Cambridgeshire Constabulary is holding a South Cambs Community Engagement meeting on Wednesday 10th December from 7pm online.
During the hour-long online meeting you will get the opportunity to meet your neighbourhood policing team, hear what they have been working on over the past three months and help set the priorities for the coming quarter.
Email ‘SOUTH CAMBS’ to communitymeeting@cambs.police.uk to be sent an invite for the meeting.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is holding a South Cambs Community Engagement meeting on Wednesday 26th November from 7pm online.
During the meeting you will get the opportunity to meet your neighbourhood officers, find out what has been happening over the past three months and help shape the policing priorities for the future. There is also a question-and-answer section so you can ask the neighbourhood officers anything you wish.
Email ‘SOUTH CAMBS’ to communitymeeting@cambs.police.uk to be sent an invite for the meeting.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is holding a South Cambs Community Engagement meeting on Wednesday 27th August from 7pm online.
During the meeting you will get the opportunity to meet your neighbourhood officers, find out what has been happening over the past three months and help shape the policing priorities for the future. There is also a question-and-answer section so you can ask the neighbourhood officers anything you wish.
Email ‘SOUTH CAMBS’ to communitymeeting@cambs.police.uk to be sent an invite for the meeting.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is holding a South Cambs Community Engagement meeting on Wednesday 21st May from 7pm online.
During the meeting you will get the opportunity to meet your neighbourhood officers, find out what has been happening over the past three months and help shape the policing priorities for the future. There is also a question-and-answer section so you can ask the neighbourhood officers anything you wish.
Email ‘SOUTH CAMBS’ to communitymeeting@cambs.police.uk to be sent an invite for the meeting.
A recent move into more prominent and accessible new premises is enabling Histon High Street property lawyers, Hayward Moon, to expand their connections within the local community.
Just before Christmas last year, the firm reached out to nearby Brook Primary School to donate surplus files and other office supplies no longer needed due to their relocation and, from this, came the inspiration for an Easter colouring competition.
Conveyancing assistant Megan Johnson told HI HUB: “We felt this competition would be a great way to support the children’s wellbeing. It was initially solely with Brook Primary School. But following its success, we hope to get involved with other local schools too later in the year.”
Entries received were of such a high standard that Hayward Moon were unable to settle on a Top 3 and so an additional 4th prize was added.
Prizewinners
1st Place – Bea year 2, class 2RD
2nd Place – Hayley year 3, class 3IH
3rd Place Benjamin Year 2, class 2RB
4th Place Naomi Year 1, class 1JR
First place winner Bea was awarded a Vue cinema voucher and a large Easter egg. Second, third and fourth prizes were each gifted a medium egg and a small egg was given to all entries taking part as “they were all incredible”, Megan revealed.
Sharing their joy, first place prize winner Bea said: “I really enjoy drawing I like bright colours and flowers, it took me two hours. Yummy, wow I can’t wait to go to the cinema.” And Hayley told us, “mine took me two days, I stuck gems on mine.”
The ‘mulch-o-meter’ is back and ready for action in time for the second Community Tree Care Day on Saturday 26 April.
From 10am-3pm in the Chivers field near the Holiday Inn and B1049, local residents and their family and friends, as well as groups of people from local clubs, churches, committees and businesses, are encouraged to join in this community effort to stop the 1,400 young trees planted on that site being choked by weeds. Last year the ‘mulch o’meter’ logged 671 trees that were cared for and this year the team hope to do even better.
Community care
Talking to HI HUB, HI Trees volunteer Dan Mace said: “Next time you’re driving, cycling or walking along the B1049 towards the A14, take a look at the newly planted woods in the field between the road and the Holiday Inn. (Although, if you’re driving, please do focus on the road ahead!)
“1400 trees were planted in 2021 and 2022, and they’re doing pretty well. Some are now several metres tall. This is partly thanks to the love and attention that the community has given them, both when the trees were originally planted, and at the first ever HI Trees Care Day in April last year. On that day we had about 100 people turn up to weed the trees, mulch around them and help give them the best start possible. This year, we want to do even better. The mulch-o-meter will be back, and we have an even bigger pile of mulch to spread around the trees.
“And finally… we need to name this area. If you have any suggestions, the HI Trees team wants to hear them. We can’t keep calling it ‘the Woods between the B1049 and the Holiday Inn’ forever!”
What/when/where?
When: Saturday 26 April 10am – 3pm. Go along for as long or as little as you like. Even 10 minutes will help!
Where: Chivers’ field next to Holiday Inn, first right off the A14 (please note that note there’s no parking on site).
What: Give our young trees the best chance of thriving – we will show you how on the day. Some equipment will be provided, and if you can, please bring your gloves, spades, trowels, wheelbarrows, buckets, a drink. Please watch out for rabbit holes on the field; the ground is uneven, so please wear suitable shoes.
Who: Everyone welcome including children under the supervision of their adult companions.
Add your name suggestions on HI Trees Facebook group or email Dan Mace on dan.r.mace@gmail.com
For more information please see the event listing on HI HUB What’s On.
READ ALSO: HI Ttrees introduce the mulch-o-meter for community tree care day and HI Trees survey reveals highly encouraging survival rate
Vision Park coffee and sandwich bar, d:licious, is celebrating its 14th birthday. Amanda Borrill talks to owner Musa Nafi about their dream, the nightmare of COVID and how the support of a community has kept them strong.
It all began with a vision – a desire for a business that would fit comfortably around family life.
Rewind to March 2011 and founder of long-established Vision Park sandwich shop, Nadia’s, was preparing to retire. An opportunity to buy this popular and well frequented lunch stop, situated amidst an abundance of thriving businesses here in the heart of Histon & Impington, was too good to miss and, most importantly, its Monday to Friday opening hours fitted perfectly with husband and wife team Musa and Louise Nafi’s dream; a family focused business which would allow them to achieve a happy work-life balance as parents to three young daughters.
A weekend of redecorating, new menus and the introduction of customer seating followed – and brand new coffee & sandwich bar d:licious was launched to a hungry public.
Loyalty and friendship
I asked Musa what he enjoys the most about life as a business on the Vision Park. “The shop has been great for us”, he tells me. “We have always been fortunate to have an amazing team behind us, it has fit in well with our lifestyle and we have made some genuine friendships with customers over the years. Plus”, he smiles, “very many are repeat, loyal customers. We know them by name, know all about their families, and even where and when they are off on their holidays!
“We see familiar faces from nearby offices but we also see lots of lovely village locals who come and visit for a coffee and cake treat”.
Five years ago, however, things were considerably less rosy. The COVID pandemic and its enforced lockdowns left this family business teetering on the edge. Being a business located amidst a collection of, now mostly empty, office buildings could have ended its relatively short life there and then but, against all the odds, d:licious survived. So, how did they do it?
“COVID was tough”, says Musa. “Things were going so well up to that point, we were getting busier and busier, the team had been settled for about five years and then, boom, overnight everything fell off a cliff. That first lockdown in March 2020 saw us forced to close for three months. When we returned, the working landscape had changed beyond recognition”.
Thinking outside the lunch box
The business was forced to reconsider its entire existence. The menu was increased with things like pizza and waffles added, trials with food delivery partners like Just Eat and Deliveroo were experimented with and, once gatherings were allowed again, outdoor pizza nights were hosted. Their delightful outdoor area would, in fact, prove to be a huge asset as social distancing, along with government incentives such as ‘eat out to help out’, came and went over the months ahead.
Reflecting on that time, Musa tells me, “the biggest help for us all was, without doubt, the support of the local community. Even though the cafe had been here on the Vision Park since 1991, there were still many villagers unaware of d:licious or where we were located. We worked hard to change that and, through village social media and leafleting, managed to stay afloat during a period that saw around 95% of our previous customer base taken away from us”. And there is no doubt that very many of us were immensely grateful for that opportunity to sit on their decking or collect a take-away coffee during our daily walks; a welcome reminder of a life we were all missing through those pandemic days.
The care of a community
So, how are things now for this family café “Things are better than they were,” says Musa, “but still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. We dug in, diversified, realised we couldn’t get by with just Vision Park office trade and made a conscious effort to reach out to residents in the village. Fortunately they responded and helped see us through. Had we not had such support I’m not sure we would still be here”.
And that local support has seen a real swing in the d:licious customer base. “Where office staff would have once made up 90-95% of our customer base”, explains Musa “it’s probably now more like a 50/50 split between Vision Park custom and locals who stop by and continue to support us. We are lucky to own a lovely outdoor area. The decking has just recently all been relaid with the addition of new and extra benches. it really is a great spot to relax, particularly in the kinder weather.”
With 14 years behind them, what delights lay ahead for d:licious? Can the community look forward to more sundowner events on the decking? “We’ll always run at least one pizza night during the summer. I’ll have to as everyone always keep asking when the next one is”, laughs Musa. “Weather permitting we will try and run a couple extra this year. It’s difficult to make too many plans. Post COVID my confidence around making concrete plans was knocked somewhat and now we prefer to make sure plans are flexible enough to adapt to situations as they arise”.
Triumph through adversity
Besides mentioning the very warm welcome that always awaits a visit to this family-run café, a feature like this wouldn’t be complete without talking food! Personally, they had me at carrot cake, but I couldn’t resist asking Musa what sits atop the d:licious lunchtime league? “Our most popular panini”, says Musa, “has to be ‘The Feast’. This is one we introduced many years ago, before COVID, where we donated 10% of sales to the Histon Feast. Customers kept asking for it after it was discontinued so we’ve since made it a permanent fixture to our menu! It consists of chicken tikka, mixed in yoghurt and mint dressing with mozzarella, onions and jalapeños, toasted in a crisp panini.
“In terms of cakes, the carrot cake has always been a good seller”, he smiles, “but top sellers remain the oat & almond tart and millionaire’s shortbread”.
There is no question that 14 years of this family-run cafe here in Histon & Impington deserves commemorating and their resilience through adversity reflects the strength of the entire d:licious team. And, from Musa to the community of H&I he has this message: “A massive thank you from us all. Thank you for the last 14 years and, in particular, the last 5! You’ll never truly know how much your custom meant.
“And, to those of you who haven’t tried us out yet, please do. New faces are always welcome and we can’t wait to meet you”.
Find out more about d:licious by visiting their website. You can also follow all their latest news on Facebook.
Less than a year after Lyndsey and Mark Ward took over the running of Histon pub, the Barley Mow, the franchise of this village local is up for renewal again.
Lyndsey and Mark took over the pub on 25 March last year – moving into the village with their young family with the aim of creating a community pub here in Histon & Impington.
Troubled times
The last few years have seen several changes at this village pub beginning with the retirement of landlady of 30 years, Dore McCann, in October 2023 and the subsequent departure in February 2024 by her successors after just a few months at the helm.
Responding to HI HUB, Lyndsey Ward said: “Yes, we have decided to leave. Unfortunately the village hasn’t been as welcoming as we’d hoped although we have had some amazing customers that have supported us.
“We would like to hope that the new people coming in continue to push the pub to its potential and keep it a family friendly place. Also hoping they don’t have the trouble that we have endured over the last few months.”
Potential opportunity
Listing this latest opportunity on their website, Greene King Pub Partners talks of the benefits to a future Hive Pubs franchisee including the pub’s recent full refurbishment, a good size garden and ‘a community in Histon offering affluent home owners and plenty of passing/commuter trade’.
The five-year franchise agreement offers also personal three bedroom accommodation, a guaranteed income of £20,000 per annum plus a percentage of net food and drink sales.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “We are seeking a new franchise operator to run The Barely Mow. Anyone with pub management experience looking to run their own pub with the full support of Greene King should contact our recruitment team.”
Full details of the franchise can be found on the Greene King Pub Partners website.
Each year, the Feast donates to a variety of clubs, charities and groups across our community. All made possible by the generosity of villagers and a bunch of fun-filled events. Dan Mace tells how to get a piece of the pie!
As well as bringing the community together for a great week of activities, Histon & Impington Feast also raises money for good causes within our village.
Over the years, the Feast Committee has been delighted to support a wide range of organisations including support groups, sports clubs, local charities, environmental initiatives and organisations for both the young and the not so young. In 2024, (thanks in part to a generous donation from the Open Gardens committee), the Feast made donations totalling an incredible £5,000.
There is less than two weeks until the deadline for applications closes and the Feast Committee is keen to hear from Histon & Impington based clubs and groups who could use a little extra financial help with their activities. Do read our application form carefully for the funding criteria and please note that applicants will need to send a representative to a meeting on Tuesday 25 March, at 7pm, so put that date in your diaries.
Making a difference
14 local clubs and groups benefitted from 2024’s Feast Week and here’s what that money enabled them to do:
The deadline approaches!
There is now less than two weeks to go until applications close and so, if you know of a group who might benefit from some extra funding, please share this article and let them know.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Applications close at midday on Sunday 16 March. Applications can made online here. Alternatively, visit the Feast website, download and complete the form and email to Dan Mace at danrmace@gmail.com.
READ ALSO: feast-week 2025 gets back in the community
Histon Day Centre, meeting place for so many of our older community, is getting a glow up to better reflect its ethos of warmth and friendship. Helen Blake, of the HI Friends’ Older People Support team, tells how.
Throughout the year on a Tuesday or Friday morning, nestled in Kay Hitch Way, you will find Histon Day Centre. A place of food, fun and friendship, the centre offers a welcoming meeting place for members of our older community – with transport available for those who would not otherwise be able to get there independently.
Now, to better reflect its warm and friendly feel, what was ‘The Day Centre’ will be known as HI Friends Lunch Club and will be offering two new fortnightly sessions, again with transport for those who are in need of it. There is a small charge of £10 per session.
The HI Friends team really wants to ensure that those who are keen to attend can do so without waiting. Therefore, the two new fortnightly sessions will begin from 13 March and take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the month. Again we are able to provide transport for those in the village who need it.
Alleviating loneliness
Lunch Club is a place of laughter and fun. It offers an important space for people to come together and help alleviate the loneliness that can so often be felt by those living alone and who are unable to get out easily. As well as having a hot meal (and pudding) we provide a range of activities for the members to join in with such as quizzes, singing, bingo and craft activities as well as guest speakers and other entertainment. Naturally, of course, there are also several cups of tea or coffee always squeezed in!
The sessions are run by a leadership team of three. Employed by HI Friends is myself, Helen Blake, and Sally Smith. Then, assisting us both is Chris Swallow – a long standing volunteer who, almost single-handedly, kept this activity going prior to HI Friends’ involvement in 2022. A group of amazing volunteers help cook, wash up, make tea, arrange and clear away the tables and chat with members.
You are invited!
We are so excited that our village is able to offer this new group for our older people and we would like to hear from two particular groups of people:
Firstly – if you are an older person or know an older person who may benefit from attending one (or more) of our lunch club sessions. We are expecting the spaces to be filled very quickly, so please get in touch as soon as possible so we can have a chat about whether the lunch club would suit the person you have in mind.
And secondly – if you are somebody with some spare time to volunteer in any of the sessions we run. This includes the existing Tuesday and Friday lunch clubs and, particularly, people who could volunteer at the new lunch club every 2nd and 4th Thursday. If you are reading this and thinking ‘that could be me’, please do give me a ring, as I am sure we can find an opportunity that will suit whatever amount of time you are able to offer.
If you would like to know more about the HI Friends’ Lunch Club, either attending or volunteering, please do get in touch. Call Helen on 07394 173430 or email her at helen@hifriends.org.uk.