Our Convoy4Ukraine drivers are back. Here’s their report.

Driving from Thriplow to Ukraine as part of an aid convoy was an unforgettable experience. Our truck, a sturdy green vehicle bought with funds from Daffodil Weekend and affectionately named “Shrek” because it was big, green, and ugly, was packed with nappies, blankets, and other vital humanitarian supplies. Alongside 11 other trucks, we covered 1,300 miles across Europe in just four days.

Three members of Daffodil Weekend—Alastair, Fergus, and Paul—took part, joining the convoy, which was brilliantly organised by Convoy4Ukraine. It wasn’t all smooth sailing—we faced breakdowns along the way, with mechanics working through the night to keep us moving. But the camaraderie was incredible, and everyone we met along the journey was friendly and supportive.

We felt apprehensive approaching the border, but the warmth and gratitude of the Ukrainian people was overwhelming. They were so thankful for the aid, which was deeply humbling to witness. Given the political situation, the help is needed more than ever. Seeing firsthand the good that the money raised by Daffodil Weekend does made me incredibly proud to have taken part. All 12 trucks were donated to Ukraine, and the drivers flew home, knowing they had made a real difference.

Live music line up on the Main Stage in the Taste of Thriplow 22 & 23 March 2025

Here's our live music line up on the Main Stage in the Taste of Thriplow:

Saturday 22 March 2025

11.10 Thriplow School Choir

12.10 Dance Floor Revival

13.10 UNIT4a

14.10 Last Resort

15.10 Cambs Jazz Choir

16.10 Flashback

Sunday 23 March 2025

11.10 Different Acents

12.10 Kyle Chater

13.10 Blues Amigos

14.10 BlueSky

15.10 Isle Ave A Shanty

16.10 Misspent Youth

Image: Misspent Youth - the only Thriplow rock and roll band!

The original 3 piece band was formed in Thriplow in the early 90s (before Matt was born!). We had all been in bands in our teens and Nick from Newmarket was a holiday camp resident drummer. Matt occasionally played drums with the band from the age of 10 but now enjoys guitar and keyboards. We all had original 60s equipment from our teens so our music style is late 50s and 60s rock and roll. Our set list includes songs from the Beatles, Stones, Shadows, Small Faces and more.

Great article in Stones Magazine:

And off they go with humanitarian aid and vehicles for Ukraine

Catch our Thriplow Convoy4Ukraine team on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire this morning (at 1:50:50 mins)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0kphy4v

Meet Shrek our DW sponsored Convoy4Ukraine vehicle ready to leave on Monday morning

On Monday morning, 3 March 2025, three of our Daffodil Weekend committee members are driving with Convoy4Ukraine to deliver 14 vehicles, generators and much needed humanitarian supplies to the Ukraine border.

Meet Shrek, the Daffodil Weekend sponsored vehicle looking magnificent and ready to go:

Whoof whoof, whoof whoof? (Have your owners booked their tickets for Daffodil Weekend yet?)

Daffodil Weekend LOVES well behaved dogs on leads.

So now is the time to show your owners just how good and gorgeous you are to make sure they bring you along. They may even enter you in to the Village Vet Dog Show, running both mornings ;-}

Introduce the kids to the kids

This photo from last year shows the sheer joy of introducing the kids to the animals from Gemma’s Farm. Daffodil Weekend memories they’ll remember forever.

https://www.gemmasfarm.co.uk

The Folk Folk are back at Daffodil Weekend 2025

What's on at Daffodil Weekend 2025

We have loads of family activities planned for you - do join us for fun and fresh air on 22 & 23 March 2025

Announcing our 2025 nominated charities

Book your tickets now to support our very worthwhile nominated charities for 2025.

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Cambridge Acorn Project

Too many children and young people’s lives are damaged irreparably because of traumatic experiences and lack of support to address them. At Cambridge Acorn Project, we believe every child deserves a chance to thrive.

We provide therapeutic services for children and families affected by trauma, abuse, and financial hardship across Cambridgeshire. What makes us different is that we work long-term and provide Panoramic Packages of support – including therapy; clubs and activities; drop-in wellbeing hubs; and support to make homes safer.  This long-term and holistic support is unique to Cambridge Acorn Project and has been developed over time by listening to the voices of the children and families we work with.

Our work is about breaking down cycles of trauma and poverty, tackling the inequality that stems from adverse childhood experiences, and helping children and families to emotionally recover. We offer long-term hope, support and community. 

If you are looking for support, or want to find out more about our work, please visit cambridgeacornproject.org.uk

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Cambridge Cancer Help Centre

We are a Cambridge charity offering support for local people diagnosed with cancer, and their families. The Centre offers a wide range of support including courses, 1:1 complementary therapies, specialist support groups and social activities. These are open to anyone at any stage of their cancer journey.

The Centre is located in The David Rayner Building at Scotsdales Garden Centre in Great Shelford offering three fully equipped therapy rooms and spacious areas for support groups and social activities. The Centre also benefits from free parking and excellent access, air purifiers and air conditioning and provides a safe and comfortable environment to meet. We are sincerely grateful to the Rayner family and the Scotsdales Charitable Foundation for their support in the establishment and ongoing running of the Centre.

Day to day management of the Centre is the responsibility of the Centre Team who offer a welcoming face and listening ear to everyone who visits. The team are available to explain what the Centre has to offer and explore ways in which the Centre can provide appropriate help and support.

If you are looking for support, or want to find out more about our work, please visit www.cambridgecancerhelp.org

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Cambridge College Riding for the Disabled Association

Cambs College RDA provides weekly riding lessons for young disabled adults aged 16-30 years from the South Cambridge area. We are run entirely by volunteers and are responsible for all our own fundraising.

Our riders have a wide range of disabilities - physical, emotional and intellectual. In some cases, all three. Riding has multiple benefits for disabled people: it builds physical strength and coordination, gives confidence, develops concentration and new skills, and is fun and exciting.One rider said “it is like physio, but much more fun”.  Contact with horses can have a very calming effect, especially on people with autism, and many enjoy a cuddle with the horses as well.  For most of our riders, it is the highlight of their week.

Our group has also become a lively social unit. Despite their wide range of disabilities, participating in a common activity helps our riders to form new friendships as they make the difficult transition into adult life.  Also, their parents and carers have formed their own supportive groups, helping each other with many of the practical and day to day problems that they face in helping these youngsters. 

If you are looking for support, or want to find out more about our work, please visit www.cambscollegerda.org.uk

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Cambridge Samaritans

Cambridge Samaritans provide support for anyone who needs us, non-judgementally and at all times of the day and night, 365 days a year. Callers may be suicidal, distressed, overwhelmed and struggling to cope. We are an entirely volunteering organisation with 150+ volunteers, all trained and supported by the Branch. We have no paid staff.

In addition to our telephone helpline, we reach out to our local communities through awareness raising activities such as Thriplow Daffodil Weekend and other major events including Cambridge Pride, Strawberry Fair and The Wellness Festival, and we offer talks and presentations to community organisations, groups and schools; an area we hope to expand.

We work with Hitchin Branch to provide significant support to Littlehey Prison, recruiting, training and supporting prisoners to be listeners for other prisoners. Our work with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Suicide Prevention Network aims to improve support for people in the Custody Suites and on release.

We are looking forward to the 2025 event; it’s always a great time for us to see and speak to lots of people as they pass our stall. Although we are hoping for better weather than last year, nothing puts us off from raising awareness of our services.

If you are looking for support, or want to find out more about our work, please visitt www.samaritans.org/branches/cambridge/

Tickets are now on sale!

Click here to buy tickets

Coach and minibus bookings are now FULL for both days

All our coach/minibus spaces are now completely booked up for 2025.

We’re sorry for any disappointment. If you would like to join the waiting list, please email thriplowcaoches@gmail.com

Are you local to Thriplow? Would you like to nominate a charity to benefit from funds raised from the next weekend?

You can apply using the button below until 1 December 2024.