Village News

Women’s Group

Self Help Group

Melbourn History Group

Christmas Lights Competition

Melbourn Village Fete 2008

Vicarage Close

The Royal British Legion

The National Trust

Lifeboats RNLI

Book Group

Local History Society

Disability Cambridgeshire

Head Lice Trial Targets Melbourn

Calling Community Nurses

COFFEE STOP everySaturday

at Vicarage Close 10:30amto12noon

Romboutscoffee&biscuitsfor70p

TTP Group celebrates its 20th anniversary

Sponsors of The Melbourn Magazine, the TTP Group celebrated its 20th anniversary by taking its staff and their partners to Paris for the weekend. Everyone stayed at the luxurious 5* Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel, where they were treated to an evening of entertainment, good food and fine wine. The evening included acrobats, singing waiters, a live band, disco dancing and a casino.

“It is a privilege to work with such talented and committed staff, and this weekend was TTP’s way of thanking staff for their continuing contribution to our success”, commented Peter Taylor, TTP Group’s CEO.

“The party was a resounding success. The next few weeks should be fun too”, added Peter, “as we are holding a photo competition for the most French, most amusing, and most photographically excellent shot, taken by staff or their partners over the weekend. The winner of each category will receive a bottle of champagne and TTP will donate £500 to a charity of the winner’s choice in each category. All photos entered for the competition will be posted on the TTP intranet and staff will be able to vote for their favourite photo in each category”. In addition, the winners of the casino event will also get to choose which charities will receive donations of £500.

Through profits and spin-outs TTP has, since its inception, generated unmatched returns for shareholders and staff, most of whom are shareholders. Last year saw profits grow by 20% in 2007, TTP has seen its best first half on record!

TTP Group celebrates its 20th anniversary in style in Paris

TTP Group is the award-winning technology and product development company based near Cambridge.

Our primary activity is creating new business based on advances in technology. TTP’s technology lies behind many products and processes in areas as diverse as digital printing, communications, instrumentation, consumer products, medical products, drug discovery, micro devices, optics and vision and software. We also work in a traditional consultancy role to help companies manage their business and technology better. Our customers include some of the world’s largest and most successful as well as some of the smallest and most ambitious. We incubate new companies and manage a Venture Capital fund which invests in early stage technology start-ups. Enquiries to: Jean Thompson TTP Group plc, Melbourn Science Park, elbourn. SG8 6EE UK Telephone: 01763 262626 email: press@ttp.com web: www.ttpgropup.com

Women’s Group

Melbourn and Meldreth

We are a group of women mainly, but not exclusively, members of either All Saints’, Melbourn or Holy Trinity, Meldreth who meet once a month on the 4th Tuesday at 7.45pm in the Holy Trinity meeting room. We have a mix of meetings, with speakers, on a religious theme, food (always the most popular!), making our own entertainment, all sociable. In the Spring we will be having a Games and Cake Evening (food again), a talk on ‘Wild things and Gardens’ and ‘How women’s lives have changed in the last 100 years’. Jane Stevens 261858

Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group

Thursday Luncheon Club

December was an exciting month for Luncheon Club. We started the month by celebrating Mary Nelson’s 100th birthday. Mary’s birthday was on Saturday 8th December, so our celebrations took place on Thursday 6th, which was also the birthday of Edna Renshaw from Meldreth and Inga Wright of Melbourn; both of whom are mere youngsters in comparison. Mary very kindly brought in a birthday cake and some sparkling wine for us all to share after our main lunch.

Luncheon club presented Mary with a 100th birthday card signed by all the members together with a bouquet.

We also had our usual Christmas Dinner which was a very happy occasion. We were very pleased to welcome two of our drivers, plus Councillor Rosemary Gatward and Lady Wright. Also in attendance was Father Christmas who gave each of our members a present. Thank you Father Christmas.

Sally also presented Doreen and Jack Hadrell with ‘thank you’ vouchers for all their work for the club over the past

25 years. Vouchers were also given to Elizabeth Hughes-Jones later at home, as Elizabeth had to leave early that day.

Luncheon club members would like to thank all three of them for all their hard work and dedication over the last 25 years. We will miss them all very much, but we are very pleased that Elizabeth will continue to open up for us and make coffee for the early birds setting up.

Thanks to all drivers and ladies who man the kitchen on a rota basis. Without your help Luncheon Club would have closed.

We would welcome anybody who is able to drive for us. We are always looking for drivers, and this might enable us to offer places to a few more people if we could get them to Vicarage Close on Thursday at lunchtime.

If there are any ladies or gentlemen in Melbourn or Meldreth who would like to go on our waiting list, please contact Jayne White (220250).

Mary Nelson’s 100th birthday

Doreen and Jack Hadrell All Saints’ Church guide

Most of the congregation were not aware of his presence but will now be able to see him, as well as many other photographs of the Church. The grant of money won by the Group for their entry in the Cambridgeshire Villages Competition will go towards the provision of facilities at the new Riverside Park off Dolphin Lane. A final choice has not yet been made. Colin Limming Chairman Melbourn History Group.

Elizabeth and Nevin Hughes-Jones

Melbourn History Group

Members of the Group are often asked ‘What are you working on now?’ or ‘When are you bringing out another book?’. It is not always an easy question to answer, especially as the two we have produced were the result of four years hard work and research, but now we can answer ‘Look out for the new Parish Church Guide’. The brand new edition in full colour is now available, compiled by Mavis Howard and Sally Wright, with excellent photographs by Peter Simmonett. It goes into the history of the building from its earliest days and included among the photographs is one of the head of a ‘Green Man’. Spotted by Jan Simmonett the face is almost impossible to see from the ground without the aid of binoculars but the photograph shows him in great detail. The ‘Green Man’ is an ancient symbol in English folklore and is associated with Jack in the Green, a forester and other mythological figures

Christmas Lights Competition 2007 Results

The Melbourn 2007 Christmas Lights Competition was organised by members of the Parish Council this year as the original organiser, Mr. Mousley had to retire due to ill health. The Parish Council would like to thank him for organising this event in the past and wish him a quick recovery.

The judges found it very hard to make a decision between all the beautifully decorated gardens, windows, walls etc. However, in an age of growing concern about energy resources, the judges agreed that this Christmas the prize would be awarded for Simplicity and found two homes that reflected this; the first one at 12 The Lawns, and the second one at 2 Chalkhill Barrow.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather on the night of presenting the awards,

the photos didn’t come out, so we have none to show but both householders were very pleased that we had chosen their designs and have said they would give the money to charities of their choice, one being a local charity and the other Breast Cancer Research.

We would like to thank all the homeowners who took part in this competition. The judges had a lovely time looking at all the displays and hope that they enter again next year. If anyone would like to be a judge please let the Parish Office know in plenty of time for judging the 2008 competition. Maureen Townsend and Roger Mellor

Melbourn Village Fete 2008 Sunday 29th June

With the success of last year’s event and all the positive feedback from all the participants, this year’s fete is well under way. Also the Fete committee is fully aware of the need to build on that success. With that in mind we are eager to encourage more local groups and societies to get involved to highlight their particular cause.

As with any large event we would love to add some more attractions, but money is always an issue i.e. the bigger the event the more it costs to put on. We have already approached some local companies who have generously committed themselves to some much needed sponsorship BUT would hope some more may come forward and help with funds as well (contact details below).

Building on the success of last year will also mean we are looking for more help. The committee is now up to 14, which is excellent news. However, to put on a larger event we will need more volunteers on the day. So if you can spare some time for a worthy and rewarding cause, whether it be a few hours or more, please contact us as below. Melbourn Village Fete Committee Jayne White (Fundraiser) 220250 or Jaynewhite1@ntlworld.com Brian Collingbourne (Chair) 263115 or Melbournfete@aol.com

Vicarage Close

Christmas is now behind us but we would like to thank everybody who helped make our Christmas Lunch and Christmas/Birthday tea, such a success. Special thanks to Joe who stepped in at short notice, to entertain us. The residents also enjoyed the trips out to see the Christmas Show at Wicksteed Park and the pantomime in Cambridge. Now we are into a New Year we are thinking of Easter and maybe a summer outing. The residents also enjoy a weekly lunch thanks to our helpers Sue, Olive, Freda, and Marg, with regular hairdressing from Sandra, and chiropody by Erica. Grateful thanks to all of these ladies for their help and support throughout the year. Our recycling is still working well. We are collecting used greeting cards, clean glass jars, used stamps, mobile phones, and (still) plastic tops from milk containers etc. All these items, which we often just throw away, are reused to raise money for various charities and good causes. We are very grateful for the continued support from residents and hall users for collecting these items. If you wish to contact me I am available (most of the day) at Vicarage Close on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and you can leave a message on 263389, which I will return as soon as possible. Joy Hyde Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal British Legion

When The Poppies Bloom

At last, that long awaited breathing space has arrived, time to sit back and reflect on the various events of the past year. Having moved from Bassingbourn to Melbourn, I decided to join the Melbourn branch of The Royal British Legion, and it was not long before I was approached with regard to becoming The Chairman. The previous Chairman having moved out of the district, I accepted.

I was soon under the eagle eye of the now, sadly, late Terry Rolt. Terry’s reputation had preceded him, so I was well prepared with his documented knowledge and the support of The Committee to weather the administrative storm ahead.

First on the list was to try and fill the gaps left by Terry’s recent passing, no easy task I can tell you as Terry had years of “on the job” experience. We honoured Terry’s last wish by giving him a Legion funeral and also to be the first person buried in the new Melbourn cemetery.

Now came the big one, the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. This was a daunting task for a first timer like me, but again with the help of our branch members and supporters, the appeal got under way successfully.

Next came The Armistice Day commemorations, with the parade and church service that was well attended in spite of not having a band or bugler, (I’m always on the lookout for a good bugler). There was also a moment of panic when our experienced standard bearer was unable to attend due to ill health. Fortunately Mike Cooke, new branch member, was able to save the day.

Seventy one poppy boxes were delivered to our loyal door to door, workplace and business running poppy sellers in Melbourn, Kneesworth, Bassingbourn, Abbington Piggotts and Littlington.

The grand total at this time of writing is £7500, an amount thought to be the highest ever, a tribute indeed to the kind generosity of those who gave, and the hard work of all our members and volunteers. Special thanks also to John Chamberlain who dealt with the Meldreth and Shepreth collections. Patrick Parkinson (01763 262617 Chairman & Secretary

Women’s Branch

Branch members are looking forward to the rest of the year. The Programme is varied and interesting, with another Mystery Trip in July.

Branch meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month, except December, in the Vicarage Close Community Room at 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to join us may contact Chairman Mrs Murray (01763 220841).

Members continue to place flowers on the War Memorial. Mrs E A Murphy.

The National Trust

April will see the end of the local Association’s indoor programme before they venture out on a series of outings and the annual holiday trip. In March we will find out how much we have donated to the Trust for use by local properties together with a report by the officers on how the year has gone. At Wimpole the date of 15th March is ringed round on many a volunteer’s calendar as this is the day the Hall and Estate re-open although much will have happened during the winter. The walks have been opened every day, the restaurant has provided meals and the art gallery has been busy staging a series of exhibitions by local artists and craftsmen. In March the ever popular lambing weekends will take place and readers are advised to look in the local press for full details. We entertain countless families who come to see the newly born lambs as well as many of the rare breeds that are housed at the Home Farm. There is always a full programme of family events throughout the year. Leaflets are available at the Estate, in the local libraries and many other outlets. Colin Limming. It is amazing to think that this Magazine takes us to June!

As I write rescue teams are battling to save twenty people, including a man with a broken leg, from the 100 metre long Ice Prince which is in severe difficulties. A coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboats are at the scene.

Come the better weather there will be different emergencies to attend, on rivers as well as beaches full of holidaymakers.

In 2007 RNLI rescued 8,015 people, an average of 22 a day. Thanks to the bravery of our volunteer crews, these people celebrated Christmas with their loved ones beside them.

Due to your ongoing support, the work goes on. Please support us on Lifeboat Day in Royston on 12th April. It will help to ensure that crews receive the best equipment and training, so that more and more families will see their loved ones brought safely home. Jean Emes, Secretary, Royston Branch RNLI 01763 245958

Book Group

Do you enjoy reading?

Are you interested in forming a Book Group to discuss your favourite reading and explore new authors? Meetings could take place once a month or six weekly on a weekday evening. Interested? Sue Crowley 01763 263129

Our meetings are held in the Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm. Mar 6th On the road in 1910, illustrated Peter Ibbett Apr 3rd Digging up Robert Sayle, illustrated Alison Dickens May 8th AGM 7.30pm followed at 8pm The Chinese Gooseberry Man, the travels in China of E H Wilson, the famous plant-hunter. A Travelling Theatre Presentation by Geoff Hales The evening concludes with a buffet and drinks.

Annual subscription £5 (under 18 £2.50). To join send a cheque payable to the Society to David Allard, 8 Chilcourt, Royston, Herts., SG8 9DD or join at a meeting. Admission to visitors is £2.

The Royston Cave in Melbourn Street, attributed to the Knights Templar, opens for the season on 22nd March. It will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.30pm to 5pm. Tickets from the Cave Bookshop adjoining the Cave. Adults £3, Concessions £2. Accompanied children free. Website: www.royston.clara.net/localhistory

Disability Cambridgeshire

Can we help you or anyone you know?

Disability Cambridgeshire (previously known as Directions Plus) is a registered charity working for disabled/older people and carers living in Cambridgeshire. We provide free, confidential and impartial information and advice on all disability and access issues including:Discrimination Direct payments and independent living Entitlements, including challenging decisions Holiday and leisure Residential care, respite etc. We also provide: Advice to companies and individuals about employment Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Equality training Information in fact sheets, newsletters and on our websites Start up and infrastructure services for Forums of Disabled people Work experience and training.

We are always looking for volunteers to help in our Cambridge office. We would hope that some of these volunteers, with training, could represent us and disabled people at meetings throughout Cambridgeshire. Contact us at: 1 Orwell Furlong, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WY Telephone adviceline: 01223 569 600 E-mail: info@disability-cambridgeshire.org.uk www.directions-plus.org.uk www.disabilitycambridgeshire.org.uk

Head Lice Trial Targets Melbourn Area

Melbourn and the surrounding villages have been selected by Medical Entomology Centre (MEC) as a target area for carrying out head lice treatment trials. The trials are to prove the effectiveness of a newly formulated treatment for combating the problem of head lice, a common condition that affects most children at some point during their schooling.

Senior Entomologist and Trials Manager, Elizabeth Kidmann says: “We would like to hear from parents of children with head lice who are willing to let them take part in our trial. The process is simple. We come along and treat the problem, returning on specific days to check that the treatment has worked effectively. Visits are quick and discreet.” Contact MEC on 01763 263011 or 0845 4300 300

Head lice have been the bane of parents with school-age children in recent years. Although lice cannot fly, jump, hop or swim they do love to crawl from head to head. The lice like nothing better than the opportunity to move around from host to host when children are playing together.

Calling Community Nurses

If you are an experienced Community Nurse and have the capacity to take on occasional extra work, Medical Entomology Centre would like to hear from you.

We are building up a bank of nurses with community health experience who can undertake home visits within the area as part of our trials programme. The work is intermittent when the trials are in progress, payment is per visit. Most of the visits take place after school hours (late afternoons or early evenings).

Own transport is essential, for which travelling expenses are payable.

If you would like to know more, please contact Ian Burgess (Director) at Medical Entomology Centre on 0845 4300 300.

Paper Shredder

The new office boy stood before the paper shredder looking confused. “Need some help?” a secretary walking by asked. “Yes,” he replied, “how do you work this thing.” “Simple,” she said quickly taking the fat report from his hand and feeding it to the shredder. “Thanks,” he said as he watched the report disappear, “But where do the copies come out?”