Green fingered family honoured at local development

A well known family of Waterbeach market gardeners are the inspiration behind the naming of a street situated in a local development.

Shipp’s Field at housebuilder Morris’ Cam Locks development, off Bannold Road, Waterbeach, is named after the Shipp family, who have lived and gardened in the area for four generations and once tended the land that the development now stands on.

Alan Shipp, who owns the world's largest collection of hyacinths, said: “I’m extremely honoured to have had this street after myself and my family.

“My grandfather Thomas Shipp first started growing and selling fruit and vegetables in the area in the late 1880s and, around 1920, my grandfather purchased 16 acres of prime orchard; 4 acres of the former orchard are now part of the Cam Locks development.

“Every time I pass by the development, I’m always reminded of my grandfather’s legacy and it’s nice to know that the Shipp name will now remain solidly attached to this area for years and years to come.”

Cindy Vials, regional sales director for Morris, said: “We’re pleased that the Shipp family, who such form an interesting part of the community’s history, are represented here at Cam Locks.

“It’s important to us that our developments reflect their local area, and the road naming is particularly apt as Alan’s grandfather used to harvest this land many years ago. We’re sure that the family’s fame will continue to live on for many more decades through their association with this street.”

To find out more about Cam Locks, visit the sales office (open Thursday to Monday between 10.30am and 5.30pm) at Cam Locks, Bannold Road, Waterbeach, CB25 9LQ, call 01223 863065 or visit www.morrishomes.co.uk/cam-locks/