Community updates from across Cambridge
Garden designer scoops award hattrick at RHS show
A garden that turns the sound of rainfall into music, which was previewed in the July issue of Cambridge Edition, has won three major awards at the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show.
Designer of The Rhythm of Rainwater, Anthony Purdy from Cambridgeshire-based AP Design Studio, said: “We are completely overwhelmed to not only win a gold medal, but also Best Grow Forward Garden and Best Construction on our very first show garden. If this inspires even a handful of people to harvest their own rainwater, it’s done exactly what we set out to do.”
High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire visits Woodgreen charity
Francis Burkitt DL, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, has toured Woodgreen Pets Charity’s Godmanchester headquarters to hear about its work in keeping pets and people together through in-community support and care, as well as to meet the cats, dogs and small animals at the centre looking for loving new homes.
Accompanied by Woodgreen’s CEO Rohan Putter, he toured the charity’s onsite veterinary clinic, met in-house training, behaviour and care teams and enjoyed exclusive access to the set of Channel 4’s The Dog House.
During the visit, the High Sheriff presented Certificates of Appreciation to Woodgreen volunteers Jennie Arnold and Stephen Powell (pictured) in recognition of their dedicated service and valued contribution to the community.
Woodgreen recently celebrated the opening of its expanded charity shop at 4 Station Road in St Ives with a special community event.
Cambridge team prepares for charity Paris run
Five locals are running a relay from London to Paris, raising money for Samaritans and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.
All members of HI Runners running club based at Histon & Impington – Alex, Adrian, Harry, Mike and Tim – they will set off from London on 10 September and finish under the Eiffel Tower on 13 September, taking turns to run roughly a half marathon (13 miles) each daily.
With their 260-mile-combined challenge, they are hoping to raise more than £2,000 for the Samaritans and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.
The intrepid runners can be sponsored at run2events.com/fundraisers/hirunners
Glasswells celebrates 80 years with glittering anniversary gala
Staff from all four Glasswells stores and its warehouses, alongside retired employees and members of the Glasswell family, gathered together on 18 July to celebrate the company’s 80th anniversary at a special gala hosted at the Glasswells Home Department Store on Newmarket Road.
It is eight decades since Jerry and Ethel Glasswell opened their first 500 sq ft shop in Brentgovel Street in 1946. From those modest beginnings, the family business has grown into one of Suffolk’s best-known home furnishing retailers.
Featuring food, entertainment and live music from Aston Band (pictured), the gala celebrated the company’s remarkable history and, most importantly, the employees who have helped shape Glasswells over the past 80 years.
Among the team members recognised on the night was Brian Bugg, furniture manager at the Bury St Edmunds store, who received a special Supernova Award in recognition of his 43-year-long career.
The company’s 80th anniversary celebrations continue throughout 2026.
Date for your diary
6 SEPTEMBER
Trek 24 Cambridgeshire
Trek 24 miles, 24km or 2.4 miles through the scenic landscapes surrounding Cambridge, taking in the historic charm of the city and its picturesque countryside – and it’s all in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance’s invaluable work. Find out more and book tickets at eaaa.org.uk/support-us/events/trek-24/cambridgeshire
News in brief
Cambs father’s 100k challenge
In memory of his son, David Radcliffe from Isleham is taking on the South Coast Ultra Challenge on 5-6 September to raise money for Just George, a fund supporting childhood cancer research through CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association. He hopes his challenge will help fund research into rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Donate at justgiving.com/page/david-radcliffe-5
Biodiversity funding
Cambridge Water has officially launched Pebble 2026, an initiative in which schools, charities, community groups, environmental organisations and local conservation projects are invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help protect and enhance biodiversity across the region. To find out more about the fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit cambridge-water.co.uk/PEBBLE
Did you know?
Wimpole Estate has claimed third place in a list of the top family-friendly walks in the UK, following analysis of online reviews by photo printing company Cewe. With 948 family reviews, the estate carries a 4.6-star rating, with 11,900 Instagram hashtags, 9,700 TikTok views and 7,738 total reviews.
Fundraising walk success
Cambridgeshire-based cancer fundraising charity The Malcolm Whales Foundation has revealed that more than 500 participants have raised in excess of £180,000 in its annual Dorset Walk, covering 40 miles of the Jurassic Coast over three days. Read about the charity at tmwf.co.uk