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Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society 5 R.N.L.I. 6 Royal British Legion 6 Melbourn Play Parks Update 6 Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group 7 Melbourn Village Fete 7 Forever Active 8 Library News 9 QEII Community Champion Award 9 Rail User Group 10 Royston Ladies Circle 10 Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group Lunch Club 10 Macmillan Cancer Support 11 Oil Club 11 CAMTAD – Demonstration of Hearing Help Equipment 11
MADS Melbourn Amateur Dramatic Society
Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) is a newly re-established group. The Society was set up in order to bring entertainment, fun and regular social events to residents of Melbourn, Meldreth and surrounding villages.
Our very first performance ‘The Lost Slipper’ was performed in November 2012. The cast included local people that have acted before and some who were treading the boards for the very first time! We range in ages from 16 to over 60. Fancy being part of the next production? New members of the team are always welcome. Enthusiasm, commitment and a great sense of humour is more important than experience; so if you fancy being part of the next ambitious production, have lots of time to spare in the evenings and you are over 16 years of age, please let us know. Want to be part of the production crew? We seek reliable and dedicated people to help out behind the scenes with lighting, sound, music, props and costumes for future productions. So if you would like to become part of the team and have a great sense of humour, please let us know. We are also seeking an administrator to help us with sourcing sponsorship and donations; perhaps you have an artistic flare for creating eye catching posters and programs, we need your help, so please let us know. Donna 232622.
Since its foundation in 1824, R.N.L.I. has saved 140,000 lives.
Officially the 140,000th was Bogdan Bocaneala, who was kite surfing off the Aberdeenshire coast when his legs became entangled with the lines of his kite. The Fraserburgh all-weather lifeboat went to his aid and the volunteer crew were able to pull him aboard. A fairly routine rescue, albeit one for which the man was very grateful.
As usual, when the lifeboat was back at the station, the coxswain filled in a form using the R.N.L.I. computer system, recording details of the incident. This happens after every launch of every boat at every one of the charity’s 236 stations and it was this database that revealed that this was the 140,000th life saved.
There are of course strict criteria that the rescue has to meet in order to qualify as a life saved; it has to be clear that a life would have been lost if the lifeboat and/or its crew had not been involved.
This figure is in addition to the thousands of other people the charity has helped in other ways -many rescues do not qualify as ‘lives saved’, but just as ‘lives at risk’.
As this magazine prepares for publication R.N.L.I. crews and also Lifeguards, will be continuing their work around our coasts, on the sea, on rivers and beaches; who knows how we might need them in 2013? (In November 2012. R.N.L.I. flood rescue teams helped people caught in severe floods in St Asaph, North Wales. We hope this situation does not befall anyone this summer!)
None of this would be possible without volunteers, who collect money and man stalls to keep the service running. Please could you help?
Just one hour of your time would be so valuable to us-please call the number below and we could give you some dates when we will be collecting. Thank you so much J Emes 01763 245958 The Last Parade
On 27th January 2013 The Melbourn and Meldreth Men’s Branch of The Royal British Legion paraded their Standard for the last time; this was the Laying Up of the branch Standard at All Saints’ Church Melbourn. The retired Standard is laid up and left to disintegrate to dust, and is not to be reconditioned or refurbished.
The hand over of the Standard was performed by retiring Branch Chairman Patrick Parkinson and laid up by the Reverend Andrew O’Brien.
The ceremony signalled the official closure of the branch as officials retired and positions were unable to be refilled.
I extend my most sincere thanks to all those who have supported the branch during its long existence. Patrick Parkinson
Melbourn Play Parks Update
The Play Parks team have managed to secure some additional funding through grant applications. The awards from grants now total £55k; £20k from AMEY CESPA, £25k from SITA and £10k from the Fields In Trust.
The Parish Council has been very supportive from the beginning of this project and have regularly contributed money to enable works to continue. Recently the Parish Council supplemented the plans by improving the gates to the park to make it safer and improve access for the disabled. They have also agreed to finance the last part of the project to install a new central piece of equipment. The team and the children of Melbourn owe a big debt of gratitude to the Parish Council.
We have also raised approximately £4k through local fundraising. Thanks to everyone who has helped by attending the various events. We recently held a very successful event at Palazzo’s in Royston where over £400 was raised. A big thank you to Palazzo’s and those who attended. A fantastic evening was had by all.
Finally, before Christmas the Play Parks team won a Community Support Award for its work on the park and we would like to sincerely thank the Parish Council for this recognition. Where are we now and what are the next steps?
If you have been past the park recently you will have seen that the Toddler area and Zipwire are now in place and a huge new slide has been installed.
Because we now have access to sufficient funds to finish the park it was considered sensible to keep the park closed until the final work is complete. The closure is likely to last until at least late April. The park closure is to avoid issues with safety and to enable new grass to establish. We understand the frustration of having the park closed for a few months but I hope you agree it will be worth it once it is complete. Wicksteed (who are supplying most of the equipment) and other contractors should be back on site in March and April to carry out the following installations: • A new swing bank including a basket swing and junior swings • A rocking simulator chair roundabout suitable for the older children • A trim trail • Picnicking area and paths • A new central piece of equipment For up to date photos of the works, please see the ‘Park in Progress’ section on the website.
Wicksteed have notified us that some children have been entering the park at night and have been interfering with some of the equipment. We would like to remind parents and children that the site is shut for their own safety. Please encourage your children to stay away for their own protection.
We are planning to have a Park Opening Party when the works are complete so watch this space, or check the website for details. www.melbournplayparks.co.uk Samantha Wainwright, Chair, Melbourn Play Parks project.
The 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. The Group is for all women of any age. Meetings are held at 7.45 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month, except in December, and we vary our venues between Melbourn and Meldreth. We charge £1 on the night to cover expenses and there is an opportunity to make a donation to the chosen charity of the year. We usually have a guest speaker or some in-house entertainment followed by a chance to have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits.
On March 26th we will meet at All Saints’ Community Hall for a Lent reflection which will be led by Alan Hay. 23rd April sees us meeting in Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room, Meldreth when Julie Draper will give us a talk entitled ‘Training patients to get the best out of your doctor.’ Christopher South will be with us on 28th May when he will lead us on an evening of ‘Images without a camera’ and this will take place in Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room, Meldreth.
Should you wish to come along please do or contact Pat Smith or Sue Toule 260955 if you would like any more information.
Melbourn Village Fete & Music on the Moor
Saturday 29th June 2013 – 1pm till late
As ever the New Year brings fresh faces and new ideas to the Melbourn Village Fete & Music on the Moor committee. We’d like to send our thanks to those departing for all their help over the years and welcome our new members to what is already shaping up to be a fully packed event. Attractions
By popular demand we’ve re-booked the dynamic Dog & Duck Show to take part in the daytime attractions, along with our traditional events of Egg Throwing, Tug of War, Cadets Marching Band and Dog Talent Show. We’re looking forward to new attractions such as the Sawston Steel Band, the return of our local dance troupes, and more. Keep an eye on our website for information as attractions get confirmed.
During the day, there will be plenty of funfair rides to entertain the younger ones, from chairoplanes, bouncy castles and slides, to the ever-popular climbing wall. Our bar, BBQ and tearoom will be on hand to keep you stocked up on energy, with the usual wide selection of beers, lagers, ciders, soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs, teas, coffees and a fabulous range of cakes.
More fun and games will be provided by stalls manned by local clubs, charities and businesses selling plants and preserves through to temporary tattoos. If you are interested in being a stallholder please email stalls@melbournfete.co.uk for a booking form. Music
After last year’s response, we are delighted to announce that The Remnants will be our headliners at Music on the Moor, playing Rock, Pop and Soul covers from the fifties to the present day. They will be supported by other local bands (to be announced soon on our website). Our new acoustic stage will also allow us to provide you with a continuous variety of talent. Classic Vehicles
We’d like to put out a call to all classic vehicle owners and ask them to put the 29th June 2013 in their diary. The range of vehicles, from scooters to campervans last year was fantastic so we hope to encourage even more this year. Best in Class awards and mementos will be available. Please call Richard on 01763 262472 or email vehicles@melbournfete.co.uk for more information.
Competitions
The Melbourn Fete is all about bringing the village together to have fun, socialise
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme
Can we help you? Can we help a relative? Can we help a neighbour? Who does the Scheme help?
The scheme is open to anyone who requests our help including those who live alone or with their families but need the extra support offered by our services. Couples too are most welcome. It is also open to those in sheltered housing, as the scheme offers different, but complementary services. Note: The scheme also offers its services for short periods to cover the temporary absence of relatives who otherwise provide this support. We offer help with:
•Friendship and support via twice weekly visits and daily phone calls • Ordering and collection of prescriptions • • • • • • Basic shopping Collection of pensions Setting up Lifeline service Bereavement support Advice on benefits Going to the Post Office to pay your bills • Advice on getting repairs done in your home • Arranging transport to the hospital or other appointments • Just coming round for a chat What will it cost?
We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services. The fee is only £5 per week (a little more for couples). Margo Wherrell (Mobile Warden) 01763 260966 Mobile: 07935 315497 Email: tigress270549@aol.com Jeannie Seers (Deputy Warden) 01763 262651 Mobile: 07808 735066 Email: jeanseers1@ntlworld.com Joy Hyde (Assistant Warden) 01763 220139 Mobile: 07952 090089. Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity.
Without their help to man the gates, set bands up, sell raffle tickets, serve at the bar and BBQ, act as stewards, erect the marquees on Friday (and test the beer!), clear down on Sunday, and much, much more, the Fete would not happen. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please give Paula a ring on 07402 273527 or email volunteers@ melbournfete.co.uk. We look forward to meeting you! See you at the Melbourn
Fete & Music on the Moor on 29th June 2013! Catriona McKay, Melbourn Fete Committee (Treasurer) www.melbournfete.co.uk
and raise money for local groups. So to go back to our roots and build on our community spirit, we’re hoping to bring you some traditional village competitions. We’re thinking flowers, cakes, photography, and of course, odd shaped vegetables! Got some ideas? Then please let us know by emailing competitions@melbournfete.co.uk. We look forward to seeing (and tasting) your entries later in the year! Sponsors
The whole event couldn’t happen without the support of Melbourn Parish Council who allow us to use the land and other resources including the Pavilion. We also depend on the generosity and enthusiasm of our sponsors and volunteers.
If you are a company wanting to support your local community, or wondering how to improve your corporate responsibility, please contact Mary on 01763 262642 or sponsorship@melbournfete.co.uk. We are always looking for sponsorship, financially or in kind – perhaps you could help us with some printing, raffle prizes or publicity? We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteers
Last year’s amazing performance by the Olympic gamesmakers really highlighted something that we as a committee have always appreciated; just how important volunteers are!
The generosity of local people giving up their time, from as little as a precious hour, really makes the Melbourn Fete.
Forever Active
Forever Active are running Chair Based Exercise classes for Seniors 50+, at the Community Centre, Vicarage Close. For further information text or telephone Phil Seymour 07813 452740 or email: philipjseymour@gmail.com.
The start of work on the Police Station site is very good news for the Library. The future of the Library in Melbourn is now assured. There is a great deal of work to be done over the next year to ensure that the Library is accommodated in the best possible layout. We hope to keep the majority of our stock of books. If we have to reduce our stock we will take into account both the current usage and customer recommendations. In the meantime please limit book donations to small quantities of popular new books.
We have placed one of our carousels in the Railway Station and stocked it with books. This has been a great success and has had to be restocked both by David at the Station and the Library Team. There is no need to get the books stamped and it is up to the borrowers whether they return the books or not. We would like borrowers to consider putting back a good book they have read in place of the book they have borrowed.
We have formed a new book buying team. We have done this because the Library Service has almost stopped supplying us with new books. Three of our ladies have been considering possible choices of new books and have based their selections on listings by Richard & Judy and recommendations from the media and feedback from our own readers. The Richard & Judy books appeared to be very popular. They also obtained new children’s books for Christmas. The children’s picture books are being rotated with other stock every three months as they are very popular.
Books on hold or reservations are proving very popular. There is some delay as the Library Service only provides us with one delivery every 2 weeks. This means that it can take up to four weeks even when the book requested is in stock at another library. In the event that the book isn’t in stock or is already reserved then it is possible for the Librarian to check your position in the queue. If you are registered for emails with the Library you will receive a notice from the Library as soon as your book arrives at Melbourn.
Returning books borrowed from other Libraries or the Mobile can be done at Melbourn Library Access Point.
Whilst we don’t offer an information service we will always try to provide information or recommend an information service. We keep minutes of SCDC meetings on our people’s computers. This became relevant recently when there was an SCDC consultation about new housing in Melbourn. Mike Stapleton
New chapter for village train station
A carousel of free books is available at Meldreth train station with a varied selection books, donated to promote the joy of reading.
Susan van de Ven, chairman of the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group, said the carousel fits in beautifully with the station, which has now become a community focal point.
People enjoy sitting in the Victorian waiting room with a tea or coffee. The books are donated by local people and will help raise awareness of the Melbourn Library. People can take them away and they don’t have to bring them back. Books can be donated at Melbourn Library.
QEII Community Champion Award
Our readers may remember from the Winter issue of the magazine, one of our Parish Councillors, Peter Simmonett, who had been selected as a finalist for a prestigious QEII Fields in Trust Award. We are pleased to tell you that in November, at the inaugural Fields in Trust Awards Ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground in London, Peter was presented with the prestigious QEII Community Champion Award.
Peter was nominated for his achievement and tireless work in promoting the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge in Cambridgeshire, and was selected from 11 regional finalists throughout the UK by a judging panel including representatives from Asda, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, SITA Trust, Sport England and The Guardian.
The Fields in Trust’s Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge was an initiative to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and other great events of 2012 and aimed to protect as many outdoor recreational spaces as possible in perpetuity, as permanent grassroots legacies within communities across the UK.
Fields in Trust said, ‘Peter worked exceptionally hard to achieve the position of ‘The highest nominating Parish Council within the UK,’ with 7 sites protected as part of the Challenge. His efforts have exceeded all expectations and through his active promotion of the programme he helped achieve nominations from neighbouring Parishes.’
Alison Moore-Gwyn, then Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said: ‘If all parts of the country had a ‘Peter Simmonett’ then local outdoor spaces
Andy Barrow on the left, GB Wheelchair Rugby athlete, triple Paralympian and three time European gold medal winner, who presented the award to Peter Simmonett
would never be under threat, would never lack for funding and certainly would always be enjoyed by everyone in the towns and villages that they serve. Peter has taken The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge to all areas near his base in Melbourn in Cambridgeshire and has indeed championed its cause locally – it is small wonder that we have more Queen Elizabeth II Fields in East Anglia than in any other region – we thank him for all that he has done to support our work.’
Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group
We’ll be holding our AGM on 13 March 2013, 7:30, at Meldreth Manor School. All our meetings are open to the public and we are always delighted to welcome newcomers.
Please do come along and find out what we’ve been up to this past year, including prospective changes at Foxton Level Crossing. There is loads of information on our award-winning webpage of the Melbourn Village Website: www.melbourn.org.uk/railusergroup/ Any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Susan van de Ven, Chairman
Email: Susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk 261833
Royston Ladies Circle
Royston Ladies Circle organised a charity quiz on Friday 1st February. After the success of last years quiz we decided to organise another this year and it has been equally successful. Around 90 people took part in the quiz, enjoying a jacket potato and chilli supper and there was a raffle with some fantastic prizes.
In total over £900 was raised on the night, an absolutely fantastic amount. This money will be donated to local charities and causes throughout the year.
Thank you to all who came along and supported us and to those who kindly donated a raffle prize.
Last year, some of the money provided funding to the Charity ‘Friends of Chernobyl’ which brings children from Belarus to our area for a few weeks a year, dramatically improving their lives and health. We donated £30 per child to help buy a pair of sturdy shoes to take back to Belarus with them. We also donated some money to ‘Melbourn Playpark Association’ to help rebuild and reconstruct Clear Crescent park in Melbourn. Furthermore, this Christmas we bought a gift to all the children who were in care on Christmas day within the local area.
This year we have already had some appeals put to us and look forward to any more. If you have a charitable request you wish to make to us or if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Laura Light, Chair, on 07748847021 or Hannah Paradis, Vice Chair, on 01763220967.
We meet on the second and fourth Thursday evening of each month. As well as our charity work we also meet to have fun and socialise with such events as speciality bread making, ten pin bowling and street dancing to name a few.
COFFEE STOP
Every Saturday 10.30am to 12noon
Rombouts coffee & biscuits for 80p at All Saints’ Community Hall
Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group Lunch Club
At the time of writing this, we have just returned to lunch club following our usual Christmas closure.
Once again, we celebrated with our Christmas Lunch on the 20th December when we were joined by visiting councillors, and some of our drivers. A very enjoyable time was had by all.
On the previous Thursday, 13th Dec., we were entertained by Melbourn Primary School Choir. Three members of staff, together with the choir, came and sang carols to our diners. They were lovely, and we very much appreciated them taking time to come and visit us. After they had sung us a selection of carols, they went on a ‘meet and greet’ to our diners, and helped hand out raffle prizes. They were a joy. Thank you all.
Faces over the year have changed, and sadly we lost a few members this year. The latest was Mabel Brown, who had been with lunch club a few years and will be sadly missed. Another lady, Eileen Overton, had not been with us very long as she was new to Vicarage Close, but she will also be missed. On a bright note, Aileen Ward moved away, and hopefully has a bright future where she is now living. Also, Margaret Bell has moved into Moorlands Court, and we hope she will be very happy there. Some new faces joined us, and if you would like to join the waiting list, please phone me. As and when transport becomes available I will contact you.
A big thank you to Susan van de Ven, and the kind people of Melbourn Division
Oil Club. The savings this time have been donated to Lunch Club, for which we are very grateful.
I do intend to leave lunch club as organiser later this year, so therefore we are looking for someone to replace me. I feel the need to use my little grey cells before they diminish! I am investigating adult education, with the intention of pursuing some sort of ‘learning’ from September. If you would like more information as to what is involved, please phone me.
Belated Happy New Year greeting from all at lunch club. Jayne White 220250 jayne.white1@ntlworld.com
Macmillan Cancer Support
Want to give something back?
Do you have some spare time and want to give something back to help people affected by cancer?
Macmillan in Hertfordshire are always looking for new volunteers to help raise more funds for people affected by cancer. Throughout the county we have Committees and Fundraising Groups who are always looking for new members – these groups organise exciting events and collections in their local towns and in 2012 raised over £100,000.
Moreover, we greatly need more volunteers to take up other roles including cheerers to support fundraisers at runs and local sporting events, local collections volunteers, and Macmillan speakers to help spread the word about the great work of Macmillan.
Every day in the UK another 822 people are diagnosed with cancer. We want to be there to reach every one of them and we need your help to do this. For more information please call the Macmillan Fundraising Support Centre on 03001000 200.
Oil Club
Anyone reliant on oil for household heating purposes is welcome to become a member of the ‘Melbourn Division Oil Club’, which in addition to Melbourn serves Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton, Heydon and the Chishills.
The purpose of the club is to help people access the lowest prices on household heating oil – this is done by pooling orders, channelled through a bulk buyer. There is no membership cost.
At the end of every year the club receives a rebate from the bulk buyer, on the basis of numbers of customers ordering over a certain volume, and this is donated to a local charity.
Our first rebate went to Melbourn Area Youth Development. This year our rebate goes to the Meldreth and Melbourn Self Help Group Luncheon Club – a weekly lunch, served by volunteers, which gives very elderly residents a chance to socialise and enjoy a meal together, and to have a change of scene.
If you’d like to join the Oil Club please let me know, or contact our bulk buyer direct (Jeremy Cole: 01954 719 452 / 07860 904 045). If you’d like to know more about the club and how it got started, please see: www. susanvandeven.mycouncillor.org.uk/oilclub/
Equally, if you would like to know more about the Luncheon Club, whether to join or to help out, please contact Jayne White on 01763-220250. They are always very grateful to hear from new volunteers, and the group who make it all possible find the task rewarding and enjoyable. Susan van de Ven, Melbourn Division Oil Club, susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk, 01763 261833
Demonstration of Hearing Help Equipment
A chance to view and try Telephones, TV Amplifiers, alerts and more Thursday 21st March 2013 From 10.00am – 12.30pm Drop-in anytime Scotsdales Garden Centre, 120 Cambridge Road, Great Shelford, CB22 5JT
See the website for more information www.camtadcambs.org.uk
