2 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
Bin collection 32
The Giver of Stars / The Gate of Angels
American Cemetery
Nature: Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve 36
The Summer Reading Challenge for children is running again at The Hub, so sit in the shade and enjoy a good read! Author Laura Thompson will be there on the evening of September 22nd (see page 12). Check out the interesting book reviews onOurpage 40.three
Review: Crying in H Mart 40
Front cover: Traditional sheaves of corn in a field in Station Road, which today is the car park for ESSE. The photograph was taken around 1980 by Mike Sherwen.
3melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Feature: Meet New and Interesting People 34
Walks around Melbourn & beyond 46
If you would like to join us, please do get in touch. We would love to hear from email:you!melbournmagazine@gmail.com
There are many clubs and societies in and around the village, ranging from active sports such as Tennis and Football, to Bridge and Photography, so something for everyone. There is plenty to keep us occupied in Melbourn over the summer, and organisations are always looking for volunteers, as are we on the Magazine (see box bottom right). Now in it’s 27 year, we are looking for volunteers to help with delivery and roles on the Magazine committee.
Nature: Glow worms in Melbourn 31
The magazine team are always keen to welcome new volunteers. There is an ongoing need for new people to help deliver the magazines – rounds can be tailored for size as needed – and at present we especially need someone to oversee the organisation of distribution. This involves arranging for rounds to be covered by other willing volunteers from the pool, if the regular deliverer cannot help.
The Magazine is totally independent of, and receives no funding from, either the Parish or the District Council. Content is entirely at the discretion of the Editor.
Creative writing: Jimmie Arkwright 26
Melbourn Magazine offers a platform to local people and organisations to bring news and articles of interest to residents of the village. It is produced and distributed entirely by volunteers, and printing is funded by advertising.
Sports & Clubs 55
...editorial
Melwood: Your Local Nature Reserve 35
Melbourn Primary School PTFA Fireworks 28
Churches Together 49
Nature: River Mel Restoration Group 27
Village news 5
Travelogue: The ancient Mayan empire 24
This summer has so far been a great improvement over the previous two, there is a lot going on and we can all enjoy ourselves.
Contents
Authors and their Books 45 Christina Buckton
Care Homes are busy as usual, with Melbourn Springs celebrating their second birthday with a party (see page 7).
Contributions for inclusion are welcome from all residents, clubs and other organisations. Articles may be edited if necessary to reduce length or to remove offensive content. We do not accept political material.
For more information melbournmagazine@gmail.comcontact
Education 29
We Need Your Help!
The Platinum Jubilee was a wonderful celebration of the Queen’s seventy year reign. (See page 8 to see a photograph of her when she visited The Hub.)
There are lots of excellent photographs in this issue – notably of nature, in Melwood (page 35) the Mel Restoration Group (page 27) and the RSPB Nature Reserve at Fowlmere (page 36). We are fortunate to live in an area where wildlife is all around us.
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Opening times
What a Summer at Melbourn Hub! 8 Coffee Stop 10
Look out for more information at the Hub and on social media.
We celebrated the Platinum Jubilee in great style with a showing of the Trooping of the Colour on our big screen. We served coffee and cake, and we had a licence so were able to sell prosecco. The atmosphere was terrific. Most of our usual Saturday Coffee Stop regulars were there, but a lot of new faces as well. This was followed the next evening with a sit down supper and a brilliant musician/singer who had us up singing and dancing. None of this just happened, all the Trustees and their partners worked hard to make a success of the events – we are extremely fortunate to have such a great group of people pitching in.
It Takes A Village (ITAV) 7
Village News
Foxton Christmas Windows and Christmas Lights 17 A10 Annual Awareness 17
Turn on to Christmas 5
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We are working on this year’s Turn on to Christmas. It will follow the successful format of previous years.
Melbourn Community Hall – The Hall For All 5
Parish Council Clerk’s Report 17 Melbourn Timebank 19
Melbourn Community Library 6
Bassingbourn Village Band 16
Moorlands Court – Housing with Care 13 Rosy Beginnings Baby Massage & Baby Yoga 15
Melbourn Springs Care Home 7
The event is designed to mark the occasion of the turning on of the Christmas tree lights on the tree outside the Hub. There will be music, carols and children’s activities aimed at young families and they will be free. The costs are paid for from the surplus from previous years’ fetes and the sale of raffle tickets to be drawn at the event. The afternoon is held at the Hub, who co-host with the Melbourn Fete. The Hub will have festive food and drink for sale.
We hope to see you at this village gathering.
The event will be subject to any government public health restrictions in place at the time.
District and County Councillors 19
Melbourn Community Hall –The Hall For All
We are so pleased to report that our monthly Cinema Event is up and running again after the Covid problems. We have shown The Last Bus, West Side Story, Belfast, The Duke, and coming on 16th September we have Death on The Nile, followed by a list of other really good movies. For £5 (the price has remained unchanged since we started the Cinema four years ago) you can enjoy a good night out with friends and no hassle getting back home.
Melbourn W.I. | ‘After Eights’ 10 Melbourn & District u3a 10 Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group 10 Home-Start – matched funding 11
Laura Thompson visit to Melbourn 12
continued on page 6
Turn on to Christmas
The event will be on Saturday 26 November at the Hub. It starts at 4pm with the lights being switched on at 5.45pm.
Village news
• Collection of pensions
Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme
After a very successful first ‘Author Visit’ we will be holding a second one on 22nd September when Laura Thompson will be at the Hub to talk about her books. Full details of this visit are elsewhere in this magazine.
6 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
• Ordering and collection of prescriptions
Jeannie Seers (Mobile Warden)
07808 735066
email: jeanseers13@gmail.com
07592 821976
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.
Melbourn Warden Scheme is a registered charity
You haven’t yet joined the library – not a problem – just visit the library with a driving licence or similar document to confirm your address, fill in the application form and that’s it. It is free for both adults and children. You can also apply online through the Cambridgeshire Library Service.
Library opening hours: Monday to Friday 2–4 pm | Saturday 10 am to 2 pm Jane Stevens
What will it cost?
• Just coming round for a chat
Note: The scheme also offers its services for short periods to cover the temporary absence of relatives who otherwise provide this support.
• Bereavement support
Melbourn Community Library
• Going to the Post Office to pay your bills
• Setting up Lifeline service
Mavis Howard
• Basic shopping
It is also open to those in sheltered housing, as the scheme offers different, but complementary services.
I had visited the Cambridge Collection in the Central Library, and managed to get them to agree to let me take out the big Silver Jubilee Scrapbook, which was put together in 1977. The album was available at both events for people to pore over and provoked many memories and glimpses of old faces – we were all amazed at how big a show we put on. And we all looked so young!
For Cinema tickets contact me 260686, Brenda 200636 or Cyndy 264189
Can we help you?
email: janec55@virginmedia.com
Jane Cage (Deputy)
The Melbourn Community Library is there for you to use. We are to be found at the Hub which is in the High Street.
Who does the Scheme help?
We offer help with:
We raised over £1,300 over the Jubilee period and had also applied for, and received, Jubilee Grants being made by the Parish and District Council totalling £800.00. We are committed to spending the money on some sort of Jubilee memorial and we were tossing around ideas of a flagpole or memorial plaque when it was mentioned that some of the Primary School children had never seen a sundial. We immediately decided that this would be a very appropriate item for us to purchase with the money. So that is the plan. We have also planted three, as yet small, trees to mark the Queen’s Green Canopy and they are planted in the garden with an appropriate plaque.
This summer we are again running the Summer Reading Challenge for children. This year it is entitled Gadgeteers and is run on the same lines as previously. Children are encouraged to read at least 6 books over the summer holidays. Once your child has registered they receive a form to keep a record of the books read and a poster. The gaps on the poster are gradually filled with stickers – one per book read. Visit the website summerreadingchallenge. org.uk for further details. It is a great way to keep children reading throughout the summer holiday.
We are delighted that the Hall is as busy as ever, hosting meetings of all descriptions, parties, wakes and exercise classes. We have installed hand sanitizers and last year, to give us extra protection, we fitted a device to monitor the air flow in the main hall – if it turns red and starts to bleep it is advisable to open windows and doors for a while. With disabled facilities, easy access, parking and a well stocked kitchen it is truly a Hall for All.
Can we help a relative? Can we help a neighbour?
• Friendship and support via twice weekly visits and daily phone calls
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).
families and friends from the local community were treated to a delightful Afternoon Tea expertly prepared by Head Chef Phil Bennet and his team complete with Pimms, Fizz, Sandwiches, Live entertainment and Birthday Cake of course!
Below and right: Residents and families celebrate home’s 2nd Birthday
If you would like to come along for somewhere to express, please do get in touch.
‘Parenting isn’t always simple. We can’t always get it right but we try.
It Takes A Village (ITAV)
We are setting up a support group for parents/carers of children who have been recognised as having these issues, but who have not had the support they need and deserve. This could be partly due to the pandemic or other reasons, but parents still have to manage challenging behaviour every day.
An agreement to Confidentiality is our only prerequisite for joining the group.
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Deputy Manager Dan Amis added, “What an amazing day we have been able to share together! The sun was shining; the home gardens look stunning and everyone was just so happy to be able to come together properly to celebrate such a special occasion. We have had such lovely feedback from our residents and the families too and have many fond memories already of a truly splendid day after all we have been through together!”
Residents,176929their
The Residential and Dementia Care home of Hyacinth Drive, Melbourn has had a lot to celebrate of late: as well as being awarded the accredited 5 stars food hygiene rating, we had the Queen’s Jubilee and not to mention the fact that the home has been open for 2 years!
Melbourn Springs Care Home Celebrates 2nd Birthday Party
Do you have a child or young person who struggles with mental health difficulties? Do you feel like nobody understands what you are experiencing, and all the advice you are being given you’ve already tried andTheretested?issupport available, in the form of others who have had similar experiences. What better experts than those who know?
Melbourn Springs Care Home was in the party spirit after hosting a delightful Garden Party to celebrate the home’s 2nd birthday at the beginning of June.
General Manager Maria Anghelide said, “I really cannot believe the home has been open for 2 years! Our original home opening was completely side-lined due to the Pandemic and this is the first time we have really been able to celebrate – it sure has been a long time coming and really has been long overdue to actually be able to come together to celebrate!”
Pilan Rami
Above: General Manager Maria Anghelide and Deputy Manager Dan Amis
Children were invited to wear their home-made crowns to the party and to join the ‘crown parade’ where every child was given a prize for taking part.
8 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
The day would not have been possible without the help of Melbourn Fete, MADS and the staff and volunteers from the Hub (and beyond) who worked so hard over the preceding weeks and on the day to make the event the success it was. Our thanks also go to Melbourn Parish Council for their support.
It’s been quite a summer at Melbourn Hub, with events such as the big Platinum Jubilee street party and a range of community health and wellbeing services being introduced at our venue.
The Queen” visiting the Jubilee street party - credit GYC photography
Platinum Jubilee Street Party
Entertainment was provided by the Bassingbourn Village brass band and a line-up of talented young singers throughout the day. Our thanks go to Amelia Froggatt, Beth Archer, Charles Arbon, Maddy DeBrugha, Maicey-Anne Haydon for their great performances.
Amongstbooks.those
Jubilee party - credit GYC photography
‘Healthone.
On 5th June, in spite of the weather not being on our side, the Hub organised a free street party that saw hundreds of people gather to enjoy food and drink and the feast of entertainment on offer. Prices were set very low and people were also welcome to bring their own picnic, in order to make sure the event was as inclusive as possible for the whole community.
support the Hub and the village, capturing memories of a day when Melbourn really came together to celebrate!
The day’s events were captured in a number of brilliant photos by professional photographer GuannYeu Chin of GYC Photography (see photo of The ‘Queen’); provided free of charge by Guann-Yeu to
Patients can now access a range of Health and Wellbeing services at Melbourn Hub. The initiative is a partnership between Melbourn Hub and Meridian Primary Care Network (PCN), and is the first of its kind in South Cambs. The idea is to bring some of the services out of GP surgeries and into a community setting, to provide easier access for patients. Members of the Meridian Personalised Care Team including Social Prescribers, Health Coaches and Care Co-ordinators based at Melbourn Hub, now offer help to patients who are seeking certain mental and physical health advice and support.Meridian Primary Care Network covers six GP surgeries (Orchard, Bourn, Comberton, Harston, Royston Health Practice and Roysia) and some of the services available at Melbourn Hub include free health checks and support for people with anxiety, long Covid, symptoms of the menopause, needing weight management or who have pressures as the carer of a loved
at The Hub’ was formally launched at a public event on 25th June, bringing together GPs, health practitioners and community support services alongside the Meridian Personalised Care Team to talk to the public. Free health checks were offered, the NHS Covid vaccination bus promoted their tour service and the Hub’s library showed their range of health and wellbeing
What a Summer at Melbourn Hub!
The event was honoured with the arrival of ‘Her Majesty’ in a vintage car accompanied by the town crier who announced the arrival! The ‘Queen’ walked amongst her subjects and then drew the raffle. Our thanks to Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) for providing the Royal performance!
visiting the event were South Cambs District Council leader Bridget Smith, Bill Handley, South Cambs lead cabinet member for Communities and Jan Thomas, the CEO for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire ‘Integrated Care Board’ who said “Thank you and congratulations to all who have worked so hard on Melbourn ‘Health at The Hub’. It’s a great example of a community space designed for local people
Health at The Hub
9melbournmagazine@gmail.com
College GCSE Art Exhibition Anthony Browne MP attending the MVC GCSE art exhibition
and Samantha Ward, who organised the exhibition with the Hub, were there to welcome the guests and chat about the excellent work of the students.
us for more information Email hubadmin@melbournhub.co.ukorcall01763263303
Melbourn Village College students have produced an incredible array of artwork for their GCSE exams this year. Melbourn Hub was delighted to host both the exhibition through July and also the private viewing evening which was attended by students and their families.Theevening was also attended by Anthony Browne MP, Bridget Smith leader of SCDC and Anna Bradnam chair of SCDC, who were all impressed by the standard of the work. Simon Holmes and art teachers Sarah Heeks
Vaccinators on Tour
Look out for more Hub news on Facebook @ thehubmelbourn including another ‘Meet the Author’ evening featuring author Laura Thompson in September, following the previous popular evening where guests met Cambridge authors Mandy Morton and Nicola Upson, and information about our art exhibitions, featuring different artists each month on our gallery Contactwall.
visit our website www.melbournhub.co.uk
Since May, The Hub has been hosting Covid vaccinations, so that NHS staff from the ‘Vaccinators on Tour’ team can provide this service locally within the community, making access easier for people in Melbourn and the surrounding area. The NHS have highlighted Melbourn as one of the most successful and well organised venues they have attended. The take up of the vaccines has been high – exceeding expectations – with extra vaccines being sent out for during their first visit in May to keep up with demand! The Hub has publicised the availability of the vaccination service each time, which has resulted in high turnouts.
College GCSE Art Exhibition
Some of the Meridian PCN team, Jan Thomas CEO of the ICB second left
Exhibition MVC GCSE art exhibition
Meridian PCN’s Personalised Care Team are now providing the services at Melbourn Hub and also hold a ‘walk in’ session open to all, to meet the team and find out more, every Monday between 10am and 11.30am. Alternatively, to request support or information about the health and well-being services please email: capccg. meridiancare@nhs.net
by local people. We look forward to learning from the team and ensuring we can support others to create similar excellent local support.”
Melbourn W.I. | ‘After Eights’
If you would like more information, please do get in touch with our President, Gail McPhee at melbournwi@ gmail.com and she will tell you what is happening.
Melbourn and Meldreth
We use video conferencing with face to face meetings to ensure all members can continue with their favourite activities, including the monthly meeting for all members where our guest speakers entertain and educate us on many diverse and fascinating topics.
We normally have a guest speaker or some “in house” entertainment. This is followed by tea/coffee and biscuits which affords us the chance to chat with each other. If you wish to know more about our group, please contact one of our committee members: Pat Smith R 262575, Sue Toule R 260955, Angela Leach R 262793, Pat Ames
We meet at 8 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Community Hall in the centre of the village and can arrange for lifts to and from the meetings if you are nervous about being out at night. We have been having a catch-up coffee morning in between monthly meetings in order to keep in touch with each other, and recently have been going to Jamaica Blue on the Melbourn Golf Range. There is plenty of room there and parking is easy and we always welcome new faces
Melbourn & District u3a
Members draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other (peer to peer learning).
You are welcome to join us as a guest at any of our monthly meetings to find out what we have to offer. Come along on your own or with a friend and you will be welcomed by our meeters and greeters for refreshments before the Speaker begins. We usually meet on the third Wednesday afternoon of the month except December. It’s time to learn, laugh and live! For more information Check our website:- www.melbu3a.org Contact our Secretary:- email: secretary@melbu3a.org Phone: 01223 871480
Melbourn & District u3a is a charity that provides resources and brings people together who wish to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment.
10 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
Coffee Stop is an anomaly! Started by Mary Woodcock, it was intended originally to provide a Saturday meeting for people who might be lonely at the weekend. Initially it was mainly attended by friends from Church but word of the excellent Rombouts Coffee and biscuits (£1.50 a cup) got around and now every Saturday we see a lively gathering with people coming from Royston and other villages, or even passing cyclists and motorists.
Coffee Stop soon began to make money and the question of what to do with the profits arose. It was agreed that surplus monies would be passed on to SOAS, but the management of Coffee Stop remains in the hands of a small group of organisers and volunteer baristas. They pay for the use of the Hall each week and give the proceeds to SOAS – however, if they wished to give the money one week to Ukrainian Refugees or the Air Ambulance they are free to do so. Do come along and join us.
There are no formal qualifications or exams to pass and there is no age limit. If you are no longer in full-time employment and have time to take part, you can join one or more of our activity groups.
Coffee Stop
University of the Third Age
We celebrated the Jubilee in style and took part in the Church Market where a number of people showed an interest in our stand. Our Programme is certainly wide ranging (from Tai Chi to scuba diving) and everyone should find something of interest. CFWI in Cambridge also hold frequent seminars and day schools which you can attend in person or sometimes by Zoom. In September we are doing a craft-based evening to make decorations for the Meldreth Christmas Tree Festival (sprouts last year, who knows what this time) and October is flagged up as ‘Ghostly Tales’, which slots in with the Halloween vibe.
Women’s Group
We are a small friendly group, who normally meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month apart from December. Our meetings commence at 7.45pm and we vary our venues between Melbourn and Meldreth. We make a charge of £1 on the evening and there is an opportunity to donate to our charity, which this year is Stand by me Children’s Bereavement Support.
Our meetings have been very interesting and well attended this year and we have more yet to come. As I write in the sweltering heat of mid July we are anticipating our Summer Party – alcohol and food are bound to feature! We have recently been delighted to welcome some visitors from Meldreth – it was a tragedy when their branch closed a couple of years ago, soon after they had celebrated their centenary.
We have over thirty interest, study and recreational groups for our members, who meet together at local halls and members’ homes. There are groups covering languages, art, history, cycling, quizzes, keep fit, excursions, walking, and many more. One of our latest groups, recommencing in September, will teach members how to use laptops and mobile phones.
Stay and Play
Thursdays 10.00 to 11.30am
Thursdays 1.00 to 2.30pm
If you are new to our villages and would like to come, you would be most welcome. If transport is a problem, do telephone one of our committee members, who would be pleased to help.
Based in Meldreth, Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire has been supporting local families going through tough times for the past 39 years. The charity has just been awarded up to £10,000 of matched funding from the Four Acre Trust.
Home-Start’s Scheme Manager, Sarah Mascall says: “We are seeing a surge in demand for family support at the moment, so we are so grateful for this crucial matched funding which will help us meet this increased demand for our services.”
R 220171 and Diane Blundell R 221415.
You can find out more about Home-Start’s work with local families at: www.hsrsc.org.uk and if you are considering participating in this matched funding offer by making a donation, do please email Sarah Mascall at sarah@hsrsc.org.uk
Facebook: search for South Cambridgeshire Child and Family Centres
Meet other parents and access support and advice from the Child and Family Centre team. Booking essential, please email or message us on Facebook.
What’s On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone
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On 25th October we will meet in Melbourn All Saints Community Hall, where we will making Xmas tree decorations for the Meldreth Tree Festival. On November 22nd there will be Advent Reflection, which will be held in Melbourn.
R 261130, Kimmi Crosby 07976 228377, Mary Bailey
On September 27th we have a Pointless Quiz devised by our committee member Kimmi, which will take place in Holy Trinity Meeting Room in Meldreth.
RoystonHome-Startawarded up to £10,000 in matched funding
Welcome to our Child and Family Centres. We aim to make sure families have access to the services, support and information they need in a welcoming place. There is a small charge for our groups but please let us know if payment may be difficult.
continued on page 12
Whats On @ Melbourn Child and Family Zone
Stay and play session for children from around 10 months or walking. To book, please email or message us on Facebook.
Email: ChildAndFamilyCentre.South@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Baby Group (for parents of pre-mobile babies)
Melbourn Child and Family Zone, Mortlock Street, Melbourn, SG8 6DB (adjacent to Melbourn Primary School)
The award means that every donation that the charity receives between now and 31 December 2022 will be doubled by Four Acre Trust up to a limit of £10,000 in total. The Trust also stipulates that the donation must be a minimum of £500 per donor, must be from a new donor and must be donated by 31 December 2022.
Registeredenquiries@letting-centre.co.uk6HH.www.letting-centre.co.ukinEnglandNo.4472384VATNo.700035112
LettingTheCentre
12 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
service – British
winner • integrity
• tips
The Letting Centre (Cambridge) Ltd, 107 High Street, Melbourn, Nr Royston, Cambridgeshire. SG8
If you would like to find out more about these sessions, available dates and to book please see callhsrsc.org.uk/event/at-home-with-jude-simpson-2022/https://www.Tracyon01763262262oremailevents@hsrsc.org.uk
Thompson won the Somerset Maugham Award with her first book, The Dogs. Subsequent publications include A Different Class of Murder, a re-examination
• expert
investment • first
From an envious poem about reptiles to a heartfelt account of being a parent and songs about spleens and mangoes, Jude’s work is often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always entertaining.
• friendly,
Meet the author Laura Thompson at Melbourn Hub on Thursday 22nd September at 7.00 for 7.30 pm. She will be talking about some of her books and will have copies forLaurasale.
Jude is our poet-in-residence at HomeStart. A skilled writer and engaging performer, Jude’s mix of linguistic dexterity and quirky humour leave audiences smiling, laughing and occasionally hungry. Her songs and poems inspire and delight with her warm, witty observations of life.
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Thursday 29th September – at The Bull, Royston
Laura Thompson visit to Melbourn
• personal
Performing throughout the UK, especially in East Anglia, she has gigged at the Edinburgh Festival, Glastonbury, numerous literature festivals and cabaret and comedy clubs, and has won national poetry slams at Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Swindon and London.
Thisstories.time, however, the tables have turned, and Jude is the one in the limelight!
Who is Jude Simpson – singer, songwriter, comedian and poet!
your property.
• High
Host your very own Home-Start party with Jude! We are delighted to team up with the wonderful Jude Simpson to bring you a new selection of ‘At Home with Jude Simpson’ events during October and November. Gather your family and friends, some drinks and nibbles to host one of Jude’s fantastic live gigs, where she will perform music, song, comedy and observational humour – all in the comfort of your own home.
Literary Lunch with Jude Simpson
(Cambridge) Ltd
At most of our Literary Lunches, you’ll find our very own poet-in-residence, Jude Simpson, in interviewing mode, chatting with our guest authors and teasing out their best
Call Angie Rixon, business owner, to discuss your property rental needs.
and legal
Setting Standards in Property Management
Moorlands Court
Jess the PAT dog is another regular visitor to Moorlands Court and continues to bring so much pleasure to our tenants, Day Centre clients and staff. From the eager welcome she receives to the long goodbyes is testament to the benefits the PAT dogs system gives and I know all of us at Moorlands Court look forward to her weekly visits.Earlierthis
13melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Our summer was very busy, from entertainers’ visits to another very successful flower arranging session, and we can’t forget the lovely long weekend of the Queen’s Platinum
The celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee continued throughout May and culminated with the lovely long weekend in June. The sun shone – well, for most of the weekend – and with the televised footage of all the amazing events held around the country to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne it was a special weekend and one that will be remembered for a long time. As part of our celebrations, we held an afternoon tea. The brilliant kitchen staff made
of the Lord Lucan case; The Last Landlady, a memoir of her publican grandmother; and biographies of Nancy Mitford and Agatha Christie. Her most recent book, now out in paperback, is Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies, a study of women and their wealth from the 17th century to the present day.
ThroughoutJubilee.the summer, our staff have worked exceptionally hard while we continue to deal with some ongoing Covid related issues. This has inevitably caused staffing issues from time to time which has been a concern, but as always, our dedicated team pull together and plug the gaps we face from the inevitable absences. They continue to offer a professional and caring service for our tenants and community clients. We are very lucky to have such conscientious and dedicated staff, and again I would like to thank them all for their hard work and commitment.
the most fantastic Jubileeinspired cakes, which went downMoorlandsa treat.
Court has a local gardener, who not only looks after our wonderful garden but also the other two gardens at our Cambridge schemes, Dunstan Court and Richard Newcombe Court. He has worked incredibly hard to keep the outside space looking beautiful throughout the year, but his hard work really comes to fruition in the summer. Our tenants often enjoy afternoons sitting outside when they’re entertaining friends and family. We have a super gazebo for those people who prefer to find a quiet spot to read a book in the shade or just sit and enjoy the lovely peaceful surroundings.
Our visits from the children at Little Hands nursery resumed earlier this year and are always very well received. Our tenants and Day Centre clients really enjoy sitting with the children for story time in the communal lounge. The little voices fill the room and bring lots of chatter and excitement to Moorlands Court.
year one of our tenants set up a Scrabble club, which is going from strength to strength and is now running twice a week. New members are joining all the time and they all enjoy the sessions in the communal area after lunch.
We held another very successful raffle in July, raising lots of money which went towards our tenants’ amenities fund. This allows us to offer entertainment and activities
The ever popular Somethin’ else returned to Moorlands Court in May and gave us a great sing-a- long afternoon with a Jubilee extravaganza. As usual the atmosphere was excellent and the audience sang and danced along to the music. Everyone loved the flag waving and patriotism. It was such a nice way to begin the Jubilee celebrations and everyone had such a lovely afternoon.
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without any additional costs to our tenants and their families. We are always grateful for all the wonderful donations received and I know our tenants love the excitement of waiting to hear if they have won a prize.
At the end of the Wimbledon fortnight, and to celebrate a British player reaching the semi-finals, we held a Tennis & Pimm’s afternoon. Everyone gathered around the TV, sipped on a chilled glass of Pimm’s, and ate a delicious and very substantial scone with jam, cream and strawberries. We decorated the TV area and everyone sat around to enjoy the tennis.
Rosy Beginnings Baby Massage & Baby Yoga
Having worked in childcare for nearly 10 years, I am well aware of the huge importance a child’s early years have on their future. Research shows that the first 1001 days of life (from conception to the age of 2) is recognised as one of the most critical phases of development in a child’s brain – it has been calculated that during this time connections in the brain are created at a rate of a million per second! The earliest experiences shape a baby’s brain development and have a lifelong impact on that baby’s mental and emotional health (see atummycongestionfromaoutdecreasingbyinnervousababy,helpsequippedareadultsSecurelyhttps://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/1001-days).attachedinfantsaremorelikelytogrowintowhoareabletocopewithlife’supsanddowns,abletobuildstrongrelationshipsandarebettertoraisetheirownchildren.Oneofthemainbenefitsofbabymassageisthatittostrengthenthebondbetweenyouandyourwhichleadstoastrongattachment.Ithelpswithbaby’sphysicaldevelopmentandalsostimulatesthesystem,creatingandstrengtheningconnectionsthebrain.Ontopofthisithelpstorelaxbabiesactivatingtheirparasympatheticnervoussystem,theirheartrate,bloodpressureandbalancingstresshormones;aswellasprovidingparentswithtoolkitofstrokestheycanusetohelpprovidereliefavarietyofconditionse.g.colic,wind,constipation,fromcoughsandcoldsandteethingpain.Babyyogahassimilarbenefitsalongsidepromotingtimeandactiveplayforbabiesandstimulatingbaby’ssensesthroughavarietyofdifferentstimuli–
If you or a family member are looking for support with care needs, we may be able to help. Our services range from Meals on Wheels, cleaning, personal care and even a sitting service. At Moorlands Court itself, properties occasionally become available for assisted living for those who have a care need. We will be more than happy to talk over your needs in more detail, so please give us a call and we can discuss what services we can help with, either in the community or at Moorlands Court. Please call 01763 260564 or alternatively e-mail Denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk
Annie Callaghan
Carol Bailey
continued on page 17
The initial idea of providing baby classes was first planted in my head when my daughter was born 14 years ago. Even though I loved being a new mum, I was also very lonely as I didn’t know anyone locally with a baby and I felt too shy about going to baby groups alone. I imagined that everyone one else would already know each other and I worried that my baby would cry and that I wouldn’t be able to soothe her.
The Tesco community champion visited us again in the summer for another flower arranging masterclass. The Day Centre was crammed with vases of so many beautiful flowers, which filled the room with a lovely scent. Yet again everyone produced some very impressive displays, and to top it off they took their creations home at the end of the session.
I first launched my baby massage classes in Sawston in September 2021, adding baby yoga classes at the beginning of January 2022. Since then I have had the pleasure of getting to know some amazing families –having a baby is hard enough in non-Covid times so I can’t begin to imagine how tough it has been over the last couple of years.
Following the success of our first unsupervised bus trip to the garden centre for our more able bodied tenants earlier this year, we are in the process of arranging an accompanied one for the less mobile tenants. We want to give them the opportunity of having a trip without the worry of walking too far. This time, we hope to have a magical mystery tour with a stop off for an ice cream. I will share photos if we can make it happen.
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Bassingbourn Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 2012 Carols in the High Street – December 2010
In 2022 it consists of approximately 14 assorted woodwind and brass players on flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, tenor horn and trombone, plus a bass guitarist and a cello. There is often a mixture of ages too. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings, currently in Litlington, but returning to the Old School, Bassingbourn in the autumn this year. New players are always very welcome. There is no set standard, but a basic level of competence on your instrument and an ability to read music are important.
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Dreams can come true. Back in 1997 Les Houghton dreamt of a village band in Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth. Les didn’t play an instrument himself, but felt the village was lacking something and would be the better for having a little bit of music at its heart.
Bassingbourn Village Band
Les put a shout out for interested musicians and in January 1998 approximately 8 people and their brass, woodwind, stringed and percussive instruments came together to form the band and make music together. These included triplets on trumpet, clarinet and violin. The band has been making music ever since.
The band has played for a variety of local events over the years, including celebrations to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in June 2002, Bassingbourn Village College’s 50th Birthday celebrations and the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee. This year we’ve helped raise funds for Ukraine and have played in a variety of Jubilee celebrations.Wearea friendly group and would love to hear from local instrumentalists. Anyone interested in joining the band should j.s.watts@btinternet.comemail
Foxton Christmas Windows and Christmas Lights
17melbournmagazine@gmail.com
A10 Annual Awareness Cycle Ride… and Scooter and Walk!
All details will be available at the Hub and on the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign website: Susanwww.a10corridorcycle.comvandeVenandAdam Bostanci. A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign. Contact: a10cycle@gmail.com
The Moor play park
Stockbridge Meadows
touch, sound and movement. Swings and dips help to develop babies’ body awareness, coordination and balance while the use of songs helps to develop their sense of rhythm and promotes language development andNewcommunication.parentsoften feel nervous at being in an unfamiliar environment with their young baby. My classes offer a safe space for parents to feel held and supported, giving them the chance to learn nurturing touch techniques while strengthening their bond with their baby. I keep class numbers on the smaller side to avoid overstimulating young babies and they are the perfect environment to relax and meet others in the same stage of parenthood as you.
Foxton will be lit up with magical Christmas windows and village illuminations for an afternoon of festivities and entertainment on Sunday 4th December. Everyone is welcome to join in the magic! Do look out for posters with more details nearer the time, or just come along during the afternoon to Foxton Village Hall to pick up a programme and enjoy delicious cakes, snacks and drinks in our café before wandering round the village to discover the various decorated Christmas windows. It really is a lovely way to start the Christmas celebrations. Email foxtonwindows@gmail.com for further details.
The annual A10 Awareness Ride will take place Sunday
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Annie BookingCallaghanisessential, visit: www.bookwhen.com/ Emailrosybeginnings.Annieon rosybeginningscambs@gmail.com, find me on Facebook & Instagram @rosybeginnings, or see www.rosybeginnings.com for further information.
Parish Council Clerk’s Report
Our village celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style over the bank holiday weekend in May.
To mark the Jubilee, primary and pre-school children were presented with a commemorative coin and a Platinum Jubilee bench has been installed at 83 High Street for all to enjoy.
This year will be a little different as we plan to include also a walking and scootering contingent, assembling outside the Melbourn Hub and proceeding up the Cambridge Road path to the front field at Phillimore.
The Hub organised a fantastic street party attended by over 600 hundred local people with a BBQ, bar, live music, fun activities for young people and even a visit from Her Majesty. A really fabulous day and even the rather dismal weather couldn’t dampen people’s spirits.
morning, September 25th, leaving Trumpington Park and Ride at 10am, bound for Phillimore Garden Centre, Melbourn.
River Mel Restoration Group
Our thanks to the River Mel Restoration Group for their continued efforts, including recent work along the bank on the New Rec, particularly at the access points to the River, which were well used during the July heatwave.
At long last, the project to replace the boardwalk at Stockbridge Meadows is progressing. Regular updates on this exciting project will be made available via our website and Facebook page.
Sunday September
Classes are held at All Saints Community Hall, Melbourn at 12.30pm on Tuesdays. This is a combined class which is suitable for babies of 6 weeks until they become active movers (whether that’s crawling, bum shuffling or commando style crawling). We begin each class with some baby yoga to help support your baby’s physical and emotional development, have a little break halfway through for a hot cuppa and cake and then finish by learning a baby massage routine and its benefits, covering the full body routine by the end of the course.
Following a very successful public consultation, the project to revamp The Moor play park is progressing well. The new design incorporates comments received during the consultation and looks very exciting. Work to refit the play park is scheduled to start in mid-September. Watch this space!
Sunday 4th December
18 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk VEHICLE GRAPHICS, SIGNAGE, LARGE FORMAT, WINDOW GRAPHICS AND MUCH MORE 10%GETOFF YOUR FIRST ORDER BY QUOTING ‘MELBOURN10’ BRIGHT WeAreBrightAgency WeAreBrightUK
Cambridgeshire has been allocated £3.58million, of which £1.2m will be used to support households that include a person who has reached state pension age (66) by 30 September 2022 and are experiencing financial hardship. Funding will also be used to continue providing food vouchers for eligible families with children and the Cambridgeshire Local Assistance Scheme which provides a safety net to individuals and families facing unexpected financial difficulties and hardship.
Help for older residents who are struggling with bills
There are a number of grants available via County and District Councils – not enough space to list them all here but we’re highlighting some of particular interest.
• Giving people a lift
• come along to our weekly Dog Café every Tuesday from 10–12am at The Dolphin – no dog required
The fruit in the Jubilee Orchard (behind the pavilion) will soon be ready for picking. Please help yourself!
Jubilee Orchard
• each Thursday from 10–12 you can come to Coffee morning at the Dolphin and find out more about Timebanking and make new friends.
If you haven’t already heard about the fantastic work the Timebank is doing, please have a read of the article in the Magazine by Stephanie Trayhurn, our ClaireTimebank Coordinator.Littlewood,Parish Clerk
Melbourn Timebank
19melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Melbourn Timebank
Defibrillators
There are currently 4 vacancies for councillors on the Parish Council. Please contact me if you would like more information on this very rewarding role.
Vacancies
We also have a Book/Reading Group, a Seed and Produce Group and have monthly Games Nights and Solo Sunday Lunches, all of this alongside supporting other community and sports groups such as Community Support for Dementia, Cam Sight and Melbourn Dynamos.Formoreinformation please contact Stephanie Trayhurn on 07483 176 929 or email timebank@ melbournpc.co.uk
• Sharing your Computer skills or receive IT help
Children and Young People Grant Fund
Energy Retrofit Partnership is a collaboration between the County Council and Cambridgeshire’s District Councils. It is currently delivering energy efficiency projects in over 500 homes across the county with the poorest energy efficiency and lowest incomes, using over £9M of Government grant. Information on eligibility and making an application is take-action/home-energy/action-on-energyclimate-change-energy-and-environment/how-you-can-https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/here:
Energy retrofits Cambridgeshire
District and County Councillors Grants
The Parish Council is installing two new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the village. One AED will be installed on the outside of the pavilion. Our thanks to Melbourn FC for securing the equipment through the Premier League Defibrillator Fund. The second unit will be installed at the entrance to Orchard Surgery.
• every Wednesday you could join a walk from the Hub at 10.30am
Timebank also connects members of the community to each other by running regular activities and events:
Under the Household Support Fund, there is funding available via the Council and Age UK to provide financial support within a few days, and help people find longerterm support if needed. This financial assistance is available to people born before 30 September 1956.
Timebanking is a way for people to help others in the community and be rewarded for it – in time. Anyone can join – age, ability, lack of finance or limited mobility are not barriers to participation in the Timebank.
There are numerous ways you can be involved or receive help such as:
• Simple DIY
• Welcoming new people into the village and offering companionship
GroundSensoryto30fund-2022/health/grants/children-and-young-people-grant-https://www.scambs.gov.uk/community-safety-and-Howmuch,whenandwho?Grantsof£4-£8K,deadlineNovember.Charitablegroups,ParishCouncilseligibleapply.Casestudies:MobileYouthClubandFoodTruck,Garden,RestorationofVillageRecreationWildlifeArea.
• What’s not to like!
20 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk YOUR STORY www.hkjewellery.co.uk Hertfordshire Jewellery Centre +44 (0)1462 790 Northhertfordshire@hkjewellery.co.uk565Barn,FaircloughHallFarm,HallsGreen,Herts,SG47DP Cambridge Studio & Shop +44 (0)1223 461 6/7cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk333GreenStreet,Cambridge,Cambridgeshire,CB23JU London Studio & Shop +44 (0) 208 154 Primroseprimrosehill@hkjewellery.co.uk950069Regent’sParkRoad,Hill,London,NW18UY Capture the unique facets of your story with a piece of one-off bespoke jewelleryDESIGN
These are the contact numbers for any matter relating to children’s and adults’ social care. The person who answers the phone should be able to direct the call appropriately. It can feel bewildering to work through social services for the first time. Please feel free to get in touch if any support is needed in navigating the system.
Adults: 0345 045 5202 | Children: 0345 045 5203 Census
Library@home award
Cambridgeshire’s Library@home volunteers are one of three voluntary groups in the county to be given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Library@home service provides books and audiobooks to residents who find it difficult to get to a library through disability, illness or caring responsibilities. Volunteers visit once a month to bring and return library books and to have a chat. residents/libraries-leisureculture/libraries/accessibilityhttps://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/
Thanks so much to everyone who’s been taking the trouble to log faults on pavement and road surfaces, via the County Highways reporting site (Google ‘Cambridgeshire Report a Fault’ and it’s quite straightforward to log the problem in question).
21melbournmagazine@gmail.com
There’s been a very strong response to the A10 Underpass survey – aiming to improve the overall environment in and around the pedestrian underpass that links Melbourn to Meldreth Station and village. Thank you to all 375 respondents –some of you walking to college, work, the shops, to friends, or just on a walk for enjoyment, may have met us on one or another occasion gathering views – and special thanks to Melbourn Parish Cllr Clark and Meldreth Parish Cllr Meridew for helping out. We spoke to many MVC students, many on their way to take their GCSEs, and were buoyed up by their thumbs-up!
We are painfully aware of the long haul in seeing significant improvements and know how frustrating this is – but will keep at it. Years of underfunding, and a very disappointing government grant last year, have been challenging, but these reports continue to provide the evidence that more support is needed.
A10 Underpass
The County Council is looking at how to encourage more proactive community development from the ground up and has chosen Melbourn and its wider community as a case study from which to learn. This takes inspiration from a wide variety of schemes, including most recently the fantastic work being done with the Meridien Primary Care network (this is a group of seven GP practices in our area) and other groups at the Melbourn Hub, which are designed to benefit the wider community.
To apply call Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on 01223 221929 or environment/how-you-can-take-actiongov.uk/residents/climate-change-energy-and-communities:https://www.cambridgeshire.coronavirus/household-support-fundhttps://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/visitClimateandenvironmentactiongrantsfor
County Council focus on Melbourn area community development
Pavement and road surfaces
Social Care – are you finding it hard to know where to get support?
We’ll be hearing much more about this; for now the headlines: Cambridgeshire has seen one of the UK’s biggest population increases over the past ten years, data just published from the 2021 Census shows. Overall, the number of people living in the county rose by more than 57,000 in the last decade to 678,600. This 9.2 per cent rise is higher than the East of England average, in a national picture which saw the East grow faster than any part of the UK. The figures confirm the County Council’s contention that previous Office of National Statistics figures – on which the government bases its grant allocations – underestimated the size of the county’s population. Included within the Cambridgeshire Census figures is an overall 26 per cent rise in the number of Cambridgeshire people aged 65+, against an 18.6 per cent national average rise – with a high percentage increase of people in the 70 to 74 age band in all districts.
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• Fulfilling the UK’s fair share of emissions reductions to ensure that the average global temperature increase will not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius
While the more urban areas of the county like Cambridge have seen population growth across all age ranges, its more rural areas have seen small or no growth in the youngest age groups (0-19) but large increases in older populations. Last year’s census took place in March 2021 and data from the census will be published in stages over the next two years. Future releases will include figures on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing. Also, for the first time, there will be information on UK armed forces veterans, sexual orientation and gender identity. www.ons.gov.uk/census
Looking ahead, the cost of the Government’s adult social care reforms could be a minimum of £10Bn higher than currently estimated, according to the County Councils Network. The reforms include a more generous means test, a cap on care costs of £86,000, a move towards a ‘fair’ cost of care, and the ability for people who arrange and fund their own care to ask their council to do it on their behalf. The higher costs could create a further workforce crisis in social care, with over 5,000 extra staff projected to be required to carry out extra care and financial assessments for those seeking to benefit from the reforms.
• £136M for external contract and labour costs • £77M for school transport services • £259M for staff pay.
The County Council is supporting the Nature & Climate Declaration and endorsing the Climate & Ecology Bill. The Declaration asks the UK Government to deal with key climate risks by:
The increased costs nationally include • £428M for adult social care services • £72M for children’s social care
Theplan.cross-party
Nature & Climate Declaration and Climate & Ecology Bill
• Halting and reversing biodiversity decline by 2030, and
In the background – Inflation adds to council costs
The County Councils Network and the Society of County Treasurers have revealed that spiralling inflation has left forty of England’s largest councils with £729M of additional unfunded costs since they set their budgets in March. To balance their budgets – as they are legally required to do – and control costs, councils warn they face a winter of ‘difficult decisions’.
23melbournmagazine@gmail.com
• Delivering a more ambitious and integrated environmental protection and decarbonisation
More grappling – Social Care reform costs
Monday Zoom Cuppa
• £397M for capital projects • £107M for energy prices
These inflationary costs far outstrip any increases in Government funding or council tax.
Thank you for your questions and concerns. Our councils who are coordinating support for people from Ukraine have strongly advised that the most effective way of donating money toward Ukraine support is through the Disaster Emergency Committee: atisroomhosts,https://www.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appealhttps://www.dec.org.uk/ortheRedCross:TosupportUkrainianscurrentlystayingwithMelbournpleasecomealongtoMeldrethChurchmeetingonTuesdaysfrom3:30-4:40tosayhello.Friendshipfree!You’llfindahugeamountofpracticallocalinformationwww.scambs.gov.ukorwww.cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Climate & Ecology Bill is a plan for a new UK law that addresses the full extent of the
climate change and nature crisis in line with the most up to date science.
We’ve moved our weekly Zoom Cuppa to Mondays, 5-6pm. Please just let us know if you’d like to join and we’ll send you the link. Or we’re always happy to chat in person, by phone or email, about any concern or idea – just get Districtin touch.Councillors
Sally Ann Hart and Jose Hales, and County Councillor Susan van de Ven.
Our traditional farm shop is open August February Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am 5pm We sell over 100 varieties of Apples, Plums, Pears, Cherries & Quince from our own orchards. 25 Whitecroft Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts SG8 6LZ Tel : 01763 262906 Mobile: www.camvalleyorchards.com07770461685FindusonFacebook:Cam Valley Orchards Fruit Farm We press our own Apple Juice & Cider Wholesale enquiries welcome
How can I best donate money for Ukraine? And other forms of support
Above: Mayan ruins at Tulum
It is an immense tragedy that we have lost the knowledge that was contained in the thousands of destroyed volumes. These may have contained “philosophical” texts which could have given us a world view completely different from our Eurocentric one.
There is a single glyph (carved symbol) dated to 660 BCE, but the earliest evidence of a written script is 300 to 200 BCE and was found at a Guatemalan site. Written records then lasted until the seventeenth century, when the Spanish ensured that the Mayans no longer wrote in their own language.
Sadly, the Spanish destroyed most of the paper examples of Mayan writing, called codices. However, four survive, located in Dresden, Paris, Madrid and Mexico City (although the authenticity of the latter is contested).Thecodices were folding books made from the bark of a local fig tree and the paper is considered to be more durable than papyrus. It is thought that the scribes that wrote the books were professionals and worked under the protection of specific gods.
The symbols depict letters and numbers. There are also images of important figures. In fact, the reason that we know so much about the clothing, head-dresses, facial features, customs and the calendar of the Mayans is because they documented themselves on their beautiful sculptured stones and the stucco work at the sites as well as in the codices.
Pages from Codex, showing letters, numbers, and the images that often accompany Maya writing
The script took many years to decipher because of the glyph structure. A solution was finally found in the early 1950s by Yuri Knorozov, building on the hard work
of earlier researchers. This is described in a wonderful book: Breaking the Maya code by Michael D. Coe.
The calendar was a very important element of Mayan life, driving many of the rituals and social activities. It was complex and formed the basis for systems in other Mesoamerican societies. It was built around a cycle of 260 named days, which had ritual significance, in a year
24 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
The site described in this article again demonstrates the sophistication of Mayan society from the many inscriptions on the stellae at the site.
The Dresden codex, probably written between the 12th and 14th centuries CE, has 39 leaves, written on both sides. It is made from one long sheet of paper that is ‘screen-folded’ to make the leaves.
Exploring the ancient Mayan empire Travelogue
There is also evidence, from bones of three individuals in a sea cave system called Chan Hol, of much earlier occupation of the area from about 13,000 to 10,000 years ago in the late pleistocene.
However, there is a stele at the site dated to 564 CE (British Museum) which was probably brought from elsewhere much later than the sixth century.
Now we can move on to my encounter with Tulum. This site, to the north of the previous sites, is a bit different because it was situated on the coast. This was a port for the city of Coba, situated nearby. It perches on a headland, facing the sunrise, with great views over the Caribbean sea. The sea breezes were a welcome change from the humid jungles of the inland sites.
25melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Thus, this site, with its numerous inscriptions, provides further evidence of a complex society inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula, with land and sea networks for travel, trade and social interactions.
As a port it was important for Mayan trade. One of the significant items traded was obsidian (Itzli which translates as God of Stone), a very hard semi-precious black volcanic glass. It was used to make tools, weapons (especially arrowheads) and other implements in the same way as flint was used in England. With clever knapping a very sharp hard edge could be produced. It was also used for beautiful jewellery and priests used polished obsidian mirrors to ‘scry’ i.e. look into the future.Thefirst record of Tulum was by Juan Diaz in the early 16th century, then John Lloyd Stevens and Frederick Catherwood wrote a description of the ruins in 1843 in ‘Incidents of Travel in Yucatan’ (sic).
The city was provided with fresh water from a small well.Thecity was built relatively late and was at its peak between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries CE.
Temple of the Frescos
Map of central Tulum
Bruce Huett
of 365 days. Within the 260-day cycle there were twenty cycles of one to thirteen days and 20 named days. The 365-day year was divided into 18 months of 20 days and a “month” of five days. These last five days were considered to be toimportantweredangerousparticularlyandatimeofritualsavoidmajor
calamities. The 260-day cycle linked into a longer cycle of 18,980 days (52 years and 365 days). The naming convention meant each of the 18,980 days in the Calendar Round had a unique designation (e.g. 10 Caban i.e. day number and day name in the 260-day cycle and 2 Ceh i.e. day number within the month and month name in the 365-day cycle).
All images Wiki Creative Commons license
As well as standard residential and temple buildings, there is a structure that archaeologists think may have been a kind of lighthouse. Possibly sailors would align their approach to the windows in this building to avoid hitting the off-shore barrier reef. The city was protected by steep cliffs and a defensive encircling wall, 8m thick and 740m in length on the landward sides, which would have required significant manpower to build.
The Mayan calendar and its numerical system were first unravelled by Ernst Forstemann around 1900, quite aMayantask!astronomers would use the calendar for day keeping, but also divination e.g. determining the cause of sickness and other misfortunes. The first 52 pages of the Dresden Codex are about divination.
Temple of the Frescos
I hadn’t visited this church in many years and soon found myself looking round and admiring the superb carvings and craftmanship of all those dedicated folk who had worked so hard to create this glorious tribute to God and eternal life, five hundred years ago. Whilst the day had started out being dull and miserable, all of a sudden the sun came out illuminating the beautifully crafted stained glass windows above the altar. It was if God was making his own private contribution to the proceedings in recognition to Jimmie’s memory.
A sturdy, no-nonsense man with no fear of hard work, to supplement his wages, he often grew and sold his own garden produce and did little gardening jobs around the village, all of which helped out around Christmas time and when it came to funding the family’s holiday in Scarborough each year. In his own words, “you get nowhere sitting on your bum bemoaning your fate, so get up and do summat about it!” And he Whateverdid.spare time he had left was devoted to supporting his beloved football team, Sheffield Wednesday, which he did religiously every Saturday and sometimes even on the appropriately named day when they had a midweek match!
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My friend Jimmy Arkwright died on Saturday, January 14h, 1988, aged eighty-five. Depending on what you mean by the term ‘average’, Jimmy was considerably more than your average type of bloke. He had lived in Heckmondthorpe, South Yorkshire, a village still pleasantly unaffected by time, all his life. Marrying Marjorie, a local girl, they raised three lovely kids and all on a farm workers’ wages, but they lacked for nothing, particularly when it came to love and affection.
Just before the hearse arrived, a shiny black Mercedes Benz pulled up and out stepped Barry Parker and Kevin Stiles, two of Sheffield Wednesday’s top goal scorers from the early ‘70s. I later found out that Jimmy had got to know them very well during their team’s ‘golden years’ through his journalistic contributions to the SW fans Magazine. Jim the journalist – well I never.
In addition to these were his footballing friends, all immediately recognisable by their Sheffield Wednesday scarves, caps and badges, just the way Jimmy would have wanted them to turn up.
As the coffin was borne up the aisle, the service began with ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’ which, I understood from the lady sitting next to me, was Jimmie’s favourite hymn. The sheer amount of wreaths covering the coffin were in themselves a testament to the love and respect Jimmy had earned over the years and the thought of this alone brought tears to mySittingeyes.
Jimmie Arkwright
The reaction to the news of his death from a massive heart attack whilst settling down to watch ‘Match of the Day’ knocked the whole village sideways and everyone rallied round to help and comfort his family during the week following his passing. After the necessary autopsy, it was agreed the funeral would be held at St Peter’s Church in the village at 2.30 pm on Monday, 29th January.
Do you enjoy writing short stories? In our Creative Writing spot we would like to highlight local literary talent. If you have written any short stories you would be willing to share with us, please get in touch – we would love to ‘publish’ you! Word count should be approximately 1500.
Creativewriting
continued on page 30
Below is a very readable and light-hearted story by local resident David Everett. We hope you enjoy!
As far as a congregation was concerned we were a motley yet colourful crew, a clear division between those in traditional black and grey attire and those like Jimmie’s soccer pals in their bright, colourful Sheffield Wednesday colours, but we were all united in our reason for being there. And that was the way Jimmie would have wanted it.
only a few rows from the front, I could see Marjorie, Jimmie’s widow sobbing uncontrollably whilst being comforted as best they could by her loving family. A tall yet elegant woman, Marjorie had been Jimmie’s ‘one and only’ from the time they were children, and fifty years on, still had a beauty and an air about her the years could not change.
As the pallbearers removed the coffin from the hearse, we made our way into the church and took our seats. Although it could adequately cope with the ever-decreasingly small number of regulars who turned up for Sunday Worship each week, it was beginning to look at one point as if there would be problems accommodating everyone today. But, apart from a few people who had to stand at the back, accommodate them it did.
As well as the village folk who turned out en masse, there were all his relations, many of them on Jimmy’s side, identifiable by their family resemblance, particularly the strong jawline and prominent ‘Arkwright nose’.
River Mel Restoration Group Nature
For information about the River Mel Restoration Group, please email info@rivermel.com or visit our website at www.rivermel.com
With support and finance from the Melbourn Parish Council, a major repair project was undertaken by the group at the beginning of July, with the work planned to be spread over three days. First the old reinforcing matting was removed, and the soil dug out to bed level using an excavator (picture, top right). Four reclaimed railway sleepers were then used to reinforce the front edge. Installing them was ‘interesting’, as they need to be placed precisely in a hole that was half full of muddy water (picture, second right). Soil-retaining geotextile was laid behind the sleepers and on the base of the hole before backfilling with a mixture of soil and gravel. The addition of gravel should improve drainage, and the geotextile will help prevent soil from being washed out under the sleepers and into the river.
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Once the infill had been tamped down (picture, third right), a new robust soil-retaining matting was laid over the area (picture, bottom right) to help prevent surface erosion by rain and wet dogs. The matting was dressed with top soil to stabilise it and encourage the growth of grass over the area. Gravel was also placed in the river, at the toe of the access point, to provide a stable and silt-free area of riverbed.
We were fortunate to be able to use the services of Meldreth Plant Hire, who were engaged to do the groundworks. Their previous expertise in river work and their willingness to “go the extra mile” resulted in the project coming in on schedule and within budget.
The access point to the river on the Melbourn Playing field, originally installed in 2009, has proved to be a popular feature, but the years of constant use have taken their toll. Some judicious repairs have extended its useful life, but this year we felt that the time had come for a more substantial repair, as the leading edge had been eroded and was becoming dangerous.
28 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk Personal care for your feet in the comfort of your own home • Nail Trimming • Hard Skin & Cracked Heels • Corns & Verrucae • Fungal Nails • Diabetic Foot Care Telephone on 01763 261250 or 0791 3913955 Nancy Foster MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health email:Professionalsnancy.fosterfeet@gmail.com Melbourn Primary School PTFA SuAtFIREWORKSPresents:MelbournPrimarySchoolnday6thNovember2022GatesOpen5:30pmDisplayStarts7:00pmClose8:00pm Tickets available online from 3 October 2022 at PTFA-Events.co.uk/MelbournPrimarySchool Tickets are limited so please buy early to avoid disappointment Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
We have been focusing on developing our outside area this year. We really wanted to give the children the best learning opportunities whilst outside and wanted to make sure that this area was exciting. We felt really lucky to get a grant from the Parish Council so that we can extend the soft surface we have already: less tarmac means we can have more adventurous climbing and building equipment out for the children. This will be laid over the Summer holidays, ready for September.
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Principal Simon Holmes 223400
Village College
PLAYGROUPECOLENOTRE EDUCATIONU3ACOLLEGE
Melbourn Playgroup
Janet Whitton 261231
Melbourn Playgroup
We also held a fundraising Bingo evening at the Hub to help buy new equipment for the outside. This was organised by Natalie and was a huge success and raised over a £1000. Thank you to everyone who came and supported this event. With the money, we raised we have had a huge sand pit made for the children which they can sit in, and which the children love. We have bought a new water tray, water wall and a variety of bricks and construction equipment to encourage the children to use their imaginations and build creations, as well as developing a mud kitchen area. We are also hoping to buy some more equipment to encourage the children to climb and develop their balancing skills too, and keep looking for more new ideas to go on improving.
Chairman Tony Garrick 01223 510201
Notre Ecole
At MOOS, we are saying goodbye to our year 6 children. We would like to thank them for being such a pleasure to have and hope they settle well into their new school. We will be welcoming children who will be starting year 3 and look forward to seeing them in September along with new years 4, 5 and 6.
SCHOOLPLAY
Education MVC VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL LITTLE HANDS
U3A (Univ. of Third Age)
At playgroup, we take children from 2–4 years so if you are interested in a place for your child, please email melbournplaygroup.org.ukoffice@
Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457
Primary School
Karen 260964
Little Hands
Claire Armstrong and Jennie Riggs 223459 07842 151512
To learn more or be part of our work please visit care-network.org.uk or call 01954 211 919
To learn more, donate, or volunteer with us please visit https://care-network.org.uk/ or call 01954 211 919
“You’ll be coming on to the village hall won’t you lad? Jimmie always said that when he went to meet his Maker, he wanted a proper Co-op funeral followed by a special Co-op Ham Tea for all his friends and relations and not to stint on the cost, bless him.”
30 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
You may be feeling unsure what support or activities are available in your area as we come out of Covid-19 restrictions. Your local Community Navigator can help you take the next steps to access services and your community once more and regain Speakconfidencetoyour friendly South Cambridgeshire Coordinator today on 01954 212100
To learn more or be part of our work please visit care-network.org.uk or call 01954 211 919
Speak to your local South Cambridgeshire Coordinator to access our free services today on 01954 212100
Connect with Care Network!
You may be feeling unsure what activities or support are now available in your area, or how you can reconnect with your community. Your local Community Navigator can help, including access to our Help at Home and Wellbeing services if you’re looking for practical or emotional support to get back on track.
As we left the church, Marjorie came over to me with a small parcel, saying that Jimmie had always wanted me to have this, for old time’s sake. It was the battered little old ukulele that he had taught me to play, back in the 1950s when skiffle and rock ‘n’ roll was in its infancy.
‘The Co-op giveth, the Co-op taketh away.’ I think that Jimmie would have chuckled at that! David Everett
You may be feeling unsure what support or activities are available in your area as we come out of Covid-19 restrictions. Your local Community Navigator can help you take the next steps to access services and your community once more and regain Speakconfidencetoyour friendly South Cambridgeshire Coordinator today on 01954 212100
Connect with Care Network!
The vicar, the Reverend Dinsdale Holmes, a kindly, soft-spoken man with a shock of white hair and a slight stoop, gave a short yet touching eulogy and spoke glowingly from personal experience of Jimmie and the time he gave willingly throughout the year, cutting the grass and keeping the churchyard and graves clear of weeds.Knowing the relationship Jimmie had with the community, the vicar had arranged for several folk to tell their own stories about him, from two young lads, one with a slight stammer, whose football aspirations he had encouraged and helped develop over the years, to neighbours going through hard times, finding a basket of fruit or some mixed vegetables on their doorstep left by an anonymous soul, always there for friends when the going got tough.
Connect with Care Network!
As I made my way down to the Village Hall, I couldn’t help but smile as I thought that, like a lot of folks I’d grown up with, the Co-op had always been there for them. When it came to daily sustenance there was always a Co-op store nearby and at the end of life, the very reliable Co-op funeral. It was then that my years of writing advertising copy stepped in.
Following these heartfelt recollections, we all stood to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ followed by a short but very poignant sermon, prayers and our last chance as a congregation to say goodbye to Jimmie, before his burial in the churchyard he had looked after so lovingly for so many years. Just before departing, I took the rose I had bought particularly for this moment and dropped it onto his coffin, saying “Goodbye Old Friend It was an honour knowing you”.
Nature 31melbournmagazine@gmail.com
However, I hadn’t seen them for the last couple of years. I was therefore delighted to spot a few again by the Millenium marker just inside the gate at about 10.45pm on Tuesday the 12th of July this year.
Electrician and Property Maintenance 21 Bramley Avenue, Melbourn, Royston, Herts. SG8 6HG 07815 093166
I was a bit surprised as I thought it might have been too dry. However, I have now discovered that relatively warm and dry Springs are good for glow worms.
They also like a mixture of long and short grass and bare patches, so Stockbridge Meadows is ideal.
jeremy.ashworth@ntlworld.com
About five years ago I was enthralled by a magnificent display of small twinkling spots of light in the grass alongside the path that leads from the Stockbridge Meadows gate to the River Mel. These were produced by hundreds of female glow worms.
They are fairly widely distributed in the UK, but possibly they particularly like limestone or chalky soils and are therefore common on chalk grasslands. Another site to spot them nearby is Cherry Hinton chalk pits.
Glow worms in Melbourn
It is the female that produces the glow to attract males. Once they have mated they stop glowing but, in the next few days before they die, they produce the eggs from which the next generation larvae will emerge in a few weeks.
Unfortunately, the name is a bit confusing as it is not a worm at all but a 6 legged beetle: Lampyris noctiluca.
Jeremy Ashworth
It takes a couple of years to reach adulthood, so maybe this is the reason I don’t see them every year.
The larvae feed exclusively on snails, which is possibly why they are found on Stockbridge Meadows which seems to have a large snail population from the large number of shells on the paths. Once they reach maturity they stop eating, mate and then die.
The light is produced in the abdomen through an enzyme (luciferase) facilitated chemical reaction of oxygen with a substance called luciferin. To maximise the light distribution, they sometimes climb up the grasses and turn the end of their abdomen (from which the light is emitted) upwards.Unfortunately,by the time this is published the display will be over for this year as the peak period is June to August (I’ve always seen them in July). However, make a note in the diary for next year and maybe you will be lucky (no torch needed).
Female Lampyris noctiluca
Bruce Huett
Bin collection day – TUESDAY
NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre open at Melbourn
We are pleased to announce that we have opened an NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre at Vicarage Close Community Room, where you can go to get your hearing aids cleaned and re-tubed.
This is a drop-off and wait service, By Appointment Only.
MELBOURN
Repeat prescriptions can be made either, in person or by registering to use the online NHS www.orchardsurgerymelbourn.co.ukservice.
Community Room Vicarage Close Melbourn SG8 6DY
Bin collection dates are taken from the South Cambridgeshire District Council website and are correct at the time of publishing. For an update on collections www.scambs.gov.uk/bins/find-your-household-bin-visit:collection-day/
Monday to Friday 8:30–1pm and 3pm–6pm Phone 01763 260220
Melbourn Health Visiting Team
Prescriptions can still be collected from: Surgery Co-op Tesco in Royston Prescription Home Delivery
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 please call 01223 420033 or info@camsight.org.uk
Cam Sight’s Rural Support Group meet in Melbourn to provide help, friendship and ongoing support to local people with sight loss. The group enjoys speakers, music, information, advice and a chance to try out low vision equipment. For further information
Orchard Surgery & Dispensary
Cambridgeshire Hearing Help is a charity for people with hearing loss.
9 August Green and Blue 16 August Black 23 August Green and Blue 31 August Black Wednesday 6 September Green and Blue 13 September Black 20 Sept ember Green and Blue 27 September Black 4 October Green and Blue 11 October Black 18 October Green and Blue 25 October Black 1 November Green and Blue 8 November Black 15 November Green and Blue 22 November Black 29 November Green and Blue 6 December Black 13 December Green and Blue 20 December Black Bins must be out by 6am at the latest on collection day 32 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
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.
To book an appointment please use our online booking service at: www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk or telephone the office on 01223 416141
4th Thursday of every month 2pm – 4pm
Villageinformation
BIN COLLECTION
Village CountyStevenKeithWardensRudgePitmanCouncillor
COMMUNITY SERVICES
cllr.wilson@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Bell ringing – Tower Correspondent for Holy Trinity in Meldreth and All Saints in Melbourn
Vicarage Close Warden Eileen Allan 263389
Melbourn Parish Clerk
Donna Sleight 232622
Secretary Brian Orrell 07568 376027
Richard Wilson
Melbourn History Ann Dekkers 261144
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Police Non Emergency number 101
33melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Melbourn Springs Care Home 01763 722734
Every other week. 9–5 Monday to Friday
cllr.clark@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
cllr.barnes@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Judo Iain Reid (Chief Instructor) or Lesley Reid 241830 email melbournjudoclub@gmail.com 07974 445710
Audrey Campbell cllr.campbell@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
John Travis
Andrew Kyprianou Mobile: 0755 709 4747
cllr.davey@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Mon & Wed evenings 7–9.30 p.m.
Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne 07732 613555
Dial-A-Ride 01223 506335
Village College Principal Simon Holmes 223400 Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) – Royston
Hon Sec David Allars 01223 871480
Chiropodist 263260 Dentist 262034
S. Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road
BridgeEmail: sandra@rivermel.comClub
MADS (Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society)
Anthony Browne – 01954 anthony.browne.mp@parliament.uk211444
MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL
Sally Ann Hart, 62 High Street, SG8 6AJ cllr.hart@scambs.gov.uk07791233303
GrahamChairClark
Melbourn Dynamos FC Gordon Atalker 07770 533249 Blake Carrington 07730 488743
Graham Clark
Parish Office opening hours Monday to Friday
Neighbourhood Watch debbieclapham@icloud.com
Guides 1st Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443
10am – 3:30pm (closed www.melbournpc.co.uk1–2pm)
South Cambs M.P.
Claire Littlewood parishclerk@melbournpc.co.uk
Ongoing course in Royston Go to www.wea.org.uk to book on other courses.
Meldreth Local History Kathryn Betts 268428
Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie 01223 207307
Royston Lions Chris Cawdell 448236
Ian Cowley
Telephone Preference Service www.tsponline.org.uk 0345 070 0707
Southwell Court Telephone 750006
Avril Mellor 220463
Ramblers’ Association Dave Allard 242677
Vicarage Close, John Impey Way & Elin Way
Women’s Group Pat Smith 260103
EDUCATION
Royalwww.ramblers.org.uk/roystonNationalLifeboatInstitution
Help when not a 999 emergency Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376201
David Farr 221022
cllr.cowley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Tina Davey
Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593
SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) George Howard 260686
Vice Chair
Home Start Tracy Aggett 262262
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
cllr.hart@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Melbourn Mushroom Club John Holden email: frog.end@virgin.net
Luncheon Club at Melbourn Hub (Wednesdays) 263303 op1
Susan van de Ven, 95 North End, Meldreth –01763 susanvandeven5@gmail.com261833
Assistant to the Clerk
Melbourn Squash Jan Brynjolffssen 07730 406688
Chairman Tony Garrick 01223 510201
Community bookings@communityhallmelbourn.comHall 07821 656033
Lead Sheltered Housing Officer – Monday to Friday 9–1.30
Responsible Financial Officer
Rebecca Barnes
Jean Emes 245958
Out of school times 01223 503972
District Nurses (Primary Care Trust) 01223 846122
Eileen Allan Mobile 07876 791419 / 245402
Sandra Webb 261451
HEALTH
Little Hands Nursery School 260964
Ian Cowley
Sally Ann Hart
Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack 263313
After Eights melbournwi@gmail.com
Addenbrooke’s 01223 245151 Royston 01763 242134
Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke 261650
Secretary Rosaline Van de Weyer 01223 870869
Medical help when not a 999 emergency
Michael Barle
Sophie Marriage assistantclerk@melbournpc.co.uk
Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron Tel: 249156
Appointments & Dispensary 260220
30 High Street Melbourn SG8 6DZ Telephone: 01763 263303 ext. 3
Melbourn Community Hub 263303
Churchwardens Roger Mellor 220463
PLACES OF WORSHIP
United Reformed Church Minister The Revd Sue Fender
Primary School Headteacher Stephanie Wilcox 223457 U3A (Univ. of Third Age)
Meldreth Croquet Janet Pope 248239
Blood Donors 0300 123 23 23
cllr.cowley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Moorlands Denise Taylor 260564
Orchard Surgery
NHS111 – Urgent Care 111 24hr helpline
Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231
cllr.barley@melbournparishcouncil.co.uky
1st Melbourn Rainbows Mrs Stef Cooper 07922 053801
TimebankStephanieCoordinatorTrayhurn
Melbourn Playgroup 223459 or 07842 151512
Gabrielle van Poortvliet rfo@melbournpc.co.uk
timebank@melbournpc.co.uk, 07483 176929.
Age UK Cambridgeshire 01223 221921
cllr.alexander@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Home-Start 262262
Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272
Royston and Saffron Walden Nation Trust Association
GloriaCouncillorsAlexander
SPORT
Library LAP Jane Stevens johnjane.stevens@tiscali.co.uk
Photographicavril.mellor@ntlworld.comClubmelbournphotoclub@hotmail.com
Steve Kilmurray
cllr.kilmurray@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Mothers’ Union Pauline Hay 260649
cllr.travis@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
Meldreth Tennis Club Tracy Aggett 243376
Howard Waller 261693
LOCAL CLUBS
cllr.clark@melbournparishcouncil.co.uk
District Councillor Jose Hales, 23 Elm Way, SG8 6UH 01763 jose@josehales.me.uk221058
Hall booking Beryl and Barry Monk 246458
All Saints’ Church Revd. Elizabeth Shipp vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.com220626
Hospitals
Badminton Steve Jackson 248774 Bowls Pat Leggett 220794
Child & Family Nurses 262861 Car Scheme 245228
Mobile Warden Scheme Jeannie Seers 07808 735066
a recreation of the novel’s famous lunch scene in the restaurant of Royston’s Banyer House Hotel. As a writer, James Joyce, an emigrant from Ireland, placed the lunch scene in a real Dublin pub called Davy Byrnes. His tired and hungry fictional character Leopold Bloom enters the real Davy Byrnes seeking lunch. He chats with fellow customers and with Davy Byrne about the headlines in the day’s newspapers, in particular, that day’s Ascot Gold Cup, and, after much reflection orders, “a gorgonzola cheese sandwich and a glass of Burgundy.”
As a result of Bloomsday celebrations the fictional Leopold Bloom, enjoying a pleasant lunch and easy chat in Davy Byrne’s pub, has stepped from the pages of a novel and entered everyday life and history. Astonishingly, more than a hundred years later, Davy Byrnes is still standing in Dublin today. Check out its online presentation at https://davybyrnes.com/history/
Royston Town Mayor Councillor Mary Antony and Hugh Pollock celebrate Bloomsday at Banyers House Hotel.
Meet New and Interesting People & Have Fun!
Readers come together for fun, some wearing June 1904 outfits, and celebrate by recreating scenes and enjoying readings from theTonovel.mark the novel’s 100th Anniversary, Royston’s newly elected Mayor, Councillor Mary Antony, celebrated Bloomsday by joining in
A “Ulysses Reading Group” is being formed: meet for 1–2 hours once a month on a day to suit Reading Group members; start Sept/Oct and finish May/June; free to attend.
If you would like to read “Ulysses” for the first time, or would like to reread it, then do take this opportunity and give yourself a treat. Contact Hugh Pollock at 01763 260253 or hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com
This is the 100th Anniversary of the publication of “Ulysses”, the world famous novel written by James Joyce. If you have not read the novel then this special anniversary year is, perhaps, a good time. If you have already read it – and like me would like to read it again and share your knowledge and experience with a small group of others – then please step forward.
feature 34 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
First published in 1922, “Ulysses” follows a Hungarian Jew and everyman named Leopold Bloom throughout his working day as he walks around Dublin, selling advertising space and chasing accounts. The novel, famously set across a single day 16 June 1904, also features Joyce’s other great creation, Leopold’s wife Molly Bloom. The novel is celebrated annually – on 16 June, which is known as Bloomsday – in countries and regions across the world wherever great novels are read and the creative arts are valued.
The plan is as follows: the novel is divided into monthly sections; everyone reads that month’s section at home; the Group then meets over a relaxing cup of tea or coffee to recap and share discussion and assessment of the section just read. The overall plan is to enjoy “Ulysses” and meet new and interesting people – the fictional people in the novel as well as real people who wish to read it! More information from: Hugh Pollock on 01763 260253 or hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com
Hugh Pollock
Melwood: Your Local Nature Reserve
Nature
However, this list has diminished over the years as people have moved away and grown older. We would therefore welcome new volunteers to participate in work parties. This does not require special expertise as Jim always explains the tasks required at each work party, including the reason for this particular activity. It is a very friendly group, with coffee and biscuits and a chat at the end of a session. Equipment is provided but a pair of stout shoes is recommended.
Volunteers have been very appreciative of what they have learned about wood and meadow management and the associated wildlife over the years.
We have a core group of volunteers that participate in our work parties and a wider group of people who provide general support for our activities.
Of course, none of the activities in the wood could happen without the contribution from the Parish Council and we are very grateful for their support.
Melwood Conservation Group Secretary: brucehuett@compuserve.com Website: https://www.melwood.org.uk
35melbournmagazine@gmail.com
We also hope that you enjoy the articles that Jim Reid, our work group leader, provides for the magazine from time to time, giving an update on what is happening in the wood as the seasons change and provide new sights and sounds.
In addition to new volunteers we are also looking for people who would be prepared to join the management committee. Some members will be standing down in the next few years and it would be good to have some new blood and fresh ideas. Again, special expertise is not required, just a bit of common sense!
We hope that you enjoy visiting this nature reserve, maybe as a detour from the footpath along the wonderful river Mel. We are very lucky to have this species-rich piece of secondary woodland and meadow so close to the village centre.
It is an important part of the County and District Council strategy for a nature-rich corridor along the Cam and its tributaries and its ‘Doubling Nature’ initiative.
Spring migration, delayed in April by cold, windy weather, picked up again with warmer temperatures in May. The first Swifts and Hobbies were seen on the 4th, with a Grey Wagtail briefly at the mere edge. Two days later a male Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets and Yellow Wagtails were on the mere edge. One pair of Coots had 3 tiny young, seen to the left of the Reedbed hide.
Above: Birds cooling down in 40 degrees heat. In this article, local birder Ade Cooper sets out his diary for the months of May, June and July.
Juvenile first winter Spotted Flycatcher
Two Common Terns made a brief visit one morning, a welcome sight as there were none last year.
Especially good news was to see Spotted Flycatchers in nesting areas. One bird was seen around the Spring hide and another around the loop at the centenary end. A week later a pair were seen in the car park area, and it seemed likely they would nest here.
The sun brought insects: the first dragonflies were out, Hairy and Broad-Bodied Chaser, dozens of Azure Damselflies were on the wing, and butterflies, including the first Red Admiral of the year.
A male Cuckoo was singing all around the reserve in the early mornings and late evenings, and a female Cuckoo was seen hunting for nests.
By the second week migration was almost completed. Many Swifts had arrived and were now a daily sight. House Martins were also more evident, with small flocks
MAY
Oystercatcher pair
At mid-month a pair of Shelducks were seen at the mere edge. With only a couple of records a year it was good to see them, but it was possible they had come from the Dernford collection. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt!
of 20–30 feeding over the mere or higher up, and Yellow Wagtails were still visiting the mere edge.
The Oystercatcher pair seen in April reappeared at the mere edge several times, but did not nest here.
Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve Nature
36 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
Marsh Orchids were now out all around the reserve, particularly in the two small meadows opposite the cattle paddock. The meadow by the Barn Owl nest box viewpoint also had 2 Bee Orchids.
Our pair of Marsh Harriers seemed to be failing. The male was bringing in food and the female collecting nest material, but by then they should have passed this stage and been on eggs. A week later they were nestbuilding again, in a different location, but by mid-July it was apparent that they had still not been successful and sightings became fewer. Hopefully they will do better next year with more experience.
Marsh Orchids
A pair of Spotted Flycatchers around the Spring hide area was very good news. This species is elusive though and difficult to keep track of. A male Grasshopper Warbler, heard in May at the end of the boardwalk, started reeling again, a sure sign that it had paired and the first brood had fledged.
At the end of the month there were 2 male Cuckoos singing, at the same time, which was great. Three Water Voles were seen in the Shep and the first two Southern Marsh Orchids had flowered.
By mid-month the Cuckoo pair were still on site, working together to get eggs laid in Reed Warbler nests. The male was acting as a decoy, heavily mobbed by the Warblers, while the female perched slightly away watching for her chance.
The sunny days brought butterflies, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper being easy to find. Dragonflies also, with Drewer’s Hide pool the best place to see them.
Juvenile Cetti’s Warbler
A Hobby was feeding over the mere late in the day, and Yellow Wagtails and Corn Buntings were heard regularly around the mere area. A few days later Kingfishers were going back and forth with fish, a sure sign they had young and a giveaway to where they were nesting.
37melbournmagazine@gmail.com
With the weather becoming really hot, more butterflies appeared, Small Skipper, Ringlet and the spectacular Marbled White all making a first appearance. Marbled White
As June began the female Cuckoo was seen looking for nests in the reedbed: she must have found one because she disappeared into the reeds for several minutes.
Juvenile Barn Owl – what a face!
Along the Shep at least two young Cetti’s Warbler fledglings could be heard calling, with adults nearby. One juvenile was seen sunning itself and preening for several minutes.
JUNE
On the mere one pair of Coots were doing well, having 4 half-grown young; another pair had 2 smaller young, but other pairs had failed.
One fledgling Tawny Owl had left the nest at the Spring hide alders and was heard calling near dusk, but not seen. A pair of Tufted Ducks were potentially nest prospecting.
Juvenile Cuckoo
At the end of the month the warm, mainly dry weather lowered the water level in the mere, giving a good muddy edge on the shallower side: ideal conditions for waders. An early returning Green Sandpiper came in on the 29th and Black-Headed Gulls were dropping down.
Juvenile Kingfisher
One morning, a begging call led me to discover a fully grown juvenile Cuckoo! The bird was moving around the junction to the Reedbed hide area, sometimes in full view. Its constant calling, a high pitched peep, made it easy to keep track of. I was sorry not to see the foster parents feed it; it would have been interesting to know which species was bringing it up.
Bee Orchid
A treat at this time was a young Tawny Owl, sitting out in the open all day on the 18th in the alders opposite the Reedbed hide turning. It was clearly visible from the path and was a brilliant opportunity for visitors to see something special!
Lapwing and Black-Headed Gulls around the Mere
Green Sandpiper
Over the final 10 days of the month Little Egret numbers visiting the mere increased from 3 to a record 10, including four juveniles, probably from the new colony at Shepreth.
Towards the third week of the month the Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling at the end of the boardwalk, at times perched right out in the open. I was delighted to see the first juvenile Kingfisher of the year, and a Hobby came in to feed on the dozens of Dragonflies over the mere.
On the 24th a small flock of Lapwings was on the mere, with Yellow Wagtails, Corn Buntings and Kingfishers around the mere area. A fine male Kestrel was also using the posts in the mere as vantage points to catch Black Tailed Skimmers, Hobby style!
It was good to see 23 Swallows feeding over the cut hay field at the entrance, many of them juvenile and still being fed by the parent birds. A successful breeding season was essential after very low numbers returned this Spring. There were also Lesser Whitethroats in the cattle paddock, with the adult pair carrying food for young.
38 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
JULY
Sandpipers were dropping in, along with small flocks of Lapwings, and Water Rails could be seen on the mud from the Reedbed and Drewer hides. 3 Teals were new in and other species – Gulls, Yellow Wagtails, Corn Buntings, Little Egrets, Grey Herons – were using the mere in the 40°C heat to bathe and cool down.
July 2nd saw the first 4 Gatekeepers feeding on bramble flowers. The brambles were brimming with life, with many butterflies, bees and hoverflies, including a Hornet Mimic Hoverfly, huge compared to the others. Another good find was 4 Scarlet Tiger Moths roosting in the grass alongside the track to the Reedbed hide.
The discovery of Crassula growing in the Spring hide pool was bad news. This non-native plant is a menace, taking over and choking up open water areas, and very hard to remove. I hoped it could be dealt with quickly.
A strange sight was a yellow Newt moving across the surface vegetation at the Cress Hut pool. Unusually, it swam across the top of the water and not underneath. I eventually discovered that it was a juvenile Smooth Newt; it seems they start life yellow in colour and spend a lot of time out of the water in their first year.
Juvenile Smooth Newt
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Sitting in the Reedbed hide, I was lucky to have a Barn Owl perch on the window next to me! I stayed quite still and the Owl stared at me for several minutes before flying off.
The end of the month brought signs of Autumn, with a large pre-migration flock of Swallows building up on the wires along the road to the reserve.
Spotted Flycatchers were still being seen and 3 juveniles were being fed by the adults around the car park/reception area later in the month.
Adult Water Rail at drewer hide
A really special moment at the Reedbed hide was to see a juvenile Turtle Dove perching for a few minutes before flying off. It’s been almost two years since a Turtle Dove was last recorded at Fowlmere. This bird would have been just passing through on its way southward, but perhaps it might return in the future.
Over the next few days Mallard numbers reached a high of 80. Little Egrets and Black-Headed Gulls continued to use the mere, with the Hobby still coming in and the regular 2–3 Kingfishers.
The mere was very lively with large numbers of waterfowl and waders, including a very showy juvenile Water Rail regularly in full view along the back reed edge.
Late one evening, I found that the 2 juvenile Barn Owls in the triangular box had fledged, while the square box in front of the Reedbed hide also had 2 young, almost ready to fly. I then, surprisingly, discovered a third nest, also with young, the begging calls heard and an adult seen flying out. This is the first time that Fowlmere has had 3 nests of Barn Owls, with at least 9 birds on the reserve!
All but one adult Coot had gone, leaving 7 juveniles from 3 broods to fend for themselves. A single fully-grown Little Grebe also appeared unexpectedly on the mere and the Red Kites from the poplar wood had fledged.
This article is a synopsis taken from the website produced by Ade Cooper and Caroline Scott about Fowlmere Bird Reserve. To see the full version and other interesting visits Ade and Caroline have undertaken in the UK and abroad, visit: www.cooperandscott.wordpress.com
Very hot weather mid-month turned the focus to butterflies. A full reserve survey recorded 462 individuals of 20 species! Most numerous were Gatekeepers (130) and Small Skippers (90), followed by Ringlets (64) and Meadow Browns (63). Peacocks, Small Whites and Marbled Whites were in the 20s, with 18 Green Veined Whites and 11 each of Speckled Woods, Common Blues and Commas. Essex Skippers, Brown Argus, Red Admirals, Large Skippers, Large Whites, Brimstones and Holly Blues were all in single figures, with just one Painted Lady and one Small Copper.
Record-breaking temperatures on the 18th and 19th brought low water levels everywhere and a wide mud edge on the mere. Common Sandpipers and Green
At this time there were at least 30 Small Red Eyed Damselflies over the mere, with 17 egg laying pairs counted – this species is doing well here and growing in numbers. The first Willow Emerald Damselfly appeared on the 22nd.
There’s a brutal honesty to this memoir. Zauner doesn’t shy away from past difficulties she shared with her mother and confronts them in a loving and respectful way, recalling a dynamic to which many readers will be able to relate or recall as their personal experience.
Review 40 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
Alice is not even welcome in the town, as Bennett had been expected to marry a local girl and she is seen as a usurper. Alice soon realises that she has exchanged one prison for another.
The Giver of Stars
Zauner documents her bid to honour the memories of her mother and to keep a connection to her roots by embracing Korean culture, learning to make the food her mother made, regularly visiting family in Seoul and beginning to carve out an identity. Food is a portal into her memories which she uses to create the narrative timeline. When Zauner goes to H Mart she describes it as “collecting the evidence that the Korean half of my identity didn’t die when they did.” Food signposts significant milestones in her life and makes Crying in H Mart much more than a memoir about grief, it’s also an education, not only into Korean food Michelle Zauner
The book is set in the post-Depression 1920s, and follows the fortunes of a young English girl, Alice, from a well-to-do Surrey family. Alice is something of a misfit and an embarrassment to her family, finding it difficult to conform to the social norms and standards of conduct of her class. It is a great relief to her parents when she meets and falls in love with a handsome American, Bennett Van Cleve, who is on a European tour with his recently widowed, wealthy industrialist father. Seeing Bennett as a way out, she readily agrees to marry him.
H Mart is foremost a story about grief and how Zauner deals with her mother’s illness and subsequent death. Secondly, it’s a celebration of: food; her memories of her mother tied to Korean cuisine, in particular, her homemade kimchi, the fluffy steamed eggs of gyeranjiim and the soft rice cakes in tteokguk. These two subjects intertwine seamlessly to create a heartfelt and often comical look at the complexities of this mother/daughter relationship and the feeling of otherness that surrounds Zauner while living in America: “There was something in my face that other people deciphered as a thing displaced from its origin, like I was some kind of alien or exotic fruit.”
Crying in H Mart
Michelle Zauner
Crying in H Mart is a compelling and emotional debut. Zauner has expertly offered an insight into her own family life whilst tapping into the subject of grief and culture on a wider scale as she explores her own place in the world and what it means to belong.
Jojo Moyes
I was introduced to this book by one of my home library clients, and enjoyed it so much that I bought my own copy to keep. A welcome escape from all the dire news these days, this is the ultimate ‘feel-good’ novel.
Alice sets off to sail to America with her new husband, dreaming of a glamorous life – shopping in New York, evenings out at Carnegie Hall etc. From the beginning, married life is not quite what she had expected, and on arrival in America she is disconcerted to find that her new family lives in a far from glamorous small mining town in rural Kentucky. Worse, the couple are not to have their own house, but are expected to live with Bennett’s father. The courteous elderly gentleman met in England not only inhibits their relationship by his constant presence, but also turns out to be an overbearing tyrant at home, with even more strict and confining rules of behaviour than her own family.
Michelle Zauner, Korean American musician and director, best known as the lead vocalist with the band Japanese Breakfast, has released her first book. Expanded from her essay published in the New Yorker in 2018, Crying in H Mart is a memoir delving into Zauner’s life through grief, family and food.
The first chapter introduces readers who aren’t familiar with it to H Mart, a popular American chain specialising in Asian groceries. Zauner describes the comfort and understanding of the familiar supermarket as she recalls shopping trips with her late mother, who acted as her connection to her Korean roots whilst growing up in America.Cryingin
but also into the ties food can create within us and how we can use it to access the past and celebrate the future.
Have some tissues at the ready and, whatever you do, don’t read this while hungry!
April McIntyre
Jojo Moyes
Penelope Fitzgerald
Penelope Fitzgerald
At a loss on a recent evening I glanced across the sitting room and my eye fell on this slim volume standing upright in the middle of a shelf. I could make out the name Penelope Fitzgerald on the spine and reaching up – and simultaneously reaching back across the years – I reached it down. Published in 1990, I quickly remembered it as a lovely little novel: light, whimsical, comedic, yet serious and deadweight heavy. It had been deservedly shortlisted for the 1990 Booker Prize. Indeed, Fitzgerald’s relationship with the Booker prize was lengthy: her second novel had been Booker shortlisted twelve years earlier in 1978, and the following year, 1979, she won the Booker with another novel “Offshore”. I quickly settled down with a very old friend of more than 30 years.
After some early difficulties, Alice gains acceptance from the families on her library round and begins to form friendships with the other riders, each of whom is also a misfit in her own way, and with the two men, Sven and Fred, who support them with their project. Sven is the partner of the leader of the group, while Fred has provided the building they use to house the books and also loans horses to those who don’t have their own. Together they overcome opposition to the project from the town elders – notably Van Cleve senior, who is the owner of the mine and wields great influence – and keep the service going under all sorts of conditions. A number of dramatic events keep the narrative moving, building to a tremendous climax at the end.
Christine Orchard
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Part of what makes this book so enjoyable is that dramatic downturns are interspersed with satisfactory resolutions and other happy events, so that the story never becomes depressing.
Salvation comes with a proposal to establish a mobile library in the town. This is part of a national initiative endorsed by the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, to bring education to remote areas. Books are to be delivered on loan to households up in the mountains by local women riders on horseback –a ‘packhorse library’. Despite the disapproval of Bennett and his father, Alice sees an opportunity to escape from the stifling atmosphere at home and, being an experienced rider, volunteers to take part.
The story is simple: boy meets girl, albeit in a latenight bicycle crash (as the boy cycles along Cambridge’s Guestingly Road) and the resultant case (convoluted and involving an unlit horse and cart) goes to court. But the joy for the reader sitting in his or her armchair, a reading light poised just so and a pot of coffee and some dark chocolates to hand, is in being transported into the multilayered 1912 world of Cambridge College and Cambridge City life through Junior Fellow Fred Fairly (the boy) and London
The Gate of Angels is a short novel, just under 160 pages. It is crammed brimful with brilliance, whether insights, reflections, throwaway observations, with fully drawn minor characters which, although memorable, are by their very nature unassuming and unimposing. They are, however, crucial for serving the intended purpose of a purposeful author. Considering the novel as a whole, it is also a very revealing and well-captured portrait of a long-gone period of English history, circa 1912. That it is partly set in London – but for the greater part in Cambridge and its rural hinterland – lent added delight and charm for this reader. The ‘Angels’ of the title is the fictional St. Angelicus, a small, wealthy and, founded around 1400, College of Cambridge University.
Behind the main story is the evolving situation in the Van Cleve household, and when Alice finally leaves Bennett, following a vicious physical attack by his father, a gentle love story slowly develops between Alice and Fred. This is far from being just a romantic novel, however. As with other Jojo Moyes’ novels, there are many layers to the story. This is a book about overcoming adversity, discovering the rewards from helping others, finding your “tribe” and becoming the person you were meant to be.
I felt at the end of this magical book that I had seen ‘stars’ all the way through. For my money, this is the best of Jojo Moyes’ novels, and not to be missed.
The Gate of Angels
The book is beautifully written with insight and humour, making a delightful, uplifting read. The author took the trouble to ride the trails in the mountains which the girls would have taken, allowing some wonderful, atmospheric descriptions.
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Nurse Daisy Saunders (the girl). It is, of course, a world long gone, but Fitzgerald’s writing and story-telling skills enable us to see clearly the world from whence we have come and to note the influences of those times – which continued to operate in 1990 when Fitzgerald was writing, and which continue to operate in our world today. A world still influenced and enthralled by Cambridge College life and all it represents.
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And, equally approving: “The book is short and full of activity. The story moves swiftly in unexpected directions. It is inspiring, funny and touching.”
Hugh Pollock
My recent evening renewing acquaintance with ‘The Gate of Angels’ was very pleasant and deeply satisfying. It caused me a few days later to look further among propped up old favourites, thinking aloud to myself: for goodness sake let’s have something cheerful – something to overcome the dreadful nightly news and dispel for a while the economic woes we foolishly inflicted upon ourselves at the ballot box! Yes – who have we here? Ah, of course, P G Wodehouse! Who better? Now, let me just reposition that reading light, assemble some coffee and a few dark chocolates… As expected, there followed an evening of respite and bliss in the company of a genius.
While the novel’s context is 1912, and the Women’s Suffrage campaign is clearly present in the background, the choices and decisions confronting Nurse Daisy Saunders also resonate for many women and girls in today’s world. The bureaucracy and the practices of her hospital employment life are laid bare. Equally, the way they interact with the stultifying sexist practices that are present in her daily personal and social life are gently exposed as the tyrannies they are. It is assuredly a man’s world, whether in Cambridge and its hinterland in 1912 or in any urban or rural place in England today – a man’s world against which men and women of goodwill today come together to protest. Yet this is a subtle feelgood novel. As a reader entrapped and entranced by Fitzgerald’s skills, we are rooting for the two young people Fred Fairly and Daisy Saunders as we race through the pages, hoping all the while that yes, indeed, Love will conquer all. The chase is dizzy: depths are plumbed; despair is tasted; then into view comes ‘sunny uplands’ (to borrow a recent deceitful slogan popular until national reality dawned); in truth a mirage of sunny uplands is briefly laid out before despair again intrudes.Lovedoes in the end, of course, conquer and as I closed the book with a sigh I read again on the back cover the judgements of Michael Ratcliffe, Observer, and Peter Campbell, London Review of Books: “Contains more wit, intelligence and feeling than many novels three times its length. It confirms Fitzgerald’s place as one of the finest and most entertaining novelists writing in England today.”
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44 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk Residential care • Dementia care • Respite breaks • En-suite bedrooms • Spa bathroom • Café Call 01763 722 305 to arrange a visit. Hyacinth Drive, Melbourn, Royston, SG8 6FY • barchester.com/MelbournSprings
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Melbourn Springs is a place where people matter, where care is uncompromising and where every individual is valued as a true one-off. That’s why you’ll find each menu is an experience. Every meal is an occasion. And our wide choice of activities and events bring joy and happiness to the people we care for. These are the things that mean the most. because they matter to you, they matter to us.
Now she has returned to a childhood village near Cambridge – a rewilded garden, along with a lurcher, one solitary surviving bantam, and a husband – the same one since 1960. Her first collection, Holding it Together, was published in April this year and launched at a reading in the Grantchester pottery studio of Elspeth Owen. It is published https://www.thelamplightpress.com/holding-it-togetherby The Lamplight Press,
Are you or a friend an author with a published book? Tell the readers of Melbourn Magazine about how and why you came to write your book, provide an abridged extract, and some biographical details. Contact Melbourn Magazine for full details email: melbournmagazine@gmail.com Telephone: 261144.
Christina Buckton always read poetry, but the experience of morphine after knee surgery in her eighties unleashed a stream of ideas that has continued after the morphine. Since starting to write poetry she has won three On the Buses awards at the Guernsey International competition, and has been published in many poetry magazines, including The North, Orbis, Stand and Fenland Journal. She was shortlisted for last year’s Aesthetica competition and nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Orbis magazine.
As a Cambridge English graduate Christina Buckton has had careers in the BBC, education, counselling and play therapy and has written a number of educational text books as well as fiction for children. She worked on the National Literary Strategy and was awarded an MBE for her work on the Family Literacy Strategy.
my sister, looking on, was not part of that punching puppy play, that messing about careless and close. Drifting home for tea, blotchywith cold clinging towel and nettled feet. He ran on discardingahead, me.
Introduction
Holding Hands With Myself 2020
Seventy years ago I nearly drowned here. Stooping now under dark branches above the uncertain surface, its floating cloth of weed drilled with raindrops from a sodden sky my eye keeps sliding below the water, slipping into that self who drowned / didn’t drown that day the log rolled over with me on it, shrugged me off into unkind river arms –– the way its swaying glassy forest beckoned me in –it was all mist, mouth drooling water, spit spilling through my sleeves I was shivered into stillness into a muffled smothering of scum How did I not drown? How am I not drowned? The river gathers images for my present eye: a pondskater on the thin skin somewhere between sky and deep between here and gone
I saw her when he’d gone, waited for her, helped her over the fence, her hand wordless and warm. If he called me, I knew I’d do it, I’d leave her, but her hand in minesiblingwassticky.
Christina Buckton
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These days I’m taking the dog along the same walk, treading the flattened path, pulled towards the river where I played as a child –dark figures slipping between the willows are ghosts from that day when my brother and I wrestled on the bank our bodies slippery from swimming the sweet taste of grass in my teeth how edible it all was, sour bite of sorrel,buds,hawthornand our tangled flesh, insistent – his wired to beat mine –while
Conclusion
David Buckton
Extract
It’s easier to reach my sister of seventy years ago than to find her now. And harder still to touch the neighbour who passes me, wiping the gatepost, keeping her distance.
Pondskater
Authors and their Books
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, the Americans entered the fray that would become WWII. Britain became a vast supply depot, military base, air base, and training and staging area for the
around Melbourn & beyond Walks
This is a walk that generates reflection, appreciation and a sense of pride. It is a tonic for body and soul in troubled times. Cambridge American Cemetery & Memorial sits on a northern slope, at the eastern reaches of the Cretaceous chalk Chiltern Hills, just outside Cambridge. It was chosen as the site of the permanent American WWII Cemetery partly because of its sweeping views over the flat fenlands of East Anglia. Ely Cathedral is discernible 14 miles away. The 40-acre Madingley Wood, managed by the University of Cambridge as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, creates borders to the south and west. Cambridge is one of the 26 cemeteries and 32 memorials, in 17 countries around the world, cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).
American Cemetery
General of the Armies, John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I.
Touring the WWI battlefields where his men had fought and died, General Pershing visited the small, isolated cemeteries where they were buried. Surveying the jumble of recently erected monuments which were already falling into disrepair, he decided that his men needed more fitting, and permanent memorials. Recognizing the requirement for an American governmental agency to honour American armed forces where they had served overseas, and to establish military cemeteries on foreign soil, US Congress created ABMC in 1923. Pershing was appointed to the ABMC board of Commissioners, and elected as its first Chairman by the other members, serving until his death in 1948.
“Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”
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Morning mist at American Cemetery
Inside the Memorial, which includes an inter-faith devotional chapel, you are assailed by colour. The muralist Francis Scott Bradford decided to create a mosaic, where 900,000 tesserae depict the Day of the Resurrection; Archangels wait in heaven to receive the souls of the dead airmen. Inset to the windows are stained-glass replicas of the State Seals, and colourful representations of America’s principal military decorations. The south wall is covered by an impressive map in bas relief style, ‘The Mastery of the Atlantic – The Great Air Assault’, by the American artist, Herbert Gute.
Suzie Harrison, Interpretive Guide
The cemetery has its own interpretive centre, set back in the trees, where film, photographs, and interactive kiosks help the visitor to explore the historical background of WWII in Europe and learn the stories of some of those commemorated in the cemetery. Admission is free, literature is available, and staff, who are always on hand to answer questions, can provide guided tours, subject to availability.
As for the land, in 1948, Madingley Hall sold it to the University of Cambridge, and in 1951 the University then donated the land to the Ministry of Defence so that it could be preserved as a permanent American Cemetery. Although the grounds today are part of Crown Estates, the US Government funds all facilities and grounds upkeep.
and Stars of David, surrounded by acres of green grass, the overall impression is of a monochrome panorama.
The Court of Honor has three reflecting pools which flank the Wall of the Missing, upon whose tablets are inscribed a further 5,127 names of those who have no known resting place. Standing sentinel along the wall are statues representing a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Coast Guardsman.Architects,Perry, Shaw, Hepburn, and Dean (Boston, MA) designed this built landscape. The Portland Stone Memorial Chapel with its internal and external maps, along with the rest of the stone artwork, statues, and inscriptions, was fabricated by the David Kindersley workshops in Cambridge, to the American’s designs.
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Allies fighting in the European Theatre of Operations. American commanders understood that casualties would be high, so choosing locations for temporary cemeteries was a priority. Ultimately, the UK sites were Lisnabreeny, Belfast; Brookwood, Surrey (ABMC’s only UK WWI Cemetery); and Cambridge.
Originally part of the Madingley Hall Estate, this 30.5 acre, picturesque landscape, centrally located among the American air bases of WWII, was first used by the US Army Graves Registration Service as a temporary cemetery in December 1943. Burials continued until 1946, at which point almost 6,000 individuals had been interred. Following the war, the US Army allowed families of the fallen to choose the final resting place for their loved ones, and this resulted in 60% of American War Dead returning to the US between 1948–1949. The remaining 40% – from Lisnabreeny, Brookwood, and Cambridge – were consolidated at Cambridge American Cemetery for final burial. There are now 3,811 Americans, military and civilian, who are forever buried in British soil.
The combination of art, landscape, and symbolism was crafted by America’s finest proponents, who were invited to view the space and create a fitting memorial to the courage, service, and sacrifice of so many young Americans.Fromtheflagpole, it is possible to view the entire site. The landscaping was conceived by the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, MA (White House gardens; much of Central Park, New York). With white marble crosses The statue of a Coast Guardsman, by sculptor Wheeler Williams of New York, ‘keeps watch’ over the Field of Honor.
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Revd. Dr Lizzie Murgatroyd Shipp – 01763 220626
October, and join in corporate Acts of Remembrance at the war memorials on Sunday 13th November.
It already seems more than just a few weeks since we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but I hope it
ChurchesTogether
In June, All Saints’, Melbourn held a service of thanksgiving for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, followed by a picnic. Celebration and thanksgiving continue to be a theme during the Autumn, with Harvest Thanksgiving services at All Saints’ on 25th September and at Holy Trinity on 2nd October. At All Saints’ we celebrate our patronal festival on 30th October – a chance to think about the church, both people and building, and what its past, present and future mean to us.
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September brings the start of the new school year and seems a good time to remind you that Sunday School meets at All Saints’, Melbourn on the second Sunday of the month during the 9.45am service. Also at Melbourn, on third Sundays (18th September, 16th October, 20th November), there is Sunday@11, a shorter, less formal service for people of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you.
Future fundraising events at All Saints’ include the Megson concert on Saturday 17th September and the Autumn Fayre on Saturday 5th November. In Meldreth, we look forward to the Christmas Tree Festival on 26th and 27th November, finishing with the Advent Carol service on Sunday evening.
In the present, and for the future, our care of the churches depends on the generous giving of time, skills and money. Thank you for supporting All Saints’ May Market and Holy Trinity’s Jubilee fete. Both were good chances to catch up with people we had not seen for a while as well as spending some money!
Another theme at this time is remembering those who have died. We can mark our personal memories at the All Souls’ service at 6.30pm on Sunday 30th
As I write, Summer is with us, with record temperatures forecast for the next few days!
All Saints’, Melbourn and Holy Trinity, Meldreth
Marywith you.IFacebookPatmaryprice9486@gmail.comRevd.vicar.melbournmeldreth@gmail.comMaryPrice–01763261569Smith01763262575@ASMHTMlookforwardtocelebratingandrememberingPrice,AssociatePriest
Melbourn Baptist Church
It has been good to welcome some warmer weather, though. I am sure that many folk are anticipating a ‘proper’ holiday soon, especially after the disruption of the last couple of years, and with the school holidays coming along the UK travel industry (at least!) is, I imagine, breathing a sigh of relief.
You can contact us with requests for prayer or other enquiries as follows:
As I write, on the hottest day of the year so far, it’s hard to imagine what Autumn will bring…but, in the parish churches, we are planning and looking forward to special services and events during these three months. We also look forward to meeting with our friends from Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together.
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She has made no secret of her faith in, and reliance on, the Lord, Jesus Christ for strength to live life and the ability to carry out her duties as our Sovereign; a ‘job’ I suspect not many of us would envy, despite its privileges. God is there for any of us, of course, if we choose to take up the offer to welcome Him into our lives.
Our minister, Rev’d Sue Fender, went in May with a group of 51 people from across the URC for a holiday in Germany and Austria, culminating in the Passion Play at Oberammergau, which is put on every ten years. These are Sue’s own words describing the holiday:
Harvest
Meanwhile, be blessed this Summer and onwards!
Our harvest celebrations will be on Sunday 18th September. Morning worship at 11am, led by Rev’d Chris Baker, followed by a soup lunch. We are again supporting Jimmy’s Night Shelter and monetary donations and provisions will be given to the charity.
Praise to you, who has overcome death, you who died on Golgotha!
As always you are free to visit our website, for details of our Services and also activities going into the Autumn and onwards. There is also our Youtube channel, and Facebook page. Any enquiries can be addressed to the Church Secretary.
“On Monday we had a day in Salzburg, which included a visit to the home of Mozart. On Tuesday we went to Kitzbuhel, famous for its part in the World Ski Tour. Sadly the snow had all gone, but I can assure you, under no circumstances would I be tempted to try the Ski Jump! On Wednesday we visited the Castle at Trazberg and enjoyed a cruise on the Achensee. Our visit to Innsbruck on Thursday included a tour of the historic city and a chance to sample some local food andThebeers!highlight of the holiday was the Passion Play at Oberammergau. It was magnificent. Moving, disturbing and yet strangely beautiful to experience. It will take a while to really process the event. The closing words of the play, sung by the choir, will ring in my ears and heart for many years to come:
MBC, we have had unexpected news regarding the future. Our current Pastor, the Revd. Stuart Clarke has been called elsewhere. It is a long story, but it seems that God has something new for him – but not here in Melbourn. He and his family are relocating to Gloucester at the beginning of September. Our church was his first Pastorate and we have shared their lives for 16 years. This will be a huge change for them – and us!
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This year we also have to say ‘Goodbye’ to our Trainee Youth Worker, Jason. Now qualified, he has secured full time employment in youth work for a church in Cambridge. Jason has led and served our young people in – and outside – our church enthusiastically and successfully. Our prayers go with him, along with those for the Clarke family. Change in life can be scary, however we are trusting in the Lord to see us through this period of adjustment, confident that he holds our future and has everything in hand, including, in His time, the Pastor HE already has for us.
United Reformed Church
Germany, Austria and Oberammergau
was thoroughly enjoyed by the majority of us in one way or another. Her Majesty certainly looked happy and blessed by the various events staged to thank her for her long service. It was a shame that she had to miss some of the celebrations, though; not least the Thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
It is interesting to read reports from time to time, of many people living through dreadful circumstances, including the terror and uncertainty experienced by the population of Ukraine right now, but who continue to hold on to faith in God, rather than turn away from Him.Hereat
Praise to you, Saviour of all sinners, you who died on PraiseGolgotha!toyou, who at the altar of the cross, gave your life for us, you have bought us for yourself, only for you we live, only for you we die.
Hallelujah – Praise, glory, worship, power and splendour to you from everlasting to everlasting.’”
From David Burbridge
The Word of God
He will be much missed in the area too, I am sure, given his enthusiastic involvement in village life, in our Primary School and Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together, as well as those in the Royston area, for example. Stuart’s wife, Margi and their family have blessed us too through their invaluable contribution to our church’s life: Sunday School, Youth work, our Summer Holiday Clubs and such.
What doth The Lord require of thee, but to serve Him with all thy Spirit, to keep His commandments for thy good. The heaven is The Lord’s the earth also with all that is therein. (Deuteronomy Ch.10 vs 12–14)
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Supporters of All Saints Church SOAS
Some 40 years ago, Mavis’s aunt and her Welsh husband (a Doctor of Music and a Welsh Bard) came to church with us one Christmas. He commented that we had a beautiful organ but it was sadly in need of attention, and then said ‘if you get the organ fixed, I will come and give you a concert to celebrate’. As he was well known on Welsh radio and reputed to have played every organ in Wales, I took this seriously and, having been told it would cost about £4,500, a small group of us started raising money. We called ourselves ASMOF (All Saints Melbourn Organ Fund). Between ASMOF and the PCC the money was found, the organ refurbished and the celebratory concert was duly given to great acclaim. Uncle Roby was adept at playing things like ‘Happy Birthday to You’ or ‘Roll out the Barrel’ in the style of Bach or ThisBeethoven!madeus
Are you interested – Can You Help?
Supporters of All Saints Church Charity no. 1048977
think that if we can raise money for the organ why don’t we try to raise money to keep the church in good repair, and thus the idea of a ‘Friends of All Saints’ was born. Various obstacles were put in our way, but suddenly we heard that Holy Trinity had gone ahead and formed Friends of Holy Trinity. That was the spur, and a group of us formed the Supporters of All Saints, ‘Friends’ having been taken by our friends over the bridge! We found we had a lot of support and became a registered Charity, dedicated to raising money for the maintenance of the Church fabric, i.e. not the services, the candles, the service sheets, but the repairs to the roof, the gutters etc. which keeps the building safe and serviceable.
The first committee meeting of SOAS was held on 2nd February 1995. Since then we have raised about £100,000, which has been given to the Parochial Church Council for the upkeep of the fabric of the church. This money was made by holding a series of concerts, recitals, quizzes, treasure hunts, themed gastronomical evenings, lectures and beetle drives. You name it, we have done it.
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Whilst the main thrust of this activity was to make money, we were also conscious of the need to raise awareness of the value (and the vulnerability) of this beautiful mediaeval building which stands so prominently in the centre of our village. You may not be Church of England, or indeed even a Christian of any denomination. You might dismiss all religions – but would you really like to see the church either neglected and decaying or, even worse, replaced by a retirement home?OurCommittee has changed over the years; people have moved away or, sadly, died – but always we have had dedicated members willing to roll up their sleeves and muck in. The ladies always have particularly shone, taking over refreshment duties, cake making etc. I am now the only one left from the original group and I shall be 90 in January. The time has come to take a long hard look at the future of SOAS.Wehave always been proud of the fact that our membership included members of all faiths, and none. Our membership fees have always been modest, even now it is only £7 per person, £10 for a couple. Not much more than the cost of two beers or coffees. At the moment we have 90 members (the committee now consists of eight)
– and I am sure they will not mind me saying that most of us are drawing our pensions! Our church congregation is shrinking almost weekly: modern life means that young families are busy at the weekends catching up with chores, gardening, shopping etc. When Andrew O’Brien left and we had a new young female vicar we had hoped that it might attract younger people in to church – but sadly that has not happened. There is too much outside distraction for young people to spend an hour on Sunday morning in church.Sowhere do we go now? Where are the younger people with new ideas to come and take over the reins, organising a programme of events to boost our funds? Currently our only income is by way of subscriptions and donations and the weekly donation from Coffee Stop.
So if there are people in Melbourn who would like to get their teeth into a worthwhile project, people with the energy and drive that we old fogies had twenty years ago, do get in touch with me or come along to Coffee Stop in the All Saints Community Hall one Saturday morning and suss us out. We have had a great deal of fun and fellowship along the way, providing entertainment for lots of people and knowing that we were helping to preserve the centrepiece of the village. George Howard 01763 260686
54 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
Brownies – 1st Melbourn
Melbourn Squash
Melbourn and Women’sMeldrethGroup
Photographic Club
Tennis (Melbourn)
Tracy Aggett 243376
Melbourn Judo Club
Tennis (Meldreth)
Ramblers
We have had another busy term here at Melbourn Rainbows. We have been focusing on our teamwork as a unit, at the beginning of the term making marble runs in small teams and seeing how far we could get a marble to travel.
Swimming Club
Janet Pope 248239
1st Melbourn Rainbows
1st Melbourn Rainbows
Melbourn Sports Centre
Pat Leggett 220794
continued on page 56
This term we had some added excitement as we joined many other Rainbow units across the county at Shepreth wildlife park for Rainbows Go Wild! The girls got to ride the train to the wildlife park and we had lots of fun learning about all the animals! We looked at what pollution does to an animal’s environment and learnt how we can help in our own ways.
To end this term we enjoyed having a teddy bears’ picnic. We played games with our teddies and a parachute before sitting down to have a proper teddy bear picnic in the garden. We ended the night by giving out some well-earned badges! We look forward to seeing everyone in September!
Towards the end of term we created an obstacle course that the girls had to direct each other through while one girl was blindfolded! We were very careful to give instructions to get them safely to the end. Another subject we explored saw the girls learning about outdoor safety and survival for a wide range of weather conditions, and we ended the night with a bug hunt (Our favourite find was a little millipede!).
Bridge Club
Jan Brynjolffssen 07730 406688
55melbournmagazine@gmail.com
We then got to see some preserved bugs up close and even feel a few. We had a checklist of animals to find on our walk around the park, look at their endangered status and talk about what it meant, and discussed how wildlife parks help endangered species. We had lots of fun and even received a badge and goody bag before heading back home on the train!
Clover, Buttercup, Lavender, Marigold, Lilac, Peony and Tulip.
Bowls
Mrs Stef Cooper 07922053801
Dynamos Football Club Les Morley 07739 593771
Meldreth Croquet
Michael Seymour 221398
Dave Allard 242677
Guides – Ist Melbourn Hilary Marsh 261443
Melbourn Football Club Simon Gascoyne 07732 613555
Sue Toule 260955
Anne Harrison 261775
Stephanie Clifford 220272
Dave Liddiard 07508 995 781
Iain Reid 241830
Peter Khera 07866 374674
Bruce Huett 232855
Melbourn Karate Club
Pat Smith 262575
Sports & Clubs
Royston and RoundDistrictTable
Howard Waller 261693
Graham Johnson-Mack 263313
Jenny Brackley 244593
56 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
We started with a Paralympic sports evening, involving seated ‘curling’: sliding bags of stones along a sheet of polythene; tennis-ball biathlon, and dodgeball. Later this term we tried American football, and Ultimate Frisbee.
As most readers of this magazine will know, we meet at the URC Church Hall, Orchard Road at 6.45pm on a Monday evening and at 1.45pm on a Tuesday afternoon. For further details please call Howard Waller on 01763 261693.
In preparation for a week-long County camp in August, we had a 24 hour taster camp at Steeple Morden. The girls learnt to pitch and sleep in a traditional ridge tent, enjoyed a campfire, and cooked their own breakfast on Sunday morning.
The Guiding history badge requires the girls to try ‘blitz’ cooking: making wartime food using a woodburning brick fireplace. Eggless pancakes with plenty of jam went down well, but the non-traditional popcorn was more popular and fun to make!
Although the number of players enjoying our Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon sessions of duplicate bridge are continuing to increase, we have still not reached our pre-covid attendance levels. Last week’s heatwave deterred many from venturing out too.
Melbourn Bridge Club
However, we have several new players, both to the area and to the game, which is very encouraging. All comments from everyone who joins MBC is that it is the friendliest club in the area, with a very welcoming attitude to all.
Hilary Marsh
The weather has been kind to us this Summer term, and the Guides have had plenty of adventures outdoors.
The girls earned their Platinum Jubilee badge by making a colour-and cut-out Union flag, crafting the state crown from a paper plate, and answering royalty themed quiz questions hidden around the churchyard grounds.
Science is also in our programme, and one experiment required the girls to make coloured sugar solutions, and layer them in a test tube. Some girls ended up with a brown mixture, whilst others managed to achieve the rainbow effect.
One sunny Sunday in May we had a day trip to Thorpe Park theme park, where the girls screamed their way round the roller coasters, water chutes, and fairground rides.
By popular demand we had a pets themed evening, starting with a pet show judged by a local vet, then after a discussion on animals and their welfare the girls made pet toys: a dog tug, a cat ‘spider’, or rodent feeders, and also a bug hotel from a cardboard tube filled with sticks, leaves and grass.
1st Melbourn Guides
After four years in Guides, earning herself 6 interest badges, and six Skills Builder awards, Aliya was presented with her Guide Gold Award. She will continue her Guiding journey at Rangers, and as a Young Leader at Brownies.Asour Guide unit is full and has a waiting list, we would welcome another adult leader. If you would like to know more about become a Guide or a leader, please contact me on: 01763 261443 or email: melbournguides@gmail.com. You can also look on the girlguiding.org.uk website to find out more.
57melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Melbourn Football Club is a men’s football club with two teams competing in the Cambridgeshire FA County League, with home games played on The New Recreation Ground at The Moor. The club offers affordable sport within the village to players aged 16 and above, with our aim to be competitive on the pitch and offer a friendly, sociable atmosphere off it. We hold a variety of fund-raising and social events throughout the year, with 20% of all profit donated to our current chosen charities. (More on this later.)
As previously reported, the Reserve team thought they had second place all sewn up behind champions
Royston & District Local History Society
Thanks to our fund-raising efforts and generous support from sponsors, we are in a healthy position to be able to provide both excellent facilities and kit. We also have the highest level of player insurance cover against injury available from the county FA. Our signing on fee, which includes all playing and warm up kit, including club tracksuit, is £45 per season. Match fees are £6 per game. However, under 18’s, the unemployed and those in full time education are notNewcharged.players and supporters are always welcome. Please contact the General Secretary or one of the team managers using the contact details provided later.
This match also proved to be the last for manager Chay Wilson, who has since sadly decided to resign to focus on his young family and work. Chay brought energy, enthusiasm, and drive into the club for two seasons. In his first season the first team were Division 2A champions. In gaining promotion this past season from Division 1A he leaves a legacy of achievement, and we thank him for everything.
Melbourn Football Club
About Us
Ourwww.roystonlocalhistory.org.ukwebsiteshowsallthebooks
Last season ended up being much more complicated than it needed to be, as local football suffered a little from its own version of long COVID due to ongoing restrictions!Withotherteams
Footballing Matters
We are now pleased to announce his replacement is Matthew Thomas. Matty is stepping up from being a senior first team player and brings a wealth of experience in local football. Alongside Reserve Team manager Ben Hammond, he has started the preseason schedule and is planning for success. We look forward to the future under his leadership.
we have for sale.
We started well and took the lead early through Jake Wood, whose control and finish from an exquisite through ball from Jake Long ended a move that would not have looked out of place on Match of the Day. The rest of the first half belonged to us too.
The second half started more even and tense. Sadly, and incorrectly, we got on the wrong side of the referee’s decisions. One resulted in a free kick outside our box, which was brilliantly struck direct into the top corner. This led to a few ‘mad minutes’ of panic and not long after we conceded again through an unfortunate own goal. The match ended 1–2, meaning we finished runners up after leading the division all season. It was a tight division with several quality sides. Promotion was the club’s goal, and this was achieved. The players can be rightly proud of their efforts. Next season we line up in the Senior Division B and look forward to competing well at a higher level.
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. Some are also available at the Cave Bookshop in Melbourn Street, at Royston library and at the Royston Museum.
Our evening meetings are held on a Thursday evening at 8pm in the Heritage Hall (the main hall downstairs) Royston Town Hall.
» 6th October Farming with Steam Tom Doig
In an unprecedented move, the first team had their last fixture on 14th May, one week after the league officially finished. This was due to our opponents requesting the game be re-arranged from a date a couple of weeks earlier, due to them having several players out with COVID…apparently! On the day, the referee arrived an hour late, so both teams and a large crowd had to wait around in the baking sun.
folding, plus going out of cup competitions early, the first team ended up having only five fixtures after Christmas. At least three times that many would be normal.
» 3rd November The Centenary of the Royston War Memorial 1922-2022 – Pam Wright and AnnualYolanda Hayesmembership £10 (Sept-Aug) (Under 18s half-price) Visitors £2 Ramblers’ Association Royston and District Group
Go to www.ramblers.org.uk/royston for details of walks on offer.
58 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
• Clubman – Will Clarke.
We have been representing the village for over 130 years, having been able to date back as far as 1891. As previously mentioned, games are played at The New Recreation Ground, which has usually been the ‘Home’ ground since at least WWII. We understand previous home fixtures were once played in the grounds of The Bury. (One of our older team photos on the MFC website was taken at that location.) The Old Recreation Ground, (site of the annual Fair and Air Cadet hut), was also used for some games up until the 80’s. There was also a brief period where games were held at the Eternit pitches in Meldreth. We are extremely interested to learn of any other venues that may have been used. If you can elaborate on any of the above, or perhaps provide photos or memorabilia from the past for our website and social media, with the names of those
• Reserve Team Manager’s Player – Chris Lintorn.
As One Door Closes…
Memory Lane
seasons due in part to the circumstances of COVID, but also to the original club member who had the honour of choosing the charity – Carlin Pipe – being Players’ Player two consecutive seasons. It was always the club’s intention that each season the winner of this award would choose the charity for the following season. Since then, we have reformed the Reserve Team, leading us to have two winners of the award. In the interests of fairness and continuing a great tradition, we asked both of this season’s winners to nominate. We are happy to announce that once more CPSL Mind will be a club charity. However, they will also be joined by Parkinsons UK. Both charities will each receive 10% of any fund-raising activities from this season.
• Club Golden Boot – Gary Radford, (13 appearances, 22 goals).
Mick’s replacement will be Simon Gascoyne. Simon has been club secretary for many years and is looking forward to his new role. We are in safe hands.
Our annual quiz night made its return on Saturday April 30th. An enjoyable night was had by all. Our new venue is Melbourn Village College Hall, which offers more space and facilities for us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the College for being such amazing hosts. Particular thanks go to Irene Bloomfield and Richard Perry, who were not only fantastic on the night but also very accommodating during the build-up and planning. We look forward to many future events at MVC. Keep your eyes open for next year’s quiz, which is planned to return to its usual February slot.Wewillnot be resting till then though. Our ‘Last Man Standing’ competition will start with the new Premier League season. Coming up on Saturday November 19th is a night of professional stand-up comedy at Melbourn Village College, with a licensed bar. Tickets are £10 per person plus a small booking fee. Keep engaged with our web site and social media presences for further updates.
CPSL Mind have been our chosen charity for a few
On Saturday May 21st we held our presentation evening at the Black Horse. The awards were as follows:
Ashdon United and ahead of Thaxted Rangers Reserves. However, it transpired that in a fixture between Ashdon and Thaxted, Ashdon had fielded an illegal player! The result of this meant Thaxted were awarded the points from the match. This meant it was possible for them to overtake us if they beat us in a subsequent fixture. Fortunately, we won that match 1–0 to re-confirm second place again, thus, capping a fantastic double promotion season for the club. The game itself was a tight, high-quality affair, which on balance we deserved to edge with the decider coming from boot of Gary Radford. Next season the Ressies will be competing in Division 3A. Once again promotion is the goal.
Charity Update
• First Team Manager’s Player – Josh Sewell.
We get the distinct feeling that the various lockdowns have adversely influenced commitment to playing sport on a regular basis, hence teams folding as mentioned previously. The County FA have re-organised the divisions for this coming season to make them larger, hopefully mitigating the effects of teams folding going forward. Hopefully this trend will slow and reverse though, as local sport is a healthy outlet for all.
End of Season Awards
Events
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• First Team Players’ Player – Lee Smith.
In other news, we wish to report that Mick Walker has stepped down as Chairman of the club after 27 years’ service. During this time, he was also a player and first team manager on several occasions and saved the club from folding at least twice! Mick achieved many championships, cup final wins and promotions for the club. Thankfully, it is not goodbye though and he will remain a member of the committee, where we will value his experience and voice going forward. Cheers Mick. Keeper’s leave!!!
• Reserve Team Players’ Player – Gary Radford.
As a result of last season’s fund-raising efforts, we have recently donated £430.94 to the club’s chosen charity CPSL Mind. Thank you to all who helped us in this.
60 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk Food Hall Fresh Fruit OpenLargeDelicatessenVegetables&ButcheryFishmongersFreeCarParkIndependentandFamilyRun7DaysaWeek FreshGardenGiftCaféHallShopFlowersinclHomeGrown A10 Melbourn By-Pass, Melbourn, Royston, Herts SG8 6DF Tel: 01763 260418 Email:www.burylanefarmshop.co.ukcustomerservices@ewpepper.co.ukChildren’s Fun Barn and Summer Beach Seasonal Home AsparagusGrown & ChristmasStrawberriesShop(Oct-Dec)
Children’s Half Term is fast approaching, an ideal time to book your young ones onto one of our great activity courses. These include swimming crash course, soccer camps, trampoline taster sessions and our popular Ofsted PlayScheme.
Please contact the General Secretary for any submissions.
First Team Manager: Matthew Thomas, 07921 244499. Reserve Team Manager: Ben Hammond, 07402 777584.
The club would like to extend our thanks to the following local businesses who support us with Conquerorsponsorship:Industries / Shire Trees Limited
The perfect present!
• A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!)
We still have plenty of spaces on our pre-school lessons, so for more details or to book a place then please contact Graham or Emily on 01763 263313.
All email correspondence to melbournfc@outlook.com Website: www.melbournfc.com
• A state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes
Contacts
With Autumn comes Christmas preparations, so 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 for our Fitness Suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including C.V machines, resistance weights and free weights, an ideal (and healthy) present for a loved one, perfect for losing those extra Christmas ‘mince pie’ pounds!
involved, we would be very thankful. Stories from those days would also be gratefully received.
If you are interested in sponsoring the club in any way, please contact the Chairman using the details below.We would also like to thank Steve and Kerry Harrington & team at the Black Horse for their continued hospitality.
Chairperson: Simon Gascoyne, 07732 613555.
• A comprehensive swimming lesson programme, catering for all ages and abilities
• Water sports courses and activities
September / October / November / December
• Junior lessons for Intermediate – Advance standards / McSplash Swimming Club
Half Term activities
• Access to Melbourn Village College sports hall and gymnasium for activities such as trampolining, badminton and basketball
• Supervised sports and pool parties
For those of you who don’t already know, we have:
Come in out of the cold!
• Brand New Full-Size 3G Astro Turf Pitch
With Autumn fully upon us and the nights closing in, why not come in out of the cold and have a go at such activities as table tennis, squash or badminton? Court hire from only £5.50 per hour.
• Upgraded multisports courts for hire including tennis, football and squash courts
Sponsors
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TJ Plastering Contractors /PJ Deards Plumbing and Heating / MJF Construction & Maintenance
Melbourn Sports Centre
Party time!
General Secretary: Ashley Cooper, 07845 766945. Fixtures Secretary: Ben Fox, 07930 650036.
• Traditional and modern exercise classes
Spaces still available for this term include:
Looking for the perfect venue to hold your children’s birthday or Halloween party? Then your search is over! We have all the facilities here for a fun-packed event with a variety of activities for your guests to enjoy, including trampolining (always a popular choice), football and traditional pool parties. Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF Telephone: 01763 info@mc-sport.co.ukwww.mc-sport.co.uk263313/
Swimming lessons
• Waterplay (pre-school swimming lessons) are an ideal first step for your child learning to swim, with the aim to build confidence in water, learning basic skills like floatation and movement using Tuesdays:buoyancy aids.13.25 – 14.55 (30 min lessons) / Thursdays: 13.25 – 14.55 (30 min lessons) Fridays: 10.30 – 12.00 (30 min lessons) Prices: £4.50 per lesson (paid termly)
We have loads on offer for the remainder of 2022, with something for the whole community to get involved with….So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre, run for the benefit of the community.
62 www.melbourncambridge.co.uk
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 2350 copies which are delivered free to every house and business in the village. Advertising revenue is used for printing costs only.Advertsshould 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:
Nancy Foster Footcare – 01763 261250 28
Advertisers
Phillimore Garden Centre – 01763 260537 2
Cam Valley Orchards – 01763 262906 23
CHS / Local Community Services – 01763 260564 44
All Eyes / Spectacle Makers – 01954 231545 58
Southwell Court Residential Home – 01763 750006 22
Prince Property / Property Improvements – 01763 269565 44
Little Hands Nursery School – 01763 260964 62
Adertising rates
Royston Complementary Health – 01763 247440 54
Fender Piano Services / Piano Tuning & Repairs – 0800 233 5440 35
1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm) £225 £313
Wrights Mower Centre / Garden Machinery – 01763 263393 31
The Melbourn magazine team would like to thank all our advertisers for their support and sponsorship
Printer
Melbourn Ironing Service – 01763 220996 52
GYC Photography family photographer – 07786 707869 42
Parish Profile Mavis Howard 260686
Langham Press 01223 870266
Advertising rates are per year (four issues)
Bumpkins Day Nursery – 01223 208777 22
Bury Lane Farm Shop – 01763 260418 60
B.C.R / Plumbing & Heating – 01763 260007 52
Norburys / Building & Landscape Supplies – 01763 261740 52
Langham Press – 01223 870266 4
Sparkys Domestic Electricians – 01763 268507 62
TTP – 01763 262626 42
Jeremy Ashworth / Property Maintenance – 07815 093166 31
ESSE – 01763 261000 48
Chris Thomas / Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning – 01223 836002 48
For further information on advertising see committee list. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Magazine.
BEY FIT / Fitness Classes – 07711006480 18
Jeremy Rule / Funeral Service – 01763 242560 43
Melbourn Springs Care Home – 01763 722305 44
The Spice Hut / Indian Takeaway – 01763 262425 35
Simon Robinson / Bespoke Picture Framers – 01223 873123 16
Law Storage Ltd – 01223 874629 52
Editorial Ann Dekkers 261144
Trademark Kitchens / Design & Fitting – 01763 245000 54
Proof reading Ann Dekkers 261144 Christine Orchard 221033 Jane Stevens
Size per… Width x Height B/W Colour
Rothwell’s Carpet Cleaning – 01223 832928 43
Amber Health – 01462 490141 50
Shire Trees – Profeesional Arborists – 01763 220880 4
CSL Cheap Storage Ltd – 01763 262344 48
Melbourn Garage – 01763 263344 14
New Dawn Curtains & Blinds – 01763 243894 62
Newlings of Royston / Funeral Services – 01763 242375 50
Richard Arnott – Garden Designer – 01763 263231 58
We are grateful to TTP for their sponsorshipcontinued
Paul Hutley / Carpenter – 07702905915 21
angliEAR / Hearing services – 01223 661399 64
Sage / Blinds & Interiors – 01763 263399 4
Leech & Sons / Master Butchers – 01763 260255 60
Bury Lane Fun Barn – 01763 260418 60
Melbourn Flooring & Interiors – 01763 262413 14
1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm) £132 £205
63melbournmagazine@gmail.com
Advertising David Sansom 261107 davidthemelbournmagazine@idnet.com
Bright Signs / Vehicle and Window Graphics – 01223 835714 18
Summit / Landscape Gardeners – 01223 929394 28
Harriet Kelsall / Bespoke Jewellery – 01223 461333 20
Melbourn Auto Services / MOT’s Servicing & Repairs – 01763 321088 64
Taylor & Co /Chartered Accountants – 01763 248545 58
The Letting Centre – 01763 263039 12
Page
Greenlow Kennels – 01763 260624 2
PL Cooper / Flooring Specialists – 01763 260918 16
Lawn Partners / Bespoke lawncare – 01763 244955 2
Editorial, production, Peter Simmonett 220363 design and layout melbournmagazine@gmail.com
MELBOURNSERVICESAUTO UNIT 2 SAXON WAY, MELBOURN ** CLASS 4 & 7 MOT’S ** ** SERVICING & REPAIRS ** ** DIAGNOSTICS ** ** TYRES ** ** WHEEL ALIGNMENT ** ** AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING INC NEW GAS ** ESTABLISHED IN MAY OF 2021 WE HAVE QUICKLY GAINED RECOGNITION FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR OUR HIGH STANDARDS OF WORKMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, BOOK YOUR VEHICLE IN WITH US TODAY TO SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT. 01763 321088 UNIT 2 SAXON WAY MELBOURN WWW.MELBOURNAUTOSERVICES.CO.UK TEL: 01763 321088 enquiries@melbournautoservices.co.uk Printed by The Langham Press
