feature

dramatic but always melodic. The CCS concert will be on 7th April and will be held in the University Concert Hall in West Road, Cambridge. Full details can be found on the CCS website. Jane Stevens

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Melbourn and Meldreth District Branch It is now Autumn and time to reflect on 2017. There have been several interesting talks given this year, beginning with Marjorie Shaw’s well known photographs of Melbourn, past and present.

We were then fascinated by Jan Simmonett‘s wonderful sugarcraft. Keeping it in the family, Peter, Jan’s husband gave us a ‘History of Melbourn Magazine’.

There have been a few outings arranged this year, not least celebrating the 70th County Anniversary at the Brasa Club, March.

Still in July, we went to ‘5 Miles from Anywhere’ in the Fens. Lovely pub lunch by the river.

In August we held our AGM when we were addressed by Una Cleminson, our past Chairman.

Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated in The Dolphin.

On 13th October we celebrated our 80th Anniversary with lunch at the Coach House Hotel, Flint Cross.

The Branch will be represented at County Conference in March on 21st October by Irene Bloomfield, Shirley Cunningham and Elizabeth Murphy. 22nd November should see us enjoying our Christmas Lunch at the Cambridge Motel. 9th December is our last fundraiser coffee morning of the year in Elin Way, Meldreth. Val Barrett, Chairman

feature

Community Spirited Family Launch New Business

A community spirited young woman who is battling with a rare, incurable illness, is fighting back by helping her family to run two businesses.

Heidi Clark, whose family have resided in Melbourn for several decades, has assisted with not only their wellestablished hair dressing salon at The Moor for several years, but has now also taken on a major role in launching their new inspiration in the form of a craft shop at Phillimore’s Garden Centre in the village.

Recently opened Creations has become an exciting attachment to Heidi’s and her mother, Debbie’s accruements. Urged on by a large number of the locals, who desperately missed the services of the original craft outlet there they investigated the prospects of re-opening such a venture.

“Our aim is to inspire everyone who walks through the door to create something special from the vast range of crafting items we stock,” explains Heidi. “Our outlook for customers is ageless, and we attempt to infuse ideas to cater for their varied interests. In turn it assists them to meet up with like-minded people.”

A former professional Latin American dancer, who was taught by one of the current ‘Strictly’ judges, Shirley Ballas, Heidi was tragically struck down with the chronic, debilitating Lupus illness, which affects the immune system and renders patients exhausted, depressed, and in chronic pain, some 15 years ago. “My wonderful career was snatched out of my hands”, she bemoans. “I can be reasonably well one day and confined to my bed the next. I am prescribed over 30 tablets to help fight the condition every day, and have been in hospital so many times that I have lost count.” Proudly, she added: “My family, however, have been massively supportive, and without this aspect I probably wouldn’t have coped.”

“With the help of the local public we have been successful in setting up our new project, which I look upon as a community asset, and in itself plays an essential part of village life, where people can linger and chat to others about their hobbies. With our exciting and varied stocks of yarn, fabrics, haberdashery, and gifts, locals no longer need to travel out of the village to acquire these. We also conduct weekly craft classes for all age groups to enjoy”.

Heidi believes in supporting local businesses, in the hope that the area will support Creations.

As well as this new venture and still being involved with the family hair dressing salon, Heidi, when able, tours the area presenting talks on LUPUS, to assist others in coming to terms with the disastrous illness. Her latest forthcoming one will be at Foxton village hall.

If you wish to contact Heidi or Creations, the number is: 01763 268686

At the end of October, the Parish Council said goodbye to Peter Andrews. Peter worked for the Parish Council for 15 years and has been a very familiar sight around the village, sweeping leaves and generally making Melbourn a nice place to live. We wish him well for the future and hope he has a very enjoyable retirement.

Following Peter’s departure, the Parish Council welcomes Dennis Bartle onto the staff. Dennis is not a direct replacement for Peter as the Council took the decision to appoint an additional Warden to cover the days that Keith Rudge does not work and give the two wardens the flexibility to do some jobs together.

Dennis and his family have lived in the village for 30 years. With a long and varied career background in medical electronics, Dennis brings to the Parish Council a wealth of experience and enthusiasm which we are sure will greatly enhance the village maintenance team.

Over the past year, the Parish Council has been looking at how to improve its communication with the Parish. We have been using Facebook as a timely way of letting you know what is going on in the Parish and at Parish Council meetings. We have been making much more use of posters in places such as the Co-op to let you know of opportunities to take part in Council activities. This is in addition to using Melbourn Magazine as the main way of putting out a summary of what has happened over the preceding 3 months. We want to hear from you if you think this is still not enough. What else should the Council be doing? Sarah Adam, Melbourn Parish Clerk Cllr Julie Norman, Chair, Melbourn Parish Council

County Councillor Susan van de Ven

Cash deposits now required for some highways schemes As the County Council’s budget cuts intensify, so the burden on parish councils and residents grows. County Highways has nowhere near enough funding to do what might be reasonably expected of it, and new rules have been put into place to protect officer time. Aside from the ‘Local Highways Initiative’ scheme, whereby parishes and other ‘third parties’ compete for partial funding of small schemes like parking restrictions and traffic calming, any other new scheme not on the County Highways work list requires 100% third-party funding. All projects require Highways approval, because the highway network is public property.

To begin a conversation on third-party funding, a deposit is now required, with two possible categories: a project requiring design and consultation (£500 deposit) or a project that needs no design or consultation (£250). These are non-refundable deposits, but are credited against schemes that go ahead. Please make use of your local county councillor to help obtain initial guidance.

Thanks to all those who have been actively using the County Highways on-line reporting system for any faults on the highways network (including footways, drains, bridges, etc), as this creates a record. Just google ‘Cambridgeshire Report a Fault.’

New paid councillor roles The County Council has created new unelected ‘Area Champions’, each paid a special allowance of £5K per year to ‘champion’ an entire district. It is not clear what they are meant to do, nor why they are needed. The £25K cost of remunerating Area Champions comes out of the council’s hard-pressed budget. 16-18 year-olds’ transport to education and training The County Council has no statutory obligation to provide transport support for 16-18-year-olds. The transport subsidies which they offered until September 2016 were ‘discretionary.’ Deep and continuing cuts that have become standard mean that discretionary services fall by the wayside.

How can we ensure that all 16-18-year-olds, now required to be in education or training, actually reach college – as is their right? It’s alarming to note reports from post-16 education providers that intake is gradually shifting to a more affluent profile. Are you paying council tax unnecessarily? There is evidence that many people are paying Council Tax when they do not have to. Exemptions are laid out here. www.scambs.gov.uk/content/reductions Help in a mental health crisis: First Response A new emergency mental health service is now in operation for Cambridgeshire residents. If you feel you are in a mental health crisis, please ring 111, option 2. This ‘First Response’ service is clearly laid out here – well worth a look. www.cpft.nhs.uk/about-us/mental-health-crisis.htm Oil Club Over the past several years the Melbourn Division Oil Club has been in place to help people access the best prices on household heating oil. There is no joining fee, and no obligation to make repeat orders. At the end of each financial year, the Club’s bulk buyer, Agricole Oil, provides a rebate totalling 5% of the year’s collective expenditure, and this is donated to a community group. Last year’s rebate went to Home-Start. If you haven’t used the service before and would like to learn more, or give it a try, please contact our bulk buyer: Jeremy Cole, Agricole Oil, Tel 01954 719 452 / 07860 904 045 or email jeremy@agricole.co.uk Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Longer trains and new cycle racks: While the new Thameslink timetable doesn’t come into force until December 2018, new eight-car trains will begin running in November, gradually working their way to standard. Due to platform extensions on the Cambridge bound sides at Shepreth and Foxton only, all trains at Meldreth will have selective door opening, as will south-bound trains at Shepreth and Foxton. We are told that this will be clearly announced by visual display and verbal

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 the mobility impaired in Melbourn and Meldreth 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 £7 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 announcements. The design will be a metro tube style, with advantages and disadvantages.

New cycle parking coming to Meldreth Station (and Shepreth Station): These will be covered cycle park facilities with CCTV protection. Flower Power Meanwhile, you might wonder – why are parking charges so low (or free) at Meldreth and Shepreth Stations? These nearly unique arrangements were negotiated with the train operating company several years ago, as a gesture of goodwill in return for the station platform gardening at all three of our stations.

Last year, the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership secured a grant from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships to replace all our station tubs with a weather-proof variety, following the disintegration of some of the old tubs – which had created safety concerns. The old tubs have now gone, and the new ones will be installed shortly, to be planted up by volunteers. If you might like to help out at any of the stations during the year, for what is light but rewarding and appreciated work, please get in touch. Protecting our rights of way: costly arguments Last year, Network Rail proposed closing two ‘minor rural’ level crossings in our area. This was part of a regional exercise with a fixed target for a number of closures, for unclear purpose. In our area, the proposal to close one of the two pedestrian gates at Foxton Level Crossing (officially called ‘Barrington Road) was successfully quelled after much effort, and strong objections were lodged against closure of the crossing just south of Meldreth Station Bridge, that leads to Fieldgate nursery. Unfortunately, Network Rail’s formal recommendation to the Secretary of State included closure of the Meldreth crossing.

Now, County Council Rights of Way officers, supported by Council lawyers, are being deployed to fight Network Rail’s plan for this and other closures. A 20-day public inquiry is scheduled to commence on 28 November. One cash-strapped public body, the County Council, is spending precious resource defending public rights of way against another public body, which didn’t have enough funding to extend platforms on both sides of the tracks at Shepreth and Foxton, and not at all at Meldreth.

A Bridge to Royston? Efforts to link Melbourn and Royston with a walking/cycling/scootering path and bridge, that would enable people to get to work, education, the doctor, for shopping or to see friends and family – without a car – are crystalizing. Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire councils, businesses and residents are working hard together to make this project come to fruition. There’s lots of information about this project on the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign website: a10corridorcycle.com Drop-in Advice Surgery Every first Monday of the month, 3-4PM, at the Melbourn Hub. Susan van de Ven County Councillor Tel 07905 325574 Susanvandeven5@gmail.com | www.susanvandeven.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SusanSouthCambs/

The Hall for All

… and Melbourn Cinema event There continues to be some confusion about the ownership of All Saints Community Hall. It is not, definitely not a Church Hall. It sits on Church land and we pay rent to the Diocese but the Hall is an independent Charity run by Trustees for the use and enjoyment of all comers. We are very pleased with the volume and variety of our bookings, proof that we are serving all sectors of the village

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME 2017

Friday 8th December 7.30pm Saturday 9th December 2pm & 7.30pm Sunday 10th December 2pm Meldreth Village Hall

All the fun of the traditional panto, why not come along, check out our new sound and lighting and get into the Festive spirit. You can boo the baddies, cheer the goodies, sing along with the songs and join in with the banter. Suitable for all the family! With a Licensed Bar for the grown-ups and ‘Totty’s Tuck Shop’ for the kids – what’s not to like? Tickets via the MADS website at www.melbournamdram.co.uk Adults £9 Children £7 or call the box office on 07513 457845

MADS are a not for profit organisation and rely on ticket sales to fund each production. We look forward to seeing you there!

We recently had a stroke of luck when Gill Waller asked me if we could use all the china and crockery from her catering business. I nearly bit her hand off in excitement! She wanted it all to go to a good home and we certainly appreciate her generosity. We must be one of the best equipped halls in South Cambs.

The wi-fi is finally going ahead, we have the permission for the cables to be laid and are just waiting on Virgin to carry out the work. It will be a great asset to the Hall when it is all in place. With the wi-fi in place we might even be able to have a live screening of some play or opera and we shall be exploring this possibility. It would have to be a Gala Event with tickets at a much higher price than £5 though!

Our ‘pop-up’ cinema continues to be a success and we have the dates all fixed for 2018. Our December offering is aimed at family viewing and is a 2pm matinee on Saturday 16th December when we shall be showing Nativity 3 – Dude Where’s My Donkey. Yes, I know – but it stars Martin Clunes and is said to be a good romp.

We have applied for and received permission to put up a fingerpost to direct people to the Hall – some of our cinemagoers from out of the village did not know where we were situated so this will be a help all round. Incidentally, we were caught out by the subtitles for Lion and the Viceroy’s House being too low down on the screen to be easily read by the back rows. You will be pleased to hear that we have adjusted the angle of the projector and should not have this problem again.

Speaking of Galas – next June (as I said in the last issue) we shall be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Hall and we are already planning a programme to celebrate the fact. Has anyone any ideas?

If you are thinking of hiring the Hall, Saturday morning Coffee Stop is a good time to come and explore the facilities and get a good cup of coffee. Mavis Howard

STOP PRESS The Community Hall is delighted to acknowledge financial support from South Cambridgeshire District Council with a grant from their Community Chest, and to record our thanks to them.

The Community Hall has come a long way as a facility for the community since it was built with community funding on the site of the former church hall that was demolished and transferred by the church to the new community charity ten years ago.

Relate Cambridge

Relate Cambridge choir receives a standing ovation at its first performance, following well wishes from Gareth Malone.

Relatively Composed, Relate Cambridge’s choir, gave their first public performance at their AGM on September 28th.

Elaine Taylor, relationship counsellor at Relate Cambridge said “I have been inspired to start our choir by watching the Gareth Malone’s series on TV. I believe that our choir has a unique connection with Gareth, in that we can both make a huge difference to people’s lives.” Elaine went on to say: “The choir represents a long and deep held desire not only to raise the profile of Relate. but also to emphasizing the benefit of building our emotional strength and resilience through singing.”

Claire Godward, Centre Director said “there is simply currently not enough acknowledgment of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in relation to healthy relationships – we are hoping our choir will continue to publicise this.”

To find out more about our services or make a booking please ring 01302 347866

Relate Cambridge offers information, advice and counselling for all stages of your relationships at our outpost in Melbourn.

The sessions are held in the small meeting room at Melbourn Hub on Wednesday each week. Appointment times are: 10:30; 11:45; 13:00 For more information or to book an appointment, contact Relate Cambridge on 01223 357424 Mon-Thur 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm (confidential answerphone at all other times) or visit www.relatecambridge.org.uk Relate Cambridge – supporting relationships at every stage of your life. Home-Start

How you can support your local Home-Start scheme There are very many ways – and here are a few ideas –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 take place in February 2018 – please contact us on 01763 262262 if you would like details. 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. 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. Or come along and support one of our fundraising events: Christmas Literary Lunch – to be held on Tuesday 5th December at 12.15pm at The Old Bull Inn, Royston – Tickets are £15 each to include a buffet lunch with tea/coffee. The lunch will be followed by a chat from our Poet in Residence, Jude Simpson, with Emma Bennett and other local artists featured in the Cambridge Art Book. To book your tickets call 01763 262262, email admin@hsrsc.org.uk or buy on-line at : www.ticketsource. co.uk/hsrsc

Thursday 7th December – Christmas Door Decoration Workshops – to be held at Coombes Community Centre, Burns Road, Royston – 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 –

Moorlands Court Extra Care Scheme

At the beginning of October, some of the residents enjoyed a trip to the seaside at Felixstowe. The day included a trip along the promenade and a wonderful fish and chip lunch on the sea front. With the fresh sea air and lunch, strangely enough those on the coach were extremely sleepy on the way back to Moorlands Court.

Our residents and those who attend Day Centre from the local community have a lot to look forward to over the coming months. Highlighted below is our end of year seasonal entertainment including a Christmas Fayre to which everyone is welcome and will be an ideal opportunity to buy those last minute gifts and stocking fillers.

Diary Dates December • Wednesday 6th December – Christmas Fayre (2pm – 4pm) everyone welcome • Tuesday 19th December – Seasonal sing-along with

Malcolm on keyboard (2pm – 3pm) and Christmas raffle which will be drawn at 1.30pm (donations welcome) For more information about Moorlands Court, please follow us on Facebook.

10.00pm. Tickets are £20 – please book as soon as possible as this is always a very popular event. 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. This is a really fun way of getting your family and friends together before or after Christmas. Do you shop online? – If you do, please consider using easyfundraising.org.uk – Register your details on www.easyfundraising.org.uk and choose Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire up 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! Do you have a link with a local organisation or retailer – we are always looking for premises to have a Home-Start collecting tin – so if you know anyone who may be willing to do this, please let us know. Are you celebrating a special birthday or anniversary soon and don’t really need any gifts? – why not ask your family and friends to make a donation to Home-Start instead.

If you would like further information about any of these events or activities please contact us at our office – Home-Start Royston & South Cambrideshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Herts, 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 difference to local families. Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you. Yoga is an increasingly popular practice due to its multitude of benefits to both the body and the mind. This ancient form of exercise incorporates a blend of mindfulness, meditation, breathing techniques, strengthening, stretching and balance to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Originating in India around 5,000 years ago, Yoga means ‘to yoke’, to find a union between your body and your mind, it is a path to self acceptance, harmony and peace.

It’s a belief held by many that Yoga is a boring series of stretches, and true the body is stretched, but you’ll also find that the body is toned, and you’ll work up a sweat! The myriad of benefits of Yoga also include • reduced stress • increased body awareness • improved sleep • relaxation • improved posture Sound appealing? Come and try a class out in Melbourn for free!! Thursday’s 7.45pm United Reformed Church Hall www.anandabliss.co.uk

How The Cambridge supports your community

Charity of the Month Cash for the Community

Community Magazine Awards

Find out more about the work we do at cambridgebs.co.uk/community

Volunteering

THE CAMBRIDGE

Building Society

Head Offi ce, PO Box 232 51 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8FF thecambridge@cambridgebs.co.uk

CBS1522 Community Poster_128X163mm.indd 1 23/12/2015 10:40