Things to Do in December

Here are some things happening in December in the local area. If you would like to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Throughout December, 9.30am to 4.00pm Christmas at Anglesey Abbey Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire CB25 9EJ

The ground floor of the house will be full of magical Christmas decorations and don’t miss the show-stopping tree in the hallway. NB During December entry to the house needs to be pre-booked at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/angleseyabbey-gardens-and-lode-mill/whats-on. Local schools, community choirs and bands will provide festive music at weekends. Then try the Winter Gardens walk for dazzling colours and the scent of winter-flowering honeysuckle. Free to National Trust members but otherwise please check website for admission charges.

Saturday 3rd December, 11.00am to 3.30pm Haslingfield Outdoor Christmas Market Methodist Church, 25 High Street, Haslingfield CB23 1JW

Popular and well attended event held in the church grounds with crafts, cards, gifts, seasonal decorations and food. Home-Start needs volunteers to run their stall - if you can help at all please contact Tracy on 01763 26222 or email: events@hsrc.org.uk. Thank you!

Saturday 3rd December, 7.30 pm Orwell Singers Christmas Concert Village Hall, 36 High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN

The varied programme will include English, Irish, French and Spanish songs and ballads, followed by some traditional Christmas carols for the audience to join in. Tickets at the door, £10, to include a small buffet. Drinks also available, plus a raffle. An early Christmas treat!

Monday 5th December, 5.00pm and 6.45pm Carols for Ukraine (Yellow and Blue concerts, 90 minutes each) Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ

This year these annual Rotary concerts will raise funds for the Rotary Club of Kharkiv International to buy a much-needed ambulance. The two concerts follow one another to maximise the number of schools taking part. Tickets (unreserved) £10, children under 18 £5, available on the door or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Tuesday 6th December, 10.00am to 12.00pm Winter Tree Walk Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, CB22 3AE

Learn how to identify our native trees using bark, buds, shape and form. Guided walk around Wandlebury led by one of the park wardens. Meet at the noticeboard in the car park. Free but donations to their conservation work welcome. See www.cambridgeppf.org.

Wednesday 7th December, 10.00am to 12noon Guided Walk at The Lodge Sandy RSPB Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL

A walk led by Betty Cooke who is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of natural history at the RSPB’s flagship reserve. No charge, just turn up - suggested donations of around £2 would be appreciated. Wear good walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Park in the Gatehouse car park (free to RSPB members). www.bcn.org.

Thursday 8th December, 12noon to 6.00pm A Taste of Christmas Bury Lane Farm Shop, A10, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6DF

Local farm shop offers an opportunity to meet some of their favourite suppliers and try their delicious products.

Saturday 10th December, 11.00am to 4.00pm The Granary’s Christmas Market Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP

Supporting local makers and creators, craftspeople and collectors, this festive market takes place in the Granary’s sheltered courtyard. Live seasonal music, popup food, mulled wine, Christmas trees and extended opening hours in the café. Free and no need to book.

Friday 16th December, 6.30pm - doors open at 6.00pm Maggie’s Cambridge Christmas Carol Service St John’s College Chapel, St John’s Street, Cambridge CB2 1TW

The cancer charity’s annual Christmas Carol Service takes place in the beautiful St John’s College Chapel. The Serenata Choir will be performing traditional and modern carols with a chance for you to join in. Tickets £15 available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maggies-cambridge-christmas-carol-service-tickets.

Sunday 18th December, 7.30pm Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL

Enjoy a magical Christmas concert in the spectacular setting of Ely Cathedral. The renowned Piccadilly Sinfonietta will perform pieces by Chopin, Corelli and Vivaldi including the epic Four Seasons. Wrap up warmly - those stone floors can be cold! Tickets from £19. Book at www.elycathedral.org. Compiled by John Crawforth