Things to Do in January

Here are some things happening in the local area. Local Coronavirus restrictions and conditions may still apply - please check before you book. If you want to let us know about any future event or activity please email meldrethmatters@hotmail.com.

Throughout January and continuing, online event Cambridge Secret Society Exploration Game

Explore the top attractions and uncover the history of Cambridge in a unique way. Play an exploration game on your smartphone and take on the role of someone living in medieval Britain. Duration 1.5 hours. From £3.57 per person. Book your ticket at www.getyourguide.co.uk.

Throughout January and continuing, at varying times The David Parr House, 184-6 Gwydir St, Cambridge CB1 2LW

An ordinary Cambridge terraced house with an extraordinary, unexpected interior. Take an actual or guided online tour. Visit www.davidparrhouse.org for timings & prices.

Wednesday to Sunday, 12.00pm to 5.00pm until Sunday 6th February (closed 24th December to 4th January) Lucy van Pelt: Director of Everything Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1DQ

Featuring one of the best-loved characters from Charles M Schulz’s ‘Peanuts’, and original comic strips and line art from the Schulz museum. A must for all fans! Free. www.dow.cam.ac.uk.

Wednesdays 5th and 19th January (and every other Wednesday) Melbourn Wednesday Walk, 10.30am to 11.30am The Hub, Melbourn SG8 6DZ

Starting from Melbourn Hub, these group walks are short and over easy terrain. Open to all but especially aimed at those who are least active. Led by friendly, specially-trained volunteers to provide encouragement. Contact leah.collis@scambs.go.uk or on 07508 020678 for more information and to register.

Saturday 8th January to Monday 28th February (runs daily) Wassail at Wimpole! Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

Wassail is the old English custom of blessing the health of apple trees. Head out on a sensory trail to explore the mid-winter traditions our

ancestors believed would bring a good harvest. Pick up trail booklet from reception. Free but normal National Trust admission applies.

Saturday 8th January, 7.30pm Four Centuries, Four Players - Fitzwilliam String Quartet Clare Hall, Herschel Road, Cambridge CB3 9AL

Acclaimed string quartet’s much-anticipated first performance ‘in residence’ at Cambridge’s Clare Hall, featuring music by Purcell, Haydn and Beethoven. Tickets £5 to £15 from www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Tuesday 18th January, 1.15pm Spotlight Talk: Global Gold Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB

Adrian Popescu introduces a new display from the Museum’s own collections and talks about the enduring fascination with gold - rare, beautiful and valued above all metals in many societies over the last six thousand years. Free but admission by ticket and donation of £10 or £20 invited: www.tickets.museums.cam.ac.uk.

From Saturday 22nd January - Friday 1st April, 10.00am-4.00pm Snowdrops at Chippenham Park Chippenham Park Gardens, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT

Renowned for its dramatic display of snowdrops and aconites in lovely woodland setting. Delicious home-made cakes and refreshments in the licensed Potting Shed Café. NB payment on the gate and in the tea rooms by cash only. Admission £7, children 5-16 years £3.

Thursday 27th January, 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm) The Aeronauts (with Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones) Orwell Film Club, Village Hall, High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN

Next in the series of film showings, on the 4th Thursday of every month, resumed subject to Covid restrictions. Annual membership £6. Contact secretary Roger Daw (01223) 207221 for further details.

Saturday 29th January, 10.30am to 1.00pm Plant a Tree at Wandlebury Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills CB23 3AE

Help the planet by planting a tree and creating a new woodland. Instructions and trees provided but please bring your own spade if you have one. Boots or wellies recommended - and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! No need to book. Meet by car park noticeboard. Compiled by John Crawforth