Cambridge Edition May by Bright Publishing

Cambridge MAY 2015

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

ARTS

FREE MAGAZINE

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

GIG GUIDE Cambridge

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MAY 2015

5 • FIVE THINGS TO DO Our pick of the best things to do in Cambridge this month

63 • FAMILY Family events, outings and lots more ideas to keep everyone entertained this May

7-10 • NIGHTLIFE Your evening entertainment in the city, from music and comedy to clubs, sorted

67 • BANK HOLIDAY FUN What’s happening in the area over both the early and late May bank holidays

12-13 • CAMBRIDGE SOUND Wesley Freeman-Smith catches up with local heroes Lonely The Brave ahead of a busy festival season 15 • MUSIC BLOG Our guide to the best live gigs in the city this May 17-31 • ARTS & CULTURE A bumper section covering all the must-see shows, concerts and exhibitions 32-33 • MUSEUM MUST-SEES How many of these ancient treasures, all on display in Cambridge, can you tick off your list?

Welcome

If you enjoy food as much as we do here at Edition, you’re probably aware that May signals the arrival of our city’s biggest and best foodie event of the whole year: Eat Cambridge. We’re very proud to support this vibrant celebration of the local independent food and drink scene once again for 2015, and we’ve got a comprehensive low-down of all the notto-be-missed fringe events and a guide to the main fair from page 56 – get your diary out and get planning! Our features editor Jenny has been off exploring the museums of Cambridge this month too – turn to page 32 for her carefully curated hotlist of must-see artefacts around the city, and be sure to check out this month’s Artist Profile on Karl Dmitri Bishop, a local photographer who’s been enchanting audiences worldwide with his dreamlike artworks. Speaking of artworks, our cover image this issue is a rather special one, provided to us by a talented illustration student at Anglia Ruskin who entered a competition to design our cover – turn to page 21 to find out more. Enjoy the issue!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/CambsEdition

68-69 • CRAFT We talk cats, crochet and Johnny Depp with talented crafter Claireabellemakes

72-73 • LISTINGS Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on in Cambridge this month

COVER ART

74-75 • INDIE OF THE MONTH How Miller’s Music has struck a chord with generations of music lovers

The artwork featured on this month’s cover is by Hannah Bigley, an illustration student at Anglia Ruskin University and one of the winners of our cover design competition.

77 • COMMUNITY The latest word on all your charitable deeds and community events 78-79 • DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL The first teams have signed up already: is your office amongst them?

34 • MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Hear interesting talks and look at cool old stuff while drinking wine. We’re in

87-90 • FASHION Spring style essentials for the fashionconscious lady and gent

37-49 • FOOD NEWS Filling you in on the latest new openings and foodie events in town

92-93 • BEAUTY SS15 catwalk trends and how to recreate them at home

50-53 • RECIPES Local foodie Stella Pereira cooks up fig, sultana and walnut bread

94 • WELLNESS We review the new Weavers’ House Spa in Lavenham

55 • REVIEW Edition visits The Burleigh Arms after it was taken over by the owners of The Old Spring

99 • EDUCATION James Piper, head of The Perse Prep, on the importance of role models

56-61 • EAT CAMBRIDGE Wine tastings, night markets, supper clubs and a whole lot more!

100• BUSINESS NEWS How one local businessman won an Outstanding Achievement Award

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Alex Rushmer, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Daisy Dickinson, Heidi White, Jordan Worland, Ruthie Collins, Stella Pereira, Wesley Freeman-Smith

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

ADVERTISING Sales executive Lauren Widdowson 01223 499451 laurenwiddowson@bright-publishing. com Key account manager Maria Francis 01223 499461 mariafrancis@bright-publishing.com

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

MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

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

CELEBRATE MAY DAY Enjoy a cup of tea and a hot bacon roll while you watch the sun rise over Wandlebury Country Park on 1 May. Meet at 5.30am on the picnic field where the Devil’s Dyke Morris Men will perform traditional English folk dances. The event itself is free; there’s just a small charge of £2.50 for refreshments and £3 parking. Wandlebury have lots more events going on this month, from frog-spotting to bushcraft skills. Full details online. www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

EXPERIENCE A MOO-SIC

VISIT THE THEATRE Cambridge Arts Theatre have announced their summer programme and it looks like a corker. Gilbert and Sullivan fans, get in line for an all-male production of The Pirates of Penzance, 9-13 June, then keep the songs rolling with Little Shop of Horrors on the 14th. See The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, 23-27 June, then Shakespeare’s Globe on Tour present Romeo and Juliet, 30 June-4 July. Other highlights include Alan Bennett’s History Boys (July) and Talking Heads (August) and an outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing, 25-30 August. Tickets for this year’s panto, Cinderella, are also now on sale. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

FESTIVAL

THINGS TO DO

THIS MONTH...

As we teeter on the edge of festival season, music lovers can enjoy a little sun, food and al-fresco entertainment this month as a warm up before Glastonbury, Latitude or Secret Garden Party. The Red Cow in Chrishall (between Royston and Saffron Walden) will be holding its annual Moo-sic Festival on 24 May. Performers and bands of all genres – country, folk, jazz and funk – will be playing, plus there’ll be real ales on tap and delicious pub grub. 3pm till late. www.theredcow.com

EAT CAMBRIDGE Eat, drink and merrily celebrate local produce at Eat Cambridge, a foodie event that gets bigger and better every year. There are tons of events taking place – fancy joining in a food debate? Or a spot of wine tasting? Don’t miss the street food night market, and turn to page 56 for our full, mouth-watering run down. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

GO FOR A SWIM The Jesus Green Lido opens for the summer at 10am on 9 May. The bracing outdoor pool opened in 1923, as a craze for such inland oases was sweeping the nation: if you couldn’t get to the beach, here was a great place to take the family for a swim and an ice cream on a warm summer’s day. It’s famously one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in Europe, measuring 91m in length. Unusually, the ‘deep end’ is actually in the middle – so mind where you dive. There are showers and changing facilities, plus grassy areas for sunbathing. Elsewhere, Lammas Land paddling pool in Newnham opens on 26 May.

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NIGHTLIFE

LEE THOMPSON AND TERRY HALL The Madness founding member and saxophonist extraordinaire Lee Thompson steps into different shoes this month for a night of bouncing ska, reggae, funk and Motown. Thompson was responsible for Madness’s debut hit single, The Prince, back in 1979, which helped the lads from London forge their way as one of the leading lights of the second wave ska movement. With the Silencerz, a passionate 10-piece ensemble, he’ll be exploring the music which inspired that iconic Madness sound in what should be a memorable night for fans. After their set, Specials frontman Terry Hall, another ska-punk pioneer, will take to the decks playing more ska, reggae, 2 Tone and funk, plus lots more from his record collection, until midnight. 8 May, 8pm; tickets £16. www.junction.co.uk

THIS MONTH’S COMEDY PICKS There’s a great line-up of comedy this month in Cambridge, kicking off with the Junction’s monthly Jesterlarf night on 1 May (8.30pm, £13adv). As always, the bill combines veterans on the stand-up circuit with the hottest emerging talent, this time featuring Geoff Norcott, John Scott and Kevin McCarthy. Next up, on 2 May, Reginald D Hunter pays a visit to the Corn Exchange. The Georgia born comic, a regular on our screens thanks to his appearances on shows like Never Mind The Buzzcocks and 8 of 10 Cats, has been busily touring the world of late, including filming the recently aired BBC series Songs of the South, in which he journeyed around his homeland through 150 years of American music (8pm, £26.50). On 9 May, two days after the General Election, join funnyman Matt Forde for 24 Hour Political Party People at Cambridge Junction, in which he’ll be celebrating the good and the bad of British politics, whilst showing off his uncanny gift for impersonations (8pm, £11). Then, loud shirt wearing, messy-haired pun dispenser Milton Jones will be at the Corn Exchange for two dates on 16 and 17 May for some absurdist fun (8pm, £26.50). Finally, join Dave Gorman as he tries out new material in preparation for the next series of his hit TV show Modern Life is Goodish, in which he shares his observations and frustrations about modern life (Junction, 26 May, 8pm, £16).

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NIGHTLIFE

THE WILLOWS Cambridge quintet The Willows will be back playing on home turf this month when they stop by at Cambridge Junction on Monday 18 May at 8pm (tickets £13). Fronted by the graceful vocals of Jade Rhiannon, the group take influence from folk traditions both English and American, fusing rich harmonies and spellbinding acoustic musicianship. Praise has been coming in thick and fast for their second album, Amidst Fiery Skies, which was released in autumn last year, with The Telegraph calling it “outstanding” – and we think they're destined for great things. If you don’t catch them this time around, The Willows are also on the bill for this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival in July, with tickets available to buy now. www.junction.co.uk

UB40 Named after the unemployment benefit form, reggae outfit UB40 are one of the most successful British groups of all time, having garnered record sales of over 100 million over the course of their career, which spans more than 35 years. Formed in Birmingham in the late 1970s, the group are best known for their popreggae covers of songs like Red Red Wine, Can’t Help Falling in Love and I Got You Babe. They may have been sneered at by some, but there’s no denying the huge influence this Birmingham eight-piece have had on popularising reggae in Britain and in fact, all around the world. They’ve had hits everywhere from New Zealand to the Netherlands; earning themselves five Grammy Award nominations and a special place in the heart of many – and this year they’re back on the road again. Join them at the Corn Exchange on 12 May when they’ll revisit their huge back catalogue of hits for a show that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Tickets start at £32.50. www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

now

booking

ELVIS COSTELLO 18 June, Corn Exchange, £45 Known for his stunning live performances, Costello is back on the road with his UK tour, Detour. It follows a series of staggeringly successful solo shows across Europe. www.cornex.co.uk

NEWMARKET NIGHTS June to August, various dates, from £28 Tickets are now on sale for Spandau Ballet, Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Boyzone and Madness, all of whom are set to perform at the worldfamous racecourse this summer. Book now for an exciting day of racing, followed by music and dancing once the sun goes down. newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk

STRAWBERRIES & CREEM After a successful debut last year, Strawberries & Creem festival is returning for 2015, this time promising a new venue, some huge headline acts and a much bigger capacity. Taking place on 11 June (yes folks, that’s a Thursday!), the event runs from 11am to 8pm at Haggis Farm, a couple of miles outside the city centre. Headliners already confirmed include all-round legend and king of the turntables Grandmaster Flash, as well as grime star Skepta, Stylo G, My Nu Leng and reggae and dub seven-piece outfit Mungo’s Hi-Fi. In all, Strawberries & Creem are planning around 20 acts across the main stage and big top tent, as well as loads of tasty food stalls, boutique traders and a range of bars. There’ll be plenty more entertainment on offer too, including spoken word poetry, comedy, arts and, we’re told, real snow! Standard tickets cost £39.95 and can be purchased at the Strawberries & Creem website. Readers of Cambridge Edition are offered a 20% discount – head to www. tickets.strawberriesandcreem.com/offer/cambedition when you’re booking to take advantage of the offer. Cambridge Edition will also be running a competition to win a pair of VIP tickets to the event, with perks like fast entry, plus access to a private bar and toilets. Visit www.cambsedition.co.uk for more info. www.strawberriesandcreem.com

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STANDON CALLING 31 July to 2 August, Hertfordshire, £127 The family friendly festival celebrates its tenth anniversary by welcoming Basement Jaxx, The Dandy Warhols, The Horrors and more to perform. As well as great live music, there’s an open air pool, chill-out arts area and great food. www.standon-calling.com

HOT CHIP 21 October, Corn Exchange, £25 The British electro band release their anticipated sixth album, Why Make Sense? on 18 May. They’ve also announced a string of summer festival and autumn tour dates, including one at the Corn Exchange in October. Book early; this one’s likely to be a hot ticket! www.cornex.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

BELLE & SEBASTIAN Following the release of their longawaited follow up to 2010’s Write About Love in January this year, Belle & Sebastian stop by in Cambridge on 7 May as part of an international tour. Tickets to the gig are now sold out, but if you did manage to snap some up, then we reckon you’re in for a bit of a treat from these purveyors of wistful pop perfection. Known for their energetic live performances, the band, which hails from Glasgow, have been making

music together since 1996. Whilst they’ve never really hit the big time commercially, Belle & Sebastian have consistently been pretty much universally lauded by the critics since their debut album, Tiger Milk. This was quickly followed by the release of If You’re Feeling Sinister the same year, after which came The Boy with the Arab Strap in 1998 (even if you’re not a devotee of the band, you’re likely to remember this as the opening music of Channel 4’s Teachers, or possibly for its inclusion in the film High Fidelity). Dear Catastrophe Waitress

and a further five albums have followed, each one different but each with the band’s trademark glorious indie pop sound that blends sweet melodies and lyrics that tell captivating stories, laced with witty wordplay. With nearly twenty years worth of material to dip into, plus tracks from the new album Girls in Peacetime like to Dance (which sees the band exploring a slightly different sound with funky bass lines, synths and an almost disco feel to certain songs), it’s promising to be a must-see for any Belle & Sebastian fans. www.cornex.co.uk

RUBY WAX: SANE NEW WORLD Larger than life comedienne and writer Ruby Wax is back on the road with her latest show, Sane New World, which stops by at Cambridge Junction from 30-31 May. The show is based on Wax’s new book of the same name, in which she considers just how good humans are at sabotaging our sanity with our own thinking. As a longtime mental health campaigner (she’s also spoken out about her own ordeal with depression), as well as being the proud holder of a Masters from Oxford University in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, it’s a theme close to her heart. It might not sound like a barrel of laughs, but if the reviews of this odd marriage of mindfulness workshop and stand-up comedy show are to believed, it works. Join her on an exploration of how our brains work – and how they might be rewired – in order to better help us find calm in a frantic world, or, as she puts it, “become the master, not the slave, of our own minds”. Tickets are £21, show starts at 8pm. www.junction.co.uk

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND WORDS WESLEY FREEMAN-SMITH

THE CAMBRIDGE

SOUND

#9 Lonely the Brave

Local alt-rock band Lonely the Brave are headed for main stage success at Reading and Leeds this year. They talk to us about their new release, the Victory Edition of The Day's War, and how it represents their growth as musicians. t's been a long time since Lonely the Brave have seemed lonely. Long since a cherished secret here in Cambridge, slowly but surely the world has been catching up. Their powerful, stadium-sized songs possess a sincerity and pathos all too rare in commercial rock, and those inclinations have paid off. Support slots have turned into headline shows, live favourites have turned into singles and audiences of few have turned into

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huge, pulsating crowds. Like Alt-J, Lonely the Brave are no longer just a local band but a national prospect, and their place in the alt-rock firmament is all but assured. The five-piece consists of the usual suspects; two guitarists, bass, drums and vocals, and it's a format that never tires when it falls into the right hands. Debut album The Day's War surpassed all expectations, a masterpiece for fans of big guitars and bigger choruses. Vocalist David Jakes is known for his intense and brutally

earnest lyrics, full of a yearning that lends the songs their emotional charge. Despite the soul-searching in Jakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice, Lonely The Brave never feel like a band without optimism. You can't escape the feeling that their music is life-affirming in its angst â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that somehow one aspect comes hand in hand with the other. I catch up with the group en route to Zurich, the signal dipping in and out of reception as the tour bus approaches the tunnel. Despite their success, there isn't an

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CAMBRIDGE SOUND

every night there are crowds singing the songs back to us. it's just incredible ounce of aloofness about them. Guitarist Mark Trotter, fielding my call, is affable and delighted to chat about all things LTB. It's the kind of conversation where you realise that whether a band plays to audiences of 5 or 5,000 they're still just people doing something they love. “I don't think we feel any different as a band – we'd still be playing the same way however many people that were there,” begins Mark. “Everyone's got to start somewhere, and we've been fortunate enough that the hard work has paid off... Every night there are crowds singing the songs back to us; it's just incredible. You can't replicate that feeling.” Days before our interview, Lonely the Brave announced the aptly titled Victory Edition of The Day's War; a varied collection of reworked songs, live mixes and new tracks that were eager to be heard. “We took the songs apart and put them back together in completely different

forms, which was really good fun”, they say with genuine enthusiasm. “It's really exciting to be able to get new stuff out there earlier than if we waited 'til the second record.” There are four new songs that'll be brand spanking new to fans' ears, while some of the debut album's best loved tracks have been stripped down, repainted and reinterpreted to their very cores. “Personally I love film scoring, and to try and put that spin on some of it was really rewarding,” says Mark. New structures and arrangements illustrate how much they've grown as musicians, and the songs they've lived with for so long are stretched into new shapes. “The original record is the way it is, and I wouldn't change it for the world. If we recorded them now this is how some of them would have been; we're very different people from when we wrote those songs.” Their current tour lands them in The

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Tabernacle in London, for a launch party proper on 3 June. It'll have strings and everything; a chance to see the band do something very rare. Later in the year, they'll be heading to Reading and Leeds for main stage performances. “If you'd told me that five years ago I wouldn't have believed you! That's a real honour. It's probably the festival we go to most. Even if we weren't playing we'd be there anyway. It's definitely a tick off the bucket list.” All this success must make it hard to still feel like a local band, no? “No not at all actually! Cambridge is our home and always has been. We all grew up there, it's where the band developed. The Portland was always our place, y'know? Cambridge has a real, healthy music scene. We're lucky to be able to do what we love – it's the best thing in the world. The promoters, the venues and the people... It's that support that's helped get us this far.” The Victory Edition of A Day's War is released 1 June.

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month ur top pick for May is a band who have re-invented the pop festival, a band who signed to a tiny independent label but still beat Steps to a BRIT Award, before sweeping into the Top 40, then the Top 20. A band who once brought their lost sixties heroine, Evie Sands, over to play a show in Glasgow. A band who once sold out a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Yep, Belle and Sebastian bring their amazing back catalogue to Cambridge Corn Exchange on 7 May, fresh from the release of their latest LP Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance, a record that blends electro-glide, baroque balladry and giant-sized Europop hooks. Finally making their Cambridge debut this month are Stealing Sheep (pictured), who play The Portland on the 8th. The trio released their critically acclaimed album in 2012 and followed it up last month with the release of Not Real. The unifying theme of the new album is the interplay of fact and fiction; the edge of dreams and limits of reality. These visions are grounded by bright melodies and insistent beats and unified by vocal harmonies; sometimes metronomic and chant-like, sometimes choral and pop, all reasons to get to this show. Described as Brian Eno meets Super Mario, Cantaloupe (pictured) are a synth-guitar/bass-drums quartet from Nottingham who bring their reputation for being incredible live to the Corner House on the 22nd. Drawing influences from afropop to Krautrock to the avant-garde, Cantaloupe make lush and infectious instrumental pop music. Staying at the Corner House, this month trailblazing Screamo tribe Maths return to Cambridge. Having released their first music in four years earlier this year, they play for us on the 27th. Brothers Matt and Joe under the name Winter make a warm, enveloping strand of indie folk. It’s melancholy, yet also uplifting, with harmonies that have earned them comparisons to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. On the 15th Winter celebrate the release of

their debut album with a launch show at The Portland Arms. Likewise, Cambridge indie rock four-piece and live favourites, The Abstracts hold their own album launch at the same venue on the 24th. Francisco The Man are an LA group who absolutely do not faff around. They produce indie music in theory, but with ideas beyond their station, there’s a little shoegaze, a lot of synth-pop, the faintest hint of danceable forms of punk, and they play The Portland Arms on the 18th. Also at The Portland this month are a band widely tipped to make a substantial breakthrough this year. East London quartet The Bohicas bring their Kraut-engined, laser-guided garage rock our way on the 21st. The ever poplar Welsh duo Paper Aeroplanes (pictured above) return to The Portland on the 19th, bringing their much

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applauded take on dream-pop with them. Eight strong art-pop collective Real Life Charm offer us another take on alt pop this month when they play St Paul’s (Hills Road) on the 30th. Expect uplifting music aligned with darker twists and solid production. For the folk aficionados among us, May is a great month over at Cambridge Junction. Kicking off a trio of folk events at J2 are Skinny Lister. They roll up with their infectious sing-a-long punk folk ‘n’ roll, fusing their traditional shanty-inspired folk with an attitude and the stomp of The Pogues on the 2nd. Local outfit done good, The Willows warm up for this summer’s Cambridge Folk Festival with a show on the 18th. Finally, rambling folk singer Will Varley brings his unique blend of comedic and life questioning songwriting on the 24th. We close with a nod to former The Broken Family Band guitarist Jay Williams, and the album launch for his truly unique and exceptional new project I Strip For Couples. A massively ambitious project mixing rap, rock, alt country, indie and orchestral strings, Williams alongside numerous collaborators from other local acts has produced an extraordinary debut full release and on the 22nd the LP gets a launch party at The Portland. Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

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

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA A regular fixture of Cambridge’s cultural calendar in May is the arrival of English Touring Opera, in all its drama and finery. One of the leading touring opera companies in the UK, their lavish performances are always sublime experiences, and this year’s programme gets underway on 26 May with Donizetti’s The Siege of Calais. Set in the besieged city of Calais, this is a story of war, sacrifice and passion, complete with a thrilling score. Next, on 27 May, be spirited away to a paradise island with The Wildman of the West Indies, Donizetti’s beautiful opera of love and adventure. It’s based on an episode from Don Quixote and has qualities that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Shakespeare play. Or, experience the music and heartbreak of La Boheme, by Puccini on 28 to 30 May. All three will be sung in Italian with English surtitles. Performance times are 7.30pm, with pre-show talks at 6.30pm each night; tickets from £20. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

HAMMER & TONGUE If you haven’t been to one of Cambridge’s spoken word events yet, get along to Hammer & Tongue on 1 May and find out what this growing arts craze is all about. Cambridge-based poet and musician Fay Roberts hosts this competitive poetry slam, where you, the audience, are the judges. Performers have three minutes to wow you with their word craft, which could be on any number of subjects. This celebration of the spoken word has been taking place in Cambridge since 2009 and is a chance to soak up and be inspired by the creative talents of our fabulous city. Takes place at Cambridge Junction, 1 May at 7.45pm; tickets £4 to £7.50. www.junction.co.uk

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Celebrated pianist Freddy Kempf joins conductor Rory Macdonald and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Corn Exchange, 30 May, for what’s sure to be a magnificent concert of classical music. In this, the finale concert of the 2014/15 Cambridge Classical Concert Series, hear Glinka’s sparkling Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. Kempf will demonstrate his virtuoso skills on the ivories playing Grieg’s lyrical Piano Concerto, then Ravel's playful Mother Goose Suite precedes one of the most exciting works from the early 20th century - Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite, which should make for a magnificent end to this year's series. Tickets are priced between £28.50 and £38.50, and a free pre-concert talk takes place at 6pm at Cambridge City Hotel with local music expert James Day. The concert follows at 7.30pm. www.cornex.co.uk

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Henry James’ gothic ghost story comes to the ADC stage this month, promising secrets, suspense and suspicion. A young governess is hired to look after two seemingly perfect children following the death of their parents. When she begins to notice strange figures coming and going throughout the house and grounds at Bly Manor, her thoughts turn to the supernatural. But how far can she trust her senses – and can we, the audience, believe all she says? The Turn of the Screw was first published in 1898, born out of the author’s life-long fascination with horror and lapped up by late Victorian reading masses, whose appetite for gothic thrills was seemingly unquenchable. This production runs from 13 to 16 May, at 11pm, with tickets priced between £5 and £6. www.adctheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

BYARD ART The current exhibition at Cambridge’s King’s Parade gallery is entitled A Breath of Fresh Air, and celebrates new and emerging artistic talent in Cambridge. The artwork covers a range of styles and techniques, all with a contemporary feel. Drop in and admire paintings, ceramics, jewellery, glasswork and more. A Breath of Fresh Air runs until 17 May. Later in the month, there will be a solo show from Lee Madgwick, whose strikingly atmospheric paintings of abandoned or secluded buildings exude mystery and even menace. Judge for yourself when the works go up on 21 May. www.byardart.co.uk

THE GRAND TOUR Be transported to the gilded concert halls of Venice and the Mediterranean with the Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), who will present a musical Grand Tour on 13 May at West Road Concert Hall. Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, acclaimed for his revelatory artistry and scintillating concert programmes, returns following the outstanding success of his debut last season with the AAM. He was praised recently by The Guardian for the 'vibrantly physical dynamic' of his playing and the intensity of his relationship with the AAM in a glowing five-star review. Expect more musical fireworks in this season’s collaboration, when Tognetti is joined by oud-virtuoso Joseph Tawadros for a programme which conjures up the vibrant colour of 18th century Venice’s musical marketplace, transporting the audience to a setting where folk melodies and bawdy carnival ballads rubbed shoulders with motets and court concerti. Starts 7.30pm; tickets £14 to £27. www.westroad.org

MUSIC IN QUIET PLACES Experience music in peaceful, stunning settings this month as part of Cambridge Summer Music Festival’s Music in Quiet Places. On 8 May, the FB Pocket Orchestra will take listeners on a journey back to the jazz clubs of the 20s and 30s, then back further still on an exploration of the music of the past and how it has influenced the popular music of today. Starts at 7.30pm, St Mary’s and St Andrew’s Church, Whittlesford. Tickets £5 to £14. Then, on 23 May hear the Marmen Quartet at St Mary the Virgin church, Great Shelford for an evening of music by Haydn, Brahms and Janacék. Experts in their field, these musicians were the first to be selected for Music in the Round’s professional development scheme, Bridge. Starts 7.30pm, tickets £5 to £14. For details of further Cambridge Summer Music Festival events, go online: www.cambridgesummermusic.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

ANGLIA RUSKIN COVER COMPETITION Regular readers of Cambridge Edition will know how much we love a good illustration, creative collage or any other artistic depiction of Cambridge. We’ve featured some beautiful images on our covers over the past year and lately teamed up with Anglia Ruskin University to launch a search for our next Cambridge Edition cover. Judging a winner was incredibly tough – so we’ve chosen three! All of them will appear on our cover over the next few months, starting with this month’s suitably ‘Cambridge’ design by final-year student Hannah Bigley (pictured), aged 21. We asked her how the project came together… What were your initial thoughts on first getting the brief? After reading the brief I brainstormed everything I could think of associated with Cambridge, from the iconic landmarks and the botanic gardens to ex-Footlights members and Pink Floyd. What was your vision for this piece? I wanted to create a piece including all the different things people often associate with Cambridge, as well as some less well-known landmarks to tourists such as the reality checkpoint on Parker’s Piece. I knew I had to include King’s College. I then played around with other buildings such as the Corn Exchange and some houses I saw from the top of the Museum of Cambridge, but neither of them felt ‘Cambridge’ enough. Did you go with your first idea? My first idea was a drawing of my local pub down the road, it then moved on to King’s Parade and the man playing a guitar in a bin, who sadly didn’t make the final cut!

Is it similar to your usual work? A lot of the work I’ve been creating during my final year has been based around handdrawn type and printmaking processes. As this was a tight deadline I painted all the components individually and arranged them in Photoshop. How would you describe your style? I’m not sure… My work has changed a lot since my first year at university! It has helped me realise my interests in music, animals, printmaking and typography, which always seem to work their way into projects. I love 60s Letterpress band posters, as well as old advertisements such as Guinness and Kellogg’s, and discovering ghost signs on the sides of buildings. What do you most enjoy about making art? I love turning an idea into the final artwork and seeing the outcome of a project. Printmaking is always exciting as it’s so hands on and (mainly) happy accidents can change the direction a project is going in. Are you pleased with the final result? Yes, it was hard for me to create a piece without including type, so this brief gave me the perfect challenge! Did you get stuck at any point? My first draft was all in greyscale, and I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. A critique at uni advised me to be bolder with the colours, so I revisited the piece and came up with what’s now on the front cover! What else are you working on? For my final major project I’ve completed some retro looking packaging for boiled sweets and a film poster and accompanying tickets for the Coen Brothers films. I’ve just started a new project on Laura Marling, redesigning a CD/vinyl cover and merchandise to promote her latest album.

RHODE ISLAND GETS CREATIVE Rhode Island, Cherry Hinton’s American-style diner, launches a new exhibition space this month, in celebration of its first birthday. The new creative space launches on 8 May at 6.30pm, with an opening exhibit focusing on the work of talented local artists from Cambridge Creative Network. It will be available to view until the end of the month. Says Aksara Inamdar, owner of Rhode Island: “Being a Cambridge girl myself, and having creative juices flowing through my veins, taking the step to create an exciting gallery space for our local talent to showcase their skills not only makes sense, it seems overdue.” Artists include ceramicist Katharina Klug, mixed media artist Karen Jinks and printer Mandy Knapp. Rhode Island will also host bookbinding classes on 14, 21 and 28 May, 10am. www.rhodeislanduk.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

BETRAYAL: A POLYPHONIC CRIME DRAMA

JAMES RUNCIE AT TOPPINGS The Cambridge-bred author of The Grantchester Mysteries, James Runcie, will discuss his hugely popular novels at St Peter’s Church in Ely on 21 May. Set in the 1950s and 60s, Runcie’s Grantchester series centres on the adventures of clergyman-sleuth Sidney Chambers, portrayed rather beautifully by James Norton in the recent ITV series. The Forgiveness of Sins is the latest installment in the franchise, and sees Sidney investigate murders, theft, poison pen letters and falling pianos as he attempts to maintain the harmony of his would-be sleepy, rural Cambridgeshire parish. A flawed but winning hero together with plots that twist and turn through ancient cobbled streets, country houses and wild open meadows have placed The Grantchester Mysteries amongst the best-loved of British mystery fiction. James Runcie was brought up in Cambridge, the son of former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie – on whom the character of Sidney is partly based. The talk takes place at 7.30pm, tickets £6 (£7 on the day). www.toppingbooks.co.uk

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In an inventive exploration of classical music, I Fagiolini and director John La Bouchardière present Betrayal: A Polyphonic Crime Drama, commissioned by the Barbican Centre. This new piece of immersive music theatre – essentially a murder mystery with really good soundtrack – is the follow-up to 2005’s The Full Monteverdi, which The Times described as ‘one of the most surprising music-theatre hits of the decade’. Set to the unsettling music of Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, it fuses unaccompanied singing with contemporary dance in hidden corners of real-life urban locations. Betrayal comes to Cambridge Junction as part of Cambridge Early Music's Festival of the Voice (20 to 22 May), following its world première at Village Underground in Shoreditch on 13 May. Huw Humphreys, Barbican’s head of music, explains: “The Barbican and I Fagiolini share a commitment to exploring adventurous ways of presenting classical music to new audiences. We’re delighted to build on the success of projects like How like an Angel in pioneering the innovative presentation of early music in radical, new and cross-artform ways. The warehouse environment of Village Underground is perfect for this site-specific re-imagining of Gesualdo’s music as a gritty crime drama.” Director John La Bouchardière adds: “We’re approaching Gesualdo’s strange and agonizing harmonies through the kind of thinking that seems to have plagued his life. I’ve taken some of his darkest and most extreme madrigals, and punctuated them with motets and the shadowy ‘Tenebrae’ for Holy Week to form the structure of a contemporary crime drama. As in The Full Monteverdi, the audience will be immersed in the music and action, but this time they’ll be in murky warehouses and car parks, and be able to follow the performers around. The details of the stories will be devised in rehearsals. As the singers and dancers uncover terrible truths, they’ll draw the audience into their harrowing conflicts and, we hope, reveal a disturbing logic to Gesualdo’s music.” See Betrayal at Cambridge Junction 20 to 22 May, tickets £26. Check online for timings. www.junction.co.uk

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PINT OF SCIENCE

A BURST OF SPRING Visit the lovely Fen Ditton early this month where artist Emma Dunbar is still showing her A Burst of Spring exhibition at the Lynne Strover Gallery. Her series of merry prints and paintings capture the essence of spring, and many take their inspiration from nature. Her paintings have been internationally reproduced as greetings cards, posters, limited edition etchings and fabric designs. She says: “What excites me about making pictures is trying to capture the essence of a place, a feeling, a thing.” Lynne Strover Gallery, which is now in its 26th year, is one of the top commercial art galleries in Cambridge. The gallery is both home and workplace for owner Lynne, who has deftly managed to create an exhibition space that is at once spacious and airy and yet homely and familiar. A Burst of Spring runs until 16 May. www.strovergallery.co.uk

ENDELLION STRING QUARTET At West Road Concert Hall, on 20 May, witness one of the finest quartets in the world - the Endellion String Quartet - as they perform Dvořák’s String Sextet. They will be joined by two top students from Cambridge University to bring to life what has been termed a ‘Slavonic’ piece, drawing on folk elements. Also on the programme is music by Mozart and Ravel. Tickets are between £5 and £26, and the music starts at 7.30pm. www.westroad.org

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Learn fascinating facts about your body, mind, the earth and technology for less than the cost of a pint at Pint of Science, taking place in Cambridge 18 to 21 May. This annual festival aims to deliver cutting edge research and findings from the world of science to the public in an accessible, entertaining way. The talks take place not in lecture theatres but in your local pub, led by hip young postgrads and volunteers. Topics covered include why the emperor penguin is monitored from space, how electrical stimulation could boost brain power, and what archaeology has to do with criminal investigations. As well as talks, there'll be quizzes, live demos and stand-up comedy; plus Calverley’s brewery has created a beer brewed exclusively for the festival. Just make sure you ask for your 'Pint of Science' at selected pubs! Founder Michael Motskin says: "We want to bring back a personal touch and give everyone a chance to pick the brains of some of the UK’s most brilliant academics, away from the stuffy laboratory or lecture theatre.“ Participating pubs include The Architect, Boathouse, Cambridge Brewhouse, The Castle Bar, The Maypole and The Panton Arms. www.pintofscience.co.uk

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Taylor

THE ART INSIDER

ay is glorious, full of colour. So this month I’ll be seeing Sonia Delaunay’s retrospective at the Tate in London – The EY Exhibition. Delauney, the first living female artist to have a retrospective at Le Louvre, worked in a language of colour, wowing Paris with her bold geometric designs. She broke into fashion in the 1920s, making her fabrics the first go-to 'lifestyle statement for a new breed: the creative modern woman’ (The Guardian). If you’re looking for wearable art with an elegant Cambridge connection that's a big hit with savvy, creative women then explore the gorgeous designs of Shilo Engelbrecht. The Australian-born artist grew her first capsule collection of art textiles (she prints her paintings onto fabric using eco conscious inks) here in Cambridge and is routinely featured in the likes of Elle Decoration and Vogue Living. Visit www. shilo.net.au for more information. Cambridge is a city where colourful, genius ideas are abundant underneath a façade of tradition. What we’re not told is that they’re often crafted not just in the lab, but down the pub, over much beer. I love those scenes in The Theory of Everything, with Stephen Hawking having a pint with his student friends: mostly, because they happily personify a side to traditional Cambridge that doesn’t depress me with its stoic resistance to change - there’s a reason why one-time Cambridge boy, acclaimed street artist Mr Penfold, called his 2010 solo show here, Samebridge. Of course, some things, like pubs, you kind of want to stay the same (unless they were really rubbish before), and what better way to fuse two of the city’s most famous traditions - science and pubs than with the most excellent global festival, Pint of Science? This year’s grand closing event on May 21st is Creative Reactions, as curated by Cambridge Creative Network’s Karen Jinks and Mandy Knapp. 50 local artists have teamed up with speakers from the festival to create art in response to their work, with some incredible results – check www.pintofscience.co.uk. It’s a genius idea, and some of it will have almost definitely been hatched over beer.

o k e n- word Se e pop u la r olspli e M cNis h pe rform e r Hri dg e Ju n ct io n at Ca m b this m onth.

See Kay Goodridge's work at the Ca myoga Studio. But if wine is more your thing, Mill Road’s Vinopolis on 13 May is hosting poetry and wine tasting from 9pm, with Clare Crossman and three other guest poets. Spaces are strictly limited so call 01223 470491 to book – it's a must for lovers of wine and words. Clare first started a writing group in the Art Salon gallery on Cromwell Road and is a fantastic poet and teacher - check www. clarecrossman.info for more information. Also this month catch spoken-word performer Hollie McNish’s tour at Cambridge Junction on 5 May (many of her gigs sell out – so book early). With fans such as Pink and Benjamin Zephaniah, McNish is one of the UK’s most popular living poets, and comments on a range of topics from immigration to breastfeeding (her poem, Embarrassed, has been viewed over a million times all over the world on YouTube). Live, she has the truly gifted ability to connect with her audience, creating the same sense of intimacy with crowds in their hundreds, as with those she’s talking to one to one. She

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Check out Shilo Engelbrecht's gorgeous textile designs and prints.

lives in Cambridge (lucky us!), so this home turf gig is likely to be massive. Finally, yoga fans are also in for a wonderful treat in Great Shelford this month, with Camyoga’s studios and vegan café (sumptuous) hosting one of Cambridge’s most loved artists, Kay Goodridge, and her show A Living Archive. I once made a personal pilgrimage to see a politically charged show of hers at Cambridge Artworks, the day after my 30th birthday party. So it’s apt that I’m making a beeline for this show, a response to the question – "what to do with 30 years of diaries?" Pages have been transmorphed, sewn, sculpted, moulded, liberated – and the interventions photographed, with the results promising fluid, meaningful brilliance. Worth engaging with, even with a head-thundering hangover, but like most good things, quite possibly enjoyed a little more, without the excessive beer. Have a gorgeous May!

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ARTS & CULTURE

RELATIVE VALUES: FATHER AND SON JAMES AND JACK FOX STAR IN DEAR LUPIN Travellers on the London Underground are generally a hardened lot, accustomed to witnessing any number of bizarre sights. But there must have been a few puzzled expressions on the Victoria Line recently when a young man entered a carriage, absorbed in reading a script. At first he laughed, then he burst into tears. Had his fellow-passengers snuck a glance at his reading material, they would probably have had a similar reaction. You’d have to be a pretty dedicated miserabilist not to find yourself chuckling at the contents of Dear Lupin, the sometime Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year now adapted for the stage by Michael Simkins. The young man on the Tube was Jack Fox, who plays Charlie Mortimer in Dear Lupin alongside his father, James, at Cambridge Arts Theatre this May. Initially Jack had his doubts about his suitability for the role but he changed his mind in a dramatic fashion. “I knew that my dad had read the play and liked it very much,” he says. “It was while I was on the escalator in Oxford Circus that I started to read the script, and from the first page I was gripped. It made me laugh and it made me cry. By the time I reached Vauxhall, I was on the phone to my agent.” Dear Lupin is based on the witty, wise and heartwarming letters written by journalist Roger Mortimer to his unruly son, Charlie. One of the themes of the play is the clash of generations, as Jack explains: “Roger was born in 1909, so he grew up at a time of war whereas Charlie, born in 1952, was growing up in the 1960s in an atmosphere of hedonism. During the course of the play Charlie discovers that Roger was proud of him, despite his misadventures. The play is about family and about treasuring those bonds. They are the ones who will stick by you: that’s one of the points the play is making.” How do Charlie’s deeds compare to his own youthful misdemeanours? “Like Charlie, I remember behaving like an idiot, and those moments when you worry about the repercussions for your parents of whatever sin it is that you’ve committed. I think that everybody has to

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learn from their mistakes but they need to be allowed to make them.” Two-handers like Dear Lupin, apart from requiring a capacious memory from the actor, also depend on a profound trust between the participants. How have the Foxes coped? “Dad is such a seasoned pro that I’ve learnt a million things from him,” says Jack. “It’s been like having an intensive workshop on working with your Old Man. I haven’t done much theatre, but I discovered that you can really lose yourself in a play and that there’s more of a team spirit than you’ll find on a film set. You get nervous, of course, but you get nervous because you want to be as good as you can be.” As well as his son’s escapades, Roger has a keen eye for the eccentricities of his friends and neighbours, which he communicates to Charlie: “Actors love it when they are given brilliant words to say

and we have exactly that in Dear Lupin,” explains James. “Roger is a keen observer of people and their idiosyncrasies and quirks, and he is equally observant about his own foibles and frustrations. It’s a marvellous adaptation by Michael Simkins. He has managed to take something literary, something epistolary and make it into a real theatrical experience without losing anything of the quality of Roger’s writing. He has added a real theatrical dimension to it.” James concludes: “I think that in Roger we’re putting a gent on stage and gents don’t get much of an airing these days. What he writes is honest and he’s a shrewd social satirist. He’s authentic, almost aristocratic, even a bit raffish and very good company.” Dear Lupin is at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, 4-9 May, 7.45pm (2.30pm Thur & Sat matinee). Tickets from £15. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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BONHAMS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Oscar Wilde has to be one of our most universally cherished writers. For dazzling wit and wordsmithery he can’t be bettered, and there’s a chance to see him on top form this month as Cambridge Arts Theatre welcomes The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Adrian Noble (Amadeus, The King’s Speech, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), the play spends a week with us before hitting the West End. Fabulously, it stars the BAFTA-winning David Suchet, CBE, as formidable Victorian matriarch, Lady Bracknell. Surely seeing Poirot in make-up and stays is worth the ticket price alone? First performed in London in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest was written as a satire on Victorian customs and etiquette. It follows the fortunes of two bachelor gents, the steady John Worthing and charming Algernon Moncrieff. Both decide to lead double lives, adopting the name of Earnest in order to win the affections of their lady loves, Gwendolyn and Cecily. Naturally, the pair become ever more deeply entangled in their game of deceit, under the suspicious nose of Lady Bracknell, until everything comes to a head with hilarious, farcical consequences. 18-23 May, 7.45pm (2.30pm Thur & Sat matinee). Tickets from £15. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING TRIVIAL: OUR FAVOURITE EARNEST QUOTES

If you’ve got a beautiful work of art, furniture or suchlike which you suspect might fetch a pretty penny at auction, you can get it valued by Bonhams auction house in Cambridge. Though based in Bury St Edmunds, Bonhams hold regular valuation days at Hotel Felix off Huntingdon Road on the last Wednesday of the month. These are free and confidential, and home visits can be arranged if preferred. Their experienced team cover a wide range of specialist subjects including silver and jewellery, pictures, ceramics, glass, Asian art, clocks, automobilia, books, collectibles, bronzes and more. For more information or to book an appointment call 01284 716190 or email bury@bonhams.com. www.bonhams.com

“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.” “If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-educated.” “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” “To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

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WATCH OUT

360° 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, around Cambridge

f you thought Cambridge suffered from being a bit safe and predictable at times, think again! An exciting arts festival is headed our way this month, taking place at Cambridge Junction. Watch Out is a day-long festival of experimental new theatre and dance featuring regional, national and international artists. It follows in the footsteps of 2014’s brilliant Night Watch and the Sampled series. Highlights of the festival will include the return of dancers Igor and Moreno, who were last seen at Cambridge Junction with their piece Idiot-Syncrasy, with the world premier of their new show A Room For All Our Tomorrows. Also returning to the venue are the hugely popular Figs In Wigs with their latest offering, Show Off, which examines how social media has bred a new form of narcissism, plus dance artists Project O, who appeared at the SAMPLED festival in 2013. Two of the events will focus on the relationship between performance and technology. Dan Koop, Andy Field and Nathen Street’s 360° links artists based in the UK and Australia and looks at app technology, while Circa69’s The Cube will see participants don virtual reality visors for an adventure into the unknown.

Festival goers will also get a chance to see a preview of Ely-based Rowan James’ debut piece, Easy For You to Say. In it, the poet – who has a specific learning difficulty and speech impediment – collaborates with beatboxer Marv Radio. Watch Out Festival will also feature a work-in-progress sharing of Action Hero’s Wrecking Ball which is set to appear later this year at Mayfest, Pulse and Latitude Festivals. It explores consent, authorship, celebrity culture and putting words in people’s mouths. All the performances in the day-long festival have been supported by Cambridge Junction, and are rooted in the desire to take risks with new ideas. “I’m really excited about unleashing the Watch Out programme,” says Cambridge Junction’s arts producer Daniel Pitt. “It has so many firsts – two world premiers, one UK premier, three previews and Figs in Wigs which premiered last summer at the Edinburgh Fringe and is hilarious. “Cambridge can sometimes seem sleepy, but it needn’t be with so many innovating people living and working here, so why shouldn’t the arts scene reflect that? Watch out, Cambridge!”

WRECKING BALL 2pm, The Junction, J3 SWAGGA 3.30pm, J2 EASY FOR YOU TO SAY 5pm, J3 A ROOM FOR ALL OUR TOMORROWS 6.30pm, J2 SHOW OFF 8.30pm, J3 CALENDAR GIRL 9.45pm, J1

Festival day passes £10/£15 www.junction.co.uk

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THE CUBE Various times from 2pm, The Hub

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ARTIST PROFILE

we catch up with Karl Dmitri Bishop, a local photographer and visual artist. Based between Cambridge and Bangalore, India, his distinctive, dreamlike artworks have been winning him fans everywhere from Australia to America.

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Q How did you get into photography? A I grew up in Burwell, and the quietness and isolation of my surroundings heightened my vivid imagination. I was obsessed with the unknown and the unseen and as I grew up I was itching to explore the far corners of the world. I was inspired by the natural wonders of the world and tapped into childhood memories when I took a photograph. I taught myself through trial and error, developing my own style. It all took off when a American publisher wanted to use one of my photos for a novel's cover. Q What are your thoughts on the art scene in Cambridge? A It's ever growing, and now there's so much opportunity for artists from different backgrounds to display art in new, exciting ways. I started out at the Cambridge Art Salon, which was great for me to flourish as an individual and artist – it gave me the confidence to become the artist I am today, and makes art accessible to the community. My images were very personal and at first I felt shy and awkward showing people my work. A friend suggested the gallery to me and, plucking up the courage, I went down and met some lovely people who made me feel very welcome. It was at the Cambridge Art Salon I first displayed my work, with amazing feedback. I still remember the

feeling I got seeing people enjoying my images – it gave me the drive to continue. Every time I venture into town I find a new pop-up gallery, there's definitely a new vibe in the air for young experimental artists. That’s what makes Cambridge great, a mix of old and new. I'd love to see more spaces that encourage younger people to explore their creative side, show work and connect with a multicultural society. Q Who or what inspires you? A I’m inspired by my friends, whom I cherish dearly, India and all its magical qualities, and music that makes my soul sing. I believe there is magic everywhere, and would love to harness that through my imagery. My art is a way of translating what I enjoy most: nature is my ultimate inspiration and sanctity. Q What are you currently working on? A Some beautiful images I took in India last year. The work is based on the Sanskrit word ‘samsara’, meaning going or wandering through. It’s about the Hindu belief of rebirth and the cycle of life. I’m also working with Studio Gumani, an illustrator and tattoo artist from India – we'll be showing our work at National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore. Q You’ve created various music videos – how have you found that process compares with still photography, and are there any

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artists you’d really love to collaborate with? A It was something I always wanted to try the idea of my images coming alive was so exciting. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. At first it was difficult to translate my thought process into moving images but it soon came naturally. On a completely different note, I grew up watching Bollywood and would love to work in the industry. It’s something about India that attracts me; the fabrics, smoke and colours. I recently worked on a music video with the talented musician Gaze Is Ghost which was very exciting as the music fits my work perfectly. I'd love to work with local artist Alicia Catling too, she has a majestic voice. Q What do you see as your greatest achievement so far? A Having my work published all over the world and receiving such lovely emails from people. I had one recently from an art student “One of personal favourites is a picture I took in India. I love how small and inconvenient the people look. It reminds me how powerful nature is. Our glass buildings stand still as the natural world changes. It also reminds me that there is magic happening all around us, we just lose touch with it. The further away we get from the wild, the less we understand.”

in Russia who said she was writing about my work because I was a huge inspiration to her. It’s the little things that go a long way. Last year I held my first exhibit in India, Bangalore. The show was very special to me. I filled the gallery with incense smoke and candlelight, it was extremely atmospheric!

there is definitely a new vibe in the air in cambridge for young experimental artists

Q Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers or visual artists? A Remain a mystery and never give away your secrets. I still don’t give much detail about my thought process or how work was created. Mainly because a great thing about my work is that everyone sees different, personal things in my images. I take great pleasure in hearing different perspectives, it opens up a window to a person's soul. Q What are your future ambitions? A To keep creating work people appreciate and show a younger audience that anything is possible. I’m working on getting my work published into a coffee table book, and it'd be great to work with fashion labels – I like glossy fashion spreads with a difference. Later I'd love to set up art programmes in India, giving younger people who don't have the opportunity to get an education a voice and a chance to explore their creative sides. www.karldmitribishop.com

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MUSEUMS

there are over 12 museums in Cambridge? Or that museums reduce stress and make you happier? To mark International Museum Day (18 May) we’ve curated a hotlist of must-see artefacts from Cambridge’s diversity of museums. Take this checklist as your guide and embark on a cultural adventure via giant owls, amusing-shaped teapots, a mouse-nibbled skeleton, and other wondrous treasures. Step aside, Indiana Jones…

Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum is full of treasures, but one of their most prized possessions can be easily missed. According to the museum, one of the exhibits that visitors most request to see is the miniature of Queen Elizabeth I. Painted at the end of the 16th century, in the final years of her life, it depicts her in eternal youth. The artist Nicholas Hilliard was miniature portrait painter to Queen Elizabeth I and painted her many times throughout her reign. The jewels in the portrait are based on card symbols: diamonds, spades and clubs (the hearts suit is most likely represented by the Queen herself).

We’re not sure why such a fuss is made of Dippy in London’s Natural History Museum, when here in Cambridge we have our own, brilliant dinosaur skeleton. ‘Iggy’ was discovered in West Sussex in 1825 – the second ever dinosaur to be scientifically described. He stands sentinel at the entrance to the museum and he’s a herbivore, so he doesn’t bite.

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The finback whale is the second largest animal on the planet, second only to the blue whale, and the iconic 70ft skeleton at the Museum of Zoology is thought to be the largest recorded example of its kind. The whale, a male, washed up dead on a beach at Pevensey, Sussex in November 1865 – around the same time the Museum opened. Over 40,000 people flocked to see the carcass on the beach, then at Hastings Cricket Ground where it was put on public display before being brought to Cambridge. The Museum is currently closed for refurbishment, re-opening in 2016.

Look up next time you’re at The Polar Museum and you’ll spot two beautiful ceiling murals of the North and South Poles, painted in 1934 by Macdonald Gill. The map of the Arctic is mostly accurate, but the Antarctic is a bit off because it wasn't until 1937 that explorers finally worked out the shape of the continent. Look very closely at the Arctic map and you’ll see a grey balloon near the centre: it’s actually the airship which made the first successful flight over the Pole in 1926. Interestingly, around this

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time a new story appears in Inuit legend about a flying whale…

NIBBLED SKELETON: MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

The idea of a computer dates as far back as 1822 when Charles Babbage proposed that the men who calculated mathematical tables would eventually be replaced by machines that were less prone to error. However, despite £17,000 of government funding, Babbage never successfully managed to assemble a working model of his ‘difference engine’. After his death, his son Henry took up the challenge. Using his father’s designs, Henry succeeded in building this fragment in 1879, which can perform simple calculations.

In the 1950s, the skeleton of a Roman woman was unearthed in Arbury during developments for a housing estate. But hers weren’t the only bones discovered in her lead-lined coffin. The middle-aged woman, thought to be of high status, apparently suffered the indignity of having her ankle bone nibbled by a mouse or shrew, the remains of which were found with hers, and are also on display. The skeleton was seen by Sylvia Plath during her time at Cambridge, and inspired her poem, All the Dead Dears.

This svelte sculpture is by Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, whose work had a profound influence on Henry Moore and other modern sculptors. Born in France, but working in London from 1911 to 1914, Gaudier’s precocious talent was cut short by his death at the age of 23 in the First World War. Gaudier captured movement beautifully in The Dancer, with the uplifted arms counterbalanced by the downward motion of the feet and legs. Though the outstretched arm and outward facing palm does not recall a pose from classical ballet.

Cambridge University cosmologist Stephen Hawking spent much of the 1960s and 70s working on the theory and mechanics of black holes. Hawking commissioned this model to demonstrate the gravitational attraction exerted by these supermassive regions of spacetime. The downward slope of the surface at any point is a measure of the gravitational attraction experienced by a body at that distance. As nothing, not even light, can escape from within the event horizon of a black hole, the model’s ‘well’ has no bottom.

The Museum has a large collection of folklore items, both from around

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Cambridgeshire, and from other areas of the country, loaned through the Folklore Society. In the Fens and Folklore room, visitors can see mole paws, corn tokens and harvest bread, which were all believed to cure or protect people in the Fens. This image shows a mouse skull brooch, used to ward off rheumatism.

One memorable feature of the Fitzwilliam Museum is this gigantic pottery owl, which fixes visitors with a disapproving, unnerving glare in the Glaisher Gallery. It’s actually a novelty punchbowl, with a removable head, made by the Martin brothers in 1903. Because, well, you can’t beat a monster owl for a dinner party talking point.

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MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

WHIPPLE DROP-IN At the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, hear the stories behind the collection’s many fascinating objects over a glass of wine. From 6pm to 8pm.

ry a night out with a difference this month as Cambridge University museums’ hugely popular Museums at Night returns, offering a series of exciting after-hours events for adults. Around the city, once the crowds (and kids) have gone home, Cambridge’s many museums will be keeping their doors open to invite us to explore their awe-inspiring collections after hours. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up…

in collaboration with writer Anna Selby, with original music by Max Perryment. Admission at 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm. Go to the museum’s Courtyard Entrance.

Things get underway on the Thursday at The Polar Museum, with a panel discussion on museums and the environment. The museums of Cambridge hide a history of how we have understood the environment and the problems it now faces. This project has worked with local people to unearth the hidden stories that our museums have to tell. From 6pm to 7.30pm.

ESCAPE THE CRYSTAL ROOM Do you have an adventurous streak and a logical mind? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be locked in a museum after dark? Adventurers and Crystal Maze fans are invited to enter The Crystal Room at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences to follow the clues and solve the puzzles as you race against the clock in order to escape. This event follows last year’s success and is £30 per group of 3-8. Book now for a time slot on the hour, every hour between 5pm to 8pm. If you don’t fancy playing, that’s fine: have a drink and wander round the museum at your leisure, which will be open to visitors from 5pm to 8pm.

THE IMAGINATION MUSEUM See artefacts from the hidden nooks of the Fitzwilliam Museum brought to life by three eccentric tour guides. The Imagination Museum has been created

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NEW RHYTHMS Explore Kettle’s Yard as the sun sets and enjoy pop-up talks about the collections, plus a tour of the New Rhythms exhibition. Music from the ballet Anka’s Story will be performed by composer Alex Cook in the house. From 5pm to 8pm, the tour begins at 6pm.

DRINK AND DRAW Drop in to the Museum of Classical Archaeology for a glass of wine, then pick up a pencil and sketch among the sculptures with guidance from artist Susie Olczak. No experience necessary, materials will be provided. 6pm to 9pm. DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION Interested in 17th century fashion? Visit the Imagination Museum at the Fitzwilliam (various times) and hear a talk on looking dandy in fashion’s fanciest century at 6.30pm, Gallery 3. NEW OYSTERS, FRESH OYSTERS! Hear Caius Consort perform a unique demonstration of 17th and 18th century sung street cries at the Fitzwilliam Museum, 7.30pm, Gallery 3. Museums at Night, 14-15 May. All events are free unless specified. www.cam.ac.uk

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FOOD DRINK A N D

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

Eat Cambridge 2015 ASK THE FOODIE

Delicious recipes

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FOOD

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

THE RISE AND RISE OF

SOURDOUGH

ALEX RUSHMER DISCUSSES HIS FASCINATION WITH SOURDOUGH AND HOW HE'S ALWAYS TRYING TO BALANCE VARIABLES TO CREATE THE PERFECT LOAF here is a three-year-old that lives in my fridge. It sits there, slowly blowing bubbles and smelling oddly alcoholic. I feed it daily and in return it aids me in my quest to create the perfect loaf of sourdough. Our starter dough at The Hole in the Wall was born the same day that I took ownership of the keys. My pastry chef took a tub of flour into the warm midsummer embrace of the surrounding fields and harvested a few natural yeasts that must have been floating around in

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the pollen-heavy air before returning to the kitchen and mixing in some fruit juice and water. A week later the whole lot was a sour, bubbling doughy swamp and it remains so right up until this very moment. Despite its unpredictability and sometimes diva-ish behaviour I have learnt to love my levain over the course of baking thousands of loaves. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a firm believer that a good meal simply has to begin with great bread and as such I devote a significant portion of the day trying to perfect the mysterious

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magical art of baking. The beauty inherent in the unpredictability of making sourdough also forms the frustration – in the space of three days last week I made what I announced to be the best loaf I had ever created. Seventy-two hours later I threw an entire loaf in the bin because no amount of spin or gloss could detract from the fact that I’d created a total stinker: a loaf that was flat, airless and dense – a total waste of flour and water. How is this possible though? How can the same four ingredients create a work of majestic beauty one day and something that could anchor a battleship the next? The detail is buried deep in the minutiae of the variables: hydration percentage. The age of the flour being used. The number of revolutions the dough hook makes. Whether or not the dough is enriched with fat. When the salt is added. The atmospheric pressure. The length of the first proving. The length of the second proving. The oven temperature. The hydration level of the oven. All of these factors impact on the final result and I find that I am constantly tweaking one or another of them to try to nail down the precise equation for consistent, excellent bread. Unfortunately I haven’t yet discovered this magic formula but the happy result of this is that the bread – barring the occasional exception – keeps getting better and better and is always throwing up neat little twists and surprises depending on which of the above I have played around with and what sort of mood I am in. The dogmatic, puritanical, slow-food loving side of me adores creating a fully naturally leavened sourdough – a two-day fridge based affair that results in a thick chewy crust and a rich acid-tinged flavoured crumb pocked with giant air bubbles. But other times I want something less challenging, less toothsome, altogether lighter and softer and fluffier which is easily done with the addition of a little milk and fat, speeding up the process and being a little gentler with the temperature of the oven. Both are great and a mere fleeting glimpse at the world of loaves that are out there but serve to prove one more thing: that as long as there is flour and water, there will be bread.

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

Honour those spears of spring at Burwash Manor’s annual Asparagus Feast. Asparagus is a truly versatile vegetable, and spring is the time to indulge. Chefs and cooks from across Cambridge will be offering up serving suggestions at the event, which runs all day, 10am to 4pm, 9 May. But it’s not just about greens: Steak & Honour will be there too, serving their delicious burgers (could they be the best in town?), and there’ll also be ice cream from Jack’s Gelato, drinkables from The Juice Box and wine tasting by Cozzi & Boffa. Weather permitting, there might even be tractor rides on offer, taking you right into the asparagus fields to see how Burwash farms and cultivates them. www.burwashmanor.com

BURWASH

ASPARAGUS FEAST

ST NEOTS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

MAY

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Live cookery, local cheese and racing ducks… it must be the St Neots Food & Drink Festival! Taking place on 23 May, the event will feature delicious Cambridgeshire produce to try and buy, plus family entertainment (face painting, a fun fair), live music and a Ready, Steady, Cook-style competition. And there will be plenty of cider, ales and drinks to wash everything down. It’s happening in the Market Square, 10am to 4pm, and is free to attend. www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

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FOOD

THE FREE PRESS KITCHEN

CHEESE AND OLIVE OIL TASTING Local charity Cam Sight will continue their successful programme of foodie fundraising events this month with a Cheese and Olive Oil Tasting, to be held at the Freemasons Hall, in Cambridge’s Bateman Street. On 26 May, 7pm, Mauro Boero of OlioItalia will be joined by Richard and Christine Callum of The Truckle Cheese Company to provide an evening of gastronomic delights and flavour pairings. Tastings of oils from the Calabria region will be complemented by a range of cheeses from The Truckle Cheese Company. Mark Burton of Fellows Brewery, Charles and Laura Roberts of Pickled Pig Cider, and Franco Amaro of online Italian Delicatessen Agrumia will also be in attendance. Mauro Boero says: “At OlioItalia we are committed to bring the best artisan, high quality products to the UK. The products offer unique tastes, guaranteed healthiness and 100% traceability to the producers. “During the presentation I will give an insight into the important role that olive oil plays in the Mediterranean Diet (the healthiest in the world), the production methods that are used to make our products, the flavour and landscape of the beautiful area of Calabria, a region of great historical importance that was first colonized by the Greeks.” There will also be a raffle on the night and tickets cost £15. For more information, call 01223 420033 or email sally.n@camsight.org.uk.

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A new foodie venture has been launched from Cambridge’s much-loved, tucked-away watering hole, The Free Press Pub. The Free Press Kitchen, run by 26 year-old Megan Stepney, is now serving food all week. The Free Press Scotch egg is already a big hit and features on the Cambridge Food Tours. There is also a roast on a Sunday (beef £10, pork £9, nut-roast £9) with all the trimmings, burgers freshly made and pressed on site, and ‘Proper Doorstop Sarnies’ – think fishfinger, goats cheese or glazed ham. Megan started out working behind the bar and in the kitchen, then when the opportunity came along to take over and set up her own business, she jumped at the chance. With the help of head chef and brother, Tom, she has come up with a simple but wholesome menu incorporating the best in English pub grub as well as tasty salads and vegetarian options. The Free Press is also due to open a new beer garden in time for summer, making it the perfect destination to relax, enjoy great food and soak up the sun. Follow them at @freepresskitch

70S NIGHT AT SHEENE MILL

Cast aside those skinny jeans and slip into something a little more ankle-aerating on 1 May for Sheene Mill’s 70s disco and dinner. The picturesque hotel and restaurant in Melbourn will be turning up the funk and reliving the disco days for an evening of music, food and dancing. Though the tunes stand the test of time, thankfully dining has moved on a few paces in the last 40 years. No chicken in a basket, Angel Delight or boil in the bag fish with smash here, instead there’ll be a delicious menu which includes grilled local asparagus with poached eggs, truffle and hollandaise sauce to start, pan fried fillet of wild salmon, duchesse potato, broad bean and pea fricassée as a main and desserts like baked Alaska and a classic peach Melba to choose between – all courtesy of The Sheene Mill’s two AA rosette restaurant. You can dance it off at a 70s-style disco, with live music from Funk Odyssey until midnight. It’s £55 per person for three courses, entertainment and a cocktail on arrival. To book call 01763 261393 or go online. www.thesheenemill.com

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ASK THE

EKO KITCHEN OPENS ON NORFOLK STREET An exciting new restaurant has opened on Norfolk Street, bringing a taste of West Africa to Cambridge. Eko Kitchen is run by the Macaulay family, who also own the All Seasons food store next door. It’s a niche that has been crying out to be filled within Cambridge’s increasingly multicultural foodie offerings. Feedback, by all accounts, has been good since the restaurant opened in March, and customers can look forward to finding sunshine yellow interiors to complement the cooking. The menu offers a mix of familiar favourites and classic African dishes including Okra soup, jerk chicken and Jollof rice. Takeaways are also available. Find the Eko Kitchen at 8 Norfolk Street, Cambridge.

FOODIE

HEIDI WHITE AKA THE MOVING FOODIE ANSWERS YOUR BURNING ' ' QUESTIONS ON THE CAMBRIDGE FOOD SCENE Q. I’M LOOKING FOR SOME LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS AND FOOD EVENTS TO VISIT THIS MONTH. CAN YOU HELP? Certainly can! In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The month of May has become an increasingly foodie time of year in the Cambridge calendar. There’s a delicious array of regular food events, annual celebrations of our food scene, and many opportunities to check out the abundant local produce on offer at the county’s markets. The annual food and drink festival, Eat Cambridge, will be dominating my month (but, as one of the organisers, I guess it should!). Running from 9 to 24 May, the festival provides the opportunity to explore the city’s food and drink scene through a jam-packed programme of fringe events and a big food and drink fair at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 23 May (www. eat-cambridge.co.uk). The fringe events taking place at Burwash Manor in Barton are perfect for a foodie day out. Check out the Asparagus Feast on 9 May - an annual celebration of the seasonal vegetable featuring cookery demonstrations, asparagus and Burwash Manor bacon sarnies, tractor rides to the asparagus fields, and some clever wine-matching

tastings with on-site wine merchants Cozzi & Boffa. Put Sunday 17 May in the diary, too, for Burwash's popular annual ‘Sizzling Sunday’ event, celebrating Burwash Manor farm’s own-reared rare breed pork. Start by learning from the masters at the Leech & Sons butchery demos, pig out on the tasty pulled pork brioche buns and sizzling chilli sauces on offer, and wash it all down with some fantastic local beers at the mini craft beer festival hosted by Cozzi & Boffa (www.burwashmanor.com). May is the month to fall in love with local markets. As part of the national celebration of UK market culture, the Love Your Local Market campaign hits market squares from 13 to 27 May. Cambridge Markets will get involved throughout the fortnight, with market traders holding tastings and live demos and taking part in a ‘Best Dressed Stall’ competition (www.loveyourlocalmarket. org.uk). Every Sunday, food takes pride of place at the city’s market square, hosting a weekly farmers’ market from 10.30am to 4.30pm. It’s worth a visit if you’re stocking up on ingredients for a Sunday roast. Track down other farmers’ markets, on the first Saturday of the month at Linton Village College (9am to 12pm) and the third Saturday of each month at Impington Village College (9am to 12pm), where you can find fresh produce, meat from local farmers, fresh fish, and local artisan cooks and crafters. Happy eating!

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 using the tag: #askthefoodie

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FRENCH FOOD

WEEK AT BEDFORD LODGE

The two AA Rosette Squires Restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket, is celebrating French cuisine this month as it hosts French Food Week, 13 to 19 May. We spoke to head chef James Fairchild to find out what diners can expect. “There are many things that make French food so popular and why it’s world-renowned,” says James. “The first reason is diversity. The French coastline, for example, is long and allows for the French to have a seemingly endless variety of local ingredients to start with. Between all of the different kinds of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and nuts available, some of which can be completely unique to the region on a worldwide scale, and the impressive wines that come from France, it’s no wonder that the French pride themselves on their cuisine.” “When putting together the French Food Week menu for Squires I really had to keep in mind the traditions of diversity when it came to classical dishes and ingredients. After spending a holiday last year in France with my

13-19 MAY

family, we found quite a few dishes popping up in many restaurants we ate in, for example moules marinière, French onion soup and of course a classic Crème Brûlée. Whilst putting together this menu I've tried to keep with seasons of France and the UK.” James will be making use of the plentiful supply of plaice, which are currently populating the waters of France and the UK. “A classic dish from my time at catering college would have been poached fillets of plaice ‘bonne femme’,” he explains. “During French Food Week we will be gently poaching this delicate fish, which will then be seasoned and infused with lemon, parsley, a splash of dry white wine and fish stock. The delicate texture of

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the fish accompanied by the creamy fish sauce with dry sherry and mushrooms will hopefully create a nice light dish, which will leave just enough space for dessert!” Expect to find a range of homemade desserts on the sweet menu as well, including Savarin with marinated strawberries and mint. “With our Savarin I plan to poach it in sweet, stock syrup made with star anise, champagne and oranges,” says James. As for your accompanying tipple, he says: “Try the Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur Gamay, 2008 Jean-Claude Boisset, sourced from Burgundy, which has a pale gold colour and a delicate citrus fruit nose for a refreshing acidity, lemon citrus character and a long elegant finish.” www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

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BOTANICAL MASTERCLASS AT HOTEL DU VIN Become the best cocktail-maker you know at Hotel du Vin’s Botanical Cocktail Masterclass, taking place on 27 May. This class focuses on drinks which use ingredients you can find in your own back garden, from herbs to fruit, flowers and vegetables. Starting at 6pm, you’ll be shown how to create three different gin-based cocktails, starting with a coastal-themed tipple based on Blackwoods Gin, hailing from the Shetlands. Then be transported to the streets of London with an urban-inspired cocktail using King of Soho, finishing with a No. 209 Gin from San Francisco with botanical notes. Prices are £35 per person including canapés and three cocktails. To book email events.cambridge@hotelduvin.com or call 084473 64253. www.hotelduvin.com

URBAN LARDER RELAUNCH We’re big fans of the new-look Urban Larder on Mill Road, now into its third month since being taken on by entrepreneur Duncan Mason. “I was a little apprehensive about taking over something that people know and love, but we’ve had a wonderful level of support from customers since we reopened in March,” says Duncan. “We’re keeping the ethos the same, so there’s still an emphasis on great local food and produce, good coffee, and we still display work from local artists and crafters. We’ve just freshened the place up a bit." New offerings include a tempting range of hot chocolate (white, milk, dark or chilli chocolate), and how about a slice of homemade lemon or apple and cinnamon cake with that? If Urban Larder is on your route to work, you’ll be glad to hear it’s now open at 7.30am on weekdays, serving Butterworth and Son coffee to get your day off to a sprightly start. Coffees are £1.50 before 11am on Takeaway Fridays. And for warmer days, try their blended iced coffees and smoothies. There’s also a ‘guest toastie of the day’ on bread from the Jigsaw Bakery: past incarnations have included posh fish finger and grilled halloumi and slaw. “We’ve got lots more plans in the pipeline, so watch this space!” says Duncan. Twitter @UrbanLarder

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NEW AT THE CASTLE BAR Regent Street’s The Castle Bar has recently reopened following an extensive revamp. Often overlooked in its previous guise, it’s now set to earn its place among the city centre’s most inviting drinking and dining spots. They’re going for an American, casual dining-style concept (burgers, ribs, BBQ chicken and a tasty range of veggie options), plus a fully-loaded cocktail menu. There are plans for live music nights too. We’re particularly liking the look of their new brunch menu, which is served 11.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays (from 11am on Sundays). It includes classic grilled cheese sandwiches, Philly cheese steak sandwiches and Nicoise salad. Or how about a full American breakfast with pancakes, eggs cooked to order and a topping of fruit, whipped cream or maple syrup with crisp, streaky bacon? On Sundays, stop by for a £10.95 Sunday Lunch (11am to 4pm), choose from chicken or pork with all the trimmings. Desserts are along the lines of chocolate fondant, warm apple crumble and blueberry and vanilla New York cheesecake. www.thecastlebarcambridge.com

ELEVENSES WITH WARMING YOUR COCKLES Love real coffee and home-made cake? Warming Your Cockles Coffee Company, whose mini truck you’ve probably seen at events like foodPark, is starting a new venture. Every Tuesday in May, they’ll pitch up at Cambridge Wine Merchants, Cherry Hinton, from 11am to 1.30pm for elevenses, serving delicious Union hand-roasted coffee and a selection of cakes. As the weather warms up, there’ll also be a selection of iced coffees too. Warming Your Cockles was started last year by Emily Blickem, film-maker, writer and lover of really good coffee. After spending time in New Zealand and Australia, she set up her mobile coffee business, which is regularly pitched near the train station and Science Park. Emily celebrated the business’s first birthday last month, and says of her first year: “It’s been a good year and really lovely to make friends with and be part of a supportive network of independent Cambridge cafés, businesses and street food traders. The coffee scene in Cambridge is really coming alive, and we’re glad to be part of it.” www.warmingyourcockles.com

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18-23 MAY

CAMBRIDGE BEER FESTIVAL The UK’s longest-running beer festival will resume its place on Jesus Green at the end of the month, offering up a superb selection of real ales, foreign beers, local craft beers and more. The CAMRA-accredited event is one of the social highlights of the Cambridge calendar for beer and non-beer drinkers alike. As well as the amber nectar there’ll be mead, cider and perry of all varieties to try, plus delicious food from local suppliers. The CAMRA cheese counter is always popular, and serves pork pies, ham and other savoury succulents, while outside you’ll find street food stalls serving the likes of burgers and falafel. Cambridge Beer Festival started out in 1974 and takes place this year between 18 to 23 May. It’s open 12pm to 3pm, then again from 5pm until 10.30pm – get there early to avoid the queues! Admission is £3. www.cambridgebeerfestival.com

COOKERY SCHOOL CHAMPIONED Our very own Cambridge Cookery School has been acknowledged by The Times as running one of the best cookery holidays around. The school, which has been running classes and courses since 2008, offers a host of foreign trips for keen cooks wanting to expand their knowledge and try out new dishes in the land of their origin. Cambridge Cookery School MD Tine Roche says: “We are thrilled about the recognition. We offer a small range of very high-quality culinary trips that are based on our intimate knowledge of the regions. “Three of our trips go to what we consider our home away from home; the relatively unknown LeMarche region in Italy. We offer a springtime Slow Food trail, a summer time hands on cooking week in a wonderful luxury villa, and an autumn Truffle Trip. All absolutely wonderful and dipping under the surface of normal tourist experiences.” New for 2015 is Tine’s trip to Stockholm – her former hometown. "Stockholm is an amazing city and the food scene is one of the best in the world,” she says. “I am so excited to head up a trip which includes the top restaurants and hotels in Stockholm, as well as foraging for wild mushrooms and baking traditional flat breads in a 250-year-old wood fired oven." www.cambridgecookeryschool.com

ELY CRAFT & FOOD FAIR Spend the day in the grounds of Ely Cathedral on 30 May for the Etheldreda Craft and Food Fair. This traditional English fete will see Palace Green come alive with over 40 colourful stalls selling jewellery, crafts, plants, local food and summer produce, beneath the impressive ramparts of Ely Cathedral. In keeping with country fair traditions, visitors will be able to try their luck on the tombola and test their aim at the coconut shy, then sit back with a Pimm’s and a bowl of strawberries and cream on the Cathedral lawns. You can also pick up bacon rolls, afternoon tea, delicious cakes and even champagne if you’re feeling flush. All profits from the fair go to the Ely Cathedral Choir Tour Fund. The Etheldreda Fair has been going since 1990 and is named after the founding Abbess of the first Abbey in Ely. www.elycathedral.org

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RECIPES

WORDS & IMAGES STELLA PEREIRA

is a cook, cake designer and artist, originally from Portugal and now living in Cambridge. Visit her website at www.littlecakepot.com

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RECIPES

Dried Figs, Sultanas and Walnut Bread • 300g plain ﬂour • 150g warm milk • 10g fresh bakers yeast • 50g sugar • 50g butter • 2 large eggs • 1/2 tspn ground cinnamon • 2 tbspn Aguardente / Grapa • 50g Figs • 50g walnuts • 50g sultanas • 50g dried apricots

Step-by-step guide Roughly chop walnuts, and thinly slice the figs and apricots. Place in a bowl, along with the sultanas and soak with Aguardente. Set aside. Warm milk and sugar until it reaches about 40°C, or test by dipping your finger (you shouldn't notice a difference in temperature to that of your finger). In a large bowl mix together yeast, sugar and milk. Stir until it has dissolved. Mix in 100g of flour. Cover and leave in a warm place until it turns into a sponge like consistency. In a small sauce pan, gently melt butter. Add the warm butter to the sponge, followed by the eggs, remaining flour, cinnamon and soaked fruits. Knead for 5 minutes, until the dough no longer sticks to the sides. If it's too soft, add a little more of the flour. Oil a large bowl. Place the kneaded dough in it, cover and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. After the dough has risen, turn onto an oiled surface and shape into a ball. Line a cake tin with parchment paper and place dough. Allow to rise for a second time. You could also cut it into smaller pieces, shape into balls and arrange them into a ring shape on a floured tray. Preheat oven to 220°C. Brush with egg yolk and bake for 30 minutes at 170°C until golden brown.

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RECIPES

Honey and Walnut Broa • 75ml honey • 70ml olive oil • 70ml water • 120g sugar • 250g self-raising ﬂour • 50g ground almond • 100g ﬁnely chopped walnuts\ • 1 tspn cinnamon powder • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Step-by-step guide In a medium pan, heat honey, sugar, water and olive oil until the sugar has completely dissolved. Mix the flour, almond, walnuts and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the hot honey mixture into a bowl and incorporate thoroughly into a soft dough. Allow the dough to cool slightly. When manageable, shape the dough into walnut sized pieces and place on a prelined tray. Egg wash them lightly and bake for 15 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 180°C (160°C convection oven) or until golden brown.

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RECIPES

www.littlecakepot.com

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EATING OUT

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Burleigh Arms Joining the already excellent local line-up of gastro pubs, this recently revamped pub tempts Jenny Shelton with its classic dishes he Old Spring on Chesterton Road has long been amongst my favourite Cambridge watering holes: cosy, smart but unpretentious décor, good pub food and ales and a buzzing, friendly atmosphere. In fact, its popularity might be its only downfall, it being tricky at times (Fridays after work especially) to nab a table, or even a seat. Fellow fans of the establishment will therefore be as gladdened as I to learn that owner Steve Murphy has lately taken over The Burleigh Arms, just a gentle stroll across the river to the other side of Midsummer Common, allowing loyal drinkers and diners to spread their custom comfortably between the two. Word of the new opening had clearly got out when I visited the pub on Newmarket Road early last month. For a Thursday night the pub was abuzz with chatter from professionals popping in for a post-work pint and families sitting down to eat. I took a seat in the window in the dining area, beneath glinting mirrors and antique prints of scholarly

fellows in gowns. To start, my dining partner and I chose to share a bowl of crispy whitebait, unbattered (good news for the diet), and served with delicious home-made tartar sauce, lemon and a chunk of granary bread. The portion was ample but delicious, and we had to leave a few morsels (I tried not to look them in the eye) to save room for our much anticipated mains. The menu, still a work in progress I’d been told, nonetheless offered a wonderful selection of tempting pub classics, like beer battered fish and chips, halloumi and couscous salad, chargrilled chicken pesto linguini. But it was the Burleigh Burger (£9, and burly indeed) that really got my attention, promising a beef patty, cheese, bacon and relish, served with salad and skinny fries. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds, the burger meltingly tender between a soft, floury, white bun; the mustardy, tomatobased relish adding that necessary zing. Opposite me, my partner was making easy work of his rump steak (£15). To me, a good steak should stand alone,

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dependent on no insipid onion rings, flat, watery mushroom or grilled tomato to hit the mark. Simplicity is key, and this is what we got: a juicy steak, cooked (unusually) as requested, with hot, fat chips, a little salad garnish and a creamy sauce (peppercorn, according to the menu, but tasting more like a Béarnaise). Keen to please, perhaps, the kitchen was a little enthusiastic with both portions of chips – next time we’ll request a few less in order to save room for one of the home-made desserts (ginger and sticky toffee puddings were on the sweet board that day). The new-look Burleigh Arms is a welcome addition to Cambridge’s lively gastro pub scene. Not only was the food and drink excellent, but I should mention the staff too, who were unfailingly well informed and friendly. One to consider next time you’re looking for somewhere new to eat in town. The Burleigh Arms, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8EG 012223 357228 www.burleigharmscambridge.co.uk

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EAT CAMBRIDGE WORDS NICOLA FOLEY ILLUSTRATIONS ALEX WHITE

ince launching in 2013, Eat Cambridge has become one of the hottest dates in the Cambridge diary, offering up a fabulous opportunity to explore the local food and drink scene and enjoy some truly unique dining experiences. It’s a great representation of just how far Cambridge has come in the last few years, rapidly evolving from something of a foodie dead spot to a city thronging with excellent independent eateries and interesting artisan producers, as well as boasting a thriving street food scene and an exciting array of supper clubs. “When we started the festival we felt the city needed a boost in the food stakes”, explains Sian Townsend, who coorganises the event with Heidi White, aka food blogger The Moving Foodie. “There were lots of great independents but we weren't collectively shouting about them enough, so we hoped the festival would do that. I think it's fair to say it has been a great success over the past two years and luckily the local public's interest in food and drink has grown with it. Maybe it's a trend, hopefully it's a move towards people wanting to eat well and support local and that's exactly what we're supporting and promoting.”

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As with previous years, the event will feature a main food and drink fair at the Corn Exchange, coupled with a busy lineup of fringe events at various locations across the city. On the fringe, you’ll find everything from a Marie Antoinette inspired afternoon tea to five course Mexican street food feasts to a pop-up 1940s café and a Spanish Fiesta. The night street food market – always one of the most popular events of the entire festival – will also be making a welcome return. “The Eat Cambridge fortnight is the only time of year people have the opportunity to discover our fantastic, growing, exciting independent food and drink scene in this way and see it all come together in one place”, says Heidi. “Our hope is that people use the Eat Cambridge brochure as a guide to explore every inch of Cambridge's food and drink over the two weeks, finding new favourite suppliers and products along the way, adding new ‘locals’ to their list of beloved cafés, restaurants, pubs, and taking part in some unique food experiences that don't happen every day.” This year’s Eat Cambridge will have a theme of collaboration, and hopes to show how the festival continually allows our local food businesses to come together

and show off and enhance what they do, with delicious results. “We're looking forward to seeing the new and creative collaborations coming up this year between fringe event hosts, venues, chefs, and other food organisations,” says Heidi. “That's what it's all about after all! The festival programme features some newbies, and we've got some exciting new pop-ups behind the scenes at the Main Event including tasting rooms, a Korean BBQ canteen by GoGo Gogi Gui, and a pop-up deli from Norfolk Street Deli. The format of the festival hasn't changed, but we think its getting better every year!” So, grab your diary and get planning your fortnight of foodie delights – here’s what’s in store.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

FOOD & DRINK FAIR Enjoy a whistlestop tour of Cambridgeshire’s finest food and drink enterprises on 23 May (10.30am to 4pm), which will see the Corn Exchange packed to the rafters with delicious delicacies to try and buy. Begin with savouries at Gog Magog cheese counter, which always impresses with its huge selection of top quality fromage. Pop over to the Burwash stall for a taste of everything they stock at The Larder, then, pick up cured meats and handmade salami from Sedgwick's Charcuterie, or visit the Gogs butchery stand, where the award-winning team will give demos and offer samples of different meats. You can enjoy a taste of Spain and

pick up fine Spanish foods including meats, cheeses and everything you need to whip up a perfect paella from Pata Negra, then stop by at Azahar for Iberico hams, spices, pulses, honey and more, all imported directly from artisan producers. Continue on an international theme with a visit to Momo Deli, which will be stocking freshly made Indian savouries such as samosas, pakora and fish cakes, then travel to Latvia with Ali’s Baltic Bakes, where they’ll be serving up traditional piragi with sweet and savoury fillings. Then, have your pick of sweet treats from local chocolatiers Chocolat Chocolat and be sure to sample the macarons,

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gourmet biscuits and exquisite handmade cakes from Fiona Pâtissière. Little Acre Kitchen will offer up their inviting handcrafted goodies, including ice cream sandwiches, cinnamon butter, salted caramel hot chocolate sticks and whiskey sauce, whilst Gourmandises will serve up locally produced French patisserie, tarts, gateaux and more. When it’s time for a tipple, you can choose between intriguing local gins from Pinkster and The Ely Gin Company, real ales from the Moonshine and Red breweries, and world class spirits and liqueurs from the English Spirit Distillery – which supplies gin to the queen, no less! There’ll be plenty more on offer too, including drinks and nibbles from local faves, The Snug, as well as ciders, cordials and a host of enlightening talks on everything from sustainable food to food styling (with Stella, who produces Edition’s gorgeous recipe shoots each month). Be sure to venture behind the scenes and discover one of the secret dining areas at the food fair too – we adore the sound of the ‘Chocolate Room’ (hosted by Chocolat Chocolat), and the Popup Korean fusion canteen, courtesy of Gogo Gogi Gui.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

FRINGE HIGHLIGHTS In addition to the main food and drink fair, Eat Cambridge has got busy line-up of tasty fringe events to tempt. Kick off your fortnight of feasting with a Nordic inspired pop-up restaurant at Cambridge Cookery School on 8 May. BYO wine and expect Scandi treats like lingonberries, herrings and rye bread, all expertly prepared by the School’s talented chefs. The next day, pop over to Burwash Manor in Barton for a celebration of all thing asparagus. You can expect cookery demonstrations, tastings from Cozzi & Boffa Wine Merchants, and plenty of tasty asparagus-based treats. There’s even the opportunity to take a tractor ride out to the asparagus fields on Burwash’s farm, so you can see how this delicious spring vegetable is grown (10am to 4pm). Also on Saturday 9th, take a trip down to Mill Road for a tasting tour of this vibrant corner of Cambridge’s foodie

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hotspots. Once you’ve had your fill, head over to St Paul’s Church at 3pm for an educational talk on eating well, hosted by local postgrad students. Over a cup of tea, find out what a good diet is – and why it can be so hard to stick to, as well as learning who in Cambridge isn’t getting a good diet and how we, as the local community, can help. On Sunday 10 May, get a taste of Italy with a special afternoon tea at the lovely Hotel Felix. Indulge in Italian breads, pastries and desserts created by head chef Jose Grazios, as you sink down into a sofa in the hotel’s luxurious orangery – or you could even head outside on the picturesque garden terrace if the weather’s up to it (£17.50 per person). Elsewhere on the same date, The Garden Kitchen – one of our favourite new foodie openings of recent times, will host a pop-up 1940s café to raise money

for the Alzheimer's Society. At ‘We’ll Eat Again’, you’ll be treated to hearty grub from yesteryear like spam fritters, doorstep sandwiches and cold meat pasties, as well as a good old dose of nostalgic community spirit. Then, get the week off to a caffeinefuelled, roaring start with a coffee tasting at Gwydir Street café Hot Numbers on 10 May, when the local Moonshine Brewery will be offering beer matches for this Gwydir Street favourite’s artisan coffees. Also at Hot Numbers, on 13 May, join the flamboyant chocolatier, Mama Bon Bon, for an evening of coffee, unusual and delicious sweet treats and espresso martinis. Also on 13 May, the Eat Cambridge Debate returns to the Chamber at the University Union Society for an evening of animated discussion on the Cambridge food scene with a panel of local experts.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

FOODPARK NIGHT MARKET Always a highlight of the Eat Cambridge programme, the street food night market returns on Saturday 9 May. Hosted by the foodPark collective, which regularly brings together the cream of our burgeoning local street food scene, the event will feature Cambridge favourites including Steak & Honour, Jalan Jalan, Fired Up Pizza, Guerrilla Kitchen, Churros Bar, Warming Your Cockles Coffee Co, Buffalo Joe’s, The Tin Kitchen and Jack’s Gelato. There will also be fizz, French wines and craft beers from the foodPark bar, plus live music from local jazz band Rcubed and electro swing from DJ Two Deck Charlie, with support from musicians from Cambridge Buskers Festival. foodParkcam.com/night-market

The event, which begins at 7.30pm, will be hosted by FT food writer and Fitzbillies saviour Tim Hayward, with Steak & Honour burgers served in the bar when the discussion is finished. On Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May, Gog Magog’s indoor/outdoor events space The Shack will host a supper club in conjunction with Guerilla Kitchen. With chef Jay Scrimshaw on the hobs, they’ll be serving up a six course, seasonal feast, making the most out of the great produce from the Gogs butchery, farm shop and deli. Tickets are £40 per person. For the rest of the week, you can enjoy freshly made tapas at the Shelford Deli and a talk on sustainable food at the Box Café on Norfolk Street (both 14 May), and a craft beer tasting with Black Bar Brewery at Cherry Hinton’s super cool

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Americana-inspired restaurant, Rhode Island (15 and 16 May). Saturday 16 May yields a duo of tasty delights, including An Introduction to Sourdough at Cambridge Cookery School, where the school’s founder, Tine Roche, will reveal the secrets of this characterful and tasty bread, from creating a perfect starter to guiding you through the baking process. Meanwhile at The Geographer deli in Impington, prepare to step back in time to the decadent days of Marie Antoinette for a sumptuous afternoon tea complete with Kir Royale, exquisite loose leaf teas and delicious savouries – as well as a selection of the French monarch’s favourite desserts, naturellement. Expect macarons, petits gateaux, eclairs, petites tartes sucrées and plenty more – as well as a

demonstration from Cambridge based French Patisserie, Gourmandises. On Sunday 18 May, it’s back over to Burwash for Sizzling Sunday – a celebration of all things pig! Along with butchery demos from Leech & Sons, there will be pulled pork brioche buns, Capsicana chilli sauces and a mini craft beer festival featuring both local and national breweries. On the same day, from midday til 6pm, head to the glorious Childerley Estate for a fiesta, hosted in partnership with Cambridge Wine Merchants. A full blown Spanish feria, the day will feature a huge variety of wines, sherries and gin, as well as appearances from some of Cambridge’s best loved street food traders, plus lots of entertainment and demos from the likes of Tim Hayward.

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EAT CAMBRIDGE

One of Cambridge’s most exciting street food outfits, Over The Tracks, is back for another outing on 20 May at Restwell House on Coldhams Lane. A partnership between local heroes Steak & Honour and Jack’s Gelato, OTT create innovative and seasonal dishes, with an emphasis on communal dining – taking street food off the street and placing it into another context. For something a little more risqué, mosey over to the Breaking Bad/ Against Humanity event for an evening of debauched dining and entertainment. Taking place at a top secret location, this extremely adult pop-up will feature a menu inspired by the crime drama Breaking Bad, as well as a game of the ‘card game for horrible people’ currently taking the globe by storm: Cards Against

Humanity (£55 per person, includes three alcoholic drinks). On both Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May, head along to Stickybeaks café on Hobson Street for a pop-up courtesy of Provenance – the new venture from the talented chefs behind Urban Street Kings. They’ll be laying on a five course feast of Mexican street food including bogo bogo, ceviche and some potent South American inspired cocktails (£30 for dinner, cocktails £7). The Grub Club will host a Producers’ Dinner at Cambridge institution Fitzbillies on Friday 22 May, offering a great networking opportunity for local food businesses, as well as a tutored tasting of Nyetimber’s English sparkling wines. Rounding things off in style will be Sunday Best at Gog Magog Hills Farm

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Shop, where they’ll be serving up top notch sharing roast dinners – perfect for getting together with family or friends on a Sunday afternoon. For more information and booking details, visit the Eat Cambridge website: www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

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FAMILY

ROOM ON

the Broom

Time Out Critics’ Choice and winner of four stars from The Sunday Times, Room on the Broom sweeps into Cambridge Arts Theatre this month. Tall Stories have adapted Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-beloved book, creating a dazzling, musical, theatrical experience for anyone aged 3 and over. How many friends can the witch fit on her broomstick? And what happens when a hungry dragon is added into the mix? Runs 5-9 May, various times. All tickets are £12.50. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

GROUND

Control

Calling all kids! Futuretron needs your help. In 1974 (ages ago, ask your dad), a manned mission was sent into space searching for inhabitable planets. Shuttle X27-40 indicates that they’ve found one. The astronauts on board have been woken from hypersleep in order to set about creating a new civilization – which is where they need you. If mankind had to start from scratch on a new planet, what rules would you put in place? What would you eat, what would be the national anthem, and what would your new world be called? A live, highly intelligent computer will lead this interactive event in which teams will share ideas and come up with a plan for the future of their new planet. It’s suitable for ages 7-12 and is strictly for kids only – because sometimes the biggest ideas come from the smallest people. Takes place 10 May, Cambridge Junction at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Tickets £9. www.junction.co.uk

South Suffolk SHOW

Classic cars, animals, tractors, craft stalls and a well-stocked food hall… what more could you want from a day out? A funfair? Well, there’s one of those too. On 10 May, head over to Ampton Racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds, for the South Suffolk Show – one of the leading agricultural events in the region. We’re keen to find out more about The Polly Parrots Roadshow and there’ll be entertainment too from the East Anglia Border Terrier Club (who knew there was one?). Adult tickets are from £8; children £5. The showground is open from 8.30am. www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

Don’t Let The PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS

Feathery fun at the Mumford Theatre in Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! This delightfully daft family show sees a bus driver leave the audience in charge of his vehicle under one condition: don’t let the pigeon take the wheel. When said pigeon is cunning, charming and persuasive, that’s easier said than done. Featuring songs and audience participation, it was written by Emmy Award-winning Mo Willems, animator for Sesame Street and creator of numerous Cartoon Network shows. 11.30am and 2.30pm, 2 May. Tickets £7.50. www.anglia.ac.uk

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HALF TERM FUN

LOVE YOUR ZOO DAY Support your local zoo and learn about all the great work being done by Shepreth Wildlife Park at Love Your Zoo Day, 25 May. Shepreth opened in 1984 (it celebrates its birthday this month too) and is home to two handsome tigers, a mountain lion, red panda, ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats and much more. At this time of year, you might even see some babies too. Takes place 12pm to 4pm. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

WOOD GREEN FAMILY FUN DAY Bundle the whole family over to Wood Green’s Godmanchester Centre on 26 May for their Family Fun Drop-In Day. Here, there’ll be crafts, colouring and animal story time, plus the chance to make a toy to take home for your pet. It’s suitable for all ages, takes place between 1pm and 3pm and costs £5 per child. No need to book – just come along. Own a rabbit? Wood Green Godmanchester is also offering free bunny MOTs on 13 May, 3pm. www.woodgreen.org.uk

HAL F TERM FUN ENTERTAINING ELIZABETH HALF TERM AT WANDLEBURY On 26 May, watch honeybees busy at work in the observation hive and solitary bee homes at Wandlebury Country Park. Find out how honeybees live, why bees and other pollinating insects are so important and how we can help to look after them. Visitors will be able to make their own wooden solitary bee home to put up in their own garden. Meet at Wandlebury Stable Rooms 10am; bring a drink and a snack and dress for the weather! Then why not stay on and explore the country park afterwards? (£6.50 per child, adults go free). Next, on 27 May, come along for Wandlebury’s Old-fashioned Fun in the Woods half term event for kids and parents. Let your brood run wild in a safe, natural environment: there’ll be den-building and bonfires for toasting marshmallows too. Takes place 10am to noon, £6.50 per child (accompanying adults go free). www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

Visit Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden this late May Bank Holiday weekend and you’ll find yourself in royal company. The English Heritage property will be throwing an elaborate Elizabethan party, complete with jesters, jousting, minstrels and music, to welcome Queen Elizabeth I as she passes through on her royal procession. Learn the rules of court etiquette, watch some thrilling theatricals and see knights on horseback jousting – a popular pastime of Henry VIII. This lavish spectacle takes place 24-25 May, 10.30am to 5pm. Tickets are £16 adults, £14.30 concessions and £9.60 children. www.english-heritage.org.uk

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WIN TICKETS! details at www. cambsedition. co.uk

VE DAY ANNIVERSARY AIR SHOW IWM Duxford will commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day with a special weekend of events for all the family. Across the museum there will be trade stands, music and activities, as well as a chance to see, close up, some of the mighty machines that helped defend Britain during the Second World War. The museum is open from 8am until 6pm, with a spectacular air show taking place at 2pm, finishing at around 5.30pm, both days. Book before 12 May for reduced price admission of £24.75 per adult (£27.50 on the day) and £9 children under 15 (£18.15 on the day). The commemorations take place 23-24 May. www.iwm.org.uk

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CRAFT

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

Jenny Shelton meets Claireabellemakes, Cambridge’s craft-blogger extraordinaire y day a PA at Cambridge University, by night (or rather all her spare time) Claire Wilson is to be found cosied up in her craft studio with her Persian cat Tammy, making beautiful things. You might already know her as Claireabellemakes, the name behind her successful, rather beautiful blog. Her latest post shows dinky, colourful macarons, doughnuts and other foodstuffs, all crocheted in wool. “How cool are they?” she enthuses. “I want a pizza garland in my kitchen right now.” Claire’s blog is filled with ideas and inspiration, together with her own recent projects, from home-made stationery and bicycle-inspired jewellery to knitted iPad cases. Has she always been a crafter? “My nan taught me to knit when I was a teenager and I’ve always done something crafty,” she says. “But it wasn’t until I finished my graduate studies in 2011 that I decided to start doing something more seriously. “I love crochet at the moment. It’s a bit of a granny craft but it’s having a resurgence. I think the recession got us thinking more about make do and mend; people were going out less and wanting to find a new skill they could do quite cheaply at home. To crochet, for example, you only need a bit of cheap yarn and a hook – that’s it. Also people don’t want disposable fashion any more, they want something that will last and they can take pride in. The Great British Sewing Bee has helped and, in Cambridge, places like The Sheep Shop. I think crafting has become cool again – it’s not just for grannies.” Claire started her blog three years ago after establishing a network of likeminded crafters online. She also helped

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Claim to fame “I once made coffee for Johnny Depp. I used to work in Starbucks in Leicester Square, and one day Johnny Depp’s assistant came in – it was during the Pirates of the Caribbean premier – and asked if I could make him a cappuccino.”

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CRAFT

What's on... In a spin… Aspiring Demi Moores should head over to White House Arts, Fen Road, for their beginners throwing weekend (pottery). Using electric wheels you’ll learn how to make a range of vessels out of clay in a friendly, relaxed setting. All abilities welcome. 9-10 May, 10am to 4pm, £100. www.whitehousearts.co.uk

Learn to make… A patchwork quilt at CallyCo, Cambridge. On 16 May, the city centre shop will run a course especially for beginner quilters and, using their specially prepared packs, will take you through the whole process. Runs 10am to 5pm, £80. www.callyco.com/sewing-courses set up the Cam City WI in 2012, which quickly became oversubscribed (there are now four more). “I go to a lot of blogger events, such as a Cambridge bloggers meet-up in March which was great. Though of the 50 people there I was the only craft blogger. I’m also part of the Etsy Cambridge team. “Consistently posting good content is the only way to keep followers interested,” she advises. “I’m super-organised, so I write and schedule everything in advance. A lot of my inspiration comes from Cambridge, going for bike rides along the Backs etc… Every time I leave the house I feel inspired.” What advice would she give to any would-be crafters? “Keep trying things until you find something that suits you. You don’t have to be artistic – I was terrible at art in school.

Scarves are a good start, but they take a bit of patience. So maybe try doing something with clay first, or some hand sewing. Join a local ‘stitch & bitch’ group to help build your confidence.” And if people like Claire make it all look easy, remember even pros get in a tangle. “Last year I tried to make a jumper but got stuck on the sleeves,” she admits. “I almost abandoned it: it stayed in a bag for about six months without me looking at it. But The Sheep Shop have a drop-in clinic where you can take in something you’re stuck with and they’ll help. Each project is a challenge, and you learn something different each time.” Claire also runs craft parties – details of which can be found online.

Cam City WI are staging a play about the history of the WI, which this year celebrates a century of inspiring and empowering British women. Raising Agents is showing at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, Cambridge, 29 May at 7.30pm. Refreshments are served from 6.30pm and are bound to be particularly good – this is the WI after all! Tickets £10/£12. www.camcitywi.blogspot.co.uk

www.claireabellemakes.com

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See a play…

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Win!

*styles may vary per store

WIN £500 TO SPEND AT HOMESENSE! This month, Cambridge Edition has teamed up with HomeSense to give one lucky reader a £500 gift card to spend in store, where they'll be able to choose between stylish kitchenware, soft furnishings, bedding and lots more. HomeSense, the Cambridge branch of which is located at The Beehive Centre,

stocks a huge range of unique, one-off pieces which range from the eclectic to the essentials – often with up to 60% off the recommended retail price. With fresh deliveries of the best quality homeware every day, there are over 50,000 items to discover in every store at irresistible prices.

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LISTINGS

WHAT S ON A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE FOR MAY 1 May

FLORISTRY WORKSHOP Time: 1pm to 4pm Location: Hotel Felix Price: £45 Description: Dutch floral designer Alice Calcasola-van der List leads a fun, creative course in flower arranging, sharing tips and helping you create a beautiful floral creation to take home. hotelfelix.co.uk

5 May

MARY BLACK Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £32 Description: The Irish singer, who has toured for 30 years, and released countless hits and an incredible 11 platinum-selling studio albums, brings her farewell tour The Last Call to Cambridge. cornex.co.uk

2-3

May QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL Time: First race at 2.05pm Location: Newmarket Racecourse Price: From £10 Description: Be there for the first two Classic races of the British horse racing year, taking place at the home of British horse racing. The Après Racing after party offers cocktails, music and dancing. There's tons of family entertainment too, with a funfair, Ferris wheel and bucking bronco. newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk

May SWING NIGHT Time: 7pm to 12.30am Location: Bedford Lodge Hotel Price: £49 per person Description: Dance and dine at Newmarket’s luxury hotel as they host an exciting 1940s event in celebration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day. With music from the Glenn Hurst Big Band. Tea dresses and uniforms optional but welcome. bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

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MAY

LEE THOMPSON Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £16 Description: The founding member of Madness and saxophonist, Lee Thompson, performs a ska-punk, reggae, funk and Motowninspired show with 10-piece ensemble The Silencerz. With guest DJ, The Specials’ Terry Hall. junction.co.uk

11 May

15 May

BETH HART Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: from £27.50 Description: The Grammynominated singer-songwriter stops off at Cambridge on one of only seven dates on her UK tour, following an outstanding performance at London’s BluesFest at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2014. cornex.co.uk

14 May

5 May

HOLLIE MCNISH Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £11 Description: Born in Cambridge but based in London, the performance poet extraordinaire is taking her album, Versus, around the country on tour this spring, offering a fresh, funny take on the genre. junction.co.uk

8 May

5 MAY

MAY

BLOOMINAUSCHWITZ Time: 4pm, 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £8/£12 Description: A flamboyant one-man show about identity and belonging. Featuring the hero of James Joyce’s Ulysses, who escapes the bounds of his book to explore a dark chapter of European history, the show combines highly-physical theatre with visceral text. junction.co.uk

SEASONAL ITALIAN Time: 10am to 2pm Location: Cambridge Cookery School Price: £125 Description: Discover the essence of Italian cooking and learn how to make fresh bread, pasta, cakes and desserts inspired by Italy and the changing seasons. Other gourmet delights include a delightful mix of chicken, pork, fish and vegetable dishes. cambridgecookeryschool.com

15-16

May RICHARD ALSTON DANCE Time: 7.45pm Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: From £15 Description: The contemporary dance company, celebrating 20 years in 2015, is back with a brand new piece, Nomadic, inspired by gypsy music with an electronic flavour. They also perform Martin Lawrence's Burning, and Britten's masterpiece, Illuminations. cambridgeartstheatre.com

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LISTINGS

IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

A spectacular, Classic race Newmarket Racecourse for the QIPCO Guineas Festival, Irish singer, Mary Black, on her farewell tour and the Richard Alston Dance Company's new piece, Nomadic.

17 May

RAPUNZEL Time: 11.30am, 2.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: From £6 Description: The story of the girl with the long hair who lives high in a tower, faraway from the troubles of the world. Told in an inventive, visual and physical style with live music, for ages 3+. junction.co.uk

18 May

SPEED DATING Time: 7pm Location: Hidden Rooms Price: £19.95 Description: Have some fun at Cambridge’s Hidden Rooms on Jesus Lane as they host a safe, friendly and exciting Speed Dating event through expert organisers, SpeedDater. hiddenroomsonline.com

18-23 May

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Time: 7.45pm, 2.30pm Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: From £15 Description: David Suchet stars as the formidable Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s celebrated Edwardian comedy. A chance to experience this major new production before it hits the West End next Summer. cambridgeartstheatre.com

18-23 MAY

19-23

May THE EVIL Time: 9.30pm Location: Corpus Playroom Price: £5/£6 Description: A chilling monologue that examines the nature of evil. Set in Sweden, The Evil is about a troublemaker boy sent to an exclusive boarding school where he tries to reform and live a life without violence – but his fellow students have other ideas. corpusplayroom.com

20 May

4X4 Time: 7.30pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £8/£12 Description: The worlds of circus, theatre and ballet collide as four jugglers and four ballet dancers share the stage in this co-production between Gandini Juggling, National Centre for Circus Arts, Lighthouse, Poole and La breche. junction.co.uk

21 May

ED GAMBLE Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £13 Description: The Chortle Award winner (2014) and star of the successful Peacock & Gamble podcast goes solo to deliver an evening of self deprecating laughs in Gambletron 5000. junction.co.uk

23 May

EAT CAMBRIDGE FOOD & DRINK FAIR Time: 10.30am to 4pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £2 Description: The finest food and drink from the Cambridge area and beyond, all under one roof! See page 56 for details of other individual Eat Cambridge events (talks, supper clubs and wine tastings) taking place throughout the month. #Yum eat-cambridge.co.uk

May WILL VARLEY Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £8 Description: The rambler and folk singer, tipped as one to watch by Time Out, is heading for the open road once more promoting his third forthcoming album with high-energy live shows. junction.co.uk

May GHOSTS & MIRRORS Time: 8pm, doors open 7.30pm Location: Kettles Yard Price: £5/£8 Description: Piano recital by upcoming contemporary star and Clare College alumnus, Richard Uttley, who will perform work by Lindberg, Thomas Adès Mazurkas, Judith Weir and a new work by Matthew Kaner. kettlesyard.co.uk

MAY

May ELY CRAFT & FOOD FAIR Time: 10am-5pm Location: Palace Green Price: Free entry Description: A bustling event featuring over 40 handpicked stalls selling local food, crafts, plants and more. The proceeds will go to the Ely Cathedral Choir Tour Fund. elycathedral.org

May CUSTARD COMEDY Time: 8.15pm Location: Willingham Social Club Price: £8/£10 Description: Comedians Jason Cook, Ben Schofield and Chris Norton Walker perform at Custard Comedy’s first ever Willingham event. MC is Laura Lexx. wegottickets.com/event/314028 Cambridge Edition | May 2015 | 73

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INDIE OF THE MONTH WORDS JENNY SHELTON

INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH

Millers Music

If music is the food of love, then Cambridge institution, Millers Music, must have been responsible for a lot of romance over the last century and a half ext year will be the 160th anniversary of Millers, so currently I’m trying to collect as much material as I can to put together a timeline. We’ve got old newspaper cuttings, photos…” Owner Simon Pollard is showing me around the lower ground floor of Millers Music, where black & white family photographs and yellowing newspaper clippings line the walls. The shop, situated on the corner of Sussex Street, is likely the oldest in Cambridge and in its lifetime has weathered world wars, recessions and dramatic changes in the way we shop to continue delivering a quality and necessary service.

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Simon took over the business in 2012 from Barry Robinson – great-greatgrandson of founder Albert Tubelcain Miller, whose whiskery face looks down from the wall next to old pictures of the shop. But Millers didn’t start life selling music. In the 1850s, Cambridge would have looked to Millers for a nice new bonnet. “The story goes,” says Simon, “that the family bonnet shop was running into difficulties and to save it the Millers sold their piano. The sale was so successful that they bought and sold more pianos, and so Miller’s evolved into a piano store.” Subsequently, it embraced new technology in home entertainment, from

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

gramophones to radios, later displaying the first TV ever to be seen in Cambridge. “We were one of HMV’s first customers, buying gramophones from them at the turn of the last century,” says Simon. “Somewhere, we’ve actually got an invoice marked ‘customer No.1’. We also supplied trench gramophones to the troops in the First World War.” Simon continues: “We’re the oldest recorded music store in the country, though we only have a small selection of CDs now. When the shop was on Sidney Street, it had a massive record department. When a big release came out, Barry, who is still involved with the running of Millers, used to go around all the other record stores in town and buy them up, so that he was the only place in town that had them. Or so I hear!” Today, pianos are still the mainstay of the business and the bright, welcoming shop is filled with them, sleek like killer whales, by top names like Yamaha and Bechstein. “Millers is known for its pianos, but we have an all-new guitar department which brings together the acoustic and electric instruments,” Simon says. It’s where Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Syd Barrett bought their first guitars, and when I visit, the team have taken one down to demonstrate – all very inviting and friendly. There’s also a large range of colourful ukuleles, which look like fun. “Ukuleles are really popular,” says Simon. “The folk scene is really strong in Cambridge, and across East Anglia, some of which can obviously be attributed to the Folk Festival. And at just £35 each for a ukulele - they're available to rent as well they’re really accessible.” One large part of the business is Millers instrument rental schemes. Simon explains: “We want to make music available to everyone, so you can rent an instrument from us for as little as £8. This way, you can give an instrument a try and don’t have to invest hundreds of pounds in something that might not turn out to be right for you. But if you do take to it, you’ve the option to buy it later.” Millers, who also run events, are keen for shoppers to try their instruments in store. “I’ve been to lots of music stores across the country and often if you ask to try an instrument the response is very frosty. Our ethos is the opposite; all our instruments are available to try. If people want to buy

something that’s great, but if not, that’s just part of running a music store.” Is this engagement with customers, and their constant innovation (you can find Miller’s on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest), the key to their success? “I think so,” says Simon. “For us it’s far more than just putting instruments out on display, it’s about engaging with people and providing additional services that you can’t get elsewhere. You can go online and buy a book, but in the shop you can get advice – and there’s nothing like playing,

We want to make music available to everyone, so you can rent an instrument from us for as little as £8 SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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feeling and listening to an instrument and seeing what works for you. “The history and heritage are something people trust. Millers is known in Cambridge, it’s been here over 150 years and we have a team of experts who are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. Our finance and rental schemes are crucial, and we encourage everyone who comes in to play – whether it’s chopsticks, Chopin or the Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Just come in and have a play.” Miller’s Music, Sussex Street, Cambridge; 01223 354452 www.millersmusic.co.uk

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21/04/2015 10:58

NEWS

Community NEWS MUMPRENEUR MARKET

ILLUMINATE AWARDED FUNDING Cambridge-based charity Illuminate, which helps the unemployed in the East of England, has been awarded five years’ funding by the Big Lottery Fund. Illuminate recently celebrated its fifth year helping the unemployed and those on low incomes gain confidence and self-esteem, hone communication and other skills that will help them move forward. Coaching sessions are tailored to the individual with the aim of bringing about longterm change for the benefit of the individual, their families and the wider community. www.illuminatecharity.org.uk

STAR SHINE STROLL Hundreds of people will come together to take part in a Memory Walk in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice this month. Join the event on 16 May and remember someone you love: it’s £15 to register and all money you raise will go direct to the charity, which helps provide care for people with terminal illnesses and their families. Take either the 10 or 6.6 mile route, both of which start from Shelford Rugby Club at 7pm. Make sure you register first and arrive by 6pm on the day to sign in, collect your T-shirt and take part in the warm-up. Bring a torch.

STAPLEFORD RUN Join in with Cambridge’s take on fell running on 17 May. There might not be many mountains around, but the Stapleford Community School PTA will be gathering at the Gog Magog Hills for their annual five-mile run to raise money for the school. All abilities are welcome, and the start time is 10.30am. Entry fees are £9 in advance (£5 children) and money raised will go towards upgrading the school’s IT equipment. Parking is free. www.staplefordrun.com

Following the success of last November’s Mumpreneur Market, The Grafton is hosting another one this May. It’s a chance for inventive mums with start-up businesses of all kinds to trade and showcase their products, be it jewellery, photography or crafts. A particular success story from 2014 was Sarah Parkins, of Sniffy Wiffy Beauty Products. She said: “For a start-up business, the opportunity to showcase and sell products at the Mumpreneur Market was priceless. My business is all about raising breast and testicular cancer awareness so to be able to reach huge numbers of people with this message was amazing. The Grafton is unique in offering local mums this opportunity, all of whom I would imagine – like me – are extremely grateful." The market will be in The Grafton’s Great Court, 29 to 31 May. www.graftoncentre.co.uk

WOOKIE WALK To mark Star Wars Day (May the fourth…), Milton Country Park is staging a charity Wookie Walk in aid of WinterComfort. Last year more than 60 Star Wars characters walked the scenic 2.8km route around the perimeter of the park. This year, there’s a Return of the Jedi theme, so expect a few Ewoks to join the fray. A donation of £8 per adult (£2.50 children) is recommended. This could buy a hot breakfast for four rough sleepers, while £16 could pay for an hour’s basic maths tuition. www.wintercomfort.org.uk

www.starshinestroll.co.uk

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DRAGON BOAT

ORGANISER

SUPPORTERS

CHARITY

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

The Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is coming up on Saturday 12 September and teams from all over Cambridge are already signing up to raise money and have a great day out lubs, companies and groups of friends are already signing up for this year’s Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, taking place in September. Edition was part of the action last year and can confirm that it’s a huge, colourful, slightly crazy (in a good way) day out - and the best part is that it's all for a good cause. This annual charity event sees teams of up to 11 people (including a drummer) crew a traditional Chinese dragon boat and race a 200m stretch of the River Cam at Fen Ditton. Now in its 11th year, the 2015 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is supporting Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). Michelle Gray, head of community fundraising at ACT, says: “We are especially delighted to be the festival charity this year as we are celebrating our 10th anniversary. We hope that businesses will support our much-loved hospitals by getting a team together for this popular

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event in September.” One of the first teams to sign up was Kerio Technologies UK from Cambridge. Crew manager Tracy Shepherd says: “This will be our fourth year [at the Dragon Boat Festival] and we love it! Kerio decided to enter the dragon boat challenge primarily for team building. One of our colleagues from Prague said it's the best team building event he has been to. “We also invite families to the day, and promoting company awareness is a bonus. Our team is made up from every division within the company and from all of our offices globally including Russia, America and the Czech Republic. We want everyone involved to know that as a company we value our employee’s family lives and want them to feel a part of Kerio. Also, the participants from our sales team want the trophy!” There’s a definite sense of friendly rivalry at the festival, with teams also seeking to outdo each other in terms of

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DRAGON BOAT

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

SEPT

their outfits. Popular fancy dress themes in previous years have included Smurfs, Vikings and cowboys and Indians - can you do better? There’s plenty happening on the bank too, with stalls, music, inflatable activities for the kids and Chinese themed entertainment taking place throughout the day. Most teams make a day of it and bring food and drink, set up a barbeque and enjoy the fun. Other early entrants include Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, Horizon Discovery, Cambridge Commodities Ltd, ARDEX, Linton Health Centre, Granite Transformations and Barton Willmore LLP. The team from Linton Health Centre will be led by Val Wheeler, one of the senior partners of this busy GP surgery. She comments: “We entered a team into the Dragon Boat Challenge for some team building and to help raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. Working within the NHS has been very

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challenging in recent times and we hope this challenge will boost morale and staff will benefit from a fun family day out. We are looking forward to the event and the build-up is giving staff a real buzz!” The Festival, supported by Cambridge Edition and Heart, promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike. No sporting experience is necessary – anyone can join in. The dragon boats and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. For more information on getting a team together, call Gable Events on 01780 470718 or go online. The top fundraising crew for ACT will receive a prize meal courtesy of The Red Lion, Whittlesford Bridge. So start fundraising now… and get ready to find out who in your office has the biggest competitive streak! See www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/ cambridge or call 01780 470718.

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NEWS

CAMBRIDGE BID MONTHLY UPDATE

Welcome May looks set to be a busy month for Cambridge, with some great events taking place including the brilliant Pint of Science (see overleaf). It’s also Love Your Local Market week from 13-27 May, plus, we’re delighted to introduce Adam, a new larger than life addition City Ambassador team – see if you can spot him around Cambridge!

What is the

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

Adam the Ambassador There’s a new kid in town. He’s tall, dark – and handsome in a cartoony kind of way – and his name is Adam. This striking, jolly figure is the latest addition to Cambridge BID’s City Ambassadors team, who patrol the streets of Cambridge in their distinctive bowler hats, dishing out local information and directions for the city’s 50,000+ visitors a year. Adam will act as the City Ambassadors’s mascot, and you’ll be able to spot him at local events such as the Christmas Lights Switch-On and Independents' Month. We’ve heard he also dishes out free hugs while he’s out and about, and he’s even on Twitter: @AmbassadorAdam

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NEWS

Love Your

Local Market May is for markets, and this year Cambridge Markets will be taking part in the national campaign, Love Your Local Market, running 13 to 27 May. Last year, nearly 1000 markets took part worldwide and in 2015 the campaign aims to target and encourage the next generation of young market traders. The booming, lyrical cry of a street trader is an entrenched part of British life – and something no-one wants to see die out. Fortunately, thanks to programmes such as this one, markets have seen something of a revival in recent years, with many of us choosing to seek out fresh, local produce and support our neighbours rather than the supermarkets. Our own market in Cambridge has been the trading hub of the city for hundreds of years and today remains a bustling centre of colour and activity. It’s the place to go for fresh flowers, vegetables and fish, old books, novelty T-shirts, pretty scarves and jewellery – or just to be surprised. The general market runs from Monday to Saturday, with a craft and artisan foods market taking its place on Sundays. Around the corner, there’s the All Saint’s Garden Arts and Craft Market, that runs on Saturdays and is a wonderful place to pick up a unique gift. Both run 10am to 4pm. For more about Love Your Local Market 2015, go online. www.loveyourlocalmarket.org.uk

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NEWS

St Mary’s Passage This well-trodden route will take you from Market Square to King’s Parade, with the gardens of Great St Mary’s Church on one side and a line of boutique shops – in gorgeous, historic buildings – on the other. St Mary’s Passage is pedestrianised (which means no bikes either, except for the parked ones), and on warmer days you’ll find tourists enjoying a cream tea on the pavement outside Auntie’s Tea Shop. Setting foot in this traditional English café is like stepping back to Edwardian times: Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary wouldn’t look out of place sipping tea, pinkie aloft, at one of its chintzy tables (awaiting another illicit rendezvous, no doubt…). Shops include Cuckoo Clothing, which stocks a beautiful range of quality women’s clothes and accessories: perfect for topping up your summer wardrobe. Sahara women’s clothes shop is next door, occupying a fantastic little Tudor building, like something out of Harry Potter. Dwarfed by its tall, Georgian neighbours, it looks like it was left behind when the city evolved: a reminder, probably, of how the whole city once looked when it was just a young university town. The church of Great St Mary’s holds a significant place in the history of Cambridge University, being originally known – and sometimes still referred to – as ‘The University Church’. There has been a church on the site for at least 800 years and the present building dates from the end of the 15th century. It has the only ring of 12 bells in the county, on which the ‘Westminister chimes’ of Big Ben (the ‘Cambridge Quarters’) were composed and first rung. For a few pounds, you can climb to the top of the tower to see spectacular views over the rooftops of the city.

Pint of Science Cambridge BID is sponsoring an event on 19 May as part of Pint of Science, the fun programme of events which brings the weird and wonderful world of science out of the labs and into the pub for everyone to enjoy. This evening of talks takes place at Cambridge Brewhouse, King Street, and sees Dr Paolo Bombelli take to the floor to talk about biological solar panels (including a live experiment!), followed by Paul Clarkson, who’ll expose the truth about nuclear fission in Gone Fission. Also throwing in his two penny’s worth about the ‘magic’ of photosynthesis is Nicholas Paul, PhD, then Alan Chorlton, microbrewer, will be enlightening us on the Theory of the Pint. The event runs 7 to 9.30pm (6.30pm doors) and tickets are £3. Cheers! www.pintofscience.co.uk

Buskers & Street Performers Festival Is there any sweeter accompaniment to a summer’s day in Cambridge than the sound of an acoustic guitar above the throng of shoppers, raising a smile in all who pass? The diversity of creative talent will be celebrated at Cambridge Buskers and Street Performers Festival. From June 12 to 14, the streets of Cambridge will come alive with dance, music, art, performance and song for the seventh annual festival, taking place throughout the city centre. The festival starts at 11am to 4pm (later at some venues) each day and is free to attend. This year there’ll also be entertainment on Parker’s Piece. Started in 2008 by Heather Bevan-Hunt, this year the festival's supported by Miller’s Music, The Earl of Beaconsfield, Cambridge Dutchbikes and Cambridge 105. cambuskers.nfshost.com

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21/04/2015 11:01

FASHION NEWS

PICKS FROM THE INDIES

LEATHER BACKPACK £88 ARK, PEAS HILL, CAMBRIDGE

FOR HER

KATYA WILDMAN BOMBSHELL LIBERTY ARCHIVE LILAC PRINT £269.95 CUCKOO, ST MARY’S PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE

FOR HIM

New Opening PETIT BATEAU Hip mums with mini fashionistas in tow should make a beeline for Green Street and check out the newly opened Petit Bateau for a slice of French style for kids, babies and adults. The boutique, which opened last month, is the tenth outpost for the brand in the UK, and will stock a range of clothing and accessories inspired by timelessly chic French style. The range begins with irresistibly cute little outfits, sleeping bags and toys for newborns and babies, with an equally dinky range for little girls and boys that includes dresses and coats, shoes and hats – all made with top quality fabrics. For the grown-ups, there’s iconic Breton striped T-shirts, vibrant raincoats and elegant dresses. www.petit-bateau.co.uk

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SCARAMANGA MEDIUM WIDE SATCHEL HANDLE AND FRONT POCKET £120 PODAROK, BENE’T STREET, CAMBRIDGE ADIDAS FOOTWEAR BOSTON SUPER 84-LAB £110 DOGFISH, TRINITY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

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FASHION WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

CREPE WIDE LEG TROUSERS £50 TOPSHOP, GRAFTON CENTRE & GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

MAY BALL EDIT The University’s season of glamorous May Balls is almost upon us, and whether you’re one of the lucky ones heading to party the night away at a College bash or off to another sophisticated springtime soiree, you’ll be needing a suitably show-stopping gown – here are some of our favourites from the high street.

VIV V NECK SHIRT £24 OASIS, GRAFTON CENTRE & MARKET HILL, CAMBRIDGE

Pastels always find their way into spring trends and this season is no exception. The catwalks at the Prada and Christoper Kane shows were awash with this most romantic of shades, and the high street has followed suit, offering up lots of gorgeous girly lilac pieces which will have you rocking pastel princess chic in no time.

GREY FINE KNIT JUMPER £50 LINEA WEEKEND GREY MAXI DRESS £99 LABEL LAB AT HOUSE OF FRASER

ASOS PRETTY UTILITY JUMPSUIT £55 ASOS

GRAFEA HARI BACKPACK IN LILAC £180 ASOS

LACE PROM DRESS £170 KAREN MILLEN, MARKET PASSAGE, CAMBRIDGE

ASOS SALON PREMIUM BANDEAU BALL GOWN DRESS £150 ASOS

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ROYINA MAXI DRESS £175 COAST, GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

PETITES BLUSH PLISSE MAXI £55 MISS SELFRIDGE

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FASHION

PALM PRINT SHIRT DRESS £22.99 NEW LOOK, LION YARD, CAMBRIDGE

SUPER SOFT DENIM SHIRT DRESS £39 MISS SELFRIDGE, LION YARD, CAMBRIDGE

ASOS DENIM SHIRT DRESS £40 ASOS

BOOTI PRINT LILE SHIRT DRESS £79 EAST, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

GRID PRINT SHIRT DRESS £42 TOPSHOP, GRAFTON CENTRE & GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

UTILITY SHIRT DRESS £40 TOPSHOP, GRAFTON CENTRE & GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

PULL&BEAR CHECK DENIM SHIRT DRESS £25.99 ASOS

Shirt dresses are shaping up to be spring/summer 2015’s fashion must-have. Oozing effortless style, there are loads of great options on the high street. Go for laid-back chic with a denim number from Topshop or Miss Selfridge, or opt for smarter, office friendly prints like this gorgeous East dress.

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FASHION

BLUE SHAPES SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT £28 TOPMAN, GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

RED HERRING FLORAL POLO SHIRT £24 DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

TOMMY HILFIGER SHIRT WITH FLORAL PRINT SHORT SLEEVES £75 ASOS

NEW WAVE PRINTED POLO £14 NEXT, GRAFTON CENTRE & SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE MANTARAY SHIRT £34 BACKPACK £45 BOTH DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

ANERKJENDT FLORAL BOMBER JACKET £90 HOUSE OF FRASER

ORIENTAL BIRD PRINT SHIRT £7 PRIMARK, BURLEIGH STREET, CAMBRIDGE GLOBE GREEN LEAF PRINT SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT £37 TOPMAN, GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

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BEAUTY WORDS DAISY DICKINSON

The new season is a great excuse to experiment with your locks, and whether you’ve got a wedding in the diary that calls for a girly up do, or a beach to hit that demands boho chic, we’ve got some top tips for helping you get the hair of your dreams...

Beach

BABE

Perfect for reclining on a beach or a relaxed, glamorous summery look, this style is easy to achieve. Try Bumble and bumble Surf Spray (£21.50, bumbleandbumble.co.uk), apply to damp or dry hair and scrunch in. For straight hair, finish by sectioning hair into 2-6 parts and twisting into loose buns, leaving for 10-30 minutes before shaking loose. For dry or damaged hair use serum on the ends to finish, we love Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shine Serum (£7.99, Boots). If you fancy a DIY challenge, mix a cup of hot water, a tablespoon of sea salt, a tablespoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of conditioner or hair mask, pour into a spray bottle and shake – voila!

Texture

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TEASE

This mussed up look uses matte textures, layers and much more volume than the beach hair trend. If you haven’t invested in a hair powder yet now’s the time. Nicky Clarke Tease Me (£14.50, Boots) creates effortless high volume and dynamic texture in seconds, simply scrunch into roots and see the transformation instantly, or for when you don’t have time to wash you hair try Bumble and bumble’s Pret-a-powder for a similar effect but with equal parts dry shampoo, style extender and volume all in a pinch (£21.50 bumbleandbumble.co.uk). A great product to keep in your handbag, Bumble and bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Finish is a translucent dry spray which creates instant fullness and texture – great for giving extra oomph after a midday slump! (£21.50, bumbleandbumble.co.uk). As well as using this style to add interest when wearing your hair down, it also gives a great canvas for an up-do, try twisting sections of hair from the front, and pulling back into a creative pony – or scrunching all your hair back and pinning loosely with bobby pins.

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BEAUTY

nottheninetofive.com

Pin up Poker

STRAIGHT

A look that never goes out of fashion, the SS15 catwalks were full of simple, elegant and super straight styles. GHD are still on top of their game when it comes to straightening irons, and the latest Eclipse styler in the range offers the fastest heat-up time yet, and boasts the ability to tame even the most unruly of do’s (£145, ghdhair.com). Cloud Nine’s Iron, The Touch, is the first flat iron we’ve seen that offers instant heat, with no on/off switch. This clever styler begins to work from the first stroke (£99, cloudninehair.com). Use a good heat protection product like GHD’s spray, which doesn’t leave a coating on your locks (£9.95, ghdhair.com), then work the tool from root to tip. Use clips to section off parts of hair to make the task more manageable.

For a super glamorous look, channel your inner screen siren and opt for big voluptuous curls. GHD's Soft Curl Tong creates big bouncy curls and the Classic Wave Wand, ideal for long hair, (both £110, ghdhair.com) makes it easy to create the curl you want. Protect your hair with a heat spray, and check out GHD’s protection glove (£4.99) to avoid fingertip burns. Babyliss have designed the Curl Secret tool which automatically draws hair into the ceramic chamber where it's softly held and gently heated to form a perfect curl – easy! (£120, babyliss.co.uk). For an ultra sassy shine use ColorWow’s Pop ‘N Lock Shellac which combines nourishing oil and serum for super shine (£14, colorwowhair.com). Don’t forget a mist of hairspray to keep your style in place. © Amanda Wakely

Shimmer

AND SHINE

The wet look's back this season, and while we think it's pretty cool on models sashaying down the runway, we’re not convinced it's a wearable, every day style. Taking inspiration but toning down, this look can work on long and short hair, and offers a quick solution for a smart up do. Start with super clean hair – we love ColorWow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner (from £9, colorwowhair.com) as a base, then use a thickening lift spray when blow drying, try ColorWow Raise the Root Thicken & Lift spray (£16.50, colorwowhair.com) or Hair Raising by Nicky Clarke, which creates impressive lift without leaving hair sticky (£16, Boots). Spray onto towel dried hair, working into the roots with fingertips, and blow dry your hair upside down for tons of volume. Next, use a light gel and sweep the top sections of hair back, securing with a spritz of hairspray - we love Schwarzkopf's got2b Rise 'n Shine Soufflé and Glued Blasting Freeze Spray (both £4.19, Boots).

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WELLNESS WORDS JENNY SHELTON

WELLNESS Rooms at The Swan, Lavenham, start at £185 per night B&B based on two people sharing. A 60-minute Work it Out Massage is £65 per person.

REVIEW: WEAVERS’ HOUSE SPA Have you ever met the man or woman who never gets stressed, has no aches and pains and sleeps like a baby every night? Me neither. We all have busy lives, and it’s easy to forget to schedule ourselves some time out to reset our lives to ‘normal’. I’m currently neck-deep in wedding planning, which is exciting and wonderful, but involves more than a healthy amount of time thinking about tablecloths and bunting. Baby brain? Try Bride brain… With just under two months until ‘I do’, husband-to-be and I decided to whisk ourselves off for a much-needed weekend away. We love the Suffolk town of Lavenham, with its timber houses, antique shops and cute cafés. And with a new spa just opened at The Swan hotel, we didn’t need much persuasion to return. The Swan is one of the most iconic of Lavenham’s wonderful jumble of listed buildings, many of which have stood for over 500 years: a reminder of Lavenham’s history as a prominent wool-trading town. It already boasts a two-AA Rosette restaurant and 45 luxury rooms, and in March the former posting house added Weavers’ House Spa to its offerings. After slipping into cloud-like robes (seriously, they took fluffy to whole new

levels), we joined our therapists for a friendly consultation and a cleansing avocado smoothie. Upstairs, in our couple’s treatment room, there was just time to take in the beautiful décor (restful blues, creams and natural wood) before climbing onto our individual beds, topped with a cushiony Hydrotherm mattress for a truly float-away feeling. The extensive list of treatments includes the Weavers’ House Hug, Mediterranean Sea Massage and the sweet-sounding Outer Glow, using a sugar-buff body scrub. We had the Work It Out full body massage for two, which began with a deep steam inhalation of eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender to clear the tubes. Next, our therapists set to work

on legs, arms and back, using their zingy Work It Out massage oil to soften knots and tight muscles. After our blissful hour was up, I felt rested and rejuvenated in body and mind. By the by, if you’ve never had a joint massage, do. It’s great for bonding and you can swap notes in the conservatory afterwards over a pot of herbal tea and lemon biscuits – or take a dip in the steaming, outdoor plunge pool. Absolute bliss! Weavers’ House Spa, with its stylish interiors and exciting range of treatments, is a significant new addition to the local spa scene. A relaxing haven of calm and luxury, it’s the perfect place in which to take stock and emerge ready for anything. www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

FINN JORDAN GAIN CROWN SALON STATUS Cambridge beauty salon Finn Jordan, located on Sussex Street, has been recognised as one of the top salons in the country after being named Guinot Crown Salon 2015. The coveted award is in its 15th year and winners are chosen from Guinot’s portfolio of 1,200 salons, judged on their environment, flawless customer care and treatment expertise. As a Crown Salon, Finn Jordan receives exclusivity to Guinot product and treatment launches, and is one of the first salons to offer the new Guinot Age Summum anti-ageing facial. To book an appointment contact 01223 356600 or find out more online. www.finnjordan.co.uk

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EDUCATION

WORDS JAMES PIPER

James Piper, Head of The Perse Prep for girls and boys aged 7-11 years, reflects on the value of role models at school ow, what I want is Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them.” So spoke Mr Gradgrind, the notorious, joyless headmaster in Dickens’s Hard Times. While imparting a strong knowledge base has an important place in schools today, thankfully Gradgrinds are few and far between. Teachers encourage pupils to challenge apparent ‘facts’, to consider issues from different perspectives and to use their creativity to find solutions to seemingly intractable problems. In the 21st century, we aim to help children develop the skills – be they of scholarship, emotional resilience or cooperation – that will equip them to cope with whatever life brings. For this, it is not just the facts that they learn at school which matter, but the way they learn them. And it is not always what teachers say, but who they are and what they do that can have the most lasting impact. Teachers who are passionate specialists in their subject areas have a powerful ability to excite and stretch young minds. They are able and happy to go off on a tangent when a child’s interest sparks a question that opens up a new angle in the lesson. Their enthusiasm is tangible and infectious, and their expertise is fascinating. Andrew Motion, former Poet Laureate, remembers the impact such a teacher had on him: “I wanted to birdwatch and be left alone. Then I was taught English by Peter Way (Mr Way to me), and it was as though he walked into my head and turned all the lights on.” We recruit staff with many interests, who can enrich the life of the school in several ways. When children encounter the same teacher in the lab, on the hockey

pitch and backstage it sends a message about the importance of nurturing your own diverse interests and thereby achieving balance in life. Good teachers are also active listeners. Give young people a voice and value what they say, and you give them an understanding of the importance of openness and co-operation. We recently invited our school council to decide how to use some funds (they asked for a science garden) and to provide guidance (they assessed the designer’s ideas and provided constructive feedback). Will our grounds be improved as a result? Certainly. Will the children feel their ideas are valid and their opinions matter? Absolutely. School is as much a place of social learning as academic learning, where children develop tolerance, kindness and manners. At times this is tested – not by exams, but through encountering unfamiliar situations. Under the watchful eye of teachers who possess the judgement to know when and whether or not to intercede, children working on a

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drama production or setting up camp in outdoor pursuits learn how to negotiate and compromise. They learn that success and satisfaction can be dependent on working as a team. Sometimes, teachers can lead the way by showing a willingness to take themselves lightly. On Red Nose Day we ran a competition for children to create designs to paint onto teachers’ faces, and five brave volunteers sported the winning art in front of hundreds of children and parents. Did they look ridiculous? Yes; just as they did while performing skits as part of the children’s charity talent show. Yet the children got to see them in a different light - as people, not just teachers. Independent schools will shortly be welcoming parents to their summer open days, and they will doubtless receive many questions about the curriculum. I urge parents who are selecting from the excellent local schools to take five minutes to sit and simply observe the teachers at each. Often, the most important job a teacher has is that of role model.

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS NEWS LOCAL HERO LANDS INDUSTRY AWARD Andy Kent, the founder of Andy’s Kars and Andy’s Ark in Bar Hill, has received the Institute of the Motoring Industry (IMI) award for Outstanding Individual Achievement. The brand-new accolade was awarded at a ceremony in London in March, attended by ex-England rugby player and TV personality Matt Dawson and Richard Noble, OBE. Andy established Andy’s Kars in 2002 to adapt vehicles for a variety of disabilities, enabling people with limited movement, paralysis or other physical difficulties to regain their independence and get back on the road. Andy and the team also carry out essential jobs like servicing and MOTs. Andy’s Ark followed in 2009 as a centre for young people to come to terms with their situations, and to encourage a robust, resilient and can-do attitude. As such, Andy has given a helping hand to many young people, including Paralympic 100m gold medallist Johnny Peacock. All the while, Andy has had his own challenges to come to terms with. The survivor of an astonishing four cerebral haemorrhages, Andy worked from a young age to prove to himself and others that it’s possible to achieve anything if you put your mind to it. After a traumatic early school life, Andy left full-time education at the age of 14. His father then helped him to get a workshop helper role at a local garage, and Andy set about learning the trade – and getting himself an education in the process. Andy’s dyslexia, then undiagnosed, held him back at school but through hard work and determination he has now earned

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his English GCSE. His natural ability with numbers, and a talent for mechanics, helped him succeed in maths as well, and in terms of professional qualifications he has worked his way up to Master Tech status, with a Level 4 IMI qualification in motor mechanics and a Level 7 in business management. Never one to be beaten by adversity, a year after his first cerebral haemorrhage left him in a coma for six weeks, Andy completed the gruelling walk from Land’s End to John o’Groats. He says: “I wanted to prove to everyone that if I can do something like that, literally anyone can. Disability should not stop anyone from living a full and fulfilling life.” Andy was nominated for the award by a colleague and IMI member. Typically modest, Andy comments: “I want to thank my team, our customers,

and everyone I work with for their support and dedication. There really is no ‘I’ in team, it takes a group effort to succeed, and any recognition I get is just a reflection of everyone’s hard work. I particularly want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding too. Without them we wouldn’t be here, so this is my chance to say thank you.” Two other new awards were unveiled at the awards ceremony. IMI CEO Steve Nash says: “It is important that the IMI takes the opportunity to recognise those individuals who have made unique and important contributions to the progress of the sector. The recipients of our three new awards are all leading lights in the sector who are setting examples for others to follow. Next year’s nominees will have a hard act to follow.” www.andys-kars.co.uk

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