Little Shelford news headlines
Drinks at the Rec to honour Robin Haines and celebrate our Ukrainian community
Friday, April 11th, 6-8pm
Please join us at the Sports Pavilion, to celebrate Robin Haines’ foundational contribution to OASISS, when he was moved by the plight of the Ukrainian people after Russia’s invasion. This led to the amazingly successful resettling and integration of many Ukrainian refugees in our local community.
After Robin died last May, the Ukrainian community has raised money to buy a tree to be planted in his honour along with a plaque to remember his work.
The OASISS Committee and the Ukrainian guests are pleased to invite the many people who have been involved in different ways, to share this remembrance of Robin with his wife Diana, his daughters and others, for drinks and nibbles on the rec, when a plaque will be placed next to the tree in his memory.
On another note - as the situation in Ukraine continues and some of our Ukrainian families still have needs, voluntary contributions to OASISS will be gratefully received on the night. It will be a wonderful time to show our support by being there especially when their future here is so uncertain.
Thank you.
The OASISS Committee
Caroline Kingdon
Posted March 24 2025
Village pub now serving food
Food is now available at the Side Quest Inn which re-opened on January 31.
The pub, which was previously known as the Navigator, is now providing pizzas (including takeaway pizzas) as well as a limited menu.
Food on offer includes wild boar pate, smoked trout pate and venison burgers.
There is also now a changing specials board. So far, this has included fresh fish, steak and pie.
The new owner of the pub is computer games guru Mark Gerhard, who lives in Harston.
A computer game featuring the Little Shelford pub will be launched in July.
The pub can be contacted on 07970 884783.
*The opening times for the Side Quest from March 10 are:
Drinks
Mon 11-3 5-11
Tues 11-3 5-11
Weds 11-3 5-11
Thurs 11-3 5 11
Fri 11-11
Sat 11-11
Sun 12-9
Food
Tues 12-2.30 6-9 (Pizza & Reduced Menu)
Weds 12-2.30 6-9
Thurs 12-2.30 6-9
Fri 12-3 5-9.30
Sat 12-9.30
Sun12-5 (Sunday Lunch Menu)
Updated March 25 2025
Little Shelford cricket club update
Softball Cricket for Children 6+ Resumes Saturday 19th April on the Wale Recreation Ground
Children from six years old can come along and learn basic cricket techniques from our expert coaches and make new friends. They will learn batting, bowling, fielding and throwing skills as well as getting exercise in the beautiful and safe surroundings of the Wale Recreation Ground while learning about teamwork and the joy of the game of cricket. Softball starts on Saturday mornings from 19th April, 9-11. For more information contact our softball coach, Neil Orpwood (07866 751651 or neilorpwood@littleshelfordcc.com).
Nets for the 2025 Summer Season
Outdoor nets for Seniors and Juniors will start in April on the Wale Recreation Ground on Whittlesford Road. Junior nets are on Saturdays and Sunday 10-12am. Senior teams net on Wednesdays 5.30 – 7.30pm. We will be using our bowling machine at Senior Nets. If you would like to attend or find out more about Senior Nets then please contact Chris Schofield (Club Captain) for more information on chrisschofield@littleshelfordcc.com or if you would like to come along to Junior Nets then please contact Jamie Harrison jjc.harrison@ntlworld.com one of our Junior Coaches.
Fixtures for the 2025 Season.
We start our Senior Matches on the Wale on Saturday 19th April at 1pm with a friendly against Cherry Hinton and league games will commence on Saturday 3rd May. Junior matches start on Monday 28th April with our Under 14 team playing Royston. The full 2025 fixtures list will be posted on the Pavilion notice board and can be found on our ECB Play-Cricket web site: https://littleshelford.play-cricket.com/ and you can also follow us on Twitter @LShelsCricket. . All we need is good weather to get our season off to a great start!
Key Diary Dates
Please note these important dates, the Festival of Cricket our annual celebration of Junior and Senior Cricket with family and friends will be on Saturday 6th September. The Juniors will play for the David Altham Memorial Trophy and we hope the Centenary Cup will again be competed for by the Seniors against our local rivals Great Shelford. We hope to retain the trophy! The Annual Dinner and Awards evening will be on Saturday 27th September in the Little Shelford Memorial Hall.
Vice-President Supporters
Our Vice-Presidents help us with contributions to funding and often come to support the teams on the Wale on Saturday afternoons. We would love to have more Vice-Presidents to support the Club, so if you are keen to see the Village maintain its Cricket Team do please get in touch with our Chairman. Minimal commitment but maximum satisfaction from supporting the great game of cricket!
David JH Jones , Chairman, Little Shelford Cricket Club
davidjhjones@btinternet.com 01223 847213
Posted March 30 2025
Little Shelford VE Day 80th Anniversary Family Celebration
On 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe. Celebration and commemoration events start on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May and a we want to create our own village celebration for families and friends.
Monday 5th May 2025
2pm to 6pm
The Side Quest and car park
High Street, Little Shelford
We are organising a VE80 picnic “street party” in the Car Park at the Side Quest. Bring your own picnic and drinks, chairs and gazebos. We will provide tables and bunting to give it a “street party” vibe. There will be a fancy dress competition (1940’s Themed) for all ages (Junior, Secondary and Adult categories) which will be judged by long standing resident and former District and Parish Councillor, Brenda Bishop.
There will also be music and Open Mic sessions for any budding musicians, singers, poets and performers! We encourage family table top games and will organise giant jenga in the pub garden. Other suggestions are welcome so please contact the organisers. Families should feel free to bring outdoor games for younger family members.
We encourage everyone to take part and gather at the Side Quest and be part of the VE80 anniversary providing an afternoon of joy, reflection, and celebration and reaffirming our commitment to world peace, ensuring future generations understand and cherish its value.
The Side Quest will be open and serving food but there is no obligation to buy. The owner, Mark Gerhard, has kindly offered the use of the car park space and is keen to see the village having fun.
The Village Team organising the event would welcome additional volunteers to help set up, take down and host the afternoon. As you know many hands make light work! Set up will commence at 11am and take down at 6.30pm. If you can help let David Jones, Parish Councillor (DavidJHJones@btinternet.com 01223 847213) or David Munro (djm.munro@btinternet 01223 842399) know. Your support for the event and any help would be much appreciated.
Posted March 28 2025
The Shelfords named one of the best places to live
Little and Great have been named as one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times.
While Saffron Walden was voted the outright winner, the Shelfords were highlighted in the top 75 places.
The Sunday Times said:" This is one of the country’s most desirable commuter hotspots
"These villages have similar good looks and pretty thatched cottages, though each has its own identity. Great Shelford is the larger, and has the lion’s share of the amenities, including the library, medical centre and dentist, plus the railway station. Its many clubs and societies offer plenty of opportunities for growth, from Scouts to WI to tennis. Shelford Rugby Club is one of the biggest community sports clubs in East Anglia, fielding five men’s and two women’s XVs plus 17 youth teams," the Sunday Times said.
"The highlight of the social calendar is the Shelford Festival and Feast, a week-long celebration of music, comedy and entertainment. Last year, its 30th anniversary, it raised £20,000 for local causes and this summer will feature the 1980s icon Jason Donovan and the Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills.
"Little Shelford may be smaller but it has plenty going on, including badminton and bowls clubs and the biennial Village Fun weekend, which returns in September. Clear your diaries that month because it’s also when the Shelford Fun Run takes place.
"Great Shelford has a Tesco Express and a Co-op, a post office/general store, a pharmacy and an optician. The Memorial Hall holds an occasional repair café and, every Wednesday, the Great Shelford Country Market. You can pick up locally sourced meat from Barker Bros butchers, which also sells packaging-free vegetables; stock up on groceries at the upmarket Shelford Deli; and buy excellent plonk from the knowledgeable NYWines (its bar is open from Thursday to Saturday)."
"There’s a brace of pubs, the Brunch Base café and Chinese and Indian restaurants. Bangladeshi takeaway Shelford Spice was named the best takeaway of the year in Cambridgeshire in the Asian Curry Awards 2024, and Cara Coffee is a social enterprise created in partnership with Great Shelford Free Church. The café is run mostly by volunteers and is a place of friendship — “cara” means “friend” in Gaelic and has several meanings in Latin, including “valued” or “beloved”," said the Sunday Times.
"Little Shelford has a Chinese takeaway, while the old Navigator pub has reopened as the Side Quest Inn; it’s only open for drinks but is expected to start serving food in the spring. Also nearby is the lovely Gog farm shop and café, which runs sell-out events including fermentation workshops."
Writer Adele Geras, who lives in the Shelfords, said she was " proud" for the Sunday Times accolade.
Posted March 25 2025.
Village Tea Parties
All Little Shelford residents and their relatives are most welcome and we encourage newcomers to the village to come along to make new friends.
They are held on the second Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall during winter months and in the Sports Pavilion from April to July and September to October, from 2.30-4.30pm.
These informal gatherings are organised by volunteers providing home-made cakes, sandwiches, tea or coffee for the modest cost of £1.50 per person.
If you would like a lift or need more information please contact Judy Boothroyd (843313) or Christine Ruffles (07484 285794).
Dates of next tea parties: 12 March 9 April 14 May 11 June 9 July
Posted March 3 2025
Work at the Wale Play Area
The grass mound and surrounding area at the Wale Recreation ground play area has recently been repaired with the new soil and grass seed.
Therefore, a small part of the play area is fenced off to allow new grass seed to grow.
Posted March 3 2025
Village litter pick
Twelve hardy souls collected 14 bags of rubbish on February 9 as part of the village clean
The rubbish included over 100 bottles and cans from Newton Road.
Many thanks to all who helped.
David Jones
Little Shelford Parish Council
February 25 2025
Little Shelford Online village website is more popular than ever
The Little Shelford Online village website is proving to be more popular than ever with 1062 unique users in February.
In the same month, the sister Great Shelford community website had 1672 unique users while the Stapleford online website had 807 unique users.
The growing popularity has seen a surge in advertisers to support the community website, with the new Church Street Vets being the latest business to advertise on the Stapleford website.
Posted Feb 26 2025
Cricket Club award
Little Shelford cricket club has been awarded the Rose Bowl by Cambridgeshire Cricket Association. It’s for the best kept wicket in the 2024 season. The CCA has been presenting this since 1985 and it’s the first time Little Shelford has won it. There are over 50 cricket pitches to chose from in the CCA league so quite an honour. Great credit goes to Neil Orpwood who spends much of his time over the year tending the cricket square particularly during the season. We know how well liked the Wale is for cricket, it’s why the Cambridgeshire Junior teams use it for County matches, a beautiful ground, with a fantastic Pavilion but this is a particular honour for the square and wickets themselves.
*Indoor nets continue for Juniors and Seniors during March but we will be returning to use the Wale for outdoor nets during April. Any cricket players, male or female can contact us if they would like to join our nets sessions.
Posted Feb 27 2025
New novel from Little Shelford writer
Little Shelford writer Perveen Tayabali has published her new novle called Roxanne.
'Roxanne' is set in Mumbai, India, at the start of the millennium. Readers have time to enjoy the atmosphere created of rural, coastal and busy cosmopolitan city scenes while following the Tarapore family's rapidly unfolding straitened circumstances. Romance resides at the heart of this novel, as does humour and friendship, but also the tumultuous knock-on effects of unkindnesses from earlier generations unexpectedly colliding with the lives of the younger generation. The novel deals with the consequences of anger, pride, and injustice while resting on a foundation of abiding love.
The book is available on Amazon, in Paperback and on Kindle.
Posted February 25 2025
The bier is back
The village bier is back in All Saints Church.
It was previously stored at the Sports Pavilion at Little Shelford Recreation Ground.
But in February 2025, the Church agreed to re-home the bier, which is used to carry coffins at some village funerals.
The bier returned to Little Shelford in 2006 after being discovered in Kent where it had been used as a fruit stall.
In Little Shelford, veterans who survived World War One and the widows and families of those who didn’t, decided to provide the village with a bier as a fitting memorial to the dead.
It still has a brass plaque attached to its side saying: "Presented to the village by the ex-servicemen of Little Shelford in memory of their comrades fallen in the years 1914 - 1918.”
As time went by it was used less frequently, eventually disappearing from the village altogether in about 1980.
Then, in 2006 someone saw it was up for sale on Ebay, and the Bier was purchased before returning to Little Shelford. Marjorie Westbrook was instrumental in seeing the return of the Bier. It was actually used for her own fuenral in 2024.
Read the full story of Little Shelford's bier here.
Posted February 8 2025
Little Shelford bier back in All Saints Church - photo by Sue Fox
Bowls Club taster sessions
Little Shelford Bowls club is having two taster sessions in April and May.
You are welcome to go along and have a go at one or both of our two taster sessions on Saturday 26th April, 2.30 to 5.00 pm or Thursday 1st May, 6.30 to 8.00 pm when tuition will be given and equipment provided: all you need is a pair of flat-soled shoes.
Our first-year introductory membership is only £20.
You’re never too young or old to take it up. Get in touch or just turn up.
For further information please contact:
Vic Franklin Tel 01223 842276 (victorfranklin123@btinternet.com)
The club is based at the Wale Recreation Ground in Little Shelford CB22 5EW.
Posted February 8 2025
Pavement cleared by volunteers
Volunteers from Little Shelford have swept away the leaves on Bridge Lane. Thanks to Kay (pictured) and Nick Allenby for spending a whole morning clearing up on behalf of the whole community.
Murder arrest after woman is found dead in Little Shelford
A 40 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Little Shelford.
The arrest comes after a woman was found dead at 9 Beech Close, Little Shelford on November 21.
Cambridgeshire police say they made the discovery after responding to concerns about a woman's welfare in Little Shelford.
Her death is being treated as unexplained.
At the inquest on Dec 19 2024, the woman was named as Alice Victoria Woodward, aged 30.
A forensic post mortem was carried out on Monday November 28.
Police say more tests are needed and it could be up to nine months before the results are known.
The man was helping police with their inquiries. He is now on bail.
Updated Dec 20
Little Shelford Cricket Club update
The season is long since over but we are looking forward to the 2025 season and have already started to prepare. The cricket square on the Wale has been treated and Winter nets organised. As a reminder our 1st XI finished comfortably mid-table in the Senior League III which they were newly promoted to. While our 2nd XI, who found themselves unexpectedly promoted at the start of the season, also held their own after a faltering start and also finished solidly mid-table. While our Junior teams performed well in their leagues including one cup final for the U14 XI. We hope to achieve the same level next season and with a fair wind might even finish in better positions.
Winter Nets
Our winter nets get into full swing in the New Year and play an important part in making sure our players are fit and ready for the New Season. Seniors Nets will start on Monday 6th January and run every Monday until 14th April and will be at Fenners in Cambridge while Junior Nets will be 10 to
11am on Saturdays at Hills Road and Sunday 10 to 11 am at Cambridge Regional College. If you would like to come along and join Senior Nets then please contact Chris Schofield (Club Captain) for more information on chrisschofield@littleshelfordcc.com if you would like to come along to Junior Nets then please contact Jamie Harrison jjc.harrison@ntlworld.com one of our Junior Coaches.
Posted Jan 3 2025
Navigator reopens with a new name
The old Navigator pub re-opened on January 31st - with a new name.
The popular village pub is operating as a bar only until a full kitchen refurbishment has been completed, the owner is looking forward to offering quality food later in 2025.
The pub has been re-named ‘The Side Quest’.
The pub closed its doors on March 2 2024.
Refurbishment work has been taking place since the sale was completed in the summer.
Posted November 26 2024
2025 Shelford twinning trip
Why not come to Verneuil in 2025?
The dates for the visits have now been set:
Shelford to Verneuil : May 24th-27th 2025
Verneuil to Shelford : July 5th- 8th 2025
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Everyone is welcome.(Singles, couples, family groups)
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It is an opportunity to get to know our twinned village, situated just north of Paris and its lovely people.
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An enriching experience for the whole family.
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It is not necessary to speak French, but fun to try!
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It is not a requirement to host if you have been on the visit; neither do you need to have gone to Verneuil in order to have guests to stay.
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Adults £130 Teens (13-18) £100 Children(up to 12) £50*
*We are able to offer this competitive price for the children thanks to the very generous support of Great Shelford Parish Council.
If you are interested in the trip, please contact Sarah Haddow (sarah.haddow@talk21.com) or Colin Jefferson (colin@frenchfrogs.net)
Please note : Participation in the visit involves becoming a member of the Association, in accordance with our charter. (£10 single membership/£15 family). This is easy to organise.
Posted Nov 22 2024
Shelford Scouts need new leaders
1st Shelfords and Stapleford Scouts Group is looking for leaders.
They are looking for new leaders for all of the sections in the local Scout Group (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts). Scouting depends on their volunteers to deliver the program for their young people and every volunteer makes a real difference.
I am sure you are thinking that “I have got enough going on already”, so I thought I would just share with you my experience of taking on the role as a Scout Leader some years ago when my children were coming through the group.
Despite having no real experience in crowd control, limited fire lighting experience and no knowledge of knots I have to say it has been a hugely positive experience.
More importantly however it has also been a huge privilege seeing a number of young people grow up and develop from being incapable to competent, whether that be from struggling to open the door to being able to navigate on a hike has been hugely rewarding.
I think many people would be surprised as to what they can contribute to Scouting and also how they can benefit from Scouting themselves.
We have 3 sections: Beavers (6-8yrs), Cubs (8-10.5 yrs) and Scouts (10.5-14 yrs) and we are looking for help in all three sections. Don’t worry if you don’t have the skills - that was where I started. We can help with training and support.
All the leaders I have worked with over the years have been busy people. Many people are juggling multiple things but those are usually the people who make a difference. So, if you are one of those people or know one of those people please get in touch.
Contact: Charles Crawley on 07765965821 or
Posted Sept 24 2024
Good Neighbours: Village Tea Parties
Make new friends? Chat to neighbours? Recently retired? These friendly tea parties, held on the second Wednesday of each month, welcome newcomers to Little Shelford as well as regular attendees.
Do come along and enjoy home-made cakes and sandwiches, tea and coffee. £1.50 per person. In the winter months (November to February) we will be in the Memorial Hall (Church Street) and in the summer back in the Pavilion (on the Wale recreation ground).
Future dates 2024-25
In the Pavilion: 11 September, 9 October
In the Memorial Hall: 13 November, 11 December, 15 January (to avoid Pantomime week), 12 February, 12 March
If you would like a lift, please contact Judy Boothroyd (843313) or Christine Ruffles (844243).
Posted Aug 30 2024
Festival of Cricket 14 September 2024
Little Shelford 1st XI v Great Shelford 1st XI
plus
Junior Challenge Match - David Altham Memorial Trophy
Our end of season Festival of Cricket will be held on Saturday 14th September on the Wale Recreation Ground. The morning will be dedicated to the Junior Section with a Softball Competition and a Junior Section inter-club 20:20 match starting at 9.00 am playing for the David Altham Memorial Trophy. This will be followed at 1.30pm by Little Shelford 1st XI playing our rivals Great Shelford for the Centenary Cup.
Bring & Share Junior Lunch
To help create a real family atmosphere we would like to repeat last year’s success with a “bring and share” lunch for the Juniors and their families. So, please brings food for yourselves and to share with others. Spare food for sharing can be placed in the Pavilion from 9.00am. LSCC is a great multi-cultural our club and our food will no doubt reflect that, everything from vegetable samosas to cheese and tomato quiche to sausage rolls. Just make sure anything you bring to share is clearly labelled as to whether meat or vegetarian, whether it contains nuts or anything else that should be noted by those who will eat it.
BBQ & Pop-Up Pub (3pm to 7pm)
While the Senior Match is in progress, we will also have a BBQ available and also a pop-up pub in the Pavilion. So bring items to cook and share on the BBQ and money to spend at the bar. All bar profits will go to the Cricket Club. We will also be providing tea, coffee and non-alcoholic refreshments all day.
Weather permitting expect some great cricket and a fun family atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival of Cricket!
Annual Dinner and Awards Evening Saturday 5th October 2024
We will be holding our Annual Dinner and awards evening on Saturday 5th October starting at 7.00pm in Little Shelford Memorial Hall. Supporters of LSCC as well as Senior and Junior players and VP’s are all welcome. The dinner is £30 per head including a 3 course Indian Meal from our Junior Section sponsor www.navadhanya.co.uk, one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. There will be vegetarian curry options and for those who don’t like curry an altertnative of fish & chips from Winners will be available. [Juniors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian]. More details and a booking form for the dinner from our Chairman davidjhjones@btinternet.com or 07711 063722 or 01223 847213.
Remember you can see batting and bowling statistics as well as all our results, fixtures and player statistics at https://littleshelford.play-cricket.com/home. Posted Aug 23 2024
New Little Shelford pilates sessions
New pilates classes in Little Shelford are starting in September.
The new classes will start the week of September 9 th
Tuesday 8.15 am -9.15am
Thursday 7.30 am -8.30 am
The website link is www.believeinpilates.co.uk
The email address is frances.pilates@gmail.com
Posted August 20 2024
Little Shelford badminton ready for the new season
Little Shelford Badminton Club meets every Thursday night at 19:30 at Little Shelford Memorial Hall for very sociable games of doubles. We have a good group and are always keen to see new faces.
This season will start on Thursday 5 September 2024 and run through to 19 December 2024 (15 weeks) pre-Christmas Then Thursday 16 January (after Little Shelford Pantomime) to 24 April 2025, a further 15 weeks.
New members can come free for the first night to make sure it is for you. Thereafter pay £5/session for up to 6 weeks when we are keen you join us properly and pay the £100 annual subscription that works out at only £3.33 per night! (Students half price at £50.)
In the past we have run coaching session for the juniors and entered teams in the Cambridge league.
Not just yet but coming again soon – we hope!
For more information, contact James Newman on 07717 394176 (james@jamesnewman.org).
Posted Aug 20 2024
Two farms up for sale in Little Shelford
Two farms in Little Shelford have been put up for sale for £10 million.
Hall Farm and Rectory Farm, along with 585 acres of farming land have been put on the market with Savills.
Hall Farm is on High Street, Little Shelford while Rectory Farm is on Whittlesford Road on the edge of the village.
The property advert suggests the two farms have “possible future planning and development opportunities.”
The advert highlights:
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“Traditional farm buildings with potential for change of use (subject to planning) and a grain store
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“Edge of village paddocks with short to medium term development potential
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“Longer term large scale development opportunity.”
Posted June 6 2024
New Little Shelford MP
Pippa Heylings is the new Little Shelford MP.
The Liberal Democrat won the local seat in the General Election with a majority of more than 14,000.
It was previously held by Conservative Anthony Browne.
Miranda Fyfe from Stapleford, standing for Green Party, came fourth.
The results were:
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Chris Carter-Chapman (Conservatives) - 15,063
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Harrison Edwards (Reform) - 4,897
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Miranda Fyfe (Green Party) - 2,656
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James Douglas Strachan Gordon (Independent) - 459
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Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat) - 29,704
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Luke Viner (Labour) - 6,106
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Posted July 8 2024
Shelford Twinning update
On behalf of the friends and members of Shelford Twinning Association, I'd like to convey our heartfelt thanks to Little Shelford Parish Council for its involvement in the 35th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the twinning charter with Verneuil-en-Halatte.
The provision of lunch was very much appreciated by everyone ... the French felt they were in 'heaven' with such a sumptuous variety of food on offer. Congratulations to Brie and her team for making this happen ... hope that Brie has now well and truly recovered from Covid.
Thanks also to both David Jones and Judy Boothroyd for guiding the French around Little Shelford. The comments from the French were very positive ... they took many photos and were in awe of the visit and really enjoyed the commentary.
We hope that Little Shelford PC would consider doing the same for the visit of the French in July 2025.
Colin Jefferson
(Chairman - Shelford Twinning Association)
Posted Aug 20 2024
Freya Hatter exhibition
I was very nervous about sharing my photographs of Antarctica with the world, but with the support of my family and friends, we had an amazingly successful night - raising £3000 to be shared between Alzheimer's Research UK and Maggie's. Both charities are very close to my heart and I am so happy to have been able to raise some money to support them.
I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone in the village for coming out and supporting me and being so generous. It is really strange but wonderful to know that my photographs are up on people's walls around Shelford.
Thank you especially to my Mum and Dad, and Vanessa and Ian Douglas who were my printers, bartenders, delivery drivers, and promotors.
Posted Aug 20 2024
Little Shelford car fire
At 10.37pm on Thursday July 27, a fire crew from Cambridge was called to a car fire on Newton Road in Little Shelford.
Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the fire before returning to their station by 12.10am.
The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.
Anyone with information should contact police by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Posted July 8 2024
Bowls Club saved
Little Shelford Bowls Club has been saved.
Earlier this year, the Club was in danger of closing because of a lack of members.
But now a number of new members have been found after a campaign by the club.
"We only had 13 playing members in April, but the Drinks/Canapes sponsored by the Sports Pavilion Committee and good advertising, suddenly boosted our membership to 42<," said Chairman Ray Saich.
"After attending only a few club sessions, several of the new members are already playing in matches. Unfortunately, we are struggling against very good opposition, as we gained promotion last season, but we are a Club for the future and already looking forward to next season."
Posted June 7 2024
Changes at the top for three village groups
A number of changes at the top have taken place in a handful of village groups.
Bill Davidson has succeeded Robin Fox as the Chair of the Memorial Hall committee.
Sandy Boyle has taken over the reins of the Sports Pavilion committee from Maurice Palmer.
And David Martin has succeeded Ray Saich as Chair of the Little Shelford local history society after Ray completed 18 years in the hot seat.
Thank you to Robin, Maurice and Ray for their leadership, their commitment and their guidance over the years in these three important Little Shelford groups.
Posted May 1 2024
Around a dozen volunteers collected sackfuls of rubbish from verges and hedgerows around the village in a clean-up on March 17.
Community Orchard grant success
Little Shelford's community orchard was successful in applying for a grant from the Pebble Fund (created by Cambridge Water to encourage and enhance biodiversity in the local environment) to continue the development of the meadow adjacent to the existing orchard.
The grant provides funding for two projects: The first, which was recently completed, to restore the hedgerow between the meadow and the adjacent farm field; the second to sow a large area with wildflower seed. The hedge was laid in the traditional manner which will create excellent shelter and habitat for wildlife and restore it to a healthy state over the next couple of years. In the coming weeks the ground will be prepared for wildflower seed by ploughing to reveal the less rich subsoil to the winter weather to break it down, allowing the creation of a suitable seed bed to promote the flowers and suppress grass overgrowth.
A mixture of annual and perennial plants will be sown in the early Spring to give colourful variety in the first year and develop over time into a highly diverse population excellent for pollinators, seed eating birds and small mammals. In addition we have planted a number of new tree saplings along the new boundary line which have been kindly donated by village residents.
SCOWP facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/SCOWP2)
Posted Jan 2 2024
Little Shelford house burglary
A house in Hauxton Road, Little Shelford has been burgled while the residents were on holiday.
"There was broken glass everywhere and a lot of jewels with huge sentimental value gone including my engagement ring, earrings to celebrate the birth of our oldest etc," said Avril Pedley. "No gigantic diamonds but a huge amount of history and very sad."
"They got in through an upstairs window at the back - possibly across the big field- and totally trashed our bedroom and our office.
"The other two rooms they just poked around a bit but did no real harm.
"They managed it although the house alarm was fully activated - who knows how?"
Posted November 1 2023
Thumbs up for 20mph speed limit in village
A majority of people in Little Shelford want to see a 20 MPH limit introduced according to a Parish Council survey.
Villagers were generally in favour of the change according to the summer survey 20 mph but there was a spread of opinion.
Almost 60% were strongly in favour of the change, and 10% slightly in favour. 20% said they had no opinion.
On East West Rail, which will run through Little Shelford if it goes ahead, most people were against it but a handful were in favour.
And on the Cambridge congestion charge, most villagers opposed the new charge although a small number were in favour according to the survey.
Posted Oct 31 2023
New MD for Little Shelford company
Little Shelford company Cambridge Creative have appointed a new Managing Director.
Susana Tsui Fitzpatrick (left) will assume full responsibility for the leadership and development of Cambridge Creative in Whittlesford Road for its next phase of growth to become the leading full-service marketing agency in Cambridge.
Reporting directly to the agency's founder, Susana will also be instrumental in further building the agency's outstanding reputation, leading client growth with breakthrough creative, developing new innovative product offerings and driving better business outcomes through the use of technology and data, particularly within the eCommerce space.
Commenting on the appointment, Cambridge Creative Founder, Jim Gandon said: “I am delighted that Susana Tsui Fitzpatrick is joining us as Managing Director. Susana’s incredibly strong knowledge and experience will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow and develop marketing strategies for our clients. We pride ourselves in delivering great results through our creative and digital solutions for our clients. Susana’s appointment will ensure that these solutions continue to improve through team development and harnessing the latest technologies.”
Susana brings an un-rivalled knowledge of building and operating profitable digital and creative businesses. Susana was the Chief Growth Officer of the UK's largest media agency where she led the agency to success with the year's largest wins, such as Tesco and the Flutter Group.
Before relocating to the UK, she was Group CEO of Dentsu International China and CEO of PHD Asia Pacific, where she led the agency networks' growth strategy by launching new offices in the region, building new product offerings, particularly focused on digital, expanding their client base and elevating brand awareness to new heights.
Susana Tsui Fitzpatrick adds, "I am excited to be part of Cambridge Creative's dynamic and growing team. My passion has always been building successful businesses and servicing the community, so this opportunity is the perfect fit for me. The agency is at a tipping point of doing some amazing things, so I look forward to working with the team and our clients to push creative boundaries to deliver the most innovative and effective work in the industry."
Posted Oct 18 2023
More unusual moths sighted in Little Shelford
More unusual moths have been spotted in the village.
The fine Jersey Tiger Moth (below left) was observed in the village om 2nd August and has been reported to our Cambridgeshire moth recorder vc29@elymoths.co.uk and uksafari.co.uk
And this moth below right was spotted by John Kingsley-Pallant on August 16.
East West Rail WILL travel through Little Shelford
The new East West Rail route between Cambridge and Oxford will travel through Little Shelford a new report has confirmed.
The announcement will mean an additional four trains an hour through the village, increasing train noise.
It could also mean the closure of the existing Hauxton Road crossing.
The EWR consultation document stated; "There are a number of options we are considering for the Hauxton Road level crossing:
• Building a bridge or an underpass at the existing level crossing
• Closure with provision of a pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Permanent diversion either with provision of a new highway or along other existing local roads.”
It is believed that there is not enough room for a new bridge or underpass for cars in Hauxton Road. This would mean that Little Shelford would be split in two, with some Little Shelford homes split off from the rest of the village on the Hauxton side of the tracks.
Read more about the East West Rail proposals here.
Posted May 26 2023
Fourth Little Shelford home burgled
A fourth house in Hauxton Road has been burgled.
The break-in happened between 4pm and 10pm on Jan 11th
The burglars gained access from the back (presumably via the field) by smashing an upstairs bathroom window and unlocking from the inside to let themselves in.
They took small, valuable things, jewellery, cash, currency, emptying every drawer, cupboard, shoebox and container upstairs.
Ladders were used in all four recent break-ins.
Police advised the householder to install outside cameras (and stickers saying 'you're being filmed') for anyone looking for deterrents.
Three other houses in Hauxton Road were burgled in November 2022.
*Nearly two-thirds (65%)* of us are worried about our home being broken into, yet there are simple, proven measures we can all take to halve our chances of being burgled according to the e-cops newsletter.
Theyhave joined forces with our longstanding primary smart security partner, ERA Home Security, to bring you their Think WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be taken in any home on a variety of budgets.
At Neighbourhood Watch, they also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so they've extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N):
W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows lockedI: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulbD: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doorsE: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor(N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours
Leaving home? Use this free home security checklist to leave your home safe and secure.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said ‘We know that by securing your home's windows, interior, doors, exterior and keeping an eye out for neighbours, we can all give ourselves the best chance of preventing burglary.
If you have been burgled recently, criminals are familiar with your home and may come back once you've had time to purchase new items. Act soon to avoid being retargeted - use the WIDE(N) advice for a combination of simple yet effective prevention measures.'
Learn more at ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden.
* Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey 2022
Posted Jan 16th 2023
Cambridge Creative doubles in size
Cambridge Creative is proving to be one of Little Shelford’s biggest success stories.
The marketing and recruitment company on Whittlesford Road has more than doubled in size over the last year. Cambridge Creative now has 24 staff compared to ten when they first started life in the village four years ago. Several new employees are from the Shelfords and Stapleford.
The company has supported a number of local companies including Noel Young Wines, Scotsdales, Duxford Lodge and Cara Coffee and they will shortly be working with Provenance restaurant. They also promoted the successful delivery app for Shelford Spice which has had over 10,000 views.
They have also been involved with proposals for Dernford Reservoir.
“2022 was a really successful year for us,” said owner Jim Gandon.
“The economy is challenging for many companies at the moment. However, we are finding that our strong digital experience and our local roots are paying dividends.”
Their journey began in 2014 as the marketing branch of a sales & consultancy business, where we honed our 360-degree service to facilitate and support sales growth.
They started their journey in 2014 as the marketing branch of a sales & consultancy business.
Becoming independent in 2020, under the Cambridge Creative banner, they have a talented in-house team that deliver the full range of marketing services; the perfect blend of digital experts, creative artists, design gurus and website developers that come together to create a collaborative culture that delivers end-to-end performance marketing solutions.
Cambridge Creative provides a range of marketing services including paid search, social ads, Search Engine Optimisation and content marketing to personalised website and email campaigns.
Their latest venture is a holiday home site which is the equivalent of Rightmove for holiday homes building on the growth in the English holiday market. It has made a flying start since it was launched in November. “We have been both pleased and surprised about how well it has started,” said Jim, who lives with his family in Little Shelford.
Posted Jan 6 2023
No community warden scheme for Little Shelford
An option to extend the community warden scheme from Great Shelford to Little Shelford has been turned down.
The Parish Council considered the proposal at their July meeting.
Caroline Kingdon carried out a survey to ascertain potential demand for the service. The summary of her findings is that currently there is no demand for the type of service provided by the warden scheme. Those people whose needs are covered by it felt that they are already adequately supported.
Read the Parish Council minutes about the meeting here.
Posted August 23 2022
Horticultural business to quit Little Shelford
A business in Little Shelford is leaving the village after 90 years.
Harvey and Sons are selling their plot on Hauxton Road. There is the possibility that it could be redeveloped for new homes.
Their last day on Cambridge Market was 23rd July. The nursery also shut down in July. The last day on the stall made the Cambridge News.
"We would like to thank you for all your custom, support and friendship, particularly over these past three very difficult years," said a statement from the family. "What we do is more than a job , it’s a way of life. 7 days a week 365 days a year. It’s time for a change , a rest and new adventures."
The detached house and its eight acre plot was on the market with Carter Jonas for £975,000. This includes the 1.7 acre horticultural nursery site.
“The 1.69-acre operational horticultural nursery site with potential for a variety of uses (subject to planning permission), including residential or commercial development,” says the sale details.
“There is potential for redevelopment.. which could include demolition of the existing house and erection of either one large dwelling or a number of smaller dwellings,” it adds.
Some of the eight acre plot is in the green belt.
Updated June 28 2022
Little Shelford Village Design Guide gets green light
A new guide which sets out how future development in Little Shelford must enhance the village has being adopted by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The new Little Shelford Village Design Guide is due to become a Supplementary Planning Document, meaning it will be taken into account when future planning applications in the area are determined. Members of the local community, including the Parish Council, have helped develop the guidance, which identifies what is distinctive in the village and aims to raise the quality of development locally. The adoption of the Guide is subject to the Council’s usual decision call-in processes.
The Village Design Guide has been developed by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, a partnership between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Councils, to provide additional design guidance in support of the adopted Local Plan policies.
The guide draws on extensive research and evidence gathering by the local community over several years. New planning applications will be now expected to demonstrate how they reflect the guidance.
A Village Design Guide helps communities and planners shape the character of new development in a specific area, in response to community priorities. It is a way to provide more locally specific detail, which augments and amplifies Local Plan policies. The Little Shelford Village Design Guide is the ninth to be adopted in recent years by South Cambridgeshire District Council, following the award of funding to the Council by central government to develop community-led design guidance.
Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council added: “I am delighted we are formally adopting this Village Design Guide to strengthen and improve the quality of new development in our rural areas. We have an exemplary track record in developing locally specific design guidance with our village communities. This one is no exception and draws on outstanding research by local residents. We look forward to seeing how this influences the quality of architecture in Little Shelford over the coming years.”
For more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/villagedesign
Posted Dec 22 2021
Links to other Little Shelford website pages
www.greatshelford.online/events
www.littleshelford.online/fun-weekend
www.littleshelford.online/east-west-rail
www.littleshelford.online/parish-council
www.littleshelford.online/community-groups
www.littleshelford.online/businesses
www.littleshelford.online/pavilion
www.littleshelford.online/village-hall-wale-rec
www.littleshelford.online/village-people
www.littleshelford.online/health
www.littleshelford.online/planning
www.littleshelford.online/community-orchard
www.littleshelford.online/environment
www.littleshelford.online/history
www.littleshelford.online/phonebox-library
www.littleshelford.online/newsletter
www.littleshelford.online/scambs