Cambridge Past, Present And Future. December Programme

30th October 2019 Trish

Christmas cheer with Cambridge Past, Present and Future

This is the latest press release from Cambridge Past Present and future. There is a good variety of interesting activities

(CambridgePPF)

Take a break from decking the halls this December and spend some family time that will make a truly memorable Christmas. CambridgePPF has a range of traditional treats and revitalising outdoor events that guarantee good tidings as you make your preparations for the Big Day. View a performance of the classic A Christmas Carol at the atmospheric Leper Chapel, and all are welcome for some time-honoured Christmas carols and a midnight Communion service. Be sure to counter all the festivities with some fresh winter air in our beautiful local countryside too: there’s a winter tree identification walk at Wandlebury; calm creativity and craft to get away from the commercial side of Christmas with Vital Spark Theatre; and an all-important New Year’s Day walk at Coton Reserve to blow away the cobwebs.

Winter Tree Walk at Wandlebury

Tuesday 10 December: 10am to 12pm

Step out this December into the beautiful winter scenery of the Country Park on this gentle warden-led walk around Wandlebury. Learn how to identify our native tree species in winter using bark, buds, shape and form – a perfect relaxing morning in the outdoors.

NB: This is a free event but donations are always welcome. Dress warmly for being outside and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the noticeboard in the car park.

Directions: Wandlebury Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout. Parking is available on site and costs £3 per vehicle, members free.

For more information: email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, call 01223 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

Theatre at the Leper Chapel: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

12,13,14 December: 7.30pm to 9pm

Now in its seventh year of touring, your chance to see A Christmas Carol, the way Dickens told it himself: one man, one stage. Playing over 20 characters, Martin Prest brings this timeless story of redemption to life in the atmospheric Leper Chapel. The miserly and unrepentant Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, one fateful Christmas Eve. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits and that, without their help, he will be condemned. Through the course of the night he is shown his past, his present and his future by these spirits. He learns how his actions affect those around him and, also, how they have been affecting his own life. As popular now as when it was first published in 1843, this captivating seasonal tale has the feel-good factor of a roast Christmas dinner and presents under the tree. The perfect start to any Christmas!

NB: Tickets £12.50 (£9 under-18s and students). Recommended for ages 8+. Dress warmly. To book visit adticketing.com or thatsmycueproductions.com

Directions: Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ – opposite Cambridge United. OS grid reference TL 471 594 GB Note that there is no parking or facilities at the chapel itself. Please park in nearby streets or come by bus or on foot.

Christmas Carols at the Leper Chapel

Sunday 15 December: 6.30pm to 8pm

If you’re still not feeling Christmassy enough then this event, in the wonderfully atmospheric Leper Chapel, is sure to get you into a festive mood. The Reverend Dr Roger Williams will be leading the Cottenham Brass Band for carols by candlelight, and you’ll experience the best of the traditional English Christmas.

NB: This is a free, family event and all are welcome. Donations towards the upkeep of the chapel are always appreciated. Please dress warmly. No need to book.

Directions: Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ – opposite Cambridge United. OS grid reference TL 471 594 GB. Note that there is no parking or facilities at the chapel itself. Please park in nearby streets or come by bus or on foot.

For more information: email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, call 01223 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

A Calm Creative Christmas at Wandlebury

Saturday 21 December: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 2pm

If you (and your children) find the Christmas run-up all a bit much then do come and join Vital Spark for an outdoor release and some calm creativity with craft, storytelling and nature – all the magic of the season with a natural and mindful slant to the activities. We’re not at all ‘bah humbug’, we just enjoy a little quality family time away from the more commercial side of Christmas!

NB: £7 per child over 2 years plus 10% booking fee (recommended ages 3-7). Dress for the outdoors and according to the weather. Children must remain accompanied throughout.

Booking: Booking essential. Email katherine@vitalsparktheatre.org

Directions: Wandlebury Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout. CB22 3AE. Parking is available on site and costs £3 per vehicle, members free.

Midnight Communion at the Leper Chapel

Tuesday 24 December: 11.30pm to 12.30am

A simple celebration of Christmas: the Communion, by candlelight, with carols. The 12th century Leper Chapel is one of the oldest complete surviving buildings in Cambridge and provides a stunning historic setting in which to enjoy the service, led by the Reverend Dr Roger Williams. All are welcome.

NB: A free event. All welcome. Donations towards the upkeep of the Chapel are always appreciated. Dress warmly. No need to book.

For more information: email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, call 01223 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

New Year’s Day Walk at Coton Countryside Reserve

Wednesday 1 January: 11am to 1pm

As a perfect antidote to the festivities, why not welcome in the new year and blow off the cobwebs by joining us for a free, sociable ramble through Coton Reserve and the surrounding countryside. You’ll enjoy the stunning winter landscapes at the same time as kick-starting that resolution to get more exercise in 2020!

NB: The walk is free but donations towards the upkeep of the reserve are always welcome. Meet outside the Coton village pub, The Plough, at 11am.

Directions: The Plough is a short walk north up Grantchester Road from the Reserve. If driving directly to the Reserve please park in Martin car park located just to the west of Cambridge on Grantchester Road, CB23 7PZ. OS grid reference TL414 577GB.

For more information: email bookings@cambridgeppf.org, call 01223 243830 extension 207 or visit www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

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If you would like to arrange an interview about any of these events, send along a photographer, or obtain any further information or high resolution imagery, please contact: Nicola Spurling: admin@cambridgeppf.org or 01223 243830

Notes to editors

About Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)

Founded in 1928, CambridgePPF is the local charity that cares about Cambridge and its green landscapes. Through a small team of staff and the support of volunteers and members the charity aims to: inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and help them to enjoy, learn about and get involved with their local heritage; to protect the green setting of Cambridge and its most valuable landscapes; and to protect, celebrate and improve the important heritage of the Cambridge area.

The charity owns green spaces and heritage buildings for public benefit, including Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Hill Fort; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill and Hinxton Watermill. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt. For more information about the charity and how to support its work visit www.cambridgeppf.org

Twitter: @CambridgePPF or www.twitter.com/cambridgeppf

Facebook: facebook Cambridge Past Present & Future

Cambridge Past, Present & Future

Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge CB22 3AE

Tel – office (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm): 01223 243830

Tel – out of hours: 07852 417526

www.cambridgeppf.org