This week Belinda supported the Richmond Road Residents Association who held their first Open Day at St Augustine’s Church Hall.

Residents listened to live music from the Magogs Ceilidh band and enjoyed Victorian and Edwardian Refreshments. Children took part in a drawing and painting competition, and residents brought along the deeds and history of their houses as well as helping to build a snapshot of the streets today in 2009.

Whether you have lived in Richmond Road, Wentworth Road, Nursery Walk, or were merely interested in local history and community, all were invited along to meet neighbours. Everyone could see and contribute to a lively exhibition about the area.

Belinda Brooks-Gordon, County Councillor for Castle Ward said: “I was delighted to be invited to support this enjoyable event. Activities give local people a real sense of those who have lived and worked to help shape our community. I learnt a lot about the history of my ward and was intrigued by how the jobs of the local householders have changed over the years.”

Campaigners, who fought to save the gatehouse to the former home of Charles Darwin’s wife, are celebrating after it was given a reprieve.

They launched their campaign after Grove Lodge, in Huntingdon Road was threatened with demolition.

The Grove had been the home of Emma Darwin and residents were anxious that the gatehouse should be preserved.

Huntingdon Road resident, Mrs Paula Corby said: “This building is a large part of the Darwin family and it should be retained for that reason and the fact that it is a reminder of the way people lived on Huntingdon Road.”

Castle ward councillors Belinda Brooks-Gordon and Simon Kightley joined residents in their battle, organising meetings in a bid to save the building.

They also raised the issue in leaflets and posters and even enlisted the help of Private Eye to get out their message.

“I am absolutely delighted that Grove Lodge has been saved,” said Cllr Brooks-Gordon. “It would have been a tragedy if this building, which is such an integral and important part of the Darwin estate, had been lost forever.

Plans will now be drawn up for its refurbishment. The College will also press ahead with a new planting scheme in consultation with residents.

Commenting on the decision, Dr Jennifer Barnes, President of Murray Edwards, said:

“We looked again at our plans, with the aim of balancing the needs of the College with the wishes of residents. Having carried out that exercise, we believe we can reconcile the two by keeping Grove Lodge and making better use of it.”

Cllr Simon Kightley said: “This is excellent news; common sense has prevailed Grove Lodge is an important part of Cambridge’s Victorian history and, as such, should be preserved.

“This decision is a result of the sheer hard work of residents, who fought to save this building, and they should be congratulated.”