Staying Home in Cambridge

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

Bookish Cambridge logo
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

Quarantined in Cambridge 2

Wow, well since I last posted here on Saturday afternoon, the corona virus situation has moved on with unbelievable speed.  So here’s some information that’s come to my attention since then, which hopefully will be of help as we all hunker down at home.

Check out the new website Local Shops in Cambridge, a good resource if you need stuff delivered.  You’ll find info on shops, food outlets, activities, delivery companies and local support in the city.  This site is only recently constructed so more details are being added all the time.  Huge thanks to Elisabeth Klaar of Oak Tree Studio for creating this valuable resource.

http://www.cambridgelocalshops.co.uk

Stir Bakery loaf
Image credit: Stir Bakery

Stir Bakery on Chesterton Road will open early from 7.30 – 8am daily to serve only vulnerable people ie anyone over 60 or those avoiding crowds.  They’re extending home deliveries to 7 days a week (subject to demand) and can deliver boxes of essential supplies (bread, milk, tray bakes, coffee and more).  If you need help, know someone who does or have any thoughts on how Stir Bakery can help in the community, email them on stirbakerycambridge@gmail.com

http://www.stircambridge.co.uk

Camcab logo
Image credit: Camcab

Camcab Taxi can help if you are aged 70 or over and in need of groceries.  They’ll transfer your groceries from the supermarket to your doorstep free of charge.  They’ll also collect prescriptions if you’re stuck at home and they plan to help transport doctors and nurses from home to work as this crisis wears on.  Contact them on 01223 704704 if you need help.

http://www.camcab.co.uk

Indie Cambridge logo
Image credit: Indie Cambridge

Indie Cambridge has made a directory of its members who can offer online shopping and/or home delivery.  Many also offer vouchers or gift tokens.  Buying these now can help to keep the money coming in and to support our indie businesses through such a difficult time.

http://www.indiecambridge.com/blog.php

I’ve created a new Facebook group “What have you done today – Cambridge” as a fun forum so we can share what we’ve been up to as we fill up the unaccustomed free time at home.  Please join and post your photos, videos and messages so we can all keep connected, smile, swap ideas and inspire each other in these uncertain and anxious weeks.  There are only two rules …. be kind and keep it clean!!

FB What have you done today – Cambridge

Rolo The Cambridge Dachshund
Rolo takes a nap!

Here’s a photo of Rolo having his lunchtime nap to make you smile.  I will keep posting on this blog as more information comes my way.  Please get in touch through my Contact page if you know of anything that will be useful to readers.  I wish everybody the very best ….. stay well and look out for each other x