Cambridge Edition July by Bright Publishing

Cambridge jUly 2013

Cambridgeshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality lifestyle magazine www.cambsedition.co.uk

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Inside this issue...

Summer dining Guide

Ca mbridge

sh a k espea r e

Festival

alt-j interview

Get set for

festiva l season! CE07_001 (COVER)ljc.indd 1

i n s pi r e d interiors

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contents

july 2013

72 5 • Five Things to do The editor rounds up her top picks for July 7-9 • Nightlife From club nights to comedy, gigs and festivals, we’ve got the low-down   11 • Comedy festival The Cambridge Comedy Festival returns 12-13 • alt-j Interview Editor Nicola joins Alt-J for a backstage chat after their recent Cambridge gig 17-20 • Arts & Culture  We take a look at arty goings-on and Ruthie from the Cambridge Art Salon shares the gossip from the local arts scene  22-25 • Festivals The inside word on Cambridge Folk Festival and the Secret Garden Party 29 • Family From comedy especially for kids to getting lost in a giant maze, there’s lots of family fun to be had this month 31 • Summer of Shakespeare Grab a picnic and watch some Shakespeare in some of Cambridge’s most beautiful settings 32-36 • independents month  A celebration of our city's finest indies, packed with special events and offers 38 • Competition  Win a shopping spree at rural retail retreat, Burwash Manor! 40-41 • Listings   A comprehensive guide to events around the county this July

64 50-51 • Recipes Impress your veggie friends with these three meat-free BBQ dishes 55 • restaurant review  Editor Nicola visits The Three Horseshoes in Madingley 56-58 • Summer Dining Guide Make the most of that sunshine! We pick the best al fresco dining spots 63 • Indie of the Month   Discover delightful King Street boutique, Boudoir Femme

Cover Image courtesy of Danny North

Welcome I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: July is absolutely my favourite month to live in Cambridge. With the Folk Festival, the Comedy Festival, the Shakespeare Festival, Cambridge Open Studios and the Big Weekend, there’s something for all tastes. It’s also the month that the Secret Garden Party pitches up in the north Cambridgeshire countryside for another magical four-day party. Turn to We’re hiring! page 24 to find out what Fred Fellowes, Bright Publishing is the event’s flamboyant founder, has looking for a sub got in store this year. Rather excitingly, editor. To find out we’ve also got an interview with the local more, visit www.brightpublishing.com. lads turned Mercury-winning megastars Alt-J, who I caught up with ahead of their recent Corn Exchange gig (page 12). For our Group Spotlight this month, Jenny visited Cambridge’s newest WI, the Cambridge Blue Belles, and found out that there’s a whole lot more to the inspiring legacy of the Women’s Institute than just crochet and cakes; turn to page 43 to read the story. We’ve also rounded up Cambridge’s finest al fresco feasting spots, plus lots more Cambridge-y goodness besides. Enjoy the issue!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR

64-67 • Fashion  The editor picks her top styles for July

68-69 • Beauty Festival beauty: easy to pack, time-saving essentials for staying radiant 72-79 • Interiors Soften a room with fabulous fabrics and add personality with prints 81 • picnic bits Lovely bits and bobs for a summery picnic

EDITORIAL

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

Contributors

Features editor Jennifer Shelton 01223 499463 jennifershelton@brightpublishing.com

Alex Rushmer, Charlotte Griffiths, Daisy Dickinson, Emily Brooks, Ruthie Collins, Charlotte Phillips, Sian Townsend, Catherine Carr, Simon Pollard

Sub editor Lisa Clatworthy lisaclatworthy@bright-publishing.com

Design & Production

43 • Group Spotlight We join Cambridge’s new WI group, the Cambridge Blue Belles

83-85 • Gardens However modest your garden may be, keep it looking gorgeous this summer

Sub editor Hannah Bealey hannahbealey@bright-publishing.com

44-47 • Food News A round-up of gastronomical goings-on around the county this month

86 • Pets Local experts look at the issue of pet obesity, and how to combat it

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

48 • Food Column Alex Rushmer provides sizzling BBQ alternatives to the still-pink sausage

89 • Education Simon Pollard explains the many benefits of learning a musical instrument

Advertising

Key accounts manager George Pearson 01223 499464 georgepearson@bright-publishing.com

Designer Nicole Henson 01223 499450 nicolehenson@bright-publishing.com

publishing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

www.bright-publishing.com

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

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news

Things to do this month

1 Burwash Manor is once again hosting an Artists’ Marquee in July. A total of 14 artists will display their work at the pretty rural venue over four weekends. With an ever-changing array of fantastic art – from watercolours, screen printing, oils and photography to jewellery, textiles, ceramics and sculpture – there’s plenty to see and be inspired by, wherever your tastes may lie. They’ll be hosting a Preview Evening on 5 July from 5 until 8pm, which offers the only chance to see all 14 artists at once, take part in the ‘posh raffle’ to win a piece of artwork (each artist has donated one special item), and drink Pimm’s on the lawn listening to live music, all in support of local charity, Tom’s Trust. www.burwashmanor.com

4 Hotbed Festival Since starting life back in 2002, Hotbed Festival has been making good on its promise to ‘inject some adrenaline’ into the new writing scene in the east of England, and this month the event will be in Cambridge, showcasing a dizzying array of theatrical treats. From 11 until 14 July, you can enjoy a huge celebration of fresh writing talent, featuring a range of newly commissioned pieces and award-winning productions, along with readings, workshops and the now-famous ‘one-page play’ contest – in which a writer can see their work brought to life by a professional cast of actors at the festival. www.junction.co.uk

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A brand new luxury spa opens in Newmarket on 3 July. Offering a number of indulgent treatments, spa days and breaks, and situated adjacent to the stylish Bedford Lodge Hotel, The Spa is housed in a Victorianbuilt property which once formed part of the estate of the sixth Duke of Bedford. The development has retained many of the building’s original features including the grand staircase and high ceilings, which have been restored to reflect a new era in a lavish £5.5 million redevelopment. Bookings are now being taken. www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

Enter the Lion Yard Art Competition!

Visit the Artists’ Marquee at Burwash

Pamper yourself

Cambridge Edition has once again teamed up with Lion Yard to host a competition for local artists, culminating in a special art exhibition which will take place at the shopping centre throughout August. Members of the public (both children and adults) are invited to submit a piece of artwork which they feel reflects Cambridgeshire, with fantastic prizes for the judges’ favourites. The winning adult will get the opportunity to show and sell their work free of charge at Lion Yard, while the winning young artist will receive a hamper of art materials. Want to get involved? Contact Jenny Fletcher on 01403 783400 or email lionyard@pmwcom.co.uk. The deadline for entries is Sunday 21 July.

The Shelford Feast Celebrate local life at The Shelford Feast from 8 until 14 July, as it hosts its annual week-long village festival, featuring a comedy night, film show, kids’ disco, quiz night, 80s music night and more. There’s also a beer festival and plenty of food to tuck into, and it’s all in aid of local charities. The week culminates in The Shelford Feast on 14 July, promising a spit roast and a swing band from midday. It takes place at Woollards Lane, Great Shelford. Weekly tickets are £28 adults, £7 children. www.shelfordfeast.co.uk

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july

NIGHTLIFE

Summer in the City An explosion of culture, music and merriment hits Cambridge this summer, as Summer in the City announces its programme of free events taking place in the parks and open spaces. Over the weekend of 5-7 July, Summer in the City brings us three whole days of free live music for The Big Weekend, taking place on Parker’s Piece. And it’s promising a great mix of music, entertainment and children’s events. On Friday, from 6pm, head to the main stage for music by funk ’n’

soul legends, Hot Chocolate, rap and dance group The Mend and Status Quo tribute act, John Coghlan’s Quo, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Saturday sees numerous food stalls, a film tent, football marquee and fairground rides take over the park, offering plenty of things to do for all the family. There’s also a chance to hear Strawberry Fair Band Competition winner The Simpletone performing live. The food court, film tent and outdoor markets continue on

Sunday, joined by the annual Cambridge Mela, which celebrates the diversity of our city. The event marks the 20th birthday of UNISON, one of the country’s biggest unions, which has teamed up with Cambridge City Council to celebrate. Then head to Jesus Green on 14 July (3pm) for Jazz and Brass in the Parks, a chance to lay back and listen to the sounds of Harmony in Harlem, a 17-piece big band playing the music of Duke Ellington. www.cambridgesummerinthecity.co.uk

Forest Live

Image courtesy of James O'Mara

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The Forest Live concerts at Thetford conclude this month after welcoming some of the biggest names in music to entertain us at this unique open-air venue. July sees The Script and Paul Weller take to the stage, but while tickets for both gigs have sold out, you’re still in time to see Elvis Costello and The Imposters on 13 July (7.30pm, £39). Costello is considered to be one of the most important singer-songwriters to surface from the punk/new wave era. With memorable tunes and absorbing lyrics sung in his distinctive style, Costello’s back catalogue includes classic material like Alison, Watching The Detectives, I Can’t Stand Up (For Falling Down) and Veronica as well as his timeless cover of Good Year For The Roses. Ever evolving his offerings, he continues to be a formidable chart presence on both sides of the Atlantic. www.forestry.gov.uk

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nightlife

Music at Cambridge Junction Whatever your musical preference, Cambridge Junction is the place to be this month; they pretty much have everything covered. Their live music events kick off with a gig by Half Man Half Biscuit on 4 July (doors 7pm, £18.50). His lyrical, political rants owe much to the punk era which first nurtured his talent, yet draw on modern gripes from today’s age of fake celebrity and continuing social angst. Then, clubbers are invited to the Rhymepad Summer Jam, 6 July (7pm, £8), for DJs spinning hip hop beats all night. Meanwhile four of the world’s finest acoustic guitarists: Don Adler, Dan LaVoie, Justin King and Stuart Masters, will be demonstrating their talents at Fingerstyle Collective on

22 July (7pm, £12) in what’s likely to be a hugely inspiring evening for all guitar and guitar music enthusiasts. Trembling Bells & Mike Heron are up next on 23 July (7pm, £13), casting a folksy spell over the J2 venue. Trembling Bells have drawn comparisons to Sandy Denny for their 60s-style folk revival sound, while Scottish singer-songwriter Mike Heron is best known for his work with the Incredible String Band. Toots and the Maytals conclude the month with an energetic show on 25 July (7pm, £24). Toots – incredibly, he’s turning 70 this year – is one of Jamaica’s greatest showmen and the talent behind reggae classics such as 54-46 Was My Number, Funky Kingston and Pressure Drop. These days he’s usually found on tour with pals Willie Nelson, Keith Richards and Ben Harper, and his latest 70th birthday show looks set to be a real highlight of the musical calendar. www.junction.co.uk

The Vaults The subterranean bar and restaurant has a few musical treats in store this month, starting with their Singer/ Songwriter Night on 1 July. It’s a chance to try out new songs and be inspired by others, plus it’s free to join in. Then, Chicago blues band Splitwhiskers stop by on 5 July, with a cacophony of instruments in tow. If you’d like to see a blues harp in action, step this way. And the charismatic Charlie and the Funk Factory are back on 12 July, putting a youthful, funky spin on chart hits and classic favourites, followed by The Ben Smith Band on 26 July. Live music starts around 10.30, and it’s happy hour every day until 7pm (10pm Fridays). www.thevaults.biz

1940s Society Night On 27 July, slip on your Mary Janes and stockings (or trilby and braces) as The Red Lion at Whittlesford Bridge hurtles back in time for a night of vintage 1940s music and dancing. Their 1940s Society Night is set to be a highlight of the social calendar, with live 40s-style music from the D-Day Darlings and a glass of Pimm’s on arrival promised. Keep the wartime spirit alive by donning your best 40s costume and singing along to classic patriotic numbers. Tickets are £12.95; call 01223 832047. www.redlionwhittlesfordbridge.com

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nightlife

MILK2SUGARS AT THE FOUNTAIN Purveyors of funk, soul, hip hop and house, Milk2Sugars are pitching up at The Fountain on 5 July for a new monthly residency over the summer. After the success of their Easter weekend Loft party, they’ve been given their own night and they’ll be doing what they do best: hosting big nights to keep the crowds dancing 'til the early hours

La Raza

(3am to be precise). Plus, it's free entry! www.thefountain.co.uk

EARLY NIGHT CLUB Like a good boogie but can’t be doing with staying up until 3am? We might have just the thing. The Early Night Club is a night out with a difference. It’s aimed at grown-ups after a great night out with like-minded people, music you can dance to, and best of all: it finishes early enough to give you at least a fighting chance of not being a zombie

There’s a packed live music schedule at La Raza this month, with something for all tastes. Their regular acoustic nights continue on 3, 17 and 24 July, with appearances from Chambers & Hamilton, Ben Smith and Tom Stanbrook respectively (8pm, free). Then catch Swagger on 5 July for rhythmic piano, funky sax and bass, and soul songstress Katie Leone on 11 July (both from 9pm, £5). www.laraza.co.uk

the next day. Taking place at La Raza, the DJs start playing at 8pm (doors at 7.30pm), and it’s all done and dusted by 11.30pm. This month’s date for your diary is 18 July, and the Early Night crew are planning a big party, filled with feelgood summer tunes, glitter balls and fizz on arrival (tickets £8). www.earlynightclub.com

GREEN DOOR Yes, we’ve got some great pubs and bars in our city – but it’s often said that nightlife in Cambridge is missing a little something. Edition couldn’t possibly comment. But we were definitely intrigued when we got wind of Green Door Productions and their ambitious plans to offer the ‘night out we’ve always wanted’. The idea is that the team behind the event will host four lavish parties per year – initially in Cambridge and then, all being well, nationally. While each event will have a different theme and venue, they will all feature a sumptuous taster menu and a range of entertainment – with the eponymous green door providing the entry to all. The team behind the event are a mixture of creative types from the worlds of interior design, film and

ad agencies – and they’re pooling their respective talents and ideas to create parties which are completely different to anything we’ve seen locally. Their debut party took place in May at La Raza and featured an incredible culinary feast, some brilliant, offbeat entertainment, a dress-up box, a few bunny girls and a whole lot of cocktails. Tunes came courtesy of Count Sizzle – who kept the crowds up dancing ’til late with a fantastic, genre-spanning mix of rhythm and blues, swing, ska and whatever else tickled his fancy. Plans are already afoot for the next event – a Rockabilly inspired soirée, due to take place in September. Check the website for more details. www.greendoorproductions.co.uk

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news

Cambridge

Comedy lFestival ights High

The festival rolls into town on 16 July, setting up camp until 21 July, bringing with it familiar names plus a few undiscovered talents. Here’s our pick of who to see Tuesday Daniel Simonson He won Best Newcomer for his debut show in Edinburgh last year, now the Norwegian comic is back with his follow-up show, Stranger. Bar Nusha, 7.30pm, £8.50 Tony Law Expect shouty and absurd routines from this Have I Got News For You and Buzzcocks comedian, who won Chortle’s Best Live Show award for Nonsense Overdrive this year. Bar Nusha, 9pm, £8.50 Wednesday Pat Cahill The ‘wonderfully weird’ Pat Cahill presents Start, which features gags, songs and other bits and pieces, presented with innovation and originality. Bar Nusha, 7.30pm, £8.50 Ben Norris Celebrating 20 years in comedy, Ben Norris brings us his new show, Mr Ambigiousness. He’s been described as ‘a wonderful disgrace for a human being’ by fellow comic Daniel Kitson – and that’s a friend talking. Bar Nusha, 9pm, £8.50 Thursday David Trent This Is All I Have is the new show from David Trent, who’s no stranger to sell-out shows and big award nominations. With a ‘natural flair for the absurd’, he’ll be bringing out his funny computer projectors once again. Cambridge Junction, 7.30pm, £10.50 Sanderson Jones & Pippa Evans They’re the Guinness World Record Holders for ‘longest hug’, but when they’re not cuddling they’re writing and performing comedy, including this one, Joy and Wonder. Cambridge Junction, 9pm, £8.50

Friday Simon Munnery Award-winning Simon Munnery brings daring, imaginative comedy and some live sketches, performed in Fylm – and projected live on-screen. Cambridge Junction, 9pm, £8.50 Ed Byrne Perrier Award-winning comic Ed Byrne is one of the most familiar faces on the comedy circuit, most recently seen wrestling with a biscotti on the Great Comic Relief Bake Off. Early booking is advised. Cambridge Junction, 9pm, £10.50 Saturday Marlon Davis The impish comedian, who has supported Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr on tour, gives us a glimpse of his new Edinburgh show, which looks at life in urban Britain. Cambridge Junction, 7.30pm, £10.50 Glenn Wool Globetrotting Glenn Wool has completed another lap, returning with plenty of tales to tell. Described as ‘one of the best hours of comedy I have ever seen’ by The Scotsman newspaper. Cambridge Junction, 7.30pm, £10.50. Jeff Innocent If you’re tired of big-haired comedians in skinny jeans who are young enough to be your children, Jeff Innocent offers Comedy For Grown Ups as a solution. There’ll be stand-up followed by an interactive quiz to win a Parker pen! Cambridge Junction, 9pm, £10.50

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Sunday Gráinne Maguire Excitable and energetic, Gráinne Maguire describes herself as a politics and pop nerd, and writes for radio, newspapers and TV. Her style is silly and subtle, but smart. Bar Nusha, 7.30pm, £8.50 Comedy club 4 kids Marton Mor presents a mix of silly songs and visual comedy from Men In Coats and Mitch Benn. For 8-11 year olds, grown-ups welcome, no dragons. Cambridge Junction, 5pm, £5/£10 For more information and full listings, see www.junction.co.uk.

16-20

Also showing: Funny Punts See the funny side of Cambridge in a comedy punting tour (that’s right!) of our own fair city. It’s hosted by award-winning comedian and former Cambridge News columnist Hannah Dunleavy, who’ll blow all those boring stories about colleges and Byron’s bear out the water. Granta Boat & Punt Co. Tours last 45 minutes, tickets £10 from the Cambridge Junction box office.

July

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news

WORDS Nicola Foley Images Matty Graham

the edition interview

From four lads on the dole in Cambridge to global stardom and a Mercury Prize. Nicola Foley talks fame, fortune and fans with Alt-J t’s been a pretty mad year for Alt-J, by all accounts. Catapulted from obscurity to worldwide acclaim in the space of a matter of months following the release of their debut album, An Awesome Wave, the group have picked up the Mercury Prize, an Ivor Novello for best album and been selected as BBC Radio 6 Music’s album of the year, as well as embarking on a major worldwide tour. Genre-wise, it’s often said that they’re virtually impossible to put a label on. Their sound is certainly distinctive, blending folk sensibilities, delicate melodies, trip hop sounds and heavy synthy bass with poetic, almost confessional lyrics, peppered with film and literary references. The album is full of contrasts, from the shuddering bass of Dissolve Me to the dreamy guitar riffs

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of Matilda, right the way through to the Gregorian-like chanting of Fitzpleasure and the gentle Bhangra rhythms and stirring strings of Taro. Art rock, boffin rock, folk-step, whatever you call it, there’s no denying it was an extraordinary first album. “We all have very different tastes in music,” muses drummer Thom Green when I catch up with him backstage at the Corn Exchange on the night of their performance there. It’s a homecoming gig of sorts for Alt-J, who until recently all lived together in Cambridge (guitarist Gwil Sainsbury still does). “It’s weird to be back under these circumstances. When you’re touring it’s a bit of a blur, you never really feel that connected to the different cities – so I feel like a bit of an outsider. It’s nice though, and I’m really looking forward to having a walk around.”

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news

Images Alt-J performing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in May 2013

The four-piece, who take their name from the Mac keyboard shortcut for delta (the hollowed-out triangle symbol which appears time and again in the band’s videos and artwork), met at Leeds University back in 2007, making the move to Cambridge after completing their degrees. “We knew that when we finished we all wanted to live together, to make our music and concentrate on it properly,” he explains. “Cambridge seemed like a nice halfway point. You can easily get to London, it’s quiet, and nobody knew us here; it was amazing and I really loved living here – it was just so nice and peaceful. I don’t ever get that attached to places, but I do miss it, yeah. This will always be the place that we finished the album.” It’s something of a cliché to comment on how down-to-earth a band seem, but Alt-J appear genuinely bewildered at their sudden meteoric rise to fame. Thom speaks excitedly about hanging out with other musicians, ‘as though we’re on the same level or something’, shaking his head. And whilst they’re clearly overwhelmed with gratitude that their music has been so well received, it’s also evident that they’re very much still adjusting to their newfound fame. “Things have definitely changed for us,” says Thom. “It wasn’t long ago that we were on the dole and we had to have meal plans so that we knew we were going to eat – it’s not like that now. This level of success makes you more comfortable and that’s probably one of the biggest changes that I’ve had to learn to deal with.

“I’m quite self-conscious as well,” he admits. “If it was up to me there‚ wouldn’t be as many photos. And I don’t think I’ll ever get used to meeting the fans. “They don’t really see me as me, obviously, they just see me as part of Alt-J. They’re often very excited to meet me and if I’m a bit reserved or a bit taken aback I always feel guilty that I’m not providing them with what they want. It’s a bit hard sometimes, but not all fans are like that. It’s great when you meet people who just genuinely want to let you know what they think of the music. I know what that’s like. That’s really reassuring and it’s nice to know that we’re entertaining people.” Whatever the downsides of success though, they’ve been far outweighed by the band’s achievements – and, for Thom at least, taking home the Mercury was the standout moment so far. “That was the highest point, definitely,” he grins, when recalling the moment they heard the news. “We’ve been really lucky. To even be nominated – that’s all we wanted, and even then, we didn’t ever aim for that. Just having that recognition, we still can’t believe it.” With a summer schedule packed full of tour dates and a number of festivals to play, the rollercoaster shows no signs of slowing down for now. They recently completed creating the score for Bruce Goodison’s forthcoming film, Leave To Remain, and they’ve already succeeded where so many bands fail in ‘cracking’ America – where they will be touring for much of the summer. “I’ve

never worked this hard in my life!” laughs Thom. “I’ve never wanted to work this hard in my life – but now I am, I feel completely happy doing it. There are so many things that I want to do and it’s given me a lot of opportunities.” The frantic zigzagging around the globe is making finding the time to write new music tricky for the band, but the fans are all eagerly awaiting the second album – and the question on everyone's lips is when can we expect to hear some new Alt-J material? “Next year some time,” says Thom. “Ideally the people who have a say want the next album out in May. We would put stuff out now if we could. We’ve only got one album and people want to hear more. We know what that’s like. But at the same time, we don’t want to put anything out that we’re not completely happy with. We’ve got studio time booked in now and again over the summer, but we finish touring in October and then we’re going to concentrate properly on it.” Other than that, the band seem keen to just keep doing what they’re doing and keep hold of that incredible synergy which has served them so phenomenally well so far. “I hope that we manage to survive the tour,” says Thom, when quizzed about his hopes for the future. “Touring is hard, and after a while you get pretty run-down as it’s so intense. But then you get time off, and you just want to go and do it again. I hope we create a space to be able to write again too, and we don’t have too much pressure, and that we just keep the great dynamic that we have now. “The crew we have is amazing, we’re all like best friends, and the whole production is perfect… Stuff has happened that I never in a million years thought would happen. It’s everything I’ve always wanted, so I don’t know how it could get any better.”

“It was amazing, I really loved living here. I don’t ever get that attached to places, but I do miss it. Cambridge will always be the place that we finished the album.” – Thom sign up to the edit newsletter at cambsedition.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE We explore the arts and culture scene in Cambridge, showcasing some of the many exciting exhibitions and projects taking place around the city, as well as highlighting the local artists and events to look out for

Sounds Green Picnic Proms Cambridge Botanic Gardens branch out this month by hosting live music events, taking place every Wednesday evening. The after-hours Picnic Proms are part of the Cambridge Summer Music Festival, and allow us to enjoy a diverse range of classical music in this beautiful space. Sirocco will open the series on Wednesday 3 July: with influences from classical, folk and jazz, this dynamic saxophone quartet are all graduates of the Royal College of Music. They perform original work and new interpretations, with an emphasis on Eastern European and Argentinian pieces. Then, Quintabile will be performing in the Garden for the first time on 10 July, followed

by 3D Jazz on 17 July and Trovador on 24 July. The series closes on 31 July with a performance by Cymbiotic Percussion. There’ll be a barbecue at The Garden Café each evening, while strawberries and cream and other nibbles will be served on the Main Lawn. Bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on, while a woolly jumper and waterproof or brolly are equally encouraged – just in case! Concerts all start at 6.15pm, and usual admission prices apply. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

The Drawing Cube Changing Spaces’ new gallery on Norfolk Street, The Drawing Cube, has a fresh exhibition this month: About Face by Melissa Castrillon. Melissa’s fourth solo show in the city, About Face takes influence from folk tales and the natural world, created using different mediums and methods. These delicate, fanciful watercolours, graphite drawings and paintings invite the viewer to conceive their own stories through the faces and characters within them. Melissa is a freelance illustrator and is currently studying for a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. About Face runs until 20 July (Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4pm) at 9 Norfolk Street, Cambridge (right next to the CB2 café). www.changing-spaces.org

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ARTS & CULTURE

Emma Will

Hannah Kennard

Cambridge Open Studios

Featured artists:

Artists all over Cambridge will be throwing open their doors and inviting you, the public, into their studios and workspaces to view their work and see how and where it’s produced. More than 250 artists are taking part this year, and the event takes place every weekend throughout July (11am-6pm). Visitors will also have the chance to talk to the artists about their work. Says organiser Charlotte Woods: “Cambridge Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity to gaze at amazing treasures and, if you wish, speak to the artist, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Emma Will

“From watercolour artists to potters, sculptors to jewellery designers, textile artists to photographers, whatever your tastes or preferences, there will be something for you.” She urges us to remember to check out studios in the surrounding villages too as “often members are exhibiting within range of a good pub or tempting tea shop, so you can plan a route to make the perfect day out!” Look out for the yellow guidebook, which can be found around town, and yellow flags, which will be flying outside residences taking part.

Emma is a ceramic artist based at 16 Dalton Square, Cambridge. Inspired by the Norfolk coast, she creates vessels and sculptures using stoneware and porcelain, driftwood and pebbles. She even works from her own beach hut studio in Chesterton. Weekends two, three and four.

Hannah Kennard

Hannah is an illustrator, producing original drawings and prints inspired by rural and urban environments. She’s based in Church Street, Chesterton. Weekends two and four.

Iain Smith

Iain’s work is both functional and beautiful. He uses glass to create bowls, plates and dishes from his studio at 11 Lynfield Lane. Weekends two, three and four.

Nicola Powys Iain Smith

Painter Nicola has recently begun producing work in response to her new venue, The Engine Room at the Steam Museum, in Cambridge’s Museum of Technology. Weekends two and three.

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Rhiannon Higgins

Nicola Powys

Rhiannon Higgins

Cambridge artist Rhiannon creates contemporary jewellery, uniquely designed and handmade using precious metals and gemstones. She’ll be at 25 Seymour Street. Weekends two, three and four. www.camopenstudios.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Perils of the Night Calendar Girls Surely a classic of our time, the story of the Calendar Girls has touched hearts everywhere and continues to remind us of the realities of life and death, and the power of friendship and love. When Annie’s husband dies of leukaemia, she and her fellow WI members decide to do something bold to raise money for the local hospital. They hope it will raise enough for a new settee in the waiting room, but instead their brave, alternative take on the traditional WI calendar sees them grab the world’s attention. An emotional journey full of laughter, sadness and, ultimately, hope, Calendar Girls – based on a true story – became the fastest-selling play in British theatre history. To date, the real Calendar Girls have raised over £3 million for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the UK’s leading blood cancer charity. This production is by renowned local amateur theatre company, Bawds. It’s on at the ADC from 16 until 20 July (7.45pm, £7-£10). www.adctheatre.com

Steampunk in Cambridge The first of its kind to come to Cambridge, this celebration of Steampunk is a one-day event taking place in The Guildhall on 7 July. For a modest £1 entry fee, you’ll get to enter the fantastical world of Steampunk – where the future meets the past and sci-fi converges with the Industrial Revolution. There’ll be films, music and other cornucopia, plus ‘tea duelling’ and nice places to have a cuppa and a bun. It promises to be a fascinating event. It starts at 10.30am, running until 5.30pm. Search Facebook for ‘Steampunk Cambridge’ for more.

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Cambridge has long provided inspiration for artists, writers and film-makers alike, and this month, the second novel in a crime series based in Cambridge forms the subject of a literary talk at Heffers. Author James Runcie published the first of his Grantchester Mysteries series in 2012, and returns with The Perils of the Night, which continues the story of detective Sidney Chambers. It’s 1955 and a Cambridge Don has fallen from the roof of King’s College Chapel. This unexpected drama coincides with a case of arson at a photographer’s studio and the poisoning of Zafar Ali, Grantchester’s best spin bowler. With his trusty Labrador at his side, Chambers sets about his investigations, though his own personal dilemmas put him on course for Berlin, where he becomes tangled in a web of espionage. James Runcie is head of literature at the Southbank Centre and author of five novels. He is also an award-winning filmmaker, and the Grantchester Mysteries is currently in development as an ITV series. The talk takes place on 3 July at 6.30pm. Tickets are £6 from Heffers or book by calling 01223 463220. And if crime fiction is your bag, Heffers is also holding a special Crime Pays evening on 11 July (6.30pm, £6). Three authors – M R Hall, Chris Morgan Jones and William Ryan – will be in residence, discussing their latest works. www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

the arts insider Dea nna Tyso n's Until lions write their own histo ry...

At Aid & Abet, Popova (left) and Pat F lynn

Red Mist by Maureen Mace

3-speed shopper at Aid & Abet

This year’s July is like a month-long festival of creative happenings in Cambridge. Whether you’re a traditionalist at heart or lean more towards the avant-garde, Open Studios is a must for diehard art fans in the city. A studio is an intimate space for an artist, where a whole, fresh way of engaging with life is often created. I’ll be loitering in the kitchens of Maureen Mace for her wonderful, psychedelic cows, and Cheryl Warren, whose paintings shimmer with a rare, nourishing magic, plus I’ll be checking the seductive art of Katy Bailey at the Old Pumphouse. I may even share some of my own writing on art at the Cambridge Art Salon, which is open every weekend in July. Also at the Salon, check the Quintessentials show, from 4 until 17 July, then between 18 and 31 July, a Feast for the Eyes, featuring works by our volunteers and associates. Plus we’ll be hosting a couple of New York-based artists who are preparing some of our walls for the Romsey Art Festival. Go prepared, with a big bottle of water, comfy shoes and your Open Studios guide – and plenty of cash in case you fall in love with something (you will!). I’ve also inked Deanna Tyson’s longawaited solo show, Until lions write their own history the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter, which opens at the Alison Richards Building on Saturday 6 July, into my diary. This Yorkshireoriginating artist weaves protest into textiles with stunning results, calling her works, ‘political cartoons’. You can read her refreshingly

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uncompromising social commentary in the kimonos and soft furnishings she’s created in response to the University’s study centres housed within African, Latin American, South Asian, Politics and Development Studies – a rare, not-to-be missed chance to see political art in the heart of our city. Making art for a living is renowned for being one of the toughest, most envied careers out there – but it’s not always glittering openings, commissions and soaring bank balances! Creativity expert Eric Maisel once remarked that managing anxiety is a big part of any artist’s life. So why on earth do so many people want to be one? What makes an artist get out of bed every day? Exploring this very topic are Aid & Abet, with what looks set to be a fantastic group show opening on 18 July. Curated by Monsters and Mermaids, it is playfully asking if for some artists, it could (as well as obsessions with the apocalypse, film, youth, the process of making and painting and other things), simply, be fun? Yes, fun. Remember fun? When I watch my baby Otis running around with glee and squeaking at the world, I think I know what they mean by the show’s title, Like a Monkey with a Miniature Cymbal. Or maybe I don’t, but I am still going to see the show anyway. If you fancy getting away from our city for the day, hop on the train to London for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, now in its 245th year, to check out Cambridge’s very own Alexander Blustin (plus hundreds of other amazing works!), whose print, ‘The Bishop’s Topiary’, was selected this year out of 11,000 entries. Well done Alex! Enjoy your July – just remember to have fun, whether or not the glorious sunshine carries on.

House Guests For the past few months, Kettle’s Yard has been housing works from eight other University of Cambridge Museums in amongst its own collections. The charming house-cumart gallery on Castle Street is a great place to discover local artwork and artefacts, and this latest exhibition is a chance to broaden your horizons even further. “We hope the ‘guests’, from butterflies to Inuit carvings, will inspire visitors to discover more about the other Cambridge University museums and to see Kettle’s Yard in a new light,” the museum pledges. House Guests runs until 28 July (Tuesday-Sunday, 1.30-4.30pm, admission free), and there’s a talk taking place at 1.10pm on 11 July. www.kettlesyard.co.uk

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From humble origins way back in 1964, the Cambridge Folk Festival is now one of the largest events of its kind in Europe. And this month, it's back This month, the Folk Festival returns with a typically diverse line-up, from charttopping acts to up-and-coming local bands. Here are our highlights for 2013...

Thursday 25 July

Edgy folk artist Lucy Rose will perform on Stage 2 on the opening night of the festival. One of the year’s rising stars, her debut album, Like I Used To, revealed her talent for ethereal but soulful ballads and intricate melodies. She’s followed by American singer-songwriter Willy Mason, with Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman and Jamie Smith’s Mabon also performing. Over in the Club Tent – which showcases the future stars of folk – will be local group The Willows and The Brass Funkeys, a seven-piece outfit fusing reggae, hip hop, thrash metal and jazz.

Friday 26 July

Feel-good shanty singers Bellowhead will be shaking things up on Friday, when they will be joined by rock outfit the Levellers. There’s also a chance to see husband and wife duo Amadou & Mariam, who’ll be bringing their refreshing combination of traditional Mali sounds, rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. Friday night concludes with a good old knees-up, courtesy of the Monster Ceilidh Band.

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Saturday 27 July

Miami superstars The Mavericks play the main stage on Saturday, promising a crowdpleasing set full of well-known classics like Dance The Night Away, as well as newer offerings from their much-anticipated reunion album, In Time, which was released earlier this year. Also up is guitar virtuoso, Australian Tommy Emmanuel, regarded as one of the finest country-folk guitarists in the world, plus Thea Gilmore, who was recently described by Mojo magazine as “the most coherent, literate and charged British singersongwriter of her generation”. Brit Award-winning pop-rocker KT Tunstall is also making an appearance, showcasing work from her fifth album, Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon. The evening rounds off with Jim Moray’s Silent Ceilidh: an interactive music experience like no other, involving music blasted straight into your headphones…

25-28 july

Sunday 28 July

Sunday sees The Waterboys adding their folk-rock songs to the mix, then Capercaillie take up the Celtic baton to perform hits from the 80s to the present day. Sibling trio The Staves owe a great deal to the Festival, which gave them their big break in 2011, and has seen them progress from the smaller stages to the Main Stage, where they’ll be performing this year. Another Sunday must-see is acclaimed Irish folk and country singer, Heidi Talbot. Cherry Hinton Hall, 25-28 July www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

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To celebrate the return of Cambridgeshire’s wildest festival, Nicola Foley caught up with the event’s flamboyant founder to discover what’s in store for this year... olourful, eccentric, hedonistic and bursting with creativity, Secret Garden Party is a festival like no other. After celebrating its tenth birthday last summer, the event returns this month for another four days of bacchanalian partying in the Cambridgeshire countryside, and the organisers look set to raise the bar once again. It’s the sort of place you truly feel like anything could happen, with breathtaking art installations, a floating stage on a lake, an underground woodland party inhabited by badgers who like to rave, jaw-dropping fireworks displays, an enormous straw bale amphitheatre and mass-scale paint fights – as well as a thousand other tiny moments of random, beautiful brilliance, it’s not hard to see why it’s been described as a ‘Disneyland for adults’ (though this description scarcely does it justice). It’s a riot of silliness, inhibition and frivolity in which the festivalgoers are as much a part of the event itself as the music or entertainment.

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“I wasn’t long out of university when I started the event,” recalls the Secret Garden Party’s founder Fred Fellowes. “The initial premise came about because my friends and I all grew up going to raves and club nights and we all loved outdoor parties. We wanted to replicate the vibe and atmosphere and freedom of these parties without the monotheism of just one type of music.” Working at the time for Red Bull, Fred was sourcing possible venues for the company to host parties and asked his family if any of the land they farmed might be suitable. When Mill Hill Field came up, he decided that it was too good an option to pass onto anyone else and set about creating his own festival there. The Secret Garden Party was born, and continues to this day at the very same location. And what a location it is: a sprawling site which forms part of the grounds of a Georgian farmhouse, boasting its own lake, river, landscaped gardens, rolling hills and woodland hideouts – it gives the creative

minds behind the festival a perfect canvas for allowing their fantastical visions to come to life. “Once I’d done it one year, I kind of got committed so I went on and did it the next year,” he says. “And then people started getting what we were trying to do. We started getting some great feedback and it snowballed from there. In the simplest possible terms, there’s a lot more to do in a field than listen to music, and there’s a lot more we can achieve when we all get together, as a like-minded group of people – and it’s about exploring that.” SGP is known for its phenomenal attention to detail, with every step around the lovingly crafted site yielding a new spectacle or surprise. Production values this high don’t come easily: it takes around 8,000 crew members to transform the site, with construction beginning some time in November, and planning and preparation taking place all year round. “We take the art of partying and having a good time very,

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Image courtesy of Andrew Whitton

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Image courtesy of Jenna Foxton

Image courtesy of Danny North

“We take the art of partying and having a good time very, very seriously” very seriously,” laughs Fred. “It’s something we give a lot of thought to, and I think that when people come into contact with that level of engineering, of social dynamism, it does feel magical and special and different.” The ‘magic’ of Secret Garden is something that Fred and his team are fiercely protective of too – they haven’t expanded in size in two years and they’ve no plans to (in fact they habitually discuss whether they can make it smaller again). Thankfully, it seems unlikely that this festival will go the way of so many others and fall prey to corporate sponsorship or over-commercialisation. “We just try and keep level-headed and strict about letting other brands come and do activities in the garden or try and bottle some of the magic,” he says. “I think every decision has to be made for the good of the party, not the good of the bottom line, and that protects the bottom line eventually.” There have been many highlights over the decade, but one sticks in Fred’s mind the most. “There was a wonderful moment in

our first year when the head of licensing had come up to me and was asking how it went. We were talking politely and this completely naked girl, discarding the last of her clothes, ran in a big loop around us and then off into the distance… this nonplussed man from the council turned to me and said: ‘did you know her?’ and I had to admit that it was actually my stage manager…” Whilst he may not have managed to score his dream headliner duo of Dolly Parton and the Pixies for this year’s event, there will be performances from Regina Spektor, Bastille, Soulwax and 2ManyDJs, to name a few. This is one festival where the music doesn't take centre stage, however – and it’s the magical garden itself that Fred is most looking forward to unveiling. “We’ve taken advantage of the weather to do a whole load of planting and landscaping on the site this year,” he says. “The weather has been perfect for it – we’ve had a lot of rain which has made the countryside so verdant and wonderful. We’ve got a new

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swimming lake, lots of new little tuckedaway venues and sculpture and décor by the main stage, which we’ve never done before – I can’t tell you too much, but we’re very excited about it. “The art has never been better – there are some really out there, amazing pieces coming through. I’m excited about ‘The Street’, which is a wonderful art piece that’s coming along the causeway, which will be these illuminated structures hovering above the bridge over the lake, visible at night.” There’s also going to be a ‘fayreground imaginarium’ from the Feast of Fools, Dirty Dancing ‘lift scene’ reenactment masterclasses (in the lake, of course), a ‘Secret Forum’ – hosting talks from the likes of Professor Nutt, a Secret Sanctuary spa, a sprinkling of pop-up parties, an ‘Oddball Dancehall’, a ‘Bohemian Artists Studio’ and lots, lots more. This is a party you don’t want to miss, and it’s on our doorstep – we’ll see you in the garden. www.secretgardenparty.com

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Wesley House: Methodist theological college

Wesley House is a Theological College in Cambridge which has been serving the Methodist Church since 1921. Wesley House, Jesus Lane, Cambridge. CB5 8BJ

Conferencing at Wesley House:

Guest Rooms:

Wesley House has single and twin rooms available for booking all year round. Our rooms either contain one or two single beds. All rooms are supplied with fresh linen and towels. Kitchen facilities available. Guest rooms prices: Single room £36.00 per night Twin room are £55.00 per night

We have 17 traditional bedrooms, with accommodation for delegates and four public rooms available on site we can host your whole conference. Public Rooms: • Dining Room - Seats 70 in a variety of formations for dining, meetings or seminars • Old Common Room - Seats up to 25 • Lord Rank Hall - Very large open space, ideal for lectures, dances, parties, examinations - Seats up to 140 people theatre style. Rank hall £41.00 per hour - Dining hall £34.00 per hour Old common room £21.00 per hour

For all enquiries contact Jimmy Walker 01223 741033. www.wesley.cam.ac.uk WESLEY HOUSE.indd 60

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WE SUPPLY • DESIGN & SUPPLY • DESIGN, SUPPLY & INSTALL - YOU CHOOSE Family run business - established for over 10 years in the Cambridgeshire area

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family

Children’s

Archaeology Day

Milton Maize Maze

Get lost among the kernels at the Milton Maize Maze, which reopens with a brand-new design on 18 July. For years, the Maze has attracted families from all around Cambridge looking for a more unusual day out. And, even if you made it to the finish line last year, you’ll find the corn has grown back in completely different places this year (it was planted in April by Farmer Rob), giving you a whole new route to fathom. There’s lots going on besides the Maize Maze, including a giant slide, gokarts and Tyre Mountain, plus animals to meet and a café for mum and dad. Entry is £7.95 adults, £6.95 children (under 16), while under 3s go free. www.themiltonmaizemaze.co.uk

Have a dig around at Denny Abbey Farmland Museum at a special Children’s Archaeology Day, taking place on 25 July. From small beginnings (the museum started as a collection of interesting bits and pieces kept in a shoebox by a little boy), Denny Abbey has grown into a multi-layered attraction with a collection of more than 10,000 artefacts, restored buildings, a children’s play area and picnic site. Keep an eye on the website for other events taking place throughout the year. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

Family First Saturdays

On the first Saturday of every month – that’s 6 July this month – the Fitzwilliam Museum invites families to come and explore the museum in a new, more exciting light. Get crafty using a range of drawing materials, all supplied in the courtyard on your arrival, and take yourselves round the galleries, drawing as you go, or follow the different trails and discover more about the objects on display. What’s more, it’s absolutely free. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Dragonfly Day The University Botanic Garden is breathtaking at this time of year. Make the most of it with your little ones by heading over for a day of dragonfly spotting on 6 July. After exploring the gardens in search of these intriguing insects, kids can join in a crafting session to create their own dragonfly to take home. No booking is required, but parents or carers must stay with children (11am-3pm, £3). www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Comedy for kids Created especially for kids aged eight and over, Comedy Club 4 Kids features the best comedians at this month’s Cambridge Comedy Festival doing what they do best – only without the rude bits! A true family-friendly night out, it has silly songs, classic routines and even a giant. Also as part of the Festival, you can see The Amazing Bubble Man perform his thrilling, perplexing and spellbinding bubble tricks. Big bubbles, bubbles filled with fog, bubbles inside bubbles, square bubbles… you name it, he’s done it! Both take place on 21 July at Cambridge Junction: The Amazing Bubble Man at 1pm and 3pm and Comedy Club 4 Kids at 5pm (£10 adults, £5 children). www.junction.co.uk

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Spitfires,

Merlins and motors

Get a closer look at some of the giants of the Second World War at IWM Duxford on 28 July, when the legendary Spitfires will be taking to the skies for an impressive aerial display. Marvel at the mighty roar of the unmistakable Merlin engine as planes swoop overhead, while a fine display of classic cars will also be rolling up to be admired. There’ll also be a number of static aircraft to take a closer look at. Duxford is the spiritual home of the Spitfire, which defended our skies in the Battle of Britain. This latest day-long event promises to be an excellent nostalgia trip and a great day for all the family. www.iwm.org.uk

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Words Jennifer Shelton

All the city’s a stage as Cambridge hosts a range of classic plays, performed in some spectacular locations

Shakespeare’s Globe

Cambridge Shakespeare Festival July sees the return of the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival: an eight-week extravaganza of Elizabethan drama, performed in full costume. Step into the hidden gardens of Cambridge University to enjoy a range of plays, from the familiar to the lesser known. Fun, accessible and wonderfully visual, the festival has been going for 26 years and was described as ‘one of the finest events of its kind in the UK’ by the TLS. The first half, from 8-27 July, sees The Comedy of Errors take up residence at Robinson College Gardens. No one does mistaken identity comedies quite like Shakespeare, and even he surpasses himself in this outlandish adventure of twin masters and twin servants separated at birth. What’s more, the twins both have the same names, leading to much confusion in the neighbourhood. Head to St John’s College Gardens for Much Ado About Nothing; a sharp, witty battle of the sexes. It pits one independent woman against one determined bachelor, and adds an entourage of meddlesome friends who suspect there’s more to the couple’s mutual hatred than meets the eye…

Simultaneously, Downing College Gardens gets a royal visit from Cymbeline – a play that’s all too often overlooked. The King of Britain, outraged that his daughter Imogen has followed her heart, not her head, and chosen a poor man for her husband, banishes Posthumus, which doesn’t stop Imogen going after him, disguised as a boy. Unbeknown to her, her fidelity is tested and senses tricked. Romeo and Juliet, a play that needs no introduction, takes residence in Cambridge’s grandest location, turning the exquisite Fellow’s Garden at King’s into the setting of one of the greatest love stories ever told. The programme switches on 29 July, offering a new wave of plays until the end of August. A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes over Homerton College Gardens, Richard III rides into St John’s College Gardens and Hamlet seeks revenge in Trinity College Garden, while The Two Gentlemen of Verona explore the imperfections of love at Robinson College Gardens. Tickets £11/£15, all performances start at 7.30pm. Bring warm clothes. www.cambridgeshakespeare.com

ADC Theatre

At the ADC, Histryonics Theatre Company are putting on pastoral romp As You Like It from 9-13 July. The love story of Rosalind and Orlando is relocated to the hippy age, and sees her banished to the Forest of Arden, where a flower-power community flourishes under the exiled Duke Senior. Disguised as a boy, Rosalind teaches Orlando about love, while a colourful cast of characters, including the motley fool Touchstone, frolic in the sidelines. Tickets £7-£10, performances at 7.45pm. www.adctheatre.com

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This coincides with the arrival of Shakespeare’s Globe On Tour in conjunction with the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The Globe team will be setting up their traditional wooden sets in the remaining college gardens to present a series of productions direct from Shakespeare’s Globe on the Southbank. First up is King Lear, which will be gracing the Master’s Garden, Corpus Christi College from 17-27 July. Tempestuous poetry shot through with touches of humour and moments of heart-rending simplicity, Lear is surely one of the deepest artistic explorations of the human condition. Performed on an Elizabethan-style stage by a small troupe of travelling players, it offers a new way of looking at Shakespeare’s great tragedy of old age, madness and grief. One of Shakespeare’s more complex creations, The Taming of the Shrew, follows at the same location from 21-24 August. Direct from the Globe, the production features an allfemale cast to add a new dimension to this controversial play. Two wealthy sisters in Padua must be married off; the demure Bianca has no shortage of suitors, but who will take the wild, ungovernable, ‘shrewish’ Katherina? Perhaps the gold-digging Petruchio, as maddeningly strong-willed and perverse as Katherina herself, will be capable of bullying her to the altar? Both performances are held outdoors – bring a rug and some cushions to sit on. Tickets £20, 7.30pm, with performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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WORDS Nicola Foley

Cambridge is bursting with great independent businesses, and this month is the perfect time to celebrate and explore them

s our readers will know, we at Cambridge Edition are firm advocates of independent retailers, so we are delighted to announce that this month we will be partnering with the Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), to support Independent Retailer Month. Running throughout July, this annual initiative is part of a global ‘shop local’ campaign, designed to highlight the important role that smaller, independent retailers play in their communities. For four weeks, the public will be encouraged to explore and celebrate Cambridge’s diverse selection of ‘indies’ – and take advantage of a plethora of special offers, as well as competitions and events. From afternoon teas to fashion shows and even free cycling tutorials, there will be something for all tastes, with retailers and businesses across the city doing their best to entice people in. “Independents have really got to stand out now,” says Pippa Sandison, owner of King Street boutique Boudoir Femme. “Footfall is still shown to be in decline on the high street. There are two ways of going about it: either through online retailing or by promoting your

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partner is a proud ndent of Indepe Retailer Nord and lots more. It’s not just the city centre stores which are Month

businesses in these kind of ways. I think both of these will ensure that the high street survives.” Pippa and other local business owners have got a busy month planned, packed full of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy at old favourites, delve a little deeper into Cambridge’s shopping scene and discover some local gems you never knew existed. “I think this is a great way for the independent retailers in Cambridge to work together to remind everyone just how important local shops are to the character of Cambridge,” says Sarah Decent, who runs Modish Shoes on Green Street. “After all, we’re one of the reasons that this city is great! Cambridge is a beautiful and interesting and unique city to live and work in. How dull would it be if the people who shop here couldn’t buy beautiful and interesting and unique things because it was solely populated by shops owned by the national chains?” Modish will be showcasing their wares in a special ‘Independent Cambridge’ fashion show on 11 July, which will also feature products from Baska, Bowns & Bis, Cuckoo,

getting in on the act though; the Grafton’s indies will be hosting some special events on 4 July (including the chance to have a free hair consultation at Dukels, discounted tattoos at Cambridge Ink and money off at Jemporium Vintage). Mill Road has also got plenty happening too, with stores such as Romsey Retro, Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms and Cutlacks offering events, discounts and prizes during the course of the month. “I love the idea that the whole month is aimed at promoting independent shops,” says Anne Bannell, who runs Jacks on Trinity Street. “It really focuses the customers’ minds for a short period and hopefully they will take advantage of the great offers going on. And then remember us next time they shop in Cambridge! “The ‘indies’ are the element of any town or city that sets it apart from any other,” she continues. “No other town or city will have the same mix of independent boutiques, gift, bike, book or boot shops etc, making Cambridge far more than just a ‘clone town’.” If you’re in need of a little refreshment after all that shopping, many of the city’s

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It might be better known for its selection of large retailers, but the Grafton Centre is also home to some great independent shops in Eden Hall. From Dukels health and beauty and Cambridge Ink tattoo parlour to Serena: a jewellery store with highgrade diamond jewellery designed and made in store; retro sweetie heaven Sweet Times and Jemporium Vintage: a treasure trove of pre-loved style finds – there’s truly something for all tastes. To celebrate Independent’s Month, Dukels will be offering a special ‘HAIRepair Day’ on 4 July (10am-4pm) with a free scalp analysis as well as product advice tailored to you. Throughout July, Cambridge Ink will be offering £10 off the first hour of a tattoo, and Jemporium Vintage will have a 10% discount on purchases over £35, as well as a free vintage headscarf with spends of over £15.

Image courtesy of Debbie Wallwork Photography

The Grafton Centre independents

Afternoon Tea Workshop The Mill Road branch of Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms will be hosting a special Afternoon Tea Workshop with local baker extraordinaire Miss Sue Flay. Taking place on 13 July, the session will include a baking lesson in the fully working kitchen (where you’ll learn how to make Miss Flay’s famous ‘Tuck Shop Cake’, as well as fruit and spiced scones), plus tea and cakes aplenty to enjoy afterwards.

Independent Cambridge Fashion Show

cafés and restaurants will also be getting involved too. You’ll be able to get 10% off your bill at Italian eaterie La Margherita, whilst Café on the Round will be offering half price coffees on presentation of a parking ticket, plus special lunch offers. “Independents are vital to the high street and Cambridge has a wonderful choice of independents in all market sectors,” says Charles Anderson, who owns Rose Crescent club and restaurant La Raza, which will be offering free iced tea on the outside tables on 6 July. “It is essential that the local people support independents as otherwise they are a dying breed and the character of our cities will change for the worse. Cambridge is a phenomenally expensive town in which to run a business and we rely heavily on local support to ensure our survival.”

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On Thursday 11 July from 7.30-10.30pm, head down to the Cambridge Union (near the Round Church) for an evening of style inspiration. To celebrate Independent Retailer Month, the local boutiques featured in the Independent Cambridge book (plus more) will be flaunting their finest at a special fashion show, with money raised going to Maggie’s Wallace Cancer Care Centre. Showing off their fantastic range of clothing, shoes, accessories and lingerie will be Baska, Bowns & Bis, Cuckoo, Modish Shoes, Nord, Open Air, Petrus, Prohibido Lingerie, Rosie’s Vintage and Sundaes. Tickets £10 including a glass of wine.

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Hobson Street/King Street/ Sussex Street La Reve

Alliance Francaise

6 Bene’t Street 20% off swimwear when you say ‘pretty please’ Offer runs throughout July

Hills Road Learn French in 15 days with 10% off course fees Offer runs throughout July

Podarok

Cambridge Dutch Bike

Bene’t Street Podarok are running a competition: guess how many wooden mice in the window display and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a special goodie bag! Offer runs throughout July

Talking T’s

37 Bridge Street Spend £30 and receive a free exclusive Jute Shopping Bag Offer runs throughout July

Café on the Round Round Church Street Café on the Round are offering 50% off a coffee on presentation of a car park ticket, as well as a special lunch deal: baguette, fruit and drink for £3.95 Offer runs throughout July

Hope Street Yard, Mill Road A free 15-minute cycle lesson/tutorial specifically pointed at cycling safely with your children on a bicycle/ tricycle Offer runs throughout July

Agora at Copper Kettle King’s Parade A special lunch menu is available all month: 2 courses for £12.95 or 3 courses for £15.95 Offer runs throughout July

Boudoir Femme King Street Receive a free gift with purchases over £50 plus 10% off your next shop Offer runs throughout July

Cambs Lock & Safe

Jemporium Vintage Eden Court, The Grafton

93 King Street 15% discount on all BS Proline Safes purchased during Independent Retailer Month Offer runs throughout July

Jemporium are offering 10% off when you spend over £35 Offer runs throughout July

Giulio’s

Modish

Green Street Spend £30 or more on footwear and get a free necklace worth up to £15 Offer runs throughout July

24–32 King Street Giulio presents a large selection of luxury and contemporary designer brands, and with the sale now on, it's a great time to visit the store Offer runs throughout July

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Win £100 to spend in an Independent Retailer Month Prize Draw Businesses along Hobson Street, Sussex Street and King Street have teamed up to give away £100 to spend in the store or business of your choice. All you need to do is visit any five participating stores, collect a stamp and you'll be entered into the prize draw. A full list of participating stores can be found at www.cambridgebid.co.uk Offer runs throughout July

WIN!

The University of Cambridge Museums Shop King’s Parade pay a visit to discover more about the Summer at the Museums programme & buy a Magnetic Skeleton at a special offer price Offer runs throughout July

Cambridge Kitchen & Bathrooms Mill Road Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms will be hosting an Afternoon Tea Workshop with Miss Sue Flay Saturday 13th July

Cutlacks Baska Magdalene Street Independent boutique Baska will be giving away free designer goodie bags full of fabulous fashion and beauty goodies to the first ten shoppers who spend £200 or more (T&Cs apply) Offer runs throughout July

Mill Road Cutlacks are running an in-store competition all month: find the 10 toys located around the store, to be in with a chance of winning great prizes Offer runs throughout July

Perfect Pizza La Margherita 15 Magdalene Street 10% off the bill (À la Carte menu only. MondaySaturday lunch/MondayThursday evening). Mention this offer when booking Offer runs throughout July

Shop Fashion Drink Wine Magdalene Street Enjoy a free bottle of wine at La Margherita if you spend £150 in either bowns or baska during the Independent Retailers Month (t&cs apply) Offer runs throughout July

Mill Road Any large pizza, garlic bread and a bottle of drink for £14.99 delivered. Any pizza any size collected for £9.99 Offer runs throughout July

Romsey Retro Mill Road Located in Hope Street Yard, Mill Road, Romsey Retro would like to offer 10% off purchases over over £20

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news

Tax Assist Accountants Mill Road Holding a series of ‘open house’ mornings to showcase how we make life simple for clients, including free checking of PAYE notices of coding all month Offer runs throughout July

Cellini

Rose Crescent Pop into Cellini during Independent Retailer Month; they are offering a free Jewellery-cleaning service Offer runs throughout July

La Raza Rose Crescent Enjoy a free Jug of Pimm’s or Sangria with any Paella! Offer runs throughout July

Cambridge Toy Shop Sussex Street The Cambridge Toy Shop will be bursting with free activities, competitions from Playmobil, and lots of special offers including a 3-for-2 offer on Papo figures Offer runs throughout July

jacks on Trinity

Ark

Trinity Street Jacks on Trinity will be running a lucky dip! Offer runs throughout July

St Mary’s Passage 20% discount Offer runs throughout July

Cambridge Contemporary Art Mayhem Sidney Street A free mug or scarf with purchases over £50

Palenque Sidney Street 10% off all jewellery on presentation of this booklet Offer runs throughout July

Finn Jordan Sussex Street A special offer on The Pre-Holiday Scrub from Aromatherapy Associates: an exotic, aromatic and intensely nourishing body treatment. Usually £45, but for the month of July this gorgeous treatment is HALF price! Booking Essential Offer runs throughout July

Rose Crescent Street party Rose Crescent are celebrating the launch of Independent Retailer Month with a street party, laid on by the Rose Crescent Association and featuring a host of promotions and offers available on the day. Cellini: Demonstration of stringing outside the shop and computer-aided design/bespoke

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Trinity Street The July exhibition is Glynn Thomas: An Unforgettable Journey. There is also an etching demonstration on Sunday 28 July Throughout July. Etching demonstration 28 July

jewellery display, plus free jewellery cleaning. Jo Malone: Champagne & Treats at tasting Bar. New Saffron Fragrance to try. Crabtree & Evelyn: Outside massage table, samples and cookies! Molton Brown: Massage inside at sample stage.

Cambridge Wine Merchants Various During the month of July, Cambridge Wine Merchants will be running a wine festival involving tastings, masterclasses, promotions and education concentrating on Sustainability Offer runs throughout July

Fay Durrant Fitness a variety of fitness programmes throughout July. See www.faydurrant.com

La Raza: Free ice tea at outside tables down the crescent West Cornwall Pasty Co.: Sample mini pasties Kiehl’s: Complementary skin consultations and samples. Plus a summer raffle in store with a chance to win £50 of Kiehl’s products (no purchase necessary). Neal’s Yard Remedies: Mini

Grafton Centre On Thursday 4 July (10am4pm) one of Dukels suppliers ORS (Organic Root Stimulator) are holding a HAIRepair Day. If your hair is dry, breaking, shedding, colour damaged or if you just want to improve its health, come along and meet the ORS team of experts for a FREE hair & scalp analysis and product advice. Cambridge Ink are offering £10 off the first hour of a tattoo, hourly rate is normally £75. Also on Tuesdays and Thursdays all above the waist needle piercing is £15 by appointment only normal rate from £25. Jemporium Vintage will offer a 10% discount on purchases over £35, and a free headscarf on purchases of £15 or more.

11 July

Independent Cambridge Fashion Show (7.30-10.30pm) at Cambridge Union, featuring some of Cambridge’s finest independent fashion retailers. Tickets £10 including a glass of wine, with money raised going to Maggie’s Wallace Cancer Care Centre.

July

facials and hand massages; 10% discount on the day when quoting the event, free goody bag with every purchase. The Little Gift Shop on the Corner: ‘Special Day’ discounts on selected items in store. Art Gecko: 10% off all silver rings in store as a one-day promotion when you quote the event

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competitioN

Win a shopping spree at Burwash worth £450!

WIN! ocated in Barton, Burwash Manor is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Comprising a group of converted farm buildings and set against the backdrop of the picturesque South Cambridgeshire countryside, this unique shopping destination features 15 independent shops, a day spa and a tea room. This month, we’re giving away a fantastic shopping spree at Burwash, offering one lucky reader the chance to indulge in some serious retail therapy with a prize that includes £30 to spend at each of Burwash’s stores, plus lunch for two at the Barn Tearooms and a treatment at the Dragonfly spa – a total prize value of more than £450!

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting your bounty. There’s gorgeous homewares and eclectic furniture at Nest, perfect pressies aplenty at Giftsmith, beautiful antique rugs and carpets at Persian Tribal Rugs and an array of painted and oak furniture at Providence. The Secret Garden, meanwhile, boasts a wonderful selection of fine iron furniture for the garden, terrace and conservatory in beautiful pastel shades. You’ll also be able to spoil the little ones at the lovely Rocking Horse, a store packed full of fantastic toys and quality outdoor kit. Perhaps you fancy giving your wardrobe a revamp? Cuckoo Clothing stocks a fabulous selection of women’s clothing and accessories from top brands

including Great Plains, Part Two and Odd Molly, while Cuckoo Kids offers an exciting variety of fashion for babies and children. There’s also Inside Out, which specialises in stylish, practical and comfortable attire for men, women and kids, with popular ranges including Joules and Jackpot. Complete your new look with a visit to Sterling Designs, where you’ll find beautiful sterling silver jewellery, plus unique gifts and cards. As well as Cozzi & Boffa Wines, there’s also plenty of foodie fare to whet your appetite, with the famous Larder deli, the region’s finest master butchers, Leech & Sons, and the delectable Biscotti Di Debora, all of which you can find inside the spectacular new Food Hall.

Head to www.cambsedition.com to be in with a chance of winning!

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LISTINGS

What’s on A round-up of events in and around Cambridgeshire for July 3 July

THE SPA AT BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL Location: Bury Road, Newmarket Price: Varies by treatment Description: Opening day for a new luxury spa in Newmarket which offers a range of indulgent treatments, spa days and spa breaks situated in a Victorian-built property that once formed part of the estate of the sixth Duke of Bedford. Bookings now being taken. bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk

WILLOW TREE SUPPER CLUB Time: 7pm Location: The Willow Tree, Bourn Price: £45 Description: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with Neon Moon, who are throwing a decadent cabaret supper club at the beautiful boutique venue. Cherry and Ruby will be performing. thewillowtreebourn.com

July

3 July

SOUNDS GREEN Time: 6.15pm Location: Botanic Gardens Price: Collection for performers Description: The beautiful Botanic Gardens will be filled with music as saxophone quartet Sirocco open the Sounds Green Picnic Proms. Barbecue and strawberries and cream available too! botanic.cam.ac.uk

6-7 July

LUTE RECITAL Time: 3pm Location: Long Gallery, Queen’s College Price: £15/£20 Description: In celebration of the 450th anniversary of the birth of John Dowland (15631626), Jakob Lindberg plays a recital of his consummate lute music, on an instrument built in 1590. cambridgeearlymusic.org

5 July

SUSHI MASTERCLASS Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Cookery School Price: £90 Description: The School’s Japanese chef will be rolling out the bamboo mats for yet another session of sushi making. You’ll get the chance to create lots of different kinds and learn how to make them just as easily at home. cambridgecookeryschool.com

7 July

ANNIVERSARY GALA Time: 5.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £12.50/£15 Description: Stagecoach Theatre Arts Cambridge present an evening of music, dance and drama, performed by over 300 children from the theatre schools in Cambridge. cornex.co.uk

JULY

CAMBRIDGE MODERN JAZZ

6 July

4 July

PIE DAY! Time: 5-11pm Location: The Red Cow, Chrishall Price: £10 Description: Treat yourself to a tasty homemade pie with marvellous mash and gravy, plus a pint of beer or glass of wine, all for just £10, at this awardwinning pub. theredcow.com 40 | Cambridge Edition | July 2013

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The Last of the Red Hot Lovers Time: 7.30pm Location: Mumford Theatre Price: £8.50-£12.50 Description: Laugh yourself back to the 1970s, where middleaged restaurateur Barney Cashman is the only one left in a sexual revolution. Maneaters, unstable actresses and depressed housewives – Barney meets them all. anglia.ac.uk

Cambridge Theatre Challenge Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £9/£10 Description: Over two exciting nights, up to ten plays will be performed for you, the audience, to vote for. It promises to be a great weekend for playwrights and theatre-lovers alike. junction.co.uk

July

Time: 8pm Location: The Hidden Rooms, Jesus Lane Price: £12/£16 Description: Pianist Kate Williams and saxophonist Bobby Wellins lead a stellar quartet in this jazz night, performing songs from their new album, Smoke & Mirrors. cambridgejazz.org

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LISTINGS

Images from left to right:

Catch some jazz at the Hidden Rooms with Bobby Wellins and Kate Williams on 11 July, find out what the ancient Greeks had for dinner at the Fitzwilliam Museum on 17 July, and the new Spa at Bedford Lodge opens for business on 3 July

KING LEAR

July

OBJECT HANDLING SESSION Time: 2-4pm Location: Fitzwilliam Museum Price: Free Description: Take a closer look at the objects from the new Origins of the Afro Comb exhibition in this hands-on event. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

8-14 July

The Shelford Feast Time: Various Location: Woollards Lane, Great Shelford Price: Event prices vary Description: Shelford comes to life this month as it hosts its annual week-long village festival, featuring a comedy night, film show, kids’ disco, quiz night, 80s music night and more. There’s also a beer festival and plenty of food to tuck into, all in aid of local charities. Culminates in The Shelford Feast on 14 July, promising a spit-roast and a swing band from midday. www.shelfordfeast.co.uk

14 July

HARMONY IN HARLEM Time: 3-5pm Location: Jesus Green Price: Free Description: Eastern England’s unique 17-piece orchestra plays the music of Duke Ellington as part of Jazz & Brass in the Parks. harmonyinharlem.co.uk

15July

ENDELLION STRING QUARTET Time: 7.30pm Location: West Road Concert Hall Price: £10/£18/£20 Description: Nigel Brown OBE and the Friends of Cam Sight present an evening of string music by Weber and Brahms. Soloist is Anna Hashimoto. westroad.org

16-20 July

CALENDAR GIRLS Time: 7.45pm Location: ADC Price: £7-£10 Description:The tender real-life story of a group of ordinary WI ladies who do something extraordinary for a cause close to their hearts comes to the stage in Cambridge. adctheatre.com

17 July

MYTHS AND REALITIES OF CUISINE IN ANCIENT GREECE Time: 1.15pm Location: Fitzwilliam Museum Price: Free Description: Join Anastasia Christophilopoulou, Outreach Officer Greece and Rome, for a lunchtime talk on the food of the ancient Greeks. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

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17-27

Image courtesy of Ellie Kurttz

Time: 7.30pm Location: Corpus Christi College Price: £20 Description: Experience the drama and passions of King Lear in The Globe’s outdoor production of the Shakespearian classic. Performed on an Elizabethan stage in the Master’s Garden, with Joseph Marcell as Lear. (Recognise him? It’s Geoffrey, the butler from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) cambridgeartstheatre.com

JULY

20 July

27 July

26 July

28 July

BASEMENT SESSIONS Time: 8.30pm Location: CB2 Price: £4 Description: Bella McKendree is the special guest at Acoustic Routes’ informal, inclusive Basement Session this month. acousticroutes.co.uk

SLEDGEHAMMER Time: 9pm Location: The Rivermill Tavern, St Neots Price: Free entry Description: Local rock band Sledgehammer perform a set of original songs and popular 1970s covers at this historic watering hole in the market town. rivermilltavern.co.uk

Dot Cotton Club Time: 10pm Location: Bar Nusha Price: £4/£5, free before 10pm Description: LBTG night of costume, cabaret and music and amazing cocktails. This month Dot Cotton gets an army theme. nusha.co.uk A Twist of Lemon Time: 7pm Location: Corpus Playroom Price: £5/£6 Description: A zany, zesty new play by WRiTEON, A Twist of Lemon follows last summer’s Angels and promises imaginative staging, plot twists, plus a hint of bitterness. corpusplayroom.com

13-14 JULY

FLYING LEGENDS AIR SHOW

Time: 2pm Location: IWM Duxford Price: £17.25-£34.50 Description: Hailed as THE heritage air show, Flying Legends offers a stunning demonstration of flying skills in an aerial display over the airfield at Duxford. iwm.org.uk

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group spotlight PROFILE

Group spotlight

Cambridge Blue Belles WI It’s not all jam and Jerusalem, discovers Jennifer Shelton when she meets the city’s newest and hippest Women’s Institute hen our grandchildren look back on 2013, what will spring to mind? Probably similar things to those we associate with our own grandparents’ era: print dresses, bunting and a seemingly insatiable passion for knitting, cake making and crafts. The start of the ‘teenies’ (is that what we’re calling our decade?) has striking echoes of the past, thanks in some way to the patriotism inspired by the London Olympics and the Jubilee, and the recession forcing us to readopt the ‘make do and mend’ mentality of wartime England. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the explosion of new WI groups, attracting new, much younger members keen to embrace retro skills. Here, the Cambridge City WI – a trendy, modern group set up in October 2012 – became so oversubscribed that a second was founded in May this year. Joanne Croxford is president of the new Cambridge Blue Belles WI, and says that they’re all about drawing on the past to inspire a new generation of women. “The WI has a great history of empowering and educating young

women,” says Joanne, 30, who works at the Papworth Trust. “We want to revolutionise society’s view of the WI. You say WI and people think jam, Jerusalem and pearls, but we’re really all about inspiring women of all ages [they range from 20 to 75 at the Blue Belles] and getting them more involved in the local community.” The Women’s Institute, a Canadian idea which came to the UK in 1915, didn’t always have a stuffy image. The first groups were about helping women take on the jobs entrusted to them by the men who had gone to war, including teaching them how to work the land. In other words, making sure the country didn’t starve. “I firmly believe that the WI is the backbone of this country,” Joanne says. “During the Second World War, for instance, they took evacuees into their homes, they advised the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS – now RVS), who were very important during the war… So we’re very passionate about taking the baton from our foremothers and moving it forward to a younger generation.” So why the sudden surge of interest in all things WI? “Shows like the Great British Bake Off and Great British Sewing Bee have definitely helped,” Joanne explains, “then the Olympics, which brought a massive resurgence in national pride and traditional English values. I also think people have started realising there are these things going on in their communities. That’s something else we want to do: encourage people to discover what’s going on in their local area, like shopping at independent boutiques and supporting their community.” Joanne has lots of activities planned for her Belles, including talks by local entrepreneurs and other inspiring women, craft sessions and a vintage hair and makeup party at Christmas. I joined them for their June meeting, in which we drank tea, ate amazing cakes, listened to an incredible talk about how WIs being set up in prisons are having a transformational effect on the women involved, and tried to get to grips

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with the art of crochet. There was also talk of starting an auxiliary book club and planning a Great British-themed picnic. A talk on prisons from Ruth Bond, chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, also reminded us of the power the WI has to make wider changes in the world. I had no idea that the WI were the driving force behind introducing public telephone boxes and, more recently, breast screening. “We’re not as courageous now as we were then,” says Ruth, “but whatever you want you can do – we just need the courage to do it.” Joanne adds: “The WI has a real history of women fighting together – not by picking up weapons but through words, actions and intelligence. Empower yourself: get involved, be inspired – the door is always open. And, more than anything, come for a laugh. We do laugh a lot.”

Cambridge Blue Belles meet every second Wednesday of the month. Membership is now closed for this year, but if you are interested in getting involved or starting a new group, contact Sally Kingman at the Cambridge Federation: 01223 234872 or office@cfwi.co.uk

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FOOD

F OOD NEWS A monthly round-up of gastronomic goings-on in Cambridge and the surrounding area

Teastorks Love tea? Hate it when it runs out? Unimpressed with what the local corner shop has to offer? Three Cambridge entrepreneurs have come up with a solution to ensure you’re never without good quality tea by creating Teastorks, a service that will deliver fresh, loose leaf tea to your door for a reasonable price. Tom Britton, one of the founders, and an MBA student at Cambridge Judge Business School, explains: “I’ve never really been a coffee drinker, always preferring to drink herbal teas when available. A few years back I started ordering loose leaf tea because, to be honest, what you buy from stores in standard paper filter bags is mostly tea grinds and powder, and doesn’t have the fullness or freshness of flavour that you get from loose leaf. “I realise that loose leaf is not the most practical way of drinking tea, and

Caffè Sicilia Opens

brewing a pot in your office is not exactly conventional, so I was excited to find out about these relatively new silk pyramid teabags which combine the practicality of a bag with the flavour of loose leaf.” Tom came up with a business idea for a tea-delivery service using these pyramid bags when he experienced every tealover’s nightmare: “I ran out of tea so I went to the shop and was let down by what was on offer,” he explains. “So then I went online and everywhere wanted me to buy £30+ of tea or pay £3.50 or more for delivery – and that’s just upsetting considering what companies like graze.com are doing.” After getting together with friends Bonnie and Graham, they came up with their master plan, which is gaining funding via Kickstarter.com. Find out more, and have a look at their quirky video online. www.teastorks.com

Caffè Sicilia, which opened its doors down Regent Street last month, is an independent family business run by Anthony Day, who promises great coffee, delicious paninis and beautifully made cakes and pastries, inspired by his Sicilian background. The Sicilians are particularly passionate about their coffee – something Anthony plans to bring to his new Cambridge shop. “We want to bring together the passion of Sicilians for great coffee and food with our professional customer service and the family based company principles,” he says. “The plans for the business started in 2010 and the search for the right premises for our café began; we are delighted to have now reached our opening day.” It will be open from 7.30am7.30pm, with seating both indoors and out. www.caffesicilia.co.uk

Magpas Bollywood Evening In celebration of 100 years of Bollywood, and in support of local emergency medical charity Magpas, The Doubletree by Hilton in Cambridge is hosting a glamorous evening of Indian food and entertainment on 12 July. Celebration of Life will include a set from comedian Mickey Sharma, who uses a mix of comedy and other forms of artistry to create a unique routine. He’ll be joined by an Indo-jazz quartet, Bollywood dancers and Guinness World Record-holding henna artist,

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Pavan, who has painted 511 armbands in just an hour, and creates beautiful contemporary and traditional designs. There will also be an Indian dinner and wine. Tickets are £75, including canapés and a cocktail on arrival, a three-course dinner and all entertainment. Dress code is black tie – or embrace the spirit and go in Indian dress. Funds will go towards Magpas. To find out more call 01223 792112 or see the website. www.magpas.org.uk

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FOOD

Sunday Menu at the River Bar Have you been down to the River Bar Steakhouse & Grill recently? If not, you should put it at the top of your mustvisit list. Perched overlooking the river at Quayside and with spectacular views of the majestic Magdalene College, this place has arguably the best location of any restaurant in Cambridge. And they’re no slouches when it comes to the food either. They take steak seriously here, priding themselves on serving up the finest, most flavoursome prime beef, aged for 28 days – and even offering gastro masterclasses dedicated to steak and wine pairing. They’re pretty hot on fresh fish and indulgent home-made puddings, too. Their most recent addition is the new Sunday menu, which features a range of sharing boards. Starters include gooey baked Camembert, served with freshly baked bread and sweet and tangy onion jam; Parma ham with grilled chorizo, accompanied by rocket and shaved Parmesan; and roasted artichoke, mozzarella and olives. The starter boards cost £12 each and serve two. Continuing the sharing theme, the main courses include pan-roasted, aged beef rump, served with roast rosemary baby potatoes, red wine gravy and Yorkshire puddings; slow roast belly of pork with Somerset apple brandy sauce and roast potatoes, and chargrilled fruit de mer – which consists of lobster, salmon, swordfish, chilli calamari, clams and parsley potatoes. To complete your feast, you can add side dishes such as roasted

garlic mushrooms, honey-glazed carrots and creamy cauliflower cheese. Main courses cost £28 and are designed for two to share. Desserts include Sicilian lemon cheesecake, hazelnut slab brownie with salted chocolate sauce and mascarpone, and Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée with homemade fruit and nut biscotti (all £6.50 each). If you fancy a little lunchtime tipple, the River Bar also boasts a rather impressive cocktail menu, too… www.riverbarsteakhouse.com

Strawberry Picking Gather your own mini harvest at Bury Lane Farm Shop. They have opened up their strawberry fields to the public, letting you come and pick your own beautiful berries, either to munch on straight away or keep for use in a summery dessert later (and did you know, strawberries freeze well too?). By selecting them yourself, you know you’re going to end up with the plumpest, rosiest possible fruits, as well as being confident that they haven’t accumulated many food miles – but more than that, getting out and roaming the leafy beds is just lots of fun. The strawberry fields are open from 9am until 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am until 4pm on Sundays. Bury Lane is a family-run business with a focus on fresh, local, seasonal produce, and the venue also has a garden centre, café, gift shop and farm shop. It’s situated just outside Royston. www.burylanefarmshop.co.uk

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FOOD

Urban Larder Paella Night Make the most of the long summer evenings at Urban Larder on Mill Road, which will host a series of special foodie events this July, featuring some special guests. As part of Independent Retailer Month, there will be a night dedicated to all things Spanish with Kevin Doughty – a chef from St John’s College, who will be cooking up a huge paella full of local fresh meat and seafood – and he’s committed to making the most authentic dish he can. “I have been travelling to Spain for the past ten years visiting family and friends,” he explains. “While there, I love to research their food and culture. It kept bugging me that I couldn’t find a real paella back home (well a good one that is!), so I took it upon myself, whilst there, to find out how to make the dish properly, not easy as it’s a much-guarded secret in some areas of Spain. But finally I cracked it, and what I’ll be serving up is the nearest thing I think you can get to an ‘authentic paella’ back in England.” For dessert, there will be special Spanish flan with a twist, and the event is BYO. (18 July, £15pp, booking essential). To book, pop into Urban Larder or email them at: info@urbanlarder.co.uk

Zuccardi Tasting Head over to Cambridge Wine Merchants on 11 July and you can enjoy a wine tasting from Familia Zuccardi, one of Argentina’s leading winemakers. Taking place at the Cherry Hinton Road branch, the evening costs £17.50 per person and features a fantastic array of Argentina’s finest fizz, whites and reds – accompanied by tasting tips from a knowledgeable tutor. The evening begins at 7.30pm and places can be reserved at the Cherry Hinton store or by calling 01223 214548. www.cambridgewine.com

Hawaiian Luau at The Willow Tree Gorgeous gastro pub The Willow Tree in Bourn is throwing another lavish evening of fine food and great entertainment in conjunction with Neon Moon this month. Their July supper club (7 July, £45) has a tropical theme, with burlesque beauties Cherry and Ruby taking centre stage, performing fanciful routines in this pop-up paradise. The menu is similarly summery with Lomilomi salmon bites following pina colada aperitifs, a starter of squid luau, and a main of Huli Huli chicken with sweet potato and salad – leading up to a lychee mousse and watermelon shot. www.thewillowtreebourn.com

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Cocktail masterclass Cambridge Food and Wine Society is hosting a delicious sounding Summer Cocktail Masterclass on 13 July, taking place at coffee house and nightspot Hot Numbers on Gwydir Street. The event follows on from the launch of their Signature Cocktail – which you’re sure to be able to try, among several others, on the night. Cambridge Food and Wine Society, founded in 1991, is the city’s only non-profit food and wine appreciation group, and it holds regular, informal events throughout the year. Hot Numbers will be supplying great food, plus coffees at the end of the night, but as a small affair, it’s for Food and Wine Society members only. Tickets are £20 and the evening starts at 7.30pm. www.cambridgefoodandwinesociety.co.uk

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FOOD

WORDS alex rushmer

veg medley he barbecue is generally viewed as a haven for the committed carnivore: an animal-protein lover’s refuge comprising a running buffet of blackened, grilled, charred and slowcooked meats with barely the occasional nod to anything that didn’t once have a face. Salads may coquettishly grace a few plates, nestled against a jacket potato or bread bun, but the true grillsmith understands the paramount importance of cooked flesh to the gathered crowd. I’ve written before about our general lack of imagination when it comes to barbecues so I shan’t bleat on about the superior pit skills of the Texans or the braai masters of South Africa but, instead, wave a flag for those who get neglected and forgotten more than most at charcoal-based cookery events: vegetarians. In the same way that cooking over flame enhances and deepens the flavour of a steak or a whole mackerel, charcoal does wonders for the flavour and texture of vegetables so it is a crying shame that meat-free versions of carnivorous classics are often the only thing on the menu. That means you, Quorn burger. I’ve long been of the

Images courtesy of Waitrose

A feast of meat isn't the only way to please the crowds come barbeque season. Alex Rushmer suggests banishing tradition letting the veg take centre stage

opinion that were meat to be declared offlimits – for reasons economic, dietary, social or otherwise – after the initial crying and wailing and balling and pleading, it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship. And if recent government reports are to be believed (and there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest they shouldn’t), it’s a scenario we are inching closer to on a daily basis, especially as the sleeping giants of the developing world wake to find a vast meat-shaped hole in their bellies. With that in mind, we should probably sort out a contingency plan for when global food shortages become a reality, thanks to our ongoing love affair with bacon, ham and steak. If we are to succeed in reducing our consumption of animal protein, what is necessary is a wholescale change in opinion with regards to the relative place that meat and vegetables have in our diets – ie. meat is king and all else is merely supplementary garnish – to one where vegetables shine and enjoy equal or greater billing than flesh.

Rising food costs over the last few years have forced those in the food industry to tackle the issue head on and with the trend set to continue, the effect is one that we will all begin to notice more. In order for us to make this transition we must embrace two related truths. Firstly, it requires us to toss items such as the soya sausage or tofurky meat into history’s welcoming compost bin. Notmeat pretending to be meat does nobody any favours. While this fallacy prevails, one where a meat substitute must be present if actual meat isn’t, vegetables will continue to play second fiddle on the dinner plate. Secondly, it means we find more original and tastier ways to cook nature’s bounty and where better to start experimenting than over the coal pit where most of the hard work is done for you? This month’s recipes put vegetables front and centre stage; hopefully it’s an inspirational collection that goes some way to convincing you that meat free needn’t mean flavour free. And not a piece of soya protein in sight.

Firstly, toss items such as soya sausage and tofurky. Secondly, find tastier ways to cook nature’s bounty 48 | Cambridge Edition | July 2013

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eating in

Words Alex Rushmer images CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

bbq time!

Three ideas for burger-style BBQ dining, which can all be recreated inside with the help of a griddle pan: ideal for the unpredictable great British summer... Makes

Makes

Ingred ient s

Aubergine, halloumi, tomato & chimichurri

2 carrots 1 courgette 1 shallot salt ground cumin ground cinnamon 1 egg cashews breadcrumbs

Ingredients 1 aubergine 1 block halloumi 1 tomato 1/2 red chilli 1 shallot garlic

To serve fennel sriracha sauce mayonnaise a brioche bun

Step-by-step guide

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To serve ciabatta rolls

Step-by-step guide

Carrot & courgette burger with shaved fennel and sriracha mayonnaise 1. G rate two carrots and one courgette, add a finely chopped shallot, then soften the mix in a little oil over a medium heat. Add salt, ground cumin and a small pinch of cinnamon. 2. When the mixture is soft, add a handful of the cashews, finely ground. Then mix thoroughly. 3. Break an egg into the mixture and combine again: if cooking for vegans, you could replace this egg with a mashed sweet potato. Mix a handful of breadcrumbs into the mix to help bind it even further.

red wine vinegar olive oil bunch of parsley

4. S hape into patties and leave in the fridge for a couple of hours to solidify. 5. When ready to cook, press the burger into a shallow dish of breadcrumbs to coat the exterior. Place on the BBQ until golden brown and cooked through. 6. To serve, thinly slice a fennel bulb and add a thin layer onto a bun of your choice: we served this on a soft briochestyle bun to contrast with the crunchy vegetable patty, but it would work in a flatbread or tortilla wrap. Apply a dollop of sriracha mayonnaise, created by mixing the spicy sauce with mayonnaise.

1. S lice your aubergine so you end up with discs about two centimetres thick. Lightly oil and season these and start barbecuing: these are done when soft and blackened. Keep them somewhere warm, like a low oven, to wait for assembly. 2. Slice the halloumi into one centimetre thick slices and start griddling: theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re brown and crispy on the outside. Try to resist eating them and place these somewhere warm to wait. 3. Finely slice a fresh tomato. Create a zingy chimichurri by combining a chopped bunch of parsley, half a red chilli, one shallot, one clove of garlic, a healthy splash of red wine vinegar to taste and enough olive oil to loosen the mixture. You want this to be like a more liquid pesto sauce. 4. Drizzle the chimichurri over the assembled burger and place slices of fresh tomato between the barbecued components. The combination of fresh flavours and smoky aubergine should be a real hit.

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eating in

Top BBQ Tips

Ingred ien ts 2 portobello mushrooms per person 1 mozzarella ball beaten egg breadcrumbs a handful of flour For the caponata 1 courgette 1 stick celery 1 red pepper 1 aubergine balsamic vinegar olive oil caster sugar

Mushroom, mozzarella & caponata Step-by-step guide

1. T ake two portobello mushrooms for each single burger. Remove the stems, lightly oil and season both, then slice the dome off one to make a stable base. Place these mushrooms on the BBQ and turn regularly until cooked – then keep somewhere warm until it’s assembly time. 2. Deep-fried mozzarella is a rather cheeky addition to this unusual burger – the gooeyness of the cooked cheese gives you a truly sloppy Joe-style experience, hopefully held together in a handy package by the cooked mushrooms. 3. Slice a mozzarella ball. Coat a slice in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Shallow fry

until golden brown, taking care not to burst it. Keep somewhere warm. 4. Make the caponata by chopping the courgettes, celery, red peppers and aubergines and softening in olive oil over a medium heat. Then finish with balsamic vinegar and caster sugar to taste. 5. Fill the grilled mushrooms with a few spoonfuls of caponata. This sweet/sour mix should go perfectly with the gooey mozzarella and provide an excellent crunch. Place the top (domed) mushroom on the breaded mozzarella and serve with napkins – this is a fun one to get stuck into.

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On the meat side of things, like most great butchers, at Gog Magog Hills we tend to recommend larger, single joints for barbecuing. Our hot tips for this summer are picanha (or rump cap), which is a triangular cut of beef and has a blanket of fat that protects the meat and adds a fabulous juiciness, and spatchcock chicken, which opens up like a book, providing a more even and quicker cooking time (ask your butcher to remove the backbone). You might also like to try ‘Best End’ lamb chops – a less pretentious and simple way to ensure bags of flavour at a lower cost! (ensure these are left untrimmed as the edges crisp up and caramelise) – and pork shoulder steaks, which are truly one of the tastiest cuts of pork. They contain a little bit more fat than regular chops, making them ideal for barbecuing. Once you've got your meat sorted, here are our top five tips for cooking it to perfection... 1. A llow meat to reach room temperature before barbecuing. This prevents those raw middles and black outsides. 2. It’s all about big flavours. Start marinating the night before; acids, like lemon juice and vinegar, will tenderise more. Use as little oil as possible to avoid flare-ups and always cook with the lid on. 3. Don’t overcomplicate the meal; avoid too many different types of meat. Rare beef, well-done chicken, meats on or off the bone – all take differing lengths of time to cook. Stick to one or two meats only. 4. Create a ‘cooler’ area of the barbecue by placing your coals asymmetrically under the grill. Anything cooking too fast can be placed here. 5. Finally, remember to let your beautifully cooked meat rest before serving. Rule of thumb, with single cuts on a barbecue, rest for same length of time as cooking.

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eating OUT

REVIEW BY nicola Foley

Restaurant Review

the Three Horseshoes, Madingley

Nicola Foley visits one of Cambridgeshire’s most celebrated restaurants to sample their innovative fine dining fare ost local foodie types will likely already be familiar with The Three Horseshoes. Its reputation as one of Cambridgeshire’s finest dining spots precedes it – on a national level. In fact, when The Independent newspaper reviewed the restaurant a couple of months back, they described it as ‘easily one of the best restaurants in England today’. High praise indeed – and I was pretty intrigued to discover exactly what makes people quite so excited about this place. Located in the tranquil village of Madingley, it looks much like any other country gastro pub from the outside, with its quaint thatched roof, pretty garden and hanging baskets. But don’t be fooled by the traditional exterior: this is a restaurant committed to turning out innovative, cutting-edge cuisine. Having received so many effusive recommendations from friends, my expectations were high on the evening we stopped by. Upon arrival, the friendly staff greeted us and led us through to the conservatory, gorgeously dappled in early evening sunlight and buzzing with happy diners. Whilst sipping on cocktails and devouring a few hunks of focaccia, we turned our attentions to deciding what we might like to eat – rather more easily said than done when presented with such a phenomenal menu. Divided into snacks (things like dippy Parmesan truffle eggs with soldiers and freshly shucked individual oysters), small, medium and large plates, the menu is varied and makes use of seasonal ingredients throughout. After much deliberation, I opted for the slow-cooked egg to start, which came served with shaved king brown mushroom, truffle, chives and bacon; a dish so delicate and perfectly presented that it looked almost too good to eat. The egg did exactly what I hoped it would and burst its silky, bright orange yolk satisfyingly all over the crispy bacon crumbs, whilst slivers of mushroom added a fresh, earthy flavour, balancing it all out nicely. All too often we regard the egg as a rather uninspiring larder staple, but dishes such as this demonstrate exactly how it can be elevated to

fine dining fare. My dining partner had selected the scallops, which arrived fleshy, succulent and resting on an unctuous bed of popcorn grits – a dish he declared to be ‘outstanding’. When our main courses arrived, the first thing noted was how generous the portion sizes were – seldom a bad thing when the food is this good. I had chosen the lamb main, which, again, was delightfully presented. The dish was divided into a juicy, cumin-scented cannon and a slow-cooked shoulder – richer in flavour than its counterpart and so incredibly tender that it came apart at the merest touch of my fork. A rich hazelnut purée, namenko mushroom, artichokes and sprouting legumes provided an elegant accompaniment. Over on the other side of the table‚ my companion was happily tucking into his sizable serving of pork belly, which was the perfect combination of crispy on top and melty soft underneath, and came with puréed and raw zucchini, baby leeks, onions and black pudding crumbs – proving a glorious marriage of sweet and sour flavours. Ignoring our already sated bellies, we focused our attentions on the dessert menu, where the chef had allowed his imagination to run riot. Having already noted a Momofuku influence in the slow-poached egg and pork buns elsewhere on the menu, we were pleased to see ‘crack pie’ appear on the dessert list:

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the exquisitely moreish salty-sweet pie that made the New York bakery famous. Resisting the allure of the hipster dessert du jour, my dining partner plumped for a deliciously dense chocolate ganache, served with a zingy raspberry sorbet and a handful of interesting, gooey milk gels. Seeking something a little different, I opted for the mysteriously named ‘snow egg’ – and was pleased as punch that I had. Being of the sweet-toothed persuasion, desserts are usually the part of the meal that excite me above all else, and this one was an absolute showstopper. A lightly toasted marshmallow globe encasing an icy pineapple granita ‘yolk’, served with creamy white chocolate and vanilla custard and slices of dragon fruit, this pud looked, and tasted, out of this world. The trip to Madingley is worth it to sample this feat of gastro-physics alone. All in all, the food was superb – and affordable (small plates start at just £5). It may be no secret that The Three Horseshoes is good, but they definitely don’t rest on their laurels. Not only is their menu full of innovative twists, it also changes on a weekly basis, so you can guarantee something new to try each time you visit. I can’t wait to go back. The Three Horseshoes, High Street, Madingley, www.threehorseshoesmadingley.co.uk

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summer dining

WORDS Sian Townsend

These precious warm summer days deserve a long cool drink and a spot of al fresco feasting. Here’s our guide to Cambridge’s best foodie suntraps Hotel Felix The veranda, terrace and orangery at this four-star hotel offer the full set-up for dining al fresco. If it’s baking hot then eat outside on the terrace, followed by a lounge on the grass; if not, then the orangery offers gorgeous views – minus the nip in the air. At lunchtime you can select from the Graffiti restaurant’s inventive menu with two courses for £14.50 (until 2pm), or opt for something from the bar menu which includes various pasta, burger and salad offerings. Afterwards you can enjoy a stroll in the grounds to work off any overindulgences and admire the wisteria dripping over the terrace – it really is a sublime summer scene. Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Road CB3 0LF, 01223 277977, www.hotelfelix.co.uk

The Red Cow at Chrishall There’s no spot quite like the Red Cow at Chrishall for family fun in the sun. There’s a suntrap of a garden and giant outdoor games, including Jenga and Connect Four, to keep them (and you) entertained. Family dining is catered for too: you can order child portions from the main menu or kiddy classics such as chicken nuggets, pizza and pasta from the Little Cowboy and Cowgirls menu. As well as the idyllic pub and great food, there are lovely walks in the area too so you can work up an appetite first. 11 High Street, Chrishall, Royston SG8 8RN, 01763 838792, www.theredcow.com

The Doubletree Lounging in the sun at this riverside hotel could hardly be any more luxurious; there’s comfy rattan furniture to recline in, a large cocktail list to peruse and plenty of food options to take your fancy. Choose from light bar snacks, fine dining from the Riverside menu or a decadent afternoon tea complete with a glass of fizz, if that’s more your style. The new summer restaurant menu even includes unusual dishes such as camel, kangaroo and zebra if you want to try something a bit different, and on hot summer evenings the chefs will be stoking up the barbecue. Granta Place CB2 1RT, 01223 259988, www.doubletreecambridge.com

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summer dining

The Plough at Fen Ditton

The Willow Tree at Bourn Sitting under the old willow in a deckchair, with a glass of something cold in hand, is up there as one of our top ways to spend a summer afternoon. Set up camp on the decked area, and enjoy a nibble on tapas dishes like baba ganoush or olive tapenade, or opt for something more substantial: the spectacular menu here is always bursting with locally sourced, seasonal wonders dreamed up by head chef Craig Galvin-Scott. Willow Tree’s pizzas are extra special – the chilli beef, jalapeño and sour cream is a must try for spice lovers.

There’s plenty of room for fun and games in the large garden at The Plough at Fen Ditton. The riverside garden is ideal for watching all kinds of boating activity but on cooler days you can huddle round the fire pit up on the terrace. The summer menu has loads of tempting options, from burgers and great steaks to fresh fish and salads. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the garden on a hot Friday evening, you can even enjoy a discount on a bottle of bubbles when you try one of the chef’s specials from the menu – a sure way to get you in the mood for a weekend of summer fun. Green End, Fen Ditton CB5 8SX, 01223 293264, www.theploughfenditton.co.uk

29 High Street, Bourn CB23 2SQ, 01954 719775, www.thewillowtreebourn.com

The Fort St George Ever popular for its prime location backing onto the river and overlooking Midsummer Common, this place always has a lovely buzz about it during the summer months. Whether for after-work drinks, a lazy lunch or a full-on session, it’s the ultimate meeting point and there’s always enough space on the huge outdoor patio to accommodate the crowds. The food is traditional pub grub with various sharing platters. We would go for the burger board with six mini burgers to share, plus skin-on chips. That or a ham hock toastie which sounds equally munchable. North East Cambridge, CB4 1HA, 01223 354327, www.gkpubs.co.uk

Green Man at Thriplow It’s been given a bit of makeover recently, with the familiar blue exterior having been replaced by a stylish cream. Ever since duo Ben Maude and Alex Rushmer (of Hole in the Wall and Masterchef fame) took over earlier this year, the food has been elevated to the next level with delicious seasonal summer options including wild garlic and asparagus bruschetta and fillet of hake. The pub has an idyllic location right on the village green with plenty of seating outside and in the new back garden area. 2 Lower Street, Thriplow, Royston SG8 7RJ, 01763 208855, www.greenmanthriplow.com

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summer dining

The Varsity Roof Terrace The roof terrace on top of this stylish boutique hotel is a bit of a hidden local gem, but when it comes to outdoor drinks, lunch or dinner – we’d venture it’s one of our city’s very finest spots. Enjoy panoramic views of Cambridge as you select from the mouthwatering drinks list that includes such delights as the Nutella martini and the chilli and honey margarita. If you're hungry, there's a fantastic BBQ-style menu which includes fillet steak sandwich with melted Swiss cheese, German Bockwürste sausage 'chilli dogs' and brie and red onion fire toasted bagel, which comes served with slow roasted onion jam. Delicious. Thompson’s Lane, CB5 8AQ, 01223 306030, www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

d’Arry’s With a brilliant King Street location and a wine list to die for, d’Arry’s is a peach of a spot. The gorgeous courtyard area, with its soft jazz floating through the air and candles flickering, is a perfect place to while away an evening. They often have buskers too, as well as special events including ‘pull a pig apart’ nights (which feature a gourmet sharing pork board) and steak nights. Other than that, you can expect dishes like pan fried duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes and plum jus or field mushrooms stuffed with mixed Mediterranean vegetables and melted cheese, served with a butternut squash and ricotta pancake with cheese sauce and risotto. Highly recommended. 2-4 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LN, 01223 505015, www.darrys.co.uk

The Tickell Arms Situated in Whittlesford (five miles south of Cambridge), The Tickell Arms is a brilliant out of town spot for a little al fresco indulgence. The menu is seasonal, with a modern European/British vibe, and offers dishes like marinated beetroot salad with feta, orange and mint, and roast duck breast with red onion tart tatin. The terrace, overlooking a large pond, is beautiful – and even if the weather’s not up to sitting outside, the large sliding doors in the garden room provide a perfect indoor-outdoor feel. IWM Duxford is just down the road too, so it’s ideal for enjoying all the aerial action on the days of the air shows. North Road, Whittlesford CB22 4NZ, 01223 833025, www.cambscuisine.com

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all your leisure needs in one destination

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The Gog Magog Golf Club is built on 380 acres of free draining chalk downland just 3 miles south east of the historic centre of Cambridge and has two excellent and very different courses.

Kevin Mader Secretary Manager The Gog Magog Golf Club Shelford Bottom Cambridge CB22 3AB

Tel: 01223 247626 www.gogmagog.co.uk

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The porous sub-soil means play takes place all year round as the courses do not suffer from water logging that can affect lower lying areas in the winter months. The Old Course, opened in 1901, has all the character you would expect from a course with so much history. It has great variety, great views and is a great test for all abilities. The Wandlebury Course, opened in 1997, is now well established and has already hosted Regional Qualifying for The Open for 5 years. Longer than the Old Course and with USGA specification greens, it also has great vistas. From both courses there are panoramic views across Cambridgeshire. Directly north, Ely Cathedral rises out of the surrounding Fens. The membership is drawn from all walks of

life as you would expect from a world famous city such as Cambridge. This diversity adds greatly to the relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere in the clubhouse where you can relax after your round or take in the views from our spacious Patio. What more could a golfer want! The Club offers comprehensive practice facilities; a 30 acre driving range with chipping green and representative practice bunkers. Everyone at the Club works to make your golfing experience as enjoyable as possible and the large Pro-Shop is available to provide you with all your golfing needs.

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news Images Charlotte Griffiths

Independent of the Month

Boudoir Femme

This month, Jennifer Shelton visits King Street treat Boudoir Femme, exploring its array of gorgeous style picks hopping can be a form of escapism, and there’s something a bit magical about stepping into a beautiful shop and discovering all its secrets. One store that fulfils the criteria perfectly is an inviting independent fashion boutique on King Street where you might find anything from a slouchy contemporary T-shirt to a one-off pair of vintage evening gloves. It’s run by Pippa Sandison, who started out selling vintage clothing in an antique centre on Mill Road while working part-time as a nurse. She established Boudoir Femme in 2006, and it was the escapist glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, plus her own love of fashion, that inspired her vision for the shop. “I watched a 1940s movie years ago, and it had this woman sitting at a dressing table and a man was waiting on her hand and foot: he brought her clothes, jewellery, perfume… So my vision was to create a boutique which feels a bit like a mini old-fashioned department store, with everything that a girl might possibly want, with a vintage edge.” The shop, listed as 23 in the Top 100 Inspiring Indies by Drapers in 2012, is a joy to rummage through, and Pippa has just as much fun doing the buying-in. “It’s brilliant! It’s a lot of hard work, but we get to go to the Copenhagen Fashion Week and London Fashion Week… and it’s great when you find that really interesting brand and think ‘Cambridge is going to love this!’” Browsing the rails, there’s a gorgeous mix of styles, with summery pieces sitting alongside new autumn/winter trends. “We’re getting lots of A/W stock now. But we do a lot of trans-seasonal brands, including our bestseller, American Vintage, which is a mix of really lovely T-shirts and knits and very cool trousers. They’ve done some fantastic takes on sports luxe, and there are some lovely gold and teal colours around for A/W 2013.” This month, Boudoir Femme is taking part in Independent Retailer Month, a campaign to encourage us to support our local independent stores. There’s a £100 prize draw up for grabs – details are online. “Independents have really got to stand out now,” says Pippa. “There are two ways of going about it: either through online retailing or by promoting your businesses in these kinds of

ways. I think both of these will ensure the high street survives. Ironically, I don’t think online shopping will be the demise of the high street. If used well, I think it could be the saviour of a lot of independents.” What does she make of Cambridge’s independent scene? “It’s great; there are little pockets and areas you really need to know about – King Street, for example, is a fantastic location for independents. That’s why we’re putting together a guide to show Cambridge’s visitors where those independent gems are.” As an independent business with a loyal local customer base, Boudoir Femme can offer higher levels of service than your average chain. One of these is their ‘wardrobe edit’ service, where one of the team will come to your home and help you clear out those items you never wear to make room for new pieces. “We’ll look at what the customer has and what they don’t need anymore,” Pippa explains. “We can also help people sell any nearly new items. People have too much in their wardrobes; instead of five black jackets, whittle it down to one black one and a cream one. “Having a wardrobe that works for you is the most important thing,” she continues. “There

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are key pieces that are great to have: a blazer that works well over dresses and a T-shirt, and well-fitting jeans. Jewellery and scarves can jazz up an outfit too. We have lovely evening wear in from Chie Mihara and Libélula, but as a small boutique we get just one in each size.” You can also have Pippa call you when something you’re looking for comes in. “We communicate through Twitter and Facebook and send weekly mail-outs to our customers. We also contact people personally when things come in so they don’t miss out. I think that personal touch is important. “I think there’s a space for the multiples and there’s a space for the indies,” Pippa concludes, “but the independent shops are what makes a city interesting. We have unique products, niche brands and really high levels of customer service. I go to the chains sometimes, but when I want something special, I love nothing better than going into a store where I don’t know what I’m going to find.” 2 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1NL, 01223 323000, www.boudoirfemme.co.uk

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Osman

FASHION WORDS NICOLA FOLEY Richard Nicoll

NEON Neon brights were everywhere on the spring/summer catwalks, from highlighter pen yellow to hot pinks and vibrant oranges – it was a riot of colour. Feeling brave? There are plenty of neon dresses out there that pack a serious sartorial punch. But our favourites are the more subtle nods to the trend, like this cute Very skater dress with neon embroidery. Alternatively, add a colour-pop bag or pair of shoes to instantly liven up a simple outfit.

LIMITED COLLECTION FLURO BLAZER £59 M&S

ASOS Kimono In Fluro Stripe £40 ASOS

Fluro Basic Crop Top £8 TOPSHOP Neon Lace Prom Dress £39 Very

Fluro Mini Skater Skirt £28 TOPSHOP

FLURO TWEED SHIFT DRESS £160 JAEGER

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Cambridge Satchel Company 11” Coral Fluro Leather Satchel £115 ASOS

Converse All Star Ox Ladies Neon £47 BANK

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FASHION Spotted Retro Sunglasses £8 Bank

Beaded Rainbow Jacket £150 Topshop

Festival Skirt in Tie-Dye with Fringing £30 ASOS

CHIC

Festivals are the perfect excuse to go wild with your fashion choices. Anything goes, from feather headdresses to fluoro tie-dye and elaborate statement jewellery: the more outrageous, the better. Of course, there are always practical concerns to consider as well, so invest in a great pair of wellies (we adore these colourful Hunters) and a stylish bag: backpacks or bumbags are your best option. Bead and Tusk Cascade Necklace £30 Topshop

**Geometric Bomber Jacket by Kuccia £60 Topshop

Patchwork Skull Vest £20 MISS SELFRIDGE

Aztec bumbag £4 Primark

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Hunter Festival Wellies now £125.95 Country Attire

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FASHION

Summer

ASOS Clubmaster Sunglasses £12 ASOS

must-haves

ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses with Internal Print £125 ASOS

Penfield Casper CB 5-Panel Cap £28 Dogfish

Water Colour Aztec T-Shirt £22 Topman

Hawaiian print shirt £7 Primark

Friend Or Faux ‘Hanglose’ T-Shirt £35 Topman

Edwin 55 Chino Trouser £90 Dogfish

VIBEING POLO £33 TED BAKER MAINE Shorts £18 Debenhams

Anneka £79.99 Office Sydney £74.99 Office Mens Nike Air Vortex Vintage £49.99 Get the label.com

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beauty

WORDS Daisy Dickinson & Charlotte Griffiths

Image courtesy of Primark

At a festival, you need a simple and effective beauty regime that’s capable of making you look radiant – even if you’re surviving on zero sleep and a diet of little more than chips and wine Keep it clean In our experience, your principle battle is against dirt and stink – especially by the dawn of day three. With these innovative products there’s no excuse for grubbing your way between acts. Chaps and ladies alike should take heed and stock up on these sanitising suggestions. Handy wipes do what they say on the tin and are a festival-goer’s best friend – Halo does a great, super affordable range, including these Eye Make-up Remover Pads (Tesco, £1.99). Hand gel comes in extremely useful when you have to use bathrooms that see thousands of inebriated visitors over the course of a weekend. Forever’s Hand Sanitizer (£3.40, www. foreverliving.com) smells of honeyed lavender and knocks out 99% of germs in seconds. However – one rule we like to live by is that you can never be too careful when there’s portaloos around – so Vaseline’s new anti-bac hand cream (£3.29, Boots) is a must too. To keep your lips soft as well as sun protected, we love these tactile lip balm cubes from Balmi (£4.99, Boots): cute but tough, with SPF 15 and available in a variety of flavours.

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beauty

Image courtesy of Primark

Wild card cleansers We’ve come across a selection of slightly weird-but-proven-wonderful products in our quest for the ultimate festival find – and MucOff’s Dry Shower (£7, muc-off.com) is no exception. Plus it does exactly what it says on the tin. Though it’s a brand usually associated with bike and car cleaners, Muc-Off has created a ‘shower in a bottle’ that leaves you anti-bacced, smelling and feeling fresh. Lush also has several suggestions to expand your armoury: Toothy Tabs (from £2) are innovative solid toothpaste tablets that foam when you chew, and you could also look to freshen up with a dab of solid perfume, also from Lush. We love Orange Blossom for a summer scent (£5.50). When you need to clean the mud from your soul, try a hard-working multitasking cleanser from Dr Bronner’s range of liquid soaps (£1.99, www.drbronner.com). The Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint promises to clean your hands, your teeth, treat cuts, clean your hair and more besides.

Look Festival Fabulous So, you’ve managed to keep yourself clean and fresh, now it’s time to inject some glamour. For a one-tube-wonder, you can’t go wrong with the illuminating tinted moisturiser from Laura Mercier (£33, John Lewis), which will give you a fresh-faced glow no matter how long you’ve been up. For a touch of healthy colour, Benefit’s Hervana blusher (£23.50) will work wonders on a complexion that’s feeling a bit sorry for itself and Topshop’s cool little Lip Bullets are easy to apply sans mirror and come in a great range of on-trend colours (£8 each). A quick route to glamour is a line of deftly applied, cat-style eyeliner, but be sure to select products that promise durability and waterproofing: Superslick Liquid Eyeliner (£16.50, Mac) is precisely what you need. For those after something a little more daring, try coloured hair chalks for a groovy but (crucially) temporary change. We love the purple pastel hues from Claire’s Accessories (£1).

edition musthave

Our new favourite

If all the excitement of the festival leaves you hot and bothered, cool down with a mini bottle of Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water spray (£3.15, Boots) – a refreshing spritz can be safely used over make-up and also cools any irritation or sunburn.

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We’re committed balmists here at Edition and have tried many in our time, but this time, it might be love. This tiny pot of wonderment known as The Green Balm: Daily Cleansing Ritual (£14.99, www.thegreenbalm.com) is a UKmade product perfect for lips, cuts and scrapes, or even to use as a cleanser. And it’s an absolute steal, compared to other balm-based cleansers.

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interiors

WORDS Emily Brooks

Material

Mulberry chesterfield sofa now £720.00, rectangular stool, now £260, silver Brilliant rug now £160, cushions taupe velvet floral applique now £22.40, white appliqued bird cage now £28, beige appliqued bird and branch cushion now £20.80, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

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interiors

floral Emmett Loveseat in Kingsley Lime £399, cushions Colourfield Flower £19.50, Pink Linen £15, MIA embroidered £35, Fara table £299, Colourfield rug from £75 (0845 609 0200; www.marksandspencer.com)

James Summer fabric £80 per metre, Bluebell Gray (014122 10724; www.bluebellgray.com)

From a new pair of curtains to a reupholstered sofa, a little fabric know-how can give your interior a new lease of life oft furnishings have the power to completely change the look of your home, but if you’re thinking of upgrading more than your scatter cushions, then your design decisions may not come cheap. As with so much, though, good quality will last; here’s how to create a look you love that’s well made, well fitted, and will see you right for at least the next couple of decades. In a digital age, choosing fabrics is still something best done in the real world. Being able to feel something, getting a sense of colour and scale and comparing many different products at once is all much easier when everything’s in front of you. If you’re a novice, stick to one pattern book you like, a fail-safe way of making sure things don’t jar: “A lot of the work will be done for you,” says Roz Mannock from Paint & Paper

Emporium in Cambridge (01223 506136; www. paintandpaperemporium.com). “There will be a group of fabrics all designed to be used together – you might get a plain, a pattern, a stripe and a check – all in one colour palette.” And if you want to work across several pattern books, having an expert on hand to offer advice can speed up the process. Take note, too, of any guidelines for how fabrics can be used, as more lightweight textiles will be unsuitable for upholstery. “You obviously wouldn’t put pure silk on a chair,” says Roz. “Most fabrics will have been abrasion

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Chaise recovered by Maiorana Upholstery where an average two-seat sofa costs £1,200-£1,500 to reupholster, including fabric (01223 845448; www. maioranaupholstery.co.uk)

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interiors

JANE CHURCHILL bling in Eden Green J706F-04, £49 per metre, chairs in Willowbrook Orange/Lime, J711F-01, £35 per metre, Sandra Jane at Home (01223 323211; www.sjah.co.uk)

Emporium sofa in Folia Velvet Lagoon, cushion (L) in Folia Velvet Ultramarine and (R) Folia Velvet Tangerine, £50 per metre, by Harlequin, Paint & Paper Emporium (01223 506136; www.paintandpaperemporium.com)

Single Scallop lampshade in chartreuse hydrangea, from £71, from Premier Lampshades, which can also make shades using your chosen fabric (01204 414366; www. premierlampshades.co.uk)

Buy what you like rather than try to create a look in a magazine; it’s your home tested, and there will be a symbol on the back to show how hardwearing it is.” Whether the room you have in mind sees a lot of sun may also have a bearing on what you

Hawthorn and Sparrows linen in raspberry, £50 per metre, Emily Burningham (020 7431 0361; www.emilyburningham.com)

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choose: look for more colour-fast options for south-facing rooms, for example. For curtains, really heavyweight fabrics can help block draughts, and you can specify thermal linings to make them even more efficient. For furniture, loose covers can be great if you like to change your look from season to season – a lightweight linen mix for spring/summer, and a softer, heavier weight fabric for cosying up in autumn and winter. After the practicals, it’s down to aesthetic choice. “I always say to customers, buy what you like rather than try to create a look in a magazine; it’s your home, so do what you want,” says Jane Brighouse of Cambridgebased Sapphire Sewing (07958 972003; www. sapphiresewing.com) which makes everything from curtains to cushions to loose covers for sofas and chairs. She says that the bold graphic styles of brands like Scion are very popular at the moment, taking over from more

traditional patterns. “There are a lot of retroinspired fabrics at the moment, and colours are getting very bright, with purples, blues, greens and oranges. There are still traditional fabrics around, though – and a lot of houses suit traditional fabrics – but even those have got a little bit more adventurous.” Some of the latest fabrics coming through are traditional with a twist: slubby textured neutrals, but shot through with a metallic thread, for example, or ikat prints with an imperfect, handmade feel, but in ultra-bright colours. Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for made-to-measure curtain and blind specialist Hillary’s (0800 916 6524; www.hillarys.co.uk) agrees that we’ve come out of our shell a little recently. “While we may never entirely tire of neutrals, interior styles have become much more individual, personal and quirky. We want more pattern, colour and interesting texture around us, and curtains can provide that.”

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interiors

CHARLESTON COLLECTioN Delilah fabric in Chartreuse, £17 per metre, Montgomery (0808 202 6213; www.montgomery.co.uk) fabrics (L-R) La Favourite £42 (all prices per metre), Coralie, £42, Coquine, £62, all by Lorca/Osborne & Little, available to order from Paint & Paper Emporium (01223 506136; www.paintandpaperemporium.com)

If you are shopping online for curtains, make sure you get a sample first – colours may look very different once they’re in your home. Jane’s tip is to make sure that “if you have to buy two rolls, make sure they’re from the same dye batch” – since the printing can subtly change from batch to batch. The trend is moving away from a look that’s too matching, to give an informal, ‘evolved’ look. Fabric can also be used to bring together a number of different pieces of furniture, as Jane explains: “More often now, people are buying individual second-hand chairs instead of a three-piece suite, so getting them covered in the same fabric brings it all together.” Pattern can have a dramatic effect on the look of a room too, so use it to accentuate

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what you’ve got and hide what you haven’t; a large contemporary repeat will probably feel too dominant in a small room, while vertically striped curtains can give the illusion of extra height. Woven jacquards, luxurious velvets and embroidered fabrics can be used to add textural interest. When it comes to curtains, choosing the fabric is just the start. To the novice, window treatments have seemingly endless options: pencil pleat, pinch pleat or eyelet? Tiebacks,

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villa nova armchair in (L) Indienne Agapanthus and (R) Indienne Indigo, £37 per metre, Paint & Paper Emporium (01223 506136; www.paintandpaperemporium.com)

pelmets or swags? We’re living in an era of more streamlined looks, opting for simpler styles such as pencil pleats, and without the fussy extras like swags and tails – which means that you can be a bit more adventurous with your fabric choice without the whole thing looking over the top. Ready-made curtains are easily available on the high street, but they will not always fit

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interiors

Little Trees fabric in Moss, £72.50 per metre, Miss Print (01277 350581; www.missprint.co.uk)

Options Varese Autumn £35.10 per m by Sanderson; Curtain Up (0800 987 5258; curtain-up.ltd.uk)

Kvitter fabric in blue, £22.95 per metre, Hus & Hem (01531 631044; www.husandhem.co.uk)

your window exactly; Jane at Sapphire Sewing also says to check the quality. “A lot of readymade curtains have poor-quality linings; that’s why they’re cheaper. The lining material needs to be closely woven – it’s there to protect the face fabric from the light, so the closer the weave, the better the protection.” Made-to-measure curtains will not only be able give you a perfect shape for your window, but allow you to specify exactly what you want, such as an interlining for extra heavyweight curtains (also essential for very delicate fabrics such as silk) or thermal and blackout linings. They needn’t cost the earth either: try online sites such as Curtains Made for Free (www.curtainsmadeforfree. co.uk) where the prices have been simplified

so that you only pay for the fabric, with a threeweek turnaround. If you order online, you’ll be measuring up yourself, though, so do it very carefully. Jane says common mistakes include “not allowing enough space either side for the curtains to move back either side of the window; I tend to allow around an extra 20cm for the pole.” She also points out that “with eyelet curtains, you measure from the top of the pole, but with pencil pleats you measure from near the bottom. If there’s a deep windowsill then the curtains will need to sit in it, but for a shallow one, it should finish around 20cm below.” It’s no wonder that many people opt for in-home expert measuring

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cotton tub chairs £395 each, Oliver Bonas (02089 741200; www.oliverbonas.com)

Pencil pleat, pinch pleat, or eyelet? Tiebacks, pelmets or swags? Cambridge Edition | July 2013 | 77

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14/6/13 10:52:23

interiors

colour for living Ooti in grape £53.06, by Sanderson; Fashion Interiors (024 7601 1299; www. fashioninteriors.co.uk)

Hopi fabric by Lorca/Osborne & Little, £95 per metre, available to order from Paint & Paper Emporium (01223 506136; www.paintandpaperemporium.com)

montgomery curtains in Tahiti Red, £32 (all prices per metre), cushions (top to bottom) in Peacock Red £34, Kilim Terracotta £19, Morocco Red £29, (08082 026213; www.montgomery.co.uk)

If you do want to push the boat out, many firms will let you supply your own textiles “Getting someone in to measure and fit can save you from making expensive mistakes,” says Hillary’s Sarah Quilliam. “With made-tomeasure you can ensure a perfect fit and help insulate your room from cold draughts.” Many sofas and chairs are made to order, which means that you’re free to choose from a huge variety of fabrics. It’s understandable that most people want to play it safe and go for something that won’t date, but if you do want to push the boat out, many firms will let you supply your own textiles. Companies such as Sofa.com (0845 400 2222; www.sofa.com) and Loaf (0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com) are among those that will do this, but there are a few rules to follow. “Customers often come to us with ridiculously lightweight fabrics that aren’t going to last five minutes,” says Salvatore Maiorana of Maiorana Upholstery (01223 845448; www.maioranaupholstery. co.uk), which has been based in Cambridge since 1976 and counts many of the city’s university colleges as its clients. “Also, certain patterns aren’t suitable for certain furniture; anything that’s deeply buttoned, you can’t have a stripe or a check, because you need to pull the fabric in deep to make up the ‘diamonds’, and it won’t end up looking straight.” Allow for 12-18m of fabric for a two-

seater sofa: the final amount depends on both the design of the sofa itself and the pattern (some repeat patterns mean there is more wastage). Maiorana can upholster new frames, but its stock-in-trade is reupholstering older pieces, a fantastic way to give a new lease of life to your furniture. Many of us will have good-quality furniture hidden away at home that’s seen better days: an old headboard, a faded armchair, or a set of dining chairs that are still sturdy and comfortable but with dated seat coverings. If they were of good quality in the first place, it could well be worth reupholstering them. Salvatore says that he can usually give a rough estimate of cost from an emailed image, and will then visit to properly measure up and see what needs to be done; antiques, for example, will be repaired like-for-like using traditional methods such as hand stitching and coiled springs. Definitely more expensive, but he suggests that, with a hard-wearing fabric, your sofa’s life could be extended by 30 years. Salvatore says that an average two-seat sofa costs £1,200-£1,500 to reupholster (including fabric and VAT), which may seem expensive compared to the cheapest new

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montgomery cushions (front to back, all prices per metre) Morocco in Stone £29, Aztec in Pumice £22, Gauguin in Pumice £29, (0808 202 6213; www.montgomery.co.uk)

furniture on the market, but very reasonable indeed when you take lifespan into account. “Nowadays, furniture’s not made to last; buy a £500 sofa, and six months down the line, it’s going to fall apart.” Most of his customers are older – in their 40s and up – possibly because they’ve already learned a lesson the hard way that it pays to buy once, and buy well.

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he d number 325 t t a s an see uH and 27th Juneds2t8th July

an 26T ly Show ir 27th k a l F o st Ju y f Nor ow 31 untr l o h a C S y r o m e R ha Flow Holk gham n i r d San

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picnic MATINEE MOHAIR THROW £99 iapetus

Cath Kidston Limited Edition Roberts Revival DAB Radio £199.95 John Lewis

Vintage Ivy Flask and Cup £12.95 Dotcomgiftshop

Traditional Stripy Deckchair £90 Burford Garden Company

Vintage Cherryade Produce Tray £14.95 Dotcomgiftshop

House by John Lewis Mo Outdoor Lantern £7 John Lewis

Make yours the most stylish alfresco soirée around with these bright and sunny accessories Wooden Cutlery by Peach Blossom £4 Not on the high street.com

Melamine lunch boxes (set of 4) NOW £38 Debenhams

Classic Penguin Deckchair £79.99 the gifted penguin

Pioneer Picnic Plate £3 John Lewis Tropitech plate Now £2.10 House of Fraser

Matthew Williamson woven hamper NOw £20.80 Debenhams

Handpainted Bohemian Cup £3.99 The Oak Room

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Bon Voyage Thermos Flask from Disaster Designs £14.50 Hampton Blue

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14/6/13 10:49:33

Gardens

WORDS Catherine Carr

Garden jobs

for July

There's lots to be done to keep your garden at its best throughout summer, but the trick is to work smarter, not harder, says Catherine Carr ardeners are industrious creatures. After a long (long) winter, they’re raring to get going… and once they start, they just don’t stop. No matter how modest your garden is, sometimes it feels never-ending. However, as a naturally lazy creature, my plea for the summer is this: stop (I know this is an odd thing to say at the start of a ‘what to do in the garden’ piece, but bear with). I understand that there are lots of jobs to do in the garden. I also understand that some of these are essential jobs which will greatly enhance the gorgeous display of blousy colour which is July in the garden. We’ll get to that in a moment. But my critical piece of advice this month, is to be disciplined enough to sit, breathe, look, relax and enjoy the sight of the sunlight on the garden this summer. And yes, that means taking off your muddy gloves to drink your cuppa. It doesn’t count otherwise. DEADHEADING As I type this, the scabious are bobbing in the wind, their pretty purple heads multiplying daily. I’m a big fan of these easyto-grow, bee-friendly flowers – especially the way that they just keep on going and going all summer long. However, like all flowering plants in the garden, these spindly beauties appreciate a bit of deadheading. It’s easy work, and something that I either like to outsource to the smaller members of the family or undertake myself while fielding phone calls. It also instantly makes the garden look much smarter. While I’m on the subject, remember to

include any pots in your regime, in particular fuchsias. If left to do their own thing, they waste tons of energy producing big seed pods, rather than gorgeous new flowers. PRUNING Don’t be scared of pruning. A little judicious snip here and there can work wonders. Here are a couple of plants which really benefit from careful attention at this time of year. Wisteria: The magnificent displays of wisteria are an early summer treat, and something I genuinely look forward to. The ancient specimens on Downing College building are astonishing: each twisted branch drips with bunches of lilac blooms. The trick to ensuring that your wisteria looks as good is to fish out any whippy green tendrils which have sprouted this year, and snip them to within five or six leaves from the main stem. If you are training the plant on a fence or pergola, you can then gently tie the trimmed shoots with twine. Fruit trees: Some fruit trees – like apple and pears – benefit from a little summer pruning. Without getting technical, this simply enables the sun to reach the plant and

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ripen the fruit, ensuring a better crop. This month is the time to look at any pear trees around, and then next month, turn your attention to apples. When the bottom third of any new shoots are stiff and woody, it’s game on. Give any shoots over 20cm a trim – back to three leaves from the main stem. The trick with pruning is to try it. Even if you are a little enthusiastic, the plant will recover in time. Fear not!

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Gardens

FEEDING With July being the month that the garden can start to seem a little raggedy, many plants benefit from a summer feed. Roses in particular can be encouraged to produce a second flush of flowers in autumn, if treated to a liquid tomato feed at this time of year. It’s a huge reward for a five-minute job! If you’re growing your own fruit and veg, try plonking some slower-acting fertiliser like seaweed meal on any crops planted in beds, to give them a boost, too. Tomatoes need some help six weeks after planting out, when all the nutrients in the compost will have been used up by the plant; save some of that liquid feed from your roses to ensure a bountiful crop of tomatoes for your salad.

PESTS They just love the warmer weather, so watch out! If you catch a caterpillar or aphid infestation early, you may be able to deal with it – by squirting the affected plant regularly with a jet of water, or squishing them between your finger and thumb. Established infestations may require chemical solutions. Gardening chat rooms buzz at this time of year with talk of soapy water spritzing, or even garlic infusions, but I am ashamed to say that I usually adopt the lazy way: I ignore them and the plants seem to cope okay. This year I might take a longer-term approach and will plant some wild carrot (Daucus carota) and fennel to attract the ladybirds which can then feast on the little blighters.

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WATER It’s hard to know what the rest of summer will be like – dry or a washout (I’m literally praying for the former, I’m afraid, garden!). Whichever, water is precious and so it’s always wise to avoid wasting it. Start using ‘grey water’ – from the bath or washingup to give thirsty plants a drink. So long as it’s not too dirty or soapy, the plants will thrive. It’s better to water well once or twice a week, rather than a surface sprinkle every evening. The exceptions to that rule are pots and baskets which need a dousing daily – especially if it is windy. For recently planted shrubs and trees, leave a trickling hose near their base for an hour, to ensure that water penetrates dry soil to reach the roots. INSPIRATION This is truly the time of year to potter, and when you have heeded my advice to do it in your own backyard – try someone else’s. The National Garden Scheme website (www.ngs.org.uk) has details of some amazing gardens in Cambridgeshire, from bog gardens at fenland windmills, to water fountains and fruit trees at country houses. Take a camera to snap plants you like, money for tea and cake and, most importantly, enjoy!

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13/6/13 16:38:07

pets

Obesity Epidemic

This month, Scampers Natural Pet Store look at the issue of pet obesity, offering advice on how to prevent and combat this widespread animal health issue ne of our main goals at Scampers is to enlighten people about the benefits of feeding their animals appropriately. Obesity in pets is a huge problem in this country. In fact, recent research by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) revealed that nearly half the number of pets making a visit to the vets are overweight. This is a frightening statistic, especially considering experts estimate that owners with overweight pets could be shortening their lives by two years. That’s not the only concern however. Obesity is also linked to a slew of other health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. In short, it causes a lot of unnecessary suffering, which can affect your pet for long periods of their life. On the upside, obesity is a completely preventable problem – so it’s essential that pet owners educate themselves and take action for the wellbeing of their pets. COMMON-SENSE FEEDING The most important thing is to employ a bit of common sense when it comes to your pet’s food intake. Just like with humans, if pets consume more calories than they burn off, they will gain weight, and just like with humans, their calorie requirement will depend upon their size,

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individual metabolism, age, exercise and overall health. With so many variables, the best course of action is trial and error: aim to feed your pet the amount that will maintain a healthy weight, adjusting it depending on their activity. It sounds obvious, but keep a close eye on your pet; if they gain weight, reduce their portions and if they are losing weight, feed them more – don’t fall into the trap of ‘feeding the bowl’ rather than your pet. CLEVER TREATING Another major cause of obesity is treating – or more accurately, over treating – and feeding pets poor-quality, sugary, cerealbased treats and biscuits. We wouldn’t be comfortable constantly giving snacks full of colourants, preservatives, sugar and salt to our children, and we should think twice about giving them to our pets too. That’s not to say that we can’t give our pooches healthy treats on a regular basis, but it’s important that you adjust the rest of their food intake accordingly. Aim for natural, low-calorie treats which have the least processing and are actually good for your pets, such as those from Natures Menu, Soopa, Billy+Margot and Perrito. A WEIGHTY ISSUE As well as weighing your dog or cat on the scales regularly, there are a few simple checks you can do to ensure they are at a

healthy weight. Firstly, look at the outline of your pet’s ribs and run your hands along them; you should be able to feel their ribs and even see the outline of the last rib. You should also be able to see and feel your pet’s waist, and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above. Take a look from the side: your pet’s belly should be tucked up when viewed from this angle. It all comes back to keeping an eye on your pet and monitoring any changes. If in doubt, pop into Scampers and we’ll happily give you some tips and advice on whether your pet might need to change his diet. You may have to try different diet regimes, but we’re committed to getting to know our customers’ pets and what they need. UNDERSTAND THE LABEL It’s down to you to make good choices when it comes to deciding what to feed your pet. So make sure you understand what exactly is in that bag. Sadly, choosing a good-quality product is harder than it should be – ambiguous, sometimes even misleading, labelling is common. The onus is on you to do the research, but there are a few key things to look out for. ‘Meat and animal derivatives’ are a common ingredient on many pet food labels: this is a generic term for rendered animal proteins and can refer to any animal, and any part of the animal. They’re often chosen for their cheap cost rather than their quality. Instead of these, look out for pet foods containing ingredients like ‘dried chicken meat’ or ‘fresh chicken’‚ which are naming the meat source. ‘Cereals’ is an umbrella term to cover all kinds of grain – which can be a good source of fibre and carbohydrates. Unless specified, these can vary from batch to batch, depending on what’s cheapest at the time. Cereals might also be used to bulk up pet foods, but their nutritional value is low, so be careful of foods with a very high ‘cereal’ percentage, and look for more easily digestible grains such as rice. We recommend taking a look at our website www.scampers.co.uk – a great resource in helping you see through the smoke and mirrors and understand exactly what you’re feeding your pet.

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All Roads Lead to Scampers

“The Scampers Experience” • Natural, Healthy pet foods • Qualiﬁed pet care advisers • Only the best natural Treats • One – to – one personal guidance • Unbelievable range of toys and bedding • An Holistic Approach • Free tasting table • Raw food specialists • Latest products from around the world • Expert puppy and kitten advice • Great training tips

LIAM Proudly Supporting

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01353 720 431 Northﬁeld Crossroads, A142 Soham by-pass, Soham, Ely, Cambs, CB7 5UF

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education

WORDS Simon Pollard

More than just music… This month, Simon Pollard of Millers Music looks at the remarkable benefits of learning a musical instrument, from increased IQ to enhanced coordination skills ver the years, countless studies have been issued about the positive impact of music on people. Whether it is enhancing your mood, relieving stress or having fun, music has an important role to play in all of our lives, and in particular playing an instrument can be a truly special and rewarding experience. I feel passionately about music and helping those who want to learn to play a musical instrument. Setting aside the personal satisfaction achieved from those who finally master that tricky new piece or pass their grade exams, there are so many other benefits that learning a musical instrument brings. Even the Government recognises the importance of high-quality music education to enable ‘lifelong participation in, and enjoyment of, music, as well as underpinning excellence and professionalism for those who choose not to pursue a career in music’. Over the years, various pieces of research have been undertaken, highlighting the more obvious benefits such as increasing the capacity of your memory, enhancing your coordination skills and creating a sense of achievement. What fascinates me are the specific benefits beyond the obvious. Research carried out by Lutz Jäncke, a psychologist at the University of Zurich, showed that learning an instrument can increase your IQ by seven points, in both IMAGES: Learning an instrument can enhance memory and motor skills, amongst other benefits

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children and adults. His research discovered that learning a musical instrument changed both the shape and power of your brain, particularly around the areas associated with motor skills, storage of audio information, memory and hearing – enhancing their ability to function more effectively. Further research, carried out by Professor Virginia Penhune from Concordia University in Canada, has shown that children who start to attend music classes around the age of six or eight will develop motor skills faster than those who don’t – delivering long-term, positive, changes to the brain. This doesn’t, however, guarantee they will be better musicians though. These wider skills associated with learning an instrument can also help children, and adults, improve their mathematical abilities and make it easier to learn foreign languages. It also enhances your ability to memorise important information, a great precursor to revising for exams in the future! The benefits are not just limited to children either: research by Nina Kraus at the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University in America, shows that musicians suffer less age-related memory loss as well as reduced age-related hearing loss, compared with people who don’t play an instrument. With all these benefits associated with learning a musical instrument, that leaves only one question – which instrument should I learn? Research has shown that all instruments improve joint mobility and dexterity, while wind instruments enhance respiratory function and playing the piano has the biggest impact cognitively. In my opinion, the instrument you should learn is

the one you most want to play. Some people have always wanted to play the piano or electric guitar, I myself always wanted to learn the saxophone, but there is no right or wrong answer – just pick your instrument and give it a play. I firmly believe in the value of visiting a music shop for professional advice, allowing you to play or handle the instruments, all of which will help you decide. For more expensive purchases it is well worth considering a rental scheme in the first instance. Many music shops offer them; with some even reducing the price of the instrument should you choose to purchase at a later date. This way you, or your child, can take time to try the instrument out properly before deciding to make a potentially large financial commitment. Payment plans can also help to make the ownership of a quality musical instrument much easier to manage. For those who want something fun to start, a simple harmonica can be purchased for just a few pounds, or maybe the resurgent ukulele, now used in many schools in place of the recorder, can be purchased from £25 and is great for kids and adults alike. Learning to play a musical instrument, no matter what your age, is a fantastic thing to do. So why not venture into your local music shop today and discover the range of benefits for yourself?

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