Summer returns to the neighbourhood: boules, tai chi and June events

With the arrival of warmer weather, two much-loved summer activities are returning to our neighbourhood — boules and tai chi — alongside some wonderful events to look forward to in June.

Boules Is back!

If you fancy a relaxed afternoon outdoors with neighbours, why not join us for a game of boules?

Starting tomorrow (31st May) and held on the last Sunday of every month at 4 pm, boules is a friendly game with just enough competitiveness to keep things interesting! Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced player, everyone is welcome. It’s a lovely opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoy one of our shared gardens and get to know neighbours a little better.

Boules is normally played on Infinity Lawn (between Marlowe and Keynes Houses). However, as the lawn has recently been re-seeded, games will be held until further notice on the upper area of Midsummer Lawn (between Marlowe and Darwin Houses).

Come along to give it a try — and if you’d like, bring a drink to enjoy while you play.

Summer Tai Chi classes begin

We are also delighted to be restarting our summer tai chi classes, taking place every Tuesday at 5 pm during the summer months.

Usually held on Infinity Lawn, sessions will initially take place in Darwin Garden (behind Darwin House).

Led by a trained and experienced teacher, these one-hour sessions cost £6 per person (cash only) and are open to everyone — no experience required.

Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with breathing and mindfulness. Often described as “meditation in motion,” it offers a range of benefits, including:

• Improving balance, flexibility and coordination

• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation

• Supporting posture and gentle strength-building

• Helping concentration and mental wellbeing

• Providing a calm, sociable way to stay active outdoors

Because movements are low impact and adaptable, tai chi is suitable for people of many ages and fitness levels. Whether you are curious to try something new or already enjoy mindful movement, these sessions are a welcoming way to spend a summer evening.

Two June events to put in your diary

Wine Tasting at Grape Britannia — Wednesday 17 June

Wine lovers may want to reserve a place at our upcoming tasting event at Grape Britannia on Chesterton Road, taking place on Wednesday 17 June from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Specialists in English and Welsh wines, Grape Britannia will host an evening of tasting and discovery for £25 per person.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. To reserve your place, please email Graham at g.wrycroft@hotmail.com.

Friends and family are warmly welcome to attend.

Saturday Afternoon Jazz on Midsummer Lawn

Following the success of last year’s music events, we are pleased to welcome back live music with a relaxed afternoon jazz hour on Saturday, 27th June at 3.30 pm.

The concert will take place on Midsummer Lawn (between Marlowe House and Darwin House). Feel free to bring something comfortable to sit on, along with drinks and nibbles if you wish.

The performance features two distinguished, versatile and good-natured jazz musicians:

Robin Phillips, pianist, leads bands and runs gigs across the Cambridge area, including his long-running weekend residency at the Gonville Hotel.

Malcolm Creese, bassist, was a regular member of the John Dankworth and Cleo Laine touring bands and served as Artistic Director of the Swaledale Festival for seventeen years until 2024. They will also be joined on selected numbers by saxophonist Sebastian Scotney, a good friend of both musicians, appearing as a special “sitter-in”.

Friends and family are very welcome to join us — we look forward to seeing you there for an enjoyable summer of activity, music and community.