Category: Cambridgeshire

A farmer said he hoped to be crowned the fittest in Britain at an annual competition.David Wheatley, an arable farmer from Wisbech St Mary in Cambridgeshire, was inspired to enter this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer after watching the 2025 contest.He said he did not come from a fitness background, but started running after a fire at his farm in 2019 affected his mental health.He will be competing in the qualifying rounds of the competition at Lincolnshire Showground on 17 June.

Deb Hann

This week I’d like to introduce the new Cambridge Station Support Officer, Lauren Fletcher.
Deb Hann
Lauren joins us from outside police and brings experience from roles centred on caring for and supporting people. A lifelong Cambridge local, she is married with four children. One of her favourite things to do is to head to Mount Maunganui to walk and relax, with a nice dinner out afterwards. As her husband is a high-ranking speedway saloon driver, family summers feature travel to race meetings around the North Island. We welcome Lauren to the team.
Fieldays is now underway at Mystery Creek, bringing an influx of visitors and traffic into Waipā. With winter conditions setting in, please take extra care on the roads. Drive to the conditions, stay alert to what’s happening around you,  be patient and prepared for delays. Allow extra travel time. Even without these traffic pressures, over the seven days to Monday this week  Cambridge police had attended seven traffic crashes, while Te Awamutu staff dealt with four.
There were some good local traffic catches in the last week. Last Friday, Police received reports of a vehicle driving dangerously as it travelled from Tauranga though to Cambridge. It was stopped on Tīrau Rd, where breath alcohol testing of the driver returned a result over four times the legal limit. Te Awamutu Strategic Traffic staff also stopped a second impaired driver in a rural area, who again returned a high reading four times the legal limit. Making a hat trick,  another vehicle was observed travelling at speed on a rural road in wet conditions. The driver’s increasing speed then caused him to lose control, and he now faces driving charges in court.
E-bikes vs E-dirt bike
Finally, police nationwide are seeing increasing numbers of young people illegally riding high-powered e-dirt bikes.
An e-bike is bicycle with a motor that helps you pedal and riders are not required to hold a licence.
It is not a legal e-bike if it has a power output of more than 300W or can move without pedalling.  (limited throttle only start for stability prior to pedalling is permitted). In that case, the rider must hold some form of driving licence.
Electric and petrol dirt bikes and “choppers” without pedals (which are a moped or motorcycle) and pedal assisted mopeds are not classified as e-bikes.
Similarly , if the speed capacity is 50kph or less it’s a moped – over 50kph and it’s a motorbike.
Before purchasing, parents and caregivers should understand the legal requirements and also that many devices being sold today cannot be used in public places such as roads and footpaths. Further information may be found on the NZTA website.
 

Petersfield residents say they have noticed needles, drug equipment, and human excrement in the cemeteryDrug paraphernalia in Mill Road Cemetery(Image: Public)Cambridge residents fear restrictions on dog walkers are contributing to an “uptick in drug use” in a city centre cemetery.Neil, who asked to use only his first name, has lived in Petersfield for five years. He used to regularly walk his dog in Mill Road Cemetery, but says it has now become an “intimidating place to go”.He said: “It’s never been this bad before – there’s always been occasional drug taking, kids smoking weed and stuff, but this is a whole new level. The other day someone found seven needles lying by the path and there’s been human excrement and drug equipment found there.”He said residents have seen “what appears to be drug dealing” in the cemetery with “people handing over cash and receiving packages”. He said: “It’s definitely a scary place to go.“There’s a lot fewer dog walkers than in previous summers – it used to be the case where you would go at five o’clock and the place was full.”Dogs are currently banned from being off-lead in the cemetery between March 1 and July 31. Cambridge City Council is consulting on extending the ban year round.Drug paraphernalia in Mill Road Cemetery(Image: Public)Some residents fear this will reduce footfall even more, making the cemetery even more of a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.Neil said: “I think the council is proposing for dogs to be kept on leads all year – I’m obviously biased as a dog walker, but I’m really worried that’s going to make the situation worse. I feel like there are bigger issues in the cemetery than dogs being off leads.”Donna, another Petersfield resident who asked to use only her first name, said the council has recently “ramped up their patrols” and the policy “seems to have had unintended consequences”.Locals said they have noticed needles and other drug equipment in the cemetery(Image: Public)She said: “Ever since then I think fewer dog walkers go there – even though the cemetery is one of the few enclosed spaces where dogs can be safely let off the lead in central Cambridge. I do understand the need to protect ground nesting birds, but what about the need to protect human beings?“The dog walkers who used to visit the cemetery were a large community of people who walked there all day long. For me, their absence is keenly felt.”Will, who asked to use only his first name, also lives in Petersfield. He agrees that the issue has “fundamentally got worse” with fewer people going to the cemetery.He said: “It’s gotten much worse the last two or three weeks – it’s becoming really antisocial; needles on the ground, rubbish, human feces and lots of people hanging around. It’s almost like you’re looking over your shoulder – it’s easier when it’s lighter but I certainly wouldn’t be going there in the winter months.“I feel there needs to be some measures put in place – certainly more police patrols in the area and police taking more action to tackle low-level street dealing.” He suggested measures such as closing the gates, adding more lighting or CCTV cameras.But, Will continued, “It’s beautiful because it’s private – so how do you create this place, supposed to be a place of respect, where people aren’t worried about dangerous individuals around?“I just think, fundamentally, Cambridge is such a beautiful city because it has a really lovely mixture of thriving urban city and beautifully kept green spaces. And one of the green spaces often forgotten about is the cemetery.“Mill Road and the surrounding area can sometimes get a bit of a bad reputation, but it’s a beautiful road with thriving businesses. Other commons in the city are beautifully maintained and looked after and I would love to see that area become somewhere people can take their children and ultimately feel safe.”A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the force has stepped up patrols in the area. A 32-year-old man from Oldham was arrested last week on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.They said: “We are aware of issues with drug dealing in the area, as a result we have increased foot patrols and we are working closely with partner agencies to tackle the issue. We would encourage people to come forward and report any issues online or via 101, always call 999 in an emergency.”Cambridge City Council has been contacted for comment.

A public consultation on the plans ran from 4 to 25 February and received four concerns and one letter of support for the plans.One resident did not believe the speed limit had contributed to incidents on the road, but supported introducing the traffic island to help with vehicles cutting the corner when turning onto the west end part of the road.In response to the objections, council officers said the island would be combined with the speed pads to “provide a more effective traffic calming solution over a greater length of road”. They added: “Regarding noise and vibration, these are generally associated with vehicles traversing traffic calming measures at excessive speeds.”The proposed design, including narrowing with the island, is intended to encourage lower vehicle speeds and smoother vehicle movements, which should help to minimise such effects.”

Mark Titchner’s installation will welcome passengers when the station opens later this monthTurner Prize nominee’s artwork unveiled at stationAuthor: Emma SmithPublished 5 minutes agoLast updated 4 minutes agoA public artwork by Turner Prize nominee Mark Titchner has been installed at the new Cambridge South railway station ahead of its opening on 28 June.The piece, called Together We, has been fitted to the station’s stairway balustrades and explores themes of movement, connection and community.Titchner, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006, drew inspiration from physician William Harvey, a former University of Cambridge student who was the first to identify the circulation of blood around the body.The artwork was commissioned by GBR Anglia and the station project team, with Network Rail saying it reflects both human circulatory systems and the movement of people through transport networks.Titchner said he hopes the installation will offer travellers “moments of reflection” during their journeys.As part of the project, the artist will also work with pupils at three Cambridge primary schools to create posters inspired by the artwork.Cambridge South station, next to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, will become the city’s third railway station when it opens later this month.

A liquidator has been appointedThe company specialised in construction and civil engineering (stock image)(Image: PA)A Cambridgeshire based company has entered into liquidation after nearly 19 years, according to the London Gazette. D & L Groundworks Limited, specialising in construction and civil engineering, based in Whittlesey, entered liquidation in April.A Winding-Up Notice was published in the London Gazette on April 8. A liquidator has been appointed.The Gazette states that it is a ‘Creditors’ liquidation. Molly Monks of Parker Walsh has been appointed as liquidator of the company for the purposes of the voluntary winding-up.Companies House confirmed that the business is now in liquidation. Documents show that the company, of Peterborough Road, Whittlesey, was registered in June 2007.The company previously traded under the name ‘DLP Groundworks Ltd’. It has two current listed directors: Lesley Jane Page and Darren Michael Page, both of Peterborough Road.A notice on London Gazette states: “At a General Meeting of the Members of the above-named Company [D & L Groundworks Limited], duly convened, and held at Suite C, Victoria House, Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 2BE on 1 April 2026 at 10.00 am the following resolutions were passed by the Members as a Special resolution and as an Ordinary resolution:”That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Molly Monks (IP No. 19830) of Parker Walsh, Suite C, Victoria House, Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 2BE be appointed Liquidator of the Company.”

King said drivers who would go on to be very influential in the post-war sport were there, including Dennis Jenkinson, the journalist and navigator for Stirling Moss, external, and Roy Salvadori, who won the Le Mans 24 hours in an Aston Martin in 1959, external.The feature event of the day was the Gransden Lodge Trophy, which was taken by Reg Parnell in his Maserati, external in a time of four minutes and 50 seconds.Just over a year later, Gransden Lodge hosted another bigger race, attracting about 15,000 spectators.But a new policy from the RAC in 1948 effectively banned casual race meetings at airfields, said King.”[The Air Ministry] had made this deal with Silverstone to permit more meetings there, and I guess as far as Gransden Lodge was concerned, it couldn’t compete on that level,” he explained.But he believed what took place at the airfield was a template for how Silverstone would go on to be run.”Whilst… motorsport would have come back to Britain without Gransden, it certainly wouldn’t have in 1946,” he added.

Cambridge Pride is returning for 2026 and will feature a parade through the city and performances all day.The streets were awash with bright colours for Cambridge Pride in 2025(Image: Cait Findlay/CambridgeshireLive)June has finally arrived, which means it is Pride Month. Parades and events will be taking place across the UK throughout the month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, including in Cambridge.Cambridge Pride will be returning to the city on Saturday, June 13, with “a full day of colour, community, and celebration” starting from midday. However, Now That’s What I Call Drag will be bringing their show to Jesus Green on Friday, June 12, to kick off the celebrations with tickets available to buy for the event.Anglia Ruskin University will be the main sponsor of the event. Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Catherine Lee said: “We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of Cambridge Pride once again this year.”Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful act of solidarity. As ever, we stand together with our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and local communities, especially in these challenging times.”Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything we do at Anglia Ruskin University. Through our excellent education and research, we continue to drive positive change and challenge inequality.”Jesus Green was packed with people for last year’s event(Image: Cait Findlay/CambridgeshireLive)The event will begin with a parade going through the city centre starting from Jesus Green. The parade will feature community groups, supporters, and performers filling the streets with music.After the parade, there will be plenty of shows to see and things to do on Jesus Green. The Main Stage will have a schedule packed with performances form live singers, drag queens, and dance acts.The Dance Tent will be making a come back with a range of DJs from Cambridge and further away with many different genres being played throughout the day. The event organisers have also teased that there will be a “very special guest DJ” that “you won’t want to miss”.If you need to take a break away from the music, you can visit the Traders Market where you will be able to shop for clothing, tote bags, jewellery, and Pride merchandise like flags, badges, and hats. There will also be a few different food vendors serving a range of cuisines from British to Italian and French to keep you going throughout the day.The Community Hive will feature talks and a dedicated art area for younger festivalgoers alongside a funfair outside with attractions for all ages. For those needing a break from all of the excitement, the Calm Corner is available for people to enjoy some peace and quiet.Cambridge Pride on Saturday is completely free to attend. If you want to make the day extra special, you can purchase a ticket for access to the Oasis, which offers a range of benefits including a private covered seated area and a chance to meet sponsors and artists.Tickets for the Oasis cost between £19 and £35 and can be bought here.

Artwork by two radiographers at a Cambridgeshire hospital has received royal recognition after being featured in a display.Abigail Williamson and Eve Tomlinson, who work at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), started painting radiotherapy masks during their breaks at work to make treatment less daunting for their younger patients.One of the masks resembles Spider-Man and was shown at a reception at St James’s Palace in London this week, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.”We feel excited and proud to have had this work displayed at St James’s Palace and to highlight this lifesaving treatment,” said Williamson.”As importantly, we are showcasing the bravery of our young patients, since they are the real superheroes in our books.”Eve Tomlinson and Abigail Williamson paint the masks during their breaks [CUH]The event was held to mark 125 years of Cancer Research UK.CUH said the Spider-Man mask had been worn by children who had undergone radiotherapy for neck and head tumours.It is one of a series of masks suggested by hospital play specialists which has resulted in masks depicting unicorns, Charmander from Pokémon and Salacious B Crumb from Star Wars, the trust added.Williamson said: “The artwork helps reduce the fear of wearing a standard mask and having radiotherapy over several weeks.”Our play specialist colleagues often create matching sticker charts to help patients count down their daily treatments.”Some of the masks are taken to schools to explain how radiotherapy works [CUH]Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Related internet links

The wildlife park is so easy to reach from Cambridgeshire and could be a good day out for the summer.The wildlife park was given a gold award for its category (Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)A wildlife park that you can visit from Cambridgeshire for a day trip has been named one of the best attractions in England. VisitEngland recently revealed the winners of its 2026 Awards for Excellence with Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park being given the gold award for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.The awards included categories for things such as ‘Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, and ‘Small Hotel of the Year’. Gold, silver, and bronze awards were given for each of the categories to highlight some of the best businesses in the tourism industry.VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading.“From a hands-on, traditional blacksmith’s visitor experience in the Midlands and a castle hotel and spa set in one of our national parks to accessible and inclusive holidays, these awards showcase the exceptional quality, unparalleled customer service and innovation that drive our industry.“I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.”You can book animal experiences to get up close to some of the animals(Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park has around 100 species and breeds of animals to see including zebras, pigs, polar bears, and tigers. If you are more interested in insects, there are a few to see at the wildlife park such as beetles and ants as well as butterflies you can see while walking around the butterfly house.If you want to get up close to some of the animals, you might want to book an animal experience where you will be able to spend some time with them in their enclosures, feed them, and help to bath or groom them. You can choose from a range of different animals to spend time with including capybaras, donkeys, and different farm animals.After taking a walk around the park and seeing the animals, there is a huge play area suitable for children of all ages. The play area features a giant sandpit, a wooden playground for children to run around, climbing pyramids, and even a hobbit house.There are a mix of farm and zoo animals to see(Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)In terms of food, you can pop into the Barn restaurant and coffee house for either breakfast or lunch. The Barn’s menu features a range of dishes that will set you up for the day as well as larger meals that change depending on the season.Tickets for the wildlife park cost £25 for adults and £20 for children between the ages of two and 16. You can stay in the park for as long as you want.Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park can be found on Pannington Hall Lane, which is around an hour and 10-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A14. There is a car park onsite that is free for all visitors to use.