South Cambs Magazine Spring 2013

SouthCambsMagazine

Celebrate age all year roundSee page 6

www.scambs.gov.uk Spring 2013

Trial textile collection serviceSee page 28

Theatre TicketsPage 13

Meet your Youth CouncilSee page 36

www.scambs.gov.uk 3

WelcomeSpring 2013

Welcome to the spring issue of South Cambs magazine.

We’re giving residents a chance to spring into action in this edition as we celebrate age. Following the Olympic and Paralympic games last year we have our very own programme of events and activities for people of all ages and want residents to get involved - see page 6.

We also look at how future generations are shaping the district we live in as our very first Youth Council is launched. I’m delighted to see young people taking such an interest in our work and look forward to working with them more - see page 36.

New initiatives to help us recycle even more waste also get an airing and with your support could become a fixture - see page 28.

Cllr Ray ManningLeader South Cambridgeshire District Council

ContentsHow to contact us ................. 4Community ........................... 6About your council ............... 12Sustainability ........................ 16Conservation ........................ 17Business ............................... 20Recycling & waste ............... 24Planning ............................... 30Young People ...................... 36Housing ............................... 40Environmental health .......... 42Sport ..................................... 44

If you phone us we will

► answer your call promptly - usually within 20 seconds

► provide voicemail if the person you need is unavailable

► answer your phone message within one working day

If you write to us we will

► reply to your letter or email within 10 working days

If we write to you we will

► write in plain language

► arrange for translation, large type, Braille or audio tapes upon request

If we visit you we will

► carry identification that you can check with a phone call to our contact service on 03450 450 500

► arrive at the time we say we will, or give you as much notice as possible if we have to change the time

If we get it wrong we will

► apologise if we have made a mistake or failed to meet our standards

► acknowledge your written complaint within three working days

► reply in full to your complaint within 10 working days

Putting service first

South Cambs MagazineLetters to the editor should be directed to:Editor: Gareth BellEditorial: Anna Efford and Kelly QuigleySouth Cambridgeshire District CouncilSouth Cambridgeshire HallCambourne Business Park, CambourneCambridge CB23 6EA

Email: [email protected]: 03450 450 500Design: South Cambridgeshire District Council

For all advertising enquiries please contact:Katrina Burrill KM Media & Marketing, County House, 9 Checkpoint Court, Sadler Road, Lincoln LN6 3PWEmail: [email protected] Telephone: 01522 513515 Fax: 01522 842000For all delivery enquiries please contact:PDC Telephone: 01904 606300Email: [email protected] opinions and views expressed in South Cambs Magazine are not necessarily those of South Cambridgeshire District Council or KM Media & Marketing. All data contained in advertisements, being subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines, are accepted in good faith at the time of going to press.

Page 36 - New Youth Council launches

Page 13 - Win tickets to see The Mousetrap

Front cover image - Forever Active Class in Sawston

Printed on wood fibre from sustainable forests

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.R

Spring 2013

4 www.scambs.gov.uk

Contact us South Cambs Magazine

How to contact us

Tell us how we’re doing

We’re proud of what we are trying to achieve and recognise we can always do better. To help improve our services, we need your feedback. Whether it’s a compliment, a general comment or a complaint, we want to hear from you. You can do this in a number of ways:

in person at our offices

by telephone on 03450 450 500

by email to [email protected]

by writing to our customer service team at our main office

Main officeSouth Cambridgeshire District CouncilSouth Cambridgeshire HallCambourne Business ParkCambourne, Cambridge CB23 6EAOffice open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pmf: (01954) 713149e: [email protected]

www.scambs.gov.uk

Customer Contact ServiceGeneral Enquiries 03450 450 500Benefits 03450 450 061Building Control 03450 450 062Development Control 03450 455 215Development Services 03450 455 216Elections 03450 455 214 Environmental Services 03450 450 063Fraud 08007 311 892Housing Services 03450 450 051Payments (automated) 03450 455 218Revenues 03450 450 064

For a large print copy please contact:

03450 450 500 email: [email protected] email online in person

Follow us on:

search ‘South Cambridgeshire’@southcambs

Scan this Quick Response code with your smart phone to go straight to our website

Need to make a payment?

There are several ways in which you can make a payment to us. We encourage payments by direct debit or by debit card. The debit card service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online: www.scambs.gov.uk By phone: 03450 455 218

You can also pay using a payment card at any Post Office or Pay Point outlet.To request a direct debit form or a Post Office payment card call 03450 450 064 Payments can also be made in person at Cambridge City Council’s Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.

Our Vision:

South Cambridgeshire will continue to be the best place to live, work and study in the country. Our district will demonstrate impressive and sustainable economic growth. Our residents will have a superb quality of life in an exceptionally beautiful, rural and green environment. The Council will be recognised as consistently innovative and a high performer with a track record of delivering value for money by focussing on the priorities, needs and aspirations of our residents, parishes and businesses.

Spring 2013

6 www.scambs.gov.uk

Community South Cambs Magazine

A new and improved programme of regular activities for older people is now available in South Cambridgeshire, inspired by the ongoing popularity of an annual week of events to celebrate age. A booklet listing over 115 regular activities in over 40 villages is available now, and includes details of groups and classes from exercise, singing, computers, bridge, dancing and arts and crafts to support groups, coffee mornings and lunch clubs. Over the last eight years, Cambridgeshire Celebrates Age (CCA) has held events throughout October based around the United Nations International Day of Older People. The popularity of those events led to regular activities being arranged during 2012, which are now being expanded even further. West Wratting resident, Mike Hampton, comments on one of last year’s events: “We were entertained in West Wratting village hall by a choir from Meadow School, Balsham. They sang superbly for such a young group and with quizzes, tea and cakes galore - many thanks to the brilliant cooks - we all had a most enjoyable afternoon.” CCA is a partnership of agencies, charities, individuals and local councils promoting wellbeing and improved quality of life for older people.

Celebrating age all year round

Get in touch for a copy of the latest activity listings

Activities range from swimming to lunch clubs. Visit www.cambscelebratesage.org.uk

For more information on CCA, to request a brochure or to add an event to the listings please contact Kirsty Human on 03450 450 500 or [email protected]

Spring 2013

www.scambs.gov.uk 7

CommunitySouth Cambs Magazine

The first session will run from 11am to 1pm on Tuesday 5 March, and will be held on the first Tuesday of every month, at The Pavillion on Histon and Impington Recreation Ground, New Road. The role of ‘a carer’ is widely accepted as being a person who spends a significant proportion of their time providing unpaid support to family or friends.

There is a wealth of information and support available for carers, and the new drop-in centre aims to help them access this. It will also give carers the chance to take some time out and chat with people who are in the same or similar situations. Whether you need advice on how to find out about disabled adaptations, exercise rehabilitation, benefits, respite care or want to find the best local places to go for a bite to eat that are wheelchair-friendly, help will be on hand. Support and advice is particularly important for people who are new to caring for a relative or friend. You may not recognise yourself as a ‘carer’, you are still the husband, wife, child, parent, sibling or friend that you were before you began caring, and having a new label may feel uncomfortable. People at the drop-in centre will understand this, and can help you with kindness, information and practical help and advice.

Caring for carersA new free monthly drop-in centre for local carers is being launched in Histon this March, and carers of all ages are welcome.

For more information contact Jean Newman, Histon and Impington Older Person Coordinator, on 07772 437789 or [email protected]

Carers can find out about local exercise rehabilitation classes and more

The Farmland Museum has taken its expertise in helping visitors recall and discover the past into the community using specially designed memory boxes. Reminiscing can help people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s as long-term memories may be recalled more easily than recent events. The ‘My First Home’ memory box is aimed at people who set up house in the 1950s and includes everyday objects from the time. Other boxes span decades, encouraging users to create stories or find an object that sparks memories. The project, funded by Museums Libraries and Archives Renaissance East of England, usefully focuses on what people can remember rather than what they can’t and gives a ‘way in’ for carers and relatives. Evaluations show that the boxes have increased well-being for some participants. The boxes are taken into care and residential homes by museum staff, or occasionally loaned. Chris Leuchars, education officer at the Museum, said: “We’ve visited different care homes and organisations in Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, Ely, Soham and Sawston, forging links with

groups of new users who we feel our collection can really help. The objects can stimulate memories and discussion among users. It is interesting for us to learn more about the artefacts and, hopefully, it is fulfilling for the users.”

For more information visit www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk or call 01223 860988The Museum is just off the A10 near Waterbeach

A South Cambridgeshire museum has taken part in a successful outreach project to help trigger memories in people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Opening the memory box

Spring 2013

Authentic items from decades past help people to reminisce


8 www.scambs.gov.uk

Arts and culture on your doorstepThe Festival aims to promote the vibrancy and diversity of arts and culture in our communities. Events have been running throughout February and continue into March.

Highlights so far

For more information on the Emerge Festival programme, and booking details, visit www.emerge-arts-festival.org.uk, tweet @EmergeArtsFest or search EmergeArtsFestival on Facebook

Custard Doughnut Comedy Festival8 March in Comberton and 29 March in Cottenham - both 8pm - featuring, from left to right, John Mann, Josh Howie and Nick Page

Theatre and musicals, magic and storytelling8 - 10 March - The MR James Trilogy by Nunkie Theatre Company, Fulbrook House, Great Eversden, 7.30pm16 March - Fistful of Stories 2013 with the Cambridge Storytellers at Hildersham Village Hall, 7.30pm20 - 23 March - Les Miserables at Swavesey Village College, 7pm21 - 23 March - Beauty and the Beast by Bourn Players at Comberton Arts and Sports, 7pm21 - 23 March - Guys and Dolls at Linton Village College, 7.30pm21 - 23 March - The Sawston 48th Drama Festival, The Marven Centre, Sawston, 7.30pm

Local skills put on show 15 March - First Light Film Celebration Evening featuring films by students from both Sawston Village College and OWL at Sawston Cinema, The Marven Centre, 7.30pm21 March - New writing showcase, The Six Bells, Fulbourn, 7.30pm27 March - Slam poetry with Holly McNish and Page to Perfomance, featuring an open-mic slot, Comberton 7.30pm

Still to come in March

On 25 January community groups and performers came together in Comberton to launch the very first EMERGE Festival.

Dramawise: Youth Theatre is

getting rave reviews

The launch showcase at Comberton on 25 January previewed an exciting programme

Jack

Stin

ton

Dan

ce C

ompa

ny

What the professionals say:Rob Coleman of Custard Comedy said “Comedy is now well established in South Cambridgeshire. We’re delighted to be part of the festival and to celebrate the breadth and diversity of the talent in the district.”Frances Brownlie of Sky Blue Theatre Company said “The drama network in South Cambridgeshire is one of the best in the country, with adult and youth groups presenting theatre from pantomime to Shakespeare. The Emerge Festival has helped them flourish and grow.”

Arts and crafts workshops suitable for all abilities at Curwen Print Study Centre

Spring 2013

10 www.scambs.gov.uk


A new music group in South Cambridgeshire is giving young people with autistic spectrum disorder an exciting opportunity to work with world-renowned musicians to compose and perform their own music. Organised by national charity Orchestras Live, and led by renowned composer, performer and educator Duncan Chapman, young people, aged ten and over, will form an inclusive ensemble that will meet regularly to have fun making music. The group will perform their compositions, together with performers from dynamic chamber orchestra Britten Sinfonia, in concert at Swavesey Venue. Supported jointly by the Council, stART and Swavesey Village College, the initiative aims to bring orchestral music and cultural opportunities to children with autism, delivering exciting creative experiences. Duncan Chapman has worked with leading music organisations nationwide, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall and the BBC, and has led numerous projects working with adults and children with additional needs.

Autism is a neuro-development disorder that typically impairs communication and social interaction. Music is very effective in engaging autistic children. This project aspires to encourage children and their families to communicate together through music and acquire skills and confidence.

New orchestra hits the right note

For more information and to get involved contact Karen Thomas, Arts Development Manager in

Swavesey, on 01954 234476 or [email protected]

Spring 2013


About your council South Cambs Magazine

New contact service saving time and money The number of enquiries we are resolving in just one call has rocketed since we launched our new customer contact service in December.

Spring 2013

Within just a few weeks of the new service starting at our Cambourne headquarters, 84% of calls received by our team of advisors are being resolved without needing to transfer customers to another department – an improvement of around 20%. The contact service was brought back in-house in December in a bid to save £250,000 a year while also improving the efficiency of the service for our residents and businesses. Cllr James Hockney, cabinet member for corporate and customer service, said: “Bringing the customer contact service in-house was always going to help us save thousands of pounds each year, but we have been delighted how quickly the team has boosted the rate of calls being dealt with by the person who picks up the phone, rather than passing residents through to other services. It is great news for our residents and businesses as we are providing a better service and also means other officers have the time needed to deal with some of the more complex problems.

“As with any new service there are always things we can do better and we will now try to find ways to reduce waiting times during our busiest periods.” Our new and improved self-service website to help residents carry out more transactions online has also been launched so that bills can be paid, problems reported and services applied for at a click of a button day or night. We are also looking into web-chat and text messaging, which will make it even easier for people to contact us in a way that suits them best. Our customer contact service is open from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 03450 450 500 and [email protected]. The new self-service website can be found at www.scambs.gov.uk We have found that we receive nearly twice as many calls on Mondays than any other day, which may mean longer waiting times. If your query isn’t urgent and you are happy to call another day, you may find your call is answered more quickly.

phone

email

online

in person

www.scambs.gov.uk 13

About your councilSouth Cambs Magazine

New website is big hitOur new and improved website launched in December makes it easier than ever to ‘pay for it’, ‘apply for it’, or ‘report it’ at a click of a button.

The improved self-service facilities were developed in response to an increasing number of people wanting to carry out transactions online which could also help save thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money. It costs us just 15p when you can complete a transaction online, but this increases to over £8 if you need to visit our offices. Top tasks have also been added to the website homepage so the information most frequently searched for is now easier to find. Since the website was revealed you have been helping us improve it by filling in feedback boxes on each page. Please keep your comments coming so we can continue to make it even better. Cllr James Hockney, cabinet member for corporate and customer services, said: “The new website gives people an opportunity to pay their bills, request services and even report a problem all at a click of a button. All the new functions have been designed with the customer at the heart and complements our new customer contact service which also got underway in December. We’ll still be on the end of a phone and at our offices when you need us, but log on and see if the website is an easier and more convenient way for you to contact us.”

Visit our easier to use website at www.scambs.gov.uk

Cllr Hockney launches the new website to help you self-serve

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap - which has run for almost 25,000 performances in London’s West End - will be performed by an all-star cast from 16 to 21 September and, courtesy of Cambridge Corn Exchange, we have three pairs of tickets to give away. The Mousetrap tells the tale of a group gathered in a country house cut off by the snow who discover that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and motive are finally revealed. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit www.scambs.gov.uk/news, fill in our online competition form and choose an answer to this simple question below:

Since our new customer contact service launched in December, how many enquiries do we now resolve in just one call? (see opposite page)

A) 64% B) 74% C) 84%

Closing date for entries is 31 March. Winners will be notified by 1 June and announced in the summer edition of this magazine. Terms and conditions are available at www.scambs.gov.uk/t-c or can be requested by calling 03450 450 063. If you don’t have internet access, you can still enter. Send your name, address and telephone number, plus your answer to the question, to: Mousetrap Competition, South Cambs Magazine, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6EA

Spring 2013

Win! Win! Win!We’re giving you the chance to be a part of theatre history when the world’s longest running stage production visits Cambridge on its 60th anniversary nationwide tour.

Competition


About your council South Cambs Magazine

South Cambridgeshire residents will join people across the county as they head to the polls to elect their local County Councillors on Thursday 2 May. Elections will take place in all County Council divisions - look out for poll cards closer to the time for a reminder of where you need to go to cast your vote. You will only be able to vote on 2 May if you are registered. You can download and print a registration form from our website www.scambs.gov.uk/register If you are going to be away on 2 May you can still use your vote. Print out a postal vote application form at www.scambs.gov.uk/postal. All forms must be returned to us by 17 April to be valid in the May polls.

For further information contact our elections team on [email protected] or call 03450 455 214.

Are you ready to vote in the County Council elections?

Make sure you’re registered to vote

Spring 2013

Your council, your prioritiesThank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts on what we should be focussing on over the year ahead.The consultation closed on 1 February and, at the time of going to print, we’re busy using your responses to prepare a final plan which councillors will be asked to agree at their February meeting. Early indications suggest a high degree of support for what we proposed, with issues around community transport, affordable homes and managing housing growth being identified as especially important. Look out for further details in the next edition.


Sustainability South Cambs Magazine

Getting a Green Deal upgrade for your homeSTEP 1:

Book a Green Deal assessment for expert recommendations on suitable energy saving measures

Call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/greendeal

STEP 2: Get one or more Green Deal Providers to create a Green Deal

Plan for the work that’s right for you.It’s a good idea to get more than one quote.

STEP 3: Agree an installation plan with your chosen provider. They will

arrange for improvements to be made at a convenient time

STEP 4: Enjoy a more energy efficient home, lower bills, more sustainable

energy use and greater comfort for the household – and any Green Deal loan repayments will be automatically paid through

your electricity bill

Get saving with the Green Deal

The new ‘Green Deal’ scheme is here, providing energy upgrade packages to make homes cheaper to run, warmer to live in, better for the environment and more energy efficient.

The Green Deal is a Government initiative, delivered by commercial and community-based businesses, offering:

an assessment of suitable energy saving measures for your home - identifying what would make a real difference, how much measures should cost and how much you could save

money upfront to get work done which you pay back over time through your electricity bill - this is not means tested and is available to all home owners

accredited people to carry out the work - guaranteeing good service, quality, value and customer care.

A full and impartial energy assessment of your home, carried out by an accredited assessor, is the first step. Some assessors charge, so do check when you book an appointment. Any firm offering Green Deal assessments must be Government approved. You can recognise them by their ‘Green Deal Approved’ quality mark, which guarantees that they meet necessary standards. Upgrade packages might include a new energy efficient boiler, cavity or solid wall insulation, draught-proofing, new windows, solar panels or topping-up loft insulation - with upfront loans available to all home owners. Green Deal loans are designed so that repayments cost less than the related energy bill savings - so you shouldn’t be out of pocket. Householders in older properties, and people claiming benefits or on low incomes, may also qualify for extra financial help. And if you move home, any outstanding Green Deal repayments will be passed onto the new owners through their electricity bills. A first-come first-served Green Deal Cashback Scheme is also currently available - the more measures you install, the more cash you stand to get back.

Book a Green Deal Assessment today and get on the road to an even better home. To find an assessor or check their credentials, call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/greendeal

What have we been doing?Our Sustainable Energy Committee is working to get the best from the Green Deal for our residents, businesses and local economy - linking with neighbouring councils, volunteer groups and the South Cambridgeshire Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership. A lot of ground work was done last year - see www.cambsgreendeal.org.uk - and we have successfully secured money from Government to kick-start the rollout of local assessments.

If you have any further queries please contact Richard Hales or Siobhan Mellon on 03450 450 500 or

[email protected]

Spring 2013


ConservationSouth Cambs Magazine

Hedge your betsOver the last year over 5,000m of hedging has been planted. Projects have included: staff, pupils and parents at Waterbeach Primary School getting out their spades and gardening gloves to plant hedges to protect a new orchard and environmental area allotment groups in Papworth, Swavesey and Great Abington putting hedging in to protect and enhance the boundaries of their plots

a willing band of volunteers planting 200m of trees and hedging in an open area on the outskirts of Melbourn to provide wildlife habitats an overgrown bridleway in Hildersham being rejuvenated with new planting. All of these schemes were granted hedging through our Tree and Hedge Scheme which provides 100m lengths of hedge for different soil types, and different needs, at a very low cost.

We also run a Parish Planting Scheme for Parish Councils, schools and charities, providing ‘statement’ trees. This scheme saw Jubilee Oaks planted in 20 parishes last year. Trees are provided and planted by experienced contractors at no cost to applicants.

For more information about these schemes and for application forms visit our website www.scambs.gov.uk/grant-work or call the conservation team on 03450 450 500

We’ve been working with community groups to plant hedging in villages across the district to improve local environments and encourage wildlife

Volunteers planting trees and hedging in Melbourn

The passing of seasons and interactions with people and animals combine to influence how a tree grows. Ancient trees cannot be replaced - a new tree can be planted, but no-one can add time to it. A well-known example is the Boundary Oak, which marks the border between South Cambridgeshire and the City of Cambridge. This ancient pollard oak is many hundreds of years old and stands in farmland which was probably once pasture. The landscape the Boundary Tree stands in is about to change again. As part of the University’s North West Cambridge development, the oak will become a celebrated landmark in one of the new community’s key open spaces. Pollard willows are also an important district feature. The removal of upper branches - pollarding - removes weight and reduces the chance of a tree collapsing. As the tree

grows the trunk becomes wider. The River Rhee has many veteran pollard willows along its banks and is one of the reasons that it is a county wildlife site. We are able to support the conservation of pollard willows through our Wildlife Enhancement Scheme. Grants to private sites are limited to £100, but we may be able to help further if a tree is significant to the community. Willow pollarding is carried out in the winter so contact our ecology officer on 03450 450 500 to discuss plans for 2013.

Ancient treesDotted throughout our district, remarkable ancient trees observe the passage of time and changes to their environment.

The Boundary Oak marks the border between South Cambridgeshire and the City of Cambridge

The Boundary Oak has a girth of approximately six metres

Spring 2013


Business South Cambs Magazine

Thanks to everyone in South Cambridgeshire who has supported the Connecting Cambridgeshire campaign to bring better broadband to the county.

Connecting Cambridgeshire with better broadband

Helping businesses go global

Over 9,000 people in the district registered their demand for superfast broadband and over 24,000 in total across the county, making it one of the biggest broadband campaigns in the country. Cllr Nick Wright, cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said: “Superfast broadband is vital for businesses and communities to thrive in today’s online culture, and the support from Broadband Champions, local councillors, communities and businesses has been instrumental to the campaign’s success.” Cambridgeshire County Council awarded the contract to BT in February, with better broadband due to be rolled-out for all by 2015. More detailed plans will be announced later this year.

Cambridgeshire County Council has committed up to £20 million, with £3 million from Peterborough City Council and £6.75million from Government funding body Broadband Delivery UK. Businesses and residential areas around Cambridge City are also set to benefit from faster broadband speeds following a successful bid by the County and District councils for a share of the Government’s £50 million Super Connected Cities funding. The funding will help to boost the local economy by delivering broadband speeds greater than 80-100 mbps for businesses, speeding up residential connectivity, and providing high-speed wireless connections across the urban Cambridge area.

Cllr Nick Wright thanks Broadband Champion Kevin Slater, who has highlighted how better broadband in Papworth Everard will allow more people to work from home.

Read his case study and find out more about the campaign at

We’re working with our partner UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to help local businesses grow by looking wider than the domestic market. UKTI can help businesses assess whether exporting internationally is a viable option for them, providing support, training and advice along the way. Local firm Innova Biosciences is enjoying worldwide success with its locally-developed antibody labelling kits, thanks to a targeted export strategy and UKTI support. The firm joined UKTI’s Export Market Research scheme, which covered 50 per cent of its costs to carry out due diligence visits to China and Brazil. Dr Nick Gee, CEO of Innova Biosciences, said: “Since those initial visits our exporting has gone from strength to strength. We’ve attended conferences in the USA and Europe, which have helped us to meet existing clients and potential new customers. Without UKTI’s knowledge and

contacts, we would not have been aware of the opportunities out there for businesses like ours. Their support has been invaluable.” Innova Bioscience’s work with UKTI has also seen the firm awarded a £450,000 grant which is being invested in product development.

For more information about UKTI export advice, and how your business could grow internationally,

visit www.ukti.gov.uk/eastofengland

Members of the world-leading Innova Biosciences team

www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk

Spring 2013


BusinessSouth Cambs Magazine

Helping hand to beat the recession

The Business Support Service is available until 29 March 2013 For more information call 0844 346 0755 or email [email protected]

Many local businesses are beating the effects of the economic downturn thanks to a new Business Support Service.

Delivered on our behalf by Exemplas, the service offers up to £1,000 in grant funding and free advice to small and medium sized businesses within the district that are struggling financially as a result of the recession. Local energy efficiency company, Green Heat of Girton, applied for support to fund their training requirements before the Government’s Green Deal regulations come into force later this year. Owner, Peter Thom, said: “We applied for support and were given an appointment with a business advisor who analysed the needs of the businesses and worked with us to identify training solutions. We were then awarded £1,000 towards training we couldn’t otherwise afford and without which, we would not be able to offer Green Deal services to customers, affecting our future success. I am pleased that South Cambridgeshire District Council is showing its support for local businesses in this way during these difficult times.”

Midland Autolease Contracts of Melbourn have experienced the long-term impact of the economic recovery support they received a few years ago, and a £1,000 grant towards design software and training. Bringing these skills in-house saved the business £6,000 a year and helped to significantly step-up its marketing activity. Sales increased, putting the company in a strong position to merge into a larger broker, Bowater Price Plc, as a wholly owned subsidiary and maintain competitive advantage. Martin Bessell, director at Bowater Price, said: “Whilst £1,000 may not sound a great deal, the support and business advice we received helped us to direct it efficiently within the business to make real cost savings, beating the recession.”

Business workshops The support fund is just one aspect of our Business Support Service that has been designed to fill the gap left by schemes such as Business Link. A series of workshops covering topics designed to meet the specific needs of those running or considering starting up a business in South Cambridgeshire is also available, together with a follow-up programme helping delegates implement what they have learnt.

Workshops still available to book: Finding and keeping customers Wednesday 20 March, 1pm to 4pm, Fulbourn

Business networking Wednesday 20 March,4.30pm to 7pm, Fulbourn

Green Heat’s Peter Thom

Martin Bessell of Bowater Price

Spring 2013


Babraham, Balsham, Gt Abington, Gt Shelford, Harston, HauxtonHildersham, Hinxton, Ickleton, Lt Abington, Lt Shelford, Pampisford, Stapleford

Bartlow, Castle Camps, Horseheath, Linton, Sawston, Shudy CampsTue

Collection dates Bins must be out by 7am on the designated day of your collection

Monday

Day late collection Green & blue bins Black bin

Carlton, Coton, Gt Wilbraham, Histon, Horningsea, Impington, Lt Wilbraham, Madingley, Orchcard Park, Six Mile Bottom, Teversham/Cherry Hinton*, West Wickham, West Wratting, Weston Colville

Fen Ditton, Fulbourn/Cherry Hinton*, Girton, Milton, Oakington, Stow-cum-Quy, Westwick

Tuesday

Bar Hill, Childerley, Chittering, Dry Drayton, Knapwell, Landbeach, Longstanton, Swavesey, Waterbeach

Boxworth, Caxton, Conington, Cottenham, Elsworth, Fen Drayton, Lolworth, Over, Ramption, Willingham

Wednesday

Cambourne, Comberton, Croxton, Eltisley, Graveley, Hardwick, Papworth Everard, Papworth St Agnes, Toft

Abington Pigotts, Arrington, Bassingbourn, Bourn, Croydon, Gamlingay, Guilden Morden, Hatley, Litlington, Longstowe, Lt Gransden, Shingay-cum-Wendy, Steeple Morden, Tadlow

Thursday

Barton, Foxton, Grantchester, Gt Eversden, Harlton, Haslingfield, Kingston, Lt Eversden, Newton, Orwell, Shepreth, Thriplow & Heathfield, Whittlesford, Whaddon, Wimpole

Barrington, Caldecote, Duxford, Fowlmere, Gt Chishill, Heydon, Lt Chishill, Melbourn, Meldreth

Friday

* Cherry Hinton north of the railway as Teversham

* Cherry Hinton south of the railway as Teversham

Waste & Recycling South Cambs Magazine

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Spring 2013


What goes where? Bins must be out by 7am on your collection day Close lids firmly

Blue bin

Green bin

Black Bin

Caddy

Battery Bag

PaperNewspapers &

magazines Catalogues

Jiffy bags, wrapping paper, greeting cards,

tissue, cardboard & kitchen paper

Plastic bags

PolystyrenePyrex, flat glass,non packaging

plastice.g toys, bowls

Batteries inc. AA & AAA cells,button batteries, size C & D and

any laptop & mobile batteryLead acid batteries

e.g. vehicle batteries

* Put shredded paper in an old envelope before placing in the paper only caddy

Put the caddy inside your blue bin Excess blue bin material will be collected if placed alongside the blue bin in a returnable container Put items loosely in the blue bin and not in carrier bags Rinse items to remove any food contamination

Cooked/uncooked food waste

(meat, fish & dairy)

Excess green bin material cannot be collected. Please compost it or take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centre

Please use your black bin for material that cannot be put in green or blue bins Excess black bin material cannot be collected. Please take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres Nappies should be put in the black bin Empty and full paint tins cannot be collected. Please take them to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres

Non-recyclable / non-compostable material

TEAR MEOUT & STICKME TO YOURFRIDGEFor more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling or call 03450 450 063

Any type of cat litter, Cartons (e.g. Tetrapak) - put in blue bin.Turf and soil - due

to its weight. Any type of plastic inc bags/sacks

Biodegradable bags (cornstarch, potato starch)

Corrugated cardboard - put in the blue bin

Cardboard - put in the blue binGarden waste

Telephone directoriesEnvelopes (with or without windows)

Junk mail

Plastic bottlesPlastic packaging (pots, trays & tubs)

Plastic film & clean food wrapping

AerosolsFood & drinks cans Tinfoil & foil trays Cardboard

Glass jars & bottles

Cartons (e.g Tetrapack)

Shredded paper

Plastic bottle tops & triggers

Kitchen paperand tissues

Waste & RecyclingSouth Cambs Magazine

Spring 2013

Remember to recycle using your green and blue bins see page 25


Waste & RecyclingSouth Cambs Magazine

Not a wasted journeyAmey Cespa’s new state-of-the-art recycling facility at Waterbeach is separating and processing blue bin recyclables on our doorstep

Over 10,000 tonnes of South Cambridgeshire’s recyclables will be processed each year - roughly equivalent to the weight of 222 tractors. Here’s how they go from sorting through to baling.

InputFull recycling vehicles, carrying five tonnes of blue bin waste, tip their load at the new facility. Recyclables are transferred onto a conveyor belt, where oversized and non-recyclable items are removed at a picking station.

Glass and Cardboard SeparationGlass and small pieces of plastic fall through paddles onto a separate conveyor. Cardboard is then removed by rotating wheels.

Ballistic SeparatorHuge rotating railway sleepers allow plastic bottles and cans to roll backwards and lightweight items like plastic film and

card to climb forward.

Hand Sorting

Lightweight items go to a second picking

station and plastic film is sucked up by an air compressor. Anything else continues to the

last stage.

Near Infrared SeparationRemaining plastics are separated using infrared sensors to identify and separate different types of plastic. Each

item is sent to the appropriate bay with a jet of air.

Overband MagnetBottles and cans

travel under a huge magnet

removing ferrous metal like steel

food cans.

Eddy Current SeparatorNon-ferrous metal and plastic bottles are separated by an electrical charge. Plastic bottles travel unaffected to

one bay while aluminium cans are propelled into another.

BalerBy now, all materials are in separate bays. Materials are moved onto a final conveyor belt for baling before being loaded onto lorries to be taken for reprocessing.

Spring 2013


Waste & Recycling South Cambs Magazine

Textiles and shoes make up over six per cent of our black bin contents and end up in landfill. We’re always looking at ways of diverting more waste away from the black bin and have secured external funding to trial the collection of textiles and shoes from 6,500 homes in the district. The trial began in January when participating households received an information pack and blue collection bag to get started. Unwanted items including clothing, paired shoes, accessories such as belts and handbags along with towels, blankets, bedding and curtains are placed in the bag and put out for collection with the blue bin and paper caddy. Please continue to donate good quality items to charity shops, but we will accept items not normally wanted by them such as worn or damaged clothing. Blue bags are loaded in the paper compartment of the recycling lorry and separated from the paper once tipped at

the depot. Textiles and shoes are then sent for sorting into different grades based on quality and either sent for re-use or recycled. If the trial is successful, textile and shoe collections may become a permanent district-wide addition to the blue bin and paper caddy service.

Re-using or recycling the textiles and shoes thrown away in black bins across South Cambridgeshire last year would have saved the same amount of CO2 produced by flying from London to Sydney 1,900 times.

Trial textile and shoe collection service

For more information about the trial visit www.scambs.gov.uk/textiles or call 03450 450 063

Spring 2013

Cllr Sue Ellington joins recycling officer Julian Ayres as he dons clothes that were destined for landfill


Planning South Cambs Magazine

Building for the future- what’s happening at the largest new developmentsAs one of the fastest growing districts in the country there are lots of building projects planned and we want to make sure you are involved every step of the way. Here we look at some of the biggest new developments and give you a chance to influence how plans for homes and facilities will become a reality.

NorthstoweOutline planning permission for Gallagher’s first phase of the 10,000 home new town was approved at the end of October 2012. It will include 1,500 properties, a primary school, sports hub, areas of open space, a local centre, shops, employment opportunities and a site for a household waste recycling centre. Two recent well attended drop-in events in Longstanton and Oakington saw concerns raised again about the increase in traffic that Northstowe might bring, as well as drainage and flooding. People also wanted to know about the good community space and services that you expect to see in a town such as doctors, dentists, sports and recreation spaces and schools. Making sure the town is of the highest quality is really important. At the time of going to print, negotiations were being carried out with developers to agree their contribution to infrastructure and facilities. Getting a new town off the ground is expensive and to help maintain a quality first approach, upfront funding from Government has also been bid for. There’s still a chance to attend a drop-in session to tell us what you want to know more about on Saturday 9 March at Willingham’s Ploughman Hall, West Fen Road, between 10am and noon. A further programme of events is now being planned to involve local people in shaping the new town and will be published in the next edition of this magazine. The events will show people more about how the transport, water and drainage systems will be managed for Northstowe, as well as gathering views on facilities. A Northstowe Transport Working Group has also been set up to make sure that local parish council representatives can work with the developers and County and District councils to put together the Northstowe Transport Strategy. This will include traffic monitoring for local roads so that the effect of new homes can be fully assessed.

Spring 2013

Lakes and green channels could be features of the new town to help with drainage

PlanningSouth Cambs Magazine


North West CambridgeCambridge University was granted outline planning permission for 3,000 new homes and student accommodation on land between Huntingdon and Madingley Road in August 2012. The University expects that roads and early infrastructure such as drains could begin this spring with first detailed designs for properties being submitted in the summer. Adjoining the area is another development, known as the NIAB site, between Huntingdon and Histon Road. Some homes on Huntingdon Road are currently being built but plans for future stages are in full flow. At a public event in December, where presentations were given by the University and Bidwells, people raised the same concerns as they did for Northstowe. We will be holding more public presentations over the coming months to explain how the developers and councils are working together to make sure the development does not have a negative impact on existing residents. People also told us they were really interested to hear more about schools and local community facilities such as sports fields and arts facilities and again, with colleagues from both the City and County Councils, we will be organising more events to explain how we will be making sure there are adequate facilities to accommodate all the new people living in the area. Watch this space for more information about future events.

Cambridge Southern FringeWith around 30 of the 600 new homes being built in Trumpington Meadows already occupied the new development is moving forward very quickly. Alongside Cambridge City Council, our officers are working with local people to make sure that there are facilities in place. The new primary school, which will be linked to the existing Fawcett Primary School, will include community facilities and we’re working with governors to make sure these will be available to all residents as soon as the school opens in September. There are regular public meetings of the Southern Fringe Community Forum which keeps people up to date. More details are available at www.cambridge.gov.uk - type ‘Southern Fringe’ in the search box.

To find out more and get involved in helping to shape any of these developments contact Tracy Mann on [email protected] or 03450 450 500

Artist’s impression of the new primary school at Trumpington Meadows

Spring 2013

Cycling will be an important aspect of transport for the North West Cambridge development


Planning

Local Plan - striking the right development balance

For more information you can also visit www.scambs.gov.uk/ldf/localplan or contact our planning policy team on [email protected] or 0345 450 500

The second six week consultation - which closed on 18 February - gave you a chance to comment on more issues and options in addition to those in the first consultation last summer. Your views are really important and we are pleased so many of you took the opportunity to take part in both rounds of consultation. Thousands of views were submitted and over 1,700 people joined us at the latest exhibition events we held around the district.

Why a second round of consultation? We consulted last summer on many issues to help us update the Local Plan including asking your overall views on the Cambridge green belt and on housing site options within South Cambridgeshire. During that consultation some new sites were put forward for development by land owners, developers and parish councils and we wanted to ask for your views on these before any decisions are made on the draft plan. Options included additional housing sites in Cambourne, Sawston, Melbourn, Comberton, Waterbeach, and Parish Council-led proposals in Cottenham and Histon and Impington. In the summer consultation we also received a range of views from you about the Cambridge green belt and subsequently worked with Cambridge City Council to assess this land. This resulted in six site options on the edge of Cambridge being consulted on jointly by both councils. Only two were within South Cambridgeshire - one on Fulbourn Road and another in Impington south of the A14 and west of Cambridge Road, known as NIAB3.

So what happens next? We will consider all the comments made during both consultations as we draft our updated Local Plan. This draft plan will be consulted upon this summer and will identify the specific sites to be included in the final plan, including any proposed changes to the green belt and new towns or villages. It will include policies to meet our needs for jobs, homes and supporting services and facilities over the next 20 years. This consultation will be the last opportunity for you to comment on the draft plan before it goes for an independent public examination in 2014 and is then finalised. Look out in the next edition of the magazine for more details on the next consultation on the draft Local Plan.

A second round of public consultation has been in full swing at the start of 2013 as we continue to gather your views to help us put together a plan for how to develop the district up until 2031

Homes currently being built at Trumpington Meadows were put forward as part of the last Local Plan

Staff and residents at the consultation exibitions for the Local Plan

Spring 2013


Planning South Cambs Magazine

An old school building in Great Shelford dating from 1847 has been restored so well that it has been nominated for three national awards. Located in the village’s conservation area, planners worked with developers to convert the school building into three town houses and sympathetically integrate these into a development of 25 new homes. The school building was improved and returned to its former 19th century glory by removing unsympathetic extensions dating from its time as a commercial repair garage, and reinstating it’s tall arched windows. The site benefits from a large landscaped area to the front with swift and bat boxes fitted to the school building. The development’s apartment block has solar panels on the roof to generate free renewable energy for communal areas. Old School Court was designed to provide centrally located attractive homes exclusively for people over 55,

helping them downsize and release larger houses into the community. Each property meets the Lifetime Homes Standard with level access to doors, footpaths, and parking areas, and wider corridors and stairwells to accommodate wheelchairs and chairlifts. Developers also funded a village-led art project which resulted in a three metre galvanised steel arch in the recreation ground, inspired by the book Tom’s Midnight Garden, whose author, Philippa Pearce, lived in the village.

Old Victorian school buildings can come under threat of demolition, but the right development can save these local landmarks, which create a connection between generations.

A lesson in school conversion

An overview of the Old School Court development

Spring 2013


Young people South Cambs Magazine

Some of the things the Youth Council will be working on: the new secondary school for Northstowe

the new primary school for Northstowe

Cambridge University’s youth and play strategy

facilities for young people, sports and arts in new housing developments

sustainability and the environment

health and wellbeing

families together and child poverty action plan.

The Youth Council will also be happy to help parish councils if they are planning new facilities, activities or events for young people in their local areas.

Ahead of the event youth councillors met with our officers who will support their work and decided what they will specialise in.

Thomas Mayer, Youth Council Chair, said: “As the Council does such a variety of jobs we have decided to have youth councillors who will specialise in specific areas. This will mean we can get a better understanding of the topics being discussed and try to have the biggest influence for all young people living and growing up in the district. We have already been involved in projects like the new town of Northstowe and environmental issues such as how to save energy. We plan to try keep people up to date on our views and what’s happening on our Facebook page and Twitter account and want young people to get involved.”

Youth councillors officially launched the Youth Council in January with an event at our Cambourne offices.

Spring 2013

Meet your new Youth Council

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04:50pm

South Cambridgeshire’s Youth Council

Jessica Adis

Samuel Bailey

Bella Forster-Lewis

Dale Hargrove

Callum Hatch

Helena Keys

Conrad Leaton Gray

Charlotte Lomas

Isabella Marshall

Thomas Mayer

Samantha Menezes

Lauren Murphy

Louis Pascuzzi

Nathan Samuel

Gemma Steele

The Youth Council is made up of fifteen 13-18 year olds who have put

themselves forward to improve the way we communicate with young people

and take their views on board.

Young peopleSouth Cambs Magazine


The new youth councillors tell us about themselves:Jessica, yCllr specialist for Youth Affairs - Transport and Facilities“I live in Duxford and joined the Youth Council to help make sure that young people have a say in the things that happen in their local area.”Samuel, yCllr specialist for Education“I work hard at school and enjoy spending time with my friends. I’d say I’m passionate, helpful, intelligent, dedicated and kind.”Bella, yCllr specialist for Education“I live in Thriplow and am really looking forward to learning more about the Council and helping young people.”Dale, yCllr specialist for Northstowe and Scrutiny“My role will see me talk to the council about Northstowe and what young people want to see from it. I’m quite open-minded about green and sustainable energies and I hope that Northstowe will be a very sustainable development for the future.”Callum, yCllr specialist for Planning and Housing“I live in Longstanton near the proposed new town of Northstowe. I am really interested in the new town and am looking forward to helping to make it and other developments a good place to live for people of all ages”Helena, yCllr specialist for the Environment and Sustainability “I live in Fulbourn and I’m interested in politics, art, social sciences and literature. I’m committed to giving young people a say.”Conrad, Vice Chair and yCllr for Public Relations“I live in Great Shelford and go to school in Saffron Walden. I speak five languages - including Klingon! - and am really pleased to be able to help young people.”Charlotte, yCllr Director of Communications“I joined the Youth Council with the aim to make my community more youth friendly and appropriate for older teens. I’m looking forward to making a difference.”Isabella, yCllr specialist for Policy and Finance“I study politics, economics, philosophy and psychology and was keen to be part of the Youth Council as it is a great opportunity to make a difference and ensure young people, who are the future of the district, are listened to.”

Thomas, Chair of Youth Council“I’m a Welsh eccentric who is inquisitive. I am the first Chair of the Youth Council and look forward to working with the other councillors to make our district a better place.”Samantha, yCllr specialist for Facilities and Transport“I did some work experience at the council and became really interested in the work that it does so decided to join the Youth Council.”Lauren, yCllr specialist for Youth Affairs - Sport and Culture“I’m really interested in sports and culture and will use my assets of enthusiasm, passion and kindness in my role.”Louis, yCllr specialist for Health and Wellbeing“I’m looking forward to being able to give young people’s views on how to encourage healthy lifestyles in young people, and how to spread the word.”Nathan, yCllr specialist for Scrutiny“I live in the Landbeach area and joined the Youth Council so that I could help young people have a say and learn more about the Council.”Gemma, yCllr specialist for General Youth Affairs“I enjoy socialising with friends, listening to music and also playing with my dog Midnight. I’m unique, friendly, level-headed, opinionated and conscientious.”

If you want to know more, or have something that you’d like the Youth Council to help you with, visit www.facebook.com/SCyouthCouncil. Remember to click ‘like’ when you visit the page. You can also follow

the Youth Council on Twitter @southcambsyc or email [email protected]

The first interview with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

Youth Councillors introduce themselves at the launch event

Bella

Louis

Spring 2013


Housing South Cambs Magazine

Council Tax is changingMajor central Government changes to the benefits system come into force in just over one month’s time.

From April 2013 the national scheme for council tax benefit is being abolished and we are required to begin our own local system to help people on low incomes pay their council tax bills. At the same time as taking on this responsibility, we are also being given less government funding to provide people with support. The funding in South Cambridgeshire will be approximately £1 million less next year. Less funding to support claimants has meant some tough decisions, but we have developed a scheme that protects the most vulnerable people while also making sure it is in line with Government regulations. All pensioners who qualify for council tax benefit (CTB) now, and in the future, will be protected from changes along with some working age people considered most vulnerable:

those who receive Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Support Component) or Carers Allowance lone parents with children who are aged 5 or under.

To lessen the impact of the cuts on those we have not been able to protect we have made changes to bring in more income. From April, discounts for people who own an empty or second home in the district will be removed. Even with this change there will still be an effect on some people who currently claim CTB as they will be expected to pay more towards their council tax, including some people who have never had to pay before. This includes people who:

receive Income Support or Jobseekers' Allowance receive Employment and Support Allowance without the Support Component have low earnings or income

Some households also currently receive a discount known as Second Adult Rebate, where one or more adult in the household is on low income or certain benefits. If this discount is currently in excess of 25% you will continue to get some discount but not as much as before. It will be removed completely in cases where the discount is currently 25% or less. Claimants will see a reduction of 8.5% of their current benefit and at worst this could equate to around £5 per week.

How are we helping? We are working together with Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau to help you manage your money in these difficult times. They give advice which is free and unbiased and delivered by trained advisors.

You can also contact us if you are worried about not being able to pay your council tax.You don’t need to be in debt to get help so contact us now for an appointment or advice.

For more information please visit www.scambs.gov.uk/localised-council-tax, email [email protected] or call 03450 450 061 to speak to a member of our benefits team.

Changes to council tax benefit mean that some claimants will be expected to pay more towards their council tax,

but help is at hand

HousingSouth Cambs Magazine


Usually found on the last three or four pages of the magazine, Key Issues covered articles of interest to Council tenants and leaseholders. Following changes in the way we are running your housing service, and national changes to housing and welfare, we will be publishing a dedicated newsletter to better accommodate and target information to tenants and leaseholders. The newsletter will be published twice a year with all content overseen by a tenant and leaseholder editorial panel. This will enable us to provide more detail on forthcoming changes and who they will affect, as well as more comprehensive advice

on housing and repairs. It will mean we can share more good news stories and plans for the future, feedback from tenant forums and any other relevant news. As residents of South Cambridgeshire, tenants and leaseholders will continue to receive their copy of this magazine, and the housing team will continue to contribute articles where there is an interest to the wider community. Tenants and leaseholders of the Council will now receive one annual report and two newsletters each year. In survey responses you say you prefer written communication from us and the newsletter will help us to deliver dedicated news that we hope you will find useful and informative as well as entertaining.

Tenants’ News has movedOur Key Issues - Tenants’ News section of South Cambs Magazine has moved.

Spring 2013


Environmental Health South Cambs Magazine

We’re working with other local organisations in the South Cambridgeshire Ageing Well Partnership to explore the challenges faced by an ageing community and develop new approaches to community-based support. At an Ageing Well workshop in October last year, local people made pledges to take positive action to support older people in their communities. Tom Hudson from Cambourne pledged to spend time with his elderly neighbour, keeping him company - chatting and watching television together - so he didn’t feel so alone. Tom said: “My neighbour has two sons; they live in different parts of the country so he doesn’t see them very often. It’s nice to make such a difference to his life by simply giving up some of my time to spend with him.” It’s easy to make a pledge, but it can be challenging to take the first step and deliver on our promise. A good approach is to identify an action that can be completed easily and quickly. South Cambridgeshire District Council’s chief executive, Jean Hunter, pledged to register with a local befriending service. She said: “I know how easy it can be for life’s distractions to get in the way of delivering pledges that we make with the best intentions, so I got the ball rolling immediately and sent my criminal record check form straight off.” Thora Saunders from Waterbeach pledged to help care for her neighbours and friends. She has taken on the voluntary role of secretary for our Tenant Participation Group. Thora said: “I get to meet and spend time with many of the Council’s older tenants. I listen to what they have to say, representing them and their views in an effective way.” Ray Pritchard is amongst the many local people from Melbourn who make every day count by making pledges. He has pledged to continue to take part in the village library book changing scheme and to keep in regular contact with local families through the church magazine. He is also planning to help promote a scheme to encourage people to grow their own vegetables and is excited about a project to photograph Melbourn through the seasons, echoing a similar project from 90 years ago.

Our population is ageing, with 10 million people expected to be over the age of 65 by 2015, and South Cambridgeshire is no exception.

Ageing Well Spotlight on community support

Anyone of any age can volunteer to help older people in their village. To find out more about what’s going on in your area, and to volunteer, contact:

Age UK Cambridgeshire: call 0300 666 9860, email [email protected] or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshireCare Network Cambridgeshire: Call 01954 211919, email [email protected] or visit www.care-network.co.uk

Cambridgeshire and District Volunteer Centre: Call 01223 356549, email [email protected] or visit www.cam-volunteer.org.uk

Ray Pritchard (far right) with members of the bi-annual flower festival from All Saints Church, Melbourn.

Thora Saunders

Tom Hudson (left) with George Timms

Spring 2013

Environmental HealthSouth Cambs Magazine


Acting on behalf of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, champions are engaging with their local communities to raise awareness of fire risks, give advice on conducting safety checks in the home, preparing escape plans and alerting the emergency services. Champions are fully trained by the Fire Service and armed with a wealth of information that they present at local community groups, coffee mornings or village events. The Fire Service is working in partnership with Cambridgeshire ACRE to

deliver its Community Champion scheme, which has been a huge success to date with over 500 individuals receiving advice on staying safe in their home. Champions are men and women from all walks of life, whether in full or part-time employment, retired, unemployed or at home bringing up a family – ordinary people who want to actively help in improving the quality of life for their communities. If you have the time to give and the enthusiasm to help make South Cambridgeshire safer, why not become a Community Champion for your area?

Volunteers across South Cambridgeshire are helping to make the district a safer place by championing fire safety.

For more information on becoming a Community

Champion or to find out who your nearest Community

Champion is, contact Cambridgeshire Acre

on 01353 865038 or email [email protected]

Firing on all cylinders

Spring 2013

Graham Clare, Fire Service Community Champion with Daphne Rayner of Girton


Sport South Cambs Magazine

Three new Forever Active exercise classes for the over 50s got 2013 off to an active start for residents in three of our villages. Fifteen Cottenham residents - from 50 up to 95 years of age - enjoyed a strength and balance class at Stevens Close community room in January. In the same week, nine Harston residents took part in chair-based exercise at the Meadow Way community room. Everyone who took part said how much they’d enjoyed being able to exercise at the right level for them. A new chair-based class has also started at Vicarage Close in Melbourn every Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm. Why not give a class a go? They’re a good form of exercise and the social benefits are great too.

Get Active in the ParkForever Active, in partnership with Milton Country Park, is holding a come and try day from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday 20 June. Activities will include taster classes for T’ai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and dance. Water sports cycling and walking will also be available. Activities will carry on into the evening with a BBQ and music. The event is open to everyone over the age of 50 and it doesn’t matter how fit you are. Check www.forever-active.org.uk nearer the date for a full timetable of activities.

ForeverForever

For the latest Forever Active brochure or to request a class near you, contact Helen Stepney on 03450 450 500 or [email protected]

Bands, balls and stretching all help to gently improve health and well-being

Cambourne 10kThe Cambourne 10K takes place on

Sunday 14 April at 11am. For more

information visit: www.cambridgefestivalofrunning.com

Spring 2013

Calling all volunteersHave you been inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games to volunteer in your community?

We’re looking for volunteers aged 14 and up to help with sports activities and events this summer. This includes our Forever Active event above, netball and athletics holiday activities and our annual Park Life event. If you have an interest in sport, maybe hold a coaching qualification or think you could help in any way, please get in touch.

Contact Kirsty Human on 03450 450 500 or [email protected]

Cllr Lynda Harford, (second left) joins a class

SportSouth Cambs Magazine


success

Our Walk4Fun groups are a gentle way to get fit and active, with volunteer leaders guiding walks in six villages. Two of our volunteers trained to lead walks after personally experiencing the benefits that regular walking brings. They tell us their stories:Anne Hopkinson is a volunteer Walk4Fun leader in Sawston. She says: “Three years ago I lost my husband of 50 years and within a year of that I also lost my mother. I felt sad and lonely, I didn’t know how to cope or where to turn for help, but my wonderful family helped me. “My daughter told me about the Community Health Improvement Programme at Sawston Medical Centre, where Jenny Parker encouraged me to join the Walk4Fun group. It has played a huge part in helping me get over a terrible time in my life. I really enjoy it and have met some lovely people. We share lots of laughs and get together for coffee and social outings as well as to walk. I hope this strikes a chord with others and encourages them to join local activities.”

Sawston Walk4Fun meets at 11am on Tuesdays at Sawston Medical Centre and anyone is welcome to turn up and join in.Josephine Powell is a volunteer Walk4Fun leader in Bar Hill. She says: “I found it hard adjusting to retirement, life felt a bit flat and lonely. When I saw a new walking group advertised, set up with the support of Maple Surgery Patient Participation Group, I decided to go along. They needed volunteer walk leaders so I took a short course and am now joint co-ordinator with Patricia Daniels. Walking has helped ease me into retirement while keeping me healthy and fit and the group has given me a new bunch of friends who get together socially too. I’ve enjoyed helping to train other walk leaders and have even put my office skills to good use helping to run the group.” Bar Hill Walk4Fun meets at 10.30am on the first Thursday and third Wednesday of every month at Maple Surgery, Hanover Close, followed by a hot drink at the library. All newcomers are welcome to turn up and join in.

In April 2009 we set up a beginners group for parents at Monkfield Park Primary School in Cambourne. Founding member, Jenny Macfarlane, joined as a non-runner, but now leads the group. Jenny says: “I was sceptical about joining the group, I’ve never enjoyed long distance running despite having a passion for sports. I was sure I’d never keep up or lose interest, but the programme was designed with people like me in mind. “We started gently jogging for one minute, walking for two and gradually building up.

They were such a great bunch we ended each run with a chat and a coffee. “My personal motivation was helping my heart and within three months I could run 5k. I have since done my leader training and now take out beginners. I’ve also run the Cambourne 10k twice and will again this April. If I can do it, anyone can!” Monkfield Park Run4Fun group meets Fridays at 9.15am by the school gates. For more information contact Jenny on [email protected]

Our 12 Run4Fun groups are striding out across the district, giving local residents the chance to get fit for free.

To find a running group near you, or to help set one up, call 03450 450 500, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/sports-development or email [email protected]

Striding forward

The Monkfield Park Run4Fun group welcomes both beginners and experienced runners

To find out about your nearest Walk4Fun session, or to set up a group in your area, call 03450 450 500, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/sports-development or email [email protected]

Spring 2013

Date post:	11-Mar-2016
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South Cambs Magazine Spring 2013

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