Cambridgeshire Spotlight
|Cambridgeshire Spotlight

Subscribe

Who gave this Secret Santa Gift In This Weeks Cambridgeshire Spotlight?

|
Cambridgeshire Spotlight

Cambridgeshire Spotlight

Archives

Who gave this Secret Santa Gift In This Weeks Cambridgeshire Spotlight?

Who gave this Secret Santa Gift In This Weeks Cambridgeshire Spotlight?
And five better ideas you can steal before your office or family party...

Author

Dec 8, 2025

Espresso Briefing

Early December in Cambridgeshire is when everyone suddenly remembers they’ve got about nine jobs to do and two weeks to do them.

 

 Christmas trees are being dragged through doorways that are clearly too small.

 

Half the county has discovered something in the loft has chewed through their decorations (rats? mystery creature? nobody’s Googling it),

 

and getting an online food delivery slot now requires the level of planning usually reserved for weddings.

 

Singles are having their own December negotiations:

 

**********************************************************************************


Warm holiday somewhere sunny?


Bravely embrace Granny’s “gentle” questioning when are you going to introduce me to ...?


Play family Scrabble and pretend it's fun?


Or stay home, make cocktails, order a takeaway and avoid every group chat asking about New Year’s plans?

 


All completely valid life choices.

 

Meanwhile, Cambridge is full of people power-walking with lists they swore they wouldn’t write.

 

Ely’s cafés are hosting intense summit meetings about who’s hosting what.

 

And across the villages, families are already rehearsing the Great Gift Exchange Manoeuvre, trying to ensure nobody buys the same thing for the same person… again.

 

And then there are the pre-Christmas drinks.

 

 Every friendship group is currently having the same conversation:


“Are we going out?”


“Where?”


“Should we book?”


“Should we just stay in and make it easier on ourselves?”


The answer is usually: do whatever requires the least admin.

 

It’s messy, funny, slightly frantic — and actually quite brilliant.


This edition captures the best of that early-December Cambridgeshire energy: the openings, the bargains, the small local stories you’ll want to send to someone, and the moments that make you think, “Yep. That’s exactly my week.”

 

Let’s get into it.

Local Must-Know: The Cambridgeshire Thing People Are Quietly Fuming About This Week

Here’s something you might have missed while wrestling with decorations: Cambridgeshire drivers have been handed another parking frustration and yes, people are already talking about it.

 

Several local councils are trialling new “digital-only” parking updates across parts of Cambridge and market towns.

 

Sounds modern, except… a good chunk of people didn’t even realise it changed, and others discovered it the fun way: by returning to their car and spotting a yellow envelope that definitely wasn’t there before.

 

The two big complaints so far?

 

  • Some machines now won’t accept cash at all.

  •  
  • The app used for payments has been described (in very polite Cambridgeshire language) as “temperamental at best.”

  •  

One Ely resident summed it up perfectly on Facebook:


“I tried three times, the app froze twice, and I still don’t know if I paid.”


We’ve all been there.

 

To be clear: these changes are part of a wider national shift, and councils say it will “streamline” everything long-term… but in the short term?

 

People are muttering, eye-rolling, and asking the obvious question:


“Why change something that was working perfectly fine?”

 

If you’ve got festive errands or late-afternoon shopping coming up, check your local car park before you go  because apparently, parking now requires the same level of preparation as organising a school trip.

Local Honestly: The Thing Cambridgeshire Is Sick of Pretending Is Fine

Right, let’s stop tip-toeing around it: winter roadworks in Cambridgeshire have reached levels of nonsense that should qualify as a competitive sport.

 

Every December, without fail, someone signs off plan's that appear to say:


“Close everything. Everywhere. At the same time.”

 

This week has been a masterpiece.

 

The diversion signs?


Forget it.


Half of them point somewhere.


The other half point nowhere.


And the best ones — the absolute classics — send you in a loop that ends exactly where you started.

 

Karen in Littleport said her trip to Cambridge “looked like a treasure hunt designed by someone who hates people.”


Completely fair.

 

Then there’s the A14 and M11 one-lane miracle  twenty miles of narrowed lanes, endless cones, and the only sign of life being a single parked digger and a lonely portaloo that looks like it’s been abandoned since August.

 

Not a worker in sight. Not even a hi-vis jacket flapping in the wind.
Just pure, uninterrupted “roadworks theatre.”

 

Mark in Huntingdon put it best:


“There are more cones on that stretch than there are people in my entire village.”

 

Meanwhile Sophie from Cambourne hit the famous “Road Closed — Follow Diversion” sign… followed it… followed the next one… and ended up back on the same road.


Her review:


“I want whoever made those signs to do my Christmas wrapping, because they clearly love sending people in circles.”

 

And the classic Cambridgeshire finish: rain blowing sideways, wipers working overtime, Google Maps spinning like it’s reconsidering its career.

 

Honestly?


There should be a temporary December rule: if it’s not broken, don’t dig it up.


Just give us four peaceful weeks. We’re not asking for dual carriageways paved with gold — just a journey that doesn’t require detours, luck, and emotional resilience.

 

Until then, every late arrival this month has the same excuse:


“Sorry — roadworks.”


And everyone will believe you instantly.

Three Shockingly Good £5 Stocking Fillers

Hot chocolate stirrers (the chocolate-on-a-stick ones)
Everyone loves them. Zero effort. Instant joy.

 

Mini craft kits from charity shops or garden centres
Kids think they’re amazing. Adults think you’re thoughtful. Win-win.

 

A new winter mug
Bonus points if it has a woodland creature wearing knitwear.

A Surprisingly Wholesome Win in Cambridge This Week

Cambridge has quietly delivered a small but satisfying early-December victory: Mill Road’s indie cafés are reporting one of their busiest winter starts in years.

 

Not because of Christmas events.


Not because of marketing buzz.


Because people are doing the most Cambridgeshire thing ever:


“Let’s grab a coffee while we think about what we’re supposed to be doing.”

 

Saira in Romsey said she’s been “popping out for milk” and returning home with a cappuccino and a cinnamon swirl she “definitely didn’t mean to buy.”


Relatable.

 

A couple on Gwydir Street admitted they’ve “accidentally” tried three cafés this week because “everywhere just smells good right now.”
Again — relatable.

 

It’s the small things — the coffee, the chatter, the little rituals — that actually make early December bearable.


And honestly?


If Cambridgeshire runs on caffeine for the next three weeks, no one will blame us.

The Cambridgeshire ‘Mini-Flex’ Nobody Talks About

There’s something very satisfying about going for a walk at 4pm this time of year that exact moment the sky can’t decide whether it’s day or night.

 

You see:

 

  • dog walkers who look like they’re on a mission

  •  
  • teens absolutely refusing to wear coats

  •  
  • parents negotiating “five more minutes”

  •  
  • couples doing that silent side-by-side stroll

  •  
  • and singles taking themselves out for the constitutional they absolutely earned

  •  

Olivia in Waterbeach told us her favourite thing this week was “walking past windows and seeing everyone else trying to remember where they put their extension leads for the outdoor lights.”


That is a winter joy.

 

No big story here.


Just a quiet Cambridgeshire moment we all see, all recognise, and secretly love.

Local Gripe 2: The Speed Sign Circus + Pothole Paddling Pools

If you thought the roadworks were bad, Cambridgeshire’s speed-sign situation is having a full identity crisis.

 

You know the stretch:


50mph… then 30mph… then a giant SLOW painted on the road… then — for reasons known only to the Highways gods — a National Speed Limit sign on the same pole.


It’s like someone ordered signs from a catalogue while blindfolded.

Tom in Witchford told us:


“I went from 50 to 30 to 60 in 200 yards. I aged.”

 

Meanwhile, Hannah from Sawston said she passed a new 30mph sign in a spot “where even the ducks were confused.”

 

And honestly?


It wouldn’t be so bad if the rest of the network wasn’t falling apart.


Because for all the money spent on signs — and it must be a serious amount, the budget feels more bloated than my December credit card bill

 

you’d think we could fill the potholes that currently double as seasonal paddling pools.

 

One Cambridge resident sent in a photo of a pothole so full of rainwater it had waves.


Actual waves.

 

The classic Cambridgeshire move is swerving around them like you’re avoiding banana skins in Mario Kart, praying you don’t hit one that’s shaped like a crater.


The council will tell you it’s on the schedule.


We’ll believe it when we see it.

 

Until then?


Drive carefully.


And don’t trust any sign that contradicts the one next to it.

The Gog Farm Shop - Ask About Their Festive Offers 

Christmas Treats At Bury Lane Farm Shop 

Three Cambridgeshire Farm Shops Worth the Detour This December

Early December is when everyone in Cambridgeshire is juggling lists, traffic, decorations and the general feeling of “I’m sure I’ve forgotten something.”


So here’s a small lift: three local farm shops that are quietly thriving right now — and worth weaving into your week.

 

The Gog Farm Shop and Deli

 

The Gog is having a very good early December, and it’s easy to see why.


Proper butchery cuts, a deli counter that’s far better than anything in a supermarket, and shelves full of decent local produce.

 

It also has that helpful “pop in for one thing, leave with three excellent extras you didn’t plan to buy” effect.

 

Notable this week:

 

  • Brilliant choice of local meats (especially if you’re plotting a pre-Christmas dinner)

  •  
  • Good bread selection

  •  
  • Staff who actually know their stuff and will tell you what’s fresh or what just arrived

  •  

A simple, solid win if you’re in or around Cambridge.

 

Bury Lane Farm Shop — Melbourn (near Royston)

 

Bury Lane is bigger than people expect bakery, butchery, deli, fish counter, fruit & veg, plus a café if you need a mid-errand warm-up.

 

It gets a steady mix of families, commuters and people doing “just a quick shop” that somehow evolves into trying a new chutney, picking up a local cheese, and debating whether to get that loaf that looks like it could win awards.

 

Good for:

 

  • Stocking up without facing supermarket crowds

  •  
  • Fresh produce

  •  
  • A nice mid-week “treat shop” moment that still counts as errands

 

Flourish Farm Shop — Hildersham

 

Flourish has become a favourite for people who want proper fresh veg and meat without fuss.


It’s small enough to feel friendly but big enough to have variety — and it has that wholesome, farm-grown feel that makes even a quick shop feel like a better decision than scrolling delivery apps again.

 

Highlights:

 

  • Home-grown vegetables

  •  
  • Local meats

  •  
  • A simple, easy stop with good quality and no supermarket headaches

 

Why include these now?

 

Because December can feel frantic, and a 10-minute stop somewhere that smells of bread, fresh veg and local food is a small but genuine reset.


For families doing lists, couples wanting a nicer dinner, or singles looking for a “treat yourself without justifying it” moment  these shops are perfect.

Avoid getting rinsed by December delivery fees.

You know it’s December when supermarket delivery slots suddenly cost more than the groceries you’re trying to buy.


So here are this week’s Cambridgeshire-friendly tricks to stop the fees creeping up like your heating bill.

 

1) Stop paying for “Prime time” slots — literally

 

Peak slots (4–7pm) have shot up this week.


But look just below them and you’ll often see a late-night slot for half the price.

 

Sally’s Move:


Pick a 9–10pm slot and leave a note saying “safe place please.”


You’re asleep, your veg is on the doorstep, you saved £3–£6.
Win–win.

 

2) Use the “Green Slot” trick (it works every time)

 

Most supermarkets mark certain delivery times as eco or low-traffic — these are always cheaper.


Not because they’re saving the planet (well, partly), but because fewer people want them.

 

Sally’s Move:
If you’re working from home, grab one of those cheap mid-afternoon slots.


You can save £2–£4 per order just by not choosing the herd times.

 

3) Consider a Click & Collect — but only the smart one

 

Click & Collect is the hero nobody appreciates.


Many Cambridgeshire stores still offer it free or £1–£2.


The trick is choosing a location that’s not heaving.

 

Sally’s Move:


Use a supermarket on the edge of town, not the big central ones.
You’ll be in and out faster than you can say “out of stock substitution.”

 

4) Delivery Passes suddenly become worth it (for one month only)

 

You don’t need to commit your life to a pass December is the month you actually get your money back instantly.

 

Example:


If a Delivery Saver is £7–£9 for a month and you normally pay £2–£4 per delivery, it pays for itself after two orders.


And families? It pays for itself after one.


No-brainer.

 

Cancel in January when life returns to normal.

 

5) Do one big “top-up shop” in person to avoid the silly extras

 

Sally knows you don’t want to queue with the entire county.


But one quick in-person shop can save you from all the fees AND the dreaded December “substitutions.”

 

Translation:


You pick the actual cheese, not whatever they think is “similar.”

 

6) The golden rule: Never accept the “Festive Fee Creeps”

 

Supermarkets absolutely increase delivery charges in December.

 

We are not imagining it.


But you don’t have to fall for it.

 

Sally’s rule of three:

 

  • Pick a quiet slot

  •  
  • Do one in-person top-up

  •  
  • Cancel your pass in January

Boom.


You’ve just saved yourself £10–£18 this week alone.

The Little Local Moment We Don’t Talk About Enough

There’s a very specific type of person who emerges in Cambridgeshire every December:


the “I’m just going to have a quick look in the garden centre” wanderer.

 

We all know one.


Some of us are one.

 

They leave the house saying they need:

 

  • compost

  •  
  • or bird food

  •  
  • or a replacement pot for the one the wind murdered last month

…and they return with:

 

  • three Christmas decorations

  •  
  • a houseplant they definitely didn’t need

  •  
  • a bag of fudge

  •  
  • and a candle called something like “Frosted Woodland Glow”

  •  

David in Cottenham admitted he once went in for “something for the shed” and came out with an entire wreath-making kit.


No regrets.

 

Maya in Great Shelford said her partner went in to buy secateurs and returned home with a poinsettia so large it needed its own seatbelt.

 

And honestly?


It’s one of the best unintentional December traditions we have.

Garden centres this month aren’t just shops they’re therapy.

 

 Warm lights, indoor trees, slightly overexcited displays, and that faint smell of pine mixed with

 

“You will buy a cake from the café, resistance is futile.”

It’s wholesome chaos, and we love it.

 

If you find yourself there this week “just for a look,” don’t fight it.
You’ll come out with something festive, unnecessary, and absolutely perfect.

Local Food Mood: The December Meal We Pretend Isn’t a Meal

There’s something very Cambridgeshire about the way we eat in early December:


everyone says they’re saving themselves for the “proper” meals later in the month… and then ends up building entire dinners out of random “bits.”

 

You know the ones:

 

  • the posh crackers you bought “for guests”

  •  
  • that chutney from a farm shop stop-off

  •  
  • the cheese you bought because it was on offer and looked interesting

  •  
  • half a loaf of something artisanal

  •  
  • olives that looked too good to leave behind

  •  
  • a sausage roll “just in case someone pops round”


  • (again — no one is popping round unannounced in 2025)

  •  

Jenny in Ely described her Tuesday night dinner as:
“Two different cheeses, an emergency baguette, grapes, and a ‘festive’ pork pie. No vegetables were involved.”

 

Aaron in March admitted his dinner was “a selection of nibbles arranged with intention,” which is just a glamorous way of saying “I ate whatever I found in the fridge, but nicely.”

 

December has a way of turning us all into casual tapas people.
Family, couple, single — doesn’t matter.


Everyone ends up building snack dinners at least twice a week.

And honestly?


It’s the best kind of lazy luxury:


minimal cooking, maximum comfort, no judgement.

 

If you needed permission to eat a meal made of festive bits tonight — this is it.


Go full Cambridgeshire grazing board.


You’ve earned it.

Pet Corner: Should You Buy Your Pet a Christmas Present?

Every year, around this time, the same debate happens in Cambridgeshire households:


“Should we get the dog/cat/hamster a Christmas present?”


And every year, the answer is obvious before the conversation even starts.

 

Yes.


You absolutely should.


And you absolutely will.

 

Lola in Godmanchester says her Labrador now expects a stocking because “we did it once in 2021 and he’s remembered.”

 

Callum in St Ives admits his cat ignores the actual toy and goes straight for the wrapping paper “like it cost £40 and not 40p.”

 

And Sara in Ely says her family buys their spaniel a jumper every December even though “he looks offended for the first five minutes and then completely owns it.”

 

Here’s the unofficial rule:


If your pet has sat patiently through:

 

  • decorations going up

  •  
  • relatives visiting

  •  
  • you yelling at tangled fairy lights

  •  
  • and the emotional rollercoaster that is the online food shop
    …they deserve a treat.

  •  

It doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy.


It doesn’t need to cost much.


A toy, a chew, a festive biscuit, a new bed, a squeaky reindeer — anything counts.

 

Because while humans spend December mildly stressed, pets spend December doing their best work:


being cute, being chaotic, and appearing in every photo uninvited.

Yes, buy the gift.


It’s the most joyful £3–£15 you’ll spend all month.

POLL: Spotlight Food Survey: Cambridgeshire’s Favourite Pre-Christmas Dinner Spots (Part 1) 

Right — let’s solve the biggest early-December argument:
Where do you go for a pre-Christmas dinner that won’t bankrupt you, disappoint you, or leave you eating a dry “festive” roast that tastes like regret?

 

Here are six solid North Cambridgeshire picks our readers actually rate all known, all real, all popular enough that someone you know has been there this year:

 

1) The Old Ferry Boat — St Ives -Holywell

 

A classic riverside choice. Cosy, proper pub food, and festive menus that don’t feel like they were assembled in a rush.

 

2) The King of the Belgians — Huntigdon-Hartford

 

Locals love this one. Good hearty plates, friendly atmosphere, and reliable portions that satisfy even the work-do crowd.

 

3) The Crown Inn — Broughton

 

Smart without being stuffy. Seasonal dishes that actually taste seasonal.

 

4) The George & Dragon — Elsworth

 

A strong contender if you want “nice-but-not-intimidating.” Good reviews, good roasts.

 

5) The Wheatsheaf — Perry (Grafham Water)

 

Perfect for a winter pub walk + dinner combo. Cosier than people expect — and surprisingly good festive plates.

 

6) The Oliver Cromwell — St Ives

 

Dependable, lively in December, with mains that hit the spot on a cold evening.

 

 

POLL: Where should we send the Spotlight team for a pre-Christmas dinner review?

 

(You choose. We’ll go.)

 

A) Old Ferry Boat (St Ives)


B) King of the Belgians (Hartford)


C) Crown Inn (Broughton)


D) George & Dragon (Elsworth)


E) Wheatsheaf (Perry)


F) Oliver Cromwell (St Ives)

POLL: Best Pre-Christmas Dinner Spot in NORTH Cambridgeshire (Special For Fenland Part 2) 

So here’s Part 2 — the North Cambs only edition.


No Cambridge, no Ely, no long drives.


Just the proper Fenland favourites people actually book when they want a decent pre-Christmas dinner without needing to pack a snack for the journey.

 

These are the places locals rely on  the ones with solid portions, sensible prices, and menus that don’t try too hard.

 

Right you asked for it. Here it is.

 

Early December = the annual debate about where to book that pre-Christmas dinner where:

 

  • nobody argues about the menu

  •  
  • nobody leaves hungry

  •  
  • nobody pays £29.95 for a “festive” crumble that tastes identical to the non-festive one

  •  

Here are six true North Cambridgeshire picks — all local, all well-rated, all places people actually go:

 

 

1) The Crown Lodge Hotel — Outwell (Wisbech area)

 

A North Cambs staple. Good festive menu, reliable portions, classy enough for a work do without being over the top.

 

2) The Oliver Twist — Guyhirn

 

Everyone in North Cambs knows this one. Proper pub food and a Christmas menu that doesn’t disappoint.

 

3) The Five Bells — Tydd St Mary 

 

A cosy, community-favourite pub with hearty plates and that “everyone relaxes once they sit down” feel.

 

4) The Railway — Whittlesey

 

Lively, popular, and consistently good for currys according to our local contact .who doesn't love a curry in a fenland pub?

 

5) The Cross Keys Hotel - Chatteris

 

Historic 16th-century coaching-inn vibes + well-reviewed food, friendly staff, real-ale bar and restaurant area — solid all-rounder for a proper pub dinner.

 

6) Ye Olde Griffin — March

 

A classic March pub with no-nonsense comfort food, a well-liked carvery and that warm, busy December feel locals trust. Good portions, good value, good pick.

 

 

POLL: Where should the Spotlight team review for a proper North Cambs festive dinner?

 

A) Crown Lodge Hotel (Outwell)


B) Oliver Twist (Guyhirn)


C) Five Bells (Tydd St Mary)


D) The Railway (Whittlesey)


E) Cross Keys Hotel (Chatteris)


F) Ye Olde Griffin (March)

The Worst Secret Santa Gift You’ve Ever Received (Work Edition)

There’s nothing quite like a workplace Christmas party to expose the full range of human creativity… and human chaos.


Secret Santa is the moment where colleagues reveal who they really are  the thoughtful ones, the chaotic ones, and the ones who definitely bought your present in the petrol station on the way in.

 

Over the years, our readers have confessed to receiving gifts such as:

 

• A desk calendar… for the wrong year.


Still shrink-wrapped, like the giver wasn’t even pretending.

 

• A mug that said “World’s Okayest Employee.”


Rude but somehow… accurate?

 

• A novelty elf hat that played music every time you moved.


The batteries could not be removed. HR got involved.

 

• A “spa set” that smelt like boiled sweets and regret.


Still sitting in someone’s bathroom unopened since 2019.

 

• A framed picture of a cartoon llama.


Why? Nobody ever found out.

 

• A 6-pack of tuna.


Yes. For Christmas. At work. The group chat was brutal.

 

Lydia from Wisbech told us her Secret Santa once gave her a single slipper.


Not a pair. Just one. No note. No joke.


Still a mystery.

 

And Daniel from March swears someone in his office once got a half-used Lynx Africa set.


The office fell apart for weeks.

 

It’s chaotic, it’s unhinged, and it’s the only event where adults willingly exchange gifts worth £5 that somehow start lifelong grudges.

 

Now it’s your turn:

 

What’s the worst Secret Santa gift YOU’VE ever received at a works Christmas party?

 

Tell us the best (or worst) stories get featured next week.

The Adult Elf on the Shelf (PG-13 Edition): Fun Ideas for Grown-Ups

If you’ve ever looked at the classic Elf on the Shelf set-ups and thought,
“Cute, but what about something for adults who haven’t slept properly since November?”


 this is your moment.

 

Here are a few grown-up, office-safe, family-safe but very funny Elf ideas readers can actually pull off at home.


Easy, cheap, and guaranteed to produce a few “you are NOT okay” looks from housemates, partners or children.

 

1) Elf With the Online Shopping Shame

 

Pose the elf next to a stack of recent delivery boxes with a tiny note that says:


“Don’t ask. It was on sale.”


Perfect for December’s “why is the hallway full?” energy.

 

2) Elf Booked a Holiday Without Telling Anyone

 

Put the elf inside a suitcase holding a tiny passport.


Caption:


“I can’t cope with another cold school run.”

 

Singles LOVE this one. Couples too. Anyone who’s cold, basically.

 

3) Elf Holding the Emergency Takeaway Menu

 

Place the elf next to a stack of takeaway menus with a tiny piece of cardboard saying:


“You said we were definitely cooking tonight.”

 

If your partner does the cooking, this hits even harder.

 

4) Elf With the Gift-Wrapping Breakdown

 

Roll the elf in wrapping paper, tape the elf’s own hat to its head, leave a note saying:


“It’s the thought that counts.”

 

A guaranteed universal December mood.

 

5) Elf Guarding the “Hidden Snacks”

 

Put the elf in the cupboard next to all the Christmas snacks you told the family not to touch.


Add a stern mini-sign:


“Back away from the good biscuits.”

 

6) Elf Trying to Cancel Plans

 

Pose the elf next to a phone with a note saying:


“Tell them I’m ill.”

 

Too real. Too relatable.

 

7) Elf With the Heating Dilemma

 

Stand the elf next to the thermostat with two notes:


“Put it up.”


“Don’t you dare.”


Let the household fight it out.

 

8) Elf Having a ‘Financial Review’

 

Sit the elf beside a pile of receipts and a tiny calculator that says:


“We need to talk about December.”

 

Sally (our saver guru) would absolutely approve.

 

9) Elf With the Christmas Jumper Debate

 

Pose the elf holding last year’s jumper with a sign that reads:

 

“Will anyone notice?”


We ALL know the answer at this point.

 

10) Elf Who’s Just Done With This Month

 

Place the elf lying face-down on the kitchen counter with a note saying:
“Wake me up when it’s the 27th.”

 

Honestly?

Cambridgeshire Property Snapshot (2025 Edition)

2025 has delivered a mixed but interesting picture for property across Cambridgeshire some areas holding firm, others showing cooling, and all of us watching the numbers a little more closely than usual.

 

Quick Numbers You Should Know

 

  • Across the entire county, recent data puts the average sale price around £361,000, with around 10.3 thousand transactions in the last 12 months.

  •  
  • For the more rural and Fenland-heavy districts (like Wisbech / Fenland, etc.), average house prices remain significantly lower roughly £222,000 in Fenland as of August 2025.

  •  
  • In contrast, the urban and high-demand end (for instance Cambridge) is still at a premium — the average home there recently sold at around £498,000.

  •  

What This Means for Buyers & Renters

 

  • If you’re house-hunting on a modest budget Fenland, Wisbech-area, or other “less central” districts there are genuinely affordable opportunities (well below county average).

  •  
  • If you’re looking for convenience, services, or a commuter-friendly location (e.g. Cambridge or south/central Cambs), expect to pay well above average but commensurate with demand, amenities, and long-term value.

  •  
  • For renters in pricier zones (or people facing high mortgage rates), the gap between “what you pay monthly” and “what you might pay to buy” remains wide so it pays to calculate carefully.

  •  

Where Things Are Heating Up vs Holding Steady

 

Area / Zone Recent Trend / Snapshot What to Watch / What It Means
Fenland / Wisbech region Average ~£222,000 (house price stable)  More affordable entry-point, good for first-timers or budget-conscious buyers.
Whole county median ~£361,000 with broad mix of price-ranges  Reflects wide variation — buyer must choose carefully based on location and house type.
Cambridge city / high-demand zones ~£498,000 (average sale price)  High demand, limited supply — expect competition, higher prices, but also long-term value.

 

 What to Ask Yourself Before Buying / Renting in 2025/26

 

  • “Where do I actually need to commute?” If you don’t need easy access to Cambridge, exploring Fenland or more affordable zones might give you a bigger home for less money.

  •  
  • “How long do I plan to stay?” With prices spread wide across the county, if you see yourself in a place long-term, even a higher-price home in a comfy area might pay off.

  •  
  • “What’s my tolerance for compromise (commute, amenities, transport) vs space and budget?” Especially important outside city zones where public transport/shops may be less convenient.

  •  
  • “Is now the right moment?” The market seems stable but mixed: good deals exist, but certain hotspots remain pricey. Know what you value before jumping in.

Cambridgeshire: 7 Local Property Snapshots (2025)

Area / Town Approx. Recent Average Price (or Regional Avg) What It Means / Why It’s Interesting Trade-Offs / What to Watch
Cambridge (city & immediate surroundings) ~ £498,000 (average sale as of Aug 2025)  High demand, strong amenities, good transport links; solid for long-term investment or if you want urban & convenience High entry cost; expensive rents (£1,700–£1,800+/month for flats) 
Huntingdonshire (includes towns like Huntingdon / St Neots) ~ £312,000 (average price Sept 2025)  Mid-range pricing, more affordable than Cambridge — could be ideal for families or commuters looking for balance Demand rising (recent 6%+ increase), so may tighten soon 
East Cambridgeshire (smaller towns/villages) ~ £349,000 (2025 provisional average)  A sweet-spot for semi-rural feel + reasonable value. Good for people wanting village feel, space — but not full countryside remoteness May sacrifice proximity to big city amenities & commutes can be longer
Fenland / Towns like March / Wisbech ~ £222,000 average (Aug 2025)  Cheapest county-wide entry-point — ideal for first-time buyers, budget-conscious families, or investors on a shoestring Smaller towns, fewer amenities; longer commute/travel required for work or services
March (Fenland district) Recent asking-price data suggests many houses listed around ~£295,000; market slower (19 weeks avg on market)  Within Fenland’s budget zone but with a bit more size/comfort — good compromise between affordability and “proper home” size Slower sales, so may take longer to sell again; amenities more limited than urban areas
Town-periphery / commuter-belt areas (Huntingdonshire / East Cambs edge) Prices tend to hover between Huntingdonshire and East Cambs averages (i.e. mid-£300k range) Good compromise: easier commute, more reasonable price than city centre, semi-rural feel Commuter traffic & transport pressure; price increases trending
County-wide median / overall County median ~ £315,000, average ~ £361,000 (2025 data)  Provides real benchmark — shows how far you are above or below “average Cambs home” Wide variation: “average” doesn’t suit all — must check local context carefully

Pets in Rentals: What You Need to Know in 2025 (and Why It’s Not as Simple as It Should Be)

If you rent in Cambridgeshire and have a pet (or want one), you already know this topic can trigger deep sighs, raised eyebrows, and the occasional rant that starts with,


“I’m not asking for a tiger just a dog that sleeps 19 hours a day.”

Here’s the 2025 reality:

 

1) Landlords can’t automatically refuse pets anymore…

 

But — and it’s a big but — they can still refuse with a reason.

 

The updated renters’ framework means tenants can formally request to keep a pet, and landlords must reply within 42 days and give a valid reason if rejecting.

 

Typical “valid” reasons include:

 

  • The property is lease-restricted (e.g., flats with “no pets” clauses)

  •  
  • Insurers prohibit certain animals

  •  
  • The property isn’t suitable (e.g., very small / no garden / shared spaces)

  •  
  • 2) Most landlords still say “it depends” — because they’re human
  •  

Despite the internet making them sound like Bond villains, most landlords in Cambridgeshire fall into the “maybe, let’s talk about it” category.

 

Emma in St Ives said her landlord allowed her elderly cat with the caveat:


“Just don’t let her destroy the carpets like my last tenant’s cat.”
Fair.

 

Lewis in March said he got permission for his puppy because he offered a pet CV.


Yes, that’s a thing.

 

3) Expect to be asked for a “Pet CV”

 

It sounds silly until you realise it actually helps.

 

It usually includes:

 

  • pet photo (cute = power)

  •  
  • breed & age

  •  
  • behaviour notes

  •  
  • training history

  •  
  • vet details

  •  
  • proof of flea treatment

  •  
  • references (yes, pets have references now)

  •  

The more responsible you look, the easier the approval.

 

4) Landlords can ask for extra pet insurance — but NOT extra deposit

 

Under the Tenant Fees Act, you can’t be charged a “pet deposit” anymore.


BUT they can ask you to take pet damage cover (usually £10–£30 per month).

 

Honestly?


It’s not the worst deal if it gets your pet approved.

 

5) Flats are still the hardest, houses are still the easiest

Even in 2025:

 

  • Flats: Harder due to lease rules, noise concerns, and shared spaces

  •  
  • Terraced / semi-detached: Middle ground

  •  
  • Detached houses: Easiest approval by far

  •  

If you have a dog, flats-with-no-garden are still the top cause of refusals.

 

6) The best advice? Tell the truth upfront.

 

Hiding a pet always ends the same way:


Someone complains, a neighbour spots it, or the property inspection

 

 creates an awkward moment that starts with, “So, whose dog is this?”

Better to be upfront, organised, and prepared.

 

  • Bottom line:
  •  

Renting with pets in Cambridgeshire is no longer “impossible,” but it’s still not the breezy “sure, go ahead” people hoped for.


If you’re organised and your cat has a better résumé than some humans you’ll probably be fine.

December Tiny Joys” (Feel-Good Micro Moments)

  • Finding one leftover Quality Street you actually like.

  •  
  • Sitting in the car for 3 minutes of silence before facing the family.

  •  
  • A perfectly-timed cup of tea.

  •  
  • Kids laughing at absolutely nothing.

  •  
  • A neighbour’s ridiculous outdoor lights that somehow warm your heart.

These are tiny, but they make the cold days feel lighter.

The “December Looks” We’re All Quietly Doing Right Now

ChatGPT said:

There are certain “looks” that only appear in Cambridgeshire during December — and every single one of us is guilty of at least three:

 

• The “I’m absolutely fine” cold-weather walk look


Scarf up to your eyeballs, hands in pockets, pretending the wind isn’t slicing through your soul.

 

• The “I’m only popping out for 10 minutes” look


Which somehow involves three layers, a beanie, and gloves you found in the car from 2021.

 

• The supermarket “I’m definitely organised” look


Shopping basket filled with items that have nothing to do with the list you wrote at home.

 

• The “I shouldn’t have bought that” look


Usually spotted leaving a garden centre holding a Christmas decoration shaped like a fox, penguin or questionable elf.

 

• The “I’m not ready for company” doorbell look


Hair up, jumper on, socks unmatched, and eyes saying:


“If that’s another neighbour selling raffle tickets, I’m hiding behind the sofa.”

 

We see you.


Mostly because we ARE you.

Kid-Saver: 3 No-Mess Activities for Rainy Days

Sticker books — Hours of entertainment. Zero drama.*well sort of"
Paper snowflakes — Scissors + paper = 20 minutes of peace.
Cereal-box theatre — Kids cut out characters, you enjoy the break.

The December Debate Nobody Wins: When to Put the Heating On

Almost every household in Cambridgeshire is currently having its own version of the same debate:

 

“It’s cold.”


“Yes, but is it heating cold?”


“I can see my breath.”


“That’s condensation.”


“No it isn’t.”

 

Families:
One person is layered like they’re hiking Ben Nevis.


Another is in shorts because they “run hot.”


Nobody is agreeing. Ever.

 

Couples:


One partner edges towards the thermostat like it’s a bomb.


The other is watching with laser-focused suspicion.

 

Singles:


They turn it on. Immediately.


No committee meetings, no debates, no negotiations.

 

The real answer?


We all cave eventually.


Usually right after the third person says:


“It’s definitely colder than yesterday.”

Wisbech Property: The Story Behind the Prices (Not the Spreadsheet Version)

Everyone knows Wisbech gets talked about differently to the rest of Cambridgeshire sometimes fairly, sometimes… not so much.


But if you actually listen to people living there, you get a very different picture.

 

Take “Claire from Walsoken”, who told us she bought her first home in Wisbech because “it was literally the first place in Cambs where I could afford a house with a garden instead of a flat the size of a cereal box.”


She now walks to work, has space for a dog, and says she’d never move back to a tiny city place again.

 

Then there’s Raj in Leverington, who says the best part of Wisbech isn’t the prices at all it’s the fact you can still get a proper roast on a Sunday without reserving two weeks ahead.

 

And Mark near Elm told us he chose Wisbech because “you get rooms that aren’t just rooms they’re actual rooms you can put furniture in without doing geometry.”

 

Here’s the thing:


Yes, Wisbech sits on the more affordable end of Cambridgeshire.


Yes, it has quirks.


And yes, you can still see houses listed for prices that make Cambridge residents blink twice.

 

But that’s exactly why people move here:


real houses, real gardens, real space, and the chance to build

 

 something without mortgaging your entire future.

 

If you want investment? There’s potential.


If you want space? There’s plenty.


If you want value? This is where the smart money has quietly been looking for years.

 

And if you want a local property story that feels human rather than statistical Wisbech always delivers.

Five 60-Second Festive Treats

(Real things people can make immediately.)

 

Cheat’s snowball cookies


Shop-bought shortbread rolled in icing sugar.

 

Peanut butter reindeer biscuits


Dot two chocolate chips + a red sweet on top. Magic.

 

Baileys hot chocolate


Say no more.

 

Cheese + chutney crackers


Looks fancy. Takes 12 seconds.

 

Marshmallow-topped brownies


Warm the brownie for 15 seconds → shove marshmallows on → done.

The Gym Deals You Always Miss (And The Ones Worth Grabbing Before January Panic Sets In)

Every January, half of Cambridgeshire signs up for a gym they’ll enthusiastically visit for 3–5 business days before drifting gently back into their natural lifestyle.

 

But December?


December is secretly when the best deals happen the ones people miss because they’re too busy hunting wrapping paper and trying not to cry in Tesco.

 

Here’s what’s quietly happening right now across the county:

 

George Campbell Leisure Centre — March / Fenland

 

This one is offering proper December deals already .

 

They just ran a Black Friday/December membership promo that usually includes lower sign-up fees and discounted short-term packages. 

 

Great if you don’t want to commit for six months and just want a “December + January rescue plan.”

 

A leisure centre deal is often the best-kept secret: full gym, classes, pool access, and a cheaper price than most “big brand” gyms. People overlook these… and shouldn’t.

 

The Gym Group — Cambridge

 

They’re 24/7, contract-free, and very January-friendly but the real trick is:


December is when they drop their joining fees or slash them to almost nothing.

 

It means you can sneak in, sign up, and start before the New Year rush without the “newbies in matching Lycra” crowd staring at you.

 

Perfect for shy joiners, night workers, or people who simply want anonymity while figuring out how treadmills work again.

 

RP Fitness — Cambridge (Independent)

 

This is the “people who actually stick with the gym” gym.


It’s independent, open 24/7, free parking, and has a steady reputation for being friendly to normal humans not just the “I deadlift cars for fun” crowd.

 

Their flexible monthly membership is the real deal: no flashy gimmicks, just simple, straight pricing that tends not to go crazy in January.

 

If you want a gym that won’t feel rammed on January 3rd, this is your best bet.

 

Abbey Leisure Complex — Cambridge

 

Leisure centres rarely get attention, but Abbey is one of the most cost-effective ways to get:

 

  • gym

  • pool

  • classes

  • proper family-friendly facilities

  •  

They don’t always run big seasonal sales, but their base membership is often cheaper than January deals elsewhere, and you’re not stuck paying silly joining fees.

 

 

Kelsey Kerridge — Cambridge

 

A hybrid sports centre + gym that appeals to three types of people:

 

  1. Students

  2.  
  3. Adults who pretend they’re still students

  4.  
  5. People who like the idea of being able to play badminton when they get bored of the treadmill

  6.  

Often one of the most reasonably priced multi-sport memberships in the city, and their off-peak deals are among the county’s most underrated options.

 

The Real Point?

 

You don’t need to wait for January.


December is the month where:

 

  • joining fees quietly drop

  •  
  • leisure centres sneak out flash deals

  •  
  • 24/7 gyms lower barriers

  •  
  • independent gyms hold prices steady

  •  
  • and nobody judges your “I’m eating three mince pies a day but still joining a gym” energy

  •  

If you’re going to sign up anyway in January, you might as well save yourself the £15–£30 joining fee and beat the crowds.

 

And if you don’t sign up…


well, the rest of Cambridgeshire will join you in the great February fizzle-out.

Your Fixed Rate Ends in 2026: What to Do Now (With Real-World Examples)

If your mortgage fixed rate ends in 2026, what happens next depends on two things: what the new interest rate will be and how much your loan is for.

 

Below are a few example scenarios to help you see what “rolling off fixed rate” might feel like. (Not advice just illustration. If you’re thinking of remortgaging or switching, speak to a professional.)

 

What a Rate Change Really Looks Like

 

Examples based on a typical 25-year repayment mortgage:

 

£200,000 mortgage

 

  • At 2.5% (many older fixed deals): ~£790/month

  •  
  • At 4.5%: ~£1,020/month

  •  
  • At 6%: ~£1,200/month

  •  

£300,000 mortgage

 

  • At 2.5%: ~£1,185/month

  •  
  • At 4.5%: ~£1,530/month

  •  
  • At 6%: ~£1,790/month

  •  

£400,000 mortgage

 

  • At 2.5%: ~£1,580/month

  •  
  • At 4.5%: ~£2,040/month

  •  
  • At 6%: ~£2,390/month

  •  

It’s simple:


Even a 2% jump can add hundreds of pounds a month.


A 4%+ jump can completely reshape a household budget.

 

This is why people are starting to plan now, not in 2026.

 

 What You Should Be Doing in December 2025 (Not 2026)

Check your exact end date

 

Not “sometime in 2026”.


The exact month matters renewals and new deals often depend on timing.

 

Start running honest numbers

 

Not big spreadsheets just basic scenarios:

 

  • “What if my rate rises to 4.5%?”

  •  
  • “What if it hits 6%?”

  •  
  • “Can my budget handle that?”


  • If the answer is “barely” that’s important to know now, not 48 hours before the change.

  •  

Look at your current lender AND others

 

2026 will not be the year to only accept whatever your bank offers first.
Comparison matters again.

 

Consider whether a longer fix would suit you

 

More on this in your future article — but some homeowners prefer stability over gambling on rates every 2–5 years.

 

When You Should Speak to a Professional

 

If any of these apply:

 

  • Your fixed rate ends within 12–18 months

  •  
  • Your mortgage already takes a big chunk of your income

  •  
  • You’re planning a big life change (kids, move, job shift)

  •  
  • You don’t understand how different rate types work

  •  
  • You’ve never remortgaged before

  •  

This is the moment to ask someone qualified.


Not an internet forum.


Not a friend of a friend.


A professional.

Should You Buy an EV in 2025? Now That We Know the Government’s Bringing in a Mileage Charge

If you’re thinking about going electric, the 2025 Budget finally answered the big question everyone kept asking:

 

“Are EVs going to start getting taxed like petrol cars?”

 

Short answer:


Yes. From April 2028, every Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) will be charged 3p per mile, and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) will pay 1.5p per mile.

 

It’s not here yet — but it’s coming.

 

And it changes the maths just enough that you shouldn’t make the decision based purely on “EVs are tax free forever.”


Those days are ending.

 

But the full picture is more interesting than the headlines.

 

What This New Charge Actually Means

 

Take the average UK driver doing 8,500 miles a year.

 

For a BEV, the 3p/mile charge = £255 per year.


That’s the entire cost of the new tax.

 

Even with that charge, EVs still typically cost far less to run than petrol/diesel, because:

 

  • electricity (home charging) is still cheaper than fuel

  •  
  • EV servicing is cheaper

  •  
  • fewer mechanical failures

  •  
  • no oil, no timing belt, no exhaust system

  •  
  • congestion/low-emission zones still favour EVs in many places

  •  

So yes, it’s a new tax — but it’s not catastrophic.


It’s the government trying to replace the billions it loses when drivers stop buying petrol.

 

The Big Question: Does This Kill the Financial Advantage?

 

Not even close.

 

Let’s compare simple annual “fuel” costs:

 

An EV doing 8,500 miles per year at 4–7p/mile (home charging) =
£340–£595 + £255 tax = £595–£850 total annual running cost

 

A petrol car doing the same mileage at 15–20p/mile =
£1,275–£1,700 per year


(Before factoring repairs, servicing, exhaust issues, oil, spark plugs, etc.)

 

EVs still win — comfortably.

 

But It’s Not All Rainbows

 

Here’s what still annoys people (fairly):

 

Public charging is inconsistent:

 

  • cost varies

  •  
  • access varies

  •  
  • reliability varies

  •  
  • rural Fenland can feel like a treasure hunt

  •  

And EVs still cost more up front.


Even used ones.

 

So if you don’t have off-street parking and rely on public chargers, the value equation changes quickly.

 

What About Congestion Charges?

 

Cities are doing their own thing.

 

  • London: EVs still get advantages in certain schemes

  •  
  • Oxford, Bristol, Birmingham: low-emission zones treat EVs more generously

  •  
  • Cambridge: congestion charge proposals may resurface (they’ve gone quiet, but they aren’t dead)

  •  

If congestion charges expand, EVs save money by default.

 

Should You Buy One?

 

Here’s the Real Logic

 

Choose an EV if most of your driving is local:


work, kids, shops, weekends, A14/A47 trips


and


you can charge at home or work.

 

Stick to petrol/diesel if you live public-charger to public-charger


or


you do big weekly mileage and don’t want to deal with charging at all.

 

The Real Bottom Line

 

The EV mileage tax is coming but it doesn’t kill the EV advantage.
It just nudges things back towards “fairness” for fuel-duty loss.

 

If anything, it means this:

 

Buy an EV because it suits your life — not because you think you’ll never pay road tax again.

The 30-Second Christmas Quiz

  1. What’s the most bought Christmas vegetable in the UK?

  2. A) Sprouts
    B) Carrots
    C) Parsnips
  3.  

2. Which item runs out of stock first in supermarkets?
A) Sellotape
B) Gravy granules
C) Mince pies

 

3. In which order do Brits panic?
A) Tree → Gifts → Food
B) Food → Gifts → Tree
C) Gifts → Tree → Wrapping paper

 

Answers at the bottom of next article

EV vs Petrol: The Real Costs When the 2028 Mileage Charge Arrives

(Examples only — not financial advice)

 

Everyone has an opinion about EVs, most of them shouted loudly on Facebook.


But now that the Government has announced the 2028 mileage tax 


3p per mile for BEVs


1.5p per mile for PHEVs


it’s finally possible to compare costs properly without guesswork.

 

Here’s what that actually looks like for a normal Cambridgeshire driver.

Annual Mileage Example: 8,500 miles

 

(A conservative average most families do between 8,000–10,000)

EV — Home Charging

 

Typical electricity cost:


4–7p per mile


Annual cost: £340–£595

 

Add the new 2028 tax:


£255

 

Total EV running cost: £595–£850 per year

 

Petrol Car

 

Fuel cost (varies wildly but usually):


15–20p per mile


Annual cost: £1,275–£1,700 per year

 

No extra tax but you’re already paying it at the pump through fuel duty.

 

Diesel Car

 

Fuel cost:


13–17p per mile


Annual cost: £1,105–£1,445 per year

 

Again, fuel duty buried in every litre.

 

So Who Wins on Running Costs?

 

Even with the new EV mileage charge, an electric car (charged at home) still beats petrol or diesel by a healthy margin.


The gap shrinks slightly in 2028 but it does not close.

 

Unless public charging is your only option.

 

The Public Charging Reality

 

This is where EV economics wobble:

 

  • Rapid chargers cost more

  •  
  • Pricing jumps between providers

  •  
  • Some rural areas (Fenland especially) have patchy charger coverage

  •  
  • Not all chargers are reliable

  •  
  • Charging during peak hours gets pricey

  •  
  • Motorway charging is the “luxury hotel minibar” of EV costs

  •  

If 80–90% of your charging is home or workplace → EV still comes out ahead.


If 50%+ of your charging is public rapid → the value can even out or reverse.

 

Congestion Charges Make a Difference

 

If more cities adopt London-style congestion zones — and Cambridge is still lurking with its own proposals — EVs could save drivers hundreds a year simply by avoiding those fees.

 

Petrol/diesel vehicles will continue to get hit hardest in these zones.

Maintenance Still Favors EVs

 

This is where electric cars quietly save money:

 

  • No oil

  •  
  • No timing belt

  •  
  • No clutch

  •  
  • No exhaust

  •  
  • Fewer moving parts

  •  
  • Brake wear tends to be lower

  •  
  • Fewer “surprise garage visits”

  •  

Most EV servicing is predictable, and costs are often lower than an equivalent petrol/diesel.

 

What About Resale Value?

 

This is the wildcard.

 

  • EV resale was soft in 2022–2024 due to battery fears and fast model turnover

  •  
  • Stabilising now, but still less predictable than traditional engines

  •  
  • Buyers want long-range and strong battery health

  •  
  • Expect big variance depending on model and manufacturer

  •  

Anyone buying an EV should consider how long they’re keeping it, not what it will sell for in 3 years.

 

The Clean Verdict

 

If you drive locally, have a driveway or workplace charger and want predictable running costs → EV still wins


even with the 2028 mileage tax.

 

If you rely heavily on public rapid charging, motorway services and lack home charging → petrol or diesel may still be cheaper over a typical year.

 

And if congestion charges expand?


EVs will start winning the economics again, even faster.

30 Second Christmas Quiz - The Answers 

1: B, 2: A, 3: B (obviously)

7 EV Myths People Keep Repeating (That Are Just Wrong)

If you’ve ever mentioned electric cars on Facebook, you’ll know:
half the county turns into an amateur energy expert, and most of them say the same seven things.

 

Let’s clear them up quickly before somebody posts a meme of a hamster on a treadmill powering a Nissan Leaf.

 

Myth 1: “EVs can’t go through puddles.”

 

Yes they can.


They’re not giant toasters.


Water + cars has always been a thing petrol and diesel engines drown long before EV batteries do.

 

Myth 2: “The battery won’t last longer than a mobile phone.”

 

Actual EV battery life: years.


Actual mobile phone battery life: about five coffee breaks.


Modern EV batteries routinely do 8–12 years+ before noticeable decline.

 

Myth 3: “There aren’t any chargers anywhere.”

 

Depends where you live.

 

  • Cambridge: chargers everywhere

  •  
  • Market towns: hit-and-miss

  •  
  • Fenland villages: bring snacks


  • But charging does improve every year and home charging removes 90% of the stress entirely.

  •  
  • Myth 4: “EVs explode if you look at them funny.”
  •  

Nope.


Petrol cars catch fire far more often than EVs.


People forget petrol is literally a flammable liquid sitting under your seat.

 

Myth 5: “EVs are only for rich people.”

 

They were not anymore.


Used EV prices have fallen, salary-sacrifice schemes exist, and running costs are often half of petrol.


Up-front cost still hurts, but not as wildly as 2020.

 

Myth 6: “You can’t go on long trips.”

 

You can you just have to plan like someone who doesn’t want to run out of charge in a lay-by at 11pm.


Petrol drivers forget they’d also run out of fuel if they ignored the gauge for three hours.

 

Myth 7: “EVs are pointless now they’re adding the mileage tax.”

 

The 2028 3p-per-mile charge doesn’t kill the economics.


It narrows the gap slightly


EVs still win if you charge at home, or if your city introduces congestion charges.

 

Petrol is still 15–20p per mile.


Maths is maths.

 

What’s the real bottom line?

 

EVs aren’t perfect.


Petrol cars aren’t perfect.


Both camps need to calm down.

 

But most of the loudest EV “facts” are just myths people heard once at a barbeque in 2021.

 

Look at your own life your mileage, your parking, your commuting, your budget and decide based on that, not Facebook folklore.

Five “Last-Minute but Thoughtful” Gift Ideas You Can Actually Get in Cambridgeshire Shops

(Not generic Amazon rubbish, all very “I’ve thought about you… honest.”)

 

  1. A local maker’s gift from Ely Market

  2. Candles, prints, handmade soaps the kind of gifts that make you look creative even if you’re absolutely not.
  3.  

2. A Garden Centre Christmas mug + hot chocolate combo


Cheap, cosy, charming.


Everyone secretly loves a new mug in December.


Bonus if it has a fox wearing a jumper on it.

 

3. A Hamper You Build Yourself (Sainsbury’s trick)


Buy a little basket + shredded paper + £10 worth of treats = looks like it cost £40.


Ideal “polite present” for colleagues and neighbours.

 

4. A cinema voucher for one of the small independents


Huntingdon, Ely, Wisbech, Cambourne…


Everyone gets January blues — a movie night feels like a treat.

 

5. A “Cosy Night In” bag


Hot water bottle, fluffy socks, nice chocolate, and a face mask.


Costs about £12.


Feels like you understand their soul.

The Last-Minute Christmas Dinner Swap List (Plus 3 Quick Recipes You Can Actually Cook Without Crying)

Every year, Cambridgeshire kitchens face the same drama:
you thought you had everything… until 11:52am on Christmas morning when you realise you’ve forgotten something crucial and all the shops are shut.

 

Here’s your panic-proof swap list — guaranteed to save your dinner and your dignity.

 

If you forgot PARSNIPS → swap for HONEY CARROTS

 

No one will complain.


Half your guests won’t even notice.


Carrots + honey + a bit of butter = festive magic.

 

If there’s no CRANBERRY SAUCE → use REDCURRANT JELLY

 

Tastes almost identical and spreads better.


Also widely found lurking in the fridge of most grandparents.

 

If your TURKEY is a lost cause → roast CHICKEN

 

Seriously.


No one cares.


Good gravy solves everything.

 

If you forgot STUFFING → use HERB BUTTER + BREADCRUMBS

 

Mash butter with mixed herbs + garlic + a handful of breadcrumbs.


Spread under chicken/turkey skin or flatten into patties.


Instant flavour bomb.

 

If you’ve run out of BRANDY for the pudding → use RUM or WHISKY

 

Or nothing.


It’s Christmas set the thing on fire with passion instead.

 

If potatoes aren’t crisping → turn the oven up, add oil, walk away

 

You are not bonding with them; you are roasting them.


Treat them firmly.

 

If Yorkshire puds fail → blame the oven

 

Never yourself.


This is the law.

 

Plus just because it's "Christmas Month" .

 

We Have Been Speaking To Nan's, Mums, Dads and a few singles who are training for next years Masterchef.

 


3 QUICK RECIPES (Cambridge Spotlight Readers -Style: Panic-Proof, Cheap, Tastes Amazing)

 

1) 10-Minute Cheat’s Gravy (Saves Any Meat Disaster)

You need:


Butter, flour, stock cube, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper.

 

How to do it:


Melt butter → add flour → whisk → add hot water + stock → splash of Worcestershire → pepper.


Suddenly looks chef-level.


Tastes like you planned Christmas since May.

 

2) Honey-Roasted Carrots (When Parsnips Betray You)

You need:


Carrots, honey, oil, salt, pepper.

 

How to do it:


Roast carrots 25–30 mins → drizzle honey halfway → finish with pepper.


People will think you’ve “really elevated the vegetables this year.”


You will nod modestly.

 

3) Festive Fake-Fancy Dessert (When You Burn the First One)

You need:


Vanilla ice cream, crushed shortbread, a splash of Baileys or chocolate sauce.

 

How to do it:


Layer in glasses → ice cream + crushed biscuit + drizzle → repeat.


Looks like a posh restaurant pudding.


Takes 90 seconds.


Saves lives.

 

Mini Teacher’s Note to Readers

Feel free to pretend these were all your ideas.
Christmas is about confidence, not accuracy.

3 Easy, Cheap Craft Ideas for Kids (That Don’t Destroy the House)

Parents will love you for this.

 

  1. Pinecone Reindeer

  2. Glue, googly eyes, tiny pom-pom nose.

  3. Adorable.

  4. Zero glitter fallout.
  5.  

2. Sock Snowmen


Old sock + rice + ribbon.


Looks cute. Costs pennies.


Kids think it’s magic.

 

3. “Stained Glass” Windows


Tissue paper + PVA glue.


Sticks to windows, peels off cleanly in January.


No emotional damage to the paintwork.

Three Things That Made Cambridgeshire Smile This Week”

A perfect end-of-issue energy lift.

 

• A village in Fenland put up a Christmas tree that’s slightly wonky — and everyone loves it more than the perfect ones.


It’s got character. And attitude.

 

• A bus driver in Huntingdon decorated the inside of their bus with tinsel and tiny baubles.


Passengers were delighted. Teenagers pretended not to be.

• A café in Cambridge quietly gave free hot chocolates to kids coming in from the rain.


No announcement. No fuss. Just kindness.

“If Cambridgeshire Was a Christmas Food…”

Peterborough — Pigs in blankets
Strong, reliable, everyone’s favourite.

 

Cambridge — Yule log
A bit extra. A bit fancy. Everyone pretends not to like it, but they do.

 

Wisbech — Mince pie
Classic, comforting, sometimes underrated, always there for you.

 

Ely — Terry’s Chocolate Orange
Oddly festive. Always turns up. A crowd pleaser.

 

Huntingdon — Cheese board
Not strictly Christmas… but always welcome.

 

What Christmas food do you think your town, or village should be? 

✨That's All For This Week 

And that’s us for this edition a little of the wall, a little festive, a little late (again)… but packed with enough Cambridgeshire warmth to make up for it.

 

Enjoy the lights, the mince pies, the good moments, and even the slightly ridiculous ones.


If you spot a great event, a brilliant small business, or something your kids did that made you laugh when you were meant to be serious send it in.


We love sharing the things that make this county feel like home.

 

Have a lovely week and stay warm out there.

Cambridgeshire Spotlight
Discover the hidden gems of Cambridgeshire, sign up now!

© 2025 Cambridgeshire Spotlight .

Cambridgeshire Spotlight is a free weekly newsletter shaped by real local voices. In December, we cover how people across the county actually experience Christmas — the pressure, the traditions, the places people rely on, and the everyday moments that make the season work.

© 2025 Cambridgeshire Spotlight .