Events on the Common
in 2012

Annual General Meeting

FoMC's AGM will be held on Wednesday 14 March. We will meet at 7.30pm in Christ Church on Maids Causeway (not our usual place). Do come and join us to hear the Chairman's Annual Report on the state of the Common and, after the usual business, to hear our guest speaker Dr Pippa Noon (River Manager at the Cam Conservancy) talk about activities on our northern boundary. The meeting is open to Members and others who want to see the Common well maintained for everyone to enjoy.

Working Group Meeting

Councillor Reiner chaired the February meeting of the Midsummer Common Working Group. An officer presented plans for Midsummer Fair 2012 (showmen will arrive on Sunday 17 June and leave on Tuesday 26 June) and key management issues were discussed by the Group. The meeting went on to discuss further tree planting in the eastern pound, the continuing problem of vehicles on the Common, a new entrance on the Newmarket Road, and the legal boundary of the Common. Much time was spent discussing transparency regarding s.106 money coming from Berkeley Homes; the chair asked for a copy of FoMC's proposals.

Driving and parking vehicles on the Common

Only authorised vehicles are allowed to drive and park on Midsummer Common. Permission has been given for vehicles to service the Fort St George pub and Midsummer House restaurant but this is too often abused with unauthorised vehicles driving and parking on the Common. The public complains about this visual intrusion and damage done to the grassland. The Council recently installed an automatic gate to control access to the Common but this has still not become fully operational. Councillors met in January and decided to go further by installing new traffic signs and introducing enforcement procedures against offenders.

Refurbished benches

Many of the wooden benches on the Common were in a bad state of repair; weather and vandals had taken their toll over the years. The Council recently took a number of these away for a comprehensive refurbishment. They are now back looking a lot better and more comfortable to sit on. Well done!

Tree maintenance and more plantings

The number of trees on Midsummer Common has declined dramatically over recent years. Many trees have been removed because of old age, damage or disease. Early this year the Council embarked on a replacement programme and 50 White Willows, Black Poplars, London Planes and Silver Limes have been planted and other trees moved or pollarded. Recent dry weather promised to undo the good work but the Council and volunteers have jumped into action with emergency watering to help save the trees. The Council is now planning to add some more trees in the eastern pound to recreate the old Victorian line of trees across the Common.

Boundary dispute

FoMC research has exposed mistakes in the recorded boundary for Midsummer Common. Back in 1930 there was a transfer of land between the City and Jesus College. The Ministry approved this transfer subject to the new land becoming part of Midsummer Common. Unfortunately, when the Register of Common Land was compiled in 1965 the boundary on the map was wrongly drawn. This needs to be corrected when new legislation comes into force for Cambridgeshire.

Events in 2011

There are two main fairs on the Common - Strawberry Fair and Midsummer Fair - each with its own following. Strawberry Fair returned in June after a year's absence for 'bad behaviour'. The new format was deemed a success by all attendees - particularly the family nature of the fair in the afternoon and early evening. This feature should have a higher profile in future years. Midsummer Fair took place later in the month. It has a long tradition enshrined in statute and this year saw it celebrating its 800th anniversary. There were some older rides and an exhibition of memorabilia. The Council organised the event and it was opened by civic dignatories.

Royal Invitation to the Community Orchard

Soon after her marriage, FoMC invited the Duchess of Cambridge to plant a tree in the new Community Orchard on Midsummer Common. As can be seen, she has been practicing during her recent Tour of Canada. The Duchess thanked us for the invitation but said that she has no immediate plans to visit Cambridge. Our Mayor has made public his wish to organise a programme for Her Royal Highness to visit Cambridge and has told FoMC that our invitation to her is on his mind.

Improving the Common

FoMC members have suggested ways to improve the Common using s.106 money released from the Berkeley Homes development:

• more regular mowing of the grassland to keep nettles, thistles and brambles under control;
• planting of two more wildflower meadows as recommended by the Wildlife Trust;
• addition of shrubs and hedgerows in places recommended by the Wildlife Trust;
• more fruit and nut trees planted in the Community Orchard;
• improvements to the footpaths;
• clearing the area around Cutter Ferry Bridge and improving the pedestrian/cycle routes;
• creation of picnic and barbecue area in selected places;
• addition and repair of benches;
• rebuilding of boundary wall to Berkeley Homes site; and
• making the Victoria Avenue gate secure.

Improving the pedestrian/cycle routes is but one suggestion. Four footpaths converge on the Cutter Ferry Bridge from the west (two of these are public rights of way), two footpaths converge from the east (one is a public right of way), and the bridge brings pedestrians and cyclists across the river from Chesterton. It is a very busy junction for cyclists, pedestrians and push chairs. FoMC has canvassed public opinion and proposed a new layout to the Council that would ease congestion and improve safety.

Picnic time again

FoMC held its second annual picnic in September for members and volunteers who had helped establish the Community Orchard. The inclement weather kept numbers down but games for the kids and good food ensured that everyone had an enjoyable time.

Berkeley Homes Development

Those crossing the eastern end of the Common can see building work taking place on the old Regional College site. The vista is changing fast as large residential blocks appear on the scene. This will not be to everyone's liking but FoMC is talking to the Council and Berkeley Homes in order to protect certain features in the area. And the end result, which will be called Cambridge Riverside, could be quite pleasing. A sales office has been opened on the Newmarket Road and the first residents will arrive in March next year.