Issue 82 Summer 2015 by Melbourn Magazine

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Melbourn village fete 20th June 2015

Celebrating 25 Years of fundraising for Melbourn

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Melbourn Magazine • Summer 2015 Issue 82

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...editorial Summer is here and there are many events to look forward to in Melbourn and the neighbourhood in the next few months! The Fete, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is on Saturday 20th June, the theme will be the Circus and many exciting events have been scheduled. The committee members have been working all year to make this Fete the best ever, and to ensure that as much money as possible is raised for worthy village causes. Extra help is needed on the day (page 9), so why not volunteer now? On Saturday June 6th the remains of the Anglo-Saxon skeletons excavated on Chalk Hill Barrow will be reinterred in New Road cemetery at the base of the mound; as no-one knows whether these people were Christians or pagan, the ceremony will be non religious. This is the first time nationally that such an event will take place and media interest is expected (page 26). A new event is planned for Tuesday June 16th. This is ‘Bloomsday’, held to commemorate James Joyce and his famous novel ‘Ullyses’. Sixteen Free events will take place throughout the day, throughout the village (page 17), and any donations will go to the charity ‘Water Aid’. Also in June, on Saturday 27th the 8th Annual Safari Supper will take place (page 65). Sadly this will soon be followed by the departure for pastures new of the Rev Andrew O’Brien of All Saints’, and his family (page 7 & 59). Open Studios happens all over Cambridgeshire in July, so look out for details of artists and places, which should be available very soon. In neighbouring villages there are events such as Open Gardens and theatre; in fact there is something on most weekends of the summer. Congratulations to the Village College, both staff and students, the College is now in the top 10% of state schools in the country. A brilliant achievement! (page 39) Enjoy the summer everyone

Melbourn Magazine is printed quarterly and delivered free to every household and business in the village. All work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of printing comes entirely from advertising and sponsorship.

Melbourn Magazine is independent of the Parish Council NO public money is used.

We would like to thank TTP for their continued sponsorship of the magazine. If you would like to advertise in the Melbourn Magazine see page 71 for details

Contents Village news feature

5 6

The Great War 1914–1918 The involvement of animals

Nature

River Mel Restoration

What’s On

Dragon Boat Festival

Council News Anglo Saxon Family Reburial

Profile

23 26 24

David Blundell

Profile

Heidi Allen MP South Cambridgeshire’s new member of Parliament

feature

“Look to, treble’s going, she’s gone...”

Education Village information Diary Sports & Clubs Nature

33 35 36 47 53

Trapping the light fantastic

What’s On

Meldreth Manor Summer Fete

Church news What’s On

59 63

Join East Anglian Air Ambulance and celebrate 15 years of Saving Lives

What’s On

All Saints’ Eighth Safari Supper

feature

From Old School to the New School… email: melbournmagazine@gmail.com

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Village news Springtime in Rose Lane Above: At this time of year colours abound in the garden and many residents stop to admire, in particular, this garden in Rose Lane especially in spring. It is the creation of Florrie Widger, a soon to be 90 years young. keen gardener. David Clark 1937–2015

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

A fond farewell to Andrew & Joanne

… farewell to Margo Wherrell

Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor

British Legion Women’s Section

Library

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS)

Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration

Relate Wins Big Lottery Funding

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

An Open Invitation

Care in the community

Oil Buying Scheme Cambridgeshire ACRE

Peer Support for people with Type 2 diabetes

David Clark 1937–2015 David Clark was familiar to many people in the area as the knowledgeable owner of Phillimore Garden Centre (sometimes Mr Phillimore). He was born in Cambridge and lived in the area all his life except for three years in the army, where he was an NCO in the Grenadier Guards, and time at agricultural college near Bury St Edmunds. As a Guardsman he took part in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London, and Trooping the Colour. He married his wife, Lorna in 1960 and soon moved to Harston. He was employed in the agrochemical industry, as a rep for farm chemicals. At the same time, he managed his parents’ orchard, bred pigs and reared chickens for eggs and capons for the Christmas market. In 1969 the family, which included Susan and Nigel, moved to Phillimore Gardens near Melbourn. Here he developed the orchard and grew soft fruit and some vegetables to send to Spitalfields Market. They also opened a stall in the shed next to the house to sell their wares. Many people will remember buying apples in the white shed. David left his job in 1981 and developed the small holding further, including salad crops and eventually bedding plants (even though he thought there was no money in flowers!) The expansion of the garden centre has evolved over the years, doing a bit each year as spare money became available and has grown into the business you see today.

Three generations, from the left David, Nigel and Jim

melbournmagazine

feature

The Great War 1914–1918 The involvement of animals The First World War saw the introduction of many new innovations, from new types of weaponry, ways of protecting soldiers to the use of animals to help the war effort. One of the most unusual was the use of the lowly slug! The ‘Slug Brigade’. During the early stages of the war, chemical weapons in the form of gases were used to injure, kill and demoralise those in the trenches, and were responsible for countless soldiers suffering terrible side effects or death. The chemicals were often invisible, so by the time soldiers became aware of its presence it was often too late. Dr Paul Bartsch, a German living in America and working at the American National Museum (now the National Museum of Natural History), discovered that slugs could detect the presence of mustard gas well before humans could. These molluscs showed discomfort by closing their breathing pores and contracting their bodies, indicating in good time that soldiers should put on their gas masks. Slugs saved many lives! War horse. The cavalry played a major part during the early stages of the war. But as the war progressed, the winter weather, transportation of heavy artillery, supplies and fighting soldiers all contributed to the churning of the soddened land into a quagmire. The use of the cavalry as a fighting force became almost impossible. Mechanically powered vehicles were at an early stage of development and those that were brought to the front became a problem in the churned up land. To combat this, millions of horses were

brought in, not only to carry troops, but to pull gun carriages and carry shells. Many horses employed on farms were requisitioned and thousands brought over from America and Australia. All were trained to work at the front. Sometimes horses were fitted with gas masks.

Many horses were killed in action and very few were ever returned to their place of origin after the ceasefire, and to save expenses they were put down. With the source of power on the farm gone, there are instances where other animals, such as elephants from circuses were employed to take their place.

continued on page 10

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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).

Jeannie Seers (Mobile Warden) 07808 735066 email jeanseers1@ntlworld.com Jane Cage (Deputy) 07592 821976 email jane.e.cage@btinternet.com Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity

David was also known for his involvement in Harston Scouts. In 1968 he was a founding leader and continued until 1995. ‘Skip’, as he was known by many lads and their parents, was a strict leader, using his army background to maintain discipline. He was much respected by all and gave a lot of his spare time to the boys and the unit. David leaves behind his wife, Lorna, his daughter and son, Susan and Nigel and three grandchildren, Jim, Maggie and Ellie. The family are very grateful for all the kind messages they have received. He will be missed.

A fond farewell to Andrew & Joanne When Andrew and Joanne O’Brien came to Melbourn in 1997 there was the usual speculation about them. “Would they fit in to the parish life”? and “Will he change the services drastically”? Some of the older parishioners pointed out “he’s young enough to be my son” and in some cases “grandson”. Now some 18 years later it’s hard to remember those early days and all the doubts and questions that arose at the time. With commendable vigour, and not a little uncertainty, Andrew embarked on a project to replace the old and distinctly out of date church hall with a new Community Hall open to all the people in the village. For what seemed an inordinate period of time he explored every avenue where grants might be available, sought out people who might help and recruited a working party to help oversee the construction of the building. He later confessed that he had many sleepless nights when the enormity of the task he had undertaken threatened to overwhelm him. Despite this both Andrew and Joanne have continued to serve both parishes well and to maintain a sense of humour. He has brought to the services an air of informality even on the most solemn of occasions, and she has led the Sunday School and the Craft Group with an air of quiet authority. At the end of June they will be on their way to Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs and we wish them well in their endeavours. If they are half as successful there as they have been here then their new parish will have every cause to rejoice.

… farewell to Margo Wherrell Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

Clients, wardens and committee members of the Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme said a fond farewell to Head Warden Margo Wherrell who retired at the end of May. Margo was a warden of the scheme for nearly 15 years, helping mobility impaired and elderly people to remain independent in their own homes in Melbourn. The scheme, which is a registered charity, provides the services of mobile wardens who make regular visits to people’s homes for a chat and to provide practical support such as shopping, organising prescriptions and paying bills. Margo supported hundreds of vulnerable people and their families over this time. A member who was visited regularly by Margo for many years said “Margo was always a lovely person to me and still is. I shall miss her”. Other scheme members and their relatives commented on Margo’s commitment and kindness and how the support given has made a positive difference to their lives. A relative said “I would like to thank Margo for all the help and support she was able to give my mum over the years she has lived in Melbourn. Mum came to Melbourn from North Wales and like many people in her situation, found it hard to find companionship outside the home. I know that she always looked forward to Margo’s visits and their happy conversations. For me, it was always a relief to know that there was someone that Mum could turn to when we were not around.” Val Barrett chair of the scheme praised Margo “I really enjoyed working with melbournmagazine

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Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor

Margo. Nothing was too much trouble and I know her clients will miss her immensely. I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of myself and the Committee and wish her all the very best for the future.” Margo is planning a move to the Norfolk Coast soon and said of her time with the scheme “I have been very fortunate in being able to say that I have loved my job and will leave with fond memories. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many lovely people. I know the scheme will go from strength to strength and I wish everyone at Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme good luck in the future.” Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme has almost 50 client members, supported by five wardens and is regarded as Cambridgeshire’s ‘model’ warden scheme. Jeannie Seers, the new Head Warden says “it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with such a dedicated and caring person as Margo. More people in our community than ever potentially need our help as our mature population grows, but we have to engage more wardens like Margo to be able to do this. We thank Melbourn Parish Council for their ongoing support, which will enable the scheme to grow for the benefit of some of the most vulnerable people in our local community.” Jeannie would welcome anyone interested in applying to become a mobile warden who would like to either work regularly or offer occasional cover. To find out more about becoming a mobile warden or the services that the scheme offers, contact Jeannie Seers jeanseers1@ntlworld.com 07808 735066 or 01763 262651

This year’s Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor is only a few weeks away and will be the 25th Anniversary of our fete. The theme this year for the fete is ‘The Circus’ and we have some great activities and entertainment booked for everyone to enjoy. Amongst the circus-themed activities we will have is a circus skills instructor teaching children and adults how to juggle and spin plates and lots of other circus tricks. We might be able to find some time in the arena to allow you to show off your newly found skills. A roving entertainer will carry out magic tricks, origami and balloon sculpturing and the children can join in too. What circus event is complete without a fire-eater? Yes, we have one booked though there will not be any audience participation in this act! Away from the circus theme will be the ever-popular barbershop quartet, Double Take, who will be performing throughout the day. The zorbing balls return for those brave enough to experience life as a hamster! If you still have some energy left try the bungee trampoline, which will return this year. For those thinking about starting to learn to drive Keyhole Driving will be offering trial driving lessons. For the younger family members there will be a selection of inflatable rides and a children’s roundabout. We will have some face painters providing exciting and funny faces for the youngsters and young at heart. If you would like a gentler activity then why not try archery, which is being offered by Tri-Archery of Ely. A selection of giant garden games will also be available. Shepreth Wildlife Park will be bringing along some animals for you to see and handle. The circus theme will be evident in many of the arena activities. The afternoon will start with a juggler and fire-eater. In addition, there will be a fancy dress competition for children and dogs with a circus theme. The children’s fancy dress will be straight after the fire-eater so contestants will have to be at the arena as soon as the gates open. Some traditional activities will be run in the arena during the afternoon including the tug of war competition, egg throwing, balloon racing and toy pulling

continued on page 11 melbournmagazine

continued from page 6

Man’s best friend. Thousands of dog owners donated their family pet to serve in the war – it was almost like sending a family member to the front. Dogs were also taken from animal shelters. The dogs were useful as messengers and sentries and carried all manner of equipment through the trenches of the western front, such as food, medicines, cigarettes, etc. They were even used in the laying of the new ‘electric line’ and transporting carrier pigeons.

Some fleeing refugees used dogs to transport their belongings by cart.

One of the most famous war dogs was an American Boston Bull Terrier named Sergeant Stubby who became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry 26th Yankees. Stubby was injured in a gas attack which sensitised him, so he was able to warn soldiers of an imminent gas attack. He even captured a German spy who was attempting to map allied trenches. Wounded on two occasions, he was decorated for his part in 17 engagements. After the war he took part in many ceremonies and parades.

a French homing pigeon who delivered twelve important messages during the Battle of Verdun in 1917, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm. This bird saved the lives of almost 200 soldiers, despite being shot through the breast and leg. Pigeon lofts were maintained at the front, one of them being a converted London bus.

Ninety-five percent of messages were successfully delivered by the 100,000 pigeons deployed during WWI. A British poster stated ‘Killing, wounding or molesting homing pigeons is punishable under the Defence of the Realm regulations by 6 months imprisonment or £100 fine.’ Mascots. Not only were a wide variety of animals employed to help troops during the war – some were also taken as mascots, where they helped boost morale and provide comfort during rough times. An Australian corporal, based in a hospital in Cairo took his pet koala! Other known mascots included a fox, a golden eagle, a goat, chickens, rabbits and a baboon named Jackie.

Did you know!

Pigeons. Pigeons were not only used by ground troops, but also by the early aviators to send back their observations. Possibly the most famous bird of the war was Cher Ami –

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We all know of the Winnie the Pooh children’s stories by A.A. Milne. But what most of us are not aware of is that in 1914 when leaving for the war in France, a Canadian took a black bear named Whinnie from Winnipeg to London, and donated it to London Zoo. A.A. Milne took his son Christopher Robin to see Winnie, who really liked the bear, and this inspired his father to write ‘Winnie the Pooh’. Ann Dekkers

racing. We will be having a selection of Classic Vehicles visit us again this year and they will be parading through the arena in the afternoon. There will be lots of food and drink available throughout the day and evening. As always we try to keep this as affordable as possible with only a small increase in prices from last year. The BBQ will offer high quality locally sourced burgers and sausages and tasty vegetarian options. In the Pavilion we have a group of volunteers offering high quality sandwiches, home baked cakes, crumpets and scones accompanied with a selection of tea and coffee all served on fine bone china. On the field will be vendors offering sweet and savoury crepes. New offerings we hope to bring this year are freshly made paella, Chinese and curry dishes. Ice cream and fresh coffee will also be available. In the marquee will be the competition that has proved so successful for the last few years. There will be more information and entry forms in various locations around the village and also through our website but the categories will be similar to previous years with, of course, a circus theme. A wide range of abilities and ages are welcome. We hope to attract some experienced judges as last year, more details will be released on the website. So if you want to make a shoebox diorama, a Lego model, a drawing, or a decorated cake or perhaps have a vegetable or fruit all with a circus theme please enter. The photograph competition theme is “A picture to make you smile”. There are lots of other categories to enter such as wines and cordials, flower arranging, non-iced fruit cake or victoria sponge, chocolate cake, preserves and chutney, fudge or sweets and garden produce, there is something for everyone. The bar will have a great selection of beers, lagers, locally brewed cider, wines, Pimms and Rum Punches and soft drinks. For this year the bar staff hope to offer circus based drinks and they look forward to seeing you. All our drinks will be at very reasonable prices similar to last year. We are looking forward to many stalls from a range of groups. Local activities and charities will be showcasing their interests and commercial stalls will be displaying their attractive wares. Over the last three years we have been running a raffle in association with our village football club, The Melbourn Dynamos. As last year we have a very generous first prize of a flight for 2 people in a light aircraft, which includes refreshments. This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the thrill of flight and to see some of our local area from above. More prizes will be added, details will be on our website. Tickets can be bought through the Melbourn Dynamos in advance or from the Control Marquee on the day. The raffle will be drawn towards the end of the afternoon. The fete will end at 5pm and the Music on the Moor event will begin. The large stage, lighting and sound equipment from last year is booked again to host an impressive line up of local artists. Confirmed this year are a number of bands. The Dirty Rotters a 4 piece band playing rock and punk classics. The Junkyard Preachers return from their last appearance in 2012 at MOTM. They play a mixture of blues and rock and roll. 1967 play music from the summer of love and hits from the sixties and early seventies. The Staycations are a new band playing Indie Folk. Check out the links to these bands on our website. The bar and BBQ will remain open during the evening and some of the other food vendors will also remain to offer you a range of choice throughout the event. As our volunteers know, there is a huge amount of physical labour in setting up the Fete and clearing away afterwards. In previous years, a lot of this work has involved repeated handling and transportation of Fete hardware to and from a range of temporary storage facilities. This year, thanks to the support of Melbourn Parish Council our workload

will be substantially lighter thanks to the Council’s new green storage container that has been sited near to the Sport Pavilion. This has enabled us to bring together and store all of the Fete hardware on site ready for the Big Day. As always we welcome any volunteers who can help with the set up, on the day assistance and clearing up from our day of festivities. We cannot run this popular day without a lot of help. If you have a few hours available to help your community we really would like to hear from you. Remember this day has three simple aims: To raise the profile of local groups and activities; to provide a fun low cost day out for our village and to raise money for our local clubs and groups. We have the activities and entertainment booked, the food and drink is coming, the warm and sunny weather is on order. We just need you and your friends and family to join us. Gates open at 1 pm. The entrance fee will be £2 with concessionary charges for our young and senior visitors. Parking, including blue badge holders, is available along the Moor but if you can walk to the event that would be the easiest way in. Follow the signs to the Recreational Fields behind the Village College and in front of the Pavilion. You can find out more about the fete and Music on the Moor at www.melbournfete.co.uk. continued on page 15 melbournmagazine

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Nature River Mel Restoration

Spring certainly arrived on the river with a bang this year. The kingcups were glorious and moorhens and mallard ducks were busy making nests. Our April working party was well attended; enabling us to do repairs to the riverbank, improve the channel under the A10 bridge and complete an in-river litter pick.

The visit was very informative and we learnt that the plant operates within carefully controlled consent limits that are monitored by the Environment Agency. We saw first-hand the reactors that treat the sewage using a biological process that breaks down the micro-organisms in the sewage and produces sludge which is taken away for further treatment. We saw a sample of the final effluent, and learnt how the flow from the plant into the river is controlled to limit erosion to the river bank. One matter of concern to the group was the issue of un-flushable items, such as baby wipes and feminine hygiene products that have been removed from the river during working parties. These are screened out early in the treatment process, but sometimes pass through and end up in the river. It may say on the packet that these items are flushable, but in reality they are not – they readily combine with fat in the sewers and cause blockages, as recently witnessed on The Moor.

Kingcup in the rivermel and left a close up of Kingcup.

The group have also recently visited the Anglian Water Sewage Treatment Works in Melbourn. This is of interest to us as there is a discharge point from the sewage works into the river between Melbourn and Meldreth just before the railway line. Above: Un-flushable items Left: Anglian Water Sewage Treatment Works in Melbourn A n g l ia n Wate r r u n m a r ket i n g campa igns to educate the public, but we also want to bring this to the attention of the wider community. The solution to this problem is simple; these items should be placed in a bin rather than flushed down the toilet. Working parties meet monthly, either in Melbourn or Meldreth. For further deta ils about volunteering or the dates of future working parties please telephone Maureen Brierley 01763 262752. melbournmagazine

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British Legion Women’s Section Melbourn and Meldreth Branch

In January we had an afternoon social meeting, where we caught up after Christmas over a cup of tea. In February we heard the report of the conference in November, followed by a Bring and Buy sale which raised money for the British Legion. Also in February I carried the Barrington Standard at the funeral of Hazel Waldock - Chamberlain. The March meeting had an Easter theme. We held an Easter Bonnet competition, which was won by Margaret Wherrell. I knitted Easter baskets and chicks to go along with the theme. Proceeds went to the British Legion fund. In April Betty Murphy attended the National Conference which was held in Bournemouth. Also in April I carried the standard at the funeral of Mrs Challis of Stapleford. The Stapleford branch was formed 90 years ago. The speaker at our meeting was Mr. Bob Tulloch, who told us about his work as Parish Council Chairman. In May we had a quiz night, which we all enjoyed. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Vicarage Close Community Rooms at 7pm during the summer months. All ladies are welcome – you do not have to be connected to the Armed Services. The Chairman opens the meetings with the Exhortation and we close with the National Anthem. Pauline Parkinson Standard Bearer 262617, Chairman Ann Neaves 260110, Secretary Elizabeth Murphy 220841

Library As most residents will know Melbourn Library is situated in the Hub, at one end of the café. The opening hours are

»» Monday »» Wednesday »» Friday

12.30 to 4.30 pm 2.30 to 4.30 pm 2.30 to 4.30 pm

Tuesday Thursday Saturday

2.30 to 4.30 pm 2.30 to 6.30 pm 10.30 to 12.30 am

Please note the extended times on Monday and Thursday. As our regular visitors will know, we have a large number of new books on our shelves in both the adult’s and children’s sections. The adult fiction is added to regularly and, in response to the very high demand, 50 more Early Readers have been acquired for our many child borrowers. Melbourn Library, although entirely run by volunteers, is part of the Cambridgeshire Libraries service and so the Cambridgeshire Libraries card is valid here too. This also means that any book in any of the Cambridgeshire Libraries can be reserved either in person at Melbourn or on line. Books are normally delivered to the Melbourn Library within about 10 days and the reader is alerted either by email or phone. In addition, readers can return a book borrowed from any other Cambridgeshire Library to Melbourn. Jane Stevens

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society was established back in 2012 following an evening out during the summer Jubilee celebrations. Since then the group have gone from strength to strength and now have a dedicated following of ticket buyers not only from Melbourn and Meldreth but also from many other local villages. The society put on their first performance in December 2012 with a cast of 8. The first performance was ‘The Lost Slipper’ an adaptation of the traditional ‘Cinderella’ fairytale. This was closely followed by the highly unique interactive murder mystery ‘Murder Down the Aisle’ in May 2013 which was held at the United Reformed

church and hall. December 2013 saw the production of ‘Aladdin’ again the basic traditional pantomime storyline but with the usual MADS touch added. May 2014 saw glitz and glamour come to the stage with ‘Never Too Late’ a comedy set in a retirement home for failing celebrities. The show was written by our very own Wendy Braid who also directed the show. How do you measure success? Well that’s a difficult one but when you consider MADS humble beginnings and compare with their latest productions, we now see a group only just over 2 years old with 23 cast and crew and a waiting list of more wanting to join. Each production is getting bigger and more ambitious, the cast and crew are going from strength to strength and with a loyal following of over 450 ticket buyers, yes I think it’s safe to say MADS are enjoying great success. So what is it that sets MADS apart from other amateur dramatics groups? Well we are lucky enough to have the most amazing team of very talented, hardworking and dedicated local people with ages ranging from 14 to over 70, some of whom have been on the stage for many years and some who are treading the boards for the very first time. Their December 2014 pantomime ‘Flintstones Save Christmas’ was a highly ambitious pantomime written by our own Paul Sleight who also directed the show. The show came complete with amazing super-sized props, fabulous costumes and a hilarious ‘messy’ baking scene. But the Flintstones isn’t a pantomime I hear you say – well it is now! May 2015 saw ‘Who Killed The Holiday Rep?’ A murder mystery set in Benidorm with lots of audience participation, oh and of course a fish and chip supper and sangria at the bar – what’s not to like! So what’s next? Watch this space … further details for Christmas 2015 coming soon. For more information why not visit the website at www.melbournamdram.co.uk Donna Sleight (MADS Producer & founder) continued on page 17 melbournmagazine

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we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cambridge, Ely, Saffron Walden, Haverhill, Royston & Newmarket areas and Tim is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success.

‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Tim a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Celebrate reading • Celebrate a great novel Ulysses • Celebrate the world famous writer James Joyce • Celebrate his wonderful creation the Everyman Hero Leopold Bloom. Stroll alongside the fictional character Leopold Bloom as he re-lives his 1904 day in Melbourn.

16 June 2015 Start Early – Finish Late

16 Free Events* Indoor & Outdoor Across Melbourn * Donation to WaterAid Welcomed See below for more details

Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration ‘Bloomsday’ celebrations are held annually on 16th June throughout the world as a commemoration and celebration of the life and works of the famous writer James Joyce, during which the events from his novel Ulysses set in Dublin on 16th June 1904 are relived. Some readers may recognise the structure of Homer’s Odyssey, which Joyce adopted as a framework for his great novel. The day involves a wide range of activities, principally readings and re-enactments of scenes well known from Ulysses and usually involving the main character, Leopold Bloom. To celebrate Bloomsday, participants often dress up in Edwardian costume and retrace Bloom’s city wide, day long journey.

Melbourn Bloomsday in aid of WaterAid The Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group are delighted to bring what is a unique day of festivities to Melbourn and have organised a day-long celebration comprising 16 FREE events – indoor and outdoor – spread across the Village. The day will include: readings; singing; musicians; re-enactments; an outdoor breakfast with Leopold and Molly Bloom; a coffee morning concert; a morning stroll through Melbourn with Leopold Bloom; a variety of entertainments; a special Bloomsday lunch; an afternoon stroll through Melbourn with Leopold Bloom; a ‘T’ for Tolerance afternoon tea break; attendance at an afternoon funeral; an evening public lecture by a distinguished lecturer; and a ‘Close of Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Party’. As part of the celebration we are supporting the national charity WaterAid, which does vital work for village communities throughout the world who do not have access to the resources which we in Melbourn take for granted every minute of every day, namely, safe water and sanitation. All donations at these free events go to WaterAid. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration. Choose one or more events to attend or simply decide to accompany Leopold Bloom as he walks around Melbourn. If you so wish – dress up for a party – even one item of clothing appropriate to the period! If you have no time, or are not inclined to dress up, then simply come as you are! Enjoy Bloomsday and help support WaterAid. Did you know? Around 500,000 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation? That’s over 1,400 children a day. WaterAid 2015.

A day in the life! James Joyce, novelist and poet, is considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His best-known novel Ulysses published in 1922 is ‘a day in the life of Leopold Bloom’ – but it is also so much more! The book begins around 8.00am on the 16th June 1904 in Dublin and follows a series of incidents and encounters by the three principal characters, Stephen Dedalus a young schoolteacher, Leopold Bloom an advertising salesman and his concert singer wife, Molly. Their lives are intertwined with many others as Bloom makes his way around the City, visiting the butchers, the post office, the Church, the library, attends the funeral of a friend and even has lunch at the pub!

Want to know more about the story of Leopold Bloom? If you would like an explanation of Ulysses and how it has survived for almost a hundred years, come along to Melbourn Village College for a 7.15 p.m. start. Dr Jeremy Noel-Tod, Lecturer in Literature & Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia will talk about James Joyce and Ulysses: the Great Modern Novel and Its Everyman Hero Leopold Bloom. Then pop along to The Black Horse and join a ‘Close of Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Party’. Live music and songs of the period; warm conversation; real ales. Say goodbye to Leopold Bloom. Hugh Pollock, Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group 01763 260253 hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group is pleased to acknowledge and thank: TTP Group, Melbourn Parish Council, Peter Simmonett, Melbourn Village College, Melbourn Magazine, Jeremy Rule Funeral Service, The Langham Press for other practical supports and all persons and institutions identified in our Programme of Events. melbournmagazine

Relate Wins Big Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Lottery Funding Group Relate Cambridge is delighted to announce that it has won Big Lottery funding. The Big Lottery Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006 and is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery. The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception has awarded close to £6bn. The conditions of the funding state that this will take the form of free counselling for children aged 5 – 18 whose parents and/or guardians are having counselling with Relate Cambridge. Written parental consent will be gained and the child must agree to counselling. There will also be a funded session with the parents in the first instance. Sufficient funding has been granted for 182 sessions, so 18 children could access a block of 10 sessions (including parental ones as mentioned above). Claire Nunes, Centre Director at Relate Cambridge said ‘the impact on children when parents are struggling to manage their relationships cannot be underestimated, and I am delighted to be able to offer this package to help the whole family’. Claire went on to say ‘we recently conducted a survey amongst our clients and 53% said they felt their children would benefit from support. For families who can’t afford to pay for counseling, it is great to be able to offer this service’. Relate Cambridge offers information, advice and counselling for all stages of your relationships at our outpost in Melbourn. The sessions are held in the small meeting room at Melbourn hub on Wednesday each week. Appointment times are: 10:30; 11:45; 13:00 For more information or to book an appointment, contact Relate Cambridge on 01223 357424 Mon-Thur 8am-10pm, Fri 8 am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm (confidential answerphone at all other times) or visit www.relatecambridge.org.uk

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

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, which is Royston and South Cambs. Home Start. We usually have a guest speaker or some in house entertainment followed by a chance to have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits. Our meeting on 23rd June will be at Meldreth Meeting Room behind Holy Trinity Church and will be a members Music Evening to which members bring a piece of music which we all listen to. The music is varied and we usually find something we like that we have never heard before. 28th July sees us meeting at All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn when Dr. Joseph Simon will speak to us about the work of The National Autistic Society, which was the charity we supported last year. We plan to go for a meal or an outing on 25th August and details will be published nearer the time. We are a small and friendly group, if you would like to find out more contact Pat Smith (262575) Sue Toule (260955) or Anne Harrison (261775). Or you can just turn up to an evening as long as it is not a pre booked event.

An Open Invitation Nearly 20 years ago Melbourn WI closed. A sign of the times? Maybe – we all seem to get busier as the years go by, and there are a lot more leisure activities available for us to choose from these days. So maybe it’s understandable that what used to be an extremely popular community and friendship organisation for women should nationally now be in decline.

But if you thought that – you’d be wrong. The WI is thriving, with 7,000 WIs across the country, and a total membership of 212,000 women. New groups are starting up all the time – last year 3 were started in Cambridgeshire alone. So what is it about WI that is so attractive and enduring? Quite a lot. At most meetings there’s a talk given by some excellent speakers on a huge range of topics. In Meldreth we’ve recently had sessions on A Woman’s Life in the Army, Brewing Beer at Harston, The Wild Life in our Gardens, Ruth Ellis - the Last Woman to Hang, plus a millinery demonstration, and on Thursday 11 June we’ll be learning about A Vet’s Life. There’s always a raffle, and tea and coffee with homemade cakes. There are competitions to enter, outings to go on and workshops to join. And most of all there’s friendship and laughter. Women of all ages join, it’s completely classless, and contrary to popular opinion you don’t have to sing Jerusalem or be able to make jam! I’ve just become the president of Meldreth WI and I would love to invite women from Melbourn, Meldreth and beyond to come and give us a try. We meet at Meldreth village hall on the second Thursday of the month, 7.30 to 9.30 pm. So put 11 June in your diaries and bring a friend or two to join us – we’d love to see you! Maureen Moody 01763 260938

Care in the community Information and advice for adults and older people has changed In response to the Care Act and Transforming Lives, which is Cambridgeshire’s new approach to delivering adult social care, a new online resource providing information on care and support and wellbeing has been launched. It is designed to be the first point of call for everyone looking for information about adult care and support, and

provides information on the subjects that the public and staff have requested. If you are planning ahead for the future – whether for yourself, your family, or someone you care for, need information to continue to live independently and safely at home, make life easier, get support after a stay in hospital, or to find out about care home and housing options and paying for care and support, you can use the new online resource to find the information you need, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ careandsupport. Additionally, a new information directory provides details of services provided locally and by some national organisations to help you make decisions about your care and support or the care and support of someone you care for. The directory is available at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/careandsupportdirectory If you do not have access to the Internet, cannot find what you need online, or if you need more information you can telephone 0345 045 5202, visit any Cambridgeshire library (also known as community hubs), or email: careinfo@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk The Care Act is the most significant change to adult social care in over 60 years, modernising care and support in law so that the system is built around people’s needs and what they want to achieve in their lives. There is more information about the Care Act on the County Council website, www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/careact

Oil Buying Scheme Cambridgeshire ACRE Community If you are a user of domestic heating oil and want to save money and reduce the number of tankers delivering oil in Melbourn then our countywide oil-buying scheme may be for you. One tanker delivering to several members’ households in your village at the same time is more environmentally friendly too. The scheme is open to anyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The annual membership fee for domestic users is £20 and allows you to order as many times as you need to in the year. Community buildings such as churches and village halls as well as businesses, can join too. Through our partnership with AF Affinity Limited, a subsidiary of Anglia Farmers Limited, the scheme makes the most of collective purchasing power. Members have made savings over the past year of between 2 and 4 pence per litre against the average price in England.

There are five easy steps to cheaper heating oil:

• • • • •

Step 1: Join the Cambridgeshire ACRE Community Oil Buying Scheme Step 2: Receive a reminder to check your oil levels

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

All Saints’ Community Hall Together will also include materials following different themes relating to the condition. The service is completely free and those that attend group sessions will be given information leaflets to take away with them to help people live well with their Type 2 diabetes. Available to anyone living with Type 2 diabetes in these areas, they aim to set up to 25 peer support and education groups, so if you live locally you’re bound to find one near you. The groups will give you the chance to meet others with Type 2 diabetes, to support each other and make friends, and share experiences and information. If you are interested in joining a group you can email Type2Together@diabetes. org.uk or call 0345 123 2399 to speak with your regional Co-ordinator about how to get involved. If you would like more information on the project visit the Diabetes UK website: www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_ help/Talk-to-someone/Type-2-Together

Step 3: Place your order online Step 4: Sit back whilst our negotiators get the best possible price

Step 5: Take delivery of the oil and pay AF Affinity Ltd To find out more about the Cambridgeshire ACRE Community Oil Buying Scheme go to our website www.cambsacre.org.uk or contact Julie Weekes on 01353 860850.

Peer Support for people with Type 2 diabetes Diabetes UK have launched a new peer support & education service called Type 2 Together. Diabetes UK has joined forces with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group to set up a network of peer support groups for adults with Type 2 Diabetes. The new groups will connect people who have diabetes in their local areas. The relaxed and informal group sessions will be led by volunteers who themselves are living with diabetes and are trained to share their advice and experiences. Type 2

What’s On

Dragon Boat Festival The 11th annual Dragon Boat races take place in in Cambridge on Saturday 12th September. The start line is in Fen Ditton. Proceeds in aid of ACT Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. For further information and an entry form visit www.dragonboatfestivals. co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 0178 470 718. For information about Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust call 01223 217757 or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk melbournmagazine

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Welcome to

Melbourn Community Hub The Hub offers a café with free Wi-Fi, a library access point and meeting rooms which can be used for leisure or business. We also offer a range of key community support services and aim to be a focus point for assistance and advice.

Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 3pm The Hub is a facility which brings the community together by connecting people and enriching lives. It is situated in the heart of the village. It provides a valuable meeting place for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Hub. A little of your time can make a big difference to our village You can hire rooms for meetings, conferences & exhibitions. A great place to impress your clients, recruit new staff and reward your employees.

We’d Love to Hear from You. Get In Touch With Us! Susie Fletcher, Centre Manager

30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone 01763 263303 info@melbournhub.com

Welcome to the Café The Hub Cafe offers a wonderful selection of light lunch options. Sandwiches, toasties and Paninis are prepared to order, and all are served with a salad garnish and crisps. We serve baked potatoes between 12 noon and 2.00pm and have a wide variety of fillings. The Cafe also serves a large selection of coffees, specialist teas and hot chocolate. Why not try our Hubuccino? It is our own version of a cappuccino – open: Monday – Friday: 9am to 4pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm Room Hire at the Hub The Hub has three meeting rooms which can be hired for business meetings or for interest groups. In the evening and on a Sunday when the cafe is closed it is also possible to hire the atrium. When you hire a room at the hub you also benefit from A large free car park opposite the building - All night security lighting and CCT cameras - A named member of staff to contact if you need assistance - Two disabled parking spaces directly behind The Hub, with automatic doors and dropped pavements - Room ready on arrival - Catering packages, or during opening hours you can visit the hub cafe - The building will be unlocked and locked for you, so no worrying about keys - Wheel chair stair lift to upstairs meeting rooms - Free Wi-Fi (after 6pm you will be given a password to access this) - We also have flip charts, projectors and screens. We can also provide the flip chart paper and pens if you need them! Please contact us for more information and to check room availability. If you haven’t been to The Hub before you can drop in during opening hours and we will be happy to show you around. The Hub is run by the community, for the community, it is a centre with a difference.

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• Carpet cleaning using Dry Fusion™ system • Hot water extraction cleaning • Host® Dry Cleaning for natural floor coverings • Stain treatment • Upholstery cleaning using Crystal Fusion™ • Curtains cleaned in situ treatment • Infestation Odour neutralisation using ozone generator • Competitively priced Fully insured with public and product liability Environmentally-friendly products used

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MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL 30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone: 01763 263303 ext. 3 e-mail: parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (the office is closed between 1p–2pm

Minutes of Parish Council Meetings and Planning Committee meetings are available on the village website

Council News www.melbournpc.co.uk

Chairman Bob Tulloch 25 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Telephone 221373

Vice-Chairman Maureen Townsend 32 New Road, SG8 6BY Telephone 260959

Chair-Conservation Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street, SG8 6AL Telephone 261225

Chair-Cemeteries Mike Sherwen 3 Hale Close, SG8 6ET Telephone 260070

Michael Linnette 11 Chapel Lane, SG8 6BN Telephone 262534

Irene Bloomfield 78 Russet Way, SG8 6HF Telephone 222558

Val Barrett 2 Station Road, SG8 6DX Telephone 261227

Christopher Stead 70 Russet Way Telephone 260743

Chair-Highways Jose Hales 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH Telephone 221058

Chair-Planning Kimmi Crosby 20 Norgett’s Lane, SG8 6HS Telephone 261283

John Regan 10 Little Lane, SG8 6BU Telephone 264154

Julie Norman 31 Station Road, SG8 6DX Telephone 263462

Andrew Mulcock 1 The Lawns Close, SG8 6DR Telephone 222940

Tim Baker 18 Rose Lane, SG8 8AD Telephone 262700

County Councillor Susan van de Ven 95 North End, Meldreth, 261833 susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk. District Councillors Val Barrett, 2 Station Road, 261227 Jose Hales, 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH, 221058 cllr.hales@josehales.me.uk

From the Parish Clerk – Peter Horley As I am writing this in April, the village has survived another mild winter and spring is very much in the air. If you have concerns about any areas in the village or any other matter connected to village life, please let me know. At the time of writing, the next major project undertaken by the council is the refurbishment of the High Street car park and, on publication, it could be underway. It is inevitably going to cause disruption and parking around the village will be at a premium, so can I urge residents to be both patient and considerate when deciding where to park. Dog fouling allowed by irresponsible dog owners continues to frustrate residents. I am in conversation with South Cambs District Council about the possibility of establishing some Public Open Space Orders to try to curb the worst excesses. I will keep you posted. There are still bouts of anti-social behaviour in the village which do need to be reported to the police using the 101 service. No action will be forthcoming unless the police are able to establish that there is a clear and persistent pattern of behaviour and so the more people who report things the better the response will be.

Chairman of the Parish Council Spring has sprung and the daffodils have come and almost gone. In the next few months there will be three major events in our village. Firstly, the Parish Council has accepted one of the tenders for refurbishing the car park. Work will begin soon but it unfortunately will cause parking problems, as the car park will have to be closed for a number of weeks. There is still a considerable amount of roadside parking in the High Street. I ask villagers for some patience and consideration when parking. There may be some short term pain but it will result in much better car park with improved layout, lighting and security. The Futures Committee of the Parish Council, chaired by Cllr Julie Norman, has carried out some splendid work compiling evidence against the 199 houses off New Road. The wide ranging report has covered many aspects of the proposed development including traffic issues, potential sewage and water problems and the effect on local schools and healthcare. This evidence coupled with the resounding rejection of the plans by the villagers has been presented to South Cambs District Council which will be considering the plans in the next couple of months. We hope they take heed of the feelings of the Melbourn residents. New Road Cemetery has been going through a period of steady improvement under the guidance of Cllr Mike Sherwen. There will be an important ceremony on Saturday 6 June when the remains of an Anglo-Saxon family will be buried. The remains of these ancestors plus 64 other were discovered in 2000 during the building of the Chalkhill Barrow housing estate. The re-internment of archaeological remains is a rare and special event. It has also attracted considerable media interest. The ceremony will take place in the early afternoon and all are welcome to attend. continued on page 24 melbournmagazine

Susan van de Ven Melbourn Oil Club: £100 donation to Mind in Cambridgeshire The Melbourn Division Oil Club has been a wonderful way of enabling local residents who depend on oil for household heating to get lowest prices, through community bulk-buying. Our buyer is a local company, Agricole Oil. There is no joining fee for the Oil Club, and no required commitment for repeat purchases. It’s been great to hear from people that the Oil Club has made a significant difference to their annual heating oil bills. An added bonus is the annual rebate provided by Agricole Oil and the privilege of directing this to a local community group. This year our modest donation of £140 is going to the mental health charity, Mind in Cambridgeshire. For some months now, Mind has been exploring ways of starting up mental health support in rural areas. Our modest donation will help make a start for Mind in Melbourn and surrounding villages. Melbourn resident Phil Alsop has been helping to facilitate this work, for which many thanks. It is encouraging to witness the growing recognition that mental health must be approached on an equal basis to physical health, and we hope that even a small venture like this can contribute to raising awareness of this need for parity. To join the Melbourn Division Oil Club, please ring Jeremy Cole, Agricole Oil, on 01954 719 452 / 07860 904 045 or email jeremy@agricole.co.uk. Camsight activities in Melbourn have been very busy with activities in Melbourn. A Goalball taster session at Melbourn Village College took place in April, and tandem cycling teams signed up for the A10 Awareness Ride in May. If you are interested in becoming a ‘pilot’ tandem rider for Camsight, allowing a visually impaired person to get out and ride, please get in touch. A10 cycle paths: Over the past year I’ve been reporting on cycle path funding for the A10 corridor. It’s probably worth explaining that central government funding for cycling infrastructure is being deployed all across the greater Cambridge area, due to population growth and growing road congestion. We’re working to persuade the powers that be to direct that funding to our area. The Greater Cambridge City Deal is designed to provide sustainable transport infrastructure especially in travel-to-employment corridors. It was expected that the Cambridge-Royston corridor would be the recipient of City Deal funding to create a network of cycle paths connecting the villages along the A10. A similar scheme was expected for the Cambridge-Saffron Walden corridor. Both corridors have a preponderance of employment centres, including science parks and industrial estates. The continued on page 27

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Profile David Blundell When I was first introduced to David Blundell and heard that he had worked as a journalist on The Times newspaper I made a mental note ‘interesting profile’ And so it turned out! He was born in Lancaster in 1943 – his father was a Coal Merchant and his mother stayed at home looking after David and his older sister. Mrs Blundell was very artistic – so good indeed that in the 1950’s when much re-development was taking place, the Mayor of Lancaster asked her to do some paintings of the old Georgian architecture before it was all torn down - they were later hung in the Mayor’s office. In her 60’s she qualified as an art teacher, not to teach but just to show that she could do it!. He went to boarding school and then to Lancaster Royal Grammar School where he shone at English. In fact, he won an English Scholarship but never went to University because in the meantime he had found a Saturday job on the local newspaper. The life of a reporter seemed a far more exciting prospect than three years of study. At 18 he was fortunate to be taken on as a Junior Reporter on the Lancashire Evening Post, based in Preston, and he then served several years in Kendal where he covered courts and councils and all the sporting events in the Lake District. Being ambitious, he agreed to move to Preston as a sub editor and subsequently was taken on by the Daily Herald in Manchester, the job lasted just a few months and then the paper folded! He moved to The Sun (the old Sun) working as production and news editor and was there for a while before it, too, folded. He was learning that the newspaper world can be precarious. He then joined the Daily Mail based in Manchester where in 1966 he had the unenviable job of editing copy on firstly the Moors murder trial and then in the 80’s the Yorkshire Ripper. He had to read every word of evidence over both long trials and says that in both instances there was a great deal which was just too gruesome ever to be made public. But he was doing a job which he loved, and continued to enjoy throughout his career although it was always hard work and ever watching the clock to get the next edition out on time. He spent 20 years at the Daily Mail becoming chief sub editor with a staff of 35 under him, working hard into the night to get the paper on the street early next morning. His boss was Charlie Wilson, (then husband to Anne Robinson) and in 1986 Charlie suddenly went off to do a mysterious job in London, Rupert Murdoch had clandestinely equipped a new newspaper plant in Wapping and was recruiting a whole team of journalists and printers. Charlie gave David a job on The Times and he and the family moved south to settle in Hitchin – David remained with The Times until he retired. His sister had married and emigrated to Rhodesia so they

had many holidays out there, usually managing to bring back an interesting story, so much so that it was suggested he should do some travel writing and that led to the very pleasant situation where he was being paid to travel! On one holiday trip he overheard in the hotel lobby a conversation about chimpanzees. He asked a few questions and came home with a story only to be sent back out to Gambia to write a serious article on the rehabilitation back into the wild of orphaned and injured chimps. He spent a week on the project for they were fascinating creatures to study - but you could never forget that they were wild animals, not cuddly toys. Meanwhile, David’s wife Diane was keeping herself occupied. She regularly shopped at an Italian delicatessen in Marple, Cheshire and when she heard that the owner wished to sell up, Diane took the bold step of purchasing a business about which she knew nothing except that she enjoyed different and exciting foods.. She learnt the mysteries of cheese from a cheese factor, discovered artisan breads and very early on a Saturday morning she and David would tour the ethnic bakeries of Manchester and with a van load of delicious loaves return to the shop to find a long queue of customers awaiting her. When they moved to Hitchin she worked as secretary to Sir Simon Bowes-Lyon at St Paul’s Walden Bury, then once again wanting to run her own business she bought a sub-post office in Hitchin! Now, however, she is happy to lead a less hectic life – I rather felt I should do a profile on Diane! One day David, who had always owned an allotment and was very keen on gardening, jokingly suggested to Charlie Wilson that they should have a vegetable editor! He was told to go away and produce a sample column and thus Blundell’s Patch was born – some of you Times readers may remember his weekly words of advice and seasonal tips. In June 2001 he was telling us that ‘there was no need to take to the bottle to protect your garden from drought’ and that he found fennel ‘skittish’. The bottle reference was to plastic bottles of water half buried next to vulnerable plants which he had not found to be very effective! The articles are a delightful mix of anecdote and advice and I am going to try and see if we can persuade him to do something similar for us! For 10/15 years he worked as an editor on the Op Ed pages – that is the page opposite the editorial, a pivotal area in any newspaper. At one time he shared an office with Michael Gove and he was at Wapping during the

printer’s strike when Margaret Thatcher took on the unions. There were huge demonstrations outside the building and it was pretty scary (some 400 policemen were injured) especially as David elected to carry on working, despite being a lifelong supporter and member of the union. The journalists who continued to work had to be driven through the picket lines in armoured buses and were called ‘Refuseniks’ It was their proud boast that they never once defaulted on an issue. When they retired, the Blundells settled on Melbourn largely because they liked the area and because one of their daughters lives in Meldreth. From Hitchin David did voluntary work as a driver for North Herts and regularly had to take a patient to Addenbrookes. Having several hours to wait before the return journey he would go and play golf at Kingsway, so he already knew a number of people in the area. He still plays golf 2 or 3 times a week and is keen on carpet bowls. During his ‘vegetable correspondent’ days David had done a series on walled gardens and wrote about Wimpole Hall where he now works as a volunteer. All these activities plus membership of Royston Rotary Club show that although he has retired he has not slowed down. Mavis Howard

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Anglo Saxon Family Reburial I

n the year 2000, Millennium year, the Gillings family sold their orchards at the top of Water Lane to a developer for a small housing estate. Before building commenced, an archaeological survey was carried out by Bedfordshire County Archaeology Service (BCAS) and the area was, as suspected, found to be part of an ancient barrow (or burial site) covering three periods, the oldest dating back to the late Neolithic/ early Bronze Age circa 2000 BC. A licence had to be obtained from the Home Office before excavations could commence. There had been a previous dig near by on the site of the present industrial estate in Back Lane carried out by the Cambridgeshire Archaeological Club in 1951 when Melbourn Whiting Company exposed 28 skeletons during chalk quarrying on the ridge. It was a far more relaxed affair than our Millennium dig, the site was open to any visitors and several people told the History Committee that as schoolchildren they had removed bones and other things from the graves – this time the site was firmly fenced off against intruders! In 1951 it was a ‘rescue’ dig and though the full extent of the cemetery was uncertain it was thought to reveal important evidence for the transition from paganism to Christianity. The graves were all covered up again as it was feared that treasure hunters would come and disturb the site. This new discovery caused great excitement and, in May 2000 a full-scale dig was begun in the course of which 52 graves were revealed containing the bones of 59 individuals. Other researchers in this field visited the BCAS site as the site was considered to be a nationally important source of data. In the past the dating of such burial sites was based on the artefacts found within the graves, but with modern high precision carbon dating processes now available the skeletons could be dated to within one or two generations. This site is thought to have been in use between 575 and 650 AD There were 17 women, 23 men and 10 children amongst the remains (the other bones were too damaged to determine the sex) and one foetus with its mother. They were quite tall, the tallest man being 184cm (6ft) and the tallest woman 171cm (5’ 7”) which suggests they enjoyed good nutrition, but there were also signs of iron deficiency due perhaps to

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Bedfordshire archaeologists working on the Chalkhill Barrow site

the scarcity of red meat or possibly intestinal parasites. Sixty percent of the adults showed signs of arthritis mostly in the spine indicating that working life was hard. The Melbourn people had healthier teeth than most Saxon remains have shown although about a third of them had dental disease! There was evidence of at least two women having grooves in their front teeth, they were probably spinners who pulled the linen thread through their mouths to keep it damp. Although some of the skeletons displayed bone fractures, they were more suggestive of accidents than of violence, which would lead us to think that it was a relatively peaceful, rural community. Many of the burials contained ‘grave goods’ One female skeleton was found wearing a necklace of 69 glass and amber beads, brooches and a buckled girdle with a knife and a spindle whorl attached, she must have been an important figure in the community. There were indications that she was wearing a woollen cloak over a linen garment, which suggests she lived in the latter part of the 6th century. A number of other glass and amber necklaces were found and two spectacular brooches, one was a great square headed brooch dated AD 550–570 which is extremely rare, also a radiate brooch which the Melbourn History Group were able to have copied in silver and 100 of them were made and sold within the village.

The reburial at New Road Cemetery The male skeleton to be interred in the mound appears to have been a strong, robust man with 27 teeth at the time of his death. He would have been around 40 years old and stood about 5ft 10” tall. The female skeleton shows signs of a pregnancy, she was 30/35 years old and 5ft 7”. She suffered from severe osteo-arthritis in her spine and had bad teeth. The child was about 2½ or 3 and would seem to have suffered from anaemia. The child is to be reburied in the arms of the mother to keep each other company as was fairly common in those days. DNA testing is very costly so we do not know whether this ‘family’ was actually related, this can therefore only be a symbolic family burial. They will be wrapped separately in a pure linen shroud and laid on

a woven willow base before being lowered into the ‘grave’; all materials will be totally biodegradable. The contents from this dig, both the remains and artefacts, were removed to BCAS for further research to be carried out. Ultimately these were transferred to Cambridge County Council archaeology department for safekeeping and further research potential if required. At about this time the New Road cemetery, which had been purchased by our forward thinking Parish Council, needed to be developed as extra burial capacity needs became imminent. The architect had included a replica Anglo Saxon mound as it was in such close proximity to the original burial site, now called Chalkhill Barrow. The idea of reburial was put to the archaeological department at Cambridge County Council; this was a first nationally and met with opposition and resistance from various outside bodies due to possible legal and ethical complications. However with support from BCAS and CCC’s archaeological department a compromise was agreed to allow reburial of this ‘family’. This support has been so valuable and appreciated, without it this event could not have occurred The reburial will be at the base of the mound. The Parish Council has created access to the top where there is a sitting area and a pair of seats made by the same sculptor, Matthew Sanderson, who designed and made the main cemetery entrance gates. This reburial ceremony, on June 6th (at 1.30 for 2.00pm prompt) is non-religious as we cannot be sure whether they were pagan or Christian. They will be reburied deep at the foot of the mound, a simple and plain occasion as befits their origins in both location and effect. There may be national interest as we believe we are the first Parish Council (or any other body for that matter) to be allowed to rebury their remains in this manner, we hope you will be able to attend and enjoy this historical occasion. Mavis Howard and Mike Sherwen With grateful thanks to Corrine Duhig, PhD, FSA, MIFD, Wolfson College, Cambridge for the original reports and analyses of the Melbourn find. The Chalkhill Barrow archaeological site seen in the foreground and New Road cemetery in the centre of the photograph.

hallmark of both proposals was the nature of the finished product – not small isolated stretches of cycle paths, but joined-up networks that would enable complete journeys off-road. As it happened, for various reasons the decision-makers on the City Deal Executive Board chose not to fund either of these schemes, focusing instead on bus priority lanes and other Cambridge City schemes where congestion is becoming unmanageable. Nevertheless, the case for the A10 is strong, and the County Council subsequently made a successful bid to another fund through the Department for Transport. The route from Cambridge to Foxton has now been awarded funding through that channel. This will join up with the new path completed last year along the A10 at Shepreth. No doubt there will be some frustrations while work is carried out but I hope you will agree that it will be worth it in the long run. The route south of the Shepreth Frog End junction is on a waiting list. This route would not stick to the A10, but thread through Melbourn village and out onto the A10 from the southern-most Melbourn/A10 access point, with a path on the east side of the A10 all the way to the A505 roundabout. A pedestrian/cycle bridge over the A505 has already been designed, and land issues sorted, so is what the business calls ‘shovel ready’. The A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign has been working with councils and Local Enterprise Partnerships in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to help tackle this cross-border scheme. Meanwhile over 100 local businesses have signed a letter to the City Deal outlining the value completing the overall Cambridge-Royston scheme, with special attention to the Melbourn-Royston section. Thanks to everyone who has been in touch – including mobility scooter users who find cycle paths the answer to their woes. A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign meets 7 July, 7 for 7:30, AstraZeneca da Vinci building, Melbourn Science Park. A great opportunity for another view on local business and local transport, cycling or otherwise. All welcome. More at a10corridorcycle.com. continued from page 29

Questions for your Councillor? If you have a question for your District or County Councillor please contact the following: District Cllr Val Barrett Tel 01763 261227 valbarrett2001@yahoo.com District Cllr Jose Hales Tel 01763 221058 jose@josehales.me.uk County Cllr Susan van de Ven Tel 01763 261833 www.susanvandeven.com Cllr van de Ven and Cllr Hales hold a drop-in advice surgery at Melbourn Library Access Point in the Melbourn Hub on the first Monday of the month from 2:30–3:30. If you’d like to make an appointment to meet at any another time or closer to home, please let them know. melbournmagazine

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The Practical Solutions Group continues to meet at Melbourn Village College, gathering community representatives for the purpose of supporting positive community initiatives that benefit young people in Melbourn. It is especially good to note that Melbourn Youth Club has become well-established under the auspices of Groundwork Hertfordshire, and supported by Melbourn and neighbouring parish councils. Youth Club will be offering free summer activities on Melbourn Rec. Please visit our page on the Melbourn Village Website, and any questions just get in touch.

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Rail User Group meets 29 June, 7 for 7:30, Foxton Village Hall. At some point we are expecting a new shelter on the Cambridge-bound platform, so travellers can stay dry when the booking office is closed and the weather not cooperating. Various other irons in the fire will be discussed – please come along at 7 for a cuppa before the meeting. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Tel 261833, susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

Profile Heidi Allen Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire Heidi Allen MP 153 St Neots Road Hardwick. CB23 7QJ Phone 01954 212 707 E-mail Heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk Originally from Notton, a very rural village in Yorkshire, Heidi has 18 years of business experience in a variety of industries – she’s worked in the private sector for organisations such as ExxonMobil and the public sector with the Royal Mail. She and her husband, Phil, live in Steeple Morden. For the last six years, Heidi has been the managing director of her family’s manufacturing business (www.rsbikepaint. com), which was started by her parents in 1978. She has developed what was a solely UK orientated company into one which exports its products all over the world. Phil has taken on the day to day running of the business so Heidi can concentrate full time on South Cambs as its new MP. This combination of a broad business knowledge, plus a degree in Astrophysics from University College London, means Heidi is well able to represent the diverse interests of the constituency and promote the growth of its SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) and high-tech industries. Equally, she’s also good at understanding and defending the individuality and unique characters of the constituency’s villages and rural communities. Heidi is determined the growth and success story that is Cambridgeshire is not its own undoing, especially as South Cambridgeshire has long been in the top ten of Halifax’s annual ‘Rural areas quality of life survey’. “I will work hard to ensure that it keeps that accolade,” says Heidi.

“Making science, manufacturing and UK business fashionable again is one of my big passions. I believe it should be the beating heart of our economy and I’m eager to connect employers with schools and colleges to ensure our young people have the skills and opportunities they need to achieve their potential in life.” Heidi is not a career politician – in fact she hadn’t even considered becoming an MP until she witnessed the scenes of the Tottenham riots in 2011. “So worried was I our country was in danger of total breakdown, I felt I had to do something – so instead of shouting at the television every night, I decided to get involved. “Because I’ve experienced some very different environments, I’ve worked and lived alongside real people. I haven’t been stuck in an ivory tower – I can talk to people, I’ve been able to represent and lead them. “So when I thought about it some more, I realised I had absolutely no choice in the matter. I felt so strongly that those of us who have a voice, those of us who can relate to different people, have a responsibility to step up and lend a hand. “When people and communities come together for a common purpose, I believe anything is possible.” If you would like to talk to Heidi about helping to get things done that are important to you, she would be delighted to hear from you.

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“Look to, treble’s going, she’s gone...”

This is the traditional command to start off a piece of ringing. But in this case all the bells have gone, quite literally. The project to refurbish and re-hang the eight bells at Holy Trinity church, Meldreth, is now under way. On Tuesday 7th April, the bell-hangers from Whitechapel Bell Foundry came to take out the bells and the frame in which they hung. By Friday morning, the bells were lined up on the pavement outside the church, ready to be loaded onto a lorry to be taken to London. A small crowd was there to bid the bells farewell, including John Gipson, who did the last major work on the bells himself. That was almost 50 years ago, in 1968, when he hung the two smallest bells, to complete the octave. The inscriptions on the bells were clear to read in the spring sunshine; ‘1617’ on the tenor, the oldest and largest bell, ‘Honour the fallen in two wars’ on the war memorial bell and the name of John Gipson (as churchwarden in 1968) on the treble, the smallest bell. It had been quite a logistical challenge to get the bells out of the tower, with limited space up in the bell chamber, 60 feet above the ground. First, some of the bells had to be moved out of the way, and part of the frame removed, to clear space to access the trap door. Lifting beams had to be brought up and installed (a tricky task in itself, which took most of a day). Only then could the bells be lowered to the base of the tower, on a hand-operated chain hoist. Finally there was still the massive oak frame to dismantle and lower. It was getting dark by the time the final pieces were out.

Thanks are due to Peter and Ian, the bell-hangers, for their professional and careful work and to the ringers who came to help; Jim, Bruce, Mike, Derek and Jane. As we were able to examine the bells and frame closely, it was clear just how worn the bells and their fittings were after all those years of ringing, showing the importance of this project. The aim is to restore the bells to a first-class condition, ready to continue ringing out over the village for the rest of the 21st century. The next stage in the project is to prepare the tower for the installation of the new steel bell frame, in which the bells will now all be on the same level. Meanwhile, at Whitechapel, the bells will be cleaned and tuned, new fittings will be prepared and the new frame built and tested. We expect to have the bells back in the summer. While the bells are out, we will be practising at Melbourn on Wednesday evenings, so if you are interesting in learning to ring, or are a lapsed ringer who would like to return, please feel free to join us. You will receive a warm welcome. More photos of the work so far can be found on the church website: www.meldrethchurch.org.uk/bells/appeal.htm

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PLAY SCHOOL NOTRE ECOLE PLAYGROUP

Education SCHOOL LITTLE HANDS PRIMARY

VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn Playgroup

Little Hands Karen

Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford

01763 260964

07842 151512

Notre Ecole Janet Whitton Pippins Children’s Centre Alison Wood

261231 223460

Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457 U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman George Howard

260686

Village College Principal Simon Holmes

223400

A visit from the dentist

This term at Melbourn Playgroup has been a busy and successful one. We saw some snow in January, which was very exciting. We were able to go outside and build snowmen and make footprints. We have been learning all about teeth and healthy eating. We had a visit from the dentist to talk to us about keeping our teeth shiny white. Whilst we were talking about healthy living the children had the opportunity to make healthy sandwiches. Also as part of ‘ourselves’ topic we made pictures of our faces, we looked in mirrors to see what colour our eyes were and what shapes our mouths were. We made some super pictures using paint and crayons. As spring has been approaching we have been for lots of walks around the beautiful grounds we share with the Primary School including the woodland area. On our walks we have spotted spring bulbs appearing, insects, birds and we even tried to climb a tree or two! We absolutely love to share a story here at playgroup. We are proud of our new bookcase that we have bought to store all of our lovely books in. The children also had lots of fun making Mother’s Day gifts and cards. This year has been incredibly successful for us in terms of attendance. We are practically full on most days, which is super! We are so lucky to have so many wonderful children sharing our learning journey. For more information about Melbourn Playgroup visit the website on www.melbournplaygroup.org.uk

Snow in the playground continued on page 34 melbournmagazine

Melbourn Primary School Wow! It has been a short but action packed start to the year. The whole school community has worked hard and we have much to be proud of. When HMI visited back in 2014 he tasked me with finding a way of ‘measuring what we value,’ in addition to the normal analysis of performance in literacy and maths. To this end, we have been evaluating our work in ‘the arts’. I am delighted to tell you that we have achieved ‘ArtsMark’ status in recognition of the quality of teaching and the children’s achievement in art, music, creative writing, drama and dance. Our validator, who visited in February, was particularly impressed with our use of the arts to inspire work in other curriculum areas and the impact this has on our children’s engagement and self-esteem. We will continue to develop this successful aspect of school life. We have also had a follow up visit from our HMI. He was incredibly pleased with the progress we have made since his last visit.

Art On display in the hall is a new selection of stunning artwork. This was produced in our house teams; children worked together in mixed age groups from Foundation to Year 6 to produce work inspired by artists and reflecting their house colour. This academic year we have been working on improving our teaching of art skills, ably assisted by Mrs Blackhurst, our own Artist-in-Residence. Mrs Blackhurst is working with all classes in turn team teaching with the class teacher. The result is reflected in the skills children are demonstrating in their art work and the high quality of work produced. There is now a growing wealth of 3D work – a blaze of modroc dragons are invading the KS2 corridor! I am delighted at the range of clay work too – the clay faces produced by the 5/6 children show a range of emotions and are very impressive – do pop into the KS2 corridor and look at their work.

Spring Concert This year’s Spring Concert was a great success, with even more than ever children participating. The concert is a great opportunity for the children to showcase their work and I am always amazed at their talent and confidence in front of an

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audience. In order to play and perform those pieces so well, the children have had to put in a lot of practise at home as well as at school, so a huge “well done” to all our performers. You are awesome!

Year 4 Science Festival Bunsen burners, balloons and even the Tardis were all used at the Year 4 Science Festival at Melbourn Village College. The children had the opportunity to carry out eight different activities helped by some of the College’s students and staff. They made a fire extinguisher; investigated static electricity; investigated which everyday products are acid or alkaline; made spinners where cherries ‘magically’ appear on cakes and much, much more. This event was greatly enjoyed and really enthused our Year 4 children about science. Our thanks go to Melbourn Village College for organising the event and the parents who helped us walk to the college and stayed to help with the activities too.

Year 3 and 4 Chinese Dragon Dance As part of our topic ‘How to tame a dragon’ the children took part in a dance workshop. The children, dressed in red, learnt and performed a splendid Chinese dance with their partner. At the end of the workshop the children had the opportunity to dance with a dragon or lion headdress similar to those used in Chinese New Year celebrations. Our thanks go to the Baptist Church who allowed us to use their hall for the dances.

Melbourn Dynamos I would like to say a massive thank you to Melbourn Dynamos and their fabulous volunteers. Our achievements in football this term would not have been possible without the incredible support we have received from Nikki, Linda, Dee and everyone else at Melbourn Dynamos. They have offered their time, to not only run a weekly football training session after school, but have also attended every one of our matches. They have provided coaching support and have sourced a referee for our home matches. Their expert assistance and enthusiasm has been hugely appreciated. The children are working hard and the effort they put in is seen everyday in their classroom and the work they produce. We are very proud of them!

continued on page 39

Village information IMPORTANT NUMBERS

EDUCATION

Orchard Surgery Appointments & Dispensary 260220 For repeat prescriptions send email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net Hospitals Addenbrooke’s Royston 01763 238020

01223 245151

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES Camdoc 01223 464242 NHS Direct 0845 4647 (queries 24hrs) Non Emergency Phone number 101 Minicom helpline for the deaf and hard of hearing, anywhere in the force area: 01480 422493. RNID typetalk is a national telephone relay service which enables, deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and speech impaired people to communicate, to access the service dial: 0800 515152 EMERGENCY 999 Melbourn Practical Solutions Group w w w. m e l b o u r n c a m b r i d g e . c o . u k / problemsolving – Telephone 01763 261833 Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217 Crimestoppers Freephone

0800 555111

Neighbourhood Watch 260959 Maureen Townsend maureentownsend1@aol.com Cambs Registered Trader Sceme 01223 221921 Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0845 070 0707 Dial-A-Ride

01223 506335

CAB Royston

08456 889897 0800 1111

Childline

08457 909090

Samaritans Services Anglian Water Gas emergency Electricity South Cambs District

08457 145 145 0800 111 999 08007 838838

Transport British Rail Enquiries Stagecoach Cambus

Royston Family History Society Pam Wright

Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford

07842 151512

Melbourn Magazine Committee Editorial

Ann Dekkers

261144

Advertising

Jan Simmonett

220363

Distribution

Eric Johnston

220197

Information

Anne Lambert

261480

Parish Profile

Mavis Howard

260686

221398

Little Hands Nursery School

Royston Lions Janet Daniels

260009

RSPB Doug Radford

208978

260964

Out of school times

01223 503972

Notre Ecole Janet Whitton

261231

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Doreen Johnston220197

Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox

223457

St George’s Allotments Assoc. Bruce Huett

U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman George Howard 260686 Hon Sec Hilary Docwra

222486

Mem Sec Chris Davison

264189

Village College Principal Simon Holmes

223400

HEALTH

brucehuett@compuserve.com

Thursday Luncheon Club at Vicarage Close 07599292327

Nikki & Julie Women’s Group Pat Smith

260103

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Age UK Cambridgeshire

01223 221921

Blood Donors

0300 123 23 23

Chiropodist

263260

Dentist

262034

District Nurses (Primary Care Trust)

01223 846122

Home-Start

262262

All Saints’ Church Curate Mary Price

261569

Churchwardens Roger Mellor

220463

Mike Galley

260127

Community Hall booking Sandie Springall

223320

S Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road Child & Family Nurses

262861

Car Scheme

245228

Osteopath Kath Harry

261716

St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak

220507

LOCAL CLUBS Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron

249156

Tony Kelly Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m.

hallbookings@live.co.uk

Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke Secretary Guy Manners

261650 01223 872298

United Reformed Church Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie

260747

Secretary Peter and Eirwen Karner

262346

Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk

246458

SPORT

Bellringers Barbara Mitchell

261518

Bridge Club Howard Waller

261693

Badminton Steve Jackson

248774

Abigail Roberts

261505

Bowls Elaine Cooke

221571

Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford

220272

Croquet Janet Pope

1st Melbourn Rainbows

Brownies 2nd Melbourn Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl)

Jazzercise Sarah Howard

261400

Judo Derek Coult

CATalyst

0774 953 0112

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

MADS (Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society) Donna Sleight

248342 07703 422394 225004

Melbourn and District Tennis Club 07545334805

Claire Norman Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker Blake Carrington Chairman

07770533249 07730488743

Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne

261703

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313

232622

Meldreth Tennis Club Sue Davies

220174

261144

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley

244593

Squash Club Nick Sugden

261064

Melbourn Mushroom Club John Holden email: frog.end@virgin.net Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie

01223 207307

Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts

268428

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay

260649

National Trust Colin Limming

260072

New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs

243224

Photographic Club Bruce Huett

232855

Ramblers Dave Allard

242677

Production

Peter Simmonett

220363

Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841

Proof reading

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes

Colin Limming

260072

Royston and District Local History Society

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

Village Diary

frierley@ntlworld.com

Library LAP Jane Stevens johnjane.stevens@tiscali.co.uk

Melbourn History Group Ann Dekkers 08457 484950 08706 082608

Royston and District Round Table

David Allard

WARDEN & SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEMES Dial-A-Ride

01223 506335

Mobile Warden Scheme Jeannie Seers

262651

John Impey Way Jeanette Holland

269596

Moorlands Denise Taylor

260564

Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan

263389

Lead Sheltered Housing Officer - Monday to Friday 9–1.30

245958

Vicarage Close, John Impey Way & Elin Way

242677

Every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday

Eileen Allan

Mobile 07876 791419 / 245402

melbournmagazine

DIARY JUNE

Monday 1

Melbourn Bowls Club Roll Up at the Club 2.30pm weekly Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday at Vicarage Close contact Howard Waller 261693

Sunday 14

Monday 29

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am

Rail User Group meeting Foxton Village

URC Service 11am

Tuesday 30

Monday 15

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am TT

Royston & District Family History Society Tuesday 16

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30 (TT)

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Melbourn Bridge Club every Tuesday (see article)

Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration Group

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am followed by Coffee Break 10.30 Thursday 4

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Melbourn Bowls Club Coffee Morning 10.30–12 at the Bowls Club weekly Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm Royston & District Local History Soc Town Hall Royston 8pm Friday 5

Coffee at URC 10.30am Meldreth manor Summer Fete Saturday 6

JULY

ASCH 7.30pm

Tuesday 2

Wednesday 3

Hall 7.30pm

Foxton Open Gardens 2-5.30pm

(see article) for Water Aid

Cambridge Open Studios every weekend throughout July Wednesday 1

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Wednesday 17

Thursday 2

Baptist Craft Club 9.30 (TT) followed by

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 18

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm Friday 19

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 20

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf Melbourn Fete (see article) Sunday 21

Holy Communion 8am Family Service 11am All Saints

Melbourn Bowls Club Coffee Morning weekly 10.30am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm Friday 3

Coffee URC 10.30am Evening Summer Fayre Melbourn Primary School Saturday 4

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 5

Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Evensong

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Baptist Communion Service 10.30am

Sunday 7

URC 11am

Holy Communion 8am Evensong 6.30pm All Saints

Tuesday 23

Holy Communion URC 11am

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Monday 6

Communion Service Baptist Church 6pm

Women’s Group Musical Evening Meldreth 7.45pm

Melbourn Bowls Club Roll Up 2.30pm weekly

Tuesday 9

Wednesday 24

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Baptist Craft Club 9.30 (TT) followed by

Mothers Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club Afternoon Tea for members Wednesday 10

Baptist Craft Club 9.30 (TT) followed by Coffee Break 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm Thursday11

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

Coffee Break 10.30am British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Thursday 25

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

6.30am All Saints Holy Communion URC 11am Baptist Communion Service 6pm

Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday Vicarage Close 7pm contact Howard Waller 261693 Tuesday 7

Melbourn Bridge Club every Tuesday (contact as above) A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign Astra Zeneca Building Melbourn Science Park 7.30pm

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm

Wednesday 8

Friday 26

Baptist Craft Club followed by Coffee Break

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 27

Coffee Stop All Saints 10.30am

10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm Thursday 9

Safari Supper (see article)

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly

Friday 12

Little Chishill Manor Open Gardens 2-5pm

Friday 10

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Sunday 28

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Saturday 13

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am

Saturday 11

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

URC Service 11am

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 12

Thursday 30

Monday 17

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

URC Service 11.00am

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm

Tuesday 14

AUGUST

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30 (TT)

Wednesday 19

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Mother’s Union contact Pauline Hay 260649

Saturday 1

Friday 21

Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Coffee URC 10.30am

Sunday 2

Saturday 22

Wednesday 15

Holy Communion All Saints 8am

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Baptist Craft Club 9.30am (TT) followed by

URC Service 11.00am

Sunday 23

Baptist Communion 6pm Monday 3

Family Communion 9.45am URC Service 11.00am

Melbourn Bowls Club Roll Up 2.30 weekly

Tuesday 25

Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday Vicarage

Women’s Group outing TBA

7.30pm ‘A Bulb for Every Season’

Coffee Break 10.30am Thursday 16

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Friday 17

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 18

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf Sunday 19

Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am Family Service 11.00am

Close contact Howard Waller 261693 Tuesday 4

Melbourn Bridge Club contact as above Wednesday 5

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Thursday 6

URC Service 11.00am

Melbourn Bowls Club Coffee Morning 10.30 weekly

Baptist Communion Service 10.30am

Royston & District Local History Society Royston

Monday 20

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm

Town Hall 8pm Friday 7

Coffee URC 10.30am

Tuesday 21

Saturday 8

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30 (TT)

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Wednesday 22

Sunday 9

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am-12

Family Communion 9.45am All Saints

End of Term Thursday 23

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly Friday 24

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 25

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 26

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am Tuesday 28

Women’s Group Melbourn 7.45pm National Autistic Society

URC Service 11am Melbourn Bowls Club v Cambridgeshire Vice Presidents Tuesday 11

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Friday 28

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 29

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 30

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am Melbourn Bowls Club Open Triples

t for the nex te a d g in s lo The c ly ay 17th Ju d ri F is e u s is ar in h will appe 2015 whic ents r, listing ev Septembe and r, October e b m te p e in S 2015. November

Mothers’ Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7.30pm Wednesday 12

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm Friday 14

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 15

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf

Wednesday 29

Sunday 16

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am-12

Holy Communion All Saints 8.00am

Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage

URC Service 11.00am

Close 7pm

Wednesday 26

Baptist Communion Service 10.30am

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 110 High Street, Melbourn, marking them ‘MELBOURN MAGAZINE’ or you can email them to melbournmagazine@gmail.com

We’re Searching for

Volunteers

Melbourn Magazine is delivered free to every household in the village by volunteers. If you would like to help please contact Ann Dekkers on 261144

Village information continued Orchard Surgery & Dispensary Melbourn Health Visiting Team Monday to Friday 8:30 – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm Phone 01763 260220 Telephone requests are not accepted For repeat prescriptions you can: Fax 01763 262968 or email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

• •

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

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.

BIN COLLECTION MELBOURN 9 May

Blue & Green Bin

15 May 22 May

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

30 May 5 June

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

12 June 19 June

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

26 June 3 July

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

10 July 17 July

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

24 July 31 July

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

7 August 14 August

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

21 August 28 August

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

5 September 11 September

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

18 September 25 September

Black Bin Blue & Green Bin

Saturday Collection

For more information and collections of large household items Telephone 03450 450 063 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

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

See the website for more information www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk Battery exchange and retubing. We do not do hearing tests

Saturday Collection

For an update on collections visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/content/friday

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

Cam Sight’s Rural Support Group meet in Melbourn to provide help, friendship and ongoing support to local people with sight loss. The group enjoys speakers, music, information, advice and a chance to try out low vision equipment. They meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 2 – 4pm at Vicarage Close. For further information please call 01223 420033 or info@camsight.org.uk

Melbourn Village College Melbourn Village College has been recognised for its international work. The college has been awarded the British Council’s Intermediate International Award. The award, which runs until 2018, recognises the school’s work to bring the world into the classroom by forging lasting relationships with schools overseas and introducing global themes to pupils. A global outlook is a key feature of the curriculum in all Comberton Academy Trust schools, of which Melbourn is a part. Melbourn has excellent international partnerships, is the only school in ACT, an innovative cross-border cultural heritage and educational exchange programme between twelve arts and education partners from France and England and backed by the European Regional Development Fund, and is set to develop further links with Spain and France. To obtain the award, Melbourn focussed on seven activity areas, which included a German exchange project where students explored their respective home towns, a WW1 project which culminated in a Year 8/9 trip to the Battlefields to mark the centenary of the outbreak of war and a variety of arts and music-based workshops and performances. MVC Head of Languages Ben Hutchinson said: “I am thrilled that all of our international work has been recognised through the International Intermediate Award. “Achieving this award is due to the work of staff and students across the college and we are looking forward to building further partnerships abroad now. “In an increasingly interconnected world, our students need to learn be able to engage in communication with people from a wide range of different cultures and traditions. We believe that our work as an ACT partner has allowed us to achieve this goal.” Rachel Hawkes, Associate Deputy Principal with responsibility for languages and international education across the Trust, said: “This award is an excellent achievement. To be successful, schools have to show not only that the international dimension is part of the whole school ethos, but also that there has been a significant impact on learners as a result. I am therefore delighted that Melbourn has been recognised in this way.” Fostering an international dimension is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools to help young people live and work as global citizens in a shrinking world and this award recognises schools which fulfil a number of specific criteria. This view is supported by evidence from an ICM survey of UK business leaders carried out for a report by the British Council and Think Global, a charity that works to educate and engage people about global issues. The report, The Global Skills Gap: preparing young people for the global economy, reveals that when recruiting new staff employers rate knowledge and awareness of the wider world as more important than a candidate’s degree classification or A-level results.

SSAT Awards Melbourn Village College has received two awards, which recognise their achievements – and as a result has been invited to join a national network of high-performing secondary schools. The college has received two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards for being in the top 10% of non-selective schools nationally for attainment (based on students’ best eight average point scores) and for being in the top 10% nationally for value added progress. Last summer 75% of Melbourn students achieved five GCSEs at grades A*–C including maths and English – 20% above the national average. In English the number of students who made three levels of progress was 83% and for maths 89% - both figures putting them way above the National average. The Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), founded from the former Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in May 2012, will hand Melbourn their awards at a regional celebration ceremony next month. Only 108 schools in the country qualified for both awards. Melbourn will also now join the Leading Edge group of schools who are all rated by Ofsted at Grade 1 or 2. All Leading Edge schools, which must show pupils make excellent progress and/or perform above the national average, are committed to: working in partnership to raise achievement, innovation and sharing practice both within and beyond the network. Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes said: “I am very proud that the excellent standard of education at MVC has been recognised via these two awards, in particular the one for progress. “This clearly indicates that we make a substantial impact on the life chances of the students at the college. “It is a deserved reward for the commitment and hard work of the whole staff team and the positive relationships they foster with students. In addition, being invited to be a part of the Leading Edge programme will open up more avenues for innovation and partnership work and help us continue to offer the best possible opportunities to all of our students.” Sue Williamson, the SSAT Chief Executive, said: “These are very prestigious awards and MVC have done exceptionally well to win two awards. They demonstrate the high quality work that the staff and students are doing.”

Year 4 Science Festival More than 100 youngsters from six of Melbourn Village College’s feeder primary school enjoyed a fantastic hands-on science day at the senior school. Coinciding with National Science Week and the Cambridge Science Festival, the Year 4 pupils were welcomed by a group of talented Year 8 and 10 Melbourn students for one of three sessions during the day and took part in eight experiments. These were: Fire extinguishers – students made models of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers using baking powder and hydrochloric acid. They then used the gas to put out a candle.

•

melbournmagazine

• • • • • • •

Spinning Tardis – students made model tardis’ and used the power of water to help them to spin. Indicators – students used Universal indicators to investigate whether a number of household liquids were acids or alkalis. Static Electricity: students used balloons to create static electricity. They then used this to make foil hover, pick up semolina and move a coke can. Hearing tests – students looked at how sound waves travelled to our ears using a model ear and then a signal generator to create a range of sound frequencies. Flame tests – students burnt some chemicals and observed what colours the flames turned Spinners – students coloured a pair of pictures such as a bird and a cage. When they were stuck together and spun they looked like they were one picture. Extracting Iron – students used the chemicals in a match to get iron from iron oxide. They then tested the iron with a match.

Melbourn science teacher Cat Rich said, “It was a fantastic day for all concerned. The Year 4 students tried lots of experiments that they would normally be able to do at school and Melbourn students worked exceptionally well, teaching the Year 4s” An unnamed Year 4 student said: “I liked the day a lot and hope that I can come again. My favourite part was when the flames burnt green!” Fred Close, a Year 8 student, added: “I enjoyed the day, working with the Year 4 students.”

The 300 students were talked through the design for the rover and saw the £1.6 million vehicle drive around the school hall, directed by a play station controller. “It was fantastic to have Bridget come in and for her engineers to explain to the students that the Space Industry isn’t reserved for NASA,” said Principal Simon Holmes. “As a result of this visit students will have had their eyes opened and some of them may be inspired to reach for a career in this area. Bridget may have just met the creators of her successors.” “It’s not every day you get a Mars Rover into school!” added organiser and Science teacher Tracey Mayhead. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Melbourn Village College have been extending their science learning this term. Having had their appetites for science whetted by the visit of a Mars Rover prototype a couple of weeks ago, there has been great excitement for this week’s Science week, where the curriculum has been extended and the focus has been on competitions and investigations. Year 7 have looked at the science of fizzing, making their own honeycomb and looking at why carbon dioxide is formed. Year 8 looked at energy and attempted to cook an egg using the least amount of fuel possible, and Year 9 at boats fuelled from citric acid, bicarbonate of soda and water. Year 8 have also had a visit from a group called Mad Science and students will be entering a national competition based on science and discoveries linked to their local area. All Year 7 and 8 students completed the big science week quiz provided by the British Science Week Team.

Dance Competition On Saturday 7th February, Melbourn Dance Company and PADCo took part in ‘Energise’ a Youth Dance England U.Dance event, that saw various dance groups from across the county come together to share their work at Swavesey Village College. Both performance groups did incredibly well, with the

Mars Rover Visit A Mars Rover landed at Melbourn Village College this term. Accompanied by two of its engineers, Abbie Hutty and Kat Styles, the Rover visit was designed to give Key Stage 3 students an insight into space exploration of the future. The visiting Mars Rover, known as Bridget and looking really glamorous in her coat of real gold, was the prototype for the one due to be sent to Mars in 2018. On previous outings Bridget has met many famous people, including the Queen, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Professor Brian Cox.

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

organisers commenting on how confident and comfortable they looked whilst on stage. This was the third year running for Melbourn’s participating groups, and we look forward to it again next year.

Noye’s Fludde The Biblical story of Noah and the flood was brilliantly brought to life in an incredible cross-border collaboration. Following two sell-out performances of the Benjamin Britten opera Noye’s Fludde in France in January, the Anglo-French cast reconvened for two spectacular shows in Comberton Village College’s Seventy-eight French schoolchildren, the Orchestre de Picardie, internationally-renowned conductor Arie van Beek, Royal Opera House company members Anne Mason and Geoffrey Moses (Mr and Mrs Noah) and Southend YMCA joined students from six South Cambs schools for the show directed by Amy Lane, also from the Royal Opera House. Costumes, sets and props were designed by students from the University of the Creative Arts. The lead English school in the production was Melbourn Village College and they provided six soloists – Tom Carrington, Cameron King, Jenny Elliott, Izzy Koyander, Sophie Jelley and Joe Randall – who were Noah’s sons and wives. An additional 25 Melbourn students were joined by 30 from Foxton, Harston & Newton and Hauxton primary schools in the chorus with 15 students each from Comberton and Cambourne village colleges added for the English performances. There was also a special opportunity for talented Melbourn Year 10 cornet player Ben Doughty to join the 42 French conservatoire students playing alongside the Orchestre de Picardie and Melbourn’s Alderney Smith to join the Comberton technical crew. The production came about through an EU funded project called ACT – A Common Territory – which celebrates the shared culture of northern France and south east England

through a creative partnership between cultural organisations, colleges and schools on both sides of the Channel. This production is just one of many cultural exchanges the project has enabled over the past three years. Melbourn’s head of music, Paul Belbin, said: “This was a stunning opportunity for our students to be a part of a professional production. “We took a large party of children to Amiens and Compiegne in January, where we performed two sell-out shows. “We were delighted to be able to welcome the cast to Cambridgeshire. Britten devised the opera to be performed by communities in community settings and I am sure that he would have approved of such a diverse coming together to re-tell a great story with great tunes!” Melbourn Principal, Simon Holmes, added: “This has been a huge collaborative effort between 10 organisations and thanks must go to all involved, including those whose work behind the scenes has enabled it to be such a huge success. “The experience of working with so many different professionals in a performance of this standard is something the students will remember for the rest of their life. They should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

South American Students’ Visit Students of Spanish at Melbourn Village College were given a boost thanks to a group of native speakers. Twenty Peruvians students spent the day at the college, not only chatting (in Spanish) to Year 8 and Year 11 pupils, but also giving them a taste of the South American culture. The group, who are on an exchange programme with Comberton Village College, one of Melbourn’s partners in the Comberton Academy Trust, played traditional Peruvian music using a special drum, guitars and panpipes, sang songs

in Spanish as well as demonstrating some well-known dances. They then sat down to chat to the English students and help them with their Spanish speaking. Assistant Principal Regina Lawrence, who also teaches Spanish, said: “We were delighted to host a visit from some Peruvian students, who went into lessons to help our students with their Spanish speaking and treated us to a traditional Peruvian dance and music performance. It was fantastic to see our students being able to use their language in a real context and they were very welcoming to the visitors.” melbournmagazine

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www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

The students also appreciated the opportunity with Joie Cabreza commenting: “They were really friendly and their English was really good.” Lara Davison said: “Their dance performance was really cool and entertaining. They played their musical instruments really well,” while Shauna Edwards added: “They got on well with the MVC students.” The Peruvians, who have spent three weeks in Cambridgeshire, have also visited Cambourne Village College, London, Ely and Cambridge as part of their programme and have stayed with English host students from Comberton.

Rugby Victory The year 9 boys can add to their rugby victory earlier this year as they won the District Basketball competition hosted by Long Road College. The team had to qualify for the finals and this was done with a depleted team due to injury and illness. Parkside and Linton were the opponents in the qualifying stage and nervy but ultimately winning performances saw MVC through to the finals. Chesterton laid in wait in the semi-final and the game began with both teams giving up possession cheaply and missing easy opportunities to score. Eventually both teams settled down and started their scoring but each time MVC stole the ball back and mounted a quick counter attack points were added and this proved to be the difference,

royal blue sweatshirt and white polo shirt is now being phased out. However, staff and students were keen to see it put to good use and the entire stock of brand new sweatshirts and polo shirts as well as all the contents of the second-hand uniform shop is being donated to a school in the Eastern European country which was decimated by war in the 1990s and is still rebuilding lives and communities. Around five boxes of uniform is expected to head East with the help of local suppliers, Schoolyard, of Jarman Way, Royston, who are helping co-ordinate the export effort. Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to put this uniform to good use. Helping others is a key part of being part of a global international community.”

The World Challenge Expedition

MVC were through to the final. St Bede’s and Cottenham would have both been encouraged by the poor standard of the first semi final. St Bede’s were the winners and so two old basketball rivals were thrown together again. A stern but encouraging team talk seemed to do the trick as MVC were quickly into scoring and raced into an 8 point lead only for St Bedes to claw it back with some good long shooting. Crisper, more accurate passing though was enough for MVC to really show what they were capable of and the points kept coming mainly through Alex Little and Fin Livingstone and very soon St Bede’s game was up. Congratulations to the boys, some of whom were scouted for the Cambridgeshire County team.

On Saturday 28th March, on a rather dull and drizzly afternoon, 16 Year 10 students from Melbourn Village College took part in the sponsored Reigate Rampage 5km Mud Run. Set around equestrian gallops and a cross-country course, the 5km course included 50 man-made and natural obstacles; including stream crossings, cargo nets & ropes to climb, a water slide and lots and lots of mud!! The reason for running, jumping, climbing and crawling through all this mud and dirt? – to raise funds for the World Challenge Expedition to Ghana that the 10 girls and 6 boys are undertaking in July 2016, after completing their GCSE’s.

Uniform recycling New and second-hand uniform from Melbourn Village College is set for a new life at a school in Bosnia. The college adopted a new uniform of navy jumper, white shirt and navy and gold tie in September and the previous melbournmagazine

The Old School Studio Old School Lane, Whittlesford, Cambridge CB22 4YS

Working Studio offering One & Two Day Tutored Workshops and much more! Tutors for 2015 include: Paul Alcock, Helen Allen (Verdila Flowers), Marilyn Allis, Vic Bearcroft, Sho-Jen Dowell, Soraya French, John Glover, Rachel Haynes, Prue van der Hoorn, Sharon Hurst, Val Pettifer, Lesley Rumble, John Shave, Simon Williams & Sue Williams Drop-in-and-Paint day every Thursday & Friday All set in a quirky old Victorian School with a mezzanine floor and reading area, working studios, and attractive garden to relax in!

To book a workshop or request our 2015 brochure email: info@theoldschoolstudio.co.uk

01223 833064

Banish niggling aches and pains! We keep many local village people supple and mobile with our range of osteopathy and complementary treatments including sports massage, chiropody and acupuncture. Give us a call on 01462 490141 at our clinic in Baldock High Street for an initial chat or to book a treatment.

AMBER HEALTH Serving the local community www.amberhealth.co.uk Appointments available in Ashwell, Melbourn and Baldock Easy parking at all 3 clinics

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

ELECTRICAL

l Maintenance and repairs l New installations l Electrical condition reports l Alterations and additions

01763 220 855 07976 838 373

Email: info@ncbelectrical.co.uk

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The students would like to thank Melbourn Parish Council and TTP for their sponsorship, as well as all the friends, relatives, neighbours and other local businesses who have supported them so far. There is still a long way to go to raise all the funds needed and would be grateful for any further support. The group can be contacted via Melbourn Village College. For further information about World Challenge visit www. world-challenge.co.uk

Notre Ecole The World Challenge Expedition is a student-led developmental programme, encouraging the teenagers to learn about responsibility, leadership, planning, team-work and both physical and emotional challenges. They will be accompanied by two members of staff from MVC and a World Challenge Leader who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the team. The 14-day trip will include a few days acclimatisation in Ghana, a jungle trek and the main part of the trip – a Community project within a village, either, renovating a local school, establishing a clean water supply or working on conservation. The team will be camping, eating and sleeping within the local community. This opportunity to support a less-privileged community provides an experience, which places the students in a strong position to make the most of their future education and careers. Students have to fundraise £2400 themselves, to cover project costs as well as their travel expenses and the Mud Run is only one activity they have undertaken. They have bagpacked at Tesco Royston, organised cake stalls, raffles & quiz nights and are planning car washes and other events in the local area. A breakfast meeting presentation to the Melbourn Business Association bought their cause to the attention of the local business community.

Throughout January and February, children at our Wednesday after school club learnt French around the theme of ‘Winter’. We learnt vocabulary to do with winter clothes, winter weather and winter activities and played a number of games to help us remember new words. We also enjoyed trying to sing the popular ‘Frozen’ song in French. We weren’t doing too badly with the chorus after a few weeks! We also spent some time practising larger numbers. One of the activities we did here was to try and guess celebrities’ ages. Then of course we celebrated ‘La Chandeleur’ (Candlemas) in the usual French way by eating pancakes but only after we had learnt the French for the ingredients.

melbournmagazine

After the February half term break we spent some time learning vocabulary around the theme of vegetables. To this end we played the game ‘I went to the market’, acted out roll plays at the market and planted some bean and tomato seeds, which are coming up nicely now. We also made pizzas, which we topped with some of the vegetables we can talk about in French. Our Thursday group, meeting after school at Melbourn Primary School, was well attended during the spring term. We practised introducing ourselves and made puppets showing happy and sad faces to illustrate how we were feeling. We practised numbers and colours in French and learnt some French words for different kinds of transport. We also enjoyed singing two French songs around the transport theme. One of the things that children really enjoyed though was sampling different types of food that we had for our after school snack. At the Wednesday evening Adults Beginner’s class we have been looking at expressions that take the verb ‘avoir’, practised telling the time in French, practised using big numbers, talked about our hobbies, practised giving directions and talking about places around town. It has been a very busy half term! Meanwhile, the more advanced group has discussed a text about Paris and another about the Charlie Hebdo attack; they have looked at idiomatic expressions around the word ‘oeuf’, while also looking at some grammar points. Perhaps you are looking forward to your summer holiday in France and would like to brush up your French. If you or your child are interested in joining one of our groups please get in touch. Notre Ecole, led by a native speaker and a graduate of European Studies with French, has been teaching French to pupils of all ages for fourteen years. Call either Marine on 07533 443153 or Janet on 07791 853448 for further details. If you prefer e-mail, contact boultermarine@gmail.com or janet.whitton@tiscali.co.uk.

Mel, bowls, church craft groups, WI, library volunteering – it’s all here. But perhaps the most popular and varied group is the Melbourn & District branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A). The U3A is a national network of independent learning-for-pleasure cooperatives, which use the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups. In the Melbourn U3A these include family history, French and German conversation, poetry, bird watching, table tennis, bridge, yoga – and the list goes on. There are other local U3As as well, with other choices. Buntingford, Hitchin and Cambridge all have busy groups, and another is being planned in Royston. If you want to have a taste, then come along to Melbourn’s next meeting at Melbourn Village College, 2.45 pm on Wednesday 17th June when gardener Twigs Way’s talk is entitled ‘The Country House goes to War’. See you there! Maureen Moody

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Enrolment for the Autumn courses will be on Tuesday 15th September. Details in the next issue of the Melbourn Magazine or from Secretary 01763 660234.

We look forward to hearing from you. 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.

Little Hands is a Private Nursery School specialising in quality education for the under fives and offers Flexible hourly booking - open 08.30 to 16.30 Term time bookings with optional holiday club

Individual lessons also available. Telelephone Marine 01763 222876 or Janet 01763 261231 mob-07533 443153 mob-07791 853448 Email marineboulter@yahoo.fr or janet.whitton@tiscali.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you. (Enhanced CRB clearance recently completed)

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All sessions have a high staff to child ratio and are available for funded 2 year olds and funded 3/4 year olds with no extra charges

Spoilt for Choice

So what do you do with your days once you’ve retired and the demands of work are over? For some, their dream of peace and quiet becomes a tedious round of days with little point – a sad final act to a life full of activity. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Melbourn and the surrounding district offer a really surprising range of learning, leisure and community activities. Restoring the River

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Categorised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted For further information please contact Anne McCrossen - Nursery Manager : 01763 260964 e-mail lh-melbourn@btconnect.com Little Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton visit the website at www.littlehands.co.uk

Sports & Clubs 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 Croquet Janet Pope 248342 Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109 Dynamos Football Club Les Morley 07739 593771 Gardening Club Helen Powell 245887 Guides – Ist Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443 Judo Derek Coult 225004 Melbourn Karate Club Peter Khera 07866 374674 Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Pat Smith 262575 Sue Toule 260955 Anne Harrison 261775 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

1st Melbourn Rainbows At 1st Melbourn Rainbows we have been very busy. We made our own paper airplanes, trying out different designs and decorating them. We then flew them to see whose went the furthest, did the most stunts or crashed the best! We played lots of games including having a bingo night. One Saturday we met in Royston to see a pantomime! It was Cinderella. The girls all sat nicely (except when they were dancing) and during the interval, we all had a snack and a drink. It was a great day out enjoyed by all the girls and us leaders. During the term we worked on our Thinking Day badges. Thinking Day is a day when they think about the their ‘sisters’ (and ‘brothers’) in all the countries of the world, the meaning of Guiding, and its global impact. The day, 22nd February, was chosen as it was the birthday of Scouting and Guiding founder Robert Baden-Powell and of Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and World Chief Guide. We talked about other guiding units around the world and learnt about their uniforms, promises and games. We also found out the names of rainbow units in other countries and completed a word search. We made Thinking Day cards and sent them to other rainbow units and guiders across the country, and also received some back! It was lovely to read what other rainbows said and how they decorated their cards. For Mother’s day they made their own cards and decorated a heart shape with sequins. They were extremely fiddly to do as they had tiny plastic pins to attach the sequins with but the girls all made beautiful hearts.

At the end of last term we practiced and performed a barn dance for our mums and dads and also made Easter bonnets. We decorated them with coloured paper and glittery mini eggs. We then did a fashion parade for our parents. We ended the term with our ‘Pot of gold’ ceremony, which saw 2 of our rainbows saying goodbye for the last time as they are off to Brownies in the summer term for new adventures. We have started back now after the Easter holidays and are preparing for our annual sleepover. It has a ‘Frozen’ theme and will prove to be as exciting as the girls are! On behalf of 1st Melbourn Rainbows. Bluebell, Buttercup, Sunflower, Lavender, Blossom and Jasmine

1st Brownies This term has been very busy. We have welcomed many new faces to the unit. At the start of the term, we worked on our wildlife badges. One week, we made bird feeders out of plastic cups, string, seeds and lard. All of the Brownies hung them up in their gardens in order to attract more birds for the British bird watch. A lot of us took part in the bird watch and we shared our findings the next week. As we approached half term, we neared Shrove Tuesday and World Thinking Day. To celebrate Pancake Day, each Brownie had the opportunity to make their own pancake, while others thought about what their promise meant and how they could follow it. After half term, we made friendship bracelets, using fishtail plaiting. Fluffy Owl (Amelia) taught the Brownies how to do this. Once all of them were finished, each Brownie was given a piece of paper with someone else’s name on and that was who their bracelets was for. Following that, we prepared for Mothering Sunday by making hand jewellery holders. On the first week, we all drew round our hands to create a template. Then, we rolled out air dry clay to about a centimetre thick and placed our templates on top. We used butter knifes to cut out the clay hands and we placed them around plastic balls, so that they were 3D. By the next week, the hands were dry and ready to paint. We melbournmagazine

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used metallic paints so that they were shiny. Afterwards, we made cards to go with the Mother’s Day gifts. Towards the end of the term, we had an enrolment ceremony, so that the new Brownies could become official members of the unit. All of the new Brownies’ parents were invited to watch the special occasion. As part of their hostess badges, each of the brownies (who hadn’t already achieved that badge) wrote invitations informing their parents of the details of the evening. All of the Brownies made their promise flawlessly, which is quite impressive due to the new, more complicated promise. On the last week of term, we hosted an Easter party, which we invited the local Rainbow unit to join. First, we played some traditional Brownie games, like hanky-panky. Then, we did some Easter crafts. For example, decorating polystyrene Easter eggs and making cardboard rabbits. Next, we enjoyed some Easter themed cakes made by some of the Brownies . These included delicious raspberry and white chocolate brownies, Easter shaped cheese biscuits, rice crispy cakes and cinnamon cupcakes. Finally, we had an Easter egg hunt. One of the Rainbows said that they loved the evening so much they want to join Brownies as soon as they are old enough. By Amy Selby (Little Owl) on behalf of all the leaders at 1st Melbourn Brownies (Brown Owl, Eagle Owl, Nightingale, Squirrel, Fluffy Owl and Lucy). If you (or your daughter) wants come and join in the fun, please contact Brown Owl (Stephanie Clifford) on 07888831140.

1st Melbourn Guides Being a Guide is all about learning new things whilst having fun. In November our wartime Guide skills evening included knitting, making model cars and aircraft, cooking eggless pancakes, and learning the phonetic alphabet. As a rare treat the girls had the opportunity to do the Chocolate badge; we enjoyed creating plays about the history of chocolate, did a Fair Trade role play exercise, some chocolate tasting, and of course made chocolate sweets. For Christmas we made fresh flowers and candle arrangements, with

Water filters using sand, tissue paper and cotton wool

Hanging mobile using peace symbols

materials kindly donated by Bury Lane. We started the spring term with disability awareness activities. These comprised trying to eat sweetcorn whilst blindfolded, communicating words silently, and painting with a brush held in the mouth. For our winter outing we travelled by train to see the pantomime Aladdin at Stevenage, filling an already crowded commuter train with over 50 excited local girls. All Guides should have some first aid knowledge, and the skills of CPR (kiss of life) and the recovery position were learnt in a fun practical evening run by a qualified local teacher. Guides are also kind to animals: later in the term a lady from Wood Green brought along some guinea pigs and taught the girls to make toys to stimulate and amuse their pets. As a thank you we raised £32 at our Coffee Stop cake stall for their charity. International issues can be made fun too; for the World Issues badge we

played mosquito net tag, then made water filters using sand, tissue paper and cotton wool, competing to see which patrol’s filter was the best. The following week the girls made a hanging mobile using peace symbols, then played a co-operative game. 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

Ramblers’ Association Royston and District Group Our walks programme continues right through the year. Visit our website at www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex. org.uk or contact David Allard 01763 242677. melbournmagazine

PC Repairs Advice & Installation of Home Networks Help with Selecting a Computer Fault Finding Brian Girling 01223 208529 (Wimpole) E-mail bg@moncraft.co.uk We can also provide the following services: Design of brochures, posters, business cards A4/A3 laminating • A4 comb-binding Small print runs on A6 to A3 media

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Email: david.allard@ntlworld.com or Lesley Abbiss (01763 273463). There is also a poster displaying walks for the current month in Royston library and Melbourn Hub. We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5-7 miles in the morning and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Occasionally 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. Our evening walks (3–5 miles) are held on a different day each week and will continue until 26th August. Prospective new members are welcome and may come on three walks before deciding whether to join. www. ramblers.org.uk to join.

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 have talks with slides and two outing a year, one local and the other further afield by coach. An informal Flower Show is held in June. Members vote for their favourite display, plant or photograph. The August meeting is held in a member’s garden for afternoon tea and a chat. Refreshments at the end of each meeting, gives plenty of time to talk and make new friends. 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 red telephone box).

Summer Programme

»» Tuesday 9 June 2015 Afternoon Flower

Show and Strawberry Tea (members and friends only) »» Tuesday 14 July 2015 – A Bulb for Every Season Hilary Thomas »» Tuesday August 2015 – Afternoon Tea in Member’s Garden

April’s Talk Peter Walker took us on a journey around the gardens of the Cotswolds. He introduced us to unknown gems and those more familiar. For further information ring Helen 01763 245887

Royston & District Local History Society www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk Our website shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these, result from the considerable work undertaken by our Publications sub-committee. The books are available 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. The society is responsible for the opening of Royston Cave, Melbourn Street, Royston which will be open until the end of September. It will open Wednesdays in August, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.30pm to 5pm. (last admission 4.30pm) www. roystoncave.co.uk Our evening meetings which are held in the Heritage Hall (the main hall downstairs) Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm.will resume on 1st October. We have a coach outing to Cressing Temple Barns and Paycocke’s House and Garden and Grange Barn on 13th June. Contact David Allard 01763 242677 for details and availability of places. Annual membership £5 (Sept-Aug) (Under 18s half price) Visitors £2.

Melbourn Bowls Club As I am writing this preparations for our Open Day are at an advanced stage and by the time you read this the Summer Season will be well underway. You will have been victim to our leaflet dropping campaign advertising our Open Day. We hope this will not have annoyed too many and will have prompted a number of you to come and try the game of Bowls. This year our President, Malcolm Davey, is also President of the Cambridge and District (C & D) Bowls League and as a result we will be holding a number of special events at Melbourn, the first of which will be the Presidents Match on 16th May. In addition we will be holding the C & D v Cambridge VPs match on 13th June. Then later in the season on 12 September the C & D Finals will be held at Melbourn Bowls Club. We would

welcome anyone who would like to come and watch. We will again be holding Coffee Mornings at our Clubhouse on The Moor every Thursday from 10.30 until 12.00 noon under the capable management of Muriel Cooper. All are welcome whether interested in bowls or not. The main purpose is to provide an opportunity to meet and socialise with other village residents and Bowls Club Members. We hold a Roll Up every Monday afternoon and any newcomer to the village or resident who have lived here for some time and who interested in trying the game of Bowls would be most welcome at these events. Just turn up or if you would like further information please contact either Arthur Andrews tel. 261990 or Malcolm Davey tel. 262704. Besides entering teams in local leagues we play friendly matches most Sundays in May, June and August. July is an internal Club month where the Ladies v Gents Challenge Match and Club Triples take place and also many members take part in a tour to Suffolk. During August we will be hosting the Cambridgeshire Vice Presidents Team and Holding our Open Triples Competition with competitors from a wide variety of clubs. We pride ourselves on being a friendly club that welcomes anyone interested in Bowls and involves all those who wish in social activities, coffee mornings during the Summer and whist drives and quiz nights during the winter. Finally, if you are walking down The Moor, across the Recreation Ground, or supervising children in the play area and see activity on the green please feel free to watch and if you have the time to come into the club to chat to the other spectators who will be willing to explain the finer points of the game to you if you are not already conversant with it.

Melbourn Bridge Club For the past 5 years Melbourn Bridge Club has been holding a weekly session of Duplicate Bridge every Monday evening at the Vicarage Close Community Centre. It is now attracting about 30 people each week. Players may continued on page 55 melbournmagazine

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Nature Trapping the light fantastic

The mind-boggling ability of plants to capture the energy of the sun through photosynthesis has fuelled human development and growth from the first campfire to the powerplants of the industrialised world today which re-release the sun’s energy stored in the ancient fossilised forests as coal. At the individual level, all the food we eat to gain energy is either directly or indirectly plant- or, if you like, sunderived. Scientists today continue to be inspired by plants to develop new ways to harness energy. At the Botanic Garden, we are hosting a new low-impact experimental hub, the P2P, which has been developed by a collaboration of University of Cambridge researchers and ecocompanies to generate electrical current from pure plant power. The prototype structure combines green wall technology and semitransparent solar panels to generate electricity; the vertical green walls have further been adapted to utilise the naturally-occurring electrons produced in the soil through bacterial metabolic activity. It is the brainchild of Professor Christopher Howe and Dr Paolo Bombelli of the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge. Their previous experiments resulted in a device able to power a radio using the current generated by moss. When a plant photosynthesises, energy from the sun is used to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds that the plant needs to grow. Some of the compounds – such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids – are leached into the soil where they are broken down by bacteria, which in turn release by-products, including electrons which can be harvested and recombined to generate electricity. The long-term aim of the P2P solar hub research is to develop a range of self-powered sustainable buildings for multi-purpose use all over the world, from bus stops to refugee shelters. You can explore this living experiment into sustainable solutions at the Garden’s Festival of Plants this May, a day dedicated to bringing plants into focus with pop-up plant science, talking plants with the experts, specialist tours of the Garden, and a Plant Prom of plant nurseries making sure your garden will be full of plant power this summer! Festival of Plants runs fro m 1 0 a m – 5 p m o n Saturday 16 May 2015. Admission is adult £5.00, adult Gift aid £5.50 (£4.50 concession, Gift aid concession £4.95) and accompanied children 16 and under are admitted free of charge. For further visitor information please call 01223 336265 or visit www.botanic.cam. ac.uk. melbournmagazine

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come with a partner or on their own and they will be guaranteed a game. Since the first week in January a Tuesday afternoon session, at the same venue, is being held, primarily for beginners or improvers, and now attracts 16/20 players. The essence of both sessions is to play as well as possible, but in a friendly and non-confrontational way, and to introduce players to the best card game in the world. All information can be found on the Melbourn Bridge Club web site or by phoning Howard Waller on 01763 261693.

Croquet and Meldreth Croquet Club Croquet is a wonderful game which combines a degree of accuracy with an element of strategic play. It can be played by young or old and, because it has a handicap system, players of different abilities can play on equal terms. It is played on a lawn about the size of a tennis court with six hoops. The object is to get balls through the hoops in a particular order. There are two major versions of the game: Golf croquet is simple but skilful and is played to International level. The idea is to get your ball through the correct hoop before your opponent. You can do this by accurate positioning so that you can hit your ball through the hoop (and by knocking your opponent out of the way). Beginners usually start by playing golf croquet as is it social and everyone gets to play, games usually take about 20 minutes Association croquet is more complicated and uses a greater range of skills; games usually last much longer. It is often described as like playing snooker on grass, where great skill can be exercised in setting up breaks.

Meldreth Croquet Club Meldreth Croquet Club has existed for over 15 years; we have a competition standard lawn at the rear of the British Queen in Meldreth High Street. The Club welcomes new members whether familiar with croquet or complete novices. Instruction is provided for members with little or no experience or

who wish to improve. Although at first sight croquet may look complicated, most people can grasp the basics very quickly. We play most Sunday mornings, weather permitting, and often Tuesday evenings during the summer. For further information please contact Janet Pope 01763 248342; jacksonpope@tiscali.co.uk

Melbourn Sports Centre For those of you who don’t already know, we have: A state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!) A 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 June / July / August We have loads on offer this summer, with something for the whole community to get involved with…. So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre! Father’s Day For something a bit different this Fathers Day, how about treating your Dad to his own gym membership or purchasing a Gift Discount Card for our other activities here at Melbourn Sports? It’s a great way to help a loved one get fit! Kids Activities With the summer holidays fast approaching, it’s not too early or too late to start planning your summer sports. We have a variety of activities to choose from, including our Ofsted Registered Playscheme (The Kidz Factor), Trampoline Crash Course, Sport Taster Sessions and Swimming Crash Course. Also available are our very popular Children’s Pentathlons (Weekly

Sports Camps), always a fun way to try out both mainstream and specialist activities. Get Fit For The Summer! With the summer fast approaching, why not let us help you shape up before your summer holidays? We have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Boxercise, Zumba, Core Stability and Body Sculpture. Or why not take advantage of one of our great membership schemes to our fitness suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including C.V machines fitted with audiovisual technology. 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. We will also be running a stall again at this year’s Melbourn village fete. So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre! 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 For Adults Adult Swimming Lessons We offer a wide range of adult swimming lessons, from beginners to advanced. We operate weekly lessons and one-to-one lessons as well as crash courses during school holidays. Beginners Wed 19.30 – 20.15 / Intermediates Tues 15.00 – 15.45 / Sat 08.00 – 08.45 Advanced Wed 20.15 – 21.15 / Sat 07.45 – 08.45

AQUA-FIT Each class lasts an hour and includes warm up, combination exercises, cool down, stretches and often deep water work. Our fun and friendly sessions are made all the more lively by popular musical accompaniment. Go on – give it a go! Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 09.15 – 10.15* (*09.35 – 10.35 During All School Holidays) Tuesdays 19.30 – 20.30, Wednesdays 18.30 – 19.30 continued on page 57 melbournmagazine

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• Farm themed balance beams • Duck pond ball pool • Dedicated toddlers’ area with mini wavy slide • Mini ball pool for tactile play • Party packages and two party rooms catering for between 10 and 25 children • Cafe with homemade food

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BURY LANE FUN BARN A10 Bypass, Melbourn Royston, Herts, SG8 6DF Telephone 01763 260418 www.burylanefunbarn.co.uk Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

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Plus: Swimming Lessons / Lifeguard Courses / Tennis Coaching / Table Tennis / Badminton Pilates / Triathlon Sessions / Tennis Coaching / Squash And Much More!

Children’s Summer Holiday Programme Swimming Crash Courses Sports Camps Trampoline Tasters and Crash Courses Football Camps Aquatic Tasters Ofsted Registered Play scheme

New this Season Meridian Triathlon Club Would you like to do a triathlon? Are you new to the sport? Are you an experienced tri-athlete?

If so, come and join the newly created Meridian Triathlon Club, and help shape its future. Email: looksgoodtome@meridiantriclub.co.uk Private Club: Swimming Sundays 7.15–8.15 Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF Telephone 01763 263313 email: info@melbournsports.com www.melbournsports.com

Saturday 6th June 2015 This year we are going all out, the students and staff at Meldreth Manor have been very busy coming up with different ideas to make this year’s summer fete go with a bang. We have a range of entrainment confirmed including a Korean martial arts display team from Melbourn Tang So Doo club, Aspire Trampoline display team will be showing us what they can do and live music will be supplied by the Melbourn Village College Big Band & Singers. Just confirmed is the Harlow Steel Band who recently visited for a day and due to their popularity, we have asked them to come back for everyone to enjoy. The gates open at 12pm with the grand opening at 1pm. Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to see who will be opening the fete. The BBQ will be kicking off at 12pm so why not come down to have lunch. We will have all the regular stalls, including tombola’s, raffles, cakes, and plants and many different games. We have three bouncy castles and for the more competitive off those amongst you why not try the inflatable sumo suits out. New this year, will be the children’s craft tent where they will be able to make different craft items to take home at the end of the day. We have also opened up the fete to outside stalls / stands there are still spaces available. To book a stall call 01763 268000 or look on our Facebook event page, “Scope Orchard Manor”. Any donations to use on the stalls or as a raffle prizes, would be gratefully received, please contact us on 01763 268000 or pop into our reception. Please join us to share in our successes over the year as well as participating in our fundraising activities.

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Large Selection of Antique, Good Quality Curious about creative writing? Seeking community and a bit of gentle prodding to keep your pen moving? Join a Writing Circle! Writing Circles are programmes for small groups of writers who meet once a week, led by teacher and facilitator, Melissa Fu. Courses offered in Melbourn and nearby villages.

For course details, dates and registration, visit melissafu.com

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPLICATIONS EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, LOFT CONVERSIONS ETC CONTACT US now to arrange a FREE on-site meeting at your convenience to discuss your project. 01353 649649 mail@elydesigngroup.co.uk ELY DESIGN GROUP ‘Architecture by Professionals’ www.elydesigngroup.co.uk!

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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

Church news Dear Friends I am sure that many of you will have heard that, after eighteen years in Melbourn and Meldreth, I will be leaving to take up the post of Vicar of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks in the Diocese of Salisbury. It has not been an easy decision as we, as a family, have very much enjoyed living and working with you all in Melbourn and Meldreth. We have made lots of friends here and I am sure our children will always see it as home. We have thought long and hard about this decision, but gone are the days when vicars stayed in their parishes for thirty plus years and by the time I retire, if I stayed here, I would have been with you for thirty-three years! I do wonder what my Easter and Christmas sermons would be like after that length of time. This way, I can at least recycle some! I do believe that it is healthy for parishes to have a different perspective and a new vicar brings different gifts and abilities. The process for appointing a new vicar is likely to take some time, as the Diocese does not rush these things! It could be a year or so before someone is appointed, but I know you will support Mary, our Associate Priest, and the Ministry Team who will shoulder the responsibility of covering the various aspects of pastoral care during the interregnum. When we began searching for a new job I hadn’t realised just how difficult and different the whole process had become. These days you don’t just get asked to look at a new parish, you have to apply, have several interviews, preach sermons and do presentations, so I feel very lucky to have got through this process in one piece, We didn’t set out with any geographical area in mind and certainly had no idea

what Canford Cliffs was like! In fact, at interview, I called it Canford Hills and had to be reminded by the Churchwarden that it was actually Canford Cliffs! The parish consists of one church and a chapel on Sandbanks which has a midweek service. The building dates from the 1960’s and it will be the first time, in twenty-five years that I don’t have a medieval building to look after. The Vicarage is a ten-minute walk to the beach and I hope that many of you will look us up if you are planning a trip to Dorset. The main attraction of the parish was not the beach, as you might think, but that we found the people warm and welcoming and very similar to our friends here. Our last Sunday in Melbourn and Meldreth will be the 28th June at All Saints’ Church, Melbourn at 9.45 a.m. We will be moving shortly afterwards and my licensing as Vicar of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks will be on Tuesday 21st July at 7.00 p.m. at the Church of the Transfiguration, Canford Cliffs, with the Bishop of Salisbury. It would be lovely to see you there if you are able to come. I just wanted to say, once again, how happy we have all been here in Melbourn and Meldreth and how much that is due to all of you. We couldn’t have wished for a more lovely and welcoming place to bring up our children and you will always be very much in our hearts and prayers over the years to come. We shall expect to see you in Dorset for your holidays! Andrew, Joanne, Tom, Rebecca and Tilly (the Dachshound!). melbournmagazine

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

Melbourn United Reformed Church Craft & Chat Group Our Craft and Chat group have been busy making knitted baby sets that were sent to South Africa, which were gratefully received by King Dinuzulu Hospital. We are currently knitting a selection of small blankets, hats and cardigans for Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge. For this project we need to use 4-ply wool for the hats and cardigans but can use double knit for the blankets. If you would like to donate any spare wool, it would be much appreciated. We meet on Thursdays 2-4pm in the URC Church Hall, please come along to knit, craft or just have a cup of tea and a chat. Everyone is very welcome. Please contact Anne Field 220869

Lent Bible Study A number of people from churches in Melbourn and Meldreth met together at Melbourn URC in the weeks leading up to Easter to follow the York Lent Bible Study course. It was a good time of fellowship and discussion.

The passing of a much-loved friend & Melbourn URC church member Mrs Gwen Thurley died on the 3rd April at Addenbrooke’s hospital aged 93. Gwen was the beloved wife of the late Derrick. Gwen was a member of Melbourn URC all her life; she served as an elder for many years and sang in the choir up until the weeks before her death. Gwen was an inspirational and selfless person, with always a kind word and show of interest for those around her. A service of thanks was held on the 16th of April. Donations in Gwen’s memory were made for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Moorlands Court We continue to provide monthly services and fellowship for residents of Moorlands Court on the first Sunday of each month at 2.30pm.

Church Secretary changes

Easter creations by junior church Over the Easter period you may have seen the tree and gates covered with decorated Easter eggs, our junior church group and other friends in the community enjoyed painting these.

Peter and Eirwen Karner have served jointly as Melbourn URC secretaries for the past few years and done a superb job in keeping us all on track. Many thanks for all your service. Rosaline Van de Weyer has been newly elected as church secretary and can be contacted by email: secretary. melbournurc@gmail.com or by telephone: 01223 870869

Welcome to All If you are interested in joining us at any of our services, you will receive a warm welcome. Our weekly Sunday service is at 11am.

Junior church members were delighted to see the new bulbs emerge as spring got underway (some of us got wet and muddy planting them last year!). melbournmagazine

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT! A range of beauty and holistic treatments to suit your personal requirements

Julie Newby – Time for You Beauty and Holistic Therapist

A therapy room based at GYMBO’S HEALTH, FITNESS & WELLBEING A boutique personal fitness studio, Monday 3-7pm, Wednesdays 9am-7pm and Saturday 9-12am College Farm Business Park, Meldreth, SG8 6FP ~ Check out www.julienewby.co.uk for more details or email julie.newby@virgin.net or call 01763 208387 and I’ll send you a leaflet

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We have a special Harvest Festival service on 20th September 11am, come and see the beautiful flowers and join us for a coffee. Please see our Church notice board for service details. You will be delighted to know that we are in the process of getting a Melbourn URC website up and running, so all of our worship and community events can be found with ease. Details will follow … God Bless.

Supporters of All Saints (SOAS) The “bangers and mash” quiz held in March was a great success and raised nearly £420.00 for the funds. On Saturday 16th May the normal Coffee Stop will be extended into the afternoon for a plant and book sale in aid of SOAS. We are indebted to Barbara MacKellar and Terry Mitchell for agreeing to stay at the All Saints Community Hall for a little longer until 3.00pm on the day. If you have any plants or books please bring them to the Community Hall on the day. Looking ahead to September we have a unique event where everybody will be able to look at Melbourn’s buildings as they were and how they look today. No need to tour the village but stay in the Community Hall and look at the slides presentation with the added attraction of a delicious cream tea. Sunday 13th September at 2.30 p.m. If you are a devotee of Indian cooking then Saturday 13th October is a must. Bob and Joan Howard will be preparing another of their special menus and this time it is an Indian feast all prepared on the premises. More details later. Colin Limming, Publicity Secretary

SOAS April draw The April draw was made 4th April by Rev Andrew O’Brien. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.68 goes to June Whitfield at 41 The Moor and the second of £12.84 to Robert Ellis at 11 Mortlock Street.

What’s On

Join East Anglian Air Ambulance and celebrate 15 years of Saving Lives This year, we are celebrating a special anniversary; 15 years of saving lives! Over the past 15 years, we have carried out more than 16,000 missions across East Anglia and have achieved many great things, which we want to celebrate with all our supporters, staff and volunteers who make it happen. We would love you to get involved in our celebration year and host a tea party at 15.00 and raise vital funds for East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). EAAA need more people than ever to make some time for what matters in life. Whether you choose to hold an afternoon tea party at 15.00 with the girls or host an EAAA bake off - every donation will help EAAA save more lives across East Anglia. There couldn’t be an easier way to make a difference, simply gather together family, friends or colleagues, put the kettle on and tuck into some tasty treats. We can supply you with everything you need to get you on your way, including invitations and posters. You can even buy tea pots, tea towels, aprons and bone china mugs, what more do you need? Visit www.eaaa.org.uk/ tea-15-00-r/ or call your local fundraising team on 0845 066 9999 to get your Tea at 15.00 fundraising Kit today. Together we save lives. We would love to see your pictures and hear your stories from your tea at 15.00 - so please get in touch and spread the word today! The East Anglian Air Ambulance works in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire are looking for Home Visiting Volunteers Can you give a family the most precious gift - your time?

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!

A 10 session training course for new volunteers is being held during June & July 2015 The course will run from 9.30am – 2.30pm – dates to be confirmed For more details contact Sarah or Jackie 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.org.uk www.hsrsc.org.uk Registered Charity No 1105385

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Melbourn Buildings/Fencing Suppliers Phillimore Garden Centre, Melbourn Tel 01763 263336 Open Mon – Sat 9.30am–5pm Sun 10am–4pm Manufacturers of all types of garden buildings. Customised buildings our speciality. Landscaping and fencing supplied and installed. Sheds, Summerhouses, Gazebo’s, Aviaries, Catteries, Kennels/runs, Chalets, Log Cabins. Bases undertaken.

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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 Wednesday–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.

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

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

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What’s On All Saints’ Melbourn Community Hall Eighth Safari Supper

Two classes for only £5.00 for new students *

Royston - Greneway School, Garden Walk Tuesday 6.15pm Strength 45 7.00pm Dance Mixx Thursday 6.40pm Strength 45 7.30pm Dance Mixx Saturday 9.00am Dance Mixx Melbourn Village College Wednesday 7.15pm Dance Mixx For more information text or call Maxine on 0796 316 1246 jazzercise_ royston.melbourn@yahoo.co.uk *Terms & Conditions apply

Saturday 27 June 2015 Have you heard about the Melbourn Safari Supper? This is an evening which we organise every year as a fund raiser for the Community Hall. Please think about joining in, it will be an entertaining evening. In case you don’t know what a safari supper is, this is the format – those who have volunteered to cook starter or main course or dessert will already know that they are catering for 6, 7or 8 people, but will not know the identity of their guests. The plan is for everyone taking part to have an envelope, which they will open at 6 p.m. on the 27th. This will tell you where you are to go for your starter. (Obviously starter hosts know they are staying put to receive guests.) When you have finished the first course, the host will have another envelope to open with instructions about where everyone is to go for the main course (Once again, the host knows he/she has got to get home to serve a main course, but again, does not know who will be arriving at the door). At the end of this course, the host will open an envelope telling everyone where to go for their dessert course (again, the hosts will only know the number of people they are catering for, not the names). At each change of venue you will see new faces! At the end of the dessert course everyone goes back to the Community Hall for cheese and coffee (and to compare notes!) Bottles of wine will be provided to the hosts, but they will choose their own menus - it does not have to be a complicated meal – simple is good! Tickets will be £15 per person. £10 may be claimed by the main course host and £4 by the starter & dessert hosts. (To avoid a confusion which arose previously, this is a one off payment – not per head!) Most importantly, we need offers to host meals for 6, 7 or 8 people. Without these offers the event cannot take place! The number of main course hosts always determines how many people can take part on the evening. This evening is not just for couples, single people are most welcome – the event is for everyone who enjoys good food and company. If you feel unable to do the host bit, you could still be a guest. We can take a limited number of guests! If you would like to join in, or are not clear how the Safari Supper works, please contact one of us. Mavis Howard Tel. R260686 email: howards.carlings@btinternet.com Jane Brett Tel. R260306 email: janebrett44@gmail.com melbournmagazine

We can make life a little easier

Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court Homecare : our fully trained carers visit you in

your home.

Sitting service : a visit from our experienced staff gives family carers time for themselves.

Day Centre : based at Moorlands Court with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and includes a tasty 2 course lunch.

Meals service : nutritious, hot lunchtime meal delivered to you.

Housekeeping : we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping. To find out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

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Timber • Aggregates Fencing • Paving • Bricks Blocks • Sheet Material Insulation & much more Phone: 01763 261740 Email: sales@norburys.com www.norburys.com 1 London Way Melbourn, SG8 6DJ (Just off Back Lane)

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From Old School to the New School…

or how did my retirement hobby turn into a full-time business, a question I ask myself every day! As a child I was obsessed with drawing and spent many a ‘cold’ school holiday (I grew up in North Yorkshire) with pencil and paper sketching my favourite subject; horses! So why horses? Well I used to go to a local farm every Saturday morning for a riding lesson, that is until the farm dog ran into the hind legs of my horse. Suffice to say it ended badly for me and I decided it was safer to draw horses rather than ride them (plus my younger sister was not impressed when my horse stood on her foot)! Time passed and my drawing progressed to painting; firstly with poster paints (gouache), then oils. My father taught me basic colour mixing using the three primaries and my art teachers encouraged me to take my natural talent to new and exciting levels! I even started to think that there could be a future for me as a commercial artist, but it turned out to be no more than a pipe dream! In 1966 I moved to London to take up a career as a hairdresser, followed by 33 years in the electronics industry, until everything changed when in 2006 at the age of 57 I was invited to join my aunt on a painting holiday in Cober Hill, near Scarborough. After a gap of 42 years I rediscovered my passion for art! I was hooked and have never looked back since! So where am I now? You couldn’t make it up! Two years ago an opportunity to rent a studio presented itself, but my husband who was dead against it at first, made it quite clear that it had to be self-financing! Having previously worked as a vocational skills trainer I decided I could cover the running costs if I tutored an occasional workshop. Although a selftaught artist, I had come a long way in those few years and now specialised in pastels and mixed media. One thing led to another and I was soon approached by a number of talented local artists, all interested in tutoring

workshops for me! It seemed that I’d unwittingly tapped into a gap that I didn’t know existed! There was no business plan, no research, in fact it should have never taken off, but it did! What I’d discovered was a quirky old Victorian school near Cambridge, which people loved to spend their leisure time in painting and socialising with like-minded people. So where am I now? I’ve lived in Melbourn for 25 years and love it; have a tribe of grandchildren, including a great granddaughter, and I’m now a Professional Associate member of the Society for All Artists (SAA). In 2013 following in the long family tradition I was sworn in as a member of the Gild (this is the correct spelling) of Freeman of the City of York, something that I’m very proud to be part of. And this year I’ve signed up for another three-year lease on the studio, and produced my first glossy brochure (helped by my talented artist friend, Stacey Leigh Ross). It contains 32 pages of exciting workshops and events and I’m thrilled to bits with it! But none of this would be possible without my fantastic, long suffering husband Dave. At nearly 73 he’s amazing! Not only does he chop all the wood to keep the log burner in the studio ticking over, but he’s the acting site services manager, taking care of the cleaning, decorating, picture hanging etc, etc. And what of Cober Hill? Well I still return every May to spend 5 days with a lovely group of fellow Yorkshire folk trying out all sorts of wonderful artistic experiments; the only difference being that I’m now the tutor and have been for the past 5 years! For more information about the Old School Studio and what’s on offer visit www.theoldschoolstudio.co.uk Valerie Jean Pettifer: Proprietor of the Old School Studio, Whittlesford, Cambridge. melbournmagazine

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Melbourn magazine is non-profit and all work on the magazine including layout is produced by volunteers. The Magazine is published four times a year in the first week of March, June, September and December. We print 2200 copies which are delivered free to every house in the village. Advertising revenue is used for printing costs only. Adverts should be supplied as finished artwork and must be at the sizes shown below. Please send artwork to melbournmagazine@gmail.com. The current rates for advertising in the Magazine are as follows: Size per…

Width x Height

1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm) 1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm) Full inside page (163 × 262 mm)

B/W

Colour

Advertising rates are per year (four issues)

£95 £167 N/A

£143 £237 £464

For further information on advertising please telephone 220363. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Magazine.

Advertisers

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MAGAZINE ADVERTISERS

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

Simon Robinson / Bespoke Picture Framers - 01223 873123

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St Georges Nursing Home - 01763 242243

Summit / Landscape Gardeners - 01223 929394

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The Black Horse - 01763 262136

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The Spice Hut / Indian Takeaway - 01763 262425

TTP Group - 01763 262626

Tucker Gardner - 01223 845240

Urban Plastics / Plumbing Suppliers - 07815 093166

Walnut Medical - 01763 223223

Wrights Mower Centre / Garden Machinery - 01763 263393

Writing Circles - melissafu.com

You Aspire / Accountants - 01223 929150

melbournmagazine

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Kitchens Bathrooms Tiles Carpets & Flooring

A stress free personal service to local retail and trade customers

01763 245888

Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 5.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: by appointment only Unit 5 South Close, Royston, Herts, SG8 5UH (Ample FREE parking)

info@roystonhomestore.co.uk

www.roystonhomestore.co.uk

BED

Located on the first floor of Homestore, Bedstore displays an extensive range of beds including mattresses, divans, bed frames and headboards.

4 Large Showrooms Free Design Service All Budgets & Tastes Catered For Fitting Service Available

In conjunction with

BED

Mattresses Divans Bed Frames Headboards Furniture

The large selection of mattresses together with leading brands ensure there is a mattress to suit every budget and need.

01763 247490

Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: Closed Unit 5 South Close, Royston, Herts, SG8 5UH (Ample FREE parking) info@roystonhomestore.co.uk

www.roystonbedstore.co.uk

Come along to Bedstore and see some familiar faces who are always happy to help.

4 Large Showrooms Free Design Service All Budgets & Tastes Catered For Fitting Service Available

In conjunction with

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiles • Carpets & Flooring

Printed by The Langham Press

Issue 82 Summer 2015

Articles inside

feature

Church news

Nature

Diary

Sports & Clubs

Anglo Saxon Family Reburial

Nature

feature

What’s On

Village news

Profile