Nature - Melwood

Nature

Melwood Your Local Nature Reserve

The long hot summer and its effect on Melwood and local butterflies.

“It is possible to have too much of a good thing” is a well known saying and I suspect for many that was true of our summer heatwave. In a way, the same was true of Melwood. We planted some trees in early spring 2018 and as the soil dried to an ever greater depth, it became necessary to water these to ensure they were able to establish their root systems. On 2 weekends during June and July, we had to organise a relay of watering cans from the river to the trees. For good measure, we also watered bushes planted from 2016 onwards and some herbaceous flowers planted in 2017 and 2018.

Melwood is, by nature, a relatively dry wood and some of the species of flowering plants that we have introduced were selected for their drought tolerance. Dusky cranesbill flowered before the drought really took hold and remained green and healthy thereafter. The Nettle-leaved Bellflowers had their best show ever this year in July and early August.

Ferns are plants that are normally associated with damp shady locations and it was therefore surprising to find one establishing itself in a corner of Melwood. It was growing at a point where the autumn leaves accumulate, when blown by the wind. The leaf mould must have formed an effective mulch to limit the drying process. We can take this as a good indicator of areas that may be useful for planting other species whose drought tolerance is in doubt.

The butterflies of Melwood have suffered in line with the wider countryside but the situation is very complicated and some species have suffered far more than others. I cannot see any good reason why Small Tortoishell and Peacock were in such low numbers coming out of hibernation. Normally they are the dominant species on warm days in March and April, along with the Brimstone, which is often even earlier to visit the garden. Brimstone numbers were normal this spring, as were the other main spring species. Some, like the Holly Blue, were in even better numbers than usual. The butterflies that really suffered from the heatwave were those that live in grassy meadows. They emerged much as usual from early June onwards but found flowers in the meadow increasingly short-lived. As a result, species such as Meadow Brown, normally abundant in meadows throughout July and into August were gone by the end of July. Much the same was also true of Small and Essex Skippers, Ringlets and Gatekeepers. Critically, the grass on which their caterpillars rely was too dried up to be palatable to tiny larvae. The drought may have effects well into next year on these species.

By the time my Buddleia came into flower, Peacock and Small Tortoishell should have been on their second (summer) generation but neither was to be seen. They were replaced by migrants from the far south; the Red Admiral, Painted Lady and an occasional Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

The most notable beneficiary of the hot summer seems to have been the Cabbage Whites. With flowers for nectar and cabbages for their caterpillars, they had all they needed without leaving the garden and numbers remain high in both gardens and fields at the start of September.

In Melwood, the commonest resident species is the Speckled Wood, and this can have 2 or even 3 generations in a year. The first generation came before the heatwave

Cabbage White continued on page 12

hopefully (if we have organised it properly) not meeting the same people again. We all finish up at the Hall to have coffee and exchange notes on the evening! The cost is £15 per person but we do offer something towards the food for those who are cooking and two bottles of wine to the main course hosts.

We already have a nice solid core of supporters but it would be good see some new faces. If you haven’t taken part before, do consider doing so. It is always important to remember that it is not intended to be an evening of haute cuisine but of fun and friendship.

Not everyone has to be a host, we do take guests as well and have several regulars from outside the village who enjoy taking part. It is good fun and you get to meet a lot of people.

If you would like to know more about our Safari Supper, or indeed to put your name down to take part do please ring either me on 260686 or Jane Brett on 260306. Or alternatively, email howards.carlings@btinternet.com for an application form. Mavis Howard

Village Colleges Heritage Project

with National Lottery Support

The Viva Arts and Community Group have received funding from the National Lottery to create a community project celebrating the heritage of the Cambridgeshire Village Colleges programme.

The project will combine oral history and research with travelling exhibitions, film and learning resources. Established by education visionary Henry Morris, Cambridgeshire’s Chief Education Officer for three decades from 1922, the county’s village college scheme was revolutionary. The Village College is an institution unique to Cambridgeshire, but the model has inspired educators worldwide. It was conceived to provide education for 11 to 16 year olds by day and educational and leisure facilities to adults at other times, thus serving the whole community. Morris famously described this as “raising the school leaving age to ninety”, and believed that education should be a lifelong process accessible by all those living in the villages and small towns around Cambridgeshire. This project will gather personal stories from people who knew Henry Morris, worked with him and, to a greater degree, benefited from his vision for community learning.

The group are currently looking for volunteers to be trained/undertake oral history interviews and online archival research.

If you would like further information or would like to be involved as a volunteer, please contact Rachael Polsom on 01353 722228 or email info@hlfvillagecolleges@gmail.com.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID

Sewerage schemes

At the last meeting of the South Cambs Rural District Council schemes of sewerage and sewage disposal affecting 22 parishes at an estimated cost of £597.135 were approved and details of the schemes are to be considered by the County Council. The order of the urgency of the work and the estimated cost, based on 1939 prices plus 20% were shown for Melbourn and Meldreth to be £81.015.

The Hall For All Melbourn Cinema Event

Not a great deal to report on the Community Hall this quarter – all is running smoothly and the Hall continues to be very well supported and busy.

The Cinema Event continues to be very popular with sellout performances. The January showing of the new Mamma Mia Here we go again went very well and it was lovely to hear people singing along to the well-known, well-loved songs. Hall bookings have increased and we now gain access to the Hall for only a short time before showing, which has made setting up more difficult. We ask that cinema viewers do not arrive before 7.30pm

There are many exciting films being released and we will enjoy showing them to you. Our programme is as follows: » March 22nd A Star is Born » April 26th Widows » May 17th Bohemian Rhapsody Look out for the posters regularly updated around the village.

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 (10.30-12) is a good time to come and meet people, explore the facilities and get a good cup of coffee. Mavis Howard Tickets available from Brenda 261154, Cyndy 264189 or Mavis 260686

From Parish Clerk

Melbourn Community Awards

Do you know someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’ for the village? Perhaps they give their time to support a particular community group or project. This is your opportunity to publicly recognise their efforts. All we need with your nomination is the name of the individual or group and a few words about why you feel they deserve to be recognised.

The deadline for nominations is Tues 30th April 2019 and the awards will be made at the Annual Parish Meeting on 28th May 2019. If you would like to nominate someone, please contact the Parish Clerk. continued on page 13

Red Admiral

and the second after the worst was over, so numbers are currently good. Grasses and sedges have remained green in many places under the shade of the trees and so there is plenty of food for their caterpillars.

One consequence of the very hot weather is that I spent some time sitting in the shade of a tree and watching the wildlife in my garden instead of working in it. I should do this more often! As a result, I noted the Common Blue butterfly and the Small Heath fairly regularly. I rarely see more than 1 or 2 specimens of these species annually in my garden. A Small Copper on the 3rd of September was the first record for my garden

Readers may have noticed the severe effects of Dutch Elm Disease on hedgerow Elms, with dead trees scattered at regular intervals along most hedges. The disease is a fungus that compromises the plants ability to transport water and nutrients. It would not be surprising if the effects of this was made worse by the heat wave. I can only speculate whether the damage to elms was part of the reason that in July, I recorded the first White-letter Hairstreak butterfly that I have ever seen in my garden. It was also my first for the Meldreth area. This was followed, in August, by a WhiteSpotted Pinion moth, also an elm feeder and even rarer than the butterfly. The White-Spotted Pinion has declined nationally and the entire British population is now restricted to a small area around Huntingdon and just a very few scattered records elsewhere in the south-east. The good news for Meldreth is that a clump of elm trees near the station remains more or less disease-free, as it has for as long as I can remember and the elms in Melwood also appear to be resistant to the disease. These are now potentially quite important trees.

If you are interested in finding out more about the group or contacting us please visit the website at melwood.btck. co.uk or phone Bruce Huett on 01763 232 855. Jim Reid Work Leader Melwood Conservation Group A version of this article first appeared in Meldreth Matters in October 2018

Dancemixx & Strength 45

1st week free for new students.

T&Cs apply

Come & Join US!

Greneway School, Royston Tues,Thurs Sat, Sawston, Ickneild Primary Mon & Wed at 7pm Visit www.jazzercise.net/uk/royston email maxine@jazzercise.net Text or call 0796 316 1246 T&C’s apply

Melbourn Parish Council Melbourn Timebank

Melbourn Parish Council is setting up a Steering Group to: • help Melbourn Timebank build on the strong culture of volunteering that already exists in the village; • help develop Melbourn Timebank as a resource for the Parish by providing a structure for residents to support each other; • help establish Melbourn Timebank as a central point for identifying volunteers who will support community volunteer groups and Melbourn events; and • provide a structure that helps to integrate new residents into village life though participation in volunteer groups and events.

The Council wants the Steering Group to be made up of members of the public because you know what you want from a time bank.

For more information on Melbourn Timebank, go to Facebook www.facebook.com/ melbourntimebank/ or www.timebank.melbournparishcouncil.co.uk/ Can you spare some time to be part of the Group? Please contact David Atkins secretary.mdfc@gmail. com or Chris Carter carterchris21@gmail.com if you would like to find out more about what will be involved.

If you want to apply, please send a written application to the Parish Office, Melbourn Community Hub or email: parishclerk@melbournpc. co.uk by 22 March 2019. Please say why you would like to be involved and what skills you have.

Volunteer 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 liaising 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 the Parish Clerk. Reporting Highways Issues Residents are invited to report Highways issues directly to Cambridgeshire County Council. Please note, the pavement is also part of the Highway. If you come across damage to either the road or pavement surface, please help by reporting it. www.highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk Community Grant Fund Do you need money for a good cause or project to benefit the community? Melbourn parish council is inviting applications for grant funding from any organisation, charity or group in Melbourn. This can be for activities and projects which benefit our community.

Applications must be made on the grant application form available at www.melbournparishcouncil.co.uk or from the parish office. The deadline for applications is 12th April 2019. The decision on grants to be awarded will be taken by the Parish Council on 23rd April 2019, and applicants will be notified by the parish office afterwards.

For more information on applying for a community grant, please contact the Parish Clerk. Dog Fouling The Parish Office is receiving an increasing number of reports about dog fouling, particularly in the Orchard Road area. Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 it is generally an offence for anyone in charge of a dog to allow it to foul unless they clear it up. Please clear up after your pet. Councillor Vacancies 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 to make a real difference to the community that your Council represents, then why not apply? Christmas tree Recycling The Parish Council implemented a Christmas tree recycling point in the village this year, and I’m pleased to report 35 Trees were recycled. The trees were kindly shredded free of charge by Herts & Cambs Grounds Maintenance (Thank you Justin!) and the resultant chippings used in various open spaces about the village. We will offer the facility again next Christmas. Simon Crocker, Parish Clerk to the Parish Council Telephone 01763 263303 x 3 or email parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk

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Slimming World

Slimming expert says we’re all ‘Carbfused’ and that you CAN eat carbohydrates and lose weight!

A weight-loss Consultant from Slimming World Melbourn is urging anyone who wants to lose weight in 2019 not to fall for the common misconception that cutting out carbohydrates is effective for long-term weight loss, after new research found that low-carb diets are often difficult to follow and leave people feeling hungry, bored and restricted.

The study, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Slimming World, concluded that the nation is confused about the role of carbohydrates in health and weight loss. They found more than 70% of people have tried to lose weight, with more than a third (37%) of them following a low-carbohydrate diet. However, many of those surveyed said they found diets that restrict carbohydrates difficult to follow, because of feeling hungry, bored and restricted in what they could eat.

Lesley Thornalley-Grey, a Slimming World Consultant for the Slimming World Melbourn group, says that while many people wishing to lose weight believe they need to cut out high-carbohydrate foods from their diet – like pasta, rice, potatoes and bread – in fact, members of her slimming group eat these foods regularly, lose weight, and keep it off.

She says: “We hear conflicting and confusing messages about the best way to lose weight all the time, especially this time of year. Often these messages in the media, on social media and within the diet industry tell us how we need to ‘cut out’ carbohydrates in order to lose weight. When the survey asked if starchy carbohydrates should be the main source of calories in a healthy, balanced diet, 81% thought this was a myth or weren’t certain whether it was a myth or fact. We really are a nation that’s ‘carbfused’!

“At Slimming World, though, we know that carbohydrates play such an important role in both a healthy diet and sustainable weight loss. I’ve lost 4 stone as a Slimming World member myself, and trust me I couldn’t have lost the weight, or kept it off, without being able to eat pasta, rice, potatoes and bread along the way! In fact, you don’t need to cut anything out completely to lose weight and keep it off.

“’Banning’ foods is often counter-productive. Having been overweight myself I know this just leads to cravings, which in turn leads to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem – a vicious cycle. Instead, filling up on low-energy-dense foods like carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and lean meat, means you can eat larger amounts for fewer calories and feel fuller and more satisfied while losing weight, making it much more sustainable in the long-run.

“This, along with increasing activity levels slowly and consistently, and getting the support of a warm and friendly support group like mine, is the magic formula for successful weight loss. Just ask my amazing members – they’ve lost an incredible 23 stone between them in January alone!”

Susie, a group member who lives near Melbourn, has lost 1 stone in 5 weeks since joining the group in January. She says: “I spent years feeling ‘carbfused’ before I found Slimming World! For years I would try various diets that cut out food groups, especially things like bread and potatoes, thinking they were going to help me lose weight fast. I did initially lose weight, but I ended up feeling so hungry, deprived and unsatisfied that I just couldn’t stick to them. I always ended up putting on all the weight I’d lost and more, and feeling rubbish about myself in the process.

“The thing I love about Slimming World is that it really isn’t a diet. It’s more of a lifestyle change. I can still eat all my favourite meals – curries, chillies, fry-ups, pasta dishes, roast dinners, you name it – just by making small and simple changes to the way I prepare and cook them. The whole family can enjoy my cooking too and they say the meals we eat now are tastier than before! I have so much more energy since losing weight, and let me tell you being able to eat pasta, rice and potatoes definitely helps that! I wish I’d have known what I know now all those years ago”.

To find out more about the Slimming World Melbourn group call Lesley on 07798767976 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest group.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID

Melbourn Community Centre Project Opportunity Knocks Again

An old Greek philosopher is said to have coined the phrase ‘Opportunities lost can never be regained’, but Melbourn people are to be given a second chance of doing something to their advantage, something they so ignominiously failed to do a few days ago.

There now exists in Melbourn a plan backed by the Parish Council, for establishing a Community Centre, with perhaps a recreation ground and other amenities, in the village, and a public meeting of villagers was called for March 3rd to discuss the matter. For some reason however, only 35 persons, including the members of the Parish Council, attended and the matter was postponed.

Another special public meeting is to be held in the Council School next Monday, March 24th, at 7.30 pm when the question of forming a Community Centre is to be debated, and villagers interested in, or connected with the many different organisations are asked to attend, listen to what members of the Parish Council have to say, and to voice their ideas, praising or condemning as they think fit.

There are now in the village several cautious critics, native and imported, who complain about the dullness of Melbourn and the apparent apathy of the powers that be, and it is up to those critics to attend the meeting and make themselves heard.

The former plan of building a village hall appears to have gone with the wind. Next Monday’s meeting is one not to be missed by villagers who have the interests of Melbourn at heart.

From your District and County Councillors

For all that’s going on in the world, we know we’re lucky we are to be part of such a vibrant and active community. January has been full on and by the time we get to March we’ll have chalked up a busy start to a very eventful year.

Staying informed: Here’s a bit on useful services, offering help and support and a chance to get involved in our community

Cambs Police Inspector Paul Rogerson on Why don’t I see the Police around much these days? Where are they and what are they doing?

On a cold January night about 30 people, including Melbourn’s Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, came along to the Hub to hear about how Cambs Police protect our communities. Yes, there have been funding cuts, but the nature of crime is changing and drawing upon police resources: cybercrime, child sexual exploitation, ‘County Lines’ drug running, domestic violence, modern day slavery – sadly, right here in our communities. These are not necessarily visible things but happen unseen or behind closed doors. If an ‘event’ occurs, for example a missing person or civil unrest, police officers will be gathered to the relevant locality for a concentrated effort.

Meanwhile, Police Community Support Officer James Lynch holds monthly drop-in surgeries at the Hub, so there is a regular opportunity to speak to someone face to face. Buses: Use it or lose it! The main message for Melbourn from the Cam Vale Bus User Group: USE the Busway A service!! People have told us what a brilliant way it is of getting to an Addenbrooke’s appointment – quicker and easier than driving. Please contact Susan if you’d like to join the Bus User Group. Know Your Lemons Melbourn Community Hub is working with health professionals from Addenbrookes and Orchard GP Surgery to raise awareness of one of the most common cancers and to help with early detection and prevention. Recently Dr Elizabeth Cox of Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, came out to the Hub to talk with local residents. If you missed the talk and want to know more, please get in touch with Jose – and note this is for men and women both! Mental Health Support in my community and how to find it, 13th March, 7:30–9:00 pm, Melbourn Hub.

The goal of this meeting is to increase awareness of existing mental health support networks in our community, whether to help you or someone you know and to become generally better acquainted with what’s going on locally.

We’ll hear from several organizations supporting local people experiencing mental ill health, including Mind, Allyance and the Citizens Advice Bureau. With plenty of time for questions. Mind at the Hub Once per month on a Thursday – to make an appointment, please call 01223 311320 to speak to the Wellbeing Team, or alternatively you can email wellbeing@cpslmind.org.uk. Citizens Advice at the Hub: 9:30am – noon First and third Mondays – no need to book ahead; just come along. Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering – need ideas? If you happen to be thinking about spring volunteering slots, please contact Jose or Susan who sponsor Duke of Edinburgh volunteers. A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign AGM 6th March 7:30-9:00, Royston Town Hall, Room 111. We’ve had enormous support from Melbourn Village College students and local business in our continuing effort to connect Melbourn and Royston, to expand the ability to get around short distances on foot, scooter or bike. Everyone welcome – please join us! Rail User Group Annual meeting Our Annual General meeting will take place 26th March, 7:30PM, at Foxton Village Hall. After the fiasco of last year’s timetable meltdown, we’re glad to see Monday-Friday services restored, but are still working hard on the restoration of weekend services, and at least one or two semi-fasts connecting to London on weekdays. We need our users to help keep the Rail User Group up and running, so please consider coming along to the meeting if you can. Meldreth Station new waiting shelter and gardening By the time you read this a new shelter should have been constructed on the Cambridge-bound platform. You might be surprised to know how many years’ lobbying sit behind this effort! Meanwhile, anyone with an interest in light gardening would be most welcome to join the Rail User Group gardening team, who will be doing spring tidy-ups shortly – please contact Susan or Sarah Grove, our Community Rail Partnership officer, at railusergroup@gmail.com. ‘Mysouthcambs’ – what’s that? South Cambs District Council has launched a new way of accessing information, processing claims and applications, and generally engaging with the council: ‘mysouthcambs’ is a customer portal on the home page on the Council’s website: www.scambs.gov.uk.

Registration only takes a few minutes. Once in, you will be able to create a personal account with the Council which shows and tracks all your online transactions with Council services.

We have put all our existing forms on the portal, and integrated the revenue and benefits functions, making it much easier for residents to provide information and complete forms. In due course other services will come online, including the planning service scheduled for summer 2019.

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