Cambridge Edition April by Bright Publishing

Cambridge APRIL 2016

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

ARTS

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE CAMBRIDGE EDITION APP NOW AVAILABLE!

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r © Louisa Taylo

CONTENTS

Welcome

Welcome to our April issue, a very special one for us since (if you hadn't guessed already from the cover), it marks Cambridge Edition’s fifth birthday! Turn to page 48, where we’re taking a trip down memory lane and also sharing some exciting news of our future plans. We’re not the only ones in Cambridge celebrating a big birthday either: the grand old Fitzwilliam Museum, one of our city's most treasured attractions, turns 200 this year. In honour of its bicentenary year, over on page 29, we look back at some of the highlights of its impressive history, plus their plans for celebrating. Another milestone for our city, Eat Cambridge celebrates its fourth year this May, and as ever, it’ll be showing you exactly why our food scene is worth shouting about. A hit from the off (anyone else remember the insanely busy fair at the Guildhall back in 2013?), this wonderful showcase of our local indie eateries and producers has gone from strength to strength since its launch, and we’re proud to partner it once again for 2016. Turn to page 53 and prepare to get hungry as we give you the low-down on this year’s delicious highlights. We hope you enjoy the issue – thank you for reading and here’s to the next five years!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR IN CHIEF

5 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Edition’s pick of the crop this April

47 • COMMUNITY The latest news from your neighbourhood

7-10 • NIGHTLIFE Live comedy, music and more

48-49 • HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDITION! We celebrate five years of Cambridge Edition and share some exciting news about our future plans

EDITORIAL

51 • COMPETITION Win dinner and a hotel stay, plus a trip to the American Air Museum at IWM Duxford!

Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy, Catherine Brodie & Ian Farrell

12-13 • MUSIC BLOG The best live gigs in the city this month 15-27 • ARTS & CULTURE Festivals, exhibitions and concerts around Cambridge, including our monthly film and arts insider columns 29-32• FITZ BICENTENARY For the Fitzwilliam Museum’s birthday, we look back at the fascinating past of this Cambridge landmark 34-35 • ARTS INTERVIEW We catch up with local author Jill Dawson 37-40 • FAMILY We round up the best local shows, workshops and activities for families 43• COMPETITION Win a family ticket to the Audley End House Travelling Victorian Show! 44-45 • LISTINGS Check out our calendar of highlights for what to do in Cambridge this April

54-61 • EAT CAMBRIDGE Cambridge’s annual foodie extravaganza returns next month: here’s what’s in store 62-63 • RESTAURANT REVIEW This month we pay a visit to The Chequers of Orwell to sample their traditional British fare

Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS

65 • FOOD COLUMN Chef Alex Rushmer navigates the minefield that is pairing food and wine

Vanessa Blackledge, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Ruthie Collins, Daisy Dickinson, Alex Rushmer, Zena Toscani, Gabrielle Watts, Jordan Worland

67-72 • FOOD NEWS All you need to know about April on the Cambridge food scene

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

74-79 • A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE It’s officially ramson season! Here’s the low-down on where and how to forage for wild garlic, plus recipes

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

80-81 • INDIE OF THE MONTH Under the spotlight this month, the High Tea Club on Mill Road

Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

Cover Art

85-88• FASHION For the gents and the ladies, we’ve got the perfect pieces to help you segue into spring

This month's cover art is by Andy Scullion of Wyatt9. www.notonthehighstreet. com/wyatt9

90-91 • BEAUTY Daisy Dickinson of The Day’s Eyes beauty blog shares her advice and highlights top products

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

MANAGING DIRECTORS

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

www.bright-publishing.com

93• EDUCATION St Mary’s School, Cambridge, explore different styles of learning

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

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5 THINGS TO DO

this month... 1. Download the CAMBRIDGE EDITION APP!

4. Celebrate RECORD STORE DAY

We’re completely chuffed to announce that the Cambridge Edition app has now officially launched! Available for free download from the Apple iTunes store and Google Play, the app offers comprehensive listings of local events, from live music and nightlife to family shows, food events and art exhibitions. Go check it out!

Saturday 16 April sees the return of Record Store Day: a chance to celebrate the unique culture of independent vinyl shops up and down the country. Mill Road’s indie record shop, Relevant, will be hosting a day of festivities including the sale of some highly covetable limited-edition records and lots of great live music – head down, grab a beer and a bite to eat and catch some performances from top local artists (from 12pm). www.relevantrecordcafe.co.uk

2. THIS MONTH AT 12A Club If you’ve not yet ventured up to 12a Club – the glamorous private member’s club in Cambridge’s Market Square – and sampled their utterly incredible cocktails, now’s the perfect opportunity. On 21 April they’re hosting an evening of live music in their luxurious bar, featuring Americana band The Sure-Can Playboys. Tickets are £5 for non-members and free to members. You can also book a table to dine in the club by emailing benita@12aclub.com. www.12aclub.com

3. BURWASH MANOR

5. GO TO THE Cambridge

Getting hitched? Go and get inspired at the Secret Garden Marquee Open Day on 9 April. Located at Burwash Manor in Barton, the Secret Garden Marquee is a beautiful country wedding venue set in a quaint walled garden. It will be dressed in all its vintage-chic finery for the event, which runs 10am-4pm and also showcases 16 favourite wedding suppliers who are on hand to offer ideas for your big day. Entry and refreshments are free. www.burwashmanor.com

Book lovers rejoice! Our city’s renowned festival of all things literary is back. Taking place 5-14 April, this year’s Cambridge Literary Festival is delivering a brilliant lineup featuring celebrated authors, comedians, poets, politicians and more, as well as a busy schedule of events especially for kids. Highlights of this year’s programme include Irvine Welsh, Louis de Bernières, Kate Tempest, Akala, Ken Livingstone and Ruby Wax. www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

Wedding Show

Literary Festival

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NIGHTLIFE

APRIL CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE cambsedition.co.uk

THE WONDERLAND BALL

TELEMAN If their last packed-out gig in the city was anything to go by, Teleman have quite a serious following in Cambridge – which would explain the fact that (rather uniquely), they’ve added an additional matinee performance to their gig at The Portland Arms this month. They’ll be playing on 9 April at 7.30pm, as well as an afternoon gig kicking off at 1.30pm, at which all ages are welcome. Not familiar with them? Here’s the low-down: makers of “ineffable pop songs” according to The Guardian, they formed out of the ashes of another band, Pete & The Pirates, releasing their debut album, Breakfast, in 2014. The critics loved their lo-fi sound, with its art pop sensibilities, ethereal vocals, and psychedelic, swirling melodies. Tracks like the haunting Cristina and the catchy Steam Train Girl won them an army of fans and whilst they’re still not exactly bothering the charts, they’ve got a bona fide cult following. They’ve got a new album, Brilliant Sanity, out this month and if you catch the gig and develop a taste for Teleman, they’ll be back in our neighbourhood for the Secret Garden Party in July too. The evening show is sold out, but matinee tickets are still available at £13.20. www.theportlandarms.co.uk

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Like playing dress up? You’ll be pleased to know that the flamboyant Neon Moon burlesque and cabaret club is back for its latest instalment this month. This time around they’re diving down the rabbit hole into a magical Wonderland theme – so expect glittering grinning cats, glamorous mad hatters, mischievous white rabbits, larger-than-life playing cards and lots of other creative twists on Lewis Carroll’s famous cast of characters. As well as lots of beautiful costumes, you can expect worldclass burlesque acts, such as the beguiling Missy Malone, vintage clothing and trinkets to browse and buy - plus dancing until the small hours, of course. The venue, once again, is the Cambridge University Union Society on Bridge Street – a perfect location with its abundance of character and history. The event takes place on 30 April, 8pm-2am. Tickets are £28.50 adv. www.theneonmoonclub.com

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NIGHTLIFE

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS In a piece of news that will be music to the ears of their many die-hard fans, the Super Furry Animals are back in the game following a five-year hiatus. The line-up of Huw Bunford (guitar/vocals), Cian Ciaran (keyboards/effects/vocals), Dafydd Ieuan (drums/vocals), Guto Price (bass) and Gruff Rhys (vocals/ guitar) is still intact, and the boys are embarking on an extensive world tour, which includes a stop at Cambridge Junction on 28 April. The band were part of the Britpop boom of the 90s, first bursting onto the scene in 1995 with their first EP, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndro bwllllantysiliogogogoch (In Space). They went on to become national treasures in Wales, releasing a glut of hit albums (nine in the space of 13 years to be precise), and eventually becoming recognised as one of the most innovative indie bands around. Super Furry Animals are known for their outlandish behaviour (see right), and exhilarating live performances – this is a gig not to miss. Tickets are £26. www.junction.co.uk

SUPER FURRY FACTS ■ Rhys Ifans, actor of Notting Hill fame, was the original lead singer for the band – he also used to live with Daf from the band. ■ Super Furry Animals (who in fact started life as a techno collective), once purchased an army tank that they modified, painted blue and turned into a dance music sound system, which they’d pitch up in at festivals. ■ Listen closely and you can hear Paul McCartney chewing vegetables on Super Furry Animal’s Receptacle for the Respectable (a reference to the Beatle’s contribution to the Beach Boys 1967 song Vegetables). ■ The band’s fourth studio album, Mwng, was the world’s first Welsh language album ever to chart in the top 20.

MR SCRUFF Turntable king Mr Scruff, aka Andy Carthy, hits Cambridge Junction this month for a genre-hopping night of feel-good grooves. Join him on 30 April, 10pm-3am, when he’ll be serving up a set that flits merrily across the musical spectrum: from hip hop, funk and soul to disco, house and breaks, via whatever else he feels like treating the crowd to. Take your dancing shoes – tickets are £14. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

DAN WILDE A treat for folk fans this month as local singer-songwriter Dan Wilde celebrates the release of his latest album with a gig at The Portland Arms on 17 April. Known for his captivating live performances, Dan couples accomplished guitar playing with a richly observant songwriting style, often providing the audience with entertaining backstories to his songs. On the night, he’ll be joined by special guests The Hot Lights, with support from Jack Burrell. The show begins at 8pm and tickets are £6 advance and £8 on the door. danwilde.net

LONELY THE BRAVE

20 May, Corn Exchange, £17.50 Cambridge rockers Lonely The Brave launch their second album, Things Will Matter, at the Corn Exchange next month. www.cornex.co.uk

THE SPECIALS

11 Nov, Corn Exchange, £42.50 Makers of iconic hits Too Much Too Young, Message to Rudy and Ghost Town, Ska superstars The Specials hit Cambridge in November. www.cornex.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

CRIOLO Rapper, composer and urban poet Criolo visits the Junction this month for the latest instalment of the Corn Exchange’s cornex:discover series. The cornex:discover events, which Edition proudly partners, span a mixture of genres and present a combination of emerging and more well-known artists. All events share that they offer audiences something different, something exciting and something beyond the mainstream. This month’s date for your diary is 21 April, when the critically acclaimed Criolo will be giving Cambridge a taste of his unique, thoughtful brand of rap. Starting life in a favela (shanty town) in Sao Paolo, Criolo made his mark on the hip-hop scene in the last five years. His sound draws influence from samba, afrobeat and reggae, while his lyrics explore stories of poverty, political violence and social discrimination. His 2015 album Convoque seu Buda saw his sound evolve, featuring collaborations with the likes of Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Ivete Sangalo and Milton Nascimento, and elevating him to one of Brazil’s most acclaimed songwriters and performers. See what all the hype’s about yourself – the gig starts at 8pm and tickets are £14. www.cornex.co.uk

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28-31 July, Cherry Hinton Hall, Prices Vary Get your tickets quick before they sell out for this year’s festival, which boasts a line-up including Imelda May, Hot 8 Brass Band and Blazin’ Fiddles. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX LIVE

25-26 Nov, Corn Exchange, from £32.50 Tickets are selling fast for this event, which will see rockstar physicist Brian Cox taking audiences on a dazzling journey through space and time… www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

NEWTON FAULKNER Following the release of his fifth album, Human Love, in November last year (and minus his trademark ginger dreadlocks) singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner plays live at Cambridge Corn Exchange this month as part of his current UK tour. Maker of rootsy, mellow jams and known for his percussive style of guitar playing, Faulkner has two No.1 albums under his belt. His debut, 2007’s Hand Built by Robots, introduced us to his upbeat, sunny charms, storming straight to the top of the charts, giving us the standout single Dream Catch Me and earning him a Brit Award nomination. This was followed by Rebuilt by Humans a couple of years later and Write It On Your Skin in the summer of 2012, his second No.1 album. His fourth album – the aptly named Studio Zoo – saw Newton open up the song-writing and recording process to his fans, streaming 24/7 live footage of him in the recording studio as he made the record, as well as giving viewers an insight into his brilliantly surreal banter (which you can expect to hear lots of if you go and see him playing live). The gig takes place on 22 April and tickets are £24. The show starts at 7.30pm. www.cornex.co.uk

THE CAT EMPIRE Australian ska-rockers The Cat Empire swing our way this month as part of a global tour in support of their new album, Rising with the Sun (released last month). The band, who’ve been going strong for more than a decade, have built up a fan base around the world for their energetic shows and ability to turn every performance into a huge party (as anyone who caught their high-octane performances at the Cambridge Folk Festival and Secret Garden Party will attest to). Catch them doing their thing at Cambridge Junction on 12 April, the show starts at 7pm and tickets are £26 adv. www.junction.co.uk

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month

e start this month’s outlook on Wheeler Street where two firm Folk Festival favourites are set to appear. Newton Faulkner plays the Corn Exchange on the 22nd in a show that will undoubtedly see him perform new tracks from his fifth studio album, Human Love, as well as his classic hits. Bellowhead bring their farewell tour to the same venue on 24 April for a gig not to be missed by fans since, after 12 amazing years together, the UK’s most successful folk band are calling it a day. They leave having obtained an army of fans and some impressive stats, including the highestselling independently released traditional folk album of all time (Hedonism) and the highest-charting independently released UK folk album of all time too (Broadside). There is a huge line-up this month at The Portland Arms and we start our tips with an exciting Glaswegian band. Holy Esque’s music is comprised of tones and

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textures, peaks and troughs, brush strokes and breaking waves of sound. Here chiming guitars interweave with emotive synth embellishments, all shot through with Pat Hynes’ inimitable vocals, delivered from a dark place somewhere deep within his very centre. Think epic 21st century music occasionally reminiscent of Boy-era U2, early Simple Minds and Echo & The Bunnymen, or perhaps more contemporary

month when Consumer Electronics and Circuit Breaker play there on Sunday 3rd. Consumer Electronics is a punk, electro, noise duo comprising ageing renegade Philip Best (ex-Whitehouse) and his artist wife Sarah Froelich. The duo have a stellar reputation as prime movers in the field of avant-garde electronics, twisted beats and apocalyptic performance poetry. Circuit Breaker are Edward and Peter Simpson, two brothers influenced by minimal synth, post-punk and early industrial music. Other Portland highlights include The Lovely Eggs (26th) who come with songs firmly set in the humdrum of everyday life complemented by fuzzed-out guitar and crashing drums. High Tyde (11th) are tipped for big things with their infectious sound filled with uplifting vibes and great energy. Benjamin Francis Leftwich (22nd) makes a welcome return to

prime movers in the field of twisted beats and avant-garde electronics bands such The National or The Walkmen. Holy Esque bring their tour to The Portland on the 25th. The Portland also hosts the first Bad Timing music event of the year this

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MUSIC

a fusion of rock, indie, electronic and psychedelia Cambridge after a few years, bringing his floaty, melancholic vocals and deft fingerpicking from his forthcoming new record, After the Rain, with him. Our utter, must-not-miss night at The Portland this month comes on the 9th, when Teleman return. The show coincides with the band’s release of their sophomore record Brilliant Sanity this month. The art of songwriting has been the driving force behind Brilliant Sanity; the process of crafting of the immaculate pop song, the

dogged pursuit of the perfect hook. The result is an album that appears impeccably made but charged with joy. There is a busy schedule this month at the Cambridge Junction. A fine, nononsense interpreter of traditional music and an excellent songwriter, Bella Hardy plays on the 2nd. Meanwhile, Aussie ska and jazz outfit The Cat Empire, on the 12th, have a phenomenal live reputation. The big one at the Cambridge Junction this month has to be the return of the Super Furry Animals (28th). They came back to active service last year after a

five-year hiatus. With a Guinness World Record, Gold and Silver Discs and plaudits from the likes of Billboard and NME, it’s not surprising that the band are held in such high regard. The Cardiff five-piece has fused rock, indie, electronic and psychedelia in a career that spans over 20 years and we are understandably thrilled to be adding Super Furry Animals to this month’s proceedings. Our overall Cambridge pick this month has to be the welcome return of the cornex:discover series, which this month hosts Criolo on the 21st at the Cambridge

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Junction J2. Politically and culturally motivated, Criolo is a rapper, composer and urban poet whose voice resounds with the youth of post-slump, pre-Olympic Brazil, exploring stories of poverty, police violence and social discrimination. Don’t forget this year’s Record Store Day falls on 16 April – keep an eye out for live music and events at our independent record stores, Lost In Vinyl on Magdalene Street and Relevant Records on Mill Road. Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

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

FILM SCREENINGS AT THE CCH The Cambridge Centre for Computing History, located just off Coldhams Lane, is a pioneering educational charity which serves to increase knowledge of digital technology over the past 60 years and explore the social and cultural impact of the so-called Information Era. It also hosts loads of fun events throughout the year, including very cool retro gaming nights where you can enjoy a drink or two and get nostalgic playing around on consoles like Super Nintendos and Ataris (loads of laughs, trust us).

This month, as part of their new exhibition, Lights! Camera! Play! Games, Cinema and Everything In-between, the centre will host screenings of two classic, techy inspired films. Up first, on 2 April, cult hit WarGames – often cited as one of cinema’s best takes on the world of gaming – will play. Starring Matthew Broderick, the film tells the story of a high-school student who unwittingly hacks into a military supercomputer while searching for new video games.

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On 16 April it’s the turn of the original Tron, the 80s classic in which a hacker (played by Jeff Bridges) is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games. For both film nights the centre will be open from 6.30pm, with the screenings taking place at 7.30pm. All the exhibits will be switched on for the evening too, and the Pac-Lunch shop will be serving snacks and hot drinks. You’re welcome to bring your own popcorn too. www.computinghistory.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

PRACTICAL COURSES AT WYSING ARTS CENTRE Fancy an art session with a bit of a twist? On Friday 8 April and Saturday 9 April from 10.30am, Wysing studio artist Soheila Sokhanvari will be teaching a two-day course on egg tempera and ink painting. This will be the first in a series of practical courses as part of the centre’s 2016 programme, Wysing Poly, which was launched in February with The Practice of Theories exhibition. Soheila will be joined by Dr Spike Bucklow, senior research scientist at Cambridge University’s Hamilton Kerr Institute. Spike will give a talk on the history and associate symbolism of these techniques, which are integral elements that Soheila’s uses as an artist. Soheila will then build on Spike’s context and teach participants how to make and paint with egg tempera and charcoal-based Indian ink, using traditional methods. During the two days participants will also be given a tour of Soheila’s studio, and get an opportunity to view The Practice of Theories exhibition. Materials and lunch will be provided and there are 12 places, available to anyone aged 16 years and over. www.wysingartscentre.org

Singin’IN THE RAIN From 5 to 9 April, toe-tap down to the ADC Theatre to catch Pied Pipers’ production of this classic musical comedy. With music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed, Singin’ in the Rain is based on the book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It’s set in the twilight years of the silent film era in Hollywood and follows the movie star Don Lockwood, his sidekick Cosmo Brown, aspiring actress Kathy Selden, and Don’s abrasive co-star Lina Lamont. Will they conquer Lina’s grating speaking voice? Will the studio manage to accommodate the new changes in technology sweeping through Hollywood? Perhaps most importantly of all, will Don ever earn Kathy’s respect, and her affections? There’ll be drama, humour, romance and a whole host of breathtaking musical numbers to sweep you off your feet in this charming, fast-paced show. And finally, don’t forget to bring your umbrellas – apparently there’s a good chance audiences might be needing them! www.adctheatre.com

BREATH OF FRESH AIR Until 24 April you can catch the 2016 edition of Byard Art’s Breath of Fresh Air exhibition, featuring a spellbinding selection of artworks from a line-up of exciting up-and-coming artists. There’s lots to discover at the show, which celebrates new contemporary artists and features painters, ceramicists, sculptors and jewellers. The line-up of artists includes Irene Jones, whose striking works (one of which is pictured above) explore themes of love, loss, desire and friendship. There’s also the cosmic digital artwork of Leah Downing, beautiful handmade jewellery from Heather O’Connor, and unique mixed media pieces inspired by the natural world from Sophie Martin. www.byardart.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Plant Fair

AT BURWASH MANOR On Sunday 24 April, Burwash Manor will be hosting its annual plant fair, offering a perfect chance to pick up some gorgeous greenery for your garden and home. A group of converted farm buildings in a pretty, rural location out in Barton, Burwash is home to a selection of independent shops, a tea room, a day spa and a charming wedding venue, The Secret Garden. At the fair, which takes place from 11am until 4pm, you can peruse the wares of a wide variety of stalls, manned by the growers themselves, which will be offering everything from cottage garden plants, perennials and roses to shrubs and ferns. Plus there’ll be a selection of unusual specimens, including some plants that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Don’t get intimidated by the high standards of the events’ stalls and stall keepers if you’re a beginner, though. Enthusiastic gardeners will be on hand to give advice on what, how, where and when you should plant, and everybody is welcome – from the seriously green fingered to the complete novice. www.burwashmanor.com

ONE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER Cambridge amateur theatre production company BAWDS presents One Night in November, a gripping wartime play, at the ADC this month. The year is 1940, and we join the headstrong young Katie Stanley in Coventry as she awaits the all-clear signal from an air-raid warning. She encounters Michael, a literature don at Oxford, with whom she falls quickly in love, but unbeknownst to her, Michael has been drafted into the war effort to use his linguistic skills at Bletchley Park, deciphering German codes. When Michael becomes privy to advance warning of the Germans bombing blitz on Coventry, he faces an impossible dilemma: can he let Katie and her family know of the impending disaster, which is about to hit their homes, even though he'll risk endangering top secret British intelligence by doing so? A love story and a conspiracy theory rolled into one, the play examines the notion that Winston Churchill had advance warning of the attack. Was Coventry sacrificed for the greater good? Or to hasten America’s entry into the war? Written by Alan Pollock, this intriguing story explores the tragedy of the raid on Coventry, which cost some 568 residents of the city their lives, through the eyes of its central characters, making for a heartbreaking piece of theatre. The show runs from 12-16 April and tickets are £9-£12. www.adctheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

FOOTLOOSE Based on the monster 1980s bigscreen hit, an explosive stage production of Footloose writhes into Cambridge for a stint at the Arts Theatre this month. It’s a story that you’re probably familiar with: city boy Ren arrives in a rural, religious backwater where dancing is banned. Before too long he’s making waves with his rebellious moves and soon the whole town is on its feet. Featuring stone-cold classics like Holding out for a Hero, Let’s Hear it for the Boy, and of course, Footloose, as well as epic dance routines, this electrifying show is not to be missed for any lovers of musicals. The show, which runs from 4-9 April, has a cast that includes Pop Idol star Gareth Gates in the role of Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore. Tickets start at £18. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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FAMILY JAZZ All

Stars

Head along to Saffron Hall for a spellbinding afternoon of jazz for all the family on 3 April. Beginning at 3pm, the concert is a wonderful introduction to the genre for young and old, paying tribute to iconic stars of the past including Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. Audiences will be treated to performances from a dazzling line-up of jazz superstars including Juliet Kelly, a British vocalist described by Time Out as “one of the UK’s finest singers”. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for under 18s. www.saffronhall.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

CAMBRIDGE ILLUSTRATION NETWORK: SPRING EVENT This month the Cambridge Illustration Network will host their Spring Event, a chance for keen doodlers to meet, share ideas and get to know one another. If you’re not already a member that’s not a problem: it’s free to get involved, you just need to be added to their mailing list. The get together takes place on 5 April at Gwydir Street’s Hot Numbers, and will provide a great opportunity for local illustrators to show off their latest work and discuss any projects that they’re excited about. Drinks and food will be available, and entry is £4. As an added bonus, John Caldwell from Mill Road TV will be there for the event, filming some of it for his channel. Cambridge Illustration Network holds seasonal events like this to give local artists a platform and an opportunity to socialise with likeminded creatives, as well as exchange advice and form professional connections. Their summer event will be taking place on 28 June. Keep an eye out for more details in the coming months. To reserve a seat, or be added to their mailing list, email Amanda Hall at ah@amandahallillustration.com. www.amandahall-illustration.com

CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL

Back for spring

Cambridge Literary Festival returns for its spring outing this month, featuring an eclectic line-up of events around the city from 5 to 14 April. From history to hip hop, comedy to current affairs and poetry to politics, there’s something for all tastes. In this year’s line-up you’ll find literary giants including Irvine Welsh, Louis de Bernieres, Sebastian Barry and Tracy Chevalier, whilst Ruby Wax, Ben Miller and Peep Show’s Isy Suttie will be on hand to provide a few laughs. There’s also Akala and his much talked about Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company, as well as local spoken word powerhouse Hollie McNish, who’ll be introducing her latest book, Nobody Told Me. Is crime fiction more your bag? Catch Lee Child, Sophie Hannah and Christobel Kent, or if you fancy a bit of political debate, don’t miss The Resurgence of the Left, a discussion featuring two of most challenging voices from that side of the political spectrum: Ken Livingstone and Owen Jones. The Children’s Festival, in partnership with Carter Jonas, is also making a welcome return, offering a host of events guaranteed to delight little ones. www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

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Ballet Central

2016

Ballet Central – which is formed from a mixture staff and final-year students from the Central School of Ballet – have been performing their annual tour for 30 years now, and its become a muchanticipated feature on the UK touring dance calendar. This year, the company comes to the ADC Theatre here in Cambridge on Friday 1 April and Saturday 2 April where it will perform a sparkling programme of ballet, neoclassical, contemporary and narrative dance. The evening promises to be a showcase for Ballet Central's dynamic and talented performers, who'll demonstrate their abilities with a diverse mixture of newly commissioned work and celebrated revivals. Being both family-friendly and exceptional in its execution, this is a show that’s ideal for both those new to ballet and experienced dance enthusiasts. And, in the future, you might even get to brag that you were sitting in the audience when these highly talented young people launched their professional careers. Who knows which big names you might see taking their first steps towards stardom. www.adctheatre.com

ENDELLION STRING QUARTET This world-class string group returns to Cambridge for a performance at West Road Concert Hall on 20 April. With Andrew Watkinson and Ralph de Souza on violins, Garfield Jackson on viola and David Waterman on the Cello, the Endellion is now in its 37th season. This performance will be their third of four currently scheduled at West Road, with the next being on 18 May. The quartet will be playing music by Haydn, Mozart and Tchaikovsky; specifically, the intense and dramatic Quartet in D Minor Op.76, No.2 (known as ‘Fifths’) by Haydn, and then Mozart’s Quartet No.18 in A K.464 (‘Drum’) believed to have been an inspiration for one of Beethoven’s works that the Endellions played earlier this year. Finally, they will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s hugely rich and dark Quartet No.2 in F Op.22. The Endellion String Quartet’s performance starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are available from Cambridge Live Trust. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

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VIEWS FROM THE ’BRIDGE AT CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION On 4 April, the Junction is showcasing a host of specially selected and curated work by Cambridgeshire-based performance makers. Every season, the Junction presents an evening like this one of extracts from developing and in-progress shows, which can range from anywhere between five and twenty minutes apiece. The Junction’s artistic team will be looking out for new projects that could benefit from development support, and Views from the ’Bridge is intended as a way to get your work seen. Audiences are asked to provide feedback, and in return are given the opportunity to see our local rising stars in action. Views from the ’Bridge is now part of the artistic development network TROOP, and you must be a member to participate in the show. TROOP is a new creative network for performance makers who live and work in either Cambridge or more widely the Eastern Region. It promises to be an eclectic and inventive night. Make the trip if you’re looking to get to know more local creative people, if you are one yourself, or if you’re just looking for something that’s a little different to do with your Monday night. www.junction.co.uk

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OF MICE and

men

John Steinbeck’s deeply poignant tale of friendship arrives at the Arts Theatre this month for a two-night run from 13-14 April. Set against a backdrop of the Great Depression, the play follows the story of George and Lennie, two migrant workers seeking out a new beginning. The duo dream of settling down one day on their own piece of land, and set off on a journey across California. Before long they’ve found work on a ranch and their aspirations seem within reach, but soon the pair – who are no strangers to trouble – face the fallout of an innocent misunderstanding which spirals out of control, leading to a climax (surely one of the most dramatic denouements of any play), which is earth-shattering. Described as “not to be missed” by What’s On Stage, this production is directed by Roxanna Silbert and stars Dudley Sutton. Tickets start at £18. cambridgeartstheatre.com

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HMS Pinafore

Comic opera HMS Pinafore comes our way this month, courtesy of the award winning team which brought The Pirates of Penzance to Cambridge last year. Running at the Arts Theatre from 20-23 April, this Gilbert and Sullivan classic was an international sensation when it first hit the stage in 1878, and remains well loved to this day for its comedy, catchy songs and general daftness. Winner of Best Off West End Production at The What’s On Stage awards, this production sees Sasha Regan directing, bringing a fresh, inventive and fun take on this age-old conundrum of love between social classes. Tickets start at £18. cambridgeartstheatre.com

CAMBRIDGE DRAWING SOCIETY EXHIBITION Enjoy a showcase of work by more than 200 local artists, professional and amateur, in an exhibition by Cambridge Drawing Society (CDS) from 9-16 April. Hosted at The Pitt Building on Trumpington Street, the show will be open between 10am and 5.30pm daily and feature a huge variety of pieces across a range of media. Founded in 1882, CDS is the oldest arts society in Cambridge, bringing together sculptors, printmakers, illustrators and painters from across the region. On the line-up this year are local artists including Neil Warmsley, Clare Maria Wood, Lizanne Van Essen and Jenny Sanders, and if you fancy joining the Cambridge Drawing Society roster yourself, application details are available on the society’s website. Artists will be asked to offer four pieces, which demonstrate a consistent quality and style, and usually around half are accepted. Admission to the exhibition is free. www.cambridgedrawingsociety.org

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movies

WORDS ZENA TOSCANI

NIGHT AT THE

This month, wind the cinematic clock back After the whirlwind of awards season, this month Pro Moviemaker’s Zena Toscani takes a step back from the limelight and celebrates some cinematic classics. In a month that’s renowned for its rain, you’re bound to find yourself at the cinema more often than usual. It’s dark, cosy and smells like sugar and spice – what more could you want? Well we might hazard a guess that you’re overdue a little escapism. This year’s Oscar-winning movies like The Revenant, Room and Spotlight were undoubtedly brilliant but also very hardhitting and intense. The Big Short, for instance, is largely described as an ‘essay film’ offering the reader a glossy, visual, learning tool for understanding the US housing crisis (as opposed to a couple of hours of mindless reverie). As an alternative this April, why not check out the Arts Picturehouse’s programme which is peppered with vintage classics. Kicking off the month on 2 April is the modern classic and family favourite: E.T The Extra-Terrestrial, head along to the autism-friendly

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screening at 10.30am or the Kid’s Club showing at 11am, Bugsy Malone is also showing as part of the Kid’s Club program the following weekend (sadly unaccompanied adults are not admitted to these types of screenings). Saffron Screen are also keeping the kids entertained with a showing of the 1999 animated adaptation of The Iron Giant: Signature Edition at the start of the month. If you’d like to wind the cinematic clock back a little further, some of the

other vintage classics showing at the Picturehouse in April include Hitchcock’s Vertigo, French masterpiece The 400 Blows and Soviet science-fiction art film Solaris (check out our box-out panel for the dates and times). If vintage isn’t your thing then you might be more interested to know that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is likely showing at a cinema near you right now and Captain America: Civil War comes out at the end of this month.

Vintage movies back on the big screen When

1 April: 4pm 2 April: 10.30, 11am 3 April: 1pm 4 April: 4pm 6 April: 4pm 9 April: 11am 10 April: 1pm 17 April: 2.45pm 21 April: 12pm, 8.30pm

Where

Saffron Screen Arts Picturehouse Arts Picturehouse Saffron Screen Saffron Screen Arts Picturehouse Arts Picturehouse Arts Picturehouse Arts Picturehouse

What

The Iron Giant: Signature Edition E.T The Extra-Terrestrial Vertigo The Iron Giant: Signature Edition The Iron Giant: Signature Edition Bugsy Malone The 400 Blows Solaris (1972) Solaris (1972)

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r © Louisa Taylo

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his April, I’m dying with excitement to see Kate Tempest in conversation at Cambridge Literary Festival. She releases her debut multigenerational novel, The Bricks that Built the Houses this year, featuring characters that appear in her Mercury Prize-nominated album, Everybody Down. You can hear her with writer Jackie Kay on 9 April. Things have changed a lot in the world of poetry – thank God. Rewind back to when I were I lass (um, not that long ago, aka the 1990s), the go-to contemporary female poets studied in class were generally dead or depressed. The tragic stories of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton left us a legacy that made the literary canon feel not just male-dominated, but very, very dangerous, for women speaking out.

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Not just in poetry, but music, too – walking into a record shop alone as a girl felt a bit like shoplifting, illicit and outlawed by too much testosterone. Fast forward 20 years and we have a very different landscape, trail-blazed

McNish, because she is ‘real’ (watch out for her new book Nobody Told Me: Poetry and Parenthood – available from blackfriarsbooks.com). Other highlights at the festival include Resurgence of the Left? – with Owen Jones and Ken Livingstone on the 10 April. I loved Jones’ book, Chavs, which he will discuss at A new generation of female poets the event, alongside Livingstone’s book Being Red: A Politics revolutionary in their own aliveness new for the Future. With my in-laws being a working class family by the likes of Kate Tempest and Hollie that remembers only too well the brutal McNish, a new generation of female decimation of the mining villages up in poets – revolutionary in their own healthy Yorkshire in the 1980s, plus having grown aliveness, rewriting the canon. I’ll always up in council housing myself as a girl, I do love that so many of the girls I’ve worked point-blank challenge ‘chav baiting’ – the with (supported by charity Romsey Mill) demonisation of working class culture that would say how much they enjoyed Hollie so many seem to adore (even some middle class left-wingers – not helpful!). But does the left have an answer? Go and find out. There’s plenty for families at the festival, too, with a programme of fabulous events – from the chance for children to meet Peter Rabbit at a show celebrating 150 years of Beatrix Potter (all ages, 10 April), to an opportunity to meet award-winning Syrian children’s book author Nadine Kaadan (also 10 April, for children 6+). She’ll be serving up an interactive reading of her children’s book set in Damascus, The Jasmine Sneeze; a special story about a cat with a message for children in the West about Syrian heritage. For full programme, visit www. cambridgeliteraryfestival.com. For those wanting to support Syria, mark the date for a huge

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Unlock your poetry muse and get writing your own poetry in April IMAGES Left Author Kate Tempest will be talking with Jackie Kay about her debut novel, The Bricks that Built the Houses, as part of Cambridge Literary Festival. Above Owen Jones and Ken Livingstone will be at the Resurgence of the Left? event at the Cambridge Literary Festival. Right Iranian artist Mohammed Djazmi’s work will be showcased as part of Cultural Connections 6 at the Babylon Gallery.

fundraiser at Cambridge Guildhall on 15 April, Cam4Refugees. Highlights include From Syria With Love, an exhibition of art by children in refugee camps, plus an auction of wishes, music from the likes of acclaimed singer-songwriter Alice Walker and delicious food from the World Cuisine Café and the Vivacious Vegans. The plan is to raise £10K to support the humanitarian crisis – to help make that happen, search the event on Eventbrite to buy tickets. Also watch out for charity art show Running With Brushes, in aid of Care for

Casualties at The Plough in Shepreth this month. There’ll be a ‘Night of 100 Paintings’ on 14 and 21 April – tickets are £20 and include a glass of wine and a postcard-sized artwork from Cambridge artists such as Vandy Massey and Tess Recordon. The exhibition runs until 8 May. Art plays a vital part in cultural understanding and nowhere is this clearer than in events like these. Also, don’t miss Cultural Connections 6 at Babylon Gallery (6-24 April), featuring the work of respected Iranian artist Mohammed Djazmi, alongside John Lyons and Deanna Tyson (6-24 April). Widely known in Cambridge and a wellloved artist, sadly Mohammed Djazmi passed away shortly after this column went in to production. Take this opportunity to see his work, which is

accomplished and beautifully crafted. You can expect powerful imagery from Mohammed, who ‘wanted to explore the social suffering [he] was encountering’, not voiced elsewhere. Visitors are also invited to leave comments on his work at

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the exhibition, making this show a timely celebration of one of the city’s most highly regarded artists and gifted art teachers. Finally, poetry lovers take part in National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) this April with a fantastic new book, Poetry Non-stop from once Cambridge-based, award-winning writer Patrick Widdess a ‘premier poetic polymath’. You may have seen Patrick writing beautiful poetry at festivals and events in the city. Poetry Non-stop includes daily prompts to help you unlock your muse and get you writing your own verse. Search Patrick Widdess on Facebook for more info. Have a creative April, all!

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FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM WORDS VANESSA BLACKLEDGE

2 0 0

Y E A R S

O F

T H E

One of our city’s most impressive landmarks, the Fitzwilliam Museum marks its bicentenary in 2016. We look back over its fascinating history and find out more about the plans in store to celebrate this historic milestone The Fitzwilliam Museum is celebrating its bicentenary in 2016 with an entire year of events. We spoke to Dr Lucilla Burn, the museum’s keeper of antiquities, about the book she has spent the past two years researching and writing. It’s a beautifully produced definitive history of the Fitzwilliam and is now available to buy. She has also curated the Bicentenary Exhibition, which can be enjoyed throughout this year. HISTORY When Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion bequeathed his works of art and library to the University of Cambridge in 1816, he also left £100,000 to build a museum to house them in. Many ideas for the site were offered up, including temples and even a Gothic church, but George Basevi, designer of Belgrave

Square, won the bid, and his neoclassical masterpiece was chosen for the Trumpington Street site. 13 very different and individually fascinating directors have made numerous edits and additions to the building and its contents over the years, and the museum is now twice the size it was on its completion in 1848. The collections have never stopped expanding too, with heavyweight benefactors and enthusiastic directors amassing an eclectic timeline of treasures. It has been Dr Burn’s two-year project to wrangle this trove of history and accompanying artefacts into the book and exhibition that is available to the public today. “I had three months leave to get started on the project in the autumn of 2012; after that I worked on it at intervals over the next two years, finishing early in 2015. I spent most of the

13 FASCINATING DIRECTORS HAVE MADE NUMEROUS EDITS AND ADDITIONS

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BEST&WORST We asked Lucilla Burns, what are the best and worst things about her job? BEST: “Perhaps what I like best of all are the opportunities I have for communicating with the public – whether through exhibitions or talks and lectures, or in writing.” WORST: “Mondays, when the shutters are down, it’s dark and cold and the collections seem to sleep, waiting to be brought back to life by crowds of visitors next day.”

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FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM

three months’ research leave having a truly wonderful time reading through everything I could find either in our own Museum Archives or in the University Library… Then I plunged straight in and wrote one of the central chapters, which is about the Museum in the Second World War – I still think it’s the best!” Just a cursory flick through the book will set your imagination alight as the many diverse characters that have fermented into the museum we have today loom large and vivid. “I think I was most fascinated by uncovering the dynamic personalities of successive Fitzwilliam directors. Some of them, notably Sydney Cockerell, are relatively well known, but there are others, like Carl Winter (director 1946-66), about whom I had previously known very little and who did sterling work in getting the Museum on a proper professional footing after the Second World War, and emerges

from his voluminous correspondence as extremely witty and acerbic.” THE WAR YEARS Aside from the defining personalities of the directors, there are wonderful insights into the working lives of employees, especially during wartime, when much of the museum was evacuated from Trumpington Street like children, to spend years of quiet safety in the countryside. One of the most vivid accounts of this period shines through the correspondence of employee Arthur Cousins, who reveals a deep passion for his vocation in his detailed descriptions of his duties, as well as a flair for poetic prose when he was caught in a snowstorm near Gredington, where his wards were being stored. It’s these touches that make the book sing and the museum come alive. The collection was sensibly divided between various locations across the country, including Shropshire, Cornwall and Hertfordshire during the Second World War, but during the First World War it

THERE ARE WONDERFUL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIVES OF EMPLOYEES

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seems that just a few items were stored at the Ashmolean Museum. “The decision to evacuate was certainly debated, but records of the debates are rather discrete; there was national advice on the desirability of evacuation and this was followed. It was felt that the Museum was too near the East Coast not to be at risk of bombing or invasion.” The building was also protected, but by a skeleton staff due to subscription, and those who remained – mostly older men – did their part in firewatching from the museum’s roof at night. Their prudence was rewarded the right way with Cambridge, and its beloved museum, escaping largely unscathed from the bombing. “It was later rumoured that there was an unspoken pact whereby each side spared the other’s great universities, but I don’t know how true this was.” And although there was minor damage caused to some of the collection during its evacuation, nothing was lost.

FAR LEFT, TOP Gallery 3 in the 19th century FAR LEFT BOTTOM A view at the Entrance of the Grand Canal, Venice, Bernado Bellotto (1720-1780) c. 1741 THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The Hon. Richard Fitzwilliam, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, Joseph Wright (1734-1797); Architect’s drawing of the Fitzwilliam Museum by George Basevi; Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Cambridge. Ball in Gallery 3, Illustrated Times, 11 June 1864; The Fitzwilliam Collection housed in the Perse, Richard Bankes Harraden (1778-1862); Builders by the Fitzwilliam Lions.

CREATING THE BICENTENARY EXHIBITION The practical task of building the Bicentenary Exhibition became an opportunity for Dr Burn to channel the

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BICENTENARY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS 4 FEBRUARY TO 30 DECEMBER 2016: CELEBRATING THE FIRST 200 YEARS: THE FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM 1816 – 2016 The Fitzwilliam’s Bicentenary exhibition, giving an introduction to the 200-year history of the Museum. Alongside the Bicentenary Exhibition there will be special displays in key Museum spaces from 4 February. These displays will show how the galleries looked in the past and the people from the Fitzwilliam’s history who were connected to these spaces. 23 FEBRUARY TO 22 MAY 2016: DEATH ON THE NILE: UNCOVERING THE AFTERLIFE OF ANCIENT EGYPT The first of two major exhibitions in the bicentenary year, exploring the Fitzwilliam’s fascinating collection of Egyptian coffins and the working practices of the artisans who made them. The collection began with one of the very first gifts that the Fitzwilliam received in 1822.

1 MAY 2016: HARPSICHORD RECITALS CELEBRATING LORD FITZWILLIAM’S LIFE IN MUSIC: Hear music for the harpsichord from the museum’s own collections with honorary keeper of music Dr Gerald Gifford. Selected music manuscripts from the collections will be going on display to accompany each recital too. OBJECT OF THE MONTH: From Viscount Fitzwilliam’s student portrait and his treasured books to a terracotta statue of Handel and his musical manuscripts, a different treasure will be highlighted each month, including some surprises that have rarely or never before been on display. Each display is complemented by an online film interview with a curator available to view on the Museum’s website. © Fitzwilliam Museum

30 APRIL 2016: VENUS AND THE LUTE PLAYER – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAMBRIDGE EARLY MUSIC: This concert is inspired

by the combination of instruments in Titian’s Venus and Cupid with a Lute Player from the Fitzwilliam’s founding collection. The programme of Italian Renaissance vocal and instrumental music is performed by members of the Northern Early Music Collective.

ABOVE The Fitzwilliam in the 19th century. TOP Hermes, Herse and Aglauros, Veronese, Paolo Caliari (1528-1588) 1576.

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wealth of knowledge accumulated over her research. “Often a book is a by-product of an exhibition, but in this case the exhibition is the by-product of the book.” It has presented a great opportunity to show off items that aren’t regularly shown. “I wanted to avoid using items that are normally on display elsewhere, because this was a chance to show additional objects rather than disrupt the permanent displays.” And when asked for some tips on her favourite pieces in the exhibition she is candid, “I’m particularly fond of the panel of Iznik tiles that was the first acquisition made by the Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum in 1909. But what I really like are the juxtapositions that totally encapsulate the richness and variety of the Museum’s collections – the mahogany coin cabinet sitting on top of a Turkoman tent bag panel, or the brilliant neon-pink ceramic item, made in 2015, that nestles up close to a 2500-year-old Etruscan vase.” THE FUTURE While confident that the museum will spend the next 200 years in the same place, Dr Burn is clear about one thing, “We badly need more space – for displaying and storing the collections, but also for expanding our staff so we can realise the great potential of the collections for engaging both the public and the University. The key is to grow while maintaining the Museum’s distinctive character... I hope we can continue to preserve what’s good about our traditions while moving on to embrace the future!” The Fitzwilliam Museum: A History is by Dr Lucilla Burns and is published by Philip Wilson Publishers.

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WORDS VANESSA BLACKLEDGE

BETWIXT AND BETWEEN An Interview withJill Dawson In the bicentenary year of The Little Port Riots we visit Jill Dawson to discuss her novel, The Tell-Tale Heart, which recounts this almost-forgotten story riving across The Fens on a pale March day is like driving through your mind in the moments just after waking; the detritus of your dreams still scattered across the landscape, uncluttered and strangely fresh. We’re visiting novelist Jill Dawson, to talk to her about her last book, The Tell-Tale Heart, in which The Fens are more than a setting, but a character in themselves. The windows of her eco home are large and curtain-less. They stare out over

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miles of freshly tilled ‘black-gold’ earth that this part of the country is famed for. As she pours our matching black coffee she expresses her love of the landscape. “I amaze myself with how much I love The Fens. It chimes so deeply with characteristics of my own. The unlovely Fens. People either find it oppressive, this level of space, or they find it uplifting and liberating, and I fall into that camp. It’s like a blank page.” There are plans to remove the rows of pylons that march across the British

countryside, and we agree that here, if nowhere else, their absence would be a loss to the landscape. “Why do you just want lakes and sunrises? It sort of annoys me as an idea. Isn’t the world lovely and interesting in all its variants?” The Tell-Tale Heart is a huge novel that reaches far beyond its 242 pages. It tells the story of Patrick, a washedup professor who’s squandered his life and health but who, nonetheless, is a candidate for ‘beating heart surgery’. He receives the heart of a 16-year-old Fen

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Gold Dust

Gold Dust is a scheme Dawson started eight years ago, enabling new and emerging writers to be mentored one-on-one by established novelists. “I set it up because people I’ve taught always want one-to-one time. So it was an answer to requests from students. The second reason is that it’s the way I like to work – with one editor, not twelve people all telling me different things.” For more information go to: www.gold-dust.org.uk

Readings with Jill Dawson 26 May – The Cambridge Literary Festival, time and venue TBC 9 June – Topping Bookshop, Ely, 7pm For more information visit: www.jilldawson.co.uk

lad, Drew, who's a descendent of one of the families involved in the Littleport Riots of 1816. Haven’t heard of them? You’re not alone. This footnote in history has been largely ignored, but the hangings and deportations that resulted from a small moment of unrest scarred the tight-knit community, and those scars echo around Littleport to this day. “The myth about The Fens is that, because it produced Cromwell, it’s rebellious. So there’s that idea of peoples’ genetic imprint or ancestral characteristic being about a place, but I also think of other more straightforward ones; of feelings that are passed down.” Shortly after the book was published, a study from the New York Mount Sinai Hospital gave us the first substantial evidence that trauma can be imprinted onto our genes and passed on. This epigenetic impressioning may have been recently ‘proved’ by science, but it’s something that writers and artists have been telling us for years. “I’ve always felt it just makes 100% perfect sense. I don’t really need proof.” As the book progresses, the young organ donor’s heart seems to act as more than a pump in Patrick’s chest; there’s something of the lad’s inherited trauma, his enquiring mind desperate for education, and his rebellious nature that washes through Patrick’s blood, filling his dreams with alien visions and a sense of morality that’s long-since deserted him. “It’s a book about masculinity. I have sons; I’m very interested in masculinity, not necessarily as a natural thing but as a construct. One construct is that men are always competent and in control; they’re never

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victims, they’re never vulnerable. And that’s clearly not true. I wanted to show that white, working-class boys are quite a feared and reviled group, and that some of that might be operating in the harsh judgments metered out to them.” The book crosses life, death, class, culture and century and attempts to tell a complex story. Try too hard to make sense of it and you risk losing the essence of reality; the mosaic of collision and course. “Joyce Carole Oats said, ‘Fiction shouldn’t make sense.’” So we stop trying. As our time together comes to an end we’re drawn back to the landscape laid out before us. “In my field you’ll normally see a tractor. That’s how I think of The Fens – an agricultural landscape, not a beautiful place where house prices are high and people come because they’ve got lovely village schools. No, that’s not The Fens and that’s why it interests me. Many Cambridgeshire people don’t come out this way and don’t know the area north of Ely; it feels quite foreign to them. “You know how children sometimes draw the sky and the landscape not meeting and there’s this mysterious bit in-between that they forget to colour in? That’s The Fens. It’s like an empty ‘betwixt and between.’ That’s a genuine quote from some rebels. This area’s not quite real, and I love that idea. There aren’t that many landscapes you can say that about.” Jill Dawson’s new novel, The Crime Writer, is about the novelist Patricia Highsmith and is set in Suffolk. It will be released on 2 June 2016, by Sceptre. Hardback £18.99.

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FAMILY

PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE! If you’ve got kiddies or nieces and nephews of a certain age, you’ll likely be familiar with the cult of Peppa Pig – the insanely popular animation series which has captured the hearts of millions of preschoolers and spawned an unfathomably large range of merchandise (plus its own theme park, in Hampshire). If you know some devotees of Peppa, George and friends, listen up, because the whole squad are in town this month for a live show which runs at the Corn Exchange on 2 and 3 April. As always with Peppa and her posse, it’s going to be a super colourful, fun show with lots of audience interaction, games and all sorts of surprises. The performance features life-size puppets of Peppa and her family as she and George try to guess what surprise Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have in store for them. The production has been given four stars by Time Out and five from Daily Express, with the Daily Telegraph calling it a “rollicking, all singing, dancing, interactive adventure.” Tickets start at £16.50, check online for more details. www.cornex.co.uk

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MILTON COUNTRY FAYRE On the first weekend of April, the beautiful Milton Country Park just off the A14 will be hosting a brand-new Spring Fayre. The Fayre will be held in marquees nestling in the woodland and features stalls selling everything from seeds, garden furniture and plants to crafts, jewellery, clothing and fine food. There will also be outdoor entertainment to keep you occupied and catering on-site to combat any hungry tummies! With lots of food, fun and entertainment, it promises to be a great day out for the whole family, plus, children under 16 go free. www.battenburgevents.co.uk/page/springfayre

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FAMILY

FAIRY FUN Wandlebury Country Park is hosting a delightful-sounding Fairy Fun day on 6 April. Grab your brood, wrap up and head off on a magical, fairy-dust filled trip into the woodland, when there will be storytelling, craft activities and games of ‘fairy hide and seek’. Little ones will also learn how to make shelters for small mammals (and fairies of course!). Event takes place 11am-1pm and is suitable for ages three to six years. Children must be accompanied by an adult and the event costs £8 per child. www.cambridgeppf.org

A DAY IN THE WOODS If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise! A packed day of woodland fun at Wandlebury awaits, which mini adventurers will go wild for. Taking place on 8 April from 10am to 4pm, A Day in the Woods will feature a busy line-up of den building, tracking, fire making, bread cooking and (best of all) toasting marshmallows by a crackling campfire. The activities are suitable for children aged eight to 12 years and cost £40 per child. Children should wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a packed lunch. www.cambridgeppf.org

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FAMILY

THRIPLOW DAFFODIL WEEKEND Each year, the village of Thriplow in south Cambridgeshire hosts a huge celebration of spring, providing a lovely day out in the countryside with tasty food, music, entertainment and stalls. The centre point for the event is the village’s beautiful crop of daffodils, which are always a gorgeous sight, and with traffic-free lanes to amble around, it’s like stepping back in time for the afternoon. The festival, which this year takes place on 16-17 April, has been running since 1969, started in an effort to raise money for some church repairs. Residents decided to open up their gardens and serve cups of tea from their homes – it was such a success that they decided to try it again the year after. The Thriplow Daffodil Weekend was born and it now draws in around 7,000 guests each year. There are pretty gardens to admire, craft barns to wander around, live music to be enjoyed and always lots of delicious food – be it home-made cake or something tasty from one of the many food stalls. And how do they ensure that they get their famous bumper crop of daffs year after year? The residents plant more and more each year – adding in plenty of different varieties, so they’re pretty much set whatever the English weather throws at them! The event takes place 11am-5pm both days and costs £5 per adult and £2.50 per child. Under fives go free. thriplowdaffodils.org.uk

FAMILY CAMPFIRE COOKING AT WICKEN FEN Wicken Fen’s resident campfire chef Alan will be hosting a very special day of outdoor cooking this month that’s perfect for families. Alan will take you through a full, delicious three-course supper, and everything you need to cook it will be provided on-site, including home-made mud ovens. The day is suitable for kids aged eight and over, and attendees are asked to wear clothes they don’t mind getting a bit mucky (wellies are advised). Don’t forget to stick on cotton clothing since you’ll be around a fire, and any long hair will need to be tied back. This is a special one-off activity and a chance for a great day out on the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve. You’ll need to book in advance. The day itself takes place from 10am till 2.30pm on Friday 8 April, and tickets cost £45. Remember: wrap up warm and don’t fill up on Easter eggs before you get there! www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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FAMILY

DIGITOPIA Blending live dance, digital technology and bending the rules of gravity, Digitopia hits Cambridge Junction this month for a spellbinding show. The story follows Dotty and her friend Hex, a simple two-dimensional line. He used to be happy with making angles, especially hexagons, but one day he decides he wants to make a curve. With a lot of effort he learns to bend, then multiply, and suddenly he can create all kinds of shapes, eventually popping into three dimensions, discovering he can turn into anything he wants to. Join Dotty as she follows Hex into his fantastical digital world, filled with surprises, incredible performances and beautiful digital art. After the show is finished, you can hop up on stage with the performers and explore dance and technology (suitable for five to ten year olds). The show takes place on 10 April at 2pm and 4.30pm and tickets are £6 for children and £10 for adults. www.junction.co.uk

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Treasured children’s tale Beauty and the Beast gets a rework this month at the Corn Exchange on 4 April in an all-singing, all-dancing Easter panto, perfect for the whole family. Belle is busy living her provincial life in a sleepy town when a scary beast takes her captive – and with an evil enchantress holding the kingdom to ransom, it’s up to the village idiot, his mum and the mysterious Fairy Tale to save the day… Starring Keith ‘Cheggers’ Chegwin, Anne Hegerty and Basil Brush, this show comes our way courtesy of Anton Benson Production Ltd. The show takes place at 3pm and 7pm, and tickets start at £17.50. Better start practicing your “Ha ha ha! Boom Booms!” www.cornex.co.uk

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RUMPELSTILTSKIN AT THE JUNCTION On 3 April at 11.30am and 2.30pm, the Junction will be hosting a woolly, musical take on the classic fairy tale full of tricks and wonder. Presented by Ripstop and Norwich Puppet Theatres, this is Rumpelstiltskin as you’ve never seen him or heard his story before. This is a tale in which the Prince wants to be a shepherd, the royals are strapped for cash, and it’s Auntie who’s doing the spinning in her efforts to make the wool for the King’s special jumper. Let yourself be woven into a physically sumptuous world of spinning, puppetry and storytelling this Easter, and see whether, as in all good fairy tales, the kids get to learn a thing or two on the way. www.junction.co.uk

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COMPETITION

VICTORIAN TRAVELLING SHOW TICKET GIVEAWAY!

WIN!

£500 PRIZE GIVEAWAY

This month we’ve teamed up with Audley End House and Gardens to give away ten family tickets* to their grand and colourful Victorian Travelling Show, which takes place next month. An impressive stately home with beautiful landscaped gardens, located just outside Saffron Walden, Audley End House is steeped in history and offers a range of family friendly events throughout the year which allow visitors young and old to engage with its fascinating past – having lots of fun along the way. On the weekend of 1-2 May, step back in time to the Victorian era – Audley End House’s heyday – and get stuck into games, meet intriguing characters from yesteryear and pick up impressive new circus skills. There will even be a Wild West horse show and the chance to meet Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill themselves, plus a travelling sideshow and plenty more activities to enjoy. Fancy winning a family ticket to this historical extravaganza? Head to www. cambsedition.co.uk to enter the prize draw, the winners will be announced on 20 April. www.english-heritage.org.uk *Family tickets cover two adults and up to three children

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LISTINGS CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE

cambsedition.co.uk

A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS APRIL 2-3 APRIL MILTON COUNTRY PARK SPRING FAYRE Time: All Day Location: Milton Country Park Price: £5 Description: An Easter fair with stalls offering a range of products including seeds, garden furniture, plants, crafts, jewellery, fine food and clothing. www.miltoncountrypark.org

6 APRIL THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £22.50-£28.50 Description: These all-singing, all-plucking superstars with toetapping music will be giving the Corn Exchange a show that is jam-packed with banter. www.cornex.co.uk

4 APRIL VIEWS FROM THE BRIDGE Time: 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £6 Description: A showcase of new work by local people, selected via written application and invitation. www.junction.co.uk

6 APRIL – 2 MAY THE SECRET LIFE OF ELY – OUSE LIFE EXHIBITION Time: 9am Location: Ely Cathedral Price: Free Description: Featuring some major works by 19 members of the OuseLife group of artists, this exhibition will showcase over 80 specially created art works celebrating the cathedral and the people who care for it. www.elycathedral.org

5 APRIL SPRING CIN EVENT Time: 7.30pm Location: Hot Numbers Price: £4 Description: Cambridge Illustration Network invites the public and its members to talk themselves silly about illustrating. www.hotnumberscoffee.co.uk

5-9 APRIL SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Time: 7.45pm Location: ADC Theatre Price: £11/£14 Description: Singin’ in the Rain, set in the last days of the silent film era in Hollywood, comes our way courtesy of Pied Pipers in a production that will entertain the whole family. www.adctheatre.com

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9-16 APRIL CAMBRIDGE DRAWING SOCIETY EXHIBITION Time: 10am Location: The Pitt Building Price: Free Description: The Cambridge Drawing Society, founded in 1882, will be exhibiting a selection of work submitted by its members in The Pitt Building on Trumpington Street over the first half of the month. Works featured will include paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. www.cambridgedrawing society.org

7 APRIL BLACKOUT: JUNCTION YOUNG COMPANY Time: 2.30pm & 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £6 Description: Inspired by the true story of a young offender from Glasgow who committed a violent crime, the Junction Young Company performs Davey Anderson’s hard-hitting play about getting bullied and fighting back. www.junction.co.uk

10 APRIL DIGITOPIA Time: 2pm & 4pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £6/£10 Description: Tom Dale Company brings an extraordinary performance that takes you into a fantastic digital world by combining urban contemporary dance, electronic music and digital art to the Junction. www.junction.co.uk

13 APRIL STORY ROUND Time: 8pm Location: CB2 Bistro Price: Free Description: Cambridge Storytellers host their regular open-mic event. It’s open to everyone, both tellers and listeners, and held in the CB2 basement. April’s theme is Stand and Deliver! www.cambridgestorytellers.com 13 APRIL BUILDINGS OF THE LABOUR MOVEMENT Time: 7.30pm Location: St Barnabas Centre Price: Free Description: Nick Mansfield will be presenting a talk to the brand new Mill Road History Society. It’s free and open to everyone. www.millroadhistory.org.uk

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LISTINGS

20 APRIL STATELESS Time: 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £8/£12 Description: Joli Vyann’s first major indoor production fuses the energy of hand-to-hand acrobatics and Cyr wheel with graceful contemporary dance in a captivating performance. www.junction.co.uk

April 14 APRIL THE POWER OF DESIGN: INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION Time: 5.30pm Location: St John’s College Price: Free Description: In the University of Cambridge’s 13th Annual Disability Lecture, Dr Sue Kroeger will be talking about how to translate the theory of inclusive design into a pragmatic reality. The idea is to energise and inspire those attending to consider accessibility and inclusion from the beginning of academic or teaching planning. www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk

14 APRIL AN EVENING WITH HELEN DUNMORE Time: 6.30pm Location: Heffers Bookshop Price: £3.60 Description: Bestselling author Helen Dunmore will be talking about her new novel, Exposure, set during the Cold War in London. www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

14 APRIL ADDENBROOKE’S 250 BIRTHDAY BALL Time: 6.45pm Location: Hallmark Cambridge Hotel Price: £45 Description: To mark the 250th anniversary of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, ACT will host a glamorous fundraising ball. Tickets include a welcome drink, threecourse meal, and live music. www.cuh.org.uk/250 15 APRIL YOLANDA BROWN + MICA PARIS Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £26.50 Description: Double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown will be play a set of reggae love songs with guest soul legend Mica Paris at the Corn Exchange this month. www.cornex.co.uk 17 APRIL DAN WILDE Time: 8pm Location: The Portland Arms Price: £6/£8 Description: Local singersongwriter Dan Wilde launches his new album with a celebratory gig at The Portland, featuring various special guests. danwilde.net

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23 APRIL IRON FIST Time: 8pm Location: The Portland Arms Price: £8 Description: HAIR. SPANDEX. ROCK. Iron Fist are an 80s rock parody band, and they’ll be raising the roof with faithful covers, tongue-in-cheek humour and a truly immaculate fashion sense. www.theportlandarms.co.uk 24 APRIL PLANT FAIR AT BURWASH MANOR Time: 11am Location: Burwash Manor Price: Free Description: Burwash will be hosting its annual plant fair featuring everything from unusual cottage-garden plants, perennials and roses to shrubs and ferns. All gardeners are welcome, from the seriously green fingered to the complete novice. www.burwashmanor.com

and high-flying distortions to examine the state of America in the pursuit of happiness. www.junction.co.uk 29 APRIL CAMBRIDGE BAND COMPETITION FINAL Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £9 Description: Six finalists compete to win the 31st Cambridge Band Competition Final. www.junction.co.uk 29 APRIL – 2 MAY 4TH YELLING BEER FESTIVAL Time: 6pm Location: Yelling Village Hall Price: Free Description: Hosted by the Yelling Social Club, there’ll be locally crafted beers, ales and ciders on hand as well as hot food. www.yellingvillage.co.uk 1-2 MAY ELY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Time: 10.30am Location: Palace Green Price: Free Description: Taking place as part of Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend, Ely Food and Drink Festival will boast a wealth of artisan traders, an expansive local street food market and a number of celebrity chefs doing live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre. www.visitely.org.uk

26 APRIL THE LOVELY EGGS Time: 7.30pm Location: The Portland Arms Price: £8.80 Description: An evening of splendidly oddball acoustic, punk and indie-rock tunes. www.theportlandarms.co.uk 27 APRIL SMOKE AND MIRRORS: THE RICOCHET PROJECT Time: 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £8/£12 Description: Smoke and Mirrors weaves acrobatic exploitations

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COMMUNITY

Community news 2 MAY

Reach Ride 2016

Most locals will be familiar with the historic Reach Fair, which takes place each May bank holiday and dates back some 800 years. Featuring stalls, fairground rides, food and drink, as well as maypole and Morris dancing, it’s a well-loved fixture in the local calendar and always attracts a huge crowd. Get planning now if you want to get involved with the accompanying Reach Ride, a 29-mile cycle which arrives at the fair just in time to see the grand opening by the Mayor. There’s no charge or sponsorship requirements, it’s just for fun, and it’s open to all. So grab your friends, family or colleagues and choose a team colour or join in alone – there are beautiful views of the open countryside and it’s a sociable atmosphere so you’re bound to find some riding buddies. This year is extra special as it’s the tenth anniversary for the Reach Ride, which is organised by Cambridge Cycling Campaign and supported by Cambridge City Council. Marshalls will be on hand to help with basic bike problems, and if you don’t fancy the full route, the organisers suggest joining at Newmarket Road Park & Ride site. www.camcycle.org.uk/reachride

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CAMBRIDGE WIND BAND

Charity Concert This month the Cambridge Wind Band will host Stars and Stripes: an Evening of American Music to raise money for Home Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire. Cambridge Wind Band, which comprises 50 talented amateur adult players, are known for their wide repertoire which covers wind band classics, film and TV scores, pop covers and specially commissioned pieces for soloists. The event takes place on 30 April at West Road Concert Hall, and follows the success of last year’s fundraiser at the same venue which raised £6,000 for Tom’s Trust. Tickets to this year’s event are priced at £15 (£10 for concessions), with all profits raised going towards the fantastic charity Home Start – an organisation which provides support to local families with young children facing isolation, bereavement, illness, domestic violence and other crises. Stars and Stripes: An Evening of American Music starts at 7.30pm and tickets can be booked online. www.adcticketing.com

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY

WE ARE FIVE! What better way to celebrate our fifth birthday this month than with the launch of our very own app? The Cambridge Edition app, available to download from the Apple iTunes store and Google Play, offers a lovingly curated guide to the very best that the city has to offer. From the biggest gigs, festivals and attractions to in-the-know gems like secret supper clubs, pop-up art exhibitions, street food markets and the crème de la crème of local brunching spots – we’ve got you covered to make sure you make the most of your time in the city (whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re here for the day).

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your ﬁx of Cambridge life

THE APP

NOW AVAILABLE! Serving up the best of Cambridge, for visitors and locals. Features gigs, arts, dining & more..

DOW N FOR LOAD FRE E!

THE CAMBRIDGE

BUCKET LIST

Whether fine dining or casual comfort food, the secret to truly great cooking is finding the perfect level of contrasts in your dish, says Alex Rushmer

The first time I visited Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, I was dazzled by the contrasts that were so prominent. The incessant chaos of the city itself was a significant

WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD

Parents and kids alike are in for a treat at Cambridge Arts Theatre from 17 to 21 February. Based on the awardwinning picture book by Julia

They say you’re never a good tourist in your own town and we think that’s totally true. How many of us have actually been into King’s College Chapel? Punted? Seen a show at the Arts Theatre? We’ve put together a Cambridge Bucket List – for tourists and locals alike – and challenge you to make 2015 the year you finally tick them all off. Go!

THIS MONTH’S GIGS

NIGHTLIFE PICKS

CAMBRIDGE SOUND

THE NME AWARDS TOUR 2016 Catch a crop of the UK’s finest this month at the Cambridge leg of the NME Awards Tour 2016, which hits the Corn Exchange on 9 February. Renowned for showcasing acts on the cusp of greatness, this series of shows has previously featured Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Florence and the Machine before they hit the big time.

FOOD & DRINK • MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE • ARTS & CULTURE FAMILY • CAMBRIDGE LIFE • VISITING CAMBRIDGE • SHOPPING • WHAT’S ON COMPETITIONS SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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AAM image © IWM Duxford

COMPETITION

WIN! WIN A HOTEL STAY AND DINNER AND DISCOVER THE NEW AMERICAN AIR MUSEUM! We’re offering Cambridge Edition readers the chance to win a minibreak where you can be among the first to explore the American Air Museum at IWM Duxford. First up, you’ll get two tickets to the Museum so you can hear the personal stories of those men and women whose lives were shaped by their experiences of war. Get up close to these epic aircraft and see intriguing personal objects – many of which have never been on display before. After your trip to the Museum, you’ll be treated to dinner for two at The Tickell Arms near Duxford. The Tickell Arms is an elegant pub and restaurant in the heart of Whittlesford which serves seasonal modern British food in relaxed surroundings. The conservatory, terrace and garden overlooking the pond are delightful in summer and real fires make it a warm destination in winter. Once you’ve finished your meal, your experience will be rounded off with a

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stay at four-star Hotel Felix. Located just outside of Cambridge in pretty landscaped gardens, Hotel Felix is one of the city’s finest: a gorgeous Victorian mansion with a cool and contemporary interior, it’s the perfect blend of traditional and modern design. The 52 bedrooms in the hotel offer guests an oasis of calm and boast duck down duvets, contemporary furniture, White Company toiletries and generously proportioned bathrooms. The giveaway winner will also receive a copy of a book that accompanies the American Air Museum, Somewhere in England by Roger Freeman, which gives a snapshot of life as an American airman in Britain during the Second World War. To be in with a chance of getting your hands on this prize and for T&Cs, visit the Cambridge Edition website. www.cambsedition.co.uk

www.iwm.org.uk/aam www.cambscuisine.com www.hotelfelix.co.uk

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE CROWN & PUNCHBOWL Located in the pretty village of Horningsea, three miles outside of central Cambridge, The Crown & Punchbowl is a smart country pub and restaurant offering top quality modern British cuisine that is served in an historic, charming setting. Following an extensive refurbishment, the pub opened in February and is now under the management of Cambscuisine. The local restaurant group is responsible for six acclaimed eateries in the area – The Cambridge & St John’s Chop Houses, SmokeWorks, The Cock in Hemingford Grey, the Tickell Arms in Whittlesford and The Crown & Punchbowl, as well as an event catering operation, The Cambridge Dining Company. A Grade II listed building which dates back to the 17th Century, the pub’s interior has been refreshed and brought up to date, whilst still retaining lovely original features, including open fireplaces and traditional timber beams, making for a cosy dining area. There’s also a large, bright and airy conservatory area, as well as a sumptuous semi-private dining room, which is ideal for a larger party. At the bar, you will find a fantastic selection of local real ales, lagers, cider and home-made punch. Tempting bar snacks include freshly carved ham from the counter, pork crackling with apple sauce or ‘Punchbowl Pickles.’

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As with all Cambscuisine restaurants, excellent food is at the heart of The Crown & Punchbowl, and the regularly changing menu is sure to tempt with its seasonally inspired dishes. For starters, choose between smoked lamb scrumpets with roasted aubergine dip, or a Cambscuisine classic – confit duck parcel served with sweet and sour cucumber and soy and ginger dressing. For mains, expect beautifully executed classics such as a hearty beef Wellington in rich red wine sauce, or home-made sausages in buttery mash with onion gravy. There’s also a selection of steak cuts to choose from, as well as fresh fish, which is delivered to the restaurant daily.

If you’re looking to really indulge with an overnight stay, The Crown & Punchbowl now also offers five delightful en-suite bedrooms, each named after one of Cambridge’s great writers. The rooms are smart and comfortable, with lots of luxurious touches including Egyptian cotton linen, Nespresso machines and Liberty & Green toiletries. Book now and take advantage of their special rate for weekend breaks (£275), which includes a two-night stay, breakfast on both mornings and a three-course dinner on one night in the restaurant (excludes drinks.) Available Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday. The Crown & Punchbowl, High Street, Horningsea, Cambridge CB25 9JG. 01223 860643 crown@cambscuisine.com www.cambscuisine.com

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FOOD DRINK A N D

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

FOOD NEWS RAMSON SEASON SPECIAL

Eat Cambridge 2016 GUIDE SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

The hottest date in the Cambridge food and drink calendar returns next month and we’ve got the low-down ow entering its fourth year, Eat Cambridge has become the highlight of the foodie calendar in the city, offering a delicious two-week long celebration of our flourishing food and drink scene and a chance to enjoy some truly unique dining experiences. Taking place from 7-22 May, this year’s event will showcase Cambridge’s increasingly impressive line-up of independent eateries, artisan producers, talented chefs and other food professionals, with a packed schedule of events which ranges from street food markets to wine fairs, debates and supper clubs. As with previous years, the event will feature a main food and drink fair at the Corn Exchange, along with a busy line-up of fringe events at venues across the city. On the fringe, you’ll find everything from an experiential rooftop supper created using 3D food printers to an indulgent chocolatethemed afternoon tea. Grab your diary and get planning!

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Food and Drink Fair

The hub of the whole festival, the main food and drink fair returns to Cambridge Corn Exchange on 7 May (10.30am4.30pm) for a day filled with delicious foodie delights. Be sure to arrive early so that you can make the most of this unique showcase of local artisan producers and traders, which features stalls, demos, talks and, of course, lots of tasty samples. Why not begin your food safari with a tipple? Keep it uber local and hit up the Cambridge Cider Company, who make delicious, handcrafted ciders and perry, or get yourself revved up for a day of feasting with a cup of Hot Numbers’ famously potent coffee. Gin lover? Grab a quick swig of Pinkster Gin, pink in hue and adored by many in Cambridge, it’s sure to fill you with (g)inspiration for the day ahead. Onto savouries and you’d be a fool not to stop by SmokeWorks’ stand for a taste of their flavour-packed smoked meat buns, ribs and signature spiced sausages, all packed up to eat on the go. If that gets you in the mood for another meaty pit stop, go and say hello to the team at Syms Pantry,

who’ll be selling their irresistible bacon mayo, bacon ketchup and even bacon jam! While you’re in a condiment mood, swing by Scarlett and Mustard, who’ll lure you in with the promise of their lip-smackingly good Suffolk-made dressings, marinades, infused oils and fruit curds. Time for another drink? Go and pick up a sample of something from the English Spirit Distillery, based down the road in Dullingham, who handmake beautiful small batch copper pot distilled English spirits and liqueurs.

independent eateries, artisan producers Next up, venture to more exotic climes with a bite to eat from the Rice Boat stand. Their restaurant on Newnham Road is an in-the-know gem, serving up crazily good Keralan cuisine, a cut above your average curry house. Then, hop across to Spain for a treat or two from Pata Negra, a regular on the local food circuit, which stocks fine Spanish foods including cured meats, cheeses and specialist ingredients – including all you need for a killer DIY paella.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

Speaking of home cooking, you can’t go far wrong with the expertly created gourmet spice rubs, infused balsamic vinegars and flavoured salts on offer at the Gourmet Spice Co; on hand to elevate your recipes to cordon bleu standards. A highlight each and every year is the Gog Magog Farm Shop stall, which groans under the weight of a glorious array of cheeses, home-made scotch eggs, sausage rolls and cured hams, not to mention the delicious cakes. Not to be missed. At 12pm and again at 2pm, you can join the Gogs team for a butchery demo too, as well as advice for preparing meat at home. They’re not the only Cambridgeshire farm favourites making an appearance either: there’s all manner of local produce on offer from Radmore Farm Shop, plus quality gift hampers from Cambridge Artisan, as well as great selection from Mill Road’s Culinaris, which serves up a vast range of fine foods including chocolate, spices, condiments and more.

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF EAT CAMBRIDGE

enlightening foodiebased talks There’s no slouching in the sweet-tooth department either. Biscotti di Debora will be serving up her home-made Italian pastries, celebration cakes and biscuits (great for gifts, if you can keep your mitts off them long enough), whilst Canesmith & Co will have you salivating over their gourmet sweets including caramels, saltwater taffy and sherbets. Get a double fudge hit by stopping by at Ely Fudge Company and ChocsAway, both of whom specialise in this most decadent of sweet treats. You’ll need a break every now and again, so we highly recommend venturing upstairs to the King’s Room, where there’s a busy schedule of enlightening foodie-based talks taking place. At 11am, join the Pint Shop’s innovative in-house chef Rosie Sykes for a chat about seasonality, or join the Burwash Manor team at 12.30pm for a look at the challenges and rewards of rearing rare breed pork (they

should know, they’ve been doing it for three generations, after all). Local food writer and historian Bee Wilson will be sharing fascinating insights from her latest book on eating better at 2.30pm, whilst the last word (at 3.30pm) goes to co-owner of Fitzbillies’ Tim Hayward, who’ll discuss the ever-growing, ever-changing Cambridge food scene.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

on the fringe Diaries at the ready, this year’s Fringe line-up looks set to be the busiest, and best, yet. Kick things off in style at Hot Numbers on 7 May, when the exuberant Mama Bombon will pair delicious and exotic chocolates with coffee from around the globe, roasted by Hot Numbers. The next morning, get up and about for a walking tour around the city – filled with interesting facts and delicious bites. Aesthetes will adore the How to plate food like a pro masterclass the same

guests can design and print their own food morning, which offers an insight into food presentation and styling, be it for entertaining or blogging (Instagram at the ready!). Also on Sunday 8 May, you can take it back to basics with the talented team over at Cambridge Cookery School, who’ll be hosting an introduction to sourdough session: learn to knock out loaves like a seasoned baker as they take you from starter dough right through to perfect finished product. Taking place on both 8 and 22 May, and rather tickling our fancy, is the Rooftop

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Supper Club on Hills Road. This fascinating event will allow guests to design and print their own food – as well as enjoying a five-course menu created using the amazing nufood 3D printer (mind-bending or what!). If you work in the food industry locally, you’ll not want to miss the festival edition of Grub Club on the 10th: a chance to network with nearby foodies, and enjoy a great meal at The Rupert Brooke. On 10 and 11 May, pay a visit to the lovely Michaelhouse Café on Trinity Street for a feast with a Cambridge spin which will showcase produce from the

Sizzling Sunday Eat Cambridge headline sponsors Burwash Manor will close this year’s festival with a foodie extravaganza of rare breed pork and craft beer on the 22nd. Enjoy a lazy Sunday down on their beautiful farm which features a mini beer festival, butchery demos with Burwash’s Leech & Sons’ and plenty of irresistible pulled pork from the Big Green Egg.

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region including local asparagus, Wobbly Bottom goat’s cheese, Chapel and Swan smoked salmon, wild rabbit and more. Over at Gog Magog Farm Shop on 11 May, get hands on in a session with the Gogs award-winning butchers, when you’ll learn how to ‘break down’ a side of pork, from start to finish, and end with a tasty pork supper served with local beer and wine (also takes place on 18 May). On 12 May, meanwhile, experience an evening of dining inspired by foodie hotspot San Sebastian at Shelford Deli, where they’ll be putting on a menu of pintxos with Txakoli wine or local cider. On the same day, get stuck into an evening of artisan chocolates and cheeses at Mill Road’s Culinaris, or pop along to the Blue Moon pub for some vibrant veggie street food courtesy of the Wandering Yak. On Saturday 14th, pop along and meet Cambridge Eat Up!, a group of friendly foodies, who range from photographers to bloggers and appreciators, and bring something along for their Pot Luck Lunch – be it savoury, sweet or liquid. Perhaps you’d like to discover how Mill Road earned its title as the ‘food basket of Cambridge’? Join in with a tour of the

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF EAT CAMBRIDGE

foodPark NIGHT MARKET foodPark, Cambridge’s collective of fantastic street food traders, returns for its festival edition of the hugely popular Night Market at Gravel Hill Farm. Taking place 5-10pm on 21 May, the event features the likes of gourmet burger outfit Steak & Honour, purveyors of south-east Asian dishes Jalan Jalan, sweet treats from Churros Bar and much more. There’s also live music, a pop-up bar serving craft beers and Prosecco and plenty of undercover areas to cosy up in while you feast. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get booked up in advance – it’s always a top night.

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Wine Festival

A local institution, Cambridge Wine Merchants (CWM) have been merrily serving the residents of the city fine wines, beers and spirits for some 23 years. Join them on 21-22 May for a special weekend wine festival at Cambridge Arts Theatre when they’ll be showcasing unique tipples from around the globe, alongside plenty of tasty food from local suppliers. Book for your chosen session (or sessions!): Saturday 5.30-7.30pm, Sunday 3-5pm and 6-8pm, and receive a CWM tasting glass to take home with you.

area with plenty of whistle-stops of the best places for a bite to eat. Also on the 14th, discover the art of sushi at Bridges Café with a workshop geared towards giving you the know-how to create greatlooking, healthy sushi at home. Like a little entertainment with your indulgence? On 19 May, in the beautiful setting of Childerley Long Barn, The Misfits will perform a live studio broadcast of their comedy radio show, The Gin Chronicles, whilst you slurp down top quality gins.

sumptuous, familyfriendly feast Promising to transport guests to a terrace in Barcelona on the 21st, chef Monica Oblanca Das will host an evening of authentic tapas at the University Botanic Garden – itself none too shabby a location for an evening of dining. On Sunday 22 May, join the creative bunch that is The Banqueteers for a sumptuous, family-friendly feast as they present The Ultimate Sunday: roast dinner, Bloody Mary bar, newspapers and board games all included. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

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EVENT THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL

SUNDAY 8 MAY

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Hotel Felix

Eat Cambridge Chef Demo: Mark Poynton at Alimentum

Two Cambridge Feasts at Michaelhouse Café

The Garden Kitchen Pop-ups

See Cambridge Differently Walking Tours

Raw Food Taster Evening

Limoncello tasting offer at Limoncello Festival Tasting Menu at Osteria Waggon and Horses

SATURDAY 7 MAY The Eat Cambridge Main Event Coffee & Chocolate at Hot Numbers.

The Gog Butchery Class How to plate food like a pro with Franglais Kitchen Introduction to Sourdough at Cambridge Cookery School Rooftop Supper Club - Experiential Future Dining

THURSDAY 12 MAY San Sebastián meets Great Shelford East Shop with Rosie Sykes at Pint Shop

TUESDAY 10 MAY Grub Club Cambridge Producers’ Dinner Two Cambridge Feasts at Michaelhouse Café

The Wandering Yak’s Veggie and Vegan Street Food Feast Culinaris Cheese and Chocolate

FRIDAY 13 MAY The Wandering Yak Kitchen Takeover The Gog & Guerrilla Kitchen Supper Club

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THURSDAY 19 MAY SATURDAY 14 MAY Burwash Manor’s Asparagus Day

Culinaris Cheese, Beer, Bread and Butter Childerley Long Barn presents The Gin Chronicles

Cambridge Eat Up Pot Luck Lunch Eat Mill Road Tour

SATURDAY 21 MAY

Cupping and Coffee Appreciation at Hot Numbers

A Day @ The Gog

The Gog & Guerrilla Kitchen Supper Club

Tapas Pop-up at the Botanic Garden Café

SUNDAY 15 MAY The Eat Cambridge Food Debate

MONDAY 16 MAY Taste la Dolce Vita!

TUESDAY 17 MAY What IS the deal with meat?

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY The Gog Butchery Class

SUNDAY 22 MAY Burwash Manor’s Sizzling Sunday

Coffee Cocktails at Hot Numbers

The Banqueteers present Sunday Best – the Ultimate Sunday

Cambridge Wine Merchants Wine Festival

foodPark NIGHT MARKET @Eat Cambridge

Rooftop Supper Club Experiential Future Dining

PULL OUT PLANNER

Sushi Made Simple

‘You’re the wine that I want!’

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THE CHEQUERS ORWEL L ,

THIS MONTH NICOLA FOLEY HEADS SOUTH OF CAMBRIDGE TO A HIDDEN GEM WITH PLENTY , OF FLAIR AND EXCEPTIONAL FOOD WORDS NICOLA FOLEY IMAGES CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

ambridgeshire definitely doesn’t slouch when it comes to lovely countryside gastropubs, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a treat when you stumble across a really good one. The Chequers of Orwell, located around eight miles south of Cambridge, surpasses expectations from the off. From the fragrant, fresh-out-of-the-oven homemade bread which begins our meal to the rich, molten gloriousness of the chocolate fondant which rounded it off, and the friendly, knowledgeable service throughout, there’s little room for much but compliments when it comes to this hidden gem.

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Inside, it’s traditional but fresh-looking, and pretty much what you’d expect from a smart rural pub, but the buzz on entering immediately indicates a loyal following of customers.

THE DISHES DISPLAYED AN IMPRESSIVE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL SKILL To kick things off, I chose the Parmesan custard – a hot, set cream which delivered a burst of savoury intensity from the cheese, joined by a lovely sweet and smoky hit from the chorizo jam and

served with a baby salad in a cute glass jar. Pretty to look at and even better to slurp down slathered on the toasted sourdough bread served on the side. Equally beautifully presented was my dining partner’s starter, a colourful arrangement of goats’ cheese mousse quenelles with pickled beetroot, spicy pecan and rocket. Displaying an impressive level of technical skill and with expertly balanced flavours, this dish more than lived up to its visual promise. For my main course, I couldn’t resist the slow roast rump of lamb, which was meltingly tender and accompanied by zingy pomegranate, miso aubergine, and heavenly fondant potato, whilst over on

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THE DUO OF PORK MAIN WAS ANOTHER LESSON IN EXPERTLY BALANCING FLAVOURS FOR A TRULY STELLAR END PRODUCT the other side of the table, the duo of pork was going down just as well. An inspired combination of pork fillet and sausage roll with sweet potato, purple broccoli and lentils, it was another lesson in balancing flavours for a truly stellar end product. My dessert was a dream (if there’s a greater pleasure in life than slicing open a chocolate fondant and seeing that chocolatey ooze, I’ve yet to find it), but my dining partner’s dessert succeeded in stealing the show with a flourish of finedining flair. More closely resembling a piece of modern art than a pudding, this delicately assembled dish incorporated raspberry sorbet, white chocolate and peach parfait and coconut sable Breton shortbread. Total heaven, the desserts ended the meal on a high note and left us both rhapsodising about the exceptional standard of food this tucked-away pub was delivering. Highly recommended. www.thechequersoforwell.co.uk

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WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

ON PAIRING FOOD AND WINE EVER FEEL LIKE THE WORLD OF WINE IS CONFUSING ENOUGH WITHOUT ADDING FOOD INTO THE EQUATION? ALEX HAS SOME WORDS OF WISDOM efore opening the Hole in the Wall I thought I knew very little about wine. In the five years since I took it on I’ve learned a huge amount. I’ve learned so much that I no longer think I know very little about the subject; I am convinced of it. There are foreign languages within foreign languages to get one’s head around. There are scientific principles to understand. There are even dozens of ways to refer to the same things. There are thousands of grape varieties to taste and learn about and hundreds of wine-making regions all with their specific geographic nuances, terroirs and soil compositions. There is malolactically fermented, skin-contact, amphorae-aged white wine and there is directly pressed, minimal intervention, low-dosage, no-added sulphite sparkling wine and there is barrel-aged, single block, hand-harvested biodynamically grown red wine. It’s enough to give you a headache even before you’ve even cracked open the organic old-vine Zinfandel from the Napa Valley. And things get even more complicated when you throw food into the equation. Of course, there are generally accepted rules for pairing food and wine: shellfish should be matched with dry whites, pork works with fruity white wines and steak needs a deep, dark red in order to be properly enjoyed. But these aren’t hard and fast regulations, merely guidelines to help you on your way, not to mention generalisations that fail to take into account the rest of the dish: the accompaniments, sauces or other dominant flavours such as spices, for example. The wine you choose to pair with a grilled côtede-boeuf could be wildly different from that which works with a braised beef cheek. Yes, a flinty Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc would offset the briny tang of a bowl of steamed mussels but throw some cream, or pasta, into the dish and suddenly you have a clash rather than harmonious cohabitation.

When we are working on wine pairings for dishes in the restaurant, particularly for those on our tasting menu, we tend to focus not on principle ingredients but rather on the dominant flavours. Which herb or spice do we wish to emphasise? How will the texture and mouthfeel of the dish differ with one wine or another and finally? Do we want to provide a chord or a counterpoint? In other words would the dish work better if we tried to pair it with a wine that plays on contrast rather than accord? OK, so we do have a well-stocked cellar with about 100 wines to choose from but back in the real world you can take the same approach when picking wine to drink at home. Work out the two or three key flavours in your dish and then think about wines with a similar flavour profile and remember that if you need advice there are

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half a dozen amazing independent wine merchants in Cambridge run by people who love nothing more than talking about wine and pairing it with food. Which brings me to the most important lesson I’ve learned over the last few years: never feel intimidated by the world of wine because there is always someone who will be delighted to help educate you.

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

THE SENATE Auntie’s Tea Shop – a favourite with tourists and something of a local institution – closed its doors for the last time recently, but we’re pleased to report that something rather exciting has popped up in its place. Now occupying no.1 St Mary’s Passage is The Senate – a classy and contemporary bistro and wine bar. With an interior characterised by dark wood surfaces and blue and white patterned tiles, The Senate gives off a distinctly modern Mediterranean vibe – a theme that extends to the menu too. For lunch expect light dishes, like spiced sweet potato and feta salad, as well as a range of mouth-watering sandwiches with gourmet fillings (also

available to take away). There will also be a range of healthy breakfasts, as well as morning favourites, like overnight oats and a signature full English breakfast. But the main focus of The Senate’s food happens in the evenings, when you’ll be able to enjoy sumptuous sharing plates and raclette – a completely delicious concoction of melted cheese, boiled potatoes and ground black pepper, accompanied by small pickled onions and gherkins. To drink, expect a selection of oldworld wines sourced by Cambridge Wine Merchants to complement the menu, and a small but perfectly formed cocktail list featuring classics like Clover Club and Espresso Martini..

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The Senate, which is named in honour of Cambridge University’s neighbouring Senate House building – is the brainchild of Oli Prevett, who brings years of experience in the hospitality industry and is fulfilling a lifelong ambition in opening his own venue. He’s got big plans for the future, including biweekly dining events like Bubbles Night, featuring a fizzy line-up of cava, brut and champagne, plus food and wine matching evenings. There’s also the inspired Fleetwood and Fondue evening – yes that’s melted cheese in your mouth and Fleetwood Mac in your ears, what more could you possibly want? Stay tuned to Cambridge Edition for more details on events at The Senate.

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VARSITY OPENS SKYLINE RESTAURANT

WINE TASTING SATURDAYS In the grandeur of Gonville & Caius, one of Cambridge University’s oldest and most beautiful colleges, join Cambridgeshire Wine School for a decadent day of great wines and delicious food this month. Wine Tasting Saturdays, which take place on 2, 16 and 30 April, begin with a welcome glass of champagne and offer a fun and informative day of learning about different grape varieties and pairing food and wine. The events also feature a tasty two-course lunch, with a menu that includes lemon and mustard marinated pork with pancetta and a sherry cream, and chocolate truffle cake with whipped cream. All events take place 11am-4pm and cost £89 per person. www.cambridgeshirewineschool.com

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More great news for the local food scene this month as The Varsity Hotel & Spa announces the opening of a brand new £2 million eatery at its premises on Thompson’s Lane. The restaurant is housed on the top floor of the luxurious boutique hotel, below The Varsity’s popular roof garden, and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city. It will complement the existing River Bar Steakhouse & Grill on Quayside, offering a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, as well as a brunch at the weekends. The new eatery will be open to both hotel guests and the general public. Stay tuned to the next issue of Edition for more information. www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

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ELY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL From 29 April to 2 May, Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend returns to pay homage to the humble eel and offer up a packed weekend of fun events over the spring bank holiday weekend. As well as lots of brilliantly bonkers eelbased fun, including an eel-throwing contest (not real eels, we checked) and the Eel Day Parade, the festival also offers up a stellar line-up of foodie events. On both 1 and 2 May, the Food and Drink Festival is back for a third year on Palace Green, just by the magnificent Ely Cathedral, between 10.30am and 4.30pm. This year’s event looks set to be the biggest yet, featuring a huge array of food and drink traders, plus demonstrations from various celebrity chefs. Pop into the Cookery Theatre on the Sunday and catch The Great British Bake Off finalist Ian Cumming, who’ll be whipping up a few showstoppers for the crowds and telling anecdotes about the well-loved show, we’re sure. Also cooking up a storm will be TV chef Jean Christophe Novelli and Jack Stein, executive chef for the Stein Restaurants, who’ll be relaying stories of restaurant life from Padstow and cooking up a great fish dish. The main Food Hall will house a marketplace featuring artisan food and drink traders, whilst The Street Food Place will be showcasing yet more tantalising foodie treats. Running throughout the weekend, keep an eye out for the Eel Food Safari, in which local eateries will be getting in the spirit by providing creative twists on the eel theme – look out for the Food Safari logo or download the map from the Visit Ely website, which shows participating venues. visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk

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GIN CLUB We might be breaking the first rule of Gin Club by telling you about this, but it sounds too good not to! Cambridge Wine Merchants is now hosting a monthly celebration of all things gin at their Cherry Hinton Road branch, taking place on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll find out what’s hot in the intoxicating world of this adored spirit, sample some of the best gins out there and enjoy tasty nibbles too. The events feature five gins to taste per session, kick off at 7pm, and cost £15. Though if you’re feeling particularly spirited, you can block book for £10 per session. This Gin Club happens on 5 April, and the next on 5 May. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, we recommend booking up for a future date before those spots get snapped up too. Future Gin Clubs will take place on 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November and 6 December. www.cambridgewine.com

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STICKS ’N’ SUSHI Psst! Cambridge is about to get itself another sushi joint in early May when Sticks ’n’ Sushi opens its doors on Wheeler Street. A Danish restaurant group, Sticks ’n’ Sushi serve up Japanese cuisine, with a focus on traditional sushi and yakitori sticks from the grill. We’ve already been drooling over the menu, which also features Japanese-inspired salads, kimchi dishes and sashimi. The desserts don’t disappoint either: we can’t wait to try the black sesame ice cream with nougatine or the dark fondant with chocolate caramel, a peppermint heart and crunchy hazelnut brittle. Look out in the next issue for more details. www.sticksnsushi.com

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BELLA ITALIA Historic Bridge Street gets a new addition this month in the shape of Bella Italia, which is set to open its doors on 26 April. Known for its good value Italian cuisine, funky decor and relaxed atmosphere, Bella Italia is the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant brand, with the new outpost joining existing Cambridge branches Newnham Road, Clifton Way and The Grafton Centre. The large space can cater for up to 134 (making it a good choice for a large party booking) and features lots of cool little design touches. We’re especially taken with the retro–styled Gelato Truck, with its myriad flavours and colourful toppings. There’s a new menu to try, which is packed with products from family-run Italian producers, and offers classic Italian favourites with a twist. Expect hand-stretched pizzas, fresh pasta dishes and favourites like lasagne, made from scratch each day in the restaurant. There’s a lovely range of cocktails and Italian Prosecco too, as well as a menu especially for the bambinos, if you’ve got little ones with you. “We’re delighted to be bringing a slice of Italy to Cambridge!” says Bella Bridge Street manager Thomas McCartney. “The buzzing Bridge Street is the ideal place to open another Bella in this beautiful, historic city. Those visiting Bella will be treated to our great new menu, a fabulous new restaurant and a team that can’t wait to serve the people of Cambridge.” www.bellaitalia.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOT NUMBERS! Cambridge Edition isn’t the only local indie celebrating turning five, Hot Numbers also hit the milestone last month. Since opening its first branch on Gwydir Street, this excellent coffee house has gone from strength to strength, becoming a favourite hangout for those in the Mill Road area and beyond. Fast forward to 2016 and they’ve added a second branch on Trumpington Street, and their following is growing all the time. Why do we love them? Lots of reasons: some of the best coffee in town (which they roast themselves), delicious cakes, a friendly vibe and a busy line-up of live music events, as well as foodie pop-ups. Happy birthday Hot Numbers! hotnumberscoffee.co.uk

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FOODPARK ANNOUNCE NIGHT MARKET DATES In a piece of news which had local foodies excitedly marking their diaries recently, local street food collective foodPark announced the dates for their hugely popular Night Markets over the summer. Featuring the cream of Cambridge’s booming street food scene, the markets offer a great night out: in addition to feasting your way around a selection of excellent traders and a pop-up bar serving craft beers, Prosecco, wine and gin, there’s live music and cosy seating areas to hole up in. The line-up of traders for the events is yet to be announced but previous events have featured favourites like Steak & Honour, Guerrilla Kitchen, Buffalo Joe’s, Jalan Jalan and Jack’s Gelato. The events take place 5pm10pm on 21 May, 25 June, 30 July and 27 August and tickets are available in advance. For more details including location announcements, check out foodPark on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ foodParkCam

PRANA RE-OPENS We know there’s no shortage of excellent curry houses on Mill Road, but we can’t deny that Prana has always been a favourite. So, we’re delighted to see that after a hiatus period, in which the restaurant was being refurbished (it now boasts a stylish ground-level dining room too), they’re officially back. The new menu promises everything we loved about the old Prana and more. There’s expertly executed classic Indian dishes, like baltis and tikka masalas, but also lots of exotic specials and regional dishes, as well as a great range of Indian seafood offerings. The new fit-out offers a cosier dining area too, making for a better atmosphere, but it’s in the kitchen where Prana really elevates itself beyond the crowd. So if you love a good ruby, and haven’t yet sampled Prana’s wares, we recommend you check them out asap. www.pranarestaurant.co.uk

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WORDS ANDREW WEBB

Whether eating out or foraging for your own and cooking at home, make the most of the short-lived wild garlic season If you’re enjoying a springtime walk through any woodland in the region, look out for wild garlic. Of course, you’ll smell it before you see it, that distinctive garlicky smell with a hint of chive and spring onion. In the past this time of year was known as the ‘hungry gap’; a time when the

There,s something nice about plucking a bunch of wild garlic last of the winter crops of brassicas and potatoes had all been used up, but new crops weren’t yet ready. Wild garlic would have been a much-welcomed fresh food after a long winter. Today, of course, we can easily get Spanish salad leaves and asparagus from Peru all year round. But there is something rather nice about being able to pluck a small bunch of native wild garlic for free.

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How and where to forage If you’re going to forage wild garlic (or anything else for that matter), you need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Lily of the valley is a poisonous plant that can be mistaken for wild garlic, however it differs in a number of ways and is easy to tell apart once you know them. Its flowers are bell shaped and all grow off a single stem, whereas wild garlic’s flowers resemble an exploding star shape with many small, white, straight petals in a bunch, all on individual stems. Each plant also likes different types of soil. Wild garlic prefers damp, wet, shady woodland; lily of the valley meanwhile likes drier, more exposed ground. What’s more, while wild garlic is around between April and May, lily of the valley arrives May to June. Of course the biggest giveaway is the smell. Wild garlic has a strong smell, while lily of the valley has none.

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In the kitchen

Having safely identified your wild garlic, how else can you use it? Well, Gemma Whiting, owner of the Linton Kitchen, likes to use it in a wild garlic, potato and feta tart. Here’s her recipe.

Wild Garlic, Potato and Feta Tart FOR THE SPELT PASTRY: • 150g plain flour • 75g spelt flour (we use Swaffham Prior stone-milled flour) • 65g chilled butter, cut into small cubes • 65g chilled lard, cut into small cubes • 2tbsp chilled water FOR THE FILLING: • 300g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced • 150g wild garlic leaves and stalks (if tender) • 200g feta cheese, crumbled • 3tbsp of toasted seeds (we use pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower) • 4 free-range eggs • 150ml double cream • ¼tsp freshly grated nutmeg • salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE SPELT PASTRY: • Pop all the ingredients, except the water, into a food processor and blend until they resemble breadcrumbs • Add the water until the mixture comes together easily and is pliable • Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes • Roll out to around 5mm thick and line your greased tart tin, prick the base with a fork • Chill again for 20 minutes • Line the pastry case with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Cook for 20 minutes at 180°C fan/gas mark 5. Then remove baking beans and cook for a further five minutes, or until the tart case is crisp on the

bottom and starting to turn golden at the edges FOR THE FILLING: • Boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water until tender, leave to drain on kitchen paper • Blanch the wild garlic in boiling water for 30 seconds, leave to cool, and then roughly slice • Mix the feta and toasted seeds in one bowl • Whisk the eggs and cream in another bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper and a little freshly grated nutmeg • Once the tart case has been blind baked, start to assemble it. Layer the

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potato, wild garlic and feta mixture twice over in the tart case. • Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over it and then let it seep into the layers • Bake at 180°C fan/gas mark 5 for 25-30 minutes until the feta is golden, and the egg mixture is set but has a slight wobble • Leave for 15 minutes to cool slightly, and serve with roasted vegetables, or a fresh leafy salad and some roasted beets – we love the herby, mustardy mixed leaves from Wild Country Organics. They are available from The Old Granary Organic Veg shop in Linton, or through Cambridge Organic Food Company.

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Foraging advice • Only take what you’re actually going to use • Leave plenty behind for wildlife and others • Don’t damage the root or bulb of the plant • Seek permission of the landowner if on private land • It is illegal to forage on Sites of Special Scientific Interest • Identify it properly and make sure it’s not poisonous

The forager You’ll be fine foraging for wild garlic in the county’s woodlands. However, if you’d rather have someone do that for you, then Angus Birditt is your man. Originally from West Wratting in Cambridgeshire, he now spends his time split between Cambridgeshire and North Wales, where wild garlic grows in abundance. “I’ve always loved the countryside and wanted to involve myself in it as much as possible – whether that be spending my free time on long walks and foraging expeditions, or endeavouring to have a career based around it”, he tells me. “I was inspired by the writings of the naturalist, Richard Mabey, who – in his book Food

For Free – taught me to go out and find what edible foods nature grew. I love the notion of walking no more than a few yards from your front door and picking ingredients to pack into that day’s lunch.” Angus and university friend Lilly Headley have recently established The Bridge Lodge, centred on collecting

go out and find edible foods nature grows wild foods from land Lilly’s family own. He now supplies foraged ingredients to both the public and food businesses such as delis and shops nationwide. “We forage wild foods and make

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products from them, such as our wild garlic leaf pesto (fab stirred through pasta or used on chicken) and wild garlic leaf butter (great melted on sizzling hot steaks). The butter can be added to stews or sauces, and is, in our opinion, best spread onto a warm loaf of bread. The leaves meanwhile can be used in a huge variety of dishes, such as added to cream and pasta, or topped on a fillet of steamed fish.” They currently attend local markets and festivals around North Wales and are planning to come to Cambridge markets in 2017, “with the hope to both sell our products and promote others to learn about nature” Angus tells me. In the meantime, you can order online. www.thebridgelodge.co.uk

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Wild garlic bread Of course one of the most common uses for any form of garlic is in a classic garlic bread. Helen Underwood at White Cottage Bakery in Kingston, Cambridgeshire loves the stuff and uses it in her baking during the growing season. “With the last of my 2015 harvest of wild garlic almost gone, I’m eagerly anticipating this year’s glossy leaves appearing in our woods during spring”, she says. For her, its pungent smell, yet delicate, almost sweet flavour when cooked makes it a wonderful addition to her breads. “I use the leaves torn and folded into the dough. Also, you can place a dampened whole leaf on the finished, shaped dough before baking which gives an impressive visual finish.” Helen also uses the coarsely chopped leaves in her soda bread, which is one of the easiest bakes to make. “Add a good grating of pecorino to the mix and you have the makings of a perfect quick lunch!” “I make batches of wild garlic pesto, which freezes so well. These can then be used all year round in my favourite Italian breads, such as focaccia, topped with a few Kalamata olives and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It can also be rolled into a savoury pane all’olio dough just as it’s shaped, to produce a colourful swirl of wild garlic running through the entire loaf”. Now that’s what I call garlic bread. If you’d like to learn how to make this bread and more, Helen runs courses at her bakery, check out her website for more details. www.whitecottagebakery.co.uk

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FOOD

Can you grow your own? Finally, if the thought of tramping around damp woodlands or buying garlic in doesn’t appeal, you can grow wild garlic in your own garden if you’ve got lots of damp shady space, but you’ll need to uproot a good amount of it to get it to bed in. Tim Hayward, owner of Fitzbillies tried it once. “Living in Camden Town I tried to grow it for years in the back garden but it would never take. Finally I set up a watering system to make a swampy corner and dug up a huge block of the stuff, almost a cubic metre slab, from a riverbank in Dorset and replanted it. The next spring it started to show shoots just as we decided to sell the house and move to Cambridge. A year later I asked the person who bought the house how the garden was doing and they said it was great – apart from the epidemic of wild garlic.”

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

Serving exquisite Chinese style high tea with delectable dim sum, this unexpected Mill Road treasure is well worth a visit e have about 80 different varieties of tea in total,” says Danielle Xiao, gesturing toward the rows of gleaming glass jars which line the shelves, filled with colourful blends of exotic spices, leaves and herbs. “My mum is in China at the moment though, sourcing more – including some really rare ones.” They definitely take their tea seriously here at the stylish High Tea Club, a relatively recent addition to Mill Road which specialises in serving luxurious Chinese-style dim sum high teas, premium cocktails and specialist teas. You wouldn’t have a clue what goes on inside from the low-key exterior – in fact you’ve probably wandered past without a second glance, as I had many times before, but the second I’m presented with a menu I regret not poking my head in sooner.

The choice is bewilderingly vast: from Russian Earl Grey and smoky lapsang souchong, to Darjeeling, Pu-erh and oolong, this place is a tea lover’s paradise. “My favourite is a jasmine chai, which we have six varieties of here, especially if it’s cold,” says Danielle. “Or if I’m feeling like something healthy I’ll go for a green tea. Or white tea, that’s lovely too.” The real showstopper though, she tells me, and always a hit, is the sublime ‘flowering tea’. Created by sewing together

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delicate flowers and aromatic tea leaves, using a needle and thread, these teas are served in a glass teapot so that once hot water is added, you can then enjoy the spectacle of the blooms blossoming before your eyes. Danielle’s family, as she explains while taking me through a stack of old photographs, have been in the business of tea for generations, at one time owning three tea shops in China. She runs The High Tea Club, which opened in October last year, with her sister Jessica; the pair proudly continuing their family’s business in a new country. It would be a travesty to only pop in for a cup of tea here though, when the food menu is so tantalising. As the name

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

suggests, the emphasis is on high tea – of which they have a deliciously varied selection on the menu. There’s traditional freshly made finger sandwiches with smoked salmon or cucumber and home-made scones, clotted

There’s a choice of beautiful looking, tea-infused cocktails cream and jam to be had, but it was the dim sum afternoon tea which really stole my attention. It might seem like a quirky take on an English classic but in fact, dim sum and tea (known as yum cha) is an ancient tradition,

hailing from Canton in China. It’s thought to have originated in tea houses along the southern coast as a treat for tired travellers along the Silk Road, who needed a place to rest before continuing their journeys. It was discovered that, as well as being delicious, tea helped to digest food, so the tea houses there began serving bite-sized snacks as an accompaniment – yum cha was born. At The High Tea Club, you can enjoy prawn dumplings, spring rolls, fried wonton, pork buns, smoky pork belly and all manner of delicacies as part of your afternoon tea, all washed down with plenty of tea, of course. Alternatively, there’s champagne or a choice of beautiful looking tea-infused

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cocktails. From the Lavender Madness (lavender tea leaves, gin, grapefruit juice and sugar) to the Lapsang Old Fashioned (a heady combination of lapsang souchong black, bourbon, honey and sweet vermouth), they’re all completely unique to The High Tea Club – plus, if you pay a visit at the moment you can enjoy a special offer of six cocktails for £30. So, before you scurry past next time, I recommend stepping inside The High Tea Club. In an area, sadly, which is seeing more chain stores and cafés pop up all the time, it’s a breath of fresh air, its uniqueness reminding us of all that we treasure about independent businesses. www.thehighteaclub.co.uk

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FASHION NEWS

JANA REINHARDT GOLD SMALL HUMMINGBIRD NECKLACE £110 PODAROK, ST MARY’S PASSAGE

GESTUZ KENDALL LONG SLEEVE DENIM SHIRT DRESS £159 BOUDOIR FEMME, KING STREET

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIES!

Step into spring with our top picks from local independent boutiques

SHIMMER BAR NECKLACE £24.50 ARK, PEAS HILL

JANETH SWEATER BY LOUCHE £32 LILAC ROSE, BRIDGE STREET

THE STRIPED SMALL CLOUD BAG £130 CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY, ROSE CRESCENT

JAVIER SIMORRA SIMS DRESS £179.95 CUCKOO CLOTHING, BURWASH MANOR & ST MARY’S PASSAGE

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FASHION

CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR II GOOD VS BAD £75 CONVERSE

SPRING I N YO U R S T E P

Finally, we can wear our pristine trainers with at least a vague hope that they might not be ruined by puddles and sludge. Here are some of our fave picks of the latest fresh kicks on the high street.

lightweight

JAZ RELAXED DENIM BELTED DRESS £55 OLIVER BONAS, SUSSEX STREET NIKE INTERNATIONALIST STRING METALLIC GOLD GRAIN £74.99 OFFICE

ADIDAS ORIGINALS CHEETAH STAN SMITH TRAINERS £100 ASOS

GOLA ORCHID METALLIC TRAINERS £60 ASOS

DENIM This season’s ode to denim is soft, feminine and designed with spring in mind. The high street is teeming with simple, girly denim dresses and pinafores, as well as casual-style denim shirts and clean, boxy t-shirts. Also big news are denim-look jumpsuits and culottes – which are actually a darn sight more wearable than you might imagine.

F&F HALF PLACKET LW DENIM DRESS £18 F&F AT TESCO SALSA DENIM JUMPSUIT £110 HOUSE OF FRASER

DENIM CULOTTES £19.99 ZARA ST ANDREW’S STREET ADIDAS SUPERSTAR 1 SHOCK MINT £74.99 OFFICE STRIPE DENIM SHIRT £22.99 NEW LOOK, LION YARD

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FASHION

D I B C

POLO RALPH LAUREN PINK COLLARLESS SHIRT £175 HOUSE OF FRASER

H T S

JACKET £39 LA REDOUTE

LIPSTICK BOUTIQUE PETITE LACE DRESS NOW £45 ASOS

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

As always the arrival of spring has initiated a burst of colour, but rather than delicate pastels, this year we’re being treated to vibrant acid brights. Christopher Kane led the way on the catwalks with his ravey, clashing palette, but there were flashes of neon all over the place, including at Jonathan Saunders. Go high fashion by mixing and matching your brights or pick up a statement item like this citrus La Redoute blazer.

CHEVRON PLEATED CAMI MIDI£45 ASOS

PREMIUMCULOTTE £38 ASOS

STRAPPY BONDED MINI DRESS £59 TOPSHOP, GRAFTON & GRAND ARCADE

BLOUSE WITH ROLL NECK £22.99 ZARA, ST ANDREW’S STREET

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CROSS STRAP SLIP DRESS £29 TOPSHOP, GRAFTON & GRAND ARCADE

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FASHION

ASOS KNITTED BOMBER JACKET WITH AZTEC DESIGN £36 ASOS

ASOS BOMBER JACKET IN CAMEL £38 ASOS

B O M B S Q U A D

R WEEKENDE BAGS

TOP 3

If there’s one men’s outerwear trend right now, bomber jackets are it. Cast aside visions of East 17 in full flow, this spring’s take on this retro favourite is cool, contemporary and grown up. Patterned or plain; suede, leather or quilted, your options are endless.

LEATHER WEEKEND HOLDALL £295 REISS, TRINITY STREET

QUILTED JACKET £39.99 ZARA, ST ANDREW’S STREET CAMOUFLAGE BOMBER JACKET £49.99 ZARA, ST ANDREW’S STREET

TUMBLED EFFECT TRAVEL DUFFEL BAG £49.99 ZARA, ST ANDREW’S STREET

HERSCHEL NAVY RETREAT BACKPACK £70 TOPMAN, GRAFTON/GRAND ARCADE

NAVY TEXTURED TAILORED BOMBER £65 TOPMAN, GRAFTON/GRAND ARCADE

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BEAUTY

WORDS DAISY DICKINSON

POWER

With spring now well and truly here, what better time to incorporate some beautiful blooms into your beautifying regime? Daisy Dickinson sets off on a floral tour of Cambridge in search of the prettiest products

More than just pretty petals, flowers have been used for centuries in medicine and skincare – with many benefits for your beauty ailments too. Rose offers healing and rejuvenating properties making it ideal for mature skin, while camomile is traditionally used for inflammation, providing calming effects to irritated, allergy-prone skin. Camomile is a vasoconstrictor, which means it gives strength to your capillaries, reducing redness and puffiness. The popular stress buster lavender can be used for balancing oil and promoting sleep, and lotus is used to hydrate any dry areas. A favourite of mine, jasmine, offers not only a delightful scent but also does wonders for unclogging and purifying.

GREEN STR E E T

FOLLOW THE BLOG thedayseyes.com

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Here you’ll find Space.NK which is home to some stunning, high-end beauty and makeup products. A brand I only discovered last year is Oskia, whose ethos of using natural, nourishing ingredients to feed the skin has really stayed with me. My cabinet is full of their hard-working skincare products, and I’m excited to try their latest offering. The new Oskia Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream 1 (£65) contains Opuntia cactus extract which is known for its ability to soothe 1 skin, reduce inflammation and provide longlasting hydration.

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BEAUTY

R O S E CR E SCE NT If you fancy some florals but you’re not sure where to start, pop along to Neal’s Yard on Rose Crescent and discover why this 30-something-year-old company kicks out synthetics in place of natural remedies. While you’re there taking in the scents and sights, ask about the Soothing Starflower range. The Soothing Starflower Cleansing Milk 2 (£19.50) combines gentle starflower with aloe vera, alpine flower and liquorice for a calming effect to the skin, follow with the Soothing Starflower Daily Moisture cream 3 (£25). Next head to L’Occitane and have a good sniff of their Roses et Reines Solid Perfume 4 (£8). Fresh petals are steeped in oil, which is then harnessed in a handy balm, perfect for popping in your handbag. More than earning its name, Rose Crescent is also home to Kiehl’s, which stocks the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product, Midnight Recovery Concentrate 5 (£37). This god-send of a facial oil promises to replenish skin with moisture, and turn you into a ravishingly radiant wonder come morning time. Using evening primrose oil, lavender and squalene (a botanical lipid) you only need to add a few drops to skin before bed to reap the benefits. And a favourite for restoring vibrancy to your hair colour, the Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak 6 (£27) is a silicone-free treat for lacklustre hair.

L I O N YAR D Head across town into Lion Yard and all you’ll need to do is follow your nose to Lush. Fierce advocates of keeping things natural, Lush frequently use essential flower oils and extract in their products, and the Flowering Tea Reusable Bubble Bar (£4.95) 7 has got to be one of the most delightful products I’ve laid my hands on from there. Strung like a little tea bag, put this cute little parcel under running water to release a blend of orange flower, rosewood and blue cornflowers – hop in and stew yourself in this stress-busting brew. I’m a big fan of their solid shampoo, and I know shorter-haired pals and guys find them a time-saving go-to in the morning rush. The Odango Solid Shampoo (£7.25) 8 offers hair heaven combining camomile, jasmine, lavender and orange flower to create the most soothing, calming treat for your head. Hot tip: this also works wonders for those of us who suffer the heinous effects of static electricity!

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O U T O F TOWN And finally, a product I’m excited to have discovered – thanks to a tip off from my mum – will take you just outside Cambridge to the Oakington Garden Centre (or one of six other local hot spots). Boxworth Botanicals are a local company producing freshly made, beautifully fragranced skincare using essential oils. Lifting the lid of their Rose & Frankincense Face Cream 9 (£12.95, boxworthbotanicals.com) hits you with a heady, warming aroma of rose. This paraben-free, ethically sourced pot of goodness is joined in the range by equally delightful products that are all handmade in Cambridge. 9

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EDUCATION

“I’m not good at that – yet” This month, St Mary’s School, Cambridge, discuss teaching their pupils the value of coping effectively with failure and the benefits of a 'growth mindset' s part of our commitment to developing our education provision, our Teaching and Learning Committee regularly reviews current best practice to ensure our school community is continuously inspired. Reviewing, rethinking and revising our attitudes to, and methods of, teaching ensures staff and students cooperate to create the best possible environment for academic and personal growth for all – most recently promoting a growth mindset as opposed to a fixed one. Each of us learns in a different way. Those of us who teach also teach in different ways. These different styles, comfort zones and attitudes to teaching and learning are due to different mind frames, which affect our personal lives as well as professional. An individual’s penchant for a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset will affect the way they converse and interact with others, set goals and how they view their own and others’ capacity for success. A growth mindset refers to those people who are wired to respond well to challenge or failure which, especially for educators and parents who are responsible for nurturing young people during their formative years, is an extremely important attitude to encourage and instil in students. To take seriously our commitment to ‘coping effectively with failure’ (one of the 12 Mary Ward characteristics on which the school’s ethos is based) it is essential not only to pay lip service to but also to create – based on best practice recommendations – a learning environment in which all young people are able and feel comfortable to pursue any dream they wish. Individuals who hold a growth mindset perceive themselves (and others) as having the capacity to learn, to improve, to grow and eventually to succeed. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset will claim “I’ll never be intelligent” or “I can’t run” – holding on to a belief that making progress in any of these areas of difficulty is simply not possible. An example of learning that highlights the

benefits of a growth mindset can be seen through the YouTube clip ‘Austin’s butterfly’, in which a group of junior school pupils are shown how another pupil, Austin, was able to make significant improvements to his work on receiving positive and specific feedback on his first attempt at a scientific drawing of a butterfly. Had Austin given up after his first attempt, he may have believed he was only average, or worse, at scientific drawing; an attitude which, sadly, is often wrongly ingrained in young minds only to hang around for life, if left unchecked. At our school we strongly believe that intelligence and ability are not predetermined, nor set in stone. What’s more, a fixed mindset negatively affects those children who aren’t (yet) struggling just as much as it affects children who may have a longer term experience of dealing with disappointment or failure. A child who has a natural aptitude for academic study and doesn’t have to work hard until they reach A Level, will suffer just as much from a fixed mindset outlook as a pupil in Year 2 who constantly feels they are unable to comprehend the level of Mathematics their peers are understanding. Both children would

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conclude that “I can’t do it”. On receiving her first C grade the A level student would be no better equipped to deal with this setback, or perceived ‘failure’, than the Year 2 pupil who consistently feels like a failure. However, if both of the children held a growth mindset attitude, their reactions would be very different, accepting and reminding themselves of a different version of the truth: “I can’t do it – yet!” Education Secretary Nicky Morgan might argue that it isn’t possible to spend time marking papers with the grade ‘not yet’ when there are targets to be met or comparisons to be made between schools through league tables. The debate on fact-based or skillsbased learning is only going to get louder in the coming months and it is important to address what the purpose is of teaching and learning. Retraining the minds of our young people is beneficial for all – both for those who are achieving highly (so that they are prepared for the difficulties which will inevitably arrive later in life) as much as for those who are ‘not yet’ achieving as highly. Imagine a school of young women for whom the natural reaction to failure or difficulty is “I’m not good at that – YET”!

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