43 minute read
Village news
Advertisement
Village News
Rosemary Gatward 1937 to 2020 Royston Community Transport Melbourn Hub 5
5
6
Melbourn Community Meals 7 Don’t throw away your old computers and TVs! 9 Cycling – calls for safe space 10 Strava Challenge 11 Buy a Coffee and Save Home-Start 11 Home-Start’s Giving Tuesday Campaign for
Lockdown 12 Arthur Rank Hospice Charity issues SOS!! 13 Melbourn Fete 2020 14 District and County Councillor Report 15 Cambridge Open Studios 16 The Hall For All 17 Luxury new care home opens in Melbourn 19 CPSL Mind’s Good Life 21
Library – LAP (Local Access Point)
Library opening times
Monday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Tuesday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Wednesday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Th ursday 2.30 to 6.30 pm Friday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Saturday 10.00 to 12.00 am
Rosemary Gatward 1937 to 2020
Many people in Melbourn and surrounding villages will remember Rosemary, who sadly died in February and whose funeral was held at All Saints’ Church, on February 19th, conducted by Rev Mary Price, with the eulogy delivered by Rev Andrew O’Brien, the former Vicar of All Saints’ and Holy Trinity.
Rosemary lived in Meldreth with her parents and younger sister Helena. She met Douglas at Bennetts Motor Works in Baldock where they were both working. They married in All Saints’ and had three children, Jane, Richard and Rebecca.
In 1966 Rosemary started the All Saints’ Playgroup, remembered fondly by many children, now grown up, and by their children.
Rosemary served for many years on the Parish Council, and was Chairman herself. She was also a Governor of Melbourn Primary School for 30 years, and a Churchwarden for 20.
She was involved with the building of the new All Saints’ Community Hall and the Hub for the Parish Council. She also ran the Christmas Bazaar and, with Rebecca the Flower Festival.
Rosemary and Doug were a great team and supported and looked after each other. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family
Rosemary will be sadly missed, not only by her family, but by all of us who knew her. She will not be forgotten. Royston Community Transport
We would like to reassure the residents of Melbourn and surrounding villages that we are still open and able to provide transport.
We are doing essential travel only, e.g. to doctor and hospital appointments.
Please ring 01763 245228, lines are open 9am–3pm Monday – Friday, giving as much notice as possible.
We will also help with prescription deliveries and food deliveries where possible, including collection of ‘Click and Collect’ orders.
Supporting the Community during the Coronavirus
Like other venues, Melbourn Hub had to sadly close its doors to the public in March due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However since the lockdown, The Hub has been proud to continue supporting the community by utilising the building as a control centre, offering various voluntary support services for the community during this difficult time. Here are some of the initiatives that have been supporting you, operating out of Melbourn Hub. Melbourn Coronavirus
Community Response team (MCCR) at Melbourn Hub The MCCR is a volunteer group based at Melbourn Hub, run by Cath Sharman, Melbourn Timebank coordinator, and supported closely by District Councillor and Hub director Jose Hales. It came about after Melbourn Hub’s management group approached Cath and the Parish Council, to set up a community support centre for those needing help during the pandemic and to secure resources for the initiative. Thanks to the swift action of all involved, the MCCR was set up and funded ready to support the community before the lockdown was declared on 23rd March. Numerous volunteers have stepped forward, and either man the 7 day a week MCCR control centre or deliver supplies to those in need. It is estimated that in excess of 1500 hours have been volunteered for the MCCR effort since 16 March 2020; this has helped achieve the following: • Delivered – 677 prescriptions • Provided – 216 hearing aid batteries • Fulfilled – 150 shopping requests • Hand delivered – 2 flyers to every Melbourn household • Written to – 760 clinically vulnerable people directly to offer the services All of the community is encouraged to use the MCCR for their prescription collection to prevent numerous different people visiting the Well pharmacy and the Orchard Surgery, thereby limiting footfall in those locations to a small nominated MCCR task force. This both minimises unnecessary exposure in the wider community and assists the busy pharmacy and surgery, as an established system has been put in place between Well, Orchard Surgery and the MCCR. The MCCR has a ‘Just Giving’ page to raise funds to help run the centre and to support the community during this difficult time. To donate see https://www.justgiving. com/campaign/MelbournCovid19. The MCCR can be contacted on 01763 263303 option 1. Chef’s meals for local families
The MCCR and the MCCS (Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support) are collaborating with Liz Young, a professional chef who now runs catering company ‘The Modern Table’, to help feed those in difficulty due to the coronavirus pandemic. The idea came about with help and offers of support from the local hospitality industry including Rosie Sykes, chef, author and writer who is setting up a charity in the near future called ‘The Food Collective’ focusing on like for like funding, getting big corporations to engage with their local community by helping to fund community food support. Also behind the current initiative are Jack van Praag, chef and owner of Jack’s Gelato, Tom Morgan chef Marcus Edwards, owner of Albany Vinters and Leo Riethoff, chef and founder of Steak and Honour.
The MCCR and Melbourn Hub was identified by South Cambs District Council as a venue able to rapidly distribute the free meals to Melbourn and Meldreth residents. The scheme was quickly set up, with the meals prepared in Steak and Honour’s commercial kitchen in Cambridge, where they are portioned into the right size packs and cold-transported to Melbourn Community Hub. From here a team of volunteers delivers them to family doorsteps. The ingredients for the meals are provided by donations from Cambridge Organic Food Company (COFco); Meadows, a small Newnham shop and supplier; and local wholesaler Fieldgate Nurseries. Financial contributions have been made from the MCCR and MCCS.
Liz Young, professional chef
Food Bank
Thanks to some kind donations from across the village, the MCCR will be opening a trial food bank at The Hub on Thursday mornings from 10am-12pm. Items will be on a first come, first served basis, and you will need to bring your own bags. Social distancing rules will be observed and The Hub will operate a one-in-one-out system. If you are unable to come to The Hub or if you are self-isolating, please call 01763 263303 and we can arrange a delivery. The Hub – keeping in touch with you
Finally, all of us at Melbourn Hub looks forward to seeing you again in the near future, but until then, we are keeping the spirit of the Hub going through our website and the Facebook page: @The Hub Melbourn. We have provided an exciting colouring initiative featuring our very own ‘Hubby Bear’, a now familiar character originally created at the Hub. The current colouring initiative, aimed at supporting children in our local community, has been designed by Bec Barnes Illustration, a local illustrator who also volunteers for us. This is alongside signposting important services such as; health and wellbeing through ‘Everyone Health’, dementia support from ‘Community Support for Dementia’ and adult mental health and wellbeing via Mind CPSL Cambridgeshire’s ‘Qwell’ service, as well as taking our hub gallery online so that we can continue to support our local artists and share their amazing artwork to lift people’s spirits. Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk Cambridge caterers work with volunteers to feed families during lockdown
Hundreds of prepared, nutritious meals have been delivered to residents in Melbourn and Meldreth thanks to local chefs and hospitality partners, the Melbourn Coronavirus Community Response, and the Council – and the Council is offering to support others to do the same.
Across the district people’s circumstances have changed enormously from house to house. Liz Young, a professional chef who now runs catering company The Modern Table, was offered funding to put her skills to work to help feed those who may be in difficulty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The idea came about with help and offers of support from many members of the local hospitality industry including Rosie Sykes, chef, author and writer; Jack van Praag, chef and owner of Jack’s Gelato; Tom Morgan, chef; Marcus Edwards, owner of Albany Vinters; and Leo Riethoff, chef and founder of Steak and Honour.
Liz needed to work out the details around who to provide meals for, and how to distribute them. She was put in touch with South Cambridgeshire District Council, which was able to use existing networks and local knowledge to identify Melbourn Coronavirus
Rosie Sykes, chef, author and writer
Community Response as a community group that would be able to rapidly distribute the meals to residents in Melbourn and Meldreth.
The scheme was quickly set up, with the meals prepared in Steak and Honour’s commercial kitchen in Cambridge, where they are portioned into the right size packs for the families who will receive them, cooled, and cold-transported to the Melbourn Community Hub kitchen. From here the team of Melbourn Coronavirus Community Response volunteers deliver them to families’ doorsteps. To ensure food safety is paramount throughout this process, the Council’s Environmental Health team advised the group as they established the way the project would work.
Along with one of the volunteer chefs Rosie Sykes – who is also working towards setting up a charitable community food project to support local people – Liz sources the ingredients and designs a varied menu that offers nutritious meals.
The ingredients for the meals are provided by donations from Cambridge Organic Food Company (COFco); Meadows, a small Newnham shop and supplier; and local wholesaler Fieldgate Nurseries. These are topped up using the generous funding Liz was originally offered, alongside support from the Melbourn Hub and Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support. The Council is encouraging other groups considering setting up similar projects to apply to existing funding schemes e.g. the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund or the National Lottery’s Awards for All fund.
Liz said: “Melbourn Hub is so well set up that working with them was going to benefit as many people as possible because of the network system they had already created.”
Cllr Jose Hales, District Councillor for Melbourn, said: “I feel really fortunate that this idea was brought to life in my village. The fact that our Hub’s catering facilities have previously been approved by Environmental Health meant that we could offer to help without any delay, and our Coronavirus Community Response volunteers were eager to join this fantastic group of individuals from the catering industry to support our residents.
“All credit to this group for having the idea and the get up and go to make it happen, and to Council colleagues and Cath Sharman, who heads up our Melbourn Coronavirus Community Response, for bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together. The pandemic is putting pressure on families in so many ways and I’m pleased our residents are benefitting from these nutritious meals. If other chefs or community groups are wondering what they can do to help, get in touch and Council staff will be happy to help.”
To contact the Council to discuss setting up something similar – whether you are a chef, someone who has food to donate, or a community group that can help to get meals to families – email duty. communities@scambs.gov.uk Susan van de Ven
Don’t throw away your old computers and TVs!
Recycling centres are reopening – but please DON’T throw away any unwanted computers, laptops, screens, mice and keyboards!
Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support is building new computers out of second-hand donations, to supply Melbourn Village College students who are on home study due to Covid-19 restrictions but lacking home computers. We’d also like to make them available to elderly isolated residents who’d like to get set up on the internet for the first time.
The computers are rebuilt by Andy Thomas at home in Meldreth on his kitchen table. They are then PAT tested by David Coton. The first lot of new computers was delivered to Melbourn Village College last week, to the delight of Headteacher Simon Holmes:
“We’re extremely grateful for this equipment as it will make a significant difference to those children and families who receive it. Home schooling is not something any of our parents expected to be doing and for those children who have been trying to access their work on a phone or sharing a tablet or family computer, this is a huge step forwards. Our thanks go to all who have donated.”
MVC principal Simon Holmes and Susan van de Ven with donated equipment. Pictures MVC
Andy Thomas and David Coton
More computers are in the process of rebuilding but more monitors, keyboards and mice are needed. Several old laptops have also been donated to the scheme – these are especially useful. Whatever might seem too old or unworkable can be stripped for spare parts – everything is useful.
Some history nuggets lie within: Award-winning children’s author Frances Hardinge has provided a monitor and a laptop: “This was my laptop while I was writing A Face Like Glass and the first half of Cuckoo Song. It’s helped me conjure underground labyrinths, exploding cheeses, screaming dolls and supernatural secrets. I hope it will be of use to somebody else now!”
Another children’s author, Rhiannon Lassiter, has donated her old ibook G4, which will be sold to raise funds to pay for spare parts.
Computer gaming guru Alistair Halsby has donated the smallest and largest computers so far. Andy says that “Both have about the same power – time shrinks things! The large computer was in its day an example of the best money could buy.”
So – if you have any old computers or components lying around, and would consider donating them, please let us know! Cllrs Susan van de Ven and Philippa Hart Meldreth Coronavirus Community Support Susanvandeven5@gmail.com and philippajoyhart@gmail.com
Cycling – calls for safe space
With the advice to stay away from public transport, and an intensified focus on cycling as a means of safe local transport, a new conversation is happening about practical and achievable measures that could be quickly implemented. Please do write to the County Council and to the Mayor if you’re concerned – and thanks to everyone who has done so already.
You can also sign the ‘Spaces to Breathe’ open letter from the Cambridge Cycling Campaign, which is working with cycle campaigns all around Cambridgeshire – see here for details: https://www.camcycle.org.uk/campaigning/issues/spaces-to-breathe/ Susan van de Ven
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 the mobility impaired in Melbourn, Meldreth and Shepreth 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 • Going to the Post Office to pay your bills • 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 £7.50 per week (a little more for couples).
Jeannie Seers (Mobile Warden) 07808 735066 email: jeanseers13@gmail.com
Jane Cage (Deputy) 07592 821976 email: janec55@virginmedia.com
Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity
Strava Challenge
Do you like to keep fit? Maybe you’re keen to expand your exercise as part of your lockdown routine? Maybe you already use Strava, the activity tracker?
This app, if you aren’t already using it, allows you to track the routes you take when you exercise, share your activities with your friends and colleagues and even compete with them, even when you can’t socialise.
Home-Start’s own Strava club, HSRBSC Giving Tuesdays, has been set up to help our friends, volunteers, supporters and families come together in a virtual way, to get fit together and raise funds for Home-Start’s work in the local area.
If you’re already on Strava, why not come and join the HSRBSC club? It’s called “Giving Tuesdays” as it’s part of our lockdown campaign, Giving Tuesdays. Every Tuesday between 7th April and 1st December, we’ll be posting new activities for everyone to take part in on our Home-Start website. The Strava Club is part of this campaign. We’re hoping to see lots of activity from our supporters on the page, so come along and join in!
If you’re not already a Strava user, why not sign up? It’s free to use and a really great way to track your fitness, make new friends among our supporters, and connect with other people in the area.
You can create virtual challenges for yourself – and others – and all we’re asking is that you donate to Home-Start every time you achieve a personal goal. What could be simpler?
If you’d like to know more, you can hop, skip and jump along to our website and click on the Fitness Challenge link: https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/week4-fitness-challenge/
Or, if you’d like to join the Home-Start club on Strava, head over to our club page: https://www.strava. com/clubs/637391 Hopefully, we’ll see you there! The Home-Start Team
Buy a Coffee and Save Home‑Start
One of the things that COVID-19 has really made me take notice of is my ‘usual habits’ – the things I do daily that are simply part of my routine.
Things like buying myself a posh cup of coffee on the way to work. I’m a massive fan of a coconut milk latte – extra-large, extra hot – it’s a small luxury that makes my day better. I’m sure many of you have a similar activity. And we’ve had to stop.
It turns out it’s the loss of small luxuries that have really made me think about the current situation, and how much I take for granted.
Here at Home-Start we work with families who are finding every day a struggle: mental, emotional and physical problems that make life hard. During the lockdown, we are asking local people to donate the cost of one of those luxurious coffees to help keep Home-Start’s services running, so that we can be there for the people who need us most.
To donate the cost of a cup of coffee, text HOMESTARTCUPPA to 70085 for a one-off £3 donation.
Or, you can set up a monthly donation of £3 by texting SAVEHOMESTART to 70085
And you can email us: admin@hsrsc.org.uk for more information.
If you do sign up to donate via text message, you will automatically be added to our mailing list for future newsletters. If you would prefer not to receive further information from Home-Start, please use the code HOMESTARTCUPPANOINFO to 70085 or SAVEHOMESTARTNOINFO to 70085. Your contact preferences can be changed at any time – just let us know! Thank you so much The Home-Start Team
The appearance of the next article in our series ‘Walks In or Around Melbourn’ has been deferred. In present COVID-19 conditions, and with the closure of all National Trust properties, it was thought inappropriate to go ahead with an article featuring the several walks available at the Trust’s nearby Wimpole Estate. Hugh Pollock
FROG END PET SUPPLIES
Home‑Start’s Giving Tuesday Campaign for Lockdown
Here at Home-Start, we recognise the pressure that the COVID-19 situation puts on everyone: it’s hard sharing limited physical space with people, even the ones you love, and the emotional and psychological effects of the lockdown will be felt for a long time to come.
And so, we have launched our ‘Giving Tuesdays’ campaign: every Tuesday between 7th April and 1st December we’ll be offering a new activity for you to try.
Some will be free to access – our gift to you! Others will be paid-for activities, which will form part of our fundraising effort. We’ll use your donations to keep HomeStart running, so that we can continue to offer support to local families who are finding life a struggle.
There are lots of different activities coming up, some aimed at children, some at adults, and some at the whole family. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages – you’ll find lots of information about the activities there, as well as on our website.
Maybe you’d like to try your hand at some of our Easter recipes, which went out this week? Russian Kulich bread, for example, or sugared primroses from the garden. Please send us pictures of anything you make – we’d love to know how you get on! Find out more at: https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/ Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hsrsc.org.uk/ On our Twitter Feed https://twitter.com/HomeStartRSC
Week 3 – Scavenger Hunt • Extensive Range of Pet Feed • Accessories Bedding Pet Toys • Collars Leads Training Aids • Large Wild Bird Dept • Livestock Birds Rabbits Guinea Pigs • Stockists of Flo Gas & Water Softener Salt • Cold Water Fish • Wide Range of Poultry Feed & Accessories
Phillimore Garden Centre Cambridge Rd Melbourn Herts SG8 6EY FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
OpeningHours
Mon - Fri 9am to 6pm Sat -9am to 5.30pm Sun - 10am to 4.30pm 01763 263342
www.frogendpetsupplies.co.uk
Visit our NEW showroom at Sage Blinds & Interiors Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6EY Tel: 01763 263399 Mobile: 07875 488955
email: sageblinds@icloud.com www.sageblinds.co.uk Specialists in made to measureBlinds ~ Curtains ~ Shutters Wall Coverings ~ Awnings ~ Interiors
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity issues SOS!!
Cambridgeshire’s only adult Hospice has issued an urgent ‘SOS!! Support Our Services’ appeal in response to the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the Charity’s ability to fundraise for its vital services this year.
The Hospice provides care and support services to patients with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition, and provides end-of-life care, typically to people who are in the last two weeks of their life. In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Hospice has had to reduce many of its services to protect the safety of its patients whilst simultaneously refocusing on the core healthcare needs of the County.
In just one month (from February to March 2020), demand for the care that the Charity provides within people’s homes (observing strict infection control procedures) has increased, as seen in the 61% increase in the number of referrals to the Hospice at Home night service. Calls to the Hospice have also increased, as demonstrated in the 27.5% increase in the length of time spent on triage calls by the Arthur Rank Community Team. Despite the difficult circumstances, in March the Inpatient Unit still provided care to 27 patients with complex end of life needs, alongside 19 patients in nurse-led beds.
Strict restrictions have had to be introduced for visitors to the Inpatient Unit and care staff across all services are struggling with the harsh reality of not being able to offer a comforting hug, or a hand to hold, to family members and their loved ones, at moments of heart-breaking loss.
The Hospice’s Voluntary Services team’s newly launched ‘Caring Communities’ scheme has moved to offering their services over the phone, and have additionally introduced a new telephone befriender role to support Arthur Rank Hospice patients at risk of loneliness and isolation. Retired staff, GPs and student Doctors have volunteered for clinical roles and administrative and fundraising staff have been redeployed to further support clinical teams. Local businesses have rallied around the Hospice, donating essential items such as PPE for clinical colleagues and
Some of the Hospice’s front-line care team, from the Inpatient Unit at Shelford
Vital 24-hour care is still being delivered from the Cambridge Hospice, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in people’s own homes across the County by the Arthur Rank Community Team.
iPads for patients enabling them to communicate with loved ones.
The clinical team are working closely with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Commissioning Group (CCG), Addenbrooke’s Hospital and social care networks to ensure the Hospice is doing everything it can to support the healthcare needs of the wider Cambridgeshire population.
None of what is happening now would be possible without the dedication, commitment and generosity of the local community, who passionately support the Hospice to fundraise £3.98 million each year, which together with the contracted funding from the CCG enables it to deliver its full range of services.
Initial financial forecasts have identified that the Hospice will lose at least £700,000 of potential income over the next six months. This is due to scores of fundraising events and personal challenges having to be cancelled; the closure of the Hospice’s charity shops and Bistro; and the cancellation of training and conference events which were due to take place in its Education and Conference Centre. Sharon Allen, CEO adds: “The adverse circumstances in which we find ourselves seem to change hour by hour, whilst the admiration I have for each of my colleagues grows every day, as they constantly adjust, evolve and innovate.
We need to ensure that we can carry on delivering essential care and services now, whilst also ensuring that services remain sustainable into the future. We truly hope that the people of Cambridgeshire will answer our SOS!!
To find out more about, or donate to, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s ‘SOS!! Support Our Services’ appeal, please visit arhc.org.uk/sos
Melbourn Fete 2020
It is with great regret that this year’s fete has been postponed. The committee had to make a decision at the early stage of the lockdown to minimise the financial impact of cancellation, as we were becoming liable to increasing upfront costs. We have been very fortunate that many of our sponsors have generously not asked for a refund; this means that all of our committed expenses are covered, with some funds left to help with possible events later on in the year.
The provisional plan is to delay the fete until June 2021; the date has yet to be confirmed. It was a very sad decision to take and we look forward to a very special fete next year.
On alternative years with the fete, ‘Open Gardens’ is organised by the fete committee. The event is held in September; if circumstances allow and restrictions are
Brand new purpose built site
Flexible options for home and business Monitored CCTV, gate entry by key fob Easy access for removal company lorries Entry from 06.00 to 22.00, 7 days a week Insulated, damp free containers owned from new and carefully maintained Over 10 years of experience Friendly and family run
Visit our website: www.lawstorage.co.uk Call us: 01223 874629 Email us: paul@lawstorage.co.uk
Please note, we have moved to: Butts Farm, Malton Road, Orwell, SG8 5QR
Let us lighten your load
• Boiler servicing & repairs • Landlord certi cates • Boiler replacements • Bathroom suites • Natural gas, oil & LPG • Heating system upgrades • General plumbing & repairs
Phone: 01763 260007
www.boilercareandrepair.co.uk
We hope to see our dinosaur suits in action during our fete next year. lifted, we might be holding Open Gardens this year. It is likely the event will be organised at short notice as restrictions are amended, so please keep an eye out on social media for details. In addition, we also organise ‘Turn on to Christmas’ in conjunction with the Hub in early December, when we switch on the festive lights. Again, this event could still be affected by the continuing Covid 19 restrictions so we will keep you updated.
To the volunteers, sponsors and participants of the fete, we thank you for your continued support. If you would like to help us with any of our events then please contact us through Facebook or our recently changed website: www.melbournfete.com
The dinosaur suits in the photo were going to be a key part in a new and fun arena activity this year. They will return in 2021, in the meantime we wish you all a continued safe and healthy 2020.
Finally, the stunning artwork on the cover is from Kay Morland who is one of the Fete committee members. The Fete Committee
District and County Councillor Report
Like everyone, our councils are immersed in responding to the pandemic and trying to gauge the future: finding support for residents and local businesses, lobbying for further government support, and exploring how to reintroduce paused services and how to cope with the universally predicted recession. Like so many people, council officers have been working at home, often juggling home schooling and child care.
Government Covid-19 grant to local government: Specific allocations to County and District Councils have now been published. The principle of allocation is two-thirds to counties and one-third to districts. There’s concern that sums fall short of what’s needed to compensate for Covid-19 costs and losses, but discussions and lobbying are ongoing.
Business Support: South Cambs District Council has been very active receiving applications for and dispensing the Government’s business support grants. At the time of writing, over 80% of South Cambs businesses eligible to receive applicable government aid had been paid out by SCDC – this compares very favourably with neighbouring councils and national performance. Your district councillors have been active in contacting those businesses in the Melbourn Ward which had not yet made an application, to encourage them to apply. Please do contact Philippa or Jose with any queries or concerns.
Green Bins: Our Waste Service has reintroduced green bin collections, with Meldreth’s green bins collected on May 5. The service is still affected by staff being off work due to self-isolation but it is hoped that green bins will be collected at least monthly from now on. The council will publish on its website guaranteed green bin collection dates.
Recycling centres: These reopened in the week of May 11, on social distancing protocols and with a request to restrict visits to ‘if absolutely necessary’.
Care homes and care settings: Our area has a number of care homes and at-home care schemes which serve the wider community. We’ve been keeping in contact with them all to find out what, if anything, our local support groups can do to for them. We’re also in regular contact with our County Adult Social Care and Public Health officers and our District Housing officers, who are directly involved in organizing support. The national picture of concern around PPE and testing in care home settings has not escaped Cambridgeshire.
The County Council publishes a series of ‘County Covid-19 Emergency Reports’ every Monday, which provide an insight into how all aspects of the council’s work is impacted by and responding to the pandemic. The link is hard to find – search Meetings, Committees, Agendas, General Purposes Committee – but please contact Susan if you’d like her to send it directly! https://cambridgeshire.cmis.uk.com/ ccc_live/Committees/tabid/62/ctl/ViewCMIS_
CommitteeDetails/mid/381/id/60/Default.aspx
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time, with any question or concern. Philippa Hart and Jose Hales, District Councillors
Susan van de Ven, County Councillor
Cambridge Open Studios
Cambridge Open Studios take part in nationwide #OpenWindows2020 to share their #COSart2020 this July.
Although the dreaded Covid-19 virus has seen an end to this year’s annual art extravaganza we’ve grown to love, all is not lost. A group of budding members have stepped up to the mark and are in the middle of organising a treasure trail of art for the public to enjoy whilst out on their daily walks. #Openwindows2020 is a national campaign that is celebrating art in its many forms, displayed in as the name would suggest, a window or perhaps front garden. For all 4 weekends of July, artists will display their artwork for local residents to enjoy. WHY? – As chief organiser Kate Green explains, “It’s a way that we as a group of artists can invest into our community at this extraordinary time. We hope it will help to keep Cambridge Open Studios on people’s radar, whilst promoting creativity and the art businesses, as well as giving the artists something positive to work towards.” WHEN? – the original COS weekends: July 4th/5th, 11th/12th, 18th/19th, 25th/26th inclusively.
HOW? A treasure trail map will be created with spots to indicate the location of participating artists. The map will be available to download from the Cambridge Open Studios website at the beginning of June here camopenstudios.co.uk/open-windows
Usually, the details of each artist and their work is available in advance. However, participating artists will decorate their houses with the Cambridge Open Studios yellow flag and it will become an art treasure hunt for the local neighbourhood. Each participating artist will display their name and the Cambridge Open Studios website address alongside their art in their window (each artist has their own page on this website) so people can find out more about each artist they have visited. If the lockdown is still in place, we will encourage people to adhere to social distancing rules and remind them to only travel locally as part of their daily exercise.
There are actually a handful of artist members who have already been doing this independently, to various degrees, since the lockdown began. We now have 100+ artists signed up to take part in this initiative during the month of July.
We look forward to bringing you #COSart2020 this July.
More information can be found at: camopenstudios. co.uk/open-windows from 1st June. Jo Riches Mob. 07854 210837
SALE
UP TO 40% OFF SELECTED KITCHEN RANGES
FREE BOSCH DISHWASHER SMV40C30GB Minimum spend of £7000 or FREE HOT TAP QUOOKER FUSION ROUND CHROME Minimum spend of £15000 With all kitchen supplied & installation. Before 31st March 2020
Our trademark is our exceptional ‘conception to completion’ quality of service. We can assist you in everything from inspiration & design management to project delivery & installation. 43 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW Call us on 01763 245000 / 01223 870440 Email: info@trademark-kitchens.co.uk www.trademark-kitchens.co.uk
All Saints Community Hall News
Well, of course, there isn’t any really. Poor old Hall, standing there empty it must wonder what it has done to offend us!
But we have taken the opportunity of this enforced break to ask our wonderful team of cleaners to give the Hall a good, Deep Clean. As you may have read, the interior was redecorated just after Christmas (already that seems aeons away) but Gay and her team have now cleaned the oven, defrosted the refrigerators, sanitised every possible surface and cleaned windows etc so that when we are able to bring it out of mothballs, so to speak, the Hall will be squeaky clean for us. Also, we are pursuing the installation of hand sanitisers although of course that, along with our plans to install a defibrillator, will be on hold for the time being.
After consultation, it was agreed that Gay should dispose of various items of food left in the cupboards so when we do finally restart Coffee Stop and Melbourn Pop Up Cinema and all the lovely activities which take place in the Hall everything will start again from scratch. We have also disposed of the items of lost property which had not been claimed – it is amazing how often a child’s jacket would hang around in the cloakroom for weeks and nobody come to look for it, and water flasks were abandoned almost every day!
Needless to say, the Hall is closed until further notice but the regular users may rest assured that their fixed days and times will be honoured. The cleaners are going in twice a week to flush loos and check that everything is OK. We are so looking forward to getting back to ‘normal’.
Best wishes from Kimmi, Brenda, Cyndy, Jacey, Gaynor and all the team. Keep safe and well, everyone. Mavis Howard
What makes an advanced driver/ rider?
A simple question but the answer has many facets. The ability to honestly self-assess their own driving/ riding performance accurately and learn from experience is the most important skill of all. In order to drive safely you have to gain information about what is happening, or likely to happen, around you. An advanced driver/rider is proactive rather than reactive. The primary source of information is from observation which requires the driver/rider to be constantly scanning, assessing the risks attached to what is seen (or not seen) and forming a plan to manage that risk. As the risk changes so does the plan. When a driver/rider starts to work with a Tutor it can all seem rather daunting but as the tutoring progresses it becomes easier and more natural. An experienced advanced driver will be forming and revising plans in fractions of a second whereas a less experienced driver/rider may take seconds or not see the risk at all.
A well-known ex-police driving instructor and examiner has nine other (main) principles of advanced driving: • A calm and composed attitude with just the right amount of assertiveness; • An ability to remove emotion from driving; • An active (but not overactive) imagination; • Sustained concentration; • Planning; • Smoothness with the controls; • Accuracy; • Mechanical sympathy; • Feel.
However, with all the above in mind, driving should be an enjoyable experience for the driver and passengers. Advanced driving has this image of promoting safe, serious and sensible driving but it can also be enjoyable, challenging and spirited especially if you have acquired the necessary skills.
An advanced driver will also adjust their driving style to the type of vehicle being driven and the type of journey being undertaken.
For a very low annual membership fee and no tuition charges, RoADARC’s Tutors will help you improve your existing skills and learn new ones, if that is required.
Visit our website at www.roadarc.org.uk for further information.
Changing attitudes by education www.RoADARC.org.uk
Luxury new care home opens in Melbourn
Melbourn Springs, Barchester Healthcare’s luxury new care home in Melbourn, has officially opened, and staff raised a glass to celebrate the occasion.
It took 130,000 bricks and 45,000 concrete blocks to create the three-storey home, which is part of the new housing development on Hyacinth Drive.
Preparations are already under way to welcome the first 10 residents, with Melbourn Springs playing a key role in supporting the health care needs of the region at this time. Staff are trained to deliver a premium caring experience, offering personalised residential, dementia, and respite care, in a beautiful and comfortable setting.
Designed with our residents in mind, and fitted by Barchester’s expert interior designers, the home is finished with contemporary decoration and state of the art facilities. It features a café, cinema, spa bathrooms, a choice of lounges and dining rooms, with garden access or terraces, Wi-Fi throughout, and an in-house hair and beauty salon. Bedrooms come fitted with smart TV’s and en-suite bathrooms as standard, and ground floor rooms have direct access to our landscaped gardens. The home also has 338 solar panels, making it one of the greenest energy-efficient buildings in the local area.
In light of the current situation, whilst Barchester homes are temporarily closed to visitors to keep staff and residents safe, our varied life-enrichment programme includes ways for our residents to stay in contact with relatives digitally, such as Skype calls. We are making sure that all our efforts are focused on creating an enjoyable environment, guaranteeing that there will be plenty of daily activities on offer for all tastes and abilities, whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice.
In every aspect of daily life at Melbourn Springs, we aim to offer independence, dignity and choice. Residents can enjoy a varied daily menu of nutritious home-cooked meals, and freshly baked cakes and goods from the café. Alternative menus are also on offer and our chefs are happy to cater for all allergies and intolerances.
The home is also complete with dedicated facilities
for those living with dementia. These include a life-skills kitchen, to help maintain activities of daily living, and a ‘Magic Table’, an interactive, multi-sensory projector, which increases physical and social interaction, as well as, most importantly, allowing residents to have a bit of fun.
The team have been overwhelmed by the positive response from all the neighbours and local businesses, and are looking forward to hosting regular events once restrictions for visitors are lifted.
General Manager Karen Allen said, “What a very special moment for all of us here at Melbourn Springs –the home is absolutely stunning! I feel very privileged to be have been part of this amazing project, and look forward to being able to throw the doors open for everyone to see as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Home Services Advisor Dan Amis, who has been working hard to establish the home as a key part of the local community, said: “I really can’t believe that we have reached this milestone, and our beautiful home is now open. It really doesn’t matter that we couldn’t have a big event – the most important thing is being able to support our vulnerable loved ones who are struggling at home, and looking to us for support and care during these unprecedented times!”
We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible. We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next 4 weeks, so please do give us a call on 01763 722732 if you are looking for care or need any further help.
The expert team at Melbourn Springs Care Home is here to support you and your loved ones – call us anytime for friendly advice, to discuss care options and the services available, or to arrange a tour of the home by video call.
To find out more please check out their website: barchester.com/MelbournSprings
For more information please contact Dan Amis, Home Services Advisor at Melbourn Springs Care Home on Daniel.Amis@barchester.com or call 07435 692018.
An Apple a Day at new Melbourn Care Home
Prior to the opening of the new Care Home, Melbourn Springs ran a competition to find four names for its four living communities. The successful winner was Lynn Travis of Cambridge Road and in February, Lynn was presented with a £250 cheque for the local charity of her choice. There were a high number of entries to choose the community names but Lynn based her choices very much on local history and tradition. She said, “As Melbourn was famous for all its fruit picking and beautiful orchards there could only be one choice for me – apples. The communities are named Ashmead, Bramley, Crispin, Elstar and Braeburn.”
Melbourn Springs General Manager, Karen Allen said, “We have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community since we arrived in Hyacinth Drive. As the home is named after the springs at the Bury and there is a nod to Duxford in the home design it seemed the perfect fit to select Lynn’s choice as we honour Melbourn’s agricultural history in our beautiful new home.”
As her prize Lynn received a £250 cheque that she will donate to Melbourn Area Youth Development. This organisation offers Youth Club Services as a unique collaborative project between Melbourn, Meldreth, Fowlmere and Shepreth Parish Councils, providing young people with life skills, counselling and fun activities that support independence and well-being.
The home’s marketing suite had become a community meeting point with many groups and organisations from Melbourn and surrounding villages being welcomed there for events and regular meetings.
Home Services Advisor Dan Amis said: “Community engagement is an essential part of how we integrate our residents into their new home and help them get to know the neighbours around them as well as keep in touch with the people they have always known. Our doors will be open to all – Melbourn Springs will be a home just like any other in the village and everyone is welcome.”
Charity cheque presentation at Melbourn Springs General Manager – Karen Allen, Lynn Travis and Home Services Advisor – Dan Amis
CPSL Mind’s Good Life
Sipping on a cup of tea, John Willcock is chatting candidly about his experiences of mental health challenges, grief and suicidal thoughts – “I didn’t talk about it for years,” he says.
The irony is that talkng has now helped transform John’s life, and he does a lot of it here at the Good Mood Cafe in Wisbech – one of many cafe sessions across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough run by local mental health charity, CPSL Mind. These weekly, 90-minute community cafes are a fantastic place for individuals to connect with other like-minded people.
“When I first heard about the cafes I thought, ‘Hmm… I might pop along,’ but I decided to give it a go,” John recounts. “The first week I came I was really quiet, sussing people out, but it’s great.’’
“It’s a safe space with good company, where everyone can discuss whatever’s on their mind without fear of judgement. A lot of us share the same sort of mental health issues, so we can all find common ground, but it’s also nice to come and chat about things that are nothing to do with mental health.”
Despite living over 15 miles away from the Good Mood Cafe he attends in Wisbech, John is now a regular. “A few of us actually see each other outside of the cafe, but I love popping along,” he smiles. “Talking is so important. I wish I’d opened up about my issues sooner.”
Tracey O’Donoghue, the cafe’s facilitator at CPSL Mind, highlights the importance of the cafes. “Isolation is big factor in affecting someone’s mental health. Getting people to the cafe to connect is a big thing – we know that feeling part of a community can really help wellbeing.”
Stuart Stretch is another regular here – although by his own admission, it took him a while to pluck up the courage to come along. “After I heard about the Good Mood Cafes, for the first few weeks I just walked past and scoped it out – I didn’t even come in!” he laughs. “But I’m really glad I did. It’s great to get out and talk to people.”
The Good Mood Cafes are just part of CPSL Mind’s Good Life Service, which offers community-based wellbeing support for adults living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The charity’s Open Door calm spaces offer people both tranquillity and self-help techniques, while Peer Support Groups are run to bring together individuals with others who also have lived experience to share advice and support. There’s little doubt that all three services offer a vital link to the outside world for those who need it.
Come along to connect with like-minded people in your community supporting wellbeing and sharing interests and skills.
Find your local Good Mood Cafe today: cpslmind.org.uk/goodlife/good-mood-cafes 0300 303 4363
Reg Charity Number 265087
Chris Thomas
Cambridge Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Carpet and upholstery cleaner based in Cambridge. Working in and around Cambridge, Royston, Saffron Walden, Newmarket and Huntingdon.
•Carpet cleaning using Dry Fusion™ system • Hot water extraction cleaning • Host® Dry Cleaning for natural floor coverings • Stain treatment • Upholstery cleaning using Crystal Fusion™ • Curtains cleaned in situ • • Infestation treatment Odour neutralisation using ozone generator
Competitively priced Fully insured with public and product liability Environmentally-friendly products used Mobile: 07830 227138 Landline: 01223 836002 email: christhomascleaning@gmail.com www.carpetcleaningcambridgeuk.com
“For some people, a Good Mood Cafe might be the only time they get out of the house all week,” says Tracey, “but we don’t just focus on mental health. It’s all general chit-chat, and for a lot of people, the start of them getting back on the road to being well. We’ve had people at the cafes who’ve told us that after coming here, they’ve plucked up the courage to chat to the person behind the till in the supermarket, or talked to their neighbour for the first time in years. These things can be a massive step.”
John and Stuart are proof that it works and now John’s also got his eye on becoming a CPSL Mind facilitator just like Tracey. “I’ve been in a good place for a few years, and now I just want to help people wherever I can,” he says, taking another sip of tea. “Talking is so important. I wish I’d opened up sooner.”
For more information about CPSL Mind’s Good Life Service, visit www.cpslmind.org.uk/goodlife
Your nearest Good Mood Café is held at the Bookmark Café at The Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DZ on Fridays 2-2.30pm weekly.
The Open Door Calm Space is also held at The Hub on Tuesdays 2–2.30pm weekly.
If you are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, there are people who can help you.
People living in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough can access mental health support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the NHS First Response Service by calling 111 and selecting option 2.
People outside of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are encouraged to call the Samaritans on 116 123. This is also a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year helpline.
Further support can be found here: www.cpslmind.org. uk/need-help-now/
RIVER River oh river how quiet you flow, down to the waterfalls, where little birds go, onto the trees where they nest, they go to the river to drink from the flow.
by Lila aged 7
