Highly antique-cipated show comes to Cambridge

British journalist, newsreader and television presenter Fiona Bruce welcomed guests to Anglesey Abbey in Cambridge for the 2024 Christmas episode of Antiques Roadshow. Bruce was joined by pictures expert, Frances Christie and Joanna Hardy in the programme which aired yesterday (22/12). Anglesey Abbey property curator, Roisin Rampley stated: “It is wonderful to see the house and collection showcased on the Antiques Roadshow. The treasures featured provide just a taster of the many significant and beautiful pieces in the collection”. The show featured some items from the collection, including: a 16th century Saxon atlas, a jewelled Pagoda clock and a silver-gilt shield of Achilles.

Want to go the extra mile? Et Voi-là!

Too tyred to walk it? Well, plans have been made to expand the boundaries for where people can pick up Voi scooters and e-bikes in Cambridge. The increase will make it possible to travel along the Histon to Girton link and get to Barton Road. Additionally, 200 new e-bikes will also be trialled which are reportedly lighter, lower and easier to manoeuvre compared to your standard Voi bike. Further expansion is expected to be rolled out in phases throughout 2025.

Starmer spotted in Cambs

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited a Cambridgeshire construction site as government reforms to permit more building on the green belt, with the PM saying that providing homes for people should be a “top priority” over nature and environment. New mandatory targets for house building have tasked councils with delivering 370,000 homes a year in England. Cambridge has been told to build 1,135 homes annually, rising from an initial target of 1,068 announced earlier this year. In total, 5,802 new homes a year are expected to be built in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Cambridge City Food Bank breaks record hamper donations

This Christmas period, the Cambridge City Food Bank received a record number of hampers, seeing more than 1,000 collections of food, hygiene products and treats donated. The food bank has been operating the hamper appeal for a decade now, this being their tenth year running. The hampers will be donated to those struggling by the food bank’s partner agencies in hopes of brightening up the festive season. The charity itself has seen dramatic growth in the last 12 months, issuing 17,500 food parcels this year, an 18% increase from last year.