Issue 81 Spring 2015 by Melbourn Magazine

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

...editorial The Committee is delighted that TTP is again sponsoring the magazine for another year; very many thanks, we are very grateful. We also thank the advertisers who continue supporting us, without them all we could not have published the Melbourn Magazine for the past 20 years. In December of last year the Parish Council presented its annual awards. These were awarded to: Gerry Squires for long service to Melbourn Parish Council; Pauline Parkinson and Sheila Gouldthorp for acting as Standard Bearers for the British Legion; Hilary Marsh, for service as Guide Leader; Stefanie Clifford for service as Brownie Leader; and finally to Melbourn History Group for mounting the World War I exhibition and publishing the accompanying book. More of this on page 5 There is a lot of concern regarding the prospect of 199 new houses on New Road. Many of us attended the exhibition put on by the Parish Council at the end of January and are awaiting the outcome with more than a little interest. We realise that we need more houses, all over the country, but doubt that our infrastructure could take that many more people. See page 25 for an update. In January MVC took part in a joint French British performance, in both countries, of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Noyes Fludde’. Six soloists from MVC took the parts of Noah’s sons and their wives, while professional singers were Noah and Mrs Noah. The musicians were mostly French, but a MVC student played the cornet. Congratulations to them all! (see pages 9 & 41) Spring is already on the way, and we look forward to the warmer weather, when there are many interesting events in the planning. Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) has an event in May, ‘Who Killed the Holiday Rep’, and groups of 6 can help to solve the mystery. The Village Fete is on June 20th and preparations are already well under way. See page 67. A new event, Melbourn Bloomsday will happen on June 16th. For details of this, and how you can participate see page 18. The front cover Perseverance by Peter North, taken South of Royston on the A505. Melbourn & District Photographic Club, see page 21 for more details.

Melbourn Magazine is printed quarterly and delivered free to every household and business in the village. All work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of printing comes entirely from advertising and sponsorship.

Melbourn Magazine is independent of the Parish Council NO public money is used. We would like to thank TTP for their continued sponsorship of the magazine. If you would like to advertise in the Melbourn Magazine see page 71 for details

Contents Village news feature

5 6

Deafness and The Great War

Nature

River Mel Group

Nature

The pollinators are coming…

Council News feature

19 21

Melbourn & District Photographic Club

Profile

Barbara Mackellar

Education feature

29 30

Charles Dickens the reluctant hero

Village information Diary feature

35 36 44

News from the Fitzwilliam Museum

Sports & Clubs Church news feature

47 59 61

East Anglian Air Ambulance? A flower festival at Candlemas

What’s On Orchestre De Picardie Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire 47th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend An evening of Live Music The Cantilena Singers Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society Safari Supper The New Melbourn Singers The Yesteryear Road Run Returns for 2015

65 65 65 65 67 67 67 67 67

email: melbournmagazine@gmail.com

01763 290 335 FREE 07525 173 278 QUOTATIONS

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Village news Helena Ellis

The Great War 1914–1918

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Helena Ellis

Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor

It is with sadness that we record the recent death of Helena Ellis at the age of 90. We were delighted to do a profile on her in 2006 when she told us of her early life as one of the East family and her happy childhood, playing in the Mel and riding her precious bicycle. She worked at Burlington Press and later at Eternit, married Claude Ellis and had two boys Ray and Robert and was grandmother to three fine boys and was very proud of their achievements. She was a charming woman with a natural grace and elegance. Although she was well travelled, she thought Melbourn was the finest place to live and quoted the following poem as a summing up of how she felt. She will be sorely missed by all the members of her family and by her friends at Coffee Stop.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire

Rest in peace, Helena.

Library

Bells and Bell-ringing

Volunteers are needed for café duty at The Hub

Royal British legion Women’s Section

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

Royston-Cambridge cycle corridor

Rail User Group

Long-term support need

Care Network

A fresh look at your relationships in 2015

Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration

Melbourn and Meldreth Lunch Club

My English Home Give me an English lane with hedgerows trim, and an English house, to dwell there-in, In an English town, in an English street, with pavements trod by English feet. Give me an English wife, and children too, and country quiet, with an English view. Then leave me there, never I’ll roam ~ but stay content in my English home. Give me an English inn, with English beer, and good companions to sit and hear Them talk at close of day, of English things, in the English way. Give me an English life, so sweet and free, and the simple joys of serenity, And quietly I’ll lie in the land of my birth, if you lay me to rest in English earth. George T. O’Bey

The Great War 1914–1918

An exhibition by Melbourn History Group

Available for £3 ALL the proceeds raised from the sale of this book will go to The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes

The Great War book follows an exhibition held in June 2014, which was designed to show the tragic face of the war alongside interesting stories from home, it is sponsored by Melbourn History Group and Melbourn Magazine. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Ann Dekkers on 261144 or Peter Simmonett on 220363.

to those who died, we remember; to those who survived, we hear you; to future generations, let us never forget.

melbournmagazine

feature

Deafness and The Great War

At the beginning of the First World War thousands of men signed up to join the armed forces to do their patriotic duty for ‘King and Empire’. Some saw it as a sense of adventure and a way to escape their arduous or monotonous life, and by the end of 1914, 1,186,337 men had enlisted. They came from all walks-of-life – everyone wanted to do their bit. But those with hearing loss were rejected by the army and in some cases, rejected by their communities for their perceived cowardice. Yet some saw them as the lucky ones, fortunate, to avoid active service and escape the fighting. These men were not all expecting to fight at the front, they just wanted to be useful and assist the war effort. At the start of war the editor of the British Deaf Times, asked ‘what possibilities there were for deaf people to help with the war effort’. A letter sent to Lord Kitchener, the Secretary of State for War, pointed out ‘that deaf young men were eager to share the Empire’s work’. The government responded by stating that, ‘there were no opportunities at present available to make use of them’. Following the introduction of conscription in 1916, things changed. With many of the workingmen sent out to France to fight there was an urgent need for manpower in factories across the country. Finally, deaf people became involved in the country’s war effort, taking up employment as munitions workers – making and testing shells, fuses, and manufacturing everything from tools through to wheels. When War was first declared, security was tightened throughout the country and sentries were posted at many important installations, rail and shipping depots and essential bridges. But many deaf people were unaware of the situation, resulting in some paying for it with their lives. There are a number of stories about deaf people being randomly shot while walking home from work, cycling or generally carrying out everyday duties. In many cases, they were challenged to stop by sentries but unable to hear the sentry’s commands, (who may have been some distance away) continued on their way. After several challenges they were shot, becoming unforeseen casualties of war. London deaf on munition work showing bombs. Picture: Action on Hearing loss

Charles Carroll, was shot by a London Territorial sentry. He was examining an Aldershot railway bridge, and was challenged six times by the sentry before the latter fired. Carroll, who is almost stone deaf, is seriously wounded. The Times Charles Carroll later died of his wounds, and so became another casualty of war.

Reports of these tragic deaths found their way into the local and national press and so in September 1914, the British Deaf Times published a set of guidelines warning its readers not to go out walking alone, avoid loitering by bridges, stations or go near railway lines, in addition they should be accompanied by a hearing person where possible. Although strict rules were set in place barring people with a hearing impairment from serving as soldiers, a number of deaf people managed to get into the army and some, even made their way to the Front. Harry Ward, born deaf and dumb, was a 27-year-old teacher from Cardiff. He somehow managed to pass the army medical and joined the Munster Fusiliers and did his basic training in Ireland. Private Gomer Jones was profoundly deaf since early infancy and had no sight in his right eye. Jones was said to be the best marksman in his company and a skilled soldier, indistinguishable from his fellow fighters. Frederick Morffew, was determined to make it to the front. Surprisingly he passed his medical and joined the army in May 1915. He served for around six weeks before being discharged on account of his deafness. Undeterred, he joined the labour corps and was posted to France. Many though were soon to be discharged because of their disability, cutting short their army service. James Clarke from Ballymena, Northern Ireland had enlisted in September 1914 and served until December, a total of 83 days. His discharge paper stated that he suffered from ‘deafness, in both ears for the last five years, he has not heard a word of command since joining the battalion.’ The enthusiasm to be involved was also reflected in those from the British Colonies. Howard Lloyd from Ontario in Canada was registered as being deaf. His hearing was severely damaged following a bout of whooping cough when he was young. He successfully enlisted in the army and served in the trenches near Arras Northern France during the war. His first three attempts to enlist were unsuccessful. On one occasion, the doctor was chewing gum. Howard, watching lips and straining ears in an effort to pass the examination finally asked the doctor to remove his gum so he could understand what was being said. At this point the doctor realised he had defective hearing and he was hastily shown the door. Undeterred, he was finally accepted in the summer of 1916 and signed up to become an infantryman. He trained in Canada for six months before being transferred to England and in February 1917 was sent to France, where he served in the front-line trenches. He volunteered for bombing raids continued on page 10

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Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme Can we help you? Can we help a relative? Can we help a neighbour? Who does the Scheme help? The scheme is open to anyone who requests our help including those who live alone or with their families but need the extra support offered by our services. Couples too are most welcome. It is also open to those in sheltered housing, as the scheme offers different, but complementary services. Note: The scheme also offers its services for short periods to cover the temporary absence of relatives who otherwise provide this support.

We offer help with:

• • • • • • • • • • •

Friendship and support via twice weekly visits and daily phone calls Ordering and collection of prescriptions Basic shopping Collection of pensions Setting up Lifeline service Bereavement support Advice on benefits Going to the Post Office to pay your bills Advice on getting repairs done in your home Arranging transport to the hospital or other appointments Just coming round for a chat

What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services. The fee is only £5 per week (a little more for couples). Margo Wherrell (Mobile Warden) 01763 260966 Mobile: 07935 315497 Email: tigress270549@aol.com Jeannie Seers (Deputy Warden) 01763 262651 Mobile: 07808 735066 Email: jeanseers1@ntlworld.com Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity.

Elizabeth Hughes-Jones 17 October 1927 – 22 December 2014 Elizabeth Hughes-Jones who died in December, was born in Poona, India and attended boarding school in England. However, at the beginning of WW2, her parents sent for her and her brother to return to India. This involved a very exciting, but rather scary, sea voyage in a convoy with a group of other children. She attended a school up in the hills in India where she did well academically. It was a Catholic convent, run by German nuns who were interned in the school due to the war. She was of great interest to the other girls who hadn’t been to England. When Elizabeth left school, she returned to the Bristol family home. She took up nursing, moved to London and met Nevin at Hammersmith Hospital. They were married in 1952 and had 3 children; Jonathan, Tim and Jill. The family lived in Ealing and then moved here to Melbourn in 1979. Elizabeth was a giver and on arriving in Melbourn, she got stuck in to volunteering for many local organisations such as the Melbourn Lunch Club, secretary for Melbourn WI, volunteering at the Royston Citizens Advice Bureau, helping out at the Melbourn Mother and Toddler Group, Moorlands Care Home, co-ordinating drivers to provide lifts for the local elderly. She also helped with the local Christian Aid fund raising. And there were probably others I don’t know about but I expect some of you will. The family are very grateful for all who attended Elizabeth’s Thanksgiving Service at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn on 23 January 2015. She was obviously well loved and respected by the local community. May her devotion to volunteering and helping those around her, be a legacy to us all.

Library It has been particularly pleasing to witness the growing interest amongst local school children in the library. The library has a good selection of books for children of all ages and abilities. Our Young Readers section is good for the size of our library and is proving popular. As with adult books, children’s books can be ordered either at the desk or online if a particular one is not on the shelves. The system covers the whole of Cambridgeshire so there is a vast number of books available. Story time at the hub continues to be well supported. This is held every Friday during term time 10–10.30 am for children from 0–4 years, no need to book just come along. The stories, singing and rhymes are enjoyed by all the children. If anyone has any children’s musical instruments suitable for this age group and no longer needed we would be very grateful to have them. Contact Mandy Handscombe 01763 261681. The extended opening on Mondays, from 12.30am, is now well established. Jane Stevens

Bells and Bell-ringing The very English tradition of change-ringing of church bells is several centuries old, but its continuity locally is threatened by the limited numbers of bell-ringers available. If you once learned bell-ringing even in a very limited way, or would like to find out more about what it involves, why not get in touch? There is a joint band which rings the bells at both All Saints’ Church, Melbourn, and Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth, meeting for practice every Wednesday at Holy Trinity at 7.45pm. The band rings for the main 9.45 service alternately on Sunday mornings at these churches, as well as for weddings and special events. If you would like any further information, you would be welcome at a practice night or please contact us on 01763 261518. Barbara and Terry Mitchell melbournmagazine

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Volunteers are needed for café duty at The Hub Do you like meeting people? Do you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis? Come and join the band of volunteers already making a difference in our busy village Hub Contact: SusieFletcher@melbournhub.com or melb699@hotmail.co.uk for further details

Royal British legion Women’s Section Melbourn and Meldreth Branch As usual at this time of year we have had a a lot of activities and functions to attend. In November it was arranged for some of our ladies to meet children from Melbourn Village College at The Hub. The British Legion ladies helped the children to make poppies to decorate All Saints’ Church on Remembrance Sunday. On that day I first took the Standard to Meldreth War memorial and then went on to Melbourn to the Cross. Afterwards I took the Standard into the church for the service and it was packed with members of the public. The Standard was also present when some members attended the Memorial Sevice at 11am on Tuesday November 11th at The Cross. I would like to thank everyone who attended for their support. At this point I would like to thank Mike and Anne Swan for their hard work in organising the local Poppy Appeal. The total raised was £6,500. Their work has been greatly appreciated. At the end of November six members attended the conference at Manea in the Fens. The Standard was taken along. Also several members made the journey to the Tower of London to see the display of poppies in the moat. It was a breathtaking sight. We were surprised to see so many people viewing the poppies. In December we held a table top sale, tombola and raffle

Melbourn Village College and the Orchestre De Picardie present

Noye’s Fludde op.59 by Benjamin Britten An opera in one act Conductor Arie van Beek Featuring students from Melbourn, Cambourne & Comberton Village Colleges, Harston & Newton, Foxton and Hauxton primary schools, as well as school in France.

At Comberton Sports and Arts Thursday 5 March 2015 – 8:00 pm Friday 6 March 2015 – 8:00 pm Tickets £10 Adult / £5 concession: Thursday March 5th www.wegottickets.com/event/307197 Friday March 6th www.wegottickets.com/event/307198 www.combertonsa.co.uk www.facebook.com/CombertonSportsArts

at Meldreth Community Rooms to increase our fund raising. We were invited to the Parish Council Chairman’s Christmas Reception. I was unexpectedly given an award for Services to the Community as Standard bearer representing Melbourn and Meldreth. Now we are looking forward to a busy calendar including visiting speakers and social meetings. We would still like more members so if you would like to join us please come along to our meetings held at 2pm on the last Wednesday of every month at Vicarage Close Community Centre. Pauline Parkinson Standard Bearer. Chairman Anne Neaves Secretary Betty Murphy Tel 220841

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Molly Chamberlain, Pauline Parkinson, Anne Neaves and Don Littlechild

The Group is for all women of any age. Meetings are held at 7.45 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month, except in December and we vary our venues between Melbourn and Meldreth. We charge £1 on the night to cover expenses and continued on page 11

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continued from page 6

inside the German trenches, which involved at times being loaded with so many hand-bombs or grenades that he was unable to carry any other weapon.

‘We were each defended by a bayonet-man, who kept a pace behind us to protect us from a rear attack. We waited for darkness and then stealthily crossed No-Man’s Land and into the German trenches. Once there, we disposed of our bombs where they would do the most damage. We tossed them into huts, gun positions and supply dumps – as quickly as we could. We ran with all speed back to our own lines.’ Howard was only wounded once, when a German egg-bomb (grenade) exploded nearby and a piece of shrapnel lodged in the back of his neck. These bombs were treated with poison and the wound became infected and put him in hospital for two weeks. Returning to the front lines he served for several more months, he was then transferred from the trenches, but remained within the fighting zone until the end of the war.

At the front The First World War saw the introduction of many new destructive ways of inflicting damage. Each new weapon greatly increasing the noise at the front. Just outside of the town of La Boisselle, France, a mine known as Lochnagar was dug near the German front line and packed with highexplosives. On 1st July 1916 the explosives were detonated. The explosion created a crater 300 feet (91 metres) across and 70 feet (21 metres) deep, including a lip 15 feet (4.6 metres) high. The sound of the blast was the loudest man-made noise in history – up to that point, with reports suggesting it was heard in London.

‘At Boisselle the earth heaved and flashed, a tremendous and magnificent column rose up in the sky. There was an ear-splitting roar drowning all the guns, flinging the machine sideways in the repercussing air. The earth column rose higher and higher to almost 4,000 feet. There it hung, or seemed to hang, for a moment in the air, like the silhouette of some great cypress tree, then fell away in a widening cone of dust and debris. A moment later came the second mine. Again the roar, the upflung machine, the strange gaunt silhouette invading the sky. Then the dust cleared and we saw the two white eyes of the craters. The barrage had lifted to the second-line trenches’ The scream and explosion of the shells as they landed, the automatic gunfire, grenades, mortars, and high explosives were The crater left by the Lochnagar mine 1st July 1916

Almost 2 million shells were fired on German lines during the Battle of the Somme.

constant. At the Battle of the Somme, almost 2 million shells were fired on German lines in the space of a week. During such continuous bombardment the noise level was great enough to cause permanent hearing loss, especially among the artillery gunners.

‘There were days when you could hear a bird sing or the twitching of the rat running under the duckboards or gnawing your kit bag, but on a heavy combat day, the noise was deafening. The constant firing and barrage of artillery shells was enough to drive anybody mad.’ For the commanders and soldiers it was a matter of staying alive and inflicting as much damage as possible on the enemy; the loss of hearing or the protection of it, was secondary. In fact the use of any form of hearing protection was seen as dangerous. Soldiers wearing earplugs would not hear orders, warnings, or direction of fire, etc. Those exposed to the amount of noise in the trenches of the Western Front over a significant period of time stood a good chance of suffering a significant amount of hearing impairment.

‘John Taylor a British sniper was in a tree when an exploding shell blew him out of the tree and subsequently rendered him totally deaf.’ Many soldiers, returning from the trenches suffered not just from deafness but from a number of conditions, blindness, unable to speak or paralysis. Doctors were at a loss to find any physical damage to explain their symptoms. One medical officer suggested that these soldiers were suffering from ‘wounded in mind’ or ‘shell-shock’ due to the continuing exposure to exploding shells. However, it became apparent that there were deeper causes and that many men suffering the symptoms of shell-shock had never been in the front lines. By 1916, over forty percent of the casualties at the front were victims of shell-shock.

‘Shell-shock was regarded as damn nonsense and sheer cowardice by Generals who had not themselves witnessed its effects. They had not seen, as I did, strongly, sturdy, men shaking with ague, mouthing like madman, figures of dreadful terror, speechless and uncontrollable.’ It’s not known how many came back suffering permanent hearing loss, but it is clear that a great many of those who suffered continued exposure to the noise eventually lost some or all their hearing. Many of those who lost their hearing suffering from ‘shell-shock’ may have regained their hearing or at least part of it, but nevertheless, there were many more that never really recovered from their ordeal. Peter Simmonett

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there is an opportunity to make a donation to the chosen charity of the year. We usually have a guest speaker or some in house entertainment followed by a chance to have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits. Our March meeting is on the 24th at The Meeting Room attached to Holy Trinity Church where Barbara Mackellar will lead us on a Lent reflection which gives us time to take a breather from our hectic lives as we think of Easter approaching. 28 April sees us in The Community Hall behind All Saints Church Melbourn when Preet Kaur will talk to us about forced marriages and honour crimes which I am sure will be an eye opener for us. On the 26th May we will have our Summer Supper at Holy Trinity Meeting Rooms in Meldreth. A ploughman’s supper is usually prepared by the committee members and desserts follow, some of our members usually help out with these to make a mouth watering selection. If you would like to know more about the group do come along – we are a friendly bunch or you can ring Pat Smith (262575) Sue Toule (260955) or Anne Harrison (261775).

Royston-Cambridge cycle corridor There has been much in the news lately about the prospect of significant government funding for a safe cycling route along the A10 corridor, comprised of segments joining up our villages with Cambridge and Royston and allowing people to move around in a new way. These new ‘cycle links’ would be designed for what are called ‘Non Motorized Users’ – walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility scooters. The government funding for our area that has received so much attention is called the City Deal, and it is designed for improving transport infrastructure in areas of economic growth, and particularly with clusters of employment centres. Because of concern about moving inexorably toward gridlock congestion on the A10, the aspiration is to provide an alternative to driving, and especially driving to work, in order to help prevent things from getting worse. With Johnson Matthey, TAP and Tesco at the Royston end (to name a few), AstraZeneca, TTP and PA Consulting at Melbourn (to name a few), and Addenbrookes, schools, sixth forms and universities at the Cambridge end (to name a few), the map of people travelling to work quickly lights up. The process of assessing and scoring prospective schemes for City Deal funding has been underway for several months, and the Royston-Cambridge cycle link was felt to be one of the most promising. One of the requirements of City Deal funding is that the first tranche of schemes is delivered within five years, in order to trigger the second tranche of funding. The Cambridge-Royston was slated to be one of the early schemes in tranche one because it is ‘shovel ready’ and fits the bill so well. There are two City Deal decision-making bodies – the Assembly, which is the larger and more representative group of 15, and the Executive Board made up of five people, of whom only three have a vote – the leaders of Cambridge City, Cambridgeshire County and South Cambridgeshire District Councils. The Assembly considered and debated the Royston-Cambridge cycle link and voted to support it, together with four other South Cambridgeshire cycling schemes. The expectation was that the Executive would uphold and the Assembly’s consensus – but on the day, that did not happen. All five South Cambridgeshire cycle schemes were discarded, with little discussion. There are questions now about the governance of this once-in-a-generation funding scheme and the concentration of power in the hands of a few. Where was tranche 1 funding allocated? The successful cycle schemes are within Cambridge City, and the South Cambridgeshire schemes are bus priority measures at key points such as Madingley Rise and the 1307 to Haverhill. They are important but there is concern about their deliverability. In the A10 corridor we are lucky to have rail service but this doesn’t work for all journeys, and complaints are steadily increasing about peak time congestion on the approach to Cambridge, and the viability of Park and Ride as a reliable destination. One can only surmise

that the major planned developments at Trumpington Meadows, Hauxton, Melbourn and Royston will not help. Speculative planning applications at Barrington, Foxton and Melbourn don’t even figure in traffic modelling. Because the case for ‘Non Motorized Users’ along the A10 is so strong we’re advised that other funding pots may be found to deliver parts of the scheme, and that there is always the next tranche of City Deal funding in five yeas’ time. Realistically though, governments come and go, and goal posts move. The process will be more challenging than expected. The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign, two years old with new members joining at every turn and now tallying 150 people, is working hard to help present the case. There will be a chance to learn more at the 19 March meeting of the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign (Barrington Village Hall, 7 for 7:30PM). So please do feel free to come along. Susan van de Ven

Rail User Group New waiting shelter for Meldreth Station: better late than never! Five years ago, at the very first meeting of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group, Jim Eggleton asked the then train operating company if we could have a shelter on the Cambridgebound platform to provide somewhere dry to wait outside of booking office hours. At last, that looks set to happen! The Rail User Group included the shelter in continued on page 14

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Nature River Mel Group

Spring is the season that arguably shows the river at its finest. The early flowering marginal plants provide splashes of yellow and purple along the river, which is welcome after the bleakness of the long winter months. We always look forward to seeing the first fish hatchlings and the mayfly rising, which also means that the volunteers can get back into the river. It is not that they are not hardy folk, but in winter the river needs to remain undisturbed for the fish to lay their eggs and hatch. This does not mean that we have been idle, but have been carrying out work along the riverbank, maintaining the dead hedges, litter picking and this year, improving the woodland path. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the support of the community and statutory bodies the main structural work on the river has been completed. But, the work of our volunteers is not finished because we have used environmentally friendly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;soft engineeringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; techniques to improve the river flow. These structures need regular maintenance if they are to continue to do the job they were designed for. Working parties meet monthly, either in Melbourn or Meldreth. For further details about volunteering or the dates of future working parties please telephone Maureen Brierley on 01763 262752.

Photograph by Richard Symonds

Photograph by Maureen Brierley

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Summer events at Meldreth and Orchard Manor We are organising a busy summer here at Meldreth and Orchard Manor and plans are well underway for what we hope is going to be an exciting year. We start the summer term with ‘The Meldreth and Orchard Manor Summer Fete’. This year the fete is looking at being bigger and better than ever before. It will take place on Saturday 6th June at 12pm with the grand opening at 1pm. We are ‘in talks’ with some local sport stars so you may be surprised who you see there. There are many stalls planned including all the regular stalls. Stay tuned for further information. Any donations to use on the stalls or as a raffle prizes, would be gratefully received, please contact us on 01763 268000 or pop into our reception. This year we are also opening up the fete to outside stalls / stands. If you would like further information please contact Darrell Mancini on the above number or email darrell. mancini@scope.org.uk Next we have the Royston & District Motorcycle Club Bike Show which is being held on Wednesday 17th June. This is a very important fundraising event with RDMCC donating a large amount of funds to us each year. Please support them and come along to see all the different bikes and stalls that will be there. Please join us to share in our successes over the year as well as participating in our fundraising activities. So don’t forget to add the dates to your diaries and look out for future articles in local magazines for further information. You can also check out our Facebook Page ‘Scope Orchard Manor’ where further information will be displayed.

Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums Melbourn Detachment (opposite the Village College) Monday 7pm–9pm 12–18 years (and in year 8) Looking for Fun and Adventure? Want to learn to play a Musical Instrument: Flute, Drum or Bugle? Be part of a Marching Corps of Drums. Telephone 07840899565 email jrshaw@virginmedia.com www.cambsacf.com

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its list of aspirations for Meldreth, when the new train operating company Great Northern took over in September. We don’t know when it’s coming, but now that it has been announced we can at least look forward to it. Thanks to local train travellers for keeping us informed about improvements needed. The next meeting will be 11 March, 7 for 7:30pm, at the Melbourn Hub. All welcome! Susan van de Ven Telephone 261833, susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

Long-term support need ‘Drop-in’ sessions for carers and adults with a long-term support need These popular drop-ins for anyone who is living with a long-term illness or disability or an age-related condition, or providing unpaid support to adult family members or friends are continuing in 2015. The early Spring dates and locations are:

» Bar Hill Community Room, Tesco Extra on 16th March (10.30am to 1.30pm) » Sawston Free Church on 17th March (10.30am to 1.00pm)

There will be a Carers only drop-in at Cambourne Library on 18th March from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Drop-in to any of the events for a cup of tea and a chat about the information, advice and support that may be available, to share your stories and experiences, talk in confidence to a member of the Carers Support Team or Physical Disability Services Team, or to book a carers assessment. For more information: Tel: Gemma Whitehouse on 01480 377616 / Leigh Hornsby on 01480 373220 Email: CarersSupportTeam@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Visit: www.cambridgeshire.net and search “Adult Support Drop-in”

Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor With the New Year arriving we see the tempo of work increasing for the Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor organising committee. Following on from our first themed event last year we are considering a circus theme this year. We hope to have displays of circus skills including fire eating and much more. If you have some circus skills or know of someone who has and wish to participate then please get in contact with us through our website. As in previous years we will have a band of volunteers serving at our barbeque. The meats and vegetarian options we use are sourced locally and are of the highest quality. Our Bar will once again provide a range of interesting beers, wines and not forgetting our acclaimed Pimms and Rum Punch drinks. For the last few years the pavilion teas have been provided by our village Brownies and previous to that one of the pre-school playgroups. This year we are ringing the changes. One of our very talented committee members is going to provide a vintage style tearoom in the pavilion. Fine homemade sandwiches, crumpets and cakes will be served with tea and coffee in bone china teacups, saucers and teapots so that you can enjoy your tea just as you like it. If you have any china crockery (mismatched is fine) you wish to donate to us then we would love to hear from you at stalls@melbournfete.co.uk. Already we are booking up food vendors, attractions and stalls. If you want to have a stall or provide an attraction then please contact us soon. We often have duplicate providers applying to come to the fete and we generally can only have one of them, which is normally on a first come first served basis. Please contact us through our website or at stalls@melbournfete.co.uk. The competitions will once again give a chance for our talented villagers to showcase their skills in all manner of disciplines. If you want to have your baking brilliance, decorating dexterity, photographic prowess, flower-arranging flare or cordial and conserve competence judged then keep an eye on our website where competition details will be published. Remember that the categories have various

age groups so everyone can enter with a chance to win a prize. This year we are offering local companies or individuals an opportunity to sponsor competition categories. At £20 per category this is a great way to get your name in front of the public. If you are interested please contact us through competitions@ melbournfete.co.uk The Music event will be held again. As in previous years it will be a mixture of bands and solo singers. Details are yet to be confirmed but as in previous years there will be an exciting and entertaining line up. The day is only possible because of the support we get from our visitors who buy the food and drink we offer and give us such positive feedback. Also, our gratitude to the Parish Council who always provides us with all that we ask for in terms of facilities. However, without doubt the heroes are the band of volunteers who help set the day up, serve behind the bar, barbeque and tea room. The Committee members really appreciate this and know that without the support of all of these vital people the day could not be a success. More details of the event will follow in the weeks and months ahead. As a reminder the date will be the 20 June. Follow us on facebook or visit our website at www.melbournfete.co.uk

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire Our job is to make sure you have a say when important decisions are made about local health and care services. We are interested in any recent experiences you have of a local health or care services that you are happy to share with us. The big health story in the news this New Year is about pressures on our local hospitals. We know that these are linked to other issues like getting to see a GP when you need to and getting care in place when you are coming home from hospital. We have two new projects that will look at some of these issues from a different viewpoint. In our ‘First Steps to Health’ project we want to find out about the first thing continued on page 17

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Nature The pollinators are coming…

Outside in the garden on sunny days, early-foraging bumbles and honeybees are tempted out by the lure of fragrant, nectar-rich winterflowering shrubs such as wintersweet and winterbox, and protein-rich flowering bulbs like snowdrops and aconites. This co-dependency of plants and animals has evolved countless times the world over, and this month at the Botanic Garden, we are focusing on some of the most intriguing plant + pollinator stories at our Orchid Festival, which opens on 7 February 2015. Orchids are considered amongst the most exotic and alluring of flowers, but their scent and beauty have not evolved to ensure they end up impulse purchases in the supermarket trolley! Petal shape, nectar reward, triggers, traps, scent and glowing colours are just a few of the tricks that orchids employ to attract a vast array of animal pollinators. This cast includes iridescent bees, wasps, moths with super-long tongues, flies and jewel-coloured hummingbirds, all of which will be paying the Garden’s Orchid Festival a visit - in giant, cut-out form! Orchids are found the world over, their diversity the result of co-evolved relationships between plant and pollinator. For example, in South America, huge, shiny male euglossine bees harvest scents from rainforest orchids, store them in large armoured pouches on their hind legs, and then release them to attract female bees. In collecting the scents, the bees dislodge special pollen packets, which are then carried to the next orchid, effecting pollination. This is just one of six amazing pollinator stories featured. We’ll be creating a magnificent display of popular orchid species and hybrids including suspended globes of Oncidium and pedestals of slipper orchids, Paphiopedilum, floating over open water. Throughout the tropical rainforest displays the focus will be on wild orchid species, grouped to show particular floral adaptations from insect mimicry to the stink of rotting flesh, and we’ll be using some new and fun ways to present the ingenious biology of orchids – watch out for the huge Judge Dredd style hummingbirds and giant thynnid wasps…! The Orchid Festival at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden runs until Sunday 22 March 2015. A full programme of accompanying Orchid Festival events, opening times and admission charges is available on the website at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk.

you would do to solve different health issues. Would you work it out yourself, see a pharmacist, call NHS 111 or see your GP? We all solve things in different ways. Knowing what you do can help our local GP Practices and the people who make decisions about local health services plan better care. Please do take part in our survey either on our website or by contacting our office. We also need you to help us develop our local ‘Care Home’ project. We want to use our statutory “Duty to Enter & View” local care homes. This means we have a legal right to visit places that provide public health or care services, to see what kind of care they are providing. We need to recruit volunteers to be ‘Authorised Representatives’. Your role will be to go into local care homes and talk to the people there about the care being provided. This might include talking to residents, their relatives, friends and care home staff. You will get lots of training and support. Do you have any recent experience of a local care home, or do you know someone who has? Please tell us about it. We will use what you tell us to plan which homes we will visit and what to look at. We are also talking to the County Council and the Care Quality Commission, to help us plan where we should visit. Get in touch to find out more or we can come and talk to your group about Healthwatch. Call us on 01480 420628 or visit www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk

Care Network Local mums make the most of the CAB kiosk at Melbourn Hub. The Advicehub kiosk at Melbourn Hub continues to provide on-line advice to the Melbourn community. continued on page 18

Photograph @Cambridge CAB (courtesy of Phillip Mynott Photography)

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The kiosk is provided by Cambridge CAB, who offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice. The kiosk offers answers to common problems on issues including money, benefits, relationships, employment and housing. It also has links to local advice and signposting services such as Care Network’s Community Navigators, who can help older and vulnerable people with information on matters such as services you need or activities you’d like to join in with. The best way to find out more about the kiosk is to go and have a try. It’s straightforward to use, guides you through common issues and questions and takes you to safe, accurate information and advice. If you can’t find an answer to your question on the kiosk, a trained CAB adviser from N Herts CAB is available at the Hub on the first Monday and third Tuesday of the month, from 9.30am – 12.30. If you want to contact the Community Navigator project with a question, or if you are interested in volunteering as a Community Navigator, please contact Enid Instone-Brewer on 01954 212100 or email Enid.I-B@care-network.org.uk For more information contact Lynne McAulay, Care Network Community Development Manager on 01954 211919, email lynne.m@care-network. org.uk or visit www.advicehub.org

A fresh look at your relationships in 2015 There is no better time than the start of a new year to take stock and look for opportunities to make life-enhancing changes. For example, why not consider a spring clean for your relationships in 2015? Sometimes we simply need help with how to make a fresh start and where to begin? The first step is to get a plan together. This may mean clearing out old bad habits and replacing them with new ones that are healthier. It is good to set some small goals to help us manage our relationships and our own emotional health and wellbeing better.

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Do not think too big, however. It is no good setting ourselves up for failure, we need to be realistic about what we can achieve, otherwise things can seem too daunting. Difficult relationships with our partners and family members, along with the expectation that others will make us happy, can cause us to feel dissatisfied with our lives as a whole and can have quite a damaging effect. It is important take time out to assess the health of our relationships and family life. We need to ask ourselves - what is it that makes us feel content as individuals? If we can avoid becoming dependent on others to provide that warm, contented glow that makes life worth living – but look to ourselves to access it – we are heading in the right direction. Along with assessing our relationships, it helps to have awareness of our work/ life balance and where we might need to make adjustments. It is very easy for our working lives to take over and for the boundaries between our work and home lives to become blurred, particularly when working from home. We do not necessarily have to have huge chunks of time for those we care for to feel special, but it is important to make the most of the time that we do have, by creating quality time. It is the small, day-to-day interactions between couples and family members that make a huge difference. Let 2015 be the year where you invest – not only in your physical health - but in your total wellbeing, which includes focusing on your emotional and mental health and putting yourself first. It is the best thing you can do, not only for you, but also for those around you, who will benefit enormously when you are happier, healthier and a pleasure to be with. Should you feel you need some support to work on any of the above issues or would simply like to chat things through with a counsellor at our outpost in Melbourn – please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Relate Cambridge. Relationship support is available in Melbourn from Relate Cambridge The sessions are held in the small meeting room at Melbourn hub on Wednesday each week. Appointment times are: 10:30; 11:45; 13:00. For more information or to book an appointment, telephone 01223 357424 MonThur 8am-10pm, Fri 8 am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm (confidential answerphone at all other times). www.relatecambridge.org.uk

Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration A Melbourn Celebration of an Event which Never Happened yet Continued All Day on 16th June 1904. Everyone will have heard of James Joyce, the celebrated writer, one of the giants of Modern European and World Literature, who died in 1941. Possibly his most famous creation is ‘Ulysses’, with its Everyman hero Leopold Bloom, who lives, loves and carries out his day-to-day activities in Dublin, on 16th June 1904. The novel also commemorates the day on which Joyce met and fell in love with his life partner Nora Barnacle. Our Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration is a selection from the incidents and events which happen to Leopold Bloom, which we create in Melbourn on 16 June through public readings and re-enactments from the text of Ulysses. Each event has been placed in a real life Melbourn setting, echoing the setting described by Joyce, and should prove to be playful, life affirming and community enriching. We invite all interested individuals and groups to participate in this Inaugural Bloomsday Celebration. For more details contact Hugh Pollock, Co-ordinator Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group (01763 260253) hugh.m.pollock@gmail. com Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group are a Not for Profit Group. All proceeds go to the long-established English charity WaterAid (Reg Charity No 288701). Which provides access to clean water in desperately poor communities which do not have clean water.

MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL 30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone: 01763 263303 ext. 3 e-mail: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (the office is closed between 1p–2pm

Minutes of Parish Council Meetings and Planning Committee meetings are available on the village website

Council News www.melbournpc.co.uk

Chairman Bob Tulloch 25 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Telephone 221373

Vice-Chairman Maureen Townsend 32 New Road, SG8 6BY Telephone 260959

Chair-Conservation Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street, SG8 6AL Telephone 261225

Chair-Cemeteries Mike Sherwen 3 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Telephone 260070

Michael Linnette 11 Chapel Lane, SG8 6BN Telephone 262534

Irene Bloomfield 78 Russet Way, SG8 6HF Telephone 222558

Val Barrett 2 Station Road, SG8 6DX Telephone 261227

Christopher Stead 70 Russet Way Telephone 260743

Chair-Highways Jose Hales 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH Telephone 221058

Chair-Planning Kimmi Crosby 20 Norgett’s Lane, SG8 6HS Telephone 261283

John Regan 10 Little Lane, SG8 6BU Telephone 264154

Julie Norman 31 Station Road, SG8 6DX Telephone 263462

Andrew Mulcock 1 The Lawns Close, SG8 6DR Telephone 222940

Tim Baker 18 Rose Lane, SG8 8AD Telephone 262700

County Councillor Susan van de Ven 95 North End, Meldreth, 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk. District Councillors Val Barrett, 2 Station Road, 261227 Jose Hales, 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH, 221058 cllr.hales@josehales.me.uk

From the Parish Clerk – Peter Horley As I am writing this in January, winter seems hardly to have begun and the grit bins, for the second year running, have not been called upon. Of course, by the time you read this it could be so different and the village might have been deluged by weeks of snow! The main preoccupation in the village over the last few months has been the proposed development of 199 houses off New Road and the extensive consultation process which resulted in an emphatic ‘no’ to the proposal, thus giving Melbourn Parish Council the mandate to vigorously oppose the development which, together with a whole army of volunteers, it has done. Success is not guaranteed and the outcome may still not be known by the time of publication. The work on the consultation process and formulating the necessary array of documentation to oppose the proposal has been carried out by the Melbourn Futures Committee whose meetings, like all other committees and the Full Parish Council, are open to the public. The next major project undertaken by the council is the refurbishment of the High Street car park. This should be starting around the time of publication and will, of necessity, cause some disruption but I am sure residents will benefit from the result and it is hoped that the anti-social behaviour, which often plagues the car park late at night, will be eliminated. On the subject of anti-social behaviour, can I urge all residents to report such behaviour every single time using the 101 number unless it is a major incident which requires a 999 call. Such incidents are logged and our overstretched police force will react only if it has sufficient evidence to warrant intervention and investigation. After the May election, Melbourn Parish Council had its full complement of 15 members. Unfortunately, due to the resignation of Councillor Peter Simmonett, there is now a vacancy. I would like to place on public record the debt of gratitude the council owes to Peter Simmonett for all the work done on overseeing, almost singlehandedly, the refurbishment of the pavilion, the protection of the green spaces, now protected in perpetuity from development through Fields-in-Trust, in tackling the issue of drainage, and, in being an early proponent of our magnificent Community Hub. His expertise and dedication to the village will be sorely missed. As a result, Melbourn Parish Council now needs to fill this casual vacancy by co-option. Anyone interested in becoming a councillor should contact me and I’ll be happy to talk to you. Let’s hope it won’t be the same as J.K.Rowling’s book ‘A Casual Vacancy’ about a vehement parish council by-election and feral youths!

Chairman of the Parish Council Three major events are happening in our village. Firstly the Parish Council is carrying out a consultation about the proposed 200 houses. Secondly we are continuing the enhancement of New Road cemetery and finally, preliminary work has started on upgrading the village car park. continued on page 25

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feature

Melbourn & District Photographic Club

Bob Dennis The Backs Cambridge

Paul Ravenscroft Finchingfield reflection in village pond

Anne Truman Ebb-Tide

Jo Norcross Vitruvian women Keith Truman Southwold dawn

Melbourn & District Photographic Club has a diverse membership, a friendly and supportive atmosphere and welcomes new members, whatever their ability. Meetings are held weekly at 7.30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9.30pm on Tuesdays at the Foxton Village Hall from Sept to April. The full program and other useful information about the Club, including a selection of our work, can be found on our website www.melbournphotographic-club.co.uk. Anyone wishing to know more details can e-mail the club Secretary, Peter North, at: melbournphotoclub@ hotmail.com. The front cover Perseverance by Peter North

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Melbourn and Meldreth Lunch Club Lunch Club is held every Thursday at Vicarage Close. The centre is open from 11.30am and lunch is served at 12. We are usually finished by 1pm but everyone is welcome to sit and chat until 1.30pm. It is a very informal gathering that hopes to provide the chance for the older members of our community to have a reasonably priced lunch and socialise with their peers. The club is run by Nikki and Julie, two Melbourn based mums. It is open to anybody that wishes to join us (space permitting). Cost for lunch, desert and a tea or coffee is £5 which is payable on the day. All we ask is that you telephone us on the number below if you are not able to attend. We can provide transport to and from lunch club for those that need it. Diabetic, vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be catered for if you inform us of your needs. Our telephone number is 07599292327 Julie or Nikki will always try to answer your call but will always listen to messages and call back if requested. We look forward to seeing you.

Riding For The Disabled Association Incorporating Driving Iceni Group Riding for the Disabled Walk beside a child or lead a pony We desperately need your help at the South Cambridgeshire Equestrian Centre Barrington On Tuesday’s 9.45–11.45am In term time only Please contact Diana Allan 01638 572044 or Thalia Myers 07850 477550

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Profile Barbara Mackellar Barbara Hutton was born in 1935 in Branspeth, Co.Durham, the eldest of three children. Her father was a mining engineer, a very gifted and musical man whilst her mother was artistic, good at all crafts, needlework etc. Living in part of a large old farmhouse she grew up with a good knowledge of the countryside. Like many of us who lived through the war years she has vivid memories – of food shortages and of the bombing of Tyneside. Her father trained the Home Guard and they would dedicate their shooting practice to the killing of rabbits that found their way into the pot! She attended Durham Girls Grammar School and then Sunderland Art School. There she found herself in the company of high fliers such as the sculptor Fenwick Lawson and soon felt that she was out of her depth amongst such brilliance! In those days there was very little careers advice for girls – you became a teacher or a nurse. One day she saw a poster of white uniformed girls marching in Valetta and on an impulse she signed up to become a WREN, so 1954 found her at Burfield doing her training as a Wren weapons analyst. She worked for 4½ years with pilots of the Fleet Air Arm largely keeping track of the Russians in the North Sea – this was during the Cold War when there was a very real threat. Then came the crisis in Northern Ireland and she was sent there, quite a dangerous posting. The WRENS were not allowed to go out at night unless accompanied by a male colleague. Barbara was doing a Spanish course and Flt Sgt Iain MacKellar was doing a German course so he became her escort. She thought he was quite nice, but she had joined the Navy to see the world, not to get married! Then came the Suez crisis and she was posted to Malta – dream come true, there she was – girl in white uniform walking down the street in Valetta! Barbara’s family were devoutly Christian and so she was in the habit of going to church and became very friendly with the base chaplain. He was an historian and took pleasure in introducing her to the wealth of Maltese history. During her time on the island she and two girl friends would take their leave periods in North Africa working in orphanages, clinics and on farm projects alongside the missionaries. I have omitted to say that throughout her teens her father had insisted on her spending every summer in Lorraine on an exchange organised by the mining communities of Durham and Northern France, so Barbara was fluent in French, the language of most of North Africa. Eventually she began to feel she had spent too much time being involved with killing people and it was time to do something constructive. She contacted the Hackney Hospital in London asking if she could train as a nurse for the North African Mission, but was told that it was midwives that were needed. Leaving the Navy she arrived in the East End of London where life was exactly like the TV show Call the Midwife! She did a two-year midwifery course and taking her final exam on a Wednesday morning, she flew out to Tangier in the afternoon and was on the ward Thursday morning.

Barbara loved everything about that time in Morocco – the food, the people the culture and especially the music. The matron of the hospital was Patricia St John, the author of The Tanglewood Secret and other stories and they became good friends. It was not long before Iain flew out to see her and proposed marriage – he had waited a long time for this and was delighted when she accepted. Matron threw a party for them and they went back to be married in Newcastle. Iain’s parents had gone out to Australia after the war on a £10 ticket so the first thing on the agenda was to pay them a visit. They flew to Australia where, after meeting the extended family, they enrolled in the Queensland Bible College. The six or so years in Australia were very happy ones, Alasdair and then Calum were born and both she and Iain had to do a stint as a curate. Barbara once again immersed herself in the culture and history of the Aborignal people and would have been happy to stay there evermore. But Iain had kept in touch with the North African Mission and so they took a ship through the Suez canal, travelling to Marseille (where Kenneth was born) and three months later they were back in North Africa slipping back into the old routine. In Casablanca the boys went to an International school and Barbara learned Arabic. However, the Bible Society HQ where Iain worked was eventually demolished not to be replaced and he was offered another job in Marseille working with radio and printing Arabic and French translations of the bible. Iain was a great sportsman and the boys had a wonderful time accompanying him to outward bound camps, and so forth – Barbara went along as the camp nurse! This was another happy period. But sadly it was not to last. Iain wanted to take a job in the south of England and having sold up their French house he took Barbara back to her mother’s house and then – just disappeared. By that time Kenneth and Alasdair were married and Calum at Stuttgart University. Mrs. Hutton was 87 and in poor health, so Barbara became her carer and in her spare time studied to become a Lay Reader. When her mother

decided to go into a home and her house was sold, Barbara became homeless! A friend persuaded her to follow up an advertisement for a vacant Storeys Trust house in Melbourn. She travelled down to inspect it, being told she had to make a decision then and there and that is how she came to Melbourn. At first it seemed like a foreign country – she had been more at home in North Africa! She re-did her Lay Readers course at Ely – twice, because there seemed to be no need for her services in Melbourn. But then came the inter-regnum and Barbara was helpful in steering the congregation of All Saints through two difficult years before Andrew O’Brien came. Anyone who has visited Barbara’s garden during Open Gardens will know that it is an absolute picture and whilst the vicarage was unoccupied, Barbara busied herself with keeping the garden under control – her early years in the countryside bearing fruit. One day she was having a moan to Rosemary Gatward about the little garden at 83 High Street, saying how unkempt it was, and guess what? She found herself responsible for it, you may have seen her working there. In her expert hands it has become a really nice place to sit and catch your breath. Barbara’s other passion has always been music. She has a vast collection of folk and ethnic music and her talks at the U3A Music Group are always eagerly anticipated. She especially loves Spanish, Jewish and Arabic music from the 14th century onwards. With her music, her books and her gardening she keeps busy. She is also a dedicated, caring and compassionate woman with a vast experience of life. Mavis Howard

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Proposed housing development By now, everyone in the village will be aware of the proposed development of 199 houses off New Road by Endurance Estates. The company itself has carried out a survey via their communications company Sharpe Communications. This not only covered our village but also included some of the surrounding village with the net result being that any opinions they received from Melbourn would be diluted with those from other villages. To gauge the true feelings of the inhabitants of Melbourn, the Parish Council carried out its own survey. Every household within Melbourn received a simple questionnaire. A total of 1,648 individuals replied and of those who responded 85% were against the development. This gives an unequivocal mandate to the Parish Council to oppose the development. Endurance Estates have been asked to address the Parish Council and also to hold an exhibition in the village to explain their views of the new development. Unfortunately they have declined to do both. Endurance Estates have also applied for outline planning permission. At the time of writing, the Parish Council held its own exhibition showing the plans of the proposed development. This will also set the stand the Parish Council is taking and potential drawbacks of the development. The exhibition took place on the weekend of 24 and 25 January. New Road Cemetery New Road Cemetery is major village asset and the Parish Council is continually improving it. The latest developments involve a pathway to the top of the mound and planting of many more native trees. This will give us a green burial area. Green burials are a growing movement as many people take a more ecological approach to all aspects of existence. Village Car Park Melbourn Parish Council is committed to improving the village car park. A Project Manager and design team has been appointed and it is anticipated that construction work will commence in the spring this year. The Parish Council recognises some of the concerns with the current car park, notably poor lighting and anti-social behaviour. The design will seek to mitigate these issues and also provide a safe route to school for children attending the primary school. The construction contract for the car park will also include the provision of much needed footpath improvements at the rear of the Cross. All construction work will be completed by late summer when residents will be able to enjoy the new improved facilities.

The Exhibition As the Chairman of the Parish Council has noted in his Article elsewhere in this magazine, Melbourn Parish Council exhibited Endurance Estates’ planning application at The Hub on 24 and 25 January. The village turned out in force to have a look at what the developer is proposing. Endurance Estates had refused to hold an exhibition of their plans despite a specific request from the Parish Council to do so. At the Parish Council’s exhibition, residents were able to see

displays of the information EE has given in its summary of the scheme and also to examine the detailed reports submitted on a range of specific issues; for example, the outcome of archaeological investigations; a report on the condition of the trees on the site and the modelling which has been done to show the impact that vehicles from 199 homes would have on traffic flow in the village. This is an outline planning proposal so was short on detail about what would actually be built if EE gets planning permission. So we do not know what mix of homes (How many 1 and 2 bedroom houses? How many ‘Executive Homes?) would be built, except that 40% of them will be required to be affordable housing. We do not know what the buildings would like – because we have not seen specific designs for this site. We have only seen an ‘indicative’ plan of the layout of the site. Everyone who came was asked to send in a letter to the Planning Officer so that he knows the strength of feeling in Melbourn and is no doubt about the things that concern residents most. Visitors also signed a petition – we had 355 signatures over the 2 days. The Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting On 28 January the Parish Council met to formalise its response to the planning application. The agreed recommendation to South Cambridgeshire District Council was refusal, and the report prepared by the Melbourn Futures Committee sets out the grounds for that recommendation. By the time you read this, we expect that report to be available on the Parish Council website or at the Parish Office. What happens next? Endurance Estates’ planning application has to be considered by the SCDC Planning Committee, which will decide whether or not to grant permission. If permission is refused, EE has the right to appeal. At the time of writing, we do not know when the Planning Committee will rule on this application. The Melbourn Futures Committee will continue to keep residents up-to-date with what is happening. Melbourn Futures Committee, Melbourn Parish Council

County Councillor 199 new homes for Melbourn, 509 with Barrington/Foxton: infrastructure required. As your representative at the council responsible for infrastructure, I am looking at the application for 199 homes in Melbourn with concern about the principle of speculative planning applications, which by definition means that there is no appropriate accompanying infrastructure plan. This is because the applications have been made during a glitch in the planning process, while we await an Inspector’s ruling on the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Together with Barrington and Foxton, a total of 509 new homes are proposed for our area, presenting a very significant cumulative impact on the same cluster of local services. We know that early years’ education and doctor’s surgeries could not cope with that extra demand and indications are that potential contributions to grow local schools will fall woefully melbournmagazine

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short of what is required. The County Council is coping with unprecedented cuts and there is no spare cash to draw upon. I’m concerned about increased pressure on traffic conflict points both within the village and along the A10, particularly at junctions and level crossings, and do not feel that plans have been demonstrated to prompt a culture change in transport choices - so the prevailing use of the car would continue. The positive aspects of these applications would be an increase in the supply of affordable housing and new students for Melbourn Village College; however the foundation stage of education needs a properly funded framework, and everyone needs access to a local GP. While Cemex has engaged extensively with Barrington residents, Gladman in Foxton and Endurance Estates in Melbourn have held no public meetings to answer your queries or to explain their plans, and applications are being rushed through. If you are concerned about having missed consultation deadlines and would like me to relay any particular points on your behalf, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are expecting the planning decision to happen in early March.

Oil Club reminder With a few weeks of winter left to come it is worth sending out a reminder about our bulk buying ‘Melbourn Division Oil Club’, set up to help people get the best prices on household heating oil. This is open to anyone who lives in the cluster of villages around Melbourn, and there is no fee or obligation of any kind. There’s an item about it on my website (susanvandeven.com) or you can simply contact our bulk buyer, Jeremy Cole, directly: Jeremy@agricole.co.uk, Tel 01954 719 452, 07860 904 045.

Winter gritting update Details on which roads, footways and cycleways are included on the County Council’s gritting schedule can be seen on the Cambridgeshire County Council website. (If it’s helpful, Philippa Hart and I have included a link to it in our monthly email newsletter, which is always posted on my website, www. susanvandeven.com). The Council’s Highways and Community Infrastructure Committee has worked together to find ways of preventing cuts to the gritting service, in spite of a 59% cut to the committee’s non-ring-fenced budget. ‘Route optimization’ including higher quality and differentiated weather forecasts, and fine-tuned spreading mechanisms, mean that a very large budget saving will be made without compromising the actual service – though next year the job will be even more difficult, as the council faces several more years of severe cut backs. Nevertheless, renewed efforts will be made, I’m sure!

Southwell Court Following the public meeting at Southwell Court in midOctober, when Metropolitan Housing Association claimed that a restriction on a Homes and Communities Agency grant was preventing the sale of the home to another provider as a going concern, Jose Hales, Val Barrett and I have been working with the families of Southwell Court residents and the County Council to ascertain a clearer picture of this snag and also, what opportunities might exist for the future. A Freedom of Information request showed that the HCA grant never existed

in the first place. Through the County Council we have pressed for clarification by Metropolitan on why these erroneous claims were made. Meanwhile we would like to thank the County Council for having set aside extra support to ensure that all affected residents succeeded in finding new care home placements as smoothly as possible – though we understand that this has inevitably been a distressing transition from a close-knit community. Looking to the future, we are supporting the County Council’s exploration of operating a care home on the Southwell Court site. This would be a new venture and much work needs to take place to understand the scope of possibility. Susan van de Ven susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk, Tel 261833

End of World War 2 Commemoration Small Grants Next summer marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In celebration of this important anniversary, Cambridgeshire County Council is pleased to announce a Small Grants Fund to encourage community activity. It is an opportunity for communities and Cambridgeshire residents to come together to remember the wartime effort, celebrate peace, reminisce about the ‘unforgettable forties’ era and capture some of the celebratory mood of the time. Whether it be a community tea dance, the researching and sharing of stories of the time, a lindy hop event, raising morale through music or sport, a ‘make do and mend’ community craft project, creating a ‘Dig For Victory’ garden or giving your fete or festival a forties theme, we would like you to design and deliver activities within your community that motivate and encourage people to get involved. Small grants will be awarded to local groups and organisations to support community activities linked to and inspired by the 70th anniversary, wartime Britain and the 1940’s era. Each grant will be up to a maximum of £500 and additional funding or support in kind will be expected. The grants will be awarded in two rounds. The deadlines for applications for each round are 9th February and 9th March. To request an application form and for details on how to apply for a Small Grant, please email ww2commemoration@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01954 284615. Questions for your Councillor? If you have a question for your District or County Councillor please contact the following: District Cllr Val Barrett Tel 01763 261227 valbarrett2001@yahoo.com District Cllr Jose Hales Tel 01763 221058 jose@josehales.me.uk County Cllr Susan van de Ven Tel 01763 261833 www.susanvandeven.com Cllr van de Ven and Cllr Hales hold a drop-in advice surgery at Melbourn Library Access Point in the Melbourn Hub on the first Monday of the month from 2:30–3:30. If you’d like to make an appointment to meet at any another time or closer to home, please let them know. melbournmagazine

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If you’re a parent or carer of a child from 0-5 years old, just register with us and we’ll keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the local area for under-fives. Once you join one children’s centre, you can attend sessions at any centre in Cambridgeshire, such as our partner centres in Bassingbourn, Cambourne and Caldecote. At Melbourn we hold weekly groups and other activities, so please call in – our office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm – telephone (01763) 223460, email melbournchildrenscentre@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or check our website at www.cambridgeshire.org/cambschildrencentres for more information. For instance, we’ll be holding another of our popular Paediatric First Aid courses from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 26th March, and we’ll shortly be running Home and Garden Safety workshops, Baby Massage classes and parenting courses (advance booking required for all). We look forward to welcoming you to our Centre soon. We are tucked in between the Primary School and Baptist Church on Mortlock Street – look for the white sign!

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The long awaited refurbishment of our Key Stage 1 building got underway last summer holiday and, as with all building projects, encountered a few hiccups along the way. One of the hiccups resulted in wifi being installed throughout the school ahead of schedule. Every cloud… The term started with Buttercup Class commandeering part of the school hall and Poppy Class in one of the mobile classrooms, however half term saw both classes move back in to the ‘middle block.’ What a transformation – bright and airy classrooms and a fabulous music room, with state of the art interactive whiteboards. The children were excited, but even their excitement didn’t quite match that of the teachers! My personal favourite has to be the funky design of the new cloakroom panels. The new computer suite ran a little farther behind schedule, but is now ready and waiting for new computers. Sadly, we do not have the funding to purchase the required hardware. We have several fund raising projects in the pipeline, but anyone out there with £15,000.00 (or part thereof) to spare, please do get in touch. The school budget received from the government allows us allocate only £3,000 per year for all of ICT needs. We find ourselves with a fitted out ICT suite which we are unable to use. Please do contact us if you are aware of any potential donors / sponsors we could approach. Despite the aforementioned ‘hiccups’ we are thrilled with the outcome.

Melbourn

Youth Club Activities Where? Community Sports Pavilion, The Moor, Melbourn When? Tuesdays, 7-9pm Who? For all aged 11-18 What and why? Free activities! Melbourn Youth Club is open every Tuesday evening Contact: Martin Goddard, Youth Worker martin.goddard@groundwork.org.uk www.groundwork.org.uk/cambs @groundworkcandp #MelbournYouthClub

Developing the Arts Music is very much a strength at our school with some year groups learning the recorder and Ukulele in class and a number of children learning instruments with the peripatetic teachers who visit. Our HMI recognised our achievements in music and also in art and encouraged us to develop this aspect of our curriculum even continued on page 31

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feature

Charles Dickens the reluctant hero ‘The author whose name was a household word: the genial humorist who gave us Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Micawber, and a whole gallery of such familiar personages; the writer who has done more than any other to lesson the width and the depth of that gulf of mutual ignorance, and, on one side at least, of un-Christian indifference which prevailed many years ago, is no more.’ The Graphic – Saturday 18 June 1870 Charles Dickens is regarded as one of our greatest literary artists and his books are well-read throughout the world. However, what is less-known is his work as a political journalist, publisher and social reformer. As a journalist, Dickens reported on many Parliamentary debates, for which he travelled around the country covering election campaigns. As an author, apart from his well-known works he also wrote numerous short stories, many of which he put together for his first publication called Sketches by ‘Boz’, Illustrative of Every-day Life and Every-day People. Like his novels, they were a social criticism of the time. The pseudonym ‘Boz’ was taken from a nickname Dickens had given his younger brother. Dickens interest in social reformation was influenced by the hardship suffered by his family during his early childhood. Some of his lesser-known projects included the founding of Urania Cottage rescue home, ‘for the redemption of fallen women of the working class’, to create an ‘reformative environment conducive to education and proficiency in domestic household chores’. He managed the home for ten years, establishing house rules and interviewing prospective residents. Emigration and marriage were central to his agenda for the women on leaving Urania Cottage. In 1852 Charles West, founder of Great Ormond Street children’s hospital and a personal friend of Dickens, asked him if he would help with fundraising for the new hospital.

He took on the task, ‘with heart and soul’ and following numerous public readings of his stories; he helped to secure sufficient funds for an endowment, which put the new Children’s hospital on a sound financial footing. Less known is Dickens’ involvement in improving the safety of the railways. This was instigated by a major disaster at Staplehurst viaduct in Kent, in which 10 people died and almost 50 injured. The incident happened on 9th June 1865 when Dickens was returning from a trip to Paris with his mistress Ellen Ternan and her mother Frances Jarman. They were travelling in the first-class compartment of the South Eastern Railway’s boat train from Folkestone when a ‘terrible accident’ occurred.

“I can never be much nearer parting company with my readers for ever, than I was then” At Staplehurst viaduct, an engineering team were in the process of renovating and repairing the bridge. The viaduct’s baulks (wooden timbers that were placed between the iron girders to hold up the track) were being replaced. As was the practice in those days, maintenance work was carried out between the passing of trains. The safety measures set in place by the railway company included fog detonators, small explosives that would create a loud bang as a train passed over them to warn the train-drivers and those working on the track. These were to be placed along the tracks at 250-yard (230m) intervals up to 1000-yards (915m) from where the engineering works was taking place. A flagman was also positioned at 1000 yards. However, on 9th of June the foreman, Henry Benge, failed to organise the detonators and stationed the flagman ‘not more than 550 yards’ (500m). The foreman also failed to read his train timetable accurately. Boat trains departing from Folkestone were dependent on the arrival time of the Steam Packet (Steam-boat), which itself was determined by the tide. This meant that each day, the boat arrived at different times.

The Staplehurst railway accident The Illustrated London News 17th June 1865

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more. And we have, as anyone who came to our wonderfully joyous Christmas Concert will have witnessed with our year 5 and 6 children playing Christmas favourites on our new set of steel pans. The new 2014 curriculum has been introduced and is becoming embedded into our everyday teaching and learning. Even with the demands of the more rigorous new curriculum we still have time to add in a few ‘extras’ which helps us deliver our aim: to make learning irresistible.

Children in Need ‘Crazy hair’ was in evidence in Melbourn on 14th November and the theme for this year’s children in need was #BeaHairHero. Everywhere you looked you could see children with different coloured hair, peculiar plaits and crazy crimping. The use of hairspray, gel and hair ties was very inventive. Lots of classes were involved in Pudsey related activities and at the end of the day we held a special Children In Need assembly and raised the roof singing the official Children In Need song, ‘Wake Me Up.’ Pudsey himself arrived to thank the child for their fundraising efforts - £140- and wave them ‘bye- bye’ at the end of a fun filled day.

Foundation Scarecrow Day ‘I love Scarecrow day!’ ‘Can it be Scarecrow day every day?’ ‘This is the BEST DAY ever!’ Just three quotes from some very satisfied Foundation Stage children on Scarecrow day! EVERYONE arrived at school dressed in their scarecrow costumes. The floor was covered with straw by 9.00am and faces painted by break time. A Foundation Stage sing along was organised on the field when the children and teachers sang ‘Dingle, Dangle Scarecrow’ and played stuck in the field (or mud, as it is more commonly known). We made straw paintbrushes and painted pictures of scarecrows. Outside, we used spare clothes to make a Reception scarecrow and named her Daisy.

Year 1 & 2 Trip Hedingham Castle At the start of term, with the sun shining bright, Year 1 and 2 visited Hedingham Castle. The children had a talk from ‘Master Graham’ who told the children some very interesting facts about the castle. The children were able to dress up in costumes from the time and explore the castle, being careful when ascending and descending the steep spiral staircase! Outside in the forest the children took part in role play to re-enact what it might have been like at the time of a battle and built sculptures using the natural objects they found in the wood.

Year 3 & 4 Marvellous Melbourlamium Parents Workshop In November we held our Parents workshop, based on our topic of ‘Marvellous Melbourlamium’. Parents and their children were set the task of making Roman shields. ‘Much fun was had by all’ and it was great to see some Dads joining us. We had some amazing results.

Year 5 & 6 By the left…Quick march! The year 5 and 6 children got a taste of what life was like during World War 2. They learned how to parade, line up, follow orders and of course…Quick March! They experienced how frugal families needed to be to make meagre rations last a whole week. On a lighter note, they learned how to Lindy Hop. Next year…Strictly? Volunteers! We desperately want to recruit an army of helpers who can help support the children with their reading. We need you! The research is clear: 15 minutes spent each day reading to an adult, impacts positively on a child’s attainment. Studies have consistently shown that children who are exposed to reading at a young age are more likely to become good readers themselves and are generally more successful academically. There are many advantages to reading aloud, no matter the age and stage of a child. If a teacher spends 15 minutes reading with a child in class, they could hear 20 children in the course of the school day and nothing else! We know your time is precious, but so are the life chances of the young people in our community. Please help us to help the children to achieve their very best. If you are willing and able to offer any time and would like to learn more, please contact the school office for an informal chat. Either telephone 01763 223457 or email office@ melbourn.cambs.sch.uk. Our school website is up and running and is regularly updated with photographs and information on what the children are up to- please have a browse! melbournmagazine

Home cooked food using only the best local ingredients. Individual care and support for each and every child and their families. Large, fun outdoor playgrounds and fields for the children to explore, to run, skip and jump.

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Melbourn Village College Raising the Ceiling December saw the first release of national KS4 data. This is the first chance for schools to be able to compare their performance with the national picture. We were therefore delighted to have it confirmed that students at MVC had, once again, made outstanding progress. The progress made by MVC students in all EBacc subjects was above that made by students nationally. For the second year running, the progress made by students in maths was in the top 10% of schools in the country. Science was in the top 15% with English and Humanities both in the top 25%. Overall, the progress made by our students placed MVC in the top 10% of schools nationally. These are outstanding figures, and the ongoing success of the college is a testament to the hard work of students and the undoubted commitment of all staff. S Holmes, Principal

Chain Reaction Students from Melbourn Village College started a chain reaction around the Cambridge Guildhall in the name of science and technology. The members of the college’s @STEMClubMVC (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) were competing in the annual Chain Reaction competition – and this year it was Melbourn’s creation that the Mayor of Cambridge used to start the ball rolling. The pupils had spent weeks discussing and building their part of the machine, deciding whether Newton’s Cradle or a swinging ball would be the best start, whether to incorporate a marble run and whether squash balls would stay on their runners long enough to counter-balance the bung balanced on the see-saw. It all came together in time for the big day where each school’s link in the chain is set off by the previous one and each offering is judged. Although the judges were impressed by the Melbourn build, it didn’t win. Nobody minded too much as they had all enjoyed building it – and it marked a successful farewell for Science Technician Mandy Curtis, who has run the weekly club for the past four years.

She has now moved on to the Cambridge Science Centre, a link which came about through her involvement with STEM club at Melbourn. ‘Over the last few years, we have taken part in several competitions, attended the Big Bang fair at Duxford, carried out investigations into the effectiveness of hand washes, the effect of different fizzy drinks on mentos and used chocolate to measure the speed of light, and much more!’ she said. ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I think the students have, too. ‘It is with very mixed emotions that I have left MVC to work more days at the Science Centre, but I will always look back on my time at MVC, and especially STEM club, with great fondness.’

Charity Roundup Students at Melbourn Village College have undertaken three successful charity projects this term. Students’ hard work, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, saw more than 150 poppies adorn the Book of Remembrance table and lectern in Melbourn church to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I.

Some students spent the day with the RBL creating poppies while others were made in Art, Citizenship and RPE lessons. The poppies, painted, paper and knitted, were combined with those made by the RBL to create a miniature version of the Tower of London art. They were displayed in the church from Friday until Thursday. Marta Gunner, the teacher in charge of the charity projects, said: ‘There was a lovely community feel to this project with those students involved working with the Royal British Legion ladies. ‘And with the help of Miss Heeks in the Art Department, I feel the students really understood what we were commemorating.’ Melbourn students also delivered 34 shoeboxes packed with Christmas cheer for families and older people to the charity Link To Hope. They will be shipped to Romania, Moldova, Albania and Ukraine where the charity is committed to rebuilding lives and communities among some of the poorest people in Europe, many of whom have no electricity or running water and who have to choose between heating and food with nothing left to celebrate Christmas. This was Melbourn’s first year working with the charity and Ms Gunner was delighted with the contribution. melbournmagazine

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On the 9th June, Benge carelessly consulted the timetable for the 10th June, which put the train arrival two hours later than the 9th and subsequently, his team had started to remove two tracks leaving a wide gap of 21 feet. The result was that when the boat train arrived at the viaduct the driver saw the flag too late and was unable to stop the 14-carriage train in time. The train consisted of the engine and tender, a guard’s van, one 2nd-class carriage, seven 1st-Class carriages, two 2nd-Class carriages and three vans. The speed, at which the train reached the viaduct, carried the engine, tender, guard’s van and the first 2nd-class carriage across the breach. The next carriage, the first 1st-class (still coupled to the one in front) went over the side and was left hanging off the bridge at a steep angle. It was also the carriage that carried Dickens, Ellen Ternan and Frances Jarman. The remaining 1st-class and 2nd-class carriages tumbled off the bridge into the muddy river below, leaving only the remaining vans on the tracks. Dickens and Frances Jarman were uninjured, Ellen Ternan suffered some minor injuries – but other passengers were not so lucky. After helping the two ladies leave the carriage, he went on to assist his fellow passengers and for three hours he did what he could to help the injured. Dickens later described what he had seen in a letter to an old school friend.

My dear Mitton, I should have written to you yesterday or the day before, if I had been quite up to writing. I am a little shaken, not by the beating and dragging of the carriage in which I was, but by the hard work afterwards in getting out the dying and dead, which was most horrible. I was in the only carriage that did not go over into the stream. It was caught upon the turn by some of the ruin of the bridge, and hung suspended and balanced in an apparently impossible manner. Two ladies were my fellow passengers; an old one, and a young one. This is exactly what passed:- you may judge from it the precise length of the suspense. Suddenly we were off the rail and beating the ground as the car of a half emptied balloon might. The old lady cried out “My God!” and the young one screamed. I caught hold of them both (the old lady sat opposite, and the young one on my left) and said: “We can’t help ourselves, but we can be quiet and composed. Pray don’t cry out.” The old lady immediately answered, “Thank you. Rely upon me. Upon my soul, I will be quiet.” The young lady said in a frantic way, Let us join hands and die friends.” We were then all tilted down together in a corner of the carriage, and stopped. I said to them thereupon: “You may be sure nothing worse can happen. Our danger must be over. Will you remain here without stirring, while I get out of the window?” They both answered quite collectedly, “Yes,” and I got out without the least notion of what had happened. Fortunately, I got out with great caution and stood upon the step. Looking down, I saw the bridge gone and nothing below me but the line of the rail. Some people in the two other compartments were madly trying to plunge out of the window, and had no idea there was an open swampy field 15 feet down below them and nothing else! The two guards (one with his face cut) were running up and down on the down side of the bridge (which was not torn up) quite wildly. I called out to them “Look at me. Do stop an

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instant and look at me, and tell me whether you don’t know me.” One of them answered, “We know you very well, Mr Dickens.” “Then,” I said, “my good fellow for God’s sake give me your key, and send one of those labourers here, and I’ll empty this carriage.” We did it quite safely, by means of a plank or two and when it was done I saw all the rest of the train except the two baggage cars down in the stream. I got into the carriage again for my brandy flask, took off my travelling hat for a basin, climbed down the brickwork, and filled my hat with water. Suddenly I came upon a staggering man covered with blood (I think he must have been flung clean out of his carriage) with such a frightful cut across the skull that I couldn’t bear to look at him. I poured some water over his face, and gave him some to drink, and gave him some brandy, and laid him down on the grass, and he said, “I am gone”, and died afterwards. Then I stumbled over a lady lying on her back against a little pollard tree, with the blood streaming over her face (which was lead colour) in a number of distinct little streams from the head. I asked her if she could swallow a little brandy, and she just nodded, and I gave her some and left her for somebody else. The next time I passed her, she was dead. Then a man examined at the Inquest yesterday (who evidently had not the least remembrance of what really passed) came running up to me and implored me to help him find his wife, who was afterwards found dead. No imagination can conceive the ruin of the carriages, or the extraordinary weights under which the people were lying, or the complications into which they were twisted up among iron and wood, and mud and water. I don’t want to be examined at the Inquests and I don’t want to write about it. It could do no good either way, and I could only seem to speak about myself, which, of course, I would rather not do. I am keeping very quiet here. I have a – I don’t know what to call it – constitutional (I suppose) presence of mind, and was not in the least flustered at the time. I instantly remembered that I had the MS of a Novel with me, and clambered back into the carriage for it. But in writing these scanty words of recollection, I feel the shake and am obliged to stop. Ever faithfully, Charles Dickens Before leaving the scene of the accident, Dickens remembered his unfinished manuscript for Our Mutual Friend, and returned to his carriage to retrieve it. This was his last completed novel and in the postscript for this book he wrote:

On Friday the Ninth of June in the present year, Mr. and Mrs. Boffin (in their manuscript dress of receiving Mr. and Mrs. Lammle at breakfast) were on the South Eastern Railway with me, in a terribly destructive accident. When I had done what I could to help others, I climbed back into my carriage-nearly turned over a viaduct, and caught aslant upon the turn-to extricate the worthy couple. They were much soiled, but otherwise unhurt. The same happy result attended Miss Bella Wilfer on her wedding day, and Mr. Riderhood inspecting Bradley Headstone’s red neckerchief as he lay asleep. I remember with devout thankfulness that I can never be much nearer parting company with my readers forever, than I was then, until there shall be written against my life, the two words with which I have this day closed this book:- THE END. continued on page 42

Village information IMPORTANT NUMBERS Orchard Surgery Appointments & Dispensary

EDUCATION

260220

For repeat prescriptions send email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

Royston Family History Society Pam Wright

Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford

01223 245151 01763 238020

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES Camdoc 01223 464242 NHS Direct 0845 4647 (queries 24hrs) Non Emergency Phone number 101 Minicom helpline for the deaf and hard of hearing, anywhere in the force area: 01480 422493. RNID typetalk is a national telephone relay service which enables, deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and speech impaired people to communicate, to access the service dial: 0800 515152 EMERGENCY 999

221398

Royston Lions Janet Daniels

260009

RSPB Doug Radford

208978

261231

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Doreen Johnston

220197

Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox

223457

St George’s Allotments Assoc. Bruce Huett

U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman George Howard

260686

Library LAP Jane Stevens

johnjane.stevens@tiscali.co.uk

Little Hands Nursery School

260964 01223 503972

Notre Ecole Janet Whitton

Hon Sec Hilary Docwra

222486

Mem Sec Chris Davison

264189

Village College Principal Simon Holmes

Age UK Cambridgeshire

01223 221921

Blood Donors

0300 123 23 23

Chiropodist Dentist District Nurses (Primary Care Trust)

Osteopath Kath Harry

Crimestoppers Freephone

St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak

Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0845 070 0707 Dial-A-Ride

01223 506335

CAB Royston

08456 889897

Childline

0800 1111

Samaritans

Transport British Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus

Editorial Advertising

Ann Dekkers Jan Simmonett

261144 220363

260103

All Saints’ Church Rev Andrew O’Brien Melbourn Vicarage

260295

263260

261569

262034

Churchwardens Roger Mellor

220463 260127

Mike Galley Community Hall booking Sandie Springall

223320

hallbookings@live.co.uk

Child & Family Nurses

262861

Car Scheme

245228 261716 220507

LOCAL CLUBS Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron

249156

Tony Kelly Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m.

Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke Secretary Guy Manners

261650 01223 872298

United Reformed Church Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie 260747 Secretary Peter and Eirwen Karner

262346

Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk

246458

SPORT Badminton Steve Jackson

248774

Bellringers Barbara Mitchell

261518

Bowls Elaine Cooke

221571

Bridge Club Howard Waller

261693

Croquet Janet Pope

1st Melbourn Rainbows

Abigail Roberts

261505

Jazzercise Sarah Howard

Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford

220272

Judo Derek Coult

Brownies 2nd Melbourn Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl) 261400 CATalyst

0774 953 0112

Dramatic Society Kathy Wholley

223805

email: k_wholley@hotmail.com Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Stuart Morris

208634

Gardening Helen Powell

245887

Guides 1st Melbourn Hilary Marsh

261443

MADS (Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society) 232622

Melbourn History Group Ann Dekkers

261144

Melbourn Mushroom Club John Holden email: frog.end@virgin.net Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie

Melbourn Magazine Committee

07599292327

Curate Mary Price

262262

Donna Sleight 08457 484950 08706 082608

Nikki & Julie Women’s Group Pat Smith

S Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road

08457 909090 08457 145 145 0800 111 999 08007 838838

Thursday Luncheon Club at Vicarage Close

01223 846122

Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217

Cambs Registered Trader Sceme 01223 221921

brucehuett@compuserve.com

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Home-Start

Neighbourhood Watch 260959 Maureen Townsend maureentownsend1@aol.com

223400

HEALTH

Melbourn Practical Solutions Group w w w. m e l b o u r n c a m b r i d g e . c o . u k / problemsolving – Telephone 01763 261833 0800 555111

frierly@ntlworld.com Royston and District Round Table

Out of school times

Hospitals Addenbrooke’s Royston

Services Anglian Water Gas emergency Electricity South Cambs District

07842 151512

01223 207307

248342 07703 422394 225004

Melbourn and District Tennis Club 07508 995781

David Liddiard Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker Blake Carrington Chairman

07770533249 07730488743

Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne

261703

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack

263313

Meldreth Tennis Club Sue Davies

220174

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley

244593

Squash Club Nick Sugden

261064

WARDEN & SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEMES Dial-A-Ride

01223 506335

Mobile Warden Scheme

Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts

268428

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay

260649

Warden – Margo Wherrell

260072

Deputy – Jeannie Seers

262651

John Impey Way Jeanette Holland

269596

National Trust Colin Limming

260966

Distribution

Eric Johnston

220197

New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs

243224

Information

Anne Lambert

261480

Photographic Club Bruce Huett

232855

Moorlands Denise Taylor

260564

Parish Profile

Mavis Howard

260686

Ramblers Dave Allard

242677

Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan

263389

Production

Peter Simmonett

220363

Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy

220841

Proof reading

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes

245958

Vicarage Close, John Impey Way & Elin Way

260072

Royston and District Local History Society 242677

Every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday

Colin Limming Village Diary

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

David Allard

Lead Sheltered Housing Officer - Monday to Friday 9–1.30 Eileen Allan

Mobile 07876 791419 / 245402

melbournmagazine

DIARY MARCH

Sunday 1

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Holy Communion URC 11am Baptist Communion 6pm Monday 2

Melbourn Bridge Club meet every Monday Vicarage Close contact Howard Waller 261693 Tuesday 3

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Wednesday 4

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) / Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 5

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft and Chat URC 2pm-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Soc. Town Hall Royston 8pm Friday 6

Coffee at URC 10.30am Quiz Night Melbourn Primary School contact school office Melbourn Bowls Club Whist Drive 7pm

Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Family Service All Saints 11am URC Mothering Sunday Service 11am

Tuesday 31

Melbourn & District Photographic Club AGM Foxton Village Hall 7pm

Monday 16

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm Tuesday 17

Toddler Plus 9.30–11.30am (TT) Wednesday 18

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) / Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 19

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Coffee & Chat URC 2-4pm A10 Cycling Corridor Meeting Barrington Village Hall 7pm Friday 20

Coffee URC 10.30am Melbourn Bowls Club Whist Drive 7pm Saturday 21

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Thriplow Daffodil Weekend Sunday 22

APRIL Wednesday 1

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Thursday 2

Maundy Thursday Communion Service 7.30pm All Saints Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston TH 8pm Friday 3 Good Friday

Good Friday Service 12-3pm All Saints URC Good Friday Service followed by Hot Cross buns 10am Easter Reflection Baptist Church 1-4pm Saturday 4

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Holy Saturday Service of Light All Saints 7.30pm Sunday 5 Easter Day

Saturday 7

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Thriplow Daffodil Weekend

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Monday 23

Sunday 8

Meldreth Local History Group Elin Way Meldreth 10am

Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Easter Day Holy Communion URC 11.00am Easter Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am Communion Service Baptist Church 6pm

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Service URC 11am

Tuesday 24

Wednesday 8

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Women’s Group Meldreth 7.45pm

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Wednesday 25

Thursday 9

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Friday 10

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) / Coffee Break 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm Reflective Service URC 7pm Rail Users Group The Hub 7pm

Thursday 26

Saturday 11

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Friday 27

Thursday 12

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

End of term Coffee URC 10.30am Melbourn Bowls Club Quiz Night Whaddon Village Hall7pm

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am

Friday 13

Saturday 28

Coffee at URC 10.30am 13 March SOAS Quiz Evening ASCH 7.30pm contact Colin Limming 260072

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Bible Soc. Bric-a-brac & plant stall Evening of Live Music ASCH 6.30pm contact Mavis 260686

Tuesday 10

Toddler Plus 9.30–11.30am Baptist Church (TT) Mothers’ Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7pm Wednesday 11

Saturday 14

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf Sing-a-Long Mamma Mia! - See page 65 Sunday 15

Holy Communion All Saints 8am

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Sunday 12

Tuesday 14

New term begins Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30 (TT) Mother’s Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7.30pm Wednesday 15

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) – Coffee Break 10.30am

Sunday 29

Thursday 16

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Palm Sunday Service URC 11am Palm Sunday Walk with Noah Meldreth Village Hall 9am

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly Coffee Mornings Melbourn Bowls Club weekly 10.30am

Friday 17

Melbourn Bowls Club Open Day 2.30pm

Wednesday 20

Coffee URC 10.30am

Tuesday 5

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am / Coffee Break 10.30am

Saturday 18

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30 (TT)

Thursday 21

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf Melbourn Singers with Cambridgeshire Choral Society concert, West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge - 7.30pm Sunday 19

Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Family Service 11.00am URC Service 11.00am Baptist Communion Service 10.30am Monday 20

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm Tuesday 21

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30 (TT) Wednesday 22

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) / Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 23

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

Wednesday 6

Craft Club 9.30am / Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 7

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm Friday 22

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 23

Melbourn Bowls Club Coffee Mornings weekly 10.30am

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

Sunday 24

Royston & District Local History Society Town Hall

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am

Royston 8pm Friday 8

Monday 25

Coffee URC 10.30am

Half Term

MADS Interactive Murder Mystery

Tuesday 26

contact 07513457845 (see article)

Women’s Group Summer Supper Meldreth 7.45pm

Saturday 9

Wednesday 27

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am MADS Interactive Murder Mystery contact 07513457845 (see article)

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Thursday 28

Friday 24

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly

Coffee at URC 10.30am

URC Service 11am

Friday 29

Saturday 25

Tuesday 12

Coffee URC 10.30am

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The New Melbourn Singers Concert – See page 65

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Saturday 30

Mothers’ Union contact Pauline Hay260649

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 26

Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7.30pm

Sunday 31

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am

Wednesday 13

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am

Tuesday 28

Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30 (TT) Women’s Group Melbourn 7.45pm

Reflective Service URC 7pm

Wednesday 29

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) / Coffee Break 10.30am Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

Thursday 30

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly

MAY

Sunday 10

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am / Coffee Break 10.30am

Thursday 14

Friday 15

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 16

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Christian Aid Stall and Bookshelf Melbourn Bowls Club President’s Match 2.30pm

Friday 1

Sunday 17

Coffee URC 10.30am

Holy Communion All Saints 8am

Saturday 2

Family Service All Saints 11am

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 3

Holy Communion All Saints 8am URC Communion Service 11am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Communion Service Baptist Church 6pm

t for the nex te a d g in s The clo 2015 17th April y a d ri F is issue ar in June, e p p a l il w which ly and in June, Ju ts n e v e g listin 5. August 201

URC Service 11am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Monday 18

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm Tuesday 19

Toddlers Plus 9.30-11.30am (TT)

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 Editor, at 110 High Street, Melbourn, marking them ‘MELBOURN MAGAZINE’ or you can email them to melbournmagazine@gmail.com

for

Volunteers

Melbourn Magazine is delivered free to every household in the village by volunteers. If you would like to help please contact Ann Dekkers on 261144

Village information continued Orchard Surgery & Dispensary Melbourn Health Visiting Team Monday to Friday 8:30 – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm Phone 01763 260220 Telephone requests are not accepted

• •

For repeat prescriptions you can: Fax 01763 262968 or email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

Drop in clinics for parents and babies are held as follows: Melbourn clinic every Wednesday between 9.30am and 11.00am at: 35 Orchard Road, Melbourn. Telephone 01763 262861

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.

Green bin collections during the winter Through the winter months of December, January and February only, the green bins will be moving to a monthly collection. From March to November the green bins will continue to be collected fortnightly.

BIN COLLECTION MELBOURN 6 March 13 March

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

20 March 27 March

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

4 April 11 April

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

17 April 24 April

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

1 May 9 May

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

15 May 22 May

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

30 May 5 June

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

12 June 19 June

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

26 June

Black Bin

Saturday Collection

For more information and collections of large household items Telephone 03450 450 063 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

A drop in advisory session is held at Vicarage Close Community Room, the 4th Thursday every month from 2pm to 4pm

See the website for more information www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk Battery exchange and retubing. We do not do hearing tests

Saturday Collection

For an update on collections visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/content/friday

8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. CB1 3NH Office Mon-Fri 9.00am-12.30pm. Telephone 01223 416 141 answerphone out of these hours enquiries@cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk

Cam Sight’s Rural Support Group meet in Melbourn to provide help, friendship and ongoing support to local people with sight loss. The group enjoys speakers, music, information, advice and a chance to try out low vision equipment. They meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 2 – 4pm at Vicarage Close. For further information please call 01223 420033 or info@camsight.org.uk

with their first night’s sleep constantly interrupted by a building alarm going off regularly throughout the night, but spirits were still high. After a rainy start on Saturday, Sunday’s weather was much nicer and the students were pleased to start the second day of hiking if only to warm up. They were very relieved to limp (in some cases) up to the finishing point on Sunday, and they showed real strength of character to keep going all weekend under challenging conditions, which included cold rain, lack of sleep and some minor injuries. Amelie Bowers, one of the DofE co-ordinators at Melbourn said ‘They should definitely be feeling proud of their accomplishment, and should be congratulated too on their exemplary behaviour and attitude through the weekend. They are a real credit to Melbourn Village College and the Trust.

Film Makers ‘We’ll be aiming for more next year but this was a good start,’ she said. ‘We would like to thank Country Gardens and the businesses within it who helped advertise and collect boxes for us as well as everybody who donated a box. Lastly, Staff, students and members of the community were invited to knit or crochet tiny hats to benefit Age UK. Melbourn has again signed up to the Innocent Big Knit and are looking to beat last year’s total of 250 hats made by student knitters, their families and friends. In the spring donated hats are put on bottles of Innocent Smoothie drinks and for each one sold, the company donate 25 pence to Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign, helping older people during the cold winter months.

Duke of Edinburgh Award A dozen students from Melbourn Village College completed their Bronze Assessed Expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh bronze awards earlier this term. The Year 11 participants were the latest contingent from the college to benefit from Melbourn being part of the Comberton Academy Trust as they joined more than 150 Comberton Village College students on the expedition to the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire. The students were all bleary-eyed before they even started

The finishing touches are being made to two new films for Melbourn Village College. A short insight into life at college should be available to view on the website www.mvc.org.uk shortly while an extended version to show to parents, pupils and prospective pupils and on the screens around the school will be up and running in the new year. Both films are being made by two former Melbourn students, Rachel Clarkstone and Tom Norris, and together with Jack Joy from Harlow, set up As A Button Productions in Shrepreth two years ago. It is their first venture into educational film-making although they have worked on projects such as the UK Festival Awards – which involved filming at both the Leeds and Latitude festivals – and for major company, Greenwich Leisure among others. Tom, now 24, said: ‘For me the strangest thing has been going back and calling teachers who taught me by their first names. Being allowed in the staff room was weird too. ‘But it’s also been really good filming in a school for the first time. The buildings are easy to make look good and the lessons we have filmed have been interesting and interactive. ‘We like doing different films and we’ve enjoyed being at Melbourn. We’d definitely like to do more films in schools.’ Jack, 22, who attended Cambridge Regional College, added: ‘It’s not that long since we’ve been at school so we haven’t forgotten what it’s like and can still relate to the pupils, especially Rachel and Tom as they were at Melbourn.’ The trio are hoping their film will lead to further work at the other academies in the Comberton Academy Trust, of which Melbourn is a member, as well as other schools in the area.

Leadership Academy The new cohort of sports leaders started their year with a conference at Comberton Village College with over 60 other sports leaders from other schools. There was an introductory meeting followed by practical sessions in netball, hockey, rugby and football in order to be able to officiate in upcoming festivals. The sports leaders have had opportunities to help the PE staff in lunchtime clubs and after school fixtures. They have also helped run Melbourn Primary school clubs and the South Cambridgeshire’s Sports Partnership tag rugby festival. melbournmagazine

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College and The Voyage Academy make up the schools in the Trust. The new-model ford Transit minibus replaces the 1997 vehicle which was traded in for £1500! Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes said ‘It’s fantastic to have this new minibus which will not only benefit our students, but the pupils from our feeder primaries and local community groups as well.

ACT Noyes Fludde The animals go in Deux par Deux

We have also run after school competitions here at Melbourn Village College for high 5 A-teams and indoor 5-Aside football competition. The netball B team competition had to be abandoned due to poor weather conditions. The Leadership Academy will continue to help run, organise, and officiate in many other events next term. They have made an excellent start to the year and have logged many volunteering hours on the online passport. One student, Alderney Smith applied to be a young ambassador and will represent the school at the county conference at the end of term.

As part of the international ACT project students from Melbourn Village College and three of its feeder primary schools are gearing up to take part once again in a Benjamin Britten opera Cambridgeshire after the production’s successful peformances at two prestigious venues in Picardie, France. Following auditions in the autumn, the English cast have rehearsed intensely and have taken part in workshops with both the director, Amy Lane, and lighting designer Tine Beck from the University of the Creative Arts.

Mathematics Masterclasses at the University of Cambridge Over the course of this term Melbourn Village College has had an unprecedented number of our Gifted and Talented students in Year 8 attend Saturday morning lectures run by the Royal Institute in Cambridge. Topics have ranged from chaos theory, origami and the mathematics of music. These sessions enrich students understanding and appreciation of the wider applications of the subject and I hope will stimulate them to want to study maths at a higher level.

New minibus for Melbourn Village College The whole community is set to benefit from Melbourn Village College’s new top-of-the-range minibus. The 64-plate Ford Transit, with full Melbourn livery, was recently delivered to the college as part of a two-year lease deal secured through its membership of the Comberton Academy Trust. A similar bus has also been secured for the new secondary school at Cambourne which, along with Comberton Village

The children also helped make the animal headdresses and worked with artist Lucy Griffiths from ACT partner, the Royal Opera House Education team , to help realise the designs. This is the largest and most ambitious partnership opera production in the history of the school, for very many of our students it is their first experience of opera Thirty-two Melbourn Village College students, aged 11–15, plus 17 10-and-11 year olds from Foxton, Hauxton and Harston & Newton Primary Schools joined a cast of French children who all teamed up with professional musicians from the Orchestre de Picardie under the musical direction of internationally renowned conductor Arie van Beek, to perform Noye’s Fludde

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Dickens received praise for his actions and from the railway company a ‘Resolution of Thanks’. However, he managed to avoid an appearance at the inquest to avoid disclosing that he had been travelling with the two ladies, which would have caused a scandal. The accident had a profound effect on his health. He found it difficult to write as it made him ‘turn faint and sick’. Many of the notes and letters immediately after the accident were written by his sister-in-law Georgina. It was three weeks, before he found he could write just a few notes and for this he ‘rejoiced that he had got his voice back’. He refused to travel by ‘express’ train, and always opted for the slow trains, but even these journeys would give him ‘sudden vague rushes of terror’. Following the accident Dickens took an active interest in the promotion of railway safety, particularly the improvement of signalling. In a letter a month after the accident to the novelist and politician Edward Bulwer Lytton, he stated that the railways of Britain had developed an ‘enormous no-system,’ which had ‘grown up without guidance … Its abuses are so represented in Parliament by Directors, Contractors, Scrip Jobbers, and so forth, that no Ministers dare to touch it. Indeed, because of this lack of responsibility amongst railway officials and their presence in parliament, those to blame for such accidents were protected.’ Dickens later used his experience as material for a short ghost story, ‘The Signal-Man’, in which the central character has a premonition of his own death in a rail crash. The story is based on several rail accidents, including an incident at Clayton Tunnel near Brighton in 1861, in which two trains collided inside the tunnel, killing 23 and injuring 176 passengers. What affect his activities had on the safety on the railways is not clear. However, it wasn’t long after the Staplehurst accident that the government took steps to improve safety. Although it wasn’t Dickens voice alone that forced through these changes, he certainly helped to raise the profile of the many issues the railway faced amongst the public. Dickens never recovered from the shock of the accident and on 8th June 1870, he suffered a stroke at his home whilst working on his novel ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’. He never regained consciousness, and the following day, 9th June, five years to the day after the Staplehurst train crash, Dickens died. Postscript: Henry Benge the foreman, 33 years old and married with three children, was found guilty of manslaughter at the Kent Assizes. He was sentenced to nine months hard labour. The judge told him he would have received more ‘had he not been honest, sober, hard-working and given more responsibility than he could handle’. The locomotive driver lost his job as it was felt that although the warning flag was in the wrong position he should have been able to stop the train in time. Peter Simmonett References: Letter sent by Charles Dickens to his old school friend Thomas Mitton on 13th June 1865; Report submitted to the Board of Trade (Railway) Department in Whitehall, 22nd June 1865; Inquest report on the Staplehurst Railway Accident from the Kentish Gazette Tuesday 1st August 1865.

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hit that they have stayed put – with Mrs Bloomfield now taking over their care as well. Country Gardens initially lent them to the college and later sold them at trade prices, the first act in a burgeoning partnership which also saw Melbourn students invited to participate at the Shepreth centre’s Christmas launch. Family and friends were also able to drop off Link to Hope shoeboxes there. Future projects with the centre are planned, including working closely with a student gardening club and work experience for Year 10 students.

directed by Amy Lane, from the Royal Opera House in the Cirque Jules Verne in Amiens and the Theatre Impériale in Compiegne to packed audiences. The opera, based on the biblical story of Noah, the ark and the flood, saw six soloists from Melbourn taking roles as Noah’s sons and wives. These were Tom Carrington, Cameron King, Jenny Elliott, Izzy Koyander, Sophie Jelley and Joe Randall. The rest of the students were in the chorus. Mr and Mrs Noah were played by professional opera singers Geoffrey Moses and Anne Mason, with the voice of God by actor Leslie Clack. There was also a special opportunity for talented Year 10 cornet player Ben Doughty to join the Orchestre de Picardie for the two performances to audiences of 1,500 and 800 respectively. Pupils now have life long memories of working together and alongside our French partners and have grown in confidence as performers and young people. It has also meant that the primary students are now feeling more confident about moving on to secondary school. As part of the ACT cross border collaborative partnership two performances of this production will take place here in Cambridgeshire in March 2015. Melbourn Village College welcomes the return of the Orchestre de Picardie, musicians cast and crew of the production and in order to open it this opportunity to the widest audience possible, the opera will next be staged at Comberton Sports and Arts, part of Comberton Village College, on March 5 and 6 and tickets can be obtained by calling the Box Office on 01223 264444 or on-line at www.wegottickets.com/ event/307196 (for Thursday) and www.wegottickets.com/ event/307198 (for Friday). The performances of Britten’s opera, which was written largely for amateurs especially children, came about as part of the ACT project, an innovative cross-border cultural heritage and educational exchange programme between 12 arts and education partners from France and England and backed by the European Regional Development Fund. Bryony Graham, Melbourn Village College’s ACT Co-ordinator and Arts Development Manager, said: ‘The ACT project is truly an amazing project that Melbourn Village College is immensely proud to be part of, putting the idea of community at the heart of the project we and our partners are interested in learning with and from each other about our differences and similarities, exploring our culture and heritage together and using the arts to create inspiring shared experiences for all involved. ACT I is set to be completed by the Summer of 2015 Melbourn Village College is pleased to announce that it is now working on a proposal towards an ACT II project 2016 - 2020 continuing to provide cross border cultural exchange opportunities for our students.

In a first for the college, the Governor’s prize for achievement was split three ways – Lucy Hanlon, Eliie Dixon and Mia Brown sharing the honour as all they swept the board with A*s in all their GCSEs. In his address to the year group, Principal Simon Holmes told the students to be proud of their achievements, but also to remember all the other skills they had learnt during their time at the college. To succeed, he told them they needed to: ‘work hard, think inside and outside the box, and know when to follow or rewrite the rules’, citing examples such as the Dyson Vacuum cleaner and the changing world of music formats, form vinyl through CD to virtual. The formal part of the evening ended with a celebration of the World Challenge trip to Ethiopia which a number of the year group undertook. An experience which, according to Mr Holmes, ‘had enormous value in shaping the young peoples’ lives but which could never be measured by raw exam results. It is these experiences and skills which will enable the students to succeed in whatever career or path their results open up.’

Attractive additions are a blooming hit!

Celebrating Ages Early Boxing Day

Staff, students and visitors to Melbourn Village College have been greeted by a selection of colourful planters and pots. Originally borrowed to complement the large fuchsia pot planted by site supervisor Irene Bloomfield and brighten up the entrance for Open Evening in October, they proved such a

Christmas came early for more than 150 older people and students at Melbourn Village College. In fact, it was a month early, which meant the latest Celebrating Ages meeting was this week’s Boxing Day lunch on Wednesday November 26th!

Record Breakers Return The Melbourn Village College class of 2014 celebrated record achievements at their recent Presentation Evening. An impressive 76% of the year group achieved at least five A*-C grades, with progress rates in English and Maths both above 80%. Students received GCSE certificates and subject prizes to reward their hard work over the past five years.

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News from the Fitzwilliam Museum This spring the Fitzwilliam has a major free exhibition, Treasured Possessions. The show features incredibly beautiful hidden items from the Fitzwilliam. See silks, silver, jewels, porcelain, shoes, armour, embroideries, fans, pocket-watches and tiny keepsakes, most from the amazing rarely seen reserve collections in the Museum. It is open from 24 March to 6 September. Alongside, we also have a show of stunning miniature gold and jewelled boxes from the Victoria & Albert Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection. In 2016 the Museum will be celebrating its 200-year anniversary. This year we will be announcing a series of exhibitions and events to mark the occasion! We hope you can visit us soon. The Museum normal opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free. Find out more at www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk. Fitzwilliam Museum News Team

Banish niggling aches and pains! We keep many local village people supple and mobile with our range of osteopathy and complementary treatments including sports massage, chiropody and acupuncture. Give us a call on 01462 490141 at our clinic in Baldock High Street for an initial chat or to book a treatment.

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Celebrating Ages is a collaboration between the college’s Food Technology Department, Lyn Gregory Catering Manager and her wonderful catering staff, the ACT project and Melbourn Parish Council. Melbourn residents aged over 60 are able to put their names down for the get-togethers which take place two or three times a year. And once they have been to one, they receive a personal invitation to the next event. Already this year they have had a World War One commemoration and a tea party and just before Christmas young and old got together for a traditional post-Christmas lunch. Students in Years 10 and 11 welcomed their guests and served cold cuts of meat, roast potatoes and bread and butter as well as mince pies made by pupils in food technology lessons and a miniature Christmas cake each. With backing from the Music Department, the afternoon was rounded off with community carol-singing. This is our first Boxing Day lunch but the third year we have been running this project with the Parish Council. Students particularly enjoy helping at the event which supports their learning in Catering and Health and Social Care.

Melbourn Youth Club Volunteers Needed!

Melbourn Youth Club is a space for the young people of Melbourn and the surrounding villages to call their own. Volunteers are needed to help run the youth club. No qualifications or experience are necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in and support the young people. All volunteers will be DBS checked (costs covered by Groundwork). Melbourn Youth Club is run by community charity Groundwork Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, with funding from Melbourn Area Youth Development (MAYD). The free activities on offer at the club include pool, table football, arts and crafts, sports and cookery, as well as issue-based projects. The youth club is open to all local young people aged 11–18 and runs on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at the Community Sports Pavilion, The Moor, Melbourn. To volunteer or to find out more about the club, contact Martin Goddard, Groundwork youth worker: martin.goddard@ groundwork.org.uk or 07702 532328.

Notre Ecole In the weeks up to Christmas, children at our Wednesday after school club practised French words and phrases around the theme of ‘Au Coin du Feu’ or ‘By the Fire’. We learnt lots of words for things found in the living room and also position words so that we were able to tell each other where to find things in the room. We talked about the activities we enjoy doing indoors when it is cold outside and spent some time looking at French books and dictionaries. We completed a reading comprehension about a dog-called Filou and practised our French through computer games. We finished the term by making a collage picture of a living room at Christmas while sampling some fruit and cake. On returning after Christmas we enjoyed the traditional Epiphany cake before turning our

attention to learning French around the theme of ‘winter’. Children at our Thursday after school group based at Melbourn Primary School enjoyed showing off their newly learnt language to their parents at the end of last term when we invited mums and dads for a short demonstration. We are now looking forward to starting the club again at the end of January. Meanwhile adults at the beginner’s club have practised ordering in a restaurant and learning to recite the alphabet in French. We have also been increasing our knowledge of adjectives while describing animals. We are currently working on expressions that use the verb ‘avoir’ to have. Finally, at the more advanced, conversation group there have been lively discussions about the law surrounding abortion in France, the commemoration of the First World War and the Christmas shopping rush in France. There has been some grammar work too and particular attention has been given to feminine nouns and adjectives. Now that the weather is beginning to improve why not come and join us. If you or your child are interested in joining one of our groups please get in touch. Notre Ecole, led by a native speaker and a graduate of European Studies with French, has been teaching French to pupils of all ages for fourteen years. Call either Marine on 07533 443153 or Janet on 07791 853448 for further details. If you prefer e-mail, contact boultermarine@gmail.com or janet.whitton@tiscali.co.uk . We look forward to hearing from you. Learn French in a friendly atmosphere *French for Children – Games, role-play, songs etc. Every Wednesday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm Every Thursday from 4:15pm to 5:00pm *French for Adults – All levels, Conversation Every Wednesday from 8.00pm to 9.00pm GCSE lessons available by arrangement. Individual lessons also available. Telelephone Marine 01763 222876 or Janet 01763 261231 mob-07533 443153 mob-07791 853448 Email marineboulter@yahoo.fr or janet.whitton@tiscali.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you. (Enhanced CRB clearance recently completed)

Workers’ Educational Association Details of courses running at Royston are available from the Secretary on 01763 660234 melbournmagazine

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 Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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Sports & Clubs Bowls Malcolm Davey 262704 Bridge Club Howard Waller 261693 1st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505 Brownies – 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Brownies – 2nd Melbourn Samantha Pascoe 261400 Croquet Janet Pope 248342 Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109 Dynamos Football Club Les Morley 07739 593771 Gardening Club Helen Powell 245887 Guides – Ist Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443 Judo Derek Coult 225004 Melbourn Karate Club Peter Khera 07866 374674 Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Pat Smith 262575 Sue Toule 260955 Anne Harrison 261775 Photographic Club Bruce Huett 232855 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table Michael Seymour 221398 Squash Club Nick Sugden 261064 Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593 Tennis (Melbourn) Dave Liddiard 07508 995 781 Tennis (Meldreth) Sue Davies 220174

1st Melbourn Brownies At 1st Melbourn Brownies we have been up to a lot this term. We have continued to work on our circus skills badge and done lots of Christmas activities. Also, we have had a bonfire night celebration and a Christmas meal. At the start of the half term, we had a great bonfire night themed evening. We enjoyed playing Brownie games in the dark. Also, we had hot dogs and hot chocolate to keep us warm. We sang lots of campfire songs and really enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere. As well, we all had a go with some sparklers. Later in the term, we all made creative Christmas cards. We used lots of different styles of paper to create Christmas cards for our family and friends. Then, we started making some Christmas decorations. Our first project was a knitted Christmas tree ornament. To do this each Brownie had to learn to knit and produce a square of knitting. Then, we sewed them around a polystyrene ball and made a loop to hang it up with. The results were amazing. Once everyone had finished their tree ornament, we moved onto a new project. The aim of this project was to make a mini snowman. We made the snowmen out of white socks, hair bands and rice. Then, we decorated them with buttons and ribbon. They looked really good. At the end of term, we went out for a Christmas meal at a local diner. Everyone really enjoyed their meal and had a brilliant time. We have had a fantastic start to this term, especially with lots of new faces. Written by Amy Selby (Little Owl) on behalf of the leaders at 1st Melbourn Brownies (Brown Owl, Eagle Owl, Nightingale, Squirrel, Amelia and Lucy). If you (or your daughter) are interested in joining in the fun please contact Brown Owl on 07888831140.

Jewellery makers in Melbourn A talented jewellery-making group has moved to The Hub in Melbourn. Budding Beaders, a group of friendly and supportive jewellery makers, with members from many villages in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire including Melbourn, moved its weekly meetings to The Hub in February. The group meets informally every Tuesday evening and holds workshops and demonstrations on the first Saturday of each month. The workshops may be held at different venues. Members have a wide variety of expertise and use a range of techniques including felting, wirework, polymer clay and glass working. Budding Beaders welcome new members at all levels of experience. If you are interested in joining – or just want more information, contact the group secretary Jane Davitt on 07557 654335 or at janedavitt7@ gmail.com. You can also check out their website at www.buddingbeaders.org.uk

Melbourn and District Gardening Club Are you interested in gardening? Why not join the Melbourn and District Gardening Club on a regular or occasional basis. We meet at 7.30p.m on the second Tuesday each month, at the Community Hall, behind All Saints Church (near traffic lights, lane by red telephone box) Spring Programme

» Tuesday 10 March 2015 – Gardens of the Cotswolds Peter Walker

» Tuesday 14 April 2015 – Rethinking Your Garden Andrew Sankey

» Tuesday 12 May 2015 – Scented Plants Peter Jackson, Scotsdales

» Saturday 4th July 2015 – Annual Coach outing to Bressingham Gardens & Bressingham Steam

Gardens The Bressingham Gardens offer something for everyone. Planting combinations in the six distinct gardens in over 17 acres (6 hectares) of intensely planted gardens, which contain (at last count) over 8000 species and cultivars of perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees, melbournmagazine

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Planning your next holiday or day out? We have: ● A wide range of holidays and excursions ● Local pick up points in South Cambs & North Herts ● UK & European Holiday breaks from £79 ● Day excursions from £19 ● Travel in small friendly groups ● Packages for clubs and societies ● Corporate outings River Cruises ◦ Seaside Breaks ◦ Theatre Trips ◦ Gardens Factory Visits ◦ Shopping Trips ◦ Dutch Bulb Fields ◦ Airshows Heritage Holidays ◦ Steam Train Trips ◦ Christmas Markets Thursford Spectacular ◦ Pub Lunches ◦ Orkney and Shetland

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conifers, ferns. A place to enjoy with wonderful views. What better way to explore the Waveney valley countryside, beautiful gardens and woodlands of Bressingham, than by climbing aboard a magnificent steam engine! With over four miles of narrow-gauge steam lines and four journeys to choose from, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery! Gallopers Gallopers (fairground ride) sit three abreast and are Bressingham’s centre piece. It is one of the finest to be seen anywhere. Built by Savages of Kings Lynn in 1897 and owned and operated by the Thurston family of Norfolk until 1934, the Gallopers later operated at Whitley Bay and ended up in Scotland before finding a home at Bressingham. Dad’s Army Exhibition Bressingham has been the official home to the Dads Army Appreciation Society’s collection since 2000. The exhibition comprises a recreation of Walmington on Sea, the fictional home to Captain Mainwaring and his men. Jones’ butchers shop and the church hall feature heavily in the scene, whilst you can get a glimpse of Frazer’s Funeral Parlour and the Swallow Bank. Eating At Bressingham The Plant Centre Restaurant again serves hot and cold drinks, cake and pastries but specialises in full meals. The 120 seating capacity, makes it ideal to cater for groups. The Steam Museum cafe situated by the Gallopers serves teas, coffees, cold drinks, pies, pasties, snacks, salads, baked potatoes, and specialises in home made cakes and desserts. There are picnic benches in the grounds and many other seats inside the exhibition halls and around the gardens should you wish to bring your own food or simply picnic on the lawns. Coach (Kenzies) Pick up Melbourn and Royston. For details contact Roger 01763 248975, Roger.Pattman@Tesco.Net or Helen 01763 245887, Helen53@gmail.com New members and visitors very welcome. For more information – ring Helen 01763 245887

St George’s Allotment Association We are a friendly group of volunteers who run the St George’s Allotment association committee and we are looking for new people to join us to help with administering the association and fundraising events etc. The association represents allotment holders in Melbourn, but committee members do not have to be allotment holders themselves! The main requirement is enthusiasm and a little bit of time to offer now and then! If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Bruce Huett 01763 232855 allotments@ melbourn.org.uk

Meldreth Local History Group Our next coffee morning will be held on Monday 23rd March in the Sheltered Housing Community Room, Elin Way, Meldreth from 10.00am until midday. There will be a talk by Chris Duguid and Terry Dash about the Meldreth Railway Station, its history, incidents over the years and its characters. We do have information on our website www.meldrethhistory.org.uk but would welcome your own memories of the station so please come along to our coffee morning or contact Chris in advance on 01763 260802 or by email chrisduguid@btinternet.com

Royston & District Local History Society www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk Our website shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these result from the considerable work undertaken by our Publications sub-committee. The books are available at our meetings or may be ordered by post from David Allard 01763 242677. They may also be purchased at the Royston Museum & Art Gallery in Kneesworth Street and some are available at the Cave Bookshop in Melbourn Street. The society is responsible for the opening of Royston Cave, Melbourn Street, Royston, which will re-open from

4th April 2015. www.roystoncave.co.uk Our evening meetings are held in the Heritage Hall (the main hall downstairs) Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm. After the talk which lasts about an hour, coffee and biscuits will be served. Books and Cave DVDs will be on sale. Annual membership £5 (Sept-Aug) (Under 18s half price) Visitors £2.

» March 5th

– History & mystery of Cressing Temple Barry J. HillmanCrouch

» April 2nd

– London west of St Paul’s Cathedral Ken Drake

» May 7th – AGM 7.30pm Old Bull

Hotel + 50th Anniversary celebration

Royston and District Family History Society You are welcome to come along and be part of our 2015 Programme

» March 16th – Dr Ken Sneath -

Everyday Life in the Eighteenth Century

» April 20th – Mr Peter Bysouth – The Towns of North-East Hertfordshire

» May 18th – Dr Twigs Way - An

Incitement to early Marriage: A Society History of the Allotment All our meetings, unless otherwise stated, take place on the third Monday of the month at All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn with doors opening for chat and a look at the bookstall at 7.30 pm and talks commencing at 8pm. The season runs from September to June Our publications are available at our meetings, from our website www.roystonfhs.org.uk or from www. parishchest.com. The Society undertakes various projects. Our current ones involve recording the MIs at Melbourn Cemetery Orchard Road and the Birth, Marriages and Deaths from the Royston Crow. You may remember mention of projects linked to Royston and the commemoration of WW1. On 14th February at Royston Museum, there is a session on ‘What Royston did’ linked to the Exhibition on Jack Halstead’s diary. This will be a chance to learn what has been discovered so far on the names of residents from the whole area who supported the VAD Hospital at melbournmagazine

PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a Computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

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the Schools, Queens Road Royston and those soldiers who fought in the War. Pam Wright R&DFHS Enquiries@ RoystonFHS.org.uk.

Ramblers’ Association Royston and District Group Our walks programme continues right through the year. For details visit our website: www.ramblers-hertsnorthmiddlesex.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 Royston library and Melbourn Hub. We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5–7 miles in the morning and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Occasionally 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 and Thursday mornings. Our evening walks will resume on 27th April 2015. Prospective new members are welcome and may come on three walks before deciding whether to join. www.ramblers.org.uk.

Melbourn Shotokan Karate Club The new Melbourn Shotokan Karate Club is run by Peter Khera (5th Degree Black Belt) with the primary objective of introducing the local community to the many benefits of training in the art of Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate was designed to benefit men, women and children of all ages by combining fluid techniques and natural body movements. Children will love the energetic nature of karate which is fun, focussed and friendly. As a Karate instructor for over 20 years Peter affirms that karate training provides many benefits to children. The introvert child often begins to blossom, the structured drills that involve punching, blocking, kicking and shouting overcome shyness. The anxious or worried child becomes more confident and assertive as they learn to move and control their body. We can channel the energy in lively kids the child has a safe, healthy outlet in

which to compete with themselves and others. They all progress in our classes as we use their motivation and help them to succeed as well as making new friends and keeping fit. Karate also benefits children by enhancing: concentration and self-discipline, teaching children to avoid using violence in confrontation, increasing self-confidence in all situations, as well as developing a sense of purpose and achievement. The children in karate classes know that more is expected from them, with the encouragement and support from their instructor and parents they will rise to the challenge. A child’s school achievement often improves after a period of training probably because of improved self confidence and enhanced concentration. All teenagers can benefit from personal development Shotokan karate offers. In a time where pressure often requires us to have confidence to deal with situations and make decisions about conflicting ideas, a traditional approach, with enthusiasm to participate and take responsibility has to be beneficial. Teens will be encouraged to challenge themselves but at the same time, keep control of their own learning and sharing with others. If teens are studying any of the following: GCSE, A Levels, GNVQ, Duke of Edinburgh, ASDAN, Scouts etc. We can integrate their karate training into academic study. Shotokan Karate for adults and families is an activity you can do independently, with friends or children, develop mentally, emotionally and physically as well as increase your self-confidence and personal security. Karate has the many physical benefits of other sports but the ability to defend yourself effectively is one of the main benefits of Shotokan Karate. The discipline also promotes honesty, respect and patience. It is not just about physical fitness, but also about developing a more relaxed approach to life, and the ability to cope with stressful situations. Shotokan Karate is exhilarating and motivational. Peter Khera (5th Dan) is an instructor who has an enhanced CRB clearance, teaches at the Melbourn Sports Centre and has over 25 years experience in Shotokan Karate. He opened his first Karate club 1994 and now has formed

an Association called the Kamaete Schools of Traditional Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) and is Co- Chief Instructor. This association is affiliated to NAKMAS National Governing Body. Peter has competed in many tournaments at local, national and international levels attaining first, second and third on many occasions. Peter has released the KSTSK Grading Syllabus DVD which is the Ultimate Shotokan Karate Syllabus Training Guide from Beginner to Black Belt. An introduction to the DVD can be viewed on the www.kstsk.co.uk website. The Kamaete Schools of Traditional Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) recently held their Grading Examinations at Hertfordshire Sports Village, Hatfield. Members of the Melbourn club took part in these grading examinations. Sensei Peter Khera, Instructor commented “all students did very well and showed good progress. Concentration, etiquette and discipline was maintained throughout the grading, which is not an easy task for the juniors”. Grading results as follow: Name Grade Tanvir Singh Blue Belt George Whybrow Orange Belt Henry Whybrow Orange with Yellow Stripe Belt Callum Keir Orange with Yellow Stripe Belt Megan Huff Orange with Yellow Stripe Belt Steve Huff Yellow Belt Asa Waldman Yellow Belt The Melbourn club meets at the Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College on Sundays 12pm Midday. The class is open to children, teens, adults and families. For more information call 07866 374674 or www.kstsk.co.uk

Melbourn Bridge Club It was another good year for Melbourn Bridge Club with at least seven or eight tables being played in Vicarage Close every Monday evening. The club celebrated its fifth anniversary in September and with this level of support it looks set fair for the next five years. Indeed, an increased level of availability has just started in 2015 with a Tuesday afternoon session being melbournmagazine

“Support from the community really helps us make a difference” Jo, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust

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Pre booking required. A non refundable deposit at time of booking (£10) then full pre payment 14 days prior to the event. Banqueting tables of ten and we reserve the right to split larger parties in to smaller groups or smaller parties to join other groups. Any dietary requirements must be stated at the time of booking.

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STATION ROAD EAST, WHITTLESFORD BRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE CB22 4NL

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played at the same venue commencing at 2.00pm. This will welcome new members, with or without a partner, and with the possibility of some instruction while duplicate bridge is played. Last year ended with the traditional Christmas Party with drinks, nibbles and a friendly eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridge with randomly drawn partners. The winners were Penny Wiles and Mike Thrower. Throughout the year many pairs had their moment at the top winning the evenings play but it is fair to say that, overall, Mike Thrower and Steve Goswell achieved the most consistent success. So, this year there is more opportunity to enjoy this fascinating game in Melbourn and, as usual, the contact person is Howard Waller on 01763 261693.

Melbourn Bowls Club While there has been no activity on the Bowls Green during the winter, apart from its care and renovation, a number of the members have been busy with alteration and decoration of the Clubhouse. Those who have seen their work are impressed by the improvement in convenience and appearance of the interior of the Clubhouse During the winter we are continuing with Whist Drives every other Friday at 7.00pm in the Clubhouse, which will

continue until Easter. The dates are listed in the Diary Section. This is a friendly sociable event and prospective new members would be made very welcome at these evenings. For further details contact Arthur Andrews (tel 01763 261990). In addition we will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 27 March and again please contact Arthur Andrews for further details. In addition to the Whist Drives, every other Friday about twenty of the current members meet at the Coombes Community Centre in Royston, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, to enjoy a friendly game of Short Mat Bowls. Anyone who would like to try their hand would be welcome. It provides a good introduction to the game and enables you to meet many of the existing members of the Bowls Club. If you are interested please contact either Arthur Andrews (01763 261990) or Malcolm Davey (01763 262704) who can give you further details. Please note, however, that these sessions will finish at Easter as we will be returning to our Outdoor Green soon after Easter. Open day this year will be on Sunday 3rd May starting at 2.30pm and we invite anyone who might be interested in taking up the game of Bowls to come along to the Green on the Moor and give it a try. Tuition and equipment will be provided for complete beginners (those who have

never played before), and anyone who may have played before and would like to take up the game again, just bring flat shoes. We would also welcome more experienced bowlers who would like to join a local friendly club. Please try to arrive before the 2.30 pm start so that we can greet and get to know you before the event begins. If you are interested but cannot attend on 3rd May, or would like more information, please contact Arthur Andrews on 01763 261990. We would emphasise that Bowls is a game for all age groups from nine to ninety, and even beyond. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put off by any perception that bowls is a game solely for the retired; it can be enjoyed by all age groups equally and the younger you start the better the standard you are likely to achieve. It is a very sociable game and gives you a chance to meet a friendly group of people and take some gentle exercise. Parents or Grandparents, why not bring your children with you? Bowls is a game where different generations can take part on fairly equal terms. For example, at the World Indoor Bowls Championships the winner in 2012 was in his fifties while the winner in 2013 was in his twenties. For existing members we will be holding a Roll Up on Sunday 26 April, which will take the form of a friendly match between our C&D League teams. This year will be a particularly busy

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one for the Club as our President Malcolm Davey will also be President of The Cambridge and District Bowls League and consequently there will be a number of special events taking place at the Club. Spectators will be welcome at these events, the first of which is detailed in the Diary Section. We will be holding our popular Coffee Mornings every Thursday Morning starting on 16th April 2013 from 10.30am to 12.00 noon in our Clubhouse and also outside if the weather is suitable. We especially welcome non-members who can be sure of good company and have the chance to get to know existing members, and also perhaps watch some of our internal competitions, which often take place on the Green on Thursday mornings. You will see then that you do not have to be an expert to enjoy the game and be a member of the Club. During the summer season there will frequently be matches played in the evenings on our Green at The Moor starting at 6.30pm and also on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons usually starting around 2.30pm. The actual dates of our home matches have not yet all been finalised, but we do know that the President’s Match will be on 16th May. Spectators are always welcome; just turn up, watch and socialise with our members. There are always some of our members coming to watch and support the teams. They will make any newcomers welcome and will be happy to explain what is going on.

McSplash Swimming Club On Friday 20th June 2014 the club held a sponsored swim. The money raised was presented to Shepreth Wildlife Conservation Charity and Melbourn Sports Centre. The three sessions with an age range of 8–16 years swam combined 3076 lengths totalling a distance of 61,520 metres.

Claire Elizabeth Tennis Junior Coaching ALL year round at Melbourn and District Tennis Club. Created for 4 – 10 years olds, we make it easy and fun for them to hit, play and score from the start – while developing skills that will last a lifetime. Located at

Melbourn Sports Centre. A Reliable, fun and challenging coaching programme. Thursdays & Saturdays Contact claire@claireelizabethtennis. co.uk or 07545 334 805 to ensure a place.

Melbourn Dynamos Football Club For Boys and Girls aged 4 – 18 years old All welcome! www.melbourndynamos.co.uk Melbourn Dynamos F.C. is a friendly community youth football club that gives boys and girls the opportunity to play regular football regardless of their experience or ability at all ages from 4 through to 18. We are a successful club defined by the strength of support from members and families, the praise and recognition of fellow clubs and FA Leagues, working with our Community partners including MVC and Melbourn Parish Council, and of course our players’ achievements on the pitch and their support for the community We are now well into our season and have almost 200 players registered to the club to play league football. This is in addition to the many of our youngest players (age 4&5) who have fun and develop their skills through the Dynamites’ pay and play sessions on Saturday mornings. So far this season, the weather has been kind to us with just a few matches cancelled because of waterlogged pitches. This spring we are hoping to host Football Festivals at under 7 for Cambridgeshire FA and under 9 for Royston Crow Youth Football League, building on our successes last season. This reflects well on the club, the many volunteers who make it all happen; and of course MVC and Melbourn Parish Council whose support is essential to the club. It also helps that we have such a beautiful place to play in the heart of the village, something which is easy to take for granted until reminded of it by our visitors. We are very pleased with the success of our youngest players, the Dynamites, who increasingly provide the core of league teams from under 7 upwards. They are coached by a leadership team

led by Dee Patel who was Cambridge FA’s coach of the year for 2013. These players, aged 4-6, have fun and develop their skills before deciding whether to play league football as the club’s under 7s team. This fun preparation and skill development through the Dynamites has undoubtedly brought more success to our current under 7s and Under 8s teams and in time will benefit all of our age groups. These players train with level 1 FA qualified coaches in a Saturday morning fun session for 4 and 5 year old boys and girls. Our Details are: Saturdays 10.30–11.30am, Melbourn Sports Centre. All are welcome to the Melbourn Dynamites so why not bring your children along so they can check it out. Sessions feature lots of short activities aimed at improving individual skills, concentration and the ability to be part of a team. Children are welcome on a ‘pay as you play’ basis, the one hour session costs £2 (first session is free). Sadly we have to report that we have not been able to attract sufficient players for the new U21s Team to be viable. Although disappointed, we hope that our next generation of players will provide a critical mass for this team when they graduate from youth football. We are pleased to announce that we are continuing to work with our community partners to help develop girls’ football as an alternative to mixed football and attract more girls into the beautiful game. We are looking forward to holding our presentation day at MVC this June when with families, we have the chance to recognise and reward the achievements of all our players and to highlight the voluntary work that is at the heart of the club. All of our coaches are CRB checked and qualified to a minimum of F.A. Level1 standard. We are also an FA Charter Standard Club which means that we have all the correct people and practices in place to operate in line with government requirements. All are welcome and if you are interested in finding out more about MDFC and the opportunities to play football with us, please contact Nicky Patel on 07951 590139 or email her at nikki-dip@ ntlworld.com. melbournmagazine

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Soft play fun for ages 0-13 years • Four lane high wavy slide in funky cow print • Tube slide

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• Farm themed balance beams • Duck pond ball pool • Dedicated toddlers’ area with mini wavy slide • Mini ball pool for tactile play • Party packages and two party rooms catering for between 10 and 25 children • Cafe with homemade food

Loyalty card rewards for regular visits

BURY LANE FUN BARN A10 Bypass, Melbourn Royston, Herts, SG8 6DF Telephone 01763 260418 www.burylanefunbarn.co.uk Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

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teams of up to five are welcome as well as individual swimmers. The Swimathon takes place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April. For further information, please see reception or visit our website at www.melbournsports.com.

Grinnel Hill BMX Club

• A state of the art fitness suite offering

This winter has seen a major re-design and development of the intermediate lines on the site, with completion scheduled for Spring 2015. The club is open annually April to September. Strictly for BMX use only, for ages 12 and older, members have the option of either becoming a seasonal member for £50 (April to September), or a day member (per session) for £10. Our aim for the club is to promote an activity for the young community of Melbourn and surrounding areas to participate in, with the guidance of our committee and experts, in a safe and friendly environment. Members will have access to BMX coaching and expertise on site during club open days. For more details and to download your membership form today please visit; www.grinnelhillbmx.co.uk

• A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!) • A comprehensive swimming lesson

Acknowledgements Melbourn Parish Council for their ongoing support at all levels to keep the club sustainable and open. Frog End Pet Supplies Melbourn for their supply and delivery of wooden pallets to help keep our tarpaulins in place to protect the site over the winter months. Wrights Mower Centre Melbourn for their help and generosity in supporting us to keep the site to a well maintained and safe standard for the foreseeable future

Melbourn Sports Centre For those of you who don’t already know, we have:

a variety of membership schemes

• • • • •

programme, catering for all ages and abilities Upgraded multisports courts for hire including tennis, football and squash courts Water sports courses and activities Traditional and modern exercise classes Access to Melbourn Village College sports hall and gymnasium for activities such as trampolining, badminton and basketball Supervised sports and pool parties

» March/April

It’s a universally accepted fact – Mums are great! So this Mother’s Day how about treating her to her own gym membership or purchasing a gift voucher for our other activities here at Melbourn Sports? Make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget! We’ve got a bumper bag of Easter activities this year, including our OFSTED registered Play Scheme, where children will be treated to trampolining, swimming and creative crafts. Other holiday activities include Swimming Crash Course and Trampolining Crash Course. We are also teamed up with Cambridge United Football Club to offer future football stars a chance to improve their skills with Weekly/Daily Soccer Camps. April 2015 also sees the return of our charitable Swimathon, with all participants raising money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Trust. We’d love to have as many entrants as possible;

May We welcome back the outdoor sports and tennis season. For all you budding Wimbledon stars, courts can be hired mid-week and at weekends. We are also pleased to announce that we have joined up with Melbourn and District Tennis Club based at Melbourn Sports Centre. Membership ranges from £10.00 (minis) – £120.00 (families). For further information please contact Melbourn Sports Centre reception 01763 263313 or Claire Norman 07545334805 or E-mail: Claire@claireelizabethtennis.co.uk Later this month, we will be running our children’s holiday activities once again, with Play Scheme and a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities available.

June For something a bit different this Fathers Day, how about treating your Dad to his own gym membership or purchasing a gift voucher for our other activities here at Melbourn Sports? It’s a great way to help a loved one get fit! Plus why not start planning your summer sports early, with our holiday courses like the Children’s Pentathlon and Swimming Crash Course? Bookings taken from June onwards. Other activities on offer this spring and summer include:

• Friendly Fridays, where members of

the public can come down with an existing fitness suite member and try out the gym for free!

• Our usual popular swimming lessons, both group and private

• A range of exercise classes including Zumba, Boot Camp, Pilates, SwimClinic (pool training session) and Traditional Aerobics

• Indoor and Outdoor Court Hire

For further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.melbournsports.com. We look forward to seeing you this season! Graham Johnson-Mack / Melbourn Sports Centre Manager melbournmagazine

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Large Selection of Antique, Good Quality Curious about creative writing? Seeking community and a bit of gentle prodding to keep your pen moving? Join a Writing Circle! Writing Circles are programmes for small groups of writers who meet once a week, led by teacher and facilitator, Melissa Fu. Courses offered in Melbourn and nearby villages.

For course details, dates and registration, visit melissafu.com

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATIONS EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, LOFT CONVERSIONS ETC CONTACT US now to arrange a FREE on-site meeting at your convenience to discuss your project. 01353 649649 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk ELY DESIGN GROUP ‘Architecture by Professionals’ www.elydesigngroup.co.uk!

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Secondhand/Character Furniture, Collectables and Curiosities New Beds, Mattresses, Furniture and much more

Open Mon - Fri 9.30 – 4.30 Sat 9.30 - 4.00 House Clearances undertaken We also buy books, collectables, furniture etc. Tel: 07596 990660

Church news Melbourn Baptist Church After enjoying a busy time over Christmas, with many of the church’s regular seasonal activities, members are getting ready to enjoy another new year, with all the hope and opportunities it will bring. Among many other special events, the Christmas activities at Melbourn included the traditional youngsters’ Nativity service, and the carols by candlelight service. Members also joined other churches in the village for Carols at The Cross. Once again, church members saved what they would have spent sending one another individual Christmas cards, and instead the money was donated to the East Anglia Children’s Hospice, and to Canon Andrew White’s Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. The church ladies enjoyed a night out before Christmas, and in January it was the men’s turn, with a visit to a Chinese restaurant. Members have also been preparing for a church weekend away, which this year falls on the weekend of Valentine’s Day. The weekend is an opportunity for people to have fun together, and to learn more about God’s care and love for them. As usual, church members will be taking part in the GenR8 tour of primary schools in the Royston area during April. GenR8 is a Christian organisation that works mainly in schools and churches. Volunteers from various churches visit schools each term with high-energy assembly presentations, aiming to combine fun and faith in a relevant and educational way.

United Reformed Church During November and December, we enjoyed many of our annual events and held familiar services of celebration at Christmas. Many thanks to everyone who filled a shoebox for the Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal. We celebrated ‘Shoebox Sunday’ on 16th November, when Duncan our minister blessed 100 boxes during the morning service. Boxes were received not just from Melbourn but also from a number of the surrounding villages and later that afternoon another 91 boxes arrived from the churches at Fowlmere. Together they were taken to the Huntingdon depot before continuing their onward journey to Belarus where they will bring joy to the children there. This year our ‘Big Christmas Card’, sending greetings to friends locally, raised £105. The proceeds were sent to the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal, which aims to get vital healthcare to mums and babies in Kenya. Our second ‘Tastes of Christmas’ event was held on 6th December, when a good number of people from in and around the village, as well as further afield, joined us and enjoyed an array of good things to eat or buy, all with a seasonal flavour. It was a fun event with a great Christmas atmosphere and we will be doing something similar

COFFEE STOP Every Saturday 10.30am to 12noon Rombouts coffee & biscuits for 80p at

All Saints’ Community Hall again on the first Saturday of December 2015! By the time this edition is published, we will have marked Homelessness Sunday with a special service, including collecting and making useful items for Jimmy’s Night shelter in Cambridge. We will also have joined with the other local churches in the Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together in marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with a mixture of services and prayer meetings. We have sent crafted items to a number of charity projects in Africa (e.g. Beanies and Blankets for Babies) and knitted and crocheted houses to support the Age UK Warm House campaign. If you are interested in joining us at any of our services, you will receive a warm welcome. Our weekly Sunday services are at 11.am. Feel free to drop in to our Craft and Chat group on Thursdays 2–4 pm if you would like to join us. continued on page 63

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feature

East Anglian Air Ambulance? Are you looking for a new challenge this year? Why not volunteer to help local charity East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and play a part in continuing our lifesaving work. EAAA is a 365 day-a-year lifesaving helicopter emergency medical service working across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Since the charity began 15 years ago, we have attended over 16,000 missions. In 2015, EAAA are looking to recruit more volunteers across the region to help us celebrate 15 years since the charity began. EAAA will be marking 15 years of service with commemorative events throughout the region, including ‘Tea at 15:00’ on May 15 at locations all over East Anglia. EAAA could not exist without our team of over 200 committed volunteers who continually dedicate their time and skills in many different ways. We are hugely proud of all our volunteers and enormously grateful for the time that they have given over the last 15 years. As a volunteer you will play a vital role in helping us to keep our two helicopters flying 365 days a year across East

Dr Elias and a happy volunteer

Anglia. We completely depend on our volunteers to support us in delivering our lifesaving services. Our volunteers choose the time that they can give to us, whether it is on a weekly basis or occasionally helping out at events. Every hour of time given to us makes a huge difference. There are plenty of opportunities, from organising your own events, to helping us for a few hours at one of our events across East Anglia. You could even spend your time volunteering behind the scenes at one of our seven offices, with anything from operations to communications. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in 2015, visit our website www.eaaa.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ becoming-a-volunteer/ or contact your local area Fundraising Manager.

A flower festival at Candlemas All Saints’ Church, Melbourn 31st January – 1st February 2015 The fifth Winter Flower Festival was held at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn over the last weekend of January and beginning of February. Once again, visitors enjoyed a Church full of flowers. The floral displays were all designed around a winter theme and, although this was the fifth arrangement for many of the arrangers, we had a nice variety of topics. Some were interpretations of poems and carols, others were based on historic events, which took place at this time of year, and some provided floral pictures of the season. We are lucky to have a creative and enthusiastic team of arrangers, most are regular Church flower arrangers but we also have some who join us from surrounding villages, generously giving their time and talent to support the event. The arrangers work over two days to create their displays, and many spend additional time creating and searching for props beforehand. This year, it was lovely to see so many local visitors and

some who had travelled some distance. It seemed like the snow started to fall – on cue, on Saturday and luckily, did not put off visitors from venturing outside. We had members of many flower clubs around the region visit us, including, St Neots, Chelmsford, Ely, St Albans and Stevenage. On Saturday, we even ran out of homemade soups and had to make a trip to the Coop for extra supplies! The snowdrops in the Churchyard, which have been planted gradually over the last few years, were in bloom, also – on cue to welcome our visitors. We would like to extend the blanket of snowdrops, so if you have any spare bulbs which could be planted in the Churchyard, please get in touch. The event is growing, and we hope it will continue to do so in the future. Many thanks to all who supported the festival – local businesses for their financial support, everyone who visited and the arrangers for sharing their talent and time. Rebecca Gatward - Rebecca.Gatward@btinternet.com melbournmagazine

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT! A range of beauty and holistic treatments to suit your personal requirements

Julie Newby – Time for You Beauty and Holistic Therapist

A therapy room based at GYMBO’S HEALTH, FITNESS & WELLBEING A boutique personal fitness studio, Monday 3-7pm, Wednesdays 9am-7pm and Saturday 9-12am College Farm Business Park, Meldreth, SG8 6FP ~ Check out www.julienewby.co.uk for more details or email julie.newby@virgin.net or call 01763 208387 and I’ll send you a leaflet

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Our Good Friday Service is at 10 am and will be followed by hot cross buns and coffee in the hall. Our Easter Sunday Service will be a communion service at 11 am and we warmly invite you to join us for this highlight in the Christian year. Please check for details of additional Lent and Easter activities on our church notice board and notices in the church hall.

Hair Salon

10 Fordham Way, Melbourn SG8 6JB Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Call 01763 262246 or 07979597168

Colouring Tint High/Low Lights Full Head Half Head T-Section Perming Full Head

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Styling Dry/Wet cut Adult – ladies/gents Children (under 16) Cut & Blowdry Blowdry

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Chris Thomas

Cambridge Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Carpet and upholstery cleaner based in Cambridge. Working in and around Cambridge, Royston, Saffron Walden, Newmarket and Huntingdon.

s Carpet cleaning using Dry Fusion™ system s Hot water extraction cleaning s Host® Dry Cleaning for natural floor coverings s Stain treatment s Upholstery cleaning using Crystal Fusion™ s Curtains cleaned in situ treatment s Infestation Odour neutralisation using ozone generator s Competitively priced Fully insured with public and product liability Environmentally-friendly products used

Supporters of All Saints Our Cambridge Harmony Concert in December was not well supported but those who did venture out enjoyed a great evening listening to a programme of well-known songs and standards. It was a joy to watch a crowd of ladies who obviously enjoyed singing for our benefit. A financial return was not spectacular but we covered our costs and made a small profit for the funds. On Friday 13th March we are repeating again our tried and trusted quiz and supper. This has proved to be a money-spinner in the past and we hope will do so again. All Saints Community Hall at 7.30pm, but if you cannot make up a team come along anyway and we will find you friendly faces to sit with.

SOAS 100 Club The January draw was made by Mike Rawlings, on 1st February. There were 76 members. The first prize of £25.40 goes to Peter Kenzies (76) at 24 Station Road and the second of £12.70 to Ann Harding at 52 The Moor. There were two entries in the SOAS Winter Quiz which tied for first place, scoring 75 out of 78 and winning £10. They were from Hilary Worboys (again!) and Roger & Avril Mellor. Colin Limming, Publicity Secretary 01763 260072

The Word of God from David Burbridge Those things, which God had showed before by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from His iniquities. Spoken by Peter and recorded in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 3, Verse 18, 19 and 26.

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire are looking for Home Visiting Volunteers Can you give a 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!

A 10 session training course for new volunteers is being held during June & July 2015 The course will run from 9.30am – 2.30pm – dates to be confirmed

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For more details contact Sarah or Jackie at: Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP

Tel: 01763 262262 or e-mail admin@hsrsc.org.uk www.hsrsc.org.uk Registered Charity No 1105385

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Melbourn Buildings/Fencing Suppliers Phillimore Garden Centre, Melbourn Tel 01763 263336 Open Mon – Sat 9.30am–5pm Sun 10am–4pm Manufacturers of all types of garden buildings. Customised buildings our speciality. Landscaping and fencing supplied and installed. Sheds, Summerhouses, Gazebo’s, Aviaries, Catteries, Kennels/runs, Chalets, Log Cabins. Bases undertaken.

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The Black Horse welcomes you … Steve, Kerry and all the staff would like to welcome you to

The Black Horse, Melbourn A traditional country pub which serves real ales, with a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to have a quiet drink, a bite to eat or you’d like to watch televised sporting events, a warm welcome is guaranteed. Dining Food is served Wednesday–Sunday 1200-1400hr & 1800-2030hr. Parking The Black Horse has it’s own private car park and there is also ample local street parking available. Outdoor Facilities We have a large Beer Garden to the rear comprising a decking patio area overlooking an fully-enclosed garden with children’s play equipment. Smokers Smoking inside the bar areas is not permitted by law but in addition to the outdoor patio/garden we also have a substantial permanently covered and partly enclosed decked seating area which, although open-air, offers very effective protection from the elements.

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

Children We aim to provide a family-friendly environment. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome inside the bar lounges. At the moment we only have one high-chair available, but customers are welcome to make their own arrangements. For baby/toddler feeding just ask if you need any water or anything warmed. Dogs We recognise that some of our customers like to include the pub on their dog walk, and we aim to accommodate them but do ask that in consideration of our other patrons dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Particularly inside the premises the lead needs to be short enough to keep your dog close to you. Private Functions The Black Horse is available for private functions, for further details just give us a call.

The Black Horse 63 Orchard Rd, Melbourn, Royston. SG8 6BP Telephone 01763 262136 email: info@theblackhorsemelbourn.co.uk

What’s On Orchestre De Picardie

Noye’s Fludde op.59 by Benjamin Britten Conductor Arie van Beek An opera in one act Comberton Sports and Arts Thursday 5 March 2015 – 8:00 pm Friday 6 March 2015 – 8:00 pm A Celebration of Spring

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Invite you to join a fun evening of singing and dancing at Sing-a-Long Mamma Mia! (fancy dress optional) Saturday 14th March 2015 at Royston Picture Palace ~ Town Hall, Royston Please feel free to arrive from 7.00 pm for an 8.00 pm start Ticket £15.00 per person Includes a welcome drink and goodie bag Tickets from: Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP Please call or text Tel: 07762 754809 e-mail: admin@hsrsc.org.uk www.hsrsc.org.uk Raffle on the Night - Drinks by Donation Working with local families for over 30 years providing support when it’s needed most Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire Charity No. 1105385

47th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend 21st & 22nd March 2015 Please support our charity event The 47th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend takes place on the 21st & 22nd March 2015, I really hope you can support us by publicising this wonderful event to your group, members, parents (if you are a school) or friends and families. All of the money raised goes to local charities and this year we are proud to be supporting the Beads of Courage Child Cancer programme at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.

Each year 7,000–10,000 people visit Thriplow for our annual Daffodil Weekend. Visitors step back in time, walking the beautiful traffic-free lanes and connecting footpaths, visiting residents ‘Open Gardens’, Craft Barns, Marquees, Stalls and Demonstrations, experiencing the warm and friendly atmosphere.

We hope you can come and join us Local food heroes, real ale tent & music! Once again we are expanding our Taste of Thriplow food and drink extravaganza. The 2015 Taste of Thriplow will not only showcase more local food producers than last year but will also feature live music throughout the weekend. We are still finalising the line up of producers and bands last year’s list should give you an idea of what to expect. ‘Taste of Thriplow gives everyone a chance to try some great food, enjoy local real ales in the Green Man Beer Tent and listen to some fantastic music from some of the best bands in the region’, commented Paul Earnshaw, Chairman of Thriplow Daffodil Weekend Committee. It’s all in good cause The 47th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend is proud to be supporting the Beads of Courage programme at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. The Beads of Courage Programme is part of Be Child Cancer Aware and is designed to support children going through cancer treatment.

An evening of Live Music Folk ~Jazz ~ Swing ~ Raffle ~ Licensed Bar All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn Saturday 28th March – 6.30pm for 7pm Tickets £13 ~ includes a light supper and welcome drink Tickets available in advance from Mavis – 260686 or Brenda – 261154 All proceeds to All Saints Community Hall melbournmagazine

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Housekeeping : we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping. To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

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Timber • Aggregates Fencing • Paving • Bricks Blocks • Sheet Material Insulation & much more Phone: 01763 261740 Email: sales@norburys.com www.norburys.com 1 London Way Melbourn, SG8 6DJ (Just off Back Lane)

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The New Melbourn Singers

Lamentations and Hope

Concert Saturday 25th April at West Road Concert Hall at 7.30pm

Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Church of St Cyriac and St Julitta, Swaffham Prior, CB25 0LD Music for Lent and Easter in the beautiful surroundings and spectacular acoustics of this 13th century church building. Programme including Duruflé’s Quatre motets sur des thèmes grégoriens (Op. 10) and Tallis’s Lamentations of Jeremiah Daniel Spreadbury (director) Refreshments available. Tickets £10. Children free. Contact David Holton email: dwh11@cam.ac.uk or phone 01638743947 www.cantilenasingers.org

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society Presents: Interactive Murder Mystery evening Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May Do you fancy yourself as a detective? Can you spot the clues to find the murderer? Then come along to MADs next production: Who Killed the Holiday Rep? Set in a Spanish resort in the 1980’s, a murder has been committed, but who was it and did they have an accomplice? Our play in three acts will introduce you to an array of dodgy characters, or should we say “suspects”. It will be up to you and your team of six, to solve the mystery and win the prize! The interactive evening will also include a fish and chip supper, quiz and raffle. Plus a licensed bar The venue – Meldreth Village Hall 7pm for a 7.30 start Tickets £12 per person To book tickets call the Box Office on 07513 457845 Tuesday 16th June 2015

Melbourn Inauggural Bloomsday Celebrations Based on the novel ‘Ullyses’ by James Joyce Enjoy a whole day, early start, late finish! And support Water Aid. See page 18

Safari Supper The 8th Safari Supper will be held on Saturday 27th June. For more information please contact Mavis: 260686 – Jane: 260306

The New Melbourn Singers will be joining forces with other choirs, as usual, to perform as The Cambridgeshire Choral Society in a concert on Saturday 25 April at 7.30pm in West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge. The programme will consist of an organ piece and then two choral works – Bach’s Magnificat in D and Haydn’s Nelson Mass. The choir has much enjoyed working on these two very different pieces of music. The Bach has been particularly challenging but all the hard work has been worthwhile. It should be a superb evening’s entertainment and anyone coming is sure to have an enjoyable experience. Tickets are available either from choir members or through the Cambridgeshire Choral Society’s website.

The Yesteryear Road Run Returns for 2015 Sunday April 19th 2015 The gallant band of enthusiasts have got together to organise the Annual Yesteryear Road Run again. We have booked Sunday April 19th 2015 for the major charity event that trundles through the villages in our local district. Cancer Research UK are once more backing our efforts in 2015 with the understanding that any monies raised will be used locally. Last year the Road Run attracted over 300 entries, from live steam to classic sports cars, motorbikes, tractors to stationary engines, so there is something for everyone. We hope to get the same response from enthusiasts in 2015. As usual the procession will assemble on the Cottenham Village Green, and then will head off through Rampton, Willingham, Over, Swavesey (where we will be stopping for lunch) Longstanton, Oakington and Histon, returning to Cottenham Green in the afternoon. We, the few, are also asking for volunteer bucket shakers, Marshalls and of course entrants to the parade. Further information will be forthcoming as soon as we can get it together. So look out for flyers and posters and if you receive an invitation to join in with the parade, don’t throw it in the bin! If you don’t want to take part, give it to someone who does.

Cancer affects everyone in some form or another. Lets put our shoulders to the wheel to stop Cancer getting the better of anyone we know and love.

‘Together we can beat it’ For further information contact either Alan & Vivien Lampard 01954 200811 email: vivien.lampard@ntlworld.com or David Norman 01954 250917 All help very much appreciated no matter how small.

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Melbourn magazine is non-profit and all work on the magazine including layout is produced by volunteers. The Magazine is published four times a year in the first week of March, June, September and December. We print 2200 copies which are delivered free to every house in the village. Advertising revenue is used for printing costs only. Adverts should be supplied as finished artwork and must be at the sizes shown below. Please send artwork to melbournmagazine@gmail.com. The current rates for advertising in the Magazine are as follows: Size per…

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