Issue 110 Summer 2022 by Melbourn Magazine

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

...editorial Gardens are blooming, the weather is warming and life is beginning to return to normal! How nice it is to meet with friends and family again. There is a lot to look forward to during the next few months, starting with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the Churches and Clubs will be holding special events too. No doubt there will be lots of bunting and house decorating in the village and street communities organising their own fun for an exceptionally momentous time. Volunteers are busy as always, keeping the village clean and tidy, litter picking, maintaining the Mel and planting a variety of apple and pear trees kindly donated by a resident. It is lovely to walk around our area, to bird and wildlife watch, all maintained by enthusiastic volunteers. We thank them all for their time and commitment. Our schools are thriving and have achieved a lot in difficult circumstances. Congratulations must go to students at MVC for raising an amazing amount in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. We wish all Y11 students at MVC well in their exams and hope for successful results. Our sports teams are also thriving in membership and success. With the variety of activities and clubs available, there is an activity to join whatever your age, from preschool to retirement age. We have all had a difficult two years, but now let’s make the most of the warmer weather and our pleasant environment. Our very best wishes to you, from the team at Melbourn Magazine.

Front cover: The River Mel The source of the Mel begins at the Springs at the Bury. It meanders through Stockbridge Meadows, along the Moor, passing through Melwood in Meldreth joining the River Rhee near Malton, before flowing into the Cam – a total distance of approximately 3 miles. See pages 6, 21 and 35.

Contents Village news Nature

5 6

Stockbridge Meadows

Nature

Melwood: Your Local Nature Reserve

Travelogue

Exploring the ancient Mayan empire

Education Nature

25 31

Community Allotment

Bin collection Nature

32 35

River Mel Restoration Group

Nature

Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve

Reviews

Year of Wonders The Fiddle Another First for Britta Authors and their Books

Walks around Melbourn & beyond

Walking at Trumpington Meadows

Churches Together Sports & Clubs

49 53

Melbourn Magazine offers a platform to local people and organisations to bring news and articles of interest to residents of the village. It is produced and distributed entirely by volunteers, and printing is funded by advertising. The Magazine is totally independent of, and receives no funding from, either the Parish or the District Council. Content is entirely at the discretion of the Editor. Contributions for inclusion are welcome from all residents, clubs and other organisations. Articles may be edited if necessary to reduce length or to remove offensive content. We do not accept political material.

melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Village news Village News Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) 10th Anniversary ‘Health at The Hub’ coming for you! Melbourn Fete Melbourn Community Library Melbourn Community Hall Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group Interested in Family History? Melbourn and District U3A Moorlands Court Melbourn Timebank Melbourn Parish Council From your District and County Councillors Who to report to …? Exhibition success for arts charity Rowan

5 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 11 12 13 17 19

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) 10th Anniversary Yes! It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the idea of a Melbourn based amateur dramatics group was brought to life. As a result of attending a local performance for the Queens Diamond Jubilee in 2012, husband and wife, Donna & Paul Sleight, loved the show so much that it inspired them to look to join an amateur dramatic group. They were surprised when they discovered that there was no group in either Melbourn or Meldreth. From there, the immortal words “how hard can it be?” were first muttered and following a successful application to South Cambs “Community Chest” funding, the concept of a Melbourn based Am Dram group was achieved. Along with 9 of their good friends, they got together and with the help of 2 local writers put together their first script ‘The Lost Slipper’, which was performed in December 2012 on stage at Meldreth Village Hall and Melbourn Village College. These were very humble beginnings for the team. Costumes were sourced from charity shops, chopped about, cut, reshaped and fabric added to transform them from an evening dress into an elaborate dame costume. Curtains were made into 19th century style britches and jackets and props were put together using items from either recycling centres or from odd bits and bobs found in the loft or at the back of the garage. The scenery was built using 2 hanging rails with fabric draped over which was then painted to depict a scene. This made it through the first show, with help from Gaffa Tape, BUT then, mid-way through the second show – yes you guessed – it duly collapsed beyond repair, much to the audience’s delight! Why do they love it so much, when it all goes wrong? We learned a lot from that first show and we all agreed that comedy is our “thing” and have never tackled serious plays or shows. Even today, we still go by the philosophy that as long as the show is funny and the audience are having fun, then all is well with the world! But from these humble beginnings, MADS has gone from strength to strength. The first show proved so popular, was such a lot of fun to put together and received amazing feedback from ticket buyers, so we decided to do it all over again the following year. So, in 2013 we brought to the stage ‘Murder Down the Aisle’ followed by the Panto ‘Aladdin’ in December. continued on page 7 melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Nature Stockbridge Meadows

This Spring volunteers have been busy planting heritage apple trees in the orchard and hedging along New Road, Melbourn. The trees were donated by a resident of the village and are an important addition to the orchard. Among the trees planted were Histon Favourite and Cockett’s Red, both of which have an interesting back story.

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.

Volunteers planting fruit trees in the orchard at Stockbridge Meadows

Histon Favourite was raised by John Chivers of Histon around 1850. This is a late season medium to large sized apple with pale yellow skin which has a pink flush and occasional pink stripes. Cockett’s Red, first recorded in 1910, was once popular around the Wisbech area. Prior to this name it was known as Marguerite Henrietta, or locally as ‘One Bite’. This variety was grown for use by toffee apple manufacturers in the North of England.

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) Volunteers at New road

The hedge on the right hand side of New Road as you leave the village to join the A505 was planted some years ago by the community. Time has meant that gaps have been created where plants have failed for various reasons. Thanks to the Woodland Trust’s donation, hedging was available to plug these gaps. The hedging was planted by volunteers from the village on a lovely sunny Saturday morning. Maureen Brierley

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07808 735066 email: jeanseers13@gmail.com

Jane Cage (Deputy) 07592 821976 email: janec55@virginmedia.com

Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity

The MADS family continued to expand and by having extra people in the team meant that we no longer had to double up with doing stage and backstage duties. MADS have grown into the successful and popular group we are now. We are a not-for-profit society, so proceeds from ticket sales are used for buying and improving either technical equipment such as lighting, speakers and radio mics or costumes which all to enhance the enjoyment of our shows for all who come. As the shows get bigger our team also grows and we a lucky enough to have some very talented members. Our youngest MADS member is just 8 years old and our oldest is 79. New members are always welcome irrespective of their knowledge or experience. Technical skills can be easily learned so reliable, friendly people who like to occasionally do silly things and generally love to have fun are always welcome. It is with great excitement that this year we will be seeing our first MADS wedding as 2 of our members who met during one of our former panto rehearsals are taking the plunge and getting married in July. Over the last 10 years we have performed 8 pantomimes, 3 interactive murder mystery evenings, 2 comedy plays, a fundraising variety show and (in December 2021) a Christmas cabaret. Now things are starting to get back to some normality, we are all very excited to announce that for Christmas 2022 we will be back on stage at Meldreth Village Hall. Performing our 2022 Christmas Pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’. We hope that you will come along and help us celebrate our 10th Birthday. For more information about what we do and the shows we have performed in the past can be found on our website at www.melbournamdram.co.uk. You can also keep up to date with our next events and shows

either on the website or find us via our Facebook page at Melbourn Am dram. We look forward to welcoming back all our old friends and offer a huge welcome to all those joining us for the first time! Donna Sleight (MADS Founder and Producer)

‘Health at The Hub’ coming for you! Come and meet some of the team of GP’s, Health Coaches, Social Prescribers and specialists on Saturday 25th June at Melbourn Hub between 10am and 2pm. Melbourn Hub is delighted to announce “Health at The Hub” in partnership with Meridian Primary Care Network. The initiative offers a new range of health based services from within The Hub. The idea behind the service is to bring some of the health support out of the GP surgeries and back into the community. Take the opportunity to come along to the free launch event on 25th June at Melbourn Hub. On the day, you will be able to meet practitioners and specialists who are working in the community, receive free health checks, plus advice around leading a healthy lifestyle and support with managing your health. More importantly, the day will give you an opportunity to see which services and support are on offer from the Hub in the future. The Hub has been working closely with the Meridian GP practices (Melbourn, Harston, Bourne, Comberton, Roysia and the Royston Health Centre) to bring some of those valuable health service appointments to us all, in our own community facility. The broad range of services planned to be regularly on offer at The Hub include: health checks, mental health support, social prescribing and support from care melbournmagazine@gmail.com

coordinators who can help people with complex needs, alongside a variety of other health and wellbeing support. The benefits of this initiative are that GP’s can outsource some of their services at Melbourn Hub to free up surgery space for core patient services, and it makes it quicker and simpler for patients to access other health and wellbeing specialists, to whom many can be self-referred. The Hub is thrilled to have formed the partnership with Meridian Primary Care Network in this exciting new venture, to bring improved access to important health related services for the communities of the Meridian GP practices. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 25th June. There will be free refreshments to enjoy and free parking directly opposite The Hub, which is situated at 30, High Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DZ. Melbourn Hub is served by the local 915 bus route and Meldreth train station is less than a mile away.

Melbourn Fete Since our article in the spring we have had some response from volunteers to join the fete committee. We could do with some more volunteers so as to make the future of the fete secure. In the meantime, we are joining forces with the Hub to help celebrate the Jubilee on 5 June. Later on in the year, we will also hope to put on ‘Turn on to Christmas’; more details to follow. We would like to thank the 2 volunteers who have so far stepped forward to join us, but we are in need of additional help in order to ensure a successful fete for 2023. If you can help we would love to hear from you. Please email secretary.melbournfete.co.uk if you would like to help.

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Melbourn Community Library Melbourn Community Library has seen increasing membership since the lifting of covid restrictions. The opening times have been slightly altered to » Monday to Friday: 2–4pm » Saturday: 10am–2pm Story Time for 0–5 year olds remains the same: Friday 10–10.30am Both our junior fiction and young adult fiction shelves have been refreshed and the number of books greatly increased. We value our young readers and hope that as many as possible will make use of this improved resource. Our collection of picture books and board books is large and very popular with our youngest readers. We have an exciting new venture starting – Authors’ visits. For further details see the Hub website which will be updated regularly.

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As ever the library is there for everyone. You just need a Cambridgeshire Library Services card. If you don’t already have one, joining is easy and free. You can pop in and pick up a form or go on line to the Library Services website. You are able to take out up to 12 books for 3 weeks at a time. If we do not have what you are looking for on the shelves, you can order books through the Library Services website and pick them up at Melbourn Community Library. Jane Stevens

Melbourn Community Hall – The hall for all We are so pleased to be offering our monthly Cinema Events again – they are extremely popular and we have a very regular audience. By the time you read this we shall have shown the new Steven Spielberg “West Side Story”, “Blinded By The Light” and in June it will be “The Last Bus”. There have been a great many first class films released during the last two years so we have a stock of good films to show you. £5 with a free soft drink and some popcorn – a good night out! To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee on 2nd June, the Trooping of the Colour will be shown on our big screen with coffee and refreshments on sale – and we shall also have a licence to sell prosecco! We are expecting most of our usual Saturday Coffee Stop regulars and more – entry is free and we shall have a raffle. This will be followed on Friday 3rd by a supper with live music, entry by ticket only. We are delighted that the Hall is as busy as ever, hosting meetings of all descriptions, parties, wakes and exercise classes. We have installed hand sanitisers, and last year, to give us extra protection, we fitted a device to monitor the air flow in the main hall – if it turns red and starts to bleep it is advisable to open windows and doors for a while. With disabled facilities, easy access, parking and a well stocked kitchen it is truly a Hall for All. Mavis Howard

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group We are a small, friendly group who normally meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month (except December). Our meetings begin at 7.45 p.m. and we vary our venue between Melbourn & Meldreth. We make a nominal charge of £1 on the evening and there is an opportunity to support our charity for the year which is “Stand-byme Children’s Bereavement Support”.

We normally have a guest speaker or some “in house” entertainment and follow this up with tea/ coffee and biscuits which gives time for a social chat. If you wish to know more about us please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (262575), Sue Toule (260955), Angela Leach (262793), Pat Ames (261130), Kimmi Crosby (07976228377), Mary Bailey (220171), Diane Blundell (221415). On 28th June we will meet in Holy Trinity Meeting Rooms, Meldreth to hear Chris Lee, AKA The Shed Man, talk to us – come along and find out more! 28th July we will again be in Meldreth to hear Ray Munden give us another of his interesting talks. Ray has been to us before and his talks are always worth listening to. 23rd August we hope to go out for a meal and we will discuss this at meetings beforehand. If you are new to the villages and would like to come you would be most welcome. If transport is a problem then please phone one of the committee members and we will try and ensure that someone picks you up.

Interested in Family History? Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Family History Society can help Just starting out and want to know how to build your family tree? Looking for that elusive ancestor and need assistance with where to go next? Come and see us or contact us through Social Media or via our website. Drop in Surgeries – Bring your brick walls or questions to us, even if they are not Cambridgeshire or Huntingdonshire related, held at the following areas: Ely Library, St Ives Norris Museum, Bar Hill Library, March Library, Cambourne Library Talks – Our ever popular talks can be seen in person (March & Huntingdon currently) or now live via Zoom. Great local topics and tips on taking your family history further back. Membership from as little as £7 a year, PLUS a website full of searchable databases and a large online shop full of CD’s and downloadable data to purchase. Our society has so much to offer! For full details on our research surgeries and talks please visit our website www.cfhs.org.uk

Melbourn and District U3A is enlisting new members. Are you working part time or fully retired? Got some time on your hands? melbournmagazine@gmail.com

In need of company – a new hobby or study subject, more exercise with others? The U3A offers opportunities for you to join with like-minded members to help and lead your chosen interest, leisure and sporting activities. Melbourn and District U3A continues for its members with video conferencing, by email and telephone. Many of its interest, study and recreational groups, including the monthly speaker meeting, are now operating online and we are increasingly returning to meeting face to face in local halls and private homes. Our monthly Newsletters and Bulletins are distributed online or by post to all members. New members are welcome; sign up for a reduced fee until 31 July 2022. Check our website www.melbu3a.org or contact us by email: secretary@melbu3a.org or phone: 01223 871480.

Moorlands Court After what has seemed like a very long winter, we are at last benefitting from some warmer weather and the lighter evenings are so welcome. Isn’t it funny how a little bit of sunshine and feeling the sun on our faces makes everything seem so much better? Every February we produce our annual satisfaction scores. Our tenants, community & day centre clients and service providers are asked to complete a questionnaire. These annual surveys enable us to monitor and improve the quality of our services, and the data collected allows our governing body, the CQC (Care Quality Commission), to rate us by inspecting and regulating our services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. I am delighted to say we received the most amazing feedback and scored exceptionally well, with “excellent” in almost all the categories from quality of care to the cleanliness of the scheme. It is always humbling to read some of the lovely comments when these forms are returned and reviewed, it gives the team a huge boost and really does go a long way to make them feel appreciated. Entertainment With the Covid restrictions finally lifted, we have more or less returned to normal and have had the pleasure of welcoming back some performers. It is always such a nice atmosphere in the communal area on those afternoons; hearing our tenants and day centre clients singing along to the various entertainers is wonderful. Music really does unite people, and especially those who suffer with dementia. It literally opens up their world again.

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In March the very talented Mickey Fordola returned to Moorlands Court to entertain us with his swing show. It was a huge success and our tenants and day centre clients loved it. They all enjoyed a glass of sherry and swayed along to the tunes.

In April, a Moorlands Court favourite, Lillian Lace, returned with her music hall inspired show which was, as always, a huge success. Her show is guaranteed to get the audience singing along and is great as the audience love hearing all those old favourites like “My old man’s a dustman” and “Knees up Mother Brown”. It was the perfect way to start the long Easter weekend. The hilarious ‘Somethin Else’ are due back at Moorlands Court in May and we are really looking forward to seeing them perform for us again. They will be performing a Jubilee celebration show and we have a box full of Union Jack flags and lots of bunting to decorate the performance area. I look forward to sharing the photos with you all in the next Melbourn Magazine. This year’s Easter raffle was a big success and raised funds which boost our amenities fund. This enables us to hold various functions and bring entertainers into Moorlands Court. One of the activities we have arranged through this fund was transport for some of our more independent tenants to travel to the local garden centre for shopping, coffee and a slice of cake. It was lovely to see them have the freedom to go out for the afternoon without having to rely on family members to take them. This is, for some, the first time they have been out for such a long time and I know they were all very excited. Having Royston Community Transport provide the bus was just brilliant and they offered our travellers a great service. They were all very positive about it when they returned and I’m hoping to be able to arrange another trip very soon. April turned out to be a very busy month, with a cream tea afternoon and a flower arranging session.

Our amazing kitchen staff prepared scones, cream and jam and lots of pots of tea. I speak from experience when I say they were truly delicious. The flower arranging session was very busy. This was hosted by the Tesco Community Champion. Tenants, Day Centre clients and staff gained skills which will help when receiving bouquets in the future. There were some beautiful creations produced and I know all those that took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

What’s On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone Welcome to our Child and Family Centres. Our aim is to support you and your family as your children grow, especially through these challenging times. There is a small charge for some groups but please let us know if payment may be difficult Booking is essential for all or our sessions and spaces are limited. Email: ChildAndFamilyCentre.South@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk Facebook: search for South Cambridgeshire Child and Family Centres Whats On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone

In the Spring we received a huge box of chocolates which were donated by John Lewis. We decided these would be ideal as an Easter treat and so some of the Day Centre Clients sat and bagged up them up as little gifts. These types of donations are always gratefully received and they added a little bit of fun to the Easter table. Who wouldn’t like to receive a bag of delicious chocolates? If you or a family member are looking for support with care needs, we may be able to help. Our services range from Meals on Wheels, cleaning, personal care and even a sitting service. At Moorlands Court itself properties occasionally become available for assisted living. We will be more than happy to talk over your needs in more detail, so please give us a call and we can discuss what services we might be able to help with, either in the community or at Moorlands Court. Please call 01763 260564 or alternatively e-mail: Denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk Carol Bailey

Mini Movers For mobile babies aged around 9–18 months. Mondays 10.00 to 11.30am Multiple Births For parents and carers of twins, triplets or more! Tuesdays 10.00 to 11.30am Young Parents Group For young parents under the age of 25 with children aged 0–4 years. Wednesdays 1.00 to 2.30pm Stay and Play For children from around 10 months or walking. Thursdays 10.00 to 11.30am Baby Group For parents of pre-mobile babies. Thursdays 1.00 to 2.30pm Melbourn Child and Family Zone, Mortlock Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DB (adjacent to Melbourn Primary School)

Melbourn Timebank Melbourn Timebank members have recently given freely of their time to give lifts, walk dogs, collect prescriptions, support neighbours, and assist in a Dementia support group. All to help bring our community more together in a positive way. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Well-Being Walk

Timebank is a community initiative where we can all help each other or reach out to be helped. There is no exchange of money, only your personal time, skills experience and kindness. Timebank has many opportunities to meet members of our community, ranging from Games Nights, Arts & Craft, Seed/Produce, Book/Reading groups and WellBeing Walks. We have a weekly coffee morning held every Thursday at the Dolphin from 10–12 where everyone is welcome and you can come to make new friends. Our Dog Café, held every Tuesday at The Dolphin from 10–12, is a real highlight, you can bring your pooch along to socialise, while enjoying tea and cake. If you are interested in finding out more, for information or perhaps about how you can join the Timebank, please contact Stephanie Trayhurn, Timebank Coordinator on 07483 176929 or 01763 263303 option 3 or email timebank@melbournpc.co.uk and you can find us at https://www.facebook.com/melbourntimebank/.

Melbourn Parish Council Stop Press!! Melbourn Local Highways Improvement Grant success At the time of writing, we’re delighted to say that Melbourn’s Local Highways Improvement grant application, aimed at improving safety along the New Road/Mortlock Street, has just been approved by the County Council. This was an aspiration you may recall reading about in the December issue of the Melbourn Magazine. Details to come, and it will take time for the scheme to be put in place, but for now a big ‘thank you’ to residents who have worked so hard as part of the Melbourn Futures Group to make a difference for the community.

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Call Angie Rixon, business owner, to discuss your property rental needs. The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Nr Royston, Cambridgeshire. SG8 6HH. enquiries@letting-centre.co.uk www.letting-centre.co.uk Registered in England No. 4472384 VAT No. 700035112

As part of our ongoing focus on road safety, we are purchasing a second MVAS (Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign) unit. The two units will be moved to different locations around the village to gather data to support future road safety measures. May 2022 election The Parish Election took place on 5 May. There were 15 available seats for parish councillors and 11 nominations. In the circumstances, all nominees were elected uncontested. Remaining seats can be filled by co-option. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Parish Councillor, please contact the office for more information about this very rewarding role. Rosemary Gatward – In memory of a true conservationist Visitors to Stockbridge Meadow Nature Reserve will have noticed the beautiful bench that has been installed in memory of Rosemary Gatward. Rosemary, who sadly passed away in February 2020, was an active member of the village, a long serving Parish Councillor and a true conservationist. We hope that Rosemary’s bench will be enjoyed by many in an area of the village that meant a great deal to her.

Recognising community spirit At the Annual Parish Meeting, we said ‘thank you’ to the worthy recipients of this year’s community awards – their efforts really are appreciated. Community awards were given to: Davina Biswell (Community Support for Dementia) – in recognition of her tireless work supporting people affected by dementia in the community … Davina is an inspiration! Maureen and Les Brierley (River Mel Restoration Group) – for their tireless conservation work on the River Mel and Stockbridge Meadows and for

coordinating volunteer groups to support their efforts. Emma Windred and Nicola Dunklin – who are both so generous with their time collecting litter … and encouraging others to help to keep the village looking so tidy. John and Julie Woolley – in recognition of their efforts as they collect litter on their daily walks around the village. Don’t get locked in! A reminder that the gate to Littlehands car park will be locked at 20:00 during the summer months. Please note, our key holder will not be available to return to let you out if your car is parked in the car park when the gates are locked at night. Claire Littlewood, Parish Clerk

From your District and County Councillors We write in the last days of this District Council, ahead of elections that will have taken place by the time you read this. Whatever the outcome, Jose and Sally Ann would like to thank all residents for the privilege of serving you as your district councillors – and look forward to bumping into you in the shops, on the street, at the Hub, on the Rec or elsewhere in Melbourn! How lucky we are to be part of this community. A10 pedestrian underpass We have been working on plans to improve the environment in and around the A10 underpass – along the pedestrian connection across the field between the London platform at Meldreth Station and Station Road, Melbourn. The project involves collaboration between Melbourn Village College students, the Community Rail Partnership, parish, district and county councils and local business. In early April, Melbourn Science Park contractor SDC undertook two days’ work free of charge to clear up overgrown vegetation around the underpass area. We are pursuing opportunities for improving lighting, and our Community Rail Partnership Officer is working directly with MVC students on their ideas for updating artwork. A call for thoughts and ideas is now being put to the community: on the image top of page 15, you’ll find a link to a questionnaire which we hope you’ll take a chance to consider and respond to. Pedestrian/cycle bridge to Royston In March, the Greater Cambridge Partnership heard a question from Iris Bostanci of Meldreth Primary School and soon to be a Melbourn Village College student. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

MELBOURN GARAGE 14

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Iris gets around everywhere by foot, bike or train, and asked when the bridge connecting Melbourn to Royston will be built. Detailed design work for the bridge and connecting path is now taking place and a public consultation is anticipated in the autumn. The recent A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign meeting has decided to hold its annual awareness ride event nearer the time, in order to encourage a strong consultation response. South Cambs Turtles swimming near you Home-Start and the amazing work it does supporting young families was the goal for the South Cambs Turtles relay swimming team on May 22nd. The team consisted of local parish, district and county councillors and friends, on its laps at Royston Leisure Centre. 100% of donations go to Home-Start, which provides important support to young families. You can still make a donation – the link is here: https://visufund.com/south-cambsturtles. Any questions please contact us! Oil Club comes to a close The Oil Club has been running for many years but sadly comes to a close now as our supplier, Agricole, has found it necessary to cease its brokerage service: ‘Over recent years there has been a significant consolidation of oil suppliers in the UK and in our area. Also, these bigger entities are increasingly unwilling to trade via ‘third parties’. Poor customer feedback regarding some suppliers further limits our choice. Realistically, and especially during the current war in Ukraine, there is no longer enough competition for us to leverage to get you a good price from a range of reliable suppliers. Consequently, I regret to inform you that with immediate effect, after trading in your area since 1996, we are withdrawing our service and retiring from the domestic heating oil market.’ Weekday half-hourly rail services to increase With the bi-annual timetable changes across the rail network in May, Meldreth Shepreth and Foxton will be seeing their half-hourly weekday services further augmented, as ridership gradually creeps up – now at 65-70%. Work patterns have changed fundamentally, with new home working becoming part of the weekly routine for many, and so rail services are needing to adapt accordingly. Again, the building up of the service will take time. A fundamental premise is that trains need to run as scheduled and the Train Operating Company is acutely aware that cancellations undermine passenger confidence.

Success! Melbourn Local Highways Initiative Scheme approved It’s so good to be able to report that Melbourn’s LHI grant has been approved by County Highways, and we hope now to see a gradual improvement for getting around in the village other than by car, starting with New Road/Mortlock Street. Our thanks to Parish Council Chair Graham Clark for leading the Melbourn Futures Group to get behind this important project. County Highways – Improved ways of doing things and additional spending on maintenance basics Once again we’d like to thank everyone who takes the trouble to report faults at https://highwaysreporting. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ as this creates an essential public record. We understand that the wait can be frustrating but encourage people to continue doing so – it makes a difference even though the wait can be long. Sadly a negligent underinvestment in roads, pavements and drains by previous County administrations over a period of many years, due to an unwillingness to raise funds and poor management, has left the highways network in a crisis state that will take time to turn around, particularly given the state of public finances across the board. That said, much needed new management systems are now being continued on page 16 melbournmagazine@gmail.com

implemented, as well new investment in a variety of cyclical maintenance work, with a back-to-basics approach including annual attention to drains, which incredibly had been abandoned under previous Cambridgeshire administrations. A one-off investment in measures aimed at improving ways of working and tending to basic maintenance including pot hole hot spots, flooding investigations, refreshing line markings, developing new roles through apprenticeships programmes, improving skills of the local highways officer and inspectors roles, and improving the on-line reporting system cited above. All that said, the beleaguered state of the network is like a tanker and changing course will take time. Fitness and Wellbeing Grants South Cambridgeshire District Council is urging instructors to apply for up to £300 to lead fitness and wellbeing activities in their communities. Anyone who leads an existing group or who wants to set up a new initiative in the District, such as leading a walking group in their local park or running a weekly yoga class in a village hall, could be eligible for the small grant. Providers running multiple groups can also apply to fund multiple programmes. Activities could range from walking football/rugby/netball, to chair-based exercise classes, diabetes walking groups, yoga for the over 60s, baby yoga classes or more. The grant, which is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, is to help deliver physical activity programmes provided by the District Council in partnership with Living Sport. It is designed to cover costs such as venue hire for up to six weeks, with new participants being entitled to four free sessions. Once the free sessions are complete, participants would be expected to begin paying a small fee to continue participation, meaning that the initiative should become a sustainable source of income for the instructor. https://www.scambs.gov.uk/community-safetyand-health/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-lifestyl e-services/ County Biodiversity Initiative A scheme which will help increase the county’s biodiversity and support the development of new homes, businesses and infrastructure has been approved by the County Council. Under the Environment Act 2021, the biodiversity of an area resulting from new developments must exceed the pre-development biodiversity value by at least 10 per cent – known as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This should be provided onsite, but if that

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Do you need support with your or your family’s cancer diagnosis? At Maggie’s we can help. We provide free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, their family and friends, from diagnosis through to living with the effects after cancer. Maggie’s has been providing high quality, evidence-based support in the local area since 2013. We help over 8,000 people a year to achieve the best possible state of psychological and physical health during diagnosis, treatment and throughout their cancer journey. People across Cambridgeshire and beyond can come to Maggie’s at any stage, for as long or as little as they like. We believe that the built and natural environments in which people are cared for have a direct impact on wellbeing and how a person responds to the challenge of cancer. Our Centre is staffed by Cancer Support Specialists, a Benefits Advisor, a Nutritionist, Counsellors and Psychologists, who can support people in whichever way is best suited to their needs. Maggie’s is a place to find practical advice about benefits and eating well; a place where qualified experts provide emotional support; a place to meet other people or simply to sit quietly with a cup of tea. You don’t need an appointment – just come in for a chat to find out more about the support offered to them. Our centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Find us at: 21 Milton House, Puddicombe Way, Addenbrooke’s, Cambridge CB2 0AD T: 01223 249220 E: cambridge@maggies.org Website: www.maggies.org

isn’t possible it must be provided offsite, close to the development and within the local planning authority area. Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Biodiversity Special Planning Document, adopted in February 2022, says that they expect to require developers to deliver 20 per cent BNG. Under the new scheme, developers who are unable to meet BNG requirements on sites in the South Cambridgeshire area will be able to secure biodiversity units from the Lower Valley Farm BNG scheme in Fulbourn. The 358-acre farm, which is part of the council’s 33,000 acre rural estate, has been identified as the ideal site for the scheme as it is located within the Cambridge Nature Network and lies adjacent to the Roman Road Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It will also act as a stepping stone to other surrounding SSSIs, supporting habitat connectivity across the landscape from Trumpington Meadows through to Wilbraham Fen. Cambridge-based Bidwells have helped establish the scheme and will oversee its implementation. The currently arable land will be converted to biodiverse habitats including botanically diverse grassland, native broadleaved woodland, scrub and species-rich hedgerows. The Lower Valley Farm BNG scheme will go beyond BNG requirements by providing public footpaths and opportunities for education. Developers will secure units through an Option Agreement which will commit the council to delivering the associated habitat creation and management for a 30-year period. Supporting people from Ukraine seeking refuge Thank you so much to people who have contacted us about how to support people from Ukraine. Both South Cambs District and Cambs County Council are helping to coordinate efforts locally to support people seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. The SCDC website contains practical information on what you can do: https://www. scambs.gov.uk/community-safety-and-health/ support-for-ukraine/ Cambs County Council’s information includes a useful FAQ: https://www. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/communitieslocalism/support-for-the-people-of-ukraine Any questions? Please feel free to get in touch any time – we can speak by phone, or meet up at the Melbourn Hub at a time to suit. Jose Hales and Sally Ann Hart, District Councillors, and Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Susanvandeven5@gmail.com, 07905325574

Who to report to …? If you see something that requires attention, repair or reporting, please use the links below: Roads (Cambridgeshire County Highways) Report a pothole or other highways problems (it is very helpful if you can upload a photo of the area requiring attention when making a report) http://www2. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/HighwaysReports/Highways/ ReportProblem1.aspx Lighting (Cambridgeshire County Council Street Lighting) Report a faulty street light (please take a note of the number on the street light column when reporting) http://www.lightingcambridgeshire.com/contact-us/ report-fault.htm Environment (South Cambridgeshire District Council) Report an abandoned vehicle, dog fouling, fly tipping, graffiti or littering (it is very helpful if you can upload a photo of the area requiring attention when making a report) https://www.scambs.gov.uk/report/ Unauthorised signage on the Highway (South Cambridgeshire District Council): Report unauthorised signage on highway verges or attached to lampposts https://www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling-and-bins/report-orrequest/report-environmental-issues/ Planning (Greater Cambridge Shared Planning) Information and advice on planning matters including applications https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/ Report a breach of planning control https://www.scambs.gov.uk/portal-eform-landingpages/?u=https://scambs-framwork.egovhub.net/ REPORTABREACHOFPLANNINGCONTROL/launch Broken street name plate Report a broken street name plate https://scambs.egovhub.net/Org/Production/Apps/ REPORTABROKENSTREETNAMEPLATE/Launch.aspx Bins (South Cambridgeshire District Council) Report missed bin collection https://www.scambs.gov.uk/report/ Powercut (UK Power Networks): Call 105 or https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut/report-power-cut Cambridgeshire Police Report non-emergency incidents and anti-social behaviour to the police (Emergencies should be reported via 999). Call 101 or report online https://www.cambs.police.uk/

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Exhibition success for arts charity Rowan Art enthusiasts taking part in Rowan’s Great Outdoors exhibition on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February have raised £5,000 for the Cambridge-based arts charity.

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Over 160 works created by accomplished artists and inspired amateurs were on sale anonymously at the exhibition, which took place at Long Road Sixth Form College. Entitled The Great Outdoors, the exhibition showcased artworks inspired by nature. But don’t worry if you missed the event – artworks that didn’t sell at the exhibition are now for sale on the Rowan website. “We know some people are still hesitant to attend events in person, so we’re excited to be able to offer artworks for sale via our online shop for the first time,” said Fundraising Events Manager Ellie Breeze. “At £45, it’s an affordable way to buy a piece of original art, and all for a great cause!” All the money raised from art sales goes to the charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities through a range of arts workshops and a forest school. To shop the Great Outdoors and support Rowan, visit www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk/the-great-outdoors/.

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Nature Melwood: Your Local Nature Reserve Spring 2022 Spring 2022 got off to a fairly normal start with a great show of snowdrops throughout February and, as March progressed, daffodils made a great splash of colour across the middle of the wood. These were all cultivated varieties dating back to before the wood became a local nature reserve. In 2 areas we have planted native wild daffodils and we will transplant any cultivated bulbs away from these areas, in the hope of keeping the native stock pure. A similar approach has been taken with the wood’s bluebells. There are many clumps of Spanish Bluebell, also dating back a long way, but in areas where there are few of these, we have planted 200 English native bluebells over the last 2 years. At present, the prospect for these is not very encouraging:. The first green leaves always get grazed by deer and rabbits. The Spanish plants survive this and are producing replacement foliage but there is little sign of any growth in the areas where we planted English bulbs. Even if we do eventually get a good show of English blooms, preventing hybridisation will be very difficult. It proved impossible with the Oxlips we planted: despite planting them away from the resident populations of primroses, all remaining

specimens appear to be hybrids between oxlip and primrose. Clearly the bees forage over all parts of the wood and pollen gets mixed freely. We will continue to encourage primroses in the back of the wood, away from the areas where we planted oxlips, in the hope that there may still be one or two of the original plants which we can protect, to obtain pure seed. Wood Anemones are one of the most charming of spring flowers in deciduous woodland but our attempts at planting root fragments a few years ago failed and left just one small patch in leaf litter at the edge of the wood. This has persisted but failed to flower or spread and once again this year we got a few leaves but nothing else. It was thus a great surprise to find a single plant, in flower, in an area far from the original planting. Perhaps this is pointing to somewhere where the conditions are more suitable. It is not far from an ancient patch of Ramsons (a wild garlic), which is an uncommon plant in South Cambridgeshire. The migrant birds are finding their way back to the wood but the Chiffchaff is the most obvious at this time. Both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker can be heard regularly but the location of their nests is likely to be a problem. There does not seem to be any activity around the hole used by Great Spotted Woodpeckers over the last three years. The nest boxes cleaned over winter seem to be back in use by both Blue Tits and Great Tits and with the weather getting warmer, we need to get the repaired bat boxes back in position to welcome the bats as they emerge from hibernation. Without interference from Covid, we hope to be able to maintain management of the vegetation during late spring and summer. Jim Reid, Melwood Conservation Group If you are interested in joining the conservation work, please contact: Jim Reid: 01763 260231 or Bruce Huett: 01763 232855 or via the website. Website: www.melwood.org.uk melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Travelogue

Exploring the ancient Mayan empire in Mexico Palenque

Above – Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque (Mexico) © Sacred sites

The second major site I visited in the 1960s was Palenque, the most western of the Mayan cities. At this time this was not on a normal tourist route. Now there are regular guided bus tours for about $100 per person. In the 60’s rich travellers flew in and drove by limousine to the hotel, but I took the train and walked the last few miles to the site from the station. The only hotel was in the luxury category and far beyond my meagre student budget, so I slept out in a shed in the grounds. It was a gloriously sensual experience, with cicadas in the surrounding jungle providing a constant hum in the background enhanced by the sounds of the birds roosting and then awakening with a magical dawn chorus. The first European to mention the existence of Palenque seems to have been Father Ramon Ordonez de Aguilar in the late seventeenth century. He was a Catholic priest at the Mayan Royal City of Chiapas (known today as San Cristobal de las Casas), situated in the central highlands. In 1730 his grandfather’s brother, Antonio de Solis, had visited the site, but it wasn’t until Ordonez told several people 40 years later about this visit that anybody (apart from the local inhabitants) knew about the site or that it had been discovered at all.

Lieutenant Esteban Gutierrez organised an expedition there in 1773 after having been one of the first to hear about the discovery from Ordonez de Aguilar. This was followed by more in the 1780s, which resulted in the first architectural drawings of the buildings and stucco bas reliefs on the site. In 1987 Palenque was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, but when I visited it seemed to me as if it was still emerging from the surrounding jungle. Due to this encircling vegetation the experience was very different from Chichen Itza. It was more atmospheric with the monuments still emerging from the surrounding landscape as, at this time, only a very small amount of the site had been explored by archaeologists. Obviously, this was a ‘western tourist’ view: in Mayan times the site would have been totally cleared and the temples etc. would have been part of a huge exposed site similar to Chichen Itza and thronging with people. The total site is now thought to have been over 1,780 hectares and included about 1,400 buildings, of which only about 10% have been explored. The largest building is a palace rather than a temple, which is unusual for Mayan sites. This building had towers, possibly watchtowers, and was built on a massive scale.

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The city was founded at the beginning of the Christian era and reached its peak between AD 500 and 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. The ritual buildings are situated in the largest clearings, as for other sites. Surrounding the ritual areas are the extensive residential areas. The architectural style is termed “palencano”, which has a surprising harmony of style and a lightness of touch. The buildings are vaulted with internal stucco designs and superbly crafted carvings. They have an inner wall for support and a false crest to make them look taller than they actually are. There were also a number of ball courts. As mentioned previously, this was a popular, if gruesome activity, probably played to keep the gods happy. The two teams had between two and six players and the aim was to make the other side drop the ball (which may have been a human head). The ball could only be hit by using the knee, hip or right elbow and it had to be kept off the ground. One of the most significant structures is the “observatory”. The top of this is four storeys above the roof of the palace. This was an observation platform, unique in the discovered Mayan sites. From the top the priests would, at the winter solstice, have seen the sun setting directly

over one of the temples: ‘the temple of the inscriptions’. Astronomy was an important part of their culture and their knowledge is demonstrated by, for example, the depiction of the planetary cycle of Venus in one of their codices (written books). For their astronomical calculations they had a sophisticated numerical system, which remarkably even had a symbol for zero. This appeared on Mesoamerican carvings as early as 36 BC. Compare this with the fact that the symbol for zero didn’t appear in Western European arithmetic until the 12th century, and then from India! They also used their astronomical observations to create a sophisticated calendrical system which I will describe in more detail in the next article. We now realise that this was a highly cultured society, with a written language, knowledge of mathematics, understanding of the heavens and a complex way of recording time. Sadly the Christian Spanish invaders were not able to recognise any of this and most of the written material was destroyed as pagan and the erudite Mayan priests and rulers brutally killed. Luckily, however, the Maya recorded a lot of their cultural activities in their carvings so that we are now able to appreciate just how sophisticated a society it was. Bruce Huett Drawing of Palenque by Frederick Catherwood, 1839

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Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox

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U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman Tony Garrick 01223 510201 Village College Principal Simon Holmes

Learning all about the life cycle of a frog and butterfly.

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The children in the Teddy Bear room have been learning all about the life cycle of a frog. Everyone was very excited when we were given some frogspawn, which are now living in a fish tank at playgroup. We have been watching them change into tadpoles over the past few weeks; we are now waiting for them to grow legs and start changing into frogs. When they get too big for the tank, we will release them back into the pond they came from. We hope to keep the children involved by taking photos of the frogs in the pond and sharing how big they get. In the Garden room, they have been learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. We have some amazing art work on the walls showing the different stages in the cycle, including leaves with an egg, caterpillars and butterflies. We have brought some caterpillars to watch them grow and are looking forward to seeing them change, first into a chrysalis and then into butterflies which we will then release into the garden. We are always continuing to look at ways to improve playgroup. This year we have been focusing on our garden. One of the things we would like to do is remove the tarmac and lay a soft surface, so we are able to use the space to its full potential. We are very grateful to the Parish Council for awarding us a grant towards the cost of this and we are hoping to have the surface installed over the summer holidays. We are also holding a Bingo Evening on Friday 17th June to raise money for new equipment to use outside too. On Wednesday 22nd June, between 7.30pm – 9.00pm, we will be having an Open Evening. We are inviting current and new parents to drop in at any time to have a look around the setting, see the rooms set up for a typical day and meet and chat to some of the staff too. There will also be some members of our Committee attending to explain what their role is and how

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they support playgroup. The Committee are an important part of playgroup and without them playgroup would not be able to run. We will be saying goodbye to our pre-schoolers at the end of term. To help with the transition to school we do many things to support the children with this. After the May half term, the pre-schoolers will be going over to the school for story times and lunch, and the teachers will be coming to playgroup to spend some time getting to know them too. We will miss them but wish them well for September. If you are interested in a place at playgroup for your child, please email office@melbournplaygroup.org.uk

Melbourn Primary School Part of our school vision is to: ‘broaden the horizons of our children and show them that the world is theirs to explore’. By this we mean to offer them experiences beyond Melbourn and to support them in understanding a range of beliefs and cultures. We believe this is important to help all our children have an appreciation of the world they live in, to help them be respectful of the views and beliefs of others and to help inspire them through hands-on activities and visits that might spark a lifelong interest. We have worked hard to fulfil this during the pandemic against the backdrop of doors closed to most external opportunities. We have relied on virtual visits to places of worship, museums and theatres and have managed a few local trips when restrictions have allowed. We have tried to find creative solutions: when unable to take our year 6 children on residential trips last year we camped on the school field instead! Now that life is getting back to normal, we are enjoying being able to provide our children with a full calendar of events. This term our year 4, 5 and 6 children will all be enjoying residential trips away. Other year groups have enjoyed visits to Paradise Wildlife Park, to London to learn more about The Fire of London, and to the Science Museum, whilst others will be visiting West Stow Anglo Saxon village, the synagogue in Cambridge and a gurdwara, to name a few exciting days we have planned. These trips not only deliver our vision and bring the children’s learning to life but also provide memorable experiences for our children. I meet with children on a weekly basis who have been recognised and awarded a headteacher certificate, when we all enjoy a hot chocolate drink. During a recent session, some of the older children recounted how much they had enjoyed a whole school trip to London to see The Lion King in 2018: “The experience of going to London to see the Lion King was spectacular. I was amazed at the costumes that the actors wore; they were realistic. It was definitely one of the best trips since joining MPS!”. I wonder what our next whole school trip should be?! Stephanie Wilcox (Headteacher)

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Melbourn Village College Getting Back to Normal The theme of this year so far has been trying to transition back towards normal, or ‘living with Covid’. It’s been challenging – February saw our highest number of pupils and staff missing school and we need to pay tribute to all those staff who covered for others and kept the school running for pupils. After Easter, cases had significantly reduced, restrictions were removed, and we were delighted as school life returned to a more pre-Covid normal. To celebrate Chinese New Year on 1st February, pupils from the Mandarin Excellence Programme were invited by the British Council to record their New Year blessings to Chinese people around the world. Mr Fan ran a cookery session for GCSE Food and Nutrition pupils on how to cook spring roll, sweet and sour chicken and stir fry dishes. In March we raised over £1,700 in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal by holding a non-school uniform day and a cake sale organised by Year 7 pupils. Year 8 pupils engaged with a cooking activity for Ukraine, making Sweet Sochniki and Deruny, cheese cookies and potato pancakes. Miss Giles, Head of Food, Art & Technology, donated to the appeal on behalf of the pupils and said, “It was a lovely lesson to support.” As part of National Careers Week, year 10 pupils had a presentation on Army Careers and Year 9 pupils were visited by a guest speaker, Sandy Mill from Cambridge University, to explore what university life is like. Sandy returned later in the week to run a “stretch and challenge” session with some year 11 pupils, entitled “Thinking like a University student”, covering the importance of post-16 subject choices and post 18 options. Year 7 met with volunteers from ‘Form the Future’ and took part in a “What’s My Line” session, where they had to work out what each of the professionals did for a living. Cake sale

Meanwhile, Year 10 have been finding placements for their work experience (WEX) which takes place from 11th–21st July 2022. Our creative writing enrichment club has been very popular with Year 7s, and since Easter, we have been able to open this up to all year groups. Pupils have access to the library during the club and it has been wonderful to see their passion and enthusiasm for literature. They have written some wonderful stories which we have published on the Year 7 Book Blog. In March we ran a poetry competition for year 7s which was judged by poet and author, Ash Dickinson. Congratulations to the winners: Caitlin O’D (7 Lewis), Isla B (7 Darwin), and Lottie H (7 Darwin). The standard of poetry was exceptional. Ash said, “It was a delight and pleasure to read your pupils’ words.” You can read the winning poems on the Year 7 Book Blog. Poetry competition winners

Melbourn has enjoyed some amazing football success with two of its teams. The under-16s enjoyed a superb run to the quarter-finals of a national cup competition, while the Year 10s reached the County Cup final for the first time in many years. The under-16s bowed out in the last eight of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Small Schools Trophy, after a battle in Hastings proved their undoing. They lost 7–1 to Buckswood School in Sussex after producing Melbourn’s best run in the competition for years. Along the way, they racked up an impressive 20 goals. PE teacher, Mr Barlow, was delighted with the run. He said, “Many of the boys represent local football teams at the weekend and have developed their skills in a range of football competitions and various positions.” Meanwhile, the Year 10 football team were crowned County Cup champions at Histon FC on 28th April. continued on page 28 melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Changing attitudes by education

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Key principles of fuel-efficient driving – with the increasing cost of fuel due to the Ukraine crisis, the following hints and tips will help you make the most of what is in your tanks: • Enhanced hazard perception and awareness – looking well ahead and anticipating potential hazards and planning how to deal with them can decrease fuel consumption by reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. • Selective use of gears – it’s generally more efficient to change gear upwards sequentially, but if the revs have climbed high enough it’s more fuel efficient to skip a gear and block change. In an automatic vehicle select the “eco” option to ensure that gears are used as efficiently as possible. • Progressive use of controls – smooth use of the controls (accelerator, brakes, steering) saves fuel. Hard acceleration and braking use more fuel and in today’s traffic conditions you are unlikely to arrive at journey’s end much earlier. • Compliance with speed limits – consider reducing your speed where possible to save fuel. Driving at 60-mph in a 70-mph zone uses less fuel and it won’t take you that much longer to complete your journey. • Prepare to stop, plan to go – by appropriate use of the accelerator, using vehicle momentum and avoiding unnecessary stops. Plan how you are going to negotiate a hazard and reduce your speed as you make your approach by lifting off the accelerator early and not relying upon hard braking at the last moment. Hard braking wastes fuel. • Use technology – correct use of cruise control, stop-start features, and in-vehicle technology can all contribute to reduced fuel consumption, but systems may need to be switched off under certain conditions. Check your vehicle handbook for full information. • Effective pre-driving checks – for example, tyre pressures. Incorrect tyre pressures could result in an increase in tyre wear, affecting stability and stopping distance. Underinflation can increase fuel consumption and the risk of a blow-out. Visit our website at www.roadarc.org.uk for information on the car and bike training that is available. Top Tip: Adapt your driving/riding techniques to counter changing road and weather conditions. Always prioritise safety over fuel efficiency.

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They came from behind to beat a strong Longsands Academy team 2–1. Melbourn VC, one of the smaller schools in the competition, were supported by several parents, staff and pupils who dashed over to the Histon Football Club, (headquarters of the Cambridgeshire Football Association) for a cracking cup final and staggering win. Head of PE and their Head of Year Kelly Coghlan speaks glowingly of their progress in this sport: “The boys have worked very well with Mr Barlow and Mr Mills but also led some of their own training sessions, showing how much they have gelled as a team! This is a fantastic achievement.” Year 10 Sports Leaders have been very active, hosting a netball tournament and a swimming gala for local primary schools, as well as umpiring and supporting other sporting events at school. Head of PE Mrs Coghlan is impressed with pupil progress in PE. “All the pupils have benefited from an extensive after-school enrichment programme that utilises basketball, netball and football spaces in addition to hockey and rugby last term. Our new Astroturf has had a particularly positive influence and we are currently training several netball and athletics teams.” Our year 7 geographers and scientists were treated to a very interesting and interactive talk about ‘life in cold climates’ by Naomi Griffiths from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). She talked about climate change, the Antarctic environment, and some of the research carried out by BAS. To demonstrate just how cold the conditions are for researchers, pupils got hands-on with some of the many layers of clothing and enjoyed watching Dr Wilson getting fully kitted out in all the gear. During Science Week (14-18 March) a group of Year 10 and 11 pupils attended GCSE Science Live at Cambridge Corn Exchange, to hear presentations from some eminent scientists, including Professor Lord Robert Winston, who talked about his pioneering work with IVF. Rebecca, a year 11 pupil, said, “I found the whole day really inspiring”. KS3 pupils also enjoyed lots of activities for Science Week on the theme of Space, such as building a model Mars Lander using recycled materials and designing machines to do a job such as assisting with homework or helping to get dressed. Year 7 and 8 pupils then had a visit from

Y10 Cup Final Winners

Cambridge Science Centre on the topic of ‘Into Space’, which included hands-on interactive sessions using a hoverboard to push pupils across the floor to demonstrate propulsion, and a ‘Go Ballistic’ session where pupils got a chance to fire mini cannons and work out trajectory. Dr Wilson, Head of Science, handed out 29 prizes for the best entries in the competition to create a PowerPoint presentation on the topic of Space. Pupils at MVC are working towards earning the Eco‑Schools Green Flag award. The Eco Committee has carried out an environmental survey which showed that the school already has solar panels, double-glazed windows and water bottle refill stations, and Meat-free Monday has recently been introduced. Other actions have included creating posters to highlight the problems of litter, arranging more bins around the grounds, running a gardening club and having litter-picking sessions around the stream that runs near our playing fields. Just before Easter, we were delighted to be able to hold our first live music event at Melbourn Village College in well over two years! The MVC Spring Concert included performances from the Y7 Choir and Y10 Show Band, as well as solo and duet performances from some of the GCSE Music pupils. Mr Thomson, Head of Easter Concert

Music said, “It was a great pleasure to be able to share the musical progress of all pupils involved, with their family and friends.” The event raised over £150 for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. As part of their AQA GCSE Drama exam and AQA Drama Unit Award, pupils visited Comberton Village College to see the theatre production of ‘DNA’ By Dennis Kelly. The performance was part of a schools tour by the Quirky Bird theatre company. After the play, pupils took part in a Q&A session with the actors, who spoke about the production, as well as how they trained and gained employment in this field. It gave a real insight to our pupils. The introduction of iPads into Year 7 has been a great success and we are now moving closer to our aim of every MVC pupil having access to an iPad to enhance their learning in school by September 2023. In the Summer term, thoughts inevitably turn to exams – the first for three years. We wish our Year 11s all the very best as they sit their GCSEs and thank their parents for all their support over the past five years. Over the Summer, work will be starting on some of our infrastructure developments. We have an ambitious plan for school improvements, supported by the Cam Academy Trust. Hot on the heels of our fantastic Astro-turf will be a new and enlarged Food Technology classroom and a revamp of our canteen and serving area. Following these will be an improved reception area, new Cabin facility and a relocation of our library. And finally, the end of the Summer term is typically a time where a number of school staff move on. This year, the college is losing someone with legendary status within our school community. Lynn Gregory, our catering manager for over 20 years, is finally hanging up the saucepans, unplugging her faithful bread-maker and will be enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Her food is fondly remembered by many a past pupil and her cakes will be sorely missed at staff and governor meetings! melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Nature

Community Allotment The Parish allotments on the Moor in Melbourn has a community plot that has existed for many years. It is not the most promising plot on the site, but over the years the fertility has been built up and is now highly productive. The purpose of the community allotment is multi-fold. People who do not wish to have a full allotment can get fruit and vegetables with shared effort. People on the waiting list for an allotment can get some experience, or if someone may like the idea of an allotment but are not sure of their commitment they can test the water on the community allotment. During covid lockdown people joined as an ‘allowed activity’, mixing in a socially responsible way with other like-minded people. One member of the team grew exclusively flowers, bringing additional vibrant colour to the community patch. Or it could be that someone just enjoys light exercise in the company of others in a pleasant social setting. In 2020 during lockdown the community allotment provided a box of in-season fruit and vegetables every week to the Meldreth food bank, over the period that it was running. The photograph top-right shows the produce provided on 30 July 2020. One allotment tasks for March and April included moving the dilapidated tool shed and compost heap to the least productive area of the allotment, under the canopy of an ash tree, freeing up an area with more light and productive potential for 2022. It is the start of a new season and

Vegetable box for the food bank

already plants are being grown for transplantation into the allotment when the weather is kinder: peas, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, Kohlrabi, leeks, onions, etc. By June the plot will be verdant. The group meets on Friday mornings from 10:00 to about 12:00, depending on season, weather and tasks in hand. We finish the day with a well-earned drink, biscuits and a chat. If you are interested in joining the team then please contact Cara: kcwoodwark@yahoo.co.uk. Iain McPhee, Allotment holder

Activities on the Community Allotment

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Village information

Orchard Surgery & Dispensary Melbourn Health Visiting Team Monday to Friday 8:30–1pm and 3pm–6pm Phone 01763 260220 Repeat prescriptions can be made either, in person or by registering to use the online NHS service. www.orchardsurgerymelbourn.co.uk Prescriptions can still be collected from: Surgery Co-op Tesco in Royston Prescription Home Delivery The surgery offers home delivery service for prescriptions, on a Tuesday & Thursday. For more information on any of the above, please see their website or contact the surgery.

BIN COLLECTION MELBOURN Bin collection day – TUESDAY Bins must be out by 6am at the latest on collection day

4 10 17 24 31 8 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 31 6 13 20 27

May May May May May June June June June July July July July Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sept Sept Sept Sept

Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black Green and Blue Black

Wednesday

Bin collection dates are taken from the South Cambridgeshire District Council website and are correct at the time of publishing. For an update on collections visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/bins/find-your-household-bincollection-day/

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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

NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre open at

Melbourn 4th Thursday of every month 2pm – 4pm We are pleased to announce that we have opened an NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre at Vicarage Close Community Room, where you can go to get your hearing aids cleaned and re-tubed. This is a drop-off and wait service, By Appointment Only. Community Room Vicarage Close Melbourn SG8 6DY To book an appointment please use our online booking service at: www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk or telephone the office on 01223 416141 Cambridgeshire Hearing Help is a charity for people with hearing loss.

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. For further information please call 01223 420033 or info@camsight.org.uk

MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL 30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone: 01763 263303 ext. 3 Parish Office opening hours Monday to Friday 10am – 3:30pm (closed 1–2pm) www.melbournpc.co.uk

Melbourn Parish Clerk Claire Littlewood parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk

Assistant to the Clerk Sophie Marriage assistantclerk@melbournpc.co.uk

Responsible Financial Officer Gabrielle van Poortvliet rfo@melbournpc.co.uk

Chair Graham Clark cllr.clark@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk

Vice Chair Ian Cowley cllr.cowley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk

Councillors Gloria Alexander cllr.alexander@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Michael Barley cllr.barley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Rebecca Barnes cllr.barnes@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Audrey Campbell cllr.campbell@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Graham Clark cllr.clark@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Ian Cowley cllr.cowley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Tina Davey cllr.davey@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Sally Ann Hart cllr.hart@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Steve Kilmurray cllr.kilmurray@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk John Travis cllr.travis@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Richard Wilson cllr.wilson@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk Village Wardens Keith Rudge Steven Pitman

County Councillor Susan van de Ven, 95 North End, Meldreth – 01763 261833 susanvandeven5@gmail.com

District Councillor Jose Hales, 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH 01763 221058 jose@josehales.me.uk Sally Ann Hart, 62 High Street, SG8 6AJ cllr.hart@scambs.gov.uk 07791 233303

South Cambs M.P. Anthony Browne – 01954 211444 anthony.browne.mp@parliament.uk

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Melbourn History Group Ann Dekkers

Orchard Surgery Appointments & Dispensary 260220

261144

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

Hospitals

Addenbrooke’s Royston

01223 245151 01763 242134 111

NHS111 – Urgent Care 24hr helpline

Medical help when not a 999 emergency 101

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay

260649

Royston and Saffron Walden Nation Trust Association

0800 555111

220463

avril.mellor@ntlworld.com Photographic Club

01223 376201

Crimestoppers

268428

Avril Mellor

Police Non Emergency number Help when not a 999 emergency Fire & Rescue Service

01223 207307

Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts

melbournphotoclub@hotmail.com

Ramblers’ Association Dave Allard

242677

www.ramblers.org.uk/royston Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes

245958

Neighbourhood Watch debbieclapham@icloud.com

Royston Lions Chris Cawdell

448236

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) George Howard

260686

Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk

Women’s Group Pat Smith

260103

0345 070 0707

PLACES OF WORSHIP EDUCATION Melbourn Playgroup Library LAP Jane Stevens

All Saints’ Church Revd. Elizabeth Shipp 223459 or 07842 151512 johnjane.stevens@tiscali.co.uk

260964 01223 503972

Little Hands Nursery School Out of school times

Churchwardens Roger Mellor

220463 221022

David Farr

Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke

Notre Ecole Janet Whitton

261231

Secretary Brian Orrell

Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox

223457

United Reformed Church

261650 07568 376027

Minister The Revd Sue Fender

U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman Tony Garrick

01223 510201

Secretary Rosaline Van de Weyer

Hon Sec David Allars

01223 871480

Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk

Village College Principal Simon Holmes

HEALTH Age UK Cambridgeshire

01223 221921

Blood Donors

0300 123 23 23

Chiropodist

263260

Dentist

262034

District Nurses (Primary Care Trust)

01223 870869 246458

223400

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) – Royston Ongoing course in Royston Go to www.wea.org.uk to book on other courses.

01223 846122

Home-Start

262262

S. Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road Child & Family Nurses Car Scheme

262861 245228

SPORT Badminton Steve Jackson

248774

Bowls Peter Blayney

260538

Meldreth Croquet Janet Pope

248239

Judo Iain Reid (Chief Instructor) or Lesley Reid

241830

email melbournjudoclub@gmail.com

07974 445710

Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker

07770 533249 07730 488743

Blake Carrington Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne

07732 613555

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack Melbourn Squash Jan Brynjolffssen

263313

07730 406688

Meldreth Tennis Club Tracy Aggett

243376

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley

244593

COMMUNITY SERVICES

LOCAL CLUBS After Eights

220626

vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.com

melbournwi@gmail.com

Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron

249156

Tony Kelly Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m. Bell ringing – Tower Correspondent for Holy Trinity in Meldreth and All Saints in Melbourn Sandra Webb 261451 Email: sandra@rivermel.com Bridge Club Howard Waller 1st Melbourn Rainbows Mrs Stef Cooper

261693 07922 053801

Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford

220272

Guides 1st Melbourn Hilary Marsh

261443

Luncheon Club at Melbourn Hub (Wednesdays) 263303 op1 MADS (Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society) Donna Sleight

Community Hall bookings@communityhallmelbourn.com

07821 656033

Dial-A-Ride

01223 506335

Home Start Tracy Aggett

263303

Melbourn Springs Care Home

01763 722734

Mobile Warden Scheme Jeannie Seers

07808 735066

Moorlands Denise Taylor

260564

Southwell Court Telephone

750006

Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan

263389

Lead Sheltered Housing Officer – Monday to Friday 9–1.30 Vicarage Close, John Impey Way & Elin Way Eileen Allan

232622

262262

Melbourn Community Hub

Mobile 07876 791419 / 245402

Every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday

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Nature

River Mel Restoration Group In the Spring edition of the Melbourn Magazine, we wrote about our concerns of possible pollution of the river Mel arising from the Melbourn Sewage Treatment Works (STW), which discharges its treated effluent into the river Mel just upstream of the railway bridge in Meldreth. Because of this concern, we were offered the chance to join forces with the Cam Valley Forum (a Cambridge based environmental group) to carry out some sampling of water taken at various sites along the river Mel, as part of a larger study of the various tributaries of the Cam. We have now received the preliminary results. They show a large increase in the number of indicator bacteria found in the samples taken approximately 100 metres downstream of the sewage outlet, when compared with “normal” background samples taken from the river 50 metres upstream of the outfall. A similar disparity is found when measuring phosphate levels in the water. Our understanding, and we are certainly not experts, is that the indicator bacteria are present in the human gut where they exist alongside pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria. They are widely used as an indicator of faecal contamination in water as they can be detected in water reliably and at low concentrations. The results are shown in the table below. They are worse than we were expecting… See table below. The samples were taken in January at what we estimated to be a normal winter flow rate i.e. the river was not in flood and neither was there a “storm event”, where treatment works are allowed to discharge raw or part treated sewage into the river. These were samples taken from the river as treated effluent was discharged into the river, a discharge that takes place several times a day, every day of the year.

Sampling Site

We assume that the levels of any pollutants would be higher if sampling took place during the summer months when the flow of water in the river is often much reduced, leading to a smaller dilution factor. The Cam Valley Forum are hoping to complete another round of sampling soon, in order to produce a more robust set of data. We have recently had a meeting with representatives of the Environment Agency to discuss both these findings and our concerns about the increasingly low flow rates seen in the Mel during the summer months. They are looking at cost effective ways to support the flow during the dryer summer months. We hope that if you are not already a member, that you might consider joining the River Mel Restoration Group, either as a non-active supporter or as a member of one of our working parties. Membership is £10 per year per household. Sandra Webb & Maureen Brierley River Mel Restoration Group Contact: info@rivermel.com

Count of faecal indicator bacteria (coliforms inc. Escherichia coli – most probable number (MPN) per 100ml; enterococci – colony forming units (CFU) /per 100ml)

Phosphate-P (SRP)

E. coli

Total coliforms

Enterococci

105

436

<0.031

8,164

48,840

1300

1.302

River Mel – North End Meldreth

548

2,481

150

0.228

River Mel – Malton, just upstream of confluence with the River Rhee

411

2,613

170

0.158

River Mel – Meldreth, 50m upstream of Melbourn STW outfall River Mel – Meldreth, ~100m downstream of Melbourn STW outfall

©RMRG & Cam Valley Forum melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Nature Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve Above: Fallow Deer at the reserve entrance with balloon. In this article, local birder Ade Cooper sets out his diary for the months of February, March and April.

February February opened with calm, sunny days, and Finches dominated the best sightings. 5 male Bramblings came in together to roost around the loop at the centenary end, perching high in ash trees before dropping into ivy cover. Just off the reserve, at least 60 Greenfinches, with a few Bramblings mixed in, were gathering before roosting in Leylandii trees around the golf course. The Siskin and Goldfinch flock seen in January was still around the alders. I was very pleasantly surprised to find 6 Lesser Redpolls with them: it has been several years since a feeding flock of Redpolls stayed at Fowlmere. I was delighted to have the flock feeding Redpoll and Golfinch

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on the ground right in front of me; one was a brilliantly pink male and another bird had been ringed. This group remained until the end of the month, occasionally dropping down onto the track to feed. It was a great opportunity for visitors who had never seen Redpolls before. At the final weekend it was a treat to see Siskins, Redpolls, Goldfinches and Chaffinches all mixed together feeding. Even better, a female Brambling flew in to join the flock for a moment. At the centenary end at least 25 Chaffinches came in to roost, bringing with them 4 Bramblings. On the mere the Gadwall count reached 18 birds (highest yet), including 13 drakes; 2 pairs of Shovelers also arrived in. The Barn Owl pair were still showing at dusk from the Reedbed hide, and some winter Thrushes, including Fieldfares and Redwings, were in evidence. The 19th saw Fieldfares building up to move north: 168 feeding in the sheep field by the entrance, joined by 10 Redwings and a Mistle Thrush. A Grey Partridge along the Guilden brook was the first I had seen this year; a week later there were 2 feeding out on the Manor Farm track. These were once seen almost daily but now are rare. An interesting fungus turned out to be a Scarlet Elf Cup: apparently quite uncommon. I also saw the largest herd of Fallow Deer I have ever seen at Fowlmere. Storms in the third week caused two ashes and a large poplar tree to fall and ivy-covered branches blocked some paths. A very large alder branch completely blocked the path near the Spring hide and needed to be tackled with a chainsaw.

Scarlet Elf Cup

The final weekend of the month brought fine weather. I was delighted to discover that both Barn Owl boxes were occupied – we have two pairs!

March The 6th saw a new female Shoveler on the mere, with Teals and male Gadwalls. An unusual Chiloe/Wigeon hybrid bird, first seen briefly in February, put in another appearance. The Finch flock had reduced and no Redpolls were there, although 3, including the splendid pink male, were seen a week later. Birds of prey were particularly evident when the sun was out and the cold wind dropped, with Red Kites, Buzzards and 2 Peregrine Falcons – male and female – seen flying over together. There were two sightings of Woodcock, one flushed between Drewer’s hide and the bridge over the Shep and the other a calling bird after dark. The wintering female Marsh Harrier was still around and was seen with what appeared from the plumage to be another female, although it was noticeably smaller in size and their behaviour suggested that it was a male. Male Marsh Harriers can mimic females in plumage, but it’s rare. A few days later it became clear that it was indeed a male, as they had paired and nest building was in Snipe from the reed-bed hide

progress. The plumage was unusual and the iris, which in males normally turns yellow by the end of the 2nd year, was still dark in this bird. The underwing was whitish/mixed/rusty with black primaries: at no stage does a female have a pale underwing. By the 9th the feeling was that Spring was here! Chiffchaffs had arrived, the first being seen feeding low down by the Reedbed hide. Three were counted two days later, rising to 8 the following weekend. A pair of Long-Tailed Tits were nest-building. Despite the sunshine there were no butterflies on the mere, but I did see a lovely Comma sunning around the loop. At the weekend there was a lot to see from the Reedbed hide: Little Egrets, 2 male Gadwalls, Barn Owls, Cetti’s Warblers, Kingfishers, Snipe, 4 Teals and a Grey Heron seen catching a fair sized Pike.

Grey Heron seen catching a fair sized Pike

There was drama at the beginning of the second week when a Barn Owl was found badly injured in the grassy area just off the carpark. It couldn’t fly and was clearly in trouble. I took it to my niece Megan, a veterinary nurse at Whittlesford. The Owl had a badly swollen carpal joint, probably from being hit by a car, and it was also underweight, meaning it had been like this for more than 24 hours. Meg rendered first aid, then the Raptor Foundation took it in. Sadly, we heard later that the bird didn’t make it. It had 2 wing fractures and was badly infected, too poorly to survive. I was afraid this was one of our two breeding pairs, but happily I found that our Owls were all safely in their boxes. By the 17th early mornings had a dawn chorus. Chiffchaffs were still arriving and Bramblings were roosting at the centenary end. 2 Kingfishers were seen regularly around the mere and a Little Egret kept popping in to feed. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Female Kingfisher

Over the following days the pair of Marsh Harriers were seen frequently, the male nest-building and the female bringing reeds to the nest site. The male Barn Owl was also seen, bringing prey to the box for the female. On the mere there was a single Mute Swan and 5 Coot pairs. As the Chiffchaffs were arriving, the winter Thrushes were departing: a flock of Fieldfares was seen flying over high, going east. With the sun out 4 Comma butterflies were found (no others), and there were first appearances of the year for a Water Vole in the mere and a lengthy Grass Snake. Towards the end of the month the reserve was lively with resident species like Barn Owl, Kingfisher, and Marsh Harrier all showing well. Cetti’s Warblers were less visible, but 4 singing males were heard. The first Blackcap arrived on the 22nd, a single bird singing near the Spring hide, and then another by the old Cress hut. Small numbers of Bramblings continued to roost at the centenary end, and the first Peacock butterflies were out. At this time there was a big movement of Garganeys arriving into England and we were fortunate to have 4 of them spend all day on the mere on the 25th. The 2 males and 2 females could be seen feeding, preening and resting up before departing on the next leg of their journey. Garganeys are rare at Fowlmere; interestingly, the Cetti’s Warbler

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Garganey

last record was a single drake on the very same date (25th March) in 2017. By the final weekend of the month, singing Chiffchaffs had reached 21, a good number for Fowlmere, and 4 singing Blackcaps were now in. Coot numbers were the highest I had known at Fowlmere with 6 pairs and one unpaired bird. Water Rails were heard calling from 9 areas. The Marsh Harrier pair were nest building and mating, and the male was seen sky dancing high up over the reserve. Brimstone butterflies were around the reserve, a large Grass Snake was seen swimming across the Shep, and two Water Voles appearing frequently at the Spring hide entertained visitors. As March drew to a close, a bitter northerly wind quietened the bird song that had been sounding out over the days before; there was even some snow! One summer arrival was a Swallow on the 29th – probably wishing it hadn’t come back so soon! The Marsh Harrier situation became interesting when a stunning adult male arrived – presumably the male that nested in the last two seasons. He was probably unhappy about his territory being taken over by the young pair but no conflict was seen.

April On April 1st there was a handsome male Wheatear in fields just off the reserve. The Marsh Harrier pair were still busy, the young male bringing in food, mating, nest building and displaying. The other adult male was keeping away from the breeding pair’s territory, and by mid-month appeared to have moved on, not being seen for several days. Early April usually sees the summer migrants arriving back from winter quarters, but this year the weather clearly held them back. Sand Martins did not begin to come through until the 10th, with still only 2 on the 18th; and the first Willow Warbler did not arrive until the 12th. There were a few more Blackcaps but numbers were still low. A Ringtail Hen Harrier was seen over the reedbed late

on the 9th, and again around the entrance the next morning. Some butterflies appeared as temperatures rose: Orange Tip, Holly Blue and Small White. By mid-month Sedge Warblers began to arrive, reaching 5 males singing on the 15th. The first Common Whitethroat was seen around the Reedbed hide, with another on the Guilden brook, and the first Yellow Wagtail was a lovely male on the track to Manor Farm. The Swallows that nest at the stables next to the reserve returned on the 15th, with 4 birds seen around the buildings. A Mute Swan came in to join the single bird that had been present for over a month, and 7 Greylag Goose goslings had hatched, seen on the mere with the two parent birds. Easter weekend saw 2 Green Sandpipers on the mere edge and a female Tufted Duck flying around the reserve, the first this year. More exciting, though, was an Oystercatcher on the mere edge. It looked very out of place in the stubble of cut reed, being a species more suited to a mudflat or gravel pit, and it stayed only a few minutes before heading off, although it was seen again a week later. 2 further Oystercatchers were then reported flying around the mere before departing on the 27th; it seemed that the pair were searching the area for a nest site. Some nice non-avian sights over the Easter weekend included a good selection of butterflies, and Water Voles showing very well in the Shep. One vole was watched for over 10 minutes at a range of just two metres! The Voles continued to pose for cameras for several days, and at the end of the following week a visiting photographer discovered that the female had given birth to a litter of pups! The female was still being seen but the young ones were keeping well hidden. By the third week of April I was beginning to worry that the summer migrants would not come in fully this year. Swallows had not yet reached double figures, and this trend was being seen across the country. Sand Martins were also few, and the first 4 House Martins showed up on the 20th – 21st. I did hear a Grasshopper Warbler reeling on the 21st, but it was not in the usual territory so was probably just passing through. A few Oystercatcher

Reed Warbler

days later there was one in the usual place close to the boardwalk; this one was still being heard at the end of the month, so seemed settled. A couple of Reed Warblers and a Willow Warbler also arrived around this time, and it was good to see 3 Yellow Wagtails singing from fence posts in the fields alongside the track to Manor Farm. Two of these males were paired with females, and some display was seen. Also in the same area were Skylarks, Corn Buntings, Grey Partridges and several Linnets. Interestingly, all but one pair of Yellow Wagtails were in the trial crop field. This has a large square of slowergrowing crop, with wide strips of bare earth between the other crops, and flowering plants, such as fumitory, at the margin. The other side of the track is a normal crop field, with herbicide-sprayed edges. The difference between the two fields was dramatic: one bursting with life and the other almost lifeless. The poor weather conditions persisted to the end of the month, and incoming migration remained low. Morning dawn chorus was still non-existent and the evenings the same. In the final few days a few new Reed Warblers were heard, 17 House Martins came in and a Whinchat was spotted by Warden Iain. A bizarre sighting was a male Eider, on the mere for several hours on the 29th. This would be an extraordinary record had it been a genuinely wild bird, but in fact it was a free flying bird from the Dernford collection at Stapleford. Stars of the final week were the Water Voles. One evening Voles were at several places along the Shep, at least 5 individuals seen. At this time the Water Vole population on the reserve is larger than I can ever remember. Considering the huge decline of the species in Britain, it’s a real pleasure to have them doing so well here. This article is a synopsis taken from the website produced by Ade Cooper and Caroline Scott about Fowlmere Bird Reserve. To see the full version and other interesting visits Ade and Caroline have undertaken in the UK and abroad, visit: www.cooperandscott.wordpress.com melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Review Year of Wonders Geraldine Brooks

Published in 2002 and long before Covid, multiple Pulitzer Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks’ novel begins at LeafFall 1666, with Anna Frith, a widow, working in the Rectory occupied by Reverend Michael Mompellion, also recently widowed. As Elizabeth, the daughter of the local gentry, makes her demands for the Reverend to attend her mother’s sickbed, the story of the losses and grief of the previous year starts to unravel. We are then taken back to Spring 1665, to a few months after Anna’s husband had lost his life in the mine. She struggles to cope with providing for herself and her two small boys, so the arrival of someone asking for lodging is a welcome opportunity to bring extra income into the home. The man is George Viccars, a journeyman tailor who had travelled from Canterbury to secure a post with the local tailor, Anna’s neighbour. At the time the sixpence per week which Anna would receive was a welcome, indeed Anna’s words were: “I thought God had sent him”. But she adds: “Later there were those who would say it had been the Devil”. Why? Because this novel is set in Eyam, a small village in Derbyshire, and it is a fiction based on the terrible events of that year in which the plague visited, carried in a trunk of clothes delivered from London to George Viccars. The story from Anna’s perspective tells of the great Eyam Church Window

losses the village experienced. The horrific suffering of plague victims and the graphic description, not only of their symptoms, but also of the attempts at treatment and cure. There are also accounts of violence against those who are suggested to Geraldine Brooks bear some responsibility for their plight, accusations of witchcraft and dishonest practices. Anna is one who survives and is taken under the wing of Elinor Mompellion, the Rector’s wife, who teaches her to read, and together they try to learn the herbal remedies which may bring some relief to the suffering. The account of the plague is not what makes this story unusual, but the way in which this particular village responded, led by the Rector with these words: “Dear friends, here we are and here we must stay. Let the boundaries of this village become our whole world. Let none enter and none leave while this plague last.” So began their self-imposed quarantine. All supplies were left at one of two boundary stones, with any payment left in a hollow filled with vinegar. As numbers dwindled, the decision was also made to restrict inside meetings of any number, so the church was closed and worship removed to an outside space. Again, Mompellion urged his congregation: “Do not despair! For a Church is not a building merely! We shall still have our Church, but we will have it in the midst of God’s own creation. We will meet and pray together under the ceiling of heaven in Cucklet Delf.” This is a work of fiction but based on a very real event that took place and is still remembered in Eyam. Every year the parishioners re-enact the closing of the church and walk to Cucklet Delf to worship. In November they also replace traditional Bonfire celebrations with parading a huge effigy of a rat through the streets to the cries of “Burn the rat”. House where George Vicars died

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The true history is that the Rector’s name was William Mompesson and his wife Catherine, and the characters of the Mompellions are not a true reflection of this couple but entirely imagined. Mompesson’s well can still be found, and Catherine is buried in Eyam Churchyard. There are also numerous commemorative plaques around the village recording the loss of two thirds of the population. I have spent much time in Eyam as our daughter and son-in-law lived there for several years. They were married there, and both our granddaughters were baptised in the church, so I have experienced the commemorations which still take place. If you have never been it is well worth a visit and the Peak District is a beautiful part of the country. Tess Maddin

The Fiddle Natalie Cumming

This incredible book was published in 2018. It will interest those who enjoy music and those who want to learn what humans are capable of, and shows exactly where an advanced European country can end up once discrimination and unethical behaviour is tolerated and permitted by law. It is the strange and disturbing story of a violin – a true story, yet almost beyond belief. The story is told very straightforwardly. The author is Natalie Cumming, who was born Natalie Levinsky in Leeds in 1937. I read this book as a civic duty, a small personal act to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 2022, here in Melbourn. Natalie Cumming traces the journey of her violin down several generations of her family as it passed through the hands of three named members, each a gifted musician. It starts during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia. The violin passes from a father to his daughter, from her to her younger brother, and from him to his daughter Natalie, who is the book’s author. The violin featured in a BBC 2 documentary called “The Repair Shop”, where it was restored and played during the programme broadcast on 12 March 2018. Today it is in the internationally renowned Yehudi Menuhin School, deposited for perpetuity in the name of Sydney Israel Levy, the author’s father. It is without doubt an icon representing both the worst of what humanity is capable and the huge difference one individual can bring about. The book is a paperback of approximately 260

pages, unassuming and unadorned. The writing is simple, often understated and matter of fact, but powerful and deeply unsettling. The family which owned the violin is listed – 16 members in full – Natalie Cumming across two pages at the book’s end, setting out for each family member: name, date and city of birth; marriage date where applicable; and date and place of death. The body of the work is in three parts, each telling the story of the person who owned and played ‘The Fiddle’ of the book’s title: Part One: Abraham; Part Two: Rosa’s Story; Part Three: Israel’s Story. The book starts with Abraham David Levinsky (music teacher to the children of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia), as he witnesses the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution happening around him in St Petersburg and the associated persecution and massacre of Jews. This led to his overnight decision to flee immediately with his wife and three children aged seven, five and four, accompanied by his brother and his wife and their two children aged six and four. This group – four adults and five children, the eldest only seven years old and named Rosa – left that night on foot, pushing a small hand cart, in the depths of winter, to walk to Minsk and possible safety hundreds of miles away. The astonishing story of their journey and what they witnessed and endured is simply told. Like much of the book it is heartbreaking. The winter storms that broke upon them; trudging along in fear walking mile after mile; the nearness of death and disaster; the weakness from hunger and the hardships and dangers in the different landscapes they crossed; the communities they passed through and the work undertaken in exchange for food and shelter; and the occasional uplifting peace and hope brought by music and Abraham’s playing of his violin which he could not leave behind. Then, serious illness and wider upheaval brought the need to change direction and led to the Group’s walking further on to Odessa, and passage in the hold of a small ship to England, to settle in Leeds. The ship’s captain was a Jew who loved music, and the fare agreed: Abraham would play his violin for the captain every evening as the ship journeyed to England – and safety. ‘Part Two: Rosa’s Story’ opens on Wednesday 9 November 1938, with the now 28 year old Rosa Anna Levinsky (the eldest of the five children who had fled on foot from St Petersburg) playing the same violin at an evening concert in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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She had arrived in Germany in 1936 on a tour from Britain with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. But the night of Wednesday 9 November 1938 was infamously ‘Kristallnacht’, and on leaving the concert she was arrested immediately as a Jew and thrown into a truck. Then brought with others, men, women, and children to a train station where, crammed into cattle wagons, they all became part of the brutal round up of Berlin’s Jews. Beaten, abused, freezing and crushed together in without food, water or toilet facilities, the trains arrived days later – Rosa still clutching her father Abraham’s violin – at a notorious work camp Mauthausen Concentration Camp. The train journey and the subsequent starvation, rape, beatings, deaths during heavy construction work that Rosa witnessed through the winter of 1938 and into the spring and summer of 1939 is set down in the book. Then, in autumn 1939, Rosa and all other females were forced into trains and transferred to Auschwitz. It is all detailed in personal testimony that is shocking to read and all the more shocking for being true: on arrival the shaving of all hair and being tattooed with a small triangle and five numbers; the scrambles for inadequate clothing and footwear; the starvation and sadistic beatings and killings; and then the mass murder of train loads of people delivered before Rosa’s eyes several times a day to gas chambers and the crematoria which operated day and night. Astonishingly, with her violin she was allocated to a small Women’s Orchestra which played every evening for the Camp Commandant and his senior officers, and so her violin saved her life. The daily work duty of orchestra members was sorting the clothes and belongings left by all those who walked into the showers that were, in fact, gas chambers. The orchestra members also died from disease, starvation, brutality – but new musicians always arrived to replace them. The experiences make for harrowing reading. Yet it is the burning hope – to one day tell the world what was done – which drives Rosa and forces her to hold on to life throughout those long years of suffering. She survives Auschwitz and is transferred to Belsen Camp; she meets the notorious Dr Mengele and, as part of his experimentation programme, he surgically removes her breasts and inseminates her with semen from his prize dogs. She survives, and survives, and plays music with the Women’s Orchestra for her captors. Outside, the Allied Forces, unknown to her and the other skeletal prisoners, come steadily closer. Suddenly Belsen is liberated by battle hardened Allied soldiers who weep when they see and record on film what is before them. After months of hospitalisation in Hanover and London, Rosa is invited to testify at the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials to state, and answer questions on, what she saw and experienced. This she did. Her health broken, she died in

1947; yet through her testimony at the War Crimes Trial and this book her voice is not stilled. ‘Part Three: Israel’s Story’ starts at the funeral of Rosa in the summer of 1947 in London, when her mother passes the violin to Rosa’s younger brother, Sydney Israel Levinsky (also a professional musician and now called ‘Sonny Levy’). It is a precious family heirloom and she instructs him to play it every day and teach his daughter Natalie to play. As a professional musician Sonny had travelled extensively, as part of the British war effort, throughout the war zones entertaining the allied troops. His wife, a dancer, travelled similarly on a different schedule, while their daughter Natalie boarded at a school for children of such army personnel. This musical and theatre life – the gigging that is the musician’s lot – continued throughout their return to civilian life. And in this way the violin passed eventually to Natalie and her younger sister Debra. This book deserves to be read and remembered. It is a tribute to the fundamental human need for truth and justice to prevail. It is also a warning, highlighting the actions humans are capable of when national democratic procedures and institutions based on the rule of law are corrupted. Those who witnessed the terrible events the book describes grow less in number every year. We have a duty to ensure that they and their experiences are not forgotten, particularly in these dreadful times when genocide again stalks Europe. It is an eternal truth put forward often by the Holocaust Educational Trust: ‘Those who listen to a witness become a witness.’ We in Melbourn who have agency in our own lives should choose to listen to a witness – such as a Rosa Levinsky – and so become a witness. Hugh Pollock

Another First for Britta Recently departed Melbourn resident Britta Heinemeyer (No, no, no, no – she only departed to Utrecht in Holland!!) has achieved many literary and artistic firsts in her young life. She settled in Melbourn from Germany, already very talented – professionally qualified at postgraduate level and multilingual – and threw herself into Melbourn’s Bloomsday celebrations aimed at bringing literature and the arts for free to everyone. She achieved several firsts: she rehearsed and led a reading of James Joyce’s only play “Exiles” in Melbourn Village College that was free to attend (2016); she rehearsed, directed, and acted in a double-bill, free to attend, outdoor performance of Alice Gerstenberg’s “He Said And She Said”, along with Anton Chekhov’s “The Boor”, on Melbourn’s Recreation Ground (2017). The rented house where she and husband Max

lived was too small for rehearsals so she ‘borrowed’ my sitting room and garden, and that of another longtime resident Moira Gamon, to rehearse. I have personal experience, therefore, of the hours of preparation, rehearsals, and dress rehearsals that she put into these productions. And great fun it all was! Yet another first was Britta’s active Britta Heinemeyer involvement in the 2015 establishment of the free to attend Melbourn Short Story Reading Group, held weekly in the Library area of Melbourn’s Community Hub. After two years of crucial involvement she then stepped up and led the Group for a further two years in the same venue. This meant every week selecting, organising, introducing and leading the Group’s discussion of an acclaimed short story published by a famous writer. This preparatory work equally required a huge voluntary commitment of time and effort to extend literature and the arts in Melbourn. There was much else by Britta, and then came the appalling Brexit campaign, the election of Boris Johnson on his promise of the hardest of hard Brexits, and her shocked realisation that the future she and German husband Max had envisaged in this country was the opposite of what the people had voted to create. Melbourn’s great loss became Utrecht’s gain. Britta’s latest first is the completion of her young adult fantasy novel, written in German. Fifteen-year-old Mina moves with her parents to Lorenberg. The internet is full of rumours about this city, which Mina finds hilarious. Ghosts that haunt the city? A vampire, who is especially active in May? Woods that are supposedly the feeding grounds of some gruesome creatures? Mina can only laugh about these stories, but soon realises that something is not right in Lorenberg.While she is trying to have a normal teenage life, Mina slowly gets dragged into a whirlwind of incidents that lead to a dangerous path. Nothing is what it seems in Lorenberg – not even Mina herself. Warm congratulations to the ‘recently departed Melbourn resident’ Britta Heinemeyer on her latest achievement and every success to her debut novel “Halber Vollmond” (tredition, 2022). Hugh Pollock melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Authors and their Books There Are Many Ways Of Getting Lost: The Royston Writers’ Circle Lockdown Anthology Phil Oddy (Editor) Introduction In 2020, in the depths of lockdown, Royston Writers’ Circle Secretary, Phil Oddy, realised that the regular emails he was compiling – of Circle members’ stories and poems, written at home in response to monthly prompts – were a snapshot of a highly unusual time. Tales of frustration, confusion, fear and loss, but also hope and wonder… the Royston Writers’ Circle Lockdown Anthology was born! Extract: “About This Book” by Phil Oddy “There are many ways of getting lost” was a phrase from that first prompt, one that everyone had to work in somewhere. Some of those stories appear in this anthology. It seems to sum up something about that period. We lost so much – freedom, personal contact, maybe loved ones, maybe hope. But we also needed to get lost, to escape from what the world had become: lost in Netflix binges, lost in baking marathons, lost in music… We got lost in our words. We hope that you enjoy them. Extract: “Human/Nature” by Rachel Levy I crept along the bare corridor, peeling each foot from the floor and replacing it in a wave of soundless motion. The fluorescent strip lights buzzed overhead, giving occasional bursts of life like dying flies trapped inside a windowpane. I wish I didn’t have to be here. The knowledge that I could just leave, and no one would ever know I’d been here was hovering on the fringe of my consciousness. Like a vulture it circled, waiting for the death of my courage that would make me turn back. But turning back was unimaginable. Returning empty-handed would be marginally worse than not returning at all… Extract: “Taurus” by Julie Dore It’s time to go for it! Jess punched the air even though there was no one else to see it. She had been holding back too long and needed to get back in the mix and make a positive change, be productive and set some goals. This fug needed to end; it was an opportunity too good to miss. She sorted through her stationery supplies and found a journal, with a beautiful silk embroidered cover, inside pages of blank lines just waiting to be someone’s drama…

Some contributors clockwise: Phil Oddy; Davina Calbraith; Julie Dore; Paul Harding; Rachel Levy; Steve Calbraith; Mike MacDonald; Sheila Harding.

Extract “Dr Lemon-Scented” by Carolyn Tyrrell-Sheppard As he took the spatula and depressed my tongue, he leaned in close. I could smell his cologne, it had a bright smell, like he’d just cut fresh lemons. Unusual, I thought, more like a detergent smell. Perhaps that was it, he was a doctor after all. They’re supposed to be clean, aren’t they? “Say ahhh.” I said something that resembled more of an argugug than ahhh, but he seemed happy. “Well, Mr Beccles, it seems you have a very unusual condition indeed.” He removed the spatula and carefully placed it into a plastic envelope. No more information was forthcoming whilst he carefully wrote on the bag. I looked at him quizzically, waiting for elucidation. This annoying buzz in my throat had been going on for weeks, and now I was finding it difficult to swallow. I really wanted to know what was going on… Conclusion For more than forty years the Royston and District Writers’ Circle has met monthly to chat, write together and share their words for constructive and supportive feedback. There Are Many Ways Of Getting Lost: The Royston Writers’ Circle Lockdown Anthology is edited by Phil Oddy. The contributors are: Davina Calbraith; Steve Calbraith; Julie Dore; Paul Harding; Sheila Harding; Rachel Levy; Maria Lightwood; Mike MacDonald; Maureen Moody; Phil Oddy; David Smith; Anne Thompson; Carolyn Tyrrell-Sheppard; and April Warburton. The book is available on Amazon as an ebook and a paperback. Also available is a previous collection, The Royston and District Writers Circle 40th Anniversary Anthology. www.roystonwriters.org Are you or a friend an author with a published book? Tell the readers of Melbourn Magazine about how and why you came to write your book, provide an abridged extract, and some biographical details. Contact Melbourn Magazine for full details email: melbournmagazine@gmail.com Telephone: 261144. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Walks

around Melbourn & beyond

Walking at Trumpington Meadows Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve is a new 58 hectare reserve located on the south side of Cambridge. It has been managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire since 2015, and can easily be accessed from the Trumpington Park & Ride. The reserve is primarily wildflower meadows and is best visited in Spring and Summer, although all seasons offer something to enjoy. The land has a rich history of human settlement, and from 1955 it belonged to the Plant Breeding Institute (PBI), the developers of the Maris Piper potato, among other crops. Starting at the Park & Ride, find the pedestrian path in the North West corner, next to the John Lewis distribution centre. Continue straight past the school and the small Sainsburys and you will see the reserve ahead. Cross the wooden bridge to enter, taking time to look at the wooden carved panels and the welcome board with map. The panels illustrate the wildlife and human history of the land, and go back in time – starting in the modern day, back to the era of the PBI, the old railway, a prisoner of war camp, Saxon settlements, and finally Iron Age farmers. When entering, the meadows continue straight on the Wildflower Meadows. Photo Becky Green

gravel path for 100m or so, until you reach a crossroads with a notice board and turn left. The wildflower meadows on either side will look different depending on the season, with a carpet of cowslips in the Spring giving way to bird’s-foot trefoil, field scabious and knapweeds in the Summer. On a sunny day look out for butterflies, including common blues and meadow browns, just 2 of the 26 species found on the reserve. Continuing on, the sound of skylarks will fill the air. It is important to keep to the paths in these areas as skylarks are ground nesting birds and vulnerable to disturbance. They sing to defend their territories and can often be seen high above. Take the next right and the path leads along the old railway line that once ran between Cambridge and Bedford, closed in 1968. On the right there is a large field, Monument Meadow, named for the Scheduled Monument found here. Although there is nothing to see, underground there is an old Roman farm, and you may notice there are no trees planted here as no digging is allowed. Take the first path left towards the pond. From this point onwards, dogs must be on a lead to protect wildlife. You might see some little grebes nesting in the reed mace – listen out for their high pitched whinny - and look for Bridge panels. Photo Becky Green

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dragonflies darting over the water. Go left around the pond and continue to bear left, past the wooden skylark sculpture on the right and farmland on the left, before turning right to cross the bridge over the M11. Once in the south of the reserve, enjoy Marbled white. Photo Paul Wyer the peace, quiet and pretty views. After the bridge, take a sharp right before the mounting block so you are almost going back on yourself and continue on this grassy path which runs adjacent to the M11, behind a sound barrier. Despite its location next to a busy road it is one of the best spots for butterflies, being a sheltered area with a warm southfacing bank. Look for marbled whites and gatekeepers in the summer. After a while the path will continue left to cross over Edmundsoles Meadow, with an expanse of gorgeous wildflowers either side, and then reach the river Cam. The river is upstream of Cambridge city, and if you are lucky and patient you may see kingfisher, water vole and otter. There is a picnic table and this is a lovely spot for a rest. Turn left and continue to follow the river for quite a while, and notice the traditionally pollarded willows. In Summer, clouds of banded demoiselles dance over the river, and you might hear a cuckoo calling. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny small blue butterfly. Eventually the meadows are fenced to allow for grazing. Those adjacent to the river are flood plains and in the winter are often under water. They are cut for hay fairly early in the summer and then grazed by local cattle until the autumn. These are just some of the ways the Wildlife Trust manage the meadows to ensure they are fantastic habitats for wildlife – some meadows are

Edmundsoles Meadow. Photo Becky Green

cut later, some are cut twice, and some left uncut, all of which promotes a great variety of wildflowers and helps support invertebrates, birds and mammals. The river path takes a left turn, and just after the wooden bike rack take another left onto a grass path to walk through Badgers Wood. This newly planted woodland is developing into a wonderful spot for warblers and leads to the south end of the coprolite pond, which was a trench left after the area was mined for coprolites, pebbles of phosphate used as fertilizer. Turn left and follow the long pond all the way back to the M11 bridge, where you can retrace your steps back to the entrance bridge and the Park & Ride. There is a wide network of paths across Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve, and next door is the woodland of Byron’s Pool, all good places to explore another day. Becky Green

Cattle Water Meadow. Photo Becky Green

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Churches Together Melbourn United Reformed Church World Day of Prayer The World Day of Prayer service was held in our church on Friday 4th March at 2.30pm, with all three denominations taking part. The service was prepared by the Christian women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the theme “I know the plans I have for you”. The text was taken from Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11, and was used to reflect on some of the issues facing us today: poverty, domestic abuse and disability. The overarching theme of the service was HOPE, most appropriate with the pandemic, climate crisis and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Hope was depicted by the lighting of 7 candles during the service; in addition there were 2 candles in holders with the words ‘peace’ and ‘hope’, which were alight throughout the service. The table decorations included a rose for England, a dragon and daffodils for Wales and a shamrock and Irish drum for Northern Ireland. Sunflower seeds were distributed which also depicted hope and were most appropriate, being the flower of Ukraine.

Refreshments were served in the hall afterwards, including Welsh cakes and Roses chocolates to continue the theme, and picture postcards were on the tables depicting various scenes in the 3 countries. Everyone was appreciative that we were able to worship together again and enjoy a time of fellowship. Thanks to all those who helped or contributed to the service, it was a real team effort. The collection amounted to £225 for the World Day of Prayer movement and other Christian charities. Easter It was so good to be able to worship in our church this Easter, unlike the previous two years when the church had to be closed because of the pandemic. On Good Friday we held a reflective service of readings, hymns and prayers, incorporating three reflections entitled: “He has done nothing to deserve death”, “Today you will be with me in paradise” and “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit”. There was a plain wooden cross with a crown of thorns at the front of the church. Afterwards we had coffee and hot cross buns in the hall. On Easter Sunday, we celebrated our risen Lord in an uplifting service which included Holy Communion. There was a brightly decorated cross of flowers outside the church. We also had our decorated tree of coloured eggs depicting hope for the future. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Melbourn Baptist Church A warm ‘Hello’ to all from us at MBC Despite the chill in the air, Summer is on its way with, we hope, promise of warm days to come, and the hope of some ‘normal’ holiday plans for many. It would be good to see the sun covering our approaching and very special Bank Holiday – the remarkable milestone which will be the Platinum Jubilee celebration for 70 years’ service of Her Majesty, the Queen! Meanwhile … if Christmas marks the most significant birthday in history for many of us, despite the disputed date it occurred, then the timing of our Easter commemorations, despite it’s being variable yearly, is a lot nearer the mark – corresponding, as it does, to the Jewish Passover Celebrations. Of course, for Christians, there is no more sacred a time of year, as we remember the sacrificial death on the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also – and vitally – his Resurrection! Easter is above all a celebration of Life, not death. Being blessed as we were with good weather this year, here at MBC we were able to take our worship and celebrations outside for the whole weekend, just because we could, rather than ‘just’ because of any Covid concerns; indeed, one of the few positives of these past long months has been the opportunity to use our outside space for quite a few services, and it is lovely to be able to give thanks and praise under (mostly) blue skies recently, surrounded by birdsong! Our Minister, Stuart, has now returned to us following his period of Sabbatical – of rest, reflection and re-charging of the batteries – following which, we have been reminded of our God given mandate of care towards Creation, God’s planet. Despite the secular world-view, which frequently refers to ‘our’ planet, we would do well to recall that this is God’s World. It was His idea to create an originally perfect place for His, and our, appreciation, care and enjoyment.

If we rejoice in the sound of the birds, then, I’m sure, so does The Lord; if we enjoy the presence of the many other creatures who share this world with us, and in many cases our homes (!), then how much more does God, who also made them all and declared everything to be ‘good’? The Bible states that Human beings alone are made in his image – with all the privilege, joy and appreciation that should bring – but of course, it also carries within it immense responsibility: in which area we have increasingly and continually, fallen short. As we move into Summer, let us appreciate afresh the natural world around us and be thankful. Of course, we are all too aware at this time that these ‘simple’ but essential aspects of life are currently being undermined, or indeed obliterated, for people in various parts of this world; the ‘News’ can give the impression that evil is stronger than the hopes, and the prayers, that are continually being offered up across the world. Christ’s Resurrection should remind us that it is not! His word states that God’s ultimate plans for the future rescue and redemption of His world, despite the current presence of evil, is more glorious than anything we try to imagine – a hope worth hanging on to now, and going forward, whatever the circumstances. *Our contact details are available on our Website, both for the Rev. Stuart Clarke, and details regarding services and our weekly activities.

All Saints Church Melbourn & Holy Trinity Meldreth We begin June with the celebrations for the faithful service and witness of Queen Elizabeth. We are having a service of Thanksgiving on Saturday 4th June 2022 in All Saints’ Parish Church, at 3.00 p.m. Her Majesty’s life has been one of service and she has shown how important her faith in God has been in helping her to fulfil the oath she made at her coronation. Part of that oath related to her faith in God: “Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel?” Afterwards you are invited to bring your own picnic and come together on the grass at the back of the Church. This allows us to be together and yet be mindful

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of the risk of spreading infection. The hall will be open for toilets and for those who would prefer to sit indoors. The Sunday of that weekend is also the Day of Pentecost. This is regarded as the birthday of the Church, as it marks the giving of God’s Holy Spirit to people “en masse”, and you can read about this in The New Testament section of the Bible in chapter 2 of The Book of Acts. Although this event took place over 2000 years ago, it is a gift from God that is still available to each of us today, to help us live a life that honours God and helps others to come to know him. The following Sunday, 12th June, is Trinity Sunday, when we think about the mystery of God who is the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit: Three in One and One in Three. It is, of course, the patronal festival day for Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth and the main 9.45 a.m. service will be there, in a change to our usual pattern of services. Our APCM was held in March and we said our thanks and farewells to Ian Henderson as our Churchwarden. We wish him well as he continues with his training to become a minister. We also welcomed Mary Bailey as our new Churchwarden and she will be admitted to this role formally by our Archdeacon, Alex Hughes. During Lent we ran a course on The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-10), and whilst it was not easy it was such a blessing to come together as a group sharing thoughts in a loving and safe environment. Sunday School at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn, meets once a month, usually on the second Sunday of the month, in the community hall behind the church. We usually start at 9.45 a.m. and finish in time to go into church for communion or to receive a blessing. In April,

We’re here fookr e’s. Addenbro Jan & Matt wanted to show thanks to their hospital, “Leaving a gift in a will is just something we can do so easily.” email wills@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Revd. Mary Price blessing the palm crosses with Noah in the background

on Palm Sunday, we followed Noah the donkey and processed round to church, then we went on into the hall. We made the Easter wreaths shown on the attached picture, talked about Holy Week and sang a song. If you would like to know more about Sunday School please contact Pat Smith on 01763 262575 We have continued to meet in person in church and are aware that many of us have been, and perhaps still

are being, affected by Covid. We continue to pray for so many, and if you wish to contact us for prayer then please do so using either the link on the e-newsletter or the contact details as shown below: Revd Dr Lizzie Murgatroyd Shipp: vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.com, Revd. Mary Price: 01763 261569 (maryprice9486@gmail.com) Pat Smith: 01763 262575. If you would like to receive our weekly e-newsletter please contact Lesley Hollamby (lesleykhollamby@btinternet. com) Check our Facebook page for details of services https://www.facebook.com/asmhtm. If you would like to receive a copy of our Parish Magazine please contact Diane Blundell on 01763 221415

The Word of God Ye turned from idols to serve The Living and True God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come. (The apostle Paul to Thessalonians 1 Chapter 1 verses 9 & 10) from David Burbridge melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Sports & Clubs

Bowls Arthur Andrews 261990 Bridge Club Howard Waller 261693 1st Melbourn Rainbows Mrs Stef Cooper 07922053801 Brownies – 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Meldreth Croquet Janet Pope 248239 Dynamos Football Club Les Morley 07739 593771 Guides – Ist Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443 Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne 07732 613555 Melbourn Judo Club Iain Reid 241830 Melbourn Karate Club Peter Khera 07866 374674 Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Melbourn Squash Jan Brynjolffssen 07730 406688 Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Pat Smith 262575 Sue Toule 260955 Anne Harrison 261775

1st Melbourn Rainbows We have had a very busy time at Rainbows this term. The girls have been practising hard at their sign language during our hello song and have got very good at it. The start of the term saw us learning about charity work, and to help understand how it helps our community we had our very own cake decorating night, where we donated £1 for 4 cakes and then got creative decorating them. We then decided as a unit which charity organisation to donate the money to: we chose the hedgehog hospital! We then saw the girls learning about the values of money and seeing how far our money could go. We laid the money out on the floor in order of value before we were able to spend our money on some yummy fruit kebabs, which the girls chose and built themselves! We celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with a fun craft where we made pots of gold with yarn and card; we then ended the night with a shamrock hunt and some chocolate coins! In March, we also celebrated Mother’s Day with a very special craft activity: we decorated a big letter M with lots of pretty flowers and sequins, which we had to wrap up before we went home so it could be a surprise. We ended last term with an Easter egg hunt and we had to complete a riddle about the Easter bunny! Lavender then surprised us with some little chocolates to take home. As the new term gets started we have been focusing on badges and have started on our drawing badge. We are hoping to see lots of colourful drawings and to give out some well-earned badges! Clover, 1st Melbourn Rainbows continued on page 54

Photographic Club Bruce Huett 232855 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table Michael Seymour 221398 Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593 Tennis (Melbourn) Dave Liddiard 07508 995 781 Tennis (Meldreth) Tracy Aggett 243376

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1st Melbourn Guides First Aid is an essential skill for all Guides to learn. The Community Hall trustees kindly showed us a video and their new defibrillator, then we practised CPR using a dummy and a fake defib machine. We also learnt how to treat sprains, ways to use a bandage and a sling, and how to make an emergency phone call. To think about accident prevention the girls played hide & seek using a torch and hi-vis jacket, and drew a picture showing hazards around the home. To introduce the girls to product marketing and branding, we ran a Cookie Enterprise Challenge. The patrols had to choose a target market, add flavours to a basic cookie dough, devise the packaging and create a simple TV advert. The new Guide programme offers a varied selection of Interest badges; one of them is ‘Upcycling’, taking an unwanted object and making it into something attractive or useful. The girls brought in a variety of old clothes, and had fun cutting, stitching, pinning and painting them to create a variety of bags and unusual clothing, which they showed off in a fashion show at the end of the evening. The following week they made lavender bags from offcuts of fabric and dried lavender flowers, and decorated recyclable household objects using decoupage techniques. We finished the term with an evening hike on Therfield Heath. This was organised by Aliya, as part of her Gold Challenge award. The girls were challenged to look after an injured marshmallow, making a mini stretcher & a waterproof shelter for it, before signalling for help using torches and Morse code. The marshmallows didn’t suffer at all, but the girls learnt about wind-chill as a blizzard and icy winds blew in from the north! Our Guide unit is full and has a waiting list. If you would like to know more about become a Guide or a leader, please contact me on: 01763 261443 or email: melbournguides@ gmail.com. You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more. Hilary Marsh

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1st Orwell Scouts As we move further into 2022, things definitely feel like they are getting back to normal for the 1st Orwell Scouts, Cubs and Beavers and their leaders. Much hard work is already being put into planning upcoming camps and outdoor activities, an essential part of the Scouting curriculum – but more on that in the next issue! St George is the patron saint of Scouting, so each year members of the Scouting and Guiding associations around the world gather to renew their promises and think about what their organisation and its values mean to them. This year, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from across Royston District gathered in Steeple Morden to parade from the recreation ground to the church, where they took part in a church service and also recognised leaders’ achievements with the presentation of awards. It is always fantastic to gather as a District group and renew friendships. In March the Scouts were also pleased to be able to help Foxton Gardens Society deliver compost to local residents in readiness for the upcoming growing season. The Scouts helped by unloading the bags of compost and delivering them directly to the residents’ doors. They worked very hard ferrying back and forth from doors to lorry, and the bags were heavy! If you are involved in a local Society or community group and you have an opportunity where you think some local young people could offer you some help, please do get in touch via the e-mail address at the end of this article. Back in the regular Friday evening meetings, cooking has been a big theme for many of the children over the past few months. The Cubs were treated to hot dogs, before heading out on a night hike in February, all carefully planned and cooked by the Young Leaders who help to support their sessions. Needless to say they were enjoyed by all! The Cubs themselves took over the gas burners in February to make pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. In the Scout section, four budding chefs created and prepared a three course Jubilee themed meal for the Hertfordshire County Cooking Competition. Their hard work earned them the third place trophy. Congratulations to Samuel, Grace, Ed and Alexander. Developing a range of different skills is a key element of many of the sessions that the young people take part in. For the Cubs, this has ranged from learning some of the basics of Tae-kwon-do (our thanks to Royston and Melbourn Tae-kwon-do School), to pioneering skills (learning to tie different knots and build structures using them) and, of course, tent pitching (ready for those camps!). They have also looked to develop their green fingers by completing some gardening-related activities. For the Scouts, this has included using different types of

signals to communicate (semaphore for example), as well as practising essential skills for around the home, such as ironing, cleaning, making tea, and changing light bulbs. The leaders have also been encouraging activities and reflection related to the world around us. The Scouts spent a session thinking about disability awareness and equality. They took part in a number of activities designed to give them a sense of how someone who has a disability might feel. These included a game of balloon volleyball where some Scouts were blindfolded, some had to sit on the floor or chairs, and some couldn’t speak, as well as sensory drawing (replicating with a pencil a drawing that someone had traced with a finger on to their back). To end the term and celebrate the upcoming Easter break, the Cubs headed to Letchworth to take part in a fun evening of Laser Tag. Much fun was had by all. The Scouts had a jam-packed awards ceremony, where they were presented with 115 activity badges between them, as well as 5 Chief Scout Gold Awards. The Scout leaders, too, had their hard work and dedication rewarded, with a 30 year long service award for Alan Norton, a Wood Badge for Rob Heathcote to mark the completion of his leader training and a Chief Scout Commendation

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for Sian Bolitho. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the children, young people and leaders who have received awards throughout the year so far. 1st Orwell Scout Group meets on a Friday evening in Melbourn. The Group is currently full, but please do contact admissions@1storwellscouts.org.uk to add your child to our waiting list. We are really keen to hear from any adults interested in becoming a leader as this will allow us to accept more children and reduce our waiting list. As a Beaver/Cub/Scout assistant leader you could inspire our young people to grow in ability and confidence through a huge variety of activities and challenges, which is incredibly enjoyable and rewarding; why not give something new a go! Please contact GSL@1storwellscouts.org.uk if you are interested in finding out more.

Melbourn bowls club Way back in 1922 a bowls club was formed in Melbourn, although not on the current site, so this is a very important year for the club. To celebrate this centenary, we have some special events arranged, culminating in a visit from the Chelsea Pensioners in August. We were fortunate in having a large intake of new members last year, which gave the club a real boost, and their enthusiasm enabled us to provide more playing opportunities on Saturdays, when the open bar was also very popular. We now hope that some of these new players will benefit our teams when the new match season opens. This runs from May into September, and we contest six different leagues in evening and Wednesday afternoon matches against local and Cambridge district teams. If you missed our Open Day on May 1st new members and spectators are welcomed at any time and our popular Thursday Coffee Mornings (10.30 to 12) are open to all. Non players can join as social members cheaply and enjoy all the club facilities and our winter whist evenings. For further information please telephone Peter Blayney on 01763 260538

Melbourn Football Club About Us Melbourn Football Club is a men’s football club with two teams competing in the Kershaw Cambridgeshire County League, with home games played at The New Recreation Ground at The Moor. The club offers affordable sport within the village to players aged 16 and above, with our aim being to be competitive on the pitch and offer a friendly, sociable atmosphere off it. We hold a variety of fund-raising and social events throughout the year with

25% of all profit donated to our current chosen charity, CPSL Mind – www.cpslmind.org.uk Thanks to our fund-raising efforts and generous support from sponsors, we are in a healthy position to be able to provide both excellent facilities and kit. We also have the highest level of player insurance cover against injury available from the county FA. Our Signing on fee, which includes (all playing and warm up kit), is £30 per season, plus match fees at £6 per game. Under 18’s, the unemployed and those in full time education are not charged. New players and supporters are always welcome. Please contact the club secretary or one of the team managers using the contact details provided later. Footballing Matters It has been a memorable season for the club! On St. George’s day both teams secured promotion with one game each left to play. The First Team did not have a fixture, but due to Great Shelford Reserves only drawing with Cottenham United, we have guaranteed at least second place in Division 1A. Beating Great Shelford Reserves the previous week 2–1, in a great team performance, was proven to be key. The final fixture against Cottenham United is a must win! Even then we are reliant on Debden dropping points to become champions, as they have a superior goal difference. In the Reserve Team’s Division 4A, the title was won by Ashdon United with a few fixtures to spare. Congratulations to them. This left the Ressies in a straight fight with Thaxted Rangers Reserves for second place. We made it easier on ourselves recently by reversing a 2–1 away loss to them earlier in the season, 1–0. We subsequently beat Motts County Pirates 5 – 0 at home, then found out in the changing room afterwards that Thaxted had lost, meaning they cannot overtake us for the second promotion spot. Not long after, in the Black Horse pub, we found out the result affecting the first team. What a superb day! In other news, we have two players in the running for awards on the popular SqueezeFootball Twitter page – https://twitter.com/squeezefootball. This page deals with non-league and grass roots football, plus a subject close to our club, mental health issues. Reserve Team forward Gary Radford is well-considered, having scored 22 goals in 12 games so far, as is our energetic Reserve Team captain Chris Lintorn, in the midfield section. Good luck to both. In the last issue we reported on how good it was to be able to use the brand new 4g pitch at Melbourn Village College. We are almost at the end of our bookings for this season and can only commend the facility on how much it has helped the club maintain fitness levels for melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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our double promotion push. Thanks to the team at the Sports Centre for helping us secure our slot. We look forward to getting back on there in September with the start of the new season. Defibrillator We are extremely pleased to announce that we have successfully applied for and received a defibrillator unit from the Cambs FA. Many of you will remember only last summer the harrowing scenes of a stricken Christian Eriksen in the Euro Championships. Those with longer memories will also remember Fabrice Muamba collapsing in a Premier League match. The sad fact is that unforeseen heart problems are much more common than we are likely to hear or see in the media. As such we are incredibly pleased to have this piece of kit available to the community in a well-used space like the New Recreation Ground. Our plan is to ideally have the unit installed on the side of Little Hands nursery, near ours and Melbourn Dynamos storage lock ups. This will mean it is close to the play park, bowls green and football pitches. We are liaising with the Parish Council to arrange the installation. Fingers crossed nobody ever needs to use it, but it is there for everyone just in case.

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Unpleasant and Unfair Apologies for raising this next subject, but sadly it is necessary. The subject is irresponsible dog owners not cleaning up after their pet! The New Recreation Ground is a public space and like any public space is there to be enjoyed by all. This will never be the case whilst some owners are not keeping an eye on their dog. Before every match we have to clear some mess off the pitch. Please be considerate of all your fellow Rec’ users and clean up what your dog leaves behind! This is particularly important as children are at risk of contracting toxocariasis, from which they may lose their sight. Events On the 5th of March we held a virtual horse racing night in the Black Horse, which raised £315. As with all our fundraising activities we are putting 25% in the pot to donate to CPSL Mind – £78.75. We would like to extend our thanks to our race sponsors: Shire Trees, Buntingford Brewery, Ashton Renovations, HBC Logistics, Mortgage Quest, Insink, TJ Plastering and Tall & Small Construction. We are currently running a second edition of our popular Last Man Standing competition with our partners at Meldreth United FC. This time around the competition raised £176.67 which will mean another £44.17 for CPSL Mind. Coming soon is our annual quiz which will take place at Melbourn Village College. We hope for another enjoyable and entertaining event. We will report on this in the autumn edition of Melbourn Magazine. Our final event of the season will take place on Saturday May 21st, when we hold our end of season awards. After a two-year gap, thanks to COVID, we are returning to the Bull Hotel in Royston for a celebration meal and disco. We will announce the winners in the next edition. Memory Lane We have been representing the village for over 130 years, having been able to date back as far as 1891. As previously mentioned, games are played at The New Recreation Ground, which has been the ‘Home’ ground since at least WWII. We understand previous home fixtures were once played in the grounds of The Bury. One of our older team photos on the MFC website was photographed at that location. The Old Recreation Ground, (site of the annual Fair and Air Cadet hut), was also used for some games up until the 80’s. We are extremely interested to learn of any other venues that may have been used. If you can elaborate on any of the above, or perhaps provide photos or memorabilia from the past for our website and social media, with the names of those involved, we would be very thankful. Even stories from those days would be gratefully received. Please contact the club secretary for any submissions. melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Sponsors The club would like to extend our thanks to the following local businesses who support us with sponsorship: Conqueror Industries/Shire Trees Limited/ TJ Plastering Contractors/PJ Deards Plumbing and Heating/MJF Construction & Maintenance If you are interested in sponsoring the club in any way, please contact the club secretary using the details below. We would like to thank Steve and Kerry Harrington & team at the Black Horse for their warm hospitality. Contacts Club Secretary: Simon Gascoyne, 07732 613555, simon_gascoyne@hotmail.com – First Team Manager: Chay Wilson, 07966 573008. – Reserve Team Manager: Ben Hammond, 07402 777584. Website: www.melbournfc.com

Melbourn Sports Centre We have plenty of activities on offer this summer, with something for the whole community to get involved with…. Father’s Day Looking for something a bit different as a gift this Father’s Day? How about treating your Dad to his own gym membership or purchasing a Gift Discount Card for our other activities here at Melbourn Sports? It’s a great way to help a loved one get fit! Gymnastics This fun-filled indoor activity is very popular with children aged five and upwards, so why not give it a go? For all those budding gymnastics stars, we’re working very closely with Comberton Gymnastics Club to offer sessions on a Wednesday evening from 1600 – 1900. If you are interested in joining, please contact Sam Bryant at Comberton Gymnastic Club on comberton.gc@btinternet.com Kids & Teens Activities With summer holidays approaching, it’s never too early to start planning your summer sports. We have a variety of activities to choose from, including our Ofsted Registered Playscheme (The Kidz Factor), Trampoline Crash Course, Sport Taster Sessions and Swimming Crash Course. Also available are our very popular Children’s Sports Camps, always a fun way to try out both mainstream and specialist activities. For those who want to take their swimming to the next level, why not consider joining our Swim Club on a Friday evening? Swim Club is a friendly, non-competitive club run by a professional swim coach. Members will develop their technique as well as stamina and strength. For more information, contact Jenny Brackley on 01763 244593 or email info@mc-sport.co.uk.

Specifically for those aged 14 or over, we have teen training sessions on our Fitness Suite machines as well as swimming lessons, lifeguard courses, triathlon sessions, tennis coaching, squash and much more. Still priced at only £2.50 per session. Get Fit For The Summer! Why not let us help you shape up before the summer? We have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy. Or why not take advantage of one of our great membership schemes to our fitness suite including C.V machines fitted with audio visual technology (for those rainy days throughout the year). We also welcome back outdoor sports and the tennis season. For all budding Wimbledon stars, courts can be hired mid-week and at weekends. Intermediate & adult afternoon swimming lessons We still have some space left for Intermediate and Adult Afternoon swimming lessons, so if you are interested, please get in touch to book. Party Time! Looking for the perfect venue to hold your children’s birthday party? Then your search is over! We have all the facilities here for a fun-packed event with a variety of activities for your guests to enjoy, including trampolining (always a popular choice), football and traditional pool parties. For those of you who don’t already know, we have: • A state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes • A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!) • A comprehensive swimming lesson 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

For further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk We look forward to seeing you this season! Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF 01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk info@mc-sport.co.uk melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Adertising rates Melbourn magazine is non-profit and all work on the magazine including design and layout are produced by volunteers. The Magazine is published four times a year in the first week of March, June, September and December. We print 2350 copies which are delivered free to every house and business 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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All Eyes / Spectacle Makers – 01954 231545

Amber Health – 01462 490141

angliEAR / Hearing services – 01223 661399

B.C.R / Plumbing & Heating – 01763 260007

BEY FIT / Fitness Classes – 07711006480

Bright Signs / Vehicle and Window Graphics – 01223 835714

Bumpkins Day Nursery – 01223 208777

Bury Lane Farm Shop – 01763 260418

Bury Lane Fun Barn – 01763 260418

Chris Thomas / Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning – 01223 836002

CHS / Local Community Services – 01763 260564

Cocobolo Coffee Roasters – 07903 299857

CSL Cheap Storage Ltd – 01763 262344

ESSE – 01763 261000

Fender Piano Services / Piano Tuning & Repairs – 0800 233 5440

Greenlow Kennels – 01763 260624

GYC Photography family photographer – 07786 707869

Harriet Kelsall / Bespoke Jewellery – 01223 461333

Jeremy Ashworth / Property Maintenance – 07815 093166

Jeremy Rule / Funeral Service – 01763 242560

Langham Press – 01223 870266

Width x Height

B/W

Colour

1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm)

£132

£205

Law Storage Ltd – 01223 874629

1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm)

£225

£313

Leech & Sons / Master Butchers – 01763 260255

Advertising rates are per year (four issues) For further information on advertising see committee list. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Magazine.

The Melbourn magazine team would like to thank all our advertisers for their support and sponsorship

Lawn Partners / Bespoke lawncare – 01763 244955

Little Hands Nursery School – 01763 260964

Melbourn Auto Services / MOT’s Servicing & Repairs – 01763 321088

Melbourn Flooring & Interiors – 01763 262413

Melbourn Garage – 01763 263344

Melbourn Ironing Service – 01763 220996

Nancy Foster Footcare – 01763 261250

New Dawn Curtains & Blinds – 01763 243894

Newlings of Royston / Funeral Services – 01763 242375

Norburys / Building & Landscape Supplies – 01763 261740

Paul Hutley / Carpenter – 07702905915

Phillimore Garden Centre – 01763 260537

Editorial

Ann Dekkers

261144

Editorial, production, design and layout

Peter Simmonett

220363

Advertising

David Sansom 261107 email: davidthemelbournmagazine@idnet.com

Parish Proﬁle

Mavis Howard

260686

Proof reading

Ann Dekkers

261144

Christine Orchard

221033

Jane Stevens Printer

Langham Press

01223 870266

PL Cooper / Flooring Specialists – 01763 260918

Prince Property / Property Improvements – 01763 269565

Richard Arnott – Garden Designer – 01763 263231

Rothwell’s Carpet Cleaning – 01223 832928

Royston Complementary Health – 01763 247440

Sage / Blinds & Interiors – 01763 263399

Shire Trees – Profeesional Arborists – 01763 220880

Simon Robinson / Bespoke Picture Framers – 01223 873123

Southwell Court Residential Home – 01763 750006

Sparkys Domestic Electricians – 01763 268507

Summit / Landscape Gardeners – 01223 929394

Taylor & Co /Chartered Accountants – 01763 248545

The Cambridge Workshop Furniture & Carpentry – 07903 299857 The Letting Centre – 01763 263039

8 12

The Spice Hut / Indian Takeaway – 01763 262425

Trademark Kitchens / Design & Fitting – 01763 245000

TTP – 01763 262626

Wrights Mower Centre / Garden Machinery – 01763 263393

melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Issue 110 Summer 2022

Articles inside

From your District and County Councillors

Melbourn Parish Council

Who to report to …?

Moorlands Court

‘Health at The Hub’ coming for you

Melbourn Timebank

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS 10th Anniversary