Village news

Village News

By George he’s got it!

5 Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme 6 Melbourn Library 6 Dementia Friends at Melbourn Hub 6 Melbourn Womens Institute 7 Melbourn Village College 60 anniversary 7 Melbourn Hub Community Showcase 9 What’s On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone 9 Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group 10 The Hall For All – and Melbourn

Cinema Event 10 Melbourn Timebank 11

From the District Councillors and

County Councillor 11

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

By George he’s got it!

His pupils know him affectionately as “Mr Mel”, though we all know him best as simply George (or sometimes, just to be sure we’ve got the right one, ‘Brenda’s George’). But now our friend and fellow villager has a much grander title – Mr Georgios Meliniotis MBE, or more properly, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

George received his award in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to education and when he spoke to the Melde shortly after the announcement he was still awaiting news of when and where his investiture is to take place. This might well involve a summons to a royal residence, where a member of the Royal Family will bestow the honour – the Queen herself, perhaps, or Prince Charles, the Princess Royal or Prince William.

“I’m still in a state of mild shock,” he told me. “Absolutely delighted, of course, though I have to say I’m not alone in this. There are very many teachers out there who deserve recognition for their work.”

George, who was born in Cyprus, has been a physics teacher for almost 40 years after undertaking teacher training in London in the Seventies. Before that he was a research physicist in the gas industry. He came to our area to take up a position at the Meridian School, in Royston, where he focused on introducing computing – a subject which developed into a lifelong interest. “It was demanding work,” he recalls. “In those days people were very wary of computers!”

Since then he has headed departments, been assistant head teacher and set up the first schools computer network in North Herts. He’s still teaching physics at A-level at Meridian and – despite his 72 years – has absolutely no plans to retire. “It’s very rewarding,” he says, “and a job I really love.”

Villagers in Melbourn and Meldreth know George well in his other roles, of course. If you haven’t been introduced, he is, among other things, that jolly chap who sets up the projector and sound system at the Community Hall on Film Night. His official title there is Technical Advisor, though he’s just continued on page 6

as likely to be seen hard at work putting out tables and chairs and clearing up at the end of the evening.

He and Brenda have lived on Rose Lane for more than 20 years and they both make a huge contribution to the life of the village. Brenda is a trustee of the Community Hall. George is a talented painter as well as a computer boffin and his work can regularly be seen at exhibitions at the Hub.

“We love the village,” he says. “After all its name is part of our name – look at the first three letters!” David Blundell

Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme

With the closure of Melbourn Post Office due this September, there are many in Melbourn who will be affected and concerned, particularly those with limited mobility. Unless a suitable alternative is found, the nearest Post Office counter service will be the ‘One Stop’ shop in Meldreth.

The Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme provides a low-cost service to residents in Melbourn, Meldreth and Shepreth who are in need of assistance to enable them to retain their independence and remain in their homes.

Our trained wardens visit clients in their homes for a friendly chat and support many through periods of ill health and distress. The wardens will carry out errands such as essential shopping, ordering and collecting prescriptions, and posting letters or paying bills, including visiting the Meldreth ‘One Stop’ shop PO counter if required.

If you, or a relative on your behalf, would like further information, please contact Jeannie Seers – Head Warden on mobile 07808735066, or Jane Cage – Deputy Warden on mobile 07592821976. MMWS is a registered charity N°1059815

Melbourn Library

The librarians at the Hub know when the school holidays are approaching, as our younger readers sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. This year it has been space based, very appropriate for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. As in previous years, we have been delighted that so many children took part in the challenge, which involves them reading 6 books and writing a brief report on each one.

Over the Spring and Summer terms, children from Melbourn Primary School have been to visit the library, where they were shown just what is involved in running it as well as having a story read to them. We have a good number of younger readers who regularly borrow books and this number is growing.

For adults, we continue to renew our stock of books, either by buying new ones or from donations of fiction books in good condition. We now have two shelves of new books, which are often the first place that borrowers look before heading to the general shelves. Although we do not have the space for nonfiction we do have quite a lot of biographies – a popular genre. We also have an expanding collection of classics. They may not appeal at first but once you start to read them you realise why they are ‘classics’ and have endured, sometimes for several hundred years, and are still a cracking good read. Jane Stevens

Dementia Friends at Melbourn Hub

Dementia is something that sadly one in three of us will develop in our lifetime. In June, Melbourn Hub welcomed a Virtual Dementia Tour Bus, designed to give those who look after those living with the condition a unique sensory experience, medically and scientifically proven to replicate what it might feel like to have dementia.

A mix of family members and professionals signed up for the tour and

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, Meldreth and Shepreth including those who live alone or with their families, but need the extra support offered by our services. Couples too are most welcome. It is also open to those in sheltered housing, as the scheme offers different, but complementary services. Note: The scheme also offers its services for short periods to cover the temporary absence of relatives who otherwise provide this support.

We offer help with: • Friendship and support via twice weekly visits and daily phone calls • Ordering and collection of prescriptions • Basic shopping • Collection of pensions • Setting up Lifeline service • Bereavement support • Going to the Post Office to pay your bills • Just coming round for a chat

What will it cost? We do have to make a small weekly charge for the warden’s services. The fee is only £7.50 per week (a little more for couples).

Jeannie Seers (Mobile Warden) 07808 735066 email: jeanseers13@gmail.com

Jane Cage (Deputy) 07592 821976 email: janec55@virginmedia.com

Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity

expressed how they found the experience both moving and insightful, with comments such as “it has totally changed my thought process on how to help my mum – I can’t tell you how much it has helped me”, “an amazing experience” and “I would recommend it to everyone”.

So popular was the tour that a waiting list was immediately formed and a second bus is planned for September. We are also arranging support sessions at Melbourn Hub for carers of family members living with dementia and their loved ones, to meet up and talk about their experiences and to access professional advice, practical support ideas and to socialise with others going through the same experience.

The visit by the Virtual Dementia Bus is as a result of villager Davina Biswell and her close friend Stephanie Trayhurn recommending the bus to The Hub’s Events team, having found it one of the most helpful things for them in gaining a better understanding of how to help when Davina’s own close family was affected by dementia. Jeannie Seers, Hub events director says “The Hub has signed up to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme as a result of working with Davina and is proud to be hosting these initiatives in order to help us all become more aware of how we can change the way we think, act and talk about dementia in our community.”

If you are interested in the next Virtual Dementia tour and/ or coming to the support sessions, please contact Melbourn Hub on 01763 263303 option 1, or email centremanager@ melbournhub.co.uk.To become a dementia friend visit www. dementiafriends.org.uk/

*Davina Biswell second from left

Melbourn Womens Institute

The After Eights

Many of you will have seen the AFTER EIGHTS stand at the July Community Showcase at The Hub and I hope you took the time to stop by and find out a little bit more about this venerable organisation which is run by and for women.

Since January we have enjoyed a dance class, a talk on vintage fashion, a most informative and thought provoking presentation by the Anglia Air Ambulance and some charming monologues performed by Claire Hogan. We also had the pleasure of making a presentation to one of our members, Kara Luscombe, on the eve of her wedding. Our future programme includes a comedy evening, a craft evening and a seasonal event in November and the committee are already working on the programme for next year. There will again be a Christmas meal early in December – no formal meeting that month as we meet on fourth Wednesday which would pretty much put us around Christmas Day!

You will be warmly welcomed if you come along and join us, there is very little ‘business’ done and after the speaker or activity we have coffee, tea and cake and an opportunity to socialise. Do join us and see what we are like. Mavis Howard Tel: 260686

Melbourn Village College 60 anniversary

Melbourn Village College Reunion Afternoon MVC 60th Year Celebration Friday 27th September 2–4pm No ticket needed If you’re a ‘local’, it’s very likely that you have had some connection with “The College”, over the years. Perhaps you were a pupil; or worked there in some capacity, or maybe, you attended evening classes, for recreation or work. Whatever your connection, MVC are holding a reunion on Friday 27th September from 2-4pm, to mark the Diamond Anniversary and we’d like you to join us.

Particularly, it would be nice to meet the ‘pioneer pupils’, who attended from the opening day in September 1959. Come and find yourself on a 2-metre enlargement of the first all-school photograph!

There will be refreshments, displays, music and the chance to share memories and catch up with friends. Please contact us below, if you are likely to attend, so we have an idea of numbers and can make your name badges. And please help spread the word. See you on the Willow Lawn! mvc60years@gmail.com MVC 01763 223400.

Former pupils of Melbourn Village College - Do you recognise them? Contact mvc60years@gmail.com

Melbourn Hub Community Showcase

On Saturday 13th July, Melbourn Hub hosted community stalls, entertainment and delicious food and drink at our Community Showcase, giving a chance for the community to see the wonderful things that we have right on our doorstep and to show their support for the many good causes.

From midday, local community groups, charities and those selling produce and crafts had stalls dotted around the Hub’s Atrium and terrace. Visitors to the Showcase were also able to enjoy a BBQ, a marquee bar and food and beverages from The ‘Bookmark cafe’.

Groups such as the U3A, Dynamos, WI, Timebank, Dementia Friends and Melbourn Fete/Turn on to Christmas, were able to raise their profiles and show what activities or support they offer for the community. Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) promoted their forthcoming shows, including a ghost walk in October and the Christmas panto ‘Mother Goose’.

There was a chance to buy fresh produce from ‘St George’s Allotments’ and honey from ‘Melbourn Little Ladies’. The Nicola Emmerson Trust and Stapleford Silver offered handbags and unique silver jewellery respectively.

Guann – Yeu Chin showed his community photography project about what local people like most about Melbourn.

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 our sessions are a chance to meet new friends and also to access support from Child and Family Centre staff. Baby Group A welcoming environment to help parents relax and enjoy their baby. For families expecting or with a child up to a year old (£2 charge per family). Tuesdays 10.00 to 11.30pm @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone Fun for Ones A group specifically for crawlers and children up to 24 months (£2 charge per family). Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.30am @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone Stay and Play Enjoy time together with your child whilst accessing a range of toys, crafts and activities (£2 charge per family)

Thursdays 10.00 to 11.30am @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone. Fridays 10.00 to 11.30am @ Bassingbourn Pre-School. Melbourn Child and Family Zone Mortlock Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DB Bassingbourn Pre School Brook Road, Bassingbourn, SG8 5NP For further information: Email: ChildAndFamilyCentre.South@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Phone: 01954 284 672 Facebook: search for South Cambridgeshire Child and Family Centres.

The East of England Ambulance brought along two of their vehicles for the public to see and to demonstrate CPR techniques etc.

Homestart had a stall to promote and fundraise, but also benefited from the enchanting ‘Womensing’ choir who performed for donations to this good cause.

Local entertainment was a theme throughout the day and evening, starting with the lovely voice and acoustic guitar playing from Maddy De Brugha, a young local talent who performed during the afternoon. There were ‘Taiji‘ and ‘Qi Gong’ demonstrations with a chance for the public to take part! In the evening the dance floor saw people enjoying songs from Tom Froggatt performing ‘Tom Sings Swing’. Tom is another young person from Melbourn with a great voice who crooned the night away with a selection of ‘Rat Pack’ numbers. Both of these young people are keen to perform for more local events and celebrations.

It was a fun day and the rain held off thankfully. How lucky we are to have such a number of good causes, talent and of course great people within our community!

For more information about the Hub’s services and activities contact centremanager@melbournhub.co.uk 01763 263303. www.melbournhub.co.uk

Turn on to Christmas

Sunday 1 December The hub 4 until 6 pm

Singing, craft-making, storytelling, tombola and raffle. Santa’s grotto, food and drink –most children’s activities free. More details at the hub and online in November.

Melbourn & Meldreth Women’s Group

We are a small, friendly group and we meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month except in December. We vary our venue between All Saints Community Hall in Melbourn and Holy Trinity Church 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 is Acorn House at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

On the 24 September, we will meet at All Saints Community Hall (ASCH) to hear more from Revd. Caroline Brownlie about her many different roles as a vicar. On 27 September, we will again be organising The Joint Parish Harvest Supper, which will be held in Meldreth Village Hall. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable, to enable us to cater for the appropriate numbers. In October, we shall meet again at ASCH on the 22nd, when we will be preparing our decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival at Meldreth Holy Trinity Church. Then in November our meeting will be at Holy Trinity Church meeting rooms, when the Revd. Mary Price will lead us on an Advent reflection.

All our meetings begin at 7.45 pm and do come along if you’d like to, or if you want to know more please contact one of the committee members: Pat Smith (262575), Sue Toule (260955), Anne Harrison (261775), Angela Leach (262793), Pat Ames (261130) and Kimmi Crosby.

The Hall For All – and Melbourn Cinema Event

Anyone who used the meeting room during the hot weather will be pleased to know that we have now installed a fan – a bit late in the day when you read this but certainly it will be a welcome addition for future use. The new electric hob on the cooker has proved popular with people who use the kitchen, much easier to manage than the old gas one.

We have a bit of a problem with items left behind in the

kitchen or the cloakroom. Sadly, we just do not have enough space to store these water bottles, items of clothing, books etc. and after a couple of weeks sadly we just put them in the bin. Some of those bottles are quite fancy and we feel guilty disposing of them but it is not fair to other people using the kitchen if the work top is cluttered up with all that ‘stuff’. There was a very smart little anorak hanging in the ladies’ cloakroom for weeks, nobody claimed it so I am afraid it had to go to the charity shop. If something goes missing and you know that your children have attended an event in the Hall, it is worth checking as we hate to have to dispose of perfectly good items.

Our CINEMA nights go from strength to strength and if you have any requests do please speak to Mavis, Cyndy or Brenda and we will do what we can – we are anxious to cater for all tastes. As I write, we have just thoroughly enjoyed GREEN BOOK with some of the audience declaring it to be the best film they have ever seen! I wouldn’t go that far, but it was excellent and we are looking forward to a full and varied programme in the coming months, details of which can be seen in the Diary pages, on posters in the village and always on the notice board in the Hall. We are thinking of getting the New Year off to a flying start with a Gala Performance of YESTERDAY, a film loosely based on the Beatles story.

COFFEE STOP continues to attract a lot of people on a Saturday morning, with especially large numbers on the first Saturday of the month when Jane and Alan Brett run The Book Shelf, selling excellent books for 50p and £1. Any charity may hire a table on a Saturday morning – just speak to Mavis or call in and see us on a Saturday. We regularly host the British Legion, Women’s Institute, Link Muranga etc. Commercial hirers would be asked to pay a nominal charge.

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 for a pound! Mavis Howard (All tickets from Brenda 261154, Cyndy 264189 or Mavis 260686)

Melbourn Timebank

The Timebank is growing steadily; we now have members from Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton too. Thank you to everyone who visited the Timebank stall at the Community Showcase event at The Hub in July. The tombola and ‘guess the number of sweets in the jar’ were a huge success and drew adults and children alike. We had several enquiries about joining the Timebank and raised £155.75 for future Timebank ventures – thank you for your support! Furthermore, huge thanks go to our generous donors, Bury Lane Farm Shop, Melbourn CO-OP, ESSE Retail & Therapy, Fieldgate Nurseries, Hot Numbers Coffee, Kingsway Golf Centre, Leech & Sons, Obstacle Training Ground, Shepreth Wildlife Park, The Teapot, Phillimore Garden Centre, Tesco, The Plough Shepreth, Top Form Soft Tissue Therapist, TTP plc and Wrights Mower Centre Ltd.

By the time you read this, we will have held our first Timebank Games Night at The Black Horse, Melbourn. Members were asked to bring a game they would like to play with the aim of finding someone to play it with. We aim to run the games night monthly so if this interests you, please get in touch and I can provide you with the latest information.

Additionally an Art and Craft club runs fortnightly in the pavilion on a Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 – 4.30 pm.

If you have missed previous articles about the Timebank, here is a quick summary:

Timebanking is a way for local people to come together and help each other by exchanging knowledge, help and skills. Everyone has something to offer a Timebank from making a cake, picking up a prescription, walking their dog, doing some gardening, visiting someone for a cup of tea, welcoming new residents to the village, whatever you do will make a difference to the person that needs your help.

You get an hour’s time credit which you can use to get something back. That may be help with your mobile/tablet, learning how to hem a skirt, someone picking up a loaf of bread, or gaining some new skills. Everyone’s time is equal, so one hour of my time is equal to one hour of your time, irrespective of whatever we choose to exchange.

However, it’s not just about giving and receiving. Timebanking is also about bringing people together to build a stronger, safer and happier community. The exchanges can go on and on, as do the new friendships, connections and networks that are made. Members feel less isolated and more supported in their own community.

For more information about any Timebank events, or to join us, please contact Cath on 01763 263303 Option 3 or via email timebank@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk

You can also visit our website https://tol2.timebanking.org/ melbourn/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/melbourntimebank/

From the District Councillors and County Councillor

Beechwood Avenue and short-cutting: Lately we’ve received an increase in contact from residents of Beechwood Avenue Melbourn, which is used as a short-cut to and from the Melbourn Industrial Site. There’s further concern about potential traffic patterns to and from the new housing developments off New Road, adding to pressure along what is a residential road, unfit to serve as a main throughway.

Please do let us know if you are experiencing problems, or if you have specific ideas for addressing the issue – and thank you to those who have already sent us suggestions. This is on the agenda of the Melbourn Futures Group and Susan brought an update to the July meeting of the parish council. Orchard Road/New Road/Mortlock Street Junction: Following concerns from parents, a road safety assessment has been requested and carried out by the County Road Safety team. The results will be reported back to the Primary School in September.

continued on page 12

Melbourn Practical Solutions Group: Our once-per-term meeting at Melbourn Village College in July offered parish, district and county councillors the chance to meet MVC’s new Head Girl and Head Boy, and to hear their ideas and priorities for the college and community next school year. We look forward to their visit to Melbourn Parish Council to hear more, in particular their ideas for the natural environment. Blue Plaque Scheme: South Cambs has just launched this scheme which has been running in Cambridge since 2001. The first plaque was unveiled yesterday at Girton College to honour its two principal founders, Barbara Bodichon and Emily Davies, who were pioneers in providing education at degree level for women in this country. South Cambridgeshire residents are now being encouraged to nominate a person or event for commemoration. See www.scambs.gov.uk/blueplaques for further details and the nomination criteria. Bin: Footpath 9 through Burlton’s Farm. There’s a problem of litter emanating from the station exit onto Footpath 9 toward Melbourn. Meldreth Parish Council has been asked if a litter bin could be installed. Meldreth Station tubs: Thanks to those who’ve stepped up to sponsor a garden tub at Meldreth Station. Any local businesses, families or individuals who would like to do the same please get in touch with the Community Rail Partnership via Susan.

And thanks too to our new Melbourn Village College Duke of Edinburgh volunteers, who are helping to keep the flower tubs watered over the summer. All offers of help gratefully received! Station waiting room re-decorated: Thanks to gentle pressure exerted from Melbourn Science Park, and to GTR for prioritizing Meldreth to get the job done. NHS cuts and ending or decommissioning of services: In addition to its own responsibility for commissioning Public Health services, the County Council has a statutory duty to scrutinize the consultation process that accompanies any significant NHS service change.

Unprecedented Cambridgeshire NHS savings targets are forcing what are called ‘difficult decisions’ that look set to see the end of financial support for a number of voluntary sector services, as well as some NHS services. Local NHS services are commissioned by the Cambs/Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The population area includes 950,000 people and is one of the largest CCGs in the country. But our CCG is the third lowest nationally in terms of funding. Its unique pressures include a rapidly growing population that is not calculated into its funding formula.

The CCG is required to ‘consult’ on its proposed service changes resulting from these funding pressures, so we’ll be hearing more about this in September.

The CCG will also be reviewing its 2017 decision to pause Specialist Fertility Services, or IVF, and the recommendation will be that it does not reinstate service provision (as opposed to continuing suspension and reconsidering when financial position improves). Meanwhile Government, which has not corrected the funding formula, is strongly condemning those local authorities forced to cease IVF services. Parking and Pavement Parking: Given that there have been complaints coming my way about pavement parking, I hope the following is helpful. As of June, only 22 parking enforcement notices have been issued in South Cambridgeshire this year.

South Cambs has been under pressure from the Police and Crime Commissioner to agree a civil enforcement scheme for the district, but legislation makes this impossible, and responsibility for parking enforcement remains with the Police. This is because Council Tax cannot be used to fund such a scheme; rather, funds can only come from money earned from parking – car parks, fines, residents’ parking schemes. However, there are no car parks and no residents’ parking schemes in the South Cambs, so there’s no appropriate revenue stream for a civil parking scheme.

The Police have reiterated that if regular offenders are reported to them three times, they will take action. This can of course be put to the test. On the subject of pavement parking there has been some discussion at government level about legislating, but as things stand it is at the discretion of the Police whether they issue a penalty notice or not. The advice is that they will do so if the gap is not large enough for a wheelchair to pass through. Reporting to the police: If you have access to the internet, you can report a crime on-line at www.cambs.police.uk/report/ Crime. Or ring the Police for non-emergencies on 101. For emergencies, ring 999. Planning department: The planning service at SCDC is merging with Cambridge City Council and is nearing the end of its transformation programme. The new shared planning is the first service area to receive the ICT hardware and telephony for the Council Anywhere Programme which will enable its staff to work between two offices but also out in the community. There is a national shortage of planners and areas of the planning department are running high vacancies: much is being done to recruit more planning officers but it has meant that some applications are failing to meet target deadlines and also that planning officers have not been as available to residents as they would like to be. Philippa is working hard with colleagues to improve the service. Green to the Core – New initiatives at SCDC: Electric powered bin lorries? Some of you will have seen reports in the local media of the Waste Service (SCDC and City) investigating switching to electric powered bin lorries. The current fleet meets the highest environmental standards for diesel engines but the trucks only manage 4–6 miles to the gallon and the fleet of 50 bin lorries and 18 street sweeping vehicles costs around £46,000 every four weeks to fuel. The cost of their replacement by electric powered vehicles is high and the two councils are exploring how this might be best achieved. Going paperless: All councillors are encouraged to view paperwork online, bringing paper usage to a minimum. Green energy initiatives: SCDC has pledged to generate 25% of its income from investments by the end of this administration. If we can do this and also tick our Green to the Core pledge, then all the better. Green energy, be it battery storage, solar,