The Old Police Site – Community Hub

Vision for the Community Hub

Readers of past issues of the magazine, will have followed the news regarding the redevelopment of the Old Police site by the housing association Hundred Houses/Iceni, which will provide the village with further affordable housing and a Community Hub.

As this was such an important issue ultimately affecting everyone in the village, the Parish Council took the opportunity to consult the residents of Melbourn on whether or not a community centre/hub should be built. The most transparent and proper route was to consult the entire village and not just a representative section of the community, as is widely practised elsewhere. And so a Consultation Document was drawn up and delivered to every household in the parish of Melbourn. Residents were asked whether or not they ‘thought the village would benefit from the provision of a community hub’, centrally located at the Old Police site, in the High Street.

A great deal of careful planning took place to ensure all members of the community were consulted on the proposal to build a community hub and to ensure they had an opportunity to vote.

Together with the views of Melbourn residents from the Melbourn Village Plan survey taken into account, the results showed a widespread desire for a ‘Village Centre Facility’. Your views expressed

The additional comments provided by voters reflected the opinions raised in the Village Plan consultation. There was a very strong feeling that the library facilities should continue in the village, and that these facilities needed to be improved. There was also the need for a Community access point (CAP); information facilities, including Wi-Fi and Internet. There was a strong wish for there to be a central and comfortable casual meeting area for people of all ages with coffee and refreshment facilities.

Other requests included a convenient access to the Parish Council Clerk on village matters, which would be of tremendous value to the village, and so the location of the parish office at the Community Hub would be beneficial.

If the Hub is to become a busy centre for the village, then road safety would become an issue. A pedestrian crossing to link with the car park is being requested.

The inclusion of small meeting rooms, economic and easy to hire for short, nonroutine meetings were important to a lot of voters, as was the flexibility to rearrange the floor area in the Hub in order to cater for a variety of types of usage, such as

support services, CAB, job opportunities, youth support, meetings of special interest groups, etc.

Many residents expressed a desire to include an ATM (without commission charges), and equally important, toilets, including facilities for the disabled and baby changing.

By making the best possible use, of the space available, the aim will be to satisfy as many as possible of the needs and hopes of Melbourn residents.

With these comments in mind, the Hub working party has been aware that the driving principle of the design must be flexibility. For example, mobile shelving for the library would enable space to be utilised for other activities such as small, short-term exhibitions or displays, etc.

Funding

The estimated cost for this project is £504,000 and the finance package for the Community Hub will be made up from several funding streams. The intention is to access grant funding where possible to ease the ultimate burden on the Council taxpayer.

In August 2011 the full Parish Council agreed to make available to the project £250,000 from existing funds and at present, is also exploring other routes which include grant funding from SCDC’s capital grants program, small grants from SCDC funding toolkit and negotiations for S106 monies. A Public Works Loan is available for the remainder (a loan which can be repaid over twenty years). The yearly repayment plan cost of the loan would then be in the region of £22,000, equating to approximately £1.12 per household – per month (based on band D properties). Obviously, opportunities to minimise repayment costs to shorten the repayment period are also being carefully investigated.

The Parish Council is aware of the potentially efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective ways of reducing running costs. These include installing solar panels on the building (already incorporated in the price given above) which would enable us to take advantage of the feed-in tariffs that the village would receive from the generation of clean electricity.

Due to the significant amount of day-to-day work involved in the running of the community Hub and the current rules and regulations, it has been decided that the task will have to be carried out by a charitable trust, which will take on the management role.

This exciting project has potential to benefit everyone in the village.

The full Consultation Report is available at the Parish Office, in the Library and online at: www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/ parishcouncil/melbourn-communityhub/

So far 2011 has been very kind to Royston & District Family History Society. Last time I wrote we were looking forward with much excitement to the talk of Mr Bernard O’Connor. He was talking to us about the coprolite diggings in this area in the mid 1800s. He was every bit as informative and amusing as we had expected and a packed All Saints’ Hall was very appreciative. Even the beautiful shiny lump of dinosaur ‘poo’, which was passed amongst us, failed to cast a cloud over the evening. In March member David Sansom, gave us a talk on his One Name Study entitled The Old Bailey to California and in April Mr Tony Kirby came to tell us about seaside resorts since 1750. Our season ended, as always, with our AGM with cheese and wine in June. Our summer recess this year has been enlivened by two outings. In July we had a guided coach tour around some of the magnificent Suffolk churches in the company of the notable expert, and charismatic speaker, Roy Tricker and in August we ‘did’ the other half of Melbourn in the company of the equally charismatic Colin Limming! When we did part one of Melbourn last year with Colin and Mavis Howard our plans to end the walk in the Black Horse were scuppered by us not knowing that they didn’t open on Mondays. To stop such a dreadful thing happening again this year we arranged to meet Colin on Tuesday only to find that the Black Horse was shut for the foreseeable future. Is it something we have said? Fortunately this time we were prepared and plan B saw us safely ensconced in the refurbished Dolphin.

In case you think that it’s all ‘Beer and Skittles’ with us, we have recorded the Monumental Inscriptions in the Church and Church Yard at Kelshall this summer and that should be in print by next year and the transcribing of the Baptism Registers of Royston Parish Church continues. Our Programme for the next few meetings is as follows: December 19th Members Evening January 16th 2012 New Year Social

Over the years we have completed numerous publications which include the Monumental Inscriptions of several graveyards, the burial indexes of several churches, mainly on the Hertfordshire side of the border, Royston Parish Church Marriages (1662-1812) and banns (1754-1837) and three volumes of the ‘Births, Marriages and Deaths’ as published in the “Royston Crow”, they are Vol 1 18761886, Vol 2 1887-1899, and Vol 3 1900-1910. All these are available on our bookstall at meetings, from our website www.roystonfhs.org.uk of from the Parish Chest website, www.parishchest.com.

All our meetings, unless otherwise stated, take place on the third Monday of the month at All Saints’ Community Hall, Melbourn with doors opening for chat and a look at the bookstall at 7.30 pm and talks commencing at 8pm.

We are always happy to see new faces and can assure you of a warm welcome. We could also use some younger blood, if only to crawl about in those graveyards! Avril Emery, Chair/Editor Royston & District FHS

Royston & District Local History Society

website: www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk Our meetings are held in the Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm. Annual membership £5. Visitors £2. Thursday 1 December 2011 – Twenty years on the streets of Cambridge, illustrated – Alan Brigham 5 January 2012 – My Mountbatten Years. In the service of Lord Louis – William Evans 2 February – The Life and Times of Tommy Atkins, The British Infantry in North West Europe 1944-45, illustrated – Phil Sawford 1 March – Royston History on your computer, The library on your laptop, illustrated – Mike Petty

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 may be purchased at our evening meetings.

Re-ablement

Being independent following an operation or illness.

If you or someone you care for requires social care support following an illness or operation, traditionally, this would have been provided by a care assistant, providing direct care to the person in need.

Since September 2010 a new service, re-ablement, has been providing support to enable older people who have poor physical or mental health following illness or an operation to live in their own homes.

Re-ablement programmes can last for as little as a few days and generally don’t exceed six weeks. The ethos of re-ablement is to encourage people to do things for themselves rather than having things done for them. There is no charge to the individual as long as they are participating in the programme.

Re-ablement is now being offered to a wider client group including new service users with a physical disability and new occupational therapy referrals. Future development of the service will look at assisting older people who already have a care package but due to illness or physical issues may now require a higher level of support.

You can find out more about re-ablement at www.cambridgeshire. gov.uk/social

Cambridgeshire Mencap

Would you like to make a difference to the life of a child or young person with disabilities in your area?

Cambridgeshire Mencap is looking for volunteers for its Family Support and Befriending Schemes. Our schemes match volunteers with children or young people with learning disabilities to enable them to socialise or just to give their families a break. It only takes a few hours of your time and it really does change lives.

We think our volunteers are exceptional, and you could be too! We give training and support, but it’s the young people who make it all worthwhile. Rob said “I’m so glad I got in touch about volunteering, if you’re thinking about volunteering just do it, you’ll never regret it.” Like to know more? Contact Pat Scott on 01223 883140 or email pat@cambridgeshiremencap.co.uk

Cambridge Sofa becomes Cambridge Re-Use

After 23 years of service to the local community, Cambridge Sofa has changed its name to Cambridge Re-Use. The new name is a better reflection of the work carried out by the charity – selling a full range of furniture and electrical goods, and not just sofas. The change was marked by a ceremony attended by Cllr Sheila Stuart, Mayor of Cambridge, and Dr Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge.

Cambridge Re-Use will continue its work of helping local people on benefit or low income to furnish their homes at reasonable cost. The generosity of the general public in donating unwanted furniture and electrical goods enables the charity to give its customers choice, quality, and affordable prices. The charity prides itself on a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers who give their time each week to carry out the service.

Donations of unwanted furniture and working electrical goods are always welcome; to arrange collection, Cambridge Re-Use can be contacted on 01223 576535. Alan Oswald, Chairman 01223 833759, chairman@cambridgereuse.org.uk

Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA)

I can’t believe that I am already writing for the winter edition, what a year it has been. On Saturday 1st October at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn we had Duxford Community Choir come along and sing for us. This energetic group of ladies and gentleman were kind enough to give up their valuable time and perform in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association for Janice Guest. They sung classic songs right through to modern day music and their performance also included some acting! It was a most enjoyable evening. We sold seventy tickets and also during the evening we had a beverage table, a raffle and some very generous donations from individuals. We raised £850 from this single event. Also over the same weekend Royston Priory Quilters had a tabletop sale at the Royston Arts Festival. They sold all of Mum’s handiwork plus quilts and other items that had been made using Mum’s leftover fabrics. A lot of hard work had been put into this project, particularly by Pam and Maureen so thank you all, your efforts are much appreciated. Along with the Priory Quilters donation £373.92 we were able to forward a cheque to the Motor Neurone Disease Association for £1223.93 which will be used within the Cambridgeshire Branch.

On Monday 3rd October we went for afternoon tea in the garden of Julie Draper, the weather was lovely and we met other people affected by MND from the Cambridge area. Julie is an Associate Visitor for the MNDA and was Mum’s support during her illness (and still is to us!). Julie always turns up for our events and champions the good work that the MNDA does.

So, as the year draws to a close the total raised for the MNDA so far is in the region of £18,000, you can go to the MNDA website and see how the donations are used www.mndassociation.org. We could not have achieved this without the support of the community, friends and family so a huge thanks you to all of you.

We would like to give a young man by the name of Jaykub Cuffe a round of applause, he attends Melbourn Judo Club and he recently did a sponsored bike ride from Cambridge to Royston and back again. Jaykub raised £600 to be split between the MNDA and the Tear Drop fund. Jaykub’s neighbour had MND and he wanted to do something for the MNDA - well done!

As for the rest of the year, we will remember Mum on the 21st November in our own way, but I am sure she would be proud to know that our achievements are assisting other families who are in a similar situation to us.

Next year, well, we want to have the Ball again, but in May this time, and a sponsored family walk. If you would like to attend any of these events, please could you express your interest via email at jeremy.ashworth@ntlworld.com, so I can get an idea of numbers?

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. I will write again in the spring edition. Mrs Helen Ashworth

Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group cook book

The Thursday Luncheon Club of Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group will be publishing their cook book in December, entitled ‘Reminiscences and Recipes’, with the help of the Melbourn History Group.

The book contains memories, photographs and some of members favourite recipes, and will cost £4 for the first copy and £3 for each multiple copy.

To reserve your copy please contact Jayne White (01763 2200520) jayne.white1@ntlworld. com

As the season changes and the nights start to draw in, having fun in the sun at the Village Fete and Music on the Moor may seem like a distant memory. But after everything has been tidied away, the fete committee are ready to reflect on our successes, discuss improvements, and plan for next year.

As always we owe a huge thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who make the day possible as well as the local clubs, societies and charities which set up stalls or provide entertainment to fundraise. And thanks to all those who attended for helping us to raise over £2500 which has been donated to the following local groups: River Mel Restoration Group; 1st Melbourn Brownies; Melbourn Primary School PTFA; Melbourn Village College Prom and Melbourn Playgroup.

From the comments we’ve received, the highlights of the Fete this year were the Sheep Racing, Bike Display and Zorbing. So to make sure we don’t miss out on more fun and frolics next year, the committee have already booked these, plus a Dog and Duck display and a children’s off-road course using mini landrovers (Little Rovers). Put Saturday 23rd June 2012 in your diary now!

The aim of the Village Fete and Music on the Moor is to bring the village together, to have fun, socialise and raise money for local causes. So whether you are a member of a local group looking for fundraising ideas, or want to meet new people in the village, why not contact us. Some ideas of how you can help out include:

Manning the gate for a couple of hours on the day; Helping set-up the field the morning before (or cleaning up afterwards!); Sending us ideas and suggestions for improvements; Providing storage space for Fete day kit (e.g. chairs, signs etc); Taking out advertising space in our programme of events We rely on volunteers to enable us to give more money to local groups so why not lend a hand? If you can spare as little as an hour, or more, on the day or before then please let us know and help us make next year’s event even more fun!

Get in touch by emailing melbournfete@aol.com or visit www.melbournfete.co.uk.

Catriona McKay, Melbourn Village Fete Commitee

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Can we help you? Can we help a relative? Can we help a neighbour? Who does the Scheme help?

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

We offer help with:

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

We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services. The fee is only £5 per week (a little more for couples). Margo Wherrell (Mobile Warden) 01763 260966 Mobile: 07935 315497 Email: tigress270549@aol.com Jeannie Seers (Deputy Warden) 01763 262651 Mobile: 07808 735066 Email: jeanseers1@ntlworld.com Joy Hyde (Assistant Warden) 01763 220139 Mobile: 07952 090089. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity.