current students to help to design a new stained glass window for the front of the Main Hall. If you are able to supply any old photographs, memorabilia or anecdotes about the College, or if you are able to offer a prize for the ‘Auction of Promises’, please contact Mrs. Janine Savage, Warden’s PA, on office@mvc.org.uk . If you would like to record your memories of MVC for a commemorative CD, please contact Vanessa Mann on vanessa.mann@which.net. We are also asking former members of the College to contribute £10 (or more) towards the ‘£50K for 50 Years’ campaign. If you would like to make a contribution, please send a cheque to Mrs Denise Norman-Dent, the College Bursar.

Holocaust Survivor On the 6th. June, we were privileged to receive a visit from Eva Clark who came to speak to all of our Year 9 students. Eva was born in Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria, in April 1945. Eva and her mother were the only survivors from their family, 15 members of whom were killed in Auschwitz: 3 of Eva’s grandparents, her father, uncles, aunts and her 7-year old cousin, Peter. Though still a baby, Eva Clark gleaned much from her mother’s memories and from her subsequent research into her family’s tragic history. It was an unforgettable and moving experience to hear her speaking; she held the Year 9s spellbound for well over an hour.

Languages offered are French; Italian; Spanish; Russian and Chinese; Also Maths, English, Sociology and Psychology; G.C.S.E.’s; & N.V.Q.’s in Administration, Customer Service, I.T., Management. Further details from the Adult Learning Team on 01763 260566 Fax 01763 223408 Email: comed@mvc.org.uk Further details on our Website: www.mvc.org.uk

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Arts Matters Another busy term in the visual and performing arts. We were delighted that the Arts Council decided to award MVC its prestigious Gold Artsmark once again, the third occasion on which we have received recognition for the range and quality of arts education at the college. College staff and students recently toured Europe as part of a highly successful musical expedition; performances of ‘Sparkle Shark’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ entertained an audience of parents and fellow students; ‘Dance Mania’ was a huge success, whilst a group of Key Stage 3 and 4 boys made it through to the finals of the National Breakdance Championships.

MVC students in the Village We have been concerned to receive reports of a small minority of MVC students going in to the village at lunchtimes. The only students who have permission to be in the village are those who have a lunchtime pass- and there are only about 15 of those! Indeed, the lunchtime pass gives permission to students to go straight home for lunch, not to go to the chip shop. We take our responsibilities seriously and have a duty of care to exercise. To this end, we have asked local shopkeepers not to serve College students at lunchtimes. Nor do we want our students to cause nuisance to local residents, particularly the elderly residents in Vicarage Close. If any readers see College students in the village at lunchtimes, please contact us- we’ll come to fetch them! Andrew Allsworth Deputy Warden

A Magical Evening! The 2008 Year 11 MVC prom was a seriously glamorous affair! The theme was ‘Princes and Princesses’ and the huge crowd that awaited the arrival of the ‘ball goers’ could have rivalled any crowd waiting to see royalty. They were not disappointed. The variety of ‘carriages’ used for transport was incredible! There were limousines, sports cars, horse and carriages, a tractor, a tank, motor bikes, scooters and space hoppers. Each arrival was greeted with the red carpet treatment – enthusiastic cheers from the crowd and a beautifully presented white rose – a button hole for the boys and a full bloom for the girls. The outfits were spectacular. The boys looked very handsome in their suits. Most went for the traditional ‘James Bond’ tuxedo, however there were a few who chose to be a little more individual. There were two dashing kilt wearers and one young man successfully chose to mix the formal suit look with a pristine white baseball cap and trainers. Of course the girls all looked absolutely beautiful. There was a full range of styles – some opted for the full-length sequinned ‘princessstyle’ gown, some went for a more ‘Hollywood film star’ look and some chose to add a modern twist to the traditional knee length prom dress with up-to-the-minute accessories such as huge bows and fabulous shoes. The local hairdressers and beauticians must have made a fortune that day – and it was worth every penny!

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The venue was the school hall which had been transformed into a ballroom decked out in purple and gold. The students were then served by the teachers with a formal dinner which had been organised and prepared by the wonderful Mrs Gregory. Then it was time for Head boy Tom Preston and Head girl Katie Dean to raise a toast to Mrs Gregory, Mr Pullin and the prom committee before beginning the prestigious awards ceremony. Awards had been voted for by the students earlier in the year and among the winners were Aiden Thompson for being ‘Most likely to be a millionaire’, Annie Lee and Ollie Flint for ‘Best hair’ and Josh Dinnewell and Laura Morris for being the ‘funniest’. After the awards, the disco and casino officially began and the night flew by. Notable moments include Tom Preston’s entertaining ‘turn on the mike’, Mike Everett’s amazing dance display and the mysterious case of the missing kilt! Carriages arrived at around 11.30 and each student left with a luxury gift bag containing sweets, glow bracelets and a bottle of champagne (well the miniature kind that blows bubbles!). It was a fantastic evening that was a real credit to the organisers and a fitting celebration of a memorable, talented and extremely pleasant year group that will be missed by the school. Nina Bailey

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Courses resumed in September 2008 at Royston Town Hall so it will probably be too late to enrol by the time this magazine comes out. However there will be further courses starting early in January so contact Doreen Wood on 01763 242230 or David Allard on 01763 242677 for details of the courses. 10 mornings of 11/2 hours each. Fee £43.

U3A Melbourn & District University of the Third Age Our monthly programme of meetings at the Village College is well documented in the calendar pages of the magazine and is well attended. The activities of U3As up and down the country have been well publicised in recent weeks and only today I was reading in a national newspaper that there are over 635 branches and over 205,000 members who join for friendship and the chance to learn a language or a skill at much cheaper rates than many other organizations.. At the Village Fete I was talking to a man who said that he had been looking for a German conversation class and that the local U3A seemed just the answer! Our own U3A has more than 400 members and some 25 learning and recreational groups so if you are looking for a little more learning or some exercise or just company why not ring 260399 or 222486 and find out more. Colin Limming

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Notre Ecole The children at Notre Ecole worked hard at perfecting their play “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” which was an adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story, changed so that we could include some of the French words and phrases learnt during the course of the year. We particularly enjoyed showing our play to family and friends, who we hope were pleased with the progress the children have made. Then, to finish the school year we played games in the garden and ate cake and ice cream, which the children asked for in French. Adults at the Wednesday evening beginners’ group have learnt how to talk about the weather in French. We discussed the different activities we do during different types of weather and also gave weather reports for different countries. We then moved on to talking about daily and weekly routines, including an introduction to some simple reflexive verbs. Learners have practised telling the time in French and also talked about household tasks. In the more advanced Wednesday evening conversation group they have enjoyed sharing a few French jokes. There have been various topics of conversation, often spontaneously inspired by the group member’s experiences during the week. Grammar points are also explained and practised and this half term they have been concentrating on giving instructions (the imperative). September is always a popular month to start learning a new language, so if you or your child would like to join us, please call Marine on 01763 222876 or Janet on 01763 261231 for further details. We are a French native speaker and a graduate of European Studies with French and we would love to see you at one of our groups.

Notre Ecole Learn French in a friendly atmosphere *French for Children *French for Adults “Games, role-play, songs etc.” All levels, Conversation” Every Wednesday Every Wednesday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm from 8.00pm to 9.00pm Every Thursday GCSE lessons available by from 4:15pm to 5:00pm arrangement. All groups recommence w/c 8th September 2008 Individual lessons also available. Tel. Marine – 01763 222876 or Janet - 01763 261231

FA M I LY L I N K S I am researching the Newling family. I am trying to trace the ancestors of John Newling born in Melbourn in 1798, he was the son of John Newling and Susannah Scruby and his brother William farmed in Melbourn and married Hannah Dickason. Sandra Goodsell – sandragoodsell@hotmail.com I am researching the family history of my maternal grandparents Albert George Huggins (born Mebourn 1879) and Eliza Daisy Willmott (born Ashwell 1879)They married at B*****ingbourn in July 1900. My mother Dorothy Lizzie (born Melbourn 1902) was the eldest of their three daughters.I was born in 1928 and christened in the Parish Church in Melbourn in the same year, My grandfather was for forty years a pork butcher (and “sausage specialist”)in Melbourn carrying on the business from his father David Huggins (born Melbourn 1840) Any information on the family history of my grandparents would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Robert Scarfe – robertscarfe@tiscali.co.uk Looking for the Negus family from melbourn cambridge,Ithink some emigrated to Australia years ago. my mothers father was charles negus brother alfred i think the other brother gearge. they were born in the 1870s. I lived all my young life at sheeps hesd row. and my grandparents. Winter – bgi62923@bigpond.net.au I have a large database of the descendants (as at today there are over 1600 of us!)of Robert Stockbridge (16061682)and many Melbourn names are in the tree. E mail me and I will be able to check to see if your family are connected. I am also descended from John Day (17-20-1791) and again have a large database of Day descendants. Michael Tyrrell – mjtyrrell@live.co.uk What a great site! Would love to know if anyone has information on the Worland family. My gggrandfather William Worland was born c1799 in Melbourn. He married Elizabeth Negus born 1803, also from Melbourn. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you. Lisa Mitchell – 210169@tiscali.co.uk Interested in the name Gouldthorp(e). My great grandmother was Annie maria Gouldthorpe,born around 1857 in melbourn. Any help would be most welcome. Rod Moffatt – abelmoffatt@hotmail.com I am trying to trace my grandfathers (Alfred George Law) brothers and sisters. He was born in Melbourn in March 1903 and he was the oldest of eleven. His parents were Alfred Charles Law and Sarah Elizabeth Law (nee Spacksman) If anyone can help me with my research I would be very grateful. Tony Swift – a.swift@virgin.net

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Visitors to the Melbourn village website, will by now, have noticed that it has had a complete make-over. What makes this version different from the previous – it is interactive. It has been designed for the community to take part in and take control of their own FREE ‘noticeboards’. Local clubs and groups can have their own FREE web pages, where they can decide for themselves on the look and information they wish to put up and edit at any time. Text for this is entered by typing into a simple Editor box. Pages are secure with individual passwords available to registered users only. Users are already finding it useful to post reminders for the community, to announce a club’s forthcoming event or just place an advert. The site also has an Events Calendar – useful to mark important events in-and-around the village. You can also keep an eye on the latest from the Parish Council whilst sitting at your computer and viewing the planning and general meetings. (Not an excuse for not attending though!) It is also intended to be a resource for local health matters in the community, as details of the Orchard Surgery, Dentistry, Chiropodist and Welfare Clinics are available. Interested in old newspapers? You will find (in the History section) transcriptions of local newspaper reports on the village as they appeared as far back as 1770. Many make fascinating reading. And it is amazing to find that some things haven’t changed a great deal over the centuries! Other articles are very matter-of-fact in their reporting of quite serious or gruesome happenings! Old Photographs collected from local residents during the research of the village history publication A Glimpse into Melbourn’s Past, are being placed on the site, which will give an insight into village life as far back as 1865. But to bring us back to the present – a village gallery is also available, showing recent photographs some of which are scenic. For those ‘Melbournians’ in distant climes, they may bring pleasant memories – or they could by useful for those thinking of moving to our village. If your a local club or group and would like your own FREE page on the website, telephone 01763 220363 or email: webdetails@melbourn.org.uk

Nature Melbourn Toad by David Guest

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Creative Writing from Melbourn Village College The Story of a Story by Michael Popat Prologue

The Story

“What to write?” “What?” “Don’t worry, I’m thinking.” “About what?” “What to write.” “What to write for what?” “For the story my tutor has set me.” “Well why don’t you write your grandfather’s story?” “But that’s boring. Besides, he has already written it.” “No, he has written one version. If you were to write the version he told you I am positive it would be different. Anyway, if you were then to get him to write some comments on what you had written, it would be personal. And I am sure your tutor wouldn’t mind. He would probably think it a great idea!” “Yes, you’re right. He probably wouldn’t mind. Thanks, Marm, it’s a great idea.”

You want to know my story? Well then, sit back, get nice and comfortable and prepare yourself for a very long story. But before I start, I would like to explain that my story is very complicated and if I tell you only my part of the story, it will be totally, mind-bogglingly confusing. To get the full picture, you have to know the whole of my story, not just the bit that I lived through, since my part of the story is just the last chapter of an extremely long one, one which has been in the making since PT.1 So how is this for an opening - Logic? No, seriously, logic is what I am going to start this story with. A very logical conclusion, one that many people don’t seem to think of when they think about how the Universe was created. Well here it is: If something is created or was created, then through applying common sense and a level of logic we hopefully all have, then you can come to the sensible conclusion that it must have had or have a creator. I have got just one thing to say – hey, good logic! But no, on a serious note, it makes true and complete logical sense. If something is created it has to have a creator. It is one of the most simple rules of creation – nothing cannot be if it has not been created; it is like me having a copy of “The Complete Guide to Demons and Angels” before Richard JarKrit wrote it.2 As my friend put it: before you there was this planet; before this planet there was the Universe; and before the Universe there was Time. Last but by no means least, there was something before Time – My Friend. Let me guess, you’re thinking he must be a God. Well, you’re wrong!3 He was the only one – a presence, a being, a thing. This thing was no living being though. This thing was just a consciousness, best described in this Universe as a presence. I would like to ask a question: why is it that when I have written a perfectly good account of the history that I am part of, you insist on having me tell you the story? Is it because you like the sound of my voice? No, that’s not it, I can tell by the expression on your faces. Is it because you cannot read? No that’s not it. I should know; I taught you how to read. Is it because you are lazy? Yes, that is it. No, it’s no use trying to hide it. You nagged me into getting it written down, by my

“Grandfather?” “Yes.” “Could you please tell me the story of your adventure? Just once more.” “No.” “But why not?” “Because you can read and I want to get on with the letter I am writing.” “But...” “No buts. I don’t want to.” “But Loran is only here for a few days and it is her right to hear the story first-hand, not through a book or from another.” “Well maybe, but not right now. How does tomorrow sound?” “No, I think it should be now. Marm is going to take them for a walk round the area tomorrow and you know how long those walks are.” “I guess you are right.” “Good. Come on, let’s go get her.” “But I would like to finish this letter first!” “Tell me this: how long will it take you to tell the first part of the story tonight?” “If I go up to the point where I met Martin, about two hours.” “Well, we will have to be finished by sundown because Loran and the girls are going to the temple tonight.” “Why?” “How should I know? It’s a girl thing, I think.” “Then we will have to start now then. Hang on, let me get my mug of hot canglor.” “Come on.” “All right, all right, I’m coming.”

www.melbourn.org.uk

continued on page 35

1 PT don’t you know what that is? Well BC is Before Christ, AD is After Death, does that help? No, well then, it’s Pre-Time. My friend made it up, he was given several abbreviations for Pre-Time and that is the one he liked most 2 Could only be obtained through QPI, which sadly was destroyed when one of my friends found out that they were publishing it. I would also like to say that Richard JarKrit did not, repeat, DID NOT survive his, that is to say my friends’ way of thanking him for forgetting to mention him in it (his way of thanks is to slowly dissolve all of the non-vital organs then the bones then the muscles, then to add a final touch to dissolve their brain to the point at which they can only just function and to leave them in a kitchen where food is being made all the time). 3 For your information, Gods were a side effect of the creation of time, which my friend had not bargained for.

Village information Household Waste and Recycling Centres Items that are accepted • Green waste • Hardcore (bricks, rubble) • Paper

Milton

Thriplow

Butt Lane, Milton Tel: 01223 860674 • 9am–8pm Monday to Friday • 9am–6pm Bank Holidays, Saturday & Sunday • 9am–4pm Monday to Sunday (1 October–31 March)

Gravel Pit Hill, Thriplow Tel: 01223 839001 • 8am–5pm Monday to Friday • 8am–5pm Bank Holidays, Saturday & Sunday (Summer) • 8am–4pm Monday to Sunday (1 October–31 March)

• Glass • Scrap metal

Melbourn Bus Timetables

• Waste oil • Fridges/freezers • Car batteries

Note: These times have been taken from the companies website, but are subject to change, please telephone the company for updates.

• Textiles • Cardboard • TVs and computers (incl. monitors) Please Note: the sites will only accept waste from household sources.

Bin collection

reminder for Melbourn

40 45 51 59 05 07 11 20 26 28

until

0940 0945 0951 0959 1005 1007 1011 1020 1026 1028

1440 1445 1451 1459 1505 1507 1511 1520 1526 1528

1540 1545 1551 1559 1605 1607 1611 1630 1621 1623

1640 LR 1656 1704 1710 1712 1716 1735 1726 1728

1740 1746 1751 1759 1805 1807 1811 1820

1840 1846 1851 1859 1905 1907 1911 1920

1826

1926

until

n For more informatio rge and collections of la phone household items tele 0845 0450 063

0840 0845 0851 0859 0905 0907 0911 0920 0926 0928

1548 1552 1554 1600 1608 1614 1620

1648 1652 1654 1700 1708 1714 1720

1748 1752 1754 1800 1808 1814 1820

Melbourn to Cambridge Melbourn car park Shepreth garden centre Foxton Memorial Harston village hall Trumpington Maris Lane The Leys School Cambridge Drummer Street

0708 0712 0714 0720 0728 0734 0740

0738 0742 0744 0750 0758 0804 0820

0918 0922 0924 0930 0938 0944 0950

0948 0952 0954 1000 1008 1014 1020

hourly at

Green Bin and Box Black Bin Green Bin and Box Black Bin Green Bin and Box Black Bin

Cambridge Drummer Street bay 7 The Leys School Trumpington Maris Lane Harston village hall Foxton Memorial Shepreth garden centre Melbourn car park Royston bus station Royston Tesco Royston Burns Road

then

default.htm?location=72

9 January 16 January 23 January 30 January 6 February 13 February

DAYS (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) Cambridge to Melbourn (Royston)

hourly at

http://www.scambs.gov.uk/BinCollection/

MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (Except Public Holidays)

then

3 October Black Bin 10 October Green Bin and Box 17 October Black Bin 24 October Green Bin and Box 31 October Black Bin 7 November Green Bin and Box 17 November Black Bin 14 November Green Bin and Box 21 November Black Bin 28 November Green Bin and Box 5 December Black Bin 12 December Green Bin and Box 19 December Black Bin For Christmas period check Cambridge District Council website:

48 52 54 00 08 14 20

A on Saturdays and during school holidays may arrive at Drummer Street up to 10 minutes earlier

Local Bus companies Stagecoach in Cambridge 01223 423578 – Huntingdon & District 01480 453159 – Alans Bus & Coach 01763 245073

melbournmagazine

important numbers

Places of worship

Police (non emergency) 0845 456 4564 Crimestoppers Freephone 0800 555111 Melbourn Police Station opening Hours Mon to Thu 10am-12 noon/7pm-9pm* This station is open to the public at times shown above, with trained Community Volunteers. Opening hours may vary, please see notices displayed at the station and around the village.

Neighbourhood Watch Steven Cambery s.cambery@ntlworld.com CAB Royston Childline

08456 889897 0800 1111

Samaritans

08457 909090

Hospitals Addenbrooke’s Royston

01223 245151 01763 238020 01223 464242 0845 4647

Services Anglian Water 08457 145 145 Gas emergency 0800 111 999 Electricity 08007 838838 South Cambs District Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217 Transport British Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Stagecoach Cambus 08706 082608 Melbourn Magazine Ann Dekkers Editor Peter Dekkers Advertising Mavis Howard Parish Profile Eric Johnston Distribution Peter Simmonett Design & Village website Mary Woodcock Village Diary & Proof reading Anne Lambert Information Collection Brenda Meliniotis Information Collection

email: mag@melbourn.org.uk

260295 223063 261705 261650 261223 260747 220869

Education Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford 07842 151512 Childminding Group Sec. Vacancies Co-ordinator Heidi Hardwidge 221625 Community Education (activities from toddlers to adults) Val Tookey 260566 Library LAP Mike Stapleton 269956 Little Hands Nursery School 260964 Out of school times 01223 503972 Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231 Primary School Headmaster Jacqueline Bell-Cook 223457 Toy Library 261261 U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman John Stevens 261858 Hon Sec Hilary Docwra 222486 Mem Sec Arthur Alderton 260399 Village College Warden Elaine Stephenson 223400 Health

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES

Camdoc NHS Direct (queries 24hrs)

Vicarage Close Warden Sally Miller (Mon 9 am to Wed 1pm)

All Saints Church Rev Andrew O’Brien Melbourn Vicarage Curate Mary Price 261569 Churchwardens Christine van Vliet Colin Wilson Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke Secretary Georgie Wilson United Reformed Church Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie Non-stripendary minister Rev. Carol Pearle Secretary Anne Field

261144 261144 260686 220197 220363 260818 261480 261154

Age Concern 01223 506002 Blood Donors Sue Cane 262320 Chiropodist 263260 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 238020 Community Care Val Trueman 260191 Dentist 262034 District N s (Primary Care Trust) 261775 Homestart Sarah Dixon & L Davies 242919 S Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road Child & Family Nurses 262861 Melbourn and Meldreth Self-Help Jayne White 220250 Car Scheme 245228 Orchard Surgery Appointments 260220 Dispensary 261246 For repeat prescriptions send email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net Osteopath Kath Harry 261716 St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak 220507 Warden & sheltered housing schemes Dial-A-Ride Mobile Warden Scheme 24 hr Emergency No. Val Trueman Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Stephen Cambery Safer Melbourn Initiative Val Trueman

We shall be pleased to receive contributions in any form, articles, poems, drawings, photographs, letters etc., pertaining to Melbourn. Please send any contributions to the Office of the Parish Clerk, Council Offices, 28 Station Rd, Melbourn SG8 6DX, marking them ‘MELBOURN MAGAZINE’ or you can email them to magazine@melbourn.org.uk Apart from printing, all work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of production comes entirely from advertising and sponsorship. No public money is used.

01223 506335 220402 07403 251226 261520 220402

Vicarage Close Warden on duty Sheltered Housing Officers on duty Mon, Tue - 9am to 5pm - South Team members Wed, Thu, Fri - 9am to 5pm -Joy Hyde (lead officer for Vicarage Close)

Joy Hyde (Wed 1pm Fri 5pm) John Impey Way Jeanette Holland Southwell Court Moorlands

263389 269596 262121 260564

clubs Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron Martin Stamp 249156 Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m. Army Cadets Ted Neathey 0775 1334 314 Tuesday evenings at The Moor 7.15 to 9.30pm Bellringers John Gipson 262846 1st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505 Brownies Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl) 261400 Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Cambells (Handbells) Eira Martin 261221 Dramatic Society Kathy Wholley 223805 email k_wholley@hotmail.com

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Stuart Morris 208634 Gardening Helen Powell 245887 Guides Hilary Marsh 261443 Mother’s Union Anne Harding 260759 Melbourn & District Mushroom Club Helene Davies 01954 789 947 or m.07903 456 628 National Trust Colin Limming 260072 New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs 243224 Photography George Statter 261341 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677 Royal British Legion Patrick Parkinson 262617 Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841 Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes 245958 Royston and District Local History Society David Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table 221398 RSPB Doug Radford 208978 SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Doreen Johnston 220197 Youth Club Amanda Bernard 223407 Women’s Group Jane Stevens 261858 sport Badminton Steve Jackson Bowls Elaine Cooke Croquet Janet Pope Football Club Andrew Edwards XMVC Dolphin FC Simon Gascoyne Judo Derek Coult Melbourn Community Sports Meldreth Tennis Club Sue Davies Swimming Club Jenny Brackley Squash Club Nick Sugden

248774 221571 248342 223109 261703 225004 263313 220174 244593 261064

If the code is NOT given before a telephone number it is 01763. This list will be updated in future issues on the basis of information received

Adverts are to be supplied as finished artwork and must be at the sizes below. Please send artwork via post or email to mag@melbourn.org.uk We print 2200 copies of the Melbourn Magazine which is delivered free to every house in the village four times a year. The current rates for advertising in the Magazine are as follows: Size per… Width x Height 1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm) 1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm) Full inside page (163 × 262 mm) 1/2 back cover (180 × 128 mm) (outside colour only) Full back cover (180 × 262 mm) (outside colour only).

Issue Annum Colour £19 £69 £90 £34 £120 £150 £66 £237 £300 – – £180 –

mag@melbourn.org.uk

–

£375

Adverts must be supplied as high resolution jpgs or 300dpi Tif or eps. Payments for an entire year are at a discount of 10%. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Parish Council.

The closing date for the next issue is 15th October which will appear in December, listing events in December, January and February

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Wed 3rd Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Fri 5th Fri Coffee at URC 7.30 p.m. for 8 p.m. start: Bible Study at Melbourn URC Sat 6th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon with Women’s British Legion Stall Sun 7th Guided History Walk at 2 p.m. in Meldreth, starting & finishing at the Village hall. Tue 9th Mothers’ Union: 2.30 p.m. at Methodist Church Hall, Orwell Gardening Club: All Saints’ Community Hall: Spring Flowers at Anglesey Abbey, 7.30 p.m. Wed 10th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon 7.30 pm Reflective Service at Melboum URC Fri 12th Fri Coffee at URC McSplash Autumn Term starts Melbourn Photographic Club Year begins at Foxton: 7.30 ‑ 9.30 p.m. Sat 13th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Historic Churches Cycle ride Tue 16th New Melboum Singers restart: MVC 7.30 ‑ 9.30 pm Melbourn Photographic Club Year begins at Foxton: 7.30 ‑ 9.30 p.m. Wed 17th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Melbourn & District U3A, 2.45 at MVC: A talk by Liz Carter on “Strong‑minded Women” which recalls the start of the campaign for women’s suffrage in this country in the 19th Century. Fri19th Christian Aid Fundraising Coffee Morning & Tea Afternoon at 26, Beechwood Avenue Sat 20th Harvest/Fanning Display at URC from 10 am, details nearer the time. Sun 21st Harvest service I I a.m. URC Churches Together Harvest Festival Service, Moorlands, 2.30 p.m. ‘Great Cambridgeshire Run’ in aid of the British Heart Foundation,at Wimpole Hall Tue 23rd Women’s Group 7.45 pm: Members’ Music Wed 24th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Thu 25th Royston Arts Festival begins. Every day until Sun 28th . Fri 26th Fri Coffee at URC Sat 27th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon

All copy for the Decembe r 2008 and January & February 2009 should be in before 15th October Copy due six weeks befor e the following publication date Winter December 1st

Wed 1st Thu 2nd Fri 3rd Sat 4th Wed 8th

Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Royston & District Local History Society: ‘Hatfield Forest, Past, Present and Future’, illustrated Ian Pease, Royston Town Hall, 8 p.m. Fri Coffee at URC 7.30 pm for 8 pm start: Bible Study at Melboum URC Royston & Saffron Walden N.T. Association Jane Gosling, the custodian of Lavenham’s Guildball, tells us about “Mediaeval Lavenham and its famous Guildhall”. Saffron Walden County High School Sports Centre 7.30 p.m. ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon 7.30 pm Reflective Service at Melbourn URC Whittlesford Gardening Club: ‘Gardening at home and abroad’: Memorial Hall, 7.30 p.m. Fri 10th Fri Coffee at URC Sat 11th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Christian Aid Partner BIDII Stall ‘Auction of Promises’ at MVC Tue 14th Mothers’ Union: Vicarage close Community Room: ‘Hymns & Things’ by Jose Hopkins Wed 15th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Melbourn & District U3A 2.45 at MVC: Richard Revels, a well known wildlife photographer, tells us about “The fabulous Falkland Islands”. Fri 17th Fri Coffee at URC Sat 18th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon SOAS Quiz All Saints’ Community Hall Sun 19th Melbourn Mushroom Club Exhibition, Masonic Hall, Royston. Tue 21st 7.45 p.m. Women’s Group: Wed 22nd Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon University of Cambridge ‘Festival of Ideas’ begins, continuing to November 2nd Fri 24th Fri Coffee at URC Sat 25th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Cambridge ‘Festival of Ideas’ Family Day. Sun 26th 6.30 pm: Bible Sun Service: Churches Together, Shared Worship At All Saints’ Church Tue 28th Women’s Group 7.45 pm: A ‑ Z of a Parish Clerk by Avril Mellor Wed 29th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Fri 31st Royston & Saffron Walden National Trust Association. Tom Doig, our local historian, tells us about “Birth and Baptisms in the 1800’s”. Royston Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Baptist Church Hall: Light Party for Children aged 4 to 11years, 5.30–7pm

Melbourn Library

Open at the following times: Monday, Wednesday 2.30 to 4.30 pm and Friday 5.00 to 7.00 pm Thursday 10.00 to 12.00 am Saturday

NOVEMBER Sat 1st ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Tue 4th Melbourn Photographic Club at Foxton: 7.30–9.30 p.m. Wed 5th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Thu 6th Royston & District Local History Society, ‘An Army Life’, including as a British Military Attache, Colonel Derek Bishop, Royston Town Hall 8 p.m. Fri 7th Fri Coffee at URC 7.30 pm for 8 pm start: Bible Study at Melbow‑n URC Sat 8th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Sun 9th 10.45 a.m. Remembrance Service at Melbourn Cross, followed by Service in All Saints’ Church Tue 11th Mothers’ Union: AGM Fowlmere church Wed 12th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon 7.30 pm Reflective Service at Melbourn URC Fri 13th Fri Coffee at URC Sat 15th No ‘Coffee Stop’. Bazaar in All Saints’ Community Hall & Church: I I a.m. ‑ 3.30 p.m. Sun 16th Meldreth Village Hall: Local History Group Open Day I I a.m. ‑ 4 p.m. Wed 19th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Melbourn & District U3A 2.45 at MVC: Janet and Christopher South say ‘Snap out of it pictures without a camera7.’ Fri 21st Fri Coffee at URC Sat 22nd ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Tue 25th 7.45 p.m. Women’s Group: The Fruit Growing Year by Tim Elbourn. Wed 26th Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Fri 28th Fri Coffee at URC Royston and Saffron National Trust Association. A social evening and fun quiz at Saffron Walden County High School Sports Centre 7.30 pm .Sat 29th Sat 27th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth 11 am–5pm Sun 30th Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth, I I a.m–5pm followed byAdvent Carol Service 5.30 p.m.

NOVEMBER Tue 2nd Photographic Club at Foxton: 7.30 ‑ 9.30 p.m. Wed 3rd Coffee Break; Baptist Church Hall 10.30‑12 noon Thu 4th Royston & District Local History Society: ‘A Silk Purse from a Pig’s Nose’ 450 years of our house, Robin Webb. Royston Town Hall, 8pm Fri 5th Coffee at URC Sat 6th ‘Coffee Stop’ All Saints’ Community Hall, 10.30‑12 noon URC Christmas Bazaar 10 am until 12 noon, fol lowed by an opportunity to share a hot lunch Sun 7th Meldreth Guided History Walk 2 p.m. Wed 10th Churches Together Carol Singing at the Black Horse, 9 p.m.

Village information continued Orchard Surgery – Dispensary Monday to Friday 8:30 – 1:30 and 2:00 – 6:00 Phone 01763 261246 Telephone requests are not accepted For repeat prescriptions you can: Fax 01763 262968 or email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

•

Allow at least 48 hours (two working days – excluding weekends and bank holidays) for repeat prescriptions to be ready. Do not leave your request to the last minute.

•

Prescription/medication depending on eligibility can be collected from the Surgery

Co-op

Tesco in Royston

Please let the dispensary know where you wish your prescriptions to be sent. This will remain your choice until we are informed otherwise.

Prescriptions requested before 12pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 10am Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday

Prescriptions requested before 4pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 3pm Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday

Prescriptions requested after 4pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 10am Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

CAMSIGHT Sue Hempstead 8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. CB1 3NH Tel 01223 416141 sueh@camtad.freeserve.co.uk Office Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm.

A drop in advisory session is held at

MOORLANDS, THE MOOR, MELBOURN NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY from 2pm to 4pm,

25th September 23rd October 27th November There are no session in December See the following website for more information

www.colc.co.uk/cambridge/camtad/sessions.html Battery exchange and retubing. We do not do hearing tests

www.melbourn.org.uk

Visually impaired and thought you could never use a computer? Even if you have never used a computer before, we would love to hear from you! Guide, an all in one computer programme with speech and large print software, can enable you to: Write letters and documents Scan and read books and letters. Magnify handwriting, diagram & pictures. Surf the internet. Play CDs & MP3s Use a calculator Come for a demonstration at your local Community Access Point, which is at: Meldreth Sheltered Housing Please call Camsight on 01223 420033 for more information Funded by Cambs. LSC, Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities Funding and administered by Cam Sight and CP Learning Trust

own hand no less, and now you realise just how much reading there is involved and you just think, ‘Oh forget it. I’ll just get him to tell the story when I want to hear it.’ Well, listen to me, lad. I found you out so there - you aren’t cleverer than me. But I’m not a mean man so you can stay. Besides, what you said about young Loran needing to be told was more than true. Anyway, as I was saying: before time itself was created, before the accidental creation of the twins, this Presence was, and many say still is, all that there has ever been. Yes, yes you heard me right. Jack, stop looking so angry, you trainee priests think you’re all that. Well, let me tell you something, you’re not. As far as I know, and it knows, it never started. It just is everything. The Qawa an Miun goes on to say that the start of time was when It worked out how old It was. Well, if you have any idea of who wrote4 it and have actually tried to make sense of all of it, you will know how much of it was the scribe’s idle scribbling. Trust me, all of you here know it was my ultimate grandfather who wrote it but that doesn’t mean that I can’t contradict him. It fashioned time to perform a process that is beyond human conceivability. The twins were just a by-product of that process. They fought over everything: whether they were as powerful as the Presence or not; whether they were more important than one another, and so forth. The Presence once said that it was like time. One was a point in time and was convinced that its purpose was to make everything that way, with no change; the other believed that It was part of time, ever moving on. Their original ‘fights’ were no more than arguments but it soon turned into a fight to destroy the other. Out of love, my friend assures me, the original Presence made them immortal, so to speak. They could not destroy each other. Its reasoning, which is another piece of astounding logic, went thus: they were fighting because they wanted to kill each other or because one wanted to kill the other. And if they were unable to achieve that goal, then they would stop. But as everyone now knows, it didn’t work like that. They continued to fight, and as they got more aggressive they discovered their ability to create universes. The one who had fashioned Itself the name of God decided to focus its power on keeping the universes going until something interesting happened.5 The other, the one who had fashioned Itself the name Devil, did the opposite; It focused all its power into destroying those same universes. It all came to a head when the one called Devil destroyed the universe that the God had cared for until it was almost at the end of its life. The God’s retribution was colossal; it involved hundreds of universes, that had been lovingly cared for, being decimated and two whole dimensions were totally, utterly and completely obliterated.

To save creation, the Presence confined them to one universe. The Presence still loved them. Therefore, so that they wouldn’t feel lonely, It created several other devils and gods to go in the universe. Then, my friend informed me, It liked the idea of chance, for that is what It had created in doing this, so much so that It created chance in all the other universes. Chance meant that there were two possible ends for the universe; that of nature and that of self-destruction. The Devil found the shadows to his liking and drew about him all the creatures that hid in the shadows, afraid of the light; he conquered the shadows and the dark depths of the night. Meanwhile, the God gained the trust of the light-seeking beings, including the worship of an ape-descended species. They both ruled their element, the Devil through tyranny and fear, the God through friendship and trust. And still they fought. They fought for eons. Slowly the Devil turned his attention to something that had been bothering him: no matter how many times he destroyed the God, his brother, he would not die. Centuries came and went as they do and the Devil thought and reasoned. In fact, his reasoning went thus: I am bound to my brother with bonds that are beyond my power to break. They state that I cannot kill my cursed brother whilst I still live and since I am the only one who can – No! The only one who can and wants to kill him – it is unwise to die, so I need to think again. I cannot kill my brother but I can kill the other spiritual beings and, better than that, if I can absorb their energy then I can overcome the bond that binds me. Now the best way for me to tell you what happened is to read it from the Qawa an Miun. It is the closest book to the truth6 to have been written as of yet and it will save me having to spend the next couple of days looking for the notes I have written on the subject - you know how bad my memory is. So here you go: extracts from the Qawa an Miun, the holy book of the timekeepers: Thus after another thousand planets have deceased, the Devil has countered the limits that It was once bound by and has managed to kill Its brother. The Devil committed this horrible act whilst he laid siege to the city of Caughton. The siege wall fell; the whole of Caughton fell – apart from the TimeTower. The God died; he gave his life so that the last defender, a young soldier, could run up to the top of the Time-Tower. Whilst waiting for death to come, he sounded the horn of time one last time. And as the sound died away, the Presence was let into this Universe, in the form of a man. As the minions of the devil broke down the door to the Time Tower, the Presence stood and picked out of the air a pair of scimitars seven feet in length.7 As he charged down the stairs to meet the warily advancing horde, he grew to nine and a half feet in height, whilst keeping the soldier’s strong, muscular shape.8

4 Guess who told me this, yes you guessed it It did, the Presence. He told me it when he was trying to win me over, and let me tell you I was on my knees before he had finished the first sentence – though that might have been due to my father taking my legs out from under me as he went past.

6 It is 99% correct, you have to let the scribes have some artistic licence otherwise they get huffy.

5 That interesting thing is that the universe slowly goes through what they called atomic fraises until they become a lump of what the first Presence call cordex.

continued on page 38

7 Guess what they were made of, yes, you guessed it cordex! 8 Well he had to. Imagine trying to fit the energy of a Longtinifin warhorse into an old Sigreten horse (admittedly, it is more like a star than a Longtinifin horse but you get the picture).

melbournmagazine

Free bottle of wine! When dining in our restaurant. Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday evenings* Great facilities for families, huge enclosed garden. Dogs most welcome.

Great British roast beef served every Sunday from noon 63 Orchard rd Melbourn 01763 226 046 * when booked 24 hours in advance

www.melbourn.org.uk

feature Archaeology Jason Baker and George Joyce, both of Melbourn, are very keen metal detectorists and archaeologists, and although it is a hobby, it seems to take up a great deal of their time. Jason, as a small boy, used to follow George around when he was field walking and collecting, and became totally fascinated by the history to be found in the ground, and by local history in particular. At around this time Cambridgeshire County Council organised a dig on Castle Mound at Shire Hall, which Jason joined, and he was hooked for life! They have found artefacts from every era, Mesolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, Celtic, Roman, Romano-British, Saxon and every period to the present. Apart from flint tools there are coins, (including quite a few Roman coins), pottery, weapons, stirrup and bridle fittings, jewellery, spindle whorls, weights, and recently a bronze-age axe. They also have a spectacular pair of 14 C keys which they found on the site of an earlier Melbourn water mill, a little downstream from Sheene Mill. The most beautiful piece of jewellery, though unfortunately not from Melbourn, is a square-headed brooch (similar to the one found in Melbourn, see p. 20 of ‘A Glimpse into Melbourn’s History’, but much bigger.) It is unusual in that it has been repaired in antiquity, thus casting

doubt on the theory that these elaborate brooches were only made to be used as grave goods. Before embarking on a metal-detecting session a suitable piece of land has to be found. Field walking will reveal likely sites of occupation, by the number of shards (pieces of pottery) found. Aerial photography will also show ground disturbances and crop marks, and these days the Internet and Google Earth are good sources of likely sites. Once a site has been located permission must be sought from the owner, whether a farmer, Parish Council or whoever. Any finds must be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, run by the Museum Libraries Archive, which records the item and details of where it was found, thus enabling a picture of the archaeology of that particular area to be built up.

George on a Time Team dig In recent years the quality of finds has been deteriorating, due to the various substances used in modern farming, and Jason and George fear that in 20 or so years time there will be few finds of any quality remaining in agricultural areas. Both Jason and George have worked with ‘The Time Team’ on a couple of occasions, and a programme made at Warboys earlier this year will be shown in the autumn. They thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and said how well they were looked after, in terms of tea, coffee and good meals! When asked how they came to be on the dig they explained that there is a ‘network’ of local archaeologists, and that they were contacted and asked to help. Unfortunately they were in the background, but we may be able to catch a glimpse of them! They were responsible for finding part of a medieval ecclesiastical seal, an exciting find, as until then it was not known whether the site had any monastic connections. They are not only interested in ancient history, but Jason has recently been helping research material for the Cambridgeshire edition of the ‘War in the Skies’ series by Julian Evan-Hart. They were able to supply information, and remains of planes, including Battle of Britain cartridge cases, found in the Melbourn area. continued on page 38 top left

Jason with Tony Robinson melbournmagazine

feature

Archaeology – continued from page 37

Both are interested in enthusing people about their hobby, and, when his grandchildren were at the Primary School, George put together a “Touchable’ collection of Roman artefacts which was very well received. Jason’s 4 year old daughter is already a skilled metal detector wielder, and has her own machine! Currently they are putting together collections for both Royston Museum and Shire Hall, which can be handled by young archaeologists. In the past they have organised detecting ‘parties’ for charity, and raised a significant sum of money for Bassingbourn Church. They are very keen to have access to more sites to investigate, and will be grateful to hear from anyone who has available land. In the case of a charity event, a small charge is made for each detectorist. They carry insurance to cover such occasions. They offer a free service to anyone who has lost a small valuable item of jewellery, such as a ring; as long as the owner has a good idea of where it was lost! George has a large collection of bottles and flagons used in our locality, and is more than happy to identify them for you. They also give slide lectures to schools and U3A groups. Contact George and Jason by phoning Jason Baker on 01763 220279 ‘Portable Antiquities Scheme’ www.finds.org.uk The local officer at Shire Hall is Lizzie Gill 01223 717573 Editor

The Story – continued from page 35

He did not bother using his swords until he was out in the open; he just ploughed them down. As soon as he was out of the tower, he became death to the Devil’s minions. He beheaded them, gutted them, hacked limbs off them, or split them down the middle. It made no difference: they all fell before him. None of them touched his armour or him, not with axe, sword, spear or any other weapon. For a whole two hours, this carnage continued. He did not tire. The Devil’s minions eventually managed to encircle him and then a dozen of them charged him. When they had fallen, another dozen came. A thousand fell and they still charged. Ten thousand, and still they came. For seven days and seven nights he fought. He fought until, of the 13 million who began the siege, only a thousand remained; more than seven million had died by his sword. The minions of the Devil came to fear him, more than they feared the Devil. They refused to attack him. Too many had fallen to him and thus the Devil, angered beyond reason, challenged the ‘man’ to a duel. The fight lasted seven blows; seven blows to the Devil. The eighth would have been Its end if It had not fled. It fled in the knowledge that Its creator wanted It dead, in the knowledge that Its greatest fear was a reality. And in the knowledge that the one thing that It could never beat had come to get It, to kill, destroy, obliterate the Devil. It fled. Sorry but I have to read my favourite bit. Don’t worry, it’s only three lines. For millions of ‘planet lives’ he has walked the universe and over the years he has thwarted the Devil’s plans countless times. He is said to wear dull-gold armour which, when the sunlight catches it, shines. Electric blue. Well, there you have it: the start of my story. If you want to find out about the rest then you will have to read it. I hope I have filled in some of the blanks. Now if you will excuse me then I will go and carry on with the letter to the Lord of the Time Tower, expressing my gratitude for the new and very artfully penned copy of the Qawa an Miun.

Epilogue “Well I did it, I wrote down every word he said.” “Well done. And you let him add bits he felt were necessary?” “Yes, he just added a load of footnotes and told me that I had done well to keep up with him.” “Well then, you have written it out in neat, haven’t you?” “Yes and I have added all the other things, like a title and… do you think I should add this?” “What?” “You know what we are saying here. It’s just that I have written it all down and I’m still writing it down.” “I think that it is for you to decide for yourself. I just gave you the idea.” “I think I shall.” “Then go add it to the story.” “Yes, marm!”

9 Yes, very artfully done it was. Well my old copy really did need replacing. It was in at least seven pieces and was held together by a mile of string.

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Joan Simmons’ Diary by Rebecca Buggey - MVC January 1st 2007 So, here I am again, looking forward to another year in my newly awarded “4-star” B & B. I can’t believe all that hard work paid off. Now I can just relax and look after my guests. Talking of which, I’ve been slaving over them since six o’clock this morning. I’ve cooked breakfast - yet another full English! cleaned the rooms, washed sheets, tidied the farmhouse, fed the chickens and made two bookings for February. Just like any other day really! January 2nd 2007 When I stepped outside this morning to collect some eggs for breakfast, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. It had actually snowed! Every day for the past two weeks the weather forecast has been for snow, snow and more snow yet all we’ve had is rain. But today, as far as the eye could see, was soft white powdery snow. As I crunched across the courtyard, the crisp cold air sent shivers down my spine. There was an almost magical feel about the farm. Snowflakes sparkling like diamonds melted on my rosy cheeks and the surrounding North York Moors looked as if someone had dusted them with icing sugar. It was beautiful. I quickly found myself back in the toasty farmhouse. Alan had lit the fire and the warmness spread through my body like melting butter. As I padded along the hallway, I bumped into the young family staying on the top floor. I smiled and wished them a good day but I felt a little stab in my heart. Seeing those young bubbly children with smiles spread across their faces, looking forward to playing in the snow, reminded me for the first time in 10 years how I could never have any of my own… January 3rd 2007 A very peculiar thing happened to me today. I was busy cleaning the room where the young family had been staying (they left this morning) and when I looked under the bed, I found one of my steak knives. I was very shocked to find it there but I figured one of the children had taken it from the kitchen to play with. I must remember not to leave knives lying around. Anyway, I took it downstairs and washed it. It was a real shame that I couldn’t scrub those browny-red stains off it, as that was my most expensive kitchen knife. I ended up throwing it away, of course, wrapping it in kitchen roll before putting it in the dustbin. It really was quite upsetting.

guests leave blood around their B & B rooms, but in the end I put it down to one of them cutting themselves with a razor blade by accident and forgetting to clear it up, and thought nothing more of it. The other not-so-nice thing that happened today was this afternoon when my husband, Alan, came into the farmhouse to ask me for my help. I was rather shocked by this, as normally I don’t see Alan from 6 in the morning to 6 at night. Being a farmer, he always has something to do, whether it’s milking the cows, feeding the animals or fixing tractors. I get really lonely, all on my own in the farmhouse day after day with only the dog for company. Well, I followed Alan outside, pleased to be giving him a hand. I wasn’t so pleased, however, when he told me I’d be feeding the pigs their weekly treat of hearts and livers. It was by far the most disgusting thing I have ever done in my entire life. They were slimy and messy and covered in blood. Next time Alan asks me to do something on the farm I’ll say I’m too busy. Husbands, who’d have ‘em, eh?! January 6th 2007 Blast! My tumble dryer has broken down again! That’s the second time in a month. The trouble with living on a farm in the middle of nowhere is that I will now have to wait about a week for someone to come out and fix it. So today I had to brave the freezing cold and go and hang the washing out on the line. Even though it was only a few pillowcases and some dressing gown belts, my fingers felt as they were going to fall off. Oh well, I suppose I deserve it for buying only a cheap machine from the market. January 8th 2007 I’m not feeling too well so I’ve decided to stay in bed, as there’s not much to do today. It’s another beautiful day; the view from my window is wonderful. The early morning frost is sparkling on the icy branches of the surrounding trees. The bright sun is shining on the white rolling hills. Everything is so pure and clean it almost doesn’t look real. As the glowing sunbeams stream into my room, I can’t help but feel goose bumps from the sheer tranquillity and beauty of nature. I give a lazy yawn and switch on the TV. Oh, it’s the news, how boring! But it suddenly grabs my attention as the shocking headline is read out: “Three families missing, all last seen in North Yorkshire.” I’ve just decided that I’m going to stay with my sister in Spain for a while. Now, where did I leave my passport? I don’t think there’s any point in telling anyone. I just have to get there as soon as possible…

January 5th 2007 Today wasn’t really a great day. At about 10 o’clock I went up to room number 4, off the first floor landing. The couple who’d been staying there had left in the early hours of the morning to avoid the motorway rush hour on their way home to Cardiff. Anyway, I was just setting about my usual routine: stripping the beds, getting out new linen, cleaning the bathroom and hoovering the floor, when I noticed something rather odd. There were small puddles of blood all round the white sink. At first I was quite shocked as it is not very often

This document has been seized by North Yorkshire Police in connection with the arrest, on January 8th 2007, of Mrs J Simmons, accused of murdering Mr A. Simmons and 9 guests at Wood Farm B & B. Items also seized as evidence: Steak knife Pillowcases Dressing gown belts Human hearts and livers found in freezer melbournmagazine

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Melbourn’s Churches together

Melbourn’s Churches together Christian Aid for Melbourn this year included a cake stall at the Coffee Stop, Fun Quiz night, a Church Service and the Street Collection. The total raised this year was £1422. A big Thank You to all those who gave and collected. There will also be a Fundraising Coffee Morning & Tea Afternoon on the Friday 19th September at 26 Beechwood Ave. (261147) After the very successful Light Party last year it is intended to have another this year. It will be for children age 4 to 11 years on Fri 31st October, 5.30 to 7pm. at the Baptist Church Hall. Look out for the posters and invitations nearer the time.

Dates for the diary Fri Sept 19th, 10–12am – 2–4pm, Christian Aid Fundraising Coffee morning & Tea afternoon at 26 Beechwood Ave Sun Sept 21st, 2.30pm, Harvest Festival Service, Moorlands Sun Oct 26th, 6.30pm, Bible Sunday Service: All Saints’ Church Fri Oct 31st, 5.30–7pm, Light Party for Children age 4 to 11yrs. Baptist Church Hall Sun Nov 9th, 10.45am, Remembrance Service, Melbourn Cross, followed by service in All Saints’ Church Sat Nov 29th, 11am–5pm, Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth Sun Nov 30th, 11am–5pm, Christmas Tree Festival, Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth, Followed by Advent Carol service at 5.30pm Wed Dec 10th, 9pm, Carol singing at The Black Horse

All Saints’ Community Hall Opening day Saturday 21st June. A large number interested villagers gathered on Saturday 21st June to witness the opening of the new Community Hall by Dr Gerald Avison of TTP and Miss Daphne Black, long term resident of Melbourn and member of All Saints’ congregation.

The proceedings were opened by Rev Andrew O’Brien, who in his speech outlined the history of the building of the new Church Hall, which was first mooted 10 years ago, soon after the O’Brien family arrived in Melbourn. The old Church Hall was built in 1960 and was in a very sorry state of repair despite the efforts of church members to maintain it. It was demolished in 2006, and just over 2 years later a beautiful new building has been erected in its place. After prayers by the Archdeacon of Cambridge, the Ven. John Deer, the plaques were unveiled by Dr Avison and Miss Black and the whole party proceeded into the Hall where champagne, provided by Sir David and Lady Wright, was served. A dance group from the Village College then entertained the assembly, and delicious refreshments, provided by the Women’s Group were available. Finally, the beautiful cake, baked and decorated by Roy Boote (taking 3 months!), was cut by Bob Howard, who, immediately after retirement, had taken on the job of Project Manager. Also present was David Savage, the artist, who designed the beautiful stained glass porch window depicting life in Melbourn. He had come down from York with his wife especially for the occasion. David is one of a very small number of stained glass artists in the country, and is at present working on 7 or 8 corporate commissions for hospitals and companies throughout the country. melbournmagazine

The Walkers Partnership Solicitors Free Wills advice at our special Saturday morning Wills Clinic from 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm on 14th June 12th July 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 Lower King Street, Royston, Herts. SG8 5AJ Tel: 01763 241121 info@walkerspartnership.co.uk

www.melbourn.org.uk

The Hall promises to be a great asset to the community, and is already the venue for various events, including Yoga on Monday mornings, Coffee Stop on Saturday mornings meetings of the Women’s Group, Melbourn Gardening Club and Royston Family History Society. It has also hosted an Art Exhibition. To book the Hall please contact Rosemary Gatward 261225

URC dates 5th September 7.30pm for 8pm start Bible Study at Melbourn URC 10th September 7.30pm Reflective Service, Melbourn URC 13th September Historic churches cycle ride 20th September Harvest/Farming Display at URC from 10am details nearer the time 21st September Harvest Service 11am URC Friday 3rd October 7.30pm for 8pm start Bible Study at Melbourn URC Wed 8th October 7.30pm Reflective Service, Melbourn URC 26th October 6.30pm Bible Sunday Melbourn and Meldreth Churches together shared worship at Melbourn Parish Church Friday 7th November 7.30pm for 8pm start Bible Study at Melbourn URC Sun 9th Nov 10.45am Remembrance Service Wed 12th November 7.30pm Reflective Service, Melbourn URC Sat 6th December Christmas Bazaar 10am until 12noon, followed by opportunity to share a hot lunch During December Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together will be Carol Singing at The Black Horse (Wed 10th December at 9pm) and at the Melbourn VillageCcross (Sat 20th Dec at 10.30am) Every Friday Coffee with the ministers 10.30am – 12.30pm, come and have a chat over a cup of coffee. Fairtrade stall selling wide range of Fair trade goods.

SOAS Open Gardens On a day that started bright and sunny, then turned cloudy and chilly, and then warmed up a smidgen, SOAS (Supporters of All Saints) are pleased to announce that their funds for the maintenance of All Saints’ were increased by £547.84. This was our third year of ‘Melbourn Open Gardens’ and the committee will aim to expand next year’s event. Our thanks go to our garden hosts and those volunteers who helped in providing light lunches and teas in the new All Saints’ Community Hall. Our funds at mid July stand at £17,000 plus – this and much more will be needed in the near future as necessary work is carried out on All Saints’ church.

‘100 Club’ The May draw was made by Rev. Andrew O’Brien. There were 62 members. First prize of £20.66 goes to Joy Hyde (42) 15 The Lawns and second prize goes to Joan Statter (21) 60 Orchard Road. The June draw was made by Rev Andrew O’Brien. There were 62 members and the first prize of £20.66 goes to Avril

Mellor (27) of 93 Beechwood Avenue and the second prize of £10.34 goes to Janet Batchelor (29) of 14 Elm Way. The July draw was made by Councillor Val Barrett. There were 63 members and the First prize of £21 goes to George Howard (9) of 23 Station Road and the second prize of £10.50 goes to Mr & Mrs Woodcock of 79 Orchard Road. If you would like to join the ‘100 Club’, please contact Kersti Llewellyn-Beard at 10 Cross Lane, Melbourn, SG8 6AG (01763 220703). George Howard

Noah the Donkey Hi there, everyone – my name is Noah! I am only little, just one year old, and I have just left my mummy to go and live with Elaine at Lovely View Stables in Barley.

SOAS

(Supporters of All Saints’ Melbourn)

SOAS Events There will be a quiz, by Colin Limming, on Saturday 18th October at the new All Saints’ Community Hall, and SOAS will also be at the Church Bazaar on November 15th. The only other definite date that we have is for a concert, in the church, by the Royston Choral Society on 7th March and we will bring this to your attention again in due course. The SOAS 100 Club now has sixty three members. For details of the £1 per month input to qualify for a first or second prize representing half of the pot, contact Kersti Llewellyn-Beard at 10 Cross Lane, Melbourn, SG8 6AG (01763 220703). Our funds at mid July stand at £17,000 plus – this and much more will be needed in the near future as necessary work is carried out on the All Saints’ building. George Howard

What is SOAS SOAS is a nondenominational charity and aims to enlist the support of the Melbourn Community to preserve the village character and heritage. Funds raised by SOAS through membership contributions and cultural events are spent on the upkeep of All Saints’ Church building. Membership subscriptions are discretionary with a minimum of £3 per person or £5 per family per year. Application and/or Banker’s order forms can be obtained by telephoning Shaun Coles on 260327.

Funds Disbursment as at 1/8/2008

Roof Central heating Porch Piano Lady Chapel Repairs Total Cash in Hand

£3000 £11000 £376 £500 7684 £22560 £17769

Funds Raised

£40329

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We are a warm, friendly, family run home conveniently situated close to the station and town centre of Royston. If you would like to find out more about St George’s, please call us for a brochure or drop in for a chat. 42 Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts. SG8 5AQ Telephone: 01763 242243 web site: www.stgeorgescare.com

FROG END PET SUPPLIES at Phillimore Garden Centre

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all types of birds rabbits guinea pigs many other animals wide range of accessories and pet supplies Also stockists for CALOR GAS Ample parking facilities Open 7 days a week Mon to Sat 9.00am – 6.00pm Sunday 9.30am – 4.30pm Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Cambs. SG8 6EY Tel 01763 263342

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Unfortunately, I am always hungry and eat quite a lot and I have to see the Donkey Doctor every so often for injections and things so if anyone would like to help to pay for some of my food I am sure Vicar Andrew would be very pleased! I am very lucky, because Elaine is letting me stay with her in Barley with lots of horses in case I get lonely. Don’t forget, my name is Noah – that is a very special name from the Bible! Noah (the Melbourn Donkey)

CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR I may be living in Barley, but I belong to Melbourn! Yes, it is true. How many parish churches do you think there are in Britain who own their own donkey? I don’t think there can be many and Vicar Andrew says that makes me Very Special. The reason that I belong to Melbourn is so that you can have your very own donkey at the Christmas Crib Service. I have heard all about it from the other donkey Nutmeg who is now forty years old and finds it very difficult to walk round the church with Mary and Joseph. I think he was quite naughty in church last year! I understand that there are HUNDREDS of children at the Crib Service in Melbourn each year (well, lots anyway) and in order to get me used to noise and people I think they are planning to bring me to some of the Family Services, so you may be seeing me before Christmas. Please don’t make a lot of noise when you see me, or I may get frightened!

Saturday 15th November: 11.00 am – 3.30 pm at All Saints’ Community Hall and Church This year we will have a new venue for the Bazaar and will be using the new Community Hall. We hope that as it is a central location in the village people without cars will be able to walk to the event. It will also be a great opportunity for everyone to see the Hall up and running. If anyone has any new ideas for stalls or would be willing to come and help on the day, please contact Rosemary Gatward (261225). There will be the usual array of stalls such as sweets, cakes, crafts, raffle, vicar’s hamper, SOAS, Father Christmas, etc. We look forward to seeing you on 15th November. From David Burbridge The Word of God Faith in Jesus Christ worketh by love, The fruit of The Spirit of Jesus is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, temperance, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, adultery, fornication, idolatry, hatred, strife, seditions, envyings, murder, drunkenness, revellings and the like. St. Paul to the Galations Chap 5.

Barrington Table Tennis Club advance notice: we will be hosting a

24 hour Table Tennis Marathon raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust on Friday/Saturday 3rd/4th October 2008 Please join us and come and take part, All ages/family entries welcome! If you would like to help raise as much as possible for the Teenage Cancer Trust we can provide you with a sponsor form or just pop in and have a quick game: £1 for 10 minutes. Supper/breakfast/lunch and liquid refreshments will be on sale to help with our fund-raising For further info please contact: Philippa Priddle 01223 502335 julian.priddle@ntlworld.com Amanda Davis 01223 870670 amanda.davis1@tesco.net melbournmagazine

“Little Hands” is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality Pre-School Education for 2 – 5 year Olds • • • • • • •

The Nursery School offers : High (1 : 4) staffing ratio Variety of session lengths Term time only booking Optional holiday clubs No minimum booking requirement No booking fee Categorised “OUTSTANDING” by Ofsted

Also FREE (NEF funded) afternoon (1.30-4.00) sessions for 3 & 4 year olds (NEF can also be used towards half or full day sessions) 01763 260964 (school hours) 01223503972 (office hours) e-mail : janemarshall@littlehands.co.uk w w w.littlehands.co.uk Little Hands Nursery Schools are also at Bourn, Linton and Newton

www.melbourn.org.uk

What’s On Open Cambridge, Saturday 13th September Open Cambridge provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the University and the Colleges through free subject themed tours, guided by our expert tour guides. Interesting and beautiful University and College buildings and collections will go on show to the public for a day of discovery for families, local residents and community groups. • Learn about the history of the Colleges, when they were built and why. • Explore inspirational gardens and see exceptional design and unusual plants. • Enter University and College buildings to discover stunning Chapels and Halls. • Visit libraries old and new and explore priceless and unrivalled collections or rare manuscripts and books. • View the work of internationally renowned artists at University and College art collections. • See award winning buildings and discover the history of the University through its architecture. All tours are free but advance booking is essential. To book please telephone: 01223 766766 www.open-cambridge.org

Festival of Ideas University of Cambridge 22nd October to 2nd November 2008 Free events for all ages will let you explore the ideas behind history, literature,politics, art and much more. Through workshops, performances, taster sessions, exhibitions and debates, discover more about global and local issues and take your interests further. Family Day Saturday 25th October Including Prehistory, Writing a mystery story, Portraits, Drumming workshop, curious fruits etc. A small selection of free events. Morris and his wife Esther went to the local fair every year, and every year Morris would say, ‘Esther, I’d like to ride in that helicopter.’ Esther always replied, ‘I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is fifty pounds, and fifty pounds is fifty pounds’ One year Esther and Morris went to the fair, and Morris said, ‘Esther, I’m 85 years old. If I don’t ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance.’ To this, Esther replied, ‘Morris that helicopter ride is fifty pounds, and fifty pounds is fifty pounds.’ The pilot overheard the couple and said, ‘Folks I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word, I won’t charge you! But if you say one word, it’s fifty pounds.’ Morris and Esther agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy manoeuvres, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, but still not a word. When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, ‘By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn’t. I’m impressed!’ Morris replied, ‘Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Esther fell out, but you know, fifty pounds is fifty pounds....

Join our mailing list to receive a full programme and discover all the other exciting events, activities and talks happening throughout the Festival. Email cfi@ admin.cam,ac.uk or tel: 01223 766766.

Royston Arts Festival Expanded festival caters for all ages and tastes The programme for this year’s Royston Arts Festival is almost complete, and it looks set to be an even bigger and better event than in 2007, when the Festival was reborn to great acclaim after a seventeen-year break. All the popular aspects of last year’s Festival are here again, but the programme has been considerably expanded and its appeal broadened to include events that will appeal to all ages and tastes. A major feature this year is the publication of a book specially written by the town’s children. Organiser Kathy Wholley explains, “We wanted to involve the local schools a lot more this year, and so we came up with the idea of asking children from every first school in Royston to write down what the town means to them”. The resulting book, “Royston Through the Eyes of a Child” will be published and on sale during the Festival, with an official launch at the town Library on the Festival’s opening night. The 2008 Festival, which has as its major sponsor local employer Johnson Matthey, runs from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 September and as well as exhibitions of art, craft and photography there will be workshops and competitions for all, plus the ever-popular town trail. Local drama group CADS will again be presenting a comedy night at Greneway School, the Priory Singers will be giving a concert performance, and there will be blues and folk sessions in local pubs during the weekend. This year the Festival is spotlighting the wealth of dance talent in and around the town, and includes dance shows and a children’s dance workshop, plus

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there are a host of other events to suit all ages, from a toddlers’ afternoon of art and play, through local bands and DJs, to a demonstration of stonemasonry and, of course, the Grand Festival Concert in the town church on the Saturday night. The Festival concludes as last year with a concert in the park by the Town Band. For further details, please check the local press or ring Kathy Wholley on 01763 223805.

Wimpole Hall

Relay for Life is a unique event which honours Cancer Survivors, remembers those lives taken away by cancer and educates the community into cancer prevention. We have Relays taking place in the local area this summer For more information please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/ or telephone 01223 404195

Events continue at Wimpole Hall all through the year: During September you can learn about Rare Breeds, the History of the Gardens, Bats, and see a display of Squashes. You can also visit Wimpole at War. On Sunday 21st September you can join the first ever ‘Great Cambridgeshire Run’ in aid of the British Heart Foundation. There will be a selection of runs on the day, from 1 mile, 4.5 miles,and a half marathon. Or there is a 9.5 mile walk around the estate. Call 0845 300 10 90 for a registration form or apply oonline www.bhf.org.uk/events then type Cambridgeshire into the keyword section. During October discover Fungi found at Wimpole, enjoy Halloween, or family activities in the Hall or at the Farm. During November enjoy a Christmas Craft Fair, learn about Tudor Clothing, or deceptive appearances at the Hall. For details see www.wimpole.org or telephone 01223 206000

Denny Abbey Farmland Museum During September there are Art, Plant dyeing, Basket and Felt making workshops. During October these activities continue with the addition of Halloween Celebrations. For details see info@farmlandmuseum.org.uk or telephone 01223 863036

Audley End During September Apple Day During November Festive Fun as the servants prepare for Christmas and a story teller regales you with tales of Christmas past. For details see www.english-heritage.org/Audley End or telephone 01799 522399 Think a gallon of petrol is expensive? The following examples do NOT imply that petrol is cheap, it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are. Lipton Ice Tea is £9.52 per gallon; Brake Fluid is £33.60 per gallon; Vick’s Nyquil is £178.13 per gallon; Pepto Bismol is £123.20 per gallon; Tippex is £5.42 per gallon And a REAL KICKER is Evian water at £21.19 per gallon! (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) Ever wonder why printers are so cheap? They have you hooked for the ink. The cost of some ink is £5,200 a gal. So, the next time you’re at the pump, be glad your car doesn’t run on water, Lipton Ice Tea, Tippex, Nyquil or God forbid, Printer Ink! melbournmagazine

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Meldreth Croquet Club

Bowls Jacqui Dodds 243667

Brownies Samantha Pascoe 261400 Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272

Cricket Martin Winter 262733

Croquet Janet Pope 248342

Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109

Judo Derek Coult 225004

McSplash Joanne Greene 263313 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table Michael Seymour 221398 Squash Club Nick Sugden 261064

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593

Tennis (Meldreth) Sue Davies 220174

Another day done. All targets met. All systems fully operational. All customers fully satisfied. All staff keen and well motivated. All pigs fed and ready to fly!!

Melbourn Bowls Club Finally the season has got under way, and, unbelievable as this may seem, we are half way through it! Indifferent weather has done nothing to dampen the spirits of the members of the bowling fraternity and the season got off to a wonderful start with the Sunday Open Day. Many members of the public came to try out the graceful art of bowling and Melbourn was able to welcome new members. All the teams are now getting through their fixtures at an alarming rate (where does the time go?) and all are enjoying the friendly competition, company and hospitality of other local Bowling Clubs. The various leagues are enjoying mixed positions in the league tables, with most lying midway. Melbourn Bowls Club hosted a very special occasion on Sunday 13th July. The Mike Kernaghan Honours Board was unveiled by his daughter, Moira, during a special afternoon where Melbourn entertained several county and league bowling clubs in his honour. The honours board is for the Monday afternoon league which Mike set up in 1993. A very fitting tribute to a man Melbourn Bowling Club will always remember and respect. Other important events on the horizon are the Cambs VPs match on Saturday 19th July followed by many league and friendly matches throughout the rest of July, August and September. Happy Bowling to all and if you are tempted to have a go, pop down to the club. You will be most welcome! Elaine Cooke.

Our 2008 season started at the end of April and continues until the beginning of October. Regular club sessions are held on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. On 28th June we held our annual Speed Croquet competition, where an additional element is playing against the clock as well as an opponent. The competition was won by Alec Osborne who was in excellent form and won all his games within the time limit. Meldreth plays in the Beds and Herts Croquet league against seven other clubs. We have played 4 matches so far, with mixed fortunes. We lost to Letchworth early in the season then won against Northampton; we lost to Watford who are the strongest team in the league. The match against Colworth was drawn after playing the afternoon games in heavy rain. Our members range in playing ability from novice to expert. Coaching is provided for members with little or no experience or who wish to improve. We welcome new members and anyone who would like to give croquet a go is invited to contact me or our Chairman, Alec Osborne 01223 833278. Janet Pope, Publicity Officer 01763 248342 jacksonpope@tiscali.co.uk

Mcsplash Swimming Club Coach, Jenny Brackley, is proud to report that Swimmers attending the Club have reached a high degree of technical ability during the Summer Term. Some of the Swimmers, who are as young as 8, can now competently swim all four main strokes, including Butterfly, a stroke that needs strength and flexibility. McSplash Swimming Club is not’ just about swimming lengths of the pool. It is about meeting and making new friends, and gaining confidence both socially and in the water. We run a varied and interesting programme on a termly basis – usually running in line with the School Term which means you don’t have to worry about missing swimming whilst on Holiday. The Summer Term re‑convened on Friday 16th April, after the Easter Break with ‘Fast and Furious Front Crawl on melbournmagazine

Fins. In addition to other strokes covered during the Term the Swimmers have been taught the basics of Water Polo and Snorkelling, both of which will be repeated and expanded on during the coming months. In June we had a Fun Gala consisting of some well known games and water activities., such as Egg and Spoon Race, Baton Relay, Tandem Swimming and some unusual races such as Seahorses (riding on woggles), Waiters Tray (carrying and swimming with a kickboard with items balanced on the tray). The evening was a great success and could not have been achieved without the help of our of our more advanced swimmers namely, Harriet Johnson, Leaane Kean, Matthew Laight and Michael Warwick In July we had a great evening practising Survival Skills which required all Swimmers to swim wearing clothes. During the Survival Skills evening the Swimmers were instructed in Treading Water, the HELP and Huddle Positions (for safety), using the Distress Signal and shouting for HELP (very noisy)! The Swimmers were also given some tuition in helping others who could be in dififficulty in a pool or open water by Rope Throwing to a Casualty, bringing the casualty to the side and lifing out, going to fetch help and phoning the Emergency Services. Our Swimming Club Term finished on Friday 11th July with a Fun and Play Evening. We have been really lucky, through the hard work of the Committee and Fund Raising, to be able to purchase Pool Play Equipment such as Floating Rafts, Giant Frogs, Rotating Logs, Surf Boards, Noughts and Crosses (which is played underwater) and an assortment of Hoop, Balls and Pool Tyres. This equipment enables our Swimmers to round off the Term by having fun and letting off steam. Our Autumn Term will start on Friday 12th September and anybody wishing to join or make enquiries should contact Coach Jenny Brackley, 01763 244593.

Ramblers’ Association Royston and District Our programme of walks continues right through the year. For details visit our website:

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Photographic Club

generally fascinated by the whole subject and combine it with their interest in identifying wild plants and trees. Each autumn we meet up with our counterparts from La Loupe, France. This year, it is our turn to host a visit and expect a contingent to arrive mid October. We will split into small groups and forage in different locations to collect as many different species as possible. Everything we find will be identified and displayed at an exhibition on Sunday 19th October at the Masonic Hall in Royston. At the time of going to press, our autumn foray programme had not been finalised, but if you are interested in coming along, please contact us for details of times and locations. Annual membership is £7 for individuals and £9 for families. Clare Benton 01763 261928 Helene Davies 01954 789947

The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Foxton Village Hall, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. The season runs from September 16th to April 2009. There are competitions and speakers; and beginners can learn the basics in digital photography. New members are always welcome. Further details from Joe Cox (871258) or Dennis Wyatt (870659)

We should remind everybody that you should never eat any fungi, unless you are certain that it is edible. There are many poisonous species growing in our area, including some which can prove fatal. The toxins in some species cause a gradual breakdown in kidney and liver function leading to a lingering, painful death!

www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex. org.uk or contact David Allard (01763 242677). Email: david.allard@ntlworld.com or Lesley Abbiss (01763 273463). There is also a poster displaying walks for the current month in both Melbourn and Royston libraries. We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5-7 miles in the morning and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Some Sunday walks are Figures of Eight making it possible to do only the morning or only the afternoon. Half-day walks are held on Tuesday or Thursday mornings (or both). Unfortunately our evening walks have now finished but will resume at the end of April 2009. Prospective new members are always very welcome and may come on a few walks before deciding whether to join.

Mushroom Club Those of you who attended the summer fete may have seen the Melbourn Mushroom Club stall. A number of people asked if this was something new. The truth is that the club started about 20 years ago, when Helene Davies lived next to the Village College and used to take her young family across the playing fields where there used to be many mushrooms. What started as a simple interest, developed into a hobby and then into a passion for the subject. Before moving away from the village, Helene also ran ‘Fascinating Fungi’ courses at MVC. Melbourn Mushroom Club still meets about twice a month throughout the year, to foray for fungi in and around the area. Some members are only interested in the edible varieties and therefore appreciate the formal identification by one of our experts while others are just

Melbourn And District Gardening Club … Is Moving! With effect from September, we can be found at All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn. Starting at 7.30, 9th September’s talk will be on Spring Flowers at Anglesey Abbey. We’re a friendly and welcoming group, meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, with planned talks to includeThe Tradescant Museum of Garden History, and The Wonderful World of Willow this year. For a £2.50 visitors’ fee, or annual subscription of £15, we hope you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening, absorbing information and tips, chatting to friends, perhaps even taking home a prize! We look forward to seeing you – at the new venue! For further information, please call Helen on 01763 245887.

Whittlesford Gardening Club Whittlesford Gardening Club celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. To mark the occasion we have Peter Seabrook, TV and radio celebrity, gardening editor of the ‘Sun’ and renowned gardening expert and author, coming to our October meeting to present his illustrated talk on ‘Gardening at home and abroad’. The details are as follows: Wednesday October 8th Peter Seabrook, Illustrated talk on ‘Gardening at home and abroad’ Whittlesford Memorial Hall at 7.30pm Tickets £5 (Includes a glass of wine) Contact Judy Oswald 01223 833759 or Whittlesford Post Office

Royston & District Local History Society www.royston.clara.net/localhistory Our meetings are held in the Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm. It costs only £5 for an annual subscription (Sept-August) Visitors are welcome £2. The first three meetings are shown below:Oct 2nd Hatfield Forest, Past, Present and Future, illustrated Ian Pease Nov 6th An Army Life, including as a British Military Attaché Colonel Derek Bishop Dec 4th A silk purse from a Pig’s Nose? 450 years of the history of our house. Robin Webb The Royston Cave in Melbourn Street attributed to the Knights Templar opens on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.30pm to 5pm until the end of September. 2.30pm to 5pm. Tickets from the Cave Bookshop adjoining the Cave. Adults £3, Concessions £2. Accompanied children free.

Royston & District Family History Society Our Society is moving to the new All Saints’ Community Hall in September. Ours is a friendly and informal Society for people interested in their forebears. You don’t need to have ancestors in the local area; in fact most of our local member-

ship don’t! The speakers who address our meetings, and the help and experience we can offer each other, are relevant wherever one’s family came from. A lot of our distant members, (as far away as Australia and New Zealand), do have local roots, and they have joined because they hope that our publications and local knowledge will advance their research. We have taken the bold step of moving out to Melbourn because of new parking restrictions and access difficulties at our previous home, St John’s Ambulance Hall, Newmarket Road. We are very much hoping that a new venue will bring a new era to our Society and some Melbourn residents may be tempted to come and look us over. We meet on the third Monday of the month, except for July and August. In July we sometimes have an outing, and in August we have a break for the holidays. Membership of the Society for U.K. members is £7.00 per person and £9.00 per family, (two or more persons at the same address). As a member the names that you are researching will be published by us and you will receive the Journal which is published three times a year. There is a small charge made at the meetings to cover the cost of refreshments and hire of the Hall. If you would like to know more about us please visit our website: www.roystonfhs.org. uk Why not come and have a look at us? Avril Emery, Chair/Editor

New Melbourn Singers We are a friendly group of people who enjoy singing together and meet for weekly practices in the Music Room of Melbourn Village College on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 – 9.30 pm. We shall be starting this year on Tuesday, September 16 and would be delighted to welcome new members. We join together with other choirs to form the Cambridgeshire Choral Society (www.cambschoralsoc.org.uk) with whom we perform major works under the direction of an enthusiastic professional conductor, Andrew Parnell. On February 28th 2009, we shall be performing Mendelssohn’s St Paul, with

the Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra, in West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge. Combined rehearsals for that occasion take place on Saturday afternoons - eight have been planned with the first being on Saturday 4th October. We also have occasional social events and regularly organise a ‘Come and Sing’ for charity. For further information please contact Adrian Jacobs (01763 243224) or Monica Gillings (01763 262399) or just come along to a practice and see if it’s for you! President: Mrs Patricia Vince Conductor: Adrian Jacobs

1st Melbourn Rainbows Unit Report We began the Summer Term working towards our first Rainbow Roundabout badge. We work through four topics which are Look, Laugh, Learn and Love. We have to complete an activity, chosen by our Rainbows, for each topic. The first activity was for Look. We visited the Moor and had to find objects around us that may have been a certain shape, colour or age. We had a lovely time, until it poured down with rain, but the activity was completed by all our girls. Our second activity was for Laugh, which it certainly was, and very messy. This was footprint painting whereby we painted our feet and then made pictures using them. We had some original designs including butterflies, mermaids and a chicken. We then moved on to Love. The Rainbows choose to make a paper chain. On each piece of paper attached to the chain the girls had to draw or write the name of a person that helped them through their life. These were all then joined together to show how many people help and love us all. Finally, for our next activity, based on the topic Learn, we made smoothies. Each Rainbow created tasty recipes of their own design. The Rainbows first ever badge has now been successfully achieved. We hope that each girl will now be proudly displaying their badge on their tabards for all to see. Well done girls! During the term we also visited Wimpole Hall to celebrate 21 years of melbournmagazine

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Rainbows. We were joined by fellow Rainbows from the Orwell unit. We had a lovely picnic, played games and sung songs followed by a lovely slice of birthday cake. The weather stayed fine and the party was enjoyed by all. We have had lots of fun activities this term, which all our Rainbows have enjoyed, and there will be many more to come. Although we have quite a long waiting list, if your daughter wishes to become a Rainbow, then please call Abigail Roberts, Unit Leader on 01763 261505.

1st Melbourn Brownies We have been making the most of the Summer weather by working towards their ‘Out and About’ badge. We have been considering the Country Code, learning how to follow a route on a map, and discussing what we would wear and need to take on a mini-hike. We put all this into practice at Wimpole Hall one evening when we had a very pleasant walk to the folly and back. We have also planned and carried out a scavenger hunt and we played rounders on the Moor. In a Pow Wow earlier in the term, the girls expressed a wish to do a sponsored event to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Tawny Owl (Lucinda Cockman) organised a hugely successful ‘disability awareness challenge’ where the girls had to identify things by taste, touch, smell and listening for their sponsored event. Great fun was had by all and current figures indicate that we have enough money to sponsor at least one Guide Dog puppy for 20 months! We’ll keep you posted! We will be continuing looking at ‘Disability Awareness’ next term, including following the Paralympics as we work towards

our Disability Awareness Badge. 1st Melbourn Brownies meet on a Wednesday evening from 5.45-7.15pm. If you would like to know more about becoming a Brownie or a leader, please contact Stephanie Clifford (Brown Owl) on 01763 220272.

2nd Melbourn Brownies We have had a fun packed term with many different activities. We started off by looking at keeping safe in the home and village and keeping healthy. They all made a happy book and filled it with pictures and words which make them feel happy. Several times the Brownies have been for a penny hike around the Village and ended up at the playground. (no cheating going on honest!) Some of the Brownies went on Pack Holiday during half term to Eaton Vale in Norfolk. To give you an idea of what we did, here are a few excerpts from Brown Owl’s diary.

Friday 30th May. 12noon – Got to Eaton Vale! Phew, no one has been sick on the coach. Good start! We unloaded the coach and took all our bags round to the hall. Sat outside and had lunch in the sun. Everyone has remembered their packed lunch, superb! After lunch we took our bags to our rooms and got changed if we were going canoeing. 3pm – Just been told I need to go canoeing. I am scared of boats. Great! We head out to get our lifejackets and paddles to take down to the river. The water is looking very wet and cold. We sit in our boats on the bank and get briefed about safety in the water and how to use our paddles properly and then its time to get the boats in the water. As the boats

are lowered down the ramp we get in and sit down. Water is now looking even colder and wetter! We push off and we are floating. Bit wobbly but we soon settle. We try to maintain our position while we wait for the other boats to get in the water and we are off – well some of us are. Others are heading in the wrong direction or just going round in circles. Eventually we all head in the same direction and paddle up stream. Half way through the activity - Getting used to this now, the Brownies in my boat are very good and not wriggling too much. Could get used to this! We have stopped to let the others catch up with us. All the boats line up so that the supervisors can talk to us about what we are doing next. To my horror we have to stand up in the boat. OK Brown Owl you can do this! The next bomb shell – jump up and down in the boat. If I’m going to fall in it will be now! Phew! Jumping over and we are all sitting down. I, along with most of the Brownies have a wet bottom but the rest of me is dry. We paddle back to the ramp and get out of the water. The Brownies have the chance to jump in the freezing cold water which most of them do. 2am – One room is making some noise. Better go for a walk and see. The room is at the opposite end of the corridor to mine (they are making a lot of noise!). That sorted its back to bed. Saturday 31st May 2008 7am – Tea in bed (better than at home!) Go down for breakfast to be told that I am canoeing again! OK, you did it yesterday and survived, you can do it again! 10:30am – Off to the canoes. Went a lot further up stream today, had some good rowers in the boat with me. 1:30pm Lunch and then we started working on our environmental badges. We estimated how much water we could save by doing simple things like turning the tap off while you clean your teeth. We also put up sheets around the house so we could work out how much water we used. 7pm we walk down the hill to the campfire. We sing campfire songs while waiting for the fire to die down so we can cook dampers. The leaders all cooked dampers for the Brownies. It was very melbournmagazine

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hot work. We only set 3 of the 36 on fire! The fire has died right down now so we let the Brownies melt their own marshmallows on the fire. 11pm – Bed at last, let’s hope they go to sleep earlier tonight! Sunday 7am – Tea in bed again (great!) go down for breakfast. Hectic day today, we have to pack, make lunch, clean and the Brownies are also going Go-Karting. Better get cracking! 3:50pm – Back at Melbourn Village College. No-one has been ill on the coach. Phew! All the parents are waiting to take their very tired but happy Brownies home. Finally Brown Owl gets picked up by her mummy and taken home to bed. A very successful and happy pack holiday! For Father’s Day we were on parade at the United Reformed Church. After the parade we had hotdogs games which the Brownies loved. We also learnt a new song about someone who jumped without a parachute from 40,000 feet. Intrigued? Ask one of the Brownies when you see them! The term ended with a Bar-B-Q at Summerhouse farm where everyone was invited, even Dads. It was great fun with games and plenty of food. Thanks go to Snowy Owl (Rosaline) and her family for the help and use of the farm. Everyone who could join joined the Brownies to sing Brownie Bells at the end of the evening and for the secret squeeze which goes round the circle. If you like what you have just read and would like your child to get involved Brownies welcomes all girls aged

between 7 and 10. For more information please contact Brown Owl on 07779 145053 Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl) and Rosaline Wedd (Snowy Owl)

Guides Camps, day trips, summer sports and posh parties: all to be had at Melbourn Guides! We started the summer term with a day trip to Scout HQ Gilwell Park, where we had a taster of rock climbing, archery, low ropes and crate stacking. A few weeks later, we had more outdoor adventure with a one-night camp, complete with campfire, silly songs, and toasted marshmallows. Thursday evenings continue to be varied and fun. On one fine evening the girls did the Agility badge; this involved skipping, throwing and catching a ball, and demonstrating gymnastic moves. Another sunny evening saw us playing rounders, football and running relay races on the field. At our craft evening many of the girls learned to use a sewing machine to make plate bags for camp, and others made pop-up cards for Fathers Day. Guide uniform was swapped for posh frocks for our Awards Ceremony party, organised by the Rose patrol. Part of the evening’s entertainment was an amusing little skit by the Penguin patrol. An animal themed night was also very enjoyable, with the girls bringing in their pets to show. Bravery was called for when Grace from Shepreth Wildlife Park showed us her favourites…a snake, a spider, a gecko and an owl. Screams were hard to suppress as the snake slithered around our shoulders, and the owl swooped low over our faces. Great

stuff! The theme of an evening’s incident hike around the village was ‘travelling around’ with the girls having to spot and understand road signs, learning how to read a London Underground map, and using a local bus timetable. On another evening a wide game themed around being stranded on a Scottish island, introduced the traditional Guide skills of firelighting, followed by the related joys of toasting marshmallows (again!), and getting smoke in your eyes, and your clothes, and your hair… The term finished with a swim at Royston Leisure Centre, and the prospect of a summer camp in Norfolk. Whether you’re a girl of 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50, you too could join the fun. For more information on becoming a Guide or a leader in the village, or if you have a hobby or skill which you could share with us, please phone Hilary on 01763 261443. Hilary Marsh

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