💬 Hello from the Spotlight

Welcome back! As April winds down, we're bringing you the latest from across Cambridgeshire. From literary festivals to local legends, here's what's happening in your community this week.

🌟 Community Spotlight: From Swavesey to Spurs — and a Whole Lot of Heart

Sean Papworth didn’t just run 60 miles. He ran for every hug he still gets to give his kids.

Swavesey dad-of-three Sean is the kind of person you’d pass on the school run or in the Co-op queue — smiley, grounded, and quietly remarkable. But 20 years ago, life threw him a curveball: testicular cancer.

Thanks to the care and compassion of staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Sean came through it. And he never forgot it.

This year, to mark two decades since that diagnosis, Sean ran — literally — from his home in Swavesey all the way to the gates of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Sixty miles. In one go. Every step was a thank-you. To the nurses, the surgeons, the researchers. To the system that saved him.

He raised money (thousands, actually) to help others get the same chance he did. And along the way? He inspired everyone watching — from kids in the village to strangers tracking him online.

“I don’t take a single step for granted,” Sean told the world.
“So this run? It was about showing what a second chance can look like.”

If you want to support Sean’s cause — or just give him a virtual high five — we’ve linked his fundraiser in our socials this week. 🏃‍♂️💛

Ben’s Yard: Where a Trip to the Shops Feels Like a Day Out

You don’t expect to find a boutique shopping village tucked into the Cambridgeshire countryside. But then you arrive at Ben’s Yard, just outside Ely, and everything slows down a little.

First you spot the wooden signpost, then the wildflower borders, and then—yep, an actual cathedral-shaped adventure playground. Kids squeal, coffee cups clink, and there’s that low, peaceful buzz of people wandering... without rushing.

Ben’s Yard isn’t big. But it’s beautifully done. There’s a curated row of shops — think artisan homeware, handmade jewellery, and local gifts that don’t feel naff. The café smells like sourdough and fresh herbs, and the terrace catches the sun just right.

It’s not just about shopping. It’s a space that feels intentional — like someone designed it with real people in mind. People who like browsing. Sitting. Breathing a bit deeper than they do in town.

One woman next to me said it best, tucking a paper bag under her arm:

“I only popped in for olive oil. That was two hours ago.”

​

🐊 Johnsons of Old Hurst: A Farm, a Steakhouse... and a Crocodile Called Elvis

Driving through Old Hurst feels like any other rural lane — hedges, tractors, maybe the odd lost pheasant. But then you see the sign. And once you turn in, you realise: this is no ordinary farm.

Johnsons of Old Hurst is part working farm, part wildlife park, and part “did I just see a crocodile?” moment.

I walked through the farm shop first — the smell of real butchery, hay bales, fresh veg — and already felt a bit nostalgic. Families were queueing up for the steakhouse, which I later found out uses meat straight from the field to the plate (and yes, it’s really good).

Then I wandered down past the chickens and goats... and suddenly, I’m staring at a glass enclosure with actual crocodiles. There’s also a tarantula, snakes, and a lynx (yes, a lynx).

It’s wild — and somehow still feels very grounded. You get the sense the Johnsons didn’t set out to be quirky. They just followed their passions, and this place grew with them.

If you’ve never bought a pork pie, stroked a piglet and waved at a puma in one visit — well, this might be your next day out.

What’s On: Cambridgeshire Picks

🐟 Ely Eel Day

📅 Saturday 3 May | 📍 Ely
Celebrate Ely’s slippery namesake with a quirky parade, eel-throwing contests (don’t worry, they’re toy eels!), and live music along the riverside. A unique blend of tradition and fun that’s pure Ely.

🎪 Reach Fair

📅 Monday 5 May | 📍 Reach
Step back in time at one of England’s oldest fairs, dating back to 1201. Expect maypole dancing, local crafts, and the traditional coin toss by the Mayor of Cambridge. A true slice of Cambridgeshire heritage

✈️ Flying Days: VE Day at IWM Duxford

📅 Sunday 4 May | 📍 Imperial War Museum Duxford
Witness historic aircraft take to the skies in a special VE Day commemorative display. A must-see for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

🛶 Punting on the River Cam

📅 All Weekend | 📍 Cambridge
Enjoy a leisurely punt along the River Cam, taking in the stunning architecture and springtime scenery. A quintessential Cambridge experience.

🎧 Café Mambo Ibiza Classics Under the Bridge

📅 Saturday 3 May | 📍 Peterborough
Dance the night away under the Nene Flyover with Café Mambo’s Ibiza Classics, featuring Mark Knight and Gok Wan. A taste of Ibiza right in Peterborough. Skiddle​

Did You Know?

Cambridge is home to the world's first webcam, created in 1991 to monitor a coffee pot in the Computer Laboratory. This innovation paved the way for the webcams we use today.

Community Bulletin

• 🗳️ Local Elections – May 1
  Remember to vote in the upcoming local elections. Voter ID is required.

• 🚌 Bus Fare Cap Extended
  The £3 bus fare cap has been extended until the 31st Dec 2025, making travel more affordable across the region (including the guided bus)

• 🏗️ Cambridge South Station Update
  Construction continues on the new Cambridge South railway station, set to open in early 2026.

See You Next Week…

In our next issue:

• A spotlight on a local artist making waves internationally

• Hidden gems: Exploring lesser-known trails in Cambridgeshire

• Community voices: Your thoughts on recent developments at Ekin road

Stay tuned and stay connected!