Great Shelford news
News headlines
New 20mph zone for Great Shelford and narrowing part of Hinton Way
Parts of Great Shelford will be given a new 20mph zone as part of the Sawston Greenway proposals.
And a section of Hinton Way near Chaston Road and Mingle Lane will be narrowed to a single traffic lane. Two cars will no longer be able to pass simultaneously.
The space re-claimed from the road is intended to widen pavements on both sides to accommodate shared-use pedestrian and cycle paths, alongside a new crossing.
The local section of the Genome/DNA path (National Cycle Network Route 11) will be widened, improved, and better lit for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the changes.
The Sawston Greenway project is a proposed route to enable cyclists, walkers and equestrians to travel sustainably from Great Shelford and Stapleford into Cambridge.
The organisers sought public feedback for four weeks in Autumn 2022. Leaflets were delivered to 6,000 households and businesses. With an online webinar and a drop-in event anyone could attend. People could submit comments online, over the phone or via the post.
The official plans can be seen here.
Posted Aug 26 2026
£4.75 million house for sale in Great Shelford
A house has gone on sale for almost £5 million in Great Shelford.
The five-bed property is on the market with a guide price of £4,750,000. The property, dating from 1903, has a heated swimming pool and a cinema room.
The property also has a separate coach house.
It also has its own river frontage. The gardens and grounds extend to 1.83 acres.
However, the sale won't be a record.
A house sold for £6.5 million in Woodlands Road in 2022.
You can see the sale details on Zoopla here.
Posted September 8 2026.
Changes at Great Shelford Rec in the pipeline
Two fitness additions to Great Shelford Recreation Ground have come a step closer thanks to the award of a major grant.
Great Shelford Parish Council has been awarded £30,000 by the Thalia WB Community fund towards the Shelford Playscape changes.
The current basketball hoop has minimal playability, so enlarging the playing surface to a half-sized court, adding lines and replacing the hoop will transform it into a three x three basketball court.
Seven timber fitness items, including pull-up bars, balance beams and overhead ladders will be dotted along the western edge of the rec, creating an active route of strength and balance training, from 'carousel corner' to the basketball area.
Continuing their inclusive ethos, the equipment has been chosen for its flexibility allowing people of different ages and abilities to use them in different ways.
Posted August 4 2026
Rainbow Pre-school survey
For the last three years school staff and governors have been working with the local authority to secure a replacement for the Rainbow building at Great and Little Shelford School before its planning permission expires in 2029.
The local authority intends to apply for funding for permanent accommodation to ensure continuation of the provision. As part of the process it is seeking the views of the community via a survey:
Please do complete the survey to enable the valuable work of Rainbow to continue.
Posted August 3 2026
New on-demand bus service for Great Shelford
A new Tiger on-demand bus service is expanding to cover Great Shelford and 12 other South Cambridgeshire villages from Monday, 13 July.
The demand-responsive service will replace the 32 route, which ends on 12 July.
Promising greater flexibility, wider coverage and better connections, the new service will cover Harlton, Hauxton, Harston, Haslingfield, Barrington, South Trumpington (Park & Ride), Little Shelford, Whittlesford, Foxton, Newton, Shepreth and Stapleford.
Instead of traditional bus service operating to a fixed timetable and route, Tiger on Demand enables residents to book journeys between virtual bus stops across a much wider travel zone.
It is designed to support everyday journeys, including commuting, school travel, shopping, leisure and connections to other transport services such as Trumpington Park & Ride.
Residents can book journeys between any virtual bus stops within the service zone between Monday and Saturday, from 6.30am to 7pm, with bookings available up to 48 hours in advance.
Virtual bus stop locations can be viewed and journeys booked on the website - tigerondemand.co.uk - or in the Tiger on Demand app.
Journeys can also be booked by calling 01480 595440 during the service’s operating hours.
Bookings open on 11 July.
Adults will pay £2.50 per journey, while Tiger Pass holders and children aged 5-16 will pay £1 per journey. Under-5s, concessionary and disability bus pass holders can travel for free
Mayor Paul Bristow said: “The expansion means more South Cambridgeshire residents will have access to affordable, flexible public transport that works around their lives.
“By replacing an under-used fixed route with a demand-responsive service, we’re making better use of resources while helping people get to work, education, appointments and local services.
“This is exactly the kind of practical improvement that helps get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving.”
Posted June 23 2026
T3 - Use it... or lose it?
The T3 bus runs from Grantchester to Fulbourn and is one of several routes subsidised by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, using the Mayoral Precept and regional funding.
The purpose of the Tiger buses is to fill gaps in the normal commercial networks to provide connections between towns, villages and employment hubs.
Funding is assured until March 2027, but it is at risk if there is no evidence that the routes are being used. (A local bus user recently spoke to a driver who said that if the passenger trend is not upward (it doesn't have to spike) then it is likely that the service won't continue - it will be categorised 'tried and underused'.)
Although the T3 route doesn't go directly into town, it connects to Trumpington Park and Ride bus direct route into central Cambridge.
Destinations:
Scotsdales Garden Centre and cafe is on the route (the bus route takes 50 minutes to turn round).
Addenbrooke's
Shelford Railway Station
Great Shelford Post Office
Great Shelford Library, and Deli, a short walk
Babraham Park and Ride, and Arthur Rank Hospice.near by
In order to keep this service going, we need to show it is needed and used.
Outside of morning and afternoon rush hours, often it is empty. It would be a great shame if we lost this service through lack of use.
You can find the timetable online at https://bustimes.org/services/t3-grantchester-fulbourn
Posted July 4 2026
Shelford market celebrates its 50th birthday
Great Shelford Country Market celebrated its 50th birthday on June 17 with a visit from the BBC.
Wednesday 17th June was an extra special market morning at Great Shelford Country Market when they featured live on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
To mark their 50th year, they hosted a 1970's styled celebration. As well as the usual handmade, home grown and home baked products, there was a 70's soundtrack, decorations, memorabilia and children's activities.
Back in 1976 the market opened as the WI Market and they have been serving the local community almost every week since then. Over the years they have become the Great Shelford Country Market, Apart from the name changes, more rules and regulations and inevitably a changing membership the principles have not changed. They are a social non profit making enterprise and everything they sell must be home-made, home-grown or hand crafted.
Their cooks take great care to offer a good range of quality fresh baking, jams, marmalades, chutneys and local honey. Their growers have excellent value plants, flowers and wholesome seasonal garden produce and our crafters offer so many fine craft items. In more recent times their café area has really ‘taken off’ and they have become quite a social hub each Wednesday.
Updated June 18 2026
Star Shine Night Walk, returns for Arthur Rank Hospice
The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity much‑loved flagship fundraiser, the Star Shine Night Walk returned in Cambridge on Saturday 20 June 2026.
After an incredible 550 supporters took part last year, this event brought our community together not just to celebrate, but to remember. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and brighter as our community strides together, on one of the longest days of the year, to raise vital funds for the Hospice.
With a target of £60,000 - it's a perfect way to spend a Saturday night with purpose; supporting compassionate care for those who need it most across Cambridgeshire. The event was open to all; you don’t need to have a connection with the Charity.
The walk started and finished at Shelford Rugby Club.
Updated June 23 2026
Bird flu in Great Shelford
Bird flu has been discovered near Great Shelford.
The H5N1 virus was found in commercial poultry at a site near Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, on April 14 according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
All poultry on the premises were humanely culled, the government body said
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Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease affecting birds and can be spread through saliva, feces or contaminated environments.
Defra said a 3km (1.9 mile) protection zone and a 10km (6.2 miles) surveillance zone has been put in place around the premises.
Posted April 16 2026
Great Shelford election candidates
The candidates have been unveiled for the elections in Great Shelford on May 7.
The candidates for the South Cmbridgeshire District Council elections are:
Great Shelford games session
Cara Coffee is hoping to introduce a board game session on Friday afternoons 2-3.30pm. There will be a choice of three well known games to play with other customers. It is a great chance to come along and interact with others over a cuppa. Feel free to come on your own or mention it to friends and neighbours. The first session will be Friday 8th May. For more info contact julie.whitbread@romseymill.org
Mini Boden Preloved
Mini Boden Preloved offers a carefully curated mix of brand new Mini Boden overstocks alongside beautiful preloved pieces, giving families access to high-quality children’s clothing at more affordable prices.
Alongside Mini Boden, you’ll also find pieces from our A Preloved Story collection, including much-loved brands such as Frugi, Joules, and Cath Kidston, all chosen for their quality, style, and longevity.
You can shop in person at our regular pop-up at Great Shelford Memorial Hall, where we are there every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, 9–12pm — the perfect chance to browse, discover new arrivals, and pick up something special.
You can also shop online via:
For first access to new stock drops, pop-up updates, and exclusive pieces, join our community online.
Posted April 27 2026
£2000 grant for Cancer charity
Cambridge Cancer Help Centre on Cambridge Road has received a grant from South Cambridgeshire Council.
The Cambridge Cancer Help Centre in Great Shelford, which supports more than 400 people affected by cancer each year, will use the grant towards the creation of a dedicated Fitness Hub.
The funding contributes to refurbishment works and the purchase of specialist exercise equipment for gentle, accessible fitness classes designed to support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Posted March 24 2026
Fill a bag for the Arthur Rank Hospice
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is holding its' first "Fill a bag" shopping event in April.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to fill a pre-provided recyclable bag with pre-loved women's, men’s and children's clothes for just £5.
The shopping event, taking place at the Hospice in Shelford Bottom, CB22 3FB will be open on the following dates and times: Friday 24 April 3pm - 6pm, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26, 10am - 2pm, and will remain open while stocks last.
Shoppers are advised to keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on stock levels.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services support over 3,800 patients and their families annually helping people to make every moment count.
For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.arhc.org.uk/retail-sale
Posted March 24 2026
Squirrels for sale at local butcher
Squirrels are now being sold by a local butcher.
Hambletons at Scotdales on Cambridge Road in Great Shelford i now selling fresh squirrels.
"We certainly do stock fresh whole squirrel at a price of £5.95," said Butchery Manager, Ashley Robins.
"They are sourced from an orchard at Key Thorpe. We have one fresh delivery a week on a Thursday however they do seem to sell rather quickly so pre order is advisable."
Posted Feb 26 2026
Woollards Lane potholes labelled dangerous by the Parish Council
The surface of Woollards Lane is in "a dangerous state" according to Great Shelford Parish Council.
They are demanding urgent action on potholes in Woollards Lane, Tunwells Lane and Cambridge Road.
"The surface of Woollards Lane is in a dangerous state with numerous potholes making it hazardous for cyclists and other vulnerable road users" said the Parish Council letter.
"Pavements across the village are also deteriorating, increasing trip and fall risks and affecting accessibility for those with mobility aids and pushchairs. Repairs were marked months ago but have not been carried out, and the markings have washed away. We note that it is marked again for filling (hopefully soon) but the whole road and pavements need resurfacing."
The Parish Council has created what it has labelled a Call to Action.
"We ask for the following, with named accountability and clear deadlines:
1. Immediate mobilisation of the LHI scheme for Church Street, with interim safety measures (e.g., temporary traffic management/signage and stricter parking enforcement) within 4 weeks, and a published programme for permanent works.
2. Delivery schedule for both PFHI schemes, including the installation of double yellow lines outside the Co op on High Green and the gateway/dragon’s teeth measures, with confirmed start and completion dates.
3. Rapid repairs to priority defects on Woollards Lane, Tunwells Lane, and Cambridge Road, and re marking any washed off repair markings, within 20 working days; plus a pavement condition review and a plan for remedial works.
4. A meeting within 4 weeks between senior Highways officers and the Parish Council to agree an accelerated plan and improved communications, with attendance from the leads for LHI and PFHI delivery."
You can read the full letter here.
In their response, Cambridgeshire County Council said that action in Great Shelford is imminent.
"Partial works have been completed on Woollards Lane," said the letter from the county council.
"The route will be soon reinspected to identify any additional issues requiring attention.
"Tunwells Lane and Cambridge Road form part of a connected route with High Green. Reactive maintenance works have been ordered on these carriageways to be completed by the end of January.
Updated Jan 15 2026
* Read a letter from villager John Butler claiming "the potholes present a clear & present danger."
Can you Provide a Home for a Swift or House Martin?
The CamSwift group has received a grant from Great Shelford Parish Council to purchase and install swift nest boxes on houses in the village.
Colonies of swifts and house martins already nest in the village but there are few sites available and those that exist are often under threat.
We have a number of swift nest boxes and house martin nest cups which we can install free of charge. Several householders in Sawston have already taken up the offer (funded by Sawston PC).
If you are interested, we will contact you and discuss whether there is a suitable site on your property for a nest box. To sign up for a box or nest cup, please contact Helen Harwood on 01223 840393, or email helen_harwood_uk@yahoo.co.uk.
If you are a Stapleford resident, we have a similar scheme funded by Stapleford PC.
Posted Feb 26 2026
Greater Anglia steps in to help Shelford couple
A Shelford couple who missed the last train from London received an early Christmas present after their Greater Anglia train driver added an extra stop to their midnight journey to drop them off at Shelford station.
Kirill Tsukanov and his wife Marina thought they may be stranded after missing the last train to their home town of Shelford on December 6. Friday night.
After an appeal over social media to train operator Greater Anglia, the driver made an unplanned an exceptional stop at Shelford station.
The act of Christmas goodwill saved the couple from being stuck miles away from home in the middle of the night.
The pair had missed the last train back home from London to Shelford at 11.28pm
They took the 11.58pm direct train to Cambridge, prepared to fork out for a cab fee from either Whittlesford or Cambridge.
Kirill went on X (formerly Twitter) to ask Greater Anglia to make a ‘really short additional stop in Shelford’.
‘My wife and I missed the 11.28pm service unfortunately, so we would really warmly appreciate it,’ he wrote.
Kirill said: ‘15 minutes after that, the train information display rebooted and the train announced a new pattern that included Shelford.
‘I couldn’t believe my ears. Greater Anglia then confirmed on X it would stop at Shelford.’
A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: ‘Delivering excellent customer service is always really important to us, so we were pleased to be able to help Mr Tsukanov and his wife with their journey home by stopping a service additionally at Shelford.
‘An extra station stop, outside of planned timetables and schedules, is not normally possible, not least because it may result in additional delays to other passengers or services.
‘However, occasionally, in exceptional circumstances, a special stop order, where a train stops additionally at a station where it was not originally booked to call, may be arranged."
Posted Dec 12 2025
A handful of Shelford homes will be hit by the "mansion tax."
At least eight homes in Great Shelford will be hit by the "Mansion Tax" unviled in the recent Budget.
Owners of properties that cost more than £2 million will now have to pay a High Value Council Tax surcharge of at least £2,500 from 2028.
The Valuation Office will conduct a targeted valuation exercise to identify the properties that sold for more than £2 million.
The number and location of the properties affected is currently unknown. Analysis of Land Registry data by the Reach Data Unit revealed that , 157 properties sold for more than £2 million since the start of 2020 in Cambridgeshire and, therefore, will be liable to pay the charge. The majority of these houses can be found in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.
In South Cambridgeshire, the roads with the most expensive properties are concentrated in Great Shelford, including along Woodlands Road, with five properties worth more than £2 million; and Coppice Avenue, with three such properties.
See the Cambridge Live coverage here.
Posted Dec 1 2025
New beauty salon launches in Great Shelford
Award-winning beauty entrepreneur Amy Vince has opened the doors to her brand-new salon, The Hidden Beauty Room, in the heart of Great Shelford.
After three and a half successful years running her multi-award-winning business from a home studio in Fulbourn, Amy has expanded into a custom-built luxury salon at York House, Station Court. The move marks a huge milestone in her journey from solo technician to salon owner and educator, with The Hidden Beauty Room now home to a growing team of industry specialists.
The new salon has been designed to feel calm, welcoming, and full of positive energy — offering clients a truly laid-back luxury experience. Every detail has been created with comfort and relaxation in mind, from the soothing interiors to the curated treatment menu.
Clients can enjoy a full range of beauty services, including award-winning lash extensions, brow treatments, semi-permanent makeup, and BIAB and gel nails, all delivered by a team passionate about enhancing natural beauty. Amy’s ethos is rooted in quality, care, and confidence — ensuring every client leaves feeling their best self.
The salon officially opened for appointments on Monday 10th November.
For bookings and updates, visit www.thehiddenbeautyroom.co.uk or follow @thehiddenbeautyroom on Instagram.
Posted November 3 2025
Another award for Shelford Spice
Just three years since opening, Shelford Spice has been named “Best Takeaway in the East of England” at the Asian Curry Awards for both 2024 and 2025, earning this prestigious title two years in a row. This is their third major industry award in as many years.
This year’s award was presented by The Apprentice finalist Anisa Khan, in front of leading figures from across the UK’s South Asian cuisine and hospitality sectors.
They’ve introduced their own creations such as:
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18-inch giant naan breads
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Curried noodle dishes blending British-Asian comfort flavours
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Chicken tikka burritos.
Posted Nov 28 2025
New book from Shelford creative writing group
A group of writers in South Cambs have put together a book of original works along with a history of this wonderful charity
The book called For the Want of A Nail is for sale for £10 every penny of which goes to EACH. Phone 834271
Christmas is the time for children so what could be more appropriate than to support EACH They make ideal "Stocking Stuffers" or "Secret Santa" presents or a "thank you" gift
Don't give wine or flowers give "For Want of a Nail" for this is a gift that will last forever
Jill Adderley
Tel: 01223 834 271
Posted Oct 13 2025
Photo of the Great Shelford and Stapleford fire by Matthew French
Houses evacuated due to field fire
A number of houses had to be evacuated after a large field fire in Stapleford and Great Shelford.
Up to 50 firefighters has to deal with the blaze on August 20, including crews from Hertfordshire and Suffolk.
Ten fire engines rushed to the scene near Gog Magog Way, Dukes Meadow and Mingle Lane between Haverhill Road and Hinton Way.
One local resident dsecribed the fire on Face book as "really frightening."
The fire spread quickly close to residential gardens.
Smoke affected local roads, including the M11 where drivers were asked to slow down.
People living nearby were advised to close their windows.
Firefighters arrived ar around 2pm to find a well-developed fire involving a tractor that spread to large area of field.
Firefighters worked incredibly hard to surround the fire and successfully managed to prevent it from causing any damage to properties.
"We are deeply grateful to the emergency services and local farmers for their rapid response," said a statement from Stapleford Parish Council.
"At our next Parish Council meeting on October 2 , we will be looking back at the situation and reviewing what we as a village could do to prevent any such fires happening in our local community."
The operation lasted a total of four hours.
The cause of the fire was accidental.
Posted August 26 2025
An artist's impression about what the Memorial Hall could look like after proposed changes @Great Shelford Parish Council
Grand opening of Barley Manor Care Home
Barley Manor Care Home in Great Shelford was officially opened by TV star Sherrie Hewson on July 10.
The Grand Opening Ceremony for the Care Home in Station Road included some of their first residents who moved into Barley Manor last August. It also included pupils from Great & Little Shelford school whose Eco Gardening Club visit regularly to work with the residents.
Star of the day was Sherrie Hewson (pictured) who is an English actress who has played Martha Blake in Hollyoaks since May 2024. She is also well known for her roles as Maureen Holdsworth in Coronation Street.
"I wish there had been care homes like this when my mum was around," said Sherrie.
The event was well attended by the local community who have supported Barley Manor since opening. The delightful afternoon tea made by the home’s chef team included local ingredients from Cam Cattle, The Cambridge Cheese Company, Cambridge Distillery and Wylde Sky Brewing.
Posted July 16 2025
Shelford Day Nursery takes on its own allotment
Shelford Day Nursery has taken a bold and exciting step on our journey to becoming a truly eco-conscious setting – they’ve secured a 22-metre allotment plot and we're transforming it into a thriving, sustainable growing space for our children, families, and the wider community!
Thanks to the generosity of Timotey Playscapes, they now have beautiful, low raised beds perfectly designed for little hands to explore and grow.
They have laid accessible pathways around them, making sure all theirchildren can get involved. Even the babies have been helping out with watering cans in hand
They’ve made amazing progress:
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Bases laid and sheds installed to safely store tools and resources.
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A water butt set up, ready to teach the children about rainwater harvesting and sustainable water use.
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Three tonnes of fruit and vegetable soil moved to fill the first three of our six raised beds.
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Generous allotment neighbours have donated strawberries and rhubarb, and they are deeply grateful for their support.
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Planting is underway – our little eco-explorers have already planted potatoes, onions, leaks, broccoli, and wildflowers.
This project is about community, collaboration, and connection. They're putting up a board on-site to let families know what tasks need doing each weekend – from weeding to watering to harvesting. We’d LOVE your help so look out for this addition coming soon..
Come and join them on The Hectare Allotments Great Shelford. Many hands make light work – and big dreams grow faster together.
This initiative is not only a fantastic outdoor learning opportunity, it’s also a vital part of their application for Green Flag accreditation with the Eco-Schools Award. They are committed to helping our children understand the importance of sustainability, nature, and working as a team – and they want the whole community to be part of it.
More at https://shelforddaynursery.org/
Posted May 27 2025
Shelford restaurant hits the headlines
A Great Shelford restaurant has hit the national headlines after its owner started using CCTV evidence to hit back at negative reviews.
Jackie Wan, the owner and head chef of the Forum Chinese restaurant in Woollards Lane for 11 years, has used footage to “clarify” problems raised by unhappy customers who have used TripAdvisor, Google or Facebook to leave poor reviews.
In one example, after a customer complained that they had had only had four prawns in their stir fry, Wan claimed he was able to prove they had had seven prawns.
The story originally appeared the Times before being published in the Mail Online, the Guardian and the Daily Mirror.
Mr Wan, who was born in Hong Kong, came to the UK as a teenager, working in kitchens at luxury Hyatt hotels in London.
He said that the CCTV footage was only used if a complaint did not match his or his staff’s recollection of events, or if a problem was raised a long time after the customer had visited.
Mr Wan told the Times: “If there are issues on our side or whatever happens is our mistake then of course we try and make up for it. But there are some customers that it doesn’t matter what you do, you cannot please them. Those are the things I really can’t stand because we’ve done nothing wrong. I will not kneel down for anyone. I will stand up and fight when the fault is not on our side.”
Overall the restaurant, rates 4.5 on Trip Advisor and 4.6 on Google.
When another customer complained about the restaurant charging for chilli oil, Mr Wan wrote: “Try asking for peppercorn sauce when ordering a steak in any steak house and see what happens.”
He acknowledged that his combative approach was risky: “Yes I will lose on some business, but then at the same time, I protect my name. I’m proud of what we do and I’m proud of the product and service that we deliver so I stand up for myself, my staff.”
Posted March 17 2025
Shelford arsonist book published
A new book about the infamous Shelford arsonist John Stallon was published in May.
Shelford writer Fraser Grace published his book Firestarter about the 12 farm fires that made national headlines in 1833 before Stallon was hanged for his crimes.
"Four years, twelve fires, the best of London’s detectives – and still no one knows the identity of the ‘devil’ with the gift of fire. With land reform sweeping through South Cambridgeshire, the scandal is choking the columns of the nation’s newspapers, wrecking the reputation of the ‘ill-fated village’ of Shelford," says a press release about the book.
"Fraser Grace trawls through history, sifting out a tragedy rooted in the undocumented, hard-pressed agricultural labourers of nineteenth century England."
Three events are being held by Fraser to promote the book.
Thursday 8 May 7-8pm, online - in Conversation with Midge Gillies
https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/event/conversation-midge-gillies-and-fraser-grace
Weds 14 May 6.30pm - Hart’s Books, Kings Street, Saffron Walden.
*Firestarter was published by Galileo Publishing, on 1 May 2025.
https://galileopublishing.co.uk/firestarter/
Posted May 5 2025
The Shelfords named one of the best places to live
Great and Little Shelford 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.
New toilet for Great Shelford village centre
There's a new public toilet in the centre of Great Shelford.
The new portable toilet is now available for public use at the Recreation Ground. The toilet can be found to the left of the skate park at the top end of the smaller parking area.
The toilet has disabled access and baby changing facilities.
The Parish Council has provided the toilet after feedback from Playscape and Rec users, and will be trialing it for one month.
Please do let them know your thoughts as to whether you would like it to stay. The council will assess all feedback at the end of the trial.
Posted Oct 29 2024
Shelford's new Care Home opens
Great Shelford’s new care home opened its doors on August 12.
Barley Manor boasts specialist residential, dementia and nursing rooms.
Barley Manor Care Home at the heart of the village on Station Road has already created 40 jobs in the village.
Six residents are already enjoying the modern facilities at the Care Home.
Facilities at the home include everything from a dedicated cinema, gym, hairdresser salon to their own vegetable garden. And they are already planning a joint project with some of the pupils from Shelford School in their spacious gardens.
Residents and their families also have the use of a private dining room.
From the moment you walk in, Barley Manor has more of a feel of an upmarket hotel than a care home. The reception leads straight on to a “free” café/ bar which is included in the monthly fees.
Manager Narcis and some of the 40 staff will be familiar faces for some of the residents, having managed and worked at other local care homes.
“We are delighted to have welcomed our first residents and we are certainly looking forward to building links with the Shelford community,” said Denise Gilchrist, Client Services Manager.
Barley Manor is owner Porthaven’s 20th Care Home.
Posted August 23 2024
A new garage with local links
A new garage has opened in Great Shelford that is offering offer a free pick up and return service and free courtesy cars.
Park Vehicle Services have just moved into the ex-Cambridge Motorworks premises at 11 High Green, Great Shelford.
They are experienced motor engineers, with over 30 years experience in Great Chesterford.
“We are offering servicing, MOTs, Cambelts, Clutches, Tyres, Exhausts, Brakes and all vehicle maintenance and repairs to all makes and models” said owner Barry Rule (pictured)
“We already have customers from the Shelfords and Stapleford. We think our focus on good customer service and really listening to what our customers want will be really popular.”
The new business is a real homecoming for the Rule family. Barry’s grandparents ran the Douglas of Shelford store (now the Tesco Express) in Woollards Lane for a number of years when he was a child. His grandparents and mother lived on Church Street, Stapleford and then Mingle Lane, Stapleford.
The phone number for the Shelford site is 01223 794008
Their website is www.parkvehicleservices.co.uk
Email is parkvehicleservices@hotmail.co.uk
Posted June 10 2024
New Shelford MP
Pippa Heylings is the new 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.
Her first official task in the new role was to visit the Shelford Feast on Sunday July 7.
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
Northern Lights spotted over Great Shelford
The Northern Lights were potted over Great Shelford on Friday May 10.
These are some photos of the historic night.
Have you got local photos of the big night? Share your Northern Lights photos with davidm1961@gmail.com
Posted May 13 2024
Photos by Ann White, Penny Ramsay & Raj Sondhi
Scotsdales expansion
Work has just started on a new 450 seater restaurant at Scotsdales.
The new restaurant is part of a major building project at the popular garden centre.
he demolition team are currently at Scotsdales, taking down the last remaining original green houses.
This work on creating the new restaurant will take over a year.
Their current Sunflower Café will remain open throughout this project, until the new restaurant opens in 2025.
Scotsdales are embarking on phase two of their major development to build a brand new restaurant and improvement to their internal retail space having created a brand-new purpose built, weather proofed plant area and gardening department,
This has improved the plant area and garden shop, and seen an impressive new glazed Planteria area built.
Scotsdales Managing Director Caroline Owen said: “The garden centre at Shelford has had little investment since 1990, and the plans to develop the site have gone back many years. We began work in July 2023, with the aim of investing in the future of the business and making Scotsdales standout.
"With horticulture being at the heart of what we do here, the new weatherproofed plant area and gardening department were the priority, and we are delighted with the space that has been built. We are really excited to begin construction on the new restaurant area, the enlarged food hall and improving some of the facilities and retail areas. We cannot wait until the work is completed in 2025.”
Posted March 20 2024
New Co-op opens
By Olivia Bridgen
The new Co-op opened on Friday January 26.
The new 2,400 sq ft convenience store is located at De Freville House, High Green, Green Shelford. It opens between 7am-10pm daily, and supports 12 local jobs.
The new shop includes an ATM to provide access to cash in the community.
Co-op manager Dessent said that they have received a “great response” from the public .
Michael Dessent said: “Our aim is always to operate at the heart of local life, and we’ve worked to develop the range, choice, and added services to create a compelling offer to serve and support our community, conveniently.”
The shop will include an in-store bakery, alongside the focus on fresh and healthy food, everyday essentials, alcohol, ready meals, and free-from, vegan, and plant-based products.
As well as facilities to recycle soft plastics such as crisp packets, bread bags, biscuit wrappers, pet food pouches, and more.
Deliveroo and Just Eat offer online grocery delivery services from the store.
It was due to open on Dec 1st. But delays in installing a power meter mean that the opening has been delayed to mid-January.
Proposals for the Co-op to move out of the centre of the village were given the go ahead in January 2023 by South Cambs Council.
The switch was first proposed in January 2018.
The building, which was originally the De Freville Arms, was previously used as a furniture showroom. The new Co-op is next to Noel Young Wines and Bryan Turner Kitchens.
Updated Feb 1 2024
Great Shelford population is growing
The population of Great Shelford has increased to 4,537 according to the 2021 Census.
The latest figures show that the population of the village has grown by 304 over the last 10 years, a 7% increase.
The population of Great Shelford in 2011 was 4,233.
The new data shows there were 2,111 households in Great Shelford when the Census was carried out in 2021.
The population of Stapleford has grown to 2,005.
The population of Little Shelford has shrunk to 779 according to the 2021 Census.
The population of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2021 was 894,522 people.
The most recent Census was carried out in 2021. The results of the Census have only just been made public.
You can read all of the 2021 Census details here.
Posted Jan 29 2024
Great Shelford author's family photos turn up in Norfolk auction
Photos from Philippa Pearce's family have emerged at a Norfolk auction.
Photos stretching back to the 19th century were sold at a recent auction in Snettisham, Norfolk.
They included photos (below) of Philippa Pearce's family - she wrote the famous book, Tom's Midnight Garden.
Old photos of the Great Shelford mill also appeared at the auction.
Details emerged in a Facebook group called Find My Family.
"I looked at the photos and noticed many of them were of the house, and some of the mill. There were also photos of Philippa's grandparents wedding, and other family photos," said the Facebook post.
"I would love to reunite these photos with the family. I will write some stories on the individuals in the photos and hopefully a descendant will see a post. In the meantime, if anyone can find a descendant that would be fantastic."
Read about Philippa Pearce here.
See old photos of the Mill and Kings Mill Lane here.
Posted Aug 30 2023
East West Rail WILL travel through Great Shelford
The East West Rail route between Cambridge and Oxford WILL travel through Great Shelford a new report has confirmed.
The proposed new line will run alongside the existing King’s Cross line through the Shelfords before merging with the Liverpool Street line in Great Shelford.
Under the current proposals, EWR has stated that this junction, located to the west of Granham’s Road in Great Shelford and known for historical reasons as the Shepreth Branch Junction, will need to be re-built to accommodate the additional trains. This may require the King’s Cross line to cross the Liverpool Street line on a new bridge in Great Shelford, before the four tracks merge and run side-by-side into Cambridge Station. Technically, this is known as a grade-separated junction because the railways cross at different heights.
Assuming this happens, the impact on Great Shelford will be significant. The bridge structure is expected to be many hundreds of metres long (perhaps over a kilometre) and several metres high – roughly the height of the current footbridge across the railway. The new structure may be located south of Addenbrooke’s Road bridge as that is where there is most space, but EWR has not said.
At present, only two tracks run into Cambridge. But this will become four tracks under the proposed new layout. To accommodate the widened railway, the DNA cycle path running alongside the current tracks will probably need to be moved according to the proposals.
Read more about the impact on the Shelfords here.
Posted May 26 2023
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