Cambridge Edition May

Cambridge MAY 2014

Cambridgeshire’s quality lifestyle magazine www.cambsedition.co.uk

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Award winning Free House Cambridge & District CAMRA nomination – Most Improved Pub

The only pub in Cambridge with an AA Rosette

The food is a blend of classic and modern styles, freshly prepared, using local suppliers and seasonal produce wherever possible.

The extensive menu features home-made, stone baked pizzas from the only wood burning pizza oven in Cambridge.

The food is complimented by a revolving selection of local real ales and craft beers, and an ever-evolving wine list with a large choice served by the glass. Speciality teas and fresh ground coffees are available all day.

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CONTENTS

35

MAY 2014

74 112

5 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Exactly what it says on the tin – our quick pick of the top things to do in Cambridge

7-10 • NIGHTLIFE Here’s what’s happening at Cambridge’s comedy clubs, bars and live music venues 13 • MUSIC BLOG Slate The Disco share their local gig recommendations for May 16-17 • CAMBRIDGE SOUND This month, we meet the songwriting legend Boo Hewerdine 19-27 • ARTS & CULTURE We’ve got the low-down on Cambridge’s cultural happenings, from theatre and opera to exhibitions and art 29 • FAMILY Get out and about around Cambridge with the family this month 30-31 • LISTINGS Our quick guide to what’s going on in Cambridge this May 35-41 • EAT CAMBRIDGE Find out about all the fab foodie events taking place across Cambridge for 2014’s eagerly anticipated food festival 43 • COMPETITION Win a luxury stay, spa treatment and dinner for two at Hanbury Manor 45• CAMBRIDGE SUMMER MUSIC The annual festival of classical music gets underway with a few teaser events this month, before the main event this summer 48-49 • MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Explore the corridors of Cambridge’s museums as they open after dark 51-54 • MURDER, THEY WROTE… We discover what makes Cambridge such a perfect setting for crime fiction

64-66 • LET’S GO TO… BOURN We’re confident you’ll be surprised at how many excellent things are hidden away in this sleepy little village…

68-69 • DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL We find out how to get involved with the summer’s most colourful river carnival

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the May issue of Cambridge Edition. We’ve gone a bit foodie mad this issue in honour of Eat Cambridge – which pitches up in town this month for a fortnight of fantastic food and drink events starting on 10 May. It’s the second outing for the festival and it looks set to be bigger, better and even more delicious than last year, with everything from a night-time street food market to a Prohibition-era inspired cocktail party and a full-blown Spanish Fiesta at the glorious Childerley Hall. Turn to page 35 for our comprehensive guide and make sure you don’t miss a morsel. Also on my recommended reading list this month is our features editor Jenny’s foray into the grisly world of Cambridge’s crime fiction scene – turn to page 51 to discover just why our fair city has inspired so many murders. You can also get your fix of arts and culture in the city this month, as well as a guide to local gigs and nightlife plus a host of bank holiday ideas for the family. Enjoy the issue!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR

71 • COMMUNITY News and charitable happenings from your neighbourhood

COVER ART

73 • INDIE OF THE MONTH Can’t cook, won’t cook? Cambridge Cookery School will show you how!

Jennifer Shelton gets a lesson…

The artwork on this month’s cover is by Clare Phillips, an illustrator and printmaker. Her gift range, Wish You Were Here (available at Jacks on Trinity), is inspired by vintage travel posters and captures the landmarks of Cambridge in her whimsical, 1950s style illustrations. See more at clarephillips.com

74-83 • FOOD NEWS A bumper offering of new openings, food news and dates for your diaries 85 • DRINKS Lyndsey Spellman continues her discussion on the delights of sherry 89 • RESTAURANT REVIEW Editor Nicola checks out the newly reopened Carpenter’s Arms in Cambridge 93-99 • BUSINESS How worker friendly is your office? We look at office designs trends

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

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

101-104 • FASHION Dip into your 90s wardrobe this season and dabble in arty, graffiti-inspired prints

Features editor Jennifer Shelton 01223 499463 jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com

Angelina Villa-Clarke, Alex Rushmer, Catherine Carr, Charlotte Griffiths, Charlotte Phillips, Daisy Dickinson, Heidi White, Jordan Worland, Lyndsey Spellman, Ruthie Collins, Tom Kruczynski

106-109 • BEAUTY Keep your skin looking beautiful at every age with these simple beauty tips, and the news you need to know 112-118 • INTERIORS Get inspired about conservatories and discover which design would best suit you 123-125 • EDUCATION This month we take a look at pastoral care

Sub editors Lisa Clatworthy, Hannah Bealey & Siobhan Godwood

ADVERTISING Senior sales executive Claire McGrath 01223 499461 clairemcgrath@bright-publishing.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

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

PUBLISHING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

www.bright-publishing.com

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

5

things to do this month

EAT CAMBRIDGE May is an exciting month for Cambridge as we welcome back the hugely popular Eat Cambridge festival, running at various venues citywide from 10 to 24 May. After the enormous success of last year’s event, it’s back bigger and better for 2014, featuring a jam-packed programme of pop-up supper clubs, talks, cookery demos, wine tastings and food markets, including the main food and drink fair at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 17 May. Find out what’s going on in our feature, starting on page 35. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE BEER FESTIVAL An event which needs no introduction, the Cambridge Beer Festival returns 19-24 May, bringing with it the perfect excuse to lounge about on Jesus Green, sipping your way through hundreds of beers from around the world.

It’s the 41st outing for this well-loved event, which is the longest-running CAMRA beer festival in the UK, and the second largest regional event of its kind. You can expect a typically brilliant selection of local and national beers, as well as cider, perry, mead and wine. There will also be plenty of cheese, freshly baked bread, pork pies, ham and other savoury snacks for soaking up all the booze. www.cambridgebeerfestival.com

JUDY’S AFFORDABLE VINTAGE FAIR Oh, how we love Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fairs! There’s another one taking place this month at Cambridge Guildhall (10 May, put it in your diaries), promising gorgeous garments for guys and gals, jewellery and one-off accessories and a splash of homeware. In all there’ll be nearly 50 traders, so you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. Takes place 10.30am-4.30pm; entry is £2. www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

ROSIE WILBY BEDFORD LODGE WEDDING FAIR Looking for an elegant wedding venue not too far from Cambridge? Bedford Lodge in Newmarket is holding a wedding open day on 11 May, offering prospective brides and grooms the chance to see what the venue can offer.

Meet the team, tour the rooms and ask any burning questions you might have as you start planning your big day. Stop by any time between 11am and 3pm – call Vicki Jones on 01638 663175 for details and to book an appointment. www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

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Award-winning comedian Rosie Wilby is Cambridge bound with her new show, Nineties Woman. Nostalgia, feminism and bucketloads of wit are all rolled into this one-woman stand-up show, hailed as “an intelligent, honest and entertaining show that poses important questions, not just about feminism but also about growing up and finding oneself” by Remotegoat.

Last year, Rosie discovered copies of the university feminist newspaper she wrote for in the 90s, and decided to look up her former colleagues to see what they were doing now and how their once-fierce student views on feminism had changed.

Catch her show at Cambridge Junction, 30 May, 8pm; tickets £9. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

MAY

SHINDIG We’re pleased to announce that after a month off, SHINDIG are back, offering another evening of live music, art and entertainment in an atmospheric setting. The location for this month’s event, which takes place on 10 May, is the historic All Saints Church on Jesus Lane, where guests will be treated to the musical stylings of post-rock group Her Name is Calla. Composed of five friends from across the UK, the band’s sound has been described by NME as “massive, pastorally apocalyptic music”, and they’re known for their exhilarating, high-energy performances that feature instruments ranging from violins to banjos and Dictaphones.

Also on the bill are Brightonbased duo Myyths, who create dark, impeccably crafted electronic soundscapes accompanied by live vocals and projections. They’ll be joined by tour veteran and improv impresario C.J. Boyd, as well as guest artist Philip Cornett, who’ll be sampling the natural acoustics of the church to create a live sound installation in between acts. The event takes place 8-11pm, tickets are £6 in advance, £8 on the door. www.shindiggig.co.uk

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PALOMA FAITH Known for her flamboyant wardrobe, singer Paloma Faith has announced just a handful of UK dates for 2014, with a stop at the Corn Exchange on 24 May among them. After the release of her debut album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? (which spawned the hit singles Stone Cold Sober and New York), Faith was catapulted into the public eye, winning legions of fans for her retro soul sound and quirky, vintage style. Her second album, Fall to Grace, was equally well received – hitting number two in the UK Album Charts and winning her a BRIT Award nomination for Best British Album. And she’s also dipped her toe in the world of cinema, appearing in the 2007 remake of St Trinian’s, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Dread. In March this year, she released her critically acclaimed third album, A Perfect Contradiction, which features collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, John Legend and Plan B. Catch her doing her thing in Cambridge at 7.30pm on Saturday 24 May. Tickets are £32, plus £2.50 booking fee. www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

KRAFTWERK UNCOVERED – A FUTURE PAST The brilliant cornex:discover strand of events at the Corn Exchange continues this month, this time offering up a dynamic reimagining of the works of German techno pioneers Kraftwerk.

A collaboration between cuttingedge musicians, soundscapists and visual artists, Kraftwerk Uncovered – A Future Past showcases the phenomenal body of work created by the revolutionary electronic group, from the early acoustic tracks to the iconic synthesised tunes which came later.

It may be over four decades since Kraftwerk were formed, but they’ve lost none of their relevance or appeal – as demonstrated by the enormous demand for tickets when they announced a string of dates at London’s Tate Modern in 2013. It’s testament to the enduring legacy of the band that these shows were among the most talked about of the year – proving that their music remains as captivating and unique as ever.

Kraftwerk Uncovered features cutting-edge contemporary music ensemble Icebreaker; a 12-piece outfit which combines guitars, electric strings, keyboards, panpipes, saxaphones, accordion, drums and percussion.

They’ve joined forces with German composer/producer J. Peter Schwalm, and visual artists Sophie Clements and Toby Cornish to create a captivating live show that chronicles the story of Kraftwerk through music and spectacular visuals.

The event takes place on 2 May at 7.30pm and tickets are £10/£20 plus a £2.50 booking fee. www.cornex.co.uk/discover

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ROBERT CRAY BAND The legendary Robert Cray and his band pay a visit to Cambridge this month, as part of a tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary. It’s been an illustrious career for this dapper American singer and guitarist, who’s recognised as one of the most popular and influential artists to emerge from the blues and soul genre. As well as playing alongside icons like BB King, Cray has won no fewer than five Grammys – and been nominated for 11 more. He and his band will be doing what they do best and laying down track after track of feel-good, uptown blues on 10 May at 7.30pm, at the Corn Exchange. Tickets are £29.50/£39.50 (plus £2.25 booking fee). www.cornex.co.uk

THE THIRD EYEBROW

BELINDA CARLISLE American singing sensation Belinda Carlisle pays a visit to the Corn Exchange this month, promising an evening of pure pop perfection packed with hit songs.

A veritable musical icon, Belinda found fame as the frontwoman of girl group The Go-Go’s – who remain one of the most successful all-female groups of all time, having sold more than 7,000,000 albums in the space of just three years. She went on to enjoy a hugely successful international solo career with hits including Heaven Is a Place on Earth and Leave a Light On. Catch her on 20 May at 7.30pm, tickets £29.50, plus £2.25 booking per ticket. www.cornex.co.uk

Jazz-funk fusion outfit The Third Eyebrow are promising an evening of ‘sensory stimulation, insanely danceable grooves, and a vortex of psychedelic sound effects’ at La Raza this month. Intrigued? Head down on 7 May to experience the unique musical stylings of this Cambridge-based band, who’ll be offering up a heady mix of original compositions and energetic renditions of jazz standards. Performance starts at 10pm, £3 entry (and Happy Hour is until 10.30pm). www.laraza.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

now

booking

PAUL WELLER 26 July, Audley End House, £40 The legendary Paul Weller will play in the magnificent gardens of Audley End House, just outside Saffron Walden, as part of their annual series of open-air picnic concerts this summer.

With a rich back catalogue to draw upon, from his new wave days in The Jam, through to the more soulful sounds of The Style Council and his four number one albums as a solo artist – this promises to be a gig not to miss. www.audleyendconcerts.com

JIMMY CARR

NEON MOON MAY BALL After the success of their Valentine’s event back in February, the impossibly glamorous Cherry and Ruby are back this month for an extra special Neon Moon May ball at Anstey Hall.

The Wonderland Ball, which takes place on 4 May, promises a decadent evening of entertainment, featuring internationally acclaimed burlesque and cabaret acts Missy Malone and ‘Australia’s Sweetheart’ Miss Kiki deVille.

These talented temptresses will be joined by cheeky compére Duke DeMilo, circus acrobat Felipe Reyes and pin-up sensation Frankii Wilde.

There will be plenty more to discover around every corner of the majestic venue as well, with interactive experiences, a vintage boutique, fire dancers, live tattoo performance art, cocktails and of course, lots of dancing. Music will come courtesy of DJ Jazzlord, who’ll be spinning a mix of jazz, rhythm and blues, soul and funk.

As ever, the crowd themselves will be as much a part of the entertainment as the performers, and guests are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild, donning exquisite, retro chic costumes that embrace the Wonderland theme of the event.

The Neon Moon events are quickly becoming the hottest tickets in town so make sure you’re quick off the mark if you want to bag yourself a spot. Tickets are £28.50 in advance, with entry from 8pm (£1.50 booking fee per ticket) or £35 on the door, if available. There are a selection of VIP packages available, such as the ‘Wonderful Wonderland’ – which includes luxury bed and breakfast accommodation and a bottle of sparkling wine. www.theneonmoonclub.com

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8 November, Corn Exchange, £25 Described as the ‘hardest working man in comedy’ the prolific Jimmy Carr is back in Cambridge once again at the end of the year. Book your tickets now to catch his brand new Funny Business show, which offers witty and incisive advice on the human condition.

Plus plenty of inappropriateness, we’d venture. www.cornex.co.uk

DAVE GORMAN 5 December, Corn Exchange, £25 If you fancy booking yourself in a little winter treat, we recommend Dave Gorman, who stops by for a show at the Corn Exchange in December. The innovative and slightly bonkers mind behind such endeavours as Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure is back with a brand new live show that promises more of his unique blend of stand-up comedy and visual story-telling as Dave Gorman Gets Straight To The Point*... (*The PowerPoint). www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

PINT OF SCIENCE

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Innovative improvisation group The Noise Next Door are hitting Cambridge Junction as part of their second national tour, promising an evening of off-the-cuff comedy, ad-libbed songs and silly characters. Six-time sell-outs at the Edinburgh Fringe, this talented troupe have become one of the most sought-after comedy club acts in the country, winning over audiences with their lightening wit and original style.

“First and foremost it’s about making the audience laugh,” explains Sam Pacelli of the group. “We don’t have a message, we aren’t trying to ‘say’ anything in particular apart from ‘let’s have a great time’. How do we do it? We take suggestions and transform them into funny scenes and songs. It means that every show is different and completely tailored to the audience each night. It’s finely tuned anarchy.”

Relying on audience suggestions means that each show is different – and they’ve had some pretty madcap requests from crowds in the past. “In the last few weeks we had a member of the audience tell us that ‘Gandalf the Grey’ was a member of his family and that a ‘Viking longboat’ was a household item,” says Sam. “We’ve done gigs for kids where ‘a baked bean in my mind’ was suggested as a place of work and we’ve done gigs for stag dos where every other suggestion was some form of genitalia. There are no wrong answers in our show, if you think you’ll find something funny, shout it out and we’ll do it!” (23 May, 8pm, £15). www.junction.co.uk

SONGSMITH SESSIONS Every Wednesday, The Alma pub hosts the Songsmith Sessions: an open mic night which gives an opportunity for local singer-songwriters to showcase material. The events, which run from around 8.30pm onwards, are hosted by Ezio Lunedei; frontman of the band of the same name and a bit of a legend on the local music scene. He’s obviously doing something right – the calibre of performers is consistently excellent and this weekly gathering celebrates its three-year anniversary this summer. Head down to play or listen to fantastic original music. www.facebook.com/songsmithsessions

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If you fancy getting the old grey matter working while you enjoy a beer or two, check out Pint of Science, taking place from 19-21 May. An international initiative, the event takes place simultaneously in pubs in eight cities across the UK, as well as at venues in France, USA, Switzerland, Australia and Ireland. A science festival with a twist, the event aims to deliver interesting, fun and entertaining talks on a range of cutting-edge topics, in the most accessible of all environments: the boozer!

This year’s Pint of Science will tackle Matters of the Mind (neurosciences and psychology), Understanding our Bodies (life sciences), Physics, Engineering and Chemistry and Planet Earth (earth sciences), with the different themes presented by acclaimed researchers at the forefront of their respective fields.

The Cambridge leg of the event will take place at The Portland Arms and tickets are available from the website. www.pintofscience.com

SARAH MILLICAN Stand-up comedian, writer and South Shields lass Sarah Millican stops by in Cambridge this month as part of a national tour for a show at the Corn Exchange.

She’s won the heart of the nation since being awarded the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2008, becoming a household name up and down the country and regularly appearing on top TV shows including QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. Her debut DVD, Chatterbox Live, became the biggest selling stand-up DVD by a female comedian of all time, and she’s so far notched up two sell-out tours, playing to over 200,000 fans.

For her third tour, she’ll be talking dirty weekends and domestic bliss in her usual frank and hilarious style. 1314 May, 8pm, £25 & £2.50 booking fee. www.cornex.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 ith festival season just around the corner May is a time when lots of bands are out on the road, and fortunately for us a whole host of excellent acts will be stopping by in Cambridge.

Our gig of the month however is anything bar your standard live music show. Kraftwerk Uncovered – A Future Past forms a part of the Cambridge Corn Exchange’s cornex:discover series, and takes place on 2 May. The show combines projections of films created by Sophie Clements and Toby Cornish with new work

by J Peter Schwalm and contemporary music group Icebreaker. The show reflects on the transition from Kraftwerk’s earlier work to the legacy of their later albums; Icebreaker updates the Kraftwerk story, presenting a history of this seminal band.

The Fall will play Cambridge Junction on 6 May. Formed in 1976, the iconic band’s ever-rotating cast of players has never threatened their status as one of the UK’s most influential post-punk bands. They have over 30 studio albums and a history of chaos to their name.

There’s also a thrilling alternative option on the same night at The Portland Arms. After spending most of 2013 writing their new album, Pulled Apart By Horses are already on the road, on their first tour since 2012.

Award-winning British songwriter Blair Dunlop returns this May with his brand new album House of Jacks. A collection of beautifully crafted songs that are influenced, but not confined, by his folk roots, Blair’s trademark guitar styling is enriched with a broader palette of instruments to create a more contemporary sound. Blair Dunlop plays the Cambridge Junction on 26 May. Sugary sweet We Were Evergreen finally release their debut LP this month, and play The Portland Arms on 1 May. Support on the night comes from Cambridge outfit Seeds and Bones, a trio who create a delicate lo-fi pop sound,

PICKS mixing an arrangement of instruments with perfectly pitched harmonies.

Ezra Furmann has a back catalogue of hip-shaking back alley rock ’n’ roll jam.

He brings his glam, fuzzed-out soul/psych mutant slop to The Portland Arms for a gig on 7 May. Wolf Alice finally play Cambridge in a headline capacity, having previously been here supporting Peace and then Swim Deep, on 14 May at The Portland.

The grunge fused four-piece have gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months, becoming arguably one of Britain’s finest guitar bands.

Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett is the queen of cool, offering a refreshing style, with music that is gripping and moving whilst hilarious and infectious. Barnett will bring her woozy sounds to The Portland Arms on 12 May. She will be supported by Glaswegian duo Honeyblood: Shona McVicar on drums and Stina Tweeddale on vocals and guitar.

Despite their fledgling status and minimal set-up, Honeyblood’s songs are perfectly assured. Their music is driven through tightly bound instrumentals and laced with the sheer beauty of Stina’s voice. The songs resonate with deep melodic hooks and

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they’ve drawn comparisons to the likes of Best Coast and Frankie Rose.

Teleman release their Bernard Butler produced debut album this month, and are on tour, playing The Portland Arms on the 18th. Teleman produce sparse, welcoming minimalist synth tones, gentle motorik beats and balloon-light melodies which equals some hypnotising alt pop.

San Fermin offer a pastiche of postrock, chamber-pop and contemporary classical composition and they play The Portland Arms on 8 May. Strongly influenced by frontman Ellis LudwigLeone’s unique background in classical music, their album fittingly features instrumentals from the likes of Bon Iver, yMusic and Asphalt Orchestra.

Legendary Japanese noiseniks Melt Banana make only their second ever visit to the UK this month too, gracing The Portland on 31 May. Earlier in the month, on the 4th, and also at The Portland, there’s a metal and punk all-dayer, Chewie Fest. The line-up at the time of writing includes two-piece rock band Bro, Crossburner, frenetic punkthrash band Project Mork, Cambridge acts Molasses, Austere and Mussels.

On 9 May, check out the Acoustic Folk Night at CB2 featuring some of the best local talents on offer, including Will Robert, Joshua-Chandler Morris and Elliot Porter.

Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com.

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND

WORDS TOM KRUCZYNSKI

THE CAMBRIDGE

SOUND

Cambridge lays claim to many a boast, but a rich music legacy is not one of them. Yes, there have been a few big success stories like Pink Floyd and Mercury Prize winners Alt-J, but popular opinion has it that our city is a long way off being an incubator of musical greatness. Well, we’re on a mission to disprove the prevailing wisdom on Cambridge’s music scene. Over the coming months, The Cambridge Sound will take a look at some of the brilliant and influential acts to emerge from the city, introducing up-and-coming artists and paying homage to some Cambridge greats.

#2 Boo heweRdine Even if you’re not familiar with the name Boo Hewerdine, you will almost certainly be familiar with some of his songs. As well as recording his own material, both solo and in various bands, he has also written songs for, and with, Eddi Reader, and had his tracks recorded by a multitude of artists including Natalie Imbruglia, Paul Young and k.d. lang.

Growing up in Cambridge, Boo played in several bands prior to forming The Bible, the band that kick-started his career.

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“I was always a fan of a band called Your Dinner. There were loads of great bands,” says Boo when asked about the local music scene at the time. “Demo, Dolly Mixture; The Roaring Boys were also around. The Roaring Boys got a huge deal with Epic. Later I stole their drummer and guitarist for The Bible when we signed to Chrysalis for our second album.”

With songs like Graceland and Honey Be Good the band flirted with commercial success, and their records always received excellent reviews. In addition, Glorybound is one of the recordings Nick Hornby talks about in his book 31 Songs. But, despite a dedicated cult following, they never managed to translate critical acclaim to financial gain.

“Our lack of significant income made things hard and we all had other irons in the fire so we stopped for a bit,” recalls Boo. “When I got a solo deal at Warners we had another go and made our third album Dodo. I still love it and its rejection hit us pretty hard. Cue ten-year hiatus.”

After leaving The Bible, Boo released his first solo album Ignorance in 1992. It was around this time that he met Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, with whom he has regularly collaborated with for over 20 years, when she came to sing on a record he was producing. Boo wrote and co-wrote several songs for Reader’s eponymous debut. The Hewerdine-penned Patience of Angels reached number four on the UK singles chart and earned him

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND

#Recommended listening

THE BIBLE – GRACELAND Released in 1986, this is the lead single from The Bible’s debut album Walking The Ghost Back Home and became a minor hit at the time, with the album reaching the top 10 in the UK Independent chart and staying in the chart for ten weeks.

EDDI READER – PATIENCE OF ANGELS Probably the best loved of Boo’s songs, this was released on Reader's album of the same name in 1994 and earned Boo an Ivor Novello Award nomination.

IMAGE (RIGHT) A snap from Boo’s first gig with The Bible on 13 July, 1985 at The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge.

a nomination for the prestigious Ivor Novello award for songwriting and Reader the Best British Female at the Brit Awards in 1994.

“The secret? We support each other and give each other space. She is better now than at any time. Pretty inspiring,” says Boo on the subject of his successful ongoing collaboration with Reader.

Boo has released six solo LPs to date, including Harmonograph, an album on which he recorded his own versions of songs he’d written with, or for, other artists. While it may be viewed as an attempt to reclaim these songs and deliver them as originally intended, Boo insists he just fancied having a go himself, saying that he’s liked every version of his songs “except one… which shall remain a secret.”

Writing for others has always been natural for Boo: before he could even play an instrument himself, he would write songs for local bands: “I’d just go round their house and sing at them,” he says.

“I got such a buzz off that. And some of them would do my songs, amazingly.”

With such a rich and varied legacy of songs and recordings Boo struggles to pick out an all-time favourite, but cites the Nashville Bluegrass Band’s version of his track Slow Learner as a standout. “They’re an amazing band,” he says, adding, “It’s always exciting to hear what people do to my tunes.”

Boo has got a busy year ahead with the release of his new solo album My Name in the Brackets and a world tour with Reader in support of her album Vagabond. He has also recently co-written and produced two albums, VIP with Findlay Napier and Secret Life with Dark Green Tree. If you are interested in songwriting, then you could do a lot worse than seeking out one of the songwriting workshops he runs at www.boohewerdine.net/workshops. php. Boo plays at Cambridge Junction on 31 May at 8pm; tickets are £13.

The opening track on his first album Ignorance, this song combines verses written by Boo with a chorus lifted from Nick Cave’s The Ship Song.

BOO HEWERDINE – THE DEVIL TAKES CARE OF HIS OWN From 2002’s Anon, with tastefully sparse accompaniment, this track exemplifies Boo’s distinctive songwriting style.

BOO HEWERDINE – GEOGRAPHY From the flawless God Bless The Pretty Things LP, these bittersweet lyrics are set against a beautiful and uncluttered accompaniment; a style typical of the album.

www.boohewerdine.net

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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 ENGLISH TOURING OPERA Immerse yourself in a world of drama, music and magnificence as English Touring Opera return for their annual residency at Cambridge Arts Theatre. First to be performed is King Priam, telling the story of Troy and the events leading up to the war. It takes place on 27 May. For something jauntier, try Paul Bunyan on 28 May: with a more musical-like feel, it features lumberjacks, dancing Swedes, singing geese and even a giant as it recreates the great myth of the American frontier. The week finishes with one of the most beloved operas of all, Mozart’s The Magic Flute. An enchanting, dreamlike story of a prince in pursuit of love, it runs 29-31 May and is perfect for opera novices and returnees alike.

All showings start at 7.30pm and tickets are from £20. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

GRANT FOR CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £1.8 million to the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. This funding will support plans to completely redevelop the museum with displays showcasing the wonders of the animal kingdom, and new stores to preserve its outstanding collections for the future.

The University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge is one of the greatest zoology collections in the world. It is designated as being of outstanding historical and scientific importance and forms a major part of one of the leading international research centres for the study of animal biology. Its 4,000,000 specimens illustrate the diversity of animal life on earth, tracing its evolution over the past 500 million years to the wonderful variety of life seen today.

The collections include many treasures and unique specimens, including fine examples of the extinct dodo, great auk, and Tasmanian tiger, and many specimens collected by Charles Darwin and other great naturalists of the past.

Professor Michael Akam, head of the department of zoology at the University of Cambridge said: “We are hugely grateful to the HLF for supporting this exciting and far-reaching project which will benefit the collections and visitors alike.”

The museum is currently closed as work gets underway, with plans to reopen in the summer of 2016. www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE WYSING RETREAT Wysing Arts, the hidden-away hub of artistic ingenuity in Bourn, has been inviting proposals from artists, curators and art writers in England for an extensive new residential retreat. Of Our Own Making will see artists gather together at the studio to create art centred around the relationship between society and the environment, nature and culture and visions for the future. Across five days, 19-23 May, selected participants will engage in activities and collective thinking that examine these questions, in order to come up with some spectacular artistic results in the form of talks, performance, screenings, making sessions and more.

Invited contributors include Alfredo Cramerotti, Anthony Davies and Jaya Klara Brekke of the MayDay Rooms, Aubrey de Grey, Richard Noble and Cally Spooner. Come and see the exhibition at Wysing Arts Centre, Fox Road, just outside Bourn.

Also at Wysing this month, items will be on show from the Juneau Projects exhibition, I Am The Warrior. Budding artists aged 15-25 were invited to contribute anything from costumes to ceramics, poems to games in celebration of creativity in all its forms. www.wysingartscentre.org

Provocative and innovative when it burst into bookshops in 1962, Anthony Burgess’ memorable character Alex, and his violent gang of droogs, take to the stage in a new adaptation at the ADC, 20-24 May. When a drug-fuelled night of fun ends in murder, Alex is finally banged up and given a choice: either face a lifetime behind bars or be brainwashed into becoming a good citizen. Choice, indeed, becomes one of the key elements of this controversial look at society, free will and youth culture.

Catch it at 7.45pm; tickets £7-£12. www.adctheatre.com

THE TEMPEST THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG It’s earned four and five stars across the board, and now The Play That Goes Wrong is bound for Cambridge Arts Theatre, direct from the West End, running 19-24 May. Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this brand new comedy spoof, following an accident-prone band of college thesps as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery. As the title suggests, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong – still the show must go on!

Expect mistimed lines, collapsing sets, sex appeal and slapstick aplenty from this play within a play by Mischief Theatre. If you’re out for a laugh, go see it: 7.45pm, tickets from £15, with Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm matinees. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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Shakespeare’s magic and salt waterdrenched tale of revenge and betrayal remains one of his most epic, with its dramatic scenes of shipwrecks, formidable characters and enchanted island setting.

Exiled by his own brother, the magician Prospero conjures a storm to wreck his brother’s party on the shores he now governs and restore the rightful order of things. Meanwhile, having never seen a young man before in her life, Prospero’s daughter Miranda finds this arrival of noble strangers more than a little interesting.

It’s at the ADC Theatre 6-10 May, 7.45pm (and 2.30pm Saturday). Tickets £9-14. www.adctheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

KETTLE’S YARD AT NIGHT Visit Kettle’s Yard as the sun goes down to experience the museum in a whole new light. Wander round the beautiful period house and admire the collections of objets d’art, the work of many, then listen to a free pop-up talk or musical performance.

Says Freya Jewitt, who works on events and communications at the museum: “We are delighted to be taking part in Museums at Night, an annual UK-wide festival, and to offer visitors the chance to experience Kettle’s Yard in the evening. It’ll be a lovely event where people can drop in after work and see Kettle’s Yard after dark, with live music and popup talks bringing the collection to life.

“Working here I feel like it’s a privilege to be in the house after hours as it feels much more like a home you’ve been invited into. Jim Ede carefully considered the play of natural light and shade when he curated Kettle’s Yard and the house looks beautiful as the sun goes down,” she says.

The event takes place on 16 May, 5-8pm. Entry is free. www.kettlesyard.co.uk

LINTON CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL The lovely village of Linton comes alive with literature this month for the Linton Children’s Book Festival, running 4-11 May. Established by a small group of book-loving villagers in 2006, it runs every two years and drew over 2000 visitors in 2012. This year’s festival has a history theme, and kicks off with a pre-festival talk for adults with Adrian Tinniswood and Dr Jonathan Foyle on 3 May at Linton Village College. They’ll be giving us a preview of their new books – one on the marriage bed of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York and the other on how Americans ignited the English Civil War. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £15 (£10 concessions).

Then, on 4 May, step back in time at the Camping Close and visit a First World War trench and find out what life on the front line was like, and how Linton was involved.

Or, be on your best behaviour as you visit the Victorian classroom, then enjoy tea and cake in the vintage tea tent. Runs 11am-4pm, and entry is free, but a donation of £5 is appreciated. Join Paul Jackson for Storytelling in the Yurt on 10 May, 10am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm, then there’s an interactive session for early readers on 11 May with local author Pippa Goodhart at 10am. www.lintonbookfest.org

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ARTS & CULTURE

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

THE ARTS

CULTURE INTERVIEW

PAUL FELLOWS Chairman of the Cambridge Astronomical Association, Paul Fellows runs the Varsity Hotel’s Astronomy Masterclasses. He tells us about discovering a planet, meeting Patrick Moore and why aliens aren’t just science fiction

M

y stargazing experience goes back a long time. My dad was a physics teacher and one day he brought a telescope home, and we set it up in the garden wondering what we should point it at. There was a bright object up in the sky, so we had a look, and it was Saturn, complete with all its rings.

I thought ‘Wow! This is easy!’.

“I bought my first telescope when I was 14 years old – nearly 40 years ago now which is scary – and did an O level in astronomy in my own time.

As a result Patrick Moore signed and presented one of his books to me, and invited me for tea and telescopes at his house. My dad dropped me off and Patrick came bounding down the driveway in shorts and a bright red shirt with a great big hole in it. It was quite a sight to behold. I was there for hours, looking at his various telescopes in the garden. Then we had tea and cake in his study.

“I came to Cambridge in 1979 to do my degree, then ended up working here in the computer industry.

Astronomy was still my hobby, and I joined the Cambridge Astronomical Association and was elected chairman in 2004/5. It’s the largest group of its kind in the country. We run a Young Astronomers class twice a month, and public observing sessions every Wednesday from the Institute of Astronomy, starting up again in September once the nights get longer.

“At the Varsity Masterclasses, people have dinner then come out onto the roof with a glass of wine. I do a little talk on how to find your way around

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the sky. We show them planets, galaxies, nebulae and all sorts. People go away saying they didn’t realise you could see so much from a rooftop in Cambridge. Last time we found Jupiter and its moons and a couple of galaxies, one of which had a supernova going off.

“I get asked all sorts of questions.

‘Have you ever seen anything unusual?’ is a common one, and really means ‘Have you seen any aliens?’. The answer is no, I’ve never seen anything I can’t explain. But I think we will find life in the universe in the next 50 years.

“I did see a fireball last year, which shot across the sky and broke up into a shower of green sparks, that was amazing.

And we did a late-night masterclass at the Varsity last summer during the Perseus

meteor shower. As I was describing how the Earth was passing through the tail of a comet, right on cue the meteors started coming from behind me.

“When I went to New Zealand I felt completely lost. If you look north, you can see the constellation of Orion, though it’s upside down. But in the other half of the sky I had no idea what I was looking at.

“In 2012 I identified a new planet, which goes by the really stupid name of KIC9147029b. We’re now finding that all stars have planets, and you can search for planets yourself by looking for a star that’s slightly dimmed, caused by a planet going in front of it. I love astronomy; it’s a really fast-moving science which we can all participate in.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME

LA GRANDE GUERRE In this, the centenary year, be transported to the front line through incredible colour lithographs depicting life in the trenches during the First World War. La Grande Guerre, an exhibition starting at the Fitzwilliam Museum on 20 May, gives an intimate insight into soldiers’ lives, from scenes of battles and air strikes to moments of repose, including depictions of the Allied Forces taking five o’clock tea and Indian soldiers at prayer. Each one has a lengthy description below, creating a sense of visual reportage, and bringing the stories of these individual soldiers to life.

The works are arranged in chronological order to visually depict the first seven months of the war, from the taking of the first flag during the Battle of Saint-Blaise La Roche (14 August 1914) to the Fall of Przemyśl (22 March 1915). Entry is free and the exhibition runs until September. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

See the spectacular stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s acclaimed novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, without making the long trip to London. The show will be broadcast from the National Theatre straight to Haverhill Arts Centre on 24 May (7pm), following the success of last month’s showing of War Horse.

Discovering a dead dog in his garden, which has been speared with a garden fork, 15-year-old Christopher, who has a form of autism, decides to investigate the mystery and discover who has murdered Wellington. But in doing so, Christopher uncovers a much bigger secret kept hidden by his father.

A touching and many-layered story of family and relationships, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time invites us to see the world and society anew, through the eyes of its uniquely intelligent, difficult, endearing narrator.

Tickets start from £10. www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk

GUITAR WORKSHOP Want to brush up on your guitar skills? Talented musician Gary Ryan will be running a guitar workshop for 25 guitar players at Stapleford Granary on 10 May, aimed towards guitar fans of all ages and of varying experience levels.

Renowned for his entertaining and varied recital programmes, Gary is currently assistant head of strings at the Royal College of Music in London and it’s a great opportunity to meet him and pick up some tips.

After a solo recital, Gary will offer advice to all on technique, posture, interpretation and performance. It’s a great opportunity to work with one of the world’s foremost classical guitarists and pick up some tips. All abilities are welcome, as long as you have basic notation reading skills, and there’ll be a group recital at 5.30pm to which friends and family are invited. Takes place 10.30am-6pm; costs £45. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC Four of Bach’s most joyful works are showcased at this concert by the Academy of Ancient Music, taking place at the West Road Concert Hall, 24 May. These include the grand and impulsive Air on the G String, starting at 7.30pm (tickets £14-£27).

Also this month, the Endellion String Quartet perform Mozart and Beethoven with David Adams on guest viola (14 May, £12-£24), and internationally acclaimed Garrick Ohlsson leads the Cambridge International Piano Series in an evening of Chopin and Scriabin. It takes place on 21 May, 7.30pm (£12-£21). www.westroad.org

THE TIME MACHINE

THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE Natalie Imbruglia stars in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy drama, Things We Do For Love. Barbara lives alone in her immaculate South-London flat, while downstairs, lovelorn postman Gilbert lives in hope of catching a glimpse of his beloved landlady. The top floor provides the perfect bolthole for Barbara’s friend Nikki and her fiancé Hamish. But their mutual dislike turns to passion, throwing the building into disarray.

One of the greatest living playwrights, with a knack for human observation, Ayckbourn has written over 70 plays – with this considered one of his best. Runs 5-10 May, 7.45pm (2.30pm Thursday & Saturday); tickets from £15. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Would you believe someone if they told you they’d travelled through time? The father of all time-travel tales, H. G. Wells’ The Time Machine, is brought to life at the Mumford Theatre this month. From 23 to 24 May, take a journey back to 1895 where a time machine propels a gentleman inventor far into the future, where humanity has become divided and darkness and light live side by side.

This atmospheric production comes from Nunkie, the company behind the acclaimed M. R. James Trilogy; starts 7.30pm, tickets £8.50-£12.50. www.anglia.ac.uk

BYARD ART Acclaimed painter Garry Raymond-Pereira returns to Byard Art for his fourth solo show with a collection of new works. The exhibition, entitled There’s a place in the sun you know?, will feature his signature mix of land and seascape imagery, painted on location in England, Wales and Scotland. There will be something for everyone, with work as large as 160 cm and as small as 10cm on display. Come and be the first to visit this exclusive event from May 1-18.

Then, from 22 May, see a mixed exhibition entitled Breath of Fresh Air, sure to put a spring in your step. It features local sculptor Laurence Broderick, famous for his iconic Birmingham Bull sculpture and figurative carvings in stone and bronze. www.byardart.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE ART INSIDER

S

ummer is nearly here people.

Time to don your trilby, get out into the sunshine and make the most of it.

Personally, I am waiting for Cambridge museums to host a big old summertime rave in their beautiful quarters (Morning Glory in Cambridge anyone? www. morningglorylondon.yolasite.com), but in the meantime as part of the UK-wide festival Museums At Night, they’re opening their doors late into the evening on Friday 16 May, hosting a range of quirky, off-beat events to the public – looks brilliant! Go see a vintage skiffle band play in the courtyard at the Fitzwilliam Museum, or enjoy a glass of wine with Chilean art at the Museum of Technology, including wearable art made from dyed horsehair (my fav)! I’m not sure what science tasting, stand-up style, at the Polar Museum is exactly, but I am there, too – sounds hilarious.

Our city has a long heritage of nurturing ideas that would probably be considered quite bonkers anywhere else, so it’s excellent to see Cambridge museums leading on opening up this rich history of creative thinking and ingenuity. Watch out for new art festival, Curating Cambridge, led by Cambridge museums, appearing across the city later this year, too.

I’m very excited to see Mill Road’s new mural unfolding this month, too – an epic community art project from some of the city’s best artists, including Jill Eastland, Sa’adiah, Kay Goodridge, Jane Hellings, Katy McDonald, Jill Fordham and many more, who’ve teamed up with community groups in the area to produce some excellent designs.

Look for vibrant, dynamic art hitting the hoardings on Mill Road, all spearheaded by Oblique Arts and Mill Road co-ordinator, Ceri Ann Littlechild – check www.facebook. com/MillRoadArtProject for details. Well done to all involved, looking forward to seeing more!

Also happening in the Romsey Town area at the Art Salon this month is Karen Stamper’s solo show, opening on Friday 16 May. Karen’s works of art, once described by art critic Beverly Knowles as having a ‘raw intensity that makes them powerful…

Gideon Paine's work is on show in Waterbeach for 'A Day At The Beach'

Karen Sta mper's solo show is eagerly anticipated at the Art Salon

emerging with great intensity from feminism’, is a must-see. I love her graphic street influences, and bold, strong beauty.

Visit www.karenstamper.co.uk to see more.

In the spirit of street arts, why not take up hip hop dancing? Many who are new to the city will be surprised to learn we’re home to one of the UK’s leading hip hop crews, SIN Cru, who hosted their annual festival of hip hop arts, Participate, back in April – their summer term runs until July.

SIN stands for Strength In Numbers and the Cru were formed to re-energise a sense of community in the graffiti and hip hop scene back in the 1990s. One of my old friends danced with them for several years, totally loved it. Take a look at their website www.sincru.co.uk. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to snag tickets, critically acclaimed Cambridge-raised producers of all things beats and hip hop, the Nextmen are playing a boat party on the River Thames in London next month, on 22 June.

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But if you fancy a bit of a break from increasingly hectic city life, watch out for the chance to learn lino cutting techniques inspired by Cambridge’s architecture, with artist Alexander Blustin at Great St Mary’s Church Saturday 31 May. You could also head over to Waterbeach on 17 May for ‘A Day At The Beach’ – a blissful pop-up art gallery and café serving teas and cakes, as part of the 150th anniversary of Waterbeach Baptist Chapel. The gallery will be open from 12 midday, the perfect retreat to enjoy inspiring paintings, illustrations, sculptures, photography, video, millinery and even book readings from published authors (check the new work from artist Gideon Paine – mesmerising). Looks fabulous!

Sunshine, art and cake – what more could you possibly want in life (apart from a morning rave, of course)?

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FAMILY

Happy birthday,

SHEPRETH!

A newcomer to the area would never guess that, deep within the sleepy village of Shepreth, lurks a tiger. Two in fact: and a mountain lion, a wolf, polecats, primates, a mob of meerkats and more.

They live at Shepreth Wildlife Park, a conservation-conscious animal park which turns 30 this month.

Rebecca Willers, who grew up on the Park and is now curator, remembers her father opening it in 1984. A builder, he had bought the land with a view to developing it, but fate took the family in a rather different direction.

“Dad bought the land in 1979 when it was completely derelict, never expecting to build a zoo there,” says Rebecca.

“Meanwhile my mum, being an animal fanatic, rescued animals and became known for it, so people would turn up with injured badgers and birds with broken wings… Our house became a bit of a sanctuary.

“Then, when the building industry went downhill in the 80s, my parents

opened up to the public because people kept asking if they could come and see the animals. So in 1984 they got a zoo licence.”

As well as injured animals, the Willers family began taking in ex-laboratory animals and animals from zoos which were closing. Now, three decades later, Shepreth plays an active part in the conservation of endangered species and runs extensive education programmes – as well as being a great day out.

Asked about her favourite animal on the park, Rebecca replies: “I have a big soft spot for Rana the boy tiger, he’s a real character. Amba was hand-raised, so she’s the one that comes over and says hello and has lots of confidence, where Rana is a bit more dubious. So I feel a bit sorry for him because he’s constantly being ruled by this dominant woman!”

Summer should see lots of babies at Shepreth too, says Rebecca: “We should have meerkat babies, our polecats will breed and our maned wolf has just met a male from Sweden on an international breeding programme. We’ve also got two exciting new species coming this year, one will be in May, and they’ll be very popular indeed. I can’t say anything yet though!”

The newcomers will be at the Park in time for the birthday celebrations on 26 May, when there’ll be a big party with games, raffles, cakes and talks.

“The two things we’re passionate about here are conservation and education,” she explains. “The Park makes a great day out, but why we’re really here is to educate people about what’s going on in the wild and the importance of these species, and to get the animals back into the wild where we can.

“We’ve had countless children who have gone out and done their own fundraising after hearing our talks,” adds Rebecca, who recently raised £20,000 climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. “There are some amazing kids out there, and that really brings a tear to your eye.”

GO ONLINE to see how our features editor, Jennifer Shelton, got on meeting the lemurs at Shepreth… www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Mrs McMoon

AND SIGNOR BAFFO

D-DAY

air show

2014 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, and at Duxford they’ll be celebrating in style with a whole weekend of events and displays on 24 and 25 May. Witness fighters, bombers and other military aircraft that would have been seen above the beaches of Normandy swooping overhead. On the ground, there’ll be trade stands and themed activities. It’s the perfect chance to explore the museum itself, which will be open from 8am. Air shows will start at 2pm, carrying on until 5.30pm. www.iwm.org.uk

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18 MAY

You and your family are cordially invited to tea or dinner (or both!) at Cambridge Junction on 18 May, and it’s all part of Eat Cambridge. Tea comes courtesy of the kindly and rather eccentric Mrs McMoon.

Starting at 11.30am, you can enjoy tea, biccies and a sprinkling of magic from the comfort of this cosy living room, where the smell of freshly baked cookies will drive your noses wild. Then, at 2.30pm in the same venue, meet mad chef Signor Baffo who’ll be letting the kids run the show – with very silly results!

Tickets for each event are £6 child, £10 adult and £27 for a family group. www.junction.co.uk

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LISTINGS

WHAT S ON A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE FOR MAY

1 May

CHARITY RACE NIGHT Time: 6-9pm Location: 12a Club, Cambridge Price: Free entry Description: Enjoy a great evening out and help raise money at a charity race night in aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, held at the venue off Market Square, ending at approximately 9pm. Raffle prizes include tickets to Newmarket Races, a spa day and a meal at Alimentum. digitalclicks.co.uk

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MAY

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May KITCHEN CLASSICS Time: 10am-2pm Location: Cambridge Cookery School Price: £110 Description: Learn the basics of cooking including pastry making, classic sauces and easy breadmaking. Lunch and a well-earned glass of wine is included. cambridgecookeryschool.com

PAUL HOLLYWOOD

MAY

Time: 8.15pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £28.50 Description: The gastronomy goliath brings his live Get Your Bake On! show to Cambridge, where he’ll be demonstrating recipes and taking audiences on a journey through his life in baking. cornex.co.uk

THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE Time: 6.30pm Location: Trinity College Price: £15-£20 Description: Cambridge Early Music’s Festival of the Voice (2-4 May) gets underway with a performance from the famed Hilliard Ensemble and Singer Pur. cambridgeearlymusic.org

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TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE

Time: 7.45pm (& Sat 2.30pm) Location: Arts Theatre Price: From £15 Description: Witness John Ford’s dramatic Jacobean tragedy of a brother and sister’s passionate descent into hell, billed as ‘sexy’ and ‘stylish’ by The Times. cambridgeartstheatre.com

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3-5 May

MAY DAY FESTIVAL Time: 10am-6pm Location: Audley End House Prices: Various Description: The great stately home celebrates May Day in grand Victorian style, with ribbons, posies, music and dancing aplenty. english-heritage.org.uk

6 May

SPRING NATURE WALK Time: 7-9pm Location: Stapleford Granary Price: £6 Description: Spot birds, flowers and try a few wild edibles on a countryside walk around Bury Farm, led by a knowledgeable ACE Natural History course director, finishing at the Granary. staplefordgranary.org.uk

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11 May

BEDFORD LODGE WEDDING FAIR Time: 11am-3pm Location: Bedford Lodge Hotel Price: Free Description: Tour the hotel and meet the team to find out how a wedding at this elegant Newmarket venue could suit you. bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

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May THE COMEDY CLUB Time: 9pm (7.30pm doors) Location: Cambridge Belfry, Cambourne Price: £25 Description: Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy from Harvey Oliver, Rudi Lickwood and a special guest to be announced, followed by a sit-down twocourse meal. thecomedyclub.co.uk

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May MEET THE WEDDING EXPERTS Time: Time 10am-4pm Location: Location The Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket Price: Price £9 half day, £15 full day £36 three course Sunday Lunch Description: Description Be inspired by some of the leading UK wedding industry experts to help create the big day of your dreams. jockeyclubrooms.co.uk

MAY

BAT SAFARI PUNT TOURS Time: Various Location: Granta Place Boatyard Price: £8-£17.50 Description: Experience punting in a whole new way on this night-time cruise of the Cam. Heading out towards Grantchester, a Wildlife Trust expert will use electronic bat detectors to talk you through the winged creatures flying overhead. scudamores.com

FROM

16 MAY

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LISTINGS

IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Celebrate May Day with the Audley End May Day festival, or why not try your hand at cooking on 6 May at Cambridge Cookery School?

Teachers, head down to the Cambridge Science Centre on 22 May.

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FESTIVAL OF PLANTS

Time: 10am-4pm Location: Botanic Gardens Price: Normal admission charges apply Description: Horticulture and science come together in a day devoted to plants, from propagation to pollination. Includes Ask The Gardener sessions, plant shopping and activity hubs. botanic.cam.ac.uk

17 May

ROCK N ROLL NIGHT Time: 7.30-11.30pm Location: Wood Green Godmanchester Centre Price: £10 Description: Get Back, the popular Cambridge 50s and 60s band, lead up a night of old-time rock ’n’ roll at the Godmanchester centre. Licensed bar and hot food available too. woodgreen.org.uk

BELINDA CARLISLE

20 MAY

Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £29.50 Description: The 80s international icon comes to Cambridge to perform hits old and new, including Heaven is a Place on Earth, and her newest hit Sun. cornex.co.uk

MAY

22 May

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £10-£35 Description: Nicholas Collon leads a quintessentially English concert of Elgar, Britten and Vaughn Williams, with soprano Lucy Hall and Julian Lloyd Webber on cello. The concluding part of the Cambridge Classical Concert Series. cornex.co.uk

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May TEACHERS’ EVENING Time: 5.30-7.30pm Location: Cambridge Science Centre Price: Free Description: Teachers from across the region are invited to browse the latest exhibits before bringing the kids; drinks and nibbles included. cambridgesciencecentre.org

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MAY

Time: 10am Location: Wood Green Godmanchester Price: Free Description: It’s the third year of this event for humans and their canine companions, with events, activities and prizes to be won!

Don’t have a dog yet?

Discover which might be right for you at the Discovering Dogs tent. woodgreen.org.uk

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May RED COW MOOSIC FESTIVAL Time: All day Location: The Red Cow, Chrishall Price: Free entry Description: The beautiful country pub throws its annual ‘Moosic’ Festival this month, set to feature a variety of live acts plus a hog roast, cream teas and an outside bar. theredcow.com

31 May

BEGINNER NEEDLE FELTING Time: 10am-1pm Location: The Sheep Shop Price: £25 Description: Learn how to make beautiful decorations and adornments in felt with this increasingly popular technique.

Bring 15g wool tops, a needle felting tool and foam – also available from the shop. sheepshopcambridge.co.uk

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MAY

24 May

REPTILE HUNT Time: 11am-12.30pm Location: Wandlebury Park Price: £3 Description: Take a guided stroll searching for common frogs, toads, newts, lizards, slowworms and grass snakes. This event is aimed at adults and older children, and booking is essential. cambridgeppf.org

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DOG’S DAY OUT

BOO HEWERDINE Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £13 Description: The talented musician and songwriter for Eddi Reader, Paul Young and Natalie Imbruglia to name a few, returns for what should be another popular gig in Cambridge. junction.co.uk

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF EAT CAMBRIDGE

10-24 MAY

EAT CAMBRIDGE 2014 fter months of anticipation, Eat Cambridge 2014 finally arrives from 10 to 24 May, bringing with it a spectacular array of food and drink events and the chance to enjoy the very best of our local foodie scene. The organisers are sticking with the winning formula of last year’s festival, combining a large food and drink fair with a busy schedule of fringe events – but this time on a much grander scale.

The main food fair, on 17 May, has relocated to the Corn Exchange, and there are more than double the amount of fringe events to enjoy. Ranging from

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secret supper clubs to theatrical dining and a whole plethora of tastings, tours and talks – there really is something for every palate.

“This event is all about our food and drink community – the producers and restaurants but also the eaters and drinkers,” says Sian Townsend, one of the three organisers. “We want everyone to have a fantastic time and come away feeling they have discovered something new and can rave about it. There’s no national brands and no corporate feel – this is as local and independent as it gets.”

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Selected photos courtesy of Groover Photography

MAY

FOOD & DRINK FAIR The hub of the entire festival, this huge celebration of Cambridge’s burgeoning food scene attracted some 4000 punters in a single day last year, and it’s promising to be even bigger and better for 2014. Having outgrown the Guildhall, this year’s Fair will take place in the larger Corn Exchange, meaning there’s plenty of space for even more great local foodie enterprises to show off their delicious wares.

There’s going to be so much to explore it’s tricky to pick out highlights, but we’ve got a particular fondness for the Gog Magog Hills Cheese Stand; a table that groans under the weight of a smorgasbord of cheesy goodness that’s virtually impossible to pass by.

The talented butchers from Gogs will also be in attendance, offering tips and expertise. If cheese is your weakness, be sure to also check out that stalwart of the local indie scene, The Cambridge Cheese Company, who are guaranteed

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to have some world-class fromage for you to try and buy.

Norfolk Street’s little ray of sunshine, the Norfolk Street Bakery will be offering up a typically delicious array of freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes – and trust us on the Pasties de Nata (the bakery’s now famed Portuguese custard tarts).

The equally lovely Norfolk Street Deli will be there too, serving up a range of fresh sandwiches and nibbles, along with Mill Road’s Urban Larder – a quirky café which boasts a brilliant selection of homemade cakes, breads and specialist and organic produce.

Perhaps you’re after a tipple? If so, check out the English Spirit Distillery, passionate purveyors of lush artisan spirits, or specialist gin producers, The Ely Gin Company. Be sure to sample the awardwinning, handcrafted British Real Ales from the Cambridge-based Moonshine Brewery too, and it’d be unthinkable to go home without getting stuck into the beer and handmade scotch eggs on offer at the Pint Shop stand.

You’re spoilt with sweet treats, with Gourmet Brownie Ltd, local faves Chocolat Chocolat, French patisserie Gourmandises, Mama Bombon, Yum Yum Tree Fudge, and the lovely Cambridge Street Bakes, who make biscuits in the shape of local streets!

Sample the delights of Afro-Caribbean cuisine – think jerk chicken, rice and peas and curried goat – with Irie Man, or enjoy some authentic Indian street food with Inder’s Kitchen. Meanwhile, we recommend taking the opportunity to stock up on some top quality larder staples – stop by at Madame Sunshine for artisan sauces, pickles and dressings or Scarlett & Mustard for marinades, infused oils and condiments made using only natural and local ingredients.

In amidst all the deliciousness, there’s also going to be a series of talks taking place in the King’s Room at the Corn Exchange, where you’ll be able to discover more about everything from coffee roasting and sourdough right the way through to sustainable food and the current trends of the food world.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

ON THE FRINGE It’s the host of exciting fringe events which really bring the EAT Cambridge Festival to life, and this year you can indulge in a jampacked fortnight of informative, interesting and downright delicious tasting events, pop-ups, talks, tours and more.

If you fancy combining art, food and a healthy serving of the unexpected, check out the Hunt & Darton Café, which will be setting up shop at a yet to be revealed city centre location from 3 to 31 May. Part installation, part interactive dining experience, the two performance artists behind this enterprise are sure to offer a unique and utterly memorable lunch date, or you can pop in for coffee and cake.

Our food writer Alex Rushmer is also getting in on the act, offering a special Taste of Cambridge tasting menu at his restaurant, The Hole in the Wall in Little Wilbraham. Comprising of seven courses (available at dinner time), the menu will showcase the best our county has to offer, with dishes inspired by some of the finest local produce available in our area, complete with expertly matched drinks.

Following the runaway success of previous events, Sweeteasy, hosted by local cake baker extraordinaire Afternoon Tease, also makes a welcome return for this year’s Eat Festival. Combining cake and booze (what could be better?), this time around the event will be hosted at the Afternoon Tease café on King Street, and promises a deliciously decadent selection of cocktails and sweet treats such as rhubarb crumble martini and a white Russian-inspired tres leches cake (served daily, from 11am).

The Festival Launch takes place on Friday 9 May at Fitzbillies (with sittings at 7pm and 9pm), and promises a school dinner style feast. Don’t panic though, this little shindig will be less Smash and Spam and more Jack’s Gelato and Steak & Honour – and with these two super cool street food purveyors at the helm, it’s guaranteed to be good.

The next morning, mosey over to Cambridge Cookery School on Purbeck Road for a day of live chef demos, between 11am and 5pm. In attendance will be a host of top local chefs including Alimentum’s Mark Poynton, Leah Jenson from the House Collection and the Cookery School’s own uber-talented private chef, Liz Young.

IN AMIDST ALL THE DELICIOUSNESS THERE'S GOING TO BE A SERIES OF , ROASTING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD TALKS ON EVERYTHING FROM COFFEE Also on 10 May, Burwash Manor in Barton will be heralding the arrival of the asparagus season in spectacular style with their annual celebration of this springtime delicacy. Head down from 10am-4pm for cookery demos with The Larder’s chef Paola Davies, tours of the asparagus fields, food and drink stalls and plenty of activities for kids including funfair rides and a miniature steam train. Pop back on 18 May for Sizzling Sunday, when Burwash’s master butcher, Leech and Sons, will demonstrate how to butcher, joint and prepare a pig, as well as offering tasters of pork recipes.

The evening of 10 May sees one of the Festival’s most hotly anticipated events of all, the Night Market, which will take place 5pm-11pm (location TBC). This event will showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of our local street food scene, from trusted favourites to newcomers, as well as live music and entertainment.

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Having rapidly established itself as a firm favourite among local foodies, the fantastic Pint Shop will host a an evening of beef, bread and beer, together with a special line-up of chef friends in the kitchen and a spot of live music on 15 May (from 6pm).

Enjoy an evening of Thai food and cocktails with the Full Moon Feast at the achingly hip No.77 in Caxton, the recently opened sister restaurant of Bourn’s Willow Tree. Taking place on 14 May, guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu prepared

by No.77’s talented Thai chefs, and have the opportunity to indulge in an extensive, tempting cocktail menu which features tipples like Thai Fizz and San Song Daquiri.

If cocktails are your thing, you might also like to check out the Tapas and Live Music event to be held on the same night at La Raza, featuring local

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singer-songwriter Will Robert.

Alternatively, make a beeline for Mill Road’s newest indie, The Garden Kitchen, for their launch night on Thursday 15 May (6.30pm) when you can take a look around and enjoy a glass of fizz and sample tasters of their menu.

The brainchild of the team behind the well-loved Garden Café at the Botanic Gardens, The Garden Kitchen will offer an array of tasty fresh salads, wraps, soups and also home-made cakes.

If you’re a bit of a chocoholic, don’t miss Hotel Felix’s Chocolate Dinner on 16 May, which sees them teaming up with Chocolat Chocolat to host an evening of delectable delights. With £10 of every ticket (£50 per head) going towards the Pink and Blue Ribbon Foundation, you can indulge guilt free too (and you’ll definitely want to, with three delicious, chocolate-inspired courses plus cocktails).

One of our top picks from the busy fringe schedule is Taste at Childerley: Siesta Fiesta, taking place at the Childerley Long Barn in Dry Drayton on Sunday 18 May. The event, held in partnership with Cambridge Wine Merchants, takes place 12pm-6pm, and invites guests to enjoy a rich variety of authentic cuisine, flamenco dancing and exceptional wines, as the beautiful grounds are transformed into a lively Spanish fiesta.

Make a date in your diary for the Eat Cambridge Debate, which will this year posit that: This House Believes That We Can Make Cambridge The Next Foodie Destination. Taking place, as so many great debates have done, in the Cambridge University Union’s debating chamber, this lively discussion will be chaired by Fitzbillies patron and food writer Tim Hayward, and will take place on 21 May. Also set to be a real crowd-pleaser, the Urban Street Kings will be popping up at Gog Magog’s Farm Shop 22-24 May, serving up a six-course street food extravaganza featuring a different topsecret menu each night. The setting for this foodie gathering will be the ‘Shack’ at Gog Magogs: their very cool, brand new indoor/outdoor area.

Now the Grafton Centre might not immediately grab you as a spot to head to for an atmospheric fine dining experience, but that’s exactly what’s in

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store at The Secret Feast on 23 May. Under the cover of darkness, you and your fellow guests will be treated to an intimate and elegant five-course dinner, complete with live music – just BYO wine and get set for a totally unique meal.

The next morning, locally based user experience design studio Dovetailed brings TechFoodHack to Cambridge. Billed as an ‘experimental dining hackathon exploring how physical and digital interactions reinvent and enhance dining experiences’, the event will bring together a whole range of makers, designers, geeks and foodies and will culminate in an experimental tech-feast.

Perhaps you’re keen to get under the skin of the foodie haven that is the Mill Road area? Be sure to get involved with Eat Mill Road, which will provide a whistlestop tasting tour of this colourful corner of Cambridge on 24 May.

If you fancy a rather regal afternoon tea meanwhile, head over to our gorgeous boutique hotel Duke House on 24 May. At the Royal Tea, you’ll enjoy a host of tasty teas and delicious sweet treats from the likes of Norfolk Street Bakery.

For more information, including details on how to book for all the events, see www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

EAT CAMBRIDGE EVENT PLANNER YOUR AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL Hunt & Darton pop-up café (prices vary, open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, Fridays until 7pm) A Taste of Cambridge tasting menu at The Hole in the Wall (£45) Sweeteasy cake and cocktails at Afternoon Tease (every day, from 11am) FRIDAY 9 MAY Eat Cambridge opening dinner festival launch at Fitzbillies (7pm & 9pm, £20) SATURDAY 10 MAY Live chef demos at Cambridge Cookery School (11am-5pm, £15 per demo/£50 for full day) Wine tasting day with Cambridgeshire Wine School (11am-4pm, £85) Asparagus Festival at Burwash Manor (11am-4pm, free) Prohibition Tea Party with Tea Time Treatery (7pm, £45) Eat Cambridge street food night market (5-11pm, free before 7pm, £3 after) SUNDAY 11 MAY Food and photography workshop with Ozzy Beck SOLD OUT Larder Unlimited: a creativity workshop (3.30pm, £10) Art of Fine Dining chef’s table (1-5pm, £30) MONDAY 12 MAY Coffee and wine pairing at Hot Numbers (7pm, £20) TUESDAY 13 MAY Pay as you please supper club at The Three Horseshoes at Madingley (7.30pm) WEDNESDAY 14 MAY Coffee and craft beer pairing at Hot Numbers (7pm, £20) Pay as you please supper club at The Three Horseshoes at Madingley (7.30pm) Tapas and live music at La Raza (from 7pm, free entry, food as priced) Full Moon Feast at No.77, Caxton (7pm, £40) A Taste of Cambridge Markets (until 28 May) THURSDAY 15 MAY Specialty coffee brewing methods at Hot

Numbers (7pm, £20) CAMRA at The Museum of Cambridge (5.30pm, £5 entry including a free pint) Tapas and shoes at Modish Shoes (68pm, £5/£30 max per night) Launch night at The Garden Kitchen, Mill Road (6.30pm, free entry) Cheese and wine tasting with Cambridge Cheese Company and Bacchanalia (7.15pm, £15) The Eel and Jam Feast part one, Ely (7.30pm, £37.50) Pint Shop and friends present Beef.

Bread. Beer. (6pm, food as priced) FRIDAY 16 MAY Pop-up restaurant at Cambridge Cookery School (7pm, £45) Chocolat Chocolat dinner at Hotel Felix (7pm, £50) The Eel and Jam Feast part two, Ely (7.30pm, £37.50) SATURDAY 17 MAY Eat Cambridge food and drink fair at Cambridge Corn Exchange (10.30am4pm, £2) The House Collection’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the food and drink fair (10.15am, 12.15pm & 2.15pm, £24.95) See Cambridge Differently walking tours (11am & 2pm, £7.50) SUNDAY 18 MAY See Cambridge Differently walking tours (10am & 3pm, £7.50) Taste at Childerley: Siesta Fiesta! (126pm, £8/£5) Introduction to Sourdough at Cambridge Cookery School (11am & 1pm, £25) Family theatre: Mrs McMoon at Cambridge Junction (11.30am, £9/£5) Family theatre: Signor Baffo at Cambridge Junction (2.30pm, £9/£5) Sizzling Sunday at Burwash Manor (10am-4pm, free) Fine Art of Dining chef’s table (1pm, £30) WEDNESDAY 21 MAY Calves Heads and Cockentryce: historical feasting with Dr Annie Gray (6pm, £10) EAT ME at The Willow Tree, Bourn (7pm, £50)

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Eat Cambridge debate at The Cambridge Union (7.30, £8) THURSDAY 22 MAY Urban Street Kings at The Shack, Gog Magog Hills Farm Shop (7pm, £40) The art and science of vegan food at CamYoga, Great Shelford (7.30pm, £20/£10) Talk: The Sustainability of Food with Transition Cambridge (7.30pm, free) Tapas and shoes at Modish Shoes FRIDAY 23 MAY Urban Street Kings at The Shack, Gog Magog Hills Farm Shop (7pm, £40) Franglais Kitchen present ‘La Mer et La Terre’ (7.30pm, £35) Unfinished Business: Only Wolves and Lions with Cambridge Junction (6.30pm, £12/£8) The Grafton Centre Feast (7.30pm, £35) SATURDAY 24 MAY Urban Street Kings at The Shack, Gog Magog Hills Farm Shop (7pm, £40) Unfinished Business: Only Wolves and Lions with Cambridge Junction (6.30pm, £12/£8) Cropshare Day at Willow Farm, Lode (10am & 2pm, free) TechFoodHack: Experimental dining hackathon (10am-7pm, £30) Eat Mill Road tour (2-5pm, £12) Royal Tea at Duke House (5pm, £40) The Eat Cambridge Full English at Afternoon Tease (9am-3pm, £9.90£14.90) SUNDAY 25 MAY Eat Cambridge Full English at Afternoon Tease (10am-3pm, £9.90£14.90)

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COMPETITION

WORTH OVER £600!

Win! WIN A LUXURY MINI BREAK AT HANBURY MANOR

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his month, we’ve teamed up with Marriott hotel Hanbury Manor to offer one lucky reader and their guest a night’s stay in this magnificent historic manor. The prize, which is worth over £600 in total, includes bed and breakfast, a spa treatment and a meal for two.

Situated within impressive grounds in Ware, Hertfordshire, the five-star Hanbury Manor is surely one of the most impressive hotels in the region.

The Manor offers 161 spacious

rooms featuring an abundance of period features, and you’ll be staying in one of their elegant suites. These luxury rooms come with either a queen, king or double bed, comfortable living area and stunning views of the grounds and beautiful countryside beyond – in short, the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a slice of luxury living.

You’ll have complimentary use of the health club, with Romanesque swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym, plus a 55-minute massage each, worth £110.

You’ll also be treated to dinner for two

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at the hotel’s restaurant, which boasts two AA Rosettes, and the next morning, you’ll wake up to a hearty full English breakfast.

The offer is valid until the end of May 2015 and must be booked in advance. To win this chance to live like lord or lady of the manor, go to www.cambsedition. co.uk and enter before 31 May 2014.

Hanbury Manor is a Marriott Hotel & Country Club located in Ware, Hertfordshire. www.marriott.co.uk

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SUMMER MUSIC

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

Cambridge Summer Music Festival

Get set for the annual Cambridge Summer Music Festival, which has plenty of aural delights in store for the summer – plus a few treats in May if you can’t wait

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he city is gearing up for its fabulous annual festival of classical music, offering you the chance to enjoy a selection of outstanding musical performances in some of Cambridge’s most historic buildings and beautiful venues over the course of the summer.

The festival takes place from 18 July to 2 August, and features concerts at locations including Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Botanic Garden and the university colleges.

Highlights for this year are sure to include a performance of Bach’s complete Goldberg Variations by one of the world’s most innovative musicians, Joanna MacGregor, in the spectacular setting of Trinity College Chapel (22 July). Equally promising looks to be the performance of Bach’s St John Passion at the majestic King’s College Chapel on 27 July.

The ever-popular Sounds Green events will make a welcome return, giving music fans the chance to enjoy a picnic accompanied by an open air concert in one of the city’s most glorious spaces: the University Botanic Gardens. There are also street performances to look out for; Sunday lunchtime Proms at the Fitzwilliam Museum; and a special series of events for kids and families – featuring a performance of The Ragged Child by the National Youth Music Theatre at the Leys School on 29 July (7pm).

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until the summer to start enjoying this smorgasbord of classical music, as a series of exciting taster events has been announced. The Music in Quiet Places strand, which will offer a series of concerts

in the churches of the Cambridgeshire villages, continues this month with a performance in Comberton by rising stars, Wu Quartet. They’ll play three masterpieces from the heart of the classical quartet repertoire – by Haydn, Beethoven and Mendelssohn (9 May, 7.30pm).

Next, the gem of All Saints’ Church in Landbeach plays host to folk musicians Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid.

Part of the new wave of Scottish folk music, they’ll perform an exhilarating mix of traditional British folk, Celtic styles, klezmer, French folk music and musette (23 May, 7.30pm).

Rounding off the series is Westcombe Brass at Holy Trinity Church, Balsham, comprising five versatile and talented young brass players. As well as arrangements of well-known works by composers such as Bartók, Holst and Elgar, their programme includes original works for brass ensemble (6 June, 7.30pm).

In Cambridge city centre, meanwhile, there’s a chance to see any of five concerts, starting with an evening with awardwinning cellist Bartholomew La Follette at Sidney Sussex Chapel. Hailed as ‘the most exciting young classical talent in Britain’, he’s joined by pianist Caroline Palmer (15 May, 8pm).

The second concert features two singers from English Touring Opera’s cast of superb soloists, in a programme exploring music and literature. Prize-winning baritone Johnny Herford sings settings of poetry by German Romantic poet Friedrich Rückert, while mezzo-soprano Clarissa Meek sings Dominic Argento’s song cycle From the Diary of Virginia Woolf – a

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beautiful setting of poignant passages in the journals of the great English novelist (24 May, 7.30pm, Emmanuel United Reformed Church).

Violinist Jacqueline Ross and harpsichordist David Ponsford are renowned as world authorities on their instruments. Together they demonstrate their unrivalled elegance, playing sonatas by two of the great Bach clan, father Johann Sebastian and son Carl Philippe Emmanuel, whose 300th birthday was celebrated in March this year (30 May, 8pm, Lee Hall, Wolfson College).

Celebrity organist Anne Page puts two of Cambridge’s finest organs through their paces on one of her hugely popular Organ Tours. She will be visiting the latest arrivals in town: Jesus College’s ‘Sutton’ organ, now restored to its former glory, and Sidney Sussex College’s new instrument.

She is joined by art historian, author and TV presenter Paul Binski (1 June, 2pm, Jesus College Chapel and Sidney Sussex College Chapel).

The series is rounded off by a solo recital by Tom Poster, recognised internationally as a pianist of outstanding artistry and versatility.

Familiar from his performances on BBC Radio 3, he is in huge demand as both a soloist and chamber musician. In this concert he presents a sumptuous programme of works by Gluck, Grieg, Beethoven, Chopin and Ravel (4 June, 8pm, Jesus College Chapel).

See online for more information. www.cambridgesummermusic.com

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MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

Ever wanted to see what happens in a museum after closing time? Now’s your chance, as Cambridge’s museums throw open their doors for night-time talks and tours ambridge is taking part in a UK-wide festival on 16 May, which is set to offer a new, exciting way of discovering the treasures on our doorstep. Museums at Night sees six of Cambridge’s biggest museums open their doors after hours for talks, live music events, and a chance to explore their collections like never before. Better still, all the events are free!

Here’s our pick of what to see.

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FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM Come and explore the corridors of Cambridge’s world-class museum, home to Egyptian mummies, classical sculptures, beautiful paintings and more. There will be talks and tours, a vintage New Orleansstyle skiffle band playing in the Courtyard Café, plus children’s craft activities and a drawing trail, and don’t forget to have a wander round the museum shop.

Open 6-9pm.

MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY Anyone interested in social history and finding out what Cambridge was like through the ages should make a beeline for the MAA on Downing Street.

Newly reopened last year, this hidden gem of a museum opens out, Tardis-like, to reveal an abundance of local treasures, including the impressive double-height central hall. Meet the skeleton who inspired

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Sylvia Plath, gaze up at the large totem pole and meet the Chilean artists travelling to the UK for the first time to display their indigenous artwork.

Between them they’ll be showing guests jewellery made from silver, oats and straw, demonstrating weaving with alpaca wool and creating wearable art from dyed horsehair! Wine will be served, and the event is aimed at adults.

Open 5-9pm.

KETTLE’S YARD The cosy museum on Castle Street, set within a beautiful period house, looks even more enchanting in the evening with the low sun illuminating its handpicked collection of items from around the world. As well as taking in the house’s hoard of 20th century art, you’ll be able to hear musical performances and talks by the museum’s experts. Suitable for all ages.

Open 5-8pm.

THE POLAR MUSEUM

Dr Susanne Turner, curator at the Museum of Classical Archaeology, says: “We’re really excited to be taking part in Museums at Night this year. Opening our doors for the evening means people will experience our extraordinary gallery in a new light and see it differently, and maybe for the first time. We’ll be providing wine for the evening and hope to create a sociable and vibrant atmosphere where people can enjoy spending time with friends in the unique space of the museum.” www.cam.ac.uk

Treat your taste buds to an evening of ‘science tasting’ at the museum on Lensfield Road. Find out about polar science through the medium of standup (only in Cambridge), try out some science experiments and be entertained by the museum’s science buskers!

Suitable for adults.

Open 6-8pm.

WHIPPLE MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE Showcasing weird and wonderful scientific instruments from as long ago as the Middle Ages, the Whipple has one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. See the world how the first explorers did by browsing the ancient telescopes in the 17th century main gallery. The evening comes in the form of a researcher’s night, where experts share the fascinating stories behind the objects.

Open 6-9pm.

MUSEUM OF CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY Enjoy a glass of wine in the impressive surroundings of the Cast Gallery and find out more about the things around you in a series of spotlight talks, taking place throughout the evening. Suitable for adults.

Open 6-9pm.

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CRIME WRITERS

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

It’s beautiful, it’s genteel, it’s a seat of glorious culture and learning. So why are there so many murders set in Cambridge? Jennifer Shelton investigates… university to the state-of-the-art science parks, Cambridge provides a wealth of opportunities for a variety of crimes – not just murder.”

This autumn, Cambridge is set to get its own prime time TV drama, based on the first in Runcie’s Grantchester Mysteries, The Shadow of Death. Shortened simply to ‘Grantchester’, the ITV six-parter is due to be broadcast this autumn. Could it be the new Morse? Or even Poirot?

I’m due to call Runcie on the day filming begins in Cambridge – though it seems there’s plenty going on at his end, too.

“I’m sorry, I’m just murdering someone,” comes the voice down the line as I call the author at his Edinburgh home. Born and educated here in Cambridge (he was

Author James Runcie

xford has Morse, Edinburgh has Rebus, but Cambridge is spoilt for choice when it comes to fictional detectives hiding in the shadows of King’s College and combing the cobbled streets for clues.

According to a recent count by Heffers’ reading group Crimecrackers, there are around 155 detective, crime or mystery novels set in and around Cambridge, from Douglas Browne’s The May Week Murder, published in 1937, to the likes of Kate Atkinson’s Case Histories and James Runcie’s The Grantchester Mysteries.

“Cambridge is a wonderful backdrop for crime fiction, visually and as a source of plot lines,” suggests Crimecrackers’ Pippa Macallister. “From the medieval town and

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in the same school year as Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Tilda Swinton), Runcie is presently penning his fourth Grantchester-based novel, featuring the escapades of handsome clergyman sleuth Sidney Chambers.

Set initially in the 1950s, it’s described as ‘Father Brown with attitude, Agatha Christie with cathedrals, and Barbara Pym with sex’.

“Clergymen can go where the police can’t go, and people tell them things,” says Runcie, when I ask why he chose a vicar as his hero. “Clergymen are present at birth, marriage and death, when people are at their most vulnerable, and they are party to sudden revelations. So a clergyman,

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CRIME WRITERS

Filming for Grantchester gets underway in Cambridge

“When somewhere is cosy, like Cambridge is cosy, a crime can feel all the more horrible” - Alison Bruce like a doctor, is party to enormous secrets.

And if that secret is a crime, what do they do with that?”

Death Comes to Pemberley star James Norton has been cast as Sidney Chambers, and seems to fulfil Runcie’s vision of “a sexy vicar, who wrestles with morality”.

“He’s slightly more good-looking than I’d anticipated,” laughs Runcie. “But I wanted my clergyman to be two things: serious, and sexy. I’m fed up with comedy vicars on television.”

The son of a clergyman himself, Runcie grew up at 20B King’s Parade, outside which cameras are currently propped, filming a scene from Chambers’ Cambridge of the 1950s.

“I was supposed to be there today, but I’m too busy writing,” admits Runcie. “But I will come and watch in May. I just don’t want to stand at the back with my arms folded going, ‘I thought of this!’. I’ve spoken to James [Norton] and I went to the readthrough, which was really exciting. They

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know what they’re doing so I’m leaving them to get on with it really.”

There’s clearly more than a touch of Runcie in Chambers – both lovers of jazz, English pubs and, of course, Cambridge – and of his father too.

“It’s a bit like seeing part of your childhood,” he explains. “The whole thing is like a flashback, and to have it filmed is kind of a double flashback. Because of course Sidney is bicycling past places I used to bicycle past.”

This, of course, will be much of the appeal for locals tuning in this September.

“Originally I was going to make up a totally fictional place, like Trollope did in the Barchester Chronicles, then it seemed that it would be better setting it in a specific place,” ponders Runcie.

“I thought about Cambridge, but really I wanted a village, because he had to be a parish priest, and Grantchester is very ‘English’. It’s one of the most famous villages in England, and it automatically

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CRIME WRITERS

gives a sense of history, of poetry and of beauty. I think it’s quite important to make violent things happen in beautiful places.”

It seems this beauty and apparent benevolence is key to why Cambridge makes such a delicious setting for grisly deeds. Alison Bruce, author of Cambridge Blue and other DC Goodhew novels, moved to Cambridge over ten years ago.

Her latest Cambridge crime novel, The Backs, (now out in paperback) sees a runaway return to her childhood home off Castle Street to find that her sister has been murdered and the killer is not only at large, he’s watching her.

“It is a city, but at the same time it’s got the feeling of somewhere smaller and more intimate,” says Bruce of Cambridge.

“Crime books often centre round domestic situations or work situations – places where people should feel safe. When somewhere is cosy, like Cambridge is cosy, a crime can feel all the more horrible.

“There are so many people coming in and out of Cambridge, that if I was a master criminal, it wouldn’t seem a bad idea to hide out in Cambridge,” she continues. “You’ve got some of the greatest brains in the world here, so why couldn’t you have some of the greatest criminal masterminds?”

Bruce’s Cambridge is different to the Cambridge of postcards and placemats, set away from the glorious, sun-dappled colleges and focusing more – and in incredible detail – on the shadowy backstreets. Reading her novels, you might find yourself discovering things about Cambridge you didn’t know, such as Mill Road cemetery being shaped like a guitar, or an idiosyncrasy in a stained glass window at the Michaelhouse Café.

“I try and go to the bit of Cambridge that I’m writing about and spend time there,” says Bruce. “In Cambridge Blue I went down Trinity Street at about 1am because one of my characters was there at that time of night. I tripped over a black bollard in the street, so I made sure to put that in the book.”

Runcie employs a similar technique known as ‘footstepping’, which means, literally, “to go in the footsteps of you character; so you know how long it takes to cross Jesus Green, for example.”

He carries on: “I know some of these already, like how long it takes to walk from Cambridge station into town, and how long it takes to drive to Grantchester – but you have to change that a bit because the

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Alison Bruce

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CRIME WRITERS

Sophie Hannah

“People love puzzles, and crime offers that more than any other genre” - Sophie Hannah traffic is a little different now to what it was then!”

Runcie chose to begin his Grantchester series in the 50s, he tells me, because: “There’s still the death penalty in Britain, so the stakes are much higher, and vicars were much more a part of society than they perhaps are now.”

I love a good period drama as much as – actually probably more than – the next person, but while the costumes, vintage cars, polite tea drinking and post-war nostalgia will no doubt look fabulous on screen, James Runcie is adamant we shouldn’t get too gushy about the past.

“The real danger is romanticising the past,” he says. “People didn’t have as much money, there wasn’t as much choice, it was more difficult for women to have careers and homosexuality was illegal. The trick is to write about the past without making it too cosy.”

Luckily for the film crew, turning the clock back 60 years won’t be much of a problem, since much of Cambridge remains just as it was 50, 100 and sometimes 1000 years ago. As well as

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King’s Parade and the iconic King’s College Chapel, we can expect to spot plenty of familiar pubs, museums and other landmarks when Grantchester airs later this year. “The Eagle Pub is quite important,” says Runcie. “The railway station plays a large part, and the original St Andrew’s Street police station… And there will be something going on at Girton quite soon.”

The next instalment in the Sidney Chambers series, The Problem of Evil (book three, following The Perils of the Night) is out in May. “There’s a big story set in the Fitzwilliam Museum,” he hints. “Actually, rather ironically, there’s a murder on a film shoot!”

Another author with a book out this month is award-winning mistress of the plot twist, Sophie Hannah, whose Cambridge-based murder-mystery, Lasting Damage, was inspired by her own experience of househunting in the city. “I find it an inspiring place to write about because I love it,” she enthuses, “and Lasting Damage is all about the love of Cambridge – that’s one of the main motivating factors of the plot.”

Clearly there’s plenty about Cambridge to keep crime writers busy for as long

as the public have an appetite for headscratching mysteries and devious crimes.

But what is it about crime in the first place that gets us fired up? Hannah has a theory.

“People love puzzles, and I think crime offers that more than any other genre.

People love trying to get the answer. And with that, there’s the battle between good and evil, and the promise of a detective who will put it all to right.”

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NEWS

CAMBRIDGE BID MONTHLY UPDATE

Welcome Welcome to the May update from the Cambridge BID. This month, we take a look at King’s Parade: possibly Cambridge's most famous street! Meanwhile, over the page, we remind you why we should all love our local market. And, if you've noticed Cambridge looking a little smarter and cleaner lately – that was us! Read more below, and enjoy.

What is the

Cambridge BID? Launched in April 2013, Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by businesses and organisations in the city to deliver a range of projects and events that enhance and promote Cambridge and encourage people to visit and enjoy our fabulous city.

Find out more at www.cambridgebid.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at @cambridgebid

Rapid Response We’re loving the impact of our public realm cleansing, which is taking place at ten sites across the city centre. Our work goes beyond what the city council provide with their street cleansing.

All Saint’s Passage was the first site and works are completed with the passageway looking brighter than ever.

Businesses have been really pleased with the results and we are looking forward to seeing the other sites (which include Market Passage, Green Street and Christ’s Lane) being given the BID treatment (which is a little more than a bit of TLC – we all need it, right?!). More info on the sites we are tackling can be found on our website.

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NEWS

Spotlight on... King's Parade There aren’t many streets in the country quite as uniquely beautiful as King’s Parade. Dominated by the beautiful façade of King’s College and its instantly recognisable Chapel (and ancient horse chestnut tree), this is the tourist hotspot of Cambridge.

After you’ve snapped away and dodged the locals on bikes, there are plenty of shops to duck into. In fine arts and crafts gallery Primavera you’ll find three floors of beautiful glasswork, ceramics, paintings and more, all by British artists. They’ve had a new artist in residence since March: his name is Julian Finbow, and he specialises in framing historical prints.

You can’t go far wrong with a visit to Cambridge Chop House, situated on the corner of King’s Parade and Bene’t Street. Part of the Cambscuisine group, it’s a perfect spot for peoplewatching and has a gorgeous view of the college. On the menu you’ll find

gourmet sausages and mash, steak and chops, game dishes and salads too – in other words, hearty, British fare with a contemporary spin. The puddings are pretty special as well.

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss The Fudge Kitchen. Here, you can watch staff mix, roll and cut slabs of creamy fudge on their huge marble-topped worksurface, while you queue up to take a boxful home. They make it in pretty much every flavour under the sun, including sea salted caramel, blueberry muffin, dairy-free chocolate swirl and Mississippi mud pie.

A few doors down, Agora at The Copper Kettle is a popular spot for lunch, again with great views of the bustling street outside. Its Mediterranean and Turkishinspired menu includes kebabs, moussaka and light, summery salads.

Local wine shop Cambridge Wine Merchants also has a branch on King’s Parade, stocking specially selected bottles chosen by its highly knowledgeable and

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friendly staff, who’ll point you in the direction of your desired tipple, or recommend something for you if you’re not quite sure.

There are some beautiful clothes shops on the Parade too, including stylish Noa Noa. Their feminine, romantic collections are designed in Denmark: pop in to browse their summer 2014 collection.

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NEWS

Love your local market 14th – 28th May 2014

Markets have been at the very heart of our towns and cities for hundreds of years; bustling hubs of vitality where the community gathers and anything can be bought from fresh veg to vintage clothes, artisan bloomers to second-hand books. But in the days of retail arcades and Internet shopping it’s easy to forget the thrill of weaving between stalls, ducking under brightly coloured awnings to discover something unexpected and striking a deal with traders in the open air.

Today’s markets are seeing something of a revival in fortunes.

With shoppers wary of long supply chains and the soullessness of super stores, it seems we are turning back to our butchers, bakers and other more traditional outlets, tempted by the assurance of knowing where the goods we are buying have come from, but also to see a friendly, familiar face and to support our local businesses.

Love Your Local Market is a new

initiative devised to herald the changes and to make shoppers aware of what is on offer on their doorstep. Across the UK, events will be taking place during the Love Your Local Market fortnight (14-28 May). Here in Cambridge, Cambridge City Council will be running three campaigns, including “A Taste of Cambridge Markets”, which will see Market Traders showcasing their wares and offering free food tastings and demonstrations at their stalls.

There’ll also be a chance to enter the “How do you see Cambridge Markets?” competition, inviting people to draw, paint or photograph Cambridge Market and its traders – or submit a poem, story or song.

The competition is open to both adults and children, there will be three categories and the public will be invited to view and vote for their favourites when the entries are displayed at The Guildhall.

Finally, new for this year, traders are invited to participate in a “Best Dressed Stall” competition, as part of a nationwide media campaign to raise the profile of

your business. The competition will be judged according to the originality and creativity, visual impact, and coherence of the display as a whole. The winning trader will receive tickets to a show at the Cambridge Corn Exchange (www.cornex.co.uk).

For more information, visit the following websites. www.cambridge.gov.uk/love-yourlocal-market www.facebook.com/cammarkets www.twitter.com/cammarkets www.loveyourlocalmarket.org.uk

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17/04/2014 08:58

BANK HOLIDAY FUN

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

BANK HOLIDAY FUN With not one but two bank holidays this month and half term to boot, there’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy yourself. Here are some ideas for how to keep the family entertained this May CLIMB A TREE! If you know a certain little monkey who loves nothing better than climbing up, swinging from and perching in trees, get them along to Wimpole Hall on 24 May for a special tree climbing event.

Out in the spacious grounds of this fantastic stately home, two highly skilled and friendly instructors will be helping children of all ages reach new heights as they climb a tree – the professional way.

Using ropes, special knots and karabiners, you’ll ascend into the canopy of one of the tallest trees on the estate (while securely attached to a harness), then take a zip wire back down to earth – if you’re feeling brave enough!

Takes place 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm; tickets £18. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FAMILY FUN AT CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION Scuttle over to Cambridge Junction on 25 May to see Rock Pool, the fun family show featuring music, dancing and lots of silliness! A big storm has left two very different creatures stranded in a rock pool far from the sea. As their little pool starts to drain away, Prawn and Crab have to find a way to get along and get home. This splashy, watery adventure takes place at 11.30am and 2.30pm; tickets £10 adults, £6 children (or £27 for a family of four). www.junction.co.uk

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ELY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Head over to Ely for their annual Ely Eel Festival, taking place from 2 to 5 May. A huge weekend-long celebration of the city’s namesake, there will be craft and market stalls, period music and dance and entertainment for all ages.

Don’t miss the big food and drink festival taking place on Palace Green on 4 and 5 May, which showcases a whole host of delicious goods from local artisan producers. There’ll be lots of samples to try and chefs will be demonstrating their skills at the cookery theatre. It’s the festival’s tenth anniversary this year too, so it’s bound to be a good’un! tourism.eastcambs.gov.uk

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BANK HOLIDAY FUN

MAY DAY FESTIVAL Be transported back in time at Audley End House this early bank holiday weekend, as the house hosts its annual grand Victorian festival of spring. There’ll be posies and ribbons, Punch and Judy shows and morris dancing, taking place in the glorious gardens on 3, 4 and 5 May. Takes place 10am-6pm. Further details and admission prices can be found online. www.english-heritage.org.uk

CAMBRIDGE EARLY MUSIC Soak up some classical music with The Hilliard Ensemble on 2 May, taking place at the stunning venue of Trinity College Chapel. The concert marks the start of the 2014 Festival of the Voice, with Cambridge Early Music. On the night, early music experts the Hilliards, one of the world’s finest vocal chamber groups, will be joined by Singer Pur to present a programme in which 13th century French arrangements sit alongside traditional Armenian music. It starts at 6.30pm, tickets from £15.

For the full programme of events and to book, visit the website. www.cambridgeearlymusic.org

SPANISH VERMOUTH One for the grown-ups: at The Free Press pub, on 4 May, ¡Qué Rico! tapas will be serving tapas and vermouth, a typical Spanish aperitif, 11.30am-1.30pm.

In Spain, this dry martini is drunk straight, and is said to liven up the taste buds before a meal. This traditional drink is starting to make a comeback – find out why over a plate of authentic Spanish cuisine (three plates for £8). www.freepresspub.com

CRAFT FAIR

HISTORY’S ALIVE! See history spring into life at Linton’s historic Camping Close on 4 May, promising an activity-packed day out for all ages. With 2014 marking 100 years since the start of the First World War, find out what life was like for soldiers in the trenches in a talk by Tommy and Poilu, who’ll explain how Linton contributed to the war effort. Then, tuck your shirt in as you enter the Victorian classroom and see what school was like for children before computers and whiteboards. Of course, there’s also the vintage tea tent should you need a spot of refreshment, serving tea, cake and light lunches, as well as activities for adults and children taking place all day.

Takes place from 11am until 4pm and entry is free (donations welcome). www.historyneedsyou.com

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Burgess Hall is inviting local businesses to be part of the Spring Craft Fair in St Ives on 5 May. The fair will include original crafts, home interiors, toys and gifts, clothing for children and adults, handmade cards and stationery, health and holistic products, fresh seasonal produce plus items from local breweries and wine producers.

James Bland, Burgess Hall manager, said: “There will be the very best quality, handmade, independent and local exhibitors offering unique and affordable items for the home and garden. We aim to highlight and promote the diverse range of businesses in the local area. One of the main reasons for the success of our fairs is because of a strong emphasis on the quality of stallholders to make sure the fair is an attraction to visitors.”

The event takes place indoors and there’s plenty of free parking in front of Burgess Hall. Open 10am-4pm and stalls cost £35. Admission is £1; under 16s go free.

01480 388506/burgesshall@ huntingdonshire.gov.uk

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Are you suffering with a health issue, fed up with being on a waiting list or concerned about the standards of care and cleanliness in hospital?

B

y choosing to pay for your treatment privately at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Cambridge you won’t have to wait or worry. We are part of the second largest private hospital group in the UK and open to everyone. If you don’t have private health insurance you can pay for your own consultation and treatment.

Our patients choose to be treated in our hospital because they know that our medical expertise, levels of hygiene and the comfort and care they receive, represent excellent value for money.

As you would expect with a premium private hospital our all-inclusive prices are guaranteed of:

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• All fees • Premium clean and comfortable room, with full en-suite facilities, as well as flat screen televisions, wireless internet and hostess service for inpatients • Meals cooked by our hospital chefs, our creative menu features a wide range of chef prepared meals using local produce and fresh herbs from our garden. Of course your visitors are welcome to join you for meals at the hospital • All medicines relating to your surgery including pain relief • Free parking One of the features of our hospital is a tranquil, landscaped garden where patients can entertain their visitors and even enjoy afternoon tea outdoors during the summer.

17/04/2014 13:55

LET'S GO TO...

Let's go to..

If you want to see one of the country’s oldest windmills, browse an art gallery or have lunch in a vintage-inspired gastro pub, a day trip to Bourn could be in order. Just eight miles from Cambridge, this quiet, seemingly unassuming village has more going for it than might be expected. It’s an ancient little farming settlement with Roman origins and pretty period cottages scattered here and there. Here’s what not to miss…

BOURN BANK HOLIDAY MARKET With two bank holidays this month comes two chances to visit Bourn’s bank holiday market, which will be setting up on 5 and 26 May. It’s held at the historic Second World War airfield in the village, and promises a variety of food and drink stalls. It’s a large affair, regularly attracting 20,000 customers each day. Car parking is available.

It’s on from 9am until 4pm. www.wendyfairmarkets.com

WYSING ARTS CENTRE Another hidden gem in Bourn is Wysing Arts Centre, a bustling hub of artists occupying some 11 acres in the village. Started in 1989, it’s one of the UK’s most renowned and progressive arts organisations. Did you know, for example, that it’s one of just 20 members of the prestigious Plus Tate network (alongside major metropolitan galleries like the BALTIC in Gateshead and Arnolfini in Bristol), or that it’s acted as a springboard for the careers of many successful artists over the years – including the two most recent Turner Prize winners?

You can visit the gallery at Fox Road any time between 12 and 5pm (when there’s an exhibition on, which is most of the time). This month, to celebrate Wysing’s 25th birthday, they’ve got a display of eclectic work created at the centre since it began. www.wysingartscentre.org

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THE WILLOW TREE

BURWASH MANOR A firm favourite with locals and residents from further afield is Burwash Manor in nearby Barton: a unique and charming rural shopping destination of 15 independent shops selling gorgeous gifts, garden and homeware and more, complete with a tea room. Sewing shop and haberdashery Backstitch is a new favourite, having just opened in March, while Cuckoo, the Dragonfly Spa and The Secret Garden are always worth a visit.

The Larder delicatessen is a real find, with shelves piled high with top quality store cupboard essentials and fresh, local produce including sausages from Burwash’s own herd of Essex Saddlebacks. Then drink in the colours and scents at The Manor Florists and take home an armful of fresh blooms – they also do bouquets and displays for weddings and other occasions, and they’re registered with Interflora too.

Burwash is actually a farm, owned by the same family for 100 years, so you’re likely to bump into a few pigs, piglets and hens too. They regularly hold foodie events and this month it’s all about the Asparagus Feast, taking place on 10 May, where chefs at The Larder will demonstrate some exciting recipes using these glorious green springtime spears. www.burwashmanor.com

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On the main thoroughfare, you’ll spot The Willow Tree, a superb dining and drinking destination with beautiful, shabby chic interiors and a sophisticated, Michelin-acclaimed menu. Their seasonal, locally sourced dishes include tapas-style snacks and larger plates: the current board features pollack fillet and quail egg, pulled Suffolk pork burger, panazenella salad and a house pizza with red peppers and caramelised onion. We’ve been to some of their supper club events too, which inject a little drama and fun into dining and make fabulous use of the space, both inside and out in their sunny garden (complete with majestic willow tree). This month, they’re hosting a Wonderland-themed Eat Me dinner on 21 May, then put the Neon Moon Burlesque supper club in your diary – on 22 June.

Rather excitingly, the duo behind The Willow Tree have just opened a Thai pub/restaurant down the road in Caxton. Called No.77, it continues the same retro theme with upcycled furniture, velvet cinema seats and lots of deep blues and copper hues.

It opened in March, with Thai chefs heading up the kitchen and a selection of local ales and cocktails available at the bar. www.thewillowtreebourn.com

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MANOR FARM DELI & BUTCHERS LALBAGH One of the main attractions of Bourn is Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant Lalbagh, situated in an elegant building in Alms Hill. Recently named Best in the East of England at the English Curry Awards, and with several other accolades to its name, it’s known across the region for its quality, authentic dishes, prepared with great passion and flair – a cut above your usual high street curry house.

Lalbagh was opened by brothers Miftaur and Mumitur Choudhury in 2008 (they recently opened another, Rang Mohol, in Sawston), who between them have over 40 years’ experience in the industry. The extensive menu puts a modern twist on traditional recipes, offering a selection of tandoori, mossala, rogan and biryani dishes. After an appetiser of Mishti Kodu with spiced king prawn, or special own-recipe Paneer Pakora, try the traditional Bangali Murghee Jool with chicken breast, pepper and bhuna-style gravy, or chicken/lamb Tikka Lababdar with fresh cream and fenugreek leaves. Our mouths are watering already… www.lalbaghrestaurant.com

ABANTU ON MANOR FARM A historic working farm with roots in the 13th century, Manor Farm is a lovely little spot and well worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s family run and home to animals including pigs, ducks, chickens, and Parsnip and Pickles the goats.

A trip to Manor Farm wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Abantu, the fairtrade and ethical café and gift shop. The country-style tea room serves everything from coffee and cakes to light lunches. Try their cream tea, or espresso breakfast if your day needs a little kick-start. There’s also a selection of lovely gift items, homeware, jewellery and more to browse. It’s open 9am-4pm weekdays, 10am Saturdays. Visit Manor Farm at Alms Hill, Bourn. 01954 713997.

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For a real Bourn Banger sausage roll, slowcooked Jacobs Ladder short rib of beef or 21-day aged steak, Steve – butcher at the new farm shop at Manor Farm – is your man. A traditional butcher who knows his trade inside out, Steve uses trusted local suppliers to provide a fine selection of meat, available in any cut you might fancy.

His hand-raised pork pies are certainly worth seeking out, as are his well-known Knibbs Meat Safe steak pies, already a favourite with regulars to the Royston shop. You’ll also find a wide selection of cheeses, including the gold medal-winning Cote Hill Blue, a superb blue crusted cheese handmade from the milk of 80 pedigree Friesian Cows and matured for up to 12 weeks, made in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Delicious!

OTHER ATTRACTIONS: Bourn also boasts an 18-hole golf course and health and fitness club, set amidst beautiful countryside, and a 17th century windmill, thought to be one of the oldest of its kind in the country. It’s open the second Sunday in May for National Mills Weekend, when you can have a look inside and might even see the sails clothed and turning if the conditions are right.

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17/04/2014 09:45

DRAGON BOAT

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

CAMBRIDGE

DRAGON BOAT Think you can master the river? Get competitive and do your bit for charity at this alternative boat race... ummer in Cambridge is all about messing about on the river, and on 6 September perhaps the city’s most exuberant boating event takes place. The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival takes over the River Cam at Fen Ditton every year and is one of the largest, most eagerly anticipated team events in the region.

Over 40 crews representing companies, organisations, clubs and groups of friends from all over Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas will be letting their hair down and putting on their best battle faces to try and become master of the 200m racecourse. This year, teams will be seeking to knock Stanton Williams off their pedestal as reigning champions, whilst also aiming to beat last year’s impressive event fundraising total of more than £23,000 for local charity East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

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HOW TO ENTER… The beauty of dragon boat racing is that it’s not reliant on brute strength – it’s something everyone can take part in. The key to success is teamwork, timing and the ability to listen to your helm’s instructions – failure to do so could result in an early bath! There really is nothing more amusing than seeing a crew of super-confident burly builders come unstuck against a crew of IT consultants…

So even if you don’t have the arms of Thor or the athletic prowess of Victoria Pendleton, fear not as anyone can succeed in Dragon Boat Racing, which is why this event is so appealing to companies looking for a fun way to motivate staff and strengthen team spirit. It’s also a chance to dress up and express your sillier side – the louder your costumes, the better!

The boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew

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DRAGON BOAT

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Gold entries and £500 for Silver entries) so it’s not only a great way to raise your company profile but a chance to fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) and help a fantastic local cause at the same time. Cantab Capital Partners, EACS and Cambridge Broadband Networks are amongst the companies that have already entered Gold and Silver teams and the race is on to secure the rest, limited to eight each year.

A BIT ABOUT THE CHARITY… Local charity EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. They provide care and support wherever the family requires – whether in families’ own homes, in hospital or at one of their hospices in Milton, Ipswich and Quidenham.

Beccy Turner, Fundraiser at EACH, comments: “The money raised through the generosity of the teams taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival is very important to us and will go towards the one-to-one nursing care and support that is so vital to life-threatened local children and their families.”

The top fundraisers for EACH will win the charity trophy plus a prize meal courtesy of Las Iguanas in Cambridge.

is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

The Festival offers a full day of fun on land as well as water, with plenty of activities on the bankside to entertain teams and spectators between races, and the event is proudly supported by Cambridge Edition and Heart 103.

Teams are now being sought, offering great team building and brand awareness opportunities. Gold and Silver entries give companies additional marketing benefits to the standard entry, one of the most visual being the company’s name and/ or logo adorning both sides of one of the dragon boats. The entry fees also include a donation to EACH (£750 donation for

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A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERS… Carol Lester, director of festival organisers Gable Events, adds: “The Festival is a great chance for companies and organisations to try something completely different, promote themselves to a large local audience, network with local companies and potential clients and raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. It is also a fantastic teambuilding opportunity – what better way to get to know what makes your colleagues and competitors tick? We expect the Festival to be another sell-out success so we recommend teams get their entries in early to guarantee a place.”

Entries are being taken now. For further information and an entry form, please call Gable Events on 01780 470 718 or visit the website. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/ cambridge www.each.org.uk

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NEWS

Communit y NEWS STAR SHINE STROLL

FUNKY FAYRE Bring the family for a day out at the Witchford Funky Fayre, featuring over 20 stalls, refreshments, activities, music and more. It’s taking place on 11 May in aid of EACH. Entry is free, but donations to the charity are welcome.

Stalls will include regular cakery Betty Marshmallow, plus handmade craft items you won’t find anywhere on the high street. If you want to set up a stall, get there for 9am (£15 per table), ready for the gates to open at 10am. It runs until 3pm at Witchford Village Hall – parking is free. www.funkyfayresandevents.weebly.com

An evening walk in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is taking place this month.

Setting off at dusk on Saturday, 17 May, it’s a chance to walk with friends in memory of loved ones, while raising money to help others who are currently in need of care and support.

Last year the Star Shine Stroll walkers raised over £20,000 for the Hospice – which helps people with cancer and other illnesses, as well as supporting the families – by completing the 10 or 6.5 mile route.

It’s hoped that this year’s event will see even more people getting involved. You’ll receive a free T-shirt, a well-deserved medal and a bacon butty at the finish line.

Places are just £15 and both routes will start from Shelford Rugby Club at 7pm. If you would like to volunteer on the night and help to keep the walkers safe, contact the events team on 01223 723115 or email eventsupport@arhc.org.uk.

RACE FOR LIFE Sign up now for July’s Race For Life, taking place on Parker’s Piece, Cambridge.

Hundreds will be lining up to tackle the 5k course, taking participants on a scenic route through the city. The race is open to absolutely everyone and you’re free to run, walk or dance your way to the finish line on Jesus Green in any manner you please.

The race starts at 11am, 20 July, and entry is £14.99 adults (£10 children), in aid of Cancer Research UK. Light refreshments and fun live entertainment will be provided before setting off, plus a hearty warm-up, while stalls and activities will be set up at the finish line on Jesus Green. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index

A birthday isn’t quite the same without cake, but for some families it’s not always easy to provide one for their child. This may be for financial reasons, or perhaps there’s been a bereavement or family crisis, meaning other things have had to take a back seat. But, thanks to volunteers across the country, every parent can now present a homemade cake to their little ones, to help make their day special.

Free Cakes For Kids is a countrywide charitable organisation, led by volunteer bakers who offer up their skills to provide birthday cakes for kids.

Cakes can be personalised however you want – just let them know if it’s pirates, princesses, football or horses your child is into – then the baker will hand it over to the family at an arranged meeting point. Email Claire Eudall for more details at: freecakesforkidscambridge @gmail.com.

GERMAN TECH CARS TURNS 2 An independent Cambridge company is proving it is possible to branch out and start your own business – even in a downturn. German Tech Cars, based on Clifton Road, is run by Steve Kent, Greg Gavek and Greg Wilk, and celebrates its second successful year this month.

“The three of us worked together at a large firm and decided to set up on our own. It seemed like a risk worth taking, and we’ve gone from strength. We now employ six people in total and we’re looking at opening another branch.

“People want to be looked after, and good service and quality doesn’t have to cost the earth. We offer people transparent costs and good value and it seems to be working!” www.germantechcars.co.uk

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FREE CAKES FOR KIDS

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH

Cambridge Cookery School Whether you’re a domestic goddess or kitchen calamity, Cambridge Cookery School has classes to suit everyone. Jennifer Shelton finds out more

I

t’s a little disconcerting chopping up your food while it’s watching you. Still, there was no time to be squeamish as we began filleting our plaice, scoring down the spine and letting the flexible knife slide under the flesh, close to the bones as instructed, trying to ignore the plaintive gawp staring back up from the worktop.

I’ve never cooked fish from scratch in my life. It looks like a messy job, and is clearly several leagues away from chucking tuna chunks into a pasta dish or popping a bit of smoked salmon on a cracker with cream cheese. Ashamedly, all my meat and fish comes to my house fully cut, prepped and ready to make a meal of with minimal effort.

There are certainly no eyes involved.

I sought to remedy this by joining Cambridge Cookery School’s spring fish masterclass, held at their bright, shiny kitchen down Purbeck Road. It’s a wonderful space, with sleek white units and state-of-the-art appliances, colourful crockery and herbs growing in pots on the window ledges. Our chef for the day was Tracy Cullum, and our small class of four soon got chatting over tea and home-made cinnamon buns, before getting stuck in.

With Tracy at the helm, talking us through every step of our recipes, I felt in utterly safe hands. The group shared tips on avoiding watery eyes while chopping onions (contact lenses, apparently), and soon we’d filleted a goggle-eyed plaice, sleek mackerel and gutted a fat trout (he’d be stuffed and served whole). Mussels were also on today’s menu and we checked each one was closed, or would close after a firm tap, before tumbling them into a pan with softened onions, saffron, white wine and garlic, with cream and parsley to follow.

By now our group was getting hungry, and Tracy poured the wine as we sat down

at one of the benches to enjoy the fruits of the morning’s labour, pleased with the results.

Cambridge Cookery School, which was named UK Cookery School of the Year in 2013, began in founder Tine Roche’s kitchen in Cambridge back in 2008. The inspiration for setting up was simple, as Tine explains. “I love eating well, so greed drives me!” she laughs.

“I love the pleasure my food gives others. Sharing my passion and skills is hugely rewarding; the gratitude we get from guests can be quite overwhelming.”

The school’s classes are for absolutely anyone, whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or a stranger to the stove. The main aim is to get people cooking, which Tine believes is in danger of becoming a lost art.

“People are spending less time cooking and more time watching cookery programmes on television. I think it’s vital to get people cooking, for the health of the nation, in particular for future generations.

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Buying ingredients instead of meals also saves money. And as anxiety relating to food – from worries about sugar and salt to hidden nasties such as horse meat – is steadily increasing, cooking from scratch is the only way to grab back control over what we put through our bodies.”

Cambridge Cookery School also runs cookery survival courses to equip teenagers with basic skills for university and beyond, and several new classes have been added to their already dazzling array for 2014, including a veggie masterclass, curries of the world and perfect tarts.

The school is moving too, confirms Tine: “Our wonderful landlords Homerton College are building us a brand new cookery school and we’ll be moving next summer. We can’t wait!”

Unit 9D The Imre Building, Homerton Business Centre, Purbeck Road, Cambridge CB2 8HN www.cambridgecookeryschool.com

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FOOD

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

PAELLA NIGHT

As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better way to celebrate the all too brief asparagus season than by seeking out the tastiest spears you can and devouring as much of this seasonal superfood as possible before it disappears again. If you agree, make sure you pop over to Barton on 10 May for the Asparagus Feast, Burwash Manor’s annual celebration of the nation’s favourite springtime delicacy.

You’ll be able to hop aboard the tractor and take a trip to Burwash’s asparagus fields to find out how it grows and even try your hand at cutting some spears.

Burwash’s impressive food hall will be abuzz with activity too, with plenty of tastings from the likes of The Larder, Leech & Son’s butchers and Biscotti di Debora.

There will also be a range of cookery demonstrations from The Larder’s head chef, and the fantastic Fired Up pizza will be on-site too, serving up special asparagus pizzas.

I’ve you’ve got kids in tow, there will be a funfair, miniature steam train and drop-in art marquee to look out for, and if you’re in need of a more grown-up spot of retail therapy, Burwash’s many boutiques will be open as usual too. www.burwashmanor.com

Fancy brushing up on your language skills and tucking into some tasty Spanish food? Head down to La Tasca on 8 May for Paella Night, when you’ll enjoy a glass or two of sangria and watch as the chef whips up an authentic paella, offering tips so to help you get it perfect when you try at home.

The event is being held in conjunction with Vamos Cambridge – an organisation which offers language courses and cultural workshops in Cambridge, and at the end of the meal, you’ll get a chance to practise your Spanish and meet other Spanish speakers. It’s open to all levels so not to worry if you’re a little rusty (and anyway, you’ll all be friends after a couple of sangrias), and it costs £10 per person, which includes paella and a drink.

To book, email spanish@ cambridge-lessons.co.uk to book.

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FOOD

WINES WITH CHOCOLATE Any event that’s dedicated to wine and chocolate is alright in our book, so we’re rather looking forward to nipping over to the glorious Westminster College this month for a special event which combines two of our greatest pleasures in life.

On 9 May, the college will host a three-course dinner in its impressive oak-panelled dining hall, where guests will be treated to a selection of carefully chosen wines and a talk from wine expert Neil Courtier from Grape Sense.

Food-wise, the college’s talented chefs will be showing off their skills with a menu that features three desserts which use white, milk and dark chocolate, and a venison main – selected because it makes a fantastic accompaniment to chocolate (7pm, tickets £35 with a maximum of 40 places available).

If you’ve less of a sweet tooth, check out the Chilean wine tasting that the college is hosting on 4 June, when the guest speaker will be a representative from the Apaltagua winery in Chile.

To book, call 01223 330633. www.westminster.cam.ac.uk

ANCHOR UNDERGOES REFURBISHMENT Summer’s on its way, which means a mass exodus of Cambridge-dwellers towards the Mill Pond for afternoons spent drinking by the river. As such, we’re delighted to hear that the perfectly positioned Anchor pub has recently undergone a refurbishment, with stylish new-look interiors that boast exposed brickwork, industrial style lights, chandeliers and eclectic, mismatched furniture. The Anchor will now be divided into three distinct sections: pub, dining room and river terrace (which any local worth their salt will know offers one of the best spots in the city for al fresco drinking).

There’s a variety of carefully selected craft beers and real ales to choose between – including a few from local breweries – as well as a large and affordable wine list. Foodwise, you can expect seasonal, locally sourced dishes such as spiced root vegetables and quinoa with date sauce and pumpkin seeds or pan-fried sea bass fillet with confit fennel, mash, dried tomato and anchovy and basil dressing.

If it’s a little busy or the sun is shining and you want to dine outdoors, the pub also offers fresh food and drink to take away all year round. www.capitalpubcompany.com

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FOOD

ASK THE FOODIE

HEIDI WHITE AKA THE MOVING FOODIE ANSWERS YOUR ' ' BURNING QUESTIONS ON THE CAMBRIDGE FOOD SCENE

Q: THE RED COW MOOSIC FESTIVAL The Red Cow in Chrishall (located between Royston and Saffron Walden), has earned itself a nice little reputation for serving up great food, whether at the gourmet pub grub or a la carte end of the spectrum.

Committed to using locally sourced ingredients and creating seasonal dishes packed with flavour, we’re not the only fans of this cosy spot: in 2013 The Red Cow received the prestigious title of Les Routiers Pub of the Year.

If you’re tempted to pay a visit yourself, this month is the perfect time, as the pub hosts its ‘Moosic Festival’ on 25 May, promising a day of fantastic entertainment and food. A range of top local bands will perform on the day, and there will also be a hog roast and barbecue to tuck into.

It’s a popular event, with some 500 happy punters turning out last year to eat, drink, dance and enjoy the buzzy atmosphere, so get it in your diary now and let’s hope for some sunshine! www.theredcow.com

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WHERE CAN WE FIND THE BEST VALUE FINE DINING MENUS IN THE CITY?

Now there’s a question. Regular readers of my reviews on The Moving Foodie Blog will know that my huge affection for fine food and wine doesn’t always match my modest budget. But as long as the tasting menu matches its flight of wine, I’m determined to find a way to afford it.

Cambridge’s fine dining scene has made steady but impressive progress since my first experience of the crisp white tablecloths and hushed formality of Midsummer House back in the summer of ’99. A good few years later, for me spent compiling a catalogue of exquisite foodie memories at the likes of Cotto and Alimentum, the city now proudly boasts three Michelin stars and a handful of top-end restaurants.

Thankfully, fantastic quality food does not necessarily mean flashy price tags.

My top pick for the budgetconscious foodie is the set lunch available Wednesday to Friday at Midsummer House. The five-course menu changes regularly and provides a very generous opportunity to sample the signature style of renowned chef

Daniel Clifford for just £45 a head.

Certainly not only for those impressing corporate clients, this one’s best enjoyed on a luxurious day off, pretending to be ladies that lunch.

Another local superstar chef, Alimentum’s Mark Poynton hosts a cracking value Supper Club on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a sociable affair; guests are seated together, family style, and invited to sample and rate new dishes. It’s friendly on the wallet too at £45 for five courses, no corkage for BYO, and an optional matching flight of wine available for £15. Reservations must be requested in advance and it often sells out weeks ahead, giving a delicious air of exclusivity.

Out-of-towners will welcome the return of the set lunch menu to The Three Horseshoes in Madingley, available Monday to Friday and featuring three seasonally inspired courses plus inventive little extras and tea or coffee for £25 a head. Advance booking is essential to ensure a sunny spot in the conservatory restaurant.

For a reasonably priced formal dinner menu, at £35.95 for four courses, give long-established Restaurant 22 on Chesterton Road a try but, here’s a tip for you, sign up to the mailing list first and find offers such as a free fish course flopping into your inbox now and again.

Bon appétit!

For more top tips on eating and drinking in Cambridge, visit Heidi’s blog www.movingfoodie.com Got a question for the Moving Foodie? Tweet us at @cambsedition or @TheMovingFoodie and hashtag #askthefoodie

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FOOD

VEGGIE DELIGHTS

NATIONAL

IT’S NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK THIS MONTH BUT YOU DON’T , NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THEN TO SAVOUR TASTY VEGGIE TREATS AT

WEEK

CAMBRIDGE INDIES

VEGETARIAN

19-25 MAY

BACKSTREET BISTRO With seven vegetarian main courses on its extensive menu as standard, you could happily eat at the Backstreet Bistro every night of the week and not tire of the veggie options. But in honour of National Vegetarian Week, the chef is pulling out all the stops.

Tucked away in a peaceful corner off Mill Road, the Backstreet Bistro has been quietly, but oh so successfully, building up a reputation as a top quality dining spot, serving up great food in a relaxed setting.

Whether it’s brunch, lunch or an all-out four-course dinner you’re after, there’s something on the menu for veggies and carnivores. Our dinner highlights have to include the signature nut roast, complete with roast spuds in winter, and the Pad Thai, a tasty concoction from the Bistro’s own Thai chef – plus they’re all £12.95. And don’t get us started on the dessert menu! www.back-street.co.uk

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FOOD

THE WRESTLERS

KING WILLIAM IV A short drive into the countryside will take you to the King William IV in Heydon, where herbivores and carnivores can happily feast side by side. Inside this cosy and characterful but classy gastro pub, veggies are spoilt for choice. The Vegetarian Verve menu is mouthwateringly tasty enough to tempt even the most diehard of meat eaters, and there isn’t a nut roast in sight. Its well-rounded offerings include creative reinterpretations of pub classics as well as a couple of more adventurous dishes. The mozzarella and Mediterranean vegetable Wellington with a tomato and thyme sauce (£14.95) is genius but we might be tempted by the chickpea, aubergine and spinach dhansak (£12.95).

When it comes to desserts, it would be hard to say no at the King Bill. We’d go for the rich chocolate brownie with white chocolate ice cream or maybe the home-made white and dark chocolate bread and butter pudding served with crème Anglais. There is also a great selection of real cask ales, wines and specialty coffees to wash it all down with. Take it from us, this pub is well worth a jaunt out of the city for. www.king-william-iv.co.uk

Nestled away on Newmarket Road, The Wrestlers offers authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly pub setting with a mouth-watering selecting of British beers and ales available on tap. We’ve been told that the Wrestlers was in fact the first pub in Cambridge to cook Thai food, a skill which has evidently been honed over the years as they now boast one of the best Thai green curries we’ve ever tasted.

Not labelled strictly as a vegetarian diner, the menu offers a fuss-free approach to avoiding meat with all deliciously fragrant curries and stir-fries available as a vegetable-only option.

From the family-run kitchen expect deliciously fresh ingredients expertly cooked into delights like the Pad Thai which is crammed with colourful vegetables, or the Spicy Tom Kha soup with coconut, lemongrass, galangal and lime juice. For a veggie so used to picking from the one or two Vs available on most menus, the Wrestlers is a real treat – with a staggering 21 choices all under a tenner, we could happily eat here again and again – and don’t forget the delightfully crispy thai prawn crackers with dipping sauce! www.thewrestlerscambridge.co.uk

VEGETARIAN WEEK TREATS Afternoon Tease is also upping the vegetarian content of its menu (and it’s already pretty satisfying!). Expect to see favourites such as grilled aubergine, halloumi and chipotle onion relish in a brioche bun and goat’s cheese, beetroot and chilli jam toastie.

Stickybeaks’ menu changes daily, and is always veggie friendly, too. For Veggie Week it’s offering aubergine caponata on sourdough tartine, roasted butternut squash, chickpeas and rocket, carrot, feta and roasted red onion frittata, plus chocolate and beetroot cake.

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FOOD

LOAF FOR LIFE

NEW EVENT

FOODPARK We’ve been documenting Cambridge’s flourishing street food scene in Edition for some time now, welcoming the arrival of some truly excellent traders who’ve been delighting the taste buds of the city’s foodies with everything from home-made gelato to gourmet burgers. So, it brings us great pleasure to announce the launch of Foodpark, a new street food market which will bring together the best of the local scene on a regular basis.

Foodpark is the brainchild of Heidi White, aka The Moving Foodie, a local blogger and Edition’s ‘ask the foodie’ expert, who was inspired to start the venture as a result of her growing obsession with hunting down the best street food vendors in town.

“I realised, through my blogging and restaurant reviewing, that I was being asked to recommend places to eat and I could only think of a small handful of restaurants that really excited me,” says Heidi. “My first thought, and answer, was always: ‘Well, it’s not a restaurant but you should track down this burger van, Steak and Honour, and eat on the street before going on for drinks’.”

Though she was spurred on by the appearance of more and more great traders, the idea certainly didn’t come out of the blue for Heidi, who is one of three organisers of the annual Eat Cambridge festival – which hosts a night market as one of its fringe events. It was a phenomenal success in 2013, with droves of punters streaming into Hope Street Yard to enjoy the fantastic array of food, drink and live music.

“After visiting some street food events in London, and starting to make plans for this year’s Eat Cambridge night market, I was inspired to bring more of a daytime street food scene to Cambridge by setting up a collective of the traders who currently park up in different locations around the city and feed hungry office workers or researchers,” she explains. “I wanted to bring them all into one place to provide an interesting and exciting lunch spot. My vision is for an attractive and welcoming market with seating for people to use at lunchtime, with food provided by the likes of Steak and Honour, Jack’s Gelato, Urban Street Kings, Nanna Mexico, and Tin Kitchen.”

The idea is that eventually Foodpark will be established at multiple locations around the city, creating a buzzy foodie hub where people can pick up affordable but very tasty hot and cold food from Cambridge’s finest. The launch for Foodpark is set to early this month, so stay tuned to Twitter @foodpark_Cam for updates.

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We’ve all heard of microbreweries, but how about microbakeries? Local baker Peter Voshol is one of a growing number of people who have opened their own home-based microbakeries across the UK, inspired by the lack of nutritious supermarket bread available.

Originally from Holland, Peter moved to Cambridge five years ago to continue his work in physiology, diabetes and obesity.

Conscious of the dietary element in his work, and unimpressed by the quality of food in British supermarkets, he began to bake at home and for friends.

Soon he found himself baking for a fundraising event at work: he baked 15 loaves in his kitchen at home (much to his family’s dismay!) and his loaves sold out immediately. The next day he took along 30 loaves, and the same thing happened.

After enrolling in a course with Virtuous Bread, which combined teaching baking techniques with the legal and practical aspects of opening a microbakery, Loaf For Life was born.

Loaf For Life is all about teaching people the nutritional benefits of a decent, home-made loaf as opposed to a shopbought one. Peter also bakes for local establishments (including Urban Larder, Afternoon Tease and Hot Numbers) and events in Cambridge, and teaches others how to bake. His aim is to demonstrate that making home-made bread doesn’t take much time, doesn’t require vastly expensive equipment – and produces wonderful results! His popular evening sourdough classes at Urban Larder cost £35 per person and you can make a spelt loaf (next course 13 May, 6.30pm).

Peter’s exploits are ever-growing: he now orders 25kg bags of flour, compared to his initial 1.5kg, and he even takes bread, with an honesty box, to his son’s nursery.

To find out more, or to start your own breadmaking adventure, take a look online: www.loafforlifebakery.co.uk

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FOOD

TASTE AT CHILDERLEY The beautiful barn at Childerley Hall in Dry Drayton hosts its annual food and drink event this month. Taste at Childerley is run in partnership with Cambridge Wine Merchants and will see the barn transformed into a lively Spanish fiesta for all the family.

There’ll be stalls to browse from local foodie heroes such as Steak and Honour, Urban Street Kings and Jack’s Gelato will be there, as well as ample Spanish produce.

Talks include An Introduction to Sherry with Sarah Pollard at 1pm and 3pm (£5), and a Fino Masterclass at 5pm (£7.50). Visitors will also be invited to take farm and garden tours, and live music will be playing to give the day a real summer party atmosphere. Childerley Hall is the only remaining wing of a grand Elizabethan house soaked in history; it’s said that Charles I was once held here under house arrest.

Taste at Childerley takes place on Sunday 18 May; tickets cost £8 for adults (£10 on the door), children go free. Shuttle buses will be running from the Cherry Hinton Road and Bridge Street branches of Cambridge Wine Merchants. www.childerley.org

HUNT & DARTON CAFE This month, performance art duo Hunt & Darton are bringing a dining experience with a twist to the city, where you can expect a hearty side order of the unexpected with your food and drink. The pair will be popping up at a yet to be announced city centre location from 3 to 31 May with an eaterie that blends art with the everyday: part interactive installation, part functioning café.

The staff, food and customers (that’s you), are all part of the show at this awardwinning project, which celebrates the concept of the café as ‘an iconic and socially important hub for creative productivity and conversation’.

Expect lots of playful participation, spontaneous singalongs, hats made of fruit, cheeky innuendo from the hostesses, a variety of special themed days and a tasty surprise in the shape of the café’s signature dish (a roast dinner sandwich).

It’s not the first time the Hunt & Darton Café has pitched up in Cambridge, in fact, it was here that the project was originally presented back in 2012. After a hugely successful debut outing, it went on to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and the café has been on the road ever since, popping up everywhere from Latitude Festival to the Tate Britain.

The café, which is supported by Cambridge Junction and Eat Cambridge, will be open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm, and open late on Fridays until 7pm. Follow them on Twitter @huntdarton. www.huntanddartoncafe.com

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FOOD

URBAN STREET KINGS

NEW OPENING

Ozzy Beck karohemd.co.uk

Six courses, three chefs, one secret menu.

This month, innovative foodie collective Urban Street Kings are taking over The Shack at the Gog Magog Hills to bring Cambridge diners an exciting supper club experience. As part of EAT Cambridge, they’ll be serving a six-course menu (the contents of which remain hush hush until the very last moment) featuring seasonal ingredients, prepared with panache.

The Kings – that’s Richard, Greg and Jay – are known for their innovative, exciting dishes which are creative without being pretentious, and drawn from years’ worth of experience cooking in top pubs and restaurants. They operate from their vintage airstream caravan, aiming to reinvent the concept of street food in Cambridge, as well as holding special popups and supper clubs.

This latest event takes place on 22, 23 and 24 May, priced at £40 per person.

Early booking is recommended. www.gogmagoghills.com

MARCO PIERRE WHITE OPENS STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL Rather excitingly, chef royalty Marco Pierre White set up shop in Cambridge last month, launching the Steakhouse Bar & Grill at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, located on Mill Lane. Renowned for his no-frills culinary philosophy, Pierre White was the first ever British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, and the youngest in the world to receive them. He was also one of the very first celebrity chefs, and has enjoyed an illustrious career as a TV personality and restaurateur, earning himself the nickname ‘the godfather of modern cooking’.

For this new venture, which has a sister restaurant at Syon Park hotel in London, Pierre White is seeking to bring ‘affordable glamour’ to Cambridge diners. The menu boasts an extensive selection of steak cuts and meats and celebrates seasonal, local produce. There will also be an array of delicious drinks concoctions to choose between, as well as a bar menu for those after a lighter bite. www.doubletreecambridge.com

NORFOLK STREET DELI OPENS BRANCH IN PAPWORTH

NEW

This charming shop on the corner of Norfolk and Blossom Street is well established as a go-to destination for tasty daytime bites, with its trays of inviting pastries, fresh loaves and colourful deli and sandwich counter. Now, the popular Norfolk Street Deli has branched out into Papworth, opening a new shop off Ermine Street. Here you’ll find the same tempting, local produce the deli has become known for, including a wide range of cheeses, breads, meats and treats plus store cupboard essentials.

Owner Caroline Best set up the Norfolk Street branch at the start of 2013 after wanting a change from her job at an engineering company. “I got a little bit disillusioned and thought I’d try something new. I would say I actually work much harder now - in my past career, you could go to work and then it would be done, whereas with this it’s all-consuming!” www.norfolkstdeli.co.uk

OPENING

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DRINKS

WORDS LYNDSEY SPELLMAN

DRINK UP D LYNDSEY SPELLMAN FROM CAMBRIDGE WINE MERCHANTS CONTINUES HER LOVE AFFAIR WITH SHERRY. THIS MONTH LEARN HOW TO ENJOY IT AT ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT , uch of my life is completely normal. Fairy Godmother to future prime minister. Self-confessed champion egg poacher. Arachnophobe. What makes me really special is my unshakable love of sherry. I will not rest until each and every one of you is convinced of its virtues. By now you will be equipped with a fabulous capsule sherry cabinet *cough* fridge. Those of you who are not, tsk.

Find yourself a copy of April’s Cambridge Edition and learn all about it. Off you pop.

M

QUICK RECAP: Drinking sherry is the most fabulous pastime. Remember only that you cannot ever get it wrong. Sherry = effortless pleasure.

yardarm is something you’re not entirely at ease with then fear not. You can maintain your commitment by swiftly preparing a Rebujito. Reb-you-he-toe.

You’re doing marvellously darlings, well done. Let’s move up a gear and explore ways of accessorising that capsule, gliding between daytime and night-time use with ease.

Begin immediately. Even if you’re in your pyjamas. Sherry, like champagne and airports, has no time zone. It’s always sherry o’clock. Should you fancy a pre-noon tipple I heartily recommend going with something on the sweeter side. Ease yourself in. Oloroso dulce, served chilled or at room temperature, with a plate of cinnamon toast is a fine way to begin any high day or holiday.

Every day’s a birthday! This is also an excellent opportunity to ‘tidy up’ any leftover Easter eggs. Spit spot.

Now we’re up and running it won’t be long before 11am is upon us. Look sharp.

In Jerez, the home of sherry, there’s an unwritten rule guiding followers to take one (glass of fino) at 11 or 11 at one. A brilliant idea but take note that it’s terribly bad form to do both.

If you must, do so privately and keep shtum, and remember to apply a liberal quantity of olives or cheesy footballs.

No-one likes a squealer. If the taking of fortified wines before the sun is over the

Incredibly simple, delicious, and genuinely authentic. You’ll need: Glass/jug/bucket…

Ice (if your liquids are not pre-chilled, and if you must use it, use lots).

A bottle of fino or manzanilla.

Citrus based pop. Sprite or 7UP or something like that.

Now pour equal parts liquid over ice if needed, into your chosen receptacle.

Stir. Drink.

What refreshment! And a fraction of the alcohol. Prepared in seconds and can be easily fancified with fresh berries or a sprig of mint should you find at the last minute that the Queen is coming to visit.

Peckish mid afternoon? Feel free to recycle your breakfast routine. There’s no shame in that.

Now we’ve really got the wind beneath our wings. If you’re looking to up the ante pre teatime then look for an en rama or pasada. Both are styles of fino, so they’re white and dry, excellent aperitifs that excite and tantalise the taste buds. Unlike the classic fino these are unfiltered and aged respectively, producing a more intense wine with a silky mouth feel. Go all out here, at

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the very least bacon Fries, perhaps a cashew or some dry roasted. Oloroso more to your liking? You can really pull out all the stops with a palo cortado.

Exquisite and rare, beautifully scented and slightly paler than oloroso, it has long evaded official classification. An enigma. Think of it as a heavenly bridge between amontillado and oloroso.

Gonzalez Byass have created Apostoles 30-year-old Palo Cortado Muy Viejo, which has a touch of Pedro Ximenez blended with it (which by rights should be an absolute no-no), a wine so delicious it should be illegal. If you’re really glamming it up go all out here. Gooey blue like gorgonzola, with figs, walnuts or pâte, hard cheeses if you’re sticking to the dry one.

Now the nights are drawing in we edge ever closer, you PX’y Beast. As an alternative to the vanilla ice cream routine you can shake things up with a cocktail. Try a Hello Sailor, made with rum, orange liqueur and fresh lemon and lime. At the very least it’ll keep scurvy at bay.

Fancy it up with garnishes, or mix it up with sodas or spirits. Revel in the elegant simplicity.

However (and whenever) you drink it, enjoy it. Everything is more beautiful when viewed through sherry-filled glasses. Go forth, my darlings. #vogue #sherryselfie

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FOOD

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

TOP OF THE POPS NOTHING HITS THE SPOT LIKE AN OVERFLOWING BOWL OF POPCORN. ALEX RUSHMER SUGGESTS A DECADENT DIY APPROACH

consequence of being almost entirely bereft of a sweet tooth (see last month’s article) is that on the admittedly rare occasions when a hankering for something sugary does take hold the cupboards are often bare, offering only dried dates or dark cooking chocolate. Fresh fruit is often available but doesn’t quite offer the same saccharine hit that a Wham! bar does.

A late night trip to the petrol station to pick up a bar of Dairy Milk is an option

but when the sun has set or wine has been consumed it isn’t always desirable or possible to make the journey.

I have, in the past, cobbled together eggs, flour, sugar and jam and pinged the whole lot in the microwave for a minute or so to create an ersatz steamed sponge.

Having chickens means a near constant surplus of eggs so I’m never more than five minutes away from a steaming bowl of custard either, which goes remarkably well with a jam sponge cake even if the

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technique yields a slightly rubbery sponge and jam that is at least as hot as the centre of the sun.

Unfortunately a stodgy pudding is not the right accompaniment for watching a movie or gorging on a box set which necessitates a vast quantity of small nibble-able items that can be dipped with impunity and regularity; a relaxed grazing approach to calorific intake which should leave one feeling ever so slightly nauseous and more than a little bloated. Packets of biscuits or cookies are ideal, especially with tea as a beverage. A plate of chicken wings also has its place as a bedfellow to a good film but, for the traditional connoisseur, popcorn is the only option.

Popcorn’s association with the cinema dates back to the 1930s and the era immediately following the Great Depression. A sack of unpopped corn kernels and a mobile popping machine would have been a sound investment for the enterprising street vendor who could make a significant profit with a low outlay.

American movie theatres cottoned on to this and hired out foyer space to concession stands. This relationship was codified further during the sugar-lean years of the Second World War which had a detrimental impact on the sweet and fizzy drink industries; so much so that by the mid-1940s the smell of popcorn, butter and salt was synonymous with a trip to the cinema.

The relationship between the two took a little longer to become cemented in the UK but the rise of the American-style multiplex over the good old English fleapit during the 1980s ensured that it was only a matter of time before the cinema-going public here made the connection between the two and it continues to hold strong.

At home, microwave popcorn is a readily accessible option but is expensive relative to the cost of buying plain kernels and popping them yourself. What’s more, you can have a lot more fun with the flavours and go well beyond the duo of sweet or salt.

I took this one step further last night and satisfied the urge for a sugary hit at the same time, with the creation of popcorn and peanut caramel clusters flavoured with maple syrup and a whisper of salt and black pepper. Perhaps a little decadent but definitely worth the effort once in a while. For expediency’s sake I shall name it Sunday Popcorn, ideal for munching at the end of the week as a final hurrah to the weekend.

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EATING OUT

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Carpenters Arms

There was a flurry of excitement when The Carpenters Arms reopened this year, and Nicola Foley had been waiting to see what all the fuss was about...

I

t came as welcome news for residents of the Victoria Road area when The Carpenters Arms reopened earlier this year, as it’s a part of town which has traditionally been woefully underserved when it comes to quality eateries. No longer, it seems. I’d been hearing great things about this place since the new owner took the reins in January, so was looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about on the sunny spring evening I stopped by.

My dining partner and I were immediately struck by the buzz of happy drinkers and diners when we walked in, and impressed by the stylish new-look interior. With huge squishy leather sofas, oak flooring and a cool, shabby chic vibe, any slightly iffy connotations this venue may have had in the past are now a distant memory. The Carpenters Arms looks every inch the upmarket gastro pub these days.

At the helm is Mike Champion, the former operations manager behind the Black Bull in Balsham and the Red Lion in Hinxton – two pubs renowned for their culinary offerings. He’d been looking for somewhere to set up on his own, and when The Carpenters Arms – his local – came onto the market, he’d found his perfect pub.

Opting to take advantage of the weather and enjoy a quick pre-meal G&T in the lovely new outside area, it

quickly became clear that this place takes their drinks seriously. As well as a great selection of real ales and craft beers (including numerous appearances from top local breweries), there’s a gin menu to be reckoned with. We couldn’t resist the Adnams Copper House though, which was recently named as the Best Gin in the World at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and came served with a splash of artisan mixer du jour, Fever-Tree tonic water. Delicious.

Turning our attention to the food, my vegetarian dining partner was pleased to note that she had plenty of options on the menu, which boasts a range of modern British dishes and pub classics, as well as a large selection of delicious sounding stone-baked pizzas, all freshly prepared and cooked in a wood-burning oven for maximum authenticity.

To start, I chose the pan-seared scallops, which arrived beautifully presented and perfectly succulent, drizzled in a brightly hued beetroot puree with a dash of basil oil. On the other side of the table my dining partner was happily tucking into a colourful goat’s cheese salad, with roasted red peppers and cherry tomatoes. A perfect summer dish, the distinctive tang of the goat’s cheese was offset nicely by the sweet balsamic dressing.

When it came to the mains, I couldn’t pass up a pizza, and was pleased as punch with my choice when it arrived.

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With an Italian-style thin base and loaded with courgette, peppers, olives, mushroom and red onion and plenty of gloriously gooey mozzarella – this was hands down one of the best pizzas I’ve had in Cambridge, but so vast it defeated me before I could finish it (though they did kindly ask if I’d like to take the rest of it away in a box!). It’s worth noting that any of the pizzas can be made glutenfree, too, so long as you call in and give the pub a few hours notice of your order.

My dining partner was equally pleased with her choice of the moussaka: a generously sized delicious veggie take on the Greek classic, which came served with a hunk of rustic bread dripping in garlic butter. She declared it excellent.

Ignoring our sated bellies, we shared a creamy white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake with a zingy mango coulis for dessert, which provided a fabulous end to an enjoyable meal.

With it’s excellent choice of drinks, stylish décor and top quality, reasonably priced pub grub, The Carpenters Arms is a fantastic addition to Cambridge’s dining landscape. We’re not the only ones who think so either: Mike informed us that the pub had recently been awarded an AA Rosette – sure to pique the interest of local foodies and keep this new gem as busy as it deserves to be.

182 Victoria Road, Cambridge CB4 3DZ, 01223 367050

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ve

r£ 10

OF F or de rs o

ta ke a

wa y

10 %

There are thousands of ‘Indian’ restaurants in the UK, many run by Bangladeshi expatriates serving traditional ‘Curry’. However, that word is almost as misleading as the term ‘Chop Suey’ is in Chinese cuisine!

At Kaz’s we have a single minded vision, delivering high quality cuisine, with some of our KAZ special dishes, having never been served in Cambridgeshire before.

Our Head Chef is a 4 times British Curry Award Winner and has more then 20 years experience.

Come and give us a try - we look forward to your visit.

Bringing curry closer to home

Sister Restaurant Pride of Sylhet was finalist of

2007, 2008, 2010, 2012

FULLY REFURBISHED

Fine Indian & Bangladeshi restaurant Join us for our Elvis tribute show with award winning SAL – as seen on TV 5 course meal plus entertainment £25 pp

CONTACT

01223 837025/837026 www.kazindianrestaurant.co.uk eating@kazindianrestaurant.co.uk 84 High Street, Sawston, Cambridge

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BUSINESS

WORDS CATHERINE CARR

THE WORKSPACE Employers are investing more than ever in offices that boost creativity, productivity and well-being in the workplace. We speak to local businesses to find out more

T

he workplace in 2014 is a very different place to the impersonal cubicle farms immortalised in the comic strip Dilbert, created by Scott Adams in 1989.

Then, grey baffle boards around individual desks were the norm. They created rooms like hives in which nine-to-fivers could beaver away in peace – and solitude. Now – thanks to the likes of trendsetting Google in California (slides at work, anyone?) – the workplace is a far more exciting, colourful and creative space, in which ‘break out’ coffee areas are becoming the norm, and ping-pong or foosball tables are not that

rare. Before you dismiss the trend as a fad for trendies who all work in Shoreditch or Palo Alto – think again: the fashion for funky workplaces is firmly established on your doorstep, and far from being mere frippery, has solid business benefits.

Eve Waldron set up her design practice in the heart of Cambridge back in 2000 (www.evewaldron.com). The firm marries architectural and interior design and has a lot of experience in rethinking workspaces – from the very modern, to listed Cambridge colleges. Since she opened for business, Eve has seen a real change in workplace design.

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Eve says: “The shift towards openplan models, for example, has had a big effect on the way people work.

Managers are now less likely to be shut away in glass boxes, and more likely to work alongside everyone else.”

While hot-desking and open-plan design may worry older workers used to privacy and quiet, Eve says: “Clever furniture like high-backed chairs or sofas can help, as can flexible meeting rooms for making confidential phone calls or having quiet conversations.”

These ideas have been embraced by Cambridge company Redgate (www.

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BUSINESS

red-gate.com), who moved into their Cambridge Business Park home in 2009.

The firm, which employs 240 people in the city, used employee input to design the funky new meeting rooms called ‘Horses’ and ‘Graffiti’. Lucy Boyes and Jaime Peart from the software business make an interesting point about the money spent. “The CEO and the co-founder,” they explained, “want to invest in their employees by investing in the environment. It’s not just splashing the cash for the sake of it – it’s about reflecting the fundamental values of the company, many of which are about the needs and happiness of the people who work here.”

The company also scrapped smaller coffee points on each floor, making just one big caffeine-refuelling point in the basement, so that workers have more chance to get to know each other.

Jaime Peart says: “We recognise that it isn’t realistic for people to sit at their desks for eight hours every day. At Redgate we’re given a longer leash and perks like games areas and a subsidised canteen, but it means ultimately we’re more motivated, not less.” She also points out that chatting in the canteen or at the coffee bar can lead to valuable collaboration, too.

Chances to chat and collaborate are central to a much smaller Cambridge company, Onespacemedia, based in Gwydir Street’s Enterprise Centre.

Founder James Cotton says: “Ping-pong tables may be clichéd in an office environment but creative people need workspaces that reflect the nature of their work. Working is still working whatever way you look at it but the more that companies can do to make their teams feel more at home, the more likely they are to have a happy and productive workforce.

“Onespacemedia’s open-plan desk layout helps to spark conversations and helps everyone keep up to speed with what is going on across the organisation. Props like video games, a ping-pong table and huge whiteboard walls encourage team members to be playful which in turn leads to idea generation that feeds directly into our projects.”

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BUSINESS

ABOVE IMAGES These colourful and contemporary office spaces were designed by Eve Waldron Design, an interior and architectural design practice based in Cambridge (01223 470370; www.evewaldron.com).

When 300 people were questioned, everyone said that they were less concerned about their own desk space and more in the quality of the shared areas At St John’s innovation centre, where 95 units are rented to organisations ranging from the two-man start-up to 25-strong teams, CEO David Gill says the range of approaches to personalising the space is staggering. “Traditional engineering firms tend to be slightly more conservative than the business-to-consumer companies, but they are all slightly different. One firm – Actigen – which specialises in novel biotherapeutics, springs to mind, with its very bright décor and soft furnishings.”

However, David also recognises that fledgling businesses may not be flush enough to splash out on fancy beanbags.

So, like other Cambridge incubator ideaSpace (www.ideaspace.cam.ac.uk), St John’s has created communal areas where entrepreneurs can mingle and network, clearing their heads and even hold

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informal meetings. Stewart McTavish, the founding director at ideaSpace jokes: “We often say people really want to rent a desk here for the view from the fabulous coffee area!” It’s easy to see why. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer an amazing vista over the fields to the south of the city. “Joking aside,” he adds, “this is where some really exciting ideas are born.”

A recent survey at Cambridge University – which designer Eve Waldon cites in her work – showed that when 300 people were questioned about their working environment, everyone said that they were less concerned about their own individual desk space, and more interested in the quality of the shared areas. The same survey also indicates that workers

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BUSINESS

CB1 BUSINESS CENTRE

Good design makes good business sense. It’s not just about aesthetics, it can be viewed as an employee perk and be instrumental in attracting candidates who enjoy their work environment take fewer sick days than those who may feel less inspired by their surroundings.

“If you think about it,” says Eve, “good design makes good business sense.

It’s not just about aesthetics, it can be viewed as an employee perk like any other, and therefore be instrumental in attracting good candidates for the job.”

The idea of a healthier workspace is also about much more than surface design. Eve and her colleagues conduct in-depth research into the way that their clients use the space they want redesigned, and will consider every aspect of the company’s ethos when presenting their proposed scheme.

And increasingly, this will include some environmental aspects.

“It’s more and more a priority with clients,” she explains, “and so we have a

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whole range of sustainable design options to offer companies – from sun tubes to deliver natural light into basements, to passive cooling and heating solutions like the one developed by Cambridge firm Breathing Buildings. We also look at sourcing materials locally and urging clients to buy good quality furniture that will last, if they can.”

The trend for a more green approach to the workspace has also been picked up on by Harston firm Cambridge Plant Interiors, who have been providing greenery to companies in the region since 1983. They often get involved at the design stage, talking to architects about how to incorporate plans for enormous trees into reception spaces or internal atriums.

“We are being asked about the possibility of things like green walls more and more,” says boss Richard Funnell.

CB1 Business Centre is ideally located, less than a minute’s walk from Cambridge train station. The business centre defines itself as operationally closer to a hotel than to traditional office space, with a dedicated customer service team on hand to look after clients and their visitors, and flexible offices available to hire from one hour right through to full time, fully serviced space.

Whilst the centre very much caters for established companies of all sizes looking for permanent offices, start-ups and entrepreneurs also make the most of the ability to expand at the centre. Brand new companies are able to start small – often in even more cost-effective coworking spaces – then quickly and easily move up to larger dedicated space as their company grows.

Then there are the ‘Virtual Office’ options, for the growing number of businesses that don’t need physical office space – for example, freelancers who are able to work from home, or salespeople who are out on the road. CB1 Business Centre’s call answering and mail forwarding services offer clients a more professional image, and are low-cost ways of establishing a central Cambridge office address and phone number.

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CLEVER CO-WORKING www.camjelly.org.uk Monthly chit-chat for homeworking types at the famous ideaSpace coffee area. Wi-Fi, beer and snacks. www.worksnug.com Genuis app developed by Cambridge clever clogs. Search for desks, coffee, printers and Wi-Fi near where you are.

Invaluable freelancer knowledge. www.creative-warehouse.co.uk Fun bunch of creatives in central Cambridge with desks to rent. www.makespace.org A community workshop in Cambridge for making and fixing things, meeting people, working on projects and sharing skills.

Some rentable space available. www.acarchitects.com An award-winning practice in the city which specialises in lowenergy solutions.

NEW WAYS OF WORKING Local company The Workspace Consultants (www.theworkspaceconsultants.com) share some insights into the ever-evolving requirements of the workspace We began our consultancy business just over three years ago in order to offer impartial advice to companies looking for professional recommendations on how to get the best office environment to support the various functions in a modern-day office.

Challenges often arise in offices when generations cohabit and many working practices required to support Gen Ys are new to the Baby Boomers or Gen Xs who generally manage them. With Generation Z just about entering the workplace, more new challenges are heading our way.

Many ‘New Ways of Working,’ including hot desking, informal meeting areas, quiet and interactive zones, war rooms, scrum areas and so on, are embedded into working areas and support the mix of generations in the workplace.

At The Workspace Consultants we carefully create and manage the implementation of our designs, including budgeting and tendering the works: we have done this successfully for both local and national companies. The process invariably starts with a detailed brief-taking session allowing us to fully understand what your business needs from your office space. We are proud to say that the process has always ended positively with happy clients who have fantastic supportive office environments negotiated to the best price.

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“They can be made from plants or mosses and can cover entire walls or be made into smaller ‘living pictures’.”

Richard says companies are increasingly realising the value of investing in the working environment using greenery: “A recent client had a ‘welfare’ budget for their staff who voted en masse to spend it on beautiful plants for their offices.

They asked for a jungle theme so we grouped large-leafed plants in dense arrangements, with strict instruction to let the vines and trailers creep outside of their containers as they grew.”

So although the more traditional firms may be slow to catch on, and start-ups may be reluctant to splash investor’s cash, the number of businesses who can and do think about fundamental workplace design is growing – and they may find that it gives them a competitive edge when it comes to recruitment. The final question is: who will be the first to install an office slide?

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FASHION NEWS SANDQVIST CHARLIE SATCHEL £119 DOGFISH, TRINITY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

FOR HER

ART DECO NEW YORK TIE £24.50 PODAROK BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE

BETTY AND BETTS SOFT LEATHER MINI SATCHEL £125 PODAROK, BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE

PENGUIN T-SHIRT £30 PETRUS, BRIDGE STREET, CAMBRIDGE

FOR HIM

NIKE AIR MAX 1 ESSENTIAL £95 DOGFISH, TRINITY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

ONESEASON COBALT FLORAL DRESS £109.95 CUCKOO, ST MARY’S PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE

CLUTCH BAG IN BELLFLOWER BLUE £155 CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY, ROSE CRESCENT, CAMBRIDGE

INDIE Picks Our favourite new-season picks from local independent boutiques

MAXMARA STUDIO LEMON DRESS £310 BASKA, MAGDALENE STREET, CAMBRIDGE EGYPTIAN CLUTCH BAG £30 ARK, ST MARY’S PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE ODD MOLLY PINK TUNIC DRESS £94.95 CUCKOO, ST MARY’S PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE

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NEON BOOTS £195 ANNA, HIGH STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN

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FASHION

GINGHAM GIRLS Against all odds, gingham appears to be enjoying something of a style renaissance this season as fashion’s love affair with all things plaid takes on a bright and breezy summer vibe.

Forget cowgirls and school uniforms though, this is gingham all grown up, avoiding looking frumpy or kitsch on some of the new season’s slickest shapes (we’re big fans of this gorgeous pencil skirt/crop combo from Topshop).

LUCY ROUND SUNGLASSES £14 ACCESSORIZE GINGHAM HALF SLEEVE CROP TOP £24 TOPSHOP

90S CHIC

GINGHAM FULL SKIRT £18 MATALAN GINGHAM PRINT SILK SLIP DRESS

BY BOUTIQUE £65 TOPSHOP

You might regard the 1990s as one fashion era better left in the past, but references have been sneaking in all over the place in the form of slip dresses, slogan cropped teeshirts, tartan minis, matchy-matchy skirt and jacket combos and chunky platform sandals. Take your style cue from the girls in Clueless and channel your inner valley girl.

DRESS £17 SHOE £18 SUNGLASSES £3 ALL PRIMARK

BLACK 90S SQUARE CROP TOP £8 MISS SELFRIDGE

BLACK/SILVER/ CORAL HEELED JELLY SHOES £10 MATALAN

GINGHAM SHELL TOP £10 PRIMARK MILIANNA GINGHAM CROP TOP £9.99 MISSGUIDED DAISY STREET TARTAN MINI SKIRT £19.99 ASOS

MOTO INDIGO WASH PINI DRESS £36 TOPSHOP PINK GINGHAM TUBE SKIRT £24 CROP TOP £16 TOPSHOP

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FASHION

SCHOOL Bold colours and art-inspired prints were everywhere on the spring/ summer catwalks, from Prada’s murals to dresses with vibrant brushstrokes at Celine. The high street has enthusiastically embraced the trend, offering up garments emblazoned with graffiti, bright geometric and pop art patterns, tropical motifs and photographic prints. If you fancy indulging your inner art student, the key to pulling this look off is to be as daring as possible and throw in plenty of colour – the brighter the better.

MACAU PRINT SHIRT BY STUSSY £84 TOPSHOP

**TRACKSUIT TOP BY TOPSHOP X ADIDAS ORIGINALS £70 TOPSHOP

CELINE SS14

ORANGE ABSTRACT SKIRT £35 RIVER ISLAND

DRESS £50 RIVER ISLAND

PRADA SS14

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ASOS BLOUSE IN LAYERED STRIPE PLACEMENT PRINT £36 ASOS

PAUL’S BOUTIQUE AZTEC PARROT STEVIE SHOPPER BAG £58 ASOS

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FASHION

WEEKEND WASHED CHECK SHIRT £99 JAEGER

BOSS ORANGE T-SHIRT WITH GUITARIST PRINT £45 ASOS RIPPED JEANS £45.99 ZARA BLUE SMOKE WASH ROLLER T-SHIRT £16 TOPMAN

MULTI CHECK LONG SLEEVE SHIRT £30 TOPMAN

SWEATSHIRT £28 RIVER ISLAND

The guys are also taking inspiration from the nin eties this month, but thi it’s the grunge look wh ich is making a resurgen s time ce. Think check shirts, acid wash, oversized kn tie-dye, itwear and a bit of rippe d denim, complete with battered-looking leathe a r jacket. Sorted.

ASOS LEATHER BIKER JACKET £100 ASOS

REVDA CREW JUMPER £98 ALL SAINTS

PALM TREE MIRROR T, £7 PRIMARK

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BEAUTY

WORDS DAISY DICKINSON & CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

TIMELESS SKINCARE While manufacturers may use ageing as a marketing technique to sell us lotions and potions, there’s a lot to be said for looking after your skin as it changes, whatever your age TEENS TO 20S Along with the emotional roller coaster associated with coming of age, most teenagers experience some of the unwanted physical effects of hormone changes like acne and oily skin – we recommend visiting the skincare counters in larger stores like Boots or John Lewis for tailored advice. Simple has a range dedicated to spot-prone young skin at an incredibly fair price, including the Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash (£3.75, Boots).

Remember that at this age hormone levels tend to be high and sebaceous glands are still largely undamaged, which means you may not need to moisturise much. You also shouldn’t need to exfoliate much either (if at all) so only use a mild exfoliator, or mix sugar and coconut oil together for a natural, gentle abrasive.

We adore Murad for their hard-working products: the Pore Reform 3-Step Regime (£99, www.murad.co.uk) offers everything you need to keep combination skin in perfect balance, evening oily and dry zones whilst clearing clogged pores. Benecos Natural Care Day Cream Q10 is a lovely, light moisturiser with organic calendula to give smooth, silky skin (£5.95, www. benecos.co.uk) or consider a moisturiser with an SPF like No7’s Beautiful Skin Day Cream for normal/oily skin (£12.50, Boots).

LATE 20S THROUGH 30S At this point you’re either still using the same product you picked out years ago, or you’re seduced by glossy PR shots and are trying everything on the market. Your metabolic rate, skin cell turnover and even hormonal levels are changing: now is the time to listen to your skin. Those of us with busy schedules know that routine is key and your skincare regimen shouldn’t be any different. We’re so impressed with the Balance Me range that offers products for all ages and skin types. We adore the Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm: a daily cleanser for balm addicts (that’s us!) that contains antioxidant Arctic cloudberry and gently polishing oatmeal. Sold with a muslin cloth, it’s ideally suited for normal to dry or sensitive skin (from £4, www.balanceme.co.uk). We’ve also lost our fear of facial oils thanks to their Radiance Face Oil (£30), a highly emollient yet super-absorbent oil designed to feed and boost skin. Suitable for all skin types – including combination skin – it’s definitely worth checking out the whole range online as we’re yet to find fault.

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BEAUTY

40S, 50S AND BEYOND Even at this more mature age, your skin is undergoing changes: lower oil production can lead to drier skin than you’re used to, while a slowing lymphatic system could lead to puffiness around the eyes.

Skin brighteners or highlighters are useful to bring fresh illumination to seasoned skin, and keep a lookout for patches of darker pigmentation appearing on cheeks, foreheads or hands. Stratum C™ Menopause Correction Gel comes from a line of skincare specially formulated for women going through the menopause. The gel reduces the appearance of existing age spots and claims to help prevent further spots forming by hydrating the skin and inhibiting melanin production (£49, www.stratumc.com).

At this age, you will experience reduced oestrogen production which can lead to less firm skin on the neck and decolletage, so firming, plumping or lifting creams are ones to watch for. The Lift is an at-home facial treatment which firms, tightens and gently ‘lifts’ the skin for a brighter, more youthful appearance (£49.95, www. eternalcosmeceuticals.com), whilst Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is an anti-ageing wonder that many women swear by (£80, www.timetospa.co.uk).

If you’re really looking to invest, try DermaQuest Stem Cell 3D Complex (available from Dermaplicity in Newmarket, £195). This luxurious treatment cream claims to reduce wrinkle depth by 15 per cent in just 20 days (if used twice a day) and can encourage cell turnover.

Be sure to also drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated, as well as using products which contain SPF.

Ask the expert

We spoke to nurse practitioner and clinic partner Catriona Joyce from Dermaplicity in Newmarket about a non-surgical approach to skincare.

WHAT DOES DERMAPLICITY OFFER CLIENTS? Our clinic has grown steadily since opening three years ago as more and more people learn they can have professional Harley Street treatments closer to home. Our range of skin treatments helps clients to look younger and feel great without the need for surgery. We offer rejuvenating and resurfacing treatments such as cosmetic micro-needling, Dermalux LED Phototherapy, Advanced IPL and medical peels. We also offer medical grade laser hair removal, one of the most effective ways to treat excess hair growth on the face and body.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SKIN COMPLAINTS YOU ENCOUNTER? Many of our clients want to achieve more youthful looking skin and common complaints include wrinkles and dull, dry skin. People also come to us with specific concerns like facial veins, redness, skin blemishes or hormonal outbreaks, and unwanted facial hair.

AND WHAT ABOUT CONSIDERATIONS AS WE AGE? People in their 20s have skin that will regenerate frequently so the emphasis is on age prevention. We recommend non-surgical proteolytic enzyme peels and cosmetic needling in combination with clinical skin products to maintain a youthful glow.

Clients who have hit the over-40 bracket have different needs as the skin is slower to regenerate so our treatments are designed to rejuvenate and bring back firmer, more hydrated skin. Medical peels, Dermalux LED phototherapy and IPL rejuvenation can be used in combination with clinical skin products to treat and help diminish the signs of ageing.

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BEAUTY NEWS

BeautyNEWS FREE PINK FIZZ AT CAMBRIDGE BELFRY!

Call up your best mate and treat yourselves to a day of relaxation and indulgence at Cambridge Belfry this month. Swan around the spa’s award-winning facilities in fluffy robes, lounge in the whirlpool and enjoy some soothing treatments, then stay over at the spa’s four-star hotel.

The package, which costs from £99 per person, includes an hour-long spa ritual or two half-hour ESPA treatments of your choice, lunch and dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast the next day, and a complimentary bottle of pink fizz.

Contact the spa for details. www.qhotels.co.uk

SHAPE UP! Get in shape for summer and have fun while you’re at it by joining one of Bourn Golf & Leisure’s martial arts classes.

Taught by a three-time European champion and ten-time British champion, you’ll be in safe hands as you learn the intricacies of the art. There are classes for children, ladies and mixed, perfect for increasing stamina, flexibility, strength, balance and concentration, with many other benefits.

The club also runs ladies’ self-defence classes every Thursday (11.30am, £6), which teach basic self-defence skills without having to adhere to the grading structure of the martial arts classes. www.bourngolfandleisure.co.uk

TWILIGHT AT ONE LEISURE

PRE-RACES PAMPERING AT BEDFORD LODGE As racing season begins at Newmarket, Bedford Lodge Spa has a range of fab treatments for you and the girls to make sure you’re looking and feeling your absolute best!

The Fillies and Fancies half-day spa costs £65 per person and includes a prescriptive manicure or gel manicure, use of the hydrotherapy and heat facilities and a delicious afternoon tea.

Or, opt for the Fashion at the Festival half-day spa and get an eyebrow shape and eyelash tint, manicure or pedicure, use of the luxurious spa facilities and an indulgent glass of champagne for £75.

The Head Over High Heels half day includes an ESPA mini facial, Zen Spa pedicure, plus use of the spa facilities and champagne (£85), or ramp it up a massage notch with the Royal Experience spa day for £205, which will include a personalised facial with lift and firm eye treatment, deluxe manicure and pedicure, use of the spa facilities and a two-course lunch with champagne. www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

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Everything seems a little more decadent at night, so why not take advantage of One Leisure’s Twilight Evenings package? It includes a 30-minute treatment of your choice (either a Jessica manicure, pedicure, back and neck massage, Decleor Discovery Facial or Decleor Mens Express Energising Facial) plus use of the Pure heat experience rooms.

Available from 4pm on Mondays at St Ives, Wednesdays at St Neots and Thursdays at Huntingdon, it costs just £20 per person. www.oneleisure.net

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INTERIORS

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN Conservatories are the perfect places for plants and foliage. Give yours a modern twist with contemporary furniture, such as the Cannes Lounger, ÂŁ299, (08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com).

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INTERIORS

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

PEOPLE

IN GLASS HOUSES

Able to give a home a new lease of life, it’s no surprise that conservatories are again rising in popularity, and these glass additions have come a long way since their Victorian and Edwardian heyday. Read our guide to getting the best out of the modern-day conservatory

O

PEN UP YOUR HOME: THE BENEFITS OF LIGHT-FILLED SPACES

A conservatory is often the easiest way to extend the living space of your home without having to move house or getting involved in a costly and disruptive extension project. In many instances, planning permission from your local council is not required (but it is always best to check) and the extra room often adds value to a property, provided, of course, that it is built to a high enough standard.

Conservatories – and particularly full-blown orangeries – can also provide extremely versatile spaces, which can be changed as the family grows over time.

Typically used as extensions to kitchens or as dining rooms, conservatories can also be utilised as playrooms when children are small, for instance, and then tweaked to become out-of-the-way dens for teenagers.

In later life, a gloriously warm conservatory can be converted into a wonderful reading or breakfast room.

Based in Great Shelford, Cambridge Conservatory Centre (01223 846700; www. cambridgeconservatorycentre.co.uk) has many years of experience in creating stunning conservatories for different types of properties, from period to modern.

“Conservatories and orangeries enable you to create additional living space for a wide variety of uses and are often the ideal way to provide a connecting space between existing rooms,” comments Tony Moore, managing director.

“What’s more, because they are used all year round these structures allow you to fully appreciate your garden and the ever-changing British seasons in comfort.

Externally viewed, the right design will greatly enhance the appearance of your home and bring an added value should you decide to put your property on the market.”

With over 25 years experience, Westbury Garden Rooms (01245 809287 www.westburygardenrooms.com) based just across the border in Essex, has established a reputation for creating a huge variety of impressive glazed buildings across the UK, working with architects and homeowners alike. Managing director, Jonathan Hey, believes that the timeless design of his conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms make them a wise investment that will add value to any home, well into the future.

The company has just published a Home Trends Report for 2014, which reveals the benefits of extending the home in this way.

The right design will greatly enhance the appearance of your home and bring an added value should you decide to put your property on the market

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“A post-recession ‘new status’ means we’re re-evaluating what makes us happy or successful,” says the report. “With 54 per cent of Britons saying their stress levels are rising, there’s a new perspective on our emotional well-being and, as a result, quality time at home has become a priority.

“Conservatories let natural light flood in to the home, which lifts the spirits and helps you connect with the outside. Extra space, meanwhile, affords simple, happy pleasures like home entertainment. We believe, therefore, that home extensions, such as conservatories, give people a strong emotional investment in their home, which in itself brings happiness.”

LIGHT UP THE ROOM The Cambridge Conservatory Centre has many years of experience in creating conservatories for all types of properties, such as this home in Stapleford (01223 846700; www. cambridgeconservatorycentre.co.uk).

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GETTING TECHNICAL

ABOVE A light-filled orangery can enhance your home and your emotional well-being, according to a new trend report Westbury Garden Rooms has published.

BELOW These luxury orangeries, also by Westbury Garden Rooms, bring a style statement to the home, not to mention extra space to suit a growing family (01245 809284; www.westburygardenrooms.com).

STYLES: CONSIDER WHAT WILL SUIT YOUR HOME When planning your conservatory, be careful to make sure that the design you choose is in keeping with the style of your property. If you have a period property, then opt for more ornate styles, such as Victorian or Edwardian models.

Hardwood structures with full-height glass walls suit older properties, while, it goes without saying, contemporary conservatories, which call on the latest building techniques, are best for modern houses.

It is also vital to get the scale of your conservatory right in relation to the original size of your house and garden.

Too large a conservatory will take away from your outdoor space and will also look and feel out of proportion, in comparison to the original rooms and external appearance.

You may also want to consider committing to a larger build by investing in an orangery. Jeremy Bock, author and blogger at Everest (0800 240 4918; www.everest.co.uk), reveals the differences between the two structures:

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“Essentially, the difference lies in how the structure complements a house.

A conservatory is traditionally a more versatile structure than an orangery, with the shape, style and design suited to the house. The construction is generally simple and straightforward, meaning they can easily be adapted for their intended purpose.

“Orangeries, on the other hand, are more like a traditional house extension.

They generally feature more brickwork than conservatories and blend into houses in a subtle and elegant way. A good way to think of an orangery is as an extension with a hint of conservatory.

They usually have more brickwork but large windows and a glass roof are still the main features.

“When it comes to purpose, conservatories tend to prioritise the ‘outside room’ element more than orangeries do,” Jeremy continues. “A conservatory will usually have a better view of the garden as they keep brickwork to a minimum. Orangeries, on the other hand, are generally thought of as more private spaces, which focus on luxury.”

Whatever style or size of conservatory or orangery you decide to invest in, it is always best to seek professional guidance. It is likely that you will need planning permission for most orangeries.

A specialist conservatory company will be able to advise on building regulations and planning requirements, as well as showing you the best options to suit your house and your needs.

Tony Moore at the Cambridge Conservatory Centre agrees: “All of our conservatories and orangeries are individually designed and tailor-made to blend perfectly with a client’s home. We undertake all aspects of planning, listed building consent and building regulations.

This includes the preparation of drawings for orangeries and conservatories, with site meetings and co-ordination with local authorities as required.”

You will also need to carefully consider how the additional room will link into your existing space. If you need to alter a large amount of the back of the house to accommodate access to the new room, it will mean substantial structural alterations. This in turn will impact on the breadth of planning regulations you will need to adhere to. Of course, the dreaded ‘curse’ of the conservatory is the extreme range of temperature that can occur

ABOVE IMAGES Local company Elglaze create bespoke conservatories, specially tailored to your requirements (01223 323232; www.elglaze.co.uk)

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INTERIORS

because it is predominantly made of glass.

Nobody wants a room that is freezing cold in winter and too hot in the summer.

Nowadays, new forms of coated glass and insulated glass units can mean this is a thing of the past, but it is worth doing your research and asking pertinent questions before going ahead with any project.

Jonathan Hey at Westbury Garden Rooms has also identified a growing trend for people actively seeking quality, British craftsmanship: “We have found that people are more mindful about what they purchase. Because of this people are investing in products that are made to last and this has led to a heightened admiration for true craftsmanship. People want a connection with the products they buy – to understand the heritage and roots.

“Those investing in more space and considering having a conservatory are more discerning and keen to buy British.

They’re looking for deep functionality – but also great design that will leave a legacy for the future.”

FEET FIRST Charcoal and vanilla honey rug from Pappelina, £479, (www.95percent.co.uk).

BACK TO EARTH: SOME PRACTICAL TIPS Most people will want to use their conservatory all year round, so the most pressing matter to consider is how to maintain an even temperature throughout the year. You may want to extend your central heating into the new room to make sure it is warm in winter or perhaps consider underfloor heating. It is also important to plan practical ventilations, such as roof vents, so it can keep cool in the summer months. Practical window coverings are also vital.

“With space at an ever-increasing premium, homeowners are looking for clever ways to extend their homes,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at Hillarys (0800 916 6524; www.hillarys. co.uk). “A conservatory can offer just the solution and become a wonderful – and incredibly flexible – enhancement to any home. However, without blinds it can suffer from the ‘goldfish bowl’ effect leaving you feeling rather exposed. It can also get too hot in summer and rather chilly during cooler weather. By adding blinds you can provide much-needed protection from the heat of the sun, reduce the effect of glare and of course help to give it that allimportant wow factor.”

She continues: “When choosing your window coverings, think about what the conservatory is being used for. Will you need, for instance, a darker colour or a

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ABOVE Choose window coverings, such as these blinds from Cambridge Sunblinds (left) (01223 460192; www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk) and roof shutters from Shuttercraft (right) (01223 581339; www.shuttercraft-cambridge.co.uk), which offer practical and stylish benefits.

more opaque fabric to reduce glare in a TV room, lounge or home office? If your conservatory is on the spacious side then it will probably need lots of blinds, which need opening and closing. Cut the task down to size with motorised conservatory roof blinds, such as the remote-controlled MotoPleatTM by Hillarys.”

Sarah says: “Consider conservatory blinds as an investment. Think about the cost of the furniture and other soft furnishings that you’re putting in the conservatory. Blinds, especially those with a high performing reflective coating, will prolong their life by protecting them from the sun’s damaging rays.”

Meanwhile Fiona Garwood, director at Cambridge Sunblinds (01223 460192; www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk) advises: “All blinds give shade, privacy and an element of security but what you choose depends on various factors. Pleated, roller blinds and vertical blinds can have special

GARDEN PATH Malmo porcelain planks, here in Agnetha, replicate traditional handpainted Scandinavian floors. From £84.86 per m2 (01223 300941; www.firedearth.com).

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PROTECT AND REFLECT As well as giving a room that finishing touch, blinds will also work to protect from the heat of the sun and reduce glare. Shown here are Crush Mauve pleated blinds, from £78, and Crush Ice pleated roof blinds, from £160 (0800 916 6524; www.hillarys.co.uk).

backings to retract and reflect the heat: they can also have blackout features.

“This can reduce the heating bills in your home up to 15 per cent, helping to save you money and help save energy. Perfect Fit, meanwhile, is a highly innovative system manufactured for use with UPVC windows and is ideal for a house with young children. There are no loose cords or loops and it can be used with roller blinds, pleated and 25mm aluminium venetian.

The window blind fits neatly into a stylish frame, with no drilling into window frames.

“Roman folds and curtains give a stylish look but should only be considered on north-facing rooms due to the sun’s heat on the fabric. Flyscreens are a green solution to stop insects getting into the home. At Cambridge Sunblinds we will give you the best possible advice on the most appropriate blinds and safety devices.”

Shutters are another option that can offer practical and stylish benefits.

Shuttercraft Cambridge (01223 581339; www.shuttercraft-cambridge.co.uk) supplies a range of window shutters in hundreds of colours and style options.

“Plantation shutters not only look beautiful in conservatories and orangeries, they also offer many unique benefits and qualities over more traditional window coverings for hard to cover windows,” says Ryan Jarvis, owner of Shuttercraft.

“Conservatory shutters are highly versatile and flexible in their configuration.

They are made to measure and can fit just about any size, shape or complexity conservatory including roofs and doors.

The manoeuvrable panels and louvres can be opened and closed in a multitude of ways to help control the light, heat and

People are investing in products that are made to last and this has led to a heightened admiration for true craftmanship. People want to understand the roots

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privacy within the room. We offer specialist advice on shutters for conservatories and a free consultation service too.”

Flooring is another area to think about.

If you opt for natural stone flooring or tiling, such as the Umbria porcelain tiles

by Fired Earth (01223 300941; www. firedearth.com), then warm it up with a vibrant rug, such as those available at Pappelina (www.pappelina.com).

Because conservatories can serve as a halfway house between the home and the garden, natural floor coverings, such as those made from seagrass, sisal, jute and coir from Crucial Trading (01562 743747; www.crucial-trading.com), are the most fitting stylistically but also give a practical, durable floor covering.

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GREEN ROOM Team green hues with individual pieces for an eclectic take on traditional conservatory style (0208 099 7443; www.outthereinteriors.com).

SUMMER ACCESSORIES Tropic Jade Mohair Throw, £87 (020 7730 5064; www.joannawood.co.uk),

BELOW LEFT Cushions from £32.95 from Rikki Tikki (available at www.homearama.co.uk).

BELOW RIGHT TOP Pretty limited edition 150 years Deckchair Slings, £15, from John Lewis (to mark the brand’s 150 year anniversary) can also be used inside the home (08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com).

BELOW RIGHT Dedon designer pieces, from £595, available at Heals (08700 240780; www.heals.co.uk).

CONSERVATORY STYLE

Once you have your room built and finished, the last, and indeed most enjoyable step, is making sure you have the completed look just right. Traditionally, conservatories and wicker furniture have gone hand in hand. Update the look with colourful takes on the classics, such as the Dedon designer range of woven, low-slung rockers and ottomans, available at Heals (08700 240 780; www.heals.co.uk). There is also a huge range of rattan and wicker furniture available at John Lewis that will fit traditional and modern schemes alike (08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com).

Imparting her expertise, interior designer, Joanna Wood (020 7730 5064; www.joannawood.co.uk), reveals her tips on how to perfectly style a conservatory: “By utilising large windows you’re able to bring the outdoors indoors whilst still maintaining

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TAKE A BACK SEAT Leah Reclining Sofa set, £999 (0208 099 7443; www.outthereinteriors. com).

your home’s interior scheme. However, before you do a design overhaul, bear in mind how much space you are working with. If wall space is limited, use neutral paint tones to make the space appear larger and incorporate colour through patterned furnishings and accessories.

“The great thing about conservatories is the fact that they are low maintenance, so you can easily replace summery throws and cushions to darker shades as the seasons change. Try integrating botanical prints in green and blue, as these will not only stay on-trend for years to come but will also emphasise the garden feel, so when it’s crisp outside you’re able to stay warm and cosy. Additionally, experiment with lighting by using glass or jewel chandeliers to create a glamorous focal point in the room or funky light fittings for a contemporary touch.”

Those with green fingers will be in their element in a conservatory, which are perfect places to grow a variety of plants. Reflect this closeness to nature in a modern way by choosing sculptural, modern plants and housing them in large Victorian glass domes. Choose a green colour scheme, whether it is olive or apple, and highlight with accessories and soft furnishings. Botanical and animal inspired cushions by Rikki Tikki, a Danish brand that offers nature-inspired homeware (available at www.homearama.co.uk), will add an element of fun, while French armoires and industrial-chic drawers from Out There Interiors will add a rustic touch (0208 099 7443; www.outthereinteriors.com).

“Understated French pieces in light, earthy colours work well in conservatories, complementing the outdoor scenery whilst creating a relaxing and welcoming indoor space,” says Jenny Hurren, director of Out There Interiors. “For vintage charm, mix hand-painted, rustic finishes with raw metal and untreated natural fabrics.

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking everything needs to match,” she continues.

“Combining unique individual pieces, such as a vintage leather chair, a rattan sofa and a velvet ottoman will create a comfortable room which is as cosy and inviting in bad weather as it is in the good. For a more glamorous botanical feel try reflective surfaces. Antique style Venetian furniture complements the classic orangery look whilst reflecting all the wonderful natural light. Glass furniture creates the illusion of space so you can really go to town accessorising with masses of greenery, animal heads and lanterns. Magical!”

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EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BEDROOMS & KITCHENS SUPPLIED & FITTED

BESPOKE & HANDMADE FURNITURE SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS: 7am to 5.30pm Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat Unit 24, Northfield Business Park, Soham, Ely, Cambs. CB7 5UE (Behind Scampers)

Tel: 01353 725380 Fax: 01353 725384 Out of hours phone:

Tony on 07738559569

• From Design to Completion • Everything supplied & fitted • Top brand white goods • Several storage solution ideas • Contemporary, Traditional & Classic. We can supply & fit or supply only for any style • Free Design Service

www.langtryfurniture.co.uk

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EDUCATION

RETHINKING PASTORAL CARE WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

Life in a new school can be daunting, but our areas’ schools are upping the ante with their pastoral care, with buddy systems and personal support to keep every child happy erived from the Latin word ‘pastor’, meaning shepherd, and denoting, logically enough, a role that combines supervision with warmth and an awful lot of nurturing, pastoral care is a term parents will encounter pretty much non-stop when their child starts school.

It wasn’t always the case. For generations gone by, any pupil’s happiness or well-being was frequently an incidental factor that was down, very largely, to luck.

Today, in contrast, nothing is left to chance. “My thinking is that pastoral care is meeting the personal, social and emotional needs of every child so that they can make the most of what the school has to offer,” says Mike Critchley, director of pastoral care at St Faith’s School.

Undoubtedly, pastoral care has assumed greater importance as parental expectations have changed. Once, you might have sent a child away to school to make a man of him (girls, in contrast, were largely expected to hone their ‘womanly’ skills at home).

Today, however, parents won’t just scrutinise academic results or count up the number of after-school clubs, important though these are. They will also want to feel confident that problems will be swiftly and expertly picked up and dealt with, from friendship issues to exam fears.

If their child is moving schools, they will expect staff to be brilliant at helping newcomers to feel at home and be extra vigilant, in those first days and weeks, in spotting whether extra support is required.

But the emphasis on pastoral care hasn’t been stepped up simply in response to parental pressure. As Gail Hague, senior tutor at the Perse Upper explains, happy children are, quite simply, more successful.

“We work with parents to help students cope with life’s ups and downs. If a student is unhappy, they will not be able to think about other things, let alone engage academically,” she says.

Definitions of pastoral care vary slightly depending on who you’re talking to but the gist remains the same. Key to its effectiveness is the creation of a culture that ensures schools are welcoming places with a genuine respect for others, believes Gail Hague. “Valuing one another and all that entails – being kind and considerate, getting to know and support others and each playing our part in the community – is in our DNA and something that everyone, staff or student, takes seriously.”

It’s a point stressed by St Mary’s School, whose community of boarders includes a range of nationalities and cultures which “adds a really special strand to who we are and what we do,” believes Aodain Fleming Deputy Head (Pastoral & Boarding). “When you are surrounded by people from other faiths and other cultures who are bringing different experiences, you are enabling your students to reach out and touch the world in a very different way.”

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Many schools will divide pupils into houses which, as ready communities, become a focus for friendship and create a sense of community and – within healthy limits – competition, too.

Another must-have element is the tutor system where members of staff are allocated a small group of pupils, meeting them regularly and getting to know them as individuals and becoming the first point of contact for day-to-day issues.

That insider knowledge of both pupil and, often, family as well, means tutors can act as an effective early warning system so that, should a child experience problems that can impact on their academic work, they are able to liaise on their behalf with other teachers and ensure that they understand what’s going on.

At St Faith’s, for example, staff in years five to eight now meet every week to discuss both pastoral and academic issues. “We realised that it’s key that we

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EDUCATION

18+27 TASTER JUNE DAYS

FOR YEAR 10 STUDENTS AT LONG ROAD Next month, Long Road Sixth Form College will host two taster days for year 10 students. Prospective students will have the opportunity to choose from all available subject areas, and all year 10 students are welcome. Students at Cambridge Area Partnership (CAP) schools will receive booking forms from their schools, and non-CAP students can book direct.

For more information and the booking form, visit the website. www.longroad.ac.uk

understand from a pastoral and academic point of view what the issues for the children are – they’re all interlinked,” says Mike Critchley.

So joined up is the thinking at our area’s institutions that pupils are brought into the fold before they even start at the school, with staff at St Mary’s and the Perse amongst those to visit year six pupils as part of the ‘getting to know you’ process.

Parents, too, may be on the receiving end of well-planned measures that ensure they aren’t daunted by the move to senior school. At the Leys School, the Leys Connection provides a network of parents who have been there and done it, and can help newbies through those initial wobbly moments. “It can be quite daunting, especially if it’s their first child spreading their wings,” says Caroline Wiedermann, director of pastoral care.

And it’s not just adults who take on pastoral responsibilities. Pupils are getting increasingly involved, with the buddy system, in particular, helping younger pupils cope with the demands on life in a new school.

At the Leys School, a big sister scheme is in operation, together with mentoring for new sixth formers who are paired with an old hand to show them the ropes while St Faith’s, too, is a great believer in pupil power – and responsibilities – charging year eight pupils with a range of duties that include helping with younger children in assembly and at lunch.

The point, explains Aodain Fleming, is that because they speak from such recent, first-hand experience, the advice and guidance given by older pupils comes with a guarantee of authenticity and is thus likely to be listened to. “They can talk about how they chose their GCSE options when they were in year nine or reassure pupils about a homework mark and explain they’ll get over it.”

“I’m proud of the way our students support each other,” agrees Gail Hague, who points to the success of peer listeners at Perse Upper, which also allocates sixth form prefects to younger students in years seven to nine.

Keeping parents in the picture is a similarly important part of the process and schools have become impressively fleetfooted. Shortly after new girls arrive at St Mary’s, staff divide up the pupils and call every parent to report back on how their daughters are settling in.

Pastoral care, like every other aspect of life at school, does evolve over time. Some

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problems recur year in, year out. Other issues, almost all technology related, didn’t exist until recently. “The advent of social media has brought an added dimension into their lives. Ten years ago, I didn’t have to deal with mobile phones and what went on the Internet because such things weren’t part and parcel of their everyday lives,” says Aodain Fleming.

Getting the right balance between guidance and prohibition is a non-stop exercise, says Caroline Wiedermann at the Leys School. “In the last few years we have started using our sixth formers to talk to juniors about aspects like Facebook because teenagers are the ones who understand how it works best. It’s great for a group of older pupils to talk to younger pupils about what is a safe and sensible thing to do and what is silly and could be potentially dangerous.”

And while dedicated staff, superb communications and first class liaison are a shared feature of pastoral care in our area, there’s much in the way of innovation.

St Faith’s recently pioneered ‘Friendship Friday’, which encourages pupils in years three and four to play with children in different houses, something that, because of the fierce loyalty to their own ‘tribe’, they can find difficult. Those making the greatest effort receive special stickers in the following assembly.

The school also offers a listener who offers not just timetabled sessions but dropin clinics for any child in need of advice and support on topics including anxiety and friendship issues and may be reluctant to talk to a teacher.

But perhaps the most unusual – and certainly headline grabbing – is the school’s very own granny, a long-term member of the pastoral team who helps children settle in after they make the tricky transition to the bigger world of the prep school at the age of seven.

Reassuringly, teachers in charge of pastoral care in our areas’ schools radiate enthusiasm for the job. The thing that makes it special, they say, is that sense of being in it together.

“When you look at them on A level results day and they’re going off to university and their gap year you really feel it’s been a shared journey and we reach that point together,” says Aodain Fleming.

And, as Caroline Wiedermann at the Leys School points out, getting pastoral care right isn’t rocket science. “It’s actually very simple, just common sense: human beings looking after other human beings.”

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