Friday, 16 January 2026

The Raptor Foundation

The Raptor Foundation in Woodhurst, near Cambridge, is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured birds of prey, operating since 1989, offering public visits with flying displays, educational programs, and housing many species, including some reptiles and meerkats, focusing on conservation and care for birds unable to return to the wild.

What They Do

Rescue & Rehabilitation: They provide 24-hour care, treatment, and rehabilitation for injured wild raptors, aiming to return them to the wild.
Permanent Home: For birds too injured to survive independently, they offer a permanent sanctuary.
Conservation: They assist in 'Breed & Release' programs to help rebuild raptor populations and conduct research.
Education: They offer workshops, talks, and work experience for students, focusing on raptor care, conservation, and falconry.

Visitor Experience
Animals: See over 40 species of birds of prey (e.g., owls, eagles, hawks) and also meerkats and reptiles.
Displays: Daily flying displays showcase the birds' abilities.
Facilities: Includes a tearoom (Silent Wings Tearoom) and gift shop.
Experiences: Offers hands-on animal encounters like hawk walks.

Key Features
A registered charity dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.
Houses around 170-200 birds of prey, from small owls to large eagles.
Works with local schools for student placements.

In essence, it's a charitable attraction for nature lovers, combining education, conservation, and a chance to see majestic birds up close.

Location & Contact
Location: The Heath, St Ives Road, Woodhurst, Cambridgeshire, PE28 3BT.
Contact:  (tel:01487 741140). 
Alex Fox

Friday, 9 January 2026

NEC Car Show

Birmingham hosts major car shows at the NEC, including the huge Classic Motor Show (Nov 13-15, 2026) for classics and vintage cars. and the Gravity Show (Aug 29-30, 2026) for modified, perfomance, and stunt cars. Another key event is the Practical Classics, Classic Car and Restoration Show. These events feature hundreds of exhibitors, cars for sale, trade stalls, and live action, all held at the NEC Birmingham.
Alex Fox

Thursday, 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is a major annual festical on December 25th, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, and a significant cultural holiday for many others, marked by gift-giving, family gatherings, festive decorations (like trees and lights), feasting, and traditions like Santa Claus, blending Christian nativity stories with older midwinter solstice customs.

Religious Significance (Christianity)
Commemorates Jesus' Birth: 
Christians believe Jesus, the Son of God, was born to Mary in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy as the Messiah. 
"Christ's Mass": 
The name comes from "Christ's Mass," referring to church services where believers remember Jesus' death and resurrection. 
Key Story: 
The biblical narrative involves an angel telling Mary, Joseph taking her to Bethlehem for a census, Jesus being born in a stable, and wise men (Magi) visiting with gifts.
Alex Fox

Friday, 19 December 2025

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner is a festive, celebratory meal, traditionally featuring a roast centerpiece like turkey, ham of beef, surrounded by classic sides like roast potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and seasonal vegetables (sprouts, carrots, parsnips), concluding with desserts such as Christmas pudding or mince pies, varying slightly by country but centered on abundance and tradition.
Alex Fox


Friday, 12 December 2025

Christmas Craft Fair

A Christmas craft fair is a festive market where local artisans and crafters sell unique, handmade goods like jewelry, art, home decor, and seasonal items, offering a chance to find special gifts, enjoy holiday treats, and soak in the festice atmosphere, often with live music or workshops. It's a community event celebrating craftsmanship during the holiday season, featuring everything from ceramics and textiles to gourmet foods and personalized decorations.
Key Features
Handcrafted Goods: Stalls packed with one-of-a-kind items not found in regular stores, like bespoke jewelry, hand-poured candles, intricate woodwork, and knitted goods.

Local Artisans: Connect directly with the makers of the products, supporting small businesses and local talent.

Festive Atmosphere: Decorated with twinkling lights, often with Christmas music, delicious scents of seasonal food, and sometimes even Santa appearances.
Variety of Crafts: Expect everything from fine art and ceramics to natural beauty products, leather goods, and festive sweets.

Food & Drink: Many fairs offer pop-up cafes, brunch, coffee, cakes, and festive treats.

Workshops & Activities: Some larger fairs might host DIY decoration stations or other holiday-themed activities.
Alex Fox