Malcolm's Retreat

Free Respite and Wellbeing Breaks

Malcolm’s Retreat has been created through a combination of the fundraising efforts of The Malcolm Whales Foundation and incredible community support.

This page has been divided into 5 separate sections:

  1. The story of the project.
  2. Appreciation of our amazing supporters.
  3. Additional information
  4. Frequently Asked Questions.
  5. A donation option to enable future breaks to remain FREE

Click here for Malcolm’s Retreat Promotional Video 

Section 1 – The Story

For 24 months TMWF  fundraised for Malcolm’s Retreat in Pidley, Cambridgeshire.

In April 2024 the build started and was finally completed in November 2024.

This project is the biggest TMWF has ever undertaken and will deliver our most significant direct impact.

I hope you enjoy seeing the journey unfold.

Section 2 – A massive thank you!

The funds to enable us to make this happen have been the result of all the fundraising TMWF events, including the annual Dorset Walk (now in its 17th year) and multiple other amazing events such as netball tournaments, marathons and pool & golf Competitions.

We have also received other support in the shape of financial donations, free materials and considerable amounts of people’s time.

On behalf of TMWF, and on a personal level, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed – it really is something quite special.

Damien

 

Below we would like to recognise everyone who has contributed:

Our incredible volunteer tradespeople:

 

Material Donations:

  • Wood for the Decking – Travis Perkins (Jonathan Hannaby)
  • The composite Decking – Lee Hartless
  • Kitchen units – £500 discount from Howdens
  • Kitchen and Bathroom goods for free – ParkerRose Interiors http://www.parker-rose.co.uk
  • Electrical goods from GDA Electrical Wholesaler Ltd (gdawholesaler.co.uk) in St Ives
  • Art work David Brown local artist
  • Signage Karen McGlade www.murray-signs.co.uk
  • Gas materials James Manning www.premiair.org
  • Air conditioning unit Ian Bloomfield msicooling.com

 

Financial Donations:

  • NFU £6500
  • George Munns £1000
  • Multiple other donations from friends, family and TMWF supporters

 

Section 3. Additional information

The lodge is located at Rookery Waters a Fenland fishery and working farm, in a beautiful rural and peaceful part of Cambridgeshire. The lodge itself is situated on the bank of ‘Rook’ one of the pleasure fishing lakes.

Click here for Malcolm’s Retreat Promotional Video 

 

Malcolm’s Retreat:

  • A beautiful, airconditioned lodge, with Wi-Fi, that sleeps up to 6 guests.
  • The lodge has an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom with a large walk in shower (a shower stool and toilet frame are available if needed).
  • The master bedroom has a king size bed. Bedroom 2 has a bunk bed and a single bed along with a white noise/nightlight for younger children. In the second bedroom,  an additional trundle bed (for a 6th person) is available if needed, although this does limit floor space and is low at floor level.  2 adults and 3 children is comfortable –  with a 6th person, comfort can be compromised. We recommend no more than 4 adults per stay.
  • There is a large decking area, over looking the lake, with outdoor furniture and a BBQ.
  • Included is a private fishing peg with free use during your stay.  There are 2 camping chairs stored at the lodge for use when fishing along with some fishing equipment.
  • Bedding and towels are provided along with a tea towel and dish cloth.
  • There are 2  Smart TVs – one in the living area and an additional one in the second bedroom.
  • There is a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board.
  • Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome (the lodge is situated on the edge of a quiet fishing lake).

 

Catering:

  • The lodge is self catering.  The kitchen comprises of all the basics you require including an electric oven, gas hob, air fryer, fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle.
  • Onsite is The Rookery Cafe (less that 50 metres from the lodge)  serving English Breakfast and a variety of other cooked foods from 7am everyday until 12/1/2pm depending on which day you visit.  Snacks, ice creams and alcoholic beverages are also available.
  • The nearest shop is located in Warboys (Spar) or  Somersham (small Tescos) – 5.5miles.
  • Supermarkets are located either in Huntingdon, St Ives or Chatteris
  • Lakeside Lodge (1.5miles) has a bar and restaurant.
  • Nearest takeaways are located in Warboys (3 miles)

 

Other activities: 

  • Walking – public bridal ways and footpaths surround the lodge.
  • The Lakeside Lodge Complex (1.5 miles) includes ten pin bowling, a golf course with a par 3 and 18 hole course and a driving range.
  • Fishing – Rook Lake – free fishing from your own private peg – stocked with Roach, Bream, Perch and Carp – some weighing in excess of 30lbs.
  • Johnsons of Oldhurst (4 miles) Zoo, Steakhouse, Farm Shop, Tea Room.
  • Local villages/towns:
    • Pidley (2.5 miles) play park with the nearest pub- the ‘Mad Cat’.
    • Warboys (3 miles)- local village with amenities including: pubs, chip shops, Chinese takeaway, a chemist, play park and convenience shops.
    • St Ives (8 miles)  a beautiful market town on the banks of the River Ouse.
    • Huntingdon (11 miles) nearest small town.
    • Cambridge (24 miles) nearest city, lots to see and do.

 

Access:

  • The lodge has wheelchair access.
  • Access to a car is essential – there is no public transport nearby.

 

Where to find us:

  • Rookery Waters: Fen Road, Pidley, Huntingdon, PE28 3DF
  • What 3 Words:
    • Cafe: ///dislikes.amplifier.insulated link here
    • The lodge: ///confronts.impact.lend link here

 

Contact us:

  • For enquires about your stay prior to the visit please contact malcolmsretreat@gmail.com and during your stay please contact Becky at the Rookery Waters Cafe.

 

 

Section 4 – FAQs
  • Where is the Retreat? Rookery Waters, Fen Road, Pidley, Cambridgeshire.  PE28 3DF  what3words: confronts.impact.lend
  • Are there any costs? The break is completely free.
  • How long are the breaks? A week, a mid week break or a long weekend.
  • What are the available dates? From the drop down menu, click  ‘Register your interest’ and scroll to the bottom of the page to view dates.
  • Who can I ask to prove my eligibility to stay?  Respite – your doctor/nurse who cares for you.  Wellbeing – a colleague that you work with.    Details of what is needed are on the request form.
  • Can I bring my pet?  Up to 2 well behaved dogs are permitted – the lodge sits by a quiet fishing lake.
  • How many people can stay?
    In regards to comfort, space and facilities we recommend no more than 4 adults per stay and a maximum of 5 people.  If needed, the lodge can accommodate a 6th person by using the trundle bed – please note this compromises space.  Bedroom One  – 1 x king bed;  Bedroom Two – 1 x single, 1 x bunk bed (with 1 x pull out trundle underneath if needed).
  • Are bedding and towels provided?  Yes and for the kitchen a dishcloth and tea towel.
  • How do we access the fishing peg?  It is located at the bottom of the lodge to the left of the decking area.  Private to the retreat so just for guests to use.  There are a handful of steps to reach it – if mobility is an issue we can arrange a different fishing peg for you to use.
  • Is the retreat nonsmoking?  Smoking is not permitted in the lodge or the outside decking area.

As we receive additional queries we will continually update this list.

Section 5 – Make a donation and enable others

Beyond the setup costs there are a range of additional costs that the charity incurs to offer the breaks free of charge.

These are the obvious maintenance, cleaning and utilities costs that are ongoing.

Your donation could help provide a free break for a family.

Click here to donate

Many thanks

TMWF