Punting to resume as early as 12 April 

In light of the four-step lockdown roadmap announced earlier last month (22/02), outdoor hospitality activities like punting could resume activities as soon as 12 April under Stage 2. 

Two punting companies in Cambridge – The Cambridge Punt Company and Scudamore’s – have announced plans to resume operations after lockdown ends and are already accepting bookings. 

Residents and visitors of Cambridge can look forward to taking punting trips along the River Cam once again, with measures such as screens between seats and sanitisation of equipment in place to allow for a Covid-safe experience.

Joanna Ball, Bookings Manager of the Cambridge Punt Company, said that she thinks “the general public will be delighted to have more entertainment than going for a walk, run or bike ride on offer.”

No such thing as ‘too early’ - Cambridge pub receives reservation for Boxing Day 

Pubs with outdoor seating can also expect to resume services as soon as 12 April, with indoor seating allowed as early as 17 May. 

The reopening of pubs has indeed been exciting news for many. Following the announcement of the planned lifting of lockdown, pubs have already started to receive reservations. The White Swan, a pub located in Conington, Cambridge, has even received a booking for Boxing Day.

The easing of lockdown restrictions also comes as good news for business owners. 

Speaking to CambridgeshireLive, Neil Humphreys, who runs The White Swan with his wife, expressed his delight and expectations for business returning back to normal with the end of lockdown. Commenting on the Boxing Day booking, Humphreys said it was a positive sign after “several months of doom and gloom.”

From Cambridge to France - Members of Jesus College run to raise funds for Alzheimer research 

Jesus College is taking part in a one-month virtual fundraising event, ‘Run Everyone’, to raise funds for the charity organisation, Alzheimer Research UK.

Students, staff and fellows of Jesus College are involved in this fundraising effort. As of the end of last week (7/03), participating members of Jesus College ran a total distance equivalent to that between Cambridge and France. 

Jesus’ ‘Run Everyone’ team  hope to raise £1000 by the end of the month. 

Seven-year-old raises over £7,000 for Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT)

Seven-year-old Isla has started a fundraising campaign, 'The Giza Pyramid Virtual Challenge’, for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), a charity organisation that helps fund operations and research at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals. 

Isla will be riding her tricycle over a distance of 46 miles, an equivalent distance to travelling through the city of Cairo to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Egypt. Isla explained that she had been learning about Egypt in school and wanted to combine her classroom knowledge with her fundraising campaign. 

Isla has a rare condition called Freeman Sheldon Syndrome. She hopes to raise funds for the hospital staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital that have been taking care of her since birth and after her operations. 

‘The Giza Pyramid Virtual Challenge’ has raised over £7000 so far, exceeding the original goal of £500.