💬 This week from the Spotlight Team!

Hello, Cambridgeshire!

With the sunshine finally showing up and the scent of barbecues in the air, we’re leaning into the best bits of late May. This week’s issue brings you stories that don’t always make the front page—but they should. From people doing brilliant things in their corners of the county, to local businesses flying under the radar, there’s plenty to celebrate.

We’re kicking things off with a round-up of local happenings that might’ve slipped past your news feed but are well worth a look. Small town gems, green-fingered projects, a proper good chicken recipe—consider this your catch-up with the county.

Let’s get stuck in.

Interesting Local Events & Happenings...

🧘‍♀️ Chair Yoga in Leverington

Join a gentle chair yoga session at Leverington Village Hall, designed for those seeking a low-impact way to improve flexibility and well-being. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to ease into yoga.AllEvents

• Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: Leverington Village Hall, Wisbech

• Admission: £5 per session

🧶 Yarn Bombing in Ely

Ely's city centre has been adorned with vibrant yarn installations, thanks to a group of local knitters aiming to bring joy to residents and visitors alike. These handcrafted pieces, ranging from knitted flowers to playful characters, have been strategically placed around the city to surprise and delight passersby. The initiative not only showcases the artistic talents of the community but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among Ely's residents.

🌾 Cambridgeshire County Show

Experience a traditional county show with roots in farming and local produce. Enjoy livestock competitions, fairground rides, dog shows, live music, and more at the Abbots Ripton Estate.

• Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Location: Abbots Ripton Estate, Huntingdon

• Admission: Adults £7.50, Concessions £5.00, Under 12s Free

🏡 Explore the History of Gardening in Cambridgeshire

Delve into the rich history of gardening in the region with a talk hosted by the Histon & Impington Village Society. Discover how gardening practices have evolved over the centuries.Eventbrite

• Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM

• Location: Impington Village College

• Admission: £3 for non-members

🐾 Pet Dog Show at Ben's Yard

Bring your furry friends to compete in friendly classes and enjoy a tail-wagging good time. A fun-filled event for dog lovers and families alike.Ben's Yard

• Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025

• Time: 11:00 AM

• Location: Ben's Yard, Ely

• Admission: Free

🌳 Wild in the Woods: Family Pond Dip and Adventure Walk

Join Becca Badger for an adventurous stroll around Cambourne Nature Reserve, including pond dipping and fun challenges along the way. Ideal for families with children aged 7-11.familiesonline.co.uk+1

• Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Cambourne Nature Reserve

• Admission: £4 per child

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Cambridge Nature Festival 2025

• Date: Sunday, 25 May – Monday, 30 June 2025

• Location: Various locations around Cambridge

• Details: A celebration of nature on your doorstep, the Cambridge Nature Festival returns with over 100 nature-based activities and events, including BioBlitzes, guided nature walks, boat trips, wildlife ID workshops, art installations, talks, and more.

Cambridge University Energy Network Conference

• Date: Friday, 30 May 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM

• Location: University of Cambridge Judge Business School

• Details: A conference focusing on energy networks and sustainability, bringing together experts and academics to discuss the future of energy.

Carlos Santana Tribute Concert

• Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM

• Location: The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon

• Details: Enjoy a night of Latin rock with a tribute to Carlos Santana, featuring classic hits and vibrant performances

Bluebell Walk - Paint, Sip and Relax

• Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025

• Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Location: The Plough and Harrow, Littleport

• Details: An afternoon of painting inspired by bluebell woods, accompanied by a glass of wine or soft drink. Suitable for all skill levels

🏰 St Ives

 St Ives Antiques Fair

• Dates: Sunday, 25 May – Monday, 26 May 2025

• Location: St Ives (Cambs)

• Details: A fair packed full of expert dealers offering a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

Model Railway Exhibition

• Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025

• Location: March, Cambridgeshire

• Details: An exhibition showcasing model railway layouts, suitable for enthusiasts and families alike.

🍜 A Night at The Forum House, Great Shelford

I didn’t expect to be surprised by a Chinese restaurant tucked behind a Co-op in Great Shelford. But then again, The Forum House doesn’t do what’s expected.

It’s been quietly run for years by Jackie Wan, who you’ll likely find in the kitchen himself, apron on, sleeves up. He trained in Hong Kong, cooked in some swish London hotels, and then decided he preferred a place where he could actually talk to the people eating his food.

The place has that slightly faded charm of a long-loved local – no frills, no big fanfare – just good food and a steady crowd of loyal diners. It’s not pretending to be ‘contemporary pan-Asian’ or any of that. It’s Cantonese food the way it should be: fresh, balanced, done properly.

We started with crispy aromatic duck – which, let’s be honest, can be wildly hit or miss in this country – but here it was bang on. Shreds of meat with proper depth, pancakes that didn’t taste like cardboard, and cucumber slices cut so neat you’d think Jackie used a ruler.

The sizzling beef in black bean sauce came out next, still audibly crackling, and the greens on the side were clearly just flash-fried – none of that soggy buffet nonsense.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed, where the staff are calm and everything is a little old-school in the best way. There’s a sense that Jackie really cares – not just about the food but about the reputation of the place, which you can tell from how clean the kitchen is when you catch a glimpse through the door.

There’s nothing flashy here, no Instagrammable plates or gimmicky cocktails. Just honest food, made by someone who takes pride in it.

If you’re in the area and fancy something proper, skip the chain restaurants and give The Forum House a go. You’ll probably end up going back. I did.

Local Hero: Mary from the Parkrun

If you’re ever near Milton Country Park on the last Saturday of the month, you’ll spot her. Short blonde hair, a warm grin, probably in trainers. That’s Mary Twitchett—nurse, marathoner, and the heartbeat behind Cambridgeshire’s “5K Your Way” crew.

Mary isn’t one to make a fuss. But if you ask anyone who's shown up nervous and alone to one of these runs, hoping to find a bit of normal after a cancer diagnosis, they’ll tell you: she’s the reason they came back.

You see, Mary’s run her own races—not just on the track, but through two separate cancer diagnoses. And instead of quietly getting on with recovery, she’s used every mile of that journey to make space for others. She co-founded “5K Your Way” so people affected by cancer—patients, survivors, families—could get moving, together. No pressure. No finish times. Just moving forward, literally and emotionally.

She walks when people need to walk. Runs when people feel ready. And always, always checks in with a quiet, “How are you doing,really?”

People open up to Mary, not because she’s a nurse (though she is, and a brilliant one), but because she listens without trying to fix. She understands the ache of starting over. The fear. The fatigue. The small wins.

So when she was given the Community Hero award last month, nobody in the group was surprised. They just clapped harder. Because while Mary doesn’t do what she does for applause, we all know how much she’s held people up—mile after mile.

Some people lead from the front. Mary runs alongside you. And in Cambridgeshire, that makes her one of the true greats.

🔧 Local Business Spotlight: Butlers Auto – The Little Garage That Could

Tucked away on a quiet street near Ely,  Butlers Auto Electrical doesn’t look much different from any other family-run garage.

There’s the clank of tools, the faint smell of oil, and a kettle that always seems to be on. But walk inside and you’ll realise this isn’t just any garage—it’s a workshop thinking two steps ahead.

Butlers has been sorting out electrics in cars since before most of us knew what a hybrid was. Now, with the rise of electric vehicles, they’ve quietly become one of the few places in the county that can actually diagnose, repair, and understand what’s going on under the bonnet of an EV.

It wasn’t flashy. No big rebrand. No marketing jargon. Just Gary Butler (yes, there is a real Butler) deciding that if cars were changing, his business needed to change too.

He started small—upskilling his team, buying one piece of kit at a time—and then something clicked. Local EV owners started turning up. Word spread. Then came a grant from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to help modernise their digital bookings and service tech.

Now, they’ve got farmers pulling up in electric pick-ups and city commuters rolling in with Teslas—and the team at Butlers welcomes them all the same way they always have: by listening, fixing, and being straight with you.

There’s something comforting about a business that grows not by shouting the loudest, but by quietly getting things right. In a world of big promises, Butlers is still the kind of place where your mechanic knows your name, and the future is being built one repair at a time.

🍗 BBQ Recipe: Lemon, Thyme & Honey Chicken Thighs

Bright, zesty and just sweet enough—this is BBQ chicken that feels like spring on a plate.

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 2 tbsp runny honey

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• A handful of fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked

• Sea salt and black pepper

• Optional: a splash of white wine or cider vinegar for extra tang

🔪 Method

1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, honey, olive oil, mustard, garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit more bite, add a splash of vinegar.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large dish or freezer bag, pour over the marinade, and rub in well. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours—overnight if you’ve got time.

3. Fire up the BBQ: Heat to medium, making sure you’ve got a cooler side for indirect cooking. Shake off excess marinade and place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat for 4–5 mins to get that golden char.

4. Cook through gently: Move the thighs to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for another 20–25 mins, turning occasionally, until juices run clear and skin is crispy.

5. Serve: Let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra thyme, and serve with grilled asparagus, baby potatoes, or a punchy herby slaw.

🏠 Couple Ordered to Demolish £500k Home in Great Abington

A couple in Great Abington has been ordered to demolish their £500,000 home after a planning inspector found they had built a residential property instead of the approved stallion semen laboratory. The enforcement notice requires the demolition to be completed by May 6, 2026.

EMG Kia Cambridge, located at 379–381 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1SR. This dealership is facing potential closure in September 2025 due to the North-East Cambridge Area Action Plan, which aims to redevelop the area into a new district. The closure puts approximately 60 jobs at risk. The owners have proposed relocating the dealership to Ely Road, but this plan has encountered objections from local residents concerned about increased traffic and disruption.

🏛️ King's College Cambridge Divests from Arms Companies

King's College at the University of Cambridge has announced it will divest from companies that produce military and nuclear weapons, following student protests. The college's governing body voted to adopt a new responsible investment policy to align with the values of its community.

Tip of The Week

Explore the beautiful university city of Cambridge by punting along the River Cam – the perfect way to relax and see the stunning architecture from a unique perspective.

Here is a rapid sporting roundup if your sport is not featured this week or you would like it to be included please get in touch.

• ⚽ Cambridge United Relegated After Final-Day Defeat

  Cambridge United concluded their League One season with a 2–1 home defeat to champions Birmingham City on 3 May 2025. A late own goal by Kelland Watts sealed the U's fate, confirming their relegation after a challenging campaign. The match also marked the final professional appearance of Birmingham's Lukas Jutkiewicz, who played a pivotal role in the winning goal.

🏉 Cambridge Rugby Club Suffers Heavy Loss to Bedford Blues

On 19 May 2025, Cambridge Rugby Club endured a tough 73–15 defeat at home against Bedford Blues in the RFU Championship. The result highlighted the challenges faced by the team this season as they look to regroup and prepare for upcoming fixtures.

🚣‍♀️ Cambridge University Boat Club Shines at BUCS Regatta

Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) showcased their prowess at the BUCS Regatta held from 3–5 May 2025, securing three medals across various events. The regatta also marked the debut of CUBC's 2025 Development Squads, indicating a promising future for the club.

🏃‍♂️ Record-Breaking Performances at Cambridgeshire County Championships

The Cambridgeshire Track and Field County Championships on 10 May 2025 witnessed standout performances, notably from Samuel Clarke, who set a new championship best in the Senior Men's 400m hurdles with a time of 51.02 seconds. Leah Wagstaff also impressed by breaking a decade-old record in the U20 Women's 100m hurdles, finishing in 14.21 seconds.

⚽ Cambridge City FC Secures Victory Over Basildon United

Cambridge City FC achieved a 1–0 away win against Basildon United in the Isthmian League Division One North. The victory adds momentum to their campaign as they aim for a strong finish to the season.

Nominate Your Favourite Local Business

Do you have a favourite business in Cambridgeshire that deserves to be celebrated? We want to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses that make our community special! Whether it’s a cosy cafe, a dedicated service provider, or a unique boutique, we want to hear about it.

Submit your nominations for our "Local Business Spotlight" section in The Cambridgeshire Spotlight! Help us recognize the businesses that bring energy, creativity, and warmth to Cambridgeshire. Tell us what makes them exceptional and why they deserve the spotlight!

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Do You Know Someone In Cambridgeshire Who's Making A Difference?

Here’s your chance to celebrate them! Whether it’s a friend, neighbour, teacher, or local hero, we want to feature their story in the "Local Hero Shout Outs" section of The Cambridgeshire Spotlight! Submit your nominations, share inspiring stories, and help us recognise the amazing people who make Cambridgeshire the place we all love living in.

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