57 spring 2009

Village News 5Melbourn Village Fete 5The Melbourn Village College Spring Fair 10

Parish Council 13

ProfileJacqui Dodds 17

featureSt George’s Day 19

Education 21

featureCandlemas Winter Flower Festival 29

Village information 31

Important numbers 32

Diary 33

featureDiscrimination against British Teenagers 35

NatureRiver Mel Restoration Group (RMRG) 37

Church News 41

Family Links 47

Entertainment Thriplow Daffodil Weekend 49 New Melbourn Singers 49

Sports & Clubs 51

PoetryTeddy Bear 58

Classified/Advertisers 63

Apart from printing, all work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout

and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of production comes entirely from

advertising and sponsorship.No public money is used.

...editorialWhat a relief that the snow is now over; the spring flowers seem even more beautiful this year and we can now enjoy the pleasant rural surround-ings in which we are privileged to live.

Do read the article on the River Mel, and con-sider joining one of the clean-up days. We must all thank the people who have given their time to remove the masses of rubbish from the river. See p.37. And as you see, we do have water voles in Melbourn, a sign of clean water.

The cover photo reminds us of the fete, which was so successful last year, and from what we hear, will be even more exciting this year. If you have time please consider helping out with the many jobs which have to be done to make the day fun for everyone.

The Primary School is going from strength to strength; and Melbourn Village College is having an exciting and rewarding time; read all about their accomplishments on p.23. There is also a very interesting essay p.35, which will make you think! We are very proud of our young people.

The many and varied clubs and societies are all thriving; we are fortunate in having so many people willing to give up their time for the benefit of us all.

The Thursday Luncheon Club is attended by over thirty of our older residents but now Mary Daynes, the cook for many years, is leaving, and at the time of writing there is no-one to replace her. If you know of anyone who would be will-ing to help. Then please contact Jayne White (220250).

We had planned to profile members of the Parish Council in this issue, but have decided to postpone this to the next issue, when we have more information.

Finally, after being a part of the Magazine Production Team from its beginning in January 1995, Mary Woodcock, proof reader, and Peter Dekkers, advertising manager, have decided that it is time to step down. Many thanks to them both for all the time and effort they have put in over the past fourteen years.

Their places will be taken by Brenda Meliniotis as proof reader, and Roger Mellor as advertising manager.

Village fete - Molly Dancers Photo supplied by Ian Baker

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4 www.melbourn.org.uk

CO

LOUR

Melbourn Village FeteSaturday 27th June 2009!The preparation for this year’s Fete is well under way with the date already set for Saturday 27th June 2009 from 1pm till late. The Fete committee has taken the bold decision to move the Fete to a Saturday as in years gone by, so we can lay on a music event that will follow the Fete and con-tinue into the evening. This will give an opportunity for some of our local bands to perform on-stage in front of an audience, which they may not experience very often, and also maximise the fund raising opportunity for all the clubs and societies within the village.

With the success of last year’s fete the committee is keen to add new and worthwhile opportunities for all the villagers and hopefully with all the support of our sponsors and the dedication of all our volunteers this could become an annual event.

The Fete should attract all the usual clubs and societies and help them raise much needed funds in this very difficult year ahead. We are always eager to encourage more local groups and societies to get involved to highlight their particular cause, so please come along and have a great day; it’s never too late to book (contact details below).

We have already booked attractions like the Molly dancers as on the front cover, a barber’s shop quartet and a birds of prey display team for the central arena. We hope to add to them and make it a day for all the family. Other attractions will be a climbing wall and the bungee trampoline both from last year plus much, much more. We will also, after the success of last year, have the lawn mower racing back with hopefully a few other exciting new races for people to take part in, or as last year, just for you to watch and enjoy all the fun of the races.

The music event already has acts from the well known Lipstick Torpedo to ‘BOB’ which includes some of the teachers from Melbourn Village College to name but a few. With plenty of time we are looking to book some of the local youth bands to make the event a truly village affair.

The Fete committee is always looking to build on the success of the previous year and bring all the community together for one very special family fun day out for all ages that will be remembered and talked about all year. As you can imagine this takes a lot of organising and taking into consideration the size of this year’s event, if you can spare some time for a worthy and rewarding cause, whether it be a few hours or more please contact us as below.Melbourn Village Fete CommitteeContact DetailsJayne White (Fundraiser) 220250 or [email protected] Collingbourne (Chair) 263115 or [email protected] site www.melbournfete.co.uk

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Vicarage Close

Meldreth Station Booking Office

Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help Group

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s Group

Melbourn, Meldreth & District Royal British Legion

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Melbourn & District Childminders

Lifeboats

National Trust

Royston Local history

SIA – Spinal Injuries Association

Melbourn History Group

Vicarage CloseAfter enjoying our Christmas activities and entering another New Year, we are pleased that we have lighter evenings and hopefully better weather.

Our forthcoming events commence with a visit from Christopher South and his wife, (Christopher can be heard on Radio Cambridge) who are coming along to Vicarage Close to share some of their travel and life experi-ences. We also have a clothes sale in March and are planning some ‘special coffee’ mornings throughout the spring.

There have also been some changes, we said ‘Goodbye’ to Amanda who was based at Meldreth but regularly covered Vicarage Close in Joy’s absence, and we all wish her much luck and happiness in the future. We hope a new officer, to be based at Meldreth,will have been appointed when you read this article. Joy will now be on duty five mornings a week rather than her previous 3 full days, which will bring more continuity to all concerned.

We have to say a big thank you to the Melbourn Village Fete Committee for the donation to Vicarage Close, which was very much appreciated by the residents.

As always our thanks too, to all who continually support our recycling so that we can continue to help boost funds for the Children’s Hospice.Ongoing thanks to all who help or support Vicarage Close in any way.Joy HydeLead Sheltered Housing Officer at Vicarage CloseMon to Fri 9am to 1.30pm01763 263389 (Please leave a message if no reply and I will contact you as soon as possible)

Child and Family Nursing Team

Well Baby ClinicsDrop in clinics for parents and

babies are held as follows:Melbourn clinic every Wednesday between 9.30 and 12 noon at:

35 Orchard Road, MelbournTelephone 01763 262861

Cambourne clinic every Monday between 9.30 and 12 noon at:

Room 12 (upstairs), Sackville House, Cambourne

Telephone 01954 282830

The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get into the office.

Robert Frost


Meldreth Station Booking OfficeProposed reduction of opening hoursBy the time you read this you may be already by aware of the news that First Capital Connect is intending to reduce the opening hours of Meldreth Station Booking Office - eliminating Saturdays (possibly the station’s busiest day), and reducing hours at peak time Monday to Friday. As with the car park charges at Meldreth and Shepreth stations, this comes with no warn-ing.

It goes without saying that the personal service provided by Station Master David Piggott at Meldreth Station booking office must be second to none. Meldreth has the only manned local station between Royston and Cambridge, and residents from surrounding villages regularly use the station for that reason.

Writing to First Capital Connect is urgently called for. You can send an email to [email protected]

Apparently Enfield Station fought successfully against the same initiative to cut back on its booking office opening hours.

Susan van de Ven, District Councillor tel 261833 or www.susanvandeven.com

David Piggott!You may recall that in 2007 David Piggott, who runs the railway station at Meldreth, received a Royston and District Business Award for outstanding customer service. David is a very popular figure in Melbourn and Meldreth. How many Station Masters will make regular customers a cup of tea if the train is late, or phone them at home if there is a significant delay?

A ticket dispensing machine would be a very inferior substitute.

Melbourn and Meldreth Self Help GroupLuncheon ClubLunch club had another really enjoyable December. We celebrated some birthdays, one of which was Mary Nelson’s 101st birthday, for which she supplied a beautiful birthday cake which was shared out during tea. We had a visit from the New Melbourn Singers, who came and sang a selection of Christmas music to us, and then some carols which we were all able to join in. Thank you all. We finished off with our Christmas party, where all enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner. We had our usual visit from Father Christmas who handed out presents to all, including some of our drivers and representatives from Melbourn and Meldreth parish councils.

As I write this article, it is uncertain how Lunch Club will continue. Mary Daynes, our cook of some years standing, is leaving us at the end of February to start a new life in New Zealand with her husband Peter, where their daughters already live. We wish them much happiness and many years of enjoyment with their family “down under”. That leaves us with a dilemma of finding someone to cook each week. Hopefully, by the time you read this, all will be sorted. We live in hope!

As always, if any of you have a couple of hours to spare on a Thursday and would like to help “man” the kitchen, or join our rota of drivers, please call me for more information.

For now though, thank you to all the ladies who regularly turn up at

Vicarage Close to help in the kitch-en, and all those who help transport our elderly residents from Meldreth and Melbourn each week. Without you, we could not manage. Jayne White. 01763 220250

Melbourn and Meldreth Women’s GroupWith the 2009 programme the Women’s Group is once again meeting on alternate months in Melbourn, at All Saints Community Hall, and in Meldreth, at Holy Trinity Meeting Room. We have missed holding meetings in Melbourn whilst the hall was out of action and are

COFFEE STOPEvery Saturday

10.30am to 12noon

Rombouts coffee & biscuitsfor 70p at

All Saints’ Community Hall

WANTED

Cook wanted for

Thursday Luncheon Club

Every Thursday at Vicarage Close, melbourn. Catering for

approximately 30 people

Contact Jayne White

Telephone 220250

[email protected]

WANTED

Cook wanted for Thursday Luncheon Club

Every Thursday at Vicarage Close, Melbourn. Catering for approximately

30 people

Contact Jayne White Telephone 220250

[email protected]

7melbournmagazine

glad to be able to live up to our name again. Our membership continues to increase and new members are always welcome.

Our spring meetings are a mixture – Pot Lids, Dorothy Pepper talking about her long and varied life, and the annual Garden Party. At our meetings the business part is kept to a minimum so that we can enjoy our speaker. This is followed by a cup of tea or coffee and the opportunity to chat to friends, old and new. Our meetings normally end at around 9.30pm.Jane Stevens

Melbourn, Meldreth & District Royal British LegionThe Poppy Appeal and Armistice Parades are over, and we go into 2009 with the hope that we shall be able to carry on doing the things that the Royal British Legion are noted for, that is, looking after those who gave and those who continue to give service to our country. The money we raise goes towards looking after our old and not so old comrades and maintaining the homes they live in, much more work goes on behind the scenes that we never get to hear about.

Both age and infirmity take their toll on our membership. The bugler who can no longer blow The Last Post, the standard bearer who is no longer able to carry the standard and the parade marshall who can no longer take the parade, these three and other post holders are cherished by branches up and down the country. Sadly as time goes by these posts as well as others become vacant and filling them is a difficult job. My branch in Melbourn like others branches around the country, is always looking for new members to swell the ranks.

Many people believe you need to be an ex or serving member of the armed forces to join us, but the only qualification you need is an interest in the Royal British Legion and the work we do. My own branch has a meeting the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm at the Community Centre in Vicarage Close, Melbourn. I am still waiting with anticipation to find out the final total raised by our area for the 2008 Poppy Appeal, 1 will let you know as soon as 1 hear.

Last year, a decorated Christmas tree was exhibited at the Meldreth church Christmas Tree Festival, the theme being that of the women’s sec-tion of the Legion. Some of the decorations were made from items relating to the Poppy Appeal. Whilst at the church I noticed several laurel wreaths had been placed around The War Memorial, a kind and thoughtful gesture of respect.

I’ll finish by wishing you all you would wish for yourselves in 2009, and don’t forget please our request for new members.Many thanks, Patrick Parkinson. Chairman & Secretary Melbourn, Meldreth & District Royal British Legion.

Royal British Legion Women’s SectionMembers are looking forward to another year as the entertainment diary is being arranged at present. Anyone wishing to join us at our monthly meet-ings (4th Wed, monthly except Dec), please contact either Mrs Neaves, Chairman (260110) or Mrs Murphy, Secretary (220841)

Melbourn & District ChildmindersAs childminders we aim to offer a good learning environment for the

Dog Fouling in the village

We have noticed that there has been an increase in dog foul-ing over recent months, both on the pavements and in the new Stockbridge Meadows Riverside Park. There is no excuse for this as the parish council has provided bins where bags of ‘dog poo’ may be safely deposited.

Perhaps not everyone is aware that dog faeces carry disease, especially dangerous for small children who can be blinded if in contact with excrement contain-ing Toxocaria canis. Apart from the danger of disease it is extremely unpleasant for everyone.

The majority of dog owners are responsible people who clean up after their pets; so please be a responsible resident.

If you find that the problem per-sists please contact the parish council.

No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain, you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office.

George Bernard Shaw

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children in our care. We aim to have a positive impact on young children’s development to enable them to be ready for school and offer a relaxed home from home to older children after school and in the holidays.

Childminders who are suitably qualified can join a childminding net-work and are able to offer Nursery Education Funded places. Some families choose to use this entitle-ment over 3–5 days with a child-minder or split the entitlement of five sessions between a nursery and a childminder especially when a child is very young or finds large groups a daunting experience.

We regularly access training to help enhance the way that we work with children and keep up with cur-rent educational thinking and any new legal requirements that come into force. Last year, local training included ‘supporting boys’ and ‘ICT with children in the home’. Soon we will be covering ‘managing chil-dren’s behaviour’ and more ‘reflec-tive practice’

Some childminders also offer res-pite care for families who need this service and access specialised training to help them with this area of work.

Childminders aspire to work in partnership with parents at all times to ensure that children gain the most from their time with the childminder, therefore meeting their individual needs in an inclu-sive and non biased environment. I have found childminding is very rewarding watching the chil-dren grow and then move on happily to school. I feel privi-leged to be a part of their lives. Information about childminding vacancies can be obtained fromwww.opportunity-links.org.uk or phone 0845 04 05 014.Jenny Brett Childminder 01763 269674Jane Astley Childminding Support

and Development OfficerNational Childminding Association01763 268469 [email protected] The National Childminding Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales. Registered Charity no: 295981 Limited Company no: 2060964Head office: Royal Court, 81 Tweedy Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1TG

LifeboatsWriting this in January, after some of the coldest weather for many years, it is quite difficult to imagine the warm, sunny weather which we will hopefully be seeing when this magazine reaches you.

Local fundraising efforts for RNLI tend to slow down during the winter months, while we plan our events for the coming year, but regular activities go on, one of them being box-emptying. We have our collection of boxes all over the area, in shops, pubs and other places of work. This provides useful extra income for RNLI and of course ‘every little helps’. If you feel you could hold a collection box for us, do please contact me.

As the season gets under way we have our regular attendance at Duxford Flying Days – some of you may have seen our souvenir stall – and of course our street collection or ‘Flag Day’, and Tesco collection days.


RNLI rescue activities also vary with the weather and seasons, but the dedication of the voluntary crews never changes. Whether the job involves saving an injured sailor in high seas, rescuing fishermen stranded on rocks, or even, last ‘summer’ helping people driven from their homes by flooding, RNLI specialist skills are always needed – your help in supporting all this is invaluable and much appreciated.

In the RNLI Magazine I found a heart warming story from Cromer. Called to a little yellow rowing boat drifting offshore in a calm sea, with two peo-ple on board, Cromer inshore crew found themselves caught up in a cupid moment. Far from being in fear of their lives, the ‘casualties’ were lost in each other’s eyes, sipping champagne and feasting on strawberries and truf-fles. Moments earlier the dashing young man had handed his companion 30 red roses and a sparkling ring as he recited Shakespeare and asked ‘Will you marry me?’

Even as she said ‘Yes’, the love-struck duo had become the focus of concerned eyes on the shoreline as they drifted further out to sea – and someone called 999. The love boat ended its journey prematurely with an escort back to shore from the inshore lifeboat.

After giving the couple advice on what safety equipment should be taken to sea, the lifeboat crew and coastguards showed their softer side and passed on their congratulations.Here’s wishing everyone a safe summer - and don’t forget the life-jackets!Jean Emes Secretary Royston Branch (01763 245958)

National TrustIn common with all other National Trust properties, Wimpole Estate is revis-ing its opening hours. From the start of the new visiting season the Hall will be open from 11.00 a.m. provided enough volunteers can be found to steward the various rooms and attractions. During the winter a concerted recruiting drive has been in action to obtain 100 new volunteers but if this is not successful then the morning sessions will only be guided tours by one or two staff or volunteers. At the time of writing this report there is no information available as to the success of the recruitment campaign but if you come along in the morning you can be guaranteed that you will be able to gain admission. The Hall will re-open on 28th February and remain open until 1st November but as last year it will close on Thursdays and Fridays except for school holidays.

The lambing season will cover the periods 21st-25th March, 28th March - 1st April and 4th April - 8th April when visitors will be able to see the newly born lambs at the Home Farm and in the fields.

During the year there is a huge range of events and attractions and leaflets are available from the ticket office or shop.

The local National Trust Association will end its programme of indoor events in April and then the summer outings to places of interest will start. All Trust members are welcome to join the Association and to take part in its lively and interesting programme and can find details from me at any time.Colin Limming 01763 260072

Royston Local historyOur meetings are held in the Heritage Hall, Royston Town Hall starting at 8pm. It costs only £5 for an annual subscription (Sept-August) Visitors are welcome £2. The next three meetings are shown below:Mar 5th Footpaths – Hertfordshire Heritage, illustrated with slides from Hertfordshire WayBert Richardson; Apr 2nd The Life & Music of John Newton, the slave ship captain who became a clergy-man and abolitionist Colin Simpson May 14th AGM 7.30pm followed

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at 8pm by The History of the Slave Trade John KellyThe evening concludes with a buffet and drinks.Jun 13th Coach Outing to Greenwich; includes boat trip on the river Thames.Details from David Allard 01763 242677www.roystonlocalhistory.org.uk

The Royston Cave in Melbourn Street attributed to the Knights Templar is closed during the win-ter period. It will re-open on Easter Saturday, 11th April 2009 and will then be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.30pm – 5pm until the end of September, also Wednesday afternoons in August.

Our website has been considera-bly updated and, in particular, shows all the books we have for sale. Many of these result from the considerable work undertaken by our publications sub-committee. All these books may be bought at our monthly meetings. The books may also be purchased at the Royston & District Museum in Kneesworth Street, Royston.

Contacts: Doreen Wood 01763 242230 or David Allard 01763 242677.

SIA – Spinal Injuries Association‘Hold a Fish and Chip Supper to help spinal cord injured people live full and independent lives.’

Great British Fish and Chip Supper Friday 15th May 2009

Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat fish and chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 15th May 2009 raising awareness of spi-nal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services.

You can hold a fish and chip sup-per in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.

SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invi-tations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA.

In 2009 SIA will celebrate its 35th Anniversary and since Friday 15th May 2009 is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, what better way to raise funds than eating fish and chips and raise money for SIA.

The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to patients and their families when spinal injury results in paraly-sis by providing services by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives.

Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.

Donor Development Officer, Elizabeth Wright, says, ‘The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a fish and chip lunch in their work places or local community groups wanting to run a fun evening with your group.

This is the year that SIA are running the suppers but we already envisage this to be one of our top fundraising initiatives in the SIA calendar in the com-ing years. Be a part of something special and make a real difference to help spinal cord injured people gain access to the information and support they need to enable them to live full and independent lives.’

For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 6786633 ext 229 or email [email protected] or visit www.spinal.co.uk

Melbourn History GroupIt has been a quieter period for the group after our efforts in the Cambridgeshire ACRE Awards. We still get enquiries about ancestors and these have become so numerous we have now had to tell people that if we need to go out of the village to find out details e.g. a visit to Cambridgeshire Archives, then we will have to make a charge.

Many people ask us “what about another book?” but having produced four so far we have had to call a halt because the Group members do have other lives! We have worked closely with both Meldreth Village History Book and the Cambridgeshire Association for Local History and we are always available to help if you think we can be useful.Colin Limming Chairman 01763 261144


From the Parish Clerk – Avril Mellor

Chairman

Donald Mowatt 23, High Street SG8 6AL 268388

Vice-Chairman

Maureen Townsend 32 New Road SG8 6ER 260959

Clerk & Office

Avril Mellor, 28 Station Road, SG8 6DX 262494

E-mail [email protected]

Website www.melbourncambridge.co.uk

CouncillorsVal Barratt 2 Station Road SG8 6DX 261227Irene Bloomfield 78 Russet Way SG8 6HF 222558Colin Charter 58 Bramley Avenue SG8 6HG 262278Janice Guest 1 Mortlock Street SG8 6DB 260894Rosemary Gatward 94 High Street SG8 6AL 261225Dean Hardingham 1 Portway SG8 6EU 232757Michael Linette 11, Chapel Lane 262534Donald Mowatt 23 High Street SG8 6AL 268388Clive Purbrook Glebe House High Street SG8 6DZ 260899Andy Qulina 77 Orchard Road SG8 6BBJocelyn Robson 91 High Street 261633Mike Sherwen 3 Hale Close SG8 6ET 260070Christopher Stead 70 Russet Way 260743 pmMaureen Townsend 32 New Road SG8 6BY 260959Richard Wakerley 32 Chalkhill Barrow SG8 6EQ 262247

EmployeesHandyman and Caretaker Peter Andrews 243312 Emergency mobile. 07778-682245

Village Ranger Keith Rudge, 4 Dolphin La, SG8 6AF 221212

Internal Auditor Peter Chilvers, 68A High Street, SG8 6AJ 260742

County CouncillorDavid Charles McCraith 104 North End, Bassingbourn [email protected] (send agenda by e-mail) County Hall 01223-833555

District Councillors

Janice Guest, 1 Mortlock Street, SG8 6DB 260894

Val Barrett, 2 Station Road 261227

South Cambs M.P. Andrew Lansley 01954 212707

South Cambs M.E.P. Robert Sturdy 01954 211790

The Parish Office at 28 Station Road, is entered by the door at the front of the building directly opposite Sheene Mill. The Parish Office is now open on Mondays from 9 am to 1 pm, on Tuesdays from 2 pm from 4 pm, and on Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm. The office is not normally open on Wednesdays or Fridays. As the Clerk is sometimes out on Parish business it is better to ring 262494 to ensure that she is in the office.

Meetings of the Planning Committee are normally held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month commencing at 7.15 pm. Council Meetings are normally held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.15 pm at Vicarage Close Community Centre.

The PressRoyston & Buntingford Mercury Tom Ship, Media Centre 40 Ware Road, Hertford, SG13 7HU 01992 526639

Royston Crow Heath House, Princes Mews, Royston, SG8 6RT 245241 Fax 242231

Cambridge News David Williams, 3 Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BP 249144 Fax 244502

BBC Radio Cambridge Reception 01223 259696 Newsroom 01223 358510

MELBOURN PARISH COUNCIL28 Station Road Melbourn Cambs SG8 6DX

Telephone 262494 e-mail: [email protected]

After a long cold winter, spring is now with us and soon we shall be seeing bulbs and plants coming to life.

When times are hard for very many people it was nice to see over the Christmas period a little glow of light in the centre of the village as a result of the generosity of two local businesses. I would like to take this opportu-nity to thank Phillimore for donating the Christmas tree

and Leech’s, who once again supplied the electricity for the running of the Christmas tree lights.

Stored in the old Fire Engine House is a piano looking for a good home and, no doubt, tuning. The piano can be delivered free of charge within the village to anyone who is willing to take it in. Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested in this or just require more information.

There is only one unreserved space left in Orchard Road cemetery and this is for cremated remains. This means that all new burial plots from now on will be in New Road cemetery. Two hand-carved oak seats have been placed in the cemetery and two more are waiting to be fixed in their designated places. More bulbs have been planted and beds are being constructed at the end of rows to take flowering shrubs. This spring, when bulbs are in flower and leaves are open on the trees, the cemetery will start to take on a character of its own and will be a very nice peaceful place.

A lychgate is planned and will be placed in front of the main cemetery gates. At the present time negotiations are taking place with Mr Tyler who has very kindly offered to donate this extra piece of land to the parish council.

The Council submitted its application to South Cambridgeshire District Council for the precept for 2009/10 in February. The payment is made in two parts by BACS transfer, one half in April and the other half in September.

At the time of writing this article the police site in the village is in the process of being sold to a registered social landlord. This is likely to give rise to a planning application for the site at some time in the future. When this application is registered with South Cambridgeshire District Council, it will of course have to be submitted to the parish council’s planning committee for comment. As this site is in the centre of the village and in a conservation area, this will not be an easy application to deal with as I am sure that it will arouse a great deal of interest from concerned villagers.

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Cllr. Mrs Val Barrett & Cllr. Mrs Janice GuestAt the time of writing this, Val and I, together with the Parish Council are endeavouring to secure a suitable site for the young people of the Melbourn catchments area to construct a BMX trail. It has been unfortunate that the previous sites used by the bikers did not have the correct permission from the landowners and the council.

South Cambs. District Council are keen to assist the young people in setting up this trail. The youth are themselves keen to have this facility and are willing to do some of the ground work involved in the setting up and managing of the trails with the help of the District and Parish Councils, together with their families. Councillor Dean Hardingham is leading the project on behalf of the Parish Council.

We are sure that everyone will wish every success for this project for the youth of Melbourn.

We seem to be getting somewhere with the matter of the yellow lines in Station Road, outside ESSE and the Parish Office, some of the road is in the Parish of Meldreth. It would seem that they understand the prob-lem and have shown a willingness to assist in having the yellow lines installed. Of course, there is a greater fear of more parking in Station Road because First Capitol Connect is charging for car parking at the railway station. This being the case, it becomes even more important that these lines are put in for the safety of everyone concerned. It must be said that some parking will be retained.

We are pleased to have achieved a good result for the residents of Haggers Close in as much as having the green open space cleared of most of the shrubs and the whole area set with grass seed. We are sure that this makes for a more pleasing outlook and a much safer environment especially for those residents living in the bungalows.

There are a number of important planning and devel-opment issues at the present time, which are giving rise for concern. Therefore, you must be assured that we are very much involved in the discussions to secure the best outcome for Melbourn.

The kerbside collection of plastic bottles is a tremen-dous success and SCDC have a good rating nationally. So let’s continue to recycle. We are sure that you will have noticed that there has been an increase in the number of times our village streets are being swept. This is all part of the aims of SCDC to make our area a good place to live.

At the time of writing this, SCDC had agreed at the full council meeting in November, to ask the tenants in council properties to vote on whether to accept or reject the proposal to transfer the housing stock to a housing association. All tenants have had the opportunity of being involved in the transfer; also they have been kept informed and have been invited to participate on many occasions by attending meetings at South Cambs Hall, Cambourne and in the local communities.

It must be said that we support the transfer, mainly because, in our opinion, the benefits to the tenants far outweigh the prospects of the housing stock remaining with SCDC, especially when you consider that the budg-eting restrictions together with the swingeing funding from central government would make it hard to maintain the stock to the standard the tenants deserve.

You can be assured that we continue to help the Parish Council and residents with a variety of issues. Please remember that we can be contacted at any time and we will endeavour to assist you by directing you to the appropriate officer or take the matter up on your behalf.

Cllr. Mrs Val Barrett - 01763 261227 Cllr. Mrs Janice Guest - 01763 260894

Spring MorningWhere am I going? I don’t quite know.Down to the stream where the king-cups growUp on the hill where the pine-trees blowAnywhere, anywhere. I don’t know.

Where am I going? The clouds sail by,Little ones, baby ones, over the sky.Where am I going? The shadows pass,Little ones, baby ones, over the grass.

If you were a cloud, and sailed up there,You’d sail on water as blue as air,And you’d see me here in the fields and say:“Doesn’t the sky look green today?”

Where am I going? The high rooks call:“It’s awful fun to be born at all.”Where am I going? The ring-doves coo:“We do have beautiful things to do.”

If you were a bird, and lived on high,You’d lean on the wind when the wind came by,You’d say to the wind when it took you away:“That’s where I wanted to go today!”

Where am I going? I don’t quite know.What does it matter where people go?Down to the wood where the blue-bells growAnywhere, anywhere. I don’t know.

by Alan Alexander (A.A.) Milne

15melbournmagazine

M&M BOOKSCASH PAID

for Old and Modern Books

Also PurchasedCoins, Medals, Postcards,

China, Cigarette Cards,Jewellery, Furniture,

Old Toys & Cars, Stamps,Programmes, Glass,

Comics, Collectables

Phone 01763 849789

Mobile 07761 911730


ProfileJacqui DoddsLiving within the close confines of the village it is sometimes hard to remember that the parish extends far beyond the built up area we know as Melbourn. Places on the far flung boundaries of the parish tend to be forgotten, although the distributors of the Melbourn Magazine know these outposts only too well!

Hillside Poultry Farm on the A505 is one of these places on the borders of Hertfordshire but is very definitely in Melbourn and is the home of Jacqui and Peter Dodds. Peter has lived and reared chickens here for some 39 years, Jacque has lived there for 26 years – it is a second marriage for both of them, with four children between them.

Jacqui is now retired but all her life she has worked with figures. Denied the chance to go to university as a young girl after passing her A levels, initially she went to work in the Civil Service in London, but soon moved to working as a book keeper in an accountancy practice in Cheshunt. She thrived here and it wasn’t long before she was headhunted to move to another practice starting up in Ware. Here she was encour-aged to study and qualify as a chartered accountant, which she did in 1976. She remained there for 14 years and became a partner – the first woman partner in this London based firm. We are talking about a time when it was quite unusual for a woman to succeed in

the predominantly male field of accountancy. It was during this time that she met and married Peter (who was one of her clients) and had a son Robert, now in turn about to pass his accountancy exams with Price, Waterhouse. He is living in Wimbledon.

She started her own practice in 1983 in a Portakabin on the farm - eventually she was employ-ing a staff of 4 She had always dealt with some farming clients which is quite a specialised branch of the business with all the tax and subsidy complica-tions. On one very wet day she was sitting talking to a farmer about his tax problems but the farmer was gazing over her shoulder in a distracted fashion. ‘This weather isn’t doing my corn any good’ he said mournfully to which Jacqui replied ‘I should go and see a chiropodist!’ He, of course, was talking about his harvest! At this time she was very much involved in the Institute of Chartered Accountants who invited her to be the representative for small firms of General Practitioners. She served on the committee for some time before becoming President of the Beds, Bucks and Herts Society – the first lady president – at that time there was only one other lady ICA President in the whole of the country. This position involved a good deal of wining and dining and meeting other leaders in her field of expertise; Peter was at the same time deeply involved in the National Farmers Union so they led quite a busy life.

After 17 years, Watts, Knowles (now WKH) approached her with a merger deal and Jacqui saw this as a step towards winding down towards retire-ment. She remained with WKH for 7 years, eventu-ally retiring in December 2006 About 11 years ago she started playing bowls with Peter and became very active in the Melbourn Bowls Club – firstly as Treasurer, then Chairman and now she is Secretary and in charge of fixtures. A naturally warm, friendly and outgoing person she has enjoyed this involve-ment in the village and has also joined the U3A. An avid reader all her life, she started the Alternative U3A Book Club and also belongs to the monthly walking group. She enjoys cooking and entertaining and for many years has been a keen flower arranger. (I immediately tried to enrol her on the All Saints Flower Rota – you do not have to be a church-goer!) She had been at a class the morning I inter-

continued on page 18

17melbournmagazine

viewed her and showed me a charming arrangement she had done, a winter arrangement making the most of a few flowers.

Peter has always been a poultry farmer – in the old days it was battery farming for egg production but for many years now he has farmed in an RSPCA approved Freedom for Food method. He no longer produces eggs, but instead rears pullets from 0 to 16 weeks, and he may at any time have between 30 and 35 thousand chicks all running around as nature intended – although for their own protection they are housed under cover, safe from foxes and bird flu! At 16 weeks he sells them on – sometimes a sale of 10,000 chicks and sometimes a sale of ten as domestic keeping of chickens becomes more and more popular. They are always brown hens – because brown hens lay brown eggs ! His son David is also in the business and deals with the transport of the birds, in specially adapted lorries to cause the least possible trauma to the birds.

The farm covers some 6 acres and is guarded by two large Alsatian dogs. The Dodds live in a charm-ing bungalow with a nice garden (another of Jacqui’s hobbies) although she says that the invasion of

rabbits is beginning to change her mind about the delights of gardening. On a clear day they can see the windmill at Chishill and there is sometimes a badger’s sett down the field so it is a very rural situ-ation. She confesses that living on the A505 is a bit of a pain especially if the M11 is blocked and traffic gets diverted, although they are double glazed and the view from the back windows is a great compen-sation.

They have a time share in Fuerteventura in the Canaries and she now manages to persuade Peter to leave the farm long enough to enjoy holidays in places like New Zealand and Australia. Great theatre and film-goers, they frequently go to London to see a show and are also Friends of the Royal Academy, the National Portrait Gallery being a particular favour-ite. Jacqui is a great example of what women have achieved in the accountancy world despite the prejudices of her generation.

So the next time you head out towards the A505 past the last house in New Road, just remember that Melbourn extends a lot further than you realise!

Mavis Howard


St George’s Day April 23rd St George is, of course, the Patron Saint of England, but did you know that he is also the Patron Saint of Portugal, Greece, Russia, Serbia, Montenegro and Georgia, as well as Palestine, Ethiopia and Canada?

He is the patron saint of soldiers, cavalry, sad-dlers, farmers, Boy Scouts and butchers, and suffer-ers from leprosy, plague and syphilis. He is also the patron saint of archers, hence the famous speech from Shakespeare’s Henry V, Act 3 at the Battle of Agincourt.

‘I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot:Follow your spirit, and, upon this chargeCry God for Harry, England and St. George!’

Very little is known of the actual man, though according to versions of his story current in the Eastern Church from the 5th century, he was a tribune in the Roman army and was beheaded by Diocletian for protesting against the Emperor’s persecution of Christians.

He was probably first known in England around the 8th century, when, according to the Apocryphal Acts of St George, translated into Anglo-Saxon, he visited Caerleon and Glastonbury while serving in the Roman army.

George was adopted as the patron saint of soldiers after he was said to have appeared to the Crusader Army at the Battle of Antioch in 1098.

When Richard I was campaigning in Palestine in 1191-92 he put the army under the protection of St George, and his banner, the red cross of a martyr on a white background, appeared on the uniforms and shields of the soldiers. This later became the flag of England and the White Ensign of the Royal Navy.

On April 23rd 1222 the Synod of Oxford declared a holiday, and he was acknowledged as the Patron Saint of England by the end of the 14th century. In the year of Agincourt, 1415, Archbishop Chinchilla raised St George’s Day to a great feast to be observed like Christmas Day. By 1778 it had reverted to a simple day of devotion for Catholics.

The legend of St George and the Dragon was popu-larised by the Legenda Aurea, (The Golden Legend), by Jacoba de Voragine in 1265. This was well received in England, as there is a similar story in Anglo-Saxon literature. The dragon made its nest in the spring of

water on which a community depended. To attract it away first sheep, then virgins, chosen by drawing lots, were fed to it. Eventually the princess was chosen. St George appeared, protected himself with the sign of the Cross, slew the dragon and rescued the princess. The grateful citizens converted to Christianity.

St George became a stock figure in the secular miracle plays, derived from pagan sources, which were performed during the winter and early spring.

In 1348 Edward III adopted George as the principal patron of his new order of chivalry, the Knights of the Garter. The objective of the Order , whose insignia depicts St George killing the Dragon, was probably to focus the efforts of England on further Crusades to conquer the Holy Land. Although the cult of St George was suppressed at the Reformation, St George’s Chapel at Windsor remains the official seat of the Order.

In 1940 King George VI instituted the George Cross, a silver cross with St George slaying the dragon on one side, the highest civilian award for gallantry.

16th century painting - St George slaying the dragon

feature

19melbournmagazine

Melbourn Primary SchoolThe children at Melbourn Primary have been busy as always. We have extended our music provision to include a talented musician ensemble, hand chimes group, school choir as well as including the whole of Year 4 in learning the pocket trumpet and the whole of Year 3 learning recorder.

We were able to showcase these musicians at our Christmas productions as well as having them visit Southwell Court where they entertained some of the more senior residents of Melbourn village.

Year 5 & 6 pupils have also had the opportunity to work with students from Melbourn Village College on a “Between the Notes” performance which took place at All Saints Church. I received several letters from mem-bers of the local community saying how much they enjoyed this concert. The Dance department from the College has also been working with our students and our older boys have particularly enjoyed their “Street Dance” sessions.

We continue to work towards raising standards at the school. Teachers have recently extended their repertoire to include multiple intelligence and multi-sensory approaches to teaching and learning, as well as the use of Brainbreaks to optimise the learning that takes place in lessons. These approaches have made the curriculum more interesting and have gone down very well with children.

We have great plans to extend the use of our field and grounds as part of the daily curriculum. This includes a proposed outdoor classroom and reflective garden where children can go if they don’t feel like rushing around at playtime. We are also introducing cycle racks to encourage more children to cycle to school.

Our Library has been updated and relocated too. With the generous contribution of funding from the locally based Trigg Trust we were able to install a fully automated Junior Librarian system for children and staff to use. Children are now receiving lessons in Library skills in our new facility.

As part of our work in the community we plan to facilitate ICT ses-sions for Melbourn citizens using our older children as tutors. We are very excited about this and welcome approaches from local groups who may be interested in receiving this input. Most of our children are very skilled in computer work and look forward to sharing their expertise with members of the village.

Our school website went live recently too. If you are interested in finding out more about our school, please visit www.melbournprimary.org.ukJacqueline Bell-Cook, HeadteacherMelbourn Primary School

Community EducationVal Tookey 260566

Little HandsKaren on 01763 260964

Melbourn PlaygroupJane Crawford 07842 151512

Notre EcoleJanet Whitton 261231

Primary SchoolHeadteacher Jacqueline Bell-Cook 223457

Toy LibraryYasmin Croxford 220246

U3A (Univ. of Third Age)Chairman John Stevens 261858

Village CollegeWarden Elaine Stephenson 223400

Adult & Community Learning

Melbourn Village CollegeTel: 01763 260566

Email: [email protected]

Look out for our New Summer Programme.

Lots of new courses to help beat the credit crunch,

or help you find a new job.

Learn a new skill or simply find a new hobby.

We have lots on offer!Contact us for more details

21melbournmagazine

Meldreth Pre-School Reg.Charity no.1034965

Village Hall Meldreth High Street

This friendly, non-profit making Pre-Schoolnow has spaces for September 2008.

We offer Morning, Lunch Club and Afternoon sessions to children between the ages of

2 and 5 years.

We offer a high staffing ratio, whilstmaintaining competitive rates.

£8.20 per session, £3.00 for Lunch Club

We accept Government Vouchers (which makes sessions for the over 3’s free)

For more information please Contact:Pre-School Leader, Jane Cable on

07952 295655 during Pre-School Hours(Mon/Tue 9-3, Wed/Thur/Fri 9-12.30)

or telephone The Admissions Secretary, Yasmin Croxford on 01763 220246


Baby & Toddler GroupLittle Foxes is a friendly, fun, good value, baby & toddler group. The baby & toddler group provides a great opportunity to meet other mums and for the children to play together. It is run by mums & child carers for babies and children up to 5 years old.

There are a baby area, dressing up clothes, trikes, trampolines, duplo, cars, dolls, etc. There are creative activities, song & story time and refreshments for the adults & children.

Foxton Village HallHardman RoadFoxtonTuesday (term time only)09.30 – 11.00

£1.50 per session

Little Foxes

News from Melbourn Village CollegeIt’s been another busy term at the College. Readers may be aware of the annual College production of the musi-cal ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ which was presented just before the Christmas holidays. An ambitious project, it was highly entertaining and featured some extremely mature performances from some very talented performers.

they’ve ever done in the UK. It was a huge success and congratulations to all involved.

Funding for ‘Inventors in Music’ was provided by the Clore Duffield Foundation through its Clore Performing Arts Award, Melbourn Village College and South Cambridgeshire District Council. If you are interested in taking part in a project like this or would like to see Melbourn host other Arts events then please contact Kirstin Bicknell, Arts Development Manager, StART- Melbourn, Melbourn Village College. Email [email protected], phone 07770 643165

New Window Celebrates Melbourn

partnershipsTo celebrate Melbourn Village College’s 50th Anniversary a new piece of public art is being commissioned. Over the summer the front windows of the College will be replaced and the new windows will be fused with beau-tiful kiln formed glass designed by Juicy Glass’s Sarah McNicol.

A preview of the design will be given to representa-tives from local community groups and Melbourn Village College partner organisations. They will have the oppor-tunity to create their own glass tile with an artist from Juicy Glass inspired by the design. The finished tile will be presented to them when the window is unveiled in September.

If you are interested in taking part in a project like this or have ideas for other local Arts events then please con-tact Kirstin Bicknell, Arts Development Manager, StART- Melbourn, Melbourn Village College. Email [email protected], phone 07770 643165

Melbourn Village College – Were you there?Is Melbourn Village College part of your history? Did you go there as a student? Did your children go there? Did

Music Invented for MelbournOn November 30th All Saints Church was completely filled with an audience who heard the first ever perform-ances of new work composed in Melbourn. Some of the music was composed by Between the Notes, an internationally acclaimed music ensemble, during their residency at Melbourn Village College. They performed 2 new pieces, one titled ‘Searchlight M3’ named after Melbourn Village College’s music room, which they will now go on and perform around the world!

Between the Notes also worked with pupils from Melbourn Primary School, Melbourn Village College and the local community. Over 50 participants in total per-formed new work that they had composed. Feedback from participants and audience alike was very positive and the musicians dubbed the project one of the best

Music Invented for Melbourn by Between the Notes

College production of the musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

23melbournmagazine

you work there, play sports or take a class there? Have you had a connection to MVC?

If the answer to any of these is ‘Yes’ then we want to hear from you. To celebrate MVC’s golden anniversary year we want to find memories about what has made MVC special to you. It could be about friends made, teachers you remember or about the best experiences, excursions or events and any funny stories you have.

We are interested in photos, written accounts and anyone who might like to be interviewed about their experiences. To contribute your memories of MVC over the last 50 years for a new archive project please contact Vanessa Mann, phone: 01223 871628 or email [email protected]

Performing Arts at Melbourn Village CollegeAlthough many of the staff and students at the college succumbed to various colds, coughs and stomach bugs, the Performing Arts Department remained stoic to the end and managed to create and perform a wonderful version of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Head of Drama and Director of the play Catharine Nicholls inspired students and staff to go out and give it their all during the three night run. Elliot Mepham took lead role as Tevye and his version of “If I were a Rich Man” gave you goose bumps it was so good.

Now into the Spring Term and hopefully all recovered we are raring to go. Students will be taking part in a Spring Concert on Monday 23rd March and Tuesday 24th March. Rehearsals are already underway with such

great hits as ‘Ain’t no Sunshine’, ‘There must be an Angel’ and ‘Fly me to the Moon’ being performed. Large audi-ences are expected for this event so book your ticket early!!

Tickets can be obtained by ringing the College Reception.

This Department is not known for resting on its laurels so we also had a Rock Night on 11th February and will be having a Singers Soiree on 18th March! The Director of Music is also very busy not only with teaching but involv-ing our local Primary Schools in the Music Department. Students from these schools are offered the chance to come along and use the excellent music technology facilities and the steel pans and will join in a Partner Schools Bigger Sing Festival in July.

We are also looking forward to future drama events and dance evenings so keep your eyes open for further details.

The Grand Challenge in aid of the Papworth

TrustAs you may be aware, last term we had seven teams being sponsored by TTP taking part in ‘The Grand Challenge’ in aid of the Papworth Trust. This is a local charity supporting the equality, choice and independ-ence of disabled people.

I am delighted to announce that the teams raised £6000 for the charity. It was a steep learning curve for all involved, with all of the events initially planned having to be modified, scaled down or simply changed completely but it was testament to the students and their TTP men-

Music Invented for Melbourn by Between the Notes


25melbournmagazine

“Little Hands” is a Private Nursery School specialising

in quality Pre-School Education for 2 – 5 year Olds

The Nursery School offers : • High (1 : 4) staffing ratio

• Variety of session lengths• Term time only booking• Optional holiday clubs• No minimum booking requirement • No booking fee • Categorised “OUTSTANDING” by Ofsted

Also FREE (NEF funded) afternoon (1.30-4.00) sessions for 3 & 4 year olds

(NEF can also be used towards half or full day sessions)

01763 260964 (school hours)01223503972 (office hours)

e-mail : [email protected] www.littlehands.co.uk

Little Hands Nursery Schools are also

at Bourn, Linton and Newton

Child and Family Nursing Team 35 ORCHARD ROAD , MELBOURN

We are a team of 5 nurses, all with differing backgrounds, including

paediatric/children’s nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and school nurses

We offer support and advice to children, young people and their families

within this area.

For further information telephone

01763 262861

LisaHindle

TriciaWard

SueClarke

BecciHuchisson

SandieSpringall


tors that they persevered and managed to raise such an impressive amount of money. It certainly gave us all an insight into the business world of corporate entertaining, the pitfalls of fund-raising and the importance of contin-gency planning!

Village College Spring FairSunday 29th March 11a.m. - 3 p.m.

We are the Melbourn Village College PTFA and we need participants for our upcoming Spring Fair!Can you help us?We’re looking for local craftspeople and specialty food producers who would like to sell their wares and maybe even demonstrate their particular skills.

In addition we would like to invite local clubs and charities to have stalls in order to raise awareness of the many different activities and good causes that exist in our local area.

During the fair we are aiming to hold displays and demonstrations of a variety of art, dance and music activities, many of which we hope will be connected with the students at the college.

In summary we would like to make it a celebration of activities and skills in the local villages and beyond, not to mention the beginning of spring and an improvement in the weather (well we can hope!?)

All profits made by the fair will support projects that benefit the students and environment of Melbourn Village College.

There will therefore be a charge for stalls booked for

the purpose of selling items.Private/Commercial stalls @ £20 per pitchStalls in aid of charitable causes @ 10% of sales madeInformational stalls - no chargeTo take part in the fair in any way, or simply for more information, please contact Alwyn Whitaker by phone 01223 871162, or by email: [email protected]

Notre EcoleDuring the second half of the autumn term children at our Wednesday after school club learnt the French words for fruit. We tasted the fruit while practising the words and played games around a fruit theme. Then, towards the end of term we learned a range of Christmas vocabu-lary and worked on some Christmas craft while eating chocolate Yule log.On Thursdays the children learnt the French words for different parts of the body. We practised the plural and played lots of games. On returning after the Christmas break both groups celebrated Epiphany with a ‘Galette des Rois’. Our beginner’s adult group have been practising the French needed at a railway station and to make a train journey. We have also been concentrating on the present tense. Our more advanced group have meanwhile been talking about city beaches in France, Marrakech, the American elections and Obama and they have been working on the difference between the two past tenses. On several occasions we have


27melbournmagazine

CO

LOUR


feature

The second Winter Flower Festival, organized by Rebecca Gatward, was a huge success, and this year, as well as flowers, there was also music to be enjoyed. The event raised almost £2,000 for the Church.

Photographs by Mavis Howard and Mike Sherwen

Candlemas Winter Flower Festival at All Saints’

29melbournmagazine

Relay for Life is a unique event which honours Cancer Survivors,

remembers those lives taken away by cancer and educates the community

into cancer prevention.

We have Relays taking place in the local area this summer

For more information please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/ or

telephone 01223 404195

joined together, for example to invent French soap opera characters, for a quiz about famous quotations and to celebrate Epiphany. At the end of November we very much enjoyed a ” Beaujolais Nouveau” evening at Marine’s house where we sampled the wine and were able to socialise with others who are learning French.If you or your child would like to join us, please call Marine on 01763 222876 or Janet on 01763 261231 for further details. We are a French native speaker and a graduate of European Studies with French and we would love to see you at one of our groups.

Notre Ecole Learn French in a friendly atmosphere

*French for Children *French for Adults“Games, role-play, songs etc.” All levels, Conversation”Every Wednesday Every Wednesday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm from 8.00pm to 9.00pmEvery Thursday by GCSE lessons available from 4:15pm to 5:00pm by arrangement.Individual lessons also available.

Tel. Marine - 01763 222876 or Janet - 01763 261231(We have both been CRB checked)

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)The next courses run by Royston WEA will start in September 2009. Details nearer the date from Doreen Wood 01763 242230 or David Allard 01763 242677.

Melbourn & District University of the Third Age.We have had a great programme of speakers during the winter months at our monthly meetings at the Village College every third Wednesday in the month. There has been a wide variety of speakers and our audience total has held up very well despite some uncertain weather. The programme goes on now right through to November 2009 and we have even booked speakers as far ahead asJune 2010.

The learning and active groups have also enjoyed their own programmes and we have now added Art & Drawing Classes, Local History, and Discussion to our lists. The Luncheon Club and the Garden Enthusiasts Groups are not now active but it is hoped they will start again in the near future. There are now some 420 members who have decided that they don’t want to watch daytime TV but would rather join a group and learn more about a particular subject.

If you need to know more about us ring Arthur Alderton on 01763 260399.Colin Limming.


Household Waste and Recycling CentresItems that are accepted

• Greenwaste

• Hardcore(bricks,rubble)

• Paper

• Glass

• Scrapmetal

• Wasteoil

• Fridges/freezers

• Carbatteries

• Textiles

• Cardboard

• TVsandcomputers(incl.monitors)

Please Note: the sites will only accept waste from household sources.

MiltonButt Lane, Milton Tel: 01223 860674• 9am–8pmMondaytoFriday• 9am–6pmBankHolidays,Saturday

& Sunday• 9am–4pmMondaytoSunday

(1 October–31 March)

ThriplowGravel Pit Hill, Thriplow Tel: 01223 839001• 8am–5pmMondaytoFriday• 8am–5pmBankHolidays,Saturday

& Sunday (Summer)• 8am–4pmMondaytoSunday

(1 October–31 March)

Village information

Local Bus companiesStagecoach in Cambridge 01223 423578 – Huntingdon & District 01480 453159 – Alans Bus & Coach 01763 245073

26MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (Except Public Holidays)

DAYS (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS)

Cambridge Drummer Street bay 7The Leys SchoolTrumpington Maris LaneHarston village hallFoxton MemorialShepreth garden centreMelbourn car parkRoyston bus stationRoyston TescoRoyston Burns Road

Melbourn car parkShepreth garden centreFoxton MemorialHarston village hallTrumpington Maris LaneThe Leys SchoolCambridge Drummer Street

0708071207140720072807340740

0738074207440750075808040820

0918092209240930093809440950

1748175217541800180818141820

0840084508510859090509070911092009260928

0940094509510959100510071011102010261028

40455159050711202628

1440144514511459150515071511152015261528

1540154515511559160516071611163016211623

1640LR

16561704171017121716173517261728

17401746175117591805180718111820

1826

18401846185118591905190719111920

1926

then

ylruohat

litnu

A on Saturdays and during school holidays may arrive at Drummer Street up to 10 minutes earlier

0948095209541000100810141020

485254000814

20then

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litnu

1548155215541600160816141620

1648165216541700170817141720

Melbourn to Cambridge

Cambridge to Melbourn (Royston)

Bin collectionreminder for Melbourn

20 February Black Bin.

27 February Green Bin and Box.

6 March Black Bin.

13 March Green Bin and Box.

20 March Black Bin.


3 April Black Bin.

10 April Green Bin and Box.

17 April Black Bin.

24 April Green Bin and Box.

1 May Black Bin.

8 May Green Bin and Box.

15 May Black Bin.

22 May Green Bin and Box.

29 May Black Bin.


12 June Black Bin.

19 June Green Bin and Box.

26 June Black Bin.

3 July Green Bin and Box.

* Day late collection – Saturday

Melbourn Bus TimetablesNote: These times have been taken from the companies website, but are subject to change, please telephone the company for updates.

31melbournmagazine

For more information

and collections of large

household items telephone

0845 0450 063

[email protected]

importantnumbersPolice (non emergency) 0845 456 4564

Crimestoppers Freephone

0800 555111

Melbourn Police Station opening Hours Mon to Thu 10am-12 noon/7pm-9pm*

This station is open to the public at times shown above, with trained Community Volunteers. Opening hours may vary, please see notices displayed at the station and around the village.

Neighbourhood WatchSteven Cambery [email protected]

CAB Royston 08456 889897

Childline 0800 1111

Samaritans 08457 909090

HospitalsAddenbrooke’s 01223 245151Royston 01763 238020OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIESCamdoc 01223 464242NHS Direct 0845 4647 (queries 24hrs)

ServicesAnglian Water 08457 145 145Gas emergency 0800 111 999Electricity 08007 838838South Cambs District Fire & Rescue Service 01223 376217

TransportBritish Rail Enquiries 08457 484950Stagecoach Cambus 08706 082608

Places of worshiP

All Saints Church Rev Andrew O’Brien Melbourn Vicarage 260295 Curate Mary Price 261569 Churchwardens Christine van Vliet 223063 Colin Wilson 261705Baptist Church Rev. Stuart Clarke 261650 Secretary Georgie Wilson 261223United Reformed Church Minister Rev. Duncan Goldie 260747 Non-stripendary minister Rev. Carol Pearle Secretary Anne Field 220869

education

Melbourn Playgroup Jane Crawford 07842 151512 Childminding Group Sec. Vacancies Co-ordinator Heidi Hardwidge 221625Community Education (activities from toddlers to adults) Val Tookey 260566Library LAP Mike Stapleton 269956Little Hands Nursery School 260964 Out of school times 01223 503972Notre Ecole Janet Whitton 261231Primary School Headmaster Jacqueline Bell-Cook 223457Toy Library 261261U3A (Univ. of Third Age) Chairman John Stevens 261858 Hon Sec Hilary Docwra 222486 Mem Sec Arthur Alderton 260399Village College Warden Elaine Stephenson 223400

health

Age Concern 01223 506002Blood Donors Sue Cane 262320Chiropodist 263260Citizen’s Advice Bureau 238020Community Care Val Trueman 260191Dentist 262034District N s (Primary Care Trust) 261775Home-Start Sarah Dixon 262262S Cambs PCT 35 Orchard Road Child & Family Nurses 262861Melbourn and Meldreth Self-Help Jayne White 220250 Car Scheme 245228Orchard Surgery Appointments 260220 Dispensary 261246 For repeat prescriptions send email: [email protected] Kath Harry 261716St John Ambulance Robert Jakubiak 220507

warden & sheltered housing schemes

Dial-A-Ride 01223 506335Mobile Warden Scheme 220402 24 hr Emergency No. Val Trueman 07403 251226Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Stephen Cambery 261520Safer Melbourn Initiative Val Trueman 220402

Vicarage Close Warden Sally Miller (Mon 9am to Wed 1pm) Sheltered Housing Officers on duty Mon, Tues – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. members of the South Team, Wed, Thu, Fri – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joy Hyde (Lead Officer for Vicarage Close) (Wed 1pm Fri 5pm) 263389John Impey Way Jeanette Holland 269596Southwell Court 262121Moorlands 260564

clubs

Air Cadets 2484 (Bassingbourn) Squadron AJ Kelly Mon & Wed evenings 7 – 9.30 p.m. Army Cadets Ted Neathey 0775 1334 314 Tuesday evenings at The Moor 7.15 to 9.30pmBellringers John Gipson 2628461st Melbourn Rainbows Abigail Roberts 261505Brownies Samantha Pascoe (Brown Owl) 261400Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272Cambells (Handbells) Eira Martin 261221Dramatic Society Kathy Wholley 223805

email [email protected] of Edinburgh’s Award Stuart Morris 208634Gardening Helen Powell 245887Guides Hilary Marsh 261443Mothers’ Union Anne Harding 260759Melbourn & District Mushroom Club Helene Davies 01954 789 947 or m.07903 456 628Melbourn History Group Colin Limming 260072Melbourn Pottery Club Maggie 01223 207307National Trust Colin Limming 260072New Melbourn Singers Adrian Jacobs 243224Photography Joe Cox 01223 871258Ramblers Dave Allard 242677Royal British Legion Patrick Parkinson 262617Royal British Legion Women Elizabeth Murphy 220841Royal National Lifeboat Institution Jean Emes 245958Royston and District Local History Society David Allard 242677Royston and District Round Table 221398RSPB Doug Radford 208978SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’) Doreen Johnston 220197Youth Club Amanda Bernard 223407Women’s Group Jane Stevens 261858

sPort

Badminton Steve Jackson 248774Bowls Elaine Cooke 221571Croquet Janet Pope 248342Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109 XMVC Dolphin FC Simon Gascoyne 261703Judo Derek Coult 225004Melbourn Community Sports 263313Meldreth Tennis Club Sue Davies 220174Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593Squash Club Nick Sugden 261064

If the code is NOT given before a telephone number it is 01763. This list will be updated in future issues on the basis of information received

We shall be pleased to receive contributions in any form, articles, poems, drawings, photographs, letters etc., pertaining to Melbourn. Please send any contributions to the Office of the Parish Clerk, Council Offices, 28 Station Rd, Melbourn SG8 6DX, marking them ‘MELBOURN MAGAZINE’ or you can email them to [email protected]

Apart from printing, all work on the Melbourn Magazine, including layout and design is produced by volunteers. The cost of production comes entirely from advertising and sponsorship. No public money is used.

Melbourn MagazineAnn Dekkers Editor 261144Mavis Howard Parish Profile 260686Eric Johnston Distribution 220197Peter Simmonett Design & Village website 220363Anne Lambert Information Collection 261480Brenda Meliniotis Village Diary & Proof reading 261154Roger Mellor Advertising 220463 (For information on advertising please telephone 220363)

email: [email protected]

Adverts are to be supplied as finished artwork and must be at the sizes below. Please send artwork via post or email to [email protected] We print 2200 copies of the Melbourn Magazine which is delivered free to every house in the village four times a year. Note: colour advert space is limited, please contact us for further details. The current rates for advertising in the Magazine are as follows:

Size per… Width x Height Issue Annum Colour1/4 inside page (79 × 128 mm) £21 £76 £113

1/2 inside page (163 × 128 mm) £38 £132 £188

Full inside page (163 × 262 mm) £73 £261 £375

Adverts must be supplied as high resolution jpgs or 300dpi Tif or eps.

For further information on advertising please telephone 220363. Payments for an entire year are at a discount of 10%. Remittance or cheques should be made to Melbourn Parish Council.

maYmarch aPril

Tues 3rd Photographic ClubWed 4th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30-12 Royal British Legion WHERE?Thur 5th Royston & District Local History Society

Royston Toewn Hall 8pm “Footpaths-Hertfordshire Heritage’Fri. 6th URC Coffee 10amSat 7th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall

10.30-12 noon ‘Bring and Buy Stall ‘ in aid of Hall

Royston Choral Society Concert All Saints’ Church 7.30 pm, in aid of SOAS

Sun 8th Meldreth Guided History Walk 2pm Baptist Church Communion 6pmTues 10th Mother’s Union 2.30 pm Wendy Church Melbourn & District Gardening Club

7.30 pm All Saints’ Community Hall ‘Something Old, Something New’

Wed 11th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30-12Fri 13th URC Coffee 10 amSat 14th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall

10.30-12 . Women’s British Legion Cake Stall.

Wed.18th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30-12 Melbourn & District U3A 2.45 pm

Melbourn Village College ‘Barry Kaufman-Wright ‘Wildlife of the Arctic’

Fri 20th URC Coffee 10 am ‘Black Sheep Band’ at Eternit Sports and

Social Club’Sat 21st Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall

10.30-12. ‘The Bookshelf’ Book Sale. River Mel Working Party 9.15 am at the

Pavilion.Mon 23rd Spring Concert MVC 7.30 pmTues 24th Spring Concert MVC 7.30 pm Women’s Group All Saints’ Church Hall

7.30 pm ‘Pot Lids’Wed 25th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30-12 Royal British legion Women’s Section

TIME??Fri 27th URC Coffee 10 am Royston & Saffron Walden National Trust Association 7.30 pm AGM followed followed by a talk by the Trust’s Conservation Officer.Sat 28th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend 11am -5pmSun 29th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend 11am -5pm

MVC Spring Fair 11am – 3pm

Wed 1st Baptist Church Coffee Break 10.30-12.00 Royal British LegionThur 2nd Royston & District Local History Society. Royston Town Hall 8 pm ‘Life and Music of John Newton’Fri 3rd URC Coffee 10 amSat 4th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall

10.30-12 noonSun 5th Meldreth Guided History Walk 2 pm Baptist Church Communion 6 pmTues 7th Mother’s Union 2.30 pm Photographic Club AGMWed 8th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30-12Thurs 9th Maundy Thursday Evening Communion Baptist Church 8-9pm All Saints’ 8-9pmFri 10th URC Coffee 10 am Good Friday Meditations Baptist Church 2-5 pm All Saints’ 2-5 pmSat 11th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall 10.30-12 noonSun 12th All Saints’ Easter Day Celebration 0.30 12 noonTues 14th Melbourn & District Gardening Club 7.30 pm All Saints’ Community Hall ‘Vegetable and Fruit Gardening”Wed 15th Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30- 12 Melbourn & District U3A MVC 2.45 pm “Aspects of Country Life’ Margaret RogersFri 17th URC Coffee 10 amSat 18th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall

10.30 -12 noonWed 22nd Baptist Church Hall Coffee Break 10.30 – 12 Royal British Legion Women’s SectionFri 24tth URC Coffee 10 am Organ Recital All Saints’ Stephen Cleobury 7.30 pmSat 25th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall 10.30 – 12 noonTues 28th Women;s Group at Meldreth 7.30 pm ‘What have I done with my Life in 87 years?’Wed 29th Baptist Church Coffee Break 10.30 – 12

The closing date for the next issue is 15th april which will appear in June, listing events in June, July and August

Fri 1st URC Coffee 10 Royston & Saffron Walden National Trust Assoc. SW County High Sports Centre 7.30 pm Audley End former Head Steward talks about his job and the his tory of the house.Sat 2nd Coffee Stop All Saints’ Hall 10.30-12 noonWed 6th Baptist Church Coffee Break 10.30-12 Royal British legionFri 8th URC Coffee 10 amSat 9th Coffee Stop All saints’ Hall 10.30-12 noonTues 12th Mother’s Union Melbourn & District Gardening Club All Saints’ Community Hall 7.30pn Wed 13th Baptist Church Coffee Break 10.30–12Thurs 14th Royston & District Local History Society

Royston Town Hall 8 pm AGM followed by ‘History of the Slave Trade’Fri 15th URC Coffee 10 amSat 16th Coffee Stop All Saints’ Community Hall 10.30 – 12 noon Book and Plant SaleSun 17th New Melbourn Singers with Cambridge Choral Society Summer Comcert 3 pm Comberton Village College “Songs from the Silver Screen”Wed 20th Baptist Church Coffee Break 10.30 – 12 Melbourn & District U3A MVC 2.4 pm. Royal Navy Presentation Team Road Show of life in today’s Royal Navy.Fri 22nd URC Coffee 10 amSat 23rd Coffee Stop All Saints’ Hall 10.3-12 noonTues 26th Women’s Group Garden Party at MeldrethWed 27th British legion Women’s SectionFri 29th URC Coffee 10 am

Melbourn Village FeteSaturday 27th June

Spring 2009All copy for the June,

July & August Issue should

be in before 15th April

Melbourn LibraryOpen at the following times:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2.30 to 4.30 pm

Thursday 5.00 to 7.00 pm

Saturday 10.00 to 12.00 am

Village information continued

Prescriptions requested before 12pm

will be ready after 10am

Monday WednesdayTuesday ThursdayWednesday FridayThursday MondayFriday Tuesday

Prescriptions requested before 4pm

will be ready after 3pm

Monday WednesdayTuesday ThursdayWednesday FridayThursday MondayFriday Tuesday

Prescriptions requested after 4pm

will be ready after 10am

Monday ThursdayTuesday FridayWednesday MondayThursday TuesdayFriday Wednesday

Orchard Surgery – DispensaryMonday to Friday 8:30 – 1:30 and 2:00 – 6:00

Phone 01763 261246Telephone requests are not accepted

For repeat prescriptions you can:

Fax 01763 262968 or

email: [email protected]

• Allow at least 48 hours (two working days – excluding weekends and bank holidays) for repeat prescriptions to be ready.

• Do not leave your request to the last minute.

Prescription/medication depending on eligibility can be collected from the

Surgery Co-op Tesco in Royston

Please let the dispensary know where you wish your prescriptions to be sent. This will remain

your choice until we are informed otherwise.

CAMSIGHT


Sue Hempstead8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. CB1 3NH

Tel 01223 [email protected]

Office Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm.

A drop in advisory session is held at

MOORLANDS, THE MOOR, MELBOURN NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY

from 2pm to 4pm,

See the following website for more information

www.colc.co.uk/cambridge/camtad/sessions.html

Battery exchange and retubing. We do not do hearing tests

27th November22 January26 February

26 March23 April28 May25 June

23 July27 August

24 September22 October

26 NovemberThere are no session

in December

Cam Sight’s visually impaired group meet on the

1st Wednesday of the month every month except in August,

at the Vicarage day centre, Melbourn from 2 until 4pm.

We offer a warm welcome with speakers, outings, up to date information and equipment

demonstrations.

Come and see what’s on offer, join us for a cuppa and a chat.

Call 01223 420033

for further information.

Ben Atkins Year 9 Melbourn Village CollegeAre teenagers hard off in Britain? To most of you, this probably seems an obvious question. After all, British teenagers have free education, doting parents, and all the electronic perks of modern life. Indeed, I’m sure there is a viewpoint among our readers that mod-ern teenagers are too well off, and have too much freedom, that teenagers have been allowed to run rampant, leading to the knife crime, bullying, and gang warfare that blights our society today.

The entire history of humanity serves to show us that us humans are inherently hostile to that which we don’t understand, even when those things that we don’t understand are from within our own spe-cies. But over the last couple of centuries, we have, to most purposes, realised the error of our ways. Racism, sexism, homophobia and indeed ageism against the elderly have all been illegalised, and humanity is much the better for it. However, one form of discrimination is still going on unregulated in our society, and that is discrimination against teenagers. One needs look no further than the cartoons in the Daily Mail to see this. These cartoons show a brutally demonising stere-otype of violent drunk teenagers, and go so far as to represent the teenager as some kind pf violent vermin, enemy of every nice, law-abiding person. Were this stereotype applied to any other demographic, it would be illegal, but discrimination against teenagers is not just legal, but goes on with the support of many major MPs. Surely by continuing this stereotype, we are only serving to make teenagers resentful toward those who have such unfair dislike of them. This resent then makes them more likely to become antisocial, fulfilling and aiding the stereotype.

A recent YouGov poll of around 2,000 adults expressed their opinions of teenagers; 49% felt that young people were becoming increasingly danger-ous, and 43% felt that society needed protection from said ‘dangerous’ youth. Furthermore, many adults felt it appropriate to describe modern teen-agers using words such as ‘animal’ and ‘vermin’. A good portion of adults consider modern youth to be vermin. Think seriously about the implications of that for a second. It truly is a disturbing thought. But we need to move on from simple opinion. Opinion is one thing, but it’s when that opinion manifests itself as actual discrimination in everyday life that we really

have a problem. Discrimination against teenagers can be seen everywhere in society, if you only look closely. Teenagers are banned from some restaurants, based on the stereotype of teenagers being incapable of calm, polite behaviour. Recently, the Vue cinema chain has established 18+ only screenings of many major movies, and numerous shops, train stations and similar places have installed Mosquito devices, which are, quite literally, anti-teenager equipment, designed to dispel teenagers, vermin-like. I myself, age 13, was once denied unaccompanied access to a bowling alley. What possible explanation for this can there be besides pure, unadulterated discrimination?

It’s all very well to moan about this, and play the victim, but we need to think seriously about how we can fix this problem. Just like with all the discrimina-tions that humanity has fought before, this ageism is based on deeply ingrained stereotypes. Just passing laws against ageism, while a necessary part of the process, won’t target the source of the problem. What is really needed is work to raise awareness of the achievements of young people, through events such as, well, such as this article. Furthermore, while I would hate to sound like I endorse press censorship, I think it could also be a necessary step to take action against press actions that support the stereotypes, thus further ingraining those stereotypes into those who trust the press. Undoubtedly, some would call this censorship, but the bottom line is, if any other group of people were treated by newspapers in this way, it would breach the law. Why don’t teenagers deserve the same protection that any other demographic receive?

I feel that awareness work is what we really need. The main difficulty with countering the ageism prob-lem is much like the problem that the suffragists faced when campaigning for women’s votes; that the ones who are responsible for the original discrimination are the ones who hold all the power. Only the adults, of whom so many support the current hostility toward teenagers, are able to take the necessary action against that hostility. So please, do what you can to help us. There is only so much that we young people can do on our own. However, with your help, and the help of those around you, we may finally be able to put an end to the war of the generations. A true utopia of equality is within our grasp, we need only reach out for it.

Discrimination against British Teenagers

feature

35melbournmagazine

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Lunchtime special soup & sandwich £5

Christmas bookings still being taken New Years eve tickets available soon

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Nature

Water vole pictured on the Mel picture by Maureen Brierley

River Mel Restoration Group (RMRG)

A big thank-you to all those who joined members of the River Mel Restoration Group for the suc-cessful litter-pick on Saturday 22nd November 2008. We were extremely fortunate with the weather and the enthusiastic par-ticipation of forty volunteers col-lected seventeen bags of rubbish from in and around the River Mel in Melbourn. Special thanks must go to Greg Hall from RiverCare (an organisation jointly funded by Anglian Water, ENCAMS and the Environment Agency) who helped with the organisation of the event and provided all the safety-gloves and litter-picking equipment. The litter pick was the first step towards launching a restoration project on the River Mel in Melbourn. The RMRG has already undertaken res-

toration work on the River Mel in Meldreth. The Group is now looking to recruit volunteers from Melbourn to help carry out similar improvements to the River Mel where it flows through the grounds of Melbourn Village College and the Parish Recreation Ground.

Why is this work so important? The Mel is a chalk river that sup-ports significant populations of wild brown trout, bull head and water crowfoot. It is also arguably one of the best areas in South Cambridgeshire to see water voles. Over the years its chalk bed has silted up, threatening the existence of the species that depend on it. The improvements planned for the river are designed to speed the flow and will clear away the accu-mulation of silt to reveal the chalk

river bed again. This will lead to improved habitat for all its associ-ated wildlife.

Plans for the improvement works have been drawn up fol-lowing detailed consultation with Melbourn Village College, Melbourn Parish Council, local landowners and the Ecology Officer from South Cambridgeshire

37melbournmagazine

A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.

Robert Frost

District Council. The necessary con-sents have been obtained from the Environment Agency and relevant landowners, so we can now start the work in the river.

The first working party in Melbourn was on 24th January 2009. Subsequent working parties will be held approximately 6 weekly (see list below). We meet at the Pavilion on the recreational field at 9.15am for a 9.30am start and have a coffee break midway through the session. We aim to finish by 12.30pm.

The group is very grateful to all those who have already shown an interest and have supported our work both directly and indirectly. This has been shown by joining our working parties, supporting fund raising events and by becoming members, thereby increasing our ability to gain grants to fund the buying of equipment, insurance and other essential items. In particular,

we are extremely grateful for the financial support the project has already received from the Cam Valley Forum, Melbourn Parish Council, the Melbourn Village Fete committee, and Wrights Mower Centre. You can help on an individual basis by join-ing one of our working parties or by becoming a member of the Group (membership £10 per household a year). For further details please contact Maureen Brierley on 01763 262752, or join us at any work-party. We always have a warm wel-come for new members.

Working parties for 20099.15am for 9.30am start Meet at the Pavilion Melbourn Recreational fieldSaturday 21st MarchSaturday 25th AprilSaturday 6th JuneSaturday 18th JulySaturday 5th SeptemberSaturday 21st November

39melbournmagazine

Old Timers DiseaseThree older ladies were discussing the travails of getting older. One said, “Sometimes I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand in front of the refrigerator and can’t remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich.”

The second lady chimed in, “Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs and can’t remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down.”

The third one responded,” Well, I’m glad I don’t have that problem, knock on wood,” as she rapped her knuckles on the table, then told them “That must be the door, I’ll get it!”

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“I’ve finished surveying the ‘Wondrous Cross’ thought Thomas … “Now where do I send the invoice”

Melbourn Baptist Church:Sunday Services are at 10.30 am (while children have a separate service in the Hall) with Evening Communion at 6.00pm on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome and most people stay for refreshments after-wards.

‘Toddler Plus’ weekly Tuesday sessions and ‘Craft Morning’ weekly Wednesday sessions , both at 9.30am, will run throughout the school term (but not during Easter holidays, Apr 5-19th).

Both sessions are held in the Baptist Church Hall and anyone interested is welcome.More details can be found on our website: www.melbourn-baptist.org.uk

MBC Easter Services and Events:9th April 8-9pm: Maundy Thursday Communion10th April 2-5pm : Church will be open for Good Friday meditations12th April 10.30-12noon: Easter Day Celebration

All Saints’ Easter Services5th April: Palm Sunday Procession with Noah from Village Hall Meldreth to Holy Trinity Church, Meldreth.Thursday 9th April: Maundy Thursday 8.00 p.m. Holy Communion and Washing of Feet.Friday 10th Good Friday 1.00p.m. - 3.00p.m. Led DevotionSaturday 11th April 8.00p.m. Service of LightEaster Day 9.45 a.m. Family Communion

Melbourn United Reformed ChurchFriday Morning CoffeeThe Church hall is open from 10.30 – 12.30pm for coffee and a chat. Our Fairtrade stall is also available. All welcome

Reflective ServicesThese services are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month and are about an hour long giving a chance to forget the hustle and bustle of the day, a time for contemplation around a theme, music and readings. Service starts at 7pm in the parlour room at the back of the church, providing an informal atmosphere.

Homelessness SundayOn Sunday 25th Jan we again marked Homelessness Sunday with a collection of clothing and non-perishable goods for Jimmy’s Nightshelter in Cambridge. Over the Christmas period we also collected our pennies, which will also be donated to Jimmy’s.

Slide EveningsIn Feb/March we will be hosting several slide evenings from various groups in the church and we also hope to show the recent film ‘Son of Man’ a contemporary retelling of the story of Christ set in modern-day Africa. in

MELBOURN’S CHURCHES TOGETHER

41melbournmagazine

The Walkers Partnership

SolicitorsNew Year’s Resolution

Is it your New Year’s Resolution to make a Will or revise your existing Will? If so, please take advantage of our reduced rate wills offer.

Please note the reduced rate wills will be available every week day in March and April 2009 from 8.00 am until 6.00pm by appointment only.

We will also be open on the following Saturday mornings for reduced rate wills, again by appointment only:

14th March and 25th April

Reduced rates are: Double Wills – £150 plus VAT Single Will – £90 plus VAT

For more information on forthcoming dates please contact our Lower King Street office:

1–3 Lower King Street,Royston, Herts. SG8 5AJTel: 01763 241121

[email protected]


David was speeding along the road one fine day when the local policeman, a friend of his, pulled him over. “What’s wrong, Jim?” David asked. “Well didn’t you know, David, that your wife fell out of the car about five miles back?” said Jim. “Ah, praise God!” David replied with relief. “I thought I’d gone deaf!”

the lead up to Easter, please look out for details on the church notice board.

Melbourn and Meldreth Churches TogetherThe tradition of Melbourn and Meldreth Churches Together going carol singing in the community, has expanded over the last couple of years to include an evening at The Black Horse. A very enjoyable evening was had on Wed 10th December where we teamed up with their regular folk group and other customers who joined in the singing.

On the afternoon of Sunday 14th December mem-bers of MMCT went carol singing as part of a short act of worship visiting both Moorlands Court (led by Rev Stuart Clarke) and Southwell Court (led by Revd Duncan Goldie). The carollers were accompanied by a member of the Baptist Church (on keyboard) and Duncan (on cornet). Mince pies were enjoyed at both venues after the service.

On Saturday 20th December a group met outside the Co-op before moving on to sing outside Leech’s Butchers. The weather was kind to us this year and carol sheets remained dry.

Our carol singing efforts raised £145 for Chernobyl’s Children. Thank you to all who attended these events and to Duncan for his cornet playing, it certainly helps the atmosphere when singing outside in the village.

SOAS 100 ClubThe November draw was made by Cllr. Val Barrett on 8th December. There were 63 members. First prize of £21 goes to Mavis Howard at The Carlings, Station Road and the second of £10.50 to W A Warden of 10 Thatcher Stanfords Close.

The December draw was made by Cllr Val Barrett on 30th December. First prize of £21 goes to Sheila Cheetham of Woolpack Way, Meldreth and the second of £10.50 goes to Zena Hawkin of 21 Greenbanks.

The January draw was made by Rev Andrew O’Brien on 30th January. First prize of £21 goes to Peter Chilvers of 63 High Street, Melbourn, and the second of £10.50 goes to John Hyde of 15 The Lawns, Melbourn.

If you would like to buy a share in the 100 Club for an annual subscription of £12, please phone Kersti

Llewellyn-Beard 0n 01763 220703. The profits go towards preserving the ‘bricks and mortar’ of our historic church in the centre of the village.

SOAS (Supporters of All Saints’)The membership of SOAS remains at about 105 house-holds (each may cover one, two or more persons) and we are looking forward to another successful year which will include, a concert by the Royston Choral Society in All Saints church on Saturday 7th March. The programme will include Faure’s ‘Requiem’, Mendelssohn’s ‘Four Sacred Partsongs’ and some lighter pieces. Tickets at £8 (£7 concs) and £2 under 16 yrs, available from George Howard at 01760 260686 or [email protected])

An organ recital by Stephen Cleobury, with song, in All Saints on Friday 24th April - look out for details And our Melbourn Open Gardens on Sunday 7th June – again look out for details.

Our constitution, which is recognised by the Charity Commision, allows us only to spend money on the

(Supporters of All Saints’ Melbourn)SOAS

43melbournmagazine

What is SOASSOAS is a nondenominational charity and aims to enlist the support of the Melbourn Community to preserve the village character and heritage. Funds raised by SOAS through membership contributions and cultural events are spent on the upkeep of All Saints’ Church building.Membership subscriptions are discretionary with a minimum of £3 per person or £5 per family per year. Application and/or Banker’s order forms can be obtained by telephoning Shaun Coles on 260327.

Funds Disbursment as at 1/8/2008

Roof £3000Central heating £11000Porch £376Piano £500Lady Chapel Repairs 7684Total £22560Cash in Hand £20000

Funds Raised £42560

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maintenance of the All Saints Church building and its furniture, and following the church’s quinquennial report we are painfully aware of the demands which will shortly be made of our funds. Your support is appreciated.

Safari SupperAfter the success of the Safari Supper which I organised last year in aid of the new Community Hall, I am plan-ning to hold another this summer on Saturday 20th June. It will be slightly different this time in that we shall not be meeting in the Hall first but will plunge straight in to the starter course in someone’s home.

Just to remind you of the format - those who have volunteered to cook starter OR main course OR des-sert will already know that they are catering for 6 or 8 people, but will not know the identity of their guests. You will open your envelope at 6 o’clock and the slip of paper inside will tell you where you are to go for your hors d’oeuvre. At the end of that course, your host will produce another envelope which will tell you where you are going for your main course and again after that you will all be told where to go for pudding. Then, if you still have the stamina, everyone back to the Community Hall for coffee and cheese. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it worked like a dream last year so let’s hope it works again this year!

So I am once more appealing for both hosts and for guests. People who do the hosting may apply for a con-tribution towards costs if they wish - £4 to the starter and pudding hosts and £10 to the main course hosts. I will supply the wine but all the hosts will choose their own menus. This event was greatly enjoyed last year and is for everyone who likes good food and good company. You do not have to be in pairs – singletons are welcome and if your spouse does not want to join in, leave him/her at home with a take-away and you come along and join in the fun.

Please note that this event is not being organised by SOAS as all their fund raising has to be in aid of the fab-ric of the church – and I am aiming to raise money for the Community Hall. Entrance forms may be obtained from my trusty aide Jane Brett or from me. Do please call either of us if you have any queries or want to know more about the evening. Tickets will be £12 each and only payment will secure a place – a 90% refund will be given if you have to cancel up to 48 hours beforehand.I am certain it will be a most enjoyable evening Mavis Howard 01763 260686 Jane Brett 01763 260306

News from NOAHHallo, there, it is Noah, the Melbourn donkey! Did you see me at the Crib Service on Christmas Eve? I was very nervous - I know I had been in church before but I had never seen so many people – it was packed! And wasn’t the baby lovely? I was on my best behaviour and I am very proud of the fact that I didn’t have an accident on the carpet. When you are a little donkey that can happen. And I didn’t bite anyone.

I thought only animals did biting, but Andrew the Vicar says that the credit crunch is biting. I don’t under-stand, but apparently it means that the stables where I live cannot afford to keep me and Andrew the Vicar has to pay for my food and vet bills. That is why he asked everyone at the Crib Service if they would think about sponsoring me. I like the idea of lots of boys and girls helping to keep me as the Melbourn Donkey. About 20 kind people took sponsorship forms, but only about 8 have been returned. Andrew the Vicar says that if you took a form but have mislaid it with all the Christmas cards and wrapping paper, he will be happy to give you another one. Perhaps two or three children could get together to sponsor me. We could get Andrew the Vicar to put up a list of all the people who are helping to feed me and they would all own a little bit of me.

I am hoping to come to Church again on Palm Sunday but this time it will be to MELDRETH church. The plan is for us to start at Meldreth Village Hall at 9.45 a.m and walk along the High Street to the Church.

Another new experience for me as I have not been in that Church but I do know that people in Meldreth have also sponsored me so they must all like donkeys too. Did you know that Jesus rode on a donkey when he went in to Jerusalem. The Bible doesn’t talk about Jesus having a hamster or a stick insect, but it does say he had a donkey and ever since that time donkeys have had a cross marked on their backs. You have a look at mine, it is really dark.

So, children, please do think about sponsoring me so that I can stay with all the nice girls and boys in Melbourn – I don’t want to be sent away. If lots of people pay a bit it will all mount up to a lot of food for me for the year.Lots of donkey love, Noah

The Word of God from David BurbridgeThese words spake Jesus; Father, the hour is come, glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son may glorify Thee. Now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. No more in the world, I come to Thee. John 17 verses 1, 5 and 11

45melbournmagazine

Link Murang’aJust over 10 years ago Bishop Julius Gachuche, from the Diocese of Mount Kenya Central, visited Meldreth. This resulted in the two parishes of Meldreth and Melbourn forming a group called Link Murang’a and they have been fund-raising and supporting community and devel-opment work in the Diocese ever since.

Members of the two parishes have visited Kenya on four different occasions over the years, the last one being 2007. I was fortunate to be involved in this visit and it was a great experience; but not all rest and play! We had a tight timetable for the two weeks, visiting schools, churches and farms. Brick (stone) laying, plant-ing trees and much more. Even singing in Mount Kenya’s Cathedral, which knocked the reserved English nature sideways!

The people appreciated our visit and did everything possible to make us comfortable and well-fed, putting a great strain on their own resources.

Now we have a chance to return some of the hos-pitality; as we are delighted to announce that the new Bishop, Bishop Isaac Nurang’a and his wife Annie are to visit the two parishes in April, during Holy Week.

Please watch out for future fund-raising events in Meldreth and Melbourn. We are sometimes at the Saturday morning Coffee Stop in Melbourn.

If you would like to help the charity or find out more, please phone either Karen Cook (01763 261144), David Hollamby (01763 261082) or Rev. Andrew O’Brien (01763 260295)

47melbournmagazine

Michael Linnette – [email protected], I see there is a Michael Linnette who works for your council, I know the surname Linnette is very uncommon, i wonder if we are related, and if there are any more Michael Linnettes in the country?

Peter Smith – [email protected] believe some of my wife’s relations through her great uncle came from CambridgeshireI have a William Worland 1844, from Melbourn. Father Joseph, 1817, from Meldreth. William moved to London and married in 1870

Duncan Wood – [email protected]’m trying to trace the Wood family. The family story was that they used to own the village, but lost it playing cards! William Wood was born in 1768 in Melbourne, and moved to Great Chishill, where he died on April 24th. 1863. He would have been my great great grandfather.All help greatly appreciated!Many thanks Duncan (Wood)

M Vandepeer – [email protected] am looking for information about the following fami-lies- Greenhill, Stockbridge & King who all hail from Melbourn. I have traced back to Ellis King born 1805 who was married to Eliza?, John Greenhill (1811) mar-ried to Elizabeth Stockbridge (1809).

David Beech – [email protected] Grandparents (Whitby) lived at 7 Meeting Lane. Grandfather was a LNER Platelayer working the line between Shepbreth and Royston.My Grandmother’s maiden name was Mulberry. Her father was a Master Butcher (also the village ratcatcher) who had a shop down by the turning to the Moor. It then became a Bakery. I was born in Cambridge but lived in Melbourn until the end of the second world war when my Mother returned to Portsmouth. We used to visit at Holiday times each year until the late 1950’s.

Tim Negus – [email protected] am looking to find out more information about Charles Negus (Born 1870) married to Susan Chapman. I would love to find out anything about him/them, which farm they work on etc.

Craig B – [email protected] in sharing notes with anyone research-ing the following: James Harper (b.1841 Melbourn) and his wife Maria Adams Harper, James Harper (1811-1885 in Melbourn) and his wife Ann Baker (1809-1876 in Melbourn), or John Adams (d.1888 Melbourn) and his wife Ann Clark Adams (d.1879 Melbourn). Please send me an email. Thanks!

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James had no idea his wife was having an affair, so he was mad with grief when coming home early one day he surprised her and her lover in the act.

He grabbed a pistol and pointed it at his head, which made his wife burst out laughing.

“What do you think you’re laughing at,” he cried, “you’re next.”

New Melbourn SingersSummer Concert Sunday May 17th

By the time you read this the New Melbourn Singers will have sung with the Cambridge Choral Society in a concert at the West Road Concert Hall in Cambridge, perform-ing Mendelssohn’s St Paul.

The Summer Concert now beck-ons, when once again we will be joining the C.C.S. to sing ‘Songs from the Silver Screen’. This year the con-cert is being held on at Comberton Village College on Sunday May 17th at 3.00pm. Andrew Parnell will be our conductor, and in the past this has been a very happy occasion. We look forward to local support for this concert as the music will be familiar to many of you.Patricia Vince President. Adrian Jacobs Conductor

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend The Thriplow Daffodil Weekend is a traditional village fête-come flower festival, with open gardens, craft and home-produce stalls, music and rural entertainments and much, much more!

Who would have believed in 1969 that opening a few gardens and mak-ing visitors cups of tea, would have grown to be the much loved family event that it has truly become. Our visitors come from all over the United Kingdom to visit this lovely rural South Cambridgeshire village. Visitors are unaware they are on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ the ‘Magic’ being the warm and friendly atmosphere of the event; the ‘Mystery’ being which daffodils will be out ‘Early Brides’, ‘Charlton‘, ‘Verger’ or ‘Burma’ (to name but a few of the varieties that have been planted over the years), and the ‘Tour’ is the journey you take as a visitor as you step back in time for a few ‘celebrity-free’ hours meandering around the beautiful traffic-free lanes, open gardens; craft barns; stalls and demonstrations. If there was a Thriplow soundtrack think: Ralph Vaughan Williams (Traditional Folk Songs & Lark Ascending) and George Butterworth’s (On the Banks of Green Willow) and you are immediately transported. Come and visit us, see what a village can do when it works as a team and experience the Thriplow ‘Magic’ for yourself.

Our external charity for 2009 will be Cam-Mind. Cam-Mind is Cambridge’s oldest mental health charity, providing support to people with mental health problems since 1908. It is estimated that 1 in 4 will suffer from some sort of mental health condition at some point in their life. Cam-Mind will be on the ‘Green’ on Daffodil Weekend to give information, help and advice.

This year’s festival includes displays and entertainment for all ages with birds of prey, working sheep dogs, heavy horse rides, may pole dancing and a whole range of live music. The arts marquee will allow families to do their bit for the village environment over the weekend by designing and printing their own festival cotton bag to keep, all covered by their entry price, with prizes for the best creations. On Saturday children can enjoy a free Academy Theatre taster and on Sunday PANIC steel band will be performing by popu-lar demand. We hope to see you there!

Thriplow Daffodil Festival is on 28th- 29th March 11am -5pm Adults: £5.50 Children: £2.50 (under school age free). For more details see www.thriplow.org.uk/weekend.htm

49melbournmagazine

Bowls Jacqui Dodds 243667

BrowniesSamantha Pascoe 261400

Brownies 1st Melbourn Stephanie Clifford 220272

Cricket Martin Winter 262733

Croquet Janet Pope 248342

Football Club Andrew Edwards 223109

Judo Derek Coult 225004

McSplash Joanne Greene 263313

Melbourn Sports Centre Graham Johnson-Mack

263313

RamblersDave Allard 242677

Royston and District Round Table

Michael Seymour 221398

Squash ClubNick Sugden 261064

Swimming Club Jenny Brackley 244593

Tennis (Meldreth) Sue Davies 220174

Melbourn Sports CentreThe Winter ReviewThe winter months have seen an influx of new members to our fit-ness suite here at Melbourn Sports Centre, all working hard toward their personal fitness goals or to lose the remnants of the Christmas season’s traditional over-indulgence. To help them achieve this, we’ve set up a number of gym challenges. These includes the ‘How Far Can You Go In 2009?’ challenge, which sees individuals choosing a destination to ‘travel’ to – for example, Melbourn to Edinburgh – and then trying to traverse the correct number of miles during the year by walking or run-ning exercises alone.

If the fitness suite is not for you, then why not try one of our exercise classes? We have recently added a ‘Legs, Bums & Tums’ workout to our programme, which takes place on Wednesday evenings from 7pm – 8pm.

Our comprehensive lesson pro-gramme continues to go from strength to strength. Activities cur-

rently on offer include cricket, tram-polining, Fun4Baby, gymnastics and Pilates. One new arrival is our Hatha Yoga class; if anyone is interested in giving this a go, it takes place on a Tuesday morning.

We are proud to report that par-ticipants in our swimming lessons programme have achieved anoth-er bumper tally of high standard awards this season. Our autumn term’s Most Improved Swimmer certificate went to student Katie Tuffin.

…And finally, MSC has contin-ued its commitment towards further education and training in sport and fitness by running a G.P referral fitness course and a National Pool Lifeguard course during the February half term holiday.

Spring Into A New Season At

MSC!This season sees the return of the Swimathon, being held at our pool in April 2009. The Swimathon is a charitable event, suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a great way to get fit and raise some money for a great cause at the same time (this year’s charity is the Cancer Care Trust).

Further details can be found on the Swimathon website – www.swimathon.com. And look out for swim times at Melbourn pool in April.

With the welcome return of the light evenings, why not make the most of them by hiring a tennis or badminton court? It’s a great way to get fit for the summer holidays as well as enjoy the lovely, longer days.

For further details on this or any other activity, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk.Graham Johnson-Mack, Melbourn Sports Centre

51melbournmagazine

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Melbourn Bowls ClubThe start of the season is nigh, woods are being polished, the lawn is being manicured and everybody is eagerly anticipating the club open day on Sunday 26th April 2009. Along with welcoming existing members back to the club it is a great opportunity to see for yourself how much enjoy-ment you can have playing bowls in great company. So, please come along for a pleasant afternoon at the Moor, Melbourn (next to Melbourn Village College) at 2pm and try out the gentle art of bowls!! There will be experienced club members on hand to guide you throughout the afternoon so if you are tempted, pop down, you will be most welcome!

Regular club practise sessions are held on a Monday afternoon throughout the season with a 2pm start. Please feel free to come down to the club and see for yourself how enjoyable and relaxing a game of bowls can be.

The start of the season will com-mence from the beginning of May with league competitions and friend-lies taking place throughout the sum-mer months with other local Bowling Clubs.

If you would like more information about the Club please contact me on Royston 221571 and I would be happy to answer any questions. Happy bowling and a great 2009!!Elaine Cooke

Shelford Rugby Club Fund Raising Quiz NightSaturday 14th March.Four Melbourn lads, Lewis Cooper, Ben Cullen, Harry Norman and Alex Jefferies play for Shelford Rugby Club Under 16s team. Following their GCSEs this summer, the squad is planning a 2 week tour abroad. The initial plan was to link up with a former coach in South Africa, and also undertake charity work for his organisation, but the soaring costs of flights made this unviable. Instead,

they are heading for Canada, stay-ing on university campus’ in Ottowa and Toronto. The team has set itself an ambitious fund raising total of £25,000 to add to their personal con-tributions. They have already raised nearly £8500 in a variety of ways - waiting tables at dinner events, raf-fles, a fantastic jazz night, a cake stall, selling refreshments at events, and bag packing at supermarkets in the run-up to Christmas. Our next fund raising event is on Saturday 14th March, when we will hold a fun Quiz Night at Shelford Rugby Club (oppo-site Scotsdales Nursery). Tickets are £5 per head, inclusive of a hot sup-per and teams can be a maximum of 8 people. Don’t worry if you don’t already belong to a team - we will introduce you to others in a similar position (but cannot guarantee their level of knowledge!). There will also be a bar and a raffle. Further information and bookings to: Clare Benton, 01763 261928, [email protected].

Melbourn Judo ClubOur youngsters kick-off the New Year in fine style

After a long drive across the cold bleak Fens, ten Melbourn Judo

youngsters arrived at RAF Marham on Sunday 11th January which, for seven of them, their first ever com-petition. They all did themselves proud and brought back 2 golds and 8 bronze medals for Melbourn.

The competition was divided into two groups: the under 8s and the 8 - 11 year olds. The event kicked off with the under 8s, pictured left: Miles Blackwell (7), Lucas Blackwell (5), Dina Parcell (7) and Katrina Scales (7). Miles and Lucas both won one fight and gained bronze medals. Both showed excellent fight-ing spirit and Miles in particular had some tough opponents.

Dina and Katrina were in the same pool of three. Each girl in this pool won one fight each and so they had to start all over again. Dina came out on top on the second occasion winning the gold and Katrina had to settle for bronze. All 3 were well matched and it could have gone either way. However, a light seemed to go on for Dina after her first win when she really got the hang of this competition thing.

Then it was the turn of the 8 to 11 year olds p.55. Pictured right: Leah Parcell (11), Peter Huskie (8), Sam McCracken (8), Lewis McCracken

53melbournmagazine


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(11), Ben Cooper (9) and Jarrod Attreides (9)

Ben and Peter were together in the hardest pool of the day. They both earned their well deserved bronze medals. Sam was unstop-pable, beating his two opponents by Ippon and winning gold. His brother Lewis was unlucky to lose against old club mate Alex Vasekin when he was a Waza-ari up. He lost to a far bigger player and then won his last fight for a bronze.

Leah really only had one oppo-nent whom she beat, but then had to fight two very experienced players including the current U12 National silver medallist. These con-tests were carried out in the true spirit of the sport and the experi-ence was invaluable to Leah.

Jarrod’s performance really was really impressive and even though he did not win a fight, all were extremely close and luck was not on his side. He showed some great attacking moves, both left and right handed. He just needs to learn how to convert these to winning throws.

The squad have confirmed their

commitment to the club particularly following their beginners course and gradings in December. The club is holding two Club Championships in March and June, followed by an invi-tational tournament in July, when it is hoped that other local clubs will attend.

Melbourn and District Gardening ClubAre you interested in gardening? Why not join the Melbourn and District Gardening Club on a regular or occasional basis.

We meet at 7.30 on the second Tuesday each month, at our new venue, the Community Hall, behind All Saints Church (near traffic lights, path by telephone box)

New members and visitors very welcome.

10 March 2009 Something Old Something New Andrew Tokely from Thompson & Morgan (Seed Company)14 April 2009 Vegetables & Fruit Gardening Mark Elkin College of West Anglia

12 May 2009 Hanging Baskets (Practical Demonstration) Mill End Nursery9 June 2009 Evening Visit to Nuns Manor SheprethSaturday 13th June 2009 Coach Trip to Penshurst Place & Gardens, Set in the Weald of Kent13th Century house. Seat of Sidney family since 155211 acre formal walled garden with records dating back to 1346. One of the oldest gardens in private ownership. Italian Garden, Union Flag Garden,Paved Garden: Rose Garden, Nut Garden and Orchard TrellisTours of the house & garden. Garden Tea Room - Picnics in Venture Playground2 Self-Guided Walking Trails around the Penshurst Estate - Parkland & Riverside Walk.Journey takes 1 hour 42 mins (according to AA routefinder)Pick up Melbourn and Royston – Visitors Welcome

For more information ring Helen - tel 01763 245887 or Angela 01763 262793

Ramblers’ Association Royston and DistrictOur walks programme continues right through the year. For details visit our website: www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex.org.uk or con-tact David Allard (01763 242677). Email: [email protected] or Lesley Abbiss (01763 273463). There is also a poster displaying walks for the current month in both Melbourn and Royston libraries.

We have walks on Sundays, which are normally 5-7 miles in the morn-ing and a similar or shorter walk in the afternoon. Some Sunday walks are Figures of Eight making it possible to do only the morning or only the afternoon. Half-day walks are held on Tuesday or Thursday mornings (or both). Our evening walks resume on Monday 27th April

55melbournmagazine

and will move on a day each week until 26th August. Prospective new members are always very welcome and may come on a few walks before deciding whether to join. We also have a coach outing to Brighton on Sunday 7th June Details from Hazel on 01763 848349.

1st Melbourn GuidesMelbourn Guides returned to our spiritual home in September, recom-mencing our meetings at the new All Saints Community Hall with a flourishing unit of 30 girls. After settling in, we explored the subject of disabilities with a Paralympics competition, featuring seated boc-cia (boules), wheelchair racing, and blindfold ‘tandem’ racing. We fol-lowed this with a disability-aware-ness themed evening, during which the girls discussed and sampled deafness, blindness, physical dis-abilities, and total paralysis. Activities included miming, guiding a blind person, trying to do up zips with

only one hand, and being excluded from conversations by not being able to move or speak.

On a sunny Sunday in September we got together with Guides from Orwell and Steeple Morden for an activity hike. The girls learnt how to use a map and compass and iden-tify trees, and the highlight of the walk had to be the cute alpacas at Morden Hall farm.

We are now working on the ‘Right Now’ project, which explores rights and responsibilities related to the UN Rights of the Child. Starting with the ‘Right to be Me’ section, we made badges illustrating the mean-ing of our names, thank -you cards for people who have influenced us, and debated our rights and respon-sibilities.

Cooking is always a favourite activity; on one manic evening the girls enjoyed making (and eating!) leek and potato soup, with weird shaped bread rolls too. The half term finished with a Halloween

themed bin-bag fashion show and a pumpkin campfire.

As usual we had a high turnout for the Remembrance Parade, and we also did ourselves proud at the All Saints Church Bazaar, where we made over £60 on our children’s tombola.

As Christmas approached, craft skills came into play; each girl learned to sew a felt robin, which took pride of place on a Christmas log arrangement, complete with candle, pine cones, and a vari-ety of sparkly bits and pieces. They also made 3-dimensional paper snowflakes, which we donated to Moorlands Residential Home when we visited the following week to sing Christmas carols. Again, a great turnout of girls and some lovely singing.

The spring term will see us explor-ing our new charity, doing patrol activities, crafts, games, and going on a swimming and ice skating trip.



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A bear, however hard he tries,Grows tubby without exercise.Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,Which is not to be wondered at;He gets what exercise he canBy falling off the ottoman,But generally seems to lackThe energy to clamber back.

Now tubbiness is just the thingWhich gets a fellow wondering;And Teddy worried lots aboutThe fact that he was rather stout.He thought: “If only I were thin!But how does anyone begin?”He thought: “It really isn’t fairTo grudge one exercise and air.”

For many weeks he pressed in vainHis nose against the window-pane,And envied those who walked aboutReducing their unwanted stout.None of the people he could see“Is quite” (he said) “as fat as me!”Then, with a still more moving sigh,“I mean” (he said) “as fat as I!

Now Teddy, as was only right,Slept in the ottoman at night,And with him crowded in as wellMore animals than I can tell;Not only these, but books and things,Such as a kind relation brings -Old tales of “Once upon a time,”And history retold in rhyme.

One night it happened that he tookA peep at an old picture-book,Wherein he came across by chanceThe picture of a King of France(A stoutish man) and, down below,These words: “King Louis So and So,Nicknamed ‘The Handsome!’” There he sat,And (think of it!) the man was fat!

Our bear rejoiced like anythingTo read about this famous King,Nicknamed “The Handsome.” There he sat,And certainly the man was fat.Nicknamed “The Handsome.” Not a doubtThe man was definitely stout.Why then, a bear (for all his tub )Might yet be named “The Handsome Cub!”

“Might yet be named.” Or did he meanThat years ago he “might have been”?For now he felt a slight misgiving:“Is Louis So and So still living?Fashions in beauty have a wayOf altering from day to day.Is ‘Handsome Louis’ with us yet?Unfortunately I forget.”

Next morning (nose to window-pane)The doubt occurred to him again.One question hammered in his head:“Is he alive or is he dead?”Thus, nose to pane, he pondered; butThe lattice window, loosely shut,Swung open. With one startled “Oh!”Our Teddy disappeared below.

There happened to be passing byA plump man with a twinkling eye,Who, seeing Teddy in the street,Raised him politely to his feet,And murmured kindly in his earSoft words of comfort and of cheer:“Well, well!” “Allow me!” “Not at all.”“Tut-tut! A very nasty fall.”

Our Teddy answered not a word;It’s doubtful if he even heard.Our bear could only look and look:The stout man in the picture-book!That ‘handsome’ King - could this be he,This man of adiposity?“Impossible,” he thought. “But still,No harm in asking. Yes I will!”

“Are you,” he said,”by any chanceHis Majesty the King of France?”The other answered, “I am that,”Bowed stiffly, and removed his hat;Then said, “Excuse me,” with an air,“But is it Mr Edward Bear?”And Teddy, bending very low,Replied politely, “Even so!”

They stood beneath the window there,The King and Mr Edward Bear,And, handsome, if a trifle fat,Talked carelessly of this and that….Then said His Majesty, “Well, well,I must get on,” and rang the bell.“Your bear, I think,” he smiled. “Good-day!”And turned, and went upon his way.

A bear, however hard he tries,Grows tubby without exercise.Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,Which is not to be wondered at.But do you think it worries himTo know that he is far from slim?No, just the other way about -He’s proud of being short and stout.

Furry BearIf I were a bear,And a big bear too,I shouldn’t much careIf it froze or snew;I shouldn’t much mindIf it snowed or friz--I’d be all fur-linedWith a coat like his!

For i’d have fur boots and a brown fur wrap,And brown fur knickers and a big fur cap.I’d have a fur muffle-ruff to cover my jaws.And brown fur mittens on my big brown paws.With a big brown furry-down up to my head,I’d sleep all the winter in a big fur bed.

by Alan Alexander (A. A.) Milne

Teddy Bear

Urgent Appeal: Melbourn Guides

need another leader!Here’s a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy a wide variety of activities, and feel good about your-self. Perhaps you’re new to the area, and want to get involved in village life. If you were a Brownie or a Guide you will remember what fun you had; if not, now’s your chance! We really need another adult helper to join our thriving Girl Guide unit. No previous experience necessary – just a sense of fun, a bit of patience, and two hours to spare on a Thursday evening. If you would like to know more please contact me Hilary Marsh on: 01763 261443.

BrowniesSeptember saw 1st Melbourn All Saints Brownies move back to the new All Saints Community Hall after an enjoyable couple of years at the URC. We began a busy term by continuing our disability awareness badge with a night designing post-ers for the Paralympics. We also had evenings exploring deaf aware-ness and mobility awareness issues where the girls learnt sign language and experienced what it would be like to be a Brownie in a wheelchair. The badge was completed when we received information about our new guide dog puppy, Marco who we raised money to sponsor last term.

We had a record turn out for Remembrance Sunday in November when 20 of our Brownies joined the parade through Melbourn and attended the ceremony at the War Memorial. We have also run coffee stop this term and run a stall at the All Saints Church Christmas Bazaar making personalised bracelets. It is great to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of girls who are a credit both to themselves and the unit.

We had a lovely evening in

November when the girls com-posed their own ‘firework display’ using mime and glow bracelets. December saw us preparing for Christmas and this year we made salt dough wreathes. We attended a District Christmas Disco, where it was lovely for the Brownies to meet girls from other packs.

Our New Year plans include par-ticipating in a Guiding initiative to ‘Change the World’ – and we look forward to updating you on our progress in the next magazine.

If you would like any more infor-mation about becoming a Brownie – or, indeed, a leader, then please contact Stephanie Clifford on Melbourn 220 272.

RainbowsAs we had moved our meeting place to the new All Saints Community Hall in September, we began our autumn term with a practice fire drill, and learnt the layout and rules of the new hall.

Five new Rainbows also joined us in September. They made their promise during October in front of their family and friends, which was followed by a promise party whereby all our Rainbows show new games and songs which they have learnt followed by refresh-ments. However, two of our older Rainbows left us during the term to join Brownies and we all wish them well for the future.

Using old plastic bottles and dry rice, we managed to make fish tanks along with fish to take home. A lot easier to take care of!

All our Rainbows enjoy cooking and eating so an evening of making muffin pizzas was enjoyed by every-one including the leaders.

November brought fireworks to our meeting. We made firework pictures using marbles and straws with some exciting and creative works of art being produced. Apple bobbing and hunting for foil shaped

DaffodowndillyShe wore her yellow sun-bonnet,

She wore her greenest gown;

She turned to the south wind

And curtsied up and down.

She turned to the sunlight

And shook her yellow head,

And whispered to her neighbour:

“Winter is dead.”

by Alan Alexander (A.A.) Milne

59melbournmagazine

hedgehogs with torches brought squeals of delight.

We had many activities for Christmas tree decorations using salt dough, bread and felt, but our main focus was on a performance for the residents of Vicarage Close, family and friends. The girls all learnt carols, poems and actions over many weeks culminating in a wonderful performance which we were all proud off. Thank you to the parents for supplying mince pies for refreshments afterwards.

To end our year we joined Orwell Rainbows for a Christmas Disco at Steeple Morden. We enjoyed a few party games, dancing and refresh-ments, but best of all receiving a Christmas gift to take home.

We will be beginning our Spring Term with four new Rainbows and another new Young Leader, Rebecca O’Brien. We hope they enjoy their time with us.

Lots of activities are planned for the new year including celebrating and finding out more about the Chinese New Year, our first birthday sleepover and many more opportu-nities for fun and games. We are all looking forward to an exciting new year.

Although we do have quite a long waiting list, if your daughter wish-es to become a Rainbow, please call Abigail Roberts, Unit Leader on 01763 261505.


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Support your local business

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All delivered in our big 1 metre bag to your door or can be delivered loose inloads of 1 – 50 metres.

Can be collected from our yard over weighbridge or delivered loose on ourtransport or in 1/2 cu metre bags.

MADINGLEY MULCH TEL: 01954 212144MADINGLEY ROAD FAX: 01954 210358COTON www.mulch.co.ukCAMBS [email protected] 7PH

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CO

LOUR

Melbourn Flooringand Interiors Limited

MF

61melbournmagazine

Abbot Travel Travel Agent 01763 248844Ability Driving instruction 01763 246301Absolute Solutions Bathroom Design and Installation 01763 261777Admiral Windows Conservatories 01480 456789Avante Garde Soft Furnishing 01763 250581Bannold Landscaping Materials 01954 231666Beauty by Erica Beauty Therapy 01763 261777Berry Accounting Services 01763 852622Black Horse Local Pub & Restaurant 01763 226046Bretts Plumbing and Heating 01763 260007Brownie Points Indoor & Outdoor prop. maint 01763 260044Bury Lane Farm Shop Fresh produce, Coffee shop 01763 260418Butlers Taxi and Car Service 01763 212223Cambridge Building Society Building Society 01763 217510CAMTAB Deafness Advisory sessions 01223 416141Carters Shoes Shoes – wide choice 01223 264930CCS Chimney Sweep 01763 220373Child Nursing Team 01763 262861Cooper, P.L. & Sons Ltd Flooring Specialists 01763 260918DCL Services Propane & Butane sales 08000 728878DS Electrical Household Electrics 01223 521882ESSE Sheene Mill Retail & Therapy 01763 261000Fieldgate Nurseries Fruit, vegetables, flowers & plants 01763 260737Fowlmere Village College Hall Facilities 08704 649200Frogend Pet Supplies Pet Suppliers 01763 263342Greenlow Kennel & Cattery 01763 260624Harry, Kathleen. B.Sc.Hons. Osteopath 01763 261716Hot & Cold by Design Bathrooms, Kitchens etc. 01763 229945Home Start Family Support 01763 242919Hot Spring Hot Tubs 01223 654101Ideal Landscpes Landscape Gardners 01223 892342JBS Painting & Decorating 01223 894712Jeff Hunt Carpet Cleaning 01954 780999Jeremy Ashworth Electrician & Property Maintenance 01763 230831Julie Newsby Beauty Therapist 01763 208387Kingsway Golf Centre Golf Course and Supplies 01763 262727Kirkham, David H. Chauffeur Service 0845 6770011Lawrence Plumbing Plumbers 07739 423426Law Storage Secure storage 01223 874629Leech, C.A Butchers 01763 260255Little Hands Nursery School 01763 260964Local Computer Suppliers 01763 288165

Madingley Mulch Barks, Soils, Composts, Mulches etc. 01954 212144

Marie Munro Parent & Teen Coach 01763 242810

Melbourn Community Sports Sports Centre 01763 263313Melbourn Flooring Flooring, Tiling & Home Interiors 01763 262413Melbourn Garage 01763 263344M&M Books Second hand & rare books 01763 849789Molly Maid Cleaning Services 01462 896123Niche Blinds Blinds 0800 2985943Nightlife Disco Disco music supply for parties etc 01763 261727NPS Plumbing Solutions Plumbing and Heating Services 01763 244088PC Home Call PC Repair 01223 654460Phillimore Garden Centre 01763 260537Prince Property Improvements Property Repairs 01763 269565Pinney, Moore and Co. Financial Advisers 01223 208400Riding for the Disabled Association 01223 290807Riverside Guest House Guest House 01763 226062Rothwells Carpet Cleaning 01223 832928Royston Meridian Learning Shop Computer lessons 01763 249345Rule, Jeremy. Funeral Service 01763 242560Ryecroft Data Design & Instant Digital Print 01763 208640Sharp, G.M. Builders General Builders & Renovators 01763 262126Sharp, G.M. Landscapes All Gardening 01763 262126Simon Robinson Picture Frames 01223 873123Soft Play for Babies & Toddlers 01223 830791South Cambs Motors Motor Car Servicing 01763 260246Sprint Printers Printers and Copiers 01763 263339St Georges Nursing Home 01763 242243The Letting Centre Letting Agency 01763 263039The Spice Hut Indian Takeaway 01763 262425Thomas, Chris. Professional Cleaning 01223 836002TruGreen Lawn Care 01763 244517Trulight Windows & Conservatories 01763 262003Urban Plastics Plumbing, electrical supplies 01763 262337Walkers Partnership Solicitors 01763 241121Warners Letting Agency Letting Services 01763 242528Weight Watchers Weight Control 08457 123000Whitehall Plastics Flatroofing 01763 869035WKH Chartered Accountants 01763 247321Wrights Mower Centre Garden Machinery Supply & Maint. 01763 263393

Classified Ads (Trades & Professional)

Advertisers Type of business Tel. No. Advertisers Type of business Tel. No.

MA

GA

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E A

DVER

TIS

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S

Floral ArrangementsBette & Carol01763 246168

Window CleaningGary Custerson01763 246773

Carpentry & Building Repair

Simon Prince01763 269565

Simply Reliable Cleaning

Steven Rodham01763 261275

Liz StrangePainter & Decorator

01223 208905

Justin PearsonPainter & Decorator

01223 565310

Stone Lane Veternary Clinic

Caring for your pet01763 261457

Singing and Piano Lessons

Judith King01763 262767

Mamac, Kareioki and DiscoCRB checked for children

& elderlymamac.21@btinternet .com

Brickwork Repair Services

Gordon Rogers01763 262773

Willow Tree Painter & Decorator

Dean HardinghamTel 01763 232757

Carpenter ServicesRichard Brewster

01763 262974

Heavenly Hatz01223 874080

5 Hardman Road, Foxton

www.heavenlyhatz.co.uk

To advertise hereTelephone

01763 261144

SC PlasteringSimon Carse

Tel.01763 221055Mob.07840 836639

Printed by The Burlington Press Cambridge Ltd

57 spring 2009

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