11am-2pm on Sunday, 18 May in Waterbeach Community Rooms
Waterbeach has a rich history, which has been shaped by the people living and working there for centuries. From Iron Age settlements to Roman occupation, medieval links with Denny Abbey and a rich agricultural heritage, before its more recent military past and subsequent transformation into a dynamic new community.
To give residents and local communities an opportunity to discover more about the area’s fascinating past, Waterbeach master developer Urban&Civic has teamed up with Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum, Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum, and Landbeach Tithe Barn to organise a special heritage event.
Taking place from 11am-2pm on Sunday, 18 May in Waterbeach Community Rooms (at the Denny End Road entrance to the new development), visitors will be able to examine artefacts, take part in a family-friendly quiz and enjoy hands-on crafts and activities including pottery reconstruction and identification.
In the courtyard outside the Community Rooms will be a display of vintage military vehicles and the start of a heritage trail, which will take explorers on a guided tour of key historic features that are being incorporated or reflected within the new development.
Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum will be open, with volunteers from Duxford Radio Trust giving Morse Code demonstrations and challenging visitors to have a go. There will also be an opportunity to see (and possibly hear) the new shortwave radio unit in action, tuning into global communications or local air traffic.
Museum visitors will be able to activate the Cold War warning alarm, explore the fascinating displays and admire the stone carving that commemorates some of the brave airmen of 514 Squadron returning from a mission.
Waterbeach Community Market will also be open in the Terraces from 10am–3pm on Sunday 18 May with local artisans selling an eclectic mix of refreshments, food and drink, handmade crafts and gifts, pet products and more.
Fiona Reardon-Rose, Communications and Partnerships Manager for Urban&Civic, said: “Waterbeach and the surrounding area have a fascinating history dating back thousands of years and we’re delighted to be able to work with the Military Heritage Museum, Farmland Museum and Tithe Barn to give residents and visitors a glimpse of its past. It’s also a great opportunity to share some of our plans for honouring and incorporating heritage features into the new development – from street naming to restoring and repurposing buildings like the Control Tower.”
“As it’s the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May this year, celebrating the role of Waterbeach airfield and barracks in World War II felt particularly appropriate. Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum provides a fascinating insight into the service men and women who served here, the missions they flew and the sacrifices they made to protect our way of life.”
“With Waterbeach Community Market taking place on the same day, it’s a great way to spend a day out with the whole family.”
Housebuilders Stonebond and Cala will also be open, with show homes available to view. No need to book an appointment, drop into their sales offices to find out more about how you can make Waterbeach your home.
Free bike and car parking is available throughout the day.
We’re delighted to be able to work with the Military Heritage Museum, Farmland Museum and Tithe Barn to give residents and visitors a glimpse of its past.
