Great Wilbraham

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Great Wilbraham
OS Grid Reference:	TL549577
Lat/Lon:	52°11′N, 0°15′W
Population:	639 (2001 Census)
Dwellings:	277 (2001 Census)
Formal status:	Village
Administration
County:	Cambridgeshire
Region:	East Anglia
Nation:	England
Post Office and Telephone
Post town:	CAMBRIDGE
Postcode:	CB21
Dialling Code:	01223

Great Wilbraham is a small village situated in a rural area some seven miles (11 km) to the east of Cambridge, between the edge of an area of low-lying drained fens to the west and north, and higher ground beyond the A11 to the east.

It is mostly residential in nature, with no major employment in the village other than agriculture and little other substantial commercial activity other than Salt Publishing. Many of the working residents commute into Cambridge or other nearby towns such as Newmarket.

The village has a variety of house types, mostly Victorian or older, with post-war infill development, and a small number of modest-scale modern estates. No significant expansion is anticipated in the near future. A number of attractive period houses surround the large village green, which adjoins the churchyard. There is an Anglican Church, a Baptist Chapel, a Post Office/general store, a public house, and a well-used village hall/social club.

The administrative authorities are Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and Great Wilbraham Parish Council.

The Voluntarily Aided Church Primary School enjoys an excellent reputation with approximately 100 pupils between the ages of 5 and 11. Within the village there are two pre-school groups, one attached to the school. Children of secondary age mostly attend the Village College in the nearby village of Bottisham, and there are a number of first-class sixth form centres in Cambridge itself. There is also a wide range of schools in the private sector.

There is a strong sporting tradition within the village, with cricket and football teams making use of the green. Darts and indoor bowls are also played in the Social Club. People come from outside the village to participate. The Sports Club is responsible for the organisation of such events. Money is raised by an annual Sports Day which includes many stalls and events such as coconut shies, pony rides, running races and even cake competitions.