Issue 174 • Friday 28 January 2022 Emailed to over 1,600 local homes
Cambridge South Station enquiry begins
The Public Inquiry hearing of Network Rail’s application for authority to build the new railway station starts next week. Our friends at the Trumpington Residents Association have made a statement of the progress made with their objections here.Cambridge City Council has raised concerns about biodiversity gain and the temporary planned use of land within Hobson’s Park for storing materials. However, these and other significant organisations are not raising objections to building of the station in principle. The Inquiry has its own website here and the station design document can be seen here.
Queen Edith’s Way closure throughout February
The western end of Queen Ediths Way will be closed by the Hills Road junction from next Saturday (5 February) for three weeks. This is “to facilitate new service connections to the new development” (on the corner of Hills Road) including sewerage, water and site entrance works. The County Council says that the closure is required because a deep open trench has to be cut and apparently 4-way lights at the junction would have caused more widespread disruption. Thanks to county councillor Alex Beckett for digging out the information for us…
Knock-on impact from warehousing?
Last year, a company called the Anderson Group submitted a proposal to develop a large area of land on Coldhams Lane, south of the airport, for warehousing. Many residents opposed it and Anderson withdrew the application. The group has now submitted a second proposal, which the residents are still objecting to. While this is not strictly speaking in our area, its building and eventual operation will create a lot of HGV traffic, and some of this will undoubtedly access the site from the south, possibly including Cherry Hinton Road, Hills Road, Queen Edith’s Way and Fendon Road. Objections need to be received by the start of next week, so if you’d like to find out more and comment, read this.
Coronavirus Update
The government has announcedthat England has returned to Plan A. You should continue to protect yourself and others:
You no longer need to wear a face covering, but consider wearing one in crowded, enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
You no longer need to show an NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.
Vaccination information
For details of how to book first, second or booster vaccinations, please visit The Vaccinators website and click on your age group.
If you are struggling to get to and from your vaccine appointment, Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to pay for your taxi journey via the ‘Vaxi Taxi’ scheme. More details here.
Latest data
Cambridge’s positive COVID-19 test result rate has risen once again at 1,577 per 100,000 people, significantly above the average in England overall, now at 1000. Data here.
The latest Queen Edith’s figure is above the city average, at 1,650. Data here.
By the end of 26 January, 114,220 people in Cambridge had been given a first vaccine dose; 104,586 people had been given a second dose; and 80,706 people had been given a booster or third dose. Data here.
The same page reveals that 94 people went into hospital in Cambridge with coronavirus (an increase on the week before); there were 3 coronavirus patients in hospital with a mechanical ventilator on Tuesday, and 2 deaths reported this week within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
Worth a look…
According to ZOE COVID Study incidence figures, new daily symptomatic cases of COVID in the UK have increased by 10% from last week. Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Study app, says: “The bounce back in case numbers just as we lift restrictions has come sooner than many expected. …(An) emerging factor is that a new subtype of Omicron is taking over called BA.2, which is likely more infectious (and) …should predominate within a month. It’s crucial that we’re responsible with our new freedoms and help to keep case numbers down and prevent the virus reaching the more vulnerable groups.” More here.
Plant a Tree at Wandlebury
A new woodland is being planted at Wandlebury to create new wildlife habitat, reduce air pollution and store carbon. This is part of efforts to expand the park and create a Cambridge Nature Network. Volunteers are needed! Tools, instructions (and trees!) are provided but wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and we recommend wearing boots or wellies. There are sessions this Saturday (29 January) and next Tuesday (1 February).
…and a Garden History Walk
“The House, the Horse, and the Holes in the Ground” is a chance to join the Wardens for a stroll around Wandlebury and discover some of the Iron Age and 18th Century history of the site. The tour will finish at the Tadlow Granary for a look at some archaeological finds. Next Wednesday (2 February) from 10am – 12noon. More details here.
Get fit and fundraise
If you’re looking for encouragement to stick to your New Year’s resolution of keeping fit, the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust Step Challenge is for you, supporting the Addenbrooke’s and Rosie hospitals staff who walk thousands of steps every day during their shifts. Just choose the number of steps you are going to walk every day in February (10,000 or 15,000) and sign up today! More information here.
Music at the Queen Edith tomorrow
Popular covers band The Melodybeats are playing a rare acoustic performance tomorrow night (Saturday 29 January) at the Queen Edith pub. They say it’s “going to be very laid-back” in the lounge and of course there are great beers and food. Starts 8.30pm, no entry charge. Do come down and support live music locally!
Help clear the Hills Road verge
Residents of Hills Road south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout are continuing their project with the City Council on Saturday (29 January), working on their green wildlife corridor separating the set-back housing from the main carriageway. The first session was a great success and a fun community effort. All volunteers are welcome, between 10am and 2pm. Just turn up in gardening clothes, perhaps with secateurs or loppers!
Watercolour painting display
There’s a nice display in the lobby at St John’s Church on Hills Road of paintings and sketches by the Friday Watercolour Art Group held there. The free display is open daily from 9am to 5pm and runs until 28 February. The Friday classes are taught by art tutor Denise Schoenberg, are suitable for complete beginners and improvers. These are full, but there are spaces available on the next painting day on Saturday 26th February. More details here.
Solar power group discount
The Solar Together scheme from Cambridgeshire County Council enables residents to purchase solar panels and battery storage at significant discounts. The next round of Solar Together is due to go live in February: register on the Solar Together website to find out more.
Keeping Fit with Pancreatic Cancer
Learn more about what you can do before, during and after treatment for pancreatic cancer to improve your ability to withstand forthcoming treatment and improve outcomes, at a free webinar hosted by the Cambridge Pancreatic Cancer Centre next Friday (4 February), World Cancer Day. Full details here.
Second Volunteer for Cambridge online fair
If you’re interested in voluntary work, there’s the second of two ‘Online Fairs’ next Tuesday lunchtime (1 February). This one features Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Age UK, Red Balloon of the Air, Steel Bones, Red Hen and Caring Together. Details on how to watch the presentations are here.
Community Forum EGM
There will be an online EGM for the Queen Edith’s Community Forum on Thursday 10 February to discuss governance arrangements and charitable status. More information next week, with papers being published on the Community Forum website at least a week before.
Queen Edith’s magazine supporter of the week
Full-trained carers from Dunstan Court
CHS Group at Dunstan Court in Wulfstan Way can provide fully trained carers for home visits, as well as a sitting service to give family carers time for themselves. Dunstan Court also offers a Day Centre, with a friendly and sociable atmosphere and 2-course lunch. If you could use some help, please email denise.taylor@chsgroup.org.uk for details.
More Amours from chamber choir
A reminder that the Erasmus Chamber Choir will be performing love madrigals tomorrow evening (Saturday 29 January) at St John the Evangelist Church on Hills Road. The programme, directed by Roger Lilley, will comprise French chansons and English madrigals of love, courtly and otherwise, including well-known favourites as well as rarely performed works. Free entry (just turn up in time for a 7pm start). More details here.
This Week at The Light Cinema
★ Our multi-screen cinema’s lineup of films this week include Belle; Belfast; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Encanto; House of Gucci; Moonfall; Nightmare Alley; Parallel Mothers; Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway; Scream; Sing 2; Spider-Man: No Way Home; The King’s Man; The Matrix: Resurrections and West Side Story
★ This week Cambridge Junction has a whole range of shows including Ahir Shah: Dress; Chameleons; Hammer & Tongue February; New Routes: Brokedown Palace, Chris Fox & Mark Shepherd; The Brass Funkeys; The London Boys: The Aim; The Russian Ballet School: Happy Days Are Here Again; The Sharon Shannon Quartet; and Wah: Sub Focus DJ Set
The Queen Edith’s Community Food Hub is open tomorrow (Saturday) as usual, from 10.30am to 12noon at St James Church on Wulfstan Way. All in need are welcome, no questions asked. There’s also free tea and coffee!
Food donations may be brought to the church on Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 10.30am. The team tells us it’s usually particularly in need of tinned beans (not baked beans) and tinned fish, but all contributions are welcome.
One.network is the website which shows current and forthcoming road works. You can see the map here.
How to contact our local councillors
The Queen Edith’s Community Forum guide to our local councillors will ensure you contact the right one depending on your problem and the street where you live. Find it here.
Queen Edith’s city councillor Sam Davies writes a weekly email discussing what she’s been doing and what issues have come up in the area. You can add yourself to the circulation of Sam’s free email here. If our other councillors produce anything similar we will also highlight it here.
Queen Edith’s News is produced by the Queen Edith’s magazine team, part of the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, chaired by Sam Davies. Contact Sam by email at hello@queen-ediths.info
Email us at hello@queen-ediths.info if you have any news you’d like to see included, or any updates to the information above.
Issue 173 • Friday 21 January 2022 Emailed to over 1,600 local homes
Bus road through the green belt: have your say
The “CSET” busway plan through the countryside south of the city is dependent on a vote by Cambridgeshire County Councillors at their meeting on 8 February. Local Parish Councils, Cambridge Past Present & Future and other groups want an alternative based on the A1307 to be considered, which they say would deliver most of the benefits of the proposed scheme but with much less harm to the green belt countryside, as well as being much cheaper and more quickly deliverable. Residents who want to support them are encouraged to do the following:
*(include your address so Alex can pass on the message if you live outside the Queen Edith’s County Council division)
Changes to bus timetables
There are changes to local bus frequencies from this Sunday (23 January). Citi 1 is now to be only every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday and has changes to journey times “to increase punctuality” – inbound journeys (Fulbourn towards Tesco) will now operate via Cambridge Road and will no longer serve Ida Darwin Hospital. Citi 2 is now to be only every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and has changes to journey times “to increase the punctuality of journeys from Addenbrooke’s Hospital towards Sainsbury’s.” Citi 3 is now to be only every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and has changes to journey times in the city centre. Also, Babraham Park & Ride has changes to journey times. While there’s a temporary closure of a section of the Guided Busway into the city between Addenbrooke’s and the railway station, Route A buses will be using Hills Road, and journey times will be increased as a result. However, this change has now been put back to 31 January. The new timetables can be seen here.
M11 closure over weekend
The M11 will be closed northbound between the A10 (Harston) and A603 (Barton) junctions this weekend, so motorway traffic in that direction will be diverted through Trumpington and Newnham. It starts at 10pm tonight (Friday) and ends in the early hours of Monday morning. We’d recommend avoiding road journeys anywhere around Trumpington Road, Fen Causeway, etc. More information here.
County Council’s Tax to rise by almost 5%
Cambridgeshire County Council’s portion of the council tax bill (which is nearly three-quarters of the total) is set to rise by the maximum amount allowed this year following budget recommendations. Council leaders say they had no option, and they acknowledge that this rise may be very difficult for some families to afford. However, they also warn that next year’s funding gap is likely to be even worse as they “try to keep the council afloat”. Full Cambridge Independent story here.
Coronavirus Update
The government has announced that the measures put in place under “plan B” in England are being lifted. However, you should continue to follow safer behaviours to protect yourself and others:
As from last Wednesday, people are no longer being asked to work from home.
From yesterday, staff and pupils in secondary schools and colleges are not required to wear a face covering in classrooms.
From next Thursday (27 January) nobody will be required to wear a face covering, but the government suggests we continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where we may come into contact with people we do not normally meet.
Also from next Thursday we will no longer need to show an NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law. However, “the NHS COVID Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis.”
Vaccination information
For details of how to book first, second or booster vaccinations, please visit The Vaccinators website and click on your age group.
If you are struggling to get to and from your vaccine appointment, Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to pay for your taxi journey via the ‘Vaxi Taxi’ scheme. More details here.
Latest data
Cambridge’s positive COVID-19 test result rate remains very high at 1,191 per 100,000 people, above the average in England overall, now at 967.
The latest Queen Edith’s figure is above the city average, at 1,281.
By the end of 19 January, 113,867 people in Cambridge had been given a first vaccine dose; 103,938 people had been given a second dose; and 79,327 people had been given a booster or third dose. Data here.
The same page reveals that 83 people went into hospital in Cambridge with coronavirus (a decrease on the week before); there was only 1 coronavirus patient in hospital with a mechanical ventilator on Tuesday, and 1 death reported this week within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
Worth a look…
How could the end of Covid plan B change our behaviour? Experts say that when the rules are relaxed there tends to be a gradual erosion of protective behaviours, reports Hannah Devlin, science correspondent at The Guardian.
Cardiac Rehabilitation class starting
The Active Lifestyles team at Cambridge City Council is introducing a cardiac rehabilitation class at Netherhall Sports Centre. It’s ideally suited to anybody who has had a historic cardiac event or has recently taken part in clinical therapy following a heart attack. Led by our cardiac rehabilitation instructor Rob, it will help you to gradually improve your stamina in a safe, controlled environment. For more information please email Rob at startup@cambridge.gov.uk . The class joins a number of others run by the City Council for those with long-term medical conditions. More information here.
More Amours from chamber choir
Can it be Spring already? No, but the Erasmus Chamber Choir will nevertheless be continuing its unseasonable exploration of love madrigals at 7pm next Saturday (29 January) at St John the Evangelist Church on Hills Road. The programme, directed by Roger Lilley, will comprise French chansons and English madrigals of love, courtly and otherwise, including well-known favourites as well as rarely performed works. Free entry (just turn up), retiring collection. All welcome. More details here.
Volunteer for Cambridge online fair
A reminder that if you’re interested in voluntary work, there’s the first of two ‘Online Fairs’ next Tuesday lunchtime (25 January). The first features Safe Soulmates, Care Network, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Little Miracles and Cambridge Re-Use. Details on how to watch the presentations are here.
Calling all gardeners!
Residents of Hills Road south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout are starting a project with the City Council to increase the biodiversity value of their green wildlife corridor separating the set-back housing from the main carriageway. This is a great example of our community taking the initiative to improve our area. The organisers would love to see as many people as possible get involved. The first session will be held on Tuesday (25 January) between 10am and 2pm. Just turn up in gardening clothes, perhaps with secateurs or loppers!
Educating doctors in the digital age
In medical education, there’s a change under way in how future generations of doctors are taught. As part of the ‘CBC on Virtual Tour’ series of online presentations, next Tuesday (25 January) at 12.30 Dr Arun Gupta will explain how he and his colleagues are addressing the challenges in developing the skills of our future medical workforce. All CBC on Virtual Tour events are free, open to anyone, and aimed at the layperson – no special knowledge is required. Register to watch here.
Queen Edith’s magazine supporter of the week
Award-winning Animal Care
Cambridge Veterinary Group is dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. It’s on Cherry Hinton Road, opposite Lloyd’s Bank. The group has a really useful website. Find out more here.
Bring Your Own Food to the Wine Bar
You can now “BYOF” (Bring Your Own Food) to accompany a drink or two at the Cambridge Wine Merchants Cherry Hinton Road bar. They’ll even provide crockery and cutlery if needed for £2 per person (“almost like corkage!”). Understandably, this is only for those buying a bottle of wine from the shop to accompany the food, and doesn’t apply when there are food vans outside (e.g. on a Thursday with Steak and Honour). You’re welcome to book a table by emailing cherry@cambridgewine.com
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month takes place in February every year and there are all sorts of special events planned to celebrate. The theme for 2022 is “Art in Politics: The Arc is Long”. There’s more here including information on many regular events, such as the Saturday morning LGBTQ+ Bouldering, which takes place at Rainbow Rocket Climbing Centre on Clifton Road Estate.
This Week at The Light Cinema
★ Our multi-screen cinema’s lineup of films this week include Belfast; Boiling Point; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Encanto; Ghostbusters Afterlife; House of Gucci; Licorice Pizza; Nightmare Alley; NT Live: Leopoldstadt; Scream; Spider-Man: No Way Home; The Boss Baby: Family Business; The King’s Man; The Matrix: Resurrections; and West Side Story
★ This week Cambridge Junction has a whole range of shows including Arts & Minds: Creative Café; East Anglia DJ Jam; Jason Byrne: Audience Precipitation; Josh Berry & Rafe Hubris; Lonelady; Lucy Porter: Be Prepared; Story Jam: Women Who Gave No *****; The Brass Funkeys; The Jandor School Of Dancing: Our Thanks To You;and Wah: Sub Focus DJ Set
The Queen Edith’s Community Food Hub is open tomorrow (Saturday) as usual, from 10.30am to 12noon at St James Church on Wulfstan Way. All in need are welcome, no questions asked. There’s also free tea and coffee!
Food donations may be brought to the church on Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 10.30am. The team tells us it’s usually particularly in need of tinned beans (not baked beans) and tinned fish, but all contributions are welcome.
One.network is the website which shows current and forthcoming road works. You can see the map here.
How to contact our local councillors
The Queen Edith’s Community Forum guide to our local councillors will ensure you contact the right one depending on your problem and the street where you live. Find it here.
Queen Edith’s city councillor Sam Davies writes a weekly email discussing what she’s been doing and what issues have come up in the area. You can add yourself to the circulation of Sam’s free email here. If our other councillors produce anything similar we will also highlight it here.
Queen Edith’s News is produced by the Queen Edith’s magazine team, part of the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, chaired by Sam Davies. Contact Sam by email at hello@queen-ediths.info
Email us at hello@queen-ediths.info if you have any news you’d like to see included, or any updates to the information above.
Issue 172 • Friday 14 January 2022 Emailed to over 1,600 local homes
Guided Busway partial closure
Cambridgeshire County Council is temporarily closing one direction of the Guided Busway between Cambridge Railway Station and Addenbrooke’s. We can’t find a specific announcement of the date from the council, but according to Stagecoach it will be from the week after next, 23 January. The ‘inbound’ track (closest to the maintenance track) will be closed – the busway will still be used from the railway station to Addenbrooke’s, but buses will use Hills Road on the return journey. This is while an independent safety review is undertaken. The maintenance track will continue to be available for cyclists and pedestrians.
Changes at local dentists
Many patients of one of our local dentists have been disappointed to be told that they can only see their dentist privately from now on, and patients can no longer be seen under the NHS. Sadly, this is part of a trend. One of our readers tells us: “You should contact Healthwatch Cambridgeshire to make your concerns known. You should also write to your MP, explaining how the changes have affected you, specifically requesting them to ask the Minister responsible for dental care find out what actions the government is taking to alleviate the shortage of NHS dentists in Cambridge. It won’t lead to an overnight change, but it will raise the priority of the issue within Whitehall if more constituents write in with similar concerns.”
The environment charity PECT is working in partnership with Cambridge City Council to support people living in Cambridge who are struggling with their energy costs. PECT’s energy advisor Karen Igho will be available to provide on the spot advice about how to save energy and money this Saturday alongside the Community Food Hub (see below). Karen can also book you in for a more in-depth session if you need more support with the Warm Homes Discount, Switching, the Priority Services Register or other home energy related issues. Just turn up!
MP comments on PM
Anthony Browne, the MP for most Queen Edith’s residents, wrote on Wednesday: “I know many of you will have been watching the news today, and I understand the significant public concern at these events, which I share. I’m glad to see the Prime Minister explain and apologise for events within Number 10, and to take personal responsibility for them. It goes without saying that those who make rules need to abide by them. While the Prime Minister’s repeated apologies go some way towards easing my exasperation at these events, which I know is shared by many constituents, we are also in the middle of a formal investigation into a number of events at Number 10. It is frustrating, but we must await the outcome of that process. I expect the Prime Minister to show leadership in this matter and to continue to cooperate with all enquiries.” Mr Browne can be contacted here.
Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
Work from home, if you can
Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
Get tested and self-isolate if required
Recent changes
If you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, most people will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result. You must self-isolate immediately if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result.
Vaccination information
For details of how to book first, second or booster vaccinations, please visit The Vaccinators website and click on your age group.
If you are struggling to get to and from your vaccine appointment, Cambridgeshire County Council have agreed to pay for your taxi journey via the ‘Vaxi Taxi’ scheme. More details here.
Latest data
Cambridge’s positive COVID-19 test result rate remains very high at 1,381 per 100,000 people, still slightly lower than England overall, now at 1,695.
The latest Queen Edith’s figure is above the city average, at 1,368.
By the end of 12 January, 113,336 people in Cambridge had been given a first vaccine dose; 103,018 people had been given a second dose; and 77,038 people had been given a booster or third dose.
Last week, 101 people went into hospital in Cambridge with coronavirus (an increase on the week before); there were 12 coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator on Wednesday, but no deaths reported this week within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
Worth a look…
Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Study app, says the latest data there suggests the Omicron wave has peaked, and cases are starting to come down in almost all regions of the UK. Hospitalisation, deaths and early data on the severity of Omicron is also looking positive. He continues: “Covid symptoms are now for the first time this winter more common than colds and flu and are indistinguishable. I don’t expect these rates to go down to zero as Omicron is so infectious that it will probably continue to circulate at manageable levels in the population until late spring.” More here.
Life Sciences online panel event
Levelling-up the Conversation: Making the UK a Life Sciences Superpower is an online panel event next Thursday (20 January) featuring Science Minister George Freeman and a number of significant representatives from the local life sciences economy. It’s an opportunity to ask experts, local leaders and the minister questions on the plans to develop the infrastructure needed to grow the sector and how research could help transform the lives of patients. It should be worthwhile for anyone interested in the growth of the Biomedical Campus. Find out more and register to watch for free at the Chamber website here.
Protecting our local heritage
Cambridgeshire residents are being asked for their views on which local buildings, structures, archaeological sites and landscapes they value, and feel are important to the character of their local areas, as part of a new Local Heritage Listing project. Such lists aim to identify buildings and heritage assets which, whilst not meeting the national Grade 1/2 criteria, are important at a local level. There’s guidance on how you can get involved in the initiative and nominate buildings and archaeological sites here.
Creative learning award for the Junction
Cambridge Junction has been awarded £170,750 by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to support an ambitious new creative learning project with hospital schools, out of school education provision and the Autism Cabins in Cambridgeshire schools. “Take Two” starts this month with a three-week project with HighRise Theatre and students from Olive Alternative Provision Academy Cambridge. This follows another inspirational project undertaken with HighRise and Olive AP Academy and funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation in 2021. The resulting film Cambridge: Underground – More Than Just a Uni (above) captures the creative and positive value and impact of Cambridge Junction’s work with young people.
Winter Tree Walk at Wandlebury
Want to learn how to identify our native trees using bark, buds, shape and form? There’s a free guided walk around Wandlebury with one of the Wardens next Tuesday (18 January) at 10:00am. Meet at the noticeboard in the car park. More here.
Find out more about volunteering
Interested in new volunteering opportunities? Make a note in your diary for two upcoming Volunteer for Cambridge Online Lunchtime Fairs which will be broadcast online on 25 January and 1 February. Find out more and sign up for a reminder here.
Free outdoor fitness sessions at Hills Road
Well known local fitness trainer Paul Risdon of Can-B-Fit is offering free outdoor sessions at Hills Road Sports and Tennis Centre for the rest of the month. They take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.15am for the month of Jan for those who are interested. To take part or find out more, call Paul directly on 07568 592995. Paul also has his usual early morning (6.45am) and evening (6.45pm) sessions at just £6.
‘Magic bags’ of unsold food available
Every day, delicious, fresh food goes to waste at cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and manufacturers, just because it hasn’t sold in time. The Too Good To Go app lets you buy and collect this food – at a great price – so it gets eaten instead of wasted. You won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up – it’s all part of the surprise. This week the app has included food from Nines Global Buffet at Cambridge Leisure, and very cheap cask ale from the Robin Hood. All just a short walk to collect! Download the app to get started.
Bell homestay hosts share their home and make life for an international student easy, enjoyable and safe. Earn additional weekly income, meet people from anywhere in the world, and share your own local knowledge of British life, culture and history in the community. Find out more here.
Bin collections remain later than usual
Green bin collections were suspended over the new year because of the number of drivers and loaders absent, but they have now resumed. A reminder that there are still alterations to bin collection days until next Friday (21 January). Collections will be two or even three working days later until that time. There’s a full list here.
This Week at The Light Cinema
★ Our multi-screen cinema’s lineup of films this week include Belfast; Boiling Point; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Encanto; Ghostbusters Afterlife; House of Gucci; Licorice Pizza; Scream; Spider-Man: No Way Home; The 355; The Boss Baby: Family Business; The Electrical Life of Louis Wain; The King’s Man; The Matrix: Resurrections; and West Side Story
★ This week Cambridge Junction has a whole range of shows including The Fiver – January; Sweet Crisis; Nick Cope Family Show; KSI; Stephen K Amos: Before And Laughter; Arabella Weir: Does My Mum Loom Big In This? and Lucy Porter: Be Prepared.
The Queen Edith’s Community Food Hub is open tomorrow (Saturday) as usual, from 10.30am to 12noon at St James Church on Wulfstan Way. All in need are welcome, no questions asked. There’s also free tea and coffee!
Food donations may be brought to the church on Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 10.30am. We’re particularly in need of tinned beans (not baked beans) and tinned fish.
One.network is the website which shows current and forthcoming road works. You can see the map here.
How to contact our local councillors
The Queen Edith’s Community Forum guide to our local councillors will ensure you contact the right one depending on your problem and the street where you live. Find it here.
Queen Edith’s city councillor Sam Davies writes a weekly email discussing what she’s been doing and what issues have come up in the area. You can add yourself to the circulation of Sam’s free email here. If our other councillors produce anything similar we will also highlight it here.
Queen Edith’s News is produced by the Queen Edith’s magazine team, part of the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, chaired by Sam Davies. Contact Sam by email at hello@queen-ediths.info
Email us at hello@queen-ediths.info if you have any news you’d like to see included, or any updates to the information above.
Issue 171 • Friday 7 January 2022 Emailed to over 1,600 local homes
New trees for Nightingale Rec
33 new trees have been planted in Nightingale recreation ground to replace or off-set ones felled or likely to be short-lived. They will get some green watering bags soon, and will join the council’s watering rota, but do give them a drink if you are passing: even the end of a water bottle is good. Why not think about ‘adopting’ one of the trees if you’re a regular visitor? There’s more about the trees at the Nightingale Garden website.
Help green the south of Hills Road
Following the recent completion of construction work in the area, residents at the southern end of Hills Road (south of the roundabout) are starting a project with the City Council to increase the biodiversity value of the green wildlife corridor separating the set-back housing from the main carriageway. This is a great example of our community taking the initiative to improve our area, and hopefully can act as a pilot for how other neighbourhoods might adopt the same approach. We’d love to see as many people as possible get involved, perhaps including those from the Red Cross and Ninewells areas. The first session will be held on Tuesday 25 January between 10am and 2pm. All you have to do is to turn up, ready to do some lightweight gardening!
Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
Work from home, if you can
Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
Get tested and self-isolate if required
Recent changes
From next Tuesday (11 January), if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, most people will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result. However, you must still self-isolate immediately if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result.
Vaccination information
For details of how to book first, second or booster vaccinations, please visit The Vaccinators website and click on your age group.
The ‘Vaxi Taxi’ scheme will get you to and from your appointment if you need it, paid for by Cambridgeshire County Council. Once you have an appointment, just call any of these taxi firms: Panther (01223 715715); Cambs Private Hire (01223 971611); MDS Executive Chauffeurs (07977 152004); Uniqcars (07454 331125); or A2bTaxicabs (01353 661010).
Latest data
Cambridge’s positive COVID-19 test result rate remains very high at 1,268 per 100,000 people, but has not risen as quickly as England overall, now at 1,709.
The latest Queen Edith’s figure is above the city average, at 1,509.
By the end of 5 January, 112,862 people in Cambridge had been given a first vaccine dose; 102,291 people had been given a second dose; and 72,816 people had been given a booster or third dose.
Between 20 and 26 December 2021, 74 people went into hospital in Cambridge with coronavirus; there were 14 coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator on 28 December. Between 31 December and 6 January 2022, there was 1 death within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
Worth a look…
Is it risky to sing in a choir? What are the risks of eating in a small restaurant? How much difference does it make to open windows or clean surfaces? A new interactive graphic developed by University of Cambridge researchers and published by The BMJ can help us to decide what to do in everyday situations to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. You can play with the graphic here. Decent-sized screen needed.
There has been some discussion of avian flu recently. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that the risk to the general public’s health is very low. However, do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds. There’s more information here.
Council grants available for groups and events
Groups of local residents or voluntary groups can apply to the City Council area committees each year for funding for projects, activities or services. Applications for this year close on 28 January, so be quick. There are also special grants this year of up to £500 for events and activities held in May and June to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There’s full information here, and the Queen Edith’s Community Forum may be able to help on the financial administration side.
Step a Million over the next 100 days
Starting this Monday: 100 days to walk one million steps – the perfect way to get 2022 started in the right way and support Arthur Rank Hospice Charity! By taking part in the challenge and being sponsored for your efforts, for 100 days every single step you take will be helping your local hospice. The entry fee is £12 per person and includes dedicated support from a member of the charity’s fundraising team throughout the 100 days, along with access to a Facebook group where you can keep in touch with other participants. More information here.
Martial arts for women with joint issues
Fiercely Fragile is a low-impact martial arts class for women with arthritis or similar joint injuries. Each session focuses on a different aspect of martial arts, with women developing unique, joint- and body-friendly skills. The classes take place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 to 7.30pm at Queen Edith Primary School in Godwin Way. More information here.
Disco dancing for families!
The Active Lifestyles team at Cambridge City Council are offering four weeks of free disco dancing activities at Netherhall Sports Centre, for families with children aged 5-11. Starting on Monday 17 January, from 5pm to 6pm, the weekly sessions will teach you some funky moves to some iconic disco tunes – as a family. No adults or children to sit on the side! More information on this and other Active Family sessions here.
RNLI goodies on clearance
2022 calendars and diaries as well as Christmas cards in support of the RNLI are now on sale. Contact Geoff Heathcock on 01223 244901 to arrange to pop around to his store on Queen Edith’s Way.
Hand-crafted clothes and toys for the Rosie
The Friends of the Rosie Maternity Hospital are a group of enthusiastic and willing volunteers whose aim is to help improve the services provided by the hospital through fundraising. A loyal team of knitters and sewers make children’s clothes and toys to sell under the name ‘Rosie in Stitches’, and these items can be found on Facebook, eBay and the team’s own website. If you have been tidying a cupboard, they are welcoming donations of craft materials, but they also need to find alternative storage space for the items for sale – so if you have a garage or a shed that you are not making full use of would you consider letting it out? Contact details can be found on the website.
Queen Edith’s magazine supporter of the week
Professional, reliable and loving cat care
Catteries are not suitable for every cat and can cause them unnecessary stress. As we know, most cats would much prefer their own home, toys, smells and territories. The Fulbourn Cat Sitting Company offers in-home cat sitting around Queen Edith’s, based on your cat’s individual needs. Find out more here.
Bin collections later for the next four weeks
Green bin collections were suspended from Monday 13 December because of the number of drivers and loaders absent, but they are currently planned to resume on Wednesday 12 January 2022. As is always the case during the festive period, there are alterations to bin collection days now in operation, and this year it will take until Friday 21 January to catch up and get back to normal. Collections will be two or even three working days later until that time. There’s a full list here.
This Week at The Light Cinema
★ Our multi-screen cinema’s lineup of films this week include Clifford the Big Red Dog; Die Hard; Dune; Encanto; House of Gucci; Licorice Pizza; No Time To Die; Spider-Man: No Way Home; Spirit Untamed; The 355; The Electrical Life of Louis Wain; The King’s Man; The Matrix: Resurrections; and West Side Story
★ This week Cambridge Junction starts the new year with a busy programme including Tony Law: A Now Begin In Again; Antenatal Classes With Bump And Baby Club; Ed Gamble: Electric; Jah Wobble & The Invaders Of The Heart; The Fiver – January and Sweet Crisis.
The Queen Edith’s Community Food Hub is back tomorrow (Saturday 8 January) as usual, from 10.30am to 12noon at St James Church on Wulfstan Way. All in need are welcome, no questions asked. There’s also free tea and coffee!
Food donations may be brought to the church on Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 10.30am. We’re particularly in need of tinned beans (not baked beans) and tinned fish.
Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston has launched an online survey asking for people’s views on the policing part of council tax. A proposed increase of £10 per year (based on a Band D property) will enable the Chief Constable to invest in a number of areas. Let him know what you think about current policing here.
Traffic disruption
One.network is the website which shows current and forthcoming road works. You can see the map here.
How to contact our local councillors
The Queen Edith’s Community Forum guide to our local councillors will ensure you contact the right one depending on your problem and the street where you live. Find it here.
Queen Edith’s city councillor Sam Davies writes a weekly email discussing what she’s been doing and what issues have come up in the area. You can add yourself to the circulation of Sam’s free email here. If our other councillors produce anything similar we will also highlight it here.
Queen Edith’s News is produced by the Queen Edith’s magazine team, part of the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, chaired by Sam Davies. Contact Sam by email at hello@queen-ediths.info
Email us at hello@queen-ediths.info if you have any news you’d like to see included, or any updates to the information above.
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Chris Rand
