Madingley News
September 2025
Blackberries (photo Chris Baldwin)
From the Editors…
Gmail users please note…
There’s a lot of information in this newsletter and your Gmail may clip it. If it does, simply click on the “View entire message” link that Gmail provides. Copy for inclusion in the December issue should be sent to us by 1st December.
Back numbers of the newsletter can be found at: https://madingleynews.substack.com
Please give new neighbours the link.
John and Fiona Naughton, Editors
madingley.news@gmail.com
Contents:
Diary Dates - Village Contacts - Parish Council Notes - Seen in the Village - Community Speedwatch - Church News - Village Hall - CamShed - Cricket Club - Madingley Hall - American Cemetery - News from our Public Representatives (M.P., County and District Councillors) - Local Events, Activities and Volunteering - Useful Household Information (Bin Collections, Royal Mail Collections, Bus Times)
Diary Dates for events in the Parish
see also ‘Local Events, Activities and Engagement’ section
September
Saturday 6th: 10am - 11:30 (in the village hall)
Village Coffee Morning
Monday 13th
The American Cemetery’s Exhibition Centre closes during work to replace the current exhibition. (See ‘American Cemetery’ for details)
Sunday 14th: 7pm (in the village hall)
The Cambridge Jane Austen Society Lecture, given by Jill Ottman:
1816: The year without a summer – how a volcano rocked the Regency world (See ‘Village Hall’ for further details.)
Thursday 25th: 6pm (in the village hall)
Parish Council Meeting - all welcome (Please note the change of date)
Saturday 20th: 9:30 – 12:30 (in the churchyard)
Annual Churchyard Maintenance Morning - members of the village community are invited to help
Sunday 21st: 10:30am (in church)
Harvest Festival - (donations of non-perishable food welcome (see ‘Church News’ for details)
October
Saturday 4th: 10am - 11:30 (in the village hall)
Village Coffee Morning
November
Thursday 20th: 6pm (in the village hall)
Parish Council Meeting - all welcome
Village Contacts (and websites)
CamShed (Woodworking Group), Alex Barrett: alex.barrett1266@gmail.com
Coton School: 01954 210339
County Councillor, Christopher Morris christopher.morris@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
District Councillor, Corinne Garvie: 07780 932267, cllr.garvie@scambs.gov.uk
District Councillor, Richard Stobart: 07950 934793, cllr.stobart@scambs.gov.uk
Madingley Cricket Club, Philip Done: madingleycc@gmail.com
Madingley History Group, Sue Baldwin: suebaldwin1000@gmail.com
Madingley Parish Church
- Rev’d Michael Bigg: 01954 332040, vicar@madingleychurch.org
- Rev’d Christine Barrow: mcbarrow@me.com
- Church Secretary, Sue Baldwin: secretary@madingleychurch.org
Madingley Parish Council
- Clerk, Karen Peck: clerk@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk
- Chairman, Charles Crichton-Stuart: chair@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk
- Vice-Chair, Fiona Naughton: cllr.naughton@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk
- Joan Stevenson-Hinde: cllr.stevenson-hinde@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk
- Andrew Wallace-Hadrill: cllr.wallace-hadrill@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk
Madingley Village Hall (bookings, etc), Chris Baldwin: chrisbaldwin1000@gmail.com
Member of Parliament, Ian Sollom: ian.sollom.mp@parliament.uk
Police
- Emergency: 999
- Non emergency: 101
- Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111
Stephen Perse Foundation Nursery: 01954 210309
The Three Horseshoes, Pub & Restaurant: 01954 210221
Useful websites:
Madingley Hall
Madingley Parish Church
Madingley Parish Council
To look up bus times:
https://bustimes.org/search?q=madingley
https://bustimes.org/services/pr1-cambridge-city-centre-madingley-road-parkride
https://dews-coaches.com/local-bus-service.php
https://bustimes.org/services/4-drummer-st-bus-station-bay-10-lower-cambourne-wo
https://bustimes.org/services/u1-girton-corner-biomedical-campus
https://bustimes.org/services/u2-eddington-biomedical-campus
https://bustimes.org/services/x3-huntingdon-addenbrookes
To report potholes or broken signs, etc:
https://highwaysreporting.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/
To check roadworks:
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworks-and-faults/roadwork-and-traffic-information
Parish Council Notes
Chairman’s Report
Councillors
We were sad to see Cllr Keevil leave the Parish Council a few months back - but it was lovely to have her attend the last public meeting in a personal capacity.
We are delighted to say that we have now received an application to fill the vacant post, so the council will shortly be at full capacity again.
Playground
We will be having another Playground Maintenance Day in October or November to clear the surrounding fence of ivy and weeds and do any other necessary clearing and cleaning of equipment - (work which is not included in the grass cutting contract managed by the Parish Council). The date will been chosen at the September PC meeting and it will be posted on the two village noticeboards and on the gate of the playground. We will meet from 10am-12:30 and refreshments will be provided for volunteers. If you are able to lend a hand, please let me know by emailing me at: chair@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk - it will be lovely to have some new volunteers and we look forward to meeting you there.
A new football net has been procured and will soon replace the existing one which is rather patched and full of holes.
Finally, we are asking for volunteers to help members of the parish council do the monthly playground inspections which are carried out by a pair of adults at a time. At present only one family has volunteered for this important work. Please let Fiona Naughton know if you are able to help. (cllr.naughton@madingleyparishcouncil.org.uk)
Roads / Traffic
We are awaiting the outcome of our most recent 20mph application. No fixed date has been given for that but last year the results were delivered in October. We keep our fingers crossed.
Irrespective of that outcome, the PC is looking to add a digital radar speed sign to the village which will not only advise drivers if they are exceeding the speed limit – but which will also collect traffic volume and speed data. Having this data will bolster future applications for other traffic calming measure we might try to employ.
When the signage on the High Street was put up to advise motorists that there was no access to Madingley Rd, we asked if it could be moved so that the Capability Brown view over the fields from the hall wouldn’t be spoiled - something of importance to Madingley Hall. At the time there wasn’t the funding to do this, but the sign has now been moved further back.
Forestry Works
The University is undertaking necessary forestry works which couldn’t be done in the spring when the ground was too soft for heavy vehicles. Signage will be in place to advise which walks in and around Madingley are temporarily closed. The work includes thinning woodland in ‘Fishpond Plantation’ (next to Madingley Hall lake) and a regeneration fell in Madingley Wood. The ‘CB300’ Walk (by the lake) will be closed to the public, as will parts of the 800 Wood, whilst the works are happening.
The work in Fishpond plantation, started on Sept 1st and is estimated to take about two weeks. Any work alongside people’s gardens will be done using a cherry picker, for safety.
As much of the 800 Wood as possible will be kept open while the work is being done in Madingley Wood, but some rides will have to be shut where they are being used as haul routes. Plainly any piles of timber will be unstable and should not be climbed on.
Map showing open rides (in green) and closed rides (in pink) during the forestry work
Parking for walkers accessing the upper entrance to the wood is always permitted in the Cemetery car park by kind permission of the American Cemetery Superintendent.
The Estate’s surveyor, Peter Wilderspin, is happy to be contacted if anyone has any questions. (01223 768929)
Charles Crichton-Stuart
MPC Chairman
Seen in the Village: Then and Now
Hay making at Moor Barns Farm. Den Harvey is holding the reins
Home Farm: the Wisemans at harvest time Haymaking at New Farm
The Hall meadow (photo J. Naughton)
Community Speedwatch
Our village Speedwatch team has remained active for 10 consecutive years this month.
During this time, the team has provided relevant data from surveys to support a series of applications made annually by our Parish Council to Cambridgeshire County Council, for lower speed limits and traffic-calming in the village. These Council-run highways improvements schemes are always over-subscribed and, notably in recent years, have prioritised support for villages with larger populations. As a result, our Parish has only been successful a couple of times, resulting in the 40mph “buffer” zones on Church Lane and The Avenue, as well as the newer chicane, also on The Avenue.
Over the same, 10 year period - and particularly since the A14 local access road opened five years ago - the volume of through-traffic has greatly increased during peak travel times. Narrow, rural village roads, such as ours, were never designed to support the increased size and volume of vehicles we currently see. In addition, among the increase in traffic of all sizes, we see cyclists travelling through the village to school and to work with neither dedicated cycle lanes nor reduced speed limits. Isn’t it now time that our elected representatives, District and County Councillors, prioritised this small village?
Speedwatch Secretariat
Church News
On a blisteringly hot June afternoon our curate, the Rev’d Kevin Parks, was ordained at Ely Cathedral. Kevin has already contributed much to the life of our church and we look forward to continuing to work with him during his remaining time with us.
Rev’d Kevin Parks and Rev’d Michael Bigg following Kevin’s ordination ceremony in Ely Cathedral
After our service on Sunday 27th July the congregation was able to thank Richard Gant, retiring Head Gardener at Madingley Hall, for all his support and help to the Parish Church during his many years of service at the Hall. We presented him with a small gift and wished him well for his retirement.
Rev’d Michael Bigg, Susan Rawlings LLM and Richard Gant
We would also like to congratulate one of our team of organists, Angus Crichton Stuart, on recently passing his Associate of the Royal College of Organist (ARCO) exams.
Services and other events
There is a service at Madingley every Sunday starting at 10:30am. The current pattern is for a service of Holy Communion each Sunday except for the second Sunday in the month when there is a service of Morning Prayer instead.
Please note, in particular, the following dates:
Saturday 13th September: Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride -we have supported this fund-raising effort to support local historic churches (as well as our own) over many years. This year Sue Pemberton and Elizabeth and Margy Seale will be taking part. Please sponsor them and sign up in church on Sunday mornings (or send a message to secretary@madingleychurch.org ). Half the money raised comes back to Madingley Church with the other half going to the Trust so that they can offer grants for repairs and restoration to Cambridgeshire’s historic churches.
Saturday 20th September: 9:30 - 12:30: Annual Maintenance Morning in the Churchyard: we invite members of the village community to join us to undertake various jobs that need tackling such as tidying grave spaces, removing ivy as appropriate, weeding/ sweeping paths and removing rubbish and dead branches. Do come along to help – this is particularly something that you may like to do if you have loved ones buried here. It is helpful if you can bring gloves, secateurs and a kneeling pad but there will be some tools to share. Elevenses will be served!
Sunday 21st September: 10:30am – Harvest Festival – a Holy Communion service of thanksgiving for the Harvest. A cash collection will be made for the ‘Church Urban Fund’ and gifts of non-perishable goods will be given to the Cambridge City Food Bank. (If you cannot attend the service, donations can be left in advance at 1, Old Wood Mill, Church Lane.)
Sunday 30th November at 10:30am: a joint service of Holy Communion for the first Sunday in Advent, with the congregation of St Andrew’s Girton, held here in Madingley. The preacher will be the Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, who is currently serving as the Acting Bishop of Ely.
Maintenance inside and outside the Church
Madingley Parochial Church Council is embarking on a further phase of necessary works to protect and care for our Grade 2* listed church. The building will be open throughout this period but, from time-to-time, you may find scaffolding erected and contractors at work. Work, mostly carried out this autumn, will include:
Repair to the churchyard drain which leads from the downpipe at the south-east corner of the Chancel.
Roofing Works, includes slating and tiling maintenance, external masonry repairs and the overhauling and decorating of rainwater goods. The works are in response to the Quinquennial Inspection carried out by the church architect earlier this year.
Conservation specialists, The Skillington Workshop, will be repairing and restoring The Royal Arms, a nationally significant monument, over the west door. The unicorn’s horn and other features that are missing will be replaced.
Treatment of moisture/algal growth in church
A first phase of interventions will take place during Spring 2026, with the aim of removing some excess moisture from the fabric of the building. Works include the poulticing of a saturated column, the removal of hard render surrounding the niches in the North Aisle and cleaning to remove algal growth.
Organ repairs
Repairs will include restoration work on the Leiblich flute pipes and repair of a silent pedal note. Bishops, the Organ Builders, have already started this work. This company originally built our organ in 1908 and have been caring for it ever since. It replaced an organ dating from 1720 which, according to Col Harding of Madingley Hall, made ‘sounds extremely distressful’. Col Harding gave our present organ as a thank-offering for ‘my son’s recovery from serious illness’.
Cleaning the church - helpers needed
Last, but not least, could you find a couple of hours, once every two months, to clean our church? All materials and equipment are provided for this essential and much valued contribution to the upkeep of our beautiful church. Please contact secretary@madingleychurch.org for further information. Thank you.
If you need to contact the Madingley Church Team you will find contact details in this Newsletter (see Village Contacts) or on the Madingley Church website: www.madingleychurch.org
Sue Baldwin
Madingley Church Secretary
VILLAGE HALL
Community Coffee Mornings: make a note for the first Saturday of each month, between 10 and 11:30am for a cup of tea or coffee and a choice of home-made cakes. An area is set out particularly for children with toys and games. This event has proved to be hugely popular so do drop in.
The summer months have seen the Hall typically quiet but regular bookings are re-starting from September.
Please note:
Sunday 14th September: the Cambridge Jane Austen Society meets in Madingley Village Hall at 7pm to hear a lecture given by Jill Ottman: 1816: The Year without a Summer – How a volcano rocked the Regency World. You are welcome to attend in person, or watch via Zoom in the comfort of your home, by contacting the Society in advance for a link janeaustencambridgegroup@gmail.com
Madingley Parish Council’s next meeting in the Hall is at 6pm on Thursday 25th September.
The Hall Trustees’ AGM is from 7pm on Thursday 14th October.
Thanks to the Parish Council for its support of the Hall and to those who help with setting up and changing the layout to suit the various users.
Please be in touch if we can help with an event for your family.
https://hallsforhire.org.uk/madingley-village-hall/
Chris Baldwin
Chairman and Bookings Secretary - Madingley Village Hall Trust
chrisbaldwin1000@gmail.com
CamShed @ Madingley Hall
We meet every Wednesday from 11 a.m. and you can find us just to the left as you walk out of the back of the Madingley Hall car park. Please pop in and see us and maybe help us out with our projects.
We are always ready to welcome new members who might want to join us to ‘converse, connect and create’. Let us know if you have a suggestion for a woodwork project to benefit the community.
Hope to see you soon!
Alex Barrett
alex.barrett1266@gmail.com
Cricket Club
The 1st team had a bit of a slump in June, not helped by opener Sid breaking his finger and missing all subsequent games. The game at Saffron Walden was abandoned due to rain with 1s in a strong position (244-6, and 12-2 in reply), and there followed home defeats to Burwell & Exning and Elmdon. Form picked up in July with strong wins against St Ives & Warboys and Little Shelford. The following two games were cancelled or abandoned due to rain. August has featured some strong results against Birchanger, Little Shelford and Burwell & Exning, with the only blot a last over defeat to Saffron Walden. At the time of writing there is one game remaining next weekend against Elmdon, with a 3rd place finish possible if results go the right way. DK currently has the most runs (352), including 105 not out, while Sid has the top score of 153 not out. Sanish currently has the most wickets with 21 and best of 4 for 19, while best bowling is Amit G with 5 for 20.
The 2nd team had mixed form in June, with a heavy defeat by Cam Kerala followed by a narrow defeat by Camden and a big win against Cambridge St Giles. July featured narrow defeats by Steeple Morden and Haslingfield followed by a heavy loss to Barrington. August started with 3 important wins against NCI, Steeple Morden and Camden before another heavy loss to Cam Kerala and a narrow defeat to Cambridge St Giles to finish the season just above the relegation places. Saqib scored the most runs (275) and best of 52, although DK had the best team score (117) followed by Ramesh (58). Rahul was top wicket-taker with 21, although Prashant was right behind him with 20 and best team bowling of 4 for 7.
The friendly team had their usual mixed season, with 4 wins, 3 defeats and one cancellation since the last report. Top run scorer was Samarth with 140, while Amit K took the most wickets with 9 and Musa had the best performance with 3 for 2.
Philip Done
Secretary
madingleycc@gmail.com
http://madingley.play-cricket.com/
https://www.facebook.com/madingleycc/
https://twitter.com/madingleycc
Madingley Hall
We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the final weeks of summer.
A season of growth and new beginnings
It’s been a joyful season at Madingley Hall, where learning and community continue to flourish and evolve. This summer marked a new chapter in our story. In July, we reintroduced ourselves as PACE, Professional and Continuing Education. This new name reflects our enduring belief that learning is not confined to one stage of life, but is a lifelong pursuit. Rooted in Cambridge’s tradition of excellence, PACE is a renewed commitment to making education accessible, inclusive, and transformative for learners everywhere. Learn more about the rebrand: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/new-name-new-chapter-lifelong-learning
Madingley Hall in full bloom
If you haven’t yet wandered through the gardens of Madingley Hall, now is the perfect time. The grounds are in full bloom, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to reflect. Whether you're enjoying a coffee at the Terrace Bar or indulging in afternoon tea, the Hall is a welcoming space for learners, families, and curious minds alike. It’s also available for conferences, weddings, and special events. Discover more:
https://www.madingleyhall.co.uk
A global summer of learning
This summer, our International Summer Programme welcomed students from over 65 countries- each bringing their own story, curiosity, and perspective. Together, they formed a vibrant global classroom, exploring subjects from literature to science, philosophy to politics. Planning for summer 2026 is already underway, with applications opening this December. Explore the programme: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type/international-summer-programme
Advance your learning with our Master's and postgraduate programmes
We’re delighted to share that applications open this month for our part-time Master’s degrees and postgraduate certificates and diplomas. These programmes are designed to fit around your life, offering the flexibility to study while balancing work, family, and other commitments. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, make a career change, or pursue a personal passion, our postgraduate options provide a rigorous and rewarding Cambridge education. With small class sizes, expert tutors, and a dynamic learning community, you’ll gain more than a qualification, you’ll join a network of lifelong learners. Explore our Master’s degrees and postgraduate courses to find the path that’s right for you: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type
Weekend courses at Madingley Hall
Our Weekend Courses for 2025–26 are now open for booking. These short, immersive experiences are available both residentially and non-residentially and invite you to dive into a subject you love or try something entirely new. Set in the historic surroundings of Madingley Hall, the next series begins on 17 October 2025. Browse the courses: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type/weekend-courses
Flexible learning, wherever you are
If you’re looking for flexibility, our online short courses offer the freedom to learn from anywhere, at any time. These 7-week programmes are designed to fit around your life, while still delivering the depth and quality you’d expect from Cambridge. You can pursue an interest, nurture a talent, or further your professional training. History buff? Budding writer? Considering a career pivot into coaching and want to see if that’s the right path for you? Our ever-growing portfolio has something for everyone. Find your course: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type/short-online-courses.
Life continues, so does learning.
Whether you’re joining us in person or online, we’re here to support your journey, wherever it leads. Wishing you a peaceful end to summer, and we hope to welcome you soon.
Ella Brooker
University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education
American Cemetery
The Visitor Center is closing temporarily in September so that we can replace the current exhibition with a new one. The rest of the cemetery will be open as usual.
Work is due to begin on Monday 15 September and will last into the autumn. Once the demolition is complete, our contractors will begin to install the new displays. Look out for details about the opening on our website: https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/about-cambridge-american-cemetery/
What were so many Americans doing in the United Kingdom during World War II? This fresh look not only covers their military role but explains the social changes that happened when over three million ‘Yanks' began sharing their culture with the locals!
Suzie Harrison
Interpretive Guide to the American Battle Monuments Commission, Cambridge American Cemetery and MOC
News from our Public Representatives
Ian Sollom MP
Before parliamentary recess and in the run up to the first anniversary of the 2024 general election, I spent time reflecting on the events of the year, the people I have met and supported, and my plans for the next year.
Particularly significant moments included seeing the Government U-turn on the Winter Fuel Allowance after months of campaigning; successfully lobbying for work coaches to be based in St Neots after raising this directly with the DWP meaning many local people no longer need to get to the Job Centre in Huntingdon; pushing the Government to provide free school meals for all children in families in receipt of Universal Credit; and securing new accommodation for a constituent who was living in appalling conditions for five years in a Places for People housing association property – although I recognise there are far more people who are continuing to have this issue, and my work on this is ongoing.
Healthcare
Improving access to NHS services was central to my election campaign, and over the past year I have visited a range of GP surgeries to understand what issues are holding them back from providing the best service they can. I have regularly made representations to our Integrated Care Board on behalf of local GPs, but without suitable funding from the Government, infrastructure and capacity issues cannot be resolved. Over the coming year, I will continue to push for a fair deal for our area – both for GPs and dentists. Residents must be able to access good care, quickly and easily, and our NHS must be in a state to serve our population for years to come.
Education
I am pleased to have visited every secondary school in the constituency, as well as many primary schools. I have also visited colleges, sixth forms and special schools that serve our area. I’ve met a range of staff and pupils and witnessed the great work that many of the schools are doing. However, they are continually struggling with funding, and the strain they are under to provide for children with SEND (Special educational needs and disability). I continue to work with the Liberal Democrats nationally to press the Government to increase funding for SEND provision, so that children get the education they deserve.
Representing Residents
I continue to hold regular in person and online surgeries, where I hear from residents about problems they face and where I can provide help.
Sometimes that has meant taking action in Parliament, such as hosting a debate on the failings of the Child Maintenance Service; proposing amendments to the upcoming Mental Health Bill on emergency placements for autistic people; fighting for recognition of those affected by the Infected Blood Scandal; and pressing the Education Secretary to improve standards of past papers for braillist students.
The Next Year...
While progress has been made, there is still work to do. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me over the past year, I do my best to deal with every message I receive and look forward to continuing to represent St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire.
Get in Touch
If you feel you have a problem I could help with, or you have a policy matter you would like to discuss with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ian.sollom.mp@parliament.uk to request a surgery appointment.
If you would like to receive regular updates on my work in the area, please sign up for my newsletter at www.iansollom.org/emails
Ian Sollom
Member of Parliament for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
County Councillor Christopher Morris
I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as County Councillor for the Division of Hardwick, and extremely grateful to all of those who’ve supported me over the last few months. It’s now my responsibility to demonstrate that the trust you’ve shown me is well placed, and to represent the residents of this wonderful community to the best of my ability.
I’m an entrepreneur by background, and am delighted to be living in South Cambridgeshire with my wife and children. This area is a collection of remarkable communities and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of them. I’ve spent my career to date in Climate Tech and Sustainability, running a number of companies and more recently supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs trying to solve some of the gravest challenges we face today through investment and specialist support. Like many I’ve become increasingly disillusioned by politics over the last few years – locally, nationally and across the world – and sincerely hope that together we can show that prosperity and compassion are not mutually exclusive and start to get people thinking positively again, not simply looking for the least bad option.
I’ll be attending meetings across the Division over the next few months and can’t wait to meet as many of you as possible in person.
County Council Annual Meeting
The County Council held its annual meeting on Tuesday May 20th. Lucy Nethsingha was re-elected as Leader of the Council, with Peter MacDonald becoming Chair and Lorna Dupré Deputy Leader.
The meeting appointed Chairs and Vice Chairs of its committees, and representatives to some of its major partners. Amongst other roles I am now a member of the Fire Authority and the Staffing & Appeals Committee.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Nethsingha drew attention to the ‘extraordinary challenges’ of the rising number of older people needing social care and of children with special needs and disabilities. She said the new Liberal Democrat administration will ‘make sure our council continues to be more caring and better connected and that Cambridgeshire continues to be a wonderful environment for all to thrive’.
Adults and Health - Pressures Ahead for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
NHS England has published what has been described as a ‘draft blueprint of the future model of ICBs’. These local boards are responsible for planning, funding, and commissioning NHS services for their local populations.
Spending per head by ICBs, which varies across the country from £49 to just under £21, will be cut to £18.76. Plans on how ICBs will meet this new target should have been submitted by 30 May.
There will also be a shift in the functions of ICBs, including to neighbourhood health providers. Boards were told in March they must cut their running costs by around half by October 2025 and to focus on reducing duplication when making cuts. Health minister Karin Smyth recently revealed that no impact assessment had been conducted of the decision to reduce ICB running costs.
Children and Young People - Schools Funding
The Cambridgeshire Schools Forum received a report on the final closing balance of maintained schools in the county (schools that are not academies).
The number of schools reporting a deficit revenue position at the end of 2024/25 has increased compared to previous years (37, compared to 31 a year earlier). The reasons for deficit budgets vary, but recurring themes include:
Falling rolls between October 23 and October 24.
Operation of unsustainable staffing structures compared to overall pupil
numbers.
Increase in staffing costs, not covered by funding uplifts.
Having to operate additional classes due to infant class size legislation.
Increasing cost pressures relating to SEND.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inspection
National inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last month published their report on provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the county.
The County Council and the NHS are jointly responsible for the planning and commissioning of these services as part of the Cambridgeshire Area SEND Partnership, for children and young people with SEND in Cambridgeshire. The partnership has been given the middle rating of three possible outcomes.
The inspectors highlighted several areas of good practice, including a clear and coherent strategy, the capacity to improve provision, and strong relationships across the partnership. It made five recommendations for improvement:
Improved timeliness and quality of Education Health & Care Plans.
Improved access and shorter waiting times for specialist mental health pathways and neurodevelopmental assessments.
Better opportunities for ‘co-production’ with children and young people with SEND, so their voices and views are more fully included.
Improved support for children and young people with SEND as they prepare for adulthood, especially in mainstream schools.
Better communication of the local area partnership’s offer, so that schools, services and families know about and understand what the area seeks to provide.
The council has already invested £500,000 to manage the increased demand for Education Health & Care Plans and approved a further £920,000 annual investment in February this year.
The full report is at https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50276860
Find Your Family in the Library
Did you know that Cambridgeshire Libraries give you access to Ancestry, the database where you can search millions of historical documents and genealogy resources, including the 1921 census? Ancestry is available at the County Council’s 33 libraries and is free to access with your library card.
Environment and Green Investing - Disposable Vapes Ban
From 1 June it will be illegal to sell or supply disposable vapes. The government ban is being introduced to tackle the impact of these items on the environment. It is also hoped the move will help cut the number of children and young people vaping. Retailers caught breaking the law in England face a minimum £200 fine, with a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. Trading Standards will be able to seize any single-use vapes they find. It is estimated that almost five million single- use vapes a week are either littered or thrown away in general waste in the UK.
Fire Service issues Battery Charging Safety Reminder
Charging batteries have caused six fires in homes across the county so far this year. Firefighters have been called to fires involving batteries being overcharged, resulting in thermal runaway from the lithium-ion contained in them and causing significant damage to people’s homes.
Meet Your Councillor - Parish Council Meetings
From June I will be attending several parish council meetings each month and will announce planned attendance in advance where possible.
Hardwick surgery
I plan to run regular surgeries and will communicate dates and locations for these in due course.
I can also be contacted ...
by email at christopher.morris@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
By post c/o Member Services, Cambridgeshire County Council, Box ALC2650,
New Shire Hall, Alconbury Weald, PE28 4YE
by phone on 01223 699 831
Cllr Christopher Morris
christopher.morris@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
From our District Councillors, Corinne Garvie and Richard Stobart
The end of the summer period has brought a number of new topics to the local government scene. A number of surveys will conclude shortly, while grant schemes have been extended into September. The process of local government reorganisation (LGR) continue with the submission of proposals at the end of November.
Buses and Transport
New bus fares are being introduced in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from Sunday 31st August 2025
There will continue to be same ticket types, but at slightly different prices. Multi-journey tickets will continue to offer great value with unlimited travel from just £3.21 a day. Highlights include:
• Half price Job Seeker single tickets will continue to be available across the network
• An Annual Student Pass provides unlimited travel from just £1.62 per day
• Children under five travel for free
Grant Applications - ‘Memorial’ Grant
On 30 July the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) updated the guidance on how to apply for a grant towards VAT on the construction, repair and maintenance of public memorials. Please check: https://tinyurl.com/3h57fsd6 . The Memorial Grant Scheme gives grants for work which took place on or after 16 March 2005. This is a UK-wide grant, available for memorials in any part of the UK (or overseas memorials in some circumstances). The grant scheme is managed by East Midlands Business Ltd on behalf of DCMS. If you have questions about the grant scheme or whether your memorial is eligible, please contact: grants@memorialgrant.org.uk for advice. The deadline for applications to be reviewed in this round is 30 September 2025.
‘Let’s Get South Cambridgeshire Active’ Grant
This grant which is open till March 2026 is for classes to be set up to get adults to be more active like exercise classes. If you know of a group of people who need to exercise, then this is the grant for them. Check the web page: https://tinyurl.com/3h57fsd6
‘Improving the High Street’ grant
The deadline for the Improving the High Street grant has been extended to Sunday 14 September. There is £90,000 worth of grant funding available to support projects that boost the heart of communities. Grants of between £5,000 to £20,000 per project are available to local businesses, charities, community groups and Parish Councils within the district. The scheme aims to improve the look of our high streets, promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally and attract more local businesses to the area. Find out with this link: https://tinyurl.com/5yszsatw.
Elections
The Government is saying local elections will take place in May 2026 even though District Councils will cease to exist in 2028 when the new Unitary Council will begin operations.
You will likely have seen the news that the respective leaders of SCDC and Cambridge City Council have written a joint letter supporting a “Great Cambridge” Unitary Council. Other options are under considerations and all the proposals from Cambridgeshire will be submitted together. The Government will select what the minister considers to be the best according to the criteria set out at the start of the process (which highlights service delivery and cost effectiveness as high priorities). There will be a full public consultation on the scheme proposed by the Government.
From here, there will be elections in May 2026 for a two year term for the District Council. In 2027, there will be elections for the new Unitary councillors who will then serve in a shadow administration.
SCDC Local Climate Action Conference 2025
South Cambridgeshire District Council will host its third climate conference in October, open to councillors, community groups, charities, and anyone interested in meeting the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Attendees will also have the opportunity to input into the upcoming SCDC Climate and Nature Strategy 2026-2030 and learn about different climate-friendly initiatives around the district. Further details to follow, including the agenda, speakers, and how to register.
• When: Friday 17 October 2025, 12pm - 5pm
• Where: Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington Ave, Cambridge CB3 1AA
Waste Services - New Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Website Launch
A new dedicated website for bins, recycling, and waste services across Greater Cambridge, serving both residential and business users, will be launched on 16th September. You can explore the new site beforehand at: https://tinyurl.com/4hkd35ju.
From 16th the new site will be accessible directly at www.greatercambridgewaste.org, or, for business users, www.greatercambridgewaste.org/business.
We encourage residents and businesses to begin using the new site before 16th and share their feedback via the links provided to enable improvements to be made.
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the website’s functionality or user experience, please email us at engage@scambs.gov.uk. A member of our team will review and action your feedback. Thank you for your support as we transition to this new and improved website for our waste service.
Award nomination for Greater Cambridge Shared Waste
We’re thrilled to report that our Greater Cambridge Shared Waste team has been nominated for a national award. The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) has revealed the finalists for its 2025 Celebration Awards. Our shared waste colleagues are nominated in the ‘Best new idea’ category for the way that we have implemented the four-day week within the waste service. We’ll be up against North Somerset Council, London with Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington and Waltham Forest, and South Staffordshire Council. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 8 October – so let’s keep our fingers crossed! And in the meantime, a huge well done to all our waste colleagues
South Cambs Council News:
Unity Centre, Northstowe
We’re pleased to report the construction progress of the Unity Centre over at Northstowe – captured in brilliant drone footage which shows our vision for a vibrant community hub taking shape. Once finished, the Unity Centre will offer a welcoming, versatile space for community activities, events, and essential services, and a place that will bring Northstowe residents together. Watch the drone footage at https://tinyurl.com/ywkbner9
Plaudits for Contact Centre
A mystery shopper exercise at the South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) Customer Contact Centre was recently carried out by an independent team of researchers by external provider Insight. The exercise involved 400 undisclosed calls made at various times during the Council’s busiest time of year (during the release of Council Tax bills). The calls tested the Contact Centre’s responsiveness, professionalism, and knowledge across a wide range of services. The results showed that 98% of the council’s advisors answered enquiries to a high standard with an average customer satisfaction score of 81% across all service areas compared to a benchmark score of 68% amongst other councils. An explanation of the mystery shopper process and more details of the findings can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/vvyk5kfb .
Housing achievements in the last year
£8.2 million (see https://tinyurl.com/36x2rtst ) has been secured to retrofit social housing in South Cambridgeshire, cutting carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty by making homes warmer and cheaper to heat. The news complements a long list of achievements for the District’s Housing Team (see https://tinyurl.com/5dzmasbh ) in the last year.
Planning - Government pulls funding for Cambridge wastewater plant relocation to Honey Hill
As you may have seen in the news over the last week, the Government funding to relocate the Anglian Water wastewater treatment plant has been withdrawn. We’re working with City Council colleagues to understand the impact on the proposed housing development in North East Cambridge. Cambridge City Council issued a news release which can be read on City web site (https://tinyurl.com/u9zed7tz )
Further consultation on Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document
Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP) is reconsulting on the draft Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). (See https://tinyurl.com/65kc4hws ) in response to feedback from an initial consultation held between November 2024 and January 2025.
The SPD provides detailed guidance on how planning obligations, also known as Section 106 contributions, will be used to mitigate the impact of new developments across Greater Cambridge. The SPD outlines when developers might need to make these contributions and what they could involve. Examples of this may include affordable homes, better transport options like cycle paths or bus improvements, and protecting nature by improving habitats and planting more greenery.
The feedback gathered during the consultation will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the Supplementary Planning Document.
• Comments can be made on the SPD between 9am on Friday 22 August and 5pm on Friday 17 October 2025.
• To read the updated draft SPD and to find out how to submit your comments, visit: https://tinyurl.com/65kc4hws
• The councils are also holding in-person and online consultation events during the consultation period. These events are an opportunity to connect with Planning Officers, share your thoughts, and find out more about the SPD out for consultation.
Updates from Government - Parents reminded to register for Tax-Free Childcare
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging working families to save money by signing up to Tax-Free Childcare and using one of the thousands of facilities accepting it as payment. (See https://tinyurl.com/srkfrrfp )
Tax-Free Childcare means working families can save up to £2,000 annually for each child up to the age of 11, and £4,000 for a disabled child up to the age of 16, when they’re paying for their childcare.
There are now 75,000 childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare as payment including nurseries, registered childminders, holiday activity clubs and, for when school starts back in September, before and after school clubs.
Families yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare (see https://tinyurl.com/5742t6c7 ) can do it now to pay for their summer activities or start paying into it ready for breakfast and after-school clubs when the new term starts.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused payments can be withdrawn at any time.
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it up by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.
Parents are encouraged to visit https://www.gov.uk/ to check eligibility and register for tax-free childcare.
If you have questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by email or phone.
Cllr Corinne Garvie: 07780 932267, cllr.garvie@scambs.gov.uk
Cllr Richard Stobart: 07950 934793, cllr.stobart@scambs.gov.uk
Local Events, Activities and Engagement
What’s on in South Cambridgeshire?
This is a website first launched in 2021 giving information on local events, places to eat and drink, markets, volunteering (e.g. on Coton Reserve), etc.
https://visitsouthcambs.co.uk/what-s-on
‘The Library Presents’
is a programme of arts activities, online and in locations around Cambridgeshire (some free) run by Cambridgeshire County Council. There is something for all ages across a range of art forms including; music, drama, art, dance, storytelling, comedy, puppetry, and magic. Bringing arts activities to locations across Cambridgeshire
Brochures and tickets are available in Public libraries, or visit www.library.live/the-library-presents
Useful Household Information
Bin Collections
Madingley collections are generally on Thursdays
https://www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling-and-bins/find-your-household-bin-collection-day
Royal Mail Collection times
Pillar box near Madingley Hall Gate
Monday to Friday: 9:00am
Saturday: 7:00am
Small box near No. 31, High Street
Disappointingly, Royal Mail has taken the decision not to replace this stolen box despite the best efforts of the Parish Council and District Councillors to convince the company that it had been an asset to residents.
Bus Times between Madingley and Cambridge
Dews Coaches No. 8
https://dews-coaches.com/local-bus-service.php
(No service on Sundays or public holidays.)
Monday to Saturday (Outbound)
Madingley (The High Street, next to the painted village sign) to
Cambridge (Drummer St, Bay 3, via Coton, Madingley Rd and Bridge St)
10:03, 11:33, 15:03
Monday to Saturday (Inbound)
Cambridge (Drummer St, Bay 3) to Madingley (the High Street, near the village hall)
10:30, 13:00,16:30
Stagecoach East, PR1
PR1 is mainly a service from the Madingley Park & Ride into Cambridge. There is a regular service between Bay 3 of the P&R and St Andrew St (Stop S1): outbound from the P&R between 7:00 and 20:10; inbound from St Andrews St between 7:20 and 20:30. (Free travel for holders of bus passes is only available after 9:30.) Madingley itself is served in addition by a single bus in the morning and evening!
Monday to Friday (Outbound)
Madingley (Opposite Park Lane and then by the painted village sign) to
Cambridge (St Andrews St, Stop S1) via Madingley Park & Ride (Bay 3) and Bridge St
7:15 only
Monday to Friday (Inbound)
18:00 Cambridge (St Andrews St, Stop S1)
18:15 P&R (Bay 3)
arrives Madingley 18:20
Stagecoach East, no. 4 (Cambourne to Cambridge)
Please check this website for bus times:
https://bustimes.org/services/4-drummer-st-bus-station-bay-10-lower-cambourne-wo
A regular service, the inbound bus leaves from Drummer St, Bay 10 but the outbound bus usually arrives at Emmanuel St, Stop E5.
Whippet Coaches, X3 (Huntingdon to Addenbrookes)
Please check this website for bus times, Monday - Sunday:
https://bustimes.org/services/x3-huntingdon-addenbrookes
Madingley (request stop opposite Madingley Mulch, ‘Coton Inglewood’) to Addenbrooke’s, via Madingley Rd, Queen’s Rd, The Railway Sation (Bay 2), Hill’s Rd, Long Rd. Journey time is 33 minutes (but allow 50 minutes during peak periods)
Note: Inbound buses collect from the Railway Station (Stop 8) and Drummer St (Bay 3). Instead of using Queen St, they reach Madingley Rd via Bridge St and Magdalene St.
Whippet Coaches, U1 and U2
Please check these websites for bus times:
https://bustimes.org/services/u1-girton-corner-biomedical-campus
https://bustimes.org/services/u2-eddington-biomedical-campus
Both buses pick up from the stop on the east side of the Park & Ride, on Eddington Avenue, and run approximately every thirty or forty minutes on weekdays - (less often, and reduced hours, at weekends) - via the West Cambridge Site, Grange Rd, Silver Street and the railway station to Cambridge Biomedical Campus (including Addenbrooke’s) and return the same way to the Park & Ride. The U1 route to Silver St is via Grange Rd, West Rd and Queens Rd; the U2 route to Silver St is via Grange Rd, Barton Rd and Newnham Rd.
(Allow about 35 minutes for the ride to Addenbrookes. The website provides a map of the route with bus stops.)
Please see www.whippetbus.co.uk/service-updates for service updates and details of cancelled journeys