Cambridge Edition September

Cambridge SEPTEMBER 2016

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

Welcome

Yes, the arrival of September means we have to begin our goodbye to lovely summery Cambridge; to sunbathing at the lido, relaxing by the Mill Pond and endless afternoons in our many brilliant beer gardens, but there’s loads of fun stuff happening this month to stave off that end of summer gloominess.

Get your culture fix at Open Cambridge: a weekend filled with illuminating talks, tours and behind the scenes glimpses at parts of Cambridge usually off limits to the public.

Whether you fancy a feast in a tenth century dining hall, discovering more about Cambridge’s intriguing relationship with the world of espionage, or indeed just having wander around a perfectly kempt College garden, there’s plenty of hidden gems to explore and enjoy. We’ll also be at the Dragon Boat Festival, a boisterous river race, on 10 September. Pop along to enjoy an action-packed day of fun for the family in aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.

As we begin the descent into hibernation for autumn, now’s a good time for some comfort food too, so I recommend checking out this month’s Hero Eats piece on page 59.

Fast becoming my favourite piece to write, this sees me selecting my current favourite things to eat in Cambridge – check it out and tweet us with your future recommendations.

Have a great month, all!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR IN CHIEF

5 • REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Here’s why you should be happy that September is here 7-10 • NIGHTLIFE Live comedy, music and more

44-49 • FOOD NEWS Get the inside track on the local food scene, plus a round up of great products in honour of the British Food Fortnight

13 • MUSIC BLOG Slate the Disco highlight their gig picks for the month

51-53 • RECIPES In honour of Sourdough September, we pick up recipes and tips from author and baker Hilary Cacchio

17-29 • ARTS & CULTURE Exhibitions and concerts around Cambridge, plus our monthly Arts Insider column

55 • DRINKS Recommended white wines from south-east France

32-33 • OPEN CAMBRIDGE See Cambridge's hidden nooks and crannies at this fascinating weekend-long event 35 • DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL A lively river race with plenty of action on the banks to enjoy too 37 • COMPETITION This month we’ve teamed up with Scudamore’s to give away a champagne punting trip 43 • FOOD COLUMN Though not a natural baker, Alex has developed a love of whipping up great loaves of bread. He shares his tips

Cover Art

The artwork shown on this month's cover is by Iryna Masko. Turn to page 29 to read our interview and see more of her fantastic work.

57 • REVIEW This month, we pay a visit to the Emperor on Hills Road, which has morphed into a bright, modern tapas bar 59 • HERO EATS Three things you need to eat in Cambridge right now

EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Senior sub editor Lisa Clatworthy Sub editors Catherine Brodie & Siobhan Godwood

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, Daisy Dickinson, Jordan Worland, Ruthie Collins, Cyrus Pundole, Matthew Boucher, Hilary Cacchio

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

60-61 • LISTINGS Your at-a-glance guide to this month’s top events

Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com

63-65 • FAMILY Great ideas for entertaining your little ones this month, from outdoorsy fun to kids’ shows

Ad production Lucy Woolcomb 01223 499468 lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com

69 • COMMUNITY The latest charitable and community events from your local hub 70-71 • INDIE OF THE MONTH An out-of-town gem: we explore Saffron Walden’s brilliant Bicicletta 73 • FASHION Top picks from independent local boutiques 74-75 • BEAUTY Daisy Dickinson shares her advice and top products

MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

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

www.bright-publishing.com

79-81 • SPA SPECIAL In need of some R & R? Look no further...

85-101 • EDUCATION EDITION The 2016 edition of our indispensable guide

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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NEWS

REASONS TO BE

Gog Gran Fondo Enjoy an unmissable day of cycling fun, plus food and craft beer on 11 September (rescheduled from July) at the Gog Magog Gran Fondo. Starting and finishing at the Farm Shop, riders can choose between a 40and an 80-mile route, with both taking in the glorious south Cambridgeshire countryside.

At the gorgeous setting of the Gog Magog Farm Shop, there will be plenty of fun to get stuck into when you’re done, including food from Provenance Kitchen and lots of great craft beers. It costs £30 to enter, and riders under 16 years can ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. www.gogmagoggf.co.uk

Mill Road Feast Celebrate the local food scene on 4 September when Mill Road welcomes back its quarterly Feast. Taking place in the Gwydir Street carpark from 11am to 4pm, the event brings hungry punters loads of great produce from the region, tempting street food and yummy sweet treats. There’s a rotating line-up of traders at the events, serving up everything from burgers and pizza to artisan ice cream and Japanese sweets, and entry is free. Turn to page 49 for the full story on this delicious event.

Mitcham's & More Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

Get stuck into CB4’s summer street party on 3 September, which features kids’ entertainment, live music and a whole lot of food. Now entering its third year, the 2016’s Mitcham’s and More Festival looks set to be the largest yet, encompassing various locations around the area and offering up a street food market, interactive workshops, artists displays and a variety of stalls.

A huge charity river race, the Dragon Boat Festival returns for a day of family-friendly fun on 10 September. There’s food, drink, rides and entertainment on the banks, but the real action will be taking place on the water, where crews battle it out along a 200m stretch of the River Cam at Fen Ditton.

Turn to page 35 for the full story on this event, which Cambridge Edition is a proud partner for.

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NIGHTLIFE

SEPTEMBER CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE cambsedition.co.uk

BETH ORTON Enduring female talents are few and far between in the UK music scene, but Beth Orton’s consistent body of work is, her fans will argue, right up there with the likes of Kate Bush and Annie Lennox.

The Norfolk folkie – who plays The Junction on 25 September at 7pm – emerged gently on to the music scene 20 years ago at the height of Britpop and the CD-buying public weren’t quite ready for her.

But her debut album Trailer Park sold enough numbers to maintain interest and 1999’s Central Reservation won her the Brit award for best female artist.

She’s dabbled since in electronica and her new album Kidsticks reframes her unmistakable voice in ten playful, kinetic songs.

Tickets are £20.50. www.junction.co.uk

ULTIMATE EAGLES One of the bestselling bands in history, The Eagles hold a special place in the heart of many a rocker, old and young, well-loved for legendary hits like Hotel California, Take it Easy and Desperado. They may have parted ways back in the summer of 1980, but this month you can catch the next best thing, live in Cambridge.

Ultimate Eagles, who play the Corn Exchange on 22 September, are more than your average tribute band. Starring Grammy-nominated musicians, the group deftly recreate the timeless magic of The Eagles’ biggest hits with reverence and flair.

Close your eyes, be transported back to the golden era of the sizzling West Coast music scene and enjoy what Chris Evans has described as ‘The best Eagles show in the world...’

Tickets are £24.50 and the show starts at 7.30pm. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

BARENAKED LADIES CUSTARD COMEDY Custard Comedy returns for its seventh season at Comberton Sports and Arts on 9 September with another evening of laughs from all angles.

Vince Atta headlines with on-the-spot hip hop, reggae, techno and anything else he can produce from his mouth and multi-track looper and pedals, fused with stand-up, storytelling and characters to create infectious songs.

Multi award-winning Matt Rees combines well-crafted gags with acerbic delivery, earning him praise from critics and audiences alike.

And if tall tales are what take your fancy, Harriet Dyer weaves surreal, baffling and hilarious stories of a misspent youth, so ridiculous they could be true.

Laura Lexx, an effortless comedian who indulges her audiences with childish glee and attention, is the night’s MC. It starts at 8.15pm, over 18s only. www.combertonsa.co.uk

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Makers of One Week, one of the most fiendishly ear-wormish tracks of 90s, Barenaked Ladies are stopping by in Cambridge this month for a gig at the Corn Exchange.

The Canadian rockers, who’ve been making music together for a whopping 28 years, are back on the road in support of their latest record, BNL Rocks Red Rocks.

Released in May this year, the album was recorded live at a gig at Red Rocks in Nevada, inside the park’s incredible natural amphitheatre.

Famed for their energetic live shows and quirky feel-good rock, Barenaked Ladies (BNL to fans), have amassed record sales of over 14 million and earned themselves a global fan base with hits like Pinch Me, Brian Wilson and One Week (plus the theme tune to The Big Bang Theory). Catch them doing their thing on 8 September, tickets are £30.50. www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

SIXTIES GOLD Lovers of 60s music will definitely be getting their money’s worth at this Corn Exchange gig, which will see five of the decade’s biggest acts taking to the stage.

Headlining are Mersey Beat heroes The Searchers, best known for hits like Sweets for My Sweet and Needles and Pins. They’ll be joined by Brian Poole & The Tremeloes who spent a total of 220 weeks in the UK charts in their heyday. Ponytailed P J Proby and Wayne Fontana will also be performing, and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap – makers of the classic Young Girl – complete the line-up on 29 September.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £32-£35. www.cornex.co.uk

4-8 Oct, Corn Exchange, from £22.50 Following sell-out performances at Regent’s Park Theatre, Simon Reade’s captivating adaptation of Pride and Prejudice comes to Cambridge for a five-night run.

A must for Austen fans. www.cornex.co.uk

NEON MOON HALLOWEEN BALL: GOTHICA

29 Oct, Guildhall, from £28.50 Always a popular one, the Neon Moon Halloween Ball is back this October. Book early to make sure you bag tickets to this dazzlingly decadent shindig which features world-class burlesque acts. www.theneonmoonclub.com

WE ARE SCIENTISTS

COMMONERS’ COMEDY AT NOVI After a six-month hiatus, the brilliant Commoners’ Comedy Club returns this month for more LOLs in a brand new venue. The event will now take place every second Thursday of the month upstairs at Regent Street’s Novi, with food on offer from local street food traders.

Local comedian Ali Warwood, the evening’s host, has once again lured in top acts from all over the UK for September’s event, which will be headlined by Taylor Glenn.

She’ll be performing part of her acclaimed A Billion Days of Parenthood show, which takes an unflinching look at the trials and tribulations of becoming a parent. Support on the night will come from Jon Pearson, Stony Coleman and Sam Smedley.

Tickets for the event are £5.50 advance and £7 on the door, and NOVI will be offering happy hour cocktails on the launch night between 7pm and 9pm. www.wegottickets.com/commonerscomedyclub

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1 Nov, Junction, £18.50 We Are Scientists, the Brooklynbased power pop troupe return to Cambridge Junction on a tour supporting their fifth album. www.junction.co.uk

CORINNE BAILEY RAE

7 Nov, Corn Exchange, £27.75 Brit soul queen Corinne Bailey Rae has made a welcome return to music recently, dazzling crowds and critics at festivals this summer and releasing a critically acclaimed new album, The Heart Speaks In Whispers. Catch her in November at the Corn Exchange. www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

WIN TICKETS cambsedition.co.uk

Oh, what a night the Corn Exchange has in store for fans of Frank Valli and The Four Seasons this month. Head down on 20 September for Big Girls Don’t Cry, an enthusiastic celebration of the iconic music of one of the biggest bands of the 60s, performed by the Eastcoast Boys.

Known for their super-catchy melodies, tight harmonies and of course, Valli’s impressive falsetto, the band have sold a staggering 100 million records worldwide, hitting the number one spot with hits including Sherry, December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sound good? We’re giving away a pair of tickets to the show – head to www.cambsedition.co.uk for a chance to win. Tickets are £18.50£29.50 and the show starts at 7.30pm. www.cornex.co.uk

PINK FESTIVAL After a six-year break, Pink Festival returns to Cambridge this month, bringing with it a huge line-up of music and community fun from 3 to 4 September. Taking place at multiple venues across the city, the event is a celebration of the LGBT community in Cambridge and welcomes all, feeding all profits back into local LGBT charities.

The festival will be headlined by Andy Bell, best known as the frontman of electro pop duo Erasure. Born and raised in Peterborough, Bell is a patron of Cambridgeshire charity Dhiverse, which was established 30 years ago to provide support for people affected by HIV and AIDS. Andy will be taking to the stage at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 3 September, performing a dazzling, high-energy show to celebrate the charity’s 30-year anniversary.

3 September will also offer a free LGBT+ community day at Cambridge Guildhall from 12 noon to 6pm. A great family day out, the event will feature community market stalls, workshops, arts, a fashion show and local performers. Rounding off the day’s fun will be Horse Meat Disco, a huge party over at Cambridge Junction that will see DJs including Paul Darking, Patrick Cavaliere and James Barrie on the wheels of steel. Expect classics, dance remixes and club tunes – plus some risqué cabaret-style entertainment from the Neon Moon club upstairs.

The next day, the fun continues with a Sunday shindig at the Boathouse on Chesterton Road. Head along to enjoy a day of entertainment which celebrates the best of local and regional music talent, featuring dozens of acts across three stages. Headlining the event is Angie Brown, best known as the voice behind Bizarre Inc’s I’m Gonna Get You. Also on the line-up are Keltrix, 4th Labyrinth, The MacGregors and many more.

“We are so excited to be back in 2016,” says Lara Jaffey, joint chair of the Pink Festival charity. “After a six-year break we are proud to be bringing some quality acts to Cambridge to help raise funds and awareness of LGBT+ causes. Although we won’t be at our usual home in Cherry Hinton Hall, there really is something for everyone over the weekend of celebrating." www.facebook.com/pinkfestival

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month eptember sees Cambridge’s live music scene awaken from its summer lull.

Having risen through the ranks of the UK indie world, championed by pop stars and indie icons, and collaborated with Suede legend Bernard Butler on her stunning 2013 self-titled album, Natalie McCool returned this year with her sophomore album. The singer-songwriter’s brilliant debut was built on a foundation of deliciously dark, gloomy indie pop, but The Great Unknown is an awakening – emerging from the shadows and rising victoriously with a number of prickly pop tunes. Natalie McCool brings her breed of slick alternative pop to The Portland Arms on the 26th.

Sticking at The Portland, on the 29th you can catch veteran bluegrass ensemble The Coal Porters or Cambridge pop punk outfit Standing Like Statues on the 23rd.

The Travis Waltons return to The Corner House on the 10th. Formerly Cambridge based – but now in Bristol – The Travis Waltons are a powerful two-piece playing indie rock in the vein of Tellison or The Get Up Kids. Support on the night comes from Cambridge newcomers Superstars of Track and Field; expect 90s slacker indie rock influenced by Buffalo Tom and Sugar.

Our pick of the ‘lesser-known’ acts playing the Corner House this month goes to the indie rock stylings of Tribute; catch them on the 3rd.

There’s a pair of excellent shows down Norfolk Street at the Blue Moon this month.

First up, on the 17th, are Crumbling Ghost – purveyors of doom-infused psychedelic rock who use folk standards for their inspiration and incorporate the rhythms and cadences of traditional music in their sound.

This is followed by the excellent bill of The New Tusk, Pet Grief and Grieving on the 23rd. Brighton’s The New Tusk produce short attention span punk which is a refreshing post hardcore-ish mixture of punk rock, lo-fi, and emo. Pet Grief bring a scrappier, slob rock sound to the party. Expect loud, then quiet, and then usually loud again from this London outfit.

It’s also a busy month at the Cambridge Junction, with Silver Apples on the 5th catching our eye in particular. Decades after their brief yet influential career first ground to a sudden and mysterious halt, Silver Apples remain one of pop music’s true enigmas: a surreal, almost

unprecedented duo, their music explored interstellar drones and hums, pulsing rhythms and electronically-generated melodies years before similar ideas were adopted in the work of acolytes ranging from Suicide to Spacemen 3.

O’Hooley & Tidow are an English folk music duo from Yorkshire comprised of singersongwriter Heidi Tidow and her wife, singer-songwriter and pianist Belinda O’Hooley (formerly a member of Rachel Unthank and the Winterset).

Together, they are regarded as one of British folk’s mightiest combinations and their highly anticipated new album Shadows was released last month. Catch them performing tracks from it on the 6th.

expect loud, then quiet, and then usually loud again Beth Orton and her intoxicating voice will also be stopping by in town, hot on the heels of the release of her latest record, Kidsticks. On it, she’s heading back to her experimental, electronic roots – see her in action on 25 September.

The Cambridge Junction also plays host to two of this year’s most hyped acts: Blossoms (26th) and Rat Boy (27th) were both featured in the BBC Sound of... poll for 2016 back in January, and they’ve both been tipped by many outlets.

Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre bring their acclaimed production to the Corn Exchange this October See the sparkling wit and Regency splendour of Jane Austen’s best-loved novel brought to life this October when Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre bring Pride and Prejudice to Cambridge for a five-night run.

One of the most universally adored and quintessentially English novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the Bennet family and their five, very different, unmarried daughters. A family of humble means, Mr and Mrs Bennet see the perfect opportunity to improve their social standing when the wealthy Mr Bingley and his eligible friend Mr Darcy move to the neighborhood. But while Bingley takes an immediate liking to their eldest daughter Jane, the dismissive Darcy instantly clashes with the Bennet’s headstrong second daughter, Elizabeth. As the Bennet sisters haplessly search for love in Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy, it’s Mr Darcy who unwittingly finds his match.

Adapted by Simon Reade, the production stars Matthew Kelly in the role of Mr Bennet alongside Felicity Montagu, perhaps best known for her role as Alan Partridge’s longsuffering PA Lynn, as highly strung matriarch Mrs Bennet. Joining them are a talented cast which includes Tafline Steen (Elizabeth Bennet), Benjamin Dilloway (Mr. Darcy) and Doña Croll as Lady Catherine De Bourgh.

Whether you're an Austen aficionado or simply love a good rom-com, this critically acclaimed production will delight and dazzle. Tickets are available now.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

What the critics say...

The Times “JANE AUSTEN’S MOST BELOVED NOVEL REBORN... it clips along smartly from scene to scene... and shows a respect for Austen’s dialogue.”

Observer “In Simon Reade’s SPARKLING new stage version… it’s Austen, still DAZZLING after 200 years”

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

To celebrate Pride and Prejudice coming to Cambridge, we're giving away a fantastic Jane Austeninspired prize bundle.

Head to the Cambridge Edition website to be in with a chance of winning the following: • Afternoon tea for two at Fitzbillies: Indulge in the genteel pastime of afternoon tea at fabulous Fitzbillies, our city’s most famous bakery. You’ll be treated to delights including delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and miniature handmade cakes, as well as a glass of champagne each.

• Hardback of Pride and Prejudice: A bookshelf essential for any literature lover, we’re giving away a gold-edged hardback edition of Pride and Prejudice from Heffers bookshop on Trinity Street.

• Tickets to the show: Our lucky winner will also receive a pair of tickets to the Cambridge show, on the date of their choosing (between 4 and 8 October).

To enter, visit our website at www.cambsedition.co.uk Pride and Prejudice runs at the Cambridge Corn Exchange from 4-8 October. Tickets start at £22.50. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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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

LEVIATHAN Herman Melville’s seminal novel Moby Dick gets an imaginative rework this month at Cambridge Junction, courtesy of awardwinning contemporary dance group James Wilton Dance.

Featuring a cast of seven, the production uses athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira and partner-work to recount the classic tale of a vast white whale and the captain hell-bent on capturing him.

Completing the picture is a powerful, electronic-rock soundtrack by Lunatic Soul, making Leviathan for a captivating feast for the senses.

Takes place on 29 September, tickets are ÂŁ12.50. www.junction.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE MAYS

Junction Season LAUNCH NIGHT Get a taster of what’s in store at Cambridge Junction over the next few months at the venue’s Season Launch Night, which takes place on 7 September. Free to attend, this (now regular) event kicks off the autumn programme, featuring mini performances from acts on the forthcoming line-up, plus a chat with staff members who’ll be sharing their personal top picks. There’s also going to be street food on offer, and if you book your place in advance, they’ll treat you to a free drink, too.

On the night, guests will enjoy live music from folk stars Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, as well as spoken-word wizardry from Rowan James. Rounding things off in J2 will be high-octane circus show Bromance, an awe-inspiring all-male acrobatics show which examines the dynamics of male friendship (additional ticket required).

The Season Launch Night begins at 6.30pm, and Bromance kicks off at 8pm (7pm Thurs), tickets are £12.50. www.junction.co.uk

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The fierce rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge Universities is famous, but it’s not all one-upmanship between these two world-famous seats of learning. In fact, every year, they jointly produce The Mays, a beautifully puttogether collection of short stories, poems and illustrations created by students at both universities.

Now on their 24th edition, they have drafted in many giants of arts, literature and broadcasting as guest editors over the years, including Stephen Fry, Nick Cave and Ted Hughes.

This time around, it’s the turn of poet and playwright Roger McGough CBE, who worked alongside cuttingedge feminist writer Rupi Kaur and a group of students.

This year’s student editor in chief is Rebekah Miron Clayton, a recent graduate from Homerton College Cambridge, who says “It was a pleasure and privilege working on producing this years’ edition of The Mays – it’s wonderful how students of Cambridge and Oxford can set their sporting and academic rivalries aside and come together to work on this project. Our guest editors have been invaluable – Roger McGough and Rupi Kaur have given us all the benefit of their huge experience and have provided us all with invaluable advice, assistance and support throughout.”

Copies are £10 and can be ordered online from The Mays website. www.themaysanthology.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Ocean Film Festival World Tour Immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean on 20 September with a showcase of enthralling short films at Lady Mitchell Hall. The screening comes our way as part of the Ocean Film Festival, an event from the Banff Film Festival’s producers which brings together the world’s finest films inspired by the sea and celebrates the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for its waves and marvel at its mysteries.

Expect sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface, from awe-inspiring surfing scenes to majestic marine life and everything in between.

Films selected for this year’s programme include The Accord: a film which follows Heiðar Logi Elíasson, Iceland’s first and only professional surfer, on his incredible journey through Iceland’s breathtaking terrain. Kayaking the Aleutians promises to be another highlight, an account of Justine Curgenven and Sarah Outen’s kayaking expedition along the Aleutian chain of islands in Alaska. At the mercy of the windiest, roughest conditions imaginable for 101 days, the two women gain insight into themselves and the harsh yet richly beautiful landscape.

Also showing are The Right: Australian Gold Coast Surfer Ryan Hippwood’s story of taking on one of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable waves, plus the visually spectacular Gold of Bengal, which joins Frenchman Corentin de Chatelperron on a voyage through the islands of Indonesia in a boat crafted entirely from jute composite.

The event begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £13. There’s also a bar that will be open from 6:30pm serving drinks. www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Cambridge classical concert series Andrew Burton from Cambridge Live Trust takes a look at what’s in store for this year’s concert season On Friday 28 October, the 30th anniversary season of the Cambridge Classical Concert Series opens at Cambridge Corn Exchange with a concert by the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Opening with Rossini’s jaunty William Tell Overture, the programme also features soloist Carolin Widmann giving a mesmerising performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and concludes with Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, ranging from moments of great tenderness to an exhilarating finale that will simply leave you breathless. The conductor is Alexander Shelley, who was named last year as principal associate conductor of the Royal Philharmonic.

On Tuesday 15 November, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra presents an outstanding concert conducted by its chief conductor Libor Pešek. After Schubert’s delicate Unfinished Symphony, Natalie Clein takes centre stage with a brilliant performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, ranging in tone from tender,

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folk-inspired melodies to outpourings of raw emotion. Also high in emotions is in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 with which the concert ends.

Zürich Chamber Orchestra marks its Corn Exchange debut on Saturday 3 December with a programme which includes two pieces by Mozart; Symphony No. 33 and the delightful Piano Concerto No. 14. In her first performance as the Corn Exchange, artist-in-residence Alison Balsom performs Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto and ends the evening in style with a spirited joint performance of Shostakovich’s joyous Concerto for Piano, Strings and Trumpet, alongside the effervescent Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero.

Another highlight of the 2016/17 Cambridge Classical Series is on Saturday 21 January 2017 when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ziegler, presents a celebration of the musical genius of film composer John Williams.

For this Cambridge Classical Series 30th anniversary concert, the orchestra will

perform a medley of instantly recognisable film score melodies including music from Superman, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Harry Potter, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Schindler’s List and many more.

Later in the series, Alison Balsom presents a beautifully nuanced recital; the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre’s chief conductor Tugan Sokhiev returns; there are also return appearances

by Moscow Philharmonic and the everpopular European Union Chamber Orchestra; and a finale concert in June 2017 by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with soloist Alison Balsom.

You can save up to £100 by subscribing to six, seven or all eight concerts or you can save up to 20% by taking advantage of the multibuy offer when booking three, four or five concerts at the same time. Individual concerts are also now on sale.

Bookings via Cambridge Live Tickets. www.cornex.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Art at Addenbrooke’s

Edition columnist Ruthie Collins looks at the arty goings on at our city’s hospital

Addenbrooke’s, one of the UK’s most famous hospitals, celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, this month sees the unveiling of The Earring, a painting created especially for the hospital by Anita Klein – one of the UK’s most recognisable artists.

A moving celebration of nurturing and healing, the piece “was a huge honour” to create, says Klein, whose work, often celebrating caring, family and joy, can be found in the likes of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and Arts Council England’s public collections.

Her work also inspired the colours of Addenbrooke’s Arts’ logo. “We all have far more in common than we think. And that is a truth that is often only really apparent when we get ill and need care.” Klein’s family-inspired, vibrant work was initially dismissed as ‘women’s art’, but is now heralded. The grandmother, mother and child in The Earring, though inspired by the birth of her first grandchild, could be any family. The painting is a celebration of the qualities of caring that are fostered throughout the hospital. “I used

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the simple interest of a young child in earrings to create a circular composition of mother, grandmother and child, which can also be read as a depiction of caring by nursing or medical staff. Because I don't use any visual reference, no models or photographs, the faces in my pictures often seem mask-like. They are not really individuals, but everybody’, she tells me.

There are two more pieces of Klein’s work at Addenbrooke’s in the art walk corridor off the main concourse – Maia Makes Us Watch Eastenders and Gathering Leaves. Addenbrooke’s may be a flagship hospital, but its inhouse arts team, Addenbrooke’s Arts, is also one of the country’s leading hospital arts projects too. Grown out of a successful volunteer-led initiative to start a collection of art and prints for the hospital 25 years go, Addenbrooke’s Arts is now funded by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and has been bringing arts interventions throughout Cambridge University hospitals for 15 years – achieving extraordinary reach. You may have glimpsed inspirational text

and arts emblazoned on the corridor walls while trying to trying to track down the right ward or navigate the sometimes labyrinthine interiors of the hospital: this art is more than aesthetically pretty, it has scientifically proven benefits to patients.

This month, as well as the unveiling of The Earring, sees the return of a Wall of Happiness, to Addenbrooke’s as part of Taking Note, spearheaded by local arts organisation Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination. The interactive project invites hospital patients, visitors and staff to comment on experiences that bring them happiness, with moving work that first transformed the hospital’s main corridor in spring 2015, into an exhibition of positive experiences: a source of huge inspiration and comfort to many.

“I like the simple things – the personal moments – like the picture of the hug and the mother watching her daughter go off to school. It’s just so human. You feel you are in their personal moments,” commented Diane, a specialist nurse at the hospital.

National charity Action For Happiness claims that looking for what’s good is one of ten keys to happier living, with positive emotions improving physical health. “What struck me powerfully is the choice we all have to reframe our experience, however difficult, and notice the positives,” remarked Alisdair, a Taking Note participant. “That’s why we need exhibitions like these.”

The British Medical Association says that arts and humanities have a positive effect on inpatients that “extends beyond the realm of alleviating boredom” – from decreased hospital stays and drug use consumption to improved doctor-patient relationships and mental health.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Cambridge Arts Theatre Autumn Season Preview There’s always plenty of familiar faces appearing at Cambridge Arts Theatre, but Edition reckons the upcoming autumn season raises the bar to an all-time high – not at all bad as the theatre celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Amanda Holden, not only a Britain’s Got Talent judge, but a one-time Laurence Olivier Award nominee, is joined by stars of various front-line soaps Angela Griffin, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Tamzin Outhwaite and Nicola Stephenson, in the funny and touching Stepping Out, which runs from 31 October to 5 November.

Stefanie Powers (Hart to Hart) stars alongside Clive Francis in the heartwarming 84 Charing Cross Road (2-17 September), while Stephanie Beacham (Dynasty) returns to the Arts to play Princess Margaret in A Princess Undone from 19 to 22 October.

Robert Powell (The Detectives) and Liza Goddard (Doctor Who) star in the finely crafted and funny Relatively Speaking (7-12 November) and Felicity Kendal, best known for The Good Life among countless TV roles, brings A Room with a View to the Arts on 14-19 November.

Music fans are in for a treat when Radio 2’s Clare Teal honours the great ladies of swing in Clare Teal and her Hollywood Orchestra on 23 October. Another jazz highlight has to be Miles and Coltrane @ 90 on 13 November, a concert that commemorates the 90th birthdays of Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Youngsters will enjoy Judith Kerr’s classic tea-guzzling tiger brought to life in The Tiger Who Came to Tea (20-25 September), and the half-term hit is sure to be Gangsta

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Granny on 25-29 October, written by David Walliams.

Susan Hill’s ghost story The Woman in Black returns from 26 September to 1 October, while Frank McGuinness’s war play Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme (4-8 October) marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The year ends in traditional style with Dick Whittington and his Cat (1 December - 8 January), featuring Cambridge’s favourite dame Matt Crosby as Sarah the cook. www.cambridgearts theatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

Cambridge Original Printmakers Home to three internationally acclaimed print houses and many skilled artists, Cambridge is something of a hotbed of printmaking talent, and this month, you can enjoy some of the cream of the crop at a special exhibition.

Running 22-28 September at the Pitt Building, the event is hosted by Cambridge Original Printmakers, a group of printmakers from the area who specialise in hand-pulled original prints.

Their goal is to promote the exciting art of printmaking to a wider audience, and in doing so, demonstrate its many technical variables and complexities.

This is achieved through exhibitions, demonstrations and talks on the subject at regular events such as their Biennale show this month.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a diverse range of pieces from St Barnabas Press, Kip Gresham and The Print Studio and The Curwen Print Study Centre, amongst others. A selection of talented MA printmaking students from Anglia Ruskin University will also be exhibiting their work. There will also be the opportunity to catch talks and demonstrations from the likes of Angie Lewin, Emma Mason Prints, Neil Bousfield, Julia McKenzie, VĂŠronique Chance and Dale Devereux Barker.

The exhibition is open 10.30am5.30pm daily, and entry is free. cambridgeoriginalprintmakers.com

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r © Louisa Taylo

ARTS & CULTURE

his time of year sees our city awash with colour, making it the perfect time to visit Fitzwilliam’s newest keynote show, COLOUR: The Art and Science of Illuminated Manuscripts. “Colour is simply an effect of light,” notes Stella Panayotova, curator at the Fitzwilliam Museum, on Isaac Newton’s principle, which transformed the way we thought of colour for centuries. The significance of colour is impossible to miss in the manuscripts, but is a relatively new area to be considered by scholars. Celebrating the preservation and continued research of the manuscripts, a founding part of the museum’s collections, has been an exciting for all involved.

The science behind the exhibition includes some of the world’s most cuttingedge conservation techniques, and the collaborative passion of the Fitzwilliam’s curatorial team, conservators, scientists and researchers shines through in the exhibition.

Their work has revealed previously unknown levels of detail in the manuscripts, pointing at highly accomplished creative and publishing industries in the Middle Ages. Did you know that early parchment was made from animal skins? Or that some of the artisans behind these manuscripts were expert miniaturist painters with a quirky sense of humour?

Look out for the Grisaille pieces on show, too: understated books and manuscripts all created in grey monochrome. A hit with the crème de la crème of French society – who loved the way that minimalist colour enhanced exquisite artistry – they chose black-and-white over the glittering colour of traditional manuscripts.

I was fascinated by the key role prayer books played amongst the age’s high society women, too. One book on show had been

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adapted for generations of women within one aristocratic family, and the prayer book appears as a prominent detail, a celebrated accessory, on many portraits. “But what’s the modern-day equivalent of a prayer book?” I asked at the press launch. “The iPhone?” we wondered (hmmmm). As well as a glossy,

The significance of colour is impossible to miss

coffee-table sized catalogue to accompany COLOUR: The Art and Science of Illuminated Manuscripts, you can also find hit art book The History of Colour by Victoria Finlay, on sale in the Fitzwilliam Museum shop.

September sees the annual World Rivers Day celebrated in Cambridge, for which

photographer Jo Randall is exhibiting her exploration into Cambridge’s boating community in The Alternatives, from 22 September at Cambridge Art Salon.

The show, which broadly examines alternative responses to the housing crisis, is striking, shot all in black-and-white, and features other DIY homes and their residents. “So many people have asked me if I’ve thought about buying my own home,” says Jo, who’s studying at Cambridge School of Art. “With the average wage in Cambridge around £28k and average house price apparently £420k, home ownership isn’t going to be a reality for anyone who isn’t already on the ladder.

I wanted to see how people live when they step away from the pressures of society’s obsession with bricks and mortar, to see and explore the alternatives to house ownership

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© Roger Payne

ARTS & CULTURE

Left Book of Hours illuminated by Vante di Gabriello di Vante Attavanti (act. c. 14801485), Florence, c.1480-c.1490 © Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Below River boats and other DIY homes are examined in Jo Randall’s photography exhibition The Alternatives.

and the lives they’ve built in the unique places they live.”

I live on a boat myself; the river is a real treasure, not just vital for wildlife, but also cultural life and social diversity in Cambridge. River dwelling has nurtured numerous authors, scientists and artists – such as Dr Hannah Critchlow, whom I’ll always remember fondly for borrowing emergency sacks of coal in winter. She’s now one of the UK’s most famous female scientists, described as the ‘female Brian Cox’

by The Telegraph. The creative spaces I’ve set up in Cambridge (which in turn have helped sustain the practices of many artists) would not have survived without the river, which helped me stay here after having a baby to keep the Art Salon going. You can also catch Alan Huddleston’s popular, nautically-themed paintings on the Riverboat Georgina by Jesus Green on 25 September. Come and celebrate World Rivers Day! This month is also the last chance to catch Rachael House’s show at Murray Edwards college’s New Hall Art Collection, as part of their feminism and gender focus. Feminist activists will love the show, which features banners, zines, badges – anarchic, DIY punk works, not dissimilar to the work of Cambridge’s own feminist and political artists such as Jill Eastland or

Jane Hellings. Hurry, you only have until 11 September to catch it. You can also see the world’s most famous feminist art collective the Guerrilla Girls, in Cambridge at New Hall in October (more on this next month!). See NewHallArt on Twitter. Jane Hellings and Jill Eastland are also curating an Objectification and Gendered Violence Symposium on 10 September at the Alison Richard Building.

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Finally, school returners and all those relieved at the summer holidays ending (waving the little cherubs off) – why not treat the kids to newly launched book Doughnut of Doom, by Cambridge-based Elys Dolan? Dolan is one of the UK’s most exciting children’s book illustrators, whose satirical style is parent friendly and hilarious for the kids. Have a fabulous month all!

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THIS MONTH'S

Cover star

The image on the cover of Cambridge Edition this month is by Iryna Masko, one of the winners of the Design the Cover competition we ran with illustration students at Anglia Ruskin University. We caught up with Iryna to find out more about her work Q. What were your first thoughts when you were asked to design the Cambridge Edition cover?

A. I thought that it was an exciting opportunity as it is a magazine that I regularly read. I have always kept an eye on the new covers so when I heard that Cambridge Edition was looking for students to design the cover I knew that I had to make my contribution.

Every piece I make leads me more and more into developing my visual language Q. Are you pleased with the result?

A. I am, very much so. However as per usual for me there are always things that I can improve and work on!

Q. Is it similar to the kind of work you usually do?

A. Yes, and no. I work with collage quite a lot, however, it is rare when my work is entirely digital. Usually I draw first off by hand and then edit my images digitally.

However, this time I had to change the way I worked and in my opinion, improved the final result significantly.

Q. How would you describe your style?

A. I believe that is too soon for me to settle down on one way of working as I

have only just finished my second year at the Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin University. Every piece that I make leads me more and more into developing my own visual language. Taking part in the competition for the Cambridge Edition cover helped me along this journey.

Q. Do you find Cambridge an inspiring place for artists?

A. Yes, and I think I can speak for many people as the city’s architecture, landmarks and people are an endless source of inspiration.

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Q. What else inspires you?

A. Many things inspire me. I love to cook and learning about different cuisines is one of the most exciting aspects of this. Fashion and textiles have always interested me as well because they naturally tie in with the arts. I also have to mention my passion for tropical birds and plants.

Q. What would be your dream job after graduating?

A. My dream job would be to work for a magazine as a designer, however I am also interested in editorial work and packaging design.

I am open to whatever life will bring and will be thankful for any opportunity I have to make my passion into my work and career.

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OPEN CAMBRIDGE

9-11 SEPT WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

Discover Cambridge’s hidden treasures this month when some of the city’s most intriguing and impressive spaces open their doors to the public ver wondered what lies beyond the ornate gates which guard the college buildings? Perhaps you’ve pondered the history of our bustling market square, or longed to explore Cambridge’s secret gardens? These and more of our city’s hidden nooks and crannies, as well as fascinating stories and characters from its past, will be revealed over the weekend of Open Cambridge.

Taking place 9-11 September, the event is part of the Heritage Open Days scheme, an initiative geared towards illuminating the history and heritage of cities to their inhabitants. As ever, there’s a busy programme of events planned, encompassing both ‘town’ and ‘gown’ and including exhibitions, talks and behind-thescenes tours of some of Cambridge’s most stunning spaces and architectural gems.

TOURS Take a riveting journey through the city’s past with the Historic Cambridge tours on

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9 and 10 September, which will offer an introduction to some of the people and places which have contributed to Cambridge becoming the powerhouse it is today.

From the old to the brand new, another highlight from this year’s programme includes a tour of the impressive David Attenborough building, which opened in March. Named in honour of Sir David’s pioneering work in bringing the wonders of nature to our screen, it will serve as a collaborative hub for the conservation community in the city and beyond.

Perhaps you fancy a jaunt into the world of espionage? You’re in the right place: the relationship between Cambridge University and spies is famous, and goes far beyond the KGB’s so-called ‘Magnificent Five.’ The Cambridge Spies tour, taking place on 9 and

Take a riveting journey through the city’s past

10 September, will examine the motives of individuals who betrayed their country, as well as the role of spies today, whilst visiting colleges associated with Cambridge’s contribution to spying.

Open Cambridge is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the Fitzwilliam Museum, which will be hosting various tours and workshops. The grande dame of Cambridge’s museums, the Fitz boasts a world-class collection of artefacts dating back as far as 2500 years, and celebrates its bicentennial this year.

Clare, Newnham, Selwyn and Wolfson Colleges will be offering leisurely walking tours of their manicured gardens too, all of which burst with beautiful blooms and scents. Another treat for those with a love of horticulture is the tour around Madingley Hall’s Capability Brown gardens, which celebrate the legacy of the legendary landscape designer.

There’s also a chance to marvel ancient manuscripts at Trinity Hall’s Old Library,

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OPEN CAMBRIDGE

venture backstage at the ADC Theatre and take a closer look at the architectural highlights of Mill Road.

EXHIBITIONS Activist and acclaimed artist Ai Weiwei is bringing his Cubes and Trees exhibition to the newly opened Heong Gallery at Downing College until 10 October. Pop along to admire this arresting display, never before seen in the UK, alongside a film made this year on the island of Lesbos in Greece, where Ai Weiwei has been working with refugees as they arrive in Europe.

Another college showing off its art will be Wolfson, which will be offering a chance to see its permanent collection that represents some of the key people who were involved in the founding and ongoing development of the college.

Alternatively, in honour of the 400th anniversary year of William Shakespeare’s death, the King’s Library at Selwyn will be hosting a display of rare early editions of the Bard’s plays, alongside some fantastic treasures from its archives that showcase theatre and the history of theatre in Cambridge.

Also delving into Cambridge’s past will be Capturing Cambridge Consumers at the Museum of Cambridge. Drop in and share your memories of retail and shopping in Cambridge over the last 80 years as part of a project which coincides with an exhibition of items illustrating shopping in Cambridge in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cambridge Fire Station, explore the rare scientific books at the Whipple Museum and, excitingly, visit the neo-classical styled Cambridge Observatory, home to historic telescopes and other astronomical treasures.

You can also enjoy a lavish feast in the grand setting of Trinity Hall’s tenth century dining room, explore the Boathouses on the banks of the Cam, and discover the intriguing history of Cambridge’s market, from the medieval era to the swinging 60s.

OPEN DOOR One of the most fun parts of Open Cambridge is getting the chance to explore places usually off limits to the public. This year, you can go behind the scenes at

TALKS Cambridge’s market will also be the focal point of a talk by local history expert Mike Petty, who’ll be illuminating its history before being joined by a panel to discuss imaginative suggestions for its future on 10 September at St Mary’s Church.

Elsewhere, you can learn about the impact that the railways had on Cambridge, find out more about the builders responsible for some of the city’s most iconic buildings and discover how north-west Cambridge – the university’s largest capital project ever – is putting sustainability at the heart of its new community.

BRIDGE THE GAP The annual Bridge The Gap charity walk also returns on 11 September.

Sign up and join in the stroll around Cambridge’s most magnificent sights, whilst helping to raise valuable funds for two community charities: Arthur Rank Hospice and Romsey Mill. www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk

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DRAGON BOAT

WORDS CYRUS PUNDOLE

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

dance and a t’ai chi demonstration at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

For children there will be a wide range of activities, including a bouncy castle, giant slide, stalls and face painting, while for fans of flying shows, a fly-past by a Lancaster bomber will provide spectacle and its own distinctive noise.

There’s no need to decide whether to go before or after lunch as there will be a wide variety of hot and cold food and drink available, featuring award-winning burgers, pulled pork, speciality coffees and ice cream.

There’s a beer tent too, though strictly for spectators only until the competitors have finished their races!

The racing itself is quite a sight, with teams of paddlers in each boat encouraged by the event’s version of a cox. Nothing like what you may have seen on the TV at the Olympics, these guys have a large Chinese drum at the end of the boat, which they use to beat the rhythm for the paddlers to follow.

Best of all, the teams’ hard work is in aid of a fantastic local cause: Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), which is the only charity dedicated to making a difference

for patients at both Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals.

“We are over the moon to be the charity partner for the Dragon Boat Festival for another year,” says Carla Brown, corporate fundraising manager at ACT. “It is the 250th anniversary of Addenbrooke’s this year so we hope to raise even more money than ever before to help celebrate such an important milestone! This year we hope to raise at least £15,000 to help us meet requests for help from doctors, nurses, researchers and other professionals so that they can respond to patients’ needs, wherever the need is greatest over and above NHS funding.”

Whether it’s treatment for an emergency, an acute condition, pregnancy or a longterm illness, ACT believes that every patient deserves the highest quality of care available.

Cambridge Edition are proud to sponsor such a fantastic local – and charitable – event again this year, and our team will be there on the day, cheering on the teams of paddlers and giving out magazines, so we hope to see you there. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk

Images © Vanessa Barton

ot so much about messing around on the water, as having a great time surrounded by colour and beats (well, drumming) and in aid of a good cause, Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival returns to the River Cam at Fen Ditton on 10 September for its 12th year.

On the banks there’s food, drink, rides and entertainment for spectators to enjoy, not to mention the action on the water, where 48 boats battle it out on the river from 10am to 5pm along a 200-metre course.

In keeping with the Chinese theme, Cambridge Chinese Community Centre will perform a lion dance, as well as a traditional

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COMPETITION

WORTH £510!

Win a champagne punting trip for ten people!

This month, we’ve teamed up with Scudamore’s to give away an indulgent Champagne Punting Trip to Grantchester for up to ten people. Recline in comfort with a glass of chilled fizz, while your chauffeur punts you along the tranquil upper river.

Meandering through fenland, woods and open meadows, you and your guests will be treated to some of Cambridgeshire’s most beautiful scenery.

The return tour lasts approximately four hours and includes a 90-minute break in the village, allowing you ample time to explore gorgeous Grantchester. Enjoy afternoon tea in Orchard Tea Garden or one of the pubs nearby, or have your own picnic at the meadows. Scudamore’s punts are dressed with cushions and blankets too, as well umbrellas – so even a bit of inclement weather needn’t spoil your fun.

To enter, head to www.cambsedition.co.uk. www.scudamores.com

This tour must be pre-booked and will depart from the Scudamore’s Boatyard in Granta Place. For more information call the Scudamore’s bookings team directly on 01223 359750.

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NEWS

What is the Cambridge BID? Launched in April 2013, Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by businesses and organisations in the city to deliver a range of projects and events that enhance and promote Cambridge, encouraging people to visit and enjoy our fabulous city. Find out more at www.cambridgebid.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at @cambridgebid

Open Cambridge

Independents’ Week 2016 From clothing boutiques to great little cafés, art galleries and artisan food stalls, Cambridge’s fabulous array of independent businesses are a big part of what makes the city unique and special. As well as playing a hugely important role in the local economy and community, they add character and charm to our high street and offer shoppers genuine diversity. Happily, despite challenging economic times, the ‘indie’ scene in Cambridge is booming, offering shoppers an ever-evolving selection of shops and eateries to explore on their doorstep.

This October, Cambridge BID will once again host Independents’ Week: an opportunity to explore and celebrate our local independent businesses, taking advantage of a host of special offers, great events and competitions. Taking place 1-9 October, this week-and-a-bit long indie extravaganza is a citywide initiative, taking place from Mitcham’s Corner to Mill Road, as well as in the city centre. Keep an eye on Cambridge Edition for updates!

Explore the city’s hidden spaces and learn more about its history at Open Cambridge, which runs 9-11 September. Cambridge BID is a proud partner for this event, which features a huge line-up of talks, tours, exhibitions and more at locations across the city.

Learn about Cambridge’s fascinating relationship with the world of espionage, enjoy a lavish meal in Trinity College’s tenth century dining hall, explore the beautiful gardens of the university colleges, marvel at ancient manuscripts and lots more besides.

There’s also the opportunity to get involved with the Bridge The Gap charity walk on 11 September, which takes in some of Cambridge’s most magnificent sights and raise valuable funds for two great community charities: Arthur Rank Hospice and Romsey Mill.

For more information and to book, visit www.opencambridge. cam.ac.uk.

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FOOD DRINK A N D

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

Review: Tapas at the Emperor

Sourdough September

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FOOD

LOAFING AROUND AN ODE TO BREAD FROM SELF-CONFESSED NON-BAKER ALEX RUSHMER , WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

am not a baker. At least not by the standards now expected of one thanks to the proliferation of baking shows on television and the unstoppable rise (pun intentional) of baking related books and paraphernalia.

The weighing, measuring, precision, timings and accuracy needed don’t fit with the parts of my psyche that allow me to be a good cook – I much prefer the free-form approach, one that can be tweaked and altered along the way rather than setting a path that cannot be wavered from. If something goes awry when I’m doing a braised beef dish, 90% of the time it is fixable and the final result will be imperceptibly different from the intended. If a mistake is made during the baking process, then 90% of the time it is unfixable and the final result will end up in the bin. Maybe I’m just bad at following recipes though.

But whilst my skills with cakes and the like may be lacking, when it comes to bread it is a different story. Having now baked at least two different loaves every day at The Hole in the Wall for the last five years, I’m happy that I know my way around a loaf. Good bread is a cornerstone of a good meal and my belief is that it is often a good indicator of the quality of the meal to follow.

Over the years it has been a source of near endless fascination to me that this

seemingly simple combination of flour, water, yeast and salt can provide such a huge variety of products. Tiny variables seem to be extrapolated down the line of the bread baking process so that a mere tweak early on can create a wildly different product by the time the finished loaf emerges from the oven.

Bakers talk obsessively about ‘hydration percentages’ and ‘fermentation times’, which do make for large variations in finish, especially with sourdough, but what I have found more interesting is the sheer number of alternatives in loaves achieved by using different flours, fats, liquids, proving methods and shaping techniques. It is rare that I will bake the same loaf two days running and that day’s bread will be dependent on my mood and other extraneous matters – a recent trip to Italy resulted in a great many foccacias being pulled from the oven, some

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flavoured with nothing more than good olive oil and sea salt, others studded with chopped rosemary, roasted garlic or even raisins.

A new beer often finds its way into a wholemeal ale loaf – malty and rich with a soft, gentle crumb thanks to the fervent yeast activity added by the beer and milk – and butter will feature regularly in place of water to create a rich white loaf, proved slowly in the fridge and baked in a hot and steamy oven to yield a tough crust with an airy toothsome texture within.

But the most popular loaf, and the one which earns the most requests for the recipe, is the dark soda bread flavoured with black treacle. It is sweet and bitter at the same time, reminiscent of malt loaf and excellent just warm from the oven, covered in rapidly melting salted butter. One day I may even get around to writing down the recipe.

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FOOD

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

CAMBRIDGE FOOD COLLECTIVE

Most food bloggers simply stop at writing about recipes and restaurants.

One husband and wife team have gone further, however, and they’ve swapped writing for retail with Cambridge’s first online supermarket to support the local food economy.

Nazima and Pierre Corne, founders of FranglaisKitchen.com, have set up Cambridge Food Collective, which will be launched on 8 September.

By keeping margins low and prices competitive, they want an alternative to the reliance on large-scale supermarkets.

“We aim to bring high-quality produce direct to people at a reasonable price by cutting out the infrastructure costs of the supermarket,” said Pierre.

Customers go to the site, add products to a basket and order like any other online store, except that all the food is picked, packed and delivered on the same day. This results in the freshest food, with less waste.

Each Tuesday online orders will be sent to each supplier. They then deliver to Cambridge Food Collective’s hub, on Clifton Road, on Thursday mornings.

“We hope to increase our delivery days from one day to several in a week,” said Nazima.

Sign up online to receive a 5% discount off first orders. www.cambridgefoodcollective.com

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FOOD

GRUB CLUB Grub Club Cambridge will be celebrating its second birthday in style on 22 September at Childerley Hall in Dry Drayton.

Just like last year, founders Vhari Russell and Kelly Molson have chosen to run the birthday bash in conjunction with British Food Fortnight.

Caterers for the event are FoodCycle Cambridge, the local branch of the national charity that combines volunteers, surplus food and spare kitchen spaces to create tasty, nutritious meals for people at risk of food poverty and the wider community.

Each week they collect surplus produce locally from Sainsbury’s, the City Food Bank, Cambridge Crop Share, the Cambridge Fruit and Veg Company and Lensfield Road Farmer’s Market, and then turn the ingredients into exciting, healthy meals.

There will be a raffle on the night to raise funds for FoodCycle Cambridge.

Tickets are £28.50. www.grubclubcambridge.co.uk

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BOURN BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Bourn’s annual beer and music festival returns on 17 September, with another fab selection of tunes, grub and ale to savour. Local musicians and bands will provide live music from noon to 11pm at Manor Farm, with local beers, cider and wine to tempt you, alongside delicious food of various kinds. To keep little ones entertained there are bouncy castles, soft play, crafts and games, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy. Entry is £8 for adults, under 16s are free. www.manorfarmbourn.com

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FOOD

BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT In honour of British Food Fortnight, Vhari Russell and Kelly Molson, of Grub Club Cambridge, select some top foodie treats As it’s British Food Fortnight it’s all about enjoying great British products –so we’d like to share some brilliant finds from our Grub Clubbers with you.

Cambridge Food Collective are brand new to the food scene. They’ve sourced a huge array of amazing food and drink products from local traders and producers, so that you can buy your groceries locally from independent businesses. Check out the range at www.cambridgefoodcollective.com.

Farrington Oils have a wonderful rapeseed oil, a real must for any foodie.

It’s great in marinades and dressings, and also makes great roast potatoes. They are available nationwide in Sainsbury’s as well as farms shops and delis.

If you have not yet sampled the Gourmet Brownie Company’s Malteser cake, get your hands on a slice! It’s perfect with a cup of coffee while you enjoy reading this magazine. Available locally at Burwash Manor.

A Little Bit Food Co. have a wonderful collection of dressings, which

are so much more than dressings! They are fab as marinades and when added to sauces. All are made in the UK and packed with British herbs; they are available in farm shops and delis or at www.alittlebit.co.uk.

Saffron Bee’s Beetroot and Orange chutney is incredible, packed full of flavour. Bee’s products are available at The Gogs and The Larder at Burwash.

Womersley Fruit and Herb vinegars are not only beautiful to look at, they also taste fantastic! They are great if you want to make a dressing or yummy in cocktails – the choices are endless.

They’re stocked nationwide in Ocado, farm shops and delis.

Canesmith makes gourmet sweets for grown-ups, which have just won even more stars at the Great Taste Awards. We adore the Salted Chocolate Caramels. Sweets are stocked locally at Urban Larder, The Larder at Burwash and Little Acre Kitchen.

Thor Drinks are a perfect fix if you’re looking for a refreshing drink, with the added advantage of making a great mixer. The mint flavour works especially well with Pinkster Gin. On sale at The Larder or via Amazon.

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FOOD

OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavarian culture to Cambridge that doesn’t just mean beer, but bratwurst, schnitzels and pretzels too.

A huge tent on Jesus Green, which can accommodate 1,200 people, hosts the event across a long weekend from 8 to 11 September.

The tent will be laid out with long tables, feature an authentic blue and white theme and waiters dressed in dirndl and lederhosen.

Authentic German beers will include Underberg and a Bavarian band will perform everything from oompah tunes to schlager music – think Germany’s answer to ‘easy listening’.

Entry is free on the Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and is £5 on Saturday. You can then buy beer and food as you wish, or alternatively, seat reservation packages combined with food and drink are available.

There are also offers available for Sunday lunch, so you can let the family enjoy Bavarian culture. www.cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk

WINEATHLON

Marathons are good and all, but don’t you ever feel like they’d benefit from incorporating a bit more alcohol? That’s exactly the logic behind Wineathlon: an event which comes to Cambridge on 3 September. Fortunately, you’ll not be expected to slog it out over 26 miles on this course, which is a much more reasonable six and a half miles, and can be run or walked.

Along the way, at the designated stations, you’ll be able to have a break and partake in some wine tasting (genius, we know), before rejoining the route.

Taking place at Foxton Village Hall at 1pm, there will be wine samples from the likes of Chilford Hall, while Twoo Coffee and The Roof Garden will provide beverages and tasty treats from around the world.

We can’t really decide if this is a brilliant idea or a recipe for disaster, but we’re pretty sure we want to get involved, and you can too for £18 per ‘wineathlete’. www.wineathlon.co.uk

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FOOD

MILL ROAD FEAST

If you think you don’t know about Mill Road Feast… the chances are you probably do, but don’t realise it.

Fans of Mill Road’s Winter Fair – that’s surely half of Cambridge – will be familiar with testing their tastebuds up and down Cambridge’s second centre, and feasting in particular at the food hub on Gwydir Street car park.

That just happens to be one in four of the pop-up food market’s bursts of culinary joy each year, and the next one is taking place on 4 September, from 11am to 4pm.

Confirmed traders include Beannissimo, Steak & Honour, Ali’s Baltic Bakes, Juice Box, The Wandering Yak, Cambridge Crop Share, Azahar Spanish Tapas, Now Now South African Food Co., Jack’s Gelato and Gourmet Vegan.

That’s just about half of the list so far, so there’s sure to be something that takes your fancy.

Other Mill Road Feasts are on the first Sundays of March and June. www.millroadfeast.com

GIN CLUB The latest chance to learn all about what’s hot, what’s old and what’s new in the world of gin takes place at Cambridge Wine Merchants on 6 September at their Cherry Hinton Road branch.

Starting at 7pm guests will be treated to five gins, some nibbles, ice, tonic, wit and ginspiration.

Tickets are £15 per session, with discounts if you go regularly. Following September’s date, Gin Club takes place later in the year on 4 October, 1 November and 6 December. www.cambridgewine.com

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RECIPES

ILLUSTRATIONS KATE CHARTER

In honour of ‘Sourdough September’, chef and sourdough expert Hilary Cacchio offers advice and inspiration

Sourcing a Sourdough Culture If you don’t already have a wild yeast culture there are several options for getting one.

1. Find someone who has a working one and ask for a small portion of it.

2. Go to my website (www.hilarycacchio. com) and you can order a sibling of my culture which will be mailed to you.

3. Come to one of my hands-on workshops and you will be given one. Check my website (www.hilarycacchio.com) for dates and venues.

will make great bread, but it is easy to try.

It works on the basis that wild yeasts are everywhere, on fruit, vegetables in the air and in organic/biodynamic bread flours (using flour puts the odds in your favour).

Start with organic or biodynamic stoneground flour; then you have the best chance of finding suitable wild yeasts. Even if you plan to feed/refresh the culture in the future with organic white or wholemeal wheat flour, start the culture with organic stoneground flour and some or all organic rye flour.

The bacteria in the culture will likely come from you!

Use bottled or filtered water. Make sure everything is chemical-free and rinsed. In the future, the culture will be robust enough to fend off most things but, initially, give it the best chance.

4. Follow Nancy Silverton’s instructions in her book Nancy Silverton’s Breads from the La Brea Bakery. They do get some criticism because they’re a bit long-winded, but I can’t fault them because 17 years ago they worked for me and they were fun, involving the mixture turning yellow midway.

Day 1: Put 30g each of organic stoneground rye and your chosen stoneground organic flour into a kilner/jam jar and then add 60g bottled/filtered water and put a lid on it. Leave it for 48 hours at a cool room temperature 16–18°C.

5. Have a go at harnessing one. This method isn’t fail-safe, since it’s not a given that you will end up with a stable combination of wild yeast and bacteria that

Day 3: Stir in 30g of your chosen organic flour (the one you plan to feed it with in the future) and 30g of bottled/filtered water, leave it with a damp piece of kitchen paper

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over the jar at room temperature (20–24°C) for 24 hours.

Day 4: Repeat instructions for Day 3.

Day 5: The culture will be showing signs of life. Pour it into a medium-sized bowl and feed as Day 3, laying a damp tea towel over it this time. About five hours after the feed it will be bubbling, becoming light and airy.

Day 6: Twelve hours later (from now on the frequency of the feed will always be 12-hourly) double the size of the feed.

After: So as not to create a lake, discard some of the mixture from time to time.

Keep the weight at around 300g and feed it 12-hourly with around 40g of flour and the same weight of water. Your newly formed culture will reach its potential over a few weeks so keep it at room temperature, maintaining 12-hourly feeds for the first 2 weeks, then try some experimental bakes.

For me, capturing your own is highly overrated. Instead, source a culture that is up and running and making good bread. My understanding is that eventually, after a few months in your own kitchen, it becomes populated by your home-grown bacteria and probably your own local wild yeasts.

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RECIPES

Sourdough Suppers Hilary Cacchio’s book is out now and offers an exquisite collection of meals created around handmade breads and simple, seasonal ingredients, featuring illustrations by Kate Charter. It’s also packed with advice on everything from sourcing a culture to troubleshooting.

Priced at £20. hilarycacchio.com

Exploding a few Sourdough Myths 1. You can go on holiday.

Owning a sourdough culture does not preclude you from ever going away.

My culture has remained dormant and unattended, under refrigeration, for five months (I don’t recommend doing this too often) and did return back to life eventually with a little TLC. 2. It isn’t dead. You may be one of those people who has had a sourdough culture but threw it away because it was ‘dead’. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but it probably wasn’t!

Throwing away an active culture is perhaps not quite as bad as burying someone alive but, alas, it’s a little sad!

However, if your culture does develop mould (I have only heard of this happening once) then, yes, it probably has expired.

3. You won’t need to retire from full-time employment when you start using a sourdough culture. I assure you after a couple of months of practice (probably less), from removing your dormant culture from the fridge to removing your loaf from the oven can take as little as ten and certainly no more than 20 minutes hands-on time.

4. It is incredibly flexible. There are enormous windows of opportunity throughout the whole process of dough production. It can and will always be to your dough’s benefit if you have to shove it in the fridge or just find somewhere that is cool (below 10°C), while you slip away for a quick trip to the market or for a slow glass of wine at the local bar.

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5. You don’t need to be a scientist before you can start making good bread: it’s like driving a car.

As long as you know a few basic bits of information (where and when to add the petrol – flour – and the water), it isn’t essential to know how the engine works.

After capturing my culture I baked with it for five years, knowing only how to store it, and when to feed and bake with it, before I lifted the bonnet.

6. Don’t ever add sugar, yoghurt, commercial yeast or anything other than organic flour and water (preferably filtered) to your ‘mother’ wild yeast culture. By all means add any of these ingredients to your dough, just never to the culture that you store, feed and nurture.

7. There is more than one way to make sourdough bread. There are now hundreds of people baking with wild yeast in hundreds of different ways. Sourdough Suppers offers one angle and it is worth learning from other experienced and successful sourdough bakers and cherry-picking from their techniques to create something that works for you. So many different approaches may seem confusing but it shows how flexible sourdough is, and how baking with it can be adapted to suit you and what you want from a loaf.

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RECIPES

Jersey Royal How to Make

Tortano

The high ratio of potatoes to flour makes this dough a bit sticky to handle so continuous kneading isn’t suitable. The best approach is short spurts of kneading with lots of idling! Let the dough do most of the work itself (these rests can extend up to an hour if it is more convenient).

Also, this recipe needs the salt for the potato, otherwise you risk a bland loaf.

Ingredients • 500g Jersey Royal potatoes • 250g frisky sourdough culture • 50ml room temperature water • 400g strong plain or stoneground flour • 30g everyday extra virgin olive oil, plus 15g for kneading • 12-13g Maldon sea salt and • 1 generous pinch of freshly ground white or black pepper

Step-by-step guide 1. Wash off any dust and dirt from the potatoes and steam them until they’re soft.

Smash them up with a potato masher or the back of a fork (skins and a few lumps are OK), then lay the potatoes out in a single layer on a plate for the steam to escape as they cool.

3. Rub your hands with a little oil, knead the dough for 20 seconds then rest for ten minutes. Repeat this 20-second knead and ten-minute rest eight times.

4. After the final knead, rest the dough for 20 minutes before testing gluten development using the windowpaning method (see page 47, step 3 in my book). If you don’t think it is quite ready yet, knead and rest the dough a few more times.

5. Return the dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a piece of oiled cling film and leave it at room temperature for about one to three hours to start bulkproving. When it begins to inflate, put the dough somewhere cool (about 10-14°C) or refrigerate until it has doubled in size.

Depending on the temperature this will take between ten and 24 hours.

6. Fold up and store the cling film (it can be used again later in the recipe). Scrape the dough onto an oiled work surface and, with well-oiled hands, gently pull it out into a large rectangle. Fold the upper third down, the lower third up, grab each side (left and right) and fold a third in from each end to create a square ball. It is now ready to shape.

7. To shape, oil your hands and shape the sticky dough into a ball. Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking parchment then oil your three middle fingers, hold them together and push them firmly through the centre of the dough, wiggling them around to create a large hole like in a doughnut. Now put an oiled ramekin dish or jam jar into the ‘doughnut’ hole to prevent it from closing up during the final prove. Drape the dough with the oiled and lightlyfloured cling film again and leave it at room temperature until it has increased in volume by about 80%.

8. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fanassisted/gas mark 7. Remove the cling film (if you fold it up carefully, you can reuse it) and the ramekin/jam jar then bake the dough for ten minutes. Turn the oven down to 180–200°C/160-80°C fanassisted/gas mark 4 and continue baking for at least another 25–30 minutes. If the loaf starts to brown too quickly (which it is prone to, due to the high starch content), either cover it loosely with foil or turn the oven down a little. It does take quite a while to cook thoroughly, and should be deep brown when done.

2. Weigh all the other ingredients into a large bowl, add the potatoes and mix thoroughly together until all the flour is incorporated and you have a stiff ball of dough. Initially the dough will seem very dry but later, during kneading, the potato releases moisture and the dough will loosen and become sticky, so don’t be tempted to add more liquid, at least not at this stage. Tip the dough on to the work surface, cover with a bowl and then let it rest for 30 minutes.

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DRINKS

WORDS MATTHEW BOUCHER

WHITE VIN MAN Matthew Boucher from drinks shop Thirsty shares his top wine picks from south-east France

Having once studied in the south-east of France, it has always intrigued me that much of the area’s wine production actually seemed to go unnoticed by the mass market.

My experience at the time showed that students were regularly drawn to excitingly large-format bottles, often in plastic. These blends, interestingly, did not necessarily come from just France, but more likely from several different places in the European Union.

Occasionally I looked at the map to see if there were any local vineyards, thinking that I should sample something which might allow me to break my habits.

It seemed that there were, and when checking the shops more carefully, I found that they were available locally.

Surprisingly they were only slightly more expensive than the very cheapest wines that my companions and I were used to.

The French Revolution had its origins nearby, and in true Thirsty tradition I made it my business to test the wines on offer as exhaustively as I could.

Most of the generic wines from this area (Savoie) are white (including sparkling) and are made from a grape variety called jacquère. In true French style, you’re unlikely to see the grape mentioned on the label, but instead the names are geographical.

Here are four Thirsty and Savoyard recommendations: 1. The first wine is called Chignin (the name of a village) made from jacquère, which I particularly like. It’s pale, lemon light (only 11.5% alcohol by volume) and mountain fresh. There’s no oak, so this is a classic uncomplicated aperitif and thus ‘one for the fridge’, you know, just in case...

2. Chignin-Bergeron is from the same village, but is from grapes grown on more sunsoaked, steeper, south-facing slopes. More importantly, Bergeron is a synonym for the Rhône Valley’s Roussanne, so you get a rich style of wine made for your favourite fish dish.

I’m thinking of one of customer Will’s freshly caught trout from the River Test plus gratin dauphinois. Or maybe forget the fish and just go for the gratin.

3. I’m deliberately not mentioning the price of this one but you should all try a drop of Gringet. This is a grape that almost died out, but local boy Dominique Belluard (that’s local to Ayse near Chamonix and Mont Blanc, not Cambridge) persevered, often in face of ridicule. He is now having the last laugh and

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top restaurants are literally fighting to list his wine. His Les Alpes is the cheaper version.

The flavour is quite unlike anything else and especially refreshing if you fancy a change from Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

4. Finally, may I recommend the firm of Dolin based in Chambéry, Savoie. They make an old-fashioned vermouth brand called Chambéryzette, flavoured with Alpine strawberries, but the flavour is bang up to date, being a post-Brexit challenge to Pimms. Thirsty intends to stock this soon, so watch this space.

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EATING OUT

Restaurant

review

THE EMPEROR WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

FROM ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES PUB TO EXCITING TAPAS BAR NICOLA FOLEY APPRAISES THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES he Emperor on Hills Road has been a stop off on my drinking route around Cambridge for many years, and I’ve witnessed various reinventions and updates to the venue (anyone else remember the ‘beach’ in the garden?). None, however, have been quite so drastic as the most recent incarnation, which has seen this slightly rough around the edges boozer transformed into a bright, modern tapas bar.

Dinginess has been replaced with atmospheric lighting, polished deep wood flooring and colourful tiles – but, as we were soon to discover, the new look is very much secondary to the new culinary offering.

A quick glance at the menu reveals The Emperor to be a cut above the usual deepfried everything affair on offer at other, lesser, tapas-focused eateries. Drawing inspiration from across Latin America, from Argentina to Colombia, there’s a huge variety on offer, with lots of interesting looking options to tempt.

Our feast began with a tortilla de patatas, a dense potato omelette ubiquitous in Spanish cuisine. Incredibly simple, but equally simple to mess up, this dish transforms a few very pedestrian ingredients into an immensely satisfying master study in comfort food. The Emperor nailed it, which boded well for the meal ahead.

I’M STRUGGLING TO FIND ENOUGH SUPERLATIVES TO DESCRIBE THE CEVICHE Next to arrive, one of my standouts for the meal, were the unassuming-looking croquetas de jamon. The piping-hot crispy breadcrumb shell yielded to the creamiest molten interior of cheesy béchamel studded with morsels of intensely flavoured Spanish ham. I could have eaten at least ten more.

Then, we got stuck into a trio of meaty offerings, beginning with the house speciality, lomo saltado. I hadn’t tried this before, but it’s

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,

apparently one of Peru’s favourite dishes, and I can see why. Thick hunks of tender, flamecooked beef fillet with a rich, soy-infused sauce, sweet red onions and tomatoes, served with chunky chips (which seemed slightly incongruous, but turn out to be a traditional finishing touch to this dish, along with rice – double carbs, we approve), it was a winner.

Next up, another Peruvian number, the chuletas de cordero tacu tacu. The meat, again, was beautifully cooked and had a nice smoky, fatty quality to it, pleasingly cut through with piquant chimichuri sauce. It was served on a bed of tacu tacu, a simple but delicious accompaniment which turned out to be another of the evening’s revelations.

We also sampled some gorgeously tender pork belly with sweet potatoes, but the crowning glory in my eyes was the ceviche, a dish I have fond memories of from a holiday in Mexico. I’m struggling to find enough superlatives to describe quite how good the Emperor’s ceviche is, with its exquisite clouds of raw seabass, zingy citrus, crunchy corn kernels and crispy plantain garnish. A heavenly concerto of contrasting flavours and textures, I’m salivating at the mere memory.

In all, there’s a lot to love about the revitalised Emperor. The menu is a genuinely exciting, authentic introduction to some of Latin America’s tastiest exports, and the service is smiley and knowledgeable.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere didn't quite match up to the food – with sports playing on a big screen and a large group of drinkers in close proximity, it wasn’t an entirely relaxed environment to enjoy your dinner in (in the Emperor’s defence, it was mid-Olympic season so perhaps the sporting coverage was justified, and there is additional, quieter seating upstairs if that’s what you’re looking for).

The food more than made up for it though – in fact I’d wager the Emperor is serving up some of the best tapas you can get in Cambridge right now. Highly recommended. www.theemperorcambridge.com

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FOOD

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

HERO EATS THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO EAT IN CAMBRIDGE RIGHT NOW

1

2

3

1. GRAIN & HOP STORE MAC ’N’ CHEESE

2. JACK’S GELATO

3. FITZBILLIES CHELSEA BUNS

You might be of the mind that mac ’n’ cheese is a winter dish, unsuited to the warmer weather and lighter eating habits of the summer months. Bunkum, we say – life’s too short to limit your enjoyment of this soul-warming consummate comfort food to when there’s a chill in the air. As documented in Edition’s Mac ’n’ Cheese Crawl of Cambridge last year, our city’s eateries are offering near infinite variations on this dish, from a lobster version at the River Bar Steakhouse to a mac embellished with truffle oil at CAU. The winning mac (the mac daddy, if you will), was the Grain & Hop Store’s offering, which our two reviewers scored an impressive 18 out of 20 overall.

They praised its excellent consistency, extremely cheesy sauce made with vintage cheddar and the texture added by its crispy onion topping, as well as its leafy, sweet pepper salad accompaniment. This bubbling dish of melty goodness can be yours for a modest £7.

Hunting down Jack and his fabled gelato has become something of a weekend sport for me. Traditionally, this search has often been in vain, and I’ve had to make do with some lesser rival. But as his business grows, and more stockists around the city pop up scooping his peerless iced treats, my hit rate is improving. One such stockist is the Cambridge Wine Merchants’ King’s Parade branch, where a small hatch is now dispensing the good stuff to the hordes of tourists which swarm the area (and the locals who can brave wading through said swarms). My current favourite, and I’d posit, one of the finest gelatos in all Cambridge, is burnt sugar and salt flavour.

Silkily creamy in texture and marrying a rich, buttery, toffee-like sweetness together with addictively bitter notes from the sea salt, it’s prone to making the eater purr with pleasure. You’ve been warned.

My advice? Keep an eye on his twitter @jacks_gelato to get the low-down on his scooping plans…

Not exactly a groundbreaking discovery, but we couldn’t not mention Fitzbillies famous Chelsea buns in a feature dedicated to Cambridge’s hero foodstuffs. Made to a closely guarded recipe, these syrupy swirls of perfection have been sating the sweet tooth of Cambridge folk for decades.

Chelsea buns are something of an English institution; an indulgent confection first conceived of as a treat for Georgian nobility, they’ve become one of the nation’s most beloved baked goods. Inferior offerings can fall short on many levels (too dry, too hard, lacking in squidge, etc.), but not so Fitzbillies’ buns. With a satisfying outer crunch which gives way to a gloriously gooey, lusciously sticky interior – it’s easy to see why they’ve become such a cult Cambridge food.

And the good news for any Fitzbillies fans is that they’ve recently opened their second branch (on Bridge Street), meaning you’re within ten minutes’ walk from a grade A Chelsea bun no matter which side of the city centre you’re on.

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LISTINGS CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE

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A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS SEPTEMBER 2-17 SEPTEMBER 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD Time: Times vary Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: £19-£38 Description: Chronicling the relationship between a vivacious New York writer and a London bookseller via their correspondence, this heartwarming adaptation of Helene Hanff’s best-selling book offers a snapshot of Britain from the postwar 40s to the swinging 60s. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 2 SEPTEMBER SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Time: 6.30pm Location: Audley End House and Gardens Price: £15 adults and nonmembers, £10 children/members Description: Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening of Regency wonderment in the apt setting of Audley End House’s splendid gardens when Chapterhouse perform Sense and Sensibility. www.english-heritage.org.uk 3 SEPTEMBER ANDY BELL AT PINK FESTIVAL Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £26.75 Description: In celebration of 30 years of local charity Dhiverse, which promotes sexual health and well-being, Pink Festival will host an evening electro pop new and old featuring Erasure frontman Andy Bell plus support act Shelter. www.cornex.co.uk 3-4 SEPTEMBER PINK FESTIVAL Time: 12pm-6pm (Sat), 11am ’til late (Sun) Location: Guildhall (Sat) and Boathouse (Sun) Price: Free (Sat), £5 (Sun) Description: A weekendlong celebration of the LGBT community in Cambridge. On 60 | Cambridge Edition

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Saturday enjoy community market stalls, workshops and arts, then on Sunday, catch some live acts and DJs, plus enjoy a barbecue and kids’ entertainment. www.thepinkfestival.co.uk 7-8 SEPTEMBER BROMANCE Time: 8pm (Wed) & 7pm (Thurs) Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £12.50, £8 concession Description: Catch this captivating show from some of Britain’s most exciting young acrobats, which offers an exhilarating examination of male friendship. www.junction.co.uk 8 SEPTEMBER COMMONERS’ COMEDY CLUB Time: 7-9pm Location: Novi Price: £5 advance/£7 on door Description: After a six-month hiatus, Commoners’ Comedy Club is back with a new venue. As ever, local comedian Ali Warwood has lured in top acts from all over the UK, with this event featuring Taylor Glenn as headliner. www.facebook.com/ cambridgecommoners

WIMPOLE PRODUCE FAIR

8 SEPTEMBER BARENAKED LADIES Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £30.50 Description: 28 years together and over 14 million albums sold, Barenaked Ladies are back on the road in support of their latest album. Expect a trip down memory lane with hits like One Week and Pinch Me, plus brand new material. www.cornex.co.uk 9 SEPTEMBER CUSTARD COMEDY Time: 8.15pm Location: Comberton Sports and Arts Price: £8 Description: Custard Comedy launches its seventh season at Comberton on Friday 9 September with the comedy skills of Steve Royle as its headliner. www.custardcomedy.co.uk 10-11 SEPTEMBER WIMPOLE PRODUCE FAIR Time: 10.30am-5pm Location: Wimpole Estate Price: £11 adults, £5.50 children, free to National Trust members Description: Browse stalls selling home-made and homegrown produce and treats from

Wimpole’s own garden, farm and kitchen, plus enjoy the real ale tent and live music. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 17 SEPTEMBER GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS Time: 10am-4pm Location: Botanic Gardens Price: £60 Description: A one-day course to help you choose the best annual, perennial and shrubby plants for your garden, to ensure a longseason supply of fresh cut flowers for your home. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk 20 SEPTEMBER OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Time: 7pm Location: Lady Mitchell Hall Price: £13 Description: Enjoy a brand-new selection of the world’s most enthralling ocean-themed short films as part of a nationwide tour. www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk 22-28 SEPTEMBER CAMBRIDGE ORIGINAL PRINTMAKERS BIENNALE Time: 10.30am-5.30pm daily Location: The Pitt Building Price: Free entry

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LISTINGS

Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: £15.50 Description: A musical reimagining of Judith Kerr’s classic kids book, this delightful family show was a smash hit in the West End. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 25 SEPTEMBER AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2016 Time: 10am-5pm Location: Milton Country Park Price: £5 adults (£7 on the gate), under 16s free Description: Family fun day featuring great food and drink, wild outdoor play, traditional games, craft and more. Plus street food, real ales and live music. www.miltoncountrypark.org BETH ORTON

Description: Enjoy art from a host of talented local printmakers, plus talks and demonstrations. www.cambridgeoriginal printmakers.com 22 SEPTEMBER ULTIMATE EAGLES Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £24.50 Description: In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Hotel California, acclaimed tribute act Ultimate Eagles are hitting Cambridge to take you on a nostalgic journey back the Eagles heyday in the 70s. www.cornex.co.uk

GROW YOUR OWN FLOWERS

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

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20-25 SEPTEMBER THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Time: Times vary

25 SEPTEMBER BETH ORTON Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £20.50 Description: One of the most unique voices to emerge over the last few years, Beth Orton will be bringing her distinctive electronica-infused folk music to the Junction’s J1. www.junction.co.uk 27 SEPTEMBER RAT BOY Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £14.50 advance Description: A slightly scabby in a good way Essex boy with a sharp observational wit, Rat Boy makes a unique, very listenable hip hoprock hybrid. www.junction.co.uk 29 SEPTEMBER LEVIATHAN Time: 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £12.50 Description: Based on Moby Dick, this awe-inspiring show features a cast of seven performers using athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira and partner-work to weave a captivating narrative. www.junction.co.uk 29 SEPTEMBER SIXTIES GOLD Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £32-£35 Description: Celebrate the best of the decade with the ultimate 60s party, featuring Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, P J Proby and Wayne Fontana. www.cornex.co.uk

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FAMILY

TheTiger

Who Came to Tea

SEP

The Tiger Who Came to Tea stage show, a colourful musical adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much-adored children’s book, visits Cambridge this month for a five-day run at the Arts Theatre.

Taking place 20-25 September, the production comes our way after a successful stint in the West End and is suitable for ages three years and up. Kids of all ages will love this classic story in which a big stripy tiger unexpectedly drops in on Sophie and her mum and eats everything in sight, leading to mayhem. Expect a bit of magic, lots of singalongs and a hearty helping of chaos!

Times vary, all tickets £15.50. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

SEP

Small Worlds Kids (and grown-ups), are invited to step into the enchanting world of the Mimika Theatre group this month, when they stop by at Cambridge Junction on Sunday 11 September. Taking place inside a domed tent, which acts as a gorgeous mini-theatre, Small Worlds blends traditional puppetry with digital animation to create a mesmerising and unique piece of visual theatre.

The plot follows five characters: a bug, a young goose, a fox cub, a cat and a six-year-old girl, along their wordless, interweaving stories, set against a backdrop of exquisitelycrafted landscapes.

Entirely non verbal and performed in an intimate, atmospheric setting, this show is thoroughly engaging but intentionally gentle – surely no bad thing in an era of worrisome levels of screen time and endless distractions?

Shows at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Tickets priced at £10 for adults and £6 for children. www.junction.co.uk

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FAMILY

Milton Country Park Festival

SEP

A fabulous day of family fun awaits this month when the annual Milton Country Fair returns on 25 September. From 10.30am to 5.30pm, you and your brood can have a blast getting stuck into all sorts of adventures, from wild outdoor play and woodland crafts to enjoying yummy food and live music.

As well as acting as a huge celebration of the great outdoors and offering a last hurrah for the summer, the event is geared towards helping to fundraise to keep this treasured green space in the city maintained and accessible for all to enjoy, with all proceeds going back into the park.

At this year’s event, there will be pony rides, canoe safaris, hay play and hovercraft rides, as well as a miniature steam train to keep kids entertained. And for the grown-ups? Real ales and cider, delicious eats from street food collective foodPark, stalls with local produce for sale and a vintage tea tent, should you fancy a cuppa and a wedge of cake.

The Green Stage will be kicking out great live music all day too, and if you’ve any energy left, there will be apple pressing in the orchard.

Advance tickets for the event cost £5 per adult plus booking fee (£7 on the gate). Tickets are bookable via the Cambridge Live website at www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk. Numbers are limited, however, so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Children under 16 go in free to the event. Parking is also free, however spaces are limited so please use alternative transport if at all possible.

Find out more about the Autumn Festival at the Milton Country Park website. www.miltoncountrypark.org

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FAMILY

Balsham

CRAFT, GIFT & FOOD FAIR The annual Balsham Food, Craft and Gift Fair returns on 8 and 9 October, promising its biggest and best event yet with more than 50 stalls to explore.

Hosted by Meadow Primary School, the fair is entering its 27th year, and offers a feel-good community event with a variety of high-quality handmade creations and tasty locally made foods.

This year, explore infused glass decorations, original art work, beautiful jewellery, ceramics, textiles, crochet and felt work, natural beauty products and handmade cards. If you’re after a foodie treat, there’ll be cheeses, Greek oils, olives, preserves, cupcakes, artisan ice creams and plenty more to tuck into. The café will also be selling home-made cakes, biscuits, filled rolls, bacon butties and hot dogs as well as serving up cream teas.

For the kids, there’s plenty of fun in store, with a lucky dip, sweetie stall, facepainting, craft tables and activities run by Cambridge United Football Club.

“We are really excited about this year’s event,” says organiser Debbie Paton.

“We have a fantastic range of high-quality, luxurious, unique and bespoke crafts and gifts available to buy at very affordable prices. I believe there is always something special about a gift which has been lovingly designed and created by hand.”

Visitors of all ages are welcome to come along and support local craftspeople, artists and food producers, picking up delightful gifts and treasured pieces. In case you need another reason to visit, all proceeds made at the fair will benefit the students at Meadow Primary School, helping to enrich their learning through new technologies and funding of extracurricular activities. The event takes place from 10.30am to 4pm. Entrance £2 per adult (includes a tea/coffee per ticket), 50p for under 16s. www.facebook.com/balshamcraftfair

OCT

Playing Up: LIVE ART FOR KIDS & ADULTS An artwork by Sibylle Peters, Playing Up takes the form of a game played together by kids and adults. Gather teams of families and friends or come alone, follow the instructions and create a piece of live art in this interactive show, presented by the Live Art Development Agency. “Kids are explorers of the everyday,” says Sibylle Peters. “For them to light a match can be something extraordinary that needs focus and time and creates an experience. The same is true for everyone practicing Live Art.” Playing Up is suitable for ages six years and up and tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Takes place on 25 September from 12pm to 4pm. www.junction.co.uk

SEP

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COMMUNITY

Get on your bike THIS AUTUMN! For fitness, fun or simply to enjoy the great outdoors, there are loads of excellent reasons to head out on a cycling adventure this autumn. And whether you’re a complete novice or the star of the peleton, local independent bike shop Rutland Cycling has an event to suit you this September.

An intermediate? Join in with the summer road rides at Histon on 6, 13, 20 and 27 September (6.15pm-8.15pm), which cover 15-25 miles, taking a steady enough pace that you can enjoy a chat with your fellow cyclists.

On 5 September, the Breeze Women’s Midweek Pedal sets off from Cyclepoint at Cambridge Station at 10.30am. This leisurely ride is designed for beginners, mostly sticking to traffic-free trails and taking a gentle pace across a route of 7-10 miles. Relaxed and friendly, it’s an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the fresh air, perfect for those who are new to cycling, or returning to it (£5 bike hire). All rides are free to take part in but advance booking is essential.

Rutland Cycling also runs maintenance classes at its Barnwell Road branch which help you to understand how to keep your bike in tip-top condition. This month’s date for your diary is 7 September, when the expert workshop team will cover topics including fixing a puncture, mending a broken chain, cleaning and lubricating your bike and performing a simple safety check in a friendly, interactive session. Starts 6pm, costs £5. www.rutlandcycling.com

Reach Festival A village green that is home to one of the oldest events in the country – Reach Fair, which dates back to 1201 – is about to host a brand-new event.

Reach Festival is a showcase for local handmade crafts and produce, taking place on Fair Green, home to the historic fair, on 24 September.

Craft displays will include potting, spinning, lace making and flint knapping (the making of prehistoric stone tools).

These, plus stalls, a stage and tea tent are on the green. Inside the Village Centre you’ll be able to find further crafts, cookery demonstrations, a baking competition and an autumn show. Music recitals and book readings take place in the church and there will also be a dog scurry. www.reachfestival.org.uk

Stourbridge Fair For an afternoon of medieval merriment, make a pilgrimage to the annual Stourbridge Fair on 3 September. The event takes place The Leper Chapel, Cambridge’s oldest building, no less, which dates back to the 12th century.

The fair began in 1199, when royal permission was given by King John to hold a threeday fair to raise money for the lepers, and went on to become the largest medieval fair in Europe. Today, visitors can enjoy medieval fun including watching historical re-enactments, dancing and singing, meeting alchemists and pedlars and browsing stalls selling produce typical of the time. www.cambridgeppf.org

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

WORDS SIOBHAN GODWOOD

This part cycling shop, part café in Saffron Walden is proving that great bikes and delicious food are the ultimate combination icicletta opened in April 2015, the brainchild of Christopher Middleton, a local man with a love of cycling. The sport is very popular in the area, with lots of local cycling clubs and enthusiasts – and of course, Saffron Walden is close to Cambridge, a city famous for its long-standing love affair with bicycles!

Christopher noticed the hugely positive reaction in the town when the Tour de France came through in 2014, and felt there could be a gap in the market for a shop and café based around cycling.

The aim was to run Bicicletta as part café, part bike shop, with a 50-50 split between the two. Towards the end of the first year, it became apparent that there was an opportunity to maximise the potential of the food and drink side

says, “but I thought that we could offer something different, which led to the idea of us offering healthy food.”

The café has a selection of cakes and other items that they sell all the time, and four or five regular menu items, but also one or two specials that change daily. “The idea is that if you wanted to eat here five days a week, you could have something completely different every day,” explains Peter. “And of course the healthy angle fits really well with Bicicletta’s sporty theme.”

The team at Bicicletta are very proud of their indie status, and are keen to work as much as possible with other local, independent producers. “Our coffee is from

Hot Numbers in Cambridge, our cakes are made by two local bakers – Coco Fleur and Honest to Goodness – and all our fruit, veg and meat comes from local suppliers,” explains Peter. They’ve also started a collaboration with local company This Is Cambridge, who make cycling jerseys, socks and caps. “The guys who run it used to come in here as part of their own rides, and we got chatting and found out what they did,” says Peter. “Going forward we’ll aim to work with small independent companies like that. It gives the shop more of a boutique feel, but it’s also really nice to have a relationship with our suppliers that goes beyond just business.”

They're keen to work with small independent companies of things, so Christopher decided to take it in a slightly different direction. He hired manager Peter Moore, who has eight years’ experience running a restaurant in Chamonix. Before Peter started work, he spent hours walking the streets of Saffron Walden, seeing what the other cafés and restaurants in the town had to offer. “There are loads of fantastic places to eat,” he

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

Although the café has an obvious bike theme, you don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate the great atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks. “To begin with, I think that some people who weren’t into cycling might have been a bit unsure about coming in, as it perhaps wasn’t obvious that we are a café,” says Peter. “But word has quickly spread since we started doing breakfasts and lunches, and we now get a lot of visitors who have no interest in bikes at all – just in good food.”

Having said that, Bicicletta’s reputation as a great hang-out for cycling enthusiasts

You don't have to be a cyclist to appreciate the atmosphere stretches far and wide – helped by the fact that the shop stocks a fantastic range of high-end bikes from brands including Colnago, Cinelli, Bianchi and Mercxx, plus lots of other gear such as clothing, accessories and footwear. They are also

able to source and custom build bicycles.

“We get people from all over coming in here as part of their cycling route,” Peter explains. “Walden Velo is the big local club, and those guys come in at least three times a week. But at the weekends we get cyclists from further afield – a guy cycled from Hackney the other day, and we have regular riders coming in from Peterborough or North London. Lots of them cycle here, come in for some food and a bit of a browse of our bikes and equipment, then get the train back.”

The cycling community is quite a small world, and Peter finds that one week they’ll

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get a solo rider in from a particular club, then the next week a whole group turn up who’ve been tipped off that Bicicletta is a good place to stop. “Our clientele is a great mix; cycling enthusiasts, who might have heard about us from clubs and want to come in to refuel and chat, and people who are just into good, healthy food.”

You often hear that the key to business success is to do one thing, and do it well.

But Bicicletta has proved that doing two things brilliantly can work even better.

1-2 Market Row, Saffron Walden CB10 1JZ www.biciclettavelo.com

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INDIE PICKS

The latest news from Cambridge’s local independent fashion boutiques

TOAST POP-UP STORE

DR MARTENS OPEN CAMBRIDGE STORE Last month, iconic British footwear brand Dr Martens opened the doors to a brand-new store on Sidney Street; its first stand-alone shop in Cambridge. Located in the premises previously home to independent fashion store Mayhem, it stocks men’s and women’s boots, shoes and sandals, plus a range of eye-catching accessories including satchels.

Founded in the 40s but introduced to British fashion in the 60s, DMs have left a huge footprint on the music and youth culture of the UK, adopted by various subcultures (from punks to mods to Britpoppers), and known for their distinctive yellow stitching and bouncy aircushioned sole. More than 50 years into their story, DMs have retained an air of timeless cool, with the brand continuing to grow and endear itself to new generations. www.drmartens.com

EDITION

Purveyors of great quality, simple, contemporary women’s clothing, TOAST has recently opened a pop-up store on Trinity Street. Having taken up an initial lease of six months on the premises, the store will house the brand’s accessories, loungewear and nightwear collections, as well as a selection of house and home products.

There’s a lot to like about the store, which showcases the TOAST brand in a stripped back, almost industrial-style setting. Browse the racks and you’ll find gorgeous handmade dressing gowns, repurposed from saris of the softest fabrics, hand spun ikat skirts and colourful kimono jackets.

Denim, of the heavy, indigo-dyed variety, is at the heart of the collection, and you’ll find a lovely range of pinafore dresses, A-line skirts, quirky cropped trousers and tunics in store, along with delicate, lightweight woollen and cotton pieces, ideal for layering.

Though drawing on distinct influences from around the globe, the whole collection is designed to work together as a capsule wardrobe, combining great everyday staples with occasional statement pieces. www.toa.st/uk

loves

We love these statement art deco style earrings from local fave Ark. Priced at £45, they’ll jazz up even the simplest outfit.

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BEAUTY

WORDS DAISY DICKINSON

a natural

boost Harness the uplifting essence of summer with a natural boost for your skin. Daisy Dickinson picks her favourite high-street skincare and shows how to create your own DIY skincare miracle products

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Summer is a great time for new releases, and for all-natural brands it is the perfect opportunity to benefit from some beautiful summery ingredients and scents. We all know the saying ‘you are what you eat’, and no one better than blogger, author and nutrition guru, Deliciously Ella, who has just collaborated with Neal’s Yard Remedies on an exciting new launch.

Not just satisfied with changing the way she ate, Ella Mills recognised the benefits of switching to natural and organic skincare too. Having already worked with the Neal’s Yard team on developing recipes for their superfood blends, Ella's first range for skin is the Rose, Lime & Cucumber range.

Packaged in pretty blue bottles, the Moisturiser 1 (£25) greets you with the warming scent of rose, followed by refreshing notes of cucumber and lime. Suitable for all skin types, it melts gloriously into the skin without being greasy, and is very gentle. A Facial Wash 2 (£16) completes the range, offering a gentle but effective cleanser.

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BEAUTY

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An exciting new addition for the ever-blooming Rose Crescent, and just around the corner from Neal’s Yard Remedies, is an innovative new Origins store at number 17. Inspired by the convergence of science and nature, the Explorer’s Studio and Botanist’s Laboratory inside promise to evoke a feeling of well-being and discovery, which shouldn’t be hard given the incredible products on offer, including the new Rituali Tea Powder Face Masks 3 (£30) and Cleansing Body Masks 4 (£25).

Choose from Matcha Madness, with a revitalising and antioxidantrich blend of Matcha and Green Tea to renew and restore skin texture and suppleness, Oolong-La, perfect for absorbing excess oil while gently exfoliating, or Feeling Rosy, with Rooibos tea and rose for a calming and smoothing effect. The Powder Face Masks come in cute little tins, where you should mix a couple of teaspoons of the powder with water before applying to the face.

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Offer for Edition readers To celebrate the opening of the new Cambridge store, Origins are giving Edition readers a complimentary mini facial, with 2x30ml Origins deluxe samples worth £13*. To claim, simply pop into store, showing this page of the magazine. *Worth value calculated on basis of full-size product. Facial subject to availability at counter. Customers must show actual magazine page, photocopies will not be accepted. Offer valid until 31 October 2016 and limited to one per customer, while stocks last. Facials can be pre-booked by emailing: orcambridge@origins.co.uk

store cupboard skincare © Daisy Dic kinson

A great way to save a little cash is to get creative in your kitchen. Don’t worry, I’m not going Nigella on you, but simply making skincare products from ingredients commonly found in the kitchen. A favourite of mine which is so easy to do, is a scrub.

The squeaky cleaner

STEP 1. Pick your ingredients. You’ll need either sugar or salt as an abrasive, and an oil to muddle together. You can add essential oils too here if you like.

STEP 3. Pop all your ingredients in a bowl and mix together. There’s no exact science to the amounts, but you want a consistency that’s thick enough to apply to the skin.

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The smooth ’n’ sweet

inson © Daisy Dick

STEP 2. Prepare your ingredients. If you’re using salt flakes, crush them down using a pestle and mortar for a face scrub, or leave chunky for a body scrub.

Antibacterial and antiviral, raw honey is packed with goodies for your skin, and with anti-inflammatory properties it’s ideal for acne sufferers.

Mix with salt and add lemon juice as a natural astringent. Add oil, like avocado, and mix together. If you have any broken skin, leave the lemon out and swap salt for sugar.

Such a simple combination but so effective. Coconut oil muddled together with raw sugar smells (and is) good enough to eat. I prefer to use coconut sugar here too for the deep caramel scent and soft grains.

With both scrubs, once mixed you can apply to skin, working in circular motions before rinsing clean.

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spa

SPA

WORDS SIOBHAN GODWOOD

guide

Whether you want a quick massage or facial or are planning a day of luxury for a special occasion, there’s a spa experience in the Cambridge area to suit you

Weavers Spa at The Swan, Lavenham A spa break at Weavers is a real getaway, set as it is in the gorgeous Swan, a 15th century Inn in the heart of Suffolk. Don’t be fooled by the hotel’s olde worlde feel, though – the Weavers spa is bang up to date, with over 30 skin, body and soul treatments and packages on offer.

All treatments use the Temple Spa range of products, inspired by the Mediterranean and featuring amazing ingredients such as black truffle, champagne, diamonds and gold, as well as endorphin-releasing active ingredients.

Treatments have inspiring names – facials include Windows of the Soul and Mediterranean Marinade, and there’s a body massage called Drift Away. Then there’s the Weavers’ House Hug, their two-hour signature treatment; it begins with a facial, followed by a deep-tissue massage, finishing off with hot stones and stretching. If you aren’t sure which treatment you would like, you can just book a time slot with a therapist and make the decision on the day.

Facilities include six treatment rooms – one of which is a double room for couples or two friends to share, ideal if you fancy making your spa experience a bit more sociable! There are also two relaxation suites, a manicure/ pedicure area, an aromatic steam room, a hot stone sauna and an outdoor vitality pool in the courtyard garden. theswanatlavenham.co.uk

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SPA

Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Dragonfly Spa If you want to combine a relaxing spa experience with a bit of retail therapy, then look no further than the Dragonfly Spa, set among the unique shops and tearooms of Burwash Manor. Their most popular facial is the Ultimate Vitamin Glow, and it’s easy to see why – suitable for all skin types, it rejuvenates, deep cleanses and hydrates.

Plus, every facial at Dragonfly starts with a ‘back diagnostic’ – essentially a back massage to relax you and prepare you to make the most of your facial – and a hands and arms massage while the facial treatment gets to work. Amazing value! There’s a whole host of body treatments available too, including the Deep Tissue body massage, more popular as Cambridgeshire folk seek a solution to the stresses of everyday life. All treatments use gorgeous Decléor products, and the spa runs hen and bridal parties, too. www.burwashdragonfly.com

Wyboston Lakes is about halfway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, and Y Spa was recently awarded the Certificate of Excellence 2016 for superior service by Trip Advisor. The spa is home to eleven treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and a thermal spa, as well as two dedicated relaxation areas.

Therapists offer the very latest in holistic and beauty therapies, featuring products from five different ranges – Elemis, Murad, Neom, OPI and Katherine Daniels.

You can choose from a wide variety of different facial and body treatments, and there’s also the option of taking advantage of the other facilities at the Wyboston Lake Spa Hotel, and stretching the relaxation out to a longer spa break. The Afternoon Tea and spa package is a great option, as it means that you can also take advantage of the delicious food – not to mention fizz – on offer in the on-site restaurant, but there’s a huge variety of options, including a men-only break, and a Beautiful Bump package specially tailored to pregnant women. www.yspa.co.uk

art of float Lie back and float away to complete relaxation at Art of Float, CB4’s newest addition.

Located on Hawthorne Way, the venue is part art gallery, part state of the art flotation studio, and opened in August. No idea what flotation is all about? The experience involves you entering a sensory deprivation pod, filled with a combination of water and Epsom salts. With zero gravity, zero stress and zero distractions, you’re primed for not only blissful relaxation, but also efficient physical and mental recovery and general wellbeing. As you slip into a meditative-like state, the chatter and noise of day-to-day life ebbs away, leaving you zenned out beyond belief. Check out the website for more info. artoffloat.com

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SPA

Finn Jordan

The Cambridge Belfry The Cambridge Belfry hotel in Cambourne has a dedicated spa featuring seven treatment rooms, one double treatment room, a relaxation area, steam room, sauna and a gorgeous pool. As well as a full range of individual treatments, you can also book full spa days, including the Espa Experience with afternoon tea, which combines your pick from a range of luxurious treatments with full use of the leisure facilities, afternoon tea and – of course – a glass of bubbly.

And because the spa is in a hotel, there are overnight spa breaks on offer too, with luxurious accommodation and three delicious meals in the restaurant. www.qhotels.co.uk

A peaceful haven in the centre of Cambridge, Finn Jordan is a different kind of hair and beauty salon, one that understands that sometimes we want something more than just having our hair and nails done. All their facial treatments use Paris-based skincare brand Guinot, while for body treatments, Finn Jordan uses Aromatherapy Associates products, used in top spas around the world.

Finn Jordan also offer individually tailored bridal packages to help brides prepare for their big day, which can entail just hair and beauty on the day itself, through to a whole range of treatments in the run-up to the wedding. And if you’re searching for an idea for a hen party or other special occasion, then look no further, as the salon runs pamper parties for groups of five or more, where you can enjoy full use of their relaxing basement area, a selection of professional treatments, plus fizz and treats.

If you want more than just a one-off treatment, you can choose one of the special Finn Jordan packages – there are three different price levels – and tailor it to your particular needs or requirements. www.finnjordan.co.uk

The Elemis Spa at Glassworks Health Club The Glassworks is an urban retreat right in the heart of Cambridge, set within the city’s famous Varsity Hotel. The spa area has an unbeatable view, with the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi all overlooking the River Cam and the trees of Magdalene College. The spa now offers couple’s treatments, and there’s also a fab new hair salon, offering a range of Aveda treatments. If you fancy making a day of it, there’s a range of full or half-day spa packages available, including men-only days and specific packages for pregnant or postnatal women. Packages start from just £45 and you can use all club facilities while you’re there, which include a gym and relaxation rooms. And it would be a travesty not to take advantage of the Varsity’s famous rooftop terrace for a drink or two afterwards... www.theglassworksgym.co.uk

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TRANQUILLITY BEAUTY Situated in Duxford, Tranquillity offers an impressive selection of face and body treatments, as well as holistic therapies.

Particularly popular are their hot stone therapies; choose from a hot stone body or back massage, or go for the full package of hot stone body massage, cold stone facial and chakra balancing. They also offer Hopi ear candling; a really soothing, relaxing experience that can help with problems including sinus issues and hayfever. There are three great packages on offer – one for mums-to-be, one for brides-to-be and an ‘all about me’ pampering package. With the bride package, you can choose to have all the treatments in one day, or spread them out before the big day. tranquillitybeautysalon.com

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BROOKES CAMBRIDGE Awakening potential in every child

t Brookes Cambridge, it is our mission to awaken the potential in every child.

We provide a creative environment that ignites a student’s imagination, builds character and broadens their horizons. Through this approach, we can prepare them to be the global citizens of the future.

OUR CAMPUS Brookes Cambridge is set in eight acres framed by the undulating, lush Suffolk countryside. 30 minutes drive from Cambridge and five miles west of Bury St Edmunds, we provide a safe and enriching environment for children to study and play.

OUR FAMILY Brookes Cambridge is a founding member of the Brookes Education Group, which was born out of the inspiration of a small group of experienced, international educators who are passionate about sharing their vision for global education.

The Brookes family spans three continents, offering five schools in some of the top-ranked countries for education and opportunity, which are Canada, South

We believe the best way to experience the school is to see it for yourself, so we’ve provided a number of opportunities to find out more.

KEY EVENTS

OPEN DAY Saturday 12 November 10.30am-12.30pm

*Social Progress Imperative, Top 20 countries 2015/2016.

Korea, United Kingdom and the United States of America.* Brookes Cambridge is an independent day and boarding school that accepts boys and girls from three years old. We provide our students with the tools that give them confidence and a mindset to take on new challenges. We encourage them to be open-minded, aware of cultural differences, and creative and innovative about how they approach world issues.

CONTACT DETAILS To register for an Open Day, Taster Day, or arrange a personal tour of the school, contact our friendly admissions team on 01284 760531 or at admissions@ brookescambridge.org www.brookescambridge.org Brookes Cambridge, Flempton Road, Risby, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6QJ

OUR UNIQUE APPROACH We’re a pioneering school that places the child at the heart of everything we do. Through our unique ethos, which starts in our Montessori-accredited nursery, we inspire a love of learning by developing creativity and stimulating the imagination. The combination of small class sizes and innovative teachers provides the catalyst for students to flourish and unlock their natural talents.

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TASTER DAYS We offer taster days across the year to give Reception to Year 8 children the chance to experience the school first-hand. Currently, we are offering days during the following weeks: w/c Monday 26 September 2016 w/c Monday 21 November 2016 w/c Monday 23 January 2017

OUR FUTURE We have embarked on an ambitious redevelopment plan that will see our campus truly deliver 21st century schooling to our students. During the autumn term of 2016, we shall unveil a £2 million, state-of-the-art boarding and classroom facility that will boast modern, highly equipped art, science and computing labs as well as five-star lodging for weekly, full-time and flexi-boarders.

OUR CAMBRIDGE CONNECTION We’ve launched a bespoke bus service to our campus. A 17-seater bus delivers children from Babraham Park and Ride safely to the school, providing a practical and faster alternative to the morning school run.

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CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Becoming future-proof

he ability to learn new things fast is the currency of the future,” says Tom Cassidy, sixth form principal at Cambridge International School.

A tsunami of change is coming.

Over the next two decades, artificial intelligence is set to transform the service sector and professions in the same way that automation did to agriculture and manufacturing in the 20th century. Half of today’s jobs will disappear and entire industries will spring up.

Many schools today are preparing students perfectly for a job in 1970, despite the overwhelming evidence that a traditional education is no longer enough.

You still need academic qualifications of course, but these become no more than the table stakes for entry into the market.

You’ll need much more than a good degree to thrive over the duration of your career in an evolving world.

In order to become future-proof, you need to be entrepreneurial; a creative, big-picture thinker, a risk-taker and a fast learner. Humans will always be valuable when applying their creative genius to situations which are uncertain, indeterminate or unpredictable. Mankind will continue to have the edge over robots in the creation of a new solution, the design of a new product and the implementation of a new approach: all of which are trademarks of the entrepreneur.

You will need to be entrepreneurial, but not necessarily an entrepreneur. You could still practise medicine, but be a doctor with an entrepreneurial mindset, always looking to do new things, to develop, to grow, to change and to improve.

Whatever your path, to be successful you’ll need to have amazing self-discipline, highly developed powers of discernment and the ability to effectively communicate.

You will need to be a master of your

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thoughts, and captain of your actions.

You’ll need to assimilate new information rapidly and connect the dots, see the bigger picture, and go beyond a specific specialism to ‘see how it all joins up.’ You’ll have to become a ‘comprehensivist’.

A parent’s biggest question to consider when choosing a school for their child is: What will the world look like in ten, 15 and 20 years time, and which school will best prepare my child to succeed in that world?

At Cambridge International School we focus tirelessly on teaching students how to learn, not what to learn, and we are confident that our leading approach to accelerated learning is an unparalleled educational proposition.

Of all the wonderful schools to choose from in our thriving city, one of the most enigmatic is surely the Cambridge International School, a three to 19, coeducational school for the internationallyminded community in Cambridge.

This offers all that you would expect from a British school, such as integration into British culture, beautiful historic buildings, lush green landscapes and access to Cambridge’s seat of learning but

with a significant twist: a commitment to incorporating forward-thinking learning approaches from all over the world.

We do not select students by academic ability and have considerable expertise in ensuring that students make extraordinary progress, whatever their starting point.

We are a truly international school in Cambridge. Live local, think global.

OPEN DAYS & CONTACT INFORMATION OPEN DAY Saturday 15 October 2016, 10am-4pm at all three sites.

At Cambridge International School we pride ourselves on the busy, bustling and successful environment For more information contact admissions@cischool.co.uk or call 01223 778290. cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk Cambridge Internation School, 63 Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR

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EDUCATION

WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

finding the right

school

Choosing a school that will suit your child’s needs and ticks all the right boxes can be timeconsuming – luckily the local area is full of a host of great schools to choose from f you thought finding the perfect partner was tricky, it’s a doddle compared with tracking down the right school. Just as well there’s no educational equivalent to Tinder (though it’s probably only a matter of time before that happens).

And in our area at least, you can see why there’s a problem. Parents are simply spoiled for choice.

It all starts with the location, as schools themselves are quick to acknowledge.

“Cambridge schools are excellent because, as a university city, Cambridge takes learning seriously,” says Ed Elliott, head of the Perse

Upper School, who also points to the culture of learning, access to the university and wealth of educational opportunities. “We are very fortunate to be in such an educationally privileged city.”

And though our area is steeped in history, it’s thoroughly forward facing, explains Nigel Helliwell, headmaster of St Faith’s. “It’s an exciting place to be in education, being synonymous with tradition, excellence and yet innovation too.”

Because education is so much part of the city, that sense of learning imbues everything, from the oldest landmark to the newest bioscience start-up firm. “Whether

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you get your hair cut or just get a coffee, everyone has got this understanding that Cambridge is a place where people come to learn,” believes Tom Cassidy, who heads up the sixth form at Cambridge International School (CIS). “In many communities, you might be thinking that it’s all about work, hustle and bustle, partying and socialites.

Here, it’s ingrained in everyone, this culture of improving oneself and finding things out.”

Ultimately, it adds up to an atmosphere that inspires. From outstanding exam results to awe-inspiring facilities, schools here radiate excellence in every direction, casting a megawatt beam that puts many

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lunch and a spot of socialising ensure that the day ends on a high point – literally when it’s followed by a trampolining session, one of the high energy post-test activities on offer to help candidates let off steam.

The entrance process is also designed to help schools get an all-round view of potential candidates. “We see the individual behind the results,” says a spokesperson for the Stephen Perse Foundation. Einsteinlike cleverness isn’t a prerequisite, either.

“Despite our fantastic results, you don’t have to be a genius to come here. We’re looking for bright, curious young people who love to learn. Inspiring teaching, a huge variety of activities, great facilities and a

© The Perse

other parts of the country in the shade.

No wonder their allure to parents has only gone up and up.

For more proof, look no further than the Independent Schools Council’s 2016 census which showed that, despite recent wobbles in national confidence, the percentage of pupils at fee-paying schools in east England carried on growing, putting it second only to London. Every other area saw a drop.

The drawback, naturally enough, is pressure on places. You don’t need a top grade in A level maths (though if you do, you couldn’t be in better place to acquire one) to work out that brilliant schools plus a growing school-age population equals increased competition.

But it’s vital not to be swept away by doom and gloom pronouncements, explains Ed Elliott. “On average The Perse has between two and 2.5 applicants per place. Compared to London day schools where there are routinely eight to ten applicants for every place this isn’t overly competitive.”

Schools these days are also humane places that recognise how stressful the entry process can be and do their very best to make the whole process as child-friendly as possible.

At Walden School (formerly Friends’ School Saffron Walden) there’s always someone available in the admissions team for a reassuring pre-test chat. “It’s often all it takes to alleviate any nerves or niggles,” says tutor Kirsten Batcheler. A delicious

© Walden School

EDUCATION

warm, supportive community do the rest,” they say.

And not all schools opt for a formal assessment. CIS, for example, prides itself on its broadly non-selective admissions. Its strength, says Tom Cassidy, is the way that new students, many recent arrivals to the UK and with limited English, quickly settle in – their differences celebrated in the process.

“We see it as a bonus,” he says. “The more influence you can have into the cultural experiences of the existing class the better.”

Admittedly, working your way round the educational options can feel like revising for an exam all on its own.

Some schools specialise in a smaller age range – four to seven-year-olds for example, or may have their own nurseries and start at two or three, or even younger, while others cover a complete educational stage.

St Faith’s, for example, educates boys and girls from four to 13. Senior schools may start in year seven or year nine and some will have an intake in both years. Or there are the schools – including Walden, the Stephen Perse Foundation, St Christopher and The Perse – that can potentially see your child right through from their first play

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date at the age of three to their leavers’ ball at 18 (CIS goes to 19).

It can seem bewildering but the point to remember is that there’s considerable flexibility. Some families start off in state schools and move to the independent sector at age 11. Others stay with fee-paying schools until the end of GCSEs, then opt for a state sixth form college. It’s very much a matter of individual choice. “We have various points of entry – from the term you turn three, reception, year three, year seven, year nine and lower six,” says the Stephen Perse Foundation. “We try and help wherever possible to make the transition work for each individual child and you will be supported along the process.”

The task for parents is to think about what really matters, and where there’s room for manoeuvre. Take the logistics.

When you’re head over heels in love with the perfect school, you may not give the fact that it involves a nightmare commute a second thought.

That could well change once you’ve been battling our snarled up roads, some with average speeds of just 15 miles, for a term or two, particularly with younger, fractious siblings on board.

Quality family time is a precious commodity that’s all too easily squandered, so unless you’re prepared to move, an alternative

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© Stephen Perse

EDUCATION

that doesn’t tick quite so many boxes but is within easy walking or cycling distance – especially at primary school stage – is well worth considering.

A good proportion of St Faith’s parents, for example, live locally and walk or commute by bicycle – and the school does everything it can to make the journey easy, from free minibuses (from Park and Ride services) to popular breakfasts, currently served to 200 mums, dads and children from 7.15am each morning.

Of course, it’s impossible not be seduced by top-line results, academic and otherwise, and, crumbs, there’s a lot of them in this neck of the woods. Take the Perse, which managed some of the best IGCSE and A level results in the country in 2015, fielded over 150 sports teams, winning 18 county titles along the way – and still found the time to raise over £50,000 for charity.

St Faith’s was similarly energetic, from making engineering a core curriculum subject (a UK first for junior age pupils) to helping pupils achieve over 30 scholarships to senior schools – as well as reaching 17

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© St Faiths

national sports finals including gymnastics, trampolining and hockey.

Nobody would deny that doing well is important. But schools also pride themselves on their ability to help children do better than predicted, sometimes substantially so. The technical term is value added – the ‘extra’ that a good school can deliver when it comes to academic achievement.

St Christopher prides itself on looking at the whole child, says the head, Richard Palmer. “We do not compare one child with another. We look at the achievements of every individual in the context of their own ability to ensure that all fulfil their potential, both now and in the future.”

And when it comes to exams, it’s about how pupils feel about their learning. “We base our examination entry on subject enthusiasm, a real sense of purpose and

child’s personality and where they are most likely to thrive. It’s a classic case of horses for courses. Two children may have similar abilities but very different personalities.

Someone who is shy and bright might prefer a gentler style of learning, delivered by confidence-inspiring teachers. For a more outgoing individual, a more overtly competitive, fast-paced environment might be ideal to keep their interest piqued.

“We aim to help pupils develop competence and resourcefulness, social conscience and moral courage, the capacity for friendship and a true zest for life,” says Richard Palmer at St Christopher. He also stresses the importance of letting children simply be children rather than rushing them into adulthood. “There are often enormous pressures on children to become adults too early. This is a pressure we help our pupils resist. We believe childhood and schooling are important in their own right. They are experiences to be enjoyed and nurtured, not merely a means to an end.”

So it’s vital to think about your child, not yourself, when you’re considering schools.

Rolling acres and umpteen pitches may delight a football-mad parent but strike terror into the heart of a team sports-averse son or daughter.

Above all, pick a school that you can get along with. It’s a lot easier than it used to be.

Today you can expect to be involved in just about every aspect of your child’s progress, from a dip in grades to GCSE options. You’ll be able to contact a named person if you have any concerns and can usually expect to hear back within hours. “We have a pretty open approach,” says Kirsten Batcheler at Walden School. “Parents are encouraged to email teachers direct with a question or query, and because of this open line of communication, issues are more often than not nipped in the bud. It works really well.”

Gone are the days when schools expected parents to hand over their children so they could just get on with the job of moulding them into acceptable human beings, no questions asked. Today teachers bend over backwards to work with parents.

Good schools – and there are plenty of them in the area – form a partnership with families to ensure that children’s educational experiences are productive, fulfilling and – above all – happy ones.

a willingness to do one’s best. We do not withdraw children from examinations if we think they will get a low grade and we would not discourage children from taking examination courses in subjects they may not excel at academically, providing they can demonstrate a genuine interest and determination to get the best result.”

While the statistics will undoubtedly reassure, you also need to think about your

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SAFFRON WALDEN Developing caring, confident individuals alden School (formerly Friends’ School) in Saffron Walden has undergone significant changes since 2013, raising standards to build a powerful, seamless education for ages three to 18. The school is effectively four schools in one: Walden Nursery and PrePrep for ages three to seven, Walden Prep for ages seven to 11, Walden School for ages 11 to 16 and Walden Sixth Form for 16 to 18 year olds.

The name change, an outward manifestation of the many good things happening inside, is accompanied by a new image which retains the crocus at its core – an important part of the school’s heritage which has been based in Saffron Walden for 137 years. A new colour palette and smart new uniform accompany the change of identity, while a programme of internal refurbishment is under way.

The school is a prominent landmark in Saffron Walden with 25 acres of leafy

OPEN DAYS & CONTACT INFORMATION OPEN MORNING Saturday 15 October 10am-12.30pm Come along to the Open Morning, tour the school, meet staff and chat to students and current parents. The whole school will be open during the morning, from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Contact Alison Stanbury for further information on 01799 525351. www.waldenschool.co.uk Walden School, Mount Pleasant Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3EB

grounds and a history of producing mindful, rounded pupils who can become an asset to society, as writers, artists, mathematicians, scientists and professionals. The school maintains a strong focus on the individual which, following market research, emerged as one of its strongest features, and helps develop caring and confident individuals with an appetite for learning. As well as a focus on academic performance, the school is concentrating on adding

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WALDEN SCHOOL

value with a new drive to energise creativity, a pupil innovation forum to stimulate enthusiasm for generating ideas at all stages in school.

A continuing focus on mindfulness helps pupils cope with increasingly busy lives.

Walden School will continue to be shaped by the Quaker values that have underpinned it since its foundation in 1702.

Walden School is the only school for 17 miles that offers a continuity of education from ages three to 18 with the option of a day, flexi and boarding education. Its new Vision statement speaks volumes about its intentions: to be the best school in the region at instilling enthusiasm for learning and for developing natural abilities.

Visit on the Open Morning on 15 October at 10am. Call 01799 525351 for further information or email alisonstanbury@waldenschool.co.uk.

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TRING PARK SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

School for the stars gears up for October open days he prestigious Tring Park School for the Performing Arts will be holding three open days on 7, 13 and 14 October. The open days are the perfect opportunity for parents who have children with a passion for performing to experience the excellent facilities at the school, meet the principal, Stefan Anderson, and senior members of staff and enjoy performances by pupils on all the vocational courses in the school’s Markova Theatre.

Principal Stefan Anderson said that the open days are the perfect opportunity for potential pupils and their parents to experience what a unique school Tring Park really is. “Parents and children get the chance to chat with pupils and teachers, who all have extensive professional performance experience and give students a sound grounding in acting, singing and dancing,” says Stefan Anderson.

“Many of our pupils forge successful careers in the performing arts, but as well as this brilliant education in performing arts, our students strive for excellence in all areas of their studies and their achievements at A Level echo this.

“We are extremely proud of the balanced education that we provide, which helps our pupils to secure places in some of the country’s top universities.”

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According to published school league tables in 2015, Tring Park is among the top ten independent schools in Hertfordshire for A level results* with almost 32% of its A Level students achieving an A* or A grade, and 64% achieving A*, A or B grades.

The Tring Park class of 2016 are hopeful of a raft of solid results as they prepare to pursue their educations in a wide variety of disciplines. Students on the musical theatre and drama courses at Tring Park have received offers from a number of different places including The Central School of Speech and Drama, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Arts Educational Schools London, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Penn State, The Boston Conservatory and the University of Exeter.

Pupils at the Hertfordshire school have a glittering line-up of star-studded alumni to aspire to, who all have their education at Tring Park to thank for many of their fantastic successes. Former Tring Park student Daisy Ridley took the movie world

by storm late last year when she played the leading role of Rey in the latest movie in the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens.

Her success came in the same year that fellow Tring Park pupil Lily James played Cinderella in the Disney remake of the much-loved children’s classic. Lily has gone on to star in the BBC’s adaptation of War and Peace.

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X Factor favourite Ella Henderson also attended Tring Park along with Downton Abbey’s Jessica Brown Findlay.

The school also boasts an Olivier Award winner as one of its former students.

Choreographer Drew McOnie won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on In The Heights, and is currently working as the choreographer on Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith.

While these recent alumni are a wonderful indication of the incredible opportunities that Tring Park can provide its students, the school’s history can be traced back as far as 1919 with similar success stories. For many years Tring Park was part of the Arts Educational School, which before this was known as the Cone Ripman School, and

provided the performing arts training for Dame Julie Andrews.

And while some of its pupils go on to become stars of the stage and screen, the building that the school is housed in has also starred in movies.

A former Rothschild mansion built to a design of Sir Christopher Wren in 1685, Tring Park is also a beautiful heritage site that provided the perfect backdrop for some scenes that appeared in the 2015 movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron. The school was used as a Russian ballet school in the movie that starred Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson.

So parents visiting Tring Park with their theatre-loving children on its October open days this year will be in for a real treat on many levels.

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OPEN DAYS & CONTACT INFORMATION Friday 7, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October Applications to attend these open days can be filled out on the website. Call 01442 8824255 or email info@tringpark.com. www.tringpark.com Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5LX *Some schools did not submit results and therefore do not feature in the tables.

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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

A truly independent school t St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City we aim to help children between the ages of three and 18 become self-disciplined, self-motivated and creative thinkers and to develop them as independent learners who are able to make informed choices.

These are very important years that are part of the journey from childhood to adulthood. There are plenty of new friends to meet, new subjects to learn, new activities to try and new challenges to tackle. There will be successes and there will be failures, all of which need to be met with the right attitude.

TRAVELLING TO ST CHRISTOPHER Located only five minutes from A1(M) Junction nine, the 40-acre campus is located in central Letchworth Garden City. We have a daily bus service and train links to Cambridge and Royston.

If you have never visited us before then do come and have a look – you’ll be amazed at what you find.

At St Chris we have high expectations of all within the school. We expect excellent behaviour and maximum effort. We also expect everyone to work together, to enjoy their time at school and have fun working hard. Our students develop self-confidence while with us and have admirably varied plans for the future.

The school is situated on a 40-acre purpose-built campus. Our highly-qualified staff use the very best resources to engage and enthuse the students.

When the school was first founded the Daily Herald reported that the school was based ‘not on the sameness of children, their conformity to type, but on their differences.’ This concept, like the fact that children can choose what they wish to wear to school and, that all are addressed by their first names was distinctive in 1915.

Today, these are modern practices that continue to support our highly effective learning and teaching as they have done for more than a century.

We have been pioneering a distinctive and innovative approach to education for 100 years and our methods have stood the test of time. We believe – and universities,

parents and employers tell us – that our approach produces well-rounded, highly capable individuals with the skills and confidence that allow them to thrive in the modern world. We can think of no better role for a school.

Words can never adequately describe the sense of purpose that exists within the school, or reflect the levels of respect and trust between all teachers and children.

Only a visit can do this and this is a school that needs to be visited.

OPEN DAYS & CONTACT INFORMATION Saturday 24 September 2016 9.30am-1pm, no appointment is necessary. We welcome applications throughout the autumn, spring and summer terms.

Alternatively, if you would like to book an individual tour of St Chris or would like more information, please contact the registrar at admissions@stchris.co.uk or 01462 650947 or visit the website. www.stchris.co.uk St Christopher School, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3JZ

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PENCIL CASE, SCALLOPS £10 THE KID WHO

THE DOODLE PENCIL CASE £12.50 EATSLEEPDOODLE

MI PAC PE BAG £12.98 BECKY & LOLO

LUNCH BAGS £5.99 THE OAK ROOM

back to school

kit

FALCONETTI CHILDREN’S UMBRELLA £13.95 BROLLIED RUSTY FOX DRAWSTRING BAG £8.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

GEOMETRIC DESIGN LUNCH BAG £3.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

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HELEN DARDIK DRINKING BOTTLE £6.50 THE KID WHO

CLOUD PENCIL AND ERASER £9.95 RED CANDY

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WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

ADULT LEARNING Whether you’re looking to a learn a new skill for work or pursue a personal passion, the vast variety of adult learning courses in Cambridge offers something for everyone t’s undoubtedly true that our area comes complete with the strapline ‘seat of learning.’

Thanks to the cornucopia of adult educational opportunities, however, the seats in question cover a huge range of subjects. They’re not just the traditional variety that appear at swish high table events in ancient colleges; they’re just as likely to be three-piece suites re-covered by learners themselves courtesy of one of the popular DIY courses on offer – (like Parkside Federation Academies’ Upholstery for All classes, for example).

And while there’s an unparalleled tradition of education here, so ingrained that you can almost feel it in the air you breathe, the atmosphere is far from being either rarified or intimidating.

Each year, hundreds of adults decide to be part of our vibrant learning culture,

signing up for courses that could lead just about anywhere – with almost limitless freedom over how, where and at what level they study.

That flexibility could well be one of the reasons adult education remains so popular.

According to a 2015 survey looking at adult participation in learning, produced by NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, now the Learning and Work Institute), the numbers of adult learners in the east of England increased by almost a tenth, up from 33% to 42%.

While these figures speak for themselves, pinning down mature students’ motivation for signing up to what can be a substantial commitment in terms of time and effort can be rather trickier. No wonder, given the sheer range of ages, interests and goals involved, agrees Jamie Matthews, head of communications at the Learning and Work

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Institute. “Reasons for participation vary greatly, reflecting the diversity of adults and their circumstances,” he says.

Local colleges certainly wouldn’t argue with that. “We get students from all over the world coming to our courses,” confirms Joshua Hatley at Madingley Hall, which is home to the Institute of Continuing Education. Its national – and international – appeal isn’t hard to understand, given its extensive range of non-accredited programmes which can be studied anywhere, as well as its International Summer Programmes which are held in Cambridge colleges during the long school summer holiday.

Since the first NIACE report into adult education appeared 20 years ago, one consistent UK trend has emerged. The higher your social class, the more likely you are to embark on a programme of study

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later in life. Over half of middle class and white-collar workers have taken part in some form of adult learning during the past three years, compared with just over a quarter of unskilled workers and people with limited incomes.

Yet at its most fundamental level, embarking on education as an adult can be hugely liberating – and won’t necessarily cost a penny.

Local learning centres at venues including the city’s Central Library offer a range of catch-up courses. Maths and English level one and two courses (up to GCSE level) cost nothing, while IT courses are free for the unemployed.

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“They’re open to all ages and span the generations,” says Sarah Richardson, adult learning and skills performance manager at Cambridgeshire County Council. “We try to address the gaps. There’s an online basics course, for example, that targets people who have only rudimentary IT knowledge.”

Cambridge Regional College, too, is running free classes in the area again from autumn 2016, teaching essential English and maths skills from beginner all the way to GCSE level, with experienced, friendly tutors ensuring that the learners are well supported – and successful.

And perhaps unsurprisingly, careerenhancing courses at all levels tend to be a

popular choice. According to the 2015 NIACE survey, over three-quarters of all learners sign up for work-related reasons – and almost half of full- or part-time workers who took part in the most recent survey have embarked on some form of adult learning over the past three years.

Madingley Hall offers courses in a variety of academic subjects from day schools and weekends right up to part-time master’s degrees with college affiliation.

Cambridge Regional College (CRC), meanwhile, is seeing ever-increasing numbers enrolling on job-boosting part-time courses, with management and professional qualifications in everything from engineering to care proving popular.

A big growth area at the college is Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications in human resource practice. With qualified HR professionals very much a 21st century business must-have, learners increasingly see investing in a course that covers employment, law and training and development in just 30 weeks as something that will pay off handsomely in the future. “They’re looking at a change in career or for the best way to improve their qualifications to help win promotion, and investing in training is an excellent way to move forward,” says CRC business training specialist Kay Gibson.

It’s all down to a new attitude to work.

“People no longer stay in one career all their working life, and they want to make sure they have the right qualifications to progress into different fields,” she says.

A recent report from the Career Colleges Trust confirms just how expectations have shifted. The up-and-coming generation of workers assumes that the age of the job for life has gone forever. Instead, they see themselves as working in at least four different industries during their lifetimes – and reckon that acquiring new skills along the way is essential.

At Hills Road, counselling courses are continuing to prove a big hit with students – for very similar, career-related reasons.

Sensibly, many start with what the college dubs its ‘toe in the water’ introductory course. “They take it to see if they’d want pursue a qualification in the field,” says a spokesperson. Many do take this step, with significant numbers going on to take level three and four courses, often funded through the government’s Advanced Learner Loans scheme.

That willingness to embrace change is a widespread phenomenon in our area –

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in some cases leading to a complete life makeover. A case in point is the stream of students enrolling at The Cambridge Flower School. An increasing number are professionals in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Since they’re going to be retiring at a later age, says senior tutor and business owner Sarah Clerke, they decide to switch to a job that they will really love – and where they can dictate their working patterns.

“We’ve had solicitors, nurses, a dentist, administrators, people from any walk of life,” she explains. “What they’re realising is that they don’t want to stop working but neither do they want to do a nine-to-five job any more. They want something that gives them some freedom, some creativity, and that they enjoy.”

Of course, not every adult learner has such revolutionary change in mind.

The Institute of Continuing Education offers upskilling courses that help current employees hone their expertise in their current jobs. Targeted at everyone from scientists to teachers and with titles including ‘Right for your reader: brighter writing means better business,’ they are

proving so popular that more courses have recently been introduced.

Language courses in our area are enjoying similar success. It’s clear that whatever the referendum results may suggest, here, at least, forging ever-closer links with our European neighbours remains a powerful motivation to sign up for classes.

Hills Road reports continued high levels of interest in its wide range of language courses, while La Dante, a not-for-profit, bilingual, cultural association offers immersive courses in Italian and English.

Students at La Dante may be hoping to forge better business relationships, buy a holiday home or even, for second- or third-generation immigrants, rediscover their national culture and language. And whether work or leisure related, courses

are steeped in the Italian way of life. It’s an essential ingredient, says director Giulia Portuese-Williams. “You can’t learn a language without the culture. You need to be immersed.”

For some students, adult education is about signing up for a single course with a specific, short-term goal in mind. Other enthusiasts with a particular passion sign up out of sheer love of the subject.

The range of exciting, unusual and sometimes quirky courses reflects the amazingly diverse range of interests among locals. At Hills Road, dressmaking and ballroom dancing courses are big hits, while the college is now running five ceramics courses a week (including one on Saturday)

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to cope with ever growing demand for these subjects.

Anecdotally, at least, TV shows such as The Great British Sewing Bee/Pottery Throw Down and of course, The Great British Bake Off are the catalyst for at least some of the new enrolments on these very hands-on, practical classes. However, there are no such obvious links when it comes to some of the more esoteric and highly cerebral courses on offer at Madingley Hall.

Students can opt for Classical Greek and Russian languages or a range of creative writing courses. Or for those who want their horizons not just broadened but quite possibly rebooted in a completely different dimension, why not try Whirlygigs and Fenland Tigers or Ethics of the (un)natural?

Even if these aren’t quite your bag, the astonishing array of courses in our area virtually guarantees that something else will be. From brushing up on basic skills to committing to the long haul of a part-time master’s degree, learning how to throw a pot or create a stunning outfit, the richness and range of subjects on offer to adult learners in our area is a mind-expanding treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.

That first course can mark the start of a journey that can last a lifetime.

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ON THE COVER… The products on this month’s cover are available from Fired Earth, the Cambridge branch of which is located on Christ’s Lane. www.firedearth.com

EDITORIAL For editorial enquiries, contact Editor Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com

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

THIS MONTH… 6-14 • INTERIORS We show you how to create a bathroom fit for a boutique hotel 18-19 • PROPERTY NEWS The latest from the buzzing Cambridge property market 21 • BOOMTOWN BULLETIN We take a peek at the new homes available at Ninewells

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WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

MAKE A The bathroom has become one of the new focal points of the home. With unique finishes, luxury accessories and interesting details widely available, it is easy to turn your utilitarian space into a private retreat from the world

HOTEL INSPIRED The high-end feel of boutique bathrooms has become our inspiration when creating the ultimate room to pamper ourselves in. Light and space is all important with designers focusing on luxury finishes, generous baths, rain showers and sophisticated colour palettes.

Offering a furniture-style approach to bathroom cabinetry, designer bathroom specialist CP Hart is a one-stop shop for those wanting a slick finish. Dan Cook, designer at CP Hart, says: “Pampering and relaxation are synonymous with hotel bathrooms so we

want to recreate that. The latest baths are deep and comfortable due to the versatility of new composite materials. Shower enclosures are more streamlined, while shower heads are becoming increasingly nature-inspired, replicating the cascading effects created by waterfalls or rainfall. Furniture is another key consideration – units should be decorative, functional and not clinical, to ensure the room becomes a living, breathing space in its own right. Lighting is also important. For a private sanctuary-style bathroom, consider

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installing diffused downlighting, spotlights or a chromotherapy bath, which uses light in a mood-enhancing or regenerative way.”

The Albion Bath Company offers a range of stand-out baths and basins. Glossy black sinks, pewter-finish baths or classic tubs, available in a range of colours, give drama and impact to a bathroom. Ergo’s modern radiators also make a statement. The freestanding contemporary radiators or heated towel rails, shaped like ladders, marry beauty with practicality as they can be moved where necessary, but also have a sculptural feel.

Leila Roberts, tile category manager at Fired Earth, gives her advice on how to add glamour: “Eye-catching finishes and luxurious materials such as copper and marble make an impact, adding a sense of

glamour to even the most compact space.

Opt for classic pieces such as a free-standing bath or a marble-topped console since they’ll stand the test of time. Use bold tiling and splashes of colour to keep the scheme fresh.

Combine decorative flooring with one-colour walls so statement pieces shine.”

Porcelanosa offers innovative, top-end bathroom furniture. One of its latest launches is the Vitae collection, designed by the late Zaha Hadid and inspired by the fluidity of water. It includes baths with curvy lines, futuristic mirrors and avant-garde taps.

Source accessories that add a touch of warmth to a scheme. Zoe Brady, bathshop buyer at John Lewis, agrees: “The boutique hotel look is currently a big trend with many making the bathroom a sanctuary to relax

and unwind. Neutral palettes focusing on greys are key, with opulent accents in towel rails, mirrors and lighting. Faceted mirrors and marble are popular. While chrome is a key metal colour, brass tones have risen in popularity as they show warmth and luxury.”

For those looking for an uber-luxe bathroom, inspiration is guaranteed at Italian bathroom designers Zucchetti.Kos from its square bathtubs to the steam shower cabins.

“Symmetrical layouts help you to achieve the hotel look,” says Sarah Harris, brand manager at Zucchetti.Kos. “Start by creating a focal point with the use of double or twin basins as well as statement mirrors and build the scheme around this central point. Include accents of wood and high shine brassware to add to the sophisticated theme.”

Decorative yet functional ABOVE CP Hart’s Gessi Cono Bathroom, POA, recreates the pampering feel of hotel bathrooms. TOP LEFT CP Hart’s Gessi Cono Bathroom, POA, is inspired by living room furniture so the space becomes an inviting, glamorous room. LEFT The V Care from Vitra is a new, smarter WC combining the functionality of a toilet and the cleaning properties of a bidet.

Remote control and automatic sensors deliver a hands free approach, available in two options. Price from £1299. Available from Wetstones, in Royston (01763 250819; www.wetstones.co.uk)

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ORGANIC MADE EASY Natural textures, such as wood, bamboo and stone, feel perfectly at home in the bathroom. Shimu’s bamboo towel ladder and wooden footbath give a rough-hewn effect, while Scandi Living’s raffia baskets and oak hooks further complement a scheme inspired by the natural world. Add in the bamboo bath mats from Rockett St George for a textural layer.

Real marble with its vein effect also gives an organic finish but can be pricey.

Available at the Stone and Ceramic Warehouse are unique marble-effect porcelain tiles, which are an affordable and practical alternative.

Chris Grainger, managing director, the Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, comments: “Not only is real marble often unaffordable for most people, it can also create application issues due to its extreme weight. Marble-effect porcelain, on the other hand, gives an impressive finish. A computerised program prints the marble vein pattern with a ‘natural’ variation from tile to tile; the reproduction is so accurate that our porcelain often gets confused for the real thing. Recent technological advances have also meant that marbleeffect materials are now available in largeformat tiles. These are excellent for making spaces appear bigger than they are and creating the ultimate luxe look of marble at the fraction of the price.”

Amtico’s vinyl flooring also comes in natural finishes and is another cheat’s way to recreate the look of slate, stone and timber, but without the necessary expense or upkeep of such materials.

“For a raw, organic feel opt for the soft tones of the grey slate or the classic oak style,” says Karen Quarterman, product design manager at Amtico. “Smoky hues, smooth lines and organic layers deliver soft flow to open areas and intense drama to intimate spaces. Analogue photography, darkroom processes and the movement of light are the inspiration behind the innovation that created the unique, nonrepeating patterns.”

Rough luxe CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Amtico’s Alchemy Atmosphere and Flagstone flooring, from £70/m2; Stone and Ceramic Warehouse’s Pisa Tiles are made from porcelain but look like marble, £72/m2; Amtico’s Parisian Pine Basket Weave, from £70/m2; Raffia baskets, £99 for two, from Scandi Living; natural bamboo bath mat, £24, from Rockett St George; Shimu’s bamboo ladder, £175, makes a natural bath rack

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UNIQUE MAT ERIALS The latest bathroom designs combine a mixture of finishes to give a fresh, modern feel. Copper, stone, marble and metallic effects complement each other and touches of each can look innovative and chic.

Metal finishes work well with natural materials and bring a sense of glamour.

Brass and pewter give an old-world charm while brushed, matt metals give an industrial look. Whether you opt for a copper bath or go for a smaller splash in metal hardware, towel rails and shower fixtures, the use of metals can inject light into a bathroom.

Opt for a statement sink, like those in a range of unusual materials at Unique Sinks.

The company makes gorgeous circular sinks in semi-precious stones, such as the emerald green malachite or the deep blue lapis lazuli, as well as pretty mother-of-pearl versions and hand-painted Mexican floral designs.

Cambridge Kitchens and Bathrooms has seen customers using different materials to create a bespoke bathroom. Sarah WadeGledhill, director, reveals: “Copper and stainless steel pebble mosaics are the latest trends,” she says. “Wet rooms are popular so

the tiling can run throughout giving a clean look and making the room feel spacious.

People no longer want bulky shower trays that are difficult to clean and are opting for free-standing baths and sinks, such as Duravit’s Cape Cod model. Mood lighting and niches in the wall give a luxury flourish.”

At Cambridge-based Mandarin Stone, it’s marble that’s in vogue. “Marble oozes natural beauty and timeless elegance. It is practical and hard-wearing,” says marketing director Louisa Morgan. “For a more modern twist try the Pyrenees mosaic chevron design and accessorise with a marble basin, such as the Calacatta Pluto basin. The Palisandra marble floor also gives a beautiful luxury finish.”

Sarah Harris, brand manager at Zucchetti.

Kos, agrees it’s a mix-and-match approach

that’s on trend: “Due to the growing popularity of spa-like bathrooms, the trend for luxe materials and richer tones has become prevalent,” she says. “Consumers are beginning to experiment more in terms of texture, colour and finishes and, with the choices in the market today – from luxurious marble surfaces to coloured taps and bright accessories – different elements can be put together for a bespoke bathroom.”

Available at tile specialist Reed Harris is the new Cocciopesto collection of porcelain floor and wall tiles, providing a contemporary take on a traditional material.

Karen Brimacombe, Reed Harris’ business development manager, says: “This chic and sophisticated new range gets its name from the decorative technique of Cocciopesto, which was used in ancient Greece and Rome and saw tile fragments mixed with mortar to create an incredibly durable material. Featuring a beautiful, handcrafted look, Cocciopesto tiles see the markings of terrazzo paired with plain cement. The beautiful dual colour hexagon tiles can be used to create unique, eye-catching designs.”

Make it unique CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Zucchetti.Kos’s Faraway Vis a vis range, prices from £359 for mixer taps; Duravit’s Cape Cod bath, prices vary, available at Cambridge Kitchens and Bathrooms, is bang on trend; Reed Harris’s Cocciopesto Mixed Hexagon Tiles, from £47.50/m2, Unique Sinks are made out of semi-precious stones, from £725; Zucchetti.Kos HIM tap by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, £538

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COLOUR EFFECT While white sanitaryware is here to stay, colour is making a comeback in other areas of the bathroom.

Harry James of Cambridge-based Flawless Kitchens and Bathrooms, comments: “I have found that people are going for more simple, clean lines in their bathrooms. In fact, the days of fully-tiled bathrooms seem to be going out of fashion and while neutral colours, such as white and cream, seem to be the most popular for bathroom furniture, it nonetheless gives a good foundation to add splashes of colour elsewhere, in the form of flooring, accessories, paint or wallpaper.”

Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at colour specialists Farrow and Ball, agrees: “Bathrooms are often painted white or

neutral tones, but they are actually a great space to add colour or pattern in your home.

Bathrooms are often smaller and lacking in natural light so people choose to paint them neutral tones in the hope of creating light and space, however this can often create quite a dull space lacking in character.

Instead, using a bold colour like Hague Blue, Brinjal or new colours Vardo and Inchyra Blue will create a dramatic, cocooning look that’s full of character.”

As well as the potential to add colour on walls, a good way to add interest to an otherwise neutral colour scheme is with statement flooring. Geometric patterned tiles or brightly patterned encaustic tiles, such as those available at Spanish tile specialist Alhambra Tiles, are the latest thing

when teamed with an all-white bathroom.

The trend also feeds into another fashion for artisanal tiling. Instead of mass-produced tiles that all look alike, hand-crafted tiles, considered beautiful for their imperfections, will infuse a bathing space with rich texture as well as visual appeal.

For those wanting a lesser commitment, however, add your hues by complementing a neutral bathroom with bold accessories – fuschia, purple and black are the latest statement colours to add in with accents such as towels, soap dispensers and mats.

Swatch it TOP Farrow and Ball’s Hague Blue paint contrasts beautifully with white bathrooms. ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Alhambra’s reclaimed encaustic tiles, prices vary, laid out in a patchwork pattern; Farrow and Ball Lotus Black and White wallpaper, from £112 per roll; Modern Industrial Snow Tile, £95, from Alhambra; Alhambra’s Black and White Tiles, from £45/m2; Flawless Kitchens and Bathrooms will create the perfect bathroom for your space

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CREAT E AN AMBIENCE At the end of the day, a pretty bathroom will turn into our ultimate retreat from the world.

Create the perfect relaxing environment by choosing atmospheric lighting, luxury touches and window dressings to shut out the world.

For smaller bathrooms, The Window Film Company offers a range of stunning window films – such as the frostbite or bright blue design in the Rainbow collection – that means you can do away with the fuss of blinds or elaborate window dressings.

Wooden shutters, however, seem perfectly suited to the bathroom, giving an organic, plantation feel and can be chosen in white, for a utilitarian look, or a bright colour to add interest and to match a scheme.

Mark Carter, director at Shutterly Fabulous, advises: “If the bathroom is neutral enough, opt for coloured shutters – look for a shade you may have in the floor or tiling detail. Take that colour and create a real focal point and a pop of colour by choosing shutters in the same shade.”

For a rough-luxe feel, hide clutter in mismatched baskets and hang muted hammam towels; a range of both are available at Urbanara. Instead of the bogstandard bathroom mats usually available, opt for one of Dash and Albert’s cotton rugs – in jewel colours, stripes or Fair Isle print. MiaFleur’s marbled accessories and monochrome bamboo baskets add an opulent feel, while Oliver Bonas has a stock of modern geometric baskets, hexagonal mirrors and trinket pots to add a dash of personality to a bathroom.

A stack of thick, soft towels – like those available at Sheridan – is an essential in any bathroom, while the correct lighting can also change the mood from practical to inviting.

Vita Copenhagen’s Ripples pendant and Conia lights create a stylish effect when hung in a group, while Besselink & Jones’ overmirror light fittings give the optimum amount of light for practical make-up and skincare sessions.

Finally, Karen Wallis-Smith, managing director at lighting specialist Fritz Fryer gives her lighting tips for creating the perfect ambience: “Place a wall light either side of a mirror at face height, this provides the best lighting and helps to eliminate shadows. A more economical option would be to place

one wall light in the centre above a mirror.

Having the bathroom lighting on a dimmer system lets you combine task lighting with a more ambient soft light when needed. By matching the finishes and materials of your lights with other metal hardware in the room such as the taps and door handles it helps to create a cohesive feel.”

CLOCKWISE Blue Rainbow Film, from £30, from The Window Film Company; wall lighting, from £359, from Besselink & Jones; Chevron Bamboo Baskets, £38, from MiaFleur; set of two nesting trinket boxes, £20, from Oliver Bonas; Swedish Stripe Cotton Rugs, from £138, at Dash and Albert; The 'Nest' from the Vitra designer collection, available at Wetstones in Royston, combines contemporary forms with smart functionality. Choose slender contours with optional sensor operated LED lighting or thicker curvaceous basins. Vanity Washbasin with LED lighting £371, Basin Mixer £98, Laundry Unit with Wheels - £468 (01763 250819; www.wetstones.co.uk)

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ALHAMBRA TILES 020 3417 6385 www.alhambrahome.co.uk

CP Hart

INTERIORS

AMTICO 0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com BESSELINK & JONES 020 7584 0343 www.besselink.com CAMBRIDGE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS 01223 213266 www.cambridgekitchens.co.uk

DASH AND ALBERT www.dashandalberteurope.com ERGO www.ergo-online.it/en FARROW AND BALL 01223 367771 www.farrow-ball.com FIRED EARTH 01223 300941 www.firedearth.com FLAWLESS KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS 01480 582404 www.flawlesskitchensand bathrooms.co.uk

Unique Sinks

CP HART 0845 600 1950 www.cphart.co.uk MIA FLEUR 0116 298 6393 www.miafleur.com OLIVER BONAS 01223 322 626 www.oliverbonas.com/uk PORCELANOSA 01733 325111 www.porcelanosa.com REED HARRIS 020 7751 8500 www.reedharris.co.uk ROCKETT ST GEORGE 01444 253391 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

SHUTTERLY FABULOUS 0800 970 0800 www.shutterlyfabulous.com

FRITZ FRYER 01989 567416 www.fritzfryer.co.uk

SCANDI LIVING 01428 608050 www.scandiliving.com

STONE AND CERAMIC WAREHOUSE 020 8993 5545 www.sacw.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS 01223 361 292 www.johnlewis.com

SHERIDAN 01925 453 410 www.sheridanaustralia.co.uk

MANDARIN STONE 01223 846787 www.mandarinstone.com

SHIMU 0800 088 6800 www.shimu.co.uk

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THE ALBION BATH COMPANY 01255 831605 www.albionbathco.com THE WINDOW FILM COMPANY

01494 794477 www.windowfilm.co.uk WETSTONES www.wetstones.co.uk URBANARA 0800 77 97 527 www.urbanara.co.uk VITA COPENHAGEN www.vitacopenhagen.com ZUCCHETTI.KOS www.zucchettikos.it

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY

THE REGENERATION OF CB1 A future business hub for Cambridge

Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

Open Eco Homes Take a peek inside some of Cambridge’s most environmentally friendly houses at Open Eco Homes, a community-led project presented by Cambridge Carbon Footprint.

Taking place on both 16 and 24 September, the event gives you the opportunity to explore comfortable, beautiful low-energy homes and talk to their owners about low-energy living.

The idea aims to offer inspiration and practical advice to help demonstrate that being green can be easier than you might think. You’ll be able to find out the pros and cons of various renewable energy technologies, insulation measures and heating systems, as well as asking any questions you might have. It’s an independent event, and you’ll get to chat to regular people, rather than being given sales spiel, to help you make your home more comfortable, affordable and better for the planet. openecohomes.org

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Cambridge is renowned as a first-class business location, housing some of the UK’s most forward-thinking research and development, life sciences and support companies. This reputation is set to soar with the continued regeneration of the prestigious CB1 area in the Station Quarter.

When it’s complete, the new Station Quarter will contain a mix of open space, shops and restaurants, office space, hotels and a much improved new transport interchange.

The development’s evolution into a thriving gateway for the city is already attracting a range of small and large businesses keen to take advantage of the ‘grade A’ office space available in this prime location.

Cambridge has a thriving business community making its mark on the city’s landscape and this looks set to grow. The CB1 development is predicted to encourage an influx of innovative start up companies, along with more established businesses.

Among those looking to capitalise on the area’s world-class business community and easy access to other UK hotspots is Carter Jonas, who will be making the move to the CB1 Station Quarter from their nearby offices in Hills Road.

Colin Brown, Partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The continued redevelopment of the CB1 Station Quarter is a fantastic opportunity to position the area as the place to be for businesses. The city is growing at a rapid rate; we need this continued development to cater for the ever-growing demands on business space and housing supply. It’s an exciting time for Cambridge as it builds on its already impressive offering to outside investors.”

CB1 is set to be a hub for innovation and creativity and this, along with its proximity to the train station, will ensure its popularity with commuters and play a key role in attracting top talent to the city.

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PROPERTY

IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING. SORT OF...

Sam Cooke, partner at local agent Cooke, Curtis & Co, suggests reconsidering the received wisdom on the best times to put your property on the market You’ll probably hear it said that spring is the best time to sell a house, as that’s when the market is busiest. That’s the received wisdom and at least half of it is definitely true – estate agents are at their busiest in the springtime. But does it necessarily follow that this makes it the best time to sell? After all, if there is more on the market then there’s more likely to be competition for the house you’re trying to sell.

If your three-bed semi is the only threebed semi for sale in the village then you only need one buyer, although two would be better and three would be great. But if there are two for sale in your village, to obtain the same property-to-buyer ratio and the same likelihood of competition, you need to double the number of buyers.

So putting your house on the market at the busiest time may not be your best bet, depending on how many extra buyers there are looking and how many houses are for sale. It’s that ratio that’s critical.

Unfortunately, no one actually knows what that ratio is.

It certainly feels like there are more buyers out there in the spring, but that’s

probably just because we have more houses for sale, so more people ring up. It also, for example, feels like it goes quiet in December but is that because buyers stop looking, or because there’s nothing for them to look at?

There’s also the question not just of selling, but of buying. It’s all very well being clever and selling your house when there’s no competition, but what if you then need to buy something else? It’s less clever if there’s nothing for you to look at.

It’s times like this where one turns to Rightmove to look for a sign. Rightmove has the biggest, most comprehensive overview of what’s happening in the market and their data is therefore the most likely to be useful. One of the stats they give is average number of properties per estate agent.

For 2015/16 the peak was 65 in July and the trough 53 in December and January. A variation of around 20%, so fairly significant.

Then we can look at their ‘average number of days to find buyer’ stat. That’s 79 in January and 57 in May – it takes a stonking 38% longer to find a buyer in January than in May. It’s worth noting these are national averages, and the average times in

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Cambridge would be much lower, but the differential is the important thing.

So received wisdom is right, then?

Winter is the worst time to sell and spring is best. Well yes, if speed is the critical factor.

But what about price? It might well be worth waiting the 22 days if you get another 10% for your house. But that’s where the analysis falters, as no data will ever exist.

You can’t sell the same house twice in identical market conditions. Each property is individual and each transaction unique so there can be no empirical data, no control, and therefore actually nothing useful I can tell you that doesn’t rely on biased reckonings and limited anecdotes.

So my advice is simple – if you’re thinking of moving, just do it when you feel ready. Trying to second guess the best or worst time is impossible, there are too many variables. So jump in when you want to; the water’s lovely in Cambridge at any time of year.

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN

The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

Bulletin

Awardwinning

NEW HOMES AT NINEWELLS

DEVELOPMENT

A superb five-bedroom detached home, 1 Urwin Gardens (plot 102) is one of the largest at the award-winning Ninewells development, just off Babraham Road on the edge of Cambridge, with views of Gog Magog Downs.

The Ninewells team, that includes Hill – winners of WhatHouse?

Housebuilder of the Year 2015 – and Bushmead Homes, have worked closely with award-winning architects PRP to develop a future-focused plan for both people and place.

Ninewells has been designed to protect and embrace positive features of the landscape. Using a ‘green fingers’ concept, green spaces make a connection with the countryside, and act as a viewing corridor to Gog Magog.

Sitting proudly at the entrance to Ninewells, 1 Urwin Gardens is one of its largest homes, as it’s set over three storeys.

It features a glazed walkway as its entrance hall and a stunning, light-filled vestibule linking the main house with the double

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garage, with access to the rear garden. The ground floor has several modern living options for all the flexibility you’ll need.

The open kitchen/breakfast/family room is a great area to enjoy with family and friends, with bifold doors to the garden.

The spacious living room provides a haven for relaxation, while double-glazed doors beckon you to the impressive formal dining room. With a double height ceiling and feature windows, the room has a touch of grandeur.

The five generous bedrooms are on the first floor and all benefit from either a full-width balcony or a Juliet balcony.

The second floor features two vast living areas in which to indulge yourself. One is ideal for a media room, the other could be a spacious study/office, or a sixth bedroom.

1 Urwin Gardens is on the market with Bidwells for £1,950,000.

Email ninewells@hill.co.uk or call 01223 792000. www.bidwells.co.uk

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TR U M M EA PI D NG O T W O S N

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

LAST CHANCE TO BUY A GREENWAY APARTMENT AT TRUMPINGTON MEADOWS There are just two luxury apartments remaining at the awardwinning Trumpington Meadows, Barratt Homes have announced, so act now if you would like to secure a home in this highly sought-after development.

Just 3.5km from Cambridge city centre, the location offers the convenience of urban life with the pleasures of a rural living.

Trumpington Meadows is set within a huge country park whilst also offering excellent local amenities and transport links.

A groundbreaking development in many respects, Trumpington Meadows has picked up numerous accolades including a 2014 Housebuilder Award for Best Design of three storeys or fewer, an Evening Standard Award for Best Large Development, a Built for Life Award, and a Brick Award for Volume Housebuilding.

With interest rates at an all-time low, home ownership has never been

more affordable – but if you do need an extra financial boost, homes at Trumpington Meadows are available on Help to Buy*, the government-backed scheme which allows homebuyers to purchase a property with just a 5% deposit.

To arrange a viewing, contact Barratt Homes on 0844 811 4888. www.barratthomes.co.uk *Only available on selected plots.

For more information contact Barratt Homes: 0844 811 4888 Calls to their 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/cambridgeshire/H618701-Trumpington-Meadows

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