A recap of the sunflower competition results, an opportunity for a Christmas advent calendar, a winter competition and news from the Birdbox Gallery.  Download here.

It's September and the competition has come to a close.  The list of winners can be found here and on the noticeboards.  There were quite a few entries but lots of prizes to go around.  Congratulations to everyone who entered and, to those that grew plants but didn't enter, thanks for the show you put on.  It's been great to look at.

Our July edition is now available to download.

It contains information on how to enter the sunflower competition, plus news on the Coleridge Community food hub and the library. 

Obviously, we've had to postpone events.  We will make sure we have them when it's deemed safe to do so.

A message from Roger and Sarah Healy-Dilkes, Coordinators of the Bird Box Gallery:

The Bird Box Gallery is a local initiative open to all residents in the Birdwood Area of Cambridge and beyond to exhibit all types of creative work. Located in our front garden on Saint Thomas’s Square, the ‘Bird Box’ has already exhibited 5 artists' work during lockdown.

All work must be no more than 250mm wide x 250mm height x 12mm deep. The gallery is located in the front garden hedge and can be seen by anyone passing by.

There are no themes, preferences or types of work we favour and we just want to show as many people's creative work as possible. All ages and levels of experience are truly welcome. If you supply us with work we will present it in the gallery and place your work on the Instagram page: Birdbox_gallery.  

​If you are interested please direct message us via the instagram page  or email us at birdboxgallery@gmail.com.

Camcab TAXI
If you are 70 or over and in need of groceries then Camcab are here to help! They will transfer your groceries from the supermarket to your doorstep. This service is free of charge during this difficult time.
Tel: 704704

Panther Taxis will collect your “click and collect” online shopping from Tesco Milton and Tesco Newmarket Road and drop it at your door, charging the standard metered rate. 
Tel: 715715.

For fresh bread deliveries, Stir Cambridge offers a bread subscription service with bike powered delivery on Thursday mornings.  Sign up by Monday for a Thursday delivery.

Radmore Farm Shop delivers at least twice a week by van around the city so you can shop online for meat, baked goods, fruit, veg and salad, dairy and pantry items, drinks, snacks and more.

If you have Facebook it might be worth joining the group: “Cambridgeshire coronavirus mutual aid” and posting if you need help with something.  Or, of course, if you can help with anything.

We were thinking how we could help our neighbourhood and especially our people in vulnerable groups to come through this epidemic. We’ve adapted an idea that started in Cornwall and has spread as far as Australia.
 
If every resident in our area gave contact details to four (or more) immediate neighbours, we would create a network that could help those self-isolating – be they single people, pensioners, families – basically anyone who might need help. Of course, there will need to be some limits in order to keep everybody safe.
 
We think that the most useful might be doing some shopping, but people could volunteer to be a voice at the end of the phone for people who are alone – two weeks or more – with only your own company might be a strain – as could two weeks with only the family for company!
 
But do remember to keep safe. If you volunteer to do shopping, leave it at the door. The money and shopping list should be posted through your door or left outside for you to pick up – avoiding theft by organising timings! Avoid physical contact – keep 2 metres distance. We’ve suggested also that you don’t put your full postal address with your other details. If you can’t help, because you too are self-isolating or ill – you may be able to pass them on to one of your contacts who can.
 
We’ve also heard of another idea which is tying a scarf or tie to your door handle if you can't go out but need help. Please look out for these in your area. And you may need to pay by cash so it would be useful if you could make sure you have enough to tide you over.
 
We’ve produced a template that you could use to post through your neighbours’ doors – or hand to them personally while we have no local cases. 
_________________________________________________________________
 
If you need help in the coming epidemic, I may be able to help:
 
Name (either first name only or full name)
 
Not your full postal address – just the road you live in
 
Phone number – This is important as many older people do not have access to the internet
 
Email address – optional but helpful
 
I can do shopping
I can be at the end of a phone
I can post your mail
I can collect prescriptions

Wine tasting – 7pm on 20th February at 52 Birdwood Rd.
There are only 12 places so book yours early. It’s a fun occasion and a chance to talk to neighbours in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Environment and Cream tea – 20th June (morning)
Three or four short talks about improving and preserving our local environment – gardening, tree-planting, local wildlife habitats, ways of improving sustainability, followed by our AGM.  We have some interesting speakers lined up and a free cream tea too. Thinking about climate change? Then come along.

Sunflower Competition – with prizes

Read more - Newsletter 26 is now available to download.