bookish cambridge – New in Cambridge

So now we are in Week 8 of lockdown but following Boris Johnson’s announcements last Sunday (and follow up clarifications!), life is beginning to change tentatively. Here’s some good Cambridge stuff that might be of help/interest as we start to emerge, blinking, into a new normal.

Community Mask 4 NHS Cambridge

Community Masks 4 NHS was set up only a few weeks ago by friends Melissa Santiago Val and Jane Horwood to make vibrant, muslin lined fabric masks for community use. They suggest a donation of £4 per mask with all the money going straight to NHS Charities Together and they’ve already raised £10,000! I’ve volunteered as a sewist on this project and here is Johnny wearing a mask. Adult and child sized masks are available to order through their Just Giving page.

FB @CommunityMasks4NHS

Makespace, a community workshop, has created a Makespace Mask Kit with all the materials you need to make 5 reusable cloth masks. They are providing these kits for free. Patterns for adult and child sized masks are included and while the masks could be hand sewn, using a sewing machine is preferable.

Makespace Mask Kit

Amelie Flammekueche Cambridge

Amelie Restaurant is delivering its delicious flam-kuche and more on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from tomorrow (14 May) now that Alex and Regis Crepy can get back into their kitchen. Simply phone or email in your choices from their small but perfectly formed Take Away Menu by 8pm the day before delivery.

Take Away Menu – free delivery

Espresso Library has reopened this week and will be open Tuesday – Saturday 8am – 2pm for coffee and cake to go. They’ve mapped out safe queue distancing outside and you place your order with owner John at the door.

FB @espressolibrary

Feather & Ferns bouquet — Image credit: Feather & Ferns Floral Design

Feather & Ferns has launched a contactless bouquet delivery service. Florist Becky Frost would normally be creating stunning floral arrangements for weddings at this time of year but now she is sourcing seasonal flowers, many from British growers and even some from Cambridgeshire, to make beautiful hand tied bouquets at £30 and £50. Place your order by Tuesday evening to guarantee a Friday delivery.

https://featherandferns.com/seasonal-bouquet/

Image credit: Bookish Cambridge

Bookish, in normal times found at their stall on Cambridge Market, are offering contact free delivery of their second hand books to your doorstep in Cambridge city at no extra charge and via postal delivery elsewhere. Check out their website for details of current stock with all books marked at just £2.50 each.

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Things are changing all the time so I will keep posting as news reaches me of good and useful things happening here in Cambridge. Until next time, I hope that everybody, wherever in the world you are reading this, is keeping safe and well x

OK so when I last posted a week ago, none of us could have imagined the speed with which life has changed. It’s been extraordinary and discombobulating. But it’s also amazing how quickly people adapt themselves and their businesses at such a stressful time. Here’s a selection of activities and services in the city that might be of help/interest in these difficult days.

Stir Cambridge loaf — Image credit: Stir Bakery

Stir Bakery has moved to a delivery only model. They’ll be delivering every day to CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, Impington, Histon, Girton, Cottenham and Milton. Order through their website for delivery 3 days later.

https://stircambridge.co.uk/bakery-shop

Cambridge Fruit Company box — My fruit and veg box, delivered yesterday

Cambridge Fruit Company, which normally supplies fruit boxes to local businesses, has also changed its business model overnight and is now delivering directly to your door. An Essentials Box at £15 suits 2 people. I’ve been ordering the Family Box at £30, which contains a really good variety of seasonal veg, salads and fruit, all super fresh and top quality. Order through their website.

https://www.cambridgefruitcompany.com/shop/

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden has sadly had to close its gates but the team there is posting a virtual walkabout each week on the website so we can all enjoy the beauty as the Garden moves into Spring and Summer.

https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/join-us-for-a-weekly-walk-around-cubg/

Lucinda Price is a photographer who’s launched a free service for those out of school who’d like to know a little about photography and the life of a freelance photographer. She is offering 1-2-1 30 minute sessions via video call for teenagers. For younger children, Lucinda will set some photographic challenges and then discuss the results. You’ll find more details and a booking facility on her website.

https://www.lucindaprice.com/1-2-1-tuition

Blossom Cambridge

Claire at Mindfulness of Nature has created a really lovely space, inviting you to join her at 8am each day at a Sit Spot in your garden, on your balcony or even by your open window. Connecting with nature as you reflect can be a powerful exercise that helps to still a busy mind. Join her Facebook group for more details.

FB Sitting Together with Nature: The Sit Spot

https://www.facebook.com/groups/845260472641077/?fref=nf

Image credit: Bookish Cambridge

If you’re running out of reading matter, help is at hand from a couple of local sources. Heffers may be shut but you can order online with free delivery on all UK orders. And it’s not just books, they also sell gifts, stationery and games. Bookish Cambridge, more normally found at their stall in the Market, sells second hand books. They are working on a website but for now, email them for a current list of books. They will deliver in the Cambridge area.

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/home

bookishcambridge@gmail.com or 01223 510129

And finally, don’t forget the Facebook group “What have you done today Cambridge”. It’s only been in existence for 10 days but a warm, kind and funny community is growing on there as we all keep connected, share ideas, support and inspire each other in these crazy days. Everybody is welcome to join, hope to see you there.

FB What have you done today Cambridge

https://www.facebook.com/groups/208602293689896/

Rolo The Cambridge Dachshund — Rolo has no concept of social distancing!

Here’s a picture of Rolo to make you smile. Please do get in touch if you know of any other activities and services in the city that I can include in future posts as this lockdown continues. I wish all readers, wherever you are in the world, the very best at this frightening and stressful time. Stay safe, stay home, keep well x

Tag: bookish cambridge

Emerging from Lockdown in Cambridge

Staying Home in Cambridge