Cambridge Edition October

Cambridge OCTOBER 2015

Your monthly fix of local life www.cambsedition.co.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

ARTS

MAGAZINE

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

IDEAS

GIG GUIDE Cambridge

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Welcome

© Maria Rivans

r © Louisa Taylo

CONTENTS

The weather may be getting grimmer by the day, but we’ve got plenty to warm the soul this month, including news of the ever-brilliant Festival of Ideas. Give your grey matter a workout at this fortnight-long event, which tackles the big questions through a series of enlightening talks, exhibitions, film screenings, family activities and more. Read all about it on page 32. This month also sees the launch of Circuit: Cambridge – a new artsy festival for under 25s geared towards enabling young people to express their creativity and present their view of the city – find out more on page 31.

Looking for a new foodie hangout? Allow us to introduce you to six (SIX!) shiny new food and drink enterprises which have just, or are about to, open their doors in Cambridge. We’ve been chronicling the city’s flourishing food scene for over four years now, and I can’t ever recall such a flurry of new openings – so turn to page 54, salivate over the pics, and work out which one you’re going to hit first! (6 Ice Cream on Bene’t Street is top of my list...).

Also definitely worth a look is this month’s duo of interviews. On page 28, we have a chinwag with none other than Hollywood icon Sir Roger Moore, whilst on page 34, you can read my interview with the awesome Hot 8 Brass Band, who’ve triumphed over unbelievable adversity to share their raucous, good-time tunes with the world.

Finally, you’ve probably noticed this month’s striking cover artwork, which comes to us courtesy of the talented Peter Wilkes – winner of the design the cover competition we ran in conjunction with Cambridge Art Fair. Congratulations, Peter, and enjoy your October, all!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR

EDITORIAL 5 • FIVE THINGS TO DO If you only do five things this month, do these!

39 • PITCH PERFECT Now in their 10th year, we find out why Rock Choir rules

7-10 • NIGHTLIFE Your guide to this month’s evening entertainment

40-41 • HALLOWEEN What’s on in the city for grown-ups and kids

13 • MUSIC BLOG The best live gigs to see this month

43 • FAMILY Ideas for keeping the wee ones entertained this month

14-15 • THE CAMBRIDGE SOUND Get the lowdown on Cambridge’s alternative music, performance and art evening

45 • COMMUNITY NEWS Inspiring events and news from your neighbourhood

17-27 • ARTS & CULTURE The latest shows, exhibitions and concerts 28-29 • INTERVIEW: ROGER MOORE Perhaps the most iconic of all the Bonds talks about his extraordinary life 31 • CIRCUIT: CAMBRIDGE Young people have their say in the one-day arts festival Circuit: Cambridge 32-33• FESTIVAL OF IDEAS Make the most of living in a city brimming with ideas! A series of talks and events on every subject 34-36 • INTERVIEW: THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND Nicola Foley meets the hottest brass band on the planet

Cover Art

This month’s piece is by local artist Peter Wilkes, who won our recent competition to design the cover. See more of his work at www.artfinder.com/ peter-wilkes

46-47 • LISTINGS A quick glance at what’s on in October 50-51 • WORLD TOUR Jenny Shelton meets an inspirational, well-travelled father-son duo with three world records between them 53-65 • FOOD NEWS Plenty of new openings, events and comment from the foodie front 67 • RESTAURANT REVIEW Holy cow! Edition is impressed by the quality flavours and beautiful rustic setting of The Red Cow, Chrishall 69 • INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH How Campkins went from chemist to Cambridge’s favourite photographic retailer 71-81 • WEDDINGS Gorgeous gowns, insider tips and LOTS of ideas for brides- and grooms-to-be 84-85 • BEAUTY Bridal beauty ideas for your big day 89-92 • FASHION Top new style picks for him and for her

Editor Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Features editor Jenny Shelton 01223 499463 jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy & Catherine Brodie

ADVERTISING Senior sales executive Natalie Robinson 01223 499451 natalierobinson@bright-publishing.com Key accounts Maria Francis 01223 499461 mariafrancis@bright-publishing.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Alex Rushmer, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Charlotte Griffiths, Jordan Worland, Ruthie Collins, Wesley Freeman-Smith, Charlotte Phillips

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com Ad production Lucy Woolcomb 01223 499468 lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com

MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/CambsEdition FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @cambsedition

www.bright-publishing.com

95 • WELLNESS Looking after mind, body and soul 97-111 • EDUCATION An open days special

CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, www.cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area

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5 THINGS TO DO

this month...

1. Marcus Miller Multi Grammy-award winner, composer and collaborator of choice for artists such as Herbie Hancock, George Benson and jazz legend Miles Davis, Marcus Miller will appear in Cambridge this month following a triumphant show at the Royal Festival Hall last year. The genius of electric bass is at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 27 October, 7.30pm.

Tickets from £12.50 (for under 26s/ students) to £35. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

3. Vintage Fair Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair returns this month – hurrah! Explore a world of vintage fashion, accessories, jewellery, homeware and more, and pep up your autumn wardrobe with some unique finds.

45 vintage traders will take over the Guildhall on 17 October, 10.30am4.30pm. Entry is £2, and all the stock is reasonably priced. The Vintage Tea Party will also be there to provide refreshment in the form of homemade cakes and tea. www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

2. Cambridge Oktoberfest Now running for nine years, Cambridge & District CAMRA Oktoberfest is the association’s youngest beer festival, and aims to bring a little Munich spirit to our shores. Find a range of English and European beers plus some locally-produced ciders. Takes place 16-17 October at Cambridge University Social Club. www.cambridgebeerfestival.com

4. Cambridge Art Fair Art enthusiasts, make your way to Cambridge Guildhall on 2-4 October where some of the UK’s (and the world’s) most exciting artists will be on display as part of Cambridge Art Fair. Find collectable, original pieces in a range of styles, from the 19th century to some of the hottest artists working today. www.cambridgeartfair.com

5. Celebrate 40 years of the Lion Yard!

In 2015, the Lion Yard shopping centre reaches the impressive milestone of 40 years serving the Cambridge community, and they’re hosting a special anniversary event on 31 October to celebrate.

Head down from 12pm to 4pm and join in with the party atmosphere: there’ll be amazing prize giveaways, special offers and plenty of free cake to enjoy, plus lots more!

(Including, we’re informed, a rather exciting potential celebrity guest...) www.thelionyard.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE cambsedition.co.uk

PURITY RING Critically acclaimed electronic music duo Purity Ring play Cambridge Junction on 28 October, as part of a tour in support of their second album Another Eternity. Of Canadian origin, the band consists of Megan James and Corin Roddick, who together create glitchy synth-pop with shuddering baselines and luscious vocals. Tickets are £16 and the gig starts at 7pm. www.junction.co.uk

THE MAGNIFICENT DJ JAZZY JEFF Remember Jazzy Jeff? If you’re a 90s kid, chances are you used to religiously watch him and sidekick Will Smith terrorising Uncle Phil in cult US comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (still the greatest TV theme tune of all time, in our humble opinion). Well, these days he’s all grown up, and he’ll be in Cambridge this month for a night of jazzy fun at Cambridge Junction.

Winner of three Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two NAACP Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards and an MTV Music Award – Jazzy Jeff is much more than just Will Smith’s goofy partner in crime. In fact, he’s regarded as being something of a hip hop pioneer, with turntable skills honed from the tender age of ten years old and his own production company, A Touch Of Jazz Inc. Join him on 24 October as he dives into his huge vinyl collection, spinning tracks from a range of genres. Tickets are £16. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION: THX 1138 Musical pioneers Asian Dub Foundation will perform a live soundtrack to George Lucas’ scifi classic THX 1138 at the Corn Exchange this month, in a special event taking place as part of the Festival of Ideas (see page 32).

Re-imagining the cult film’s original score by Lalo Schifrin, the electronica band will offer a captivating new take on the musical element in THX 1138: a chilling vision of a dystopian future where mood-stabilising drugs are mandatory, sex is prohibited, and the population is controlled by sinister android police officers.

The film, which was released in 1971, bombed at the box office – almost annihilating George Lucas’ career before it had even begun (and certainly before he’d had a chance to think about Star Wars…). But the themes it addresses ensured that the film stood the test of time, remaining a compelling watch.

“It’s got religious fundamentalism, mad out-of-control consumerism and a totalitarian, centralised, computerised system of domination” says Steve Savale of Asian Dub Foundation. “I think all of those things exist now.”

23 October, tickets £21/£12.50 for under 26s/students. Starts 8pm. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

T

23 OC 8PM

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HOT CHIP We imagine that the last few tickets for this are going to get snaffled up pretty quickly (that there are any remaining a few weeks ahead of the gig is a bit of a surprise), but move quickly and you might still be able to catch the mighty Hot Chip when they play at the Corn Exchange on 21 October.

Formed in London in 2000, this Mercury-Prize nominated band are marking 15 years of making music together with the release of their sixth album, Why Make Sense?

It’s more of what we love from Joe Goddard, Alexis Taylor et al: pounding beats, infectious melodies, loads of synth action and catchy lyrical bites – in short, the kind of earworms you can’t get out of your head for days. Join them in Cambridge where they’ll be showcasing their new material, plus monster dance floor hits like Over and Over, Shake a Fist and Ready for the Floor.

Tickets are £25. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

KATZENJAMMER 16 Nov, Junction, £16.50 Ideal winter mood boosters, multiinstrumentalist powerhouse girl gang Katzenjammer hit town next month, when you can find out why the group were BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq’s favourite set of the entire Glastonbury line-up… www.junction.co.uk

THE MACCABEES 22 Nov, Corn Exchange, £22.50 The Maccabees made a triumphant return in 2015 with their first ever number-one album, Marks To Prove It, join them in Cambridge next month as part of a 14-date UK tour. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

RAE MORRIS Impossible to pigeonhole, but cut from the same cloth as her idols Kate Bush and PJ Harvey, Rae Morris’s majestic, chamber pop vocals and lovingly crafted, expressive songs have helped her rise from open mic nights in her hometown of Blackpool to chart success in the last couple of years. Affiliated with like-minded artists including Brit award winner Tom Odell, Bombay Bicycle Club and singer-songwriter Lucy Rose, this collective of British talent frequently collaborate with one another and you’ll often notice them popping up at Rae’s gigs.

The gig takes place on 6 October at Cambridge Junction, tickets are £14. Support on the night will come from Dan Owen and Port Isla. www.junction.co.uk

REEVES & MORTIMER 12 Feb 2016, Corn Exchange, £32/£37.50 Vic and Bob are promising some uplifting moments, musical interludes, a spot of magic, several dancing styles, some demonstrations of physical strength and plenty of poignant moments... www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

BILL BAILEY

WARNING & BOOMSLANG There’s a couple of chances to get your raving fix this month, both of them taking place at Cambridge Junction. On the 10th, join some of the biggest names on the drum and bass scene for Warning, which this month features Wilkinson, who you might know from recent chart successes Afterglow, Dirty Love and Half Light. He’ll be joined by Mampi Swift, Hazard and more, and the event runs from 10pm to 6am (tickets start at £10).

Boomslang is also back in town with a Halloween special on 31 October, bringing a line-up of acts from across the electronic music spectrum that includes Dub Phizix and Strategy, Apexape and Randall. Tickets start at £12.50 and the event runs from 10pm to 6am. www.junction.co.uk

15-16 June 2016, Corn Exchange, £27.50 Join Bill Bailey on his Limboland tour, in which he laments living in a world that doesn’t live up to expectations, contemplates the true nature of happiness and treats audiences to all sorts of songs. www. cambridgelivetrust. co.uk

15-16E JUN

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NIGHTLIFE

E Z E E SQU

IA V I R T The video for seminal hit Up The Junction was filmed in John Lennon’s old house – you might recognise the kitchen from his Imagine video…

The “girl from Clapham” turned up in another Squeeze song, A Moving Story, many years later in which she had moved to the sea front, remarried, and her daughter was now also getting married. A happy ending.

SQUEEZE Part of the new wave movement in British rock, Squeeze won many a heart during the late 70s and 80s for their tender and witty songs about life and love. Hailing from Deptford in southeast London, the band were formed when founding member Chris Difford stole 50p from his mum’s purse to put a card in the window of a local sweetshop advertising for a guitarist to join his band – though he wasn’t actually in a band at a time. He and Glenn Tilbrook, the only respondent to the ad, ended up becoming a songwriting partnership to be reckoned with, often heralded as heirs to the Lennon and McCartney throne. Jools Holland (on keys) and Paul Gunn (drums) completed the line-up, and Squeeze went on to achieve hits with tracks including Cool for Cats, Tempted, Labelled with Love and of course, the seminal Up The Junction.

The band are back on the road in support of Cradle to the Grave, their first album of new material since 1998, which is due for release this month. Catch them doing their thing at the Corn Exchange on 16 October, tickets start at £35. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

No knicker throwing from Squeeze fans – they used to chuck toothbrushes at the band (Rocky Horror-style) on stage during the opening line of Tempted: “I bought a toothbrush...”

The group originally performed under the name Captain Trundlow’s Sky Company (yikes), before settling on Squeeze – intended as facetious tribute to the Velvet Underground’s oft-derided 1973 album of the same name.

RICHARD HAWLEY Hailing from a family of musicians, Sheffield-born Richard Hawley was gigging solo around Germany at the tender age of fourteen. His first band, Treebound Story, was founded while he was still in school and though they signed to a label, they never made it big – as was the frustrating story of Hawley’s life for the following years. Close to giving up on the game altogether after the implosion of yet another band (Britpop outfit Longpig), he got a call asking if he’d like to go on the road with fellow Sheffield band Pulp. Three exhilarating years of touring followed, but once more Hawley found himself back at square one when he returned home.

He got back to basics and penned paeans to the faded glory of Pitsmoor, the Sheffield suburb he grew up in. With its timeless quality, heartfelt lyrics and retro, romantic feel, carried by his distinctive voice – his self-titled debut album was a blueprint for what was to come. Hawley has gone on to release eight solo albums, the latest of which, Hollow Meadows, was released last month to glowing reviews. He’s earned a fiercely loyal fanbase, becoming Sheffield’s most revered troubadour, and been nominated for the Mercury Prize twice (Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, who won the prize, famously exclaimed ‘Someone call 999, Richard Hawley’s been robbed”). See if you agree at the Corn Exchange on 26 October, tickets are £27.50. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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CT 26 O.50 £27

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month t our biggest venue, the Corn Exchange, we have appearances from James Bay (4th), Hot Chip (21st) and Marcus Miller (27th) to look forward to.

A singular modern talent; a damn good guitar player, singer and song-writer, James Bay has spent the last two years touring, and his mesmerising live show connecting with audiences across the globe. The 24-yearold British musician is fast becoming a worldwide star. Released earlier this year, Chaos and The Calm was Bay’s debut album and scored a number one in the UK charts and won plaudits for its catchy songs, confessional lyrics and infectious melodies.

2015 saw Hot Chip release their sixth studio album and it was a hip hop and funkinfused beauty that is up there amongst their finest work. 15 years into their career and Hot Chip are a band who know exactly what they are doing and are constantly delivering the goods.

You might not instantly recognise Marcus Miller, but you should. Two-time Grammy winner, composer, producer and collaborator of choice for artists including Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross and, crucially, jazz legend Miles Davis. Marcus Miller’s résumé is brimming with over 500 recording credits on albums across the musical spectrum and he’s in town to support his latest release Afrodeezia.

Our top pick for October goes down at the Corn Exchange on the 23rd. As part of the cornex:discover series, musical innovators Asian Dub Foundation will perform their live soundtrack to George Lucas’s visionary cult sci-fi classic THX 1138. Retaining much of Lalo Schifrin’s distinctive score and soundtrack, Asian Dub Foundation’s sparse and beautiful new interpretation is a memorable experience.

Tashi Dorji and his experimental solo guitar improvisations, in the spirit of Derek Bailey, from Bhutan via North Carolina at the Blue Moon on the 6th looks to be one of the most intriguing shows of the month.

Meanwhile there is an excellent double at the Corner House this month. Tom Lumley is one of Cambridge’s best new singer-songwriters and plays on the 10th. Palace have an echodrenched sound reminiscent of early Foals, they appear on the 7th.

Stealing Sheep are an interesting hybrid of accessible but surreal, metronomic pop.

Their rearranged gig opens October’s listings at The Portland Arms on the 1st. Former Broken Family Band frontman Steven James Adams returns home to play the same venue on the 2nd. Liverpool outfit The Vryll Society bring their wonderful, groove-laden sound to The Portland on the 6th. Northern indie charmers-cum-record store proprietors Frankie & The Heartstrings return to Cambridge playing The Portland on the 8th: expect magnetising melodies and big hooks. Gengahr’s dark and woozy debut LP has been one of the most successful debut albums released this year, they play their first headline Cambridge date at The Portland on the 14th. Comparisons to Radiohead are anything but reductive; there is sure to be a

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similarly enormous, twisting path ahead of this hypnotic North London quartet.

You might know him as J Tillman, Joshua Tillman or the guy who used to drum for Fleet Foxes. In 2012 he also became known as Father John Misty – and he’s barely looked back since. On 27 October the bearded crooner plays the Cambridge Junction and he’s our top pick from a busy month at said venue. 2015 saw Tillman release I Love You, Honeybear. The record with its massive orchestras and blend of heartbreakingly beautiful melodies and cheery pop songs was 2015’s first masterpiece being released back in February and stands as one of the year’s best LPs.

Also catching our eye at the Cambridge Junction this month is the blissful psychedelic pop of Swim Deep (18th) and the deliberate clumsy dance-floor swaggers to full-on punk throwabouts of Sleaford Mods (8th). The full-frontal rhythmic genius of Battles’s math rock is one not to miss on the 26th, whilst the serene and distinctive brand of future pop of Purity Ring closes the month perfectly on the 28th. Other shows firmly on our must-see list at the Cambridge Junction include Peace (5th), Rae Morris (6th), Coasts (15th), Editors (21st), the long awaited rearranged show from Hot 8 Brass Band (27th) and The Shires (20th).

Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND WORDS WESLEY FREEMAN-SMITH

THE CAMBRIDGE

SOUND

#13 shindig

We get the lowdown on SHINDIG, Cambridge’s monthly night of alternative music, performance and art

uniquely Cambridge-based beast, the SHINDIG collective bring the city a bouquet of eclectic music and live art performances – multimedia, multi-faceted wonders that are drawn from all corners of the artistic map. In the past, this has ranged from music to spoken word, live literature, dance and film, sometimes all at once.

All these disparate elements are woven lovingly by gentle hands into a whole show, rewarding curious audiences with rich, well-conceived evenings that stick in the mind for ages after.

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Born from a disenchantment with the standard three-band gig formula, SHINDIG started out with the express purpose of livening up the Cambridge scene. In a city full of beautiful architecture and buildings and bereft of medium-sized venues, it made perfect sense to stage events in unorthodox places – to find hidden gems which make for truly spectacular venues.

Whether that’s a coffee shop basement

or a 12th-century chapel, the idea was to imbue old haunts with a new energy and use them to showcase one-off wonders.

That could be an up-and-coming band you haven’t heard of yet, a live film score or an evening of fantasy storytelling; what’s important is that coming to a gig is more of an adventure.

For artists too, SHINDIG is a chance for taking sometimes very odd leaps. One

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND

of the most frequent and potentially most pleasing side effects of playing at nonlinear nights is that they encourage new collaborations. In such performances, there is usually some dimension of risk involved.

Either artists haven’t worked together before, or parts of the performance are deliberately left open to improvisation. For audiences this means what you’ll be seeing is unique, unrepeatable – more so than in the usual sense, where the immediacy of a live performance is inherently magical.

Some examples may be in order. Last year, seven-piece orchestral group Wooden Arms played an evening of entirely new scores behind seven different performance poets. The pieces were written that day, the plucky poets directing the band through the nuanced hows and whys of their work.

The result rambled between a broad range of topics, from whimsical surrealism about snowflakes to apocalyptic memoirs of drug-fuelled hallucination.

Earlier this year, SHINDIG were in Kettle’s Yard for a special show around the work Henri Gaudier-Brzeska. It was hosted in

there is usually some dimension of risk involved collaboration with Circuit: Cambridge – a nationwide initiative encouraging young people to engage with the arts. Select performers responded to Gaudier-Brzeska’s rough-hewn, visceral sculptures and paintings through dance, poetry, music and live installations, each piece developed especially for the evening.

Elsewhere we see live novelisations of piano recitals, a series of live film soundtracks, and buskers serenading lovers with ukulele covers on Valentine’s Day. It’s not always so convoluted and pointedly

different – these are just some of the more exotic examples. Despite overtures towards eclecticism, a lot of the time it’s just about good music.

At their core, the nights are predicated upon two core values. One, that all artforms were created equal – that it doesn’t matter what medium it’s in, as long as it’s good – and two, that everything is important. As a live experience it isn’t just about the people on stage, it’s about the little things too; little details dotted about the place like poetry on Post-it notes, or a free cat sticker as you come in. Moreover, everyone is equally important in making it happen. When was the last time you went to a gig where the sound technician,

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stewards and the photographer are thanked at the end? These ideas run through the shows and are as essential as milk on your Coco Pops.

The next performance takes place on 17 October, as part of Art Language Location – Cambridge’s word-orientated art festival, now in its third year. Just a single slot as part of a whole evening, the show takes the form of a short story, projected live in the darkness and soundtracked by apocalyptic musical interpretations. It’s to be held in Anglia Ruskin University – for more info on this and other happenings, visit the SHINDIG website. www.shindiggig.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

We explore the arts and culture scene in Cambridge, showcasing some of the many exciting exhibitions and shows taking place around the city

BRIAN BLESSED AT TOPPINGS

CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE 6-10 OCT

Big beard and booming voice would probably best sum up Brian Blessed, who will fill Ely Cathedral with his commanding presence on 22 October.

Brian Blessed has led an extraordinary life. Born in Mexborough, Yorkshire, he left school at 15, trained as an undertaker, then joined the Bristol Old Vic Theatre school with the likes of Patrick Stewart, leading to roles in a cacophony of cult films and TV series. He has made three attempts to climb Everest, survived a plane crash, and claims to have boxed against the Dalai Lama. Now, at age 78, he is showing no signs of slowing down.

The actor will be regaling stories from his autobiography, Absolute Pandemonium, at the Cathedral this month – with great gusto, no doubt.

Tickets £10; doors open 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

AN INSPECTOR CALLS Oscar-nominated director of The Reader, The Hours and Billy Elliot,, Stephen Daldry’s take on J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller has been hailed one of the theatrical events of our generation.

First seen in 1992, it has won 19 major awards, drawn crowds around the world and features one of the best, most dramatic sets we’ve ever seen.

Late one night a mysterious inspector visits a well-to-do family at home with news of the death of a young woman, to which each family member had a connection. As Inspector Goole investigates, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. All the while, a question mark hangs over who this unexplained inspector really is. Expect spectacular staging (lashing rain, shadowy figures) and an evocative score.

It’s at Cambridge Arts Theatre 6-10 October, 7.45pm (2.30pm Wed, Thur & Sat matinee).

Tickets from £15. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

THIS MONTH'S COVER ART

COVER ART COMPETITION WINNER!

LORD OF THE FLIES A haunting and cinematic new adaptation of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies comes to Cambridge Corn Exchange this month, set to be one of the highlights of Cambridge’s theatrical calendar. Hailed as ‘tremendous’ by The Independent and ‘a thrilling descent into horror… Unmissable’ by the Daily Telegraph, it has been adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams and comes direct from London’s awardwinning Regent’s Park Theatre.

Stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash, a group of schoolboys embark on what seems to be a storybook adventure without rules or parents. But soon their lawless society descends into chaos as the laws of the jungle take over.

The show stars Cambridge’s own Luke Ward-Wilkinson, who is looking forward to making his professional stage debut at the Corn Exchange.

“I’m not going to lie, I cannot wait to perform in my home town Cambridge,” Luke told us. “I have seen concerts, plays and musicals at the Corn Exchange and would never have thought I was going to one day perform on that very stage.

Cambridge is blessed with so many

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diverse drama and music venues and having that accessibility throughout my childhood really helped to inspire my determination to become a performer and an actor.”

Luke plays the leader of the group, Ralph. “Ralph exudes a confidence that makes him the logical choice for the boys’ leader. He endeavours to maintain rules and civility and the main objective is to be rescued. Just a boy, Ralph naturally struggles within this role as the play unfolds.

Adds Luke: “The play is guaranteed to grip children and adults alike. The set design blew me away when I first saw it. There are also quite a few dangers involved with it for the cast, particularly when some of the set is on fire.

“This adaptation is very true to the book; it brilliantly traces the path these boys take from seeing the beauty and wonder of this island as young excited boys, to losing all sense of themselves and declining into savagery as time goes on.”

Runs 6-10 October, 7.30pm (2.30pm Thursday & Saturday matinee). Tickets from £22.50. Recommended age 11+. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

In September, in conjunction with Cambridge Art Fair, we challenged local artists to create an image of Cambridge to grace the cover of Cambridge Edition. The winning piece was ‘Visiting a College on a Rainy Day’ by Peter Wilkes: a striking, modern depiction of a familiar Cambridge scene with bursts of vibrant colour that really grabbed our attention.

Peter was born in Brisbane, Australia, but adopted Cambridge as his hometown after moving here 19 years ago.“I am thrilled to have won. I love drawing Cambridge,” he says.“I love the cosmopolitan atmosphere and living in the centre of the city is inspirational for anyone like me who loves architecture.”

Describing how he works, he explains:“I start with a pen and ink drawing which is then overlaid with permanent ink washes and watercolour crayon. I wanted to get the feeling of a wet and blustery autumnal day in Cambridge but in an abstract manner.”

The Cambridge Art fair takes place from 2-4 October. www.artfinder.com/peter-wilkes-711

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© Darren Harbar Photography

ARTS & CULTURE

DANCING THROUGH HISTORY Ever fancied perfecting a Medieval Carole, a courtly dance fit to impress Henry VIII, or a Georgian country dance? This month, music and dance expert Mike Ruff will continue his Dancing Through History workshops, that take place at the Museum of Technology.

On 7 October, learn how the Georgians flaunted their charms whilst keeping their powdered wigs in place; on 14 October try a sprightly Victorian polka or a daring waltz (considered ‘vulgar’ due to the closeness required between partners – I say!). Then, on 21 October, there’s a chance to try out some 20th-century dance styles and recap past routines.

“Dancing is usually left out of the history books and yet it has always been part of people’s lives,” says Mike. “In fact, dancing was a desirable social skill. In literature there are plenty of references to dance – Chaucer, Shakespeare, Hogarth, Jane Austen, Dickens and Hardy to name but a few – so knowing about these dances can add a new dimension to their work.

“The fashionable dances changed through the centuries, but running through the last 500 years has been the common thread of the country dance. These dances are a reflection of social history, the fashions and architecture of their time.”

Each class costs £10. No previous experience or partner required. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

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HANDBAGGED Born just a year apart, to very different backgrounds, the present Queen and Margaret Thatcher had a testy relationship; with the Queen famously referring to Thatcher as ‘that woman’. Handbagged, a new West End smash by Moira Buffini, comically imagines how public tensions played out in private between the two ruling women. The show sold out at London’s Tricycle Theatre, where it first premiered in 2014, winning the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. It reaches Cambridge this month, showing 12-17 October, starring Susie Blake as Her Majesty. 7.45pm (2.30pm Thur & Sat matinee). Tickets from £15. A pre-show talk will be held on 13 October, 6.30pm. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

CARMEN For an evening of culture that sizzles and soars, don’t miss Bizet’s Carmen at Cambridge Corn Exchange, 25 October.

With unforgettable melodies including The Toreador Song, Carmen is a fullblooded story of passion and betrayal set in seductive Seville amongst gypsies, bullfighters, deserters, soldiers and smugglers. Carmen was first performed in 1875 but did not become a hit until after composer Georges Bizet’s death.

Controversial for its day, Carmen broke new ground in French opera.

Expect a stunning set and beautiful voices in this performance by Ellen Kent Productions. Sung in French with English surtitles. See it on 25 October, 7.30pm.

Tickets from £33 (£22.50 concessions). www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE NOTEBOOK NOT the one with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, but worth seeing all the same. Based on the awardwinning novel by Ágota Kristóf, this is a story of twin brothers evacuated to their impoverished grandmother’s farm during the Second World War. Branded social outsiders, they attempt to understand the world around them by using a private code. The production’s use of stark staging and Kristóf’s orginal crisp narrative style, and stars Richard Lowdon and Robin Arthur as an uncanny and unsettling double act.

Starts 7.30pm, 6 October. Tickets £12 (£8 concessions). www.junction.co.uk

Reduced Shakespeare Company founding member Adam Long presents a musical tribute to the literary legend, giving some modern musical styling to some of Dickens’ most famous characters and works of fiction. Take a high-speed journey through Dickens’ Greatest Hits in 70 minutes as a comic cast of four actors bring to life the characters of Oliver Twist and Bleak House like never before.

Includes a functional guillotine, flaming bride and Tiny Tim on electric guitar.

Dickens Abridged is at the Mumford Theatre, 20 October, 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50 (£10 concessions, £8.50 student/child).

Catch a pre-show talk with Valerie Purton, Professor of English Literature, 6.30pm at LAB 003. www.anglia.ac.uk

© Fletcher Prentice

DICKENS ABRIDGED

Find an inspiring array of artworks at King’s Parade gallery, Byard Art, this month. From 15 October (running until 8 November), Byard Art hosts its Three Person Show, featuring artists who are going from strength to strength.

Vanessa Whitehouse creates unique interpretations of trees and natural elements on Perspex, using mixed media to give added depth and complexity.

Maria Rivans, a collage artist, will be showcasing a mix of originals and prints as part of the exhibition, drawing inspiration from her love of vintage film stars and the surreal. Earlier this year she held a successful show at the Saatchi print gallery: she should definitely be one to watch.

Internationally established Cambridge artist Fletcher Prentice creates stunning landscapes bursting with delicate flowers and birds. His oil paintings are uplifting depictions of quintessential England.

The exhibition will also include works by figurative artist Annabel Mednick. www.byardart.co.uk

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© Maria Rivans

BYARD ART

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ARTS & CULTURE

PICTURE OF DOREEN GRAY Show buisiness is a cruel business, as Doreen Gray knows only too well. A celebrity presenter, Doreen has it all: a successful TV show, her own skincare range and a career anyone would sell their soul to the devil for. But at 50, her looks are starting to fade – and the producers are threatening to replace her with a younger model. At a school reunion, Doreen uncovers a self portrait painted in her youth and makes a dark and dreadful pact which will come back to haunt her…

A comic take on Oscar Wilde’s Gothic masterpiece, The Picture of Doreen Gray is performed by comedy duo LipService at Mumford Theatre, 3 October, 7.30pm; tickets £12.50 (£10 concessions, £8.50 student/child). www.anglia.ac.uk

AMADEUS “I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint!”. So declares Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s 1979 drama of fame and jealousy, Amadeus.

One-time celebrated court composer, Antonio Salieri finds himself thrust into the shadows upon the arrival of a vulgar, cocky young musician from Salzburg: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Realising he hasn’t the God-given talent that Mozart (seemingly so undeservedly) possesses, Salieri vows instead to go down in history for his infamy by destroying his adversary.

Spun though it is around a scrap of fact, Shaffer’s tale is a rollicking romp through the glittering concert halls and ballrooms of 18th-century Vienna with a cast of extraordinary characters, from the childlike, hysterical Mozart to the dimwitted Emperor Joseph II. Amadeus was made into an Oscar-winning film in 1984 starring F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce.

Performed by the CUADC, Amadeus is at the ADC Theatre 13-17 October, 7.45pm. Tickets £7-£12. www.adctheatre.com

LOCAL READS: THE CAMBRIDGE COLOURING BOOK Colouring books for adults are all the rage: why let the kids have all the fun? Just out is The Cambridge Colouring Book by Katherine Lees, an artist who grew up in Newnham. Her beautiful linear drawings depict some of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks – there are 32 pages to keep you occupied – and the book has already proved a bestseller at Heffers and Waterstones.

“The book is a tribute to the beautiful city I was privileged to grow up in,” Katherine explains. “Despite the worldwide craze for colouring books, I looked about and noticed that no one had done one on our beloved city. I saw myself as filling the gap. Whether it’s towering spires, brilliant stained-glass windows, or sticky buns, anyone can get to know Cambridge’s special treasures a little better simply by taking the colouring tour!”

Beautifully rendered subjects inside include King’s College Chapel, the Botanical Garden, punting on the river, the many rowing clubs and Fitzbillies’ Chelsea buns. You’ll find a colour index at the back – or just go freestyle and indulge your inner child! It’s surprisingly therapeutic.

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ARTS & CULTURE

© Michael G Clark © Michael G Clark

There’s a tendancy for art to be viewed in a stark, formal gallery setting, but Fulbrook House Gallery is known to offer a more rustic and domestic backdrop for an enjoyable, relaxed and natural experience.

From 3 to 11 October, artists Michael G Clark and Katharina Klug will be exhibiting a mix of their work in a special celebration of Fulbrook’s sixth year.

Michael G Clark is a widely exhibited painter specializing in oils and taking inspiration from France, which he first visited as an art student, and his own back garden in Ayreshire, where he paints in a studio overlooking the River Doon.

Recent winner of the craft&design Maker of the Year Award, ceramicist Katharina Klug creates simple designs made from porcelain. They often feature various elemental colours and mimic the shapes of ancient Korean pottery.

Katharina has been inspired by the works of master potters Lucie Rie and Rupert Spira.

The Fulbrook Gallery is a large barn conversion located near Wimpole Hall, at 17b High Street, Great Eversden. Open 12-5pm. www.fulbrookhouse.com

FULBROOK’S SIXTH YEAR

© Katharina Klug

FULBROOK HOUSE GALLERY

THE CANTERBURY TALES Although written over 600 years ago, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is epitomized by a humour and humanity which feels startlingly contemporary. On 17 October, Blast from the Past present a lively, Python-esque rendition of this classic compilation of stories, originally told on the road by a fictional travelling band of pilgrims about everyday people and situations which still ring true with audiences today.

Gasp at The Wife of Bath’s Tale, giggle at the bawdiness of The Miller’s Tale and enjoy this rich portrait of life in medieval England. Lutes, bottoms and blow-up dolls are employed to great effect and the audience is as big a part of the show as the actors.

Catch this evening of lusty literature at Stapleford Granary, 7.30pm; tickets £12 (£6 under 14s). www.staplefordgranary.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

NOW BOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS SHOWS NOW BOOKING CINDERELLA Glass slippers, a fairy godmother, a charming prince and ugly sisters… Cinderella might just be the most perfect panto of them all. Always brilliantly well-honed, and striking the balance between family-friendly thrills and more sophisticated gags for the parents, the Arts Theatre panto is an annual must-see. Cast yet to be announced. Takes place 3 December-17 January 2016; tickets £13.50-£36. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS From the makers of the excellent Horrible Histories (above) comes a stupendous, hilarious, tinsel-tastic take on Christmas through the ages! Meet merry-making Medieval monks, join a Puritan party and spend Christmas at the Corn Exchange in the company of Charles Dickens. Rudolph might drop in for carrots and mince pies, too. Runs 14 December-9 January 2016; tickets £17-£22.50. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

SNOW WHITE AND ROSE RED This year’s big Christmas show at Cambridge Junction is Snow White and Rose Red. Embark on an enchanting adventure through snow-dusted woodland with these two sisters, inspired by the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. It’s on 8-31 December; go online for details and prices. www.junction.co.uk

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MUSIC FROM THE DARK SIDE On 22 October, the Academy of Ancient Music present a concert of 18th century music, exploring the changing role of music within this golden era.

In the 1700s, the symphony often played a functional role, heard largely in churches or at state occasions. By the mid-1700s, however, composers were beginning to push the boundaries and offer up more radical, dramatic pieces: many of which have gone on to become some of the finest compositions ever made.

The programme includes Mozart’s Symphony No.25 in G Minor, Kraus’ Symphony in C minor, Benda’s Concerto for violin and strings in D minor and Haydn’s La Passione.

Music from the Dark Side is performed at the excellent West Road Concert Hall, 22 October, 7.30pm; tickets from £15. Pavlo Beznosiuk directs. www.westroad.org

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r © Louisa Taylo

ARTS & CULTURE

his October (brrr!) starts with Cambridge Art Fair, which has flourished into a magnet for collectors, gallerists and artists, at the Guildhall on 2-4 October. Well done to all involved! In fact, this month we have a dizzying array of cultural festivals and new platforms to feast from.

While space might be an issue in the city, as if to compensate, Cambridge’s bold creative community have gone wild creating experimental events, shaking up underused space, turning every possible nook and cranny into a potential platform for contemporary art. This month, for example, sees the launch of another new festival, Circuit: Unlock Cambridge, opening up spaces across the city by showcasing creative talent on 10 October with events and performances (check out www. kettlesyard.co.uk/events/circuit-festival).

That day, I’ll be at an Enchanted Tea Dance on Mill Road with Cambridge Art Salon and social enterprise Turtle Dove, who support young women in the city. This intergenerational celebration also marks the opening weekend of the nationwide BBC Get Creative Family Arts Festival and is part of Eastside Creates, a programme that’s grown out of the Romsey Art Festival.

Cream of the crop, for text lovers, is Art Language Location, which has gone

Images: Above, Tom Hackett’s Shaggy dog stories is part of Art Language Location’s Supertext exhibition.

Above right, Tumblr user Gretel (aka Drawererer) brings out a pocket-sized book called Celebration Squirrels, which is full of 21 kind squirrels.

from strength to strength since it started in 2012, placing boundary-pushing text art to create surprising encounters. This year it launches at Cambridge Junction on 15 October with an eclectic programme – including social commentary at a bus stop (captive audience!). Key site Anglia Ruskin hosts exhibition, Supertext, featuring yellow shaggy dogs, with stories, in Tom Hackett’s Shaggy dog stories and a multilingual Winnie- the-Pooh (plus aprons)

by Laima Vanaga. Also enjoy ShowTime! on 17 October at Anglia, for a day of textart frolicking, including interactive audio drawing from Jerwood Prize winner Alison Carlier, plus street food from foodPark.

These festivals are a hotbed for the arts, but behind the scenes is a bit of a battle for space, often already lost to a primary need – housing. As Grayson Perry says, ‘rich people on the whole don’t create culture’.

Cambridge’s bold creative community have gone wild creating experimental events If you don’t own a house, most emerging (and many professional) artists can’t build that garden studio, which is increasingly one of few options for artists in the city as studios close down and make way for flats.

So unless these issues are tackled, our city runs a risk of, yes, exhibiting world-class artists, but locally nurturing a new class of professional artist, who can exclusively afford to live and work here – the property owner. Well, maybe not that extreme. But matching this extraordinary industry with a commitment to house those who produce culture in the city and what many of these festivals promise to achieve – to increase Cambridge’s reputation as a place to visit for contemporary art – could really soar.

Cambridge University’s Festival of Ideas also returns this month from 19 October, promising to ‘question everything’ with an exciting theme this year – power and

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resistance. In a world where books, art and music can be banned for political sensitivity, Can writers and artists ever be terrorists?

Find out on 24 October and check www. festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk for the full programme. Plus don’t forget the launch of Arture Connect, uniting communities in style from 3 October in Dehli, Mumbai, London and Cambridge (check www. artureconnect.com) – a new initiative that looks set to fuse Cambridge’s burgeoning fashion and art scenes on a global scale.

Ely also sees a clutch of literary superstars at the Ely Literary Festival, curated by independent booksellers Topping and Company. I can’t wait to see legend Brian Blessed on 22 October, reading from his memoir, Absolute Pandemonium.

Finally, as a warm reminder to us all not to take life so seriously, snap up a copy of Celebration Squirrels, full of self-declared rubbish drawings, which are, actually, not that rubbish at all. Check www.drawererer. tumblr.com or find them at Samovar Tea House in Ely. Gretel’s drawings are full of a playfulness that warms the heart, giving readers a real treat – the very human gift of laughter. So whatever you do this month, may your October be full of warmth and laughter, too.

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INTERVIEW

ROGER THAT Saints, spies and soda siphons: Edition enjoys a glimpse into the star-dusted life of Sir Roger Moore here are actors, and then there are legends. Sir Roger Moore has long been an iconic figure of the big (and little) screen, thanks to the success of The Saint in the 60s, then as the longest-running Bond actor across seven thrilling 007 films between 1973 and 1985.

Now he is preparing to return both to his native England (he was born in Stockwell, south London, 87 years ago and now divides his time between Monaco, Switzerland and the south of France) and to the stage, where his career began, when he embarks on a UK tour of An Evening with Sir Roger Moore.

Born to a policeman and a housewife, Roger George Moore left school at 15 then trained at RADA – interrupted by a period of compulsory national service from 1946.

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“I did a couple of plays back in ’44 and ’45 — Feydeau’s Italian Straw Hat and Klabund’s Circle of Chalk, directed by Christopher Fry, no less. Then I started a season of Shaw in Cambridge, but the army caught up with me and I was carted off to Bury St Edmunds for six weeks’ training.

They didn’t know what to do with me,” he

I ALWAYS SEE THE FUN IN EVERYTHING GOING ON AROUND ME explains, “so they gave me a commission and I was posted off to Germany where I spent the next three years. In the last year I was transferred to the Combined Services Entertainment and the colonel allowed me

to do a play to get my hand back in before I came out.”

Back in Blighty, his early work included modelling knitwear and toothpaste. On reflection, he says, he is glad he never won the first film contract he chased.

“Coming out of the army, I thought I was going to have a great big film career as I was highly recommended for a Rank contract, but they were just cutting back on their contract list. That was very fortunate, actually, as I would have gone straight into film and not had the chance to do weekly rep, which is the best training of all — it trains the mind.”

Moore soon landed a seven-year film contact with MGM, about which he famously declared: “At MGM, RGM (Roger George Moore) was NBG [no bloody good].” But his career then started gaining

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INTERVIEW

traction via a series of TV roles in shows like Ivanhoe, The Alaskans and Maverick, before worldwide fame arrived with spy thriller, The Saint.

How did he keep the show and the character, Simon Templar, fresh?

“I never thought about it!” Moore exclaims, jovially. “You just have to look at the lines, say them, and don’t bump into the furniture. It was always a complaint, usually from actresses that I worked with, that I used to fool around too much — not with them, I hasten to add, but having fun.

I always see the fun in everything going on around me.

“Invariably in the 60s everyone who had a drinks cabinet had a soda siphon in it, and we’d invariably have a lot of them on set for The Saint — the camera crew knew they were in trouble when I came on with the soda siphon handy.”

In 1973 he took over from Sean Connery as Bond, delivering a charmingly urbane portrayal of 007 in Live and Let Die. Does he miss those days?

“I’m nostalgic for Friday pay day — and so are my agent and bank manager!” he

CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE 19 OCTOBER

quips. “But I’m also very grateful. I had a good time doing them.”

Moore continued as Bond until the age of 58 when he agreed that he was a little too old to be doing love scenes with girls young enough to be his daughter. In 1999, he was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: a knighthood followed in 2003.

However his health tripped him up

I’M NOSTALGIC FOR FRIDAY PAY DAY – SO ARE MY AGENT AND BANK MANAGER! momentarily in the same year during a performance of The Play What I Wrote in New York.

“I had a little brush with heart problems and collapsed on stage,” he admits. “I was very fortunate and I had a pacemaker put in within 14 hours. My father had one before me — I didn’t get his, by the way!”

On the subject of retirement, he jokes, “I’ve only retired as James Bond!” He adds: “My wife asks why am I doing this tour, it’s so tiring — but I enjoy the contact with an

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audience. And I’m always curious to see if they’ll applaud or not. I worry that when Gareth Owen [his biographer] says, ‘Here’s Sir Roger Moore’, they’ll say ‘So, big deal — bring on Sean Connery!’”

But they don’t — and instead audiences are treated to a rare encounter with a genuine star. And it can be unpredictable: “I can wander off and talk about anything I like, within reason! Sometimes I use 4,000 words when one will do, and at other times I forget what the one word is, so I never say it…”

Moore also invites questions from the audience. Is he ever surprised by these?

“No, but I look surprised! In The Fugitive, a detective was chasing a doctor who was innocent but accused of murder, and the actor who played him said the one thing he got tired of was having to look surprised when someone said ‘he went that way!’. I got used to that whenever people would ask me where my halo was! You have to look as if you’ve never heard it before.”

An Evening with Sir Roger Moore, Cambridge Corn Exchange, 19 October, 7.30pm. Tickets £25. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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CIRCUIT

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

UNLOCK

CAMBRIDGE

10 OCT now someone aged 15-25 with an interest in photography, film, or the arts?

Young people in Cambridge who might feel they don’t have a voice will have the chance to express their creativity and present their view of the city at a free, one-day event this October.

Circuit: Unlock Cambridge, designed by young people for young people, will provide an alternative tour of the city, exploring disused, hidden spaces. It takes place on 10 October, for 15-25 year olds.

In collaboration with Danish arts group SUPERFLEX the day will include artist-led workshops, live music, film screenings and art installations, all in a big, vibrant showcase of local creative talent.

WE BELIEVE IN USING ART AS A TOOL FOR CREATING CHANGE AND OPENING MINDS Circuit: Cambridge is part of Circuit, a national programme connecting 15-25 year olds to the arts in galleries and museums.

Led by Tate and funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Circuit aims to open up the arts to everyone – particularly those with the least access to them. They have been working together with Kettle’s Yard and Wysing Arts Centre.

SUPERFLEX founder Rasmus Nielsen explains: “We believe in using art as a tool for creating change and opening minds – it has been a joy collaborating with the young people at Circuit: Cambridge in creating artistic ‘tools’ of their own, and we’re sure visitors will leave this festival inspired by how Circuit: Cambridge has rediscovered hidden corners of the city.”

The full list of venues is yet to be confirmed, but you can expect to find some action at the Market Square from 12pm to 5pm. In front of The Guildhall, there will be a ‘complaints booth’ where anyone can contribute their grumbles to be made into a song, which will be performed by a local choir. This will be the starting point for some alternative tours of Cambridge.

Tahira Fitzwilliam-Hall, Circuit programme manager, adds, ‘What comes to mind when you think of Cambridge?

Perhaps the beautiful and historic

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architecture, tourism, or the University?

This free youth arts festival will show you the creative and playful side of Cambridge, giving a voice to the city’s young people.

We invite you to come and experience Cambridge in a new way at Circuit: Unlock Cambridge; Circuit holds the key, and it’s yours for one day!”

Circuit: Unlock Cambridge takes place 10 October, 12 noon ’til late. Keep an eye on the website for updates, including details of their secret closing party. www.kettlesyard.co.uk

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FESTIVAL OF IDEAS WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

Whether you’re looking for a 24-hour film marathon or a lively debate on consumerism and identity, the Festival of Ideas offers a truly thought-provoking programme

19 OCT - 1 NOV

A true treasure in the local events calendar, Cambridge University’s annual Festival of Ideas returns this month, bringing with it a huge programme of enlightening events at venues across the city from 19 October to 1 November.

Now entering its eighth year, the event aims to celebrate arts, humanities and social sciences, offering up more than 250 fascinating talks, exhibitions, film screenings, comedy nights, family activities and more.

“Question everything” urge the organisers, who have attracted an impressive line-up of world-leading thinkers and experts in their fields, poised to grace the lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries of Cambridge throughout this month.

Never an event to shy away from tackling the big issues, this year’s festival focuses on a central theme of power and resistance, with events covering thoughtprovoking topics including

censorship, free speech, privacy, democracy and more.

“This year, our aim is to be more experimental and more provocative with the questions we are asking,” says Malavika Anderson, the Festival coordinator. “People attending events will need to come along armed with an open mind and be prepared to re-examine their perceptions of the world.”

TALKS Kicking off proceedings with a prefestival event on 15 October will be an opportunity to learn more about the

THIS YEAR, OUR AIM IS TO BE MORE PROVOCATIVE WITH THE QUESTIONS WE ARE ASKING

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FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

colourful past of one of Cambridge’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, as the Mill Road History Society project presents a trio of speakers at the Ross Street Community Centre. The festival proper begins on 19 October, with the first week yielding a feast of talks guaranteed to get your grey matter working. Should we be having babies at 20? Who owns outer space? What do we owe the universe? These questions and more will tackled in the first seven days alone, which will also explore what went wrong with the Euro, what global threats humanity might face in the next 40 years, and whether art can foster resistance to power.

The following week, join professor Rae Langton for The body politic: censorship and the female body; a panel discussion on pornography and objectification of women, featuring poet Hollie McNish, amongst others.

Also promising an interesting debate is Consumerism and Identity on 31 October, an exploration of how our very identities are shaped by what we buy and the marketing we’re exposed to.

fascinating history of literary censorship, featuring materials from the Cambridge University Library. There’s also a chance to see some groundbreaking light-based technologies by the e-Luminate Light Lab, as well as learning more about the history of printmaking in The power of paper at the museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Our top pick though has to be Arena: night and day, a 24-hour film marathon at the Arts Picturehouse that will delve into the rich archives of the BBC’s seminal cultural programme. Arena, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has explored the lives and work of the greatest artists and thinkers of the last century, from Charlie Chaplin to Bob Dylan.

PERFORMANCE & FILM Cambridge’s group of science-boffsturned-stand-up-comedians Bright Club will be doing their thing at the Portland Arms on the 22nd, and you can catch Asian Dub Foundation re-imagining the score of George Lucas’s stylistic sci-fi masterpiece THX 1138 at the Corn Exchange on 23 October. #TORYCORE at Cambridge Junction meanwhile ‘combines sludge and doom metal with the Budget speech 2015; a pounding subverbal deathgrowl with text from the blue suits at Tory HQ’. They’ve

certainly got our attention!

There’s also a small series of film screenings throughout the festival, with offerings including Alejandro Iñárritu’s Babel: a complex and sometimes tragic portrait of humanity as told through four interlocking stories. Also on the film bill is Andres Veiel’s The Kick (Der Kick), a discomforting case study of youth brutality and right-wing extremism.

HANDS-ON As always, there’s a busy line-up of interactive activities for all ages throughout the festival. On 24 October, find out what makes superheroes tick, join in with a poetry tour of Cambridge, or take the kids along to Crash, Bang, Wallop!, a children’s trail and craft activity at the Museum of Classical Archaeology. The next day, there’s a meditation workshop, plus the chance to learn about and celebrate the art and cultures of West Papua.

You can also build a Mexican Day of the Dead altar, meet awesome women of the stage from history over tea and cake, see the final of the Cambridge Young Composer of the Year and plenty more – so grab yourself a programme and get planning! www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk

SHOWCASING INNOVATIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FROM THE UK AND BEYOND EXHIBITIONS Explore Art Language Location, a festival within a festival taking place from 15 October to 1 November, which will showcase innovative and experimental contemporary artists from across the UK and beyond who use text in their work. Banned Books on 24 October, meanwhile, will take a look at the

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INTERVIEW

edition meets the

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

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INTERVIEW

RIDGE CAMB ION JUNCT TOBER 27 OC

Ahead of their gig in Cambridge this month, Nicola Foley meets the New Orleans brass band who've triumphed over adversity to share their good time grooves with the world ombining elements of a traditional brass band with a heady, raucous mix of jazz, soul and funk, spliced with a bit of hip hop swagger, the Hot 8 Brass Band are one of many great acts to emerge from New Orleans’ rich musical landscape. Whether playing their funked out originals or putting their own spin on a well-loved track (they’ve taken on Snoop Dogg, The Temptations and The Specials, to name a few), their party rocking performances have become the stuff of legend.

The line-up has shifted over the years but whichever incarnation of the band you get, the soul, energy and undiluted passion of the group always shines through. It’s often

the soul energy and undiluted passion of the hot 8 shines through said that they play like their lives depend on it – which makes a lot of sense when you learn about the band’s history. This month, the Hot 8 visit Cambridge in support of their recently released best of album, Vicennial – which coincides with their 20-

year anniversary as a band. It’s a hard-won milestone for the group, who’ve pushed through barely imaginable adversity to get to where they are today, including the murders of three band members, the fatal heart attack of another and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. But they power on, an indefatigable force, their uplifting and lifeaffirming music providing the soundtrack to an incredible, and incredibly tragic back story.

The Hot 8 have blazed a trail too: their energetic blend of traditional and contemporary paving the way for a crop of thoroughly modern brass bands to come to the fore, a scene among which you’ll find the likes of the Hackney Colliery Band, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Youngblood and Riot Jazz. And people can’t seem to get enough of them – pop along to a gig by any of the above and you’ll see people (of all ages and from all walks of life) losing their minds to the riotous din of screaming trumpets and roaring horns. There’s no question that brass bands are back in vogue – but why this sudden revival?

Bennie Pete, founder of the Hot 8, reckons the answer is pretty simple. “It’s just a beautiful thing. It’s feel-good music, and everybody wants that at some time or another. Everybody wants an escape sometimes… Or even if you’re feeling good

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already it’s like a breath of fresh air when you have the energy that comes with this kind of music. So I guess people feel inspired by it and they want to join in and they want to continue it. They want to play their part. And we really do welcome that, and we’re glad that people are even taking an interest and appreciating it.”

The Hot 8 hail from the Tremé, the fabled New Orleans ghetto which is heralded as giving birth to jazz, and was also home to legendary performers including Louis Armstrong. The group was founded by tuba player Bennie, together with Jerome ‘Bay Bay’ Jones (trombone) and Harry ‘Swamp Thang’ Cook (bass drum), all of whom had grown up immersed in New Orleans’ spirited music scene and playing in school marching bands from a young age.

“We wanted to start the band because it

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INTERVIEW

gave us something to do and it kept us out of trouble,” explains Bennie. “It kept us out of what was going on with the inner city of New Orleans. It was kind of a way out – an extracurricular event to keep us from doing what we saw going on around the neighbourhood.”

In the early days, the local park was the only option for rehearsing (“it was kind of hard to practise round anyone’s house - it was just too much noise, too loud!”), and that’s where they played for years, building up an ever-growing following.

“People would be getting off from work in the evening, getting off the bus or going to the store or whatever, and they’d see us in the park practising, and they’d grab some seafood and a beer and come sit out and listen to us. We were getting better and better and people would see that. They were our first fans.”

Their fan base on the streets of the neighbourhood was growing all the time, but a tipping point came when Robert Luis, a DJ and record label owner from Brighton, picked up their joyous cover of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing and started playing it in his sets.

“There would literally be queues of people asking me what the track was,” he said in an interview at the time. “No amount of hype, PR or twerking can buy that kind of real and heartfelt dance floor reaction for a track.” He signed the Hot 8 to his Tru Thoughts label, the track become a regular fixture in the vinyl collections of tastemaker DJs, and the Hot 8 started gaining fans far beyond their native New Orleans.

“The Sexual Healing thing just put the icing on the cake,” recalls Bennie. “It kind of tipped it and sent it over the edge.”

Shortly after, the band put out their Rock with the Hot 8 album to widespread acclaim, performing their first UK tour dates a few months later (gigs which won them an army of new fans), as well as having their music featured on a Volkswagen advert, laying down tracks with the Basement Jaxx and performing a Maida Vale session for Radio 1. They’ve gone on to play all over the globe, touring with Lauryn Hill and appearing in

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HBO drama Treme, as well as earning a Grammy nomination for their album The Life & Times Of. In short, a lot’s changed from those days in the park, but Bennie is quick to stress that fame has had little impact on the way they live.

“We’re still regular New Orleanians, we’re still regular people here in the city. It’s not like we’re walking around with bodyguards or anything,” he says, laughing his huge, infectious laugh. “Everything is still the same, but a lot of people appreciate us and a lot of

I just hope we can be a blessing to others and inspire people people are happy to see us – happy to see our accomplishments, especially the people who were there when we were younger.

They’re happy to know us, and have a sense that they met us when we first began, to see us continue through all the struggle and all the tragedy that we went through.”

And what a lot of tragedy it’s been. In addition to Hurricane Katrina obliterating their cherished home city (and taking many of their possessions and some of the band members’ homes in the process), the group have experienced an inconceivable amount of devastation and heartache in their 20 years together. Jacob Jacobson, the Hot 8’s 17-year old trumpet player, was tied up and shot in the head in his home in 1996; in 2004, trombonist Demond Dorsey died of a heart attack and a mere two months after that, band member Joseph Williams was killed, in controversial circumstances, by the police whilst driving to a gig. In 2006, meanwhile, trumpet player Terrell Batiste was involved in a horrific car accident in which he lost

his legs, and a few months later, drummer Dinerral Shavers was shot in the back of the head as he was driving his car – the result of a case of mistaken identity which cost the young teacher his life.

Bennie speaks openly and from the heart when questioned about the enormous struggles the Hot 8 have endured and his resolute desire to keep going to honour his friends and band mates who have passed.

“Every time it happened it hurt us,” he says gently, his voice cracking. “And it still hurts us every day, but we deal with it in our own way. But I tell you – us continuing to go on, and achieve some of the goals and accomplishments that we set when we all were together and we all was still living – that helps us go on. Any goal that we reach – because we all had that same common goal when everybody was together, it kind of fills the void a little bit you know… That’s the big reason that we continue to do it. We have to do it for them. We gotta continue.”

Whatever else fate might throw their way, it seems safe to assume that the Hot 8 will persevere and continue to win people over with their life-affirming music and irrepressible energy. But what does Bennie hope for the future of the band?

“I would say success, but along with success, just for us to be a blessing to others and to know that our struggle wasn’t in vain,” he says. “If we can bless others, and help them get through some of the situations we’ve been through, and help the world be a little bit better place for the youth and the future – you know that would be one of the biggest things that would bring everybody in the band the most joy. We want to inspire people.”

The Hot 8 Brass Band play Cambridge Junction on 27 October. Tickets are £18. www.junction.co.uk

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GROUP SPOTLIGHT

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

Ten years old this year, Rock Choir offers an outlet for secret singers wanting to belt out some serious tunes for fun veryone sounds good in the shower; and the car. It’s some kind of law of the universe. Or possibly because those are the only places we can sing, full-voiced, without fear of being heard. Singing for enjoyment, and overcoming that worry of being judged, is exactly what Rock Choir is about. There are five groups in our vicinity, all run by the excellent Carrie Rawlings, a bouncy-haired ball of enthusiasm and smiles who reckons singing is good for us all.

“There’s something about singing together that releases endorphins and you just feel brilliant,” she says. “And that process of deep breathing means you’re getting loads of oxygen to the brain. Plus we’ve got dance moves, so it’s quite energised. And you’re laughing a lot, which can never fail to help.”

I’ve gone along to my local group in St Neots (the Cambridge classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays), having not sung harmonies since school hymn practice.

Carrie keeps the whole room engaged, we learn Tears of a Clown (‘Altos, give me Diana Ross!’) and Xanadu (‘tits and eyes, ladies!

Less operatic, more Disney!’) and it’s brilliant.

I wonder why I’ve never got round to this before.

Carrie has been a choir leader for three years. Studying Performing Arts at University, she then went into teaching and has been a musician all her life. She came across Rock Choir through her mum.

Says Carrie: “Mum was watching BBC Breakfast one Christmas and phoned me up

saying: ‘There are some people on telly with Sian’ – she loves her – ‘and they’re from Rock Choir. You should work for them.’ I was like, ‘Ok mum, brilliant, bye!’.

“Eventually I looked up the website and it did look quite good. Mum and I went together – the closest one at the time was in Hertford – then the more I thought about it the more I thought I didn’t want to be in the choir, I wanted to lead it.

“I did the training and they asked where I wanted to work, and luckily no-one had started one in Cambridgeshire, so that became my patch. Mum started coming to mine, which was much easier! And my dad was my roadie for about six months.

“No other teaching job has ever been like this for me. There’s a real mix in Cambridge: my youngest member is 16 and my oldest is 86. The emails I got at the end of my first term, thanking me, were overwhelming.”

Rock Choir is a national scheme established in 2005 by Caroline Redman.

This time last year it had 16,000 members rehearsing in 300 locations across the UK. “It’s fun, feel-good singing for all,” explains Carrie. “You don’t need experience: a lot of people just sing in the shower or they’ve had a love of music for ages and let it slide, so it’s about re-igniting that flame.

There’s something about singing together that makes you feel brilliant

Founder Caroline Redman

‘Rockies’ are also given the chance to get their diva on and perform before audiences.

Says Carrie: “We sang at the Cambridge Race For Life and earlier in the year, to celebrate our ten years, we did a big concert at the Birmingham NEC. It was amazing.

There was a moment at the end of the show where we let off canons and yellow stars came down from the ceiling, and you could see the audience with tears in their eyes. Then on 31 October we’re going to be performing at The Cresset in Peterborough with Russell Watson.

“We also did a flash mob in St Neots Tesco in the summer, and everyone wanted to do it all over again – but I said no because the whole point of a flash mob is that we have to disappear afterwards!

So keep an eye out and I’m sure that we’ll be back before long in a supermarket near you.”

Carrie Rawlings

www.rockchoir.com

“You don’t have to sight-read music, which is really appealing to people who might be put off by the more conventional choir, where it’s quite serious.

“The music we sing is rock, pop and Motown. This term we’re doing Queen, Jess Glynne and The Backstreet Boys so there’s something for you, whatever age you are.

Then we’ll keep going back over the old ones. One of my favourites to do is Rather Be, which feels like the song of the year.”

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HALLOWEEN

HORRORS! HORROR AT HINCHINGBROOKE

THE HYPNOTIST: SÉANCE

Not for the faint-hearted, this interactive experience at the famously haunted Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, sees participants immersed in their own personal horror movie. Brave scary clowns, axe-wielding freaks and demonic creatures lurking in the shadows as you make your way, unguided, through dark, ancient rooms and creepy woods.

Groups of up to 12 will be sent into this live-action scare maze for an unforgettable 45-minute encounter that’s high on thrills.

Robert Gough, of Scare Events Ltd, describes it as: “a theatrical setting arranged into 13 sets and with around 25 actors lurking in the darkness. This, combined with a wide selection of sound and lighting FX, help to create an absolutely terrifying experience.”

Get scared between 24 and 30 October; tickets £18.50. And visit our website after the 24th for a write-up by our intrepid features editor, Jenny. Presuming she makes it out alive, that is… www.enterifyoudare.wix.com/ hinchingbrookehouse

On 30 and 31 October, see the Corpus Playroom transformed into a bridge to the spiritual world. From the team behind last year’s sell-out hypnotism show comes The Hypnotist: Séance, in which the audience are invited to make contact with the dead. Your link to the Other Side for the evening is the charismatic Kyle Fearn, described

by The Cambridge Student as “a captivating stage presence, with good repartee.” Expect laughter (nervous or otherwise), smoke and the unexpected.

Tickets £5-£7. Over 18s only. www.corpusplayroom.com

ELY GHOST TOURS Take a Halloween tour of historic Ely and discover the stories which lurk in its shadows. A number of ghost tours are on offer within the city, starting from the famously haunted Oliver Cromwell’s House.

This impressive timber building is thought to be visited by the restless ghost of the Lord Protector himself, who lived here for ten years. Children’s voices have also been heard, and watch out for the Blue Lady – said to wander the corridors. From the house, you’ll pass by the graveyard and the old militia hospital, as guides regale stories of the one-eyed Black Shuck, a faceless monk and bodysnatchers. For more information, contact the Tourist Information. visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk

GRAND HALLOWEEN BALL Dress to impress for Neon Moon’s sensational Grand Halloween Ball at The Guildhall, 31 October. Slip into a dusty ballgown or spider-webbed suit as darkness falls, then gather with other painted skeletons, ghoulish gentlemen and undead brides for a dark burlesque ball deep in the historic centre of Cambridge.

There will be vintage music and performances from the Exotic Luna Rosa, Mr Joe Black, Betty Noir, plus many more. The dress code is strict, so don’t be shy – the more creative and fabulous the better!

Dance the night way from 8pm till 2am. Tickets £35 on the door, or £28.50 in advance. www.theneonmoonclub.com

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HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN IN THE WOODS Dress up and head for Wandlebury Country Park for this popular evening of Halloween howls! Kids can carve their own scary pumpkins and see them lit by candlelight on a guided twilight walk around the park. Your spine thoroughly chilled, head back to the stable rooms to warm up with hot drinks around the fire. Bring a torch and wrap up warm.

It’s happening on 31 October, 3.306.30pm; tickets £8 per pumpkin. www.cambridgeppf.org

PUMPKINS & SPOOKS Farmed for over 2000 years and a home to nuns in medieval times, Denny Abbey hosts a spooktacular family event on 25 October. Come dressed to scare and try your hand at pumpkin carving and apple bobbing, line up for a broomstick race and join in singing spooky songs. The event runs 10.30am-4pm.

Then on 28 and 29 October, there are half-term family drop-in sessions between 12-4pm, normal admission charges apply. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

Pull on your favourite jumper and boots and head out for the Suffolk countryside to pick your own pumpkin, fresh from the fields. Let the kids run loose and see how these marvellous tangerine gourds get from the ground to your living rooms.

Undley Pumpkin Patch is open Saturdays and Sundays, and during half term (9am-5pm). As well as pumpkins there's a themed maze to find your way out of, a bouncy castle and more. www.pumpkinpatchundley.com

©Candle & Cake Ltd

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS

TERROR ON THE TRACKS! It’s all aboard the Wizarding Express this October, as the Nene Valley Railway, near Peterborough, announce their special Halloween event. On Saturday 31st, bring your lovely little horrors to enjoy a spooky ride inspired by a certain boy wizard. Adults and kids alike are invited to don their best wizarding outfits then hop aboard a historic locomotive for a 90-minute ride through haunted tunnels – mind you don’t get turned into frogs along the way!

Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm departure, and don’t forget to collect a goodie bag once you’re on board. The fare is £13.50; pounds only please, no Galleons, Sickles or Knuts, thank you. www.nvr.org.uk

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FAMILY

HALF TERM AT WANDLEBURY Bring the little ones to Wandlebury on 27 October for an exciting morning exploring the park and finding out how wildlife prepares for winter. Afterwards, head to the stable rooms and get creative for an art session using lots of wonderful autumnal colours and materials. It’s spider season at Wandlebury, and on 28 October the team will lead a special spider hunt, revealing beautiful silk-spun webs and relaying fascinating spider facts: a sure step towards conquering any fears! Both events run 10am-12pm, costs £6.50 per child.

Then, on 30 October, treat yourselves to a day off as the capable team at Wandlebury offer to look after your brood for the day. They’ll be building dens, roasting marshmallows over the fire and playing outdoor games. Costs £30 per child. www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

APPLE DAY Music, games, cider, chainsaw sculpting and bucketloads of rosy apples… Burwash Manor’s Apple Day returns on 10 October.

The cosy farmstead invites you to join them for a day celebrating the humble English apple, with apple-inspired activities, cider tasting and various edible treats to try in the Food Hall. The day begins at 9am with a vintage ploughing match and hedge-laying competition (ruthlessly competitive, we’re told), before Cam Valley Orchards drop by to discuss their heritage apple varieties and introduce a load of appley games for the family. There’ll also be miniature steam train rides, falconry, archery and music from the Sawston Steel Band.

Don’t forget to bring your own apples to be pulped! Entry £3 adults, with proceeds going to the Sick Children’s Trust. www.burwashmanor.com

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

AUTUMN FAMILY FESTIVAL A seasonal family event featuring food, crafts, real ale and traditional games is being held at Gravel Hill Farm, North West Cambridge. Stop by on 31 October and 1 November for apple bobbing, live music and more. www.marketsquaregroup.com

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What was it like to grow up in Ancient Greece? Who were the stars of the first-ever Olympic Games? This month, meet the Groovy Greeks at Cambridge Arts Theatre: a boisterous half-term stage show by the brilliant Birmingham Stage Company.

Better still, it’s a double bill! As well as the Greeks you’ll get to see the Incredible Invaders in action on a 1,000-year journey. Find out who’s who at Sutton Hoo and stop King Alfred burning his buns. Good gracious!

It runs from 27 to 31 October, 7pm, 2pm and 10.30am. Tickets £20 (£15 for children). www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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COMMUNITY

Community news Intersport launch

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME IN CAMBRIDGE Grass roots sports clubs and running groups in and around Cambridge will be the first to benefit from the launch of Intersport’s new community programme. Hobbs Intersport has been working with charity Join In to launch an in-store programme that will support local sports groups and help them to engage with new volunteers and players.

As part of the collaboration, Hobbs Intersport will be working with Join In to recruit local on-the-ground ambassadors in the Cambridge area to become Join In Local Leaders. These super volunteers will help support the Hobbs Intersport store and build their community sports network further.

Hannah Palmer from Hobbs Intersport says, “We are excited to have been the first retailer to work with Join In. There are a great number of opportunities in Cambridge to work with Grass roots sport.”

Intersport will also be supporting Join In to put more volunteers into community sport by encouraging customers to search for volunteering opportunities near them and encouraging the clubs they know to create a profile on Join In’s website – spreading the word locally.

For further information visit www.joininuk.org.

MORE ART COURSES

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aid to refugees

Local individuals and businesses have been doing their bit to help the refugee crisis unfolding in Europe. On 6 September, Cambridge entrepreneur Calum Harvey-Scholes led an expedition to Calais to hand out clothes, food and sleeping materials generously donated by Cambridge people. Inspired by this, new wine shop Thirsty, on Chesterton Road, has set up a fundraising campaign aimed at businesses in the area. Businesses may either donate a percentage of their takings, a fixed sum per sale or create an article for sale that will incorporate a donation.

Says Sam Owens of Thirsty: “We will encourage all participating businesses to have a collection pot on the counter in which they can collect donations from customers, whether it’s change from a purchase or otherwise.”

A JustGiving page has been created to collate the donations, which will then be distributed to a number of charities, including Save the Children.

See #CAMREF on Twitter or search for Camref on Facebook.

for the community

Local not-for-profit organisation Cambridge Community Arts have more than doubled course places for adult learners and extended their creative programme to include more art forms.

The courses, including music production, drama and dance, promote improved health and well-being through creative self-expression, increased confidence, and encouraging social inclusion.

They are delivered in partnership with Cambridge Regional College.

“There is considerable proof that participating in creative activities improves our mental health,” says Oliver

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CAMBRIDGE SENDS

McCabe, who has been a local psychiatric nurse for 30 years. “I am very happy Cambridge Community Arts are able to extend their programme to offer more people the chance to get creative.”

This comes against the backdrop of continued public funding cuts for mental health services and huge competition for Third Sector funding.

Jane Rich, Cambridge Community Arts managing director, adds: “Working with local talented artists and performers we now include dance, singing, photography and filmmaking in our programme.” www.camcommarts.org.uk

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LISTINGS CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE

cambsedition.co.uk

A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER AN EVENING WITH NATASHA PULLEY Time: 7pm Location: Waterstones Price: £4 Description: The author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, an exciting Victorian flight of fancy plunging readers into a magical past, will be talking about and signing copies of her book. waterstones.com 4 OCTOBER MRS MONEYPENNY Time: 7.45pm Location: Arts Theatre Price: from £12.50 Description: Financial Times columnist and presenter of Superscrimpers, Mrs Moneypenny brings her onewoman show to Cambridge. cambridgeartstheatre.com

6-10 OCTOBER FOOTLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL TOUR SHOW Time: 11pm Location: ADC Theatre Price: £5-£8 Description: See the talented Cambridge Footlights before they head to America. Expect fresh, funny sketches, silly songs and witty insights from tomorrow’s stars. adctheatre.com 8 OCTOBER THE HUB Time: 2-4pm Location: Burwell Museum Price: Museum admission applies Description: Come and research your family history with help from archive material and the research room’s friendly volunteers. burwellmuseum.org.uk

RAE MORRIS Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £14 Description: Citing Coldplay, Kate Bush and PJ Harvey as her influences, Rae Morris is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and is showcasing her debut album, Unguarded, released in January this year. junction.co.uk

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Oct

9 OCTOBER HOLLY WALSH Time: 8.15pm Location: Comberton Price: from £5 Description: An evening of gags with award-winning writer and comedian Holly Walsh. Support from Kevin Precious, Alan Seaman and Ben Van der Velde. custardcomedy.co.uk 10 OCTOBER APPLE DAY Time: 9am Location: Burwash Manor Price: £3 Description: A rural family festival with hedge laying, vintage ploughing, cider, food and all sorts of apple-based games to enjoy.

Core blimey! burwashmanor.com

DARA O’BRIAIN Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £25.50 Description: One of the most popular comedians on the circuit, O’Briain never fails to deliver. He brings his latest tour, Crowd Tickler, our way for a fast-paced, interactive show. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

6

15 OCTOBER ALISON RAYNER QUINTET Time: 8pm Location: The Hidden Rooms Price: £12/£15 Description: Cambridge Modern Jazz welcomes bassist Alison Rayner and her jazz band, in support of her new album, August. cambridgejazz.org

DANIEL SLOSS Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £15.50 Description: See the man who’s sold out seven consecutive Edinburgh shows as he brings his new show, Dark, to Cambridge. junction.co.uk

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LISTINGS

ROGER MOORE Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £25 Description: Spend an evening with James Bond himself when Sir Roger Moore shares stories from his incredible life. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk 17 OCTOBER FRANKLY SINATRA Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £27/£29 Description: Hear Ol’ Blue Eyes classics as performed by Stephen Triffitt, the Sinatra tribute act who has performed for Simon Cowell and Prince Philip. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

19-24 OCTOBER KING CHARLES III Time: 7.45pm Location: Arts Theatre Price: from £20 Description: Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play, Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III is a ‘future history play’, imagining Prince Charles’ approach to finally ascending to the throne. cambridgeartstheatre.com

17 OCTOBER JASON BYRNE Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £18.50 Description: Ireland’s king of comedy presents, 20 Years A Clown. Likelihood of audience participation: high. junction.co.uk

21-24 OCTOBER TRISTRAM SHANDY Time: 11pm Location: ADC Price: £5-£7 Description: Sex, scandal and domestic upsets, Laurence Sterne’s highly original, convoluted narration of the life of Tristram Shandy (gentleman) is brought to the stage in a hilarious adaptation. adctheatre.com

HOT CHIP Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £25 Description: The Grammy and Mercury-nominated synth-pop band are back with their sixth album, Why Make Sense? cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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22 OCTOBER BRIGHT CLUB Time: 7.30pm (doors) Location: The Portland Arms Price: £8 Description: Described as ‘the thinking person’s variety night’, Bright Club takes a witty look at clever subjects. Simon Watt headlines, and will be championing the humble slug. cambridge.brightclub.org

25 OCTOBER QUESTION EVERYTHING Time: 1pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £5 Description: Part of the Festival of Ideas (see page 32), this event features talks, art and ideas aiming to challenge the way in which we see the world. junction.co.uk

23 OCTOBER ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £21 Description: Before Star Wars, George Lucas made THX 1138, a stylistic sci-fi classic. Asian Dub Foundation perform their exhilarating version of the soundtrack to this 1971 film. cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

27-31 OCTOBER HORRIBLE HISTORIES Time: Various Location: Arts Theatre Price: £20 (£15 children) Description: A double bill of brand-new shows from the Birmingham Stage Company.

Meet the Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders. cambridgeartstheatre.com

ROSIE’S MAGIC HORSE Time: 11.30am & 2.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £10 (£6 child) Description: A brand-new production based on the book by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Quentin Blake. When midnight strikes, a box of ice-lolly sticks transforms into a magic horse and takes Rosie on a treasure-hunting adventure. junction.co.uk 31 OCTOBER GRAND HALLOWEEN BALL Time: 8pm-2am Location: The Guildhall Price: £28.50 (£35 door) Description: A sumptuous night of mystery, spectacles and thrills with Neon Moon’s hypnotic ensemble of temptresses and performers. Don a dusty ballgown or top hat and party past the midnight hour. theneonmoonclub.com Cambridge Edition | October 2015 | 47

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TRAVEL WORDS JENNY SHELTON

Jenny Shelton meets the adventure-seeking, record-breaking father and son team from Cambridgeshire to hear their stories from the road ’ve struggled a bit, adjusting to being back,” admits Rhys Lawrey. “I still hadn’t unpacked until recently.”

Adds Kevin: “We’ve made him keep his boots outside though; they’re a bit smelly!”

Grins Rhys: “It’s true. I wore one pair the whole way.”

Rhys has just returned from a gap year that blows all others clean out the water.

A motorbike enthusiast from a young age (his dad, Kevin, runs adventure bike touring company, GlobeBusters, near Cambridge), Rhys set off in 2013, aged 22, on a solo round-the-world tour, becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle. He also earned a Guinness World Record for visiting the most consecutive capital cities by bike.

I’ve joined father and son in their offices on Ely Road. Rhys is now 24, healthy, tanned and visibly restless, and tells me how his 56,854-mile journey began.

“It was a 15-month trip around the

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world. I left with a GlobeBuster tour, we rode to Thailand, then I went on to Australia, New Zealand, Los Angeles and down to the bottom of America. Then I started the capital cities record.”

The existing record was five; Rhys clocked up 51.

“I could only stop to refuel the bike or at a border crossing. You can sleep, but only inside a capital city. It was like a board game, hopping from capital to capital.”

I’m introduced to his bike, a Triumph Tiger, still with mud on the wheels.

“Her name’s Tigger and she hasn’t missed a beat,” beams Rhys. “She didn’t even get a puncture. You become so dependent because if she fails, I can’t go anywhere. She’s like my wife. I look after her and she looks after me.

“With all my luggage loaded she weighs 286kg. I dropped her six times – though that’s not bad for 56,000 miles.”

Travelling light is key. Rhys shows me how to pack for a long-distance bike trek:

“Clothes, tent, sleeping bag, laptop… I took four undies, four socks, four shirts, one pair of jeans, one pair of trousers that turn into shorts, one pair of swimming shorts and one pair of off-the-bike shoes. Oh, and one smart Barbour polo shirt for dates!”

Says Kevin: “There were lots of photos going on Facebook taken with young ladies…” Is he still in touch with any of them? Rhys shrugs: “Yeah, a few.”

Kevin himself has two Guinness World Records: the first for the fastest motorcycle ride around the world, the second for the fastest trans-America motorcycle ride.

Naturally, he was called on to advise Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor for their Long Way Round series.

“They’re nice guys, and Charlie has become a great ambassador for biking.”

Kevin adds: “I’ve always ridden bikes and enjoyed travelling. I remember picking up Rhys from school and the other parents looking a bit worried; he had a little leather jacket and helmet.

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TRAVEL

“I waited til Rhys was older, about 16, to do our first big trip, which was five weeks riding round Argentina, Bolivia, Chile… so that gave him his first insight into being on a bike and seeing different places.”

What qualities does it take to go on this sort of journey?

“You’ve got to be open to a bit of chaos,” says Kevin. “In China, for instance, they have road rules but not many people stick to them. You’ve got to leave your Western mentality behind and quickly adapt to how the locals do things. Some people question it too much.

“And it’s not just the riding, it’s the borders too. Central Asia has probably got the worst borders in the world. You can be there for ten hours, and there’s no nice coffee shop where you can wait, there are guys with guns.”

Adds Rhys: “It opens you up to a lot more, compared to backpacking or taking busses. With motorcycling, you can go to places no tourists go. Biking through Central Asia and China, we’d go through towns where we were the only Westerners

that some people had ever seen in the flesh.

You stop for water and suddenly there are ten people round you. Locals see you in all the gear and think ‘this guy’s interesting’.

I’ve been called spaceman, Robocop...”

Kevin adds: “In many places they have their own, smaller bikes, but they’re in flipflops and have about four or five people and a couple of chickens on one moped.

They haven’t seen bikes like this before.”

Asked to pick a favourite destination, Rhys answers: “Mbabane, Swaziland, was a highlight because that’s the city I broke the record in. But there were some beautiful places in Eastern Europe: Vilnius in Lithuania is stunning, and Olso. Columbia is meant to be dangerous, but in fact it’s the most beautiful, friendly place. All the drug lords have left – you can go round Pablo Escobar’s house as a day trip.”

Rhys with his dad, Kevin Sanders

Of course, Rhys’ adventure wasn’t all sightseeing and selfies in the sunshine.

“There were moments I felt like throwing in the towel,” he tells me. “On the bike you feel the cold, the heat, everything.

There was one day in South Chile where I, stupidly, went over the Carretera Austral [a remote but picturesque mountain pass].

The weather when I left was fine, but south it was all thunderstorms and landslides, so when I went over I hit it. It was a complete whitewash. I got half way, going through mud, torrential rain, with trees falling down around me. I couldn’t feel my hands it was so cold. I thought, ‘What the hell am I doing?’. But I realised if I turned back, I’d run out of fuel, so the only thing I could do was push forwards and get to the next town.

And I did.

I arrived in this little village with a population of 50, knocked on a door and this 100-year-old woman answered the door. I asked if I could stay, we put the bike in the woodshed and she held up a chicken, saying, ‘Pollo?’. And we had chicken and chips for dinner. It was fantastic. I woke up the next day, the sky was crystal clear and I got one of the best pictures of the trip.”

Rhys reflects: “You definitely get a wider vision of life. Mum said I’ve completely changed in maturity from 22 to 24 because I’ve been exposed to scenarios where I’ve had to dig deep and push myself. That’s why I’m trying to inspire people to get out

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there, on a bike or not, and experience things for themselves. You learn far more on the road than you would reading a book, in a classroom or watching TV.” Kevin agrees. “All travelling means you come back to the UK and appreciate what you’ve got. It’s easy to forget how good life is here. You always hear people whingeing about Addenbrooke’s or the NHS, but we can drink the water, there are no bugs that bite you and give you diseases, you can go

to the supermarket and buy whatever you want. People need to see how others live.”

Rhys ended his adventure on 17 June 2015 by meeting his dad, who he hadn’t seen for over a year, and riding up to the Houses of Parliament together.

“That day,” remembers Rhys, “goes down as one of the greatest of my life.”

Find out more: 2mororider.com Or book your own trip: globebusters.com

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FOOD DRINK A N D

GET THE INSIDE TRACK ON CAMBRIDGE’S FOODIE SCENE WITH EDITION’S MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT

Restaurant Review: The Red Cow

THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATES IN TOWN

Cambridge’s new foodie hotspots SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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FOODIE HOTSPOTS

EW CAMBRIDGE'S N

Right now we’re being extra spoiled with a bumper crop of awesome new foodie openings. Allow Edition to introduce you to some of your favourite new hangouts ...

6 ICE CREAM

Cementing the Bene’t Street area of Cambridge as the city’s new foodie quarter is 6 Ice Cream – an adorable new ice cream shop which popped up last month. It’s owned by Suzanna Arschavir and Sheila Bremner, two friends who share a love of all things ice cream and are fulfilling a long-held dream inspired by shared holidays to Italy.

On offer in the gorgeous shop (we love the stripy floor and gold counter!) are a range of freshly made gelato, sorbets, sherbets and ice creams, packed with seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes every day and there’s always lots of enticing flavours to tempt – recent hits include white chocolate and cardamom, strawberry and rose, and the Cambridge greengage ice cream. Suzanna and Sheila are both looking forward to giving the menu lots of autumnal and wintry twists in the months to come too – expect yummy appearances from pears, pumpkins, caramels, nuts and spiced fruits, as well as ice creams served with warm roasted fruits, on toasted brioche or in spicy hot chocolates or affogato.

As well as traditional cones and cups, you can enjoy your icy treats in a range of creations including open ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, sodas, lollies and cakes. You can also pick up heavenly milkshakes, cakes and tarts (including pastel de nata on Fridays), as well as freshly brewed Monmouth coffee. www.6icecream.co.uk

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FOODIE HOTSPOTS

AROMI OPENS THIRD BRANCH Aromi, the family-run Sicilian eaterie with branches on Peas Hill and Bene’t Street, has built up an army of fans in the city for its tasty Italian treats. It’s so popular that it’s not unusual to see queues out the door and spilling out onto the street at the weekend.

So it’s happy news then, that the owners will soon be opening the doors to their third outpost in the city, this time on the Grafton Centre side of town on Fitzroy Street.

Aromi number three will offer all the favourites from its tempting menus including perfect pizza slices, home-made foccacia and spianata (just as crusty, but thinner than foccacia), delicious arancini and Sicilian coffee. As well as Aromi’s famed mini pasticceria, customers will also be able to sample delicacies including traditional tiramisu, cannoli and pistachio cake.

During the warmer months, they’ll be offering Aromi’s much-loved gelato too, made using a family recipe with mouth-watering flavours including Sicilian lemon, pistachio, mandorlato (using roasted almonds) and hazelnut.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to news of Aromi opening in Fitzroy Street,” says co-owner Francesco Genovese. “Residents are excited about having freshly made Italian specialities on their doorstep and local businesses view us as a great addition to the retail offering in and around The Grafton Centre.” www.aromi.co.uk

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FOODIE HOTSPOTS

THIRSTY CAMBRIDGE A brand new wine shop has sprung up on Chesterton Road with the catchline ‘Revolutionary Drinking’. Opening in late July, as part of the rejuvenation of the Mitcham’s Corner area of town, Thirsty Cambridge is run by Matthew Boucher and Sam Owens, both of whom bring extensive knowledge of the industry to the board. It replaces the old Threshers and brings a fresh, up-to-date approach to buying booze.

Inside, you’ll find wines from around the world displayed in shelves painted in varying shades of red and yellow.

This isn’t just to look pretty (although it does), but to help customers locate the best wine for them. Fan of a fruity red? Find these within the pink shelves.

Prefer a richer, more full-bodied tipple?

Head for the darker red units. Similarly, the honey yellow coloured shelves denote sweeter whites, while the fresher, crisper varieties are towards the paler, greener end of the rainbow.

It’s not all about the wine though: Thirsty also sells Hot Numbers coffee, cider and craft ales. @ThirstyCamb

STIR CAMBRIDGE Shun your soulless, tax-dodging coffee chains and join us in rejoicing at the opening of Stir, a fresh new neighbourhood coffee shop in CB4. Located on Hawthorn Way/ Chesterton Road, Stir is run by Matt and Judith Harrison, who wanted to create a social hub where people can meet over good quality coffee.

“This has been a labour of love for us,” explains Judith. “There’s just nothing like Stir on this side of Cambridge. People often don’t want to go very far to get a coffee and we hope to offer them a fantastic place where they can get great coffee and food, relax and unwind without having to trek into town.”

Inside, the décor is Nordic/industrial, with a friendly vibe. There are extra large tables for groups of rowers, lots of space for parents with pushchairs, plus a great outdoor area for any unseasonably warm autumn afternoons. The pair also hope to welcome groups and classes to make use of their ‘Back Room’.

“The Back Room is a superb area which gives us total flexibility. Our philosophy is unashamedly about serving the needs of those who live, work and play in the area so we’re teaming up with people in the community to offer a range of activities and events,” adds Judith.

“We’ll be hosting everything from Pilates and baby massage classes through to toddler art, fitness classes and even a local knitting group. And over the October half term we’ll be running all sorts of things to keep the kids occupied.”

The menu includes sourdough toast, porridge for breakfast and a selection of panini – all with a gluten-free option, and all locally and fairly produced. www.stircambridge.co.uk

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FOODIE HOTSPOTS

THE HIGH TEA CLUB The latest addition to Mill Road’s crop of eateries and drinking spots is the intriguingly named High Tea Club. A specialist tea bar serving up a dazzling selection of blends from all over the world, including rare and unusual varieties from China, you’ll be able to sip your way through oolong, Yunnan pu-er and jasmine teas, as well as enjoying the unique spectacle that is flowering tea.

Teas, coffees, cocktails and wine are on offer all day, and the menu also features home-made cakes, pastries and all-day brunches. We’re especially keen to try the various high teas – which include traditional options with loose-leaf English tea and dainty sweet treats, as well as one with a Chinese twist based on dim sum. The quirky, arty décor is also worth a look too, and you can also get involved in tea tasting sessions, as well as picking up unusual tea paraphernalia. www.thehighteaclub.co.uk

REYS It’s been a sad sight to see the building previously home to The Cow on Corn Exchange Street boarded up for so long, so we’re pleased to announce that a new foodie joint will be opening in its place this month – and pretty tasty it looks too.

Reys, which opens to the public on 15 October, specialises in slow-roasted, succulent rotisserie chicken, served with an array of lip-smacking sauces. Slather your chicken in Reys gravy or double mushroom gravy, Reys BBQ sauce or, if you’re feeling really brave, Reys XXX hot sauce. Diners can choose between quarter, half or whole chicken to tuck into, served from an impressive 25-bird rotisserie spit at the front of the restaurant and carved with giant cleavers right in front of you.

Elsewhere on the menu you can pick up mains like roast butternut squash served with chestnut mushrooms, tomato and thyme. Sides on offer will include Asian slaw, kimchi, fries and light salads, and there will be brunch at the weekend too. We’re loving the stylish interior too – all rustic wood, quirky hanging lights, plants and zingy pops of bright colours. www.reys.co.uk

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FOOD

FOOD NEWS A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF GASTRONOMIC GOINGS-ON IN CAMBRIDGE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

FOUR OF THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATES IN TOWN

As the colder weather sets in, wrap your gloved fingers around a cup of hot chocolate from one of our favourite Cambridge establishments…

1. CHOCOLAT CHOCOLAT Visit this pretty duck-egg blue shop on St Andrews Street for a sip of thick, smooth hot chocolate – European style. These beautiful bevies are made using real, melted chocolate pieces, and you can buy bags of hot chocolate flakes to make at home. www.chocolatchocolat.co.uk

2. CAFE AROMI This lovely Sicilian Café (now with three shops in Cambridge!) serves a mean authentic hot chocolate. It’s freshly made on site every morning with top quality cocoa and creamy milk – best enjoyed with one of their bite-size pasticceria. www.aromi.co.uk

3.

6 ICE CREAM

We’ve loved swooning over pics from this new opening on Bene’t Street recently – none more so than this one of their heavenly looking hot chocolates, served with generous dollop of handmade ice cream... www.6icecream.co.uk

4.WARMING YOUR COCKLES For gloriously creamy hot chocolate on the hoof, swing a detour by the lovely Warming Your Cockles coffee truck, regularly found at foodPark, by Cambridge station. We adore their red velvet version; the recipe for which is a closely guarded secret… www.warmingyourcockles.com

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FOOD

POP UP

RAW FOOD POP-UP If you enjoy a little Mexican food (who doesn’t?), pen Rhode Island’s next takeover into your diary.

The American-style restaurant in Cherry Hinton will be welcoming the Rocking Raw Chef – who’ll be taking over the kitchen for lunch and dinner and serving a creative Mexican feast that’s raw and vegan-friendly. Raw food is thought to help with weight loss and general health, meaning you consume all that natural goodness in food that cooking can take away. So basically, you can scoff as much as you want, because it’s all good for you. Right?! 15 October, 11am-8pm. www.rhodeislanduk.com

FITZBILLIES Since being taken over by Alison Wright and Tim Hayward, Cambridge’s most iconic café has branched out more into evening dining, and in September launched a new dinner menu. Wend your way past the sticky buns and cakes on the counter (a couple to take home, perhaps?) and take a seat in their lovely, bright restaurant out back. The menu is made up of earthy, seasonal produce: try Baker’s ham & eggs or smoked salmon and soda bread to start, then move on to Fitzbillies fishcake, flank steak with gentleman’s relish or pot-roasted game birds. Desserts include ‘real’ Bakewell tart with clotted cream, chocolate brownie with salted caramel, and baked cheesecake. www.fitzbillies.com

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NOEL ROAD HEALTH HAMPERS A mother and daughter from Cambridge have joined together to launch a range of health hampers, aimed at making healthy eating less of an ideal and more of a reality.

Noel Road Health Hampers are filled with quality superfoods and delivered directly to your door, and can be sent to loved ones too.

Georgia explains: “Noel Road was founded by both my Mum and I last summer, shortly after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The shock of the situation prompted our research into nourishing health from the inside-out, largely through diet. Whilst Mum was going through chemotherapy and surgery, I joined her on a wheat-free, refined sugar-free, organic, plantbased diet and neither of us have ever gone back!

“Noel Road is our way to spread the message and celebrate the incredible lessons we’ve learnt. Our range of eight Health Hampers – available to order online – provide a way for people to discover different health foods and superfoods and their potential benefits, all from small ethical health food producers, or to pass on a unique healthy gift to a loved one.” www.noelroaduk.com

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FOOD

WIMPOLE PRODUCE FAIR Get fully immersed in autumn’s bounty at Wimpole Hall this month.

The National Trust property will be hosting a produce fair on 3-4 October, including fruit and veg from Wimpole’s own walled gardens, cakes from the restaurant and flour and sausages from the farm. As well as lots of delicious food there’ll be live musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Find the fair on the Marquee Lawn from 10.30am until 5pm (bring your own carrier bags!). Usual admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FRANCESCA OPENS Smart Italian restaurant chain Francesca, whose flagship restaurant is in London’s Baker Street, is extending its reach our way. After opening at Baldock Services in September, it will be opening at Boxworth, off the A14, in November.

Francesca champions simple, authentic Italian cuisine, with ingredients sourced from founder Francesca Albanese’s native country. The restaurants themselves are large, light and airy, with modern touches and pops of colour – not a bad option next time you need a pit stop. www.francescauk.com

NEW CAMBRIDGE COOKERY SCHOOL COMING SOON The excellent Cambridge Cookery School (whose biscotti recipe featured in The Great British Bake Off this year) is set to reopen in a new premises at the end of this month. Its shiny new kitchen will boast eight hobs and ovens, five fridges, five sinks, and a café with a new coffee machine.

Says founder Tine Roche: “It is extremely exciting to see the build actually take shape. We have gone from looking at plans of a café, prep kitchen and the re-creation of our cookery school to looking at an actual, massive site with more than 2km of wiring!”

Inspired by the two partners’ background, the café will offer something very different for Cambridge, reflecting the vibrant food scenes of Sydney, Auckland and Stockholm. Expect to find thick hot chocolate, freshly made churros and sourdough, and Swedish cinnamon rolls plus healthy salads. www.cambridgecookeryschool.com

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PLANNING A CHRISTMAS PARTY? Yes, we know that it’s a floggable offence to mention Christmas before we’ve even got past Halloween, but the reality is that if you’re the one tasked with organising a festive feasting get-together, you’re going to want to get planning sooner rather than later, or risk everywhere being fully booked.

As always, there are loads of Christmas menus and party nights planned around the city, offering something for all requirements, whether you’re looking for a boozy lunch with friends or a full-blown office night out.

With its cosy nooks, crackling log fires and air of traditional luxury, as well

as its fabulous food and wine, Hotel du Vin is a great spot for a festive social. The Christmas menu features starters of fig and stilton galette or ham hock terrine, mains of slow cooked beef bourguignon and freerange roast turkey ballotine and desserts including yule log and classic Christmas pudding with brandy sauce (lunch from £26.95, dinner from £32.95 per person for three courses, tea, coffee and mince pies).

Over at d’Arry’s there’s a lovely looking Christmas party menu, featuring a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings (including the all-important pigs in blankets) or a roast butternut squash and baby spinach risotto with poppy and Parmesan tuille. The menu costs £28.95 for three courses, or £23.95 for two – and d’Arry’s has a great wine selection too.

Elsewhere in town, Regent Street’s De Luca will be offering an Italian spin on festivities. Their Christmas menu includes baked turkey escalope stuffed with sausage meat and dates and rump of lamb with butternut squash chips, followed by orange and cinnamon panna cotta with cinnamon shortbread and blackberry coulis for pud, amongst lots more deliciousness (£30 for three courses).

Or, for an country pub with excellent food, we recommend heading out of town to Heydon to the atmospheric King William IV, which will also be offering a special Christmas menu throughout the festive period.

Stay tuned to the next issue of Edition for more festive dining ideas.

CHAMPAGNE TASTING Liven up a Monday night with an extra indulgent tasting evening at the Cambridge Wine Merchant’s Bridge Street store. The champagne masterclass, 7.30pm on 12 October, is a must for fans of the fizzy stuff (and who isn’t?), and those keen to learn more about it. The evening will take you through a flight of champagne, exploring both vintage and non-vintage varieties and pitching big names against small, family-owned houses, and costs £30 per person. www.cambridgewine.com

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FOOD

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

BRAISIN’ ATTITUDE

© Waitrose

MELT EVEN THE TOUGHEST MEAT INTO TENDER TASTY , SUBMISSION WITH ALEX'S GUIDE TO THE ART OF BRAISING

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THE TEXTURE THE FLAVOUR AND SAUCE , SET IT APART FROM THE MUNDANE: SLOW COOKING FOR THE THOUGHTFUL I’m not being dismissive of the stew. On the contrary, I adore a beef and mushroom casserole, chicken and chorizo estofado and even a Lancashire hotpot. The prep time is minimal and the ingredients are cheap, plus if you want to gussy it up, you can do a lot worse than slapping a pastry lid on top of the whole assembly. However, the chef in me prefers the relative dedication and refinement of the braise. The texture of the meat, the depth of the flavour and the sheen of the sauce set it apart from the mundane: slow cooking for the thoughtful.

There are a few core rules to adhere to if you wish to experiment with this particular method. The first is to use relatively large pieces of tough, sinewy meat. Generally the more work they do the better and the further towards the extremities the muscles are, the more they are called upon to work. Hence the fillets, tucked away in the centre of the beast where they can be lazy

layabouts, are tender and suitable for quick cooking, and the shins and cheeks, shanks and shoulders – which endure a lifetime of hard work – are best used for slow cooking.

Secondly, don’t cut up the meat into small bite-size pieces which would be at risk of drying out, rather leave them in hefty chunks which also allows you to successfully get plenty of colour on them.

This also happens to be rule number three: caramelise all the ingredients and caramelise them hard. This doesn’t mean a brief visit to a vaguely warm pan to turn red meat into something with a vaguely grey pallor. It means a lengthy lay-down in a smoking hot pan until you catch it the exact moment before it starts to catch and burn. Any residue left in the pan also needs to find its way into the cooking pot – use either liquid (wine is ideal) or even roughly chopped vegetables and a wooden spoon to remove all the fond from the base of the frying pan.

Fourthly, the amount of liquid present in a braise should be enough to create moisture in the cooking pot, but not enough to cover the meat more than a third of the way up. Everything in the pot contains water, which it will give up during

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the cooking process. Trust me, don’t overdo it on the liquid front.

Finally – and possibly most importantly – you want the cooking vessel as near to airtight as you can manage. A tight-fitting lid will just about suffice but foil pressed into place works even better. A five-hour return journey at about 120°C should be enough to tenderise even the gnarliest nubbin of connective-tissue filled muscle and leave you amazed at the sheer majesty of the braise.

© Waitrose

h, the braise. A warming, transformative and oftmisunderstood technique that yields magical and alchemic results just ideal for this time of year when the nights and the skies tighten their grip and the balmy warm of summer fades into oblique memory.

Don’t mistake a braise for a stew or casserole: often the terms are used synonymously or interchangeably, but there are one or two important differences that create far from identical results.

A braise is intended to create a warm and consistent cooking environment for large chunks of tough, sinewy, collagenheavy protein (or starchy vegetables, or both) to enjoy a delicate and slow transformation into rich and tender chunks of meat that collapse at the merest sight of the edge of a spoon. Often the cooking liquor is strained and reduced to a thick consistency and intensely flavoured sauce or jus, which serves to magnify the flavour of the meat.

A stew, on the other hand, tends to be a rougher and readier all-in-one preparation: meat and veg and gravy slung together and left to get to know one another during a lengthy visit to the depths of the oven.

© Waitrose

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EATING OUT

WORDS & IMAGES JENNY SHELTON

THE RED COW FINE FOOD AND A SENSE OF FUN AT THIS CHARMING COUNTRY PUB

hursday night is tapas night at The Red Cow. No, we’re not in a trendy bar in central Cambridge but a thatched pub in the sleepy village of Chrishall, nestled amongst winding single-track lanes between Royston and Saffron Walden, and which, to the untrained eye looks about as traditional as they come.

Locals chat in the pub garden while a chocolate Labrador basks in the last rays of an autumn sun: a picture of rural tranquillity. But this is no backwater, and by steering away from the predictable pub grub menu, The Red Cow has earned itself a mention in The Good Pub Guide and plaudits from CAMRA and Les Routiers.

And the accolades are well deserved.

Toby Didier has been the landlord at The Red Cow since 2010, bringing the experience he gleaned as head chef at excellent gastropub, The Chequers in Matching Green, Essex. His head chef here is Jason Holland, whose menu displays a love of tradition and influences from around the world.

As it’s tapas night, my dining partner and I decide to start with a selection of three small plates to share. The honeyed

brie in breadcrumbs, hot, crisp calamari and ‘gypsy eggs’ (eggs baked in a tomato sauce with chorizo) go down exceptionally well. Still, there’s something about a country pub (I love its thick timber beams, decorated with fairy lights, and open, brick fireplace) and the onset of winter that invites something hearty. So from my summery starter I move gladly on to their pie of the day: chicken and mushroom in thick, dark gravy, served with a pleasing

THE RED COW HAS EARNED ITSELF A MENTION IN THE GOOD PUB GUIDE AND PLAUDITS FROM CAMRA scoop of herb-infused mash and fresh garden vegetables. The crust was buttery and crisp, the filling rich and flavoursome: faultless all round. Across the table, my friend entertained me with stories of awkward encounters and PhD life between bites of beautiful fish and chips. Unlike chip shop fish, which can leave you with greasy hunks of solid batter to enjoy at the time but regret later, this generous morsel was thinly, perfectly coated in crisp batter, the fish inside piping hot and succulent. It lay on a bed of crushed peas with mint, served with skin-on potato wedges, lemon and home-made tartar sauce.

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After a glance at the dessert menu I was easily talked into the sharing platter for two. This was a spectacular finale to an excellent meal, comprising small portions of three desserts, served with tulle baskets of chocolate and vanilla ice cream from the Saffron Ice Cream Company and garnishes of strawberry and mint. The trio included baked cheesecake with a berry sauce, a lovely, treacly sticky toffee pudding and delicious, warm chocolate brownie with orange marmalade accompaniment. A nice touch was the hand-rendered white and dark chocolate cows, in keeping with the pub’s fun (tasteful, though) range of cow memorabilia and bringing a burst of character to the meal.

Prices are around the £14 mark for a main, easily justified by the quality, quantity and care clearly put into every dish. Almost everything is prepared on-site, using local ingredients, and giving customers plenty of choice. I’ll certainly be back, though with steak night on Tuesday, pie night on Wednesday and traditional roasts served on Sundays – not to mention the gorgeous village setting – it might be easier just to move in.

The Red Cow, 11 High Street, Chrishall SG8 8RN www.theredcow.com

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

Campkins Rooted in tradition but with an eye on the future, Campkins is Cambridge’s oldest camera shop – we find out what it’s been doing right t seems fitting that Cambridge’s oldest camera shop should be situated opposite one of the city’s most photographed attractions. Starting life as a chemist’s shop on Rose Crescent, Campkins Future Vision in Cambridge was inherited by Thomas Howell in 1955. A keen photographer, he transformed it into a camera shop, and it’s still doing excellent business on King’s Parade today.

Owen Howell took over the running of the business this summer.

“My father was the MD for a long time and before that, my grandfather,” he says. “It’s not easy following in the footsteps of two men I put on a high pedestal, but I hope to emulate them and maybe achieve something they never did.”

Photography has seen huge changes in recent decades, to which Campkins has adapted, while maintaining that traditional ethos customers know and trust.

“We need to make changes but we want to keep traditions alive,” explains Owen.

“There’s a reason we have repeat custom. We want to look after anyone who walks through our door, from the occasional user who wants a simple compact to the professional who wants something more high-end.”

Campkins were quick to embrace digital photography at the turn of the millennium.

Says Owen: “The digital shift was the major

change. Some photographers went straight in, keeping a film camera by their side.

Fujifilm were one of the original pioneers and we sell Fuji digital cameras today, but at the same time we still sell film and manual cameras. Film has become a niche product, like vinyl.”

Campkins also stock a range of accessories, from tripods, flashguns and cases to binoculars and telescopes.

Campkins has been here 60 years: I’d like to say it’s a Cambridge institution!

“Even that odd bit that you think you’ll never find, Campkins might have it in a drawer somewhere! Yesterday a chap came in for an almost obsolete camera; I looked through my dad’s old stuff and found it. It was at least 40 years old.”

He continues: “One thing that has disappeared from our shelves recently, however, is video cameras. The quality of video even in compact cameras, and certainly in DSLRs, is so good that most videographers are using what we know as a ‘camera’ to shoot movies. But where video cameras have disappeared, they’ve been replaced by action cameras, like the GoPro.” How does Owen see the future of photography unfolding?

“A crystal ball would be a wonderful thing!” he laughs. “I think while compact cameras provide a better-quality photo, the convenience of your mobile phone is taking over that market. So I see the market moving more into high-end DSLRs, for people wanting to improve their images and do something more than a phone can do.”

What’s new in stock this autumn?

“Our latest camera, which we’re getting in soon, is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, which looks like a very promising camera for

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Christmas. It’s the right look, the right size, the right quality and, I think, the right price.”

Owen’s team comprises his sister, on accounts; younger brother, currently developing the website; and friendly, knowledgeable sales staff. “We’ve all used the cameras and know them, so we can offer advice to our customers. At least two of my staff have worked as photographers, and the experience we have between us adds up to nearly 100 years. Before that, with my dad, you could have added another 50!”

This autumn, Campkins is kicking off regular photography classes at the shop.

These will start with basic ‘get to know your camera’ classes, and be informed by what their attendees want to know.

So what makes a good photographer?

“You’ve got to have an eye for things like lighting, the subject, of course, and that key moment,” Owen explains. “There is a saying that the best camera is the one you have with you at the time, but we hope people will have a better-quality camera on them to capture that special moment for life.”

He adds: “Campkins has had a physical presence in Cambridge for 60 years now. I’d like to say it’s a Cambridge institution! And we hope to remain that way for a few more years to come.”

Campkins, 12a King’s Parade, Cambridge www.campkinscameras.com

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11 pages OF DREAMY BIG DAY IDEAS

FINDING THE PERFECT VENUE CONSIDER A ‘STEN’ DO

Boho bride

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WEDDINGS

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1. HAIR STYLE Double flower hair slide, £18 from John Lewis, Cambridge www.johnlewis.com 5

2. DREAM RIDE 1956 Bently S1, available to hire from Cambridge Wedding Cars from £450 (includes a bottle of Champgne) www.wallisandson.co.uk 3. RING, RING This art deco seashell-inspired wedding ring is 9ct rose gold (Fairtrade),

by Harriet Kelsall of Green Street, Cambridge www.hkjewellery.co.uk 4. AN EXTRA SLICE Bespoke wedding cake by Sugar Design, Sutton; contact Liz for details www.sugardesign.co.uk

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5. HELLO, FLOWER Hand-tied bouquet with pink roses, eryngiums (sea holly), ivy and veronica, from The Flower Bar, St Ives www.flowerbarltd.co.uk 6. LUSH LINGERIE Marie Jo Jane bustier, £149.95 and thong, £36.95, available from Elouise Lingerie in Buckden www.elouiselingerie.co.uk

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WEDDINGS

g n i d d e W ue s Ven Set the scene for a day you’ll remember forever at one of these fabulous venues, all within easy reach of Cambridge

Large parties:

MURRAY EDWARDS COLLEGE If your guest list just keeps on growing, consider having your reception at Murray Edwards College, which can cater for up to 270 guests – far more than most venues. An elegant, contemporary setting, it’s convenient for the city centre and just a five-minute walk from Shire Hall Registry Office. ‘The Dome’ dining hall is perfect for a large, splendid spectacle or for a more intimate gathering choose the Fellows’ Dining Room which seats 35.

Says Freya Vaughan, marketing and events officer: “We also know that our gardens are popular for drinks receptions and as a backdrop for photographs, as well as a place for guests to wander around and relax in one of the informal seating areas – or even on picnic blankets which we can provide.” www.murrayedwardsevents.co.uk

Country pub THE BLUE LION

Stately pile: LONGSTOWE HALL

With its marquee, ballroom and island (yes, really!), Longstowe Hall oozes splendour and refinement and provides lots of options to make your day truly unique. This Elizabethan stately home, just ten miles from Cambridge, is tucked away within ancient woodland, with spectacular gardens, a majestic lake and gorgeous interiors – perfect for Jane Austen heroines and their Mr Darcys. It’s open for wedding ceremonies and receptions from April to October. www.longstowehall.co.uk

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Keep it down to earth and consider a celebration at a traditional village pub. The Blue Lion in Hardwick offers a bespoke service and will work to your budget: options include a hog roast hot fork buffet or formal wedding breakfast, all using excellent restaurant-quality food and service. www.bluelionhardwick.co.uk

Garden party

SECRET GARDEN MARQUEE If you feel more at home in a rose-strewn garden than a formal hotel or stately home, consider the Secret Garden Marquee at Burwash Manor, Barton. Now available all year round, it can be customised to suit you exactly. www.burwashweddings.com

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WEDDINGS

Your prewedding beauty routine

by Claire Finn of Finn Jordan

Rural romance: THE SHEENE MILL

If you dream of a rustic, countryside venue, set in gardens abundant with flowers, leading down to a lake, The Sheene Mill near Royston probably has your name all over it. Hold your ceremony in a 16th century converted mill – all open fireplaces and exposed beams – or tie the knot in the gardens beneath their stunning outdoor wedding pavilion. Rooms are available, and the bridal suite is just charming.

Says owner Serena Saunders: “At The Sheene Mill we offer exclusive packages from £85 per head and very competitive midweek packages from £3,995 for 70 guests and above, fully inclusive. Our more intimate setting is perfect for large parties who want to take over the entire venue or for smaller parties, who want an intimate, cosy setting.” www.thesheenemill.com

City chic:

2. FACE TIME In the run-up to my wedding I had a facial every month. I alternated between our Guinot Hydradermie facial – deeply cleansing and hydrating – and our Aromatherapy Associates Essential Rose Facial. After six months, my skin had never looked or felt better.

3. GET MOVING! Find a form of exercise that suits you and get fit. Exercise can also help to manage stress levels. If you’re timepoor, bootcamp is a good option.

HOTEL DU VIN

Celebrate at what must be Cambridge’s favourite hotel, the elegant Hotel du Vin, housed within a historic townhouse close to the iconic Fitzwilliam Museum. Choose from the Ruinart room or the Library, or hire the whole hotel exclusively. You’ll be assigned a wedding organiser to ensure everything goes like clockwork, and the menu options are exquisite – not to mention the wine. www.hotelduvin.com

4. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Wave goodbye to processed food and sugar. I totally re-educated myself on food and my eating and cooking habits have changed for life. I’m now obsessed with fresh, non-processed food, eating delicious greens like kale and avocados.

Fit for a king:

KINGS, NEWMARKET A smart townhouse in the heart of Newmarket, hotel and restaurant Kings is named after Charles I who is said to have met with Oliver Cromwell in the gardens. Start writing your own history here and give your friends and family a ‘royal’ wedding to remember.

The mezzanine hosts groups of up to 50, while the ballroom is an elegant space for 140. It’s excellent value too, with room hire from under £1,000. www.kingsnewmarket.co.uk

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1. DRINK UP Hydration is essential for beautiful skin. Around 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day will help digestion, fatigue and radiance. I recommend incorporating a water-based serum in to your daily skincare regime. I’m totally addicted to Aromatherapy Associates Rose Radiance Skin Serum.

5. BEAUTY SLEEP Planning a wedding can be all consuming and you’ll probably find yourself waking up in the middle of the night thinking about table plans and flower choices! You don’t want to look tired on your wedding day, so finding a routine that will help you sleep is essential. I found essential oils, yoga and weekly massage a fantastic combination. At Finn Jordan we use Aromatherapy Associates products: I found their De-Stress Mind and Light Relax bath and shower oils particularly helpful when struggling to switch off. www.finnjordan.co.uk

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EXPERT TIPS:

g n i d d e W ns w o G

The foundation for any outfit, good underwear is essential. Ensure you: 1. Get measured. Sizing can vary, so get professional advice.

2. Invest in the best you can afford, so you’ll be comfortable and confident on the day.

3. Try on your underwear with your gown beforehand to make sure it’s invisible. Consider seamless, fleshcoloured underwear.

4. Strapless or backless dress? Try a basque, strapless bra or adhesive bra.

Low-back bra converter straps can work wonders too.

For more advice, talk to your wedding dress shop. Peter’s Bridal Warehouse, a wedding dress outlet in Soham, can help. Prices £299-£899. bridaloutletweddingshop.co.uk

Snow queen

‘Blake’ by Sophia Tolli, available at Fleur de Lys, Saffron Walden

Grab your best mate, your mum and your sexiest flesh-coloured pants - it’s time to go shopping!

Here are a few of our favourites from Cambridge’s local boutiques

Lovely in lace

By Alexia, available at Honeys Bridal & Events, Oakington

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Effortless elegance

By Maggie Sottero, available at Burr Bridal, King Street, Cambridge

Boho bride

By Ellis, available at Mia Sposa, Homerton Street, Cambridge

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WEDDINGS

'sten' dos

Send stuffy traditions packing and consider a mixed pre-wedding celebration. Jenny Shelton investigates the rise of the ‘sten’ do Lately I found myself comforting a miserable bride to be. “I was like, ‘But I want to do that!’” she wailed, while I made sympathetic noises. No, she wasn’t getting cold feet, but feeling sniffy about not getting cold feet – at her intended’s action-adventure stag do. He’s planning a climbing and caving trip with mates in Wales and, unsurprisingly, his future wife is miffed at being left out of the fun.

This is a situation arising more and more. When it comes to it, all of us enjoy a good party, some silliness and a bit of adventure, regardless of gender. There’s no reason why girls have to stick to cocktail classes and spas when it comes to hen dos: I chased hungover zombies round an abandoned swimming pool for my hen do and couldn’t have asked for more. (Of course, there’s nothing wrong with spas and cocktails – as we’re sure some guys would agree.)

Plus, girls don’t exclusively have girl mates and vice versa. If you’ve got a mixed friendship group, a mixed ‘sten’ – or ‘hag’ – do seems a clear solution.

Stag and hen do’s are clearly no longer the ‘last single fling’ they once stood for; more a chance to let your hair down with your bezzies and celebrate having found that amazing person you want to spend your life with. Which gets me to my final point: bring your betrothed along too. Start as you mean to go on, having fun with all of your mates, together.

COCKTAILS & KARAOKE Get loud and hit the town with your home girls ’n’ boys, starting with a few cheeky cocktails. The Snug offers cocktail-making workshops, as does Cambridge club Kuda (or take a sophisticated approach at Hotel du Vin in their underground bar). Now that everyone’s loosened up, take yourselves over to The Orchid’s purpose-built karaoke booths (friendly staff are on hand if you knock the machine and end up with the lyrics all in Chinese. Not that we’ve done that). Cambridge Leisure also offers Sing Dizzy karaoke pods, complete with dressing-up box (hands off, the orange wig and Elton glasses are MINE!).

HIRE A PARTY PAD WAKEBOARDING Make a splash and take your mates wakeboarding at Hannam’s Wake Hub. Run by friendly Aussies, this purpose-built lake in the middle of the Fens is an excellent ‘sten’ destination. Wakeboarding’s a cross between waterskiing and snowboarding, but you don’t have to be an expert in either to have fun: get zipped into a wetsuit then glide gracefully across the open water like a pond skater (or bellyflop like a beluga whale, either’s good). www.hannamswakehub.com

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Get everyone together in a big house and make your own fun. Bring your own booze (cheaper), make a party playlist and throw in some games or a dance mat or two – you don’t even have to get out of your pyjamas if you don’t want to.

See Rishangles Old Church in Suffolk (perfect for a Cluedo party, it sleeps 12 in four bedrooms) or stay in the amazing Cley Windmill in Norfolk (sleeps 20 in nine rooms).

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WEDDINGS

KRASHBALL Experience the unbridled joy of smashing headlong into your mates while ensconced in a massive inflatable hamster ball. After a short introduction by your friendly instructor, you’ll be inserted into a cushiony zorb (your head and torso is covered, while your legs are free) ready to run wild and indulge your inner kid. The football aspect is very much secondary here but the competitive stakes are high. Falling over doesn’t hurt, though getting up again whilst laughing, feeling like a turtle on its back, can be a challenge! It’s a perfect icebreaker for your group, many of whom might not have met before, and very gender neutral. Don’t expect anyone to go easy on anyone, and you may be surprised who the star player turns out to be.

Takes place on Parker’s Piece and other selected venues (up to 30 miles of Cambridge). One hour costs £186 for a group of 8-16. www.krashball.com

JET SET Thinking of a ‘sten’ do abroad? Make the most of Cambridge Airport on our doorstep, which flies to a number of desirable destinations.

Just over an hour away from Cambridge, Jersey has everything: sandy beaches, nice bars and restaurants – and better still, you’re unlikely to bump into many other stag or hen dos. Never mind Riga, we’re in the market for a classier kind of do, thank you very much!

Visit Premier Travel on Sidney Street for further details and inspiration. www.premier-travel.co.uk

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YOU ONLY LEARN WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING A final word from our newly-wed features ed.

1. It’s all about lists and Pinterest The latter for inspiration, the former to keep you sane and retain some control as meringues and peonies start to invade your brain.

2. Designer dresses can take up to eight months to order in Eight months! If you don’t have that long, or want something for under £800, don’t forget the high street.

Bargain hunters, keep an eye on websites and sign up to newsletters so shops can alert you to their end-ofseason sales.

3. You have to give notice of your intention to marry The venue might be available, but it’s no good sending invites before you’ve secured a registrar for that day, at your preferred time. (I was worried our 4pm ceremony would be too late but it worked out perfectly, giving me plenty of time to get ready. There’s lots to do and no bride wants to feel rushed – or get up at 6am!)

Go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk to secure your registrar.

4. You have way more family than you thought But, as a rule, 10-20% of people won’t be able to make it, so send out the daytime invitations first then you can always bump up Great Aunt Flo later if someone drops out.

5. Snap to it Ensure your photographer knows the style of shots you like and he/she has a list of important group shots to get.

Tip: After the ceremony, don’t stop to say hello to people on your way out of the church/ceremony room or you’ll get stuck greeting everyone.

Or, schedule a ‘receiving line’ into

proceedings. We ushered everyone to the garden for drinks and shot off for photos, then mingled afterwards.

6. Music matters Give the DJ a list of ‘must-plays’. He’ll want some creative freedom, but this ensures you’ll get to dance to your favourites. Also, since no bride is early, line up three songs to play while your guests wait. Ours were well-versed in Stevie Wonder’s Overjoyed by the time I arrived.

First dance tip: If you’re not a natural in the spotlight, you’ll feel less exposed if key people are instructed beforehand to join you half way through your dance.

7. Not everything will go to plan Add 50+ guests with free will and things will deviate from your schedule. You WILL end up running late, but THIS IS OK! Going with the flow will save you a world of stress, and anyway, sometimes the most wonderful moments are those that are unexpected and spontaneous.

Fun fact: I accidentally threw water from my bouquet down myself moments before walking down the aisle, but felt strangely serene about it. My bridesmaids mopped my dress and it was a hot day so I knew it’d dry.

Don’t get caught up with the little things; the day is so much bigger than a spot of gravy on your dress or an unwelcome cloudburst.

8. Stop and take stock One thing you hear from everyone is how quickly the day goes. As it unfolds, keep thinking “here I am; this is happening!” Take a moment to watch your guests dancing. Slip away for a few minutes to catch up with your groom. And most of all, have fun.

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BEAUTY

Wedding photography by Kristian Leven, kristianlevenphotography.co.uk Hair by Heike Martin, cambridgelonghair.com

nottheninetofive.com

Wedding Beauty Earlier this year one of our beauty writers, Charlotte Griffiths (pictured) turned into a wedding belle: so she’s sharing her newfound bridal knowledge with a bouquet of tips perfect for anyone planning their own big day WORDS CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

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got married this summer, on one of the rainiest Saturdays June could muster, at Childerley Hall just outside the city. Being a bona fide beauty hound and relatively able with a blusher brush, I decided to save the money I’d spend on employing an artist for the day, and spend the difference on new cosmetics that I could wear on my trip up the aisle –

and that I could also enjoy for months to come.

This DIY beauty route isn’t for everyone, but I was pretty confident that I’d be able to pull it off myself, so after a lot of intense consultation with my fellow beauty-fan Daisy, we arrived at the shortlist I’m sharing with you.

If you’re planning your own wedding makeup, here’s our chosen cosmetics and bridal beauty tips to keep you glowing on your own big day.

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BEAUTY

Eyebrows

Foundation

Five words: Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade (£15, Beauty Bay), or ‘the best thing to happen to brows since the tweezer’.

Partway between a gel and a mousse, it’s perfect for gently colouring and taming brows without overpowering your look.

Available in eleven shades, you’re guaranteed to find the colour to match you.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 010 (£29.50, Boots). I wouldn’t normally recommend a specific colour but if you’ve got similarly pale skin to mine and struggle to find a favourite foundation, give this one a whirl. Several friends with similar skin tones have tried this particular shade and been blown away by the coverage, colour and durability of this oilfree foundation. Lancôme also, very sweetly, normally offer tester pots so you can take a sample home for a longer trial.

Eyelashes

Blusher

Eylure’s 117 (£5.50, Topshop), purchased for me as a miniwedding gift by my wonderful co-writer Daisy gave a fabulous textured flutter to my look. Wherever you can, think waterproof as you’ll probably cry at least once! I used Smashbox JetSet Waterproof gel eyeliner (£17, Boots) for a tear-proof flick to frame my peepers with Lancôme Hypnose Doll waterproof mascara. (£22.50, Boots).

For a romantic look that lasts, you can’t go wrong with Daniel Sandler’s range of watercolour blushers (£15.50, danielsandler.com). The application process requires practice, but once you’ve got the knack, you’ll never use another cheek-brightener – the liquid goes on smoothly, then melts away for a powder-touch finish and a beautiful glow that, crucially, is also waterproof.

Lipstick We’ve often filled these pages with adoration for Charlotte Tilbury’s premium cosmetics and it was a Tilbury lipstick that I turned to for a gentle flush of colour and long-lasting coverage on my wedding day. Try her Bitch Perfect K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick (£23, Charlotte Tilbury) – a colour Charlotte herself calls the Blair Waldorf of lipsticks – for a waterproof shade that’ll have others praising your pout.

© Kristian Leven

Highlighter I’ve been a huge fan of Benefit’s High Beam (£19.50, Boots) for a long time so I naturally turned to this cult highlighter to get me to the church (or in my case, barn) on time.

A small line of delicate dots along the cheekbone were well blended in, and mirrored with smaller dabs along the browbone.

Do a trial run

on I laid everything On a pre-wedding afterno wed me to see allo s Thi d. out and got starte together and gave how the products worked a sneaky way of also It’s me an idea of timing. d before the nde inte r you on k trying your loo ke-up trial ma my big day – I didn’t mention lamation of exc his but e, to my husband-to-b fidence con extra “You look lovely!” gave me k. that I’d hit on the right loo

Scent

We all know that scent is one of the most powerful ways to unlock a memory, so a particularly lovely idea is to find a signature scent for your big day which will remind you of the celebrations once the cake’s long gone. I headed to Jo Malone for a tailored option, and plumped for a floral duo of Peony & Blush Suede, and Orange Blossom colognes (£42 each, Jo Malone).

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FASHION NEWS

Update your wardrobe for the new season with these gorgeous style picks from local independent boutiques HARRIS WHARF OVERSIZED COLLAR COAT £345 ANNA, HIGH STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN

MATT & NAT BRAVE BACKPACK £89.95 CUCKOO, BURWASH MANOR & ST MARY’S PASSAGE

GREY MULTI SPOT SCARF £15 PODAROK, BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE

SPEAR NECKLACE £25 ARK, PEAS HILL, CAMBRIDGE

RAG & BONE DIXON BOOT £369 ANNA, HIGH STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN

KATYA WILDMAN LIBERTY JEWELS SHIRT DRESS £284.95 CUCKOO, BURWASH MANOR & ST MARY’S PASSAGE

YOSHI BORDEN SHOPPER BAG £80 PODAROK, BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE

EMILY & FIN EVIE TOP £45 LILAC ROSE, BRIDGE STREET, CAMBRIDGE

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FASHION

ACCORDION PLEATED MIDI £39.99 ZARA

BIBA LONGLINE PRINTED TUNIC BLOUSE £89 HOUSE OF FRASER

GIPSY PEACOCK FEATHER CROCHET TIGHTS £7 ASOS

AW15 GUCCI

LE GEEK, WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

Make like Margot Tenenbaum and embrace the irresistible geek lux look this month. This season’s take on geek chic dials up the opulence by combining sumptuous fabrics, metallic textures, brooches and theatrical jewellery with plenty of prissy neckties, Park Lane princess pleated skirts, dainty blouses and bookworm specs. As seen on the catwalks of Gucci and Chloe.

RAY-BAN ROUND GLASSES £128 ASOS

LIMITED EDITION BLOUSE £35 M&S

GREY BOBBLE HAT £7.99 NEW LOOK

DITSY FLORAL PRINT RUFFLE NECK BLOUSE £38 TOPSHOP

GABRIELLE T-BAR GEEK SHOES £28 TOPSHOP

SOMERSET BY ALICE TEMPERLEY BOW NECK BLOUSE £79 JOHN LEWIS

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NEW-SEASON COAT EDIT

FASHION

It’s about that time again!

Stay snug in style with one of these perfect autumn coats, whether you’re a diehard denim queen, a cutesy duffle girl or a classically chic mac lover…

BOYFRIEND LONG BLAZER £49.99 ZARA

CLASSIC LES FILLES D'AILLEURS COAT £399.95 CUCKOO

FUR TEDDY B V NECK COAT £75 OLIVER BONAS

PRATICAL WATER RESISTANT JACKET £29.99 ZARA

MAC 70S BELTED SUEDETTE DUSTER COAT £85 TOPSHOP

DUFFLE ASOS CLASSIC DUFFLE COAT £85 ASOS

DENIM ASOS DENIM GIRLFRIEND JACKET IN BLACK £40 ASOS

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FASHION

TWO FOLD SHIRT £85 JAEGER, TRINITY STREET COTTON BOMBER £40 TOPMAN, GRAND ARCADE & ST ANDREW’S STREET

WEAVE SWEATER £30 NEXT, GRAFTON CENTRE & SIDNEY STREET

ADIDAS ORIGINALS ZX FLUX TRAINERS £70 ASOS

RIVER ISLAND HOODED CASUAL JACKET £70 ASOS

AUTUMN HOTLIST Swap your shorts for sweaters and your flip-flops for boots – autumn is here and so are our top picks from the high street

SHIRT £36 JUMPER £42 JACKET £69 CHINOS £45 SHOES £85 ALL J BY JASPER CONRAN AT DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE

RJR.JOHN ROCHA LACE-UP BOOT £110 DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE

STITCH PANEL SWEATSHIRT BLUE £65 REISS, TRINITY STREET

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WELLNESS

REVIEW

WELLNESS THE SPA AT BEDFORD LODGE

Nicola Foley hops over the Suffolk border for some serious pampering at Newmarket's luxurious bolthole As demonstrated in last month’s spa special, our area’s not short on blissful sanctuaries in which to get your pampering fix, but one of our very favourites is the lovely Spa at Bedford Lodge. Edition paid a visit last month and fell a bit head over heels with this luxury Suffolk spa, which offers a huge range of treatments including ESPA facials, microdermabrasion, skin peels, massages, manicures, pedicures, tanning, make-up, and lots more – all performed by skilled, friendly therapists. I can personally vouch for the ESPA facials, which are elevated beyond your standard treatment by the detailed consultation and in-depth skin analysis that you receive using the uber high-tech SkinVision – this enables your facial to be tailored to your specific skin requirements, and can identify skin conditions not visible to the naked eye.

Situated in a rather grand Georgian building, the spa is a lovely place to potter around, with great little features like the alfresco rooftop hot tub (talk about relaxing in style!). The rest of the facilities are top notch, too, including a thermal area

with steam room, sauna and hammam, as well as experiential showers, an ice fountain and a large hydrotherapy pool.

If you can, it’s worth staying overnight as the bedrooms are equally enticing. So fluffy, cloud-like and downright heavenly were the beds that I meant to sit down for a minute and accidently had a 45-minute nap, making me late for my dinner reservation. No matter, the staff were smilingly understanding about the zen-like state of relaxation a day spent in their spa could induce, and it meant that I was pleasantly energised for an evening in the Squires restaurant.

This, truly, is the Bedford Lodge Hotel’s trump card, and one which everybody ought to know about. Offering a brilliant menu and luxurious, artistic decor, a meal at the two-rosette Squires restaurant is not only the perfect way to round off a spa day, but more than justifies the trip from Cambridge in itself. Everything on the menu tasted incredible, but I have to give a special shout out to my steak (which was perfectly juicy and succulent, served with the most heavenly blue-cheese sauce), and the hand-cut chips, which were nothing

BREAST SCREENINGS BY ULTRASOUND Ultrasound scans are not just for mothers-to-be, but can help women detect early signs of breast cancer. A recent report found new cases of breast cancer in England have risen by 18% from 2003 to 2013, while Wales and Scotland have seen increases of around 20%.

The NHS only offers mammograms to women aged 50+, however younger women are still encouraged to check for signs of the disease. East Anglia Ultrasound in Chesterton has increased the number of screening procedures over normal routine scans. These selfreferral appointments can be made at your convenience, and are designed for women 35 and over. Says managing director Marites Cross: “We now offer breast scanning routinely to women who are over 35, women who have suspicious symptoms or maybe you have a family history. We can put your mind at peace or your doctor can take action in time.” www.eastangliaultrasound.co.uk

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short of sublime, topped with parmesan and drizzled in truffle oil. There were great desserts too – I went for the Seaside Sweets and Treats: an inventive combo of handcrafted sweet treats inspired by traditional seaside fare like donuts, candyfloss and toffee apples. The ideal end to a day of dreamy indulgence.

If you fancy planning your own relaxing retreat at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, they’ve got some great offers on at the moment, including a special autumn package – check out the website for more details. www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

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EDUCATION EDITION In this month’s education special we take a look at what open days can add to your selection process and how to get the most out of attending

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

OPEN DAYS AND KEY DATES Saturday 17 October 11am-2pm or Tuesday 24 November 5.30-7.30pm for September 2016 entries.

UTC CAMBRIDGE

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the skills that industry requires through working on Challenge Projects with industry partners.

We work with a wide assortment of leading local employers on the Challenge Projects including Zeiss, Medimmune, Babraham Institute, Mott MacDonald and Headway in addition to the University of Cambridge. Other potential partners for the coming year are: Napp Pharmaceuticals, Amey and Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Set in state-of-the-art facilities, UTCC is designed to deliver the best education for students wishing to focus on science and technology. On entering the building you immediately feel the difference, there is a vibrancy and energetic buzz that matches the impressive surroundings; you will find students gathered informally in the Learning Plaza intent on learning. Independent learning and a work-based ethos is clearly evident. Students are encouraged

to engage with the latest research from academia and receive guidance from industry experts, during masterclasses in the spacious lecture theatre.

The top floor consists of three laboratories including the main Challenge Lab based on the MRC Super Lab. All are filled with industry standard science and IT equipment; a young scientist’s dream and we are the first academy or school to be on the Eduroam network.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The ethos at UTC Cambridge (UTCC) is one of integrating work ethics, work experience and industry-based projects alongside the study of specialist science and the national curriculum. The academy is government funded, offering 14-19 year olds a great deal more than traditional education, specialising in biomedical, environmental science and STEM; key areas of business associated with Cambridge and the surrounding areas.

UTCC follows the national curriculum providing GCSEs, A levels and BTEC studies. Additionally, our students work on Challenge Projects, which relate to both the national and our specialist curriculum, giving them a valuable chance to put their studies into practice and to develop presentation, team leading and problemsolving skills.

Students experience a depth of learning with support and guidance provided by teachers who are experts in their field. In this way students develop

For more information on UTC Cambridge please call 01223 724300, visit our website and visit us on one of our upcoming Open Days.

UTC Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SZ www.utccambridge.co.uk

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EDUCATION

Š The Perse School

WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

There's no substitute for seeing a school in the flesh to get a sense of its atmosphere and ethos. But how to plan your visit and get the most out of attending open days? Charlotte Phillips offers some tips

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EDUCATION

is that no website, however wonderful the images are, is a substitute for actually seeing a school – and its inner workings – in the flesh.

Open days are all about getting a sense of atmosphere and an understanding of the “illusive and intangible but hugely important defining atmosphere called ethos,” says Charlotte Avery, headmistress of St Mary’s School, Cambridge. And then, of course, there’s the chance to hear from the man – or woman – at the top.

Online information is a wonderful

There's no substitute for seeing a school and its inner workings in the flesh © University Technical College Cambridge

© Cambridge Regional College

lear your diaries, cancel your lunch engagements and put off the in-laws’ visit (unless you’re hoping for a contribution to the school fees – in which case, invite them along to share the fun).

Yes, it’s open season for school and college open days. All over our area, parents are making the necessary preparations, poring over prospectuses, comparing exam results and mulling over many compare-and-contrast problems that are far more complicated than anything their children would have to face in an entrance exam.

Are two all-weather pitches worth more than a brand-new performing arts centre – or should you only shortlist schools with both? Is that new, young senior leadership team going to make up for lack of experience with buckets of vim and vigour or should you opt for decades’ worth of tried-and-tested excellence under the same

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© St Faiths School

long-lasting headship? And is it worth your child looking as smart as a new pin when the trade-off is a dry-clean only label in just about every item of their school uniform?

Accept every open day invitation and you could spend almost every Saturday over the next month or so – and a fair few weekdays as well – going back to school, listening appreciatively to the head teacher’s speech; applauding extracts from Oliver!; and watching the science department set light to things (you sometimes wonder if they hoard their most exciting chemicals for this time of year).

But why bother? After all, schools no longer rely merely on a glossy prospectus to sell their wares. Most offer a virtual tour of their facilities. Many, increasingly, are adding soundtracks so you can hear the senior choir’s latest concert in its full soaring glory, as well as seeing where they perform.

What you’ll hear time and time again

starting point but should never be seen as more than that, agrees Kieron Toner, director of studies at Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) Cambridge. “Even in this Internet age, with all the information that’s available, the personal visit during the college day is the best way of getting a feel for a place and finding if it’s right for you,” he points out.

But exactly how do you plan a visit to a school to ensure you get the most out of the experience?

Start off by banishing thoughts of seeking out the one and only. As dating realists might also argue, there ain’t no such beast. “There is no one ‘best’ school on all measures and for all students; what you really have to seek out is the school that is the right match for your child,” stresses Ed Elliott, head of The Perse School.

Instead open days should be approached, appropriately, with open minds. Families that are visiting St Faith’s, for example, can enjoy a host of sciencebased treats to mark the school’s new engineering curriculum.

The lessons, taught to all pupils in years three to eight and arranged around project-based team challenges, won’t just be hugely enjoyable but will support an exceptionally worthy cause along the way. “We hope to encourage more girls to study engineering and enter the profession,” explains headmaster Nigel Helliwell. “Currently only 7% of professional engineers are female.”

A willingness to look outside the box is equally pertinent post-16 when students are able to exercise a far greater degree of choice, explains Sarah Pearson, head of Parkside Sixth. The college offers the

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International Baccalaureate – a broadbased qualification that’s ideal for anyone who, in academic terms, doesn’t fancy settling down too soon with just a few specialist subjects. Its wider remit chimes with a growing trend by a number of UK universities to offer a more US-style approach where students can combine arts and science subjects.

Would-be students will also discover the college’s extensive range of BTECs. These, too, are leading to some pretty amazing destinations. One recent Parkside leaver who studied health and social care, for example, will shortly be taking up a place to study law.

Visit on open day and the enthusiasm levels are almost tangible – something you can’t get from a website. “It’s about talking to students and explaining that they’re definitely not narrowing down their choices by doing this course,” says Sarah Pearson.

Similar advice comes from University Technical College (UTC) Cambridge, whose innovation and energy need to be experienced to be believed. Take flipped learning, for example, where students arrive at their lessons having already carried out some independent study, something that promotes self-learning and moves away from the traditional chalk (or whiteboard) and talk method. “When students see this method in real life, it becomes obvious that the way we teach is very different,” explains Elizabeth Andrews, business manager at UTC. Open days can be hugely impressive. At St Faith’s you can see drama rehearsals in full flow, gymnastics displays in the stateof-the-art sports hall as well as sampling refreshments from a pop-up Spanish café.

“Open days are a great way to get a taste of every aspect of a school, from the curriculum to the catering,” says Ed Elliott.

© St Mary’s School, Cambridge

EDUCATION

And why stop at being a passive spectator if you can join in the fun? At Cambridge Regional College (CRC), open days aren’t just hands on, but thoroughly immersive. “Prospective students could have a go at radio broadcasting, try their hand at plumbing, cook up something

© The Perse School

The whole open day process is about far more than surface gloss and glamour delicious in the catering department or test their fitness in the sports department,” says Pauline Clarke, careers progression and higher education adviser at CRC. At a time when authenticity is all the rage, an open day is, inevitably, a cleverly edited selection of highlights – which is why many establishments also offer the chance to visit the school at other times,

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too. MPW Cambridge holds all its open events on regular teaching days “so our visitors get to see us at work,” says Joel Rickard, director of studies at MPW. The benefits of revisiting a school on a normal working day are also underlined by Ed Elliott who urges parents to visit again, minus the bells and whistles, when staff may have more time to answer questions.

So while open days in particular will focus on everything that schools do well (and in our area, that tends to be a lengthy list), the whole process is about far more than surface gloss and glamour. While you’ll undoubtedly leave an open day knowing more about a school than when you arrived, you will also, hopefully, know whether or not you can see your own child there. “An analogy might be online dating – there is the world of difference between having a chat online and meeting a prospective partner face-to-face,” says Charlotte Avery. “Ultimately, it is a human [and] visceral experience.”

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CONTACT INFORMATION

SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL

01223 471703 admissions@sanctonwood.co.uk www.sanctonwood.co.uk Sancton Wood School, 2 St Paul’s Road, Cambridge CB1 2EZ

SANCTON WOOD SCHOOL Come along to our Open Morning on Saturday 10 October from 9.30am, and see for yourself what makes Sancton Wood such a unique school.

Sancton Wood is a small, familyoriented school, which has seen hundreds of happy, successful children pass through its doors since the school was founded in 1976. Sancton Wood has grown into an allthrough school, educating boys and girls from the age of one in the Baby Unicorns, all the way through to GCSE at 16.

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The school is known for its excellent academic results. This is reflected in our regular position at the top of the league tables for GCSE results in Cambridgeshire and our high GCSE pass rate.

An equally important pastoral programme supports our academic excellence. We have small class sizes of approximately 16 across the school and this excellent pupil:teacher ratio is the key to our philosophy that focuses on the provision of a tailored education for each pupil.

At Sancton Wood, small certainly does not mean limited. With a full and varied programme of enrichment activities from early morning yoga, lunchtime cross country to after-school orchestra, there’s something for everyone. We also compete with other schools in a variety of sports and offer trips to a whole host of locations including Malaga, the battlefields of Northern France and New York – never a dull moment!

2015/16 is an exciting year for Sancton Wood as we look to the future and

prepare for our expansion in September 2016. We are acquiring three new properties, all within a five-minute walk of our current site, so we will be able to offer more opportunities for our students than ever before. We will have new science laboratories, a purposebuilt cafeteria and a specialist site for our youngest pupils, with a large, safe outdoor space. More space will mean we will be able to welcome more pupils, and we intend to double in size to a twoform entry school, while still maintaining the small class sizes and individual attention that makes Sancton Wood so unique.

An Open Morning is an excellent way to see the school in all its glory and have a chance to speak to our head teacher, teachers and students about their experiences of teaching at and attending Sancton Wood School.

Our next open morning is Saturday 10 October 2015, but don’t wait until then to visit, contact our registrar today to arrange a tour of our incredible school.

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© St Mary’s School, Cambridge

EDUCATION

girls’ school. To meet the headmistress and other staff, make an appointment by calling 01223 224167. www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

ST FAITH’S Info: 3 October Description: Pupils from years seven and eight will be on hand to show visitors around and provide an insight into life at this prep school for girls and boys aged 4-13. Meet the teachers, listen to performances by the music department and see the children playing hockey and football on the playing fields. There’ll even be a pop-up Spanish café in the dining room. Phone 01223 352073. www.stfaiths.co.uk STEPHEN PERSE FOUNDATION Info: Pre-prep and Junior School: 10 October, 9.30am-12.30pm; Madingley Pre-prep and Dame Bradbury’s: 17 October, 9.30am-12.30pm; Sixth Form open evening: 3 November, 6.30pm-9pm.

Description: Experience the many aspects of life at the different schools, including

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tours, presentations, displays and more, for all ages. Call to register your interest in attending: 01223 454722. www.stephenperse.com ST MARY’S SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE Info: Junior School: 3 October, Junior School taster workshop: 21 November, Senior School: 10 October, Senior School taster workshop: 21 November.

Description: A chance for parents and prospective pupils to experience the warm, energetic environment at this Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE Info: 20 November, 4-7pm and 21 November, 9.30am-12.30pm Description: Find out about the range of full-time courses, apprenticeships and higher education courses on offer. Meet the college’s experienced teachers who will help you gain the qualifications you need to get where you want to be, and view the excellent facilities. www.camre.ac.uk

© St Faith’s School

THE PERSE Info: Prep: 3 October, 9.30am-12 noon; Pelican: 10 October, 9.30am-12.30pm; Sixth Form: 4 November, 6.30-9pm.

Description: Take a tour, speak to staff and pupils and find out what an education at one of the country’s leading independent schools has to offer. No need to book, just turn up. www.perse.co.uk

FRIENDS’ SCHOOL, SAFFRON WALDEN Info: 17 October, 10am Description: Visit during a busy school day and discover the sporting, creative and academic prowess of this small, supportive learning environment for nursery, junior and senior pupils. Staff and pupils will gladly take you on a tour of the boarding houses. Children of all faiths are welcomed. www.friends.org.uk

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EDUCATION

A WOMAN’S WORK IS…

not defined

Tackling the under-representation of women in all areas of work, St Mary’s School is showing its pupils that all career paths are open to them here has recently been a high profile campaign to address the issue of the lack of female composers featured in the Edexcel A level Music syllabus. Edexcel has now assured Jessy, the teenage campaigner, that the course, and all other qualifications, will be reviewed to ensure they are diverse and inclusive. A great achievement!

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg in the under-representation of women’s successes.

The lack of representation, in all fields, often directly correlates with the lack of historical female successes. Many worthy pursuits, for which men have been recognised and women have been absent, would have been in careers not perceived as being acceptable ‘women’s work’.

One area of progress has been in changing perceptions of what women’s work actually is; there are now many female engineers and doctors, athletes and musicians. But there is much more still to do, politically, economically, socially and culturally, to eradicate factors which inhibit women from success in diverse fields.

At St Mary’s School, Cambridge, we continue to address these issues, in part

Female role models highlight the abundance of careers available to women through promotion of successful female role models – ranging from STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) disciplines to the pursuit of professional sporting careers.

We need to encourage, equip and inspire young people to consider essential technology and science-based disciplines if we are to meet the rising economic demand for employees in these fields. One way to meet this demand is to ensure bright young

female minds, with an aptitude for these subjects, aren’t dissuaded from studying them because of gender-based stereotypes or unequal opportunities.

A recent Telegraph article on the rise of schoolgirls playing traditionally male sports claimed “it helps that women’s sport has shaken off the ‘Russian shot-putter’ image it perhaps had 40 years ago. There are a lot of very strong, glamorous role models now.”

Tackling this perceived ‘image problem’ is key in ensuring young women aren’t dissuaded from pursuing careers such as engineering, as the issue can exert a significant influence on girls at a critical decision-making age.

Female role models highlight the abundance of career and higher education paths available to women, as well as addressing girls’ concerns around ‘glamour’.

The tide is beginning to turn in cricket, football and rugby, traditionally thought of as ‘men’s sports’, but rising in popularity among women. This was clear to see during the England Women’s Football team’s success in the recent Women’s World Cup, and in the prominent coverage of the team’s success.

These upward trends are, reassuringly, beginning to improve the situation for future generations. We actively encourage these changes in perception among our students through offering networking opportunities, mentoring and coaching, where the human interest and moral value aspects of professions can be explored.

Model musicians Head of Music, Mrs Fisher, who herself composes and conducts, has commissioned alumna Jessica Norton to write a de novo carol for the school’s chamber choir Allegro.

Musician-in-residence at the school, Jessica now plays her part as a role model for young musicians; pursuing a career in music and excelling in another area traditionally dominated by men – conducting.

Spectacular sportswomen The school welcomed GB Women’s team

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rower, Gillian Lindsay, to give an inspirational talk to students at the annual Sports Award Ceremony in April. Additionally, our team of female sports teachers offers role models for a range of sports, with each team member specialising in a different sport. Recent alumna Alice B has taken up her place to train with the British Racing School, pursuing a career as a jockey, and the school hopes to welcome Alice back to speak to younger students about her experience of pursuing a professional sporting career.

Putting the A in to STEAM Recent alumna Constance H is an exemplary role model. Constance’s passion for art, combined with her enjoyment of mathematics, led her to read architecture at the University of Bath. Constance’s story inspires; choosing subjects you are passionate about, avoiding stereotypes and shaking off perceptions of STEM careers as ’unglamorous’ is a recipe for satisfaction and success.

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