Issue 72 Winter 2012 by Melbourn Magazine

...editorial We are delighted to congratulate our Community Award winners for 2012 – this year there are winners in two categories! Firstly, Sam Robinson and Matt Davis who were featured in the Autumn edition of the Melbourn Magazine, and who now study at Long Road Sixth Form College, received The Village Hero Award, and The Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme, registered in 1996 was awarded Third place in the Community Pride category. In addition, one of our Parish Councillors, Peter Simmonett, who is also very much involved with the Magazine, and who set up our Village Website, has been selected as a Finalist for the National QEII Community Champion Award, representing the East of England for his work promoting the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. Peter’s dedication to the Challenge has had a big impact on work in the region, and Melbourn has the highest amount of open space protected for any Parish or Town! The National Winner of the Award will be announced at the 2012 Fields in Trust Awards Dinner, which takes place on Thursday November 29th at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Thank you Peter, for putting Melbourn on the map in a very positive way; we await the results with a great deal of interest! And that is not all! Our local Rail User Group received a gold award for the Best Website, produced by Peter Simmonett and Paul Hollinghurst, while Susan van de Ven was judged to be the Best Campaigner. These were awarded in Birmingham at the first ever Awards to Local Rail Users groups; the categories being: best newsletter, best website, best campaign, best new group, best campaigner and a Judges‘ Special Award. We must congratulate the River Mel Regeneration Scheme for all they have achieved this year, (p.13) and also those involved with Melbourn in Bloom (p.12), thank you, the village continues to look great. Hopefully many of us will respond to County Councillor Susan van de Ven’s article on Superfast Broad band (p.27). It is very simple to register and is in all our interests, especially with the increasing number of us working from home. Our schools have had very good results this year, and our congratulations and thanks to them. 2012 has been a good year for Melbourn, despite the poor summer. We have all enjoyed the atmosphere created by the Jubilee and the Olympics Games, and at home, the Village Fete. We can look forward to our new Village Hub, which begins next year, the Clear Crescent Play Park is revamped and up and running, as is the skate board ramp in The Moor. Plans are also underway to up grade the Pavilion, and remove recent graffiti (p.17). We thank all the volunteers, far too many to mention individually, who enable us to have such a thriving, vibrant village, of which we can all be proud. Our very best wishes to all our readers, contributors, distributors and all who help the Magazine in any way; have a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Village News

Nature

Parish Council

profile – The Barber’s Shop

From County Councillor – Susan van de Ven

Mettle Hill Traveller Site, Meldreth

Safer Melbourn

CAB

Trading Standards

Education

Village Information

Diary

Church news

Sports & Clubs

feature Harry Boswell

What’s on

feature Making Every Moment Count

Apart from printing, all work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of production comes entirely from advertising and sponsorship. Melbourn Magazine is independent of the Parish Council NO public money is used.

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village news In the news Melbourn Warden Scheme and Care Network

Melbourn Play Parks

Royston Ladies Circle

Royal British Legion

Melbourn Village Fete

Melbourn Warden Scheme and Care Network We are giving you plenty of notice for a ‘don’t miss’ event! There will be an ‘All Age’ Community event held on Wednesday 27 February at 2.30 pm at Melbourn Village College This is for anyone of any age to enjoy a Big Bake Off style traditional High Tea in the company of residents of the villages in the area. All ages welcome, come and meet people you know, have not yet met and to find out what new hobbies and pastimes you could enjoy. We would also like to hear from you about what sort of Community Events you would like to see in the villages in the future. Keep an eye out for further publicity nearer the time. If you need help with transport to and from the High Tea this will be available to those who are not otherwise able to attend.

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

Cambridge Re-Use Wins Community Award

RNLI

Melbourn History Group

Melbourn Play Parks

Royston & District Local History Society

Merchant Navy WWII

It has been a busy and very successful few months for the Melbourn Play Parks project.

Quiz Night In September we held a quiz night at Melbourn Village College, which generated a huge amount of community support from local residents, businesses and the Parish Council. We raised a staggering £800 towards the project and we would like to thank all those who came, in particular, Irene Bloomfield and her team from the Village College for making it such a success.

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We would also like to thank the following local businesses for the generous raffle prizes and snacks they donated Melbourn Sports Centre, Kingsway Golf, Costa Coffee, ESSE, drinkstuff, Palazzo, Royston Leisure Centre, Melbourn Fish and Chips, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s and Tesco.

£20,000 Grant The Quiz night ended with a surprise for the Play Parks team. Parish Councillor Peter Simmonett announced that he had just been notified that a bid the team had submitted to AMEY CESPA (a landfill operator) for £20,000 had been won. This will enable the refurbishment of Clear Crescent park to begin. Thank you to all of the local community groups, The Health Centre, Melbourn Business Association, Melbourn Playgroup and Melbourn Primary School for your letters of support for the project.

Fields In Trust – Party In The Park On Sunday 21st October we held a Picnic in the Park to raise funds and to celebrate that Clear Crescent park had gained protected ‘Fields in Trust’ status. Children received a free picnic lunch and took part in family activities including crown making and a penalty shootout. We were also lucky enough to have two Olympic torchbearers present at the park so the children (and adults)

could have their photos taken for a small donation. We would like to thank Mandy Jinkerson and Anna Rehfisch for the time they gave to be there with their torches on the day. The event was well attended by local residents; members of the Parish Council and of course the children. Several children commented it had been the best day they had ever had in the park. Another £250 was raised from this event for the refurbishment of Clear Crescent park. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by local children to signify that the park is a protected space that cannot be built on in the future. Our thanks go to Mello, Royston for supplying the food, Cambridge Building Society for their kind donation of goody bags and an amazing cheque for £250 and to Tesco for their donation of tea, coffee and biscuits on the day. Thank you especially to Lynn Travis, Lucinda & Nick Cockman, Debbie Felts, Lucie Knight and Dawn Parker who helped organise the event and to Robin Parker, Jose Hales, Irene Bloomfield and John Travis for their help on the day. If you attended the day, thank you – please visit the website to view all the photos!

Next Steps We have now raised approximately £40,000, which is enough to begin the first Phase of the regeneration of Clear Crescent park. If you could like further details of what this will entail, please visit our website www.melbournplayparks.co.uk/nextsteps-phase-1. At this stage it is anticipated that the work will be completed by Christmas. Wicksteed hope to minimise disruption to local residents but we hope you are able to appreciate there may be some additional noise in the park whilst the work is carried out. The contractors will be on site from 8am but have assured us there will be no ‘noisy work’ until later in the morning. The Park Will Be Closed During This Period And Will Not be Safe to Enter. If you do have any concerns, please contact the Parish Council on 01763 262494. Our thanks to local businessmen Peter Norbury (Norbury’s Building Supplies), Julian Ireland (Conqueror Industries, Royston) and Richard Arnott (gardendesignsolutions) who are actively supporting the project. We continue to fundraise locally and apply for grants so we can continue to renovate the park. Watch this space and check our website for upcoming events. Finally, we would like to thank the Royston Round Table for their generous donation of £300 to the project, and the Melbourn Fete Committee for their continued support and further donation of £200. A huge thank you to the local

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residents who have recently donated money through the website. We ensure we thank all our contributors at www.melbournplayparks.co.uk/would-you-like-to-help. Personally I would like to thank the Play Parks team who work so hard and offer their time for free to make Clear Crescent park a great place for our children to play. Lucinda Cockman, Lucie Knight, Debbie Felts, Jennie Riggs, Yasmin Croxford, Emma Cooper, Gilly Walker & Nicola Parr. Thank you. Samantha Wainwright, Chair

Royston Ladies Circle Royston Ladies Circle has been running for over a year having rechartered in March 2011. The club originally folded in 1999 due to lack of numbers. It is currently going from strength to strength with 16 members enjoying meeting twice a month. Whilst numbers are strong, there is always room for more. Any lady aged between 18-45 years is invited to come along and get involved. Ladies Circle has had a super year of fun, friendship and laughter, carrying out activities such as donutting, a theatre trip, an evening walk, a dance class, a recipe swap evening, a pamper evening, an evening of chocolate tasting and much more. There is also the fundraising element. This year we have assisted the Round Table with the Santa sleigh, including running the Melbourn sleigh evening. Ladies Circle also ran a quiz night at Bassingbourn Community Centre, attracting over 90 people and raising over £900. There was also a fundraiser held at the Jubilee celebrations in Bassingbourn, running a bouncy castle, which raised £60 for local charities. Requests have been made for funding which we have supported, including donating some money to the ‘Melbourn Play Park Association’ to help refurbish the park at Clear Crescent Melbourn. A donation was also made to the ‘Friends of Chenobyl’ charity to help each child buy a pair of shoes whilst they were here. The ladies are also willing to get involved in local community events or events to support individuals if required. Whilst the name is Royston Ladies Circle, the group has attracted members from many surrounding villages such as Bassingbourn, Melbourn, Arrington, Harston and Litlington. If you would be interested in getting involved with Ladies Circle, or believe we might be able to help with a fund raising project that you are involved in, then please contact the current Chair, Laura Light on 07748847021or media officer Hannah Paradis on 01763 220967.

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:

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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.

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Royal British Legion Melbourn and Meldreth District Branch, Women’s Section The Woman’s Section of the Melbourn and Meldreth and District Royal British Legion Branch held their 75th anniversary celebration at Vicarage Close Community Hall in Melbourn on Wednesday 24th October 2012. There were 13 members present and a guest speaker from the County who gave advice on welfare issues and provided some entertaining poems and stories. The President Molly Chamberlain, an ex WREN who has been a member since 1954, cut the cake and toasted the ongoing success of the organisation. Officers present were Christine Linsdel (Chair), Shirley Cunningham (Treasurer); Betty Murphy (Secretary) and Pauline Parkinson the Standard Bearer. Sheila Gouldthorp, a standard bearer for 25years, was also present. Chairman Mrs Christine Linsdel 01763 260208 Secretary Mrs Betty Murphy 01763 220841 Photograph by Keith Truman of the Melbourn and District Photographic Club.

Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group Luncheon Club The photo below was taken at our Olympic Special lunch. We were privileged to have Mandy Jinkerson, Community Champion, Tesco Royston. Mandy ran with the Olympic torch through Hemel Hempstead during the Olympic relay. Our diners and visitors were able to have their photographs taken with the torch, which most seemed to find really enjoyable. We were also joined that day by two councillors, Peter Simmonett and Jose Hales, and their wives, one of whom, Jeannie, is a mobile warden. This gave our diners a chance to chat with her, if they wished, about how the Mobile Wardens could benefit them.

Christmas is already in the planning stages, and once again we will be celebrating in style. Thank you again to all the kitchen helpers and drivers for all their time put in over the last year. These currently include: Freda Cutter, Ann Dekkers, Doreen Guest, Jo Montague-Fuller, Angela Leach, Daphne Woodcock, Lorna Reid, Pauline Parkinson,

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Jenny Wills, Jacki Parmenter. Leigh English. Drivers: Neil Wilson, Jane Cash, Nicola Smith, Brenda Chamberlain, Susan Place, George Wills, Bruce Huett, Paul Ray, and emergency cover of Roger Pepper, Geoffrey Wells, Rosemary Gatward, Cliff Hardy and Mike Swan. Without all of the above lunch club would not happen. Jayne White

Melbourn Village Fete Although the weather wasn’t so good this year as previously, the Melbourn Village Fete Committee are delighted to announce that they were still able to distribute a total of over £2000 amongst the following local groups: Melbourn Playgroup Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) River Mel Restoration Group Melbourn Sports Centre Melbourn Dynamos Football Club Melbourn Play Parks

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It was particularly special being able to support the newly formed MADS, who attracted their first few members at this year’s fete, and being able to return the supporting favour to the other groups who also helped to make this year’s fete a success. 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 that set up stalls or provided entertainment to fund raise. And thanks to all those who attended for helping us to provide support to these local groups, and generally making the day the success it was. Our attention now turns to next year’s event and we’re getting the entertainment booked up already so that we can get the best of the best. We’ve asked the Dog and Duck man to return with his entertaining and educational show. And after this year’s response to The Remnants, a group of local musicians who played rock, pop and soul covers from the 50s to present day, we’ve asked them to headline for us next year. More attractions will be announced on our website soon. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook to hear first hand who else will be joining us. Next year’s date not to be missed is Saturday 29th June 2013 – put it in your diary! 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. To enable us to put on this event, we rely on volunteers to help. So, whether you are a member of a local group looking for fundraising ideas, a local company looking to support the village, or someone wanting to meet new people in the village, why not contact us. Some ideas of how you can help out include:

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Manning the gate for a couple of hours on the day Helping set-up the field the morning before (or cleaning up afterwards!) Being a steward on the day to help things run smoothly Selling raffle tickets before and during the fete The committee to take on a role such as organising the stalls Sponsoring attractions or advertising on our website

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! See you on Saturday 29th June 2013! Get in touch by emailing volunteers@ melbournfete.co.uk or visiting www. melbournfete.co.uk or www.facebook. com/MelbournFete Catriona McKay, Melbourn Village Fete Committee

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R.N.L.I A big thank you to everyone who visited our stalls at the Royston Kite Festival,Melbourn Fete and Steeple Morden Harvest Fair. All events were blessed with good weather,and in all nearly £400 was raised. We hope to see you when we collect at Bury Lane Farm Shop,Country Homes and Gardens and Steeple Morden Xmas Fair. All this is helping towards the replacement of our Mersey Class lifeboats with the next generation of all-weather lifeboat-the Shannon. R.N.L.I. has been naming classes of lifeboats after rivers or stretches of water for 45 years. We’ve had the Clyde, Thames, Brede, Waveney, Solent, Rother, Arun, Mersey, Tyne, Severn, Trent and Tamar classes. At 240 miles, the river Shannon is the largest river in Ireland, and longer than any other in the U.K. so a worthy successor. On this major waterway we have 3 lifeboat stationsKilrush, Lough Derg and Lough Ree. Technology has moved on since our Mersey class lifeboat-a big favourite with crews-first started going to sea, so R.N.L.I. are hoping to provide something even better for our crews. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters our target of £1.5 million to build the first Shannon class was reached in the Spring. Now we are hoping to raise another £5 million to build another Shannon and its special recovery system which will launch the boat from the stickiest mud or soggiest sand. The new all-weather vessel is the first to be powered by jets of water rather than propellers, and it is hoped that this design will shape the future of lifesaving for the next half-century. With a top speed of 25 knots (about 30 m.p.h.) it is almost 50% quicker than the Mersey and Tyne classes, and its jets mean that it can manoeuvre much more swiftly-making it easier to get alongside damaged boats,or people struggling in the water. It can operate in shallow water, and can land on the beach, to be picked up by the specially designed mobile launch and recovery system-but also turned around within minutes if it needs to go back out. Over the next 10 years R.N.L.I. Aims to

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build more than 50 Shannons, and estimates that during their 50 years of service the boats will rescue more than 56,000 people, and save the lives of more than 1,500. Lifeboat crews are loyal to their craft, and there was some scepticism at first about the new vessel, but now all are impressed. Inside, the wheelhouse seems more like the cockpit of a plane than a boat, and each of the 5 crew members sits in front of a screen. At the touch of a button they can summon sea charts covering Europe, a radar screen, fuel guages and even C.C.T.V. images of what is happening outside the boat. Many have joked, however, that the most important bit of kit is the water heater at the back of the boat, and the cup holders where the crew can keep their tea safe! The drill is-launch and put the kettle on. At the front of the boat however, is the survivors cabin-a vivid reminder of what this boat is all about-fitted with straps and bars to cling on to. Up to 70 people can cram inside and on the deck. R.N.L.I. Lifeboats have to be able to withstand the sort of storms that hit Britain and Ireland once every 100 years. Tommy Cocking, whose family has been saving stricken sailors off the south coast for 150 years told the story of a rescue in the 1920’s involving his great-grandfather, Thomas, and the rest of the St. Ives lifeboat crew. It took them nearly 6 hours to reach a shipwreck just 6 miles up the coast, and rescue 2 men clinging to a mast. This new lifeboat would do it in about 20 minutes. Rescue has changed dramatically over the years-this will take it to a new level. A big Thank you to all of you who are helping us to get there. J Emes Sec Royston Branch 245958

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group ‘Women’s Group is a comprehensive organisation open to all women who, sharing in the Church’s worship, wish to meet together for further opportunities of study, friendship and service’ – taken from our card for members. We do not meet in December, our next meeting will be 22 January 2013 when we will meet in All Saint’s Community Hall to have our AGM. First we have the formal business of electing the committee and as 3 members will be standing down we hope that some new members will stand for election. We will also hear the reports of the Treasurer, Chairman and Secretary – normally concluded quite quickly. The charity for the year will also be chosen and we usually kick start the fund raising with a raffle for which we are happy to accept donations. Then we sit down to share in a meal to which all members have contributed. The new programme will also be issued at this meeting. On February 26th we will meet in Meldreth Meeting Room at Holy Trinity Church for a Members Music Evening – please bring along a CD or a tape (pre set to the appropriate place) and we will share in what is usually a lovely evening with a wide variety of music. Our meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month and usually begin at 7.45p.m. – we vary our location between Meldreth and Melbourn Villages. There is no membership fee with a charge of £1 on the night and an option of donating to our charity pot. If you want to come along and see what goes on please feel free to join us or if you have any questions ask Pat Smith or Sue Toule 01763 260955.

Cambridge Re-Use Wins Community Award Cambridge Re-Use has won the Community Support category in the Cambridge News Community Awards for 2012. The award recognises nearly 25 years of service to the local community by the charity. The award was presented to Cambridge Re-Use volunteers by Cllr Sheila Stuart, Mayor of Cambridge in a ceremony at Downing College. Cambridge Re-Use collects donations of unwanted furniture and electrical appliances from generous members of the public and sells them at affordable prices to local people on low incomes or benefits. Each week 35 volunteers give their time to help deliver the service. Local people on low incomes of under £18,000 for an individual or under £23,000

for a couple are eligible to shop at Cambridge Re-Use. To become a customer, come to the store off Cherry Hinton Road and bring your wage slip or working tax credit if you are employed, or your benefit letters if you are on benefits. Donations of good quality furniture and electrical goods in working order are always welcome. Donations can be collected by arrangement, or can be delivered to the store between 09.00am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Saturdays. The Cambridge Re-Use store is at Unit H, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH. The team can be contacted on 01223 576535.

Melbourn History Group Since I wrote in the last issue about the History Group being “mothballed” until such time as younger people joined us, I have had one or two enquiries but nothing definite. The situation remains the same with a need for people who hope and expect to be around in the year 2050 to come along and help us record the village events as they occur with a view to another Melbourn History Book being issued in 2050. It’s a tall order but we still hope that younger members of the community can be persuaded. Although most activity has ceased several individual members of the group are now going through the Primary School records from the 1870s and recording significant events that have taking place since that time. At first sight the records seem rather mundane but occasionally we have already found some nuggets of information about such matters as outbreaks of scarlet fever and other illnesses, the closing of the school when the boiler burst in mid winter, truancy amongst families and a general absence when the harvest needed to be gathered in. Significant events will be recorded and brought together in one complete record. I hope to hear from residents that they can keep alive the proud record of the History Group in years to come. Colin Limming Chairman 01763 260072 colin.limming@btinternet.com

Royston & District Local History Society www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk Our meetings are held in the Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall on the first Thursday of the month (second Thursday in May) starting at 8pm. Annual subscription is £5 (under 18’s £2.50). Visitors £2 per meeting. 2012 Dec 6 Saint George – Patron Saint, Knight and Martyr, illustrated. Chloe Cockerill 2013 Jan 3 Pirton – a village in Anguish, illustrated Derek Jarrett Copies of the speaker’s book will be on sale. Feb 7 London Underground Stations – the first 120 years, illustrated Mark Pardoe Our website shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these results from the considerable work undertaken by our Publications sub-committee. The books are available at our meetings or may be ordered by post from David Allard 01763 242677. They may also be purchased at the Royston Museum & Arts Gallery in Kneesworth Street and some are available at the Cave Bookshop in Melbourn Street.

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COFFEE STOP Every Saturday 10.30am to 12noon Rombouts coffee & biscuits for 80p at

All Saints’ Community Hall be held in Peterborough next year. This is a fully funded project by the Heritage Lottery so there will be no cost to your organisation. All we ask of you is your time and enthusiasm. If you would like to find out more then please respond to this email with a phone number and a member of staff from Keystage Arts and Heritage Company will make contact with you to offer you a free information pack and answer any questions you might have. In the meantime you might like to have a look at the website link to the ‘Unsung Heroes’ project page for more information. We hope that you will join us in ensuring that this valuable oral history is not lost forever as the Merchant Navy veterans of WWII sink without trace. Lesley Ford 07968 190 852 www.keystage-company.co.uk.

Merchant Navy WWII We are delighted to announce that Keystage Arts and Heritage, a Cambridge based company has recently won Heritage Lottery support to run an exciting year-long project that will help collect, record and preserve the stories of the brave men and women who served in the Merchant Navy between 1939-45. We would like to invite you to participate in ‘Unsung Heroes – Sinking Without Trace’ by helping us to collect stories of WWII Merchant Seaman veterans whom you or your members may know or can discover. Your research will be used to help create a dedicated website, a touring exhibition and a large-scale commemorative event to

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Nature Melbourn Village in Bloom Following the many positive comments from all quarters on the Flower Tubs in the village centre, a hardy team of volunteers have now replanted these for the Winter period.

best time to get new trees in the ground, a research visit to the Garden may be in order! The maple family has much to offer and there are several species to choose from in our Winter Garden, including the paperbark maple, Acer griseum. After the vivid red and orange leaves are shed in autumn, the beautiful trunk detail comes to the fore, as papery, rich chestnut strips peel away to flutter in the breeze and seem to catch fire in the low winter sun – positioning is key. Nearby is Acer davidii, the snakebark maple, which displays in contrast a smooth, olive-green bark with pale green stripes and diamond shapes that give rise to the common name. One of the most spectacular trees at this time of year is the trio of Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ in the Autumn Garden. This is probably the best Japanese maple selection for Cambridgeshire’s generally chalky soils, but still needs some shelter from cold easterly winds to prevent leaf scorch. The leaves are relatively large, seven-lobed, green but flush a deep burgundy in early autumn before turning orange-scarlet, the whole tree strung with bright magenta winged samara fruits. The rose family also offers a vast selection of good trees for the smaller garden. Ornamental hawthorns like the Crataegus prunifolia var persimilis that dot the Systematic Beds provide lollipops of burnt orange leaf in the late autumn, festooned with scarlet fruits and often huge globes of mistletoe, while Malus trilobata on the Main Lawn and in the Dry Garden

Grateful thanks to all who have been involved with this project, but especially Helen Powell from the Melbourn gardening club, Dick and Kathleen Raymen and Norman and Jenny Collins for their excellent help.

Time for tree-planting At the Botanic Garden we are privileged to look after one of the best tree collections in the region. The towering evergreen cedars, redwoods and pines together with limes, tulip trees, walnuts and wingnuts form the backbone of the landscape. Some of our trees are the finest specimens in UK cultivation and have acquired ‘champion’ status; others are heritage trees, noteworthy for the stories they tell. Some surprise and delight, like the recent flowering of the beautiful Chinese tree, Emmenopterys henryi, for the first time with us after a thirty year wait! But not all of our trees are huge specimens or botanical rarities. Many of our most eyecatching trees are good options for Cambridgeshire gardens, being low maintenance and offering seasonal interest, as well as nesting sites and food sources for a whole host of animals. With the end of November, after leaf fall, being the

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Malus trilobata

makes a neat pyramid-shaped tree, perfect for underplanting. This choice tree thrives in our dry climate and produces large white, cupped flowers in spring, followed by clusters of green fruits and then seems to ignite, turning burgundy and copper in the autumn. The Botanic Garden is open all through the winter, closing at 4pm from November – January (ring for Christmas closing times). Adult admission is £4.50 (Giftaid admission £4.95) or join the Friends, get free admission & help the Garden grow! For news and events, detailed information about the Garden or to discover this week’s Plant Picks from the Head of Horticulture, please visit the website at www.botanic.cam. ac.uk

River Mel Restoration Group The River Mel Restoration Group is celebrating the delivery of our most ambitious project to date. We have completed a year-long project to restore the river bed under the A10 road bridge. Since its construction in the late 1980s, the concrete culvert under the bridge has acted as a sump for the collection of silt and debris, transforming this area into a local eyesore. Our venture was completed by the installation of 134 tonnes of chalk and gravel, restoring the natural riverbed for the benefit of local wildlife. Earlier this year, contractors were employed to pump out in excess of 100 cubic metres of silt in preparation for the final part of the project, which took place in August and September. The materials were craned into the river from the road above, but the successful completion of the project was dependent on the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers who worked so hard to rake and shovel this vast tonnage into position. Two long, exhausting, days saw the transformation of this stretch of the river. The work was carried out in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council and the local Wildlife Trust, having received funding from DEFRA’s Water Framework Directive initiative. Rob Mungovan, Ecology Officer for South

Cambridgeshire District Council, was quoted in the local press as saying: “Community projects take a lot of organising and volunteer days like this are often the final rewarding event. The location of this bridge has prevented us from getting machines into the site but the will of the Group has led us to the solution we now have.” As usual the Group has enjoyed fantastic support from the local community and local businesses. In particular we wish to thank Cemex, who donated the chalk from their quarry at Barrington, Melbourn Co-op for providing much needed refreshments, and Wright’s Mowers who came to our rescue with emergency wheelbarrow repairs!

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MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL MVC, The Moor, Melbourn, Cambs. SG8 6EF Telephone: 01763 262494 e-mail: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk Minutes of Parish Council Meetings and Planning Committee meetings are available on the village website Chairman Donald Mowatt 23, High Street SG8 6AL

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Vice-Chairman Maureen Townsend 32 New Road SG8 6ER

Peter Horley, MVC, The Moor, Melbourn. SG8 6EF 262494 E-mail parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk Website www.melbournpc.co.uk

Employees Handyman and Caretaker Peter Andrews Emergency mobile. 07778 682245

261227 222558 261283 261225 221058 262534 268388 260070 220363 260743 260959 221373 262247 243312

Village Ranger Keith Rudge, 4 Dolphin Lane, SG8 6AF

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Internal Auditor Bruce Huett, 20 Rose Lane SG8 6AD

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County Councillor Susan van de Ven 95 North End, Meldreth susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk.

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District Councillors Val Barrett, 2 Station Road Jose Hales, 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH cllr.hales@josehales.me.uk

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South Cambs M.P. Andrew Lansley

01954 212707

South Cambs M.E.P. Robert Sturdy

01954 211790

The Parish Office is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm from 4 pm. The office is not normally open on Wednesdays or Fridays. As the Clerk is sometimes out on Parish business it is advisable to ring 262494 to ensure that the Clerk is available. Meetings of the Planning Committee are normally held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month commencing at 7.15 pm at the Parish Office. Council Meetings are normally held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.15 pm at All Saints’ Community Hall. The Press Royston & Buntingford Mercury Media Centre, 40 Ware Road, Hertford, SG13 7HU 01992 526639 Royston Crow 6, Melbourn St, Royston, SG8 7BX 07557 232154 Cambridge News 3 Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BP 249144 Fax 244502 BBC Radio Cambridge Reception Newsroom

www.melbournpc.co.uk

260959

Clerk & Office

Councillors Val Barrett 2 Station Road, SG8 6DX Irene Bloomfield 78 Russet Way, SG8 6HF Kimmi Crosby, 20 Norgett’s Lane SG8 6HS Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street, SG8 6AL Jose Hales 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH Michael Linnette 11 Chapel Lane, SG8 6BN Donald Mowatt White Walls, 23 High Street Mike Sherwen 3 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Peter Simmonett 42 Greengage Rise SG8 6DS Christopher Stead 70 Russet Way pm only Maureen Townsend 32 New Road, SG8 6BY Bob Tulloch 25 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Richard Wakerley 32 Chalkhill Barrow, SG8 6EQ

Council news

01223 259696 01223 358510

From the Parish Clerk – Peter Horley Autumn is now well and truly on us after a disappointing summer. The wet weather has made life difficult at times with activities such as grass cutting and keeping the village looking at its best. But however depressing the weather may have been, I can report some significant achievements by the Parish Council and exciting times ahead. Many of our open spaces, play and recreation areas have now obtained Deeds of Dedication with Fields in Trust, which means they are now protected, in perpetuity, for the good of the community. These include Stockbridge Meadows, the New Recreation Ground, the Old Recreation Ground, Elm Way, the BMX Trails, the Millennium Copse and Clear Crescent Play Area. Many will have noticed the garages on the car park have been demolished, in preparation for complete refurbishment. Also, work is about to start the Old Police Site by clearing it in anticipation of our exciting new Community Hub and the affordable housing which the village so badly needs. The Parish Council has continued to support the Mobile Warden Scheme, Royston and District Community Transport, the Youth Service and the Library which is actively supported by volunteers – some of the many heroes of our village. Praise must also go to other volunteers such as the Play Parks Team which has masterminded the refurbishment of Clear Crescent Play Area and obtained grants amounting to thousands of pounds; the River Mel Group and the help given in the major overhaul of Stockbridge Meadows; the Melbourn in Bloom Group which has added so much to the beauty of the village and many other unsung heroes and local businesses who assist day-in and day-out to make this the foremost village in South Cambridgeshire. You can also make a difference – sign up with one of the groups or start one of your own – you will find support and encouragement from the Parish Council in your own endeavours to move Melbourn forward.

From the Chairman – Donald Mowatt The Parish Council continues to benefit enormously from the hard work and enthusiasm of a host of volunteers. It is hard to imagine how we could deliver as much without such help and support. Yet whilst there are volunteers willing to give up time and energy for the good of the village, there are those who wish to destroy it. The Parish Council is having to spend a great deal of time and money almost on a regular basis, to cover the cost of repair and making good the damage caused by the bad behaviour of a very small percentage of youth. Yes, it is an age-old problem; perhaps some of us have even been there … ‘bored, nothing to do, nowhere to go…’ . Sounds familiar? However, it is our intention as a Parish Council to take steps to regularly inform you the community the true cost of such behaviour. ‘And what then?’ you may ask. Well, as a challenge to those behind the bad melbournmagazine

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behaviour … we would ask: ‘What can the Parish Council do to help you spend your energies more productively?’ Obviously, any new initiative we might adopt as a consequence would require funding and where would the money come from? Well, to begin, some could come from the saving we would make as a community, if those who carry out such wanton damage had every good reason to think twice. May I offer my many thanks to you all for your continued and generous support. With the end of 2012 beckoning, it leaves for me, on behalf of your Parish Council, to wish you all Compliments of the Season and wish you a very Happy New Year ahead.

QEII New Rec Pavilion As you may have read in the previous issue of the magazine the pavilion situated on the QEII New Recreation Ground had just had a face-lift following graffiti damage. However, shortly after the magazine was published, not content with the two walls either side of the building that have graffiti permission, vandals struck yet again, as can be seen in the photograph (top right). Damage such as this is likely to cost around £400 to put right. Since May of this year, this sort of damage has cost village residents in excess of £3500. The pavilion has long been in need of refurbishment, the current state of the windows and doors, give the building its distasteful, formidable and derelict appearance. It is definitely not a showpiece of the village for visiting sports clubs and in its present state of repair, would not encourage other groups to hire it. With such vandalism and disrespect for this public amenity (not only by graffiti, but the lighting of fires against the walls), no one would deny that the Parish Council should reconsider any further expenditure for this type of damage, until the problem can be resolved. As a result, the Council has been looking at ways to eliminate this behaviour by adapting the building to make it more secure. Over the years, the pavilion has become a ‘gathering point’ for young people, not just from within the village, but also from the surrounding areas, including Royston. To prevent the building being used in this way, a design has been put

together that will enclose the front and sides of the building. The front area will be encased with an attractively designed steel screen (see improvised photos below). The concept is intended to allow the fascia of the building to be clearly visible, whilst protecting it from vandalism. With this protection in place, it will therefore be possible to renovate the front and making it more attractive and an attribute to the village. Plans will include the replacement of the shuttered windows with bright French doors allowing more light into the building. The entrance doors will also be replaced with modern bright fittings. In order to make the building disabled friendly, the floor area is to be raised at the front to the level of the doorsills of the building. At both ends of the pavilion a wide curved path will slope upwards from the main path to new wide steel security entrance gates, for wheelchair accessibility. A steel balustrade will be constructed and fixed between each of the brick columns and topped with a wooden handrail. These panels will be static. Retractable steel security grilles will be fixed to the top of timber rail and hinged, allowing them to be folded back to the brick columns when the building is in use. These design changes will not only enhance the building,

melbournmagazine

but also provide a secure frontage, preventing the level of damage experienced to date. The inside of the building is also to be updated to include new disabled facilities, a baby changing area and improvements to the two main toilet areas. Although generally the pavilion is used by various football teams, these improvements will open the building for everyone and allow it to be used by other clubs and events. It is hoped that work will begin on the pavilion in July 2013, when the football season comes to a close and the Village Fete is finished. May we take this opportunity to request anyone aware of those causing damage to the pavilion, other public amenities on the QEII Recreational Field, or elsewhere in the village, please contact the police with any information. Cllr Irene Bloomfield, Chair Play and Recreation Committee

Village Flooding Readers will remember from the previous issue (71), the mention of the constant threat Melbourn residents face from flooding in homes and the surrounding area at times of heavy rain. Parish Councils, past and present, have been aware of the situation and the County Highways department has been approached in the past to request they address the problem, but without success. However, following recent discussions between relevant Parish Councillors and County Highways officers, a number of initiatives were suggested that will go a long way in alleviating the situation. The Highways department has agreed to move forward with a number of these ideas and also agreed, in principle to follow up on additional solutions, all of which would significantly improve our surface water issues in the future. As explained in Issue 71, page 15 the flooding problem is a result of all surface water from heavy rainfall flowing from north, south and east of the village towards a central location, culminating at the Moor. New sewers that were fitted some years ago in the High Street with the intention of relieving pressure on the system have proved ineffective, and so as a result of these recent discussions with the Highways Department, the following initiatives are now in the early stages of planning, or about to begin.

Junction of Greenbanks and the High Street It is planned to lay a new relief pipe out into Stockbridge Meadows where a holding pond will be created allowing the water to safely drain into the ground. This particular scheme has only been possible because of the extreme generosity of a High Street resident who has actively encouraged the relief pipe to be laid under his property. The scheme, which is intended to relieve some of the upstream pressure, is well under way in its planning stages and is expected to be completed early next year.

Back Lane and London Way This initiative is designed to collect rain water at the very top

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of the system near Back Lane and London Way, essentially preventing it from entering the drainage system and thus relieving the pressure on the system. The drainage for this is likely to be a soak away and consideration for telecommunications etc. has been taken into account. Consultations with the service providers concerned are in the very early stages, but the outlook looks very promising and County Council are very supportive.

High Street, from the Moor to the Cross A provisional plan had been discussed between the Parish Council, the County Highways team, Hundred Houses Society and MVC, to explore the possibility of installing a relief drain across the Old Police site. This would then run along the village college playing fields and discharge into the brook near the old library building. These plans have now been agreed and work is expected begin in early December on this much needed relief drain. The drain should cope with future requirements as the 450 mm diameter pipe to be used is 50% larger than some of the existing pipes already in use throughout the village. At the Parish Council’s request, following completion of the works, new safety fencing will to be installed at the front of the school where the new discharge will be. The Council would like to apologise in advance to residents in the area of the Old Police site for the minor disruption whilst this drain is fitted, but it must be agreed that the benefits to everyone are potentially vast. The planned relief drain at the police site suggested by the Parish Council, will cost around £130,000. Highways officers estimate that their original plan, to lay a relief drain under the High Street and The Moor Road, would have cost the tax payer approximately £1.25 million. Both of these roads would have been closed for approximately 3 months for most traffic. The imminent work through the Police site will have little if any effect on traffic using these roads.

Other Highways Work Traffic issues have again been raised by residents who feel that vehicles are travelling too fast for our roads in the village. Discussions are taking place with County Highways to see what budgets are available to facilitate a traffic flashing sign system, advising drivers to slow down. These systems have proven to be useful in other villages and it’s felt we should try every means open to us. Another project in hand is for a pedestrian crossing in conjunction with flashing signs, to be located along the High Street near the Old Police site. This will connect to the new planned safer routes to school along side the car park. It will not only act as a safe crossing point for our youngsters who walk to the college, but also compliment the school crossing person. It will also aid visitors to the new Community Hub and library, in crossing the road safely. Grant funding will be sought this year by the Parish Council for the installation of the crossing, although the decision will not be known until April 2013. Cllr Jose Hales, Chair Highways Committee

High Street Car Park In case you have not seen the village website or the village notice board recently here is an update on what is happening to the car park in the High Street. Re-cap, Melbourn Parish Council took over the car park (apart from the garages at the back) some 18 months ago from SCDC with one proviso, that they would never make a charge for parking. Some 6 months ago they were offered the additional area occupied by the garages as SCDC had decided to demolish them. This was taken up as a golden opportunity to increase parking space and improve both the appearance and the Safer Route to school pathway. Work commenced on 29th October (school half term) in order to restrict disruption as much as possible. It is intended to plant shrubbery along the new rear fence and to provide a fenced off Safer Route to school. This will extend along the whole length of this, connecting the existing pathway from Beeton Close and the High Street to the rear primary school entrance separating cars from pedestrians. Before this happens the new area created will be used for parking the Hub/Police site workers vehicles (cars and small vans) during the Hub build by means of a high steel security fence. This resolves the potential problem of chaos on the High Street and is due to start around mid December. Entrance to this area will be from the top left corner of the car park, will not be accessible for public parking and will be locked so please don’t park there! There will still be a sectioned off Safer Route to School pathway between the existing wooden corral and the security fencing and will be better defined, safer and accessible route from the general car parking area.

The Old Police Site update It has often been discussed and lamented that Melbourn, one of the largest villages in South Cambridgeshire, does not have a proper central village meeting place. We have halls to cater for parties and where clubs can meet, but there is nowhere for friends or families to meet up to have a drink and chat at leisure unless, of course, you drive 1.5 km to one of the garden centres outside of the village. So it would be fair to say that the development on the Old Police site is probably the most exciting project this village has seen for some time. Over the past two years we have reported in this magazine on the various stages of the development of the police site and in particular the HUB. As you will know, this has now become ‘reality’, with the first phase of the site development taking place in December.

So how did we get here? Most of us were probably unaware that the old police station site (opposite the village car park) was actually owned by the Police Authority. This included the four houses, the police station and all the surrounding land. In 2009 the Police Authority sold the site in Melbourn, along with six other sites in Cambridgeshire, to a housing association. Very few people knew about this transaction –

not even the residents on the site – all of which were police personnel. (The Police Authority are an independent body to Cambridgeshire constabulary and is made up of lay people who oversee the work of the police – similar to a school governing body.) The Parish Council made stringent efforts to understand the background to this sale, that had occurred without apparent consultation with local bodies and in a conservation area, including writing to the local MP Andrew Lansley. Following several meetings with the new owners of the site, Iceni Homes/Hundred Houses Society, the Parish Council was able to glean some information about the sale. When Iceni Homes/Hundred Houses purchased the site it apparently came with a stipulation by the Police Authority that only social housing properties could be built on the site. Any development other than social property would incur substantial further payment to the Police Authority unless they consented otherwise. The initial estimate for the development of the area was to be 20 dwellings with six flats set to the front of the site. The houses were planned to cover the whole police site and align with the front path on the High Street, so removing most of the greenery. The Parish Council made it known that they would strenuously resist the 20 houses as suggested, and following informal discussions with the developers it was eventually agreed to reduce that number of houses if the Parish Council purchased a community building, to be built at the front. This low-level construction built almost to the existing line of the present Police Station garages would lessen the visual impact on the ‘street scene’ and would give a community benefit to the Village as a whole. As a result, the number of houses was reduced to thirteen, to be built mostly to the rear of the site. A concern that had arisen was the threat to the Melbourn Library owing to its lack of permanent accommodation, described in more detail below. Initial plans had been drawn up by the developers to create this permanent new accommodation on the site, but the opportunity was later taken to provide other benefits also, reflecting research into the requirements of residents and proposals made by the recently published Village Plan (a project the Parish Council had commissioned). As stated earlier, the community building is not being given to the village for free: the Parish will purchase the finished building. As we have explained in previous issues, the finance for this building will come from monies set aside for just this type of project, together with a low cost government loan. It is also important to reiterate what has been said in previous articles: the community building will not be another village hall – Melbourn already has a number of premises that cater adequately for functions such as parties, receptions etc. It should be stressed that the title ‘community building’ does not mean parties, noise and disruption. The purpose of this Hub is to give all residents access to a library facility otherwise destined to be closed, but which will now not only be saved, but also be in a more central location; a meeting place with refreshments for friends, business people and mothers alike; continued on page 22

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Profile The Barber’s Shop Everyone knows the pretty little cottage in the centre of the village which is The Barber’s Shop run by Antonio Perretta, otherwise known as Tony. Passing by the big window I usually get a smile and the place always seems to be buzzing – so I went to investigate. Tony came to England from Italy in 1983 at the age of 18, unable to speak any English . He had learned his trade in his home province of Puglia and had a job waiting for him in Bedford, where most of the barbers are Italian. Bedford, as everyone knows, has a large community of some 14,000 Italians and indeed they have their own Vice Consulate in the town. They mostly came to work in the Bedford brickworks in an initiative designed both to alleviate unemployment in Southern Italy and to speed up the brick production for rebuilding war damaged Britain. The Barber’s Shop was started in 1986 by Franco Di Giacomo. He had met and married a girl from Whaddon and whilst in Melbourn one day he spotted the potential of the empty shop. Tony joined him to become an equal partner 9 months later and has been the sole owner now for the past 5 years. Tony is married to Jacqueline and lives in Biggleswade, with two daughters Eleanor aged 15 and Alice who is 13. Although they return to Italy to visit family a couple of times a year, Tony regrets now that he didn’t push the girls to learn more Italian as they grew up. In the shop he is assisted by Sandro and Curtis and all three are obviously very involved with their clients. They hear all the family and village news and a good deal of banter goes on. I asked whether people came in and asked for a Beckham or a Brad Pitt, apparently this was the case some years ago but the current look is an old fashioned short back and sides with a side parting. Tony himself specialises in traditional shaving with hot towels. Brilliantine is no longer used, but other products such as wax, clay, texturizing cream and gels etc are used and older customers still ask for Bay Rum. He does NOT do colouring!

Tony was working in a barber shop from the age of 12 years, learning the trade after school every day in his village in Italy. It used to be customary for the local men to go in twice a week for a shave and once a month for a haircut. Most men would never shave themselves. The only time they would was when they were doing their national service. Customers would pay their bill once a year – in August, when the harvest was over and often payment would be accompanied by a gift of some produce. Tony’s grandfather NEVER shaved himself throughout his life! Once when a stranger went in and asked for a shampoo and cut, the barber said ‘Shampoo? Shampoo? I’ll have you know this is a serious shop!’ I asked whether he ever had any problems with children having their first haircuts but he said fortunately most dads or mums bring their children along with them to let them see what happens and get them used to the idea, although it had been known for him to get halfway through a cut on one day and have to finish it off the next. Mainly the trouble was getting the child to sit still! And sometimes the tears come from the mother, not the child! When a child has his first haircut, Tony makes sure they take away a souvenir lock of hair in a nice envelope with a card – more for the mother’s benefit than the child I guess. Tony & his crew love being in the centre of the village and in the thick of the community. They know all about their clients and their families and whilst I was there a gentleman came in and told us all about his heart attack on the golf course, the good fortune of having two first aid trained Firemen coming up behind to resuscitate him, the dramatic air lift by helicopter to Addenbrookes and subsequent installation of pacemaker. Tony had already heard the story earlier from the man’s grandson! Quite exciting. Open six days a week with a late night on Thursdays (very popular with commuters) this is a thriving business, which has been open for sixteen years and a great asset to the community of Melbourn. Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, my husband is not qualified to be a customer but Tony has a client base ranging from three to ninety three. I left him about to deal with a young man with an enviable head of thick, dark hair. ‘No 3 on the sides and back, slightly longer on top so that I can spike it, thin it a bit and add some texture…’ It is a long way from its previous incarnation as ‘Fessor Hinkins ice cream shop or even a greengrocers, but the little cottage on the corner of Little Lane is very firmly part of the village scene and used by fathers, sons and grandfathers. It reminds me of a poem which George often quotes seen on the side of a clothing shop in old Belfast – ‘When I was a lad, I went with my dad and always got clad at Spackmans. Now I’M a dad with many a lad and we still get clad at Spackmans’ I think the same sentiments could apply to The Barber’s Shop. Mavis Howard melbournmagazine

continued from page 19

small meeting rooms for clubs or societies; an IT café for those without computers; computer links for those wishing to use jobsearch; advice bodies such as CAB and the benefit department from SCDC etc.; central toilets; an ATM machine and a much needed permanent home for the Parish Office within easy access to all. The possibilities for its use are many and very exciting. At the time of publication, the beginning of the groundwork on the site was imminent. The Parish Council is anxious to keep disruption due to construction work to the minimum with regards to through traffic, neighbouring housing and storage of plant equipment throughout the development. Work is estimated to continue until late 2013.

Some more background detail on the present library building A site survey carried out by Cambridgeshire County Council in 2009 recommended that the library building at the Moor was ‘no longer fit for purpose’ and should be demolished. In late 2010, with the prospect of a possible new community building in sight that could include a library, the County Council (owners of the building) agreed to underwrite the costs of the library until 2013, providing the Community Hub was built. These costs were to have included electricity/lighting, water and security and the final demolition of the building. However, the County Council changed its policy and the village college was given the choice of having the library demolished by the County Council before it became an Academy in 2011, or keep the building and absorb the costs of both running and demolition. Following discussions between the Parish Council and the then acting principal, Simon Holmes (now principal) and the financial manager, Amanda Sapsford, the college agreed to delay the demolition and continue to pay the running costs of the current building i.e. electricity/lighting, water and security. The Parish Council would continue to finance the library as it already does, with £1000 per year and deal with any unexpected maintenance costs. Fortunately, to date, there has been none. The Parish Council also agreed to pay towards the cost of demolition.

From County Councillor – Susan van de Ven Difficult social care cases: Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are having a hard time unravelling a social care matter. This is the biggest area of the county council’s work, and one of the most difficult in terms of funding and problem-solving. However, councillors are meant to be your advocates and if you are having difficulties in terms of finding the officer you need to help you, please let me know and I will do my best to help. Melbourn Division Oil Club: Please remember that anyone can join this bulk-buying home heating oil scheme, sponsored by your county and district councillors. The number to ring is 01954 719452 or 07860 904 045. Please ask to speak to Jeremy Cole, the bulk buyer.

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Pippins Children’s Centre transport The lack of public transport, and the cost to the children’s centre of taxi services for those without private or public transport, remains a huge concern. I’m continually raising this question at the council. Free cycle stands for the local community: Community groups, voluntary sector organisations, charities, surgeries and places of worship can all apply for up to two new cycle parking stands from the County Council. Each stand holds two bikes. The recipient is responsible for installing them on their own premises. The scheme is being run by a social enterprise called Park That Bike. The £9,000 scheme is funded through the Department for Transport Local Sustainable Transport Fund. To apply visit www.parkthatbike.info, or phone 01594 564 344. Only a limited number of stands are available – so it’s first come, first served! The Practical Solutions Group has been helping to facilitate on behalf of clubs and events, including Basketball Club’s use of the Sports Hall on a Saturday in preparation for the National Cup competition; MVC’s joining in with the Melbourn Business Association to discuss support for training opportunities for young people; and MVC’s provision of musical entertainment at an upcoming gathering at Vicarage Close Sheltered Housing sponsored by the Care Network. As always, please contact me any time if there’s anything I can help with.

Drop in Advice Surgery Cllr Jose Hales and Cllr Susan van de Ven will be holding a drop-in advice surgery at Melbourn Library Access Point (in the green portable cabin adjacent to the entrance to Melbourn Village College) on 7 January and then every first Monday of the month, 2:30–3:30. If this time is not convenient for you or if you would prefer to meet closer to home, please contact: Jose Hales: 01763 221058, jose@josehales.me.uk or Susan van de Ven: Tel 01763 261833

Cycling campaign in December? This may seem an unlikely time of the year to raise a new idea about cycling, but it the way time flies it won’t be long before crocuses appear and the sun shines a little bit longer. I’ve been contacted by a growing number of people interested in improving conditions for cycling in our area. This includes people coming to Melbourn for work or apprenticeships. For some cycling is attractive because it is such an inexpensive form of transport. However, while the distance from home may not be great the cycling conditions in this area are very poor. True there’s little money about these days and true things often take a long time to get done. But if we don’t ask, we won’t get. Therefore I would like to propose that we launch the ‘A10 Corridor Cycle Campaign,’ aiming ultimately for a safe and usable off-road cycle path between Royston and Cambridge and improving conditions for cyclists in the villages along the way. I’ve had good support from council officers on this idea who advise not to be un-ambitious. Please contact me if you’d like to help with this effort.

£600 up for grabs in paper recycling competition Six lucky residents will win £100 each in a fantastic paper recycling competition run by South Cambridgeshire District Council this winter. Sponsored by Amey Cespa, the competition aims to reward residents who regularly recycle paper in their blue bin paper caddy. It’s easy to take part, just look out for the winter South Cambs Magazine which will hit doormats from 26 November. Once you have received your magazine, turn to the waste and recycling pages to find the competition entry form and details on how to take part. For more information call 03450 450 063 or visit www. scambs.gov.uk/papercompetition.

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group Mince pies at the December meeting: 22 December 7:30PM, Foxton Village Hall. Network Rail and First Capital Connect now regularly attend our meetings, which are open to the public. FCC’s 50% student discount is still in place, though I’ve asked the company whether they would be willing to increase this to 55%, to match what is offered by Abellio on the Greater Anglia route through Shelford and Whittlesford Stations. Community rail station gardening: It is really great to report that our community gardening is being supported by Duke of Edinburgh Award students from Melbourn. Susan van de Ven, 01763 261833, susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

Bikes on Trains – please note! Last year we negotiated a cycles-on-trains policy for Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton which is less restrictive than what First Capital Connect was about to impose. The policy in place was decided on safety grounds, tallying in with the busiest service of the day. The policy says that full-sized bicycles cannot be taken on the 8:08 service to Cambridge. Folding bikes are OK any time, including the 8:08. Full sized bicycles are OK any time except the 8:08 There is a poster at the station explaining all this, but understandably it may not get noticed as there are lots of other posters around too, and with the new school year, new commuters to Cambridge may not realize what the rules are. It’s important that we spread the word, because we’d like to keep our good relationship with First Capital Connect, who tailored this policy to be as unrestrictive as possible, on our behalf. Also, if the situation becomes unmanageable, FCC may feel it needs to issue offence notices, and it would be good to avoid that! Please get in touch if you have any questions. Susan van de Ven, Chairman, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group, railusergroup@gmail.com

Mettle Hill Traveller Site, Meldreth What’s it all about? Local councillors were contacted by South Cambs District Council on 31 October informing them that a Cabinet paper was about to be published that same day, outlining SCDC’s intention to purchase and re-open the disused Traveller’s site in Mettle Hill, Kneesworth Road. This came after a District Council press release declaring that local representatives and residents had been consulted on the matter. There had been no consultation or communication whatsoever. The site was closed in 1996, having been under SCDC management, due to persistent and serious violence and criminal behaviour. Since then, SCDC have always maintained that the old site is unsuitable for reopening, on a number of grounds. Also since 1996, three new travelling communities have successfully settled on their own land, with planning permission, and in direct proximity to the disused site. These include two Travelling Showmen’s sites and one Romany site, and all have integrated into the village of Meldreth. It is reckoned that planning permission for the Showmen’s sites would not have been granted had the Traveller site still been in use. The disused site in question is owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, which is required to offer ‘first refusal’ to the parish or district councils. The land has planning permission as a Traveller site although other planning permissions could be sought. Meldreth Parish Council has made a formal indication to the County Council that it wishes to purchase the land. The District Council will be holding a special meeting on January 10th, possibly at a venue local to Meldreth. A website has been set up to disseminate up-todate information and to hold a community petition: www.mettlehill.com/petition.

Humanity The Dalai Lama when asked what surprised him most about humanity answered ‘Man! Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.’

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Spate of burglaries in South Cambs PEOPLE in and around South Cambridgeshire are being urged to report suspicious activity following a spate of burglaries. Since the beginning of September there have been 44 burglaries in the district, with the majority of offences happening during the day. Villages affected are Barton, Comberton, Melbourn, West Wratting and Caldecote. Detective Inspector Ian Simmons said: ‘In the past month we have seen a rise in burglaries in South Cambridgeshire, some of which we believe are part of a single series. The majority of offences are happening during the day with offenders targeting homes while people are working. We’ve also noticed sheds and outbuildings have been targeted, with tools and equipment being stolen. Local officers are working with the force’s tactical team and traffic officers to increase patrols in the targeted areas and work is ongoing to trace those responsible. The public also play an important role and I would urge people to be our eyes and ears in their street, look out for one another and report anything out of the ordinary or suspicious to police.

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To reduce the risk of becoming a victim

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It’s important to make your home look lived in and ask neighbours to keep an eye on it when you are not in. Consider installing light timers. Burglars will target homes in darkness as there is less risk of being spotted. If the bins are due to be collected, ask your neighbours to move them on and off your drive for you. Report unusual activity such as people knocking at your door. If you believe someone knocking at your door could be a burglar then contact police immediately. This type of information can be used to gain a better understanding of how criminals are operating in your area. Keep a note of any unusual vehicles parking in your area and pass information to the police. Use a safe or secure storage unit to store valuable items such as jewellery and passports.

Deterrents Alarms: Install an alarm – even an empty box on the side of your home can be enough to put off a burglar. Dogs: A ‘beware of the dog’ sign can be enough to put off an

intruder, regardless of whether a dog is present. Lock up your shed: Ensure your shed and outbuildings are secured with strong locks. Offenders do not like carrying break-in tools as they may be searched en-route to a burglary. They often raid sheds to get their hands on tools to burgle. Strong communities are also a deterrent for burglars: Make friends with your neighbours or join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Catalytic Converter thefts Following a number of thefts of catalytic converters in South Cambs please find attached details of a catalytic converter security device from www.catsafe.org.uk. The vehicles that have been targeted recently are Mercedes Sprinter Vans, Ford Rangers, and Land Rover Discovery models. The locations within your community that this crime has happened are Melbourn, Meldreth, Barrington and Odsey.

Melbourn Policing Team You can ring your neighbourhood team on 101 In an emergency, when a life is in danger or there is a risk of violence or serious injury or when a serious crime is being committed please call 999. For all non-emergencies, general enquiries and to report crimes, please call 101. To give information anonymously about crime, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 To visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website please follow this link: www.cambs-police.co.uk/index.asp.

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Royal Mail leaflet mentions bureaux

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Norfolk woman jailed for illegal money lending activities England Illegal Money Lending Team and trading standards officers at Norfolk County Council have scored an important victory in the fight against illegal money lenders. A woman from Norfolk has been jailed for eight months after her involvement in a ‘loan shark’ business which lent more than £100,000 to 67 local people. Speaking after the case, Tony Quigley, head of England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “I think it sends a clear message that if you’re caught committing loan sharking activities then you will go to prison”. “This sort of activity is not a community service, it’s actually preying on some of the most vulnerable members of the community.” He added: “This was a business and it was a business on the backs of those that could least afford it.”

Martin Lewis donation Back in June this year Martin Lewis announced his plans to donate £1 million to the Citizens Advice network across the UK, subject to completion of the sale of MoneySavingExpert. com to the MoneySupermarket.com Group. The sale process completed at the end of September. The donation from Martin Lewis of £1 million consists of two parts: £750,000 in cash, to be distributed proportionately to Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) and Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB) – with a minimum of £50,000 going to each; £250,000 in shares in MoneySupermarket.com, transferred to Citizens Advice and which cannot be sold for three years from the date of transfer. The transfer is currently in progress. The cash donation will be apportioned on a percentage population basis (according to ONS 2010 data), meeting the £50,000 minimum, across the three organisations as follows: Citizens Advice – £615,000; Citizens Advice Scotland – £85,000; NIACAB – £50,000 Both CAS and NIACAB have decided that they will use their allocated funding amount for their own local projects.

Funding parameters Martin Lewis has requested that the cash element of the donation is used as follows: allocated primarily to bureaux across all four UK countries for money or debt advice and/or financial capability work. He is also open to the money being spent on network-wide support to bureaux in developing money advice services and/ or taking forward our strategic work.

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This Christmas people in receipt of Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit will be able to purchase stamps at 2011 prices. Every household in the UK will receive a leaflet outlining the offer, which includes the Adviceguide link and mentions the fact that Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free, independent and confidential advice on benefits and other issues.

What does the Citizens Advice service do? Provide advice The Citizens Advice service offers information and advice through face-to-face, phone and email services, and online via Adviceguide.org.uk. Between them, Citizens Advice Bureaux make advice available from over 3,500 locations in England and Wales including high streets, community centres, doctors’ surgeries, courts and prisons. During 2010/11 the service helped 2.1 million people with 7.1 million problems relating to issues including debt, benefits, employment, housing and immigration. Advisers help clients to fill our forms, write letters, negotiate with creditors, and can even represent them at court or tribunal.

Influence policy We’re not just here for times of crisis – we also use clients’ stories anonymously to campaign for policy changes that benefit the population as a whole. The sheer number of clients we see each year means that if there is a recurring injustice out there, it is inevitably being played out in our interview rooms and recorded on our database of client evidence. This database is analysed by the national policy team, who are then able to bring problem areas to the attention of those who are – often inadvertently – causing them.

Cambridge CAB 66 Devonshire Road, Cambridge, CB1 2BL, Telephone: 0844 848 7979 – Adviceline Web site: www.cambridgecab.org.uk Advice sessions – Monday to Friday: 09.15–12.45 Telephone advice times – Monday to Friday: 14.00–16.00

Royston CAB Outreach Town Hall, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7DA. 08444 111 444 Web site: www.northhertscab.cabnet.org.uk Advice sessions – Monday to Friday: 09.30–12.00 Open Door Telephone advice times – Monday to Friday: 10.00–16.00 Open Door Many bureaux now have a short introductory interview to help decide how you can be best advised. You may then be asked to make an appointment. If the bureau is open only for appointments or specialist advice this will be indicated in the notes. Unless indicated otherwise an adviser should be available by phone though this may be for an introductory interview only to help decide how you can best be advised.

SuperFast Broadband We are writing to ask you to help bring SuperFast Broadband to Melbourn homes and businesses. We all know the growing importance of broadband to our lives – for business, pleasure and for accessing services. However, the service available to many parts of the village is poor.

What can I do to help? Visit the website www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk where you will be asked your postcode and landline telephone number(s). That’s it! Really? Yes! The purpose of this is to show suppliers such as BT where there is most demand for broadband and it will encourage them to invest here sooner. The more people and businesses who register the faster we will get an upgrade to our service. What if I’m not connected to the Internet? No problem. Paper forms are available at libraries and council offices. Let us know if you would like one. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or comment – we will be delighted to hear from you. Susan van de Ven County Councillor and Jose Hales District Councillor and Broadband Champion for Melbourn.

CATalyst news By the time this article is being read CATalyst (Community Action Together) will have held the first of a proposed series of ‘Volunteering Locally’ information drop-in sessions in partnership with Royston Volunteer Centre. There is always a need for new volunteers, whether it is for one-off events or a regular commitment. At the moment there are two new initiatives that CATalyst is hoping to develop WISEArchive is an inter-generational project. It is a webbased archive which records and preserves the working life stories of older people. Volunteer story tellers and collectors are needed locally. Meet-in-Melbourn. A new networking initiative bringing people together for social activities such as cinema evenings, theatre trips or just a drink in the local pub. For more information please email: dianelou@hotmail.co.uk LOOK out for forthcoming dates for Table-Top and Car Boot Sales organised by CATalyst and village partners. These will be posted on the village web-site, in the Library, Post Office and other public places. New volunteers always welcomed to help with these events. CATalyst 0774 953 0112 CommunityActionTogether@hotmail.co.uk

Trading Standards Eat, drink and be merry this Christmas! As the party season approaches and we stock our cupboards for the festivities, many of us are also watching the pennies. Everybody likes a bargain, especially when there are presents to be bought, journeys to be made and all sorts of other expenses chipping away at the bank balance. With this in mind, Trading Standards would like to warn readers about the pitfalls of buying alcohol from unconventional sources such as car boot sales, strangers at the pub, workplace or selling from the back of a vehicle or any other unusual sources. In recent times there has been an increase in the amount of counterfeit and fake alcohol found in the county. Counterfeit alcohol, just like any other counterfeit product, mimics a genuine branded article and tries to pass itself off as the genuine product. Usually the counterfeit product is very convincing and most consumers wouldn’t notice any difference in the packaging. As well as counterfeit alcohol there are drinks designed to look like new and appealing brands. Often these products do not meet the required legal standards of composition – either having too little or too much of certain required ingredients or featuring ingredients that shouldn’t be present at all. Often these ingredients can be harmful to health. Indeed, both counterfeit and other fake drinks should be avoided at all costs. They may contain either much more or much less alcohol than stated on the label and than is required by law but worse than this, however, is the fact that many counterfeit and fake drinks contain chemicals that are normally used in products such as cleaning products, antifreeze and screen wash. For example methanol, isopropyl, propan-2-ol, acetone and chloroform are commonly found in illicit alcohol. Needless to say, these products can be dangerous if consumed and pose a risk to health. For example, people have been known to be sick or suffer dizziness, breathing difficulties, kidney damage, blindness and even death after consuming fake alcohol. Nobody can tell what’s in a bottle of fake drink and so the risks are unpredictable. The simple message is to not buy or consume any drink of questionable source. So if you choose to eat, drink and be merry this Christmas, please do so in a way that is safe and doesn’t risk your health or that of your guests. If you see any alcohol that you suspect to be counterfeit or fake, please contact our partner, Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 08454 040506. For business advice and support contact 0345 0455206.

CCORRN RePaint Can you reuse some paint for a good cause Do you know a local community or sports group, charity or other good cause that needs low cost paint which also is environmentally friendly?

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The Cambridgeshire Community Reuse and Recycling Network (CCORRN for short) is a not-for-profit social enterprise that helps keep materials out of landfill for the benefit of the environment, the local community and charities. Its major current project is the Cambridgeshire Community RePaint Scheme. CCORRN collects unwanted paint, which otherwise would have gone to landfill, from Household Waste Recycling Centres at March, Milton, St. Neots, Thriplow, Wisbech and Witchford and takes it back to the repaint warehouse in March. The paint is then sorted to ensure quality and colour and part-full tins are mixed to make up full containers, which are then provided to people on low incomes and benefits as well as community groups, charities and housing associations at just £1 per litre. Much of this work is done by long-term unemployed volunteers from Seetec, which provides Government funded employment and skills training programmes to help individuals find employment or gain qualifications. The volunteers gain valuable hands on work experience from warehousing to customer service skills through the RePaint Scheme and are able to update their CV and ensure that they have current references to assist them in finding employment. The Cambridgeshire Community RePaint Scheme was launched in 2011, with the help of the famous Dulux Dog and is supported by Cambridgeshire County Council, waste management company AmeyCespa and a number of localcouncils and companies, including Ridgeons, housing associations and charities. Up to the end of October 2012 it has kept 180,000 litres of paint out of landfill, provided employment for two former Seetec volunteers and the paint has been reused by a range of organisations including March Royal British Legion, Priory Golf Club March, Fossils Galore in March, Benwick Football Club, Waterlees Boxing Club, The Jammin’ Project in Wisbech, West Norfolk MIND, Whittlesey Youth & Community Centre, Cambridge Woman’s Resource Centre and Momentum Arts in Cambridge. Also schools in Bassingbourn, Cambridge, Snettisham and Waterbeach have reused the paint as well as a large number of individuals. If you need paint for a charity, community project, school or sports club, or simply need to brighten up your home please contact CCORRN on 01354 607667 or email repaint@ ccorrn.org.uk To find out more about CCORRN see their website at www.ccorrn.org.uk

To help pinpoint problems and find practical solutions to reduce anti-social behaviour in the village, Melbourn’s Practical Solutions Group (PSG) has recognised that a less formal and more inclusive approach is required to achieve its aims. This group remains multi-agency, and can work with and include Melbourn residents (young and old). If you are affected by ASB would like to be involved in this worthwhile project then please get in touch by using the contact form at; www.melbourncambridge.co.uk/problemsolving or phone 01763 221323

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

In Honour of Stupid People In case you need further proof that the human race is doomed then here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods. On Tesco’s Tiramisu dessert (printed on the bottom) ‘Do not turn upside down’ (well… duh, a bit late?) On Sainsbury’s peanuts ‘Warning: contains nuts’ (talk about a news flash) On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding ‘Product will be hot after heating’ (..and you thought..?) On a bar of Dial soap ‘Use like regular soap’ (and that would be???) On some Swanson frozen dinners ‘Serving suggestion: Defrost” (but it is just a suggestion) On packaging for a Rowenta iron ‘Do not iron clothes on body’ (but wouldn’t this save me time?) On Nytol Sleep Aid ‘Warning: this may cause drowsiness” (…I’m taking this because??) On a Japanese food processor ‘ Not to be used for the other use’ (now I’m really curious) On an American Airlines packet of nuts’ Instructions: open packet, eat nuts’ (and then?) On a child’s Superman costume ‘Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly’ (I don’t blame the manufacturer I blame the parents for this one) On a Swedish chainsaw ‘Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands’ (Oh my God … was there a lever somewhere?)

Brand new homes to rent as affordable housing or to buy under a shared ownership lease Hundred Houses Society, in partnership with Iceni Homes and Melbourn Parish Council is developing a small scheme of 13 affordable new homes in Melbourn for people with a local connection. 3 of these homes will be sold under a shared ownership scheme, 1 two bedroom house and 2 three bedroom houses. To rent there will be 3 two bedroom houses and 7 three bedroom houses. Affordable rents will be 80% of a market rent on a fixed term tenancy basis. These properties will be advertised on Homelink 3 months prior to completion www.home-link.org.uk The homes will be built on the site of the former police houses and police station.

an artist’s impression of the new homes at melbourn around the community hub What is shared ownership? Shared ownership helps people who cannot afford to buy a home outright, to purchase a home in stages. Hundred Houses Society owns the freehold of the property and sells a share to you under a shared ownership lease. Initially, you will buy a minimum share of the property (usually 50% but it could be more or less), the actual proportion will be determined after we have carried out an affordability assessment. You will then pay Hundred Houses Society a subsidised rent on the remaining share. The total monthly costs of the mortgage and rent are lower than the cost of a mortgage needed to buy the property outright. After a year you can purchase further shares in the property in tranches of 10%, up to 80%. As you purchase more shares the proportion of rent due to Hundred Houses Society will reduce. How do I apply for Shared Ownership? You need to register with Orbit HomeBuy Agents as follows: Orbit HomeBuy Garden Court Harry Weston Road Binley Business Park Binley Coventry CV3 2SU

Telephone: 0345 8502050 Email: hba@orbit.org.uk Website: www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk

If your application progresses, we will carry out a full assessment of your financial circumstances to check that you can afford the home. You will need to provide us with original documents showing your income, savings, loans and debts and provide information on all your outgoings

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We are a warm, friendly, family run home conveniently situated close to the station and town centre of Royston. If you would like to find out more about St George’s, please call us for a brochure or drop in for a chat. 42 Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts. SG8 5AQ Telephone: 01763 242243 web site: www.stgeorgescare.com

Melbourn Ironing Service If you are looking for that chore to be removed then this may be for you…

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Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457 U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman Elma Forbes 01223 870217 Village College Principal Simon Holmes

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Youth Club at Melbourn Village College Tuesday evenings for School years 7–11 all welcome See page 14 for more details

News from the Primary School At the beginning of the school year we were delighted to welcome 50 new children to Melbourn Primary School and hope they have settled well into our community; to help them feel at home there was a ‘New Parents’ coffee morning hosted by the PTFA. In addition there were our first Welcome Evenings for parents in the various year groups. We hope the year 6 children who left us in July have all settled well into their secondary schools. We were particularly delighted with the results they achieved at the end of their primary career and trust these will launch them well into the next step of their education. September saw us reliving the many highs of the Olympic and Paralympic games with assemblies focusing on the Olympic value of Inspiration and wow, wasn’t there a lot to inspire us? We are continuing to promote values through our assemblies and circle times. This month we are focusing on determination. Early September Rion Pierre, a sprinter with the GB athletic team visited us. After leading us in circuit training exercises Rion inspired us with his story which included being unhappy at primary school, a youth football contract with Watford, then Chelsea before joining an athletics group with the aim of improving his football! It is fair to say we were all transfixed and impressed by his determination to overcome difficulties – a valuable lesson for us all. We will be watching the Commonwealth games in Glasgow and Rio Olympics very carefully so we can say “he came to our primary school”, and a few lucky ones can say “I beat him in a race!” The sponsorship money raised from the event was a whopping £1586.95 which has been divided between the Sports for Schools charity and our ‘Astro Pitch’ Fund.

We began the year with our usual array of Inspiration Days Year 1 and 2 Circus Day We pretended to be clowns and we did really funny things like plate spinning and throwing scarves into the air and trying to catch them. By Oliver I liked it when the clown was juggling with knives and the music he played on his pipe. By Louis Year 3 and 4 Robot Day

Free Storytime for under 5s! Thursday 10–10.45 am Melbourn Library The Moor, Melbourn (next to Melbourn Village College)

Contact: Eleanor 01763 260924 or library 01763 269956

On robotics day, year 3 and 4 had their robot inspiration day. There were 4 groups and they went to different activities, one was papier mache daleks, one was making music for Star Wars, there was a quiz and then they went to the hall and made remote controlled lego robots. My favourite part of the day was the paiper mache daleks! We had a great day and we went home smiling. By Grace Year 5 and 6 Evacuation Day I loved finding out about what evacuees had to go through, also they sing songs I’ve never heard of! On the 25th of September the whole of year 5 & 6 got on a train and the mums waved us off. When we got to an unknown destination Foxton, we went into a big hall and wrote a letter to our parents. Then we sang some WW2 songs, had a dance and ate our lunch. It was great fun. By Adam Everyone enjoyed the evacuation day on the 25th September, we came to school dressed as evacuees and walked down to Meldreth train station. The train melbournmagazine

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Fax: 01763 222555

E-mail: post@australcrosby.com

arrived and we boarded it, our parents waiting at the platform waved us off. When we got to Foxton we took a 5 minute walk to the village hall where we ate our lunch. After that we wrote a letter to our parents explaining what we had seen and done. We then did WWII based activities such as dancing and singing. Then it was time to go back on the train we got and we were soon at Meldreth where we walked back to school. Throughout the day we were all excited but curious where we were going. By Jacob In addition to our relentless pursuit of academic excellence we have many plans for the school this year, most notably to develop the school grounds. We already have a very successful gardening club, which has just had its very successful harvest – with a rather large pumpkin! Which, we hope, will make enough pumpkin soup for everyone. We have started work on creating a ‘quiet’ area of the school grounds where children will be able to sit and chat or read if they do not want to run around at playtime. We will be inviting parents and members of the community to sponsor a plant, so please contact the school office if you would be interested in supporting us in this way. We are particularly appreciative to Phillimore Garden Centre who are kindly supporting us with our planting of espalier fruit trees to improve a particularly barren area of playground space. I cannot wait for the children to see the result of our work here. We are trying to reinvigorate sport at the primary school and have on offer a really extensive range of after school clubs for example karate, dance, football and rugby. Our intention is to have successful school teams again soon. Hopefully I will be able to share news of this in the future. Now for the exciting news … ‘fizztickling fun and wizzpopping magic’ … we are planning to take the WHOLE school to the theatre to see Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine. The PTFA have kindly offered to transport us all by coach to the Cambridge Corn Exchange for a Christmas treat and we can hardly wait!

They too have played games and they have made mini puppet theatres to perform short plays around the pets theme. The final week before half term children practised vocabulary relating to Halloween and enjoyed making a Hallowe’en owl. On Wednesday evening at the adult group, the beginners have been working from the BBC’s ‘Ma France’ series, looking at giving and understanding directions, practising the French alphabet and talking about families and their own proficiency in different languages. The more advanced class have been very busy discussing their holidays, the Olympic Games, French accents (é,ê,è), a text about excessive use of sleeping pills by old people and a text and video about chocolate, after which each student presented their favourite chocolate recipe in French. Perhaps you would like to start learning French in the New Year? Or perhaps you would just like to brush up on that rusty school French? If so please get in touch. We are a native speaker and a graduate of European Studies with French. Call either Marine on 07533 443153 or Janet on 07791 853448 for further details. If you prefer e-mail, contact marineboulter@yahoo.fr or janet.whitton@tiscali.co.uk. Learn French in a friendly atmosphere *French for Children Games, role-play, songs etc. Every Wednesday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm Every Thursday from 4:15pm to 5:00pm *French for Adults All levels, Conversation Every Wednesday from 8.00pm to 9.00pm GCSE lessons available by arrangement. Individual lessons also available. Tel. Marine – 01763 222876 or Janet – 01763 261231 mob-07533 443153 mob-07791 853448 (Enhanced CRB clearance recently completed)

Notre Ecole

Melbourn Village College

Since returning to Notre Ecole after the summer break children in both after school clubs have been learning to talk about their pets in French. At the Wednesday group the younger children have learnt some new vocabulary, practised describing the colour of animals, made masks and have played a number of games around the pets theme. The Thursday group have practised making more complicated sentences to describe their own pets and various other animals.

Science MVC Club ExperMENTAL had a visit from David Bebb from the Cambridge Science Xchange. The club had a workshop session where they planned their entry into the Science Xchange on Saturday 26th October. They made huge progress and are now working hard on a fantastic design which will ultimately be a

melbournmagazine

“Little Hands” is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality Pre-School Education for 2 – 5 year Olds • • • • • • •

The Nursery School offers : High (1 : 4) staffing ratio Variety of session lengths Term time only booking Optional holiday clubs No minimum booking requirement No booking fee Categorised “OUTSTANDING” by Ofsted

Also FREE (NEF funded) afternoon (1.30-4.00) sessions for 3 & 4 year olds (NEF can also be used towards half or full day sessions) 01763 260964 (school hours) 01223503972 (office hours) e-mail : janemarshall@littlehands.co.uk w w w.littlehands.co.uk Little Hands Nursery Schools are also at Bourn, Linton and Newton

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

Village information What goes in the BLUE BIN? YES • Plastic bottles • Plastic bottle tops & triggers • Plastic packaging (pots, tubs and trays) • Plastic bags • Plastic film (clean food wrapping) • Glass bottles and jars • Food & drinks cans • Aerosols • Tin foil & foil trays • Cartons (e.g. Tetrapak) • Cardboard • Greeting cards • Wrapping paper (paper only) NO • Expanded polystyrene • Pyrex • Flat glass • DVDs/CDs • Plastic toys • Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes

Household Waste and Recycling Centres Milton

Butt Lane, Milton Tel: 01223 860674 • 9am–8pm Mon to Fri • 9am–6pm Bank Holidays, Sat & Sun • 9am–4pm Mon to Sun (1 October–31 March)

Bin collection MELBOURN 7 December

Black Bin

14 December

Green & Blue Bin

21 December

Black Bin

**31 December

Green & Blue Bin

MONDAY

**7 January

Black Bin

MONDAY

*12 January

Green & Blue Bin

SATURDAY

18 January

Black Bin

25 January

Green & Blue Bin

1 February

Black Bin

8 February

Green & Blue Bin

15 February

Black Bin

22 February

Green & Blue Bin

1 March

Black Bin

8 March

Green & Blue Bin

5 March

Black Bin

22 March * Saturday Collection

Green & Blue Bin ** Monday Collection

For an update on collections visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/BinCollection/default.htm?location=72 For more information and collections of large household items Telephone 03450 450 063

Thriplow Gravel Pit Hill, Thriplow Tel: 01223 839001 • 8am–5pm Mon to Fri • 8am–5pm Bank Holidays, Sat & Sun (Summer) • 8am–4pm Mon to Sun (1 October–31 March)

Items that are accepted • • • • • • • • • • • •

Green waste Hardcore (bricks, rubble) Paper Glass Scrap metal Waste oil Fridges/freezers Car batteries Textiles Cardboard Plastic TVs and computers (incl. monitors)

Please Note: The sites will only accept waste from household sources.

Do you need a reliable local trader? Buy With Conﬁdence traders are Trading Standards Approved go to: www.buywithconﬁdence.gov.uk call: 08454 040506 or visit your local library melbournmagazine

important numbers Police (non emergency) 101 Crimestoppers Freephone 0800 555111 Neighbourhood Watch Steven Cambery s.cambery@ntlworld.com Cambs Registered Trader Sceme 01223 221921 Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0845 070 0707 CAB Royston

Education Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford 07842 151512 Childminding Group Sec. Vacancies Co-ordinator Heidi Hardwidge 221625 Library LAP Mike Stapleton 269956 Little Hands Nursery School 260964 Out of school times 01223 503972 Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231 Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457 U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman Elma Forbes 01223 870217 Hon Sec Hilary Docwra 222486 Mem Sec Arthur Alderton 260399 Village College Principal Simon Holmes 223400

08456 889897

Childline

0800 1111

Samaritans

08457 909090

Hospitals Addenbrooke’s Royston

01223 245151 01763 238020

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES

Camdoc NHS Direct (queries 24hrs)

01223 464242 0845 4647

Services Anglian Water 08457 145 145 Gas emergency 0800 111 999 Electricity 08007 838838 South Cambs District Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217 Transport British Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus

08457 484950 08706 082608

Places of worship Health Age UK Cambridgeshire 01223 221921 Blood Donors 0300 123 23 23 Chiropodist 263260 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 238020 Dentist 262034 District Nurses (Primary Care Trust) 01223 846122 Home-Start 262262 S Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road Child & Family Nurses 262861 Car Scheme 245228 Orchard Surgery Appointments 260220 Dispensary 261246 For repeat prescriptions send email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net Osteopath Kath Harry 261716 St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak 220507 LOCAL clubs

Melbourn Magazine Editorial

Ann Dekkers

261144

Advertising

Jan Simmonett

220363

Distribution

Jose Hales

221058

Information

Anne Lambert

261480

Parish Profile

Mavis Howard

260686

Production

Peter Simmonett

220363

Proof reading

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

Colin Limming

260072

Village Diary

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

We shall be pleased to receive contributions in any form, articles, poems, drawings, photographs, letters etc., pertaining to Melbourn. Please send any contributions to the Editor, at the 110 High Street, Melbourn, marking them ‘MELBOURN MAGAZINE’ or you can email them to

mag@melbourn.org.uk

Royal British Legion Patrick Parkinson 262617 Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841 Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes 245958 Royston and District Local History Society David Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table 221398 Royston Lions Janet Daniels 260009 RSPB Doug Radford 208978 SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Doreen Johnston 220197 St George’s Allotments Assoc. Bruce Huett brucehuett@compuserve.com Women’s Group Pat Smith 260103

Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron 249156 Tony Kelly Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m. Army Cadets Ted Neathey 01223 248001 Tuesday evenings at The Moor 7.15 to 9.30pm Bellringers John Gipson 262846 Bridge Club Howard Waller 261693 1st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505 Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Brownies 2nd Melbourn Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl) 261400 Cambells (Handbells) Eira Martin 261221 Dramatic Society Kathy Wholley 223805 email: k_wholley@hotmail.com Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Stuart Morris 208634 Gardening Helen Powell 245887 Guides 1st Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443 Mothers’ Union Anne Harding 260759 Melbourn and Meldreth Self-Help Jayne White 220250 Melbourn Mushroom Club John Holden email: frog.end@virgin.net Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie 01223 207307 National Trust Colin Limming 260072 New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs 243224 Photographic Club Bruce Huett 232855 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677

All Saints’ Church Rev Andrew O’Brien Melbourn Vicarage Curate Mary Price Churchwardens Christine van Vliet Mike Galley Community Hall booking Colin Limming Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke Secretary Guy Manners

260295 261569 223063 260127 260072 261650 01223 872298

United Reformed Church Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie 260747 Secretary Peter and Eirwen Karner 262346 Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk 246458 Churches Together Helen John 261147 sport Badminton Steve Jackson 248774 Bowls Elaine Cooke 221571 Croquet Janet Pope 248342 Football Club Simon Gascoyne 261703 Jazzercise Linda Warner 241527 Judo Derek Coult 225004 Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Melbourn and District Tennis Club David Liddiard 07508 995781 Meldreth Tennis Club Sue Davies 220174 Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593 Squash Club Nick Sugden 261064

Warden & sheltered housing schemes Dial-A-Ride 01223 506335 Mobile Warden Scheme Warden – Margo Wherrell 260966 Deputy – Jeannie Seers 262651 Assistant – Joy Hyde 220139 Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Stephen Cambery 261520 Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan Lead Sheltered Housing Officer Monday to Friday 9–1.30 263389 John Impey Way Jeanette Holland 269596 Southwell Court 262121 Moorlands 260564 Vicarage Close & John Impey Way, also covering Elin Way every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday Eileen Allan Mobile 07876791419 01763 245402

See page 63 (inside back page) for advertising details.

email: melbournmagazine@gmail.com

The closing date for the next issue is Friday 18th January 2013 which will appear in March, listing events in March, April and May.

dEcEmbEr Sat 1

Sun 2

Mon 3

Tue 4

Wed 5

Thu 6

Fri 7 Sat 8 Sun 9

Tue 11

Wed 12 Thu 13 Sun 16

Mon 17 Tue 18

Wed 19 Thu 20

Sat 22 Sun 23

Mon 24

Tue 25

Sun 30

Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall every Saturday at 10.30am URC Christmas Bazaar 10am-12 followed by lunch 12.30pm Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Holy Communion URC 11.00am Baptist Communion 6pm Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Advent Carol Service Holy Trinity 5.30pm Drop-in surgeries with District Councillors Susan van de Ven or Jose Hales 2.30-3.30pm at Melbourn Library Pippins Stay & Play 9.30 - 11.00am Messy Mondays Young Parents and children every Monday at 1.30-3.00pm at the Community Health Centre Orchard Road Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday Vicarage Close Howard Waller 01763 261693 Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) URC Christingle Service 7pm Melbourn & District Photographic Club meet every Tuesday Sept-April at Foxton Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Coffee Break Baptist Church Hall every Wednesday 10.30-12.00 Royal British Legion Vicarage Close 7.30pm Holy Communion All Saints 10.00am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Pippins Crawlers to Walkers 10.00-11.30am every Thursday Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm Talk on St George. Coffee at URC every Friday at at 10.30am Orlando Singers in Concert All Saints Church 7.30pm Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Holy Communion URC 11.00am Christingle Service All Saints 3.30pm Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Mothers Union Carol Service Melbourn ASCH 2.30pm Melbourn & District Gardening Club All Saints Community Hall 7.30pm Quiz and Social Evening Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Holy Communion All Saints 10am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Service URC 11.00am Nativity Service Baptist Church 10.30am Carols by Candlelight All Saints 6.30pm Royston & District Family History Society All Saints Community Hall 7.30pm Members Christmas Evening Toddler Plus 9.30 am Baptist Church Hall (term time only) Melbourn & District Photographic Club meet weekly Sept - April at Foxton Village Hall 7.30pm contact Bruce Huett 232855 Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30 am (term time only) U3A monthly meeting 2.45pm MVC Holy Communion All Saints 10.00am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am End of term Rail User Group Foxton Village Hall 7.30pm Family Communion All Saints 9.45am Advent Service Baptist Church 10.30am Service URC 11.00am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Baptist Church 6-7pm Carols by Candlelight Holy Trinity 6.30pm Crib Service All Saints 3pm Midnight Mass All Saints 11.30pm Watchnight Service URC 11.30pm Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Christmas Morning Service URC 8.30am Christmas Morning Service Baptist Church 9.30-10.30am Service URC 11.00am

JanuarY Fri 1 Sat 2 Sun 3

Mon 4

Tue 5

Wed 6 Thu 7

Sun 10

Mon 11 Tue 12

Wed 13 Thu 14

Sat 16 Sun 17

Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Sat 23 Sun 24

Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28

fEbruarY

Coffee at URC every Friday at at 10.30am Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall every Saturday at 10.30am Winter Celebration Flower Festival All Saints 10am-5pm Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Holy Communion URC 11am Baptist Church Communion 6pm Winter Celebration Flower Festival All Saints 10am-5pm followed by service. Drop in Advice Surgery with Susan van de Ven and Jose Hales at Melbourn Library 2.30-3.30pm Messy Mondays Young Parents and children every Monday at 1.30-3.00pm at the Community Health Centre Orchard Road Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday Vicarage Close 7.30pm Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Melbourn & District Photographic Club Foxton Village Hall every Tuesday 7.30-9.30pm (Sept-April) Royal British Legion Vicarage Close 7.30pm Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Royston & District Local History Soc Royston Town Hall 8pm London Underground Stations Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Half Term Melbourn Bridge Club Vicarage Close every Monday 7.30pm Mother’s Union Meldreth 2.30pm Talk about a walk to Santiago de Compostela 260759 Melbourn & District Gardening Club All Saints Community Hall – Alpines U3A monthly meeting MVC 2.45pm Holy Communion All Saints 10am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Half Term Activity Day Foxton Village Hall 260759 for details New Melbourn Singers ‘African Sanctus’ West Road Cambridge Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am URC Service 11.00am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Royston & District Family History Society All Saints Community Hall 7.30pm Toddler Plus 9.30 am Baptist Church Hall (term time only) Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30 am (term time only) U3A monthly meeting 2.45pm MVC Holy Communion All Saints 10.00am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am The Bookshelf at the Coffee Stop All Saints Community Hall Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Women’s Group Meldreth 7.45pm Musical Evening Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Holy Communion All Saints 10.00am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am

CAMTAD

is held at A drop in advisory sessionity Room, Vicarage Close Commun month the 4th Thursday of the from 2pm to 4pm

Tue 1 Happy New Year Wed 2 Coffee Break Baptist Church Hall every Wednesday 10.30-12.00 Thu 3 Royston & District Local History Society Royston Town Hall 8pm Pirton – a village in anguish Fri 4 Coffee at URC every Friday at at 10.30am Sat 5 Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall every Saturday at 10.30am Sun 6 Holy Communion All Saints 8am Holy Communion URC 11.00am Baptist Church Communion 6pm Mon 7 Pippins 9.30 - 11.00 Stay & Play Pippins 1.30 - 3.00 Messy Mondays for Young Parents and children. Melbourn Community Health Centre every Monday Drop in Advice Surgery with Susan van de Ven & Jose Hales at Melbourn Library 2.30-3.30pm (1st Monday of the month) Melbourn Bridge Club at Vicarage Close every Monday 7.30pm Tue 8 Spring Term begins Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Mother’s Union Communion & Lunch at the Hardwicke Arms Arrington 11am start 260759 Melbourn & District Gardening Club All Saints Community Hall 7.30pm Perennials Melbourn & District Photographic Club every Tuesday Foxton Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm (Sept - April) Wed 9 Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30am (term time only) Thu 10 Holy Communion 10am All Saints Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Sat 12 The Bookshelf at the Coffee Stop All Saints Community Hall Sun 13 Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Mon 14 Pippins 9.30 - 11.00 Stay & Play Pippins 1.30 - 3.00 Messy Mondays for Young Parents and children. Melbourn Community Health Centre every Monday Melbourn Bridge Club Vicarage Close every Monday contact Howard Waller 261693 Tue 15 Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) Wed 16 Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) U3A monthly meeting MVC 2.45pm Thu 17 Holy Communion All Saints 10am Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Fri 18 Foxton Pantomime Cinderella 01223 870067 Sat 19 Foxton Pantomime Cinderella 01223 870067 Sun 20 Holy Communion All Saints 8am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am URC Service 11.00am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Mon 21 Royston & District Family History Society All Saints Community Hall 7.30pm Tues 22 Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) Women’s Group Melbourn AGM 7.45pm Wed 23 Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) URC Reflective Service 7pm Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Thu 24 Holy Communion 10am All Saints Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am Sun 27 Family Communion 9.45am All Saints URC Service 11.00am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Tue 29 Toddler Plus Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) Wed 30 Craft Club Baptist Church Hall 9.30 (term time only) Thu 31 Holy Communion 10am All Saints Story Time U5’s Melbourn Library 10-10.45am

Youth Club

Melbourn Village College

Tuesday evenings 7.30pm – 9.15pm

Village information continued Orchard Surgery – Dispensary Monday to Friday 8:30 – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm Phone 01763 261246 Telephone requests are not accepted For repeat prescriptions you can: Fax 01763 262968 or email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

• •

Allow at least 48 hours (two working days – excluding weekends and bank holidays) for repeat prescriptions to be ready. Do not leave your request to the last minute. Prescription/medication depending on eligibility can be collected from the Surgery

Co-op

Tesco in Royston

Please let the dispensary know where you wish your prescriptions to be sent. This will remain your choice until we are informed otherwise.

8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. CB1 3NH Office Mon-Fri 9.00am-12.30pm. Telephone 01223 416 141 answerphone out of these hours admin@camtadcambs.org.uk

A drop in advisory session is held at Vicarage Close Community Room, the 4th Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm November 22nd

April 25th

September 26th

December 27th

May 23rd

October 24th

January 24th

June 27th

November 28th

February 28th

July 25th

NO Session In

August 22nd

December 2013

Prescriptions requested before 12pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 10am Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday

March 28th

Prescriptions requested before 4pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 3pm Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday

CAMSIGHT

Prescriptions requested after 4pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

will be ready after 10am Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Melbourn Health Visiting Team 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

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

See the following website for more information

www.camtadcambs.org.uk Battery exchange and retubing. We do not do hearing tests

Cam Sight’s visually impaired group meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month every month except in August, at the Vicarage Close centre, Melbourn from 2 until 4pm. We offer a warm welcome with speakers, outings, up to date information and equipment demonstrations. Come and see what’s on offer, join us for a cuppa and a chat. Call 01223 420 033 for further information

section of the Xchange mechanism at the Guildhall, Cambridge. It is like a giant game of Mouse trap!!

MVC Student’s help for Shepreth Charity Megan Harradence and her brother have recently raised £70 for Shepreth Wildlife Park to help towards their new project, a hedgehog hospital. A representative of the Park came along to the college as a surprise to thank Megan and brought along three of the residents which were African pygmy hedgehogs.

Melbourn Sports Centre Olympic Open Day Over a hundred potential future Olympians were put through their paces with some free sport taster sessions at Melbourn Sports Centre on Saturday 14th July. The event to help celebrate the countdown to the 2012 London Olympics gave an opportunity for children of all ages to try a variety of Olympic sports including swimming, table tennis and badminton. Manager Graham Johnson-Mack said “even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it was great to see so many children enjoying themselves and trying sports that will feature at this year’s Olympics, with the most popular being swimming and trampolining. We also had good support from local clubs including Melbourn Dynamos and Melbourn & District Tennis Club, who both ran free coaching sessions. stART, South Cambridgeshire’s arts development team, also held a free arts and crafts session plus an exhibition of local Olympic athletes that will be performing at this summer’s event.” www. melbournsports.com.

SSAT Congratulate Melbourn Village College I am delighted to report that we recently received two congratulatory letters and certificates from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT). The first recognised the sustained improvement in our results over the period 2008–2011. The second was for outstanding achievement, recognising that we are in the top 10% of non-selective schools based on the percentage of students achieving 5 or more A*-A GCSEs including English and mathematics. Below is a quote from Sue Williamson, chief executive of the SSAT: “Melbourn Village College should be congratulated for their stunning achievement in securing some of the best GCSE results in the country. (It) has proved itself to be one of the best schools in the country at securing superb GCSE outcomes for their students. There is plenty other schools could learn from their success. These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Melbourn Village College and a vindication of their belief in high expectations, good teaching and ambition for every young person” Simon Holmes, Principal

MVC Student at World Diving Championships Melbourn Village College student Daniel Goodfellow recently made his debut at the World Junior Diving Championships in Australia. Daniel represented Great Britain at the event in Adelaide and raced into the finals of the three-metre springboard competition. Daniel finished 7th in the preliminaries. He was

one of the youngest divers at the meeting and competed against many other boys who were two years older and some of the world’s best divers. Daniel ended 12th in the world, a fantastic achievement. He later went on to compete in the 10m platform with teammate Tom Daley.

Adult Education at Comberton Village College January 2013 Most weekly courses start 14th January and run for 10 weeks. For more information please e mail commed@comberton. cambs.sch.uk or phone 01223 264721. If unsure, please come and try a class before enrolling. 25% discount for income related benefits. Stuck for ideas? These classes can make excellent Christmas or birthday presents! ART Drawing and Painting Mixed Media, including optional ipad use (Mon 9.30–11.30am) £78 Mosaic Making Workshop (Saturday 2nd February 2013 10.00–4.00pm) £27 Photography Digital Improvers (Mon 7.15–9.15pm) £78 Silver Jewellery Making Beginners (Weds 7.30–9.30pm) £80 Stained Glass Day School Beginners (Sat. 23rd Feb. 2013) Improvers (2nd March 2013) £26 Watercolours Absolute Beginners (Weds 11.30–1.00am) £58. Intermediate (Thurs 9.30–11.30am) £78 DANCE and FITNESS Ballroom & Latin Dance Beginners (Mon 7.00–8.00pm), Improvers: (Mon 8.05–9.35pm) pay weekly £4/£6 Get Fit Mixed (Tues.1.00–2.00pm) Get Fit Seniors (Tues 2.05–3.05pm) 10 weeks,in CB3 Fitness Suite £44 Keep Fit to Music Over 70’s (Thurs 9.40-10.55 a.m.) weekly, in Toft People’s Hall, with coffee at end. Pilates Intermediate (Mon 5.45–6.45pm) Pilates Advanced (Weds. 8.00–9.00pm) weekly Zumba (Weds 7.15–8.15pm) GENERAL INTEREST Computers for Absolute Beginners (Tues 3.15–5.15pm) 6 weeks, starts 19th February. £47 Cook4Life – new 6 week basic skills cookery course, preparing delicious healthy meals (Mon 7.00–9.00pm) £46. Free to anyone receiving benefits. Digital Technologies for Primary School Teachers (Sat 9.30– 11.30am) 10 weeks. £78 Excel Spreadsheets Day School (Sat 2nd February 10.003.30pm) £26 Food Safety in Catering Certificate level 2 (Sat 23rd February, 10.00–4.00pm) £55 First Aid for Child Minders (2 day course, Sat 23rd Feb & 2nd March 2013, 10.00–4.00pm) £55 French Bistro Style Cookery Day School (Sat January 26th 2013, 10.00–4.00pm) £27 Genealogy Beginners (Weds 7.15–9.15pm 16th January 2013) 5 weeks. £39 Indian Cookery (Weds 7.00–9.00pm – 6 weeks, starts 16th January) £47 melbournmagazine

classes and personal training to Women and Children. r afte

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www.activenesse.com 07914 586218 carys.jackson@activenesse.com

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

sults

Melbourn Detachment

Italian Cookery Day School (Sat 2nd March 10.00–4.00pm) £27 Indian Traditional Cookery Day School (2nd February 10.00–4.00pm) £27 Wine and Wine Tasting (Sat 2nd February 10.00–4.00pm) £32, including wines. LANGUAGES Italian Term 2: Beginners (Mon 6.30–8.00pm), Improvers (Mon 8.00–9.30pm) 10 weeks, £59 Spanish Term 2: Beginners (Weds 7.30–9.30pm) Intermediate (Fri. 9.30–11.30a.m.) 10 wks. £78

melbourn Detachment is open on tuesdays from 1930 hours to 2130hrs at: the cadet centre (Opposite melbourn village college) the moor melbourn sg8 6eD

WhO can JOin? If you’re between 12 and 18 you can join today and spend your weekends taking part in adventurous training and sports like abseiling and rock climbing. You may even get to fly in a helicopter! What YOu can DO? OK, so you might be spending your Saturday afternoons up to your waist in mud, but wouldn’t you rather be doing that-and having some memorable experiences and making great matesinstead of just sitting in front of the TV all day? Some ACF units hold their annual camps in Germany. There is also a chance of visiting a camp in Canada. What Will i get Out OF it? There’s loads to do in the ACF besides sport, but it all includes making good friends and having amazing experiences. You can take part in community projects, work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and even earn a vocational qualification such as a BTEC in Public Services. What ever you are interested in, there’s always a brilliant life to be had as an Army Cadet. You’ll get to wear a uniform but you won’t be part of the Army and with 8000 trained Adult Instructors you’ll get all the support you need to take the challenges of being a cadet

U3A (University of the Third Age) U3A’s are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives, open to everyone not in full time work, but as the name implies, consisting of mainly older people. The learning experiences are for fun, not for qualifications, and you can brush up a language, play sport or do yoga, share your music or art preferences, discuss books and poetry, study local history or churches, go on long (or short) walks, bird watch, paint, share your collecting, gardening or textile passions, visit theatres, exhibitions and other places of interest, join a quiz or Scrabble group. Or, start up a new group to share your own interests/skills! Melbourn and District U3A currently has over 30 interest groups supported by members from many surrounding communities. If you would like to join or know more please contact Arthur Alderton 01763 260399

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) As previously there will be a choice of two courses which will be held at Royston Town Hall on Tuesday mornings from 10am–11.30am. If possible please enrol at Royston Town Hall on Tuesday 8th January, 10am–11am. The course fee is £45 and payment by cheque, payable to WEA Royston is preferred. The courses, which last for 10 weeks start on 15th January. English & American Short Stories Tutor: Janet Berenson Curios and Collectables Tutor: Peter Edwards For further information contact Carol Bradshaw on 01763 268678.

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If you’re new to the village and have not received your FREE copy of the Melbourn Village History Book & DVD, or would like to buy a copy contact Colin Limming on 01763 260072 melbournmagazine

Bassingbourn Golf Club

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Christmas at All Saints’ Church Your parish church is getting ready for the hustle and bustle of the Crib Service on Christmas Eve and the message of Christmas at the traditional Midnight Mass. Before that there will be carol services and the Christmas message will go out as it has for the nearly 800 years of the church’s recorded history. But what of those other Christmas services over the centuries? 1212 King John was proving a very unpopular king of England and had recently withheld the revenues of all bishops who had not supported him when he was excommunicated by the Pope. There was talk already of the Barons of the country meeting together to make the king agree to a ‘big charter’ or Magna Carta setting out the rights of the people. 1312 It was the reign of Edward II who was another weak and ineffective ruler. He was in direct opposition to his barons and would eventually be deposed and murdered. The villagers of Melbourn had recently celebrated the birth of a new Prince of Wales who would eventually become Edward III and reign for 50 years. 1412 The villagers would not be aware of the fact but in a remote village in France called Domremy a young peasant girl had been born called Joan who would lead her country to victory against the English before being burnt at the stake. The old King Henry IV was rumoured to be dying but there was concern over his successor the young Henry who was leading a wild life with low companions but who would eventually become a hero as Henry V the victor of Agincourt. 1512 The young King Henry VIII was beginning a reign full of promise with his bride Catherine of Aragon by his side and hopes that a male heir would soon be born. In far off Rome the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo was shown for the first time. 1612 There was sad news from court where King James I’s son Henry had died but the villagers were assured that his younger brother Charles would make a splendid King when he eventually became Charles I. In the village there were already mutterings about the forms of service at the parish church with a group called ‘Puritans’ beginning to make their presence felt. In Pendle in far off Lancashire 10 witches had been hanged for witchcraft and another five in nearby Northampton. 1712 Many older villages remembered the Civil War and may have taken part in Cromwell’s army and would be sad to hear that Richard Cromwell (nicknamed Tumbledown Dick) his surviving son had died. In the North Country a man called Thomas Newcomen was using a steam-powered engine to try and pump floodwater out of the coalmines. 1812 The villagers were still recovering from the news that the Prime Minister Spencer Perceval had been assassinated in the House of Commons. There was good news from Spain where the British Army under Wellington had defeated the French forces and entered Madrid. It was said that Napoleon Bonaparte had invaded

Russia and later in the year came the news that that same army was in full retreat from Moscow and suffering from the effects of the Russian winter. War had broken out between the United States and Britain and the White House had been burned. 1912 It was a year of tragedy with the news that Captain Scott had reached the South Pole but he and his party had perished on the way back. In April the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic had started its maiden voyage on the 10th but on the 14th had struck an iceberg and sunk with the loss of 1512 lives. 2012 ? Colin Limming.

Future of Christian Aid Week in Melbourn As I said in the last magazine. This is the last year, which I intend to be in charge of the Christian Aid in Melbourn. I am looking for someone who is willing to take the job over, but so far I have had no response. Please think it over and I am willing to help anyone with their first year doing the job. Please talk to me if you think this could be something you could do. Please contact me by phone or email. If I get NO response I will have to let the regional organizers know we will NOT be doing a street collection again, in Melbourn, and this would result in the loss of about £1000 to this worthwhile charity… Helen John Christian Aid Secretary for Melbourn 01763 261147 or email helen.p.john@gmail.com. melbournmagazine

United Reformed Church Harvest Festival Weekend This was held over 15th–16th September. The church was open on the Saturday for people to come and enjoy the displays of fruit, flowers and vegetables. Refreshments were available throughout the day and the piano/organ recital was given by Alastair Oatey. Alastair started by playing several pieces on the organ including works by Bach and Purcell and some opera including Puccini’s ‘Nessum Dorma’ before moving to the piano where he concluded by playing some Cole Porter numbers. Our Harvest Festival Service was followed by a bring and share lunch before the sale of the harvest produce. One flower arrangement was sent down to Moorlands Court and the remaining produce went to Jimmy’s Night Shelter in Cambridge. The weekend raised £281 for Tools with a Mission.

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In September we started a craft group in our hall. Meetings take place from 2 to 4 pm. Our first venture is to knit blankets and hats for Jimmy’s Night Shelter and we are also looking to knit some glove puppets for the Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal. We have people interested in a variety of crochet and needlework projects. Everyone is most welcome to come along what ever your ability to find out what we are doing. For more information contact Anne Field on 01763 220869

Forthcoming Events Christmas Bazaar On Saturday 1 December Melbourn URC will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar. We open the doors at 10 am for traditional stalls and games. Refreshments are available throughout the morning. You are also invited to enjoy a hot lunch at 12.30. This festive event gets you off to a great start for Christmas. A warm welcome to all. Christingle Service We will be holding a Christingle Service at 7 pm on Tuesday 4 December in the Church. The Christingles will be made by the 2nd Melbourn Brownies immediately before the service and we welcome anyone who wishes to join us. Refreshments will be available afterwards.

Supporters of All Saints (SOAS) It has been a busy autumn season for the Supporters. In early October we held a very successful Mexican Evening when Bob & Joan Howard prepared some excellent dishes for our enjoyment. It was another fun evening and even the dessert had a shot of tequila for those who really wanted a genuine Mexican taste. We have persuaded Bob to prepare a Hungarian evening next year and that will be greatly anticipated. As we go to press we have another of our fun evenings with a Beetle drive and baked potato supper in November followed by our AGM when we hope to report on another successful fund-raising year. In this issue you will find our 8th December event highlighted and this is a concert by the Orlando Singers under the baton of our Parish Council Clerk Peter Horley. The programme will feature carols from around the world with a chance in the second part of the evening for everybody to sing their favourite carols. Details of ticket availability can always be obtained by ringing 01763 260686 or 01763 260072. Colin Limming, Publicity Secretary.

All Saints Community Hall One of the problems with the hall has always been the ‘echo’ when a crowd of people are present and all talking at the same time. The Committee have had this much in mind and in August, following generous loans and a grant, have had acoustic tiles and new lighting installed. There has been a great improvement in sound and visibility and users have commented favourably. Bookings continue at an encouraging rate with a wide variety of hirers ranging from uniformed groups to local clubs and great number of children’s parties. The best and easiest way to enquire about possible hire is to e-mail hallbookings@live.co.uk but a phone call to 01763 260072 will always ensure a speedy response but don’t leave your booking to the last moment or you may be disappointed! Colin Limming, Booking Secretary

SOAS 100 Club The August draw was made by Cllr Val Barrett on 3rd September. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.70 goes to Mike Scriven (49) at 22 Saffron Street, Royston and the second of £12.90 goes to Zena Hawkin (41) at 21 Greenbanks. The September draw was made by Rev Andrew O’Brien 4th October. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.70 goes to Sue Toule (5) at 81 Beechwood Avenue and the second to Brenda Standing (53) at 24 Station Road. The October draw was made on 3rd November by Rev Andrew O’Brien. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.70 goes to Terry Shaw (33) at 4 Spencer Drive and the second to Mr R S Luff (45) at 13 Orchard Gate.

Wishing you a happy Christmas season! Before marriage I was a midwife and one of my sons does research in genetics, so we have a real interest in the accounts of Jesus’ birth. Today, even some Christians find the Virgin birth hard to believe, and prefer to see Jesus as simply human. Are miracles impossible? Who would most likely know the truth? Mary, the Mother of Jesus gives us her experience in Luke’s Gospel. As Luke was a doctor, she may have told him the details herself. Matthew gives us Joseph’s account. Mary received an angelic message that though still a virgin, she would have a son who would be called, ‘God with us’. She was shocked. She may have asked ‘Why me?’. She did ask ‘How?’. She was not yet married to Joseph, and would fear his reaction, as there was a severe punishment for adultery. Yet she had enormous faith and entrusted her whole life into God’s hands. Joseph did not expect this, but as a man of principle, he decided to break the engagement privately. Then an angel brought a message, ‘Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has conceived by the power of God’s spirit. She will have a son, the Messiah, and you will name him Jesus’. The claim that this child was born by a divine action, is something we cannot settle apart from the witness of Mary and Joseph. Who are we to say they were both wrong? The miracle is not how God did this, but why He intended to come to our planet. Once you admit that there is a supreme, creative power, a great love, who can and does intervene in this world, the difficulties vanish. As Lord of creation it is appropriate for Him to provide cells that transmit His essential essence, so that the divine/human person of Jesus could develop. Conception is the obvious moment. He did not come to earth to terrify us, but became a very small human to attract us. The whole of the Christian faith depends on who Jesus really is. If it is true that Jesus lived, spoke and acted as the Son of God it is probable and fitting that His birth was unique in continued from page 46

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history and in religious experience. We should expect Him to stop a storm, to heal the sick and to raise the dead. Consider what God declared at Jesus’ baptism, and what Jesus says of Himself. ‘Have I been with you all this time Philip, and still you do not know me? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father’ (John 14). Many who knew Him believed He was God with us, and Jesus accepted their worship. That was why He was finally condemned to crucifixion. All His life He showed a unique relationship with the Lord of creation, and at the end, death could not hold Him, the miracle of Easter. So when this long promised Messiah finally came, are you surprised at the reactions of the angels and the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon and Anna and millions of people like you and me? Barbara MacKellar (All Saints’ Church)

The Word of God from David Burbridge Jesus said, Saul, Saul, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest, but I make thee a minister and a witness, to open eyes and to turn from darkness to light, and the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins by faith that is in Me. Saul, renamed Paul, then witnessed, saying those things which the prophets did say should come; that Christ should suffer, that He should be the first that should rise from the dead and should show light unto the people. Acts 26 v 14-23

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Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire are looking for Home Visiting Volunteers Our volunteers are all parents or grandparents who can give a few hours a week to help families who are finding it difficult to cope. All parents need emotional and practical help to get through the first few years, but not everyone has friends or family nearby. This is when Home-Start volunteers can help!

The 10 Session training course for new volunteers will take place on the following dates: October Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th, Wednesday 17th, Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th

November Wednesday 7th, Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th, Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 28th

For more details contact Katie or Sarah at:Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP Tel: 01763 262262 or e-mail admin@hsrsc.co.uk Registered Charity No 1105385

the Melbourn unit. If you have yet not done so the contact details are shown below. Andy Bendon will contact all those interested in Beavers or Cubs before Christmas with the date, time and venue for a sign-up session. If you are interested and have yet to let us know, please contact either Andy Bendon: andybendon@btinternet.com Or Sandra Tyrrell: first-orwell-beavers@ hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07811636885

Bowls Malcolm Davey 262704 Bridge Club Howard Waller 261693 1st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505 Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Brownies 2nd Melbourn Samantha Pascoe 261400 Cricket Martin Winter 262733 Croquet Janet Pope 248342 Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109 Dynamos Football Club Les Morley 07739 593771 Gardening Club Helen Powell 245887 Judo Derek Coult 225004 Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Photographic Club Bruce Huett 232855 Ramblers Dave Allard 242677 Royston and District Round Table Michael Seymour 221398 Squash Club Nick Sugden 261064 Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593 Tennis (Melbourn) Dave Liddiard 07508 995 781 Tennis (Meldreth) Sue Davies 220174

Beavers and Cubs in Melbourn The Group Scout Leader Andy Bendon, who is based at Orwell, will be shortly starting up Beavers and Cubs in Melbourn. Where and when would it meet? – Both Beavers and Cubs will meet on Friday evening, using the Army Cadet building located at the edge of the recreation ground on The Moor (opposite to the bowling club). Exact timings still need to be agreed. When will things start happening in Melbourn? – It is planned to start operating the unit at Melbourn in mid January 2013, beginning with alternate weeks here and then at Orwell, moving to every week at Melbourn once volunteer helpers and new leaders from Melbourn are confident enough. Why do we need helpers and leaders? – To operate independently in Melbourn a rota of parent volunteer helpers will be needed and also at least two trained leaders each for both Beavers and Cubs. Leader training at this level is fairly easy and takes only a few sessions to complete. Andy Bendon hopes that some volunteers for leader training become visible this year so that training can get started at Orwell unit, prior to the Melbourn start up in January. The whole enterprise stands or falls on getting leaders trained to look after the Melbourn Group. Parent helpers are needed badly, but an independent Melbourn unit cannot run without locally trained leaders. What Happens Next? Many parents have already declared an interest in putting boys forward for

Grinnel Hill BMX Club After a major set back with torrential rain damage late spring spring, we opened our gates in June of this year. Since then we’ve had a total of 53 club members join combining of both Seasonal and Day members, from Melbourn itself, to as far as London and Nottingham. Weather permitting we’ve remained open every Saturday between June and September of this year, as well as on a selection of weeknights during the long summer evenings. The aim for the club is to promote an activity for the young community of Melbourn and surrounding areas to participate in, with the guidance of our committee and experts, all of whom are CRB checked, as well as 3 being First Aid trained, in a safe and friendly environment. Members have access to free BMX coaching and expertise on site during club open days. The club is now open annually April to September. Strictly for BMX use only, for ages 12 and older, members have the option of either becoming a seasonal member for £20 (April to September), or a day member (per session) for £5. For more details and to download your membership form today please visit www.grinnelhillbmx.co.uk

Acknowledgements A local group of BMX riders have put many hours of hard work and dedication into building the BMX jumps on the site of Grinnel Hill, getting them ready for the grand opening earlier this year, and continue to maintain them to a safe standard since. None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of the Melbourn Parish Council. melbournmagazine

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1st Melbourn Guides Phew what a scorcher! Do you remember the summer? It was one week in July, and 1st Melbourn Guides were lucky enough to be on summer camp. At our County campsite in Newmarket we learnt to build and cook over fires, made gadgets from timber and string, walked to the swimming pool for a much needed shower, joined other groups for campfire singing, and on the last night many girls slept outside under the stars. Inspired and motivated by the Olympic team spirit, the patrols spent

the early part of the autumn term competing in a Guide team pentathlon. Competition was fierce for the seated beach volleyball, the five-a-side Chairball (think netball rules and a chair to aim at) and balloon relay races. Team brain triathlon and Brain Gymnastics were the other two challenges: a trio of quizzes for the triathlon, and a choice of puzzles for individual girls to attempt for the gymnastics. At the medals ceremony the teams had to parade their mascot, sing their homemade national anthem, and perform their own ‘Mobot’ style pose.

We’d like to take this time to once again thank the Parish Council for another kind donation, this time funding the supply of 150mt of hose pipes and accessories, and 40 tarpaulins to protect various aspects of the site over the winter months. In preparation for next year, we now have an extensive winter programme underway which will make further, exciting improvements to the site. See you in the spring! Please visit www.grinnelhillbmx.co.uk to view a video promoting the club! melbournmagazine

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We currently have a full unit and a waiting list, and would welcome another adult leader. If you would like to know more about becoming a Guide or a leader, or if you have any skills or hobbies which you would like to share with us, please contact me on: 01763 261443 or email: melbournguides@ gmail.com Hilary Marsh

Cole, Head of London School of Horticulture/Landscaping at Capel Manor College, broadcaster local BBC Radio Essex, writer, gardener, designer. 12th February 2013 Alpines Angela Whiting owns a traditionally run specialist Alpine nursery in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, which sells common and unusual alpine plants propagated & grown on the premises. Appeared at Chelsea 2012 12th March 2013 Carolyn Gohler, Travels to Spain through the Pyrenees to Andalusia. Horticultural, floristic diversity and Moorish Gardens New members and visitors very welcome. For more information contact Helen 01763 245887

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Melbourn and District »» Gardening Club Are you interested in gardening? Why not join the Melbourn and District Gardening Club on a regular or occasional basis. We meet at 7.30p.m on the second Tuesday each month, at the Community Hall, behind All Saints Church (near traffic lights, lane by telephone box) 2012 In August we met on a very hot sunny day for tea in the garden. Club members brought cakes to share. Richard Todd, Head Gardener at Anglesey Abbey visited us in September to talk about Autumn & Recycling Garden Waste. We learnt how to make sweet smelling crumbly compost and the best way to produce leaf mould. Peter Jackson from Scotsdales Garden Centre came in October to talk about Drought Resistant Plants, and the best way to cope with and improve our soil, as most of us garden on chalk. Our AGM in November was followed by Richard Ayres (retired Head Gardener at Anglesey Abbey) talk on ‘How He Became a Gardener’ Advance Notice Coach Outing to Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show – 15th June 2013 The club will be visiting Gardeners World Live and BBC Good Food Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham on Saturday 15th June 2013. Two pick up points in Melbourn and Royston. Places can be booked in the New Year. Non members are welcome. 11th December 2012 Quiz and Christmas Social Evening 8the January 2013 Perennials: Traditional and Contemporary - Tom

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The Ramblers’ Association Royston and District Group Our walks programme continues right through the year. For details visit our website: www.ramblers-hertsnorthmiddlesex.org.uk or contact David Allard 01763 242677. Email: david.allard@ntlworld.com or Lesley Abbiss 01763 273463. There is also a poster displaying walks for the current month in both Melbourn and Royston libraries. We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5–7 miles in the morning and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Some Sunday walks are Figures of Eight making it possible to do only the morning or only the afternoon. Half-day walks are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Prospective new members are welcome and may come on three walks before deciding whether to join.

including some local students, which has stimulated some lively sessions. The programme December to April comprises: December 4 Club evening: Judging Point of View entries 11 Competition: Melbourn Trophy

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January 8 Christmas meal 15 Competition: Panel Prints 22 Lecture: Coast to Coast in the footsteps of Wainwright: Harry Tabeart 29 Club evening:

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February 5 Lecture: A Tale of Two Cities: Adrian Stone 12 Competition: Projected image 19 Lecture: Seasonal Scenes: Barry and Liz Hatten 26 Competition: Prints

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March 5 Club evening: 7 (THURS) Competition: Melbourn v. Saffron Walden and Letchworth AT LETCHWORTH 12 Competition: Projected Image of the year 15 (FRI) Competition: Melbourn v. Gamlingay AT GAMLINGAY 15 (SAT) Competition Melbourn Trophy Final 19 Competition: Print of the year 26 Club evening: Stroll around Foxton

»» »» »» »» »» »» »»

April 2 AGM

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New members, of any skill level, will be warmly welcomed. For further information please ring the secretary: Bruce Huett 01763 232 855

Melbourn Dynamos Melbourn And District Football Club For Boys and Girls aged Photographic Club This long standing club of local photographers from Melbourn and the surrounding area meets weekly from September to April at Foxton Village Hall. Meetings are from 7.30 to 9.30 on Tuesdays. We have recently welcomed a large number of new members,

4 – 18 years old All welcome!

www.melbourndynamos.co.uk MDFC is a friendly community football club that gives boys and girls the opportunity to play regular football regardless of their experience or ability.

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We have squads in all age groups from U7 (our new U7 squad is pictured) to U18 and have a permanent base at Melbourn Village College where we hold our training and home matches in beautiful surroundings. Our squads train weekly and play matches at weekends in the Royston Crow Youth League, as well as regional cup competitions. We have had many successes, both competitively and in our style of play, which has led to a number of our squads receiving the League’s Fair Play Award – voted for by other clubs in the League. Last season’s successes included the U10 squad winning the divisional trophy and the U16 squad reaching the finals of two major regional competitions – the Cambridgeshire County Cup and the Royston Youth Football League Cup. Congratulations to them all!

Melbourn Dynamites Ages 4 to 5 We run a Saturday morning fun football session for boys and girls aged 4 to 5 years. All welcome.

WANTED!! U14 players (Year 9) with or without experience U13 Goalkeeper (Year 8) who is committed to the role of goalkeeper, to be a regular member of our team. If you are interested in finding out more about MDFC, please contact Nicky Patel on 07951 590139 or email us on melbourndynamos@aol.com All of our coaches are CRB checked and qualified to a minimum of F.A. Level 1 standard. We are also recognised as a Charter Status Club which means that we have all the correct people and practices in place to operate in line with government requirements.

Melbourn Sports Centre For those of you who don’t already know, we have: state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes

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20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!) 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. We’re not going to let those long winter nights stop us from enjoying our exercise! As well as our indoor facilities like the swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, we have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Boxercise, Core Stability, Swim Clinic, AquaFit and Physio-led Pilates. At time of going to print, we are in the process of arranging our new running club, so watch this space!

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JEREMY RULE FUNERAL SERVICE Jeremy Rule. MBIE. Dip. FD. Ben Rule. Dip. FD.

Independent Local Family Funeral Director Providing a caring and personal service 24 hours a day for all your funeral needs. Offering Help & Guidance through every step.

Office & Chapel of Rest :

12, Church Lane, Royston, Herts SG8 9LG Telephone:

01763 242560 www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk 54

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We offer table tennis and short tennis alongside our normal indoor racket sports. And they’re all reasonably priced, so the one thing that will stay plump is your purse! With Christmas fast approaching, why not book a place on our Christmas KidzFactor activity days or our popular Christmas party, with a very special visitor! And if you’re looking for something different to buy your loved ones this year, then how about one of our Gift Membership Package or Gift Voucher? Don’t forget our February half term PlayScheme – book your place from January 2012.

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 further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.melbournsports.com. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Activities Still Available Swimming Lessons Waterplay These pre-school swimming lessons are an ideal first step for your child learning to swim, with the aims to build confidence in water, learning basic skills like floatation and movement using buoyancy aids. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 13.30–15.00 Fridays: 10.30–11.30 (30 min lessons) £3.25–£3.50 per lesson (paid termly) Parent & Tots Toddler Lessons This class is an ideal way to introduce you and your child into our popular swimming lessons programme in a safe and enjoyable environment. Age: 6 months – 3 years Wednesdays 13.30–14.30 (30mins lessons) OR PAYG £4.25 per lesson or £3.50 per lesson (paid termly) For more details or to book a place then

please contact Rupert or Graham on 01763 263313.

Melbourn Bridge Club We continue our enjoyable Monday evenings at the Vicarage Close Community Centre, attracting between 0 and 40 players each week. New players are very welcome and as always can attend with or without a partner – come on your own and we will guarantee you a game. The standard is mixed as with Bridge Clubs. Melbourn ranges from beginners to a reasonably high level, and we pride ourselves on a good friendly atmosphere. Just the place for a venture into duplicate bridge. The Club has recently held its first friendly match, played against Royston Bridge Club, with each side entering 4 teams of 4. The match was won by Melbourn, by the margin of 3 – 1 and an overall score of 18 imps. Congratulations are due to the 16 who represented Melbourn: F. Moynihan, D. Rowly-Jones, A. Allan, H. Waller, M. Thrower, S. Goswell, J. & J. Watson, B. Gibbs, J. Tulloch, M.&M. Deans, J. & J. Carey, J. Routledge, C. Martin. Any enquiries pleaser contact H. Waller 01763 261693 or e.mail howardandgillwaller@yahoo.co.uk

Melbourn Bowls Club The Bowls Club was particularly busy during August as a number of matches were postponed due to the wet weather at the beginning of the season and had to be fitted in alongside the other scheduled games. As we got to the end of the season our Cambridge and District League team achieved promotion to Division 1. So, congratulations are due to Rod Sell and his team. The Meldreth League Team finished third, while the afternoon Foxton League team finished seventh out of eleven but with a positive shots difference. The Business House League team managed to retain its place in the first division after last year’s promotion. The internal Club Competitions finals took place in September and the following people won titles.

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Monday Afternoon League – Ernie Brown Handicap – Geoff Bridger Men’s Singles – Paul Ferris Ladies Singles – Sue Sell Mixed Pairs – Di Clark & Jeff Maddin Drawn Pairs – Sue Sell & Malcolm Davey Club Triples – Betty King, Tony Jaquarello & Ernie Brown Fish & Chips Pairs – Jacqui Dodds & Doreen Bridger We will be having our Presentation Dinner on November 25 when the winners of the competitions, apart from the last two listed events, will be presented with their Trophies. Congratulations to Di Clark and Anne Howard on winning the Business House Ladies Pairs. This is a competition open to all clubs playing in the Business House League, so is quite an achievement. We held our Open Triples competition on August 26 welcoming competitors from fourteen other clubs. This was one of the days the weather cooperated and the competition was played in perfect conditions. At the end of a sociable but competitive day the winners were from the Cottenham Club, a triple of Keith Haswell, Christine Haswell and Eric Hobbs. During the winter we are continuing with Whist Drives every other Friday at 7.00pm in the Clubhouse. This is a friendly sociable event and prospective new members would be made very welcome at these evenings. For further details contact Arthur Andrews 01763 261990. The summer season will start next year with an Open Day to which potential new members are invited. This will probably be on 5 May 2013. Confirmation of the date will be available by the time you receive the next edition of the magazine.

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Tennis Club Well done Andy Murray; what a fantastic result to win the US Open and become a grand slam winner as well as Olympic champion whilst Heather Watson and Laura Robson are also achieving so much; what a great year for British Tennis. Here at the Melbourn and District Tennis Club we are getting our winter melbournmagazine

The Dolphin - a welcoming pub worth taking a detour for…

DOLPHIN

High Street, Melbourn

The Country Pub is a singularly English phenomenon, a well stocked bar, ale from the hand-pump, wholesome, hearty food are all the hallmarks. The Dolphin, nestled in the pretty village of Melborn, offers all of these plus a warm friendly welcome. One year on from a major refurbishment and business is still brisk, with new managers now at the helm the Dolphin still remains one of the best hostelries in the area. An all new Winter menu has recently been introduced, featuring an array of Famous Pub Classics. Why not try the slow-cooked Lamb shoulder casserole, or the Gloucestershire Old Spot Sausages with bubble & squeak, curly kale with recurrent & rosemary jus! Or you may prefer to be tempted with one of our mouthwatering chefs daily specials from our chalkboards? Food is available all day everyday from 12 noon until 9pm including Saturday and Sunday, with a traditional Roasts on Sunday. With the colder weather, just around the corner, the Dolphin is a most welcome addition after that bracing winter walk! With ample parking and a large well kept garden, there really is something for everyone at the Dolphin.

THE DOLPHIN 105, High Street, Melbourn, SG8 6AP Telephone: 01763 226004 • Email: 4199@greeneking.co.uk visit us on Facebook

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Specialist in the supply and funding of all new UK cars and light commercial vehicles. The contact details for Martin Bessell in based in melbourn are: Tel email

01763 220996 Fax 03333 441 043 martin.bessell@bowaterprice.com

Your Local Vehicle Specialists As your local sales manager for Bowater Price plc I have for many years been looking after the vehicle needs for companies and private individuals, both locally and nationally. I can supply any make or model, delivered to your door free of charge. I am happy to explain the various types of funding available, which include, Business Contract Hire, Finance Lease and Hire Purchase. For private individuals other options such as Personal Contract hire and Contract Purchase are available. Our customers include Clearwater, Dixons, Comet, Hillarys Blinds, Acer, Chubb, Bang and Olufsen. Call weekdays 9am to 5pm on

01763 220996

to discuss all aspects of vehicles

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Head ofce address • 6 Cornmarket • High Wycombe • Buckinghamshire • HP11 2BW tel • 01494 536536

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training kit out and wrapping up warm so we can carry on playing through the colder evenings and weekends. There are still spaces available for all ages and abilities on the coaching programmes so come and join us by contacting the Melbourn Sports Centre Reception or email Dave at www.set2play.co.uk or ring 07508 995781.

Melbourn Shotokan Karate Club The new Melbourn Shotokan Karate Club is run by Peter Khera (5th Degree Black Belt) with the primary objective of introducing the local community to the many benefits of training in the art of Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate was designed to benefit men, women and children of all ages by combining fluid techniques and natural body movements. Children will love the energetic nature of karate which is fun, focused and friendly. As a Karate instructor for over 20 years Peter affirms that karate training provides many benefits to children. The

introvert child often begins to blossom the structured drills that involve punching, blocking, kicking and shouting overcome shyness. The anxious or worried child becomes more confident and assertive as they learn to move and control their body. We can channel the energy in lively kids the child has a safe, healthy outlet in which to compete with themselves and others. They all progress in our classes as we use their motivation and help them to succeed as well as making new friends and keeping fit. Karate also benefits children by enhancing: concentration and self-discipline, teaching children to avoid using violence in confrontation, increasing self-confidence in all situations, as well as developing a sense of purpose and achievement. The children in karate classes know that more is expected from them, with the encouragement and support from their instructor and parents they will rise to the challenge. A child’s school achievement often improves after a period of training probably because of improved self confidence and enhanced concentration. All teenagers can benefit from

personal development Shotokan karate offers. In a time where pressure often requires us to have confidence to deal with situations and make decisions about conflicting ideas, a traditional approach, with enthusiasm to participate and take responsibility has to be beneficial. Teens will be encouraged to challenge themselves but at the same time, keep control of their own learning and sharing with others. If ‘teens are studying any of the following: GCSE, A Levels, GNVQ, Duke of Edinburgh, ASDAN, Scouts etc. We can integrate their karate training into academic study. Shotokan Karate for adults and families is an activity you can do independently, with friends or children, develop mentally, emotionally and physically as well as increase your self-confidence and personal security. Karate has many physical benefits of other sports but the ability to defend yourself effectively is one of the main benefits of Shotokan Karate but the discipline also promotes honesty, respect and patience. It is not just about physical fitness, but also about developing a more relaxed approach

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Large Selection of Antique, Good Quality Secondhand/Character Furniture, Collectables and Curiosities New Beds, Mattresses, Furniture and much more

Open Mon - Fri 9.30 – 4.30 Sat 9.30 - 4.00 House Clearances undertaken We also buy books, collectables, furniture etc. Tel: 07596 990660

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to life, and the ability to cope with stressful situations. Shotokan Karate is exhilarating and motivational. Peter Khera (5th Dan) instructor who has an enhanced CRB clearance teaches at the Melbourn Sports Centre and has over 25 years experience in Shotokan Karate. He opened his first Karate club 1994 and now has formed an Association called the Kamaete Schools of Traditional Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) and is Co- Chief Instructor. This association is affiliated to NAKMAS National Governing Body. Peter has competed in many tournaments at local, national and international levels attaining first, second and third on many occasions. Peter has released the KSTSK Grading Syllabus DVD which is the Ultimate Shotokan Karate Syllabus Training Guide from Beginner to Black Belt. An introduction to the DVD can be viewed on the www.kstsk.co.uk website. The new Melbourn club will meet at the Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College on Sundays 12pm Midday. The class is open to children, teens, adults and families. For more information call 07866 374674 or www.kstsk.co.uk

The Chris Boote Memorial Tournament 2012 The annual tournament in Chris’s memory took place in the middle two weeks of May at Fowlmere Sports and Social Ground. The first week the very brave attended and the bravest played. We watched in the car on the edge of the pitch with the wind-screen wipers working fully. Sadly for the teams and referees they had no cover and half time was shortened. Melbourn was one of the unlucky ones to go out in the first round They have played every year since the tournament began in 1983/ The winners this year were Foxton, with Danny Smith scoring the winning goal. The sponsors, (including several Melbourn businesses) players, and friends were very generous and twe are proud to say that the raffle and collection raised £4,550 for research into cancer. This year it was sent to Addenbrookes Cancer Research Fund, especially for research into malignant melanoma. We are very grateful to all the people who played and the people who work so hard to make this event so successful. Ray and Diane Boote.

Orwell Bridge Club An invitation for Bridge players new and old The Orwell Bridge Club would like to extend an invitation to Bridge players from Melbourn and other local villages. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested please contact Ruth Bruce on 01223 208876 or by email on rmbathome@googlemail.com. For those looking to improve their game we also have a small group who meet on Thursdays 2pm-5pm. This group is aimed at either new players keen to progress or more experienced players who need to brush up on bidding conventions, scoring etc. For more information call Judith on 01223 207453

melbournmagazine

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

feature Harry Boswell

Many people will remember the weather reports in the Magazine, written by Harry Boswell and Stephanie Bacon – They appeared from 1998 to 2004 when Harry and Stephanie left Melbourn for a new life in Malaysia. They settled near Melaka and built an eco friendly house, Cooltek, which roused a great deal of interest , not only in their local community, but nationally. Many people, government ministers, academics, builders etc, visited the house and they lectured widely. Electricity is generated free of pollution from 40 photovoltaic panels on the roof, and all hot water is heated by the sun via a thermal unit on the roof. They also installed a weather station on the roof! Sadly Harry died in early September and we reproduce this piece, sent by Stephanie, written by Harry for a local publication. He said that the 8 years they spent in Malaysia were the happiest of his life. They made many friends in Malaysia and Stephanie plans to stay in their home. Having driven in most parts of Malaysia since my first adventures in a hire car here in 1978, I can only say that the experience has been great fun. “In UK I spent a few years as a Ministry of Transport Driving and Traffic Examiner, yes I was a Civil Servant, and this period showed me most of the possible driving errors that could be experienced. Coming to Malaysia to drive meant leaving behind the general aggressive behaviour of young drivers and arriving in a country where smiles replaced clenched fists and horn blowing was replaced by a gentle wave. Malaysian drivers have an average age far below that in the UK, so speed is all-important and being careful is not always part of the scheme. Overtaking which is generally to the right in the UK is not even the norm here where both external mirrors become equally important. A broken nearside mirror would be a minor irritation to someone in Britain but here it makes safe driving impossible. Opportunities to get ahead are always taken by Malaysian drivers, demonstrating extreme skill and bravery on the driver’s part. Being 77 years old I would be treated as a doddering old fool on the roads in the UK but here I can join in the spirit of racing around with my Malaysian young bloods trying to keep ahead of those over friendly tailgaters. Rarely do I find myself behind a driver who is slowing my desired progress, whereas, before moving to Malaysia this was a constant annoyance, especially as I was often late for wherever I was going. Not needing to take my car to be safety tested by a UK Government Sponsored testing station every year is a great relief as I do my own servicing and take exception to others questioning my DIY skills. Here too the number of radar speed cameras is a fraction of the multitude in the UK, although I have twice been fined for driving at an excessive

speed on the North/South expressway. Now my three litre car has been replaced by a smaller hybrid I look forward to paying only toll charges when taking a trip to Kuala Lumpur. So is it all heavenly on the Malaysian roads? Well not quite. Having to keep my new little steel box from being scraped or dented in the more congested areas and during the ‘rush hours’ requires much concentration and a fair degree of skill. Parking usually needs to be hurried as someone will quickly stop close behind my reversing car and the clever auto parking feature can rarely be of assistance. Those damaging high kerb areas and deep wide storm drains are waiting to catch out the unwary and have caught me out once or twice. Traffic lights are one of the most risky junctions on the roads here as many drivers and motor cyclists cross after the lights have changed to red and anyone who decides that the green light means ‘go’ may one day get a very nasty surprise. We had a saying in the UK that a green light does not mean ‘go’ but to proceed with caution; essential when leaving Tiara. Never was that saying more appropriate than in Malaysia. Being closely followed by another car, tailgating, is even more popular here than in the UK and puts the occupants of both vehicles at risk. The leading driver may need to make a sudden stop for very many reasons and in bad cases it is unlikely that the following vehicle will even be able to apply the brake before colliding. I do not have a safe answer to preventing tailgating apart from slowing excessively to encourage overtaking or accelerating away at a speed you wish not to use, there seems little one can do. Securing persons firmly within their seat has proved the best way of reducing injuries when the car is stopped by a collision but it is far too common to see unsecured Malaysian children. Air bags are becoming more standard in the latest vehicles but the numbers fitted are still well below European standards. Perhaps we should encourage manufacturers to correct this, by asking every car salesman how many air bags are fitted. Hopefully by driving with caution and in a defensive manner, I will be able to stay out of the accident statistics but I am fully aware that an unforeseen nasty event could happen at any time. With eight air bags in my car and a firmly adjusted seat belt, my chances of avoiding serious injuries are good. The safety advantages that I enjoy should be available to all Malaysians and my wishes are safer in the very near future. It can and must be done.”

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Dan Alder Painting & Decorating

13 Rupert Neve Close Melbourn Nr Royston SG8 6FB

Mobile: 07843 621885

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

What’s on Cambridge Theatre Challenge Would you like to write a one act play for the stage and enter it in a competition where short listed plays are given full performance, judged by the audience, considered for publication and given a written assessment by a publishing company? The winning playwright will also receive a cash prize of £200. Every play will be read in its entirety by a minimum of two judges and entrants will receive two lots of feedback on request, at no extra charge! A shortlist of up to ten plays will be drawn up and posted on the Sky Blue website. Local actors and a production team will be assembled by professional directors to rehearse the plays for performance at the Junction Theatre in Cambridge 6th and 7th July 2013 where the audience will vote for the winner. Closing date for submissions is 30th March 2013. Plays must be submitted on line and full details can be found on our website www.skybluetheatre.com/newplaywriting.php

Emerge Festival Celebrating the arts in our communities across South Cambridgeshire The first Emerge Arts Festival is scheduled to take place throughout February and March 2013. The Festival will celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of arts and culture in our communities across South Cambridgeshire. It will present an opportunity for groups and organisations in South Cambridgeshire to share what they are doing more widely with others. Look out for more details about the arts on your doorstep and visit the Emerge website for details of what’s on. Are you putting on an arts or cultural event in South Cambridgeshire in February or March 2013? Do you want to let everyone know about the arts in your community? Would you like to increase participation and/or your audiences? If the answer is yes, then we would love you to be part of the Emerge Festival. The Festival is a stART/South Cambridgeshire District Council initiative and it’s free to register. For more details of the programme or how to take part see www.emergearts-festival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/EmergeFestival-2013-enquiry-form1.pdf

Arts Development: Goodbye from Kirstin I’ve been the Arts Development Manager at MVC for 4 years now and am heading off on maternity leave. I’ve enjoyed being part of a diverse range of arts projects in Melbourn from the Between the Notes concert in Melbourn Church to MVC’s 50th anniversary window and the Unpicked Meadow project. As importantly I’ve enjoyed getting to know the fantastic

community here. I look forward to seeing everyone again in future and in the meantime to hearing about more exciting projects with Bryony Graham, my maternity cover. If you’re part of a group interested in working with an artist, hosting an arts event or if you run an arts related group and need some support then contact your local Arts Development Manager, Bryony Graham. She can support with everything from marketing and fundraising advice to contracting an artist. To contact Bryony email bryony@start-arts.org.uk, phone 07770 643165. The ADM is part of the stART partnership between village colleges and South Cambridgeshire District Council. StART run a number of district wide initiatives including an equipment bank and mobile cinema for community groups to hire. See their website www.start-arts.org.uk for more information.

Local Arts Mailing List Do you want to know what’s going on locally? The local arts mailing list will include details of events and workshops linked to the arts in its widest sense (drama, art, music, dance etc). To join and receive occasional email updates contact your local ADM by emailing bryony@start-arts.org.uk with the word subscribe in the title. If you have a local arts related event or workshop, you’d like to promote then contact them with the event details.

Would you like to be a Creative Volunteer? Free training this spring with CATalyst CATalyst is a new community initiative that is developing in the village based on the findings of the Melbourn Village Plan community consultation. CATalyst aims to work in partnership with existing community groups, charities and organisations in co-ordinating resources and volunteers and developing new initiatives to meet those needs that were mentioned by residents who feel isolated in the community. This includes supporting and developing inter-generational projects. CATalyst needs volunteers for supporting & befriending those who are isolated in the community especially the elderly and less mobile and working in partnership to develop intergenerational initiatives in the community. As part of this we’re offering a free training session for anyone who’d like to use their creative skills in this kind of volunteering. No previous artistic experience necessary and all levels welcomed. You’ll work alongside artist Caroline Wright for a day and a half of training in creative activities this autumn. Learn how to use your own creativity to support those who are isolated in the community especially the elderly and less mobile. To register your interest, please contact Sharon Camilletti, Telephone 0774 953 0112 email: community@villageplan.melbourn.org.uk melbournmagazine

The Black Horse welcomes you … Steve, Kerry and all the staff would like to welcome you to The Black Horse, Melbourn A traditional country pub which serves real ales, with a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to have a quiet drink, a bite to eat or you’d like to watch televised sporting events, a warm welcome is guaranteed. Dining Food is served Tuesday-Sunday 1200-1400hr & 1800-2030hr. Parking The Black Horse has it’s own private car park and there is also ample local street parking available. Outdoor Facilities We have a large Beer Garden to the rear comprising a decking patio area overlooking an fully-enclosed garden with children’s play equipment. Smokers Smoking inside the bar areas is not permitted by law but in addition to the outdoor patio/ garden we also have a substantial permanently covered and partly enclosed decked seating area which, although open-air, offers very effective protection from the elements.

Children We aim to provide a family-friendly environment. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome inside the bar lounges. At the moment we only have one high-chair available, but customers are welcome to make their own arrangements. For baby/ toddler feeding just ask if you need any water or anything warmed. Dogs We recognise that some of our customers like to include the pub on their dog walk, and we aim to accommodate them but do ask that in consideration of our other patrons dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Particularly inside the premises the lead needs to be short enough to keep your dog close to you. Private Functions The Black Horse is available for private functions, for further details just give us a call.

The Black Horse 63 Orchard Rd, Melbourn, Royston. SG8 6BP Telephone 01763 262136 email: info@theblackhorsemelbourn.co.uk

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

The New Melbourn Singers This term the choir has been busy rehearsing David Fanshawe’s ‘African Sanctus’, an exciting and challenging work. David Fanshawe travelled through Africa in the 1960s and 70s recording songs which he intermingled with more familiar words from the Latin Mass and Anglican Liturgy in settings that are lively and melodic. The choir joins with other village choirs to form the Cambridgeshire Choral Society and together they are performing the ‘African Sanctus’ on Saturday 16th February 2013 at West Road Concert Hall. It should be electrifying with a large choir, and also African drummers, plus guitars, organ and, not least, the amazing music of Africa. If you want your socks blown off come along on 16th February! The choir is also practising for a second concert on Saturday 27 April at St John’s College Chapel when the Choral Society will be singing Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ and Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’. Both these are beautiful and popular pieces and a joy to sing. The choir meets on Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 9.30pm at Meldreth Primary School and has regular (approximately one a month) rehearsals with the Cambridgeshire Choral Society at Comberton Village College. There is no audition required to join the choir but a knowledge of music is helpful. New members are always welcome. For further information see the website www. cambs.choral.org.uk or contact Jane Stevens 261858

Team Janice’s Next Event!! As many of you know Janice Guest sadly passed away in November 2010 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2009. Janice was very much part of the community in Melbourn and served on the Parish Council and was the District Councilor for Melbourn, Heydon and The Chishills in her role on South Cambridgeshire District Council. The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) helped support Janice and her family during her illness by arranging loan equipment that was needed and regular visits from a support worker. The MNDA also does extensive research into this disease and their belief is that one day there may be a cure. As a tribute to Janice & a thank you to MNDA for their support and their ongoing important work into this dreadful disease ‘Team Janice’ have signed up for yet another challenge ‘The 5k Santa Run’ in London on Sunday 9th December 2012. Thirteen of us will be running this year Erica, Bill, Oliver & Benjamin Mansfield, Helen Ashworth, Claire, Richard, Josh & Iona Bates, Rebecca Harris Collins, Lee Dawson, Sarah Adams & Louise Ebanks. We are proud to say that to date we have raised the staggering sum of £18,000 through a variety of events we have hosted & taken part in. These

include a 10k run by Erica & friends, Jeremy (Janice’s son in law) did the London to Cambridge bike ride, Oliver (Janice’s Grandson) had a darts competition, a friend of the family Edward Dodson completed the London Marathon, we hosted a very successful Charity Summer Ball at the Sheene Mill and we were delighted when the Duxford Choir came & sung at a concert at All Saints Church, Melbourn. Please help us to continue our work for this much deserving cause & a huge thank you to everyone who has supported in the past. You can sponsor us online at doitforcharity.com/ERICAM or please feel free to contact Erica or any of the team for further information as to other ways to support MNDA. We’ll see you all at the finishing line!! Team Janice

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Available on Royston Market: Fresh Fruit and Veg Email: sprintprinters@hotmail.co.uk

Self Contained Office To Let at Long Barn, Meldreth

Approx.19'6" × 10' With all facilities £200 + vat PCM For detail contact 01763 263339 or 07860 734176

Fish direct from Great Yarmouth Bread and Cakes, Flowers and Plants Groceries Jewellery (Gold bought for Cash) Picture Framing Plastics Swimming Pool Supplies (the only licenced chemical market trader in the UK!) Kitchenware Antiques Pet Supplies.

New Traders Always Welcome For Further Information Please Contact: Emma Burgess, Market Manager on 01763 245484 or email: markets@roystontowncouncil.gov.uk

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Foxton Pantomime – Cinderella At 19.30 Friday 18th & Saturday 19th January 2013 At Melbourn Village College Once again, under the directorship of that infamous impresario and painter, Andy Ranner , Foxton Players Youth Group will be presenting Foxton’s very own version of Cinderella (including an adaptation of Strictly Come Dancing) with an ‘all star cast’ including with some who still think they are in their youth!! Featuring some of Foxton’s top ‘performers’ with Cambridge City Captain Ada Cambridge and Andy Brown playing the two ugly sisters, the indomitable ‘Buttons’ competing with Prince Charming for Cinderella’s affection, and none other than Tessa, in her ‘usual function,’ as the Fairy Godmother. The ball will take place at the well known ‘Nookie Castle’ in Foxton, where our prince lives and you will find Foxton’s very own ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with judges played by… well, you’ll have to come along and find out! And of course, our very own Brucie. This is a must for all the family, so don’t miss this ‘fab-u-lous’ post-Christmas entertainment. To book your tickets pleases phone the booking office on 01223 870067 and ask for Craig or Alesha…!!! Tickets, in due course, will be available from Foxton PO Shop and the White Horse. The youth group has donated a great deal to charity over the years, and this year the money will be going towards ‘Teenage Cancer Trust,’ a very worthwhile charity and our local project, ‘The Half Pipe project,’ a scheme to build a skate board and scooter cum BMX Park in the village. Naturally, we are looking for sponsors. If you know of any business or a local person that is willing to participate as a sponsor please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator, Anne, on the above telephone number. If you would like a small advert placed in the programme this can be arranged as well.

Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church Meldreth Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December 11am to 5pm Entrance free Special Appearance by Noah the Donkey and Shetland pony.

Winter Flower Festival All Saints’ Church Melbourn 1st, 2nd and 3rd February 2013. Viewibg by candlelight on 1st. Sponsorship or offers of help welcomed. For more information contact Rebecca Gatward at rebecca.gatward@btinternet.com Or Rosemary Gatward 01763 261225

feature Making Every Moment Count Peter Tingley, Legacy Ambassador The work of the Arthur Rank Hospice goes on day after day, night after night, seven days a week and fifty-two weeks of the year. It is a service provided absolutely free to all and any adult suffering from a life limiting condition and needing support and care. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to give full expression to the phrase “making every moment count”. We enrich the lives of patients and families alike with our devoted care and attention be it for an in-patient in the hospice itself, in the patient’s home, or on a day care basis, including therapies, counselling, treatments and physiotherapy etc. In addition we offer extra services to support the family with relief companionship through to bereavement counselling. Our volunteer drivers cover thousands of miles a year transporting patients to and fro treatment centres and our Chaplain co-ordinates the work of other spiritual counsellors from twenty other denominations. In addition our volunteers provide essential in house services such as the tea bar, gardening and as Ward Assistants amongst many others. The Arthur Rank Hospice is well known throughout the area and we believe that many people know of the charity either because of their own family’s experience or that of a friend or neighbour. It is a privilege to work with so many people from communities and villages and I welcome this opportunity on behalf of our staff and volunteers to thank our many other supporters who by making donations or raising funds help us to continue our work and maintain the high standard of excellence we seek to provide. There are many ways in which to support the Hospice and our web site sets outs out the various options for your support. We have also found that leaving a gift in your will to help the work of the Charity can be immensely important and valuable. Your gift, of any size, can truly help us ‘make every moment count’. Visit arhc.org.uk to find out more about our work and how you might be able to help support the charity. Look for advice on how to leave a legacy. For further information about more about our work, how you can support your local Hospice, and advice on how to leave a lasting gift in your will, please contact: Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, 351 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3DF 01223 723115 www.arhc.org.uk peter.tingley@arhc.org.uk

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www.melbournflooring.co.uk VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM 9 TO 5 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 4 SATURDAY OR CALL ON 01763 262413 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF AMPLE FREE PARKING Melbourn Flooring and Interiors Limited is celebrating approval of their selling practices by the Office of Fair Trading, the consumer affairs champion. OFT approval means that Melbourn Flooring and Interiors Limited will be using a new Consumer Code of Practice, which will take all the worry out of buying a carpet. melbournmagazine

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We print 2200 copies of the Melbourn Magazine which is delivered free to every house in the village four times a year. Note: colour advert space is limited, please contact us for further details. Adverts should be supplied as finished artwork and must be at the sizes below. Please send artwork to mag@melbourn.org.uk. The current rates for advertising in the Magazine are as follows: Size per…

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Annum

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Advertisers

Type of business

Tel. No.

Activenesse All Eyes Amber Osteopathy Austral Crosby

Fitness Fun Spectacle Makers Osteopathic & Sports Injury Clinics Chartered Accountants

07914 586218 01954 231545 01462 742942 01763 222111

Baby Sensory Baker Associates Bannold Bassingbourn Golf Club Bling Black Horse Bowater Price Bretts Bury Lane Farm Shop Butlers

Classes for babies Ground Water systems Landscaping Materials Scenic 9 Hole / 18 Tee golf course Nail Design Pub & Restaurant Local Vehicle Specialists Plumbing and Heating Fresh produce, Coffee shop Taxi and Car Service

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Cambridge Building Society Cambourne Self Storage Carters Shoes Cheap Storage Chris Thomas CHS (Moorlands Court) Cloudy2Clear Cooper, P.L. & Sons Ltd

Building Society Secure Storage Shoes – wide choice Secure Storage Professional Cleaning Homecare & Meals Service Window repair Flooring Specialists

01763 217510 01767 676189 01223 264930 01763 262344 01223 836002 01763 260564 0800 6121118 01763 260918

Dan Alder The Dolphin

Painting & Decorating Pub & Restaurant

07843 621 885 01763 226004

ESSE

Retail Therapy

Fen Feeds Fieldgate Nurseries Fowlmere Village Hall Frogend Pet Supplies

Animal feeds Fruit, vegetables, flowers & plants Hall Facilities Pet supplies

01223 260082 01763 260737 08704 649 200 01763 263342

Greenlow

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01945 428757 01763 448197 01763 245888

Jazzercise Jeremy Ashworth Jeremy Rule

Dance based Fitness Electrician & Property Maintenance Funeral Service

07703 422394 01763 230831 01763 242560

01763 261000

Advertisers

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Julie Newby

Beauty Therapist

01763 208387

Kathleen Harry B.Sc.Hons.

Osteopath

01223 842978

Langford Windows Langham Press Law Storage Leech & Sons The Letting Centre Little Hands

Glazing Specialists Printers Secure storage Butchers Letting Agency Nursery School

01462 701828 01223 870266 01223 874629 01763 260255 01763 263039 01763 260964

Marfleet Construction

Builders

01206 855000

Mel-bourn2Swim Melbourn Flooring Melbourn Garage Melbourn Ironing Service M&M Books M&M Furniture Millside Cabinet Makers Molly Maid

Swimming School Flooring, Tiling & Home Interiors MOT and Servicing Second hand & rare books Antique and Secondhand furniture Bespoke furniture Cleaning Services

01763 262344 01763 262413 01763 263344 01763 220996 01763 849789 07596 990 660 01763 261870 01462 896123

Phillimore Garden Centre Prince Property Improvements Property Repairs

01763 260537 01763 269565

The Red Lion Redgate Plastering Rothwells Rubber Roofing company

Hotel & Restaurant Plasterers Carpet Cleaning Roofing Solutions

01223 832047 07588 472 691 01223 832928 01763 869035

Simon Robinson Siobhan Costello South Cambs Motors The Spice Hut Sprint Printers St Georges

Picture Frames Complementary Therapies Motor Car Servicing Indian Takeaway Printers and Copiers Nursing Home

01223 873123 01480 831580 01763 260246 01763 262425 01763 263339 01763 242243

Taylor & Co Tree Tops

Chartered Accountants Small tree work

01763 248545 01223 208733

Urban Plastics

Plumbing, electrical supplies

01763 262337

Walnut Medical Warners Wrights Mower Centre

Healthcare Information Letting Agency Garden Machinery Supply & Maint.

01763 223223 01763 242528 01763 263393

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MAGAZINE ADVERTISERS

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

Printed by The Langham Press

Issue 72 Winter 2012

Articles inside

Sports & Clubs

What’s on

feature Making Every Moment Count

Village Information

Education

Village News

profile – The Barber’s Shop

Nature

From County Councillor – Susan van de Ven

Safer Melbourn

Mettle Hill Traveller Site, Meldreth

Trading Standards

CAB