24 minute read
Mrs Janice Guest
… ready to offer support
Families in the Royston area are set to receive support from some newly trained Home-Start volunteers.
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Home-Start which works with families in the area by offering guidance, practical help and support has approved a new intake of volunteers following the successful completion of a preparation course.
Barbara Blower, Scheme Manager for Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire said ‘We have 7 new volunteers who have undertaken a 10 session course to become volunteers for Home-Start. This will enable them to offer home visiting support to families in Royston and the surrounding villages.
Thanks go to Andy Powney, the Welfare Officer at ATR Bassingbourn Barracks, who kindly gave Home-Start the use of a training room for the duration of the course and also to The Brian Leslie Racher Trust who contributed towards the cost of this training course.
The following are quotes from some of the volunteers who took part in the course: “A really helpful, informative, thought provoking and reassuring course with a great team of volunteers who know all about fun and who are all very much looking forward to meeting and supporting their Home-Start families”.
“I feel really happy with the way the course went, it was very enlightening and I enjoyed all of it - it was great fun”. “It was nice to spend time with other people who want to help as much as I do”.
“It was well run and you make some lovely friends and now feel ready to support a family”
“I so enjoyed the course and learnt so much. I’m now looking forward to helping other families”
If you would like to find out more about the work of Home-Start in your area or are interested in volunteering, then please call the Home-Start office on 01763 262262 or email us on admin@hsrsc.co.uk.
The new volunteers are joined in the photograph by Home-Start staff - Barbara Blower and Co-ordinators Katie Kolind and Sarah Mascall and Andy Powney, the Welfare Officer at ATR Bassingbourn Barracks. As you are all aware, Mum passed away peacefully on Sunday 21st November 2010 at Respiratory Support and Sleep Clinic (RSSC), Papworth Hospital. Like any family who loses anyone close to them, it is a very difficult time. We would like to thank everyone who visited Mum in hospital and at home and for sending messages of sympathy and support, they were very much appreciated. We had an overwhelming amount of friends who came to Mum’s ‘Celebration of Life’ service at Melbourn Parish Church and thanks to everyone’s generosity we were able to donate £2200 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Throughout Mum’s illness both the RSSC and MNDA were a great support to Mum and us as a family, without them Mum would never have been able to return home.
To enable the MNDA to continue with vital research into this currently incurable disease we have been fundraising in several ways. Last year, Erica along with her friends Claire Bates, Melanie Jones, Vicky McMorran, Sian Biddlecombe and Alison Peers completed the 10 kilometre road race in London, they raised an amazing £5500. Oliver (Janice’s eldest grandson) hosted a darts competition with his friends and raised £30. Jeremy (Janice’s son in law) cycled the 60 mile London to Cambridge bike ride in three and a half hours and collected £400 in sponsorship. This year we have Edward Dodson running in the London Marathon for us in Mum’s memory, so far his sponsorship has nearly reached £4000. If you wish to sponsor Ed you can do so at www.justgiving.com/ edward-mnda. On Friday 15th July, we are hosting a Charity Summer Ball at the Sheene Mill, Melbourn. Tickets are £55 per person and include drinks on arrival, a three course dinner with two glasses of wine, a live band and a donation to the MNDA. Why not come along with a group of friends and have an evening out? With the long summer evenings upon us this should be a very enjoyable occasion at a lovely venue. Tickets are available from myselfHelen Ashworth. Telephone 01763 230831 or 07815 911839 or email: jeremy.ashworth@ntlworld.com
Once again, thank you for all your support over the past year and we look forward to seeing you at the Summer Ball. Helen Ashworth and family.
There are currently moves afoot to reorganise the Library Service in Cambridgeshire in order to save money. This is a direct result of reductions in Government funding to the Cambridgeshire County Council. The Council is hoping to keep all its Branch Libraries open but this can only be achieved by reductions in staffing levels at Libraries. Melbourn is entirely run by volunteers and so is not affected by these savings. There are some other areas where savings are being put in place notably the Mobile Library Service which has been reduced to a nominal visit once a month to Melbourn and a reduction in the book transfer system. The reduction in the book transfer system means that Melbourn only receives books from other Libraries once every two weeks. This results in a longer period before books ordered by Customers are received. It will now take about two weeks to receive books. If you have email and have enabled your account at the Library you will receive an email when the books are received in the Library.
The system that Melbourn was to receive 100 new books every month has been withdrawn but we have been allowed to keep our current stock. In place of this system our team is invited to attend Dryden House in Huntingdon four times a year to select books from their stock. Our first visit was successful and we were able to obtain a considerable number of good books. This requires a considerable increase in the level of work needed from our team as they have to spend most of a day at Huntingdon and try to select books that are suitable for our Library and which we do not already hold on stock. We intend to keep our stock in good condition with these additions. We still need good new donations preferably paperbacks as we only have limited space for additions. Please keep the number you donate to about half a dozen at any one time as larger quantities present us with an administrative problem.
We have a number of good books for sale usually as a result of getting more than one copy of the books. These books are very good value and are ideal for holiday reading or long journeys. The money we collect is used to help with the costs of operating the Library Access Point.
The Children’s Story Time is going well. We run it every Thursday from 10 until 10.45 am. In practice this results in about 30 minutes of Stories and Rhyme Time. We need help from Parents during these sessions. We hope to have some sessions outside on the grass in a fenced-off area when the Summer comes.
Generally we are doing very well with a steadily increasing turnover of books. We have with the help of several new Librarians been able to open on Tuesday afternoons. Initially Tuesdays had a poor start but lately it has become established and the numbers attending are rising. We still need your support as turnover is critical to our future.
Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 2.30 to 4.30 pm, Thursday 5.00 to 7.00 pm Saturday 10.00 to 12 pm.
Story time 10.00 to 10.45 am Thursday.
Free Storytime for under 5s!
Thursday 10–10.45 am
Melbourn Library The Moor, Melbourn
(next to Melbourn Village College)
RNLI
As we have recently held our AGM at the Royston Branch I thought readers may be interested in some of the statistics sent from H Q.
Last year RNLI rescued 8,313 people around the coast of England and Ireland, while RNLI Lifeguards assisted 18,775 people during the summer season on over 150 of the UK’S busiest beaches. So that is 27.088 reasons to support our charity.
Our lifeboats spent a total of 10,758 hours (448 days) at sea in 2010, actively rescuing 8,313 people (22 every day), the highest number in our history.
RNLI Lifeguards were also kept busy responding to 16,662 incidents during the summer season. Something to think about as you head off for your summer breaks. Maybe you feel that you will never need a lifeboat, but we also train lifeguards who do valiant work on our beaches.
Over a third of lifeboat launches in 2010 took place in the hours of darkness, and for every single call to launch the volunteers have to stop whatever they are doing, working, at a family celebration or asleep in bed, and get to their local lifeboat station as quickly as possible.
RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto says, ‘2010 will be remembered for a series of harrowing disasters overseas, but around our coastline our lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards have once again demonstrated their priceless commitment to saving lives at sea.’
That however is only part of the story. Every one of those rescues was only possible because of the incredible generosity of the public, even in these difficult times.
Everyone who works to raise funds for RNLI would like to say ‘thank you’ to all who support us. It is a team effort and, as a charity, we couldn’t do it without you – please keep backing us as every penny counts.
We are absolutely determined to make the best possible use of the funds that the public entrust to us – and we regularly re-examine everything we do. This ensures that we give the best possible support to those at the sharp end who ultimately may face the worst the sea can throw at them.
On behalf of Royston Branch thank you for your support throughout 2010. We will keep up our efforts in the coming year. A very safe summer to all Melbourn Magazine readers. Jean Emes (Sec) 01763 245958
Thursday Lunch Club
I would like to thank both Melbourn and Meldreth Parish Councils for again providing us with funding and continued support for another year. Without the support of both councils the club would not be able to carry on.
As I write this, we have just celebrated with an Easter Lunch. For special occasions the kitchen ladies and Joel, get together and produce a ‘home-made’ lunch for our group members. Today’s lunch was again fantastic, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The menu was roast lamb, very kindly cooked and sliced by Leech Butchers, who are always a great support to us for which we are very grateful. This was served with new potatoes, greens, and peas followed by mixed berry Pavlova, made by the lovely Jo, and served with ice cream. The berries and cream were supplied by the local Co-Op. We also thank them.
Following lunch, all our members were given an Easter Egg and Hot Cross bun to take away with them.
I hope that later in the year we can repeat last year’s success of a cream tea, and we will be having some fund raising in May to go towards financing this.
As usual, thank you to all the people who help in the kitchen, whether it be weekly or monthly, and the drivers who transport our clientele to and from Vicarage Close. Jayne White
Royal British Legion
Several of us enjoyed a concert given by the Salvation Army Band in Barrington. On the 30th April the Women’s Branch Standard was paraded in Cambridge for ANZAC Day. The Standard was carried by Pauline Parkinson, who was also in attendance at the annual women’s conference in Eastbourne on the 7th and 8th of May.
Soon after I joined the branch the then chairman moved out of the district and I was asked if I would take his place. Terry Rolt was the secretary and Jim Mills President. Sadly Terry passed away and I took over the job of Secretary on a temporary basis; that was nearly five years ago.
This will sadly be my last contribution to The Melbourn Magazine as arthritis and a heart condition have slowed me down in thought, word and deed. I shall be standing down as Chairman/Secretary at the AGM and if no-one comes forward to replace me the branch may have to close. If this should happen all members will be informed and preparations made for the laying up of The Standard.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who gave me support and help during my time with the branch.
Patrick Parkinson Chairman and Secretary Melbourn, Meldreth and District Royal British Legion. Royal British Legion Women’s Branch
Members have had some fund raising events which included an Easter Coffee Morning where we served ‘Hot Cross Buns’ with tea and coffee, and an Easter Egg Raffle.
We have had interesting and varied speakers at our monthly meetings. Our Standard Bearer, Delegate and several members have attended the Women’s Section National Conference at Eastbourne.
Starting at Easter we will be resuming our weekly rota for putting fresh flowers on the War Memorial. Our Standard Bearer has attended the training school on several occasions.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the Melbourn Meldreth Branch is very welcome to join us. We meet in Vicarage Close Community Room every 4th Wednesday in the month, except in December; meetings start at 7 pm.
Contact numbers are: Mrs C Linsdell 01763 262208 and Mrs E Murphy 01763 220841
Knock down Ginger
This supposedly harmless street game also known as ‘Knock and Run’ or ‘Postman’s Knock’ has become a problem in the village. Supposedly harmless, because all the youngsters do is knock on a front door and run.
However, this so called ‘game’ has consequences. Recent complaints show these youngsters have chosen a bereaved family and an old and infirm person who struggles to rise from their chair and finds it both difficult and painful to walk.
It maybe fun for the youth but to some it can be frightening and dangerous. The origins of the name ‘Knock down Ginger’ is said to come from a time when all the doors on council estates were stained a ginger colour, hence knock down ginger.
A sea of change awaits at the Dolphin pub, in the village of Melbourn. The business has recently undergone a substantial makeover, bringing together both traditional classic and contemporary new looks. The exterior finishes have been changed to include new signage and planting, inside the interior has been tastefully decorated throughout and boasts many new features, cosy corners with comfy furniture and a relaxed dining experience.
In addition to the refurbishment, a new team, now manage the business, headed up by Steve and Kerry Harrington, who bring with them a wealth of experience together with a love of food, customer service and hospitality.
An all new menu has been introduced, featuring an array of Famous Pub Classics, such as Suffolk Pork Sausages with creamy mash, Hand-Battered Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas. In addition there are many exciting new dishes such as Crab Mezzaluna, Sweet Potato, Chick-Pea & Red Pepper Kebabs, Warm Shredded Duck & Hoisin Salad, great with a chilled glass of wine or a pint of traditional hand-pulled real ale.
Food is available all day everyday from 12 noon until 9pm including Saturday and Sunday, with a traditional Roast on Sunday.
With summer, just around the corner, the Dolphin is the ideal stop-off, with ample parking and a large well kept garden. Why not pop in for a glass of Pimms, a refreshing Pint of Real Ale or a chilled glass of your favorite wine.
There really is something for everyone at the new look Dolphin.
The Dolphin 105, High Street, Melbourn, SG8 6AP Telephone 01763 226004 Email 4199@greeneking.co.uk
The ‘Friends of Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme’ is a fund that is built from kind donations from the public and helps to provide much welcomed outings for it’s scheme members who are all mobility impaired. The Melbourn Mobile Wardens Scheme’s fundraising committee organised and held a fundraising afternoon at Vicarage Close earlier in the year to help raise money for this. Over forty people attended this event which was an incredible success, receiving wonderful feedback and raising more than £250 for the ‘Friends of Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme’ fund.
The afternoon was attended by some Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme members, plus residents of Vicarage Close, John Impey Way and beyond. It featured bingo with cash prizes including a big jackpot final game, an extensive raffle and a choice from a selection of delicious home made cakes and refreshments which were voted a real treat!
The afternoon’s success was aided by the generosity of those who donated prizes for the raffle including the Melbourn Co-op who provided a lovely selection of produce to help our good cause. Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme members and the committee themselves contributed by providing prizes, donations, baking cakes, bingo calling and generally planning, organising and running the whole event!
As a result, the Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme members had a lovely outing in May to Polhill Garden Centre in Coton where they enjoyed a delicious lunch and the lovely setting and amenities that the centre had to offer.
Further outings are planned through the year thanks to the fantastic support of those who have contributed to the ‘Friends of Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme’ and for that, the scheme’s committee and members are very grateful.
Melbourn History Group
It’s a long time since we asked Melbournians (Melbournites?) if there was any item of memorabilia or photographs of past events, or indeed anything that would help us in the production of a village history book. At the time we thought that we might get one or two ‘bits and pieces’ but looking through our filing cabinet today I was amazed at what we did collect and store. Some of these are so long ago that one quite forgets how they fitted into the text or even if they were reluctantly not used.
For instance, we have an item on Empire Day 1940. Does anyone remember that yearly schoolchildren used to parade (often in Cub or Brownie uniform) to remember the British Empire? Do you remember the date it was held? 24th May to my recollection.
And how about the 21st birthday of Alfred F Fordham? Or the air crash in Rose Lane in 1945? If you need to know about Jubal Howard and his bakery we have the facts. An historical account of Air Raid Precautions 1935 – long before the war actually started. If you wanted the funeral card for Edith Catley in 1916 we can oblige and details of the assault on Mrs. Waldock in 1941 are there to hand.
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme
Can we help you? Can we help a relative? Can we help a neighbour? Who does the Scheme help?
The scheme is open to anyone who requests our help including those who live alone or with their families but need the extra support offered by our services. Couples too are most welcome. It is also open to those in sheltered housing, as the scheme offers different, but complementary services. Note: The scheme also offers its services for short periods to cover the temporary absence of relatives who otherwise provide this support.
We offer help with:
•Friendship and support via twice weekly visits and daily phone calls • Ordering and collection of prescriptions • Basic shopping • Collection of pensions • Setting up Lifeline service • Bereavement support • Advice on benefits • Going to the Post Office to pay your bills • Advice on getting repairs done in your home • Arranging transport to the hospital or other appointments • Just coming round for a chat
What will it cost?
We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services. The fee is only £4 per week (a little more for couples). Margo Wherrell (Mobile Warden) on 01763 260966 Mobile: 07935 315497 Email: tigress270549@aol.com Jeannie Seers (Deputy Mobile Warden ) 01763 262651 Mobile: 07808 735066 Email: jeanseers1@ntlworld.com Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity.
Chris Thomas
Cambridge Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Carpet and upholstery cleaner based in Cambridge. Working in and around Cambridge, Royston, Saffron Walden, Newmarket and Huntingdon.
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Competitively priced Fully insured with public and product liability Environmentally-friendly products used
Mobile: 07830 227138 Landline: 01223 836002
www.carpetcleaningcambridgeuk.com
What a ragbag of recollections and how good it would be to have a real Melbourn Museum in which these could be displayed to the best advantage. That’s possibly a pipe dream but it’s good to dream and who knows? One day it might come to pass.
And talking of things that have come to pass, our friends in Meldreth have compiled an excellent village history web site that can be seen on www.meldrethhistory.org.uk It is well worth visiting for clarity and excellence. Give it a try! Colin Limming, Chairman PS: Melbournian or Melbournite? Or even another form. Anyone know?
Royston & District Local History Society
Our annual coach outing is to Birmingham on Saturday 11th June. If interested please check with David Allard 01763 242677 or email david.allard@ntlworld.com for the possible availability of places.
The Society is responsible for the opening of Royston Cave in Melbourn Street, which has many interesting medieval carvings. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter Saturday to the end of September, 2.30pm-5pm. (last admission 4.30pm) and also on afternoons in August. Admission is £3 for Adults, £2 for concessions.
Our website shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these result from the considerable work undertaken by our Publications sub-committee. The books are available from David Allard 01763 242677 or may be purchased at the Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery in Kneesworth Street, Royston.
Our evening talks resume on 6th October. Details will be found on our website. www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Your local branch is planning to raise both awareness and funds needed to support the charity with its very worthwhile and much needed work during 2011. We will be attending some local village fetes and feasts as well as putting on our own events to which you are all invited. So far this year I have taken part in ‘The Grim Challenge’, which is an 8.5-mile run over an army vehicle testing range through mud and water, and the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon. The charity can provide places in many challenging events and I have my sights set on the Hadrian’s Wall Walk and the Coast-to-Coast Bike Ride or maybe a mountain challenge. For details of the challenges that you could undertake please check out our website www.hearingdogs.org.uk. Alternatively if you would like to sponsor me to take part in one of the events please let me know.
Locally we are planning a sponsored event in Milton Country Park on Sunday 5 June. In addition to taking part in a sponsored ‘Stroll in the Park’, there will also be a chance to ‘Jog with your Dog’ – this part of the event will take place at 10.00am and entries for this must be made in advance. The whole event will take place between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. We would like to encourage you to come along with your dogs and family and enjoy the event whilst raising much-needed funds for our charity. There will be medals for those who complete the course and a treat for dogs at the finish point. On the day there will be a giant tombola, Hearing Dogs merchandise, puppies in training, working partnerships and much more. There is an excellent café where, after your walk, you can sit back and enjoy some refreshments or alternatively stock up at the café before you start so that you can enjoy a picnic en route. There are plenty of seats along the way so that you can stop and enjoy the scenery and all that the park has to offer. The site is very child and dog friendly. The routes of 2 miles and approximately 5 miles will be well marked and maps will be available. The majority of the route is very wheelchair and pushchair friendly and is generally flat. Cost per participant is just £2.00 for either the jog or the stroll but we hope that you will obtain sponsorship to increase the amount raised for the charity. Car parking charges of £2.00 will also apply. Please come along and support us.
In September we will be staging a fashion show where there will be well known brands of clothes at very reasonable prices – more details of this will be available later in the year
Finally, we have a network of speakers available to come and talk to groups – if you would like to hear more about the work of our charity or would like to help us in any way please give me a call. Jenny Parker Branch Organiser and Speaker 01223 833562 (evenings only please) jennifer.parker5@btopenworld.com.
Do you have Sight Loss?
Did you know that there is a support group for visually impaired people in Melbourn? Come and join us at The Vicarage Day Centre, Vicarage Close, Melbourn On the 1st Wednesday of each month 2pm until 4pm For ongoing support, friendship, advice and equipment Please contact Julie on 01223 420033 for transport and further information. CamSight supporting people in their own community.
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Tel: 01763 242909
meridian.lawncare@btconnect.com
17, Portway, Melbourn, Royston SG8 6EU 17, Portway, Melbourn, Royston SG8 6EU Phone 01945-428757 Mobile 07976-769398Phone 01945-428757 Mobile 07976-769398
Surveys of all gas & lpg appliances carried out. Surveys of all gas & lpg appliances carried out. Surveys of hot & cold water installations carried out. Surveys of hot & cold water installations carried out. Surveys of central heating systems carried out. 17, Portway, Melbourn, Royston SG8 6EU 17, Portway, Melbourn, Royston SG8 6EU Gas & lpg boilers serviced or replaced. Phone 01945-428757 Mobile 07976-769398Phone 01945-428757 Mobile 07976-769398 Surveys of central heating systems carried out. Central heating systems replaced or upgraded. Surveys of all gas & lpg appliances carried out. Surveys of all gas & lpg appliances carried out. Gas & lpg boilers serviced or replaced. Powerflushing service. Surveys of hot & cold water installations carried out. Surveys of hot & cold water installations carried out. Central heating systems replaced or upgraded. Servicing, faultfinding, repairs to all gas & lpg appliances. Bathrooms fitted. Underfloor heating installations. Surveys of central heating systems carried out. Gas & lpg boilers serviced or replaced. Central heating systems replaced or upgraded. Surveys of central heating systems carried out. Gas & lpg boilers serviced or replaced. Central heating systems replaced or upgraded. Powerflushing service. Servicing, faultfinding, repairs to all gas & lpg appliances. All general plumbing work undertaken. Landlord & Gas Safety Certificates issued. All works carried out by Gas Safe Registered engineers. Powerflushing service. Servicing, faultfinding, repairs to all gas & lpg appliances. Bathrooms fitted. Underfloor heating installations. Powerflushing service. Servicing, faultfinding, repairs to all gas & lpg appliances. Bathrooms fitted. Underfloor heating installations. Bathrooms fitted. Underfloor heating installations. All general plumbing work undertaken. No call out charges. Free quotations. References given upon request. All general plumbing work undertaken. Landlord & Gas Safety Certificates issued. All general plumbing work undertaken. Landlord & Gas Safety Certificates issued. All works carried out by Gas Safe Registered engineers. Landlord & Gas Safety Certificates issued. All works carried out by Gas Safe Registered engineers. All works carried out by Gas Safe Registered engineers. No call out charges. Free quotations. References given upon request. No call out charges. Free quotations. References given upon request.No call out charges. Free quotations. References given upon request.
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