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


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

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

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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:
**********************************************************************************
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:
It’s messy, funny, slightly frantic — and actually quite brilliant.
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?
One Ely resident summed it up perfectly on Facebook:
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:
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:
This week has been a masterpiece.
The diversion signs?
Karen in Littleport said her trip to Cambridge “looked like a treasure hunt designed by someone who hates people.”
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.
Mark in Huntingdon put it best:
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.
And the classic Cambridgeshire finish: rain blowing sideways, wipers working overtime, Google Maps spinning like it’s reconsidering its career.
Honestly?
Until then, every late arrival this month has the same excuse:
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Three Shockingly Good £5 Stocking Fillers |
Hot chocolate stirrers (the chocolate-on-a-stick ones)
Mini craft kits from charity shops or garden centres
A new winter mug |
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.
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.”
A couple on Gwydir Street admitted they’ve “accidentally” tried three cafés this week because “everywhere just smells good right now.”
It’s the small things — the coffee, the chatter, the little rituals — that actually make early December bearable.
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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:
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.”
No big story here.
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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:
Tom in Witchford told us:
Meanwhile, Hannah from Sawston said she passed a new 30mph sign in a spot “where even the ducks were confused.”
And honestly?
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.
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.
Until then?
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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.”
The Gog is having a very good early December, and it’s easy to see why.
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:
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:
Flourish Farm Shop — Hildersham
Flourish has become a favourite for people who want proper fresh veg and meat without fuss.
Highlights:
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.
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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.
1) Stop paying for “Prime time” slots — literally
Peak slots (4–7pm) have shot up this week.
Sally’s Move:
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.
Sally’s Move:
3) Consider a Click & Collect — but only the smart one
Click & Collect is the hero nobody appreciates.
Sally’s Move:
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:
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.
Translation:
6) The golden rule: Never accept the “Festive Fee Creeps”
Supermarkets absolutely increase delivery charges in December.
We are not imagining it.
Sally’s rule of three:
Boom.
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The Little Local Moment We Don’t Talk About Enough |
There’s a very specific type of person who emerges in Cambridgeshire every December:
We all know one.
They leave the house saying they need:
…and they return with:
David in Cottenham admitted he once went in for “something for the shed” and came out with an entire wreath-making kit.
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?
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. |
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:
You know the ones:
Jenny in Ely described her Tuesday night dinner as:
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.
And honestly?
If you needed permission to eat a meal made of festive bits tonight — this is it.
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Pet Corner: Should You Buy Your Pet a Christmas Present? |
Every year, around this time, the same debate happens in Cambridgeshire households:
Yes.
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:
It doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy.
Because while humans spend December mildly stressed, pets spend December doing their best work:
Yes, buy the gift.
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POLL: Spotlight Food Survey: Cambridgeshire’s Favourite Pre-Christmas Dinner Spots (Part 1) |
Right — let’s solve the biggest early-December argument:
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)
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POLL: Best Pre-Christmas Dinner Spot in NORTH Cambridgeshire (Special For Fenland Part 2) |
So here’s Part 2 — the North Cambs only edition.
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:
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)
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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.
Over the years, our readers have confessed to receiving gifts such as:
• A desk calendar… for the wrong year.
• A mug that said “World’s Okayest Employee.”
• A novelty elf hat that played music every time you moved.
• A “spa set” that smelt like boiled sweets and regret.
• A framed picture of a cartoon llama.
• A 6-pack of tuna.
Lydia from Wisbech told us her Secret Santa once gave her a single slipper.
And Daniel from March swears someone in his office once got a half-used Lynx Africa set.
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,
Here are a few grown-up, office-safe, family-safe but very funny Elf ideas readers can actually pull off at home.
1) Elf With the Online Shopping Shame
Pose the elf next to a stack of recent delivery boxes with a tiny note that says:
2) Elf Booked a Holiday Without Telling Anyone
Put the elf inside a suitcase holding a tiny passport.
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:
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:
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.
6) Elf Trying to Cancel Plans
Pose the elf next to a phone with a note saying:
Too real. Too relatable. 7) Elf With the Heating Dilemma
Stand the elf next to the thermostat with two notes:
8) Elf Having a ‘Financial Review’
Sit the elf beside a pile of receipts and a tiny calculator that says:
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?”
10) Elf Who’s Just Done With This Month
Place the elf lying face-down on the kitchen counter with a note saying:
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
What This Means for Buyers & Renters
Where Things Are Heating Up vs Holding Steady
What to Ask Yourself Before Buying / Renting in 2025/26
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Cambridgeshire: 7 Local Property Snapshots (2025) |
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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,
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:
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:
Lewis in March said he got permission for his puppy because he offered a pet CV.
3) Expect to be asked for a “Pet CV”
It sounds silly until you realise it actually helps.
It usually includes:
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.
Honestly?
5) Flats are still the hardest, houses are still the easiest Even in 2025:
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:
creates an awkward moment that starts with, “So, whose dog is this?” Better to be upfront, organised, and prepared.
Renting with pets in Cambridgeshire is no longer “impossible,” but it’s still not the breezy “sure, go ahead” people hoped for.
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December Tiny Joys” (Feel-Good Micro Moments) |
These are tiny, but they make the cold days feel lighter. |
The “December Looks” We’re All Quietly Doing Right Now |
ChatGPT said: |
Kid-Saver: 3 No-Mess Activities for Rainy Days |
Sticker books — Hours of entertainment. Zero drama.*well sort of" |
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.”
Families:
Couples:
Singles:
The real answer?
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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.
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.”
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:
But that’s exactly why people move here:
something without mortgaging your entire future.
If you want investment? There’s potential.
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
Peanut butter reindeer biscuits
Baileys hot chocolate
Cheese + chutney crackers
Marshmallow-topped brownies
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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?
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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…
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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
£300,000 mortgage
£400,000 mortgage
It’s simple:
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”.
Start running honest numbers
Not big spreadsheets just basic scenarios:
Look at your current lender AND others
2026 will not be the year to only accept whatever your bank offers first.
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:
This is the moment to ask someone qualified.
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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:
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.”
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.
Even with that charge, EVs still typically cost far less to run than petrol/diesel, because:
So yes, it’s a new tax — but it’s not catastrophic.
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) =
A petrol car doing the same mileage at 15–20p/mile =
EVs still win — comfortably.
But It’s Not All Rainbows
Here’s what still annoys people (fairly):
Public charging is inconsistent:
And EVs still cost more up front.
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.
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:
Stick to petrol/diesel if you live public-charger to public-charger
The Real Bottom Line
The EV mileage tax is coming but it doesn’t kill the EV advantage.
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 |
2. Which item runs out of stock first in supermarkets?
3. In which order do Brits panic?
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.
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:
Add the new 2028 tax:
Total EV running cost: £595–£850 per year
Petrol Car
Fuel cost (varies wildly but usually):
No extra tax but you’re already paying it at the pump through fuel duty.
Diesel Car
Fuel cost:
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.
Unless public charging is your only option.
The Public Charging Reality
This is where EV economics wobble:
If 80–90% of your charging is home or workplace → EV still comes out ahead.
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:
Most EV servicing is predictable, and costs are often lower than an equivalent petrol/diesel.
What About Resale Value?
This is the wildcard.
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
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?
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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:
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.
Myth 2: “The battery won’t last longer than a mobile phone.”
Actual EV battery life: years.
Myth 3: “There aren’t any chargers anywhere.”
Depends where you live.
Nope.
Myth 5: “EVs are only for rich people.”
They were not anymore.
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.
Myth 7: “EVs are pointless now they’re adding the mileage tax.”
The 2028 3p-per-mile charge doesn’t kill the economics.
Petrol is still 15–20p per mile.
What’s the real bottom line?
EVs aren’t perfect.
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.”)
2. A Garden Centre Christmas mug + hot chocolate combo
3. A Hamper You Build Yourself (Sainsbury’s trick)
4. A cinema voucher for one of the small independents
5. A “Cosy Night In” bag
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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:
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.
If there’s no CRANBERRY SAUCE → use REDCURRANT JELLY
Tastes almost identical and spreads better.
If your TURKEY is a lost cause → roast CHICKEN
Seriously.
If you forgot STUFFING → use HERB BUTTER + BREADCRUMBS
Mash butter with mixed herbs + garlic + a handful of breadcrumbs.
If you’ve run out of BRANDY for the pudding → use RUM or WHISKY
Or nothing.
If potatoes aren’t crisping → turn the oven up, add oil, walk away
You are not bonding with them; you are roasting them.
If Yorkshire puds fail → blame the oven
Never yourself.
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:
How to do it:
2) Honey-Roasted Carrots (When Parsnips Betray You)You need:
How to do it:
3) Festive Fake-Fancy Dessert (When You Burn the First One) You need:
How to do it:
Mini Teacher’s Note to ReadersFeel free to pretend these were all your ideas. |
3 Easy, Cheap Craft Ideas for Kids (That Don’t Destroy the House) |
Parents will love you for this.
2. Sock Snowmen
3. “Stained Glass” Windows
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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.
• A bus driver in Huntingdon decorated the inside of their bus with tinsel and tiny baubles.
• A café in Cambridge quietly gave free hot chocolates to kids coming in from the rain.
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“If Cambridgeshire Was a Christmas Food…” |
Peterborough — Pigs in blankets
Cambridge — Yule log
Wisbech — Mince pie
Ely — Terry’s Chocolate Orange
Huntingdon — Cheese board
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.
Have a lovely week and stay warm out there. |