Issue 96 Winter 2018

As I write this it is a beautiful sunny day near the end of October, and the leaves have turned shades of orange, red, and yellow.

There is always a lot going on in the village and It has been a good year in Melbourn, whatever your age or interests.

Many thanks to all those people who willingly give their time to run the various clubs and societies.

We are fortunate in the village in having many wonderful places to meet, from The Hub, with its cafe and library, which is flourishing, to the Halls attached to our three churches, and also the Primary School and Village College, both very successful institutions.

Events in the village leading up to Christmas include ‘Turn on to Christmas’ see page 9 and ‘Visit Santa at his Grotto’ see page 13.

We have two additional profiles in this issue, reflecting on the life’s of Pam Saunders (page 17) who we featured in the last issue and Maurice McComb (page 15), an unassuming gentleman who brought live rock music to the village.

As we all know 2018 is the hundredth year since the end of World War One. It was good to see this celebrated throughout the community.

Colin Limming, a long time member of the Magazine team, has decided it is time to put down the pen and take life a little easier. Colin has been a stalwart in helping to make the magazine what it is today and magazine meetings will never be the same without him. Thank you Colin, for all your hard work and dedication.

The Magazine was proud to receive an award from the Parish Council earlier in the year (see below). Many thanks!

If there is some aspect of Melbourn you would like to see in the future, do let us know and we will do our best to cover it.

A Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year from us all!

Front cover image: Santa Claus and His Works, by Thomas Nast, 1870. See ‘The colour of Christmas’ page 19.

Contents

Village news 5

Nature - Melwood Goes Global! 11

Profile - Born to be Wild… 15

Profile - Pat Saunders 1937 to 2018 17

feature - The colour of Christmas 19

Review - Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls 23 - London the Novel

feature - Villages Here & Villages There 24 Education 27

Profile - Hilary & Vernon Docwra 32 Village information 35 Diary 36 Bin collection 38

Nature - Waterlight Film Project 39 Travelogue - Travelling the Himalayas 40 feature - Dickason 42

A family name once connected to Melbourn Churches Together 43 Nature - Stockbridge Meadows 47 Sports & Clubs 51

What’s On 63

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

Village news

Village News

Forever Active 5

Can you help our Lunch Club? 6

Melbourn Library 6

Melbourn Women’s Institute 6

Plant sale 7

Melbourn Singers

Melbourn Child and Family Zone 7

Relate Cambridge 8

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group 8

Melbourn Open Gardens 2019 9 Melbourn Fete 2018 9

A beano festivity

The Hall for All 10 Melbourn Cinema event

Trains and stations

From the Parish Clerk 12 Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is coming! 13 County Councillor’s Report 13

Bedford to Cambridge rail connection 14

Library – LAP (Local Access Point)

Library opening times

Monday 2.30 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

Forever Active

Cambridgeshire County Council is currently running a campaign called Stronger For Longer. This campaign provides resources that will help you to stay stronger as you get older. Age related changes do affect the muscles and bones in our bodies, but exercises can help increase your muscle strength and general fitness level. This will lead to a more active and fulfilling life. The stronger for longer website has lots of materials including videos for home exercises, how to test you own strength and balance and much more. The best way to find this is to go to Cambridgeshire County Council website; www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk. Then search for ‘stronger for longer’.

One of the resources included on the website is the ‘Super Six’ exercises, this is a great resource for people at risk of falling and includes the strength and balance challenge. Have a go at the challenge, but make sure that you read the safety information first. If you do the challenge you will be able to find out how you compare with other people of your age. Has your balance and muscle strength changed without you noticing?

Thinking about falls, the following points are important to remember; Falls are not a normal part of ageing, there are things that can be done to help prevent falls. Sometimes people worry that telling others about a fall they have had may put their independence at risk. Remember there are many services that can help you stay independent and living well in your own home, so it is important to tell someone if you have had a fall, even if you got back up OK. Sometimes people think that staying in the home and limiting the amount that they move around will prevent them from falling. This isn’t the case. Keeping physically active will actually help you stay independent and lead the sort of life you want.

So, ask yourself, have I fallen in the past year or felt increasingly unsteady on my feet? If the answer is yes, research recommends that you ask for a falls risk assessment with a trained person to look at the things that may be causing you to feel unsteady and look at what sort of things would help to reduce your risk of falling in the future.

If you are aged 65 years and over and have had a fall in the last year and would like further advice about what you can do to reduce your chances of falling in future, contact Everyone Health on 0333 005 0093. Cambridgeshire County Council work in partnership with Everyone Health to provide a falls prevention service. Forever Active (www.forever-active.org.uk) also work in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council to provide community based strength and balance classes throughout Cambridgeshire. Steph Wyer, Melbourn Forever Active Instructor Telephone 07751 280 464

Can you help our Lunch Club?

For several decades, a weekly lunch club has been running at the Vicarage

community rooms in Melbourn for mature residents of Melbourn and Meldreth to help combat loneliness by enjoying a chat together over a hot meal.

The club has been run successfully over the years by a number of volunteers who administer the club, serve the meals supplied and transport residents to the venue. Melbourn Mobile Scheme is the latest administrator of the scheme.

Lunch club is looking for a volunteer (individual or group) who would be interested in taking on the role of weekly organiser of the practical requirements for each session. The club has a rota of volunteers who run the club each Thursday and these helpers will remain in place. The organising role is separate and can be done remotely and flexibly and simply involves planning and communicating meal choices and transport needs to those involved to a weekly deadline, plus producing a simple rota from time to time.

The role would suit someone who has a couple of hours to spare each week to volunteer from home whilst making a positive difference for our older residents. Having access to email and some basic computer skills is essential, plus some availability to handle occasional phone calls from volunteers or members about the arrangements.

If you think you could contribute a small amount of your time to volunteer each week for this worthy cause, please contact secretary@MMWS.org.uk

Melbourn Library

As mentioned in last quarter’s Melbourn Magazine the summer reading challenge for Primary School aged children was extremely well supported, with twice the number of children taking part this year. Certificates and medals were presented at a special event after the start of term. For those who missed this event, certificates and medals are ready for collection from the library desk at the Hub.

Melbourn Library, as most readers will know, is run entirely by volunteers but is still part of the Cambridgeshire Library Service, as such it is known as a LAP (Library Access Point). There are a number of LAPs in the county and there are sure to be more as the Library Service is forced to close local libraries for economic reason. The Cambridgeshire Library Service intends to rebrand the LAPs because all have achieved high performance levels and are seen as an important part of the Library Service. They will be rebranded as Community Libraries and can be shown as “Libraries” on notices.

Over the Christmas period the library will be closed from 24th December to 1st January inclusive, reopening on Wednesday 2nd January.

Jane Stevens

Melbourn Women’s Institute

The After Eights

October’s Quiz and November’s entertainment by the Royston Ukulele Society were a great success and as you receive this issue the members are about to enjoy a Christmas meal at the Dolphin in Melbourn.

At the September meeting, members had brought along the pennants they had made for the WI Centenary next year and members voted for the one to be sent forward to HQ to be included in the area bunting. The winning entry was made by Lorna Smith. The remaining pennants will be used to make a strip of bunting for our own use. Meanwhile, members are

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.

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

etting 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

transport to the hospital or other

coming round for a chat

What will it cost?

We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services.

fee is only £7 per week

little more for couples).

Jeannie Seers (Mobile Warden)

Jane Cage (Deputy)

Melbourn Warden Scheme

busy making ornaments for the WI entry in the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival.

We have practically finalised our programme for next year. In January we shall be discussing which Resolution we shall be backing – you may know that the WI has long been a very strong voice in bringing about all kinds of Social Reform. In February we shall be having a go at Zumba (a dance/ exercise class) to shake off the winter avoirdupois and in March Amanda Sutherland will be returning to talk about her collection of antique costumes. Then we have our AGM, a talk by the Air Ambulance team and so on. More details in the Diary.

We meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 pm in the Melbourn Community Hall behind the church and membership is £41 per annum. New members and visitors are always welcome and there is tea, coffee and cake after the talk. Do come and join us.

Mavis Howard

Melbourn Singers

Following the retirement of our much-loved conductor, Adrian Jacobs, and the problem of finding a venue whilst Meldreth Primary School was undergoing building works, it was decided that the choir should find refuge with Comberton Choir. This choir is also a member of the Cambridgeshire Choral Society so it made sense to pool our resources.

We are enjoying learning new works with Comberton Choir, getting to grips with works by Fauré, Vierne and Poulenc. Exciting music and a big change from the last works we sang by Puccini and Dvorak.

We always welcome new singers. There is no audition and no experience is necessary although the ability to read music is a help. Singing in a choir is a wonderful experience on many levels, from the pleasure of performing beautiful music to the friendships you will form. Visit the Cambridgeshire Choral Society website for more information. If you are interested give me a call on 01763 261858.

Jane Stevens

Plant sale

To whet your appetite for Melbourn Open Gardens 2019, Melbourn Fete Committee and St George’s Allotment Society will be holding a plant sale at the end of March 2019 at Melbourn Community Hub.

If you would like to contribute plants to the sale, please contact me on 01763 263462 or via julie.anorman@ntlworld.com. Further details about timing will be included in the next edition of Melbourn Magazine.

The money raised will go to the Allotment Society and to charity.

Julie Norman

What’s On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone

Melbourn Child and Family Zone provides groups, activities and support for families. Our friendly and experienced Child and Family Centre staff offer a wide range of services and knowledge to help you and your family from pregnancy onwards.

We are located on Mortlock Street, adjacent to Melbourn Primary School.

All of our sessions are a chance to meet new friends and also to access support from Child and Family Centre staff.

Fun for Ones

Tuesdays 10.00am to 11.30am (starts 2nd November) Join us for lots of fun playing, singing and sharing at this drop in session. For families with children aged 12 to 24 months (£2 charge per family)

Bumps to Babies

Wednesdays 10.00am to 11.30am

Welcoming environment to help parents relax and enjoy their baby. For families expecting or with a child up to a year old.

Stay and Play Thursdays 10.00am to 11.30am

Enjoy time together with your child whilst accessing a range of toys, crafts and activities (£2 charge per family)

All of the above sessions take place at: Melbourn Child and Family Zone, Mortlock Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DB

For further information telephone 01954 284 672 or email

Relate Cambridge

The relationship people

Relate is the UK’s largest provider of relationship counselling

We have experienced and trained counsellors who can help those who are:

problems communicating

through a bad patch

Considering splitting up

the break-up of a relationship

Counselling can help you gain confidence, increase

and build better relationships.

Available in Melbourn

Relationships Counselling

We can provide counselling for you and your partner or for you on your own. You do not have to be married or civil partnered to use our services. We can help if you are having difficulties and want to work them out, if you want to separate, or even if your relationship has ended.

Appointments Available in Melbourn on Mondays: 17:00 - 21:00 and Thursdays: 09:15 – 12:30 Melbourn Community Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn

Family Counselling

This service can help to resolve problems in all kinds of family relationships at any stage in life: parents and children of all ages, brothers and sisters, grand-parents and other members of extended families or stepfamilies.

Services are available at other locations within the Cambridgeshire area. Subsidised sessions may be available in some residential areas. We also have a Children in Need bursary for our children and young people clients (ages 5 –18), which grants clients of this age up to 10 funded sessions.

To book an appointment, call 01302 347 866. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday (09:30 – 17:30)

Building Better Relationships

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

We are a small friendly group which meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7.45pm except in December. We vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Meeting Room in Meldreth. We either have a guest speaker or in house entertainment followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. There is a fee of £1 on the evening and a chance to make a donation to our charity of the year which we select at our AGM.

Our January meeting will be held on 22nd January and will be our AGM at All Saints Community Hall. We will conduct the formal business of receiving reports and electing committee members and would be delighted to welcome new members to the group and the committee. Then we will select the charity which we will support in 2019 so come with suggestions and we will take a vote on it. After

Help with Selecting a Computer Fault Finding

Turn on to Christmas

In association with the Hub, the Melbourn Fete committee are holding our Turn on to Christmas event.

Saturday 8 December 2018

4 to 6 pm at the Hub.

Santa’s grotto will be open all day, children’s activities, storytelling, poetry and singing leading to the Christmas tree lights switch on outside of the Hub. Raffle and tombola.

More details at the Hub

the formal business has been completed we will then have a bring and share supper.

We meet on 26th February at All Saints Community Hall Melbourn when Audrey Drage will give us a talk on Macular Degeneration.

If you would like to know more about the group or need a lift please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (262575) Sue Toule (260955) Anne Harrison(261775) Angela Leach (262793) Pat Ames (261130) or Kimmi Crosby

Melbourn Open Gardens

2019

I hope that Melbourn Open Gardens will be back in 2019. To make it a success, I would like to welcome some new gardens into the event. Would you like to open your garden?

People enjoy visiting gardens of every size and style, and it doesn’t matter whether your garden is spick and span or wild and weedy. The interest is in seeing what other people do and taking their ideas for your own garden.

The last two Open Gardens have been held in September but if people feel their garden looks its best earlier in the year, then the date could be moved.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about what is involved, or if you have a view on the best time of year to hold the event, contact me on 01763 263462 or via julie.anorman@ntlworld.com.

The money raised from the event goes to charity. Julie Norman

Melbourn Fete 2018

Melbourn Fete 2018 produced a profit of nearly £3000 this year and after receiving requests from various local groups and activities the Fete Committee were able to award funds to the following (in alphabetical order): Bassingbourn Air Training Corps, Melbourn Primary School, Royston & South Cambridgeshire Home-Start and Waterlight Film Project.

The Committee also discussed when to hold the next event. This year was a great success after a break of a year and it was decided to move to a once every two years’ event. The provisional date for our next fete will be 20 June 2020. More details will be published closer to the date on line, through social media and the Melbourn Magazine.

As ever we would welcome anyone wishing to join the Committee to help organise our events we hold throughout the year including Turn on to Christmas, Open Gardens and of course Melbourn Fete 2020.

A beano festivity

… at the Melbourn Hub

Once again the National Reading Agency organised the Summer Reading Challenge for children between the ages of 4–11, to help maintain their reading skills and confidence, and to assist in getting them away from their laptops during the long Summer holidays. It encourages youngsters to read six library books of their choice. They receive special awards each time they complete a title, and after completing their sixth book they are honoured with a gold medal.

This year’s theme ‘The Mischief Makers’ was based on the characters from the famous Beano Comic.

Melbourn Library, which is housed in the Community Hub, had 60 entrants, of which 44 completed the Challenge. A Presentation Party was held at The Hub in September, when each winner was awarded a trophy. All participants were encouraged to dress up as their favourite character, and were treated to cakes and drinks to complete the festivities.

Library volunteer, Mike Stapleton said that “The Hub seeks to promote goodwill and comradeship, and this event succeeded these two goals beyond its wildest dreams. We extend our warmest thanks to all the organisers, participants and parents, who went out of their way to make the morning a great success.”

The Hall for All and Melbourn Cinema event

We continue to make improvements to the Community Hall and blackout blinds have recently been fitted to all the windows so that projections and film shows may be shown in summer without light pollution. We have had two more CCTV cameras installed and there will be further ‘Mosquito’ devices as well. All of this is in the hope that it will deter loitering around the building. The loitering in itself is not a problem, but the resultant litter is, despite the fact that there are dustbins within easy access!

We must congratulate our cleaners, who do such an excellent job of keeping the place immaculate and it is a pleasure to walk into the hall for my Yoga Class on a Monday morning – they come in during the week as well. A word about lost property – when things are left in the hall we allow them to remain for a couple of weeks in the hope that someone will come in to collect the water bottle, hat, umbrella or what-have-you but after that time I fear we do not have the space to store things and they have to be binned. So, if you think you have left something behind it is always possible to call in on a Saturday morning when the Hall is open for coffee.

The Cinema Event continues to be very popular with sellout performances. At the beginning of December, we are having a Ladies Only evening, showing BOOK CLUB on the 7th. Some brave men are declaring their intention to attend but I understand they might not like what they hear being said about the male sex! In January, we shall be showing the new MAMMA MIA film and intend to get a licence so that we can sell prosecco and make it a jolly start to our 2019 programme.

The Hall continues to be very well used, with the Meeting Room and main hall often being used at the same time. If you are thinking of hiring the Hall, Saturday morning Coffee Stop (10.30am – 12noon) is a good time to come and meet people, explore the facilities and get a good cup of coffee.

Mavis Howard (All tickets from Brenda 261154, Cyndy 264189 or Mavis 260686)

Trains and stations

Bread and butter services: At the end of September, we met senior GTR staff at King’s Cross to press for the restoration of the May timetable and semi-fast London services, and other issues of concern raised by rail users. Two services have now been reintroduced and the rest of our missing weekday services should be restored by December. We are now pushing hard on a plan for restoration of

weekend services – a key timetable for shift workers and for leisure activities.

We liaise closely with our MP’s office, and are pleased that our recent submissions to the Inquiries of the Transport Select Committee and the Office of Rail and Road were considered in detail by the new GTR CEO when he met Heidi Allen to understand ground-level realities. We try to attend any potentially useful stakeholder meetings to make sure that as relatively small stations we stay on the radar. All reports are posted on our website: http://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk/

We do receive a regular update from GTR on reasons for cancellations and delays, which continue to be a problem –this makes sobering reading due to insights into the bigger picture. We can always forward this to anyone interested –just drop us a line.

Finally, as a Rail User Group, we can’t support plans to increase fares from January, for obvious reasons.

Platform Shelter on our Cambridge-bound Platforms: All three of our stations will be getting new shelters on the Cambridge platforms. For Shepreth and Foxton these will be situated on the elongated new platform sections, by December. For Meldreth Station, the first ever Cambridge platform shelter will be installed, we are told, by March 2019. This will be situated on the space which our gardening team refers to the Wee Patch, adjacent to the Gents’ loo – and which is currently planted up but in fact a bit more than we can handle gardening-wise, and providing enough space to accommodate a good waiting shelter.

Thanks to our gardeners: Platform tubs are due to be planted up for winter at the end of October – thanks to all our volunteers, and to Bury Lane for a donation of plants and bulbs.

‘Access for All’ funding for Meldreth Station: We’ve been invited to apply for funding to make Meldreth Station accessible – a wretchedly difficult bureaucratic process and something we’ve been campaigning on for years already. Nevertheless, an application is now being submitted, and we will keep our fingers crossed. A ramp connecting to the Melbourn path and lifts to enable step-free passage over the tracks are what we’re after.

Our next Rail User Group meeting will take place on December 5th, 7:30–9:00pm at Meldreth Elin Way Community Room.

Susan van de Ven and Sarah Grove – Chair and Project Officer, Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership. www. meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail. org.uk

Sarah Grove and Susan van de Ven

Melwood Your Local Nature Reserve

Melwood Goes Global!

You hardly notice Melwood as you pass it on the footpath by the river in Meldreth, but an event here in 2012 with Meldreth primary school stimulated a series of international research programmes and the reserve has been featured in a number of academic presentations in Asia. It has even had a volunteer from China working with the team.

The links started with a presentation at the 2010 Cambridge Festival of Ideas by Bruce Huett, a member of the Melwood conservation group committee, entitled ‘Government rhetoric, Local Initiatives’. It was part of a presentation by the Social Anthropology Department at Cambridge looking at social interaction with the environment.

Subsequently an event was held for the primary school and the local community in Melwood linked to perceptions of environmental change. Sculptures of animals that might have inhabited Melwood in different climatic conditions; mammoth, snow lion, iguana, dalmatian pelican and several others, produced by Melbourn Village College Art students, were positioned in the wood. This stimulated a lively discussion on the return to the school about experiencing the environment and resulted in pupils’ poems which were displayed in the wood for the wider community to visit and then discuss the issues over tea and cake at the Tavern Gallery.

The Social Anthropology Department liked this idea and used it as an example when developing a project, with the Education Faculty, across South Cambridgeshire primary schools on environmental knowledge. One of the schools involved was Barrington where all classes participated in environmental related projects for a whole week, co-ordinated by Bruce. The whole of one edition of Environmental Education was devoted to these initiatives.

The project was so successful that new funds were obtained for a three year project with an international dimension linking primary schools in Cambridgeshire to schools in Italy, Nepal, Mexico, Mongolia, Alaska and South Africa. There have then been subsequent spin off projects, which are still continuing with a new initiative in Nepal

Nepali children receiving letters from Cambridgeshire pupils

Miaolijuan helping out in Melwood

about to start. Further details of these projects can be found at: www.cire.group.cam.ac.uk/PathwaysProject and www.socanth.cam.ac.uk/directory/research-themes/ economy-environment-wellbeing/pathways-project.

In 2015 a Chinese scholar, Miaolijuan from Beijing Normal University Earth Surface Processes Department spent a year working at Cambridge. During this time she decided to volunteer for Melwood. She initially found this a strange experience as she said “Why are you doing this? This should be done by the government!” However once she realised the fun of team work in tahe open air, including sitting around a huge bonfire of coppiced wood, she became very enthusiastic. She also enjoyed a music evening in 2015 in the wood, bringing along another Chinese visiting scholar. She has now returned to Beijing and has been promoting the idea of conservation volunteering both at her university and in her village – linking to a local NGO.

In 2014 Bruce participated in a workshop on conservation volunteering at Cambridge Conservation Forum and this provided the basis for subsequent lectures in China on small village conservation volunteering. Variants of this lecture have now been given at Sichuan University in Chengdu and the China Tibet Research Centre in Beijing. He has also participated in workshops on the environment and conservation at Beijing Normal University, Yunnan University, the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences and with colleagues in Nepal. Melwood activities have also been discussed at seminars at Vienna University on climate change, environmental knowledge and Buddhism. The pictures of Melwood volunteering and events, the diverse wild life and the website (melwood.btck.co.uk) are well received and stimulate lively discussion.

The Melwood conservation group are delighted to share their experiences and activities across cultures and would be happy to show any foreign visitors the wood and explain our objectives. Please contact Bruce Huett at brucehuett@compuseve.com or telephone 01763 232 855.

From the Parish Clerk

Tree Officer

The Parish Council is seeking to recruit a volunteer Tree Officer from within the community. The Tree Officer will assist the Parish Council in determining and implementing an inspection regime, carrying out an annual inspection of trees for which the Council has a maintenance responsibility, and liaise with experts and council officers as needed.

If you feel you have the relevant skills and knowledge and would like to get involved in the community, please contact me on parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk tel: (01763) 263303 x 3.

War Memorial

By the time you read this the refurbishment of the War Memorial will be complete. The worn out ‘crazy paving’ has been replaced with new block paving. The surrounding wooden rails have been given a much-needed facelift and the grass surround has been re-turfed. I would like to thank all those involved for their efforts.

A Timebank for Melbourn

What is Timebanking?

A timebank is all about helping other people and receiving help in return when you need it. Melbourn is a village with a strong sense of community and many people already help their neighbours and help with the organisations which put on events or run clubs.

The idea behind a timebank is to acknowledge what individuals contribute to our community and provide a way of enabling people to get something in return. You offer your time, skills or experience to others and for every hour you give, you receive one time credit which you can then exchange for someone to provide you with time, a skill or experience you don’t have.

What sort of skills and experience are we talking about?

It can be anything and everything! Everyone’s contribution is welcomed and everyone’s skills are valued equally.

You may need help filling in a form and in return, you could walk another person’s dog when they are ill. You might need help in moving some heavy furniture and in return you can bake a cake for someone. It is the sort of thing that people do when they are ‘neighbourly’ but with a timebank, you don’t have to ask around the village to find a person, you simply contact the timebank co-ordinator and ask for a volunteer to help.

Why is Melbourn getting a Timebank?

South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) wants to set up 2 timebanks as pilots and asked for Parish Councils to volunteer to take part. Melbourn Parish Council put our community forward because we want to build on what already happens in Melbourn. With the home-building that is going on, there will be many new people coming into our community. A timebank will give them a way to become part of village life. And for those of us who already live in Melbourn? We can benefit by being put in touch with others when we need a bit of help and it will be easier to find out who needs help when we want to volunteer ourselves.

What happens next?

The next stage is to work out the details of how the timebank will work in Melbourn. We will be supported in this by a person with a lot of experience provided by SCDC.

Co-option

And lastly, there are still vacancies for Parish Councillors. If you are a community-spirited person who is passionate about the village you live in, wants to see tax-payers money spent responsibly, cares about future development and facilities, and wants to try and make a real difference to the community that your Council represents, then why not apply?

The Council’s first step is to appoint a ‘Timebank Co-ordinator’. This person will be the Face of Melbourn Timebank and be the go-to person for when you want help or want to give your time.

Look out for details of what is happening on the Parish Council website, our Facebook page, Twitter and, of course, future editions of Melbourn Magazine.

Simon Crocker (parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk or phone 01763 263303)

Parish Clerk to the Parish Council

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is coming!

Santa was very pleased to see so many children last year visit him in his grotto at Melbourn Community Hub. He is setting off on his sleigh again for a short break from his busy toy workshop in Lapland, to come to Melbourn Community Hub, 30 High Street, Melbourn on Saturday 8th December, where he will be in his grotto from 11am until 5pm along with his helper elves. Santa will have some lovely presents to give to all of the children who visit the grotto.

Booking is essential, as last year Santa’s grotto tickets all sold out!

Tickets £5 (including a quality gift) available from Melbourn Community Hub 01763 263303 option 1 or email centremanager@melbournhub.co.uk

Also at the Hub on Saturday 8th will be ‘Turn on to Christmas’ returning by popular demand. This free event will run from 4pm until 6pm at the Hub and include music, singing and family activities. Food and drink will be available to purchase, all culminating in the big switch on of the Christmas tree lights.

County Councillor’s Report

In response to feedback I’ve had from members of the public about lack of visible police presence in the community, I have organised a Police public information meeting which will take place at the Melbourn Hub on 22 January 7:30–9:00pm.

How old will I be when the path to Royston is ready?

One of the highlights of the autumn was accompanying three ‘Junior Travel Ambassadors’ from Meldreth Primary to a meeting of the Greater Cambridge Partnership Board, which funded the popular path connecting Melbourn to Shepreth along Cambridge Road. Now the GCP is supporting efforts to build a path (and bridge) from Melbourn to Royston.

Iris Bostanci, who is aged seven, asked ‘How old will I be when the path to Royston is ready?’ She has already cycled twice from Melbourn to Royston, but the existing path is in terrible condition.

As you probably know, these paths are built with funding from central government that has been channelled to a local partnership group, specifically for creating new infrastructure in South Cambs and Cambridge where the population is rapidly growing.

As for maintenance, we’re participating in the South Cambs Community Sweeper Pilot, with local volunteers (two from Royston, one from Melbourn, and one from Foxton) taking the SCDC street sweeping vehicle out for maintenance runs. We also have a grant from AstraZeneca for extra vegetation maintenance work.

From the Royston side, the Town, District and County Council have all made financial contributions or pledges – and so have local businesses.

In the new year, please look out for the Melbourn Greenways consultation event, to learn more about how this project is progressing.

Looking for a highways officer or two Meldreth and Melbourn are missing a County Council Local Highways Officer, as well as a District Manager. The LHO post has been vacant for nearly a year. While the council tries to fill the two posts, our villages are being temporarily looked after by a hardworking Local Highways Officer from a neighbouring patch, with responsibility for 39 villages (and limited resources)!

Oil Club and Energy Switch Reminder

Our local Oil Club can help with finding lowest prices on household heating oil. We get a rebate every year which is donated to a local community group; last year this went to the Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in service at the Melbourn Hub. Our supplier’s details: Jeremy Cole on 01954 719452 or 07860904 for more information – or email jeremy@agricole.co.uk or see www.agricole.co.uk. Meanwhile, one of the really good things the County Council does is facilitate shopping around for energy suppliers. Just google Cambridgeshire County Council Energy Switch.

Children’s Centre Services

Given changes that took place at the end of August, I would be grateful to hear from anyone with their comments or concerns –Any questions, please get in touch!

Susan van de Ven, County Councillor, Tel 07905 325 574 Susanvandeven5@gmail.com, continued on page 14

Profile

Born to be Wild…

Maurice McComb was a quiet man, he was shy and quietly spoken. Distinctive in the village by his long blonde hair. A man who you probably walked past, and maybe didn’t notice too much. But he actually lived a life that was far from quiet.

Maurice had an alter ego, he was also known as Mr Rock Club, he was the man who wore the Rock Club and Reaper Fest t-shirts. For over 30 years he had mastered the art of keeping music live. He was a man who promoted live bands locally, he was part of the beating pulse of the local music scene. His want was not quiet gentle music, his ability was to promote music that was fast, furious and loud. He was the true essence of rock promotion. He was a Rock God!

Maurice had always loved listening to music but his real passion was seeing bands live. When he was younger he and his wife Drina would organise bus trips up to London to see bands such as Whitesnake, Iron Maiden and the Rolling Stones. There are many local people who can say that Maurice was the man who took them up to London to see their favourite band. He was a quiet man but he was well respected and he was trusted, what greater attributes could you give a person.

Melbourn Rock Club began approximately 32 years ago, at the now defunct Melbourn Sports and Social club. It was probably a drunken idea, dreamt up at a bar between three friends. With the help of his long-term friend Bob Manley, Maurice made that dream a reality. He promoted live rock bands every Friday night. Legends such as Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts, Engine and the Frigidaires graced the makeshift stage at the Sports and Social club. It became bigger and it became a family affair, his wife Drina supported him and was a regular face manning the door at every event. He used his passion to raise money for charity. During its time in residence at the social club, there were two very successful benefit nights, meaning that he enticed over ten local bands to play for free. A local PA system provided their services for nothing. A fun run was also held and all monies raised went to worthy charities including the local cub pack.

As he grew in expertise, he grew in confidence, he

widened his choice of venue and began promoting bands in Letchworth at the Plinston Hall. People loved coming to see local bands, they enjoyed the rawness of the gigs. Many young people were inspired by the rock club and formed bands themselves. With the demise of the Sports and Social Club, Melbourn Rock Club needed to find a new and receptive home. He transferred the Rock club to the Sea Cadet Hall in Cambridge. It was here that he also held a very successful benefit night for Asthma UK and an Asbestosis charity. He then promoted the Pink Fairies at Cambridge Corn Exchange in the 1990’s and gave the well-known local band The Frigidaires the opportunity of supporting them.

Some people thought that his Rock club was too loud and too noisy, but he continued relentlessly to promote live music. He used to be a familiar sight in the village, he would cycle around and stick up posters in the most annoying places. The symbol of the little rock club man is one that many are familiar with and one of Maurice’s posters always held the promise of another rock gig. Until his untimely death in March this year Maurice was still actively running the rock club, booking new bands and inspiring people. His other success which was a joint venture with close friends Bob Manley, Mark Holland and Dave Milner, was Reaper Fest. He moved from single night events to festivals, he ran three very successful Reaper Fests, complete with custom bike shows. More sell out gigs, more live music and more pleasure brought to people. In his own way, he helped to put Melbourn on the map.

One of the hardest things we, his family and friends have had to do is to carry on with the Rock Club. In the summer, we held Mo Fest, it should have been Reaper Fest IIII. It was down to his hard work, he booked the bands, he did the organising and he had the vision. He may have been taken from this world but his energy and passion will live on. It lives on in his rock club which is being run by his daughter, his son in law and his granddaughter. This would not be possible without the unending support of Eternit Sports and Social Club and his friends. This along with his two grandchildren will be his legacy. The legacy of a quiet man, whose life was well lived and who was born to be wild.

Rock in peace Dad Maurice McComb

Clare Goulden

Established 23 years, The Letting Centre is a local, dedicated letting agency based in Melbourn. With long-standing clients some of whom have been with us for 20 years or more, we aim to provide a personal, tailored service covering Cambridge, Royston, Buntingford, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages.

We offer discounted fees for multiple properties, as well as those located in any of the villages around Melbourn.

Call us for a free market appraisal and comprehensive landlord pack.

Profile

Pat Saunders 1937 to 2018

In the last issue we had a piece about Pat and here is a bit more of the interesting life she led in her own words.

“Growing up in Brazil was quite an experience. My father worked for a British company that had a huge cattle farm and soap factory in Brazil, and as my mother had herself been brought up in Argentina she was more than happy for us all to move out there.

We lived mostly in a place called Frigorifico but initially were schooled on the cattle farm near Rio Preto by a private governess. Every morning we had to get up and ride before breakfast and if we didn’t ride, we didn’t get any breakfast. Horses were a big thing in Brazil so we soon learned to ride. It was an amazing place to grow up in – we once found an alligator egg in a swamp and when we cracked it open on the kitchen table a baby alligator came out! We would go into the swamp at night to catch alligators too and they were served in the stew.

There was quite a strong ex-pat community and all my memories of being there are very good, we were always happy. My father insisted we spoke English in the house but we soon learned to speak Portuguese. The farm was miles and miles out in the country. To ride right around the perimeter of the farm on horseback would take you two weeks and when it came time for us to go off to boarding school in Sao Paulo the train journey to get there took my brothers and I 12–14 hours. My maiden name was Nunn, and at school my elder brother, Ron, became known as Nunn the First, the next brother, Bunnie, was Nunn the Second and when I arrived as the youngest, I was christened Nunn the Less.

When I was 17 my parents returned to England and although my brothers were old enough to stay in Brazil and find work, I was forced to move back. I really wasn’t happy about this, so my father decided the best thing for me was to join the British Army. During my basic training I made friends with a girl called Barbara who almost immediately asserted I should marry her big brother, Peter and that is just what I did!

He too was an army man and after we had been on three dates, he was posted to Singapore. We corresponded and as soon as I could I joined him out there and we were married. He was 23 years an army man in Belgium, Germany, Aden, Bahrain and Northern Ireland during the trouble and we travelled a fair bit during his career.”

The colour of Christmas

The symbolic colours of red and green we associate with Christmas today are deeply entrenched in the pagan past. It can be traced back over 2500 years to the Celts, long before the birth of Christianity. These ancient people revered the holly bush, considering it a powerful and magical plant. With its red and green hues, its foliage retained colour throughout the winter.

The Celts believed holly kept the Earth beautiful during the dead of winter and would bring protection and good luck to their families in the coming year. They would celebrate the winter solstice festival by wearing crowns of holly to ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth. Holly was also seen as a powerful fertility symbol. It represented the male plant and ivy the female, and it is from this belief the traditional Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy evolved.

Holly was also the sacred plant of the god Saturn and used during Saturnalia – a week-long Roman festival held from 17th December to honour their God. The Romans gave one another gifts as well as holly wreaths which were used to decorate images of Saturn. A custom the early Christians adopted.

With the arrival of Christianity, the greenery was given a Christian meaning. One story suggests the holly first sprang up under the footsteps of Christ, when he trod the earth, and its thorny leaves and red berries, were like drops of blood, that symbolised the Saviour’s sufferings. Another, is that the prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified and that the berries are the blood shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia, the holly tree is known as ‘Christ’s Thorn’. The use of these symbolic colours continued in the church and in the 14th century they were used to paint rood screens (the screen, which carried the rood or cross, used to separate the people from the priest and the altar).

Along came Santa…

Contrary to popular belief, Santa Claus as he is recognised today, was not a concept brought about by Coca-Cola. Over the centuries Santa has been depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. He has donned a bishop’s robe and a Norse huntsman’s animal skin. The origins of this large, jolly man with his white beard, wearing his very distinctive red suit trimmed with white fur, riding his sleigh, giving presents, is firmly rooted in the past at least to the 3rd century.

About 1600 years ago Nicholas of Bari, a Greek holy man who became bishop of a small town called Myra (now in present-day Turkey), was known for his generosity and care of his people. Portrayed as a bearded bishop in bright red canonical robes, Saint Nicholas’ first Christian act is believed to be the distribution of his family’s entire wealth to the poor.

His reputation grew, when it is said he gave gifts secretly. Legend has it that he saved three impoverished young girls from a life of prostitution by providing for their dowries. He secretly threw three bags of gold through the open window of their home which landed into socks that were left hanging above the chimney to dry. As the patron saint of children, he has long been associated with giving gifts to children. Saint Nicholas’ feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, 6th December.

Another legend that brings us close to Santa Claus is Odin or Wodan, a Norse god. Odin would ride his eight-legged grey horse Sleipnir through the air as the leader of the Wild Hunt, always accompanied by two black ravens, Huginn and Muninn. These two helpers would listen, at the chimney – a hole in the roof at that time – to tell Wodan about the good and bad behaviour of the people.

It is unclear when the first image of the large jolly man in his red suit first came about. One of the earliest written reference to the Christmas character is from around 1460 when a carol was written by the Rev. Richard Smart called ‘Sir Christmas’.

I am here, Sir Christmas Welcome, my lord Sir Christmas, Welcome to all both more and less; Come near Nowel.

In 1644, Christmas was banned by parliament which was heavily influenced by the Puritan movement. Christmas was not restored for another 16 years, during which time Father Christmas was put on trial.

“The examination and tryall of Old Father Christmas. At the assizes held at the town of Difference, in the county of discontent. Written according to legal proceeding, by Josiah King.”

This was a parody of a serious situation – the church felt Christmas should be recognised as nothing more than a symbol of gluttony and idleness.

“More mischief is that time committed than in all the year besides …What dicing and carding, what eating and drinking, what banqueting and feasting is then used … to the great dishonour of God and the impoverishing of the realm.”

It was at this time that the earliest known drawing of Santa appeared. It was printed on the front cover of the pamphlet used for the trial of Santa and dated 1658. The character bears

an interesting resemblance to the modern-day Santa. Although it could be argued that the clothes worn by this Santa were the normal attire for many in this period, it’s not hard to imagine the coat in a striking red, since it was a fashionable colour of the day for both men and women.

In other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, Santa Claus is known as Sinterklaas (Sint-Nicolaas) and can be dated back to the Middle Ages when they celebrated the Sinterklaas Feast on Saint Nicholas’ Eve, 5th December. The feast was an occasion to help the poor, by putting money in their shoes which later evolved into putting presents in children’s shoes.

Sinterklaas is based on Saint Nicholas and is also closely linked to Odin. Sinterklaas rides the rooftops on a white horse giving presents to children. Unlike Odin with his two crows, Sinteklaas has mischievous helpers with black faces known as Zwarte Piet, Black Peter, who listen at chimneys to find out whether children are bad or good and report to Sinterklaas.

As with England, Europe in the 17th century went through a time of religious turmoil and the Protestant reformers took control. Martin Luther an important figure in the Protestant movement changed the name Sinterklaas to Christkindl or Christ Child. He also moved the date of the celebrations to 24th December – Christmas Eve. However, the Dutch ignored much of these changes and continued to celebrate Sinterklaas and the associated celebrations as they still do today.

Santa goes commercial…

By the early 19th century the legend of Sinterklaas had been exported to America by Dutch settlers, along with the customs of giving gifts and sweets.

In 1809, the modern Santa began to take shape when the satirical writer Washington Irving wrote a book entitled Knickerbocker’s History of New York in which he described “… the good St. Nicholas came riding over the tops of the trees, in that self-same wagon wherein he brings his yearly presents to children … hanging up a stocking in the chimney on St. Nicholas Eve; which stocking is always found in the morning miraculously filled; for the good St. Nicholas has ever been a great giver of gifts, particularly to children.”

In 1822, Santa’s image was further enhanced, when Clement Clark Moore, a professor of Oriental and Greek Literature, wrote a poem for his children called A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as Twas the Night Before Christmas (see poem

on page 22). In it he describes Saint Nick with his sleigh and eight reindeer flying through the sky.

Santa was first used commercially in 1863 by a German cartoonist Thomas Nast who was living in America. Nast produced a cartoon for the cover of a political magazine called Harper’s Weekly. His first Santa was of a small elf-like figure wearing a ‘Santa’ style coat made from the America flag.

Nast continued to draw Santa for over 30 years, changing his looks and the colour of his coat which went from tan to the red he’s known for today as can be seen in the image above Merry Old Santa Claus produced in 1881.

Nast’s Santa owed much to the description given in the poem by Clement Clark Moore.

In 1931 the image of Santa went global when the Coca-Cola Company used him to promote their product. Coca-Cola’s story is that Haddon Sundblum an illustrator, was employed to create a Santa that was a portly white-bearded gentleman dressed in a red suit, with a soft red cap, and that Sundblum used the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas to define his Santa.

No doubt there is some dispute here, since the Coca-Cola Santa image above was produced 50 years after Nast’s, shown at the top of the page and clearly both are of a portly whitebearded gentleman dressed in a red suit.

In fact, this portly gentleman appears in numerous advertising posters well before Coca-Cola’s Santa in 1931. Some for commercial products, others as posters for WW1. There is even a Japanese illustration produced in 1914 and a cover for an Australian magazine produced a year before Coca-Cola’s Santa went commercial.

Whatever the story, the Christmas Colours came about from a mixture of religious tradition, commercialism, joy and good cheer!

Ed. PS

A Visit from St. Nicholas

By Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863)

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Pictures and poem from “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” a retelling of “The Night Before Christmas”.

Review

Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls

by David Sedaris Abacus, 2013

As a fan of P G Wodehouse (1881–1975) I was astonished at this year’s decision of the judges of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize for comic literature. The annual prize, running since 2000, goes to the novel best deemed to capture the “comic spirit” of P G Wodehouse. The judges decided, rather crassly, to “withhold the prize this year to maintain the extremely high standard of comic fiction that the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize represents”. Their megaphone message is that comic-writing authors are all losers. Thankfully not all.

If you like subtle and finely executed comic-writing, David Sedaris is the writer for you. An American writer living in England, he delivers readings that are very funny monologues, often on evening BBC Radio 4. His deadpan recounting – before a deeply appreciative live studio audience – of experiences which have happened to or around him are side-splittingly funny.

Like P G Wodehouse, the experiences detailed by David Sedaris and the ranges of characters which inhabit them are unreal and hugely complex, yet simultaneously very simple and believable. This is clear when on radio he cites or picks up a single event as a thread and then extends his creative reach to yield a fabulous rich and colourful tapestry of life itself. This book, published in 2013, is of that ilk.

In essence, the book is a collection of twenty-six short chapters rolling out in vivid detail family and work life events which have befallen the author and those people whose paths he crosses. With the exception of 2–3 chapters, the narrator’s voice throughout is that of David Sedaris. Almost every page of every chapter contains a gem of wit, humour, observation or insight. And all of it done so effortlessly that one cannot help be drawn into the web he weaves. His account of getting and losing his British passport – and the astonishing outcome – is alone worth the book’s cover price.

A friend went to meet him and have her book signed at the end of a talk he delivered in Cambridge. Reaching the book-signing table she suddenly realised that the woman behind her was wearing exactly the same John Lewis top. The great man, pretending to collapse murmured sotto voce “Help – I’m seeing double!” Much as he has provided here, she is waiting to see the incident – highly polished or suitably embroidered - appear in the midst of a future surreal stream of such experiences as can only be recounted by one such as the incredibly gifted comic writer David Sedaris.

Hugh Pollock

London the Novel

by Edward Rutherfurd Arrow Book 1998

This is one of the books I have most enjoyed reading. It could be described as a fictional saga spanning the life of London from 54 BC to 1997.

There is a short preamble describing how geologically the estuary of the Thames was formed. But the story begins in 54 BC as two hundred people gather on an island in the middle of the river, troubled because their settlement is under threat from impending Roman invaders. They stare towards the northern shore to a deserted settlement named Londinos. The foundation of this name is obscure, but the area is described as two low gravel hills rising some 80 feet above the waterline with a little brook running between.

One of those standing watching the druids performing rituals to fend off the impending doom is a young boy named Segovax. He is described as having 2 very distinctive features -a patch of white in his otherwise dark hair and webbing between his fingers. These same characteristics appear throughout the book but not necessarily in each generation. So the stories of the descendants of this boy, together with other families who move in and out of the narrative, is told as London grows through the invasion of the Romans and Saxons, into Medieval and Tudor times, to the Georgian and Victorian era and on into the late 20th Century.

We read how the fortunes of these families rise and fall, sometimes quite dramatically over a short period of time. The lives of the families are intertwined with the historical events although the author does acknowledge adding to or enhancing his work where factual material is sparse. Such events include the building of the Tower of London, the Great Fire, the Suffragettes and the Blitz. There are helpful maps of the different eras of London’s history, together with family trees of the characters, showing how their paths cross.

The reason I found this book so enthralling was that the characters really came to life. It was interesting to see how decisions taken by one generation, either good or bad, impacted on succeeding generations. I am also a great lover of the city of London and love to walk through its back streets and see so many levels of history all in one place. However, it is not a book for the faint-hearted having 1300 pages, but it is well worth the effort. Not least because of the skill and experience of the author Edward Rutherfurd who has created similar works focussed on other world locations. I have read Paris; New York and Sarum, but there is also Ireland: Awakening; The Forest; Dublin and Russka Tess Maddin

Villages Here & Villages There

The founding of a ‘Bloomsday: 16 June’ celebration in Melbourn in 2015, apart from promoting fun for all, sought to promote reading and literary matters in the village while raising publicity and funds for WaterAid. This is a charity which brings safe water, toilets and good hygiene to impoverished communities in poor countries. For three consecutive years, around 16 June, small WaterAid table-top exhibitions were placed in the foyer of Melbourn Village College, at Melbourn United Reformed Church Hall, and at the Library Area of Melbourn Community Hub.

In summer 2017 a well-researched Melbourn Magazine article entitled ‘Water Water Everywhere But None Fit To Drink’ made a strong contribution to that WaterAid effort. In it comparison was drawn between a woman in 2015 collecting water from her village’s only water source - a polluted river in Nyeama, Sierre Leonne – and the year 1935 when piped water arrived in Melbourn. Alongside quotations from official national reports, the author used early Melbourn-based black and white photographic images with vivid captions and presented the dreadful conditions under which most Melbourn villagers lived.

The cancellation of last June’s volunteer-led Bloomsday celebration in Melbourn provided opportunity to build on what had been achieved in the village. Following discussion some supporters of the Cambridge WaterAid Group decided to replicate that important article’s approach by focussing on the experience of other villages and creating a ‘Villages Here & Villages There’ project.

As a result of research conducted in Royston Museum, Royston Library, and Cambridge Central Library this project produced substantial and more professionally-based materials than had been used in the earlier years of small tabletop exhibitions. With assistance from the staffs of those institutions the research drew on maps, published accounts and extracts from tape-recorded oral histories. The exhibition materials thereby created were then displayed in a number of different venues using a multi-panel stand owned by the Group and a second similar stand generously donated by a Melbourn-resident and hydrogeologist. Both stands were immeasurably strengthened by two additional free-standing banners representative of the contents of the Melbourn Magazine article. The venues selected as well as the exhibitions mounted were each entirely different. They included:

• A Reed First School initiative which commenced with the Head Teacher being approached, several appearances in the school, and a related June fund-raising event by the school pupils which raised £283.00 for WaterAid. An exhibition displayed outside the school building during the fund -raising event was then moved indoors as the village library was located in the school. This exhibition was also present, erected and supervised by members of the school’s Board of Governors, during the subsequent ‘Reed Village Strawberry Fair’ in the grounds of St. Mary’s Church, Reed.

• Yet another exhibition featured at the ‘Royston & District Heritage Fair’ held in Royston Town Hall in August. The exhibition’s title was ‘Royston & District: Living Without Piped Water. Experiences at Ashwell; Barley; Bassingbourn; Foxton; Guilden Morden; Melbourn; Reed; Royston; and Therfield Villages’. Councillor Richard Thake, Chair, Hertfordshire County Council visited the event and viewed the exhibition with great interest. A photograph was taken and it subsequently appeared in the Royston Crow dated 9 August.

• Cambridge Central Library agreed to host a ‘Villages Here & Villages There’ exhibition and did so for a 2–3-week period in August beside the Library’s Cambridgeshire Collections housed on the building’s third floor. Simultaneously, the Collections’ staff mounted a complementary exhibition of photographs focussing on day-to-day life before piped water became a reality for all in Cambridge. Both exhibitions stood side by side throughout the period.

Councillor Richard Thake, Chair, Hertfordshire County Council viewed Royston Town Hall exhibition with great interest and spoke of his family growing up without piped water.

Reed Head Teacher Jackie Harvey, Hugh Pollock Melbourn Resident and the Joint Chairs of Reed School Council.

exhibition exhibition

• The Cambridgeshire Collections’ staff went further and requested that all exhibition materials be deposited for holding in the Collections’ archive as a ‘Cambridge WaterAid Group Collection’. This was done via a memory stick on a very pleasant occasion. The ‘Villages Here & Villages There’ project is a flexible rolling project which grew directly out of the good work of many community-minded volunteers during the sequence of Bloomsday: 16 June celebrations held in Melbourn. The exhibition materials are devised to be drawn on under several exhibition titles, for stand-alone display purposes or to assist presentations in a range of venues. The materials are available to borrow, free to all. Indeed, an exhibition is already booked into Royston Museum’s exhibition programme for the two-month period 19 January 16 March 2019.

All those good and charitable village residents involved with the

All those good and charitable village residents involved with the Bloomsday:16 June celebration in Melbourn over several years – promoting fun, reading and literary matters while raising publicity and funds for WaterAid – can take great pleasure that their fine work for WaterAid has borne fruit locally well beyond Melbourn’s boundary. Alas some committed stalwarts are no longer with us to take such small pleasures in this life. The late and very talented Melbourn resident David Piggott was one such stalwart who contributed without thought of personal gain or advancement. I believe he and they would have been pleased with our efforts.

Hugh Pollock

For further information: Hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com 01763 260253

Below: Part of the Cambridge WaterAid Group Collection.

Above: One of two display banners produced by the Melbourn History group, adapted from an article in support of WaterAid that appeared in issue 90 of the Melbourn Magazine .

Chris Bow handing over Cambridge WaterAid Group Collection to Cambridgeshire Collections staff at Cambridge Central Library.

Young or old

Do you love to read?

If

You may already do this by talking about books with friends. If you want to share more widely, then why not write a book review for the Melbourn magazine.

Encourage a young person to write a book review!

Reviewing a favourite book strengthens a young person’s reading ability. The actual writing of the review stimulates thought and recall. Crucially it helps the expression of an opinion through the written word – today a vital skill for all young people. Writing a book review also helps a greater understanding of the book’s issues and themes AND of the wider world. So, if you can help out, encourage a young person to write a book review.

A few tips on getting started

• How long should my review be? There are no fixed rules in writing a review, but as a general guideline, it should be between 200 and 500 words.

• To begin with, start with a couple of sentences describing what the book is about.

• Did you like it? If so, what in particular did you like about the book. Was there anything you disliked?

• What was your favourite part of the book and what was the least favourite part?

Little Hands Nursery School The Moor, Melbourn

Little Hands is a Private Nursery School

in quality preschool education for

under fives

High staff to child ratio

Individual child centred planning & learning

Flexible booking system during term time

4.30pm nursery

room

accept nursery funding giving

hours

Tutty

funded

further information contact

nursery manager

Hands is also at Bourn, Linton and Newton

For more information contact Hugh Pollock, telephone: 01763 260253 or email the magazine at: melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Hugh

you like to share a book you enjoyed with others?

MVC VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

PLAY SCHOOL LITTLE HANDS

NOTRE ECOLE U3A EDUCATION COLLEGE

Melbourn Village College

Little Hands

Karen 01763 260964

Melbourn Playgroup

Jane Crawford 07842 151512

Notre Ecole

Janet Whitton 261231

Primary School

Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457

U3A (Univ. of Third Age)

Chairman Tony Garrick 01223 510201

Village College

Principal Simon Holmes 223400

This last year has seen significant growth in the village college. In September 2017, the school served 499 students; by this September the number had risen to 598. This is fantastic recognition of the excellent work which is taking place and reflects our aim to serve as many of the local community as possible.

The growing popularity was particularly evident as hundreds of prospective pupils and their parents packed into our annual Open Evening to see the amazing opportunities on offer.

Both the talks from Principal Simon Holmes were packed as Year 6 students and their families set about choosing where they want to go for secondary school. Central to his message was the guiding principle of the college, ‘Everybody is Somebody’ and visitors learnt how this guides every aspect of the college’s work.

The visitors then toured the school, visiting each subject area where there was a range of interactive activities for them to enjoy. These included biscuit decorating in Food Technology where youngsters and their adults were challenged to tell the difference between regular and diet Coke – which many did – and between regular and low fat crisps, which proved much harder. Many parents were surprised to find they preferred the 25% less saturated fat variety!

For those still hungry, there was also a change to taste samples from the school lunch menu!

There was also the chance to have a go at 3D games programming in computing, travel back to the Elizabethan era of Romeo and Juliet (a GCSE English text), learn a few words of Spanish and Mandarin, which are both taught from Year 7 at Melbourn, have a go at pottery, get hands-on in the science department, make friendship chains and bookmarks or get active over the PE department’s obstacle course.

Deputy Principal Regina Lawrence said: “The evening was really well attended with both talks being completely full. There was a great atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, there has been cause for celebration as students settle into the new term. They all took part in quizzes about the origin and history of the more than 6000 languages spoken around the world to celebrate European Day of Languages in September, as well as learning to say ‘hello’ in a number of them.

In addition, a former MVC student, Charlotte Joyce, was also celebrating after being accepted on to a prestigious leadership project. Now back at her old school as a teacher, Charlotte has joined the Leadership Legacy Project, run by SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers network. She will be part of a group of future education leaders from across the country who have been designated as SSAT Leadership Fellows and are in their first two to four years of teaching.

Charlotte Joyce

Miss Joyce, who returned to Melbourn from St Peter’s School, Huntingdon, which, like Melbourn, is part of The Cam Academy Trust, has been identified as showing the potential to become an outstanding school leader.

The SSAT also invite current head teachers to mentor Leadership Fellows and Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes has this year been asked to become a Leadership Expert. He will help his mentees to share his experiences of school leadership and help them develop their own visions and values.

Sawston Adult Education

Wow, what a start to the new academic year! Since introducing online booking for our adult courses we have seen an increase in course take up. Our new courses Flamenco, Willow Weaving and Bollywood have been very popular, so thank you to those who have suggested these courses for our programme. We are delighted to provide the courses the local community want.

Our Saturday Workshops in September have also proved very popular so we are sure you will love our 8th December repertoire. Book now or you might be disappointed!

» Saturday 8 December Workshops

• Basic Car Maintenance 9.30 – 12.30 £18 per person

• Bollywood Dancing 10.30 – 12.30 £12 per person

• Christmas Cake Decorations 10.00 – 16.00 £36 per person

Food Fun

Make & Do

bumpkins toddler Tips

bumpkins toddler Tips

Cheese Star Treats

Who doesn’t love star shaped things? These little cheese stars will go down well on Fireworks Night or can be made for Christmas too.

All you need is a sheet of ready made puff pasty (at room temperature), some grated cheese and a little flour to dust the work surface.

Encourage your child to wash their hands then unroll the pastry. Let your child sprinkle most of the cheese over half of the pastry sheet. You can use this opportunity to discuss what ‘half’ means. Support your child to fold the plain side of pastry over the cheesy side and use a rolling pin to roll the pastry back to its original size. Now let your child cut out stars (or other shapes is you haven’t got a star cutter) of various sizes. It’s around the toddler stage that children begin to realise that tools can be used for a purpose. Encourage comparative language, bigger than, smaller than, biggest.

All that remains is for your child to place the stars carefully on baking sheets and sprinkle each one with the reserved cheese.

Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes at 200°c (180°c fan). Leave to cool and enjoy!

Snowflake Tea Parties

Could you help raise funds for HomeStart by hosting 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 for all you need to host an event – the pack includes invites for your use, a snowflake cutter and recipes for any cakes or biscuits you may want to make for your event.

If you would like to host a tea party, please call our office on 01763 262262 or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk

“Please join me raising money for The Snowflake Appeal so Home-Start can keep supporting unique and fragile children. Home-Start is in there, making a difference each and every day. It is changing all our communities for the future. It prevents parents’ difficulties from becoming their children’s problems”.

Kirstie Allsopp, TV presenter, mum, stepmum, Home-Start ambassador

The appeal runs up to 31st January each year.

• Christmas Day Flowers 10.30 – 12.30 £12 per person

• Creative Writing (constructing a story) 9.30-12.30 £18 per person

• Fabulous Looks With Make Up 10.00 -16.00 £36 per person

• Family Cooking – Festive Sweets and Treats 10.00 -13.00 £18 per adult

• Flamenco: Tango for Beginners 10.00-12.00 £12 per person

• Indian Stuffed Breads 10.00-16.00 £36 per person

• Willow Weaving – Christmas Crafts 9.30-12.30 £18 per person

We are already taking bookings for our Spring term courses, which start week commencing 7 January 2019. Please check our website and book through Wisepay if you are able, it is secure and very easy. If you have any enquiries or wish to make a booking personally, please feel free to pop in to the Adult Education reception Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm during term time. Alternatively telephone us on 01223 712424.

The Adult Education team are looking forward to welcoming you to your community college. Email community@sawstonvc.org Web: www.sawstonadulted.org

Creative Writing

My name is Garry Pope and I am the new creative writing tutor at Sawston Adult College.

Writing is more than a passion for me, it is a vocation. I’ve been writing for eighteen years and have loved writing every single word. I read creative writing at university at both M.A. and B.A. level.

So, what can I do for you? If you have a passion for fiction, be it novels, graphic novels, short stories, films, plays, radio dramas TV dramas or any other type of fiction, and you’ve always wanted to write or are currently writing, then attending my creative writing course will help you improve the quality and structure of your stories.

The course consists of several aspects:

Peer editing – You will submit your stories to the rest of the class and have them edit your work and provide critical feedback.

Visit our blog bit.ly/BumpkinsFoodFun at www.bumpkinsnursery.co.uk for more fun ideas

Visit www.bumpkinsnursery.co.uk for more Toddler Tips

Nativity Plays by Percy R Salmon

There has been a great revival of medieval plays this Christmas season, and many an old Parish Church has been the scene of a Nativity or similar sacred play such as was known to worshippers hundreds of years ago. The presentation of a Nativity play in Melbourn Parish Church created an immense amount of local interest, as was to be expected, the idea appearing to be new to many villagers. It may be pointed out, however, that such plays are a relic of medieval times when many persons were unable to read, and a realistic presentation of sacred happenings as recorded in the Bible were welcomed, not only by the unsophisticated, but by learned villagers as well.

The Church really was the cradle of the drama, and some of the earliest plays centred around the Christmas story. They are known to historians as liturgical plays because they were performed in church, more or less as part of the service, and from them developed the cycles of ‘mystery plays’ which were performed annually in the open by the craft guilds of all important cities – notably York, Chester and Winchester – were noted for these outdoor mystery plays, and the dialogues used are still in existence.

These outdoor plays were not quite so serious as the indoor Nativity plays, for they often had a comic character to claim the attention of a rustic audience. Noah for instance was often portrayed as a comic henpecked character, and in a scene in one of the oldest plays Noah is shown to be having a row with his nagging wife, but obviously all ended well and villagers learned from it something for their good.

There may have been some Melbourn villagers who thought a religious play, even a well presented Nativity play, to be sacrilegious and out of place in a parish church, but all who saw the 17 tableaux so reverently produced at Melbourn - notably the Salutation (Mary and Angel Gabriel) and the even more impressive Visitation (Mary and Elizabeth) must have admired the scenes admirably acted, as indeed were the other scenes, on the chancel steps before the fine 400-year old rood screen, which with the ecclesiastical surroundings, the music of the organ and the singing of the village’s best choristers, gave the right and proper atmosphere, conditions difficult, if not impossible to acquire in a schoolroom or hall.

All concerned with the production, no names were made public, are to be congratulated. One child, who with her mother saw the performance from the front, was heard to say on her return home, ‘I am glad mother to have seen the angels. I now know how beautiful they really are. It was better than reading about them.’

It was a kind thought of the powers-that-be to invite about a hundred German prisoners-of-war to be present in church for the full-dress rehearsal, though some villagers thought otherwise. The lads were deeply impressed, visibly moved and profuse in thanks.

This is by far the most valuable part of any creative writing course. Having someone read your work will help you fix errors within your text, such as typos, punctuation all the way to character development and story structure.

Editing – You will also edit your peers’ stories. We are precious of our own stories, and often we’re too close to them to see the improvement areas. By editing other people’s stories you will become aware of these improvement areas in your own writing, making your stories stronger and of greater quality.

Analysis – We will look at different types of fiction from the greatest writers and perform close reading of their work to see how they write stories and what techniques they use.

Discipline – The biggest problem I hear from people wanting to write is they don’t have time and don’t have goals set. By having to produce a story every week this forms good habits, which continue after the course has finished.

Tutoring – My teaching focus is all about story structure: beginning, middle and end. I’ve had students that are good writers of individual scenes become great writers of stories by the end of the course. Story is the backbone of all fiction, until you learn how to write story, your writing will not be as entertaining and alive as the fiction you love from published authors.

The above may sound like exactly what you want, or it may sound a little daunting, either way my classes are structured so that everyone’s work is respected. Writing is a personal thing and it needs a pleasant environment to flourish in. The best thing about creative writing is no one is right or wrong. Writing is subjective, what you might love, I might hate and vice versa. If you’d like to come along to a one day course or attend a ten week course then we have the below available:

» Saturday 8th December 2018 – 09:30 to 12:30 –Constructing a Story – 1 day course

» Wednesday 16th January 2019 – 19:00 to 21:00 – Creative Writing: Beginners – 10 week course

» Saturday 19th January 2019 – 09:30 to 12:30 – Writing Snappy Dialogue – 1 day course

» Saturday 16th March 2019 – 09:30 to 12:30 – Constructing a Story – 1 day course

» Wednesday 1st May 2019 – 19:00 to 21:00 – Creative Writing: Beginners – 10 week course

» Saturday 22nd June 2019 – 09:30 to 12:30 – Writing Snappy Dialogue – 1 day course

I look forward to reading your stories in one of my courses! Garry Pope, Adult Learning Tutor

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) – Royston

The Spring course at Royston Town Hall will start on 22nd January 2019.

Scandal: A History of some Worst Nightmares C2225566 with Richard Till £54.75

The course is for 10 weeks Tuesdays 10am-11.30am. You may enrol on-line: https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk

Profile

Hilary & Vernon Docwra

Hilary and Vernon Docwra live in Cross Lane – when we came to the village in 1964 it was known as the Jehovah Witness House, as it had a baptismal pool in the garden and was built by a couple who were, indeed, Jehovah Witnesses. It is a very unusual house with a beautiful garden, Hilary’s pride and joy. The pool is now a pretty pond with water lilies and fish.

Hilary Barlow was born in Birmingham where her father was House Master at a boys Public School. She and her mother spent most of the war years evacuated to Scotland whilst her father was in the RAF - he was a fluent linguist and worked in Intelligence, but never spoke of the war. Later, two brothers arrived. At the age of 18 Hilary went to Southampton University to read Geography and Geology and then did a post graduate year in education, enabling her to start her first teaching job at a secondary school on the edge of the New Forest. She then taught at Reigate Grammar School for Girls and then at a comprehensive school in Caterham so at quite a young age she had a great deal of experience in all types of education.

She was always sporty, playing cricket and hockey and was in the Southern Universities’ Hockey team. She was also fond of singing and belonged to an amateur operatic society and once sang the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro!

Vernon was born in Ealing; he has an older brother and younger sister. His father’s sister had married his mother’s brother – can you get your head around that – and they bought a very large house in Ealing where they all lived together, with grandparents and an uncle, Brian Willey, who was the producer of Saturday Club on the BBC Light Programme – some older readers may remember that. A very cosy and safe environment surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles.

Vernon’s father eventually became personnel manager of a large electronics firm in Enfield and they moved out to their own house in Goff’s Oak – it must have seemed very quiet. Mother was a piano teacher, she had about 50 pupils and charged 2/6d a lesson! Vernon played the violin.

He attended Cheshunt Grammar School and then the Northern Polytechnic in London where he studied for six years to become a Quantity Surveyor, eventually becoming a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 1989. His first job was in Piccadilly working over Hatchard’s Book Shop, where his ‘office’ was the cupboard of the bedroom used by John Hatchard in 1790. Things did not go too well on his first assignment which was refurbishing the Greek and Roman galleries of the British Museum. The first time the tower crane rotated the jib went straight through the window of the Director General and in an adjacent gallery the reverberations sent a priceless vase crashing to the floor!

moved on to a small firm in Hertford where

much of their work was done for McMullen’s Brewery – the topping out parties were always well supplied with alcohol!

After a couple of years there he moved to Davis, Bellfield & Everest in Golden Square in London where he spent three years working on the building of Mondial House, the £230 million HQ of British Telecom Telephone Exchange. Ironically some 10 years later he went down to look at a potential job near Cannon Street to find that Mondial House had been demolished because satellite communication had made it obsolete.

Vernon by that time was living in Royston and finding the daily commute irksome, he decided to transfer to the Cambridge Branch where the first job he was given was back in London. In the mid 80’s he decided to go solo, he had a number of contacts and the business grew and prospered. He has worked on some stunning projects over the years.

Hilary had been married in the 1970’s and when she was left on her own in Litlington with two small daughters she taught briefly at Greneway. She had a strong desire to do more specialised work and went to both London and Cambridge Universities to do part time diplomas in working with teenagers with special educational and behavioural needs. She got a job at Ruggets School in Standon and when that closed she and the senior pupils moved to Pinewood School in Ware. She taught Careers and leaving programmes, organised work experience for school leavers and was always grateful to the companies who had faith in these difficult youngsters and gave them a chance.

Every year she would take school parties on field trips, camping, on a barge, youth hostels and on one fateful occasion took a party to Majorca. All the children got food poisoning, five of them were hospitalised and the rest were being treated in the hotel by a male nurse who spoke no English. Hilary was also ill; it was a nightmare. She only experienced one Ofsted Inspection and on the first day she wore a new chain to hold her glasses round her neck. The Inspector walked into the classroom and Hilary smartly lifted her glasses to her face and jabbed one of the arms into her eye, causing blood to spurt out all over the desk. She had to go to hospital and spent the rest of the week with a bruised and bloodshot eye.

Being somewhat of an expert on careers for special needs she was called upon to lecture to adults on the subject. Eventually Hilary decided to take early retirement at 57 and did supply teaching locally.

Hilary’s daughters both live in Royston – Nichola is a police officer and Janine trained as a graphic artist. Nichola has two daughters at university and Janine has children of 13, 11 and 7. Both Hilary and Vernon get enormous pleasure from them and frequently took the children off in their motor home. They have been together for 30 years, meeting at Bassingbourn Badminton Club although as it happens, they had met many years before when Vernon’s sister lived next door to Hilary in Litlington. They moved into Cross Lane in 1993 and found the house just as it had been in the 60’s. They have transformed it into a delightful, luxurious home with a beautiful kitchen and a really lovely garden.

Hilary spends most of her spare time in the garden, which has been in the Open Gardens scheme. This hobby gels well with her other great love which is flower arranging. For many years she has attended workshops under Julie Woods and there is always a stunning floral display in her hall. She relishes the challenge of arranging flowers in a church and is a welcome addition to the team at All Saints. As well as playing badminton she swims regularly, is a keen bird watcher and spent 13 years as business secretary to the U3A and has for many years been a Trustee of the Francis John Clear Almshouses.

Vernon’s brother in law owns a Fish Restaurant in Mill Road, The Sea Tree, which got to the finals of the BBC Good Food competition – I have been there many times and it is excellent- and he also now has a shop in Ware. One of Hilary’s brothers is a Professor of Criminology and lives in America where he writes books on the subject and the other brother makes advertising films in Australia. It goes without saying that Hilary and Vernon visit them regularly and have also enjoyed holidays all over the world. Vernon is an enthusiastic member of Sawston Rotary Club (where my husband is also a member) and they love entertaining.

One of Vernon’s more challenging jobs was the refurbishment of the 500 year old Grade 1 listed courtyard of Eton College. Lord Charteris wanted to make a diversion to one of the paths but, because of the Grade 1 listing, planning permission was refused. However, Lord C. had a word with the Secretary of State Douglas Hurd, an Old Etonian, and miraculously some weeks later planning permission came through. Not what, but who you know! A lead time capsule was buried in the courtyard and amongst other items was a message from H.M. the Queen and Vernon’s Bills of Quantities! Docwra is a very unusual name – I had always assumed it was of Viking origin but Vernon has traced his family tree back to 1290 and it comes from the village of Dockray in Cumbria. The ‘w’ often gets omitted or misplaced and people think the name is Polish.

Nobody calls it the Jehovah Witness house any more, Hilary and Vernon have put their very distinctive stamp of perfection on it. I wish them many more years to enjoy it.

Mavis Howard

For the Community by the Community

Autumn at The Hub!

have something for everyone at The Hub to ease

into

tea

coffee

special

Bear’ kids menu

out for tempting new ‘menu specials’ such as warm and comfy Hunter’s

up for our seasonal events such as the Spooky Spectacular

special musical performances! Go onto the Hub website

Facebook page

we are always on the lookout for volunteers, we rely on them heavily for everyday support. So, if the kids are back to school, or you have some spare time to help us this autumn, pop in and talk to us, we are open every day Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm or

To contact a

Village information

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Orchard Surgery

Appointments & Dispensary 260220

For repeat prescriptions send email: prescriptions.orchardsurgery@nhs.net

Hospitals

Melbourn History Group Ann Dekkers 261144

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

Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie 01223 207307

Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts 268428

Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay 260649

Addenbrooke’s

01223 245151 Royston 01763 242134

NHS111 – Urgent Care 111 24hr helpline

Medical help when not a 999 emergency

Police Non Emergency number 101

Help when not a 999 emergency

Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376201

Crimestoppers 0800 555111

Neighbourhood Watch 260959

Maureen Townsend maureentownsend1@aol.com

Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0345 070 0707

EDUCATION

Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford 07842 151512

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

Little Hands Nursery School 260964 Out of school times 01223 503972 Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231

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

Chairman Tony Garrick 01223 510201 Hon Sec Hilary Docwra 222486 Mem Sec Chris Davison 264189 Village College Principal Simon Holmes 223400

HEALTH

Age UK Cambridgeshire 01223 221921

Blood Donors 0300 123 23 23 Chiropodist 263260

Dentist 262034

District Nurses (Primary Care Trust) 01223 846122

Home-Start 262262

S. Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road

Child & Family Nurses 262861 Car Scheme 245228 Osteopath Kath Harry 261716

LOCAL CLUBS

Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron 249156

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

Bellringers Barbara Mitchell 261518

Bridge Club Howard Waller 261693

1st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505

Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272 Brownies 2nd Melbourn 261400 Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl)

Gardening Helen Powell 245887 Guides 1st Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443 Guides 2nd Melbourn

Stef Cooper 01763 220093/ 07922053801

Steph Clifford 01763 220272 / 07888831140

Secondmelbournguides@hotmail.com

MADS (Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society)

Donna Sleight 232622

National Trust Marian Bunting 246122 bunting@uwclub.net

New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs 243224

Photographic Club Bruce Huett 232855

Ramblers Dave Allard 242677

Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841

Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes 245958

Royston and District Local History Society David Allard 242677

Royston Family History Society Pam Wright frierley@ntlworld.com

Royston Lions Chris Cawdell 448236

RSPB Fowlmere Doug Radford 208978

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Colin Limming 260072

St George’s Allotments Assoc. Bruce Huett brucehuett@compuserve.com

Thursday Luncheon Club at Vicarage Close

Jeannie Seers 07808 735066

Women’s Group Pat Smith 260103

PLACES OF WORSHIP

All Saints’ Church Revd. Elizabeth Shipp 220626 vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.com

Churchwardens Roger Mellor 220463 David Farr 221022

Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke 261650

Secretary Brian Orrell 07568 376027

United Reformed Church

Secretary Rosaline Van de Weyer 01223 870869 Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk 246458

SPORT

Badminton Steve Jackson 248774

Bowls Arthur Andrews 261990

Croquet Janet Pope 248342

Jazzercise Maxine Rustem 07963 161246

Judo Iain Reid (Chief Instructor) or Lesley Reid 241830 email melbournjudoclub@gmail.com 07974 445710

Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker 07770533249 Blake Carrington 07730488743

Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne 261703

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313

Meldreth Tennis Club Tracy Aggett 243376

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Community Hall

Contact hallbookings@live.co.uk 07821 656033

Dial-A-Ride 01223 506335

Home Start Tracy Aggett 262262

Mobile Warden Scheme Jeannie Seers 07808 735066

Moorlands Denise Taylor 260564

Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan 263389

Lead Sheltered Housing Officer – Monday to Friday 9–1.30

Vicarage Close, John Impey Way & Elin Way Eileen Allan Mobile 07876 791419 / 245402

Every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday

DIARY

DECEMBER

Saturday 1

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf

MADS Panto Cinderella 2pm & 7.30pm (see page 67)

Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Meldreth

Sunday 2

All Saints Sung Eucharist 9.45am

Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Holy Communion URC 11.00am Baptist Communion 6pm

MADS Panto Cinderella 2pm (see page 67)

Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Meldreth

Monday 3

Drop-in Surgery with Councillors at the Hub 3–4pm

Melbourn Bridge Club URC Hall 7pm contact Howard Waller 261693

Tuesday 4

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am (TT)

Melbourn Bridge Club URC Hall 2pm

Howard Waller 261693

Christingle with the Brownies URC 7pm

Wednesday 5

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30–11.3-am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 6

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm see article

Friday 7

Coffee URC 10.30am

Cinema Night ASCH 7.30 for 8pm showing Book Club

For tickets telephone 261154 / 260686 / 264189

Saturday 8

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Cambridgeshire Family History Society Central Library

Cambridge 10.30-3.30pm Writers Workshop

Turn on to Christmas The Hub 4-6pm see page 9 Sunday 9

Sung Eucharist All Saints 9.45am

Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am

URC Service 11am

Christingle All Saints 3pm

Tuesday 11

Toddler Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Melbourn Short Story Reading Group at the Hub Mothers’ Union contact Diane Blundell 221415

Literary Lunch for Home Start The Old Bull Inn, Royston see page 65

Wednesday 12

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Churches Together Carols at the Black Horse 8pm

Thursday 13

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm

Friday 14

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 15

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 16

Said Eucharist All Saints 8am

Family Festival Service URC 11.00am

Christmas Nativity Service Baptist 10.30am Carol Service All Saints 6.30pm

Tuesday 18

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am (TT) Baptist Church

Churches Together Carols at the British Queen Meldreth 8pm Wednesday 19

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 20

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Friday 21

Coffee URC 10.30am

Christmas Holiday Club Baptist Church see page 45

Saturday 22

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Churches Together Carols at The Cross 10.30am

Sunday 23

Sung Eucharist All Saints 9.45am

URC Harvest Festival 11.00am

Family Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am Carols by Candlelight Baptist Church 6pm

Monday 24

Crib Service All Saints 3pm

Midnight Eucharist All Saints 11.15pm Watchnight Service URC 11.30pm

Tuesday 25

Said Eucharist All Saints 8am Christmas Morning Service URC 8.30am

Christmas Morning Family Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Wednesday 26

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Friday 28

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 29

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 30

Said Eucharist All Saints 8am

URC Service 11.00am

Family Service Baptist Church 10.30am

JANUARY 2019

Tuesday 1

Happy New Year

Wednesday 2

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 3

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm see page 55

Friday 4

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 5

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf

Sunday 6

Said Eucharist All Saints 8am

URC Service 11.00am

Baptist Morning Service 10.30am Baptist Communion 6pm

Monday 7

Drop-in Surgery with Councillors at the Hub 3–4pm Melbourn Bridge Club URC Hall 7pm contact Howard Waller 261693

Tuesday 8

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am Baptist Church (TT) Mothers’ Union contact Pat Smith 262575

Melbourn Short Story Reading Group The Hub 10–11am weekly

Melbourn Bridge Club 2pm URC Hall contact Howard Waller 261693

Wednesday 9

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Thursday 10

Said Eucharist 8.00am All Saints

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

Royston & District Local History Society Royston Town Hall 8pm

Friday 11

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 12

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Cambridgeshire Family History Society Central Library Cambridge 12.30pm Caroline Norton 2pm

The Lopsided Barge Rob Parker

Sunday 13

Sung Eucharist All Saints 9.45am

Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Holy Communion URC 11am

Tuesday 15

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am Baptist Church (TT)

Wednesday 16

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 17

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

Friday 18

Coffee URC 10.30am

Cinema Night ASCH 7.30 for 8pm showing

Mamma Mia Here We Go Again Licensed bar

For tickets telephone 261154 / 260686 / 264189

Saturday 19

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 20

Holy Communion All Saints 8am

URC Service 11am

Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Tuesday 22

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am Baptist Church (TT)

Women’s Group 7.45pm contact Pat Smith 262575

Wednesday 23

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30-11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Royal British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 2pm

After Eights WI Melbourn ASCH 8pm

Thursday 24

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm week

Friday 25

URC Coffee 10.30am

Saturday 26

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 27

Sung Eucharist All Saints 9.45am

URC Service 11am

Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Tuesday 29

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am Baptist Church (TT)

Wednesday 30

Craft Club Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 31

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm

FEBRUARY 2019

Friday 1

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 2

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Bookshelf

Winter Flower Festival All Saints Melbourn 10.30pm–5pm

Sunday 3

Said Eucharist 8am All Saints

URC Communion Service 11am Baptist Service 10.30am

Communion Service Baptist Church 6pm

Winter Flower Festival All Saints Melbourn 10.30am–5pm followed by Candlemass 5.30pm

Monday 4

Drop-in Surgery with Councillors at The Hub 3-4pm Melbourn Bridge Club URC Hall 7pm contact Howard Waller 261693

Tuesday 5

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT) Melbourn Bridge Club URC Hall 2pm contact Howard Waller 261693 Melbourn Short Story Reading Group weekly

The Hub 10–11am

Wednesday 6

Baptist Church Craft Club 9.30am Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 7

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm

Royston & District Local History Soc. Royston Town Hall 8pm see page 55

Friday 8

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 9

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am The Guides stall Cambridgeshire Family History Society Central Library Cambridge 12.30pm Caroline Norton 2pm

Family History Scrapbooking Audrie Reed

Sunday 10

Sung Eucharist All Saints 9.45am Baptist Service 10.30am

URC Communion Service 11am

Tuesday 12

Toddlers Plus Baptist Church 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Mothers’ Union contact Diane Blundell 221415

Wednesday 13

Craft Club 9.30–11.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am Hub Club Lunch 12.30pm

Thursday 14

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm

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

Friday 15

Coffee URC 10.30am

Cinema Night ASCH 7.30pm for 8pm showing

King of Thieves

For tickets telephone 261154/260686/264189

Saturday 16

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 17

Said Eucharist 8am Sundays @11 All Saints

URC Service 11am

Communion Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Monday 18

Half term Wednesday 20

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

Thursday 21

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am

Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm

Friday 22

Coffee URC 10.30am

Saturday 23

Coffee Stop ASCH 10.30am

Sunday 24

Sung Eucharist 9.45am All Saints

URC Service 11am

Morning Service Baptist Church 10.30am

Tuesday 26

Toddlers Plus 9.30–11.30am (TT)

Women’s Group Melbourn Dogs For Good 7.45pm

Wednesday 27

Craft Club 9.30am

Coffee Break Baptist Church 10.30am

British Legion Women’s Section Vicarage Close 2pm

After Eights Melbourn WI ASCH 8pm

Thursday 28

Said Eucharist All Saints 10am Craft & Chat URC 2–4pm weekly

and

Volunteers

household

by

would

261144

pleasecontact Ann Dekkers

Village information

Orchard Surgery & Dispensary

Monday to Friday 8:30–1pm and 3pm–6pm Phone 01763 260220 www.orchardsurgerymelbourn.co.uk

Repeat prescriptions can be made either, by post, in person or by registering to use the online NHS service. Prescriptions can still be collected from: Surgery Co-op Tesco in Royston

Prescription Home Delivery

The surgery offers home delivery service for prescriptions, on a Tuesday & Thursday. For more information on any of the above, please see their website or contact the surgery.

BIN COLLECTION

MELBOURN

Bin collection day – TUESDAY

Melbourn Health Visiting Team

Drop in clinics for parents and babies are held as follows: Melbourn clinic every Wednesday between 9.30am and 11.00am at: 35 Orchard Road, Melbourn. Telephone 01763 262861

8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. CB1 3NH Of ce 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

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

For more information and collections of large household items Telephone 03450 450 063

Waterlight Film Project

Poet Clare Crossman and film maker James Murray-White have been collaborating on the development of a film about the River Mel which arises in Melbourn and flows through Meldreth to eventually link to the Cam.

An interactive website has now been developed to provide background information on the project and the river.Please do view the site and maybe add your own memories or thoughts about the river.

The site has extracts from the film footage, abstracts from interviews with residents and at ‘memory capture’ events and footage filmed by Meldreth Primary School. There is also introductory material about the Mel and photographic material both recent and historical. In addition there are creative reactions to the Mel by local residents. The project has been supported by Meldreth and Melbourn Parish Councils, South Cambridgeshire Community Fund and TTP as well as donations through crowd funding. The full film will be available in late spring 2019.

Carpet Cleaning & Stone Floor, Upholstery, Rug’s

A few points that make us stand out, Rothwell’s has been in business since 1993 We’re an honest local family firm

Our large truck mounted machines mean more cleaning & drying power for the best results possible.

Members of both the NCCA and TACCA. We will move the furniture. 100% satisfaction or it’s

Travelogue

Travelling the Himalayas

Sikkim: a haven of peace

Sikkim is also something of a Himalayan enigma. Although it has a very similar history to Bhutan (last magazine) it is now no longer a separate kingdom but has become part of India. It has therefore lost some of its national character but, of course, retains the magnificent Himalayan landscape and mountain vistas to the North.

It is much smaller than Bhutan, but with approximately the same population, so there is not quite the same feeling of wilderness. It also has a similar GDP per capita, so is quite impoverished. There are hydropower dams (contested by indigenous groups), as in Bhutan, but the economy is mainly subsistence agriculture and pastoralism (world’s second largest producer of cardamom).

Like Bhutan it has magnificent scenery. The massive Kangchenjunga (8,586 metres) towers over the peaks stretching east and west. I trekked to the base camp, camping on a beautiful meadow to start our final stretch early in the morning. It was a damp cold evening and the cold got right into the bones despite several layers of clothing. It was particularly unpleasant when stumbling to the latrine area over the frost at 2am! At dawn, we started the final climb over the glacier to the base camp, a memorable experience as the magnificence of the mountain was revealed through the first Incense burner

The massive Kangchenjunga 8,586 metres, towers over the peaks stretching east and west

rays of dawn over the peak. Our return to camp was marred by the fact that the cook had mistakenly put dried fish flakes into our porridge rather than raisins!

Kangchenjunga is understandably revered by locals and mountaineers as it is a notoriously capricious mountain with swirling winds and sudden weather changes which have already claimed about 50 lives. It has been revered as a holy mountain, with its own ‘god’, for all of recorded history and is reputed to have secret Buddhist treasures hidden in its base Recently ‘biodiversity’ has been added as an additional treasure under the protection of the mountain god. It is situated in an impressive national park which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is classified as a biodiversity ‘HOT SPOT’ (similar to Bhutan) with impressive dense forests and their associated flora and fauna. The Sikkimese respect their rich environment which has its own biodiversity board and is active in ensuring these treasures are retained for future generations. It was noticeable that local school children had adopted part of the National Park to ensure it was kept litter free (this is in strong contrast to Nepal where litter is everywhere).

Arrayed in the landscape are many magnificent Buddhist sites following the Nyingmapa Tibetan tradition (although the majority of the population profess Hinduism). The landscape is considered to be especially holy with part being a beyul (a sacred hidden valley): Dremoshung (hidden land). Beyuls are attributed to the semi mythical saint Padmasambhava who then ‘sealed’ them to be found by a later spiritual leader and this one was described by 14th century mystics and ‘reopened’ in the 1960s by a Tibetan lama following visions. There are also numerous self-generated symbols of the saint on the rocks, etc. Other religious symbols are also present in the landscape, for instance I was shown a mountain pattern configured like a sacred mandala (a spiritual representation of the universe in both Buddhism and Hinduism).

The sacredness of the beyul also means that human conflicts are spiritually discouraged. An annual festival promotes peace

between the ethnic groups in the country through the power of Kangchendjunga mpuntai god who witnessed a peace treaty (blood brotherhood) in the thirteenth century between the Lepchas and the Bhutias.

The pre-historic peoples of Sikkim were replaced by the Lepchas, now the ‘indigenous’ people, possibly coming from the south east. They originally worshipped the ‘spirits of the land’ and practised shamanism. Later the Tibetan Bhutias arrived in several waves, probably starting in the 10th century. They took over Lepcha lands and attempted to convert them to Buddhism. The Limbus are Nepalis who may have been the original inhabitants of West Sikkim. In the seventeenth century, the Ghurkas from Nepal captured the Western Sikkim but this was returned in a treaty of 1817 brokered by the British. The Sikkimese government encouraged the migration of Nepali craftsmen into the country and by 1891 a third of the population were Nepalese.

Like other Himalayan polities, Sikkim’s history is inextricably intertwined with its neighbours. Alliances waxed and waned, as in European history. However, trade was always an important element of the relationships. The Chombi valley linking to the Nathu La pass into Tibet was extremely important, and has recently been re-opened by the Chinese. It was also a significant connecting route between Tibet and Bhutan through Sikkim. It was the route that the British invasion of Tibet in 1904 followed.

In 1642, the Bhutia established a monarchy, with the King being of Tibetan descent, which lasted until a plebiscite in 1974 when the country was absorbed into India and the monarchy was dissolved in 1975.

Its future as a separate identity is uncertain. Indigenous groups now feel that they are losing power to other more educated and politically sophisticated groups and that there is a slow absorption into wider India. However my impression is that there is such a strong empathy with the wonderful mountain environment that they will not easily lose their Himalayan cultural identity.

Bruce Huett

Dickason

A family name once connected to The Village of Melbourn in Cambridgeshire.

Various families with the surname Dickason family can be found in several parishes within Cambridgeshire of which Melbourn is one.

The surname is first recorded in Cambridgeshire from the early 1600,’s one notable family were known to be living in Melbourn from the time of a marriage of Joseph Dickason to Ann Wood in 1793. The Wood family would seem to have been living in Melbourn and can also be traced back to the 1600s. The name Dickason has on many occasions been miss spelt and written down as heard or spoken in different dialects where some have been transcribed as Dickerson, Dickeson and Diccison. The Joseph Dickason who married an Ann Wood and settled in Melbourn, was originally born in Guilden Morden. From small beginnings, his family established and settled in Melbourn. They must have been a well-educated family as many could write their names and can be seen on written documents from the mid-1700s. Joseph became a Church Warden and records show his name signed by him, providing valuable records, which would not be available in Family History sites, and farmed 160 acres in Melbourn, associated with the Manor of Melbourn with Meldreth Argentines and Trayles. A Joseph Dickason was also a Bailiff for the Manor of Melbourn with Meldreth Argentines and Trayles.

A family Bible dated 1837 owned by the said Dickason family, recorded a marriage of the son of Joseph and Ann nee Wood, also called Joseph, he married a Susannah Stamford from another well-known local family. The Bible has proved to provide some very interesting clues as to some members of the family. Records showing the various family connections through various marriages. Families such as Stockbridge, Wood, Scruby and Titchmarch to name a few.

On researching the family, it seems that Joseph Dickason’s family became very much integrated into the various local community establishments, where records show that they were prominent and are recorded many times within the Court Rolls of the Manor of Melbourn with Meldreth Argentines and Trayles. Many Dickasons were farmers and millers. Joseph is also recorded as a Leet Judge to the court, to which, the same the court rolls documented, gave more interesting records of the family from those living in neighbouring parishes. Such as Abington Piggott’s, where one James Dickason lived at Down Hall with his wife Elizabeth nee Stockbridge. The Enclosure Map of Melbourn in 1839 is also very informative and shows where the various members of the family had their lands recorded on the Map. The same document can be seen in the book ‘A glimpse into Melbourn’s past’ compiled by the Melbourn Village History Group. Land is shown, who the people were, and

who farmed the land allocated. Whilst on one of my visits to Melbourn I noticed a road called Dickason’s a Cul-de-Sac located in Melbourn, which I found interesting, begging the question, was it once in the area where the family lived in the 18-19th Century? I believe there is also a road in Gamlingay where some Dickasons are recorded and lived. One a ‘John Dickason’, it seems, was contracted to manufacture bricks for Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire, in the 1720s. A few emigrated to Australia in the Gold Rush of the mid 1800s where another Joseph Dickason owned land in Praharan, Melbourne, Australia. Today such properties he owned are priceless.

Skeletons in the Cupboard

I guess most families have some hidden secrets and mine is no different

You may ask how am I connected to the Dickason’s direct family line. DNA is a marvellous tool which in my case resolved a mystery in my family going back to a Robert David Dickason.

My Great Grandmother was a Baldwin and she had an illegitimate son. Many years later his father placed adverts in the local Newspapers where he lived in Worcestershire, and eventually found him. On finding his son they both teamed up and worked a farm bought by Robert David Dickason, in Shropshire and when Robert David Dickason died, his son was left a share of his estate. No written documents or records have to date been found to secure factual evidence that Robert David Dickason was the father, as his name was omitted on the birth certificate.

The only other clue I had to go on was in another family Bible, which had various cards showing dates of deaths within the family. One an illustrated hand written document of a Remembrance card of the death of a James Dickason of Abington Piggott’s who died in 1820 whose wife was Elizabeth nee Stockbridge. Having my DNA tested is a major factor in proving my heritage which has completed the jigsaw puzzle, it confirmed that Robert David Dickason was the biological father of my grandfather. DNA linked me to two other people connected to the Dickason family one of which led me to a family by the name of Leete, where we both shared our mutual 3, 4, and 5th great grandparents and beyond. The Leetes are another Cambridgeshire family which is well documented where a lot lived in the surrounding areas of Guilden Morden and Eversden.

DNA

DNA was the key which confirmed my family line leading me back to Cambridgeshire which confirmed my heritage. Some of this must be credited to the Cambridgeshire Family History Society who have very well documented historical records of Birth, Marriage and Deaths, compiled of all the Parishes in Cambridgeshire. Many hours can be spent on checking and re checking, so finding hidden or misplaced family records are rare gems and can prove to be very valuable, useful documents for future generations.

Dickason Melbourn Family Bible

The Melbourn Family Bible belonging to a Joseph and Susanna

Churches Together

Melbourn & Meldreth Churches Together

We are a group consisting of members and friends from all the Churches in the villages. We actively support the Melbourn & Meldreth Churches and organise joint events intermittently throughout the year, to benefit our communities and national and international charities.

Most recently, in September, Melbourn URC hosted a Harvest Songs of Praise, followed by a shared tea. The funds raised went to the Kerala flood appeal. The next supported event will be the Light Party at the Baptist Church, which they host for our young people on the 31st October.

You are warmly invited to the annual week of prayer for Christian Unity Service on 20th January, 4pm at the Baptist Church.

The resource material has been produced by Churches in Indonesia this year. The service theme is truth, equality and unity. The Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, ‘Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue…’ (cf. Deuteronomy 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs, and recognized this common need throughout the world.

The 4pm service is followed by delicious refreshments. Rosaline Van de Weyer (on behalf of MMCT) secretary.melbournurc@gmail.com

Melbourn United Reformed Church

Harvest Songs of Praise

We hosted a Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together harvest themed Songs of Praise service on Sunday 9th September at 4pm. We were pleased to have Adrian and Naomi Brind provide the musical accompaniment to the hymns playing instruments including flute, guitar and cello.

Peter Karner led the first half of the service and Bob Holcombe the second half. Peter talked of how various pests can attack the grain and drastically reduce the volume and quality. Sometimes we find we are being eaten away inside but we have Jesus Christ in our lives to see us through difficult times. We all enjoyed the singing and after the service we were ready for a drink and to enjoy the Bring and Share tea and further fellowship.

We had a collection during the service and raised £155.30 for the Christian Aid Kerala Appeal. More than a million people have been affected by unprecedented flooding in Kerala, Southern India in the worst rains in 100 years. During the monsoon more than 400 people lost their lives. Christian Aid and their local partners are on the ground responding to the urgent needs of shelter, food and clean water.

Harvest Festival

We celebrated Harvest Festival on Sunday 23rd September. We were pleased to have Maureen Kendall lead our worship. Maureen told the story of “The Sower” with projected images illustrating what happened when the seed fell on the different

Dickason Dated 1837, is the Bible I have touched upon and mentioned above.

After contacting the History Group of Melbourn I learnt that a Bible belonging to the Dickason family was in Melbourn and was seen when I visited Melbourn in 2015.The Bible highlighted and gave up a lot of interesting dates not found previously in various family history records These recordings were hand written on the inside of the first pages of the Bible. Names of some, owing to early deaths, were never recorded in the Parish registers.

The Bible at the request of the family was signed by the Baptist Minister one James Flood who was rector from 1834 –74.

He signed his name in the Bible in the year 1837. Earlier this year I wanted to revisit the Bible to take better pictures for my records as the ones taken in 2015 were not very good and at that time we had limited access to view the Bible. Unfortunately, the Bible has since gone missing and has yet to be located. The History Group have tried to recover it, but to no avail.

I am hoping that any one reading this article may know of its whereabouts or persons who may have the Bible for safe keep,and that they get in touch with the magazine.

The Bible is a valuable book for future generations and is a historical document for the people of Melbourn. In terms of value in money it may not be, but in terms of its history, it is of great Interest as a testimony of the particular family who once lived and farmed in and around Melbourn.

I, for one, would like to revisit and get better pictures. The Bible is large in size normally like those seen in and associated with churches.

Also, if anyone living in and around Melbourn know of any living people with the name Dickason I would like to make contact, by email at martin@beaverlodge.freeuk.com.

It is possible the Dickason line remains with my family to which we could be the last connections to what was a large number of Dickason Families’ who lived in Cambridgeshire from the mid 1600’s to the early years of the 20th Century. I have as yet not been able to trace any Dickasons, the last ones I have been able to find died in 1990s and they lived in Oxfordshire. The name survives from another branch from Norfolk but are not connected to the Cambridgeshire branch, that I can establish. This was also confirmed from having gone down the road of DNA testing.

Martin Baldwin

types of soil. Maureen brought drawn outlines of 2 trees, a Tree of Caring and a Tree of Peace. We were invited to write our thoughts on post it stickers which were then put on the appropriate tree. The running theme on the Caring Tree was caring for the environment and each other. The Peace Tree prayed for worldwide peace. Maureen then told the story of “The Master and the Bamboo”. Basically, it was about how the bamboo had to be cut to the ground and split to be of any use for others. The example given was to use it to make a channel to carry water to the rice fields to grow rice for food. Likewise, Jesus gave his life so our sins would be forgiven and we would grow through the Father. The service opened with the well-known hymn “Come ye thankful people come” and closed with “We plough the fields and scatter”. We then had a soup lunch and the produce was sold raising £120 for Jimmy’s Night Shelter in Cambridge. Unsold items together with knitted blankets and hats made by our Craft and Chat group were also taken to Jimmy’s.

Craft and Chat Group

A box of beautifully hand knitted and crocheted baby items have been taken to the Rosie Maternity Hospital. Smaller items to be given to the neonatal unit while other items, including lovely baby blankets, jacket, booties and hat sets to be available at reception for parents or visitors to buy. The money raised is used to buy extra equipment. The group meets on Thursdays from 2pm so do come along. Any craft activity is welcomed or just pop in for a chat and a coffee/tea.

Carol Singing

Churches Together will be singing carols at the following venues.

» 12th December: Black Horse Public House, Orchard Road 8pm.

» 18th December: British Queen Public House, Meldreth 7.30pm.

» 22nd December: The Cross 10.30am. You are welcome to come and join in the singing.

Melbourn Baptist Church

During the holiday season, ‘The Circus’ came to Melbourn Baptist in the form of a holiday club for pre-school children from 28 to 31 August. Up to 60 children attended each day, most from the community outside MBC. The church was transformed into a circus tent that looked stunning. Stuart Clarke, our Minister, was dressed as the Ring-Master and his wife and all the other helpers also dressed up for the circus theme. The children were offered refreshments (a drink and some fruit) during the morning. Circus skills mixed with craft, games and more led to much laughter. We are delighted that several have started coming to the Sunday School. Our next event will be the annual Churches Together Light Party on 31 October, and then a one-day Christmas holiday club on Friday 21 December.

The summer holidays also brought together some of our house groups to host well-attended evenings of ‘Eat Cake and Pray’.

Our Harvest Festival offerings were taken to the Royston Food Bank where they were gratefully received. On the same day, we also held a Harvest service for the residents of Moorlands Court.

On 29 September, we had our first Men’s Breakfast, cooked by men for men. This was followed by a social walk. A good time was had by all, and this will be a bimonthly event that is open to all men (email menstime@melbourn-baptist.org.uk for more information).

We have just started up a Christian-themed group for pre-school children and their carers, called ‘Little Lambs’. The next one is on 7 December on the theme of The Nativity Story

Contact Janet on 07763 191478 for more information.

Tastes of Christmas

We are holding our “Tastes of Christmas” on Saturday 1st December from 11am to 2pm. Please do come and join us for morning coffee or lunch. Hot food will be served from 12 noon. There will be homemade Christmas crafts, Christmas baking and preserves to taste or buy, also mulled wine and much more including a raffle with food hamper prizes. All proceeds are for church funds.

Christmas Services

» 16th December: Family Festival Service 11am.

» 24th December: Watch Night Service 11.30pm.

» 25th December: Christmas Morning Service 8.30am. You are warmly invited to any of these services.

SOAS

The September draw was made by Mike Rawlings on 13th October. The first prize of £21.50 goes to Diane Blundell at 18 Greenbanks and the second of £10.75 to Sheila Cheetham at 169 High Street.

The Word of God from David Burbridge God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, and that the life of Jesus be made manifest in us. From Corinthians 4 vs 6 & 10

Nature

Stockbridge Meadows

Stockbridge Meadows Nature Reserve provides a quiet green space in the heart of Melbourn for the enjoyment of the public. It is easy to access and if you have the time to sit quietly you may well see a glimpse of a muntjac deer or sight a woodpecker or buzzard. In the summer, there are butterflies and wildflowers to admire.

When thinking of a Nature Reserve your first thoughts are probably not about the management of the habitat or even that this has to happen. However, without such a plan the area would soon return to scrub land and the carefully planned wildlife habitats would disappear. Stockbridge Meadows maintenance plan is delivered by the Village Rangers and a small group of volunteers working together.

Two major tasks are the cutting of the reed beds and the raking of the Wildflower meadow. The meadow has to be cut around about May and then cut again in the middle of August. Following the August cut the meadow needs to be raked to ensure that the soil remains poor allowing the wild flowers to compete with the grass and nettles. While the reed beds along the Board walk need to be cut in the autumn so that the area doesn’t return to dry land and this wet habitat is maintained for the newts, toad and frogs to spawn.

In September and October we welcomed two separate groups of volunteers from Johnson Matthey. In September, a group of eight volunteers worked alongside two Stockbridge Meadow volunteers to rake and remove the debris from the Wildflower Meadows. The debris which was raked off was

transported to the ‘reptile’ area, as grass snakes will lay their eggs in the debris next spring.

In October, a larger group of thirteen volunteers helped to cut the reed beds using long handled scythes in the traditional manner. As there was such a large group some of the volunteers helped remove the wire cages which had provided vital protection for the newly planted shrubs when the reserve was first planted. Over the years a lot of the posts holding the wire in place had become rotten and the cages were falling apart. As the shrubs are now fully matured and able to withstand being eaten by deer it was an ideal opportunity to use the volunteers help to remove the affected cages.

The weather was dry and sunny for both days and although all the tasks are physically hard work everyone had an enjoyable time with the added bonus of knowing they had helped the local wildlife.

If you would like to know more about volunteering at Stockbridge Meadows contact Maureen Brierley on 01763 262752

We are extremely grateful to the volunteers from Johnson Matthey for their enthusiasm and interest in Stockbridge Meadows and hope to welcome them back next year.

CLUB

ETERNIT ANGLING CLUB

days

Consessionsfor OAPs and Juniors

Local lake stocked with Roach, Bream, Perch, Rudd, Chub, Barbel, Ide, Carp and Crucian Carp

JKL Tackle

Juniors Roach, Barbel, Carp

Fishing tackle for all types of fishing

Wide variety of baits

maggots to boilies and pike bait

Open 6 days a week

Agents for Eternit AC Season and Day tickets

JJG Angling Angling Tution

James

JKL Tackle

Banish niggling aches and pains!

We keep many local people

and mobile with our range of

Fishing tackle for all types of fishing

and complementary

including sports massage, chiropody and acupuncture.

variety of baits

maggots to boilies and pike bait

call us on 01462 490141 to book.

Open 6 days a week

Melbourn clinic times have been extended so more appointments

now available.

Agents for Eternit AC Season and Day tickets

A MBER H EALTH

Road, Meldreth,

6ND

Serving the local community

JJG Angling Angling Tution

James for a quote

available in Ashwell, Melbourn and Baldock Easy parking at all 3 clinics

Sports & Clubs

Bowls

Arthur Andrews 261990

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

Melbourn Judo Club Iain Reid 241830

Melbourn Karate Club Peter Khera 07866 374674

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group Pat Smith 262575

Sue Toule 260955 Anne Harrison 261775

Photographic Club

Bruce Huett 232855

Ramblers

Dave Allard 242677

Royston and District Round Table Michael Seymour 221398

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593

Tennis (Melbourn)

Dave Liddiard 07508 995 781

Tennis (Meldreth) Tracy Aggett 243376

1st Melbourn Guides

The Girlguiding programme may be changing, but the ethos remains the same: fun, friendship, and adventure. Our summer camp at Eaton Vale, near Norwich provided all this, and some welcome?! rain after the driest summer on record.

A wet morning couldn’t spoil some fiercely competitive grass sledging, nor spoil a noisy crate stacking session. Our theme this year was jungle challenges; this included fishing for Lego in increasingly revolting substances such as baked beans, oily pasta, and dried mealworms. The girls

also made sago grubs from fondant icing and chocolate dog poo. Our camp programme also featured favourites such as firelighting and cooking, singing and marshmallows round the campfire, team building challenges and kayaking on the river.

We started the autumn term with a look at the new programme resources, then enjoyed a penny hike/scavenger hunt around the village. Prior to the seven new girls making their Guide promise we have had fun exploring the Promise and Law with games and activities such as drama, Twister, and planting daffodil bulbs in decorated pots.

Chris Thomas

Cambridge Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Carpet and upholstery cleaner based in Cambridge. Working in and around Cambridge, Royston, Saffron Walden, Newmarket and Huntingdon.

Carpet cleaning using

Fusion™

water extraction cleaning

Dry Cleaning

Stain treatment

floor

cleaning using Crystal Fusion™

Curtains cleaned

Infestation treatment

Odour neutralisation using

Competitively priced

generator

Fully insured with public and product liability Environmentally-friendly products used

Mobile: 07830 227138 Landline: 01223 836002 email: christhomascleaning@gmail.com www.carpetcleaningcambridgeuk.com

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.

Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts. SG8 5AQ Telephone: 01763 242243 web site: www.stgeorgescare.com

If you would like to know more about joining our waiting list or becoming a leader, or if you have any skills, charities or interests which you would like to share with us, please contact me on: 01763 261443 or email: melbournguides@gmail.com

Hilary Marsh

Scout group

1st Orwell Scout Group continues to meet on Friday evenings in Melbourn: Beavers (5.30pm) and Cubs (6.45pm) at the Primary School; Scouts (7pm) at the Baptist Church. Our annual Group camp brought us all together and was held shortly before the summer holiday at Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire. The young people were able to undertake a broad mix of adventurous (climbing, abseiling) and traditional (hiking, campfire) activities in glorious weather.

The Autumn term began with a survival-themed camp for the older Scouts & Cubs in much less glorious weather. We learnt how to prepare and cook all our meals on open fires, and how to erect simple shelters.

For the remainder of term the members have been engaged in fund raising activities aimed at disaster relief and the disadvantaged at Christmas. We will parade on Remembrance Sunday, this year the centenary of the First World War armistice. The Group will also hold autumn campfires and hopes to repeat last year’s success of bringing

a pantomime production to Melbourn for members’ families and friends at Christmas.

The Group continues to run at full capacity. Please contact admissions@1storwellscouts.org.uk to go onto our waiting list. Please contact GSL@1storwellscouts.org.uk for enquiries about leadership, opportunities to volunteer, or roles on our committee.

Melbourn Bridge Club

Melbourn Bridge Club was formed 9 years ago, and although optimistic we did not anticipate the numbers of players that

we now have. Monday nights are for experienced players and there are now a good number of players that have come through the Tuesday afternoon Beginners and Improvers. The number of players on both Monday and Tuesday are generally between 40 & 48. The latter figure is the maximum number that we can cope with, both with the duplicate system that we play, and with the excellent and luxurious United Reformed Church Hall where we play.

This success is in many ways possible due to the help that we get from our members. Jane Tulloch, Malcolm Dean and Chris Norris are three major helpers, but it is very rewarding that all our players will help with preparing tables, chairs etc. along with clearing, washing up and wiping up the essential cups for tea and coffee.

A further sign of the friendship that the club has helped, is that Chris Norris is taking names for a Bridge Holiday in May 2019, so far twenty-seven have signed up and the numbers are still rising. This is mainly for beginners and improvers.

The founder members of this club are Howard Waller and Tony Allan and any information can be had by telephoning Howard Waller on 01763 261693.

Royston & District Local History Society

www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk

Our website shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these result from the considerable work undertaken by our Publications sub-committee. The books may be ordered by post from David Allard 01763 242677. They may also be purchased at the Royston Museum & Arts Gallery in Kneesworth Street (open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.) and some are available at the Cave Bookshop in Melbourn Street or at Royston Library.

Our evening meetings are held in the Heritage Hall (the main hall downstairs) Royston Town Hall on the first Thursday of the month starting at 8pm.

» December 6th The Battle for Female Suffrage: Mary Augusta Ward and Lady Constance Georgina BulwerLytton Elizabeth Eastwood Illustrated

» January 3rd The Causes of World War One Don Chiswell Illustrated

» February 7th Samuel Ryder The Man behind the Ryder Cup John Hines Illustrated

Annual membership £5 (Sept-Aug) (Under 18s half price) Visitors £2 Email: david.allard@ntlworld.com

Cambridgeshire Family History Society

Our monthly meetings are held in the Central Library, Lion Yard, Cambridge, between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome and entry is free. The meetings follow a pattern of research being available all day plus talks at 12.30 and 2pm.

» 8 Dec Writers’ Workshop – Mary Naylor

» 12 Jan – 12.30pm with Caroline Norton

– 2.00pm The Lopsided Barge with Rob Parker

Discover the story behind Rob’s only Cambridgeshire ancestor, Edward Parker, and his connection to the Lopsided Barge.

» 9 Feb – 12.30pm with Caroline Norton

– 2.00pm Family History Scrapbooking with Audrie Reed

Audrie will bring along some of her scrapbooks and give suggestions on how to create our own scrapbooks to creatively document the history of your ancestors. The information above is correct at time of publication but should there be any change it will be advised on our website www.cfhs.org.uk either on the Home page or in the monthly Newsletter.

Melbourn Bowls Club

A very successful outdoor season has now finished during which our C & D Division 2 team won the league and as a result we will be playing in Division 1 next year. In addition, we became Champions of the Meldreth League. Congratulations are due to Rod Sell and Martin Leggett who captained the respective teams.

Other teams in the club, while not as successful in terms of winning trophies, enabled members who seldom play in those two teams to participate in competitive matches and to enjoy the warm summer weather on the green. Those walking past the green will have witnessed on many summer evenings members enjoying games on the green and seen non-playing members sitting in front of the clubhouse supporting the teams.

The internal Club Competitions were again keenly fought and congratulations go to the winners who are listed below.

Men’s Singles Dylon Morton Ladies Singles Yvonne Blows Handicap Singles Dylon Morton Mixed Pairs Yvonne Blows/ Peter Blayney Drawn Pairs Yvonne Blows/ Neil Butler Kernaghan Cup Gordon Andrews Novices Cup Gordon Andrews

In addition to matches and internal competitions we undertook social meetings, a prime example of which was the weekly Coffee Morning organised by Muriel Cooper and held on Thursday mornings throughout the outdoor season. These were always well attended and often internal competition matches were played at the same time providing additional interest.

As you read this work will be going on, and will continue during the winter, to prepare the green for the next summer season. The greenkeeper has done a good job this year in keeping the green in excellent condition despite the long hot dry spell. The contrast with some of the other greens we play on was marked. This is a reflection on the work done during the previous winter as well as the care taken during this summer.

During the winter members will be engaged on ensuring the facilities are maintained in good order and planning for the next summer season. We will be trying to improve still further on last season’s successes and also looking for ideas to improve on those areas where we have been less successful.

Also, during the winter we will continue with our social activities, principally, with our fortnightly Whist Drives. These take place on Friday evenings where we would also welcome non-members, particularly if you might be interested in joining the club for the next summer season. This would give you the opportunity to get to know some of the members before deciding whether to join the club. If you are considering this, please contact Arthur Andrews (01763 261990) or arthur.andrews123@btinternet.com who can provide you with further information. Please be aware that these are mainly social occasions and while players will be attempting to win the primary purpose is to provide a good night out.

Ramblers’ Association

Royston and District Group

Our walks programme continues right through the year. For details visit our website: www.ramblers.org.uk or contact David Allard (01763 242677). Email: david.allard@ntlworld.com or Lesley Abbiss (01763 273463).

There is also a poster displaying walks for the current month in Royston library, Royston Museum & Art Gallery and Melbourn Hub.

We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5–7 miles in the morning and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Occasionally Sunday walks are Figures of Eight making it possible to do only the morning or only the afternoon. Half-day walks (5–7 miles) are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Our evening walks (3–5 miles) will resume on 29th April 2019. Prospective new members may come on three walks before deciding whether to join. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk to join.

Meldreth Croquet Club 2018

Meldreth Croquet Club has for the second year running entered the East Anglian Croquet Federation (EACF) Golf Croquet Handicap League. We play in the Central division which consists of 6 other teams. We have had a great deal of success, winning 4 games, drawing one and losing one. When we finished all our games we were leading the league, but there were still a few matches for other teams to play, so it was fingers crossed that we would still be on top at the end of the season. We did win the league which was a great result for a small club, we have about 20 members some of the larger clubs have 70-80 members. As area winners we took part in the EACF league semi-finals on September 15th at Wrest Park against Northampton, it was a close fought match but we lost 10-8 in. The Meldreth team consists of 4 when we play away as the other clubs have more than one lawn but only 3 players are needed for our home games as we have only the one lawn.

Meldreth has a small number of members who play Association Croquet, this is a more complex and very tactical form of the game. We play in the East Anglian Croquet Federation Beds and Herts league. This year we did not do as well as in previous years winning one match and drawing 2 leaving us 5th out of 7 in the league.

We have two internal club competitions; the golf croquet competition was won by Lin Wallbridge. The association croquet competition for the Nickisson Cup was won by Keith Harker.

As most know, the lawn is situated behind the British Queen so players and visiting teams can enjoy playing croquet in a scenic location and also enjoy a drink and/ or a meal in the excellent village pub.

Golf croquet is an easy game to understand, is very sociable and fun to play, albeit a little frustrating at times! Novices can learn as they play, requiring only a little tuition covering the basics beforehand. A full game lasts about 45 minutes, and can be played as a singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two). Each player

is fully active throughout the game so there is no time to be bored.

If you are interested in playing croquet, the U3A (Melbourn, Royston & Cambridge) run both beginners and improvers courses with mallets provided; regular Club sessions are held every Sunday morning and alternate Tuesday and Thursday afternoons throughout the year, weather and lawn condition permitting,

The Club contact for Golf croquet is Roger Wallbridge on 01763 261405 or by email rl38@myphone.coop

The club plays Association croquet on a friendly basis on Thursday mornings. If you are interested in this game, please contact Robert Skeen on 01763 262269 or by email robertskeen@email.com.

Dynamos Football Club

All welcome!

http://melbourndynamos.co.uk

Founded in 2003, Melbourn Dynamos FC is a thriving and 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 3 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. With the support of our fundraising and community partners, we are making the club more inclusive by assisting players whose families are unable to afford the necessary fees

We regularly host tournaments on behalf of the Royston Crow Youth Football League and these raise funds for our Club and our nominated charity, Tom’s Trust www.tomstrust. org.uk. MDFC was awarded Charter Standard status in 2009 and all of our coaches are DBS checked and qualified to a minimum Level 1. The Club is proud to be a Partnership Club of Cambridge United.

This season we currently have more than 200 players in 16 teams at the Club and this includes our youngest players –the Dynamites. There are both mixed and girls only sessions for players between 3–6 years each Saturday morning.

MDFC is committed in supporting the health and wellbeing of the whole community and we are very pleased to announce that, in partnership with MVC and working closely alongside Cambridgeshire FA and the Football Foundation

we are at the forefront of striving to achieve the installation of a full size astro turf facility at MVC. Initial discussions have been very positive and the next step is to evidence the use of the facility by 42 teams.

If your Club, team or business would be interested in using this quality facility then please contact Blake Carrington NOW on chairman.mdfc@gmail.com or find us on our new facebook page ‘Melbourn Dynamos Community’. If we can’t evidence the projected use then we won’t secure the funding to build it so please get in touch!

District Councillor Jose Hales supports the concept of this vision, ‘Melbourn Dynamos offers a great platform for young people in Melbourn and the surrounding areas and I know that the members really do enjoy being part of the Club which promotes a healthy lifestyle and well-being in a great supportive environment that allows them to excel, whatever their level of ability. I am keen to support the Club with some very ambitious plans for the future geared at greatly enhancing the football facilities for the local and wider community, including local companies and organisations’.

Our youngest players – the Dynamites, increasingly provide the core of our league teams from under 7 upwards. The Dynamites’ coaching team is led by Dipak Patel. Dee was Cambridge FA’s Community Coach of the year for 2013, gained his Level 2 coaching qualification in June 2015 and is our Football Development Officer. These players, aged 3–6, have fun and develop their skills before deciding whether to play league football as the club’s under 7s team (see picture of this season’s U7s Team). This fun, preparation and skill development through the Dynamites has undoubtedly brought more success to our current League Teams. These girls and boys train with level 2 and level 1 FA qualified coaches in a Saturday morning of fun between 09.15–10.15 am 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. This season we are pleased to announce that we have a separate session for Dynamites Girls to help them enjoy football and form the basis of our future girls’ league teams. Dynamites Girls runs from 10.15–11.30am on Saturday mornings for ages from 4–7.

Many of our members and friends in the village are dog owners and understand the importance of clearing up their dog’s mess on walkies. Dogs can carry a parasite in their digestive systems that can infect children and cause blindness. This is why it is very important to bag it and bin it when walking dogs on and around football pitches and training areas.

The club’s success depends entirely on enthusiastic members and volunteers. Our continuing success and growth means that we need even more volunteers. If you feel that you would like to contribute to the club as an administrator, communications leader, fund-raiser, fixtures secretary, 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. More information about the club and individual teams is available from the club’s Website: http://melbourndynamos.co.uk.

The Club is always keen to hear from new players, and new volunteers so please contact us via our Secretary, David Atkins on 01763 263462 or secretary.mdfc@gmail.com, http:// melbourndynamos.co.uk or find us on facebook, ‘Melbourn Dynamos Community’.

Melbourn Sports Centre

There’s been a lot going on this term at the sports centre, to keep the community fit and ready during the Autumn weather. Aside from our normal classes, courses, swimming and fitness suite activities, we also had: a bumper bag of Half Term activities running this year, including our OFSTED registered PlayScheme, with a Halloween theme, where children were treated to trampolining, swimming and creative crafts. Other holiday activities included Swimming Crash Course, Personal Survival/Lifesaving Course and Trampolining Taster sessions.

Customers young and old were put through their paces at Melbourn Sports Centre on Saturday 22nd September, by taking part in a selection of free activities including Go Karting, Boogie Bounce and Archery, as well as a Free Family Swim and promotional displays from Melbourn and District Photography Society and Slimming World.

The main event of the afternoon was our mini duathlon and triathlon races organised

in conjunction with Meridian Triathlon Club, where over sixty children aged between 4 to 13 years braved the wet conditions to compete against each other in scooting or cycling, running and swimming.

This year’s event saw the return of our Scootathlon & Bikeathlon races, which proved very popular once again and it was great to see so many children – and parents! – being so enthusiastic about trying new activities, so we look forward to running this event next year.

A Winter Wonderland at MSC!

We have loads on offer this month, 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!

We’re not going to let those long winter nights stop us from enjoying our exercise! As well as our indoor facilities like the swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, we have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Boxercise, Swim Clinic, Boot Camp, AquaFit, Pilates and Body Workout. We also offer table tennis alongside our normal indoor racket sports. And they’re all reasonably priced, so the one thing that will stay plump is your purse!

Party time!

Looking to book a birthday or Christmas party? How about bouncing those cares away with our new trampolining party or what about a Football party instead? All session run by a fully qualified coach. We also offer our traditional pool party, which are always a great hit! To help save the mess at home we also have the adjacent Community Centre available for bookings, which is an ideal room for you to have tea and cake after the party.

Activities for children!

With Christmas fast approaching it is an ideal time to book your young ones onto one of our great activity courses. These include our Christmas Pool Party and our Ofsted Christmas PlayScheme. We will also being taking bookings from January for our February half term activities which will include our swimming crash course, trampoline & snorkelling tasters and our popular Ofsted PlayScheme.

The perfect present!

With Christmas just round the corner, keep your eye out for our gift promotion – a fun and fit idea if you’re looking for something different to buy a loved one or friend (or treat yourself!). Or why not take advantage of one of our great membership schemes to our fitness suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including CV machines fitted with audio visual technology, an ideal present for a loved one!

For further details on parties, gift memberships or any of our activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you this season!

Activities for young children

(from 6 months – Full-time school ages)

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 – 12.00 (30 min lessons)

Prices: £3.85 per lesson (paid termly) Ages: from 3years –full-time school

Parent and child These fun and enjoyable sessions help to promote water confidence and water awareness, with the aim to prepare your child for a smooth transition into waterplay or full-time school swimming lessons. (Parent/carer must go into water with child.)

» Fridays: 14.05 – 14.35

Prices: £3.85 per lesson (paid termly) From 6 months –Full-time school ages.

Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF 01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk / info@mc-sport.co.uk

Grinnel Hill BMX Club

On the weekend of the August Bank Holiday the club held its second annual Jam. Following a concerted effort in the week leading up to the event by the locals who ride and hangout there all season, the site had never looked better, with grass cut, strimmed, and all lines open and running perfectly.

Promoted on social media, approximately 150+ BMXers from far and wide around the country travelled to enjoy the site in all its glory, with the typical Bank Holiday weather holding just long enough on the Saturday before rain stopped play Sunday morning!

It’s safe to say everyone had an absolute blast! The sun was shining, the turnout was huge, there was beer and a BBQ going too. What more could you ask for? Even the local Co-op reported beer and BBQ food sales had gone through the roof after seeing a steady stream of BMXers vacating there over the course of the weekend!

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, 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: Norburys for their kind support with traffic management during the weekend of our Jam; 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.

at Melbourn for their supply and delivery of wooden pallets to maintained and safe standard for the foreseeable future.

What’s On

All Saints’ Church winter flower festival

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 4th February 2019

10.30am – 5pm

We will be holding our seventh biannual winter flower festival at All Saints’ again in February. Would you like to be involved?

You don’t have to be a flower arranger to help –you could pick foliage from your garden to be used in arrangements, make refreshments for the arrangers or serve refreshments over the festival weekend … and there are many more ways you could be involved.

We are also interested in hearing from anyone who would like to sponsor an arrangement (full or part).

Each festival has attracted more and more visitors – we hope you will consider becoming involved in some way.

For further information or to offer help please contact Rebecca Gatward by email – rebecca. gatward@btinternet.com or telephone Rosemary Gatward 01763 261225.

We can make life a little easier

Local Community Services delivered from Moorlands Court

Homecare : our fully trained carers visit you in your home.

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

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

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

Housekeeping : we do those jobs which you can no longer manage, from cleaning and ironing, to bed changing and shopping.

To nd out more, just call us at Moorlands Court on 01763 260564, or email : denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk

Brand new purpose built site

Flexible options for home and business Monitored CCTV, gate entry by key fob Easy access for removal company lorries

Entry from 06.00 to 22.00, 7 days a week Insulated, damp free containers owned from new and carefully maintained

Over 10 years of experience Friendly and family run

Visit our website: www.lawstorage.co.uk Call us: 01223 874629 Email us: paul@lawstorage.co.uk

Please note, we have moved to: Butts Farm, Malton Road, Orwell, SG8 5QR

Let us lighten your load

Literary Lunch

Local entertainer and Home-Start’s Poet in Residence

Jude Simpson hosts a chat with Sophie Hannah

International Best Selling Author of Crime Fiction Including, with the blessing of Agatha Christie’s family and estate, Sophie has published new best selling Hercule Poirot novels.

Tuesday 11 December 2018

The Old Bull Inn

High Street, Royston SG8 9AW

Buffet lunch from 12.15pm Chat 1.00 to 2.15pm with time for questions

Tickets: £15 from 01763 262262 admin@hsrsc.org.uk online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hsrsc

All proceeds in aid of Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire www.hsrsc.org.uk Charity No. 1105385

Royston Choral Society Christmas Concert

Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’, along with mulled wine, mince pies and carols for audience participation

Saturday 22nd December

7.30 pm Royston Parish Church Musical Director – Andrew O’Brien Organ – Michael Smith

Tickets £12 (concessions £9, school students £1) to include glass of mulled wine (or soft drink) and mince pie!

Available from choir members; online at https://bit.ly/RCSDec2018

Pop-up box office Tuesdays 7.15–7.45 Royston Parish Church at the door or from Caroline Franks Tel 01920 822723 or email treasurer@rf152.co.ok

More information at www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk or email Chair, Huw Jenkins chair@roystonchoralsoc.org.uk

65melbournmagazine@gmail.com

Melbourn

Melbourn magazine is non-profit and all work on the magazine including design and layout are 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 B/W Colour

1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm) £105 £155

1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm) £180 £250

Full inside page (163 × 262 mm) N/A £480

Advertising rates are per year (four issues) For further information on advertising please telephone 221965. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Magazine.

We are grateful to TTP for their continued sponsorship

Editorial Ann Dekkers 261144

Editorial\Production Peter Simmonett 220363

Advertising Vernon Gamon 221965

Distribution Eric Johnston 220197

Parish Profile Mavis Howard 260686

Proof reading

Village Diary

Brenda Meliniotis

Jane Stephens

Brenda Meliniotis 261154

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

Abode Town & Country / Estate Agent - 01763 259888 30

All Eyes / Spectacle Makers - 01954 231545 58

Amber Health - 01462 490141 50

angliEAR / Hearing services - 01223 661399 20

Ashton Renovations - 01763 290335 4

Assist Law - Estate Planning - 07786 061457 20

Bannold landscaping materials - 01954 231666 46

B.C.R / Plumbing & Heating - 01763 260007 56

Bumpkins Day Nursery - 01223 208777 28

Bury Lane Farm Shop - 01763 260418 18

Bury Lane Fun Barn - 01763 260418 60

CEROC Dance 07710 409167 30

Chris Thomas / Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - 01223 836002 52

CHS / Local Community Services - 01763 260564 65

CSL Cheap Storage Ltd - 01763 262344 60

ESSE - 01763 261000 66

Eternit Angling Club / 365 Days Fishing - 07966 268486 50

Fieldgate Nurseries / Fruit & Vegetables - 01763 260737 18

Frog End pet Supplies - 01763 263342 64

Garden Design Solutions - 01763 263231 20

Greenlow Kennels - 01763 260624 2

GYC Photography family photographer - 07786 707869 54

Jazzercise / Body Workout - 07963 161246 60

Jeremy Ashworth / Property Maintenance - 07815 093166 68

Jeremy Rule / Funeral Service - 01763 242560 70

JKL Tackle / Fishing tackle shop - 07966 268486 50

J Oliver Radley / Opticians - 01763 273300 16

Langford Windows - 01462 701828 34

Langham Press - 01223 870266

Laura’s Hairdressing - 077927 49760 68

Lawn Partners / Bespoke lawncare - 01763 244955 17

Law Storage Ltd - 01223 874629 65

Leech & Sons / Master Butchers - 01763 260255 28

Little Hands Nursery School - 01763 260964 26

Melbourn Dental Practice - 01763 262034 58

Melbourn Flooring & Interiors - 01763 262413 69

Melbourn Garage - 01763 263344 70

Melbourn Ironing Service - 01763 220996 2

Moncraft / PC Repairs & Installation - 01223 208529 8

Nancy Foster Footcare - 01763 261250 50

Newlings of Royston / Funeral Services - 01763 242375 67

Norburys / Building & Landscape Supplies - 01763 261740 39

Oven Clean / Cleaning Specialist - 07513 439604 64

Paul Hutley / Carpenter - 07702905915 64

Phillimore Garden Centre - 01763 260537 2

PL Cooper / Flooring Specialists - 01763 260918 52

Prince Property / Property Improvements - 01763 269565 34

Pro Event Hire / Weddings and Corporate Events - 01223 654621 48

Redmayne Arnold Harris Selling/Letting Agency - 01223 800860 64

Rothwell’s Carpet Cleaning - 01223 832928 40

Royston Complementry Health - 01763 247440 44

Royston Kitchen & Bathrooms - 01763 245888 72

Sage / Blinds & Interiors - 01763 263399 32

Simon Robinson / Bespoke Picture Framers - 01223 873123 70

South Cambs Motors / Servicing & Repairs - 01763 260246 18

St Georges Nursing Home - 01763 242243 52

Summit / Landscape Gardeners - 01223 929394 32

Taylor & Co /Chartered Accountants - 01763 248545 39

The Letting Centre / Property Management - 01763 263039 17

The Sheene Mill - 01763 261393 66

The Spice Hut / Indian Takeaway - 01763 262425 52

Three Counties K9 Hydrotherapy - 01763 838536 26

TTP - 01763 262626 54

Urban Plastics / Plumbing Suppliers - 01763 262337 68

Wheeler Antiques - Fine Art and furniture 01763 256722 40

Wrights Mower Centre / Garden Machinery - 01763 263393 68

An outstanding product and service from start to nish. We ha ve one aim , to provide a stress free personal servi ce to our local retail and trade customer s, offering an out standin g product and servi ce from start to nish. So why not com e alo ng and visit u s, we are here to help in anyway we can