Issue 83 Autumn 2015 by Melbourn Magazine

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

...editorial There was a lot going on in Melbourn during the summer, and we hope that everyone enjoyed it. As you will see from the Diary and the What’s On page, there is also a lot to do in the neighbourhood during the Autumn. Congratulations to those who look after the floral displays and public spaces in the village. They have all looked splendid this Spring and Summer The Village College has done incredibly well again in the past academic year; we are so fortunate to have a school which is in the top ten percent of State Schools in the country in our village. We congratulate all the students and staff on their achievements. All the very best to those who are moving on to the next stage of their education, or into work. And our best wishes to those students moving from Primary School to the Village College. We hope that you will enjoy all the opportunities, offered to you. In this edition you will find a new gardening column, Blundell’s Patch (page 25), which promises to be amusing as well as useful. Also, consider how you can contribute to the ‘Melbourn of the Future’ initiative, (page 19). The Village Fete was another success in June. Congratulations to the committee and volunteers who made it such a special day. The eighth annual Safari supper was fun and raised money for SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’). We must also congratulate Hugh Pollock for his wonderful initiative in bringing about ‘Bloomsday’, on June 16th in Melbourn. This made money for the very worthwhile charity WaterAid. The final event will take place on September 5th at The Hub, when a cheque will be presented to a representative of WaterAid. Our cover this Autumn features a water colour by Louis Valentine, whose profile appears in this issue (page 17). There will also be a raffle of 2 of his paintings, for SOAS. We continue our WWI theme with an article on women during this conflict; until quite recently information about the role of women was hard to find. As we have been celebrating 70 years since the end of WWII we also have a profile of Florrie Widger, who joined the NAAFI at the age of 17 (page 20). Also a short article about the Primary School and Evacuees at the beginning of WWII. We would very much like to hear of memories that you may have of the war, or those told to you by a family member. Please get in touch with a member of the committee, and we will publish them in the next issue. Front cover, painting by Louis Valentine. See page 17.

Contents Village news

5 5 9 6

Peter Dekkers 1929 – 2015 Olive Webb 1930 – 2015

feature The Great War 1914–1918 Changing lives – Nursing

feature

WWII in Melbourn

feature

Louis and Peggy Valentine

Council News Profile

19 20

Florrie Widger

Blundell’s Plot Nature

25 27

River Mel Restoration

Education Village information Diary Sports & Clubs Church news What’s On Home Start

29 35 36 45 59 63 67

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. 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. If you would like to advertise in the Melbourn Magazine see page 71 for details

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Village news Peter Dekkers 1929 – 2015

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

David Clark correction

Safari supper

Olive Webb 1930 – 2015

Laurence Crow

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Went the Day well?

Library Autumn 2015

Melbourn Village Fet 2015

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Peter Dekkers 1929 – 2015 Abraham Petrus Cornelis Dekkers was born in The Hague, Netherlands into a Catholic family, the penultimate child of 7 children, six sons and one daughter. During the war one brother was taken to a Work Camp in Germany. After the war, the ship on which he was returning home was bombed by Allied Forces and he was killed. Also during the war Peter, aged about twelve, threw a stone through a window of a Nazi sympathizer getting into trouble of course. After leaving school Peter wanted to leave war ravaged Europe, so sailed to Australia, arriving in Sydney with £5 in his pocket. His first job was in ‘Peter’s Ice Cream factory’, which still exists, where he shovelled ice and learnt some basic English. His first digs came complete with lice and cockroaches. For a short time he worked in Peter Jones, a smart department store and had some difficulty locating ‘knickerbockers’, part of a school uniform. He then worked in shipping, and became paymaster for a line of coastal transport round Australia. He later did an Economics degree at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, followed by Chartered Accountancy, and moved to Melbourne (in Australia).

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The Great War 1914–1918 Changing lives – Nursing “Oh visitors, who come into the ward in the calm of the long afternoon, when the beds are neat and clean and the flowers out on the tables and the VAD’s sit sewing at splints and sandbags, when the men look like men again and smoke and talk and read ... if you could see what lies beneath the dressings!” When we began the First World War project, using the Internet as a research tool, there seemed to be a remarkable lack of detailed information describing the roll many women played during the war. Brief introductions could be found about the ‘housewife’ or women in domestic service and those working in industry i.e. engineering and munitions. Over a million women took on roles previously dominated by men, working on the buses, trams and trains, postal workers, police patrols, fire-fighters, bank cashiers and clerks. Yet, there was very little information on the heroic duties that many women undertook. The centenary commemorations has changed all this and now a wealth of information is available, especially accounts of a group of women who feature prominently in this tragic war, the nursing profession – women who volunteered to work in dangerous and horrific circumstances alongside the men. “If it was not for the dedication, care and sacrifice by these ladies who were often at the front end, the casualty rate would have been far greater”. Nurses found their way to every part of the Allied front lines, working in casualty clearing stations, field and base hospitals. The First World War was far bloodier than any that had gone before and brought with it devastation and the most horrific injuries that some of the most experienced nurses had seen. They undertook fundamental nursing care, ensuring the patients were made as comfortable as possible, preparing them for surgery and dressing their wounds. They combated illnesses caused by the squalor of trench life: trench foot, dysentery and typhus fever. “That these women worked their long hours among such surroundings without collapsing spoke volumes for their willpower and sense of duty. The place reeked with the odours of blood, antiseptic dressings and unwashed bodies. The nurses saw soldiers in their most pitiful state - wounded, blood-stained, dirty.” Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) had only been established for 12 years when war began, and although larger than its predecessor (the Army Nursing Service), it had remained a small, intimate service. The military demanded that those working in their hospitals were ‘highly trained and educated women of impeccable social standing’. At the outbreak of war, there were just 298 QAIMNS nurses working in hospitals both at home and abroad. “We require an organisation of well educated and expertly trained gentlewomen, and as such considered fit to work alongside doctors of the Royal Army Medical Corps in military hospitals”.

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Thousands of untrained women were already working as midwives or nurses before the start of the war. Their status in society was little better than that of domestic servants and many had little or no experience of working with men. In 1909, the government had agreed to set up a voluntary medical service with the help of the Red Cross and the Order of St John of Jerusalem (best known through its service organisation St John Ambulance). Their aim was to provide ‘supplementary aid to the Territorial Forces Medical Service in the event of war’. The Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), was set up to provide field-nursing services in hospitals at home and abroad. The volunteers, both men and women, were trained in first aid, cookery, hygiene and sanitation. The majority of female VADs volunteered as nurses and were trained by the Red Cross. In 1914 there were 40,000 VAD volunteers, two-thirds of those were women and girls. When war broke out, VAD volunteers were eager to offer their service to the war effort. Yet the British Red Cross refused to allow women a role in overseas hospitals, and the War Office strongly opposed the use of any female nurses that did not come from QAIMNS. This led to some nurses enthusiastic to do their part, to go it alone – not with the British, but with French and Belgian forces.

The Madonnas of Pervyse In November 1914, Pervyse, a small village 17 miles north of Ypres, Belgium (and only yards from the trenches) had been abandoned by most of its residents and was now occupied by Belgian soldiers – and two British nurses. One month after the war began Elsie Knocker, aged 31 and Mairi Chisholm, just 18. travelled to Belgium as part of a small independent Ambulance Corps. Both spoke French and German and had a love for the open road, usually on motorcycles. The women worked tirelessly recovering wounded soldiers mid-way from the front line and taking them to the field hospital at the rear. “One sees the most hideous sights imaginable, men with their jaws blown off, arms and legs mutilated and when one goes into the room one is horrified at the suffering … which is ghastly … I could not believe that I could have stood these sights.” With so many soldiers dying due to base hospitals being far from the front lines, the women decided to set up their own dressing station in a run-down cellar-house in Pervyse. continued on page 10

Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm

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

After fifteen years he decided to take a trip home, and liked Europe so much that he decided to stay. Eventually he joined Organon, a Dutch pharmaceutical company selling mainly hormones and oral contraceptives. As the company had evacuated to London during the war he worked in London for a short time before being posted to Pakistan. The Indo-Pakistan War took place in 1965 and daughter Joanna was born in Karachi in 1966. In 1968 he moved to East Pakistan to build a pharmaceutical factory. The Bangladesh revolution in 1969 meant returning to the UK thus making his son Paul a Yorkshire man, rather than a Bengali. Peter stayed on in Dacca for several more months. He was then posted to Indonesia, just after the Revolution; there were no phones and plenty of power cuts. Daughter Lizzie was born in Jakarta in 1972. In 1976 Peter transferred to Iran, just in time for the Revolution, a very exciting time. The family returned to England but Peter stayed on for another two years. He then spent two years in Belgium before his final, ten year, interesting, posting to Japan. In 1993 he retired to England and spent his final twenty happy years in Melbourn, where he played a lot of sport, joined the U3A, managed advertising and was treasurer for the magazine and acted as Father Christmas in various village events.

David Clark correction The article submitted to the Melbourn Magazine contained an error, which the family felt it important to put right. Correction: David and Lorna were married in 1959, not 1960 as stated. Also I would like to add that David was an NCO in the Grenadier Guards, where he took part in The Trooping of the Colour, was in charge of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and was in charge of the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. This was a time that he was very proud of. KBC

Safari supper Melbourn’s EIGHTH Safari Supper was once again a great success. We were blessed with a pleasant evening and couples could be seen striding purposefully about the village between courses before all finishing at the Community Hall with coffee and cheese. It was the evening before Andrew’s last service at All Saints and it was nice that he and Joanne were able to join us for coffee. We made a stunning £600 for the maintenance of the Community Hall, this figure was partly due to the fact that we increased the ticket price this year, but more importantly due to the great generosity of our hosts. We are so very grateful to all of you who volunteer to do the cooking - without your input there would be no Safari Supper. Understandably, some people are hesitant about undertaking to provide a course, but once they have done it they are invariably eager to repeat the performance the following year! This year the meeting room was used for a starter AND a main course. This is NOT an event for ‘church’ people, We very much hope that our database of participants will grow to include many more people – it is an ideal way to get to know folk! I have been told several times ‘I didn’t know anything about it’ but of course the Safari Supper was flagged up in both this magazine and The Melde – I am convinced that word of mouth is the best way of encouraging others to join in the adventure. The Community Hall is used by a wide and varied cross section of the village and it would be good to see newcomers. Come as a guest the first time to get the hang of it! The event is run by us as a nonprofit-making fundraiser for the Community Hall and if anyone wishes to look at our balance sheet they are welcome to do so! We look forward to doing it all again next year! Mavis Howard and Jane Brett melbournmagazine

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Olive Webb 1930 – 2015

making beautiful cakes. She was the first one to put on her apron and go in to the kitchen to make tea and wash up at local events. We were all very sad to hear of her death and an impromptu tea was held to remember Olive at The Hub on the day of her funeral in Rugby on Monday the 27th April. A collection was held and £84.00 was raised from donations from the villagers who attended the tea. This will be used to purchase bulbs to be sown in the Parish Church grounds. A plaque celebrating her life will be placed with the bulbs to remember her contribution to the village. Olive was a wonderful character who will be greatly missed.

Laurence Crow Many residents of Melbourn will be sad to hear of the recent death of Olive Webb, a well known member of the village community. She was born on the 12th April 1930 in Royston, and as a young woman worked at the Spirella factory in Letchworth. Olive met her husband Derek through their membership of the St John Ambulance Brigade. Derek worked at Grange Farm in Melbourn and they settled in their house in New Road, next door to Derek’s brother Bob and his wife Chris. Olive lived in this house for 60 years until she moved to Derby to live with her daughter Jane and her family. Olive was very well known in Melbourn due to her kind and outgoing personality. For many years she worked at the Post Office with Bob and Celia Child. She always had a smile and a cheery word for everyone. Olive was great volunteer. She loved helping at the baby clinic in Orchard Road, where she would chat to young mothers, putting them at ease over a cup of tea. She was an active member of the over 60’s club and for many years took part in ‘The Melodians’, an amateur dramatic society in the village. She especially enjoyed performing in musicals. Olive was a member of Melbourn Women’s Institute and regularly attended WI meetings and participated in many of their outings. She also enjoyed playing Darts and Carpet Bowls. Every Friday, Olive actively helped the hairdresser by washing Ladies hair at Vicarage Close. Olive was a very good cook and liked nothing better than preparing food and

Laurence’s long and stubborn fight against prostate cancer came to an end on 3rd August when he died peacefully in Arthur Rank House Hospice in Cambridge. For more years than we can any of us remember he had maintained a cheerful attitude towards the awful disease and never shied away from talking about his progress. He had endured several treatments and operations and it is a tribute to both him and his nursing staff that until recently he had been able to regularly attend services in Melbourn and Meldreth Churches. Other people more qualified than myself will be able to tell of his early life and work and all I can say is that it was a privilege to have known him. Our condolences go out to his wife Elizabeth and his children Simon, Oliver and Rebecca and their families. Colin Limming

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group 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 continued on page 13 melbournmagazine

continued from page 6

They called it Le Poste de Secours Anglais (British First Aid Post). “There were so many bodies - dead, dying, shockingly or slightly wounded - laid on the floor that it was difficult to walk without treading on them… Two small boys with a handcart took the dead to the burial-dump … When our ambulances drove in with a fresh load we would have to get down to the loathsome task of clearing the dead to make space for the living.” The two nurses were officially seconded to the Belgian garrison stationed in the area. Although no longer affiliated with the Red Cross, they managed to raise funds and had the cellar reinforced with concrete and a steel door fitted – donated by Harrods. They spent nearly four years aiding the wounded in the Belgian sector, living with only basic food rations in treacherous conditions, with no sanitation or running water. Elsie provided most of the medical attention, while Mairi transported the injured, often under fire, to a base hospital 15 miles away. The two women made many frontline rescues, in some cases physically carrying wounded soldiers to their first-aid station. In January 1915, they were awarded the Order of Leopold II, Knight’s Cross by King Albert I of Belgium. In 1916, following the rescue of a wounded German pilot in No Man’s Land, both women were awarded the British Military Medal, and made Officers, Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. They also received the Order of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium and the 1914 Star. They had survived, heavy bombardment, sniper fire and many gas attacks, but the war ended for both women in March 1918, when they were seriously injured following a gas attack during a German offensive and had to return home.

A change of policy At the start of 1915 following the devastating casualty rate, the War Office conceded to pressure to use VADs at Military hospitals at home. By early spring of that year VADs over the age of twenty-three with three months or more hospital experience were accepted to serve overseas near the Western and Eastern Front, the Middle East and Gallipoli, Turkey. The military regarded VAD nurses as the lowest rung on the professional nurse’s ladder and at the beginning, they mainly served as domestic labour: cleaning floors, changing bed linen, swilling out bedpans or employed as ambulance drivers and cooks. As the war progressed and under the expert guidance of the trained nurses, they proved they were capable of dealing with serious cases and were eventually allowed to change dressings and administer drugs. They provided an invaluable source of bedside aid to the injured. Upon their arrival, the nurses were greeted by the horrors of war – the conditions were appalling – some hospitals were simple tents or requisitioned squalid buildings. They would learn to deal with the horrific injuries from the battlefields. Poisonous gas, used for the first time, caused unprecedented suffering. The gas would kill by blistering the lungs and throat. Its effect on those fortunate to put on protective masks, however, was to produce terrible blisters all over the body as it soaked into their woollen uniforms. For the nurses it was equally deadly, as they breathed in the residue of the gas from their patients. “I wish those people who write so glibly about this being a holy war and the orators who talk so much about going on no matter

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how long the war lasts and what it may mean, could see a case - to say nothing of ten cases - of mustard gas in its early stages could see the poor things burnt and blistered all over with great mustard-coloured suppurating blisters, with blind eyes … all sticky and stuck together, always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing and they know they will choke.” The nurses witnessed the living nightmare that many of the soldiers were experiencing. Multiple wounds from machine guns caused untold damage – fragments from shells which often created jagged wounds bled constantly and provided the ideal environment for infection. Men had lost arms, legs or feet, some were blinded, others suffering from shell shock. “No words can describe the awfulness of the wounds. Bullets are nothing. It is the shrapnel that tears through the flesh and cuts off limbs.” The soldiers were affected by the enduring grim and unsanitary conditions on the front line. ‘Trench foot’, the result of waterlogged trenches, while ‘trench fever’ was an unpleasant disease caused by body lice and ‘trench mouth’ left untreated caused the jaw to collapse. “… you could not imagine how dirty the poor beggars are, never able to get a wash, mud and dirt ground in and nearly all of them alive with vermin … they feel ashamed being so dirty.” The nurses were compelled to watch men die – they learned how to make them at peace with a last cigarette and a few kind words. “no equipment whatever … Just laid the men on the ground and gave them a drink. Very many badly shattered, nearly all stretcher cases … Tents were erected over them as quickly as possible … All we can do is feed them and dress their wounds … A good many died … It is just too awful, one could never describe the scenes, could only wish all I knew to be killed outright.” Artillery attacks were common – they caused so many devastating injuries and accounted for many deaths … “The thunder of the guns was terrific all day and night; the whole surrounding Districts were lit up by the flashes … We saw shrapnel bursting like balls of fire over our lines, and liquid fire spreading along. It was a terrible sight.” continued on page 14

Ambulance Train. Nurses and orderlies with wounded soldiers. Illustrated London News 1915

feature WWII in Melbourn

This year we celebrate 70years since the ending of WWII In this issue we have an article about Florrie Widger who joined the NAAFI at the age of 17. We are interested in the experiences of Melbournians during the war years, so do please contact a member of the team and share your memories with us.

From the Village School In July 1939, from 10th to 14th plans were made for the dispersal of children in case of an air raid. All children have had their respirators filled and tested in school. On September 15th 32 children were evacuated to Melbourn from the Oratory School in London. girls, boys and infants. On October 3rd the Inspector of Schools, Mr H. Morris MA visited to discuss the rental of buildings in the village for the accommodation of the evacuated school. By Oct 11th, the following arrangements had been made: Class1 was in the Church Room, Class 2 in Baptist Church Sunday School. Infants and Classes 3 and 4 were in the Congregational Church Sunday School By November 17th the majority of the evacuated schools had moved to Clactonon-Sea. On October 9th in 1940 there was an air raid warning at 2.50pm and the children were sent home. On October 11th up to 39 children had been taken as Private Evacuees, and a party of 21 children arrived from London. On Oct 22nd the school was visited with reference to providing accommodation for 70 evacuees, and a day later Mr Wingate, the County Architect visited to discuss provision of Air Raid shelters. On October 25th there was an air raid alert at 2.15 pm, and the children were dispersed. On December 20th Trigg’s Prizes were presented by Lady Blenkinsop. Mr A. R. Fordham and Mr P. E. Elbourn were also present. In addition every child received an apple and a Christmas present. On January 21st 1941 there were 4 alerts, all of short duration, and each time a number of children went home.

School children with their gas masks

The War Savings Campaign in May resulted in £266 collected in the school. There were no cookery lessons in July due to a shortage of paraffin in the village. In October the children went hip picking, and gathered over ¼ ton of hips. (these were used to make rose hip syrup). On November the Head teacher was told that no permit had been received from the Board of Trade for a new furnace. To avoid closure the Head borrowed oil heaters and was given permission to purchase paraffin. There were open fires in Infants’ and 1 Classroom and oil heaters in the remaining three. In March 1942, during Warship Week the school raised £300. A joint exhibition of model aeroplanes, ships, lorries and soft toys by the School and the Youth Centre raised £36 which is being sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a war gift. Evacuees helping to work the land.

A policeman makes sure some young evacuees are on the correct train out of London

We very much look forward to hearing from you. The names of the Magazine Committee and contact numbers can be found on the centre pages. EAD melbournmagazine

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of the year which is HomeStart Royston and South Cambridgeshire. We usually have a guest speaker or some in house entertainment followed by a chance to have a chat over tea/coffee and biscuits. We are a friendly group so if you would like to come along for an evening please feel free to join us. Our September meeting is on the 22nd at Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room in Meldreth and we look forward to hearing Julie Draper who will be speaking to us about “How to get the best out of your G.P.” We will be helping with the organising of The Harvest Supper which is held at Meldreth Village Hall on 2nd October and will meet on 27th October in All Saints Church Community Hall when we will be making decorations for our tree at the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival. There is a change to our published agenda for 24 November as we now have Mark Osborne coming to speak to us about a Christian charity called Kairos that goes into prisons over a period of a week. If you would like to know more feel free to join us in Holy Trinity Church Meeting Room at our usual time of 7.45p.m. If you would like to know anything more about the group please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (262575) Anne Harrison (261775) Sue Toule (260955)

Royal British Legion Women’s Section Melbourn and Meldreth Branch Cambridgeshire County The Tea Dance to celebrate VE Day was well attended and enjoyed by all, as was the Group Meeting of other local Branches, held at Barrington. Group meetings are to enable members to exchange information, receive reports of other Branch initiatives and cement comradeship, which is such an important part of the principle of fellowship of the Women`s Section. Two members of Jimmies Night Shelter in Cambridge gave a talk on their activities. It gave us much thought on those of us that are homeless, sometimes through no fault of their own. This is a particular problem with some ex-service boys and girls, who find it very hard to acclimatise to civilian life. The Legion`s charitable principles enable help to be given in this area, including assistance with job finding. Future events include a lunch at a garden centre. Una Cleminson, our Vice Chairman, was awarded the Legion’s highest honour for her work over many years for the Service and Ex-service community, the National Certificate of Appreciation and Red Badge. This was presented by the National President, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, at the Annual Conference at Southport and as the picture shows, Una was standing in front of The Legion’s 2015 slogan, “Live On” the message to all our beneficiaries to enjoy life after service to Her Majesty. It may be helpful to mention that the Women`s Section National President is The Princess Royal.

The Women’s Section of the Legion is open to all women over 18 who support the Legions objectives and we aim to make our meetings and activities entertaining, interesting, stimulating and most of all “Good Fun.” We meet at Vicarage Close Community Centre on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 7Ppm in the summer and in 2pm in the winter. Please come and join us, you will be assured of a good welcome. President, Molly Chamberlain 0774623072; Chairman, Ann Neaves 260110; Secretary, Elizabeth Murphy 220841.

Went the Day well? The Bloomsday celebration in Melbourn on June 16th, celebrating a day in the life of Leopold Bloom in 1904, as portrayed in the novel ‘Ulysses‘ by James Joyce, went very well indeed, and was enjoyed by everyone involved. Thanks are due to those who participated so enthusiastically, including students from the Village College who did readings, and to members of the ‘audience’, some of whom came quite some distance to take part. Many people wore 1904 clothing, including one gentlemen who came as a 1904 labourer, and quite stole the show! One lady turned up from Potton for the breakfast event and attended every event during the day and evening. She had with her a hardback copy of Ulysses given to her as a wedding present! Tony Peretta of the Barber Shop supported the venture by shaving in public, at the top of a Martello Tower which he erected himself!. Martin Reeve, a manager at the GPO Royston Sorting Office, with permission, arranged for 3 pieces of mail to be delivered melbournmagazine

continued from page 10

… but were not exclusive to the front line as Aid centres in the rear came under heavy fire. “This has been a very bad day. Big shells began coming over about 10am - one burst between one of our wards and the Sisters’ Quarters, and killed a Night Sister asleep in bed in her tent and knocked three others out with concussion and shell shock … one just missed one of my Night Sisters getting into bed in our compound. I knew by the crash where it must have gone and found Sister E as white as a paper but smiling happily and comforting the terrified patients. Then I came on to the shellhole and the wrecked tents in the Sisters’ Quarters … in one tent the Sister was dying. The piece went through her from back to front near her heart. She was only conscious a few minutes and only lived 20 minutes.” Air raids were a daily worry for those behind the lines and accounted for the deaths of many nurses.

The Auxiliary hospitals were administered by VADs but remained under military control and were attached to a central military hospital. Medical care was provided voluntarily by the local doctors, whilst in many cases, local women volunteered to help on a part-time basis. In Cambridgeshire there were 14 Auxiliary hospitals: Balsham, Cottenham, Fordham, Fulbourn, Histon, Linton, Shepreth, Swavesey, Whittlesford, Willingham, and in Cambridge City at Grange Road, Wordsworth Grove, Newnham and Herschel Road. Other local hospitals included Saffron Walden and The School’s Auxiliary Hospital in Royston. In May 1915, Dr Flora Murray and Dr Louisa Garrett Anderson, two militant suffragists set up the Endell Street Military Hospital in Covent Garden and was the first unit to be entirely run and staffed by women. They treated 24,000 patients and carried out more than 7,000 operations.

“I shall never forget the awful climb on hands and feet out of that hole that was about five feet deep with greasy clay and blood - although I did not know then that it was blood. A bomb had fallen directly alongside the pneumonia ward … though I shouted, nobody answered me, or I could hear nothing for the roar of planes and artillery. I seemed to be the only living thing about.” In November 1916, an Ambulance Train used to transport the wounded away from the front was attacked during a long hostile bombing raid. “Another bomb fell. It seemed to fall right on the train itself … Crash went every window. Out went every handlamp. The train gave a heave that threw the patients out of their beds … and then a woman’s clear voice rang out in the coach. ‘Now do be quiet and good boys till I light a lamp.’ A hand struck a match and applied it to the wick of a handlamp. Sister Kate Mahony stood calm and undismayed in the entrance of the coach. ‘Now just wait till I get this wretched little lamp to burn and we’ll have you all in bed in no time … She got hold of orderlies by the arm. “Here, you come and help,” she said, and orderlies obeyed … In other coaches Sister Evans and Sister Thompson, like Sister Mahony, were models of womanly gentleness and courage … for a full hour the attack lasted - the sisters in white moved from coach to coach giving courage by example and practical help.”

At home The flow of casualties of war began to overwhelm the existing military hospitals at home. To cope with the influx, many civilian hospitals were taken over. VADs also set up hospitals in cities and larger towns, together with numerous auxiliary hospitals throughout the country, equipped and staffed by VADs. The buildings used were varied: town halls, recreation halls, schools, private houses large and small, even cottages, garages and stables were used. In some cases land was acquired and large hutted hospitals established. One such hospital was the 1st Eastern General Hospital in Cambridge, built on a former cricket field in West Road (now the site of the University Library). Two other hospitals were set up in Cherry Hinton and Barnwell. Many of these hospitals developed into specialist units dealing with shell shock and limbless victims, neurological, orthopaedic cardiac conditions, typhoid and venereal diseases. Cherry Hinton and Barnwell hospitals dealt mainly with venereal disease.

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Eminent Woman Surgeon, who is also an ardent Suffragist (to wounded Guardsman). “Do you know, your face is singularly familiar to me. I’ve been trying to remember where we’ve met before.” Guardsman. “Well, Mum, bygones be bygones. I was a police constable.” Punch 4 August 1915

By 1916 the government began organising women’s auxiliary military services to replace men in non-combatant roles and so release more men for fighting. In all, 15 organisations were set up including the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, Women’s Hospital Corps, Territorial Force Nursing Service and the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. There were also many heroic individuals such as previously mentioned Mairi Chisholm and Elsie Knocker keen to help, but restricted by bureaucracy. They all played their part. Nearly 600 nurses died during the war, many from disease and illnesses which spread quickly in the confined spaces of the trenches and on to the medical centres. Dysentery which claimed the lives of many soldiers, was not exclusive and many of those who were caring for them also died. In 1918 the influenza epidemic (Spanish flu) that killed millions around the world, also took the lives of many nurses. By the end of World War 1 over 10,000 QAIMNS and reserve QAs and 126,000 VADs had served in aid centres and hospitals at home and abroad. PS. Further reading of ‘The Madonnas of Pervyse’ can be found at: www.archive.org/details/cellarhouseofper00mittuoft

to ‘7 Eccles Street, Dublin’ at 8.30 and Jeremy Rule, the Undertaker, came with a coffin. Many, many thanks to all those who contributed, and made the day such a great success. The final Bloomsday event will be held in the community Hub on Saturday 5th September 2.00-3.00pm. This will include a cheque handover to the sum of around £900 to a WaterAid representative. James Joyce would definitely have approved! Hugh Pollock Co-ordinator.

Library Autumn 2015 The librarians have been delighted at the number of children taking up the summer reading challenge this year. This scheme is run every summer to encourage youngsters to keep reading throughout the long summer holiday and it works. For our older readers there are always new books as well as all the old favourites on the shelves. In fact there is a special New Books shelf on the right hand side of the library. Sometimes there are too many new books to fit in so they have to go straight onto the main shelves. There is also a separate shelf of Classic novels. It is surprising what you will find as you browse in the library. And if you cannot find what you want the librarians are happy to order books or you can do this yourself on line. Finally, a correction to the time of opening on Saturday mornings – the library is open from 10 until 12 and not as published last quarter. Jane Stevens

Melbourn Village Fete and Music on the Moor 2015 This year’s fete was the 25th anniversary of the Melbourn Village Fete and this year we had as our theme ‘The Circus’. The weather was mainly dry with some showers during the day and by the evening we enjoyed sunny conditions. Our team of volunteers all pulled together to prepare, run and clear up after the day. It is not just the volunteers who offer their time through our volunteer programme but also those community minded villagers who help us particularly with the tidy up. This help, we know, cannot be taken for granted and the organizing committee would like to pass on their thanks to all those who gave up some of their time to help. We would also like to thank the Parish Council for all of their help and support. What really made a difference this year is having a container on site where The Music event about to start

all of the kit we use is stored. This has saved many extra hours of labour for the set up and clear-up as previously the equipment has been stored in various locations around the village in barns and garages which made this process far more labour intensive and lengthy. The cost and the siting of the container was supported by a grant from the Parish Council. The day started with a mixture of activities that have become popular at the fete. The competition tent saw an enthusiastic response with worthy winners. We would like to thank our judges who gave up part of the day. Activities in the arena were well attended with lots of different clubs. The vintage and classic vehicles provided a stunning range of well-turned out cars. Stalls and activities around the field provided entertainment to our visitors. Our bar and barbecue served many hundreds of customers with good value high quality drink and food and new this year was our traditional tea room with home made cakes and sandwiches. The music started at 5pm and a variety of local bands entertained the crowd until late with a range of covers and original material. Our motto is Fun and Fundraising and this year we have made a surplus and we are now looking for clubs and activities in the village who would like to apply for a grant. The process is very simple and we ask for an e-mail detailing how much money you would like and for what reason. A brief description of what you do and how many people you support would be helpful. In addition a contact name and details should be included. The Committee will hold a meeting in October to review the applications and apportion the funds. Over the last few years we have given over £13,000 to local clubs and activities so we look forward to hearing from anyone in need of a little financial support. Please e-mail chair@melbournfete.co.uk before 30th September 2015. Finally, the date for next year will be Saturday 18 June 2016 so we hope to see you at next years fete. Trevor Purnell Deputy Chair Melbourn Village Fete Committee melbournmagazine

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Louis and Peggy Valentine Living in Melbourn in the ‘60’s and 70’s everyone would have known who the Valentines were. Louis and Peggy lived in Norgett’s Thatch – he was an artist and minor television celebrity, she was the local ballet mistress. Both fascinating characters. We were fortunate to know them well. Louis was born early in the last century and as his father was a Theatrical Impresario he grew up with greasepaint. He wanted to be an actor but his father, knowing how precarious the life could be, insisted that he should have something to fall back on so he trained as an artist at The Slade, concentrating on stage decor but being talented in all genres. His career as a young juvenile lead flourished – he was very goodlooking and dashing, but sadly never grew taller than about 5’4. Rather like Daniel Radcliffe the Harry Potter star. When the roles dried up, he still had many entrées into the theatre and was soon making a name for himself drawing caricatures and sketches in the Music Halls. He would sit at an easel with a flipboard and draw to order. He became a member of The Water Rats and toured with the Crazy Gang. I only wish I had room to tell you some of the stories he told us about the backstage mischief which they got up to! During WW2 he met and married Peggy. She was a ballerina and told the tale that it was by the sheerest fluke that Margot Fonteyn got the role which shot her to fame – it should have been Peggy! She was much taller than Louis (possibly a reason why she did not go further than the Corps de Ballet) and 25 years younger, but theirs was a long and happy marriage with one daughter, Susan. I am not sure when they came to live in Melbourn, they were established here when we came in 1963. Louis by this time was concentrating on painting and had a large studio at the rear of the cottage. Peggy ran ballet classes at MVC and in Brookmans’ Park. She looked and behaved like Ninette de Valois, always a prima ballerina! Her hair, her stance, her attitude all very theatrical. Both our daughters Inga and Sarah attended her classes and once a year she would have a grand ballet display. I was handy with the needle and got roped in on the costume side. Some of her pupils were adults, I remember Caroline Keatley and another woman from Meldreth were enthusiastic senior students. At one performance when the theme was Wind in the Willows Peggy insisted on having bulrushes all around the stage. George, who also acted as her treasurer and ‘gofer’, collected the bulrushes and all was fine on the Friday night performance. By Saturday matinee they were beginning to open under the stage lights and by the evening performance they were bursting forth and thistle down was flying all over the stage choking everyone! I had always drawn and painted and Louis kindly took me on as a student, later to be joined by George. We would go to his studio and out ‘on location’ and we both learned such a lot from him and all free – no payment involved! It was in his

studio that we heard all his fascinating Music Hall anecdotes. In the early days of TV after the war, some of my older readers might remember the Donald Peers Show. Remembering the music hall act Louis had, sketching to order, Donald invited Louis to join him and illustrate his songs. Anyone remember ‘In a shady nook, by a babbling brook...’? That was Donald Peers and the artist sketching alongside him was Louis – perhaps that was what gave Rolf Harris the idea! Anyway, it brought Louis’s name as an artist to the fore and his oils were commanding good money. He also painted for calendars and birthday cards. He very generously asked George and me if we would like to put one or two of our paintings into his next exhibition. I submitted a landscape but when Louis asked me where it was I couldn’t remember. “Oh, we shall call it Near Bridgewater.” But I have never been to Bridgewater I protested. “Don’t worry” said Louis, “someone will recognise it - they always do.” And he was right. We stood there on the preview night and heard someone say they knew the spot! Oh, how delighted I was when I sold that and a still life of lemons! There were many drawingrooms in Melbourn (and still are) which sported a Louis Valentine on the wall. In his later years Louis reinvented himself yet again – as a cruise ship lecturer! He would go on board with a pile of his canvases, doing one painting/sketching tutorial a day. At the end of the cruise there would be an exhibition of all the work done by his ‘students’ plus Louis’ own paintings which of course sold like hot cakes. A win -win situation, especially as Peggy accompanied him. ANYWAY, the purpose of these reminiscences is because someone has very generously given me two watercolours (illustrated) by Louis which once belonged to Daphne Black. One as you can see is of All Saints Church, and the other is a house which I cannot quite place, but bound to be local. (not Bridgewater!) As soon as this article is published I am going to start to sell raffle tickets at a pound a time in order to raise money for SOAS. The prizes will be drawn at Coffee Stop on 5th December 2015 and the first ticket drawn will have the choice of picture, the second ticket drawn will get the other one. If you would like to enter the raffle please contact me on 01763 260686, tickets will also be on sale at Coffee Stop and on the day of the Bazaar. Good Luck! Mavis Howard melbournmagazine

Jeremy Ashworth Electrician and Property Maintenance

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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 council website

Council News www.melbournpc.co.uk

Parish Clerk Peter Horley Telephone 263303

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

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

Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street, SG8 6AL Telephone 261225

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

Jose Hales 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH Telephone 221058

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

John Regan 10 Little Lane, SG8 6BU Telephone 264154

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

Julie Norman 31 Station Road, SG8 6DX Telephone 263462

Una Cleminson 1 Rupert Neve Close SG8 6FB Telephone 269544

Tim Baker 18 Rose Lane, SG8 8AD Telephone 262700

Public Notice – High St, Melbourn Car Park Improvements At the time of publication Melbourn residents should be aware of the much needed construction work that will be carried out on the High Street Car Park. The car park construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Your patience during this period of major disruption in the High Street is much appreciated. Should you have any queries in the meantime do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk on 01763 263303.

The Melbourn of the Future How should Melbourn develop in the future? The response of Melbourn residents and businesses to the proposal to build 199 homes and a care home off New Road, showed clearly that it is unacceptable to the vast majority of residents. Now it is time to decide what we do want. Following the Public Meeting held at Melbourn Village College in mid May, a group of volunteers has come together to form a Steering Group to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for Melbourn. A Neighbourhood Plan sets out the vision of the community, over the next 10, 15 or 20 years – we choose the time period. An adopted Neighbourhood Plan has a legal status so decisions on planning must take it into account. The Plan will be developed over the next 18 months to 2 years and will involve consulting Melbourn residents, businesses and organisations at each step of the process.

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Florrie Widger The more profiles I write, the more I am surprised at the things people have done in their lives! I have known my next-door-neighbour-over-the-back for many years but never suspected that she … well, I’d better tell you. Florrie Widger was born 90 years ago (no secret, because she had a lovely big 90th birthday party in the Community Hall in June) in Chilcompton in Somerset as Sylvia Florence May Honebon. She had a brother and sister and by 1939 they were living in Weymouth where her father worked for the Royal Navy checking torpedoes. `They kept a few cows, which her mother milked daily and then they bred calves for the market. Florrie was really a country girl. But in 1942 just before she was 17 she decided to help the war effort by joining the NAAFI. The NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air force Institutes) started in 1921 to provide recreational establishments and shops for service men and their families. By 1928 NAAFI was operating in many parts of the world and at the start of WWII they employed 110,000 people with 10,000 trading posts. Florrie’s first posting was to Yeovil where the whole operation was under canvas! Standing on dirt floors, the girls had to rise early to light fires to boil kettles and start field ovens to make cakes for the RAF boys in the camp. Water had to be collected from a standpipe and all washing, both personal and for the kitchens, had to be done in a bowl with water heated on the fire. Primitive indeed, but the girls had fun and enjoyed the company of the brave and lovely flying boys. Their dress consisted of pale blue overalls and cap, later this changed to maroon, but when they were travelling they had to wear an army uniform to establish their credentials. Although there was always a mess on the camp, the servicemen would come off shift wanting a cup of tea and a bun and a chance to chat to the girls. The NAAFI would put on evening entertainments, sing-alongs to a piano or sometimes a filmstar, comedian or music hall artist would come to join them. It was all calculated to boost morale. She particularly remembers Richard Todd, to whom she did not take as he was more than a little bit ‘above himself’! The NAAFI had over 800 canteens on ships and 900 mobile canteens as well as the establishments at the camps. The kitchens served drinks and snacks and the shops sold all

the usual items found in a traditional village shop. Unbelievably during the course of the war they sold 130 trillion cigarettes (that is about 24 million a day). Florrie was mostly assigned to RAF camps and only once to an army camp. In 1944 it was the NAAFI who fed the half a million troops landing in France in the course of a single week! From Yeovil Florrie was sent to Renscombe Down a RADAR station where they had the luxury of operating in Nissan huts. They still had to be up at 6 to clean the flues as the coal they were using blocked the flue so the fire would not light. This was the first job before they could start the ovens and boil the water for the urns. Earning about three pounds a week they would often still be washing up at midnight, but as Florrie said, they were young and strong and it was their contribution to the war effort. Next she went to an American camp where she first saw a load of black people. She was amazed that some of the white Americans were not very nice to these lads, but the NAAFI girls found them friendly and, of course, homesick as all the lads were. The Yanks used to come into the kitchens and sit down to help the girls peel the potatoes or do other chores and were always willing to give them a lift into town in their jeeps or lorries. The men would sometimes bring their tin helmets to the counter and ask Florrie to fill them up with cakes! NAAFI did not aim to make a profit – they were working solely for the convenience and comfort of the troops. There was great excitement when the Americans brought in a couple of truckloads of chocolate – there was practically a riot as the men clamoured for their share and they were rationed to two bars each. She went to Calne in Wiltshire where she became a manageress in charge of ordering the food but still having to work hard on the menial chores, she remembers having to scrub every possible surface! Other postings followed but as the war came to an end the NAAFI scaled down their staff and it was then that Florrie was sent abroad to Fontainebleau in France. Here she was working in luxury, everything was electric and the lovely modern U.N. building was centrally heated. Florrie and her friends would go to Paris during their leave where they drank champagne, although Florrie thought it tasted just like glorified cider. They would walk in the forests round Fontainebleau and she vividly remembers the incredible noise made by the croaking of the frogs. After 2 or 3 years in France to Trieste in Italy (her very favourite posting of all) near the Yugoslav borders, lovely weather but very strong winds. Her last continental posting was to Austria. When Queen Elizabeth was crowned, she was one of two girls chosen to come back to help man the NAAFI station set up to feed all the troops on parade. Afterwards she joined the crowds outside Buckingham Palace but has no clear recollection of where she slept that night – on a floor somewhere she thought! Eventually she came back to England to her only Army posting at Biscester and in 1955 was sent to the RAF camp at Bassingbourn. Here she met and married Tom Widger and in 1959 they bought the newly built bungalow in Rose Lane

where she still lives. Tom was also a manager in the NAAFI, his war had taken him to Burma! Florrie has a nephew William who works in Denmark but once a month he and his wife Mary Ann come back to visit, take her shopping and so on. She has a little dog Mel and a charming garden where she grows runner beans, tomatoes and some fruit trees. You may remember the photograph of her flower-filled garden in our last issue. She is a passionate lover of jigsaws and spends many hours in her sunny conservatory with fiendishly difficult puzzles. She has a large Jigsaw of the Queen which her nephew had framed for her and, royalist that she is, has a model Queen and corgi on the front windowsill which wave arm and tail, respectively, via a solar powered panel! So, Florrie spent 40 years in NAAFI service, received one or two gifts on the way in recognition of her service but above all has many happy memories of the camaraderie of the girls and young men, so many of whom never returned from their flying missions. Fascinated by the unusual name Honebon I tried to Google the derivation with no success.. However, I did discover that there are 1,788 references to Honebons worldwide and that most of them came from Somerset and Dorset. Interestingly, my very best friend was a Hunnisett and her parents came from Somerset, there must be some link there. If you think you know someone who would be a suitable candidate for the Profile Page, young or old, do please get in touch with me on 260686. There must be many folk in Melbourn with an interesting story to be told. Mavis Howard Florrie Widger and her faithful companion Mel

melbournmagazine

What area will the Neighbourhood Plan cover? The Steering Group proposes that the entire parish of Melbourn is designated as the Neighbourhood Area. The proposed area is shown on the map. This has the advantage of providing a very clear boundary for the designated area, and means that planning applications for all parts of the parish will be subject to the criteria set out in the plan. Do you have any thoughts on this proposal? If you wish to comment, please e-mail them to melbournplan@gmail.com or send written comments to the Parish Clerk’s office at The Hub. Neighbouring parishes will also be asked for their views. Please note that the Neighbourhood Plan looks to the future and will not be referencing the 199 homes.

Further information The Steering Group has set up a website (www.melbournplan. co.uk) so that you can easily find out how the Plan is developing. Information will also be available at the Hub. We will also provide regular progress updates at Parish Council meetings and in Melbourn Magazine.

Getting involved The Steering Group is putting together a work programme at the moment, and we will tell you more about it in the next edition of Melbourn Magazine. There will be many opportunities for getting involved in deciding what goes in the Neighbourhood Plan but the Steering Group needs more volunteers to make that consultation happen. If you would like to help, e-mail melbournplan@gmail.com with your telephone number and we will tell you more about what you can do.

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County Councillor report Youth Club update Through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund award to the A10 Corridor, Melbourn Area Youth Development has been awarded another round of Bike Bank funding. This should be delivered through the Youth Club probably in the autumn. The Bike Bank is a six-week bicycle maintenance course that has been delivered in the past by Outspoken and provides employable skills to young people. Our train operating company Govia is working with Youth Club to create a mural at Foxton Station waiting room, which has recently been repainted. Govia and MAYD are exploring other station projects too, and will be including level crossing safety awareness raising in their collaboration. Attendance at Youth Club is very healthy and a new volunteer has recently been recruited so things are looking very good.

Frog End junction Since its inception, the A10 Frog End junction with its staggered junction has been one to avoid. Its record of traffic fatalities and serious injury incidents means that the junction is on the County Council’s accident cluster list. That the Council was forced in 2006 to provide free bus transport for Shepreth students attending Melbourn Village College, due to an unsafe walking route over the junction, speaks for itself. While the accident record does not put the junction anywhere

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Adaptive Services Ltd is a new mobility company set up in the village of Melbourn covering all aspects of the mobility trade from wheelchairs and scooters to moving and handling equipment, stair lifts, minor adaptations and daily living aids. Adaptive Services Ltd has 4 Directors, Colin Smith who suffered a stroke and consequently had brain surgery earlier this year at the age of 46. Colin has 30 years experience in the mobility industry and was previously a Director of another company within the sector, a position he left following his surgery. Six months on and Colin has learnt to walk again and although he has lost the use of his right arm and hand he is determined to carry on with his professional working life and has set up Adaptive Services Ltd with the other Directors, Louise Rowland who has over 20 years of PA/Office Manager experience, Mark Doughty, Installation and Service Engineer who has several years experience within the industry, and Janine Doughty with over 25 years experience within the healthcare industry. Please give us a call if we can be of any help or assistance, we look forward to hearing from you.

near the top of the county-wide cluster site list, following a spate of serious traffic accidents last year I approached the Road Safety Team which has now found funding to initiate an examination of possible remedial measures, hopefully to be implemented in the next couple of years. It is highly unlikely that this will include traffic signals or a roundabout. Instead, various ways of re-profiling the road layout would be considered. There are no detailed plans as yet but it is important to know that work has been initiated. I am meeting the Road Safety team in September and will report back.

Mind at Melbourn Hub It’s great to report that efforts to initiate local mental health support at the Melbourn Hub have been successful, with support from the County Council. Several self-referrals have already been made before the first session on July 30 when Mind was upstairs at The Hub from 9:304:00. This will be a monthly service to start, building up to bi-weekly if demand requires, and autumn dates are being worked out at the time of writing though are likely to be Thursdays at the end of the month. Sessions are free and last one hour; the basic premise is practical advice and sign-posting to specialist support if needed. Please ring Katie Barker or Hannah Turner on Tel 01223 311320 for more information to make an appointment.

A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign This campaign meets next October 15, 7pm for 7:30, at TAP Biosystems in Royston, on the Industrial Estate. If you’d like to come along please let the campaign know: contacta10cycle@gmail.com. We are continuing to work very hard to create a safer walking and cycling link between Royston and Melbourn, as well as help the County Council to develop its details plans for links north from Melbourn to Cambridge. The Department for Transport has awarded Cambridgeshire County Council funding to help ease congestion in and around the city, including the main traffic corridors leading in. So in addition to improvements within Cambridge itself, work will take place this autumn to create a good quality walking and cycle path from Foxton to Harston. Work through Harston itself will follow, after details have been worked out in consultation with Harston and other A10 villages. The overall effort to create sustainable transport links in and out of Cambridge has enormous support from the wider business community and the NHS, and the A10 campaign has played a key role in supporting dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Susan van de Ven, County Councillor Tel 261833 – susanvandeven@yahoo.co.uk

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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Blundell’s Plot

“Melbourn?” sniffed my neighbour on the next allotment, barely able to keep the scorn from his voice. “Melbourn – that place where they used to mine that clunch stuff? Couple of inches of topsoil sitting on solid chalk? No way you’ll grow vegetables there, my son.” Well, yes, it has to be admitted that we aren’t ideally situated here for veggies. The soil is thin, it drains like a colander and we go for weeks through most summers hovering on the edge of drought. So my condescending ex-neighbour, standing ankle deep in his rich loam on the banks of the River Hiz, had a point. All the more reason, then, to prove him wrong – and for the past three years since we moved to SG8, that’s what I have been doing. Each year crops on my new patch, which is a mere 30ft square, have improved both in quantity and quality, there have been fewer failures and there’s every reason to hope that we will continue to enjoy our harvest of Melbourn’s best for years to come. Which brings me to the point of this column, in which I hope during the coming year to offer some simple tips on vegetable growing in our area. Where to begin? As ever with crop growing, it has to be soil quality. Whether you are starting a new plot, or bringing back an old one, in Melbourn you will almost certainly need to add a lot of organic matter, either in the form of well-rotted manure, or compost (humus). Manure can be hard to come by since they did away with the horse-drawn trams but I note that some stables on the A10 have been advertising free muck if you will take it away yourself. Form an orderly queue, there. As Alan Titchmarsh recently confirmed, the best way to dig in your humus is by bastard trenching. Absurdly, the BBC had to apologise for Alan’s choice of earthy language but it’s always been a well understood gardening term for double digging. If your patch is new, and the soil needs breaking up, you can start digging right now. Go down a good spit and a half, and chuck the muck in the bottom of the trench before back filling. A minimum of a barrow load to every five square yards should do. That advice, of course, is for starting a new plot. For those with an established garden, here are a few timely tips which I hope will help through the late summer and into the autumn: Keep celery and leeks well watered and earth up. Mulch peas and beans. There’s still time to sow lettuce for salads in the autumn (Avondefiance and Romany do well). Bend over onion tops. Keep a keen eye out for cabbage whites, and spray accordingly. Start harvesting sweetcorn (cook it within the hour, yummie). Lift squash off wet ground and rest them on a couple of bricks to help ripening. Keep feeding and watering French and runner beans. When your beans and peas are finished, cut them off and leave the roots in the soil – they are a good source of nitrogen. In In the next issue: Dig for Victory!

David and Diane Blundell

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It is ten years since the River Mel Restoration Group was founded, so this seems a good time to reflect on the group’s beginnings and to take stock of what we have achieved to date. It began In Meldreth when a group of riparian owners and other interested villagers came together with the expressed aim of restoring the river and improving its biodiversity before the declining species were lost to the river. To this end, we received advice and encouragement from the Ecology Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council and the local Fisheries Officer for the Environment Agency, both of whom accompanied us on an informal walk along the river to discuss the possible improvements we could make. Out of this meeting the River Mel Restoration Group was formed. As this was the first project for a newly formed, inexperienced, group the planning stage for this project was of crucial importance to us. Dr Ian Hirst from the Fisheries Division of the EA arranged for Dr Jenny Mant from the River Restoration Centre to visit the river and to prepare a report for us. This was invaluable, as we had no prior knowledge of the types of soft engineering techniques suitable for use in our river, although we had abundant enthusiasm! We also made the decision that we would do as much of the work as possible ourselves, rather than employ commercial contractors. The main reason for this was that we hoped that this would lead to a greater feeling of ownership of the project by the wider community. With the benefit of hindsight, this seems to have been the correct decision. Not only has the river and its environs benefited from the project, but so has the community at large. There is less litter, less vandalism and there is more of a sense of community responsibility towards what happens in and around the river.

Unfortunately, the planning stage was very time consuming, and particularly frustrating for those members who wanted to leap into the river and get “stuck in”. Though desperate to get into the river and get started there were a number of obstacles in our way. First we had to identify all the riparian, or bank side, owners to gain their permission to access the river – this applied even to the stretches of the river that are bounded by a public footpath. Second, we had to hold off while we drew and then submitted detailed plans of our proposed work to the Environment Agency for their approval. We could not do anything in the river until these came through. The other thing we needed was money! One of the problems with being a new group was that we had no money of our own and no track record of delivering a project of this sort. We were extremely fortunate that the South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Environment Agency took a chance and between them promised approximately £2,000 of initial funding. However, these funds had to be claimed retrospectively against paid invoices, so it was only due to the fact that various committee members were prepared to put up their own money against the promise of a grant that we managed to survive the first few months of our existence. We quickly realised that we needed to raise money, both to provide a financial cushion and to enable us to apply for matched funding to finance future works. This, in turn, necessitated the formation of a structured group with a proper constitution, a bank account and a formal membership – all of which are necessary when applying for external grant funding. Melbourn did not come “on stream”, if you will forgive the pun, until later - but more of that another time… melbournmagazine

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We welcomed the parents of the new September Foundation intake to school early in June for their induction evening. It was lovely to meet both new and familiar faces. The evening reminded me just how quickly childhood passes. It doesn’t seem like two minutes ago that Mr Wilcox and I sat in our ‘Welcome to Foundation Stage’ meeting. In fact fourteen years have elapsed and Naomi has just completed her formal education. We now have to wait until results day to find out exactly how far away from home she will be going in September! This has caused me to reflect on her fourteen years of education and the choices she has made. Whilst her degree choice has been influenced by her natural leanings towards certain subjects, it is clear to me that it’s also a result of home and school working in partnership together. That, and an inspirational teacher who passed on her enthusiasm for her subject! I believe that we have been successful in implementing these two factors here at Melbourn. We have, in the past eighteen months, initiated an extensive programme of parent workshops/events and have revised the information we provide to you about your children’s progress. I have also taken every opportunity to stock the school with high quality teachers to inspire and enthuse your children.

Father’s Day On Friday, 19th June, the school was awash with fathers, uncles, grandfathers and male carers who came in to spend time with our children. There was fun to be had, sports to be played and books to be read! The smiles on the faces of the

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children were magical as they played football, rounders, shot javelins, had tennis matches and ran egg and spoon races! There were also quieter activities under the shade of the trees including board games, picture books and Leggo. Thank you so much to everyone who came. In the words of one child, “It was the best day ever in school, because daddy was there!”.

Year 1 & 2 Ugly Bug Ball Year 1 and 2 frolicked in the sun one Friday as they took part in the Ugly Bug Ball. The children rotated round different activities which included applying their art skills to creating decorations and learning some dinosaur moves to a dance which they performed later in the day. Finally, they splashed around in the pool playing ‘bug’ themed games.

Whole School Storytelling Festival Friday 5th June brought the threat of rain, but with it came the promise of a tale well told by your children. Huddled into the gazebos, excited children sheltered from the stormy clouds over head to perform their stories to an audience of grannies, grandpas, mums and dads, siblings and visitors from far and wide. The school field was transformed into a Moroccan story telling bazaar for the day. The children did a marvellous job telling their stories. The younger children had learned well known stories off by heart and were able to recite them, word perfect, to an audience of very proud mums and dads and friends of the school. The older children wrote and performed their own stories. There must have been magic in the air that day- the rain stayed away and a fabulous day was enjoyed by all.

WOW! What a year! Some of the highlights, for me, have to be:

•

The completion of the KS1 building to provide hugely improved learning conditions for some of our youngest children.

•

A new and effective team of teachers who have all worked solidly all year to secure the best possible outcomes for your children. The learning this year has been incredible – we have seen children progress in leaps and bounds

•

The redecoration of the KS2 corridor with its refurbished art areas and new carpet.

•

Taking the whole school to the pantomime – “Oh yes, we did!”

•

The amount of parental support at workshops and special days – e.g. we had 115 chaps join us for Father’s Day activities.

•

Achieving ArtsMark status and seeing our children growing in their artistic skills.

•

Our first camp out event. Thank you to The Crazy Camp Out Party for campaigning so valiantly during our school election! We have achieved what many thought impossible and what a resounding success it was. The evening epitomised for me exactly why we are such a special school: a fitting finale to a fantastic year! All our children have worked hard and achieved great success in many different areas of school life. We are very

proud of each and every one of them. Today however, we are particularly proud of our thirty nine delightful year 6 children to whom we say a very fond farewell. The class of 2015 have proved themselves to be polite, caring and responsible young people. We have had the privilege of their company, many for seven years, and will miss them. We wish them every success at secondary school and beyond. Enjoy the long summer holidays with your children- they grow up fast!

Cecily’s Fund … helping to educate Zambian children orphaned by AIDS In 1997 Cecily Eastwood, a nineteen year old girl on her Gap year, was killed in a road traffic accident in Zambia. She was volunteering at the time, working with a group of vulnerable and orphaned children in a very poor township in one of the copper mining towns. Zambia was, and still is, one of the poorest countries in the world, and has been particularly affected by AIDS. There are estimated to be over one million children there who have been orphaned by the disease, leaving many of them destitute. So when Cecily’s parents set up the Fund in her memory they decided to focus their work on assisting orphaned children to get an education. Less than 20% of Zambian children finish their secondary education, and orphaned children, who frequently have to look after younger siblings or work to earn the money to feed them, may find getting any education at all impossible. Working with partner organisations in Zambia, Cecily’s Fund enables over 8,000 orphans to go to school each year. It provides a nutritious meal for every child in one community school in Lusaka, uniforms and books where needed, helps to pay school and exam fees and provides support in a number of other ways. It also supports some of these young people to train as teachers and others to train as ‘peer health educators’, running sessions in schools to pass on vital health information. I have been a supporter of Cecily’s Fund for many years now. It is small and tightly run organisation, scrupulous in its monitoring of how funds are used, and able to account for how every penny raised is used. I have even heard Basil Eastwood say that if asked they could provide the name of every single child being supported by Cecily’s Fund at any one time. In September I am hoping to stage a small play to raise funds both for the Meldreth History Group and Cecily’s Fund, and I do hope that this will be well supported, not just because I anticipate it being a very good and interesting play, but to raise as much as possible for these two causes. The play, called ‘No Picnic’, is written and will be performed by two people, Mike Casey and Arthur Pritchard, and is set in the context of World War 1, with a strong peace message. It will be shown at the All Saints’ Community Hall, at 7.30 on Friday Sept 25th – do make a note in your diaries and come if you possibly can. Ann Barnes melbournmagazine

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Melbourn’s young fundraisers are impressive

The Chairman of the Governors retires

The young people of Melbourn have raised almost £200 for charity. The group of young fundraisers had a stall at the Melbourn Summer Fete. They sold cakes they’d baked themselves, friendship bracelets and other jewellery. They also ran games including guess how many sweets in the jar and guess the name of the Teddy. Through a brilliant mix of team work and enthusiasm, the young people raised a grand total of £195.42. This money will be donated to Tom’s Trust, which they chose because it is local to them (based in Cambridge) and they wanted to support other young people. The charity supports children and their families after diagnosis of a brain tumour through a rehabilitative service called Brainbow. The young people planned and ran the stall as part of their activities at Melbourn Youth Club, a free weekly club for 12–18 year olds run by community charity Groundwork Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Lauren Clemmet, Lead Youth Worker at the youth club said: “I’m really proud of the young people. They came up with the idea of fundraising themselves and chose the charity to benefit so they deserve all the credit. We’ve invited a representative from Tom’s Trust to come to the youth club so that the young people can present the money themselves. It’ll be a good session!” Melbourn Youth Club is open to young people aged 12-18 years old. It runs every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm at the Community Sport Pavilion, The Moor, Melbourn. For more information, contact Lisa Steeples on 07702941440 or lisa. steeples@groundwork.org.uk.

The chairman of Melbourn Village College’s governing body is stepping down after 17 years in the hotseat. But Andy Smith’s dedication to education in his home village is too strong for him to walk away completely. The retired chemist is staying on as a governor at the college and is also on the governing body at the village primary school – the establishments which educated both his children. His wife Lorna was a teacher at the primary school and his younger son, Daniel, is now a deputy head at Sutton CofE Primary School near Ely. Mr Smith joined the primary governors in 1988 and four years later took on a similar role at the secondary school, becoming chair in 1998. “I’ve always been a great believer in education and this was my way of putting something back,” he said. “I’m very proud of the things we’ve achieved at Melbourn Village College. “We’ve done very well as a small school, particularly in the last five years and it’s getting better and better.” Melbourn is regularly in the top 10 per cent of schools nationally for both progress and achievement and was this year invited to join the Leading Edge group of schools working at the heart of disseminating good practice. Mr Smith added; “I think the hardest thing was overseeing the conversion to an Academy, which was a lot of work for me and the other governors, but things have been much improved since we became part of the Comberton Academy Trust. “I will be working closely with the new chair, Sue Williamson, to ensure a smooth handover and I think she will do a very good

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job. She has the right contacts and I think the main thing now is to market the good work of the college.” Mr Smith’s successor is the Cambridgeshire-based Chief Executive of the SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network , which was founded from the former Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in May 2012. Ms Williamson is a former Lincolnshire head teacher, who is credited with overseeing a 40% rise in the five A*-C GCSE pass after achieving technology college status. She has lived in Caldecote since 2000 and has watched the development of the Comberton Academy Trust through the perspective of local parents. “I was honoured to be asked to serve as a trustee of CAT and to chair the governing body of Melbourn Village College,” she said. “All staff at SSAT are encouraged to serve as governors and I wanted to work with local schools. MVC achieved outstanding examination results last year and was invited to join SSAT’s Leading Edge group. This will give the senior leadership team and staff access to the best schools in the country. “I’m looking forward to working with governors, staff, parents and students to ensure that MVC becomes one of the best schools in the country.” Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes said: “Everyone at the college is extremely grateful for the huge commitment Andy has given us during his time as Chair of Governors. As a new head I was particularly grateful for his guidance and support. Andy leaves the college in a very strong position and I am very excited about working with Sue as we embark on the next stage in the college’s journey to outstanding.”

to experience Pottery and if any members of the community would like to take up Pottery lesson with Mr Kohler they can enrol for his evening classes. Please contact the school. MVC Pottery is helping to promote a creative and highly valued art form which is becoming increasingly popular. Pottery like baking and sewing will very soon be featured on a BBC programme dedicated to the delights of this art form. If you would like to take it up please do join us, in an MVC evening course next term.

Salter’s Festival of Chemistry Students visited the Cambridge Department of Chemistry in March for the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry. One student explains. “We were greeted in the Lecture Room where our day was explained and we were then taken off to a large science lab. Our first challenge was to solve a murder mystery using chromatography and universal indicator. We then had to fill out a charge and come to a conclusion as to who was the prime suspect. After a short break we had another challenge. We were given eight unnamed chemicals and had to work out what each one was, this was a very difficult challenge but we did our best. Finally, we had a very exciting lecture on the chemistry of light which included some fantastic experiments. Unfortunately, we didn’t win anything but we all had a great day to remember.

Pottery Mr William Kohler MVC is delighted to welcome back Mr William Kohler to the Art department. Bill as he likes to be known is a highly experienced Potter who exhibits and teaches in Cambridge. MVC is very happy to have him back supporting the Pottery lessons alongside Mrs Heeks, Head of Art and Design. Year 8 students are currently designing Mehndi clay hands, decorating them using their art research into this culture. The students have found the Pottery lessons, enriching, fun and something they definitely cannot do at home. Students in Year 7 and 8 will also have the opportunity in September

National Science Competition Two teams from Melbourn Village College have reached the second round of a national science competition. The Year 7 Exgerminators (Erin Fergus, Amelia Close, Maisie Rogers and Olivia Bystry) and the Year 8 Dark McLaren Walker (Toby Walker, Max Walker and Fred Close) have been selected to plan, carry out and write up their investigations as part of the national ‘Germ Control Challenge’ competition run by pharmaceutical giant Glaxo SmithKline. They are in the final 20 selected nationally from an entry of 150 and were among the four entered by the re-launched MVC STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) Club now being run by new science technician Dr Jeanette Dyer as a lunchtime extra-curricular activity. continued on page 39

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Village information Library opening times Monday 12.30 to 4.30 pm Tuesday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Wednesday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Thursday 2.30 to 6.30 pm Friday 2.30 to 4.30 pm Saturday 10.00 to 12.00 am

Royston Family History Society Pam Wright

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

Royston and District Round Table

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

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St George’s Allotments Assoc. Bruce Huett

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Hon Sec Hilary Docwra

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Mem Sec Chris Davison

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Age UK Cambridgeshire

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01223 846122

Home-Start

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Osteopath Kath Harry

261716

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

St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak

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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 Crimestoppers Freephone

Neighbourhood Watch 260959 Maureen Townsend maureentownsend1@aol.com Cambs Registered Trader Sceme 01223 221921

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

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Bridge Club Howard Waller

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Editorial

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Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts

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220363

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay

Distribution

Eric Johnston

220197

Information

Anne Lambert

261480

Parish Profile

Mavis Howard

260686

Production

Peter Simmonett

220363

Proof reading

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes

Colin Limming

260072

Royston and District Local History Society

Brenda Meliniotis

261154

National Trust Colin Limming New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs Photographic Club Bruce Huett Ramblers Dave Allard

260103

All Saints’ Church If you need to speak to someone about Church matters during the Interregnum please contact one of the churchwardens. For baptisms and weddings or if you need to speak to a priest, please contact the Associate Priest Revd. Mary Price. Curate Mary Price

261569

Churchwardens Roger Mellor

220463

Mike Galley

260127

Community Hall booking Sandie Springall

223320

hallbookings@live.co.uk Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke

261650 01223 872298

Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie

260747

Secretary Peter and Eirwen Karner

262346

Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk

246458

SPORT Badminton Steve Jackson

248774

Bowls Elaine Cooke

221571

Croquet Janet Pope

248342

Jazzercise Sarah Howard

07703 422394

Judo Derek Coult

225004

Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker Blake Carrington Chairman

07770533249 07730488743

Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne

261703

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313 Meldreth Tennis Club Tracy Aggett

01763 243376

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley

244593

Squash Club Nick Sugden

261064

COMMUNITY SERVICES

268428

Dial-A-Ride

260649

Home Start Tracy Aggett

262262

260072

John Impey Way Jeanette Holland

269596

243224

Mobile Warden Scheme Jeannie Seers

262651

232855

Moorlands Denise Taylor

260564

242677

Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan

263389

Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841

David Allard

Women’s Group Pat Smith

United Reformed Church

Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0845 070 0707

Village Diary

07599292327

Nikki & Julie

Secretary Guy Manners

Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron

0800 555111

Thursday Luncheon Club at Vicarage Close

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Car Scheme

Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217

brucehuett@compuserve.com

U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman George Howard 260686

HEALTH

Orchard Surgery Appointments & Dispensary

frierley@ntlworld.com

07842 151512

Village College Principal Simon Holmes

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Hospitals Addenbrooke’s Royston 01763 238020

EDUCATION Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford

01223 506335

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 SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 1

Melbourn Bridge Club every Tuesday Vicarage Close 2pm contact Howard Waller 261693 Melbourn & District Photographic Club AGM Foxton Village Hall 7.30pm (runs weekly September to April) Budding Beaders every Tuesday at The Hub 7pm Wednesday 2

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Thursday 3

New term begins Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm Friday 4

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 5

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Cambridge Family History Soc Fair 10-4pm Sunday 6

Holy Communion All Saints 9.45am Holy Communion URC 11.00am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Baptist Communion 6pm Monday 7

Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday at Vicarage Close Tuesday 8

Tuesday 15

Toddlers Plus 9.30-11.30am (TT) Wednesday 16

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Thursday 17

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Rail User Group Shepreth Village Hall 7pm Friday 18

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 19

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 20

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Family Service All Saints 11am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Harvest Festival URC 11.00am Bring & Share Tea at 4pm Monday 21

OCTOBER

Thursday 1

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Society Town Hall Royston 8pm Friday 2

Coffee at URC 10.30am Harvest Supper Meldreth Village Hall Saturday 3

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 4

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Evensong All Saints 6.30pm Holy Communion URC 11am Communion Service Baptist Church 6pm Monday 5

Melbourn Bridge Club every Monday Vicarage Close 7pm Tuesday 6

Toddlers Plus 9.30-11.30am (TT) Women’s Group 7.45pm Meldreth

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Melbourn Bridge Club every Tuesday Vicarage Close 2pm Melbourn & District Photographic Club AGM Foxton Village Hall 7.30pm (runs weekly September to April) Budding Beaders every Tuesday at The Hub 7pm

Wednesday 23

Wednesday 7

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30 (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 24

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

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm Tuesday 22

Thursday 8

Toddlers Plus 9.30-11.30 (TT)

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

Mothers’ Union contact Pauline Hay 260649

Friday 25

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 10

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT)

Coffee URC 10.30am URC Musical Evening incl hot buffet supper (see article) ‘No Picnic’ play ASCH 7.30pm (see article)

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Saturday 26

Hub Club lunch 12.30pm

Sunday 11

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Thursday 10

Sunday 27

Holy Communion All Saints 10am

Family Communion & Sunday School All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am

Friday 11

Harvest Festival & Communion Service All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11.00am ‘Afternoon Tea at The Ritz’ Meldreth Village Hall 2.30pm

Coffee URC 10.30am

Monday 28

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Mother’s Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7.30pm

Saturday 12

MVC Open Evening 6.30pm-8.30pm

Wednesday 14

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Tuesday 29

URC Ride & Stride (see article)

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) MVC Post 16 Evening 7pm Homestart Royston AGM St Mary’s Catholic Church 8pm

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Hub Club lunch 12.30pm

Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7.30pm Wednesday 9

Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly

BBQ & Ceilidh in aid of ‘Save the Children’ Barkway Village Hall contact 01763 838172 Sunday 13

Wednesday 30

Family Communion & Sunday School All Saints 9.45am

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

URC Service 11am

Friday 9

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Quiz Night in aid of Homestart 7pm (see article)

Tuesday 13

Thursday 15

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign 7pm TAP Biosystems Royston

Friday 16

Tuesday 3

Thursday 19

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Melbourn Bridge Club every Tuesday Vicarage Close 2pm Melbourn & District Photographic Club Foxton Village Hall 7.30pm (runs weekly September to April) Budding Beaders every Tuesday at The Hub 7pm

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

Wednesday 4

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break 10.30am

Sunday 22

Saturday 17

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Sunday 18

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Family Service All Saints 11.00am URC Service 11am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Friday 20

Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 21

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am

Monday 19

Thursday 5

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm

Tuesday 24

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT)

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft and Chat URC 2pm-4pm weekly Royston & District Local History Soc. Town Hall Royston 8pm

Wednesday 21

Friday 6

Wednesday 25

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Thursday 22

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm

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

Sunday 8

Thursday 26

Coffee at URC 10.30am

Service of Remembrance The Cross 10.45 followed by Holy Communion All Saints Service URC 11am

Friday 27

Saturday 24

Tuesday 10

Coffee Stop at ASCH 10.30am

Toddler Plus 9.30-11.30am Baptist Church (TT) Mothers’ Union contact Pauline Hay 260649 Melbourn & District Gardening Club ASCH 7pm

Tuesday 20

Friday 23

Sunday 25

Family Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am Monday 26

Saturday 7

Wednesday 11

Tuesday 27

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30am (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Women’s Group ASCH 7.45pm

Thursday 12

Half Term

Wednesday 28

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 7pm Thursday 29

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm weekly Friday 30

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 31

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am Churches Together Light Party Baptist Church

NOVEMBER

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm Friday 13

Coffee at URC 10.30am Saturday 14

No Coffee Stop All Saints Church Bazaar Budding Beaders The Hub 9-3pm

Holy Communion All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2-4pm Coffee URC 10.30am Saturday 28

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am MADS Pirates of the Panto Meldreth Village Hall Sunday 29

Holy Communion All Saints 9.45am URC Service 11am MADS Pirates of the Panto Meldreth Village Hall

e next date for th g in s lo c e er Th 6th Octob 1 y a d ri F in issue is ill appear w h ic h w 5 201 ts listing even r, e b m e c e D and er, January in Decemb 016. February 2

Sunday 15

Holy Communion All Saints 8am Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Family Service All Saints 11am

Sunday 1

Monday 16

Family Communion & Sunday School All Saints 9.45am Holy Communion URC 11am Baptist Communion 6pm Evensong All Saints 6.30pm

Royston & District Family History Society ASCH 7.30pm

Monday 2

Craft Club 9.30am Baptist Church (TT) Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Melbourn Bridge Club meet every Monday Vicarage Close

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT) Women’s Group Meldreth 7.45pm

Tuesday 17

Toddler Plus 9.30-11.30am (TT) Wednesday 18

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 5 September

Black Bin

11 September

Blue & Green Bin

18 September

Black Bin

25 September

Blue & Green Bin

2 October

Black Bin

9 October

Blue & Green Bin

16 October

Black Bin

23 October

Blue & Green Bin

30 October

Black Bin

6 November

Blue & Green Bin

13 November

Black Bin

20 November

Blue & Green Bin

27 November

Black Bin

4 December

Saturday Collection

Blue & Green Bin

11 December

Black Bin

18 December

Blue & Green Bin

Christmas dates will appear in the next issue For an update on collections visit: www.scambs.gov.uk/content/friday For more information and collections of large household items Telephone 03450 450 063

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

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

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

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

Each team has been assigned a scientist from the GSK ‘Germ Squad’ as a mentor, who visits the school to help with planning. The Exgerminators met their mentor microbiologist Louise Bater , when she advised and observed them in their investigation. They are using a special ‘Glo-gel’ which glows in the dark under a UV lamp to see how much it is transferred to differently designed taps after hand washing. She is very excited about their questions, and they have lots more! This week, The Dark McLaren team were due to meet Dr Julian Phipps to report their results so far on their project about whether exposure to sound can kill bacteria growing on agar plates. The next stage is for the teams to win selection to present their findings at the Science Museum and have a VIP tour, and the chance to win vouchers for team members, money for equipment for the science department and a visit to a GSK science laboratory.

Dance Year 9 and 10 Dance students at Melbourn Village College were treated to a workshop by Laura Gibson, a dance artist from Richard Alston Dance Company. They were given a technique class, looking at various styles of movement including Cunningham and Release. Students then learnt some professional repertoire from Richard Alston’s piece ‘Overdrive’, which is part of the GCSE Dance curriculum. They were then given time to use the material they had learnt to complete a creative task. Teacher Jill Douglas said: “The pupils worked incredibly hard throughout the workshop. The dance artist was fantastic and the students were very engaged and focused.”

of over 100 people and a chance to sample some speciality cakes in a local café too! Day 2 Spanish lessons and a visit to the wonderful Altamira Cave, with a delicious paella for lunch. Day 3 After our Spanish lessons, we marvelled at the amazing stalagtites and stalagbymites at El Soplao, and did a treasure hunt around the town, speaking to the locals to get the clues. Day 4 This was spent with our Spanish friends, learning flamenco or playing in a football tournament, followed by playing on the beach and a visit to the El Capricio De Gaudi in Comillas, to learn about Antoni Gaudi’s style of architecture. Our students were kept riveted, as the guide was so engaging, involving them in all his explanations. Day 5 For our final day, we went to Cabarceno, the largest national park in Europe, which is used as more of a rehabilitation centre for sick animals. It was wonderful to see the animals being cared for so well in such a large space for them and the birds of prey show was impressive – even if they did fly rather close to our heads. I have been leading foreign language visits for over 20 years now, and this trip certainly had everything for the students better than any I’ve organised: language learning, experience of the food and culture of the country, the chance to get to know young people one’s own age, and all this whilst staying in a lovely hotel with a pool, which we enjoyed in the evening! Our students have not only improved their Spanish but grown in confidence all round too. Well done everyone – it was a pleasure!

Sports News

Spanish Visit On Thursday, 14th May, 55 year 8 students set off for a 5 day academic visit to the beautiful town of Comillas in Cantabria, Spain. This is the first year of our new second language offer of Spanish and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of our students to get onto the trip. Our programme included: Day 1 Spanish lessons given by native speakers in the morning, followed by an academic interaction with Spanish students, presentations in Spanish in front

Congratulations to Year 10 boys relay team who broke the school record for the 4 x 100 relay which has stood since 2004. Shaun Charter, Will Tucker, Manny Singh and Ben Greenaway took the record in 50 seconds.

Action Art A collaborative project between Melbourn Village College and several of its feeder primary school has helped one of them raise more than £1000. ActionArt sees professional artist Nick Juett, an MVC teacher, work with youngsters on a range of different art projects. continued on page 41 melbournmagazine

MVC GCSE Art

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

on Monday, 28th September. We also welcome parents and carers to visit us during the school day. Please do get in contact if you would like to do this.” Melbourn Village College, part of the Comberton Academy Trust, recently won recognition for being in the top 10% of schools nationally for student progress and achievement.”

Battle of Waterloo Commemoration Tom Jackson, Head Boy, represented the College yesterday at a service at St Paul’s Cathedral commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Two hundred students representing two hundred schools took part and an e-book has been written and can be seen at www.ebook. waterloo200.org. MVC’s contribution is a chapter on Private Thomas Chapman (1790-1875) who fought at Waterloo and lived in Cambridgeshire, buried at Comberton. A member of the royal family as well as military representatives and the 9th Duke of Wellington were present at the service.

And now the work of youngsters at Harston and Newton Primary school has boosted the coffers of their school’s PTA by a four-figure sum – with more still coming in – after an exhibition of their watercolours attracted more than 100 family and friends. An amazing 67 pieces of artwork produced by children from Reception to Year 6 was sold in just 90 minutes at £10 each. A further 33 were snapped up the following night at a special showing for those unable to attend the exhibition. Mr Juett said: “Parents were really pleased with the whole school activity I taught. We sold 67 paintings the first night then another 33 and there’s still more time to go next week.”

Year 5 taste Secondary School Almost 150 youngsters from Melbourn Village College’s feeder primaries spent the day experiencing lessons – a whole year before they are due to make the move to secondary school. Year 5 students were given a taste of secondary school life with a day at the college which included lessons in science, maths, dance, drama, French, history, PE, ICT, Design Technology and Food Technology. It also gave the students from Melbourn, Meldreth, Foxton, Thriplow, Barrington, Harston & Newton and Hauxton primaries the chance to start making new friends among their peers ahead of their move to secondary school in September 2016. Melbourn Assistant Principal Regina Lawrence said: “The day was one of our many primary activities organised by Mrs Coghlan and the pupils took the day at their secondary school firmly in their stride, trying their best in all the subject areas. “We hope they enjoyed the day and are now looking forward to seeing them all again, with their parents, at our Open Evening

Adult Education Classes at Melbourn Village College All classes start week commencing 28th September 2015. Please ring Comberton Village College on 01223 264721 to enrol Course Day Time Wks Fee Book keeping Pt 1 Tue 9.30-11.30 10 £80 Book keeping Pt 2 – 12/01/16 Tue 9.30-11.30 10 £80 Computing for Beginners – 23/9/15 Wed 3.30-5.30 4 £32 DIY (electrical & plumbing) Tue 7.00-9.00 8 £63 First Aid Paediatric Cert – 26/04/16 Tue 6.00–9.00 4 £70 Fun with cut Flowers Mon 10.00–12.00 10 £78 Fun with cut Flowers Tue 7.00-9.00 10 £78 Indian Cookery Made Simple Tue 6.45-9.15 1 £10 Knitting for beginners Tue 7.00–9.00 10 £78 Knitting for improvers – 12/01/16 Tue 7.00–9.00 10 £78 Painting in Watercolours Mon 11.15-1.15 8 £63 Pottery Mixed Ability Mon 10.00–12.00 9 £90 Pottery Mixed Ability Tue 7.00–9.00 9 £90 Spanish – beyond beginners Mon 2.00–4.00 10 £78 continued on page 43 melbournmagazine

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

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

Office & Chapel of Rest :

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

01763 242560 www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk

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

www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

Notre Ecole On returning to Notre Ecole after the Easter break, children at our Wednesday after school group learnt vocabulary around the theme of zoo animals. We talked about which animals we like and which we don’t like. We used the vocabulary to practise position words and we played games around the zoo animal theme. We also practised polite expressions and numbers. At the same time we made sure we continued to care for the bean and tomato plants we had planted the previous term. During the last few weeks of term we prepared a play called ‘Les Legumes d’Olivier’ (Oliver’s Vegetables). We practised the lines and made some beautiful props so that during the final session of the school year we were able to perform our little play to friends and family. We had a zoo theme for the Thursday after school club too, during the summer term. We learnt new vocabulary, made animal masks and played many games, both inside and out, around the zoo animal theme. We also practised numbers and colours in French and learnt how to say where we live. At the final session we invited family and friends to come and see what we had learnt. We performed short role plays and sang some French songs for our guests.

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 Bumble Bee room for children 12 – 24 months Ladybird room for 2 year olds Butterfly room for children 3-5 years With optional “ready for school sessions” Holiday club for children aged 12 months to 8 years 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 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

Beginners Adults have recently been practising asking questions. We have been looking at the present tense and we have been saying how long we have been doing things for. We have talked about our families and our homes and practised making bookings at a B&B. Then finally at the end of the term we learnt how to talk about the weather. The more advanced adult group have studied the pluperfect tense and some idiomatic expressions. They have looked at a text about the summer solstice and translated an English article about one of their member’s recent trip to Provence. The new school year is here again so 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 fifteen 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. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. 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)

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

www.theoldschoolstudio.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

2nd Melbourn Brownies Last term we were incredibly busy completing the Number Fun and Speaker interest badges, making cards for Fathers Day, a games night and a trip out to the park. However, the highlight of our term had to be going away to Hautbois House Activity Centre in Norfolk on Pack Holiday with 1st Meldreth Brownies. We went on Friday 12th June and returned Sunday 14th June. The centre offers a number of adventurous activities of which the Brownies decided between them, in advance at one of our Tuesday meetings, which ones they would like to take part in. They decided they would like to do a monkey climb (think of a climbing wall up the side of a very tall tree!), a zip wire, a compass course and a nightline activity (blind folded obstacle course). When we arrived on Friday evening the first challenge the Brownies had was to make up their own beds. They needed a good night’s sleep ahead of the busy schedule of all four activities they had chosen to do on the Saturday.

Saturday was brilliant. Although exhausted all of the Brownies enjoyed the activities they had chosen, with many of them pushing boundaries and conquering fears, particularly on the Monkey Climb and Zip Wire activities. All the Brownies were great sports, and despite it pouring with rain and them being very wet and muddy, they didn’t let it dampen their spirits. On the Saturday evening we were supposed to have a camp fire outside in the grounds of Hautbois House but unfortunately as it was raining this was not possible, but we still had hot chocolate and marshmallows and each Brownie started to write a diary about their holiday. On Sunday morning the Brownies completed a discovery trail in the grounds of Hautbois House. This was an opportunity for them to learn some facts about the orchard, the oldest oak tree, the insects/birds and the world view of a worm whilst completing short activities or challenges. Before we came home on the Sunday the Brownies had the opportunity to finish their diaries, which once completed with the scrap books they will make next term, they will get to keep as a memento of their pack holiday. For going away with Brownies and completing certain activities whilst we were there, like taking part in a new activity and writing a diary, the Brownies earned their Brownie Holiday badge. They also gained badges for

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) Tracy Aggett 243376

melbournmagazine

the number of nights away they had completed. Many of them also made new friends from 1st Meldreth Brownies whilst we were there. Overall a fantastic time was had by all. We have already started planning for next year and have some great ideas for activities and yet more badges for the Brownies to earn. If you know someone interested in becoming a Brownie or a Brownie Leader please contact one of the owls at melbourn2ndbrownies@ hotmail.com. On behalf of Brown Owl, Tawny Owl and Snowy Owl.

1st Melbourn Brownies Article Looking back now, the amount we have fitted in to this term is absolutely amazing. We started the summer term with a trip to Stockbridge Meadows, for which we were joined by multiple new Brownies. We all enjoyed the visit and learnt lots about local trees and wildlife. The following week we had a craft evening; this helped the Brownies accomplish their Craft Badge. The main theme was marbling. First, we used the more traditional water and paint technique to create a marbled effect on paper. Afterwards, we tried a less conventional method that uses shaving foam instead of water. The results were surprisingly different but both were very effective. The next week also included a craft activity but a very different one; that week was themed on butterflies. First, we made colourful butterflies out of card and tissue paper, which can be placed on a window to produce coloured shapes on the opposite wall. The evening was finished with a quiz that taught the Brownies more about these wonderful creatures. Also this term, the Brownies achieved their Cyclist Badge. This consisted of one evening learning safety precautions and necessary clothing for cycling, followed by another session on their bikes learning essential procedures. We were lucky to have a woman, and her sons, from British Cycling to help for the evening. In addition, we have had a Chinese themed evening. During that evening, we made spring rolls and fans.

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We spent two weeks preparing for Fathers’ Day. During the first week, we decorated ceramic tiles and made cards to go with them in the second week. These gifts were greatly appreciated by many Dads. One of the remaining weeks was kindly organised by Fluffy Owl (one of our young leaders). We spent the evening following a route of clues around the churchyard. This was concluded with each Brownies drawing a picture of something they saw. Towards the end of the term, we spent an evening at the Fun Barn at Bury Lane Farm. This was looked forward to for many weeks and the Brownies teamwork improved during the evening. It was hot, but extremely enjoyable. We spent the penultimate evening at Fowlmere Nature Reserve in order to complete the Brownies’ Wildlife Explorer Badge. We were able to view lots of wildlife in the water, air and on land. Partway round the walk, we stopped to enjoy some ice lollies. We finished the term with a barbecue which was kindly hosted by Brown Owl. We started the evening with a large variety of games, including football, the chocolate game and trampolining. Then, everyone enjoyed some delicious food. We ended the evening by enrolling our new Brownies who were awarded their promises badges. After that, all of the Brownies were given the badges they had earned recently. Sadly, the last thing we did was to say

goodbye to our two oldest Brownies. But it was nice to see the new Brownies moving up into the unit. 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 It is a happy coincidence that lighter evenings and livelier girls both occur in the summer term: plenty of opportunity for playing outside! We kicked off the term with the first of two sports evenings, both organized by the older girls as part of their BadenPowell Challenge badge. Both featured the ever popular Rounders competition; we also had a quiz, and seated indoor volleyball. We celebrated St George’s Day with a croquet game, creating the dessert Eton Mess, learning the words to the National Anthem, and making a paper rose badge. A map-reading, photo identification and quiz competition saw four groups navigating Dolphin Lane and Riverside Park, and on another fine evening we practised putting up a tent and toasting marshmallows on a small fire. In June there were two opportunities for the girls to serve the community: on one wet Saturday they served tea

Interesting talks are given on a wide range of subjects by visiting lecturers. Some months the meetings are given over to simply asking and answering questions of how to forward your research. You cannot do it all by simply just going on line. Our Programme for 2015-16.

» 21 September 2015 You in Family History, Marian French

» 19 October What happened to Lucy? – Adoption before 1927, Ian Waller

» 16 November 2015 Scandals and Skeletons, A talk by Jack Ripper

The Society is currently recording the Monumental Inscriptions of the Orchard Road Cemetery in Melbourn. The Society is also linked to the commemoration of World War I and members are dealing with the VAD Hospital in Queens Road Royston. Other members are currently listing the Birth, Marriages and Deaths from the announcement columns of the Royston Crow from 1911 to 1921. When completed these will be published, adding to those already done, i.e. 1876– 1886; 1887–1899; 1900–1910. Membership details. Single £8; Family £10.50; Overseas £9. Enquiries@RoystonFHS.org.uk Neville Chuck, Chairman.

Melbourn and District Gardening Club and cake at Melbourn Lodge Open Garden, helping to raise over £250 for local charity ‘Blue Smile’. One week later at the Melbourn Fete we ran a toy stall to raise money for Wood Green Animal Shelter. Two groups competed to make the most profit, choosing the toys they wanted to sell, and the prices they wanted to charge. The results were surprisingly close, so both teams had the opportunity to visit Wood Green to present the cheque. Our day trip this year was skating and swimming. We spent the morning at the newly refurbished Planet Ice at Milton Keynes, then enjoyed the flumes and wave machines of Oasis pool in Bedford. 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

Royston & District Family History Society Without your ancestors you wouldn’t be here now. So why not joined the Royston and District Family History Society and perhaps learn how to research them. Your ancestors may not have reached great heights, but without the workers our Nation would not have achieved much. The Society meets at the All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn once a month on the third Monday of the month between September and June.

Are you interested in gardening? Why not join the Melbourn and District Gardening Club on a regular or occasional basis. We meet at 7.30p.m on the second Tuesday most months, at the Community Hall, behind All Saints Church (near traffic lights, lane by red telephone box) We have talks with slides, and a summer coach outing. An informal Flower Show is held in June. Members vote for their favourite displays, plant or photograph. The August meeting is held in a member’s garden for an afternoon tea and chat. Refreshments at the end of each meeting, give plenty of time to talk and make new friends. continued on page 49 melbournmagazine

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Autumn Programme

» Tuesday 8th September 2015

Plants to enjoy during Autumn/ Winter season – Richard Arnott

» Tuesday 13th October 2015 7.30

AGM 8pm Community Gardens

» Tuesday 10th November 2015

Christmas Flowers Demonstration by Crazy Daisy Flowers

Flower Arrangements to be raffled. Visitors £4.00 entry Includes refreshments and raffle ticket. Booking essential (Helen 245887) Christmas Flowers Demonstration Tuesday 10th November 2015, 7.30p.m Crazy Daisy Flowers, from Buntingford is making a return visit in November for a Christmas Flowers demonstration. It is sure to be an entertaining evening. All arrangements will be raffled. Entry price of £4.00 for visitors will include raffle ticket and refreshments. We are already taking bookings, so contact me if you are interested. (Helen 245887) June 2015 Annual Flower Show and Strawberry Tea We held our annual Flower show and Strawberry tea in June. There were a good number of entries for each category. Members were very inventive with flowers in a tea cup and a decorated jam jar. Prizes were awarded to Ann Sherwen for her arrangement in a tea cup and best rose; Julie Kitson for her arrangement in a decorated jam jar and best plant; Chris Davison for the best photograph. We have moved up a league. The winners also received very stylish rosettes designed and made by committee member Patricia Harman!

Visitors always welcome For further information about the club or Christmas Flowers ring Helen 01763 245887

Melbourn Dynamos Football Club For Boys and Girls aged 4–18 years old All welcome! www.melbourndynamos.co.uk Melbourn Dynamos FC is a friendly community youth football club that gives boys and girls the opportunity to play regular football regardless of their experience or ability at all ages from 4 through to 18. We are a successful club defined by the strength of support from members and families, the praise and recognition of fellow clubs and FA Leagues, the work with our Community partners including Melbourn Village College and Melbourn Parish Council, and of course our players’ achievements on the pitch and their support for the community. This success has also attracted support from the FA helping us to establishing girls’ football teams in the club; and from a benefactor whose generous support is enabling us to broaden and develop

our work within the community. We are looking forward to our new season with exciting developments, new players and new teams. There will be more than 200 players in league teams for every age group from the Under 7s to the Under 18s. Also we want to develop adult football teams and improve access to other sports and exercise in the Melbourn area. This season we are excited to announce that we have 3 girls’ teams at U9, U10 & U11 to play football in the Cambridgeshire FA’s S-Tech Girls League. This is in addition to those girls who already play in our many mixed teams. In no small measure this has been due to our qualified volunteers who have been coaching players at Melbourn Primary School and providing free football training sessions for girls on Saturday mornings at Melbourn Village College. Coupled with the support of Cambridgeshire FA, an award for the FA’s Grow the Game Initiative and the inspirational performance of the England Team at the Women’s World Cup, we find ourselves in the happy position of having 3 teams for the start of the season. Some of you may have seen our new players and their coaching team, demonstrated their football skills to visitors of the Melbourn Village

June 2015 – Coach Outing to Bressingham Steam and Gardens near Diss A full coach took us on a very sunny day to visit the impressive Bressingham gardens and Bressingham Steam with a Dad’s Army exhibition and railway shed. The journey was smooth and the air conditioning very welcome. A narrow gauge locomotives, took visitors around the estate and gardens. The smell of steam trains took those old enough to remember, back to childhood! melbournmagazine

whose support is essential to the club. It also helps that we have such a beautiful place to play in the heart of the village, something which is easy to take for granted until reminded of it by our visitors. We are very pleased with the success of our youngest players, the Dynamites, who increasingly provide the core of league teams from under 7 upwards. The Dynamites’ coaching team is led by Dipak Patel. Dee was

Fete. As I reach the deadline for this article, I have just learned that we are establishing a women’s Football Team – for latest details see our website. This spring we hosted Football Festivals at U7 for Cambridgeshire FA and U9 for the Royston Crow Youth Football League, building on our successes last season. This reflects well on the club, the many volunteers who make it all happen; and of course MVC, Beactive and Melbourn Parish Council

Cambridge FA’s coach of the year for 2013, gained his Level 2 coaching in June and has been appointed to the key leadership role of the our Football Development Officer. These players, aged 4-6, have fun and develop their skills before deciding whether to play league football as the club’s under 7s team. This fun, preparation and skill development through the Dynamites has undoubtedly brought more success to our current League Teams. These

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players train with level 2 and level 1 FA qualified coaches in a Saturday morning fun session for 4 and 5 year old boys and girls between 10.30 -11.30am at Melbourn Sports Centre. Sessions feature lots of short activities aimed at improving individual skills, concentration and the ability to be part of a team. The first one hour session is free thereafter we charge £2. All are welcome to the Melbourn Dynamites so why not bring your kids along so they can check it out? We are grateful to MVC who again hosted our presentation day. This important day in the club’s calendar enables us to recognise and reward the achievements of all our players and to highlight the voluntary work that is at the heart of the club. Debs Whiteley, also attended to talk about the Charity – Tom’s Trust – set up in memory of her son, who played for the club. Debs presented the club’s Tom Whiteley Award to Martin Downey in recognition of his excellent voluntary work in supporting, coaching and developing the skills of our youngest players. Following collections at the event and cafe proceeds, the club donated £400 to Tom’s Trust (www.tomstrust.org.uk) for the care of children with brain tumours. All of our coaches are CRB checked and qualified to a minimum of FA Level1 standard. We are also an FA Charter Standard Club which means that we have all the correct people and practices in place to operate in line with FA & government requirements. All are welcome and if you are interested in finding out more about MDFC and the opportunities to play football with us, please contact Nicky Patel on 07951 590139 or email her at nikki-dip@ntlworld.com. The club’s success depends entirely on enthusiastic members and volunteers. If you feel that you would like to contribute to the club as a coach, match day official or in some other volunteer capacity then we would be pleased to hear from you through secretary.mdfc@gmail.com or chairman.mdfc@gmail.com.

Melbourn Bridge Club Melbourn Bridge Club has now been in existence for more than five years

and support continues to grow. Its continued success on Monday evenings seems to be attributed to the friendly, informal nature of the club yet still affording a good evening’s competition. Results are sent to all participants, by email the following day More recently, the Tuesday afternoon sessions at Vicarage Close, aimed predominantly at beginners and improvers, has caught on and regularly has between three and five tables. New members are always welcomed and, even without a partner, we will guarantee them a game. If you are looking to learn, improve or simply play bridge in Melbourn contact Howard Waller on 01763 261693. Alternatively, turn up at the Community Centre in Vicarage Close at least a quarter of an hour in advance of the starting times which are 7.30 on Mondays and 2.00 on Tuesdays

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

We have loads on offer this season, with something for the whole community to get involved with … So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre!

Come In Out Of The Cold! With Autumn fully upon us and the nights closing in, why not come in out of the cold and have a go at such activities as table tennis, squash or badminton?

Court hire from only £5.40 per hour. We have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Boxercise, Zumba, Boot camp, Aquafit 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 audio visual technology.

Half Term Activities Children’s Half Term is fast approaching, an ideal time to book your young ones onto one of our great activity courses. These include swimming crash course, snorkelling courses, trampoline taster sessions and our popular Ofsted PlayScheme.

Party Time! Looking for the perfect venue to hold your children’s birthday or Halloween 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.

Swimming Lessons We still have plenty of spaces on our pre-school lessons, so for more details or to book a place then please contact Toby or Graham on 01763 263313 Waterplay These pre-school swimming lessons are an ideal first step for your child learning to swim, with the aims to build confidence in water, learning basic skills like floatation and movement using buoyancy aids.

» Tuesdays: 13.30 – 15.00 (30 min

lessons) / Thursdays: 13.30 – 15.00 (30 min lessons)

» Fridays: 10.30 – 11.30 (30 min lessons) Prices: £3.65 per lesson (paid termly) For further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk We look forward to seeing you soon.

Activities For Teenagers And Young Adults Teen Training An hour fitness session using our fitness suite machines continued on page 55 melbournmagazine

“Support from the community really helps us make a difference” Jo, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust

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Melbourn 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. 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

Café The Hub Cafe offers a wonderful selection of light lunch options. Sandwiches, toasties and Paninis served with a salad garnish and crisps. Baked potatoes with a wide variety of fillings. A large selection of coffees, specialist teas and hot chocolate.

Room Hire at the Hub Three meeting rooms are available for hire, for business meetings and interest groups with disabled access to upstairs rooms via wheel chair stair lift. Two disabled parking spaces directly behind the building. The Hub has automatic doors and dropped pavements. A large free car park opposite the building.

Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 3pm The Hub 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! 30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone 01763 263303 reception@melbournhub.com The Hub is run by the community, for the community, it is a centre with a difference.

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Price: £2.50 per session/10 sessions for £20.00 Trampoline Course This course is a great way to introduce your child into this fun and energetic sport. Start to learn all the basics including twists, shapes and drops!

» Mondays 16.00 – 17.00 (4 ½ - 7 years); 17.00 – 18.00 (7-10 years); 18.00 – 19.00 (10 – 16 years);

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Melbourn Karate Club members have taken part in Demonstrations at the Melbourn Village Fete and the opening of the New Community Sports Pavilion organised by Melbourn Parish Council and MVC Sports Centre. The Melbourn Club class is run on Sundays at 12 Noon at Melbourn Village College Sports Centre and new members are always welcome For more information telephone 07866 374674 or visit www.kstsk.co.uk for details. Ewan Cameron and Gavin Elliott-Turner

Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Cambridge, CambridgeshireSG8 6EF 01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk info@mc-sport.co.uk

Melbourn Karate Club Trophies and Medals were won by Melbourn Karate Clubs players in a popular event at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware. Fifteen clubs in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire competed in the tenth annual tournament and five medals were won by home players. The event was run by Kamaete Schools of Traditional Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) There was a marvellous display of Karate and spirit in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (formal sequence). Events covered all ages, from age five years Kata, through to teenager and adult categories to black belt Kata and Kumite. The popular family team (synchronised) Kata event of three people proved a success again with many teams coming forward to compete. Friends and families showed their support as they cheered on everyone throughout the day. At the half way point KSTSK Chief Instructors Sensei Peter Khera and Sensei Rakesh Patel performed individual kata followed by an exciting chair based demonstration. Melbourn instructor Sensei Peter Khera 5th Dan said: “There was a high standard of competition karate this year, especially in the juniors category. “Their Karate discipline and etiquette were excellent.” He added: “It was clear that students had put in the extra effort and practice outside the regular classes.” It was also the tenth year Sensei Khera has organised this competition after the first took place in 2006. “The standard is higher now and we run a three hour course before it so that the players are ready when the competition takes place. Players have come from white belts to become black belts.” All three kata arenas started simultaneously and ran through to the finals, after which the presentations were made. KSTSK competitor medals were presented to everyone who took part.

• • •

Gold medals and Trophies went to Ewan Cameron. Silver went to Ewan Cameron, Gavin Elliott-Turner x2, Bronze Prizes were presented to George Whybrow. melbournmagazine

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Grinnel Hill BMX Club The 2014/15 winter and spring saw a major re-design and development of the beginner, intermediate, and advanced lines on the site, with completion late Spring 2015. Since then we’ve seen, many new and existing members returning through our gates, from Melbourn itself to surrounding towns/villages, both locally and nationally. The club is open annually April to September. Strictly for BMX use only, for ages 12 and older, members have the option of either becoming a seasonal member for £50 (April to September), or a day member (per session) for £10. Our aim for the club is to promote an activity for the young community of Melbourn and surrounding areas to participate in, with the guidance of our committee and experts, in a safe and friendly environment. Members will have access to BMX coaching and expertise on site during club open days. For more details and to download your membership form today please visit; www.grinnelhillbmx.co.uk

Acknowledgements Melbourn Parish Council for their ongoing support at all levels to keep the club sustainable and open. Frog End Pet Supplies Melbourn for their supply and delivery of wooden pallets to help keep our tarpaulins in place to protect the site over the winter months Wrights Mower Centre Melbourn for their help and generosity in supporting us to keep the site to a well maintained and safe standard for the foreseeable future. melbournmagazine

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Church news United Reformed Church Past Events

Melbourn Fete Once gain we were not put off by the rain! Our stall hosted Fair Trade and Circus crafts, here’s a sample of the children’s creations:

Bloomsday We were delighted to take part in the Bloomsday festival on the 16th June, and to welcome so many people in to our church hall. Our minister, Duncan Goldie, contributed to the music whilst others read aloud and served refreshments (although not at the same time)! Essential funds were raised for water Aid: www.wateraid. org/uk

Christian Aid Week We raised £454.22 towards the village total of £955.66 during Christian Aid week. The funds go to vital work to eliminate poverty and injustice around the world. See the website for further information on where your donation went: www.christianaid.org.uk

Forthcoming events Ride & Stride! 12th September Fun for all the family! Ride and Stride is a sponsored ride or walk in which people from all over England walk or cycle between churches. You get to visit unique historic buildings (& refreshments at many churches), see beautiful countryside, get some exercise and have fun with the family. Pop in to the see us on the 12th. See the Ride & Stride website here for more information: www.rideandstrideuk.org Harvest Festival 20th September We have a special Harvest festival service on 20th September 11am, come and see the beautiful flowers and join us for a coffee – or pop along later on at 4pm for a bring and share tea, followed by a harvest themed songs of praise service at 5pm. A Musical Evening with a hot buffet supper 25th September We are hosting a Musical Evening in order to raise funds for local charity CherryhomesTrust who provide equipment, friendship and support to those with physical disabilities in the Cambridge area. More details can be found here: www.cherryhomes.org.uk Welcome to All If you are interested in joining us at any of our services, you will receive a warm welcome. Our weekly family Sunday service is at 11am. melbournmagazine

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Cherryhomes Trust

The ladies of the church enjoyed a social evening at Glazed Creations in Royston, and in a regular exchange of preachers, the church welcomed Rev Scott Paton from Harston Baptist Church, while Melbourn’s Rev Stuart Clarke visited Comberton. This summer, continuing its regular involvement, the church was the base for the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children’s annual visit, as they enjoyed a break for a month, coming to this country from Belarus. The charity devotes its energies to raising funds to bring children, who are at risk, from Belarus to the United Kingdom for a month every year. It aims to help children between seven and 13, from orphanages or disadvantaged homes. These children are in great need and come from social situations that make it difficult for them to get the care they require at home.

A Musical Evening in Melbourn United Reformed Church including movements from Beethoven Sonata in A major Op. 69, Mendelssohn Sonata in D; Vivaldi Sonata 5 RV40, Saint-Saens The Swan & Cassado’s Requiebros (an exciting Spanish piece) We are delighted to welcome: Catherine Wilmers (cello) and Ilga Pitkevica (piano) Friday 25th September at 7:00pm Ticket: £25 each (includes hot buffet supper & glass of wine) Contact: Barry Monk – Tel: 01763 246458 email: bgmonk@kloster.freeserve.co.uk

Melbourn Baptist Church The church has enjoyed a busy few months, as usual. Members joined other church congregations for a Christian Aid walk around the village, and finished with a bring-andshare tea, and service. The church also enjoyed a visit to the Big Church Day Out in West Sussex, which now extends to cover a whole weekend, and is a celebration of Christian arts, including many top music artists. Melbourn Baptist has also started an extra regular weekly prayer meeting, on Thursdays, including general prayers for the church and further afield, followed by a time for more personal prayer. All are welcome. One of the church’s link missionaries David Fry, who works for Christian broadcasting organisation Trans World Radio, visited the church in June, and gave a presentation about the group’s work, followed by a church lunch.

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) The May draw was made by Mike Rawlings on 30th May. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.68 goes to Robert Ellis at 11 Mortlock Street and the second of £12.84 goes to Audrey Hodson at 103 Beechwood Avenue The June draw was made by Eric Davis on 6th June. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.68 goes to Joan Statter (21) at 60 Orchard Road and the second of £12.84 goes to Ann Harding (66) at 52 The Moor. The July draw was made by Mike Rawlings on 1st August. There were 77 members. The first prize of £25.68 goes to Douglas Gatward at 94 High Street and the second of £12.84 to Jane Stevens at 35 Water Lane.

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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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What’s On Bloomsday Final Event

and Cheque handover to WaterAid at Melbourn Community Hub Saturday 5th September 2.00 – 3.00 p.m

Melbourn Village College Open Evening

Cambridgeshire Family History Society Family History Fair Saturday 5th September 2015 At Girton Glebe Primary School Girton Cambridge CB3 0PN 10am – 4pm

Monday 28th September 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Medieval Merriment

Save the Children

Mills and Maps this September with Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)

BBQ and Ceilidh Saturday 12 September, 7pm Barkway village hall with ‘Tam Lin’ and caller Tickets £14 adults, £7 children 2 course BBQ ; Welcome drink included; cash bar For tickets please contact Liz on 01763 838 172

Fowlmere and Thriplow Gardening Club Annual Show Saturday 19 September Fowlmere Village Hall 2.00 – 4.30pm Show Schedules available (price £1) from Thriplow Village Shop and St Mary’s Church Coffee Mornings Open classes include Floral Art, Pot Plants, Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers, Cookery, Handicrafts Children’s section includes a miniature garden, flowers arranged in a mug and home-made biscuits

Enjoy a flavour of medieval Cambridge at the re-enactment of the historic Stourbridge Fair held at The Leper Chapel, Cambridge’s oldest complete building. Explore the impressive buildings of the wonderful working windmill at Bourn and watermill at Hinxton and enjoy fabulous home made teas in Hinxton Village Hall. Learn something new to teach your own pupils with a one day orienteering course particularly aimed at teachers. As ever, there are walking opportunities helping you to keep fit and enjoy the company of others at Wandlebury Country Park and Coton Countryside Reserve.

Stourbridge Fair at the Leper Chapel Saturday 5 September: 12.00noon to 4.30pm

Hinxton Watermill Open Day Sunday 6 September: 2.30pm to 5.30pm with teas in Hinxton Village Hall. NB: CambridgePPF members can visit for free. For non members entry costs £3 for adults, £1 for children. No need to book.

Look Good Feel Better

Bourn Post Mill Open Day

Sunday 27th September from 2.30pm onwards Shwopping / Swish Event Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Meldreth Village Hall In aid of ‘Look Good Feel Better’ Please bring along your unwanted quality clothing and accessories Raffle & Entertainment! After a delicious afternoon tea, every guest will leave with beautiful makeup goodie bag (kindly donated by ESSE in Melbourn) with products valued up to £50

Sunday 13 September: 2pm to 4pm Come and see inside one of the oldest mills in the country, set in beautiful scenery near Bourn village. Free to CambridgePPF members, non members £3 per adult, £1 per child. For more information email bookings@cambridgeppf.org call 01223 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on melbournmagazine

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.

www.melbournwoodenbuildings.co.uk

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

Cambridgeshire Family History Society Family History Fair Saturday 5th September 2015 Girton Glebe Primary School Girton Cambridge CB3 0PN 10am – 4pm Free Admission – Free Car Parking Join us to find out more about Family History or to grow you Family Tree… Family History Societies Advice/Help Desk Genealogy Supplies

• • •

Home Made Food and much more… The following lectures will be taking place during the day: 10.30am – Cambridge at War 1939- 1945 The Home Front by Mike Petty Midday – An Overview of Family History Software by Helen Brown 1:30pm – Writing the Past Writing Your Family History by Mike Sharpe 3:00pm – 17th Century Life (with Artefacts & Costume) by Janet Few All talks will cost £2 per person For More Information: www.cfhs.org.uk

Foxton’s Annual Art Exhibition 13th – 15th November Foxton Art Exhibition is an exciting annual event organised by volunteers on behalf of The Friends of Foxton Primary School with the purpose of introducing and promoting the work of local artists and raising money to provide the children of Foxton Primary School with artistic materials, facilities and activities with an emphasis on encouraging and developing artistic abilities. Friday 13th November 19.30 - 21.30 Preview Evening (to which all artists and guests are invited) Saturday 14th November 10.30 – 16.00 Admission £2.00 (children free) Sunday 15th November 11.00 – 16.00 Admission £2.00 (children free)

Creating for Christmas at the Hub Are you searching for that elusive unique piece of jewellery for mother, sister or friend’s Christmas present? Or a piece that’s an exact colour match for that special party outfit? You could consider designing and creating it yourself, with Budding Beaders, a friendly jewellery making group based at Melbourn Community Hub. Or just come along to the Hub on Saturday 14 November between 9 am and 3 pm, where the group will have a sales table as well as demonstrating their skills. Budding Beaders meet every Tuesday evening at the Hub, to work on jewellery projects. Once a month, on Saturdays, there is an event such as a workshop or demonstration which enables them to learn new skills. The group is actively seeking new members at any level of skill and experience. Members naturally make plenty of beaded jewellery but their expertise is much wider than that, for example felting and wire working. Several make their own beads out of glass, clay, resin or other materials – even paper can be used to make beads! Saturday workshops and demonstrations have included polymer clay, silver clay, glass fusing and ceramic beads. If you are interested in joining – or just want more information contact Julia Sewell at juliabates@btinternet.com Sandra Whaites at sands359@btinternet.com or Jane Davitt on 07557 654335. You can also check out the group’s website at www.buddingbeaders.org.uk.

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We can make life a little easier

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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)

You may already have heard that Hertfordshire County Council Children’s Services Panel accepted the recommendation ‘to no longer fund the Home Visiting service provided by Hertfordshire Home-Start schemes’. This will mean that the statutory funding for Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire (HSRSC) will cease from 1st October 2015. This is devastating news for the scheme. However, the Board of Trustees have been working over the last few years to diversify our funding streams and this plan, along with good financial management, means that over the next few months there will be no immediate changes to how we work with families and volunteers. The strength of HSRSC is that whatever the involvement in the scheme, be it staff, trustee, volunteer, supporter or member we all share the same vision, “Supporting families in our local community”. We are sure that this spirit, combined with the heart-warming testimonials from our families, will continue to inspire us to find every possible way to finance this great service and allow our staff team and volunteers to get on with what they do best, supporting families. So, how can you support us? There are a number of ways you can help us by volunteering. Home Visiting – A home visiting volunteer would normally be a parent or have parenting experience with an understanding of the problems and pleasures of family life. We link this wellsupported and trained volunteer to the most suitable family referred, offering home visits, usually for 2-3 hours a week. Family Group – These volunteers help set up the equipment and activities and spend time with both the children and parents offering practical and emotional support at our family support group. Home visiting and family group volunteers are required to attend the Home-Start preparation course – the next training course will start on 16th September, 2015 and it is not too late to sign up for this – please contact us on 01763 262262. Supporters – If you have a few hours to spare now and again, please consider becoming a supporter. Supporters helps us with activities ranging from wrapping the children’s Christmas presents, baking a cake, donating tombola prizes for our ‘mum’s tombola’ at Christmas time and helping with fundraising events. You could support one of our fundraising events: Saturday 10th October – 7.00 for 7.30pm – Quiz Night with supper to be held at Meldreth Village Hall. This will be a fun quiz – teams of 6 are required but if you can’t get a full team, please do still join us and we can include you in another team. Tickets will be £10 each to include your supper and there will be a licensed bar and a raffle held at this event. Thursday 1st December – Christmas Door Decoration

Workshops – to be held at Foxton Village Hall – back by popular demand – we are running 2 workshops on the day so you can attend which one suits you best, they will be held at 11.00am – 2.00pm and 7.00pm – 10.00pm. Tickets are £20 please book as soon as possible as this is always a very popular event. Become a member of our Fundraising Events Committee – This committee, chaired by a Trustee, plan and organise our programme of events. Volunteers on this fun and lively committee are always needed to attend meetings and take part in the events. Snowflake Tea Parties – would you like to host a tea party with your family and friends from your office, playgroup, school, book club etc.? We will supply you with a “tea bag” fundraising pack with ideas and recipes for all you need to host an event. Would you like to host a Pampered Chef party – We are very lucky to have a Pampered Chef organiser as a supporter of HSRSC, these parties can be held during the day or the evening. You and your guests will get a chance to try out the innovative, multifunctional kitchen tools, learn how to prepare impressive recipes quickly, enjoy the tasty results and relax and have fun!

Do you shop online? If you do, please consider using easyfundraising.org.uk - Register your details on www.easyfundraising.org.uk and choose HomeStart Royston and South Cambridgeshire as your charity. Then when you want to search you sign into easyfundraising first, then click on your chosen retailer, decide on your product and, at no extra cost to you, we will automatically receive a percentage of your spend. Please remember easyfundraising when you are shopping on-line and spread the word … tell all your friends and family. If you recruit new supporters HSRSC will get even more! Get Smart for Home-Start – This is a really tasty and easy way to support us. All you need to do is buy a tube of smarties, enjoy eating them and then together as a family or with friends fill the tube with 20p pieces. Once your tube is full please send a cheque made out to Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire to the address below, pop into our office or you can pay your money directly into our account – HSBC – sort code 40-39-22, account number 71363379 using the reference smartie. If you would like further information about any of these events or activities please contact us at our office – HomeStart Royston & South Cambrideshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Cambs, SG8 6JP, by calling us on 01763 262262, email us on admin@hsrsc.org.uk or see our website www.hsrsc.org.uk. You can also catch up with us on Facebook. We are always very grateful for the support we receive from our local community and so if you can take part in only one of the above, this will make a real different to local families. Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you. 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

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.

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melbournmagazine

MAGAZINE ADVERTISERS

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

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Printed by The Langham Press

Issue 83 Autumn 2015

Articles inside

Home Start

Church news

feature

Blundell’s Plot

feature

Nature

Olive Webb 1930 – 2015

Diary

feature