This month we’re packing a picnic, donning our sun hats and heading down to the water’s edge, with a host of ideas for time spent by, on or in the region’s picturesque rivers, lakes, fens and pools. The summer vibes continue with a selection of suitcase-essential books, two recipes that are fit for alfresco entertaining, a tour around Cambridge’s very own tropical rainforest and radiant yellow homewares to bring the sunshine inside. Plus, there’s not one but two interviews, with former BBC Look East presenter Stewart White and Ely-based basketmaker Nadine Anderson.
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AUGUST 2026
PINT SHOP AND GLASSWELLS PRIZES TOTALLING £650 SEE PAGES 43 & 75 WIN!
PICNIC, PUNT OR PADDLEBOARD: WHILE AWAY THE SUMMER DAYS ON OUR REGION’S PICTURESQUE WATERWAYS water’s edge at the
HEADLINE ACT Former local news presenter Stewart White shares his story
WOVEN WONDERS Step into the studio of Ely basketmaker Nadine Anderson
TROPIC OF CAMBRIDGE Discover the tropical rainforest that’s right on our doorstep
WELCOME
COME ON IN! This month, we’re packing a picnic, donning our sun hats and heading to the water’s edge, spending the summer holidays alongside our region’s scenic lakes and rivers, amid the nature-rich wetlands of the fens. Not only that, we’re also aboard punts, paddleboards and boats, and diving into the inviting waters of our local lidos. With a succession of heatwaves behind us and possibly more to come, where better to seek sanctuary than these watery havens? And whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day out or a tranquil spot from which to soak up the surroundings, there’s something for everyone in our cover story on page 8. Indeed, summer magic is laced through all the pages that follow. Find recommendations for the perfect page- turners to pack for your seasonal escape (page 24), as well as ideas for alfresco entertaining, with recipes for a sharing platter and Italian-inspired dessert (pages 40 and 44), a tour around Cambridge’s very own tropical rainforest in the glasshouses of the Botanic Garden (page 66) and radiant This month, we are packing a picnic, donning our sun hats and heading to the water’s edge
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com
Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Junior sub editor
Tabitha John ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Bonelle, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt & Esther Sánchez DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Junior designer & ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Brogden TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry Lucy Woolcomb Senior designer Carl Golsby
yellow homewares to bring the sunshine inside (page 73). Then, why not settle down with a cuppa to enjoy our two interviews this month? I was delighted to catch up with Stewart White (page 21), the face of BBC Look East for almost four decades. Having retired in 2021 following one of the longest uninterrupted runs presenting the same programme in British television history, he has decided to share the fascinating story of his radio and TV career in a newly published memoir. Meanwhile, Charlotte Griffiths was lucky enough to be invited into the studio of Ely-based basketmaker Nadine Anderson to discover the intricacies of this heritage craft (page 32). Speaking of creativity, before I sign off, I must give a shout-out to the team behind the first Aspiring Creatives Networking Forum, which took place on 2 July at Cambridge Corn Exchange. Cambridge Edition was in attendance, and it was a fantastic opportunity to engage with current and future creatives. If you missed it, do keep an eye out for future events.
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Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @damda.4me
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 08 / BY THE WATER Spend long, lazy summer days by river, lake or pool with this month’s guide to waterside bliss 21 / 5 MINUTES WITH STEWART WHITE The beloved BBC Look East presenter returns with a new memoir telling the story of his rich radio and TV career 32 / CUSTODIAN OF CRAFT Ely-based basketmaker Nadine Anderson welcomes us into the home studio where she weaves wonders and teaches traditions 43 & 75 / GIVEAWAYS Could you be the lucky winner of dinner and drinks at Pint Shop, or a £250 Glasswells gift card?
66 / TASTE OF THE TROPICS Sally Petitt takes us on a tour of Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s tropical houses, and inspires us to grow some species at home CULTURE EDITION 18 / CULTURE NEWS From festivals and art exhibitions to music and stage performances – get the lowdown on upcoming events and key updates from Cambridge’s cultural scene 24 / BOOK CLUB Plan your summer holiday reading with this selection of poolside page- turners, as chosen by Charlotte Griffiths 27 / SCREEN TIME Get ready for an August film programme of fun, drama and narratives designed to alter our perspectives
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FOOD EDITION 38 / FOOD NEWS The latest gastro goings-on around Cambridgeshire 40 / COOKING UP CAMBRIDGE Sarah Bonelle whips up a summer sharing platter 44 / HOME COMFORTS Recreate this dreamy, Italian-inspired, no-bake dessert from Esther Sánchez 46 / RESTAURANT REVIEW Louise Hoffman takes a seat at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket 49 / A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… Master butcher Miles Nicholas takes us through a day at Morgan’s Butchery
HEALTH EDITION 53 / HEALTH NEWS Recent healthcare updates, from local achievements to new services and products 56 / WOMEN’S WELLBEING Experts share their wisdom on maintaining post- reproductive and reproductive health 63 / NOT JUST AN ITCH Veterinary surgeon Dr Bridget Adcock discusses
76 / A TIME TO THRIVE Behind the scenes at local care and retirement homes, where organised activities are at the heart of daily life REGULARS 06 / INSTACAMB Showcasing our favourite social media snaps of the season 14 / THE AGENDA A round-up of events taking place across the region this month 81 / EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT As exam results arrive, Abbey Jones of Stephen Perse Cambridge reminds us of what’s important 82 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE Nicole Tilby is back in her city of study – and still loves it
summer allergies in pets HOME EDITION
73 / EDITION LOVES Yellow homewares that’ll bring a ray of sunshine into your very own abode
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OUT AND ABOUT
water By the Whether you’re looking for picnics, punts or paddleboards, make a splash this summer at some of Cambridgeshire’s finest waterside spots
Words PHOEBE HARPER
08 AUGUST 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
OUT AND ABOUT
F ew things sound more blissful than a summer’s day by the water, spent sharing a picnic in a shady spot, cooling off in fresh rivers or perhaps cruising along scenic waterways on a leisurely boat ride. In Cambridgeshire, we’re spoilt for choice with expansive lakes, the winding riverine landscapes of the Cam, the Great Ouse and the Nene, and the historic lodes that thread their way through the fenlands. Better yet, there is a bounty of places to eat, drink and take in the views along the way. With our selection of the county’s best waterside spots, the highlight of your summer could be just around the river bend...
A day by the Cam
N o waterside guide to Cambridgeshire would be complete without a mention of the jewel in its crown: Cambridge itself. As the city’s lifeblood, the River Cam winds through the famous Backs, bypassing some perfect picnic spots (try Laundress Green while picking up a pint to go from The Mill) and riverside cafes (Cafe Foy is a firm local favourite on the quayside) and on to leafy Grantchester where tea rooms and beloved river swimming spots await. Launching this summer, you may want to re-route via Parker’s Tavern at the University Arms before finding your spot by the water to collect one of its beautifully prepared picnic hampers. Bookable 24 hours in advance, sip and sup your way through a delectable selection of savoury and sweet treats (and an optional bottle of champagne, naturally) without any of the hassle of bringing your own supplies. Best of all, you can also borrow a bike to reach a desired place for parking your blanket. If you’d rather linger over lunch, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge boasts one of Cambridge’s finest riverside terraces, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes while watching rowers and punters drift past. For first-time visitors and seasoned locals alike, there’s nothing better than a punt ride, or hiring your own, from Rutherford’s or Scudamore’s for a duck’s-eye view of the city. Complete your riverside look with a timeless Panama hat from Laird Hatters. Crafted in the traditional style, it’s as practical as it is elegant, offering some welcome shade on a sunny day. If the river’s not for you, families looking to cool off should head straight to the Sheep’s Green Learner Pool or the large paddling pool on Lammas Land for a child-friendly introduction to outdoor swimming. Finally, a dip in the Jesus Green Lido remains a summer institution.
PICNIC PERFECT
Turn to page 38 to read about an extra-special picnic box and boat hire combo that’s now available from Fenstanton’s Little Piggy and Huntingdon’s Purvis Marine!
GO WITH THE FLOW Sometimes all you need to relax is a picturesque view, such as St John’s College on the River Cam (above) or the Hartford Marina (left)
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OUT AND ABOUT
V enture outside Cambridge and the county opens up into a rich landscape of lakes, country parks, fenland views and some fine riverside establishments. Just 25 minutes from Cambridge, the Waresley Park Estate has become a wellness destination for those seeking restorative experiences on the water. With a spring-fed lake set amid acres of parkland, visitors can book a host of activities including wild swimming, paddleboarding, lakeside sauna sessions and a floating sound bath experience. Afterwards, enjoy a hot drink on-site – or perhaps something iced – from Bean Theory coffee. Elsewhere, Milton Country Park blends lakeland scenery with woodland walks and a cafe overlooking the water. The ideal choice for summer outings, pack a picnic to enjoy beneath the trees, follow an accessible walking trail or dial it up a notch with paddlesports including kayaking and canoeing, fishing and open- water swimming sessions. Nearby, the lake at Waterbeach offers a picturesque loop for cycling, walking or taking a jog, with swimming and paddleboarding activities also available for booking. Continuing north, the former island city of Ely makes a wonderful waterside day out, combining spectacular cathedral views with a stretch of riverside that’s ideal for strolling, watching boats and enjoying an ice cream by the Great Ouse. Round off the day at The Three Pickerels in nearby Mepal. This recently refurbished waterside pub boasts a beer garden overlooking the river complete with a delectable pizza menu. Beyond the Backs
OFF GRID Looking to get away from it all? Why not try Waresley Park Estate with its fire pits (top) and water activities (left)
T he Great Ouse is at its most charming around the medieval market town of St Ives and its surrounding wildlife hotspots, the Holt Island Nature Reserve and the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve. When it’s time to refuel, The Pike & Eel offers a classic riverside pub experience overlooking the marina. With boats gently coming and going and outdoor seating beside the water, it’s a picture-perfect spot to toast a successful day outdoors. Elsewhere, explore historic Houghton Mill – a preserved working mill owned by the National Trust. You may choose to amble along riverside routes through Waterclose Meadows, picnic beside the river or hire a boat through Houghton Boats to explore the Great Ouse at your Follow the water
MILL ABOUT You can explore Houghton Mill (above) with either a guided or self-led tour
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OUT AND ABOUT
ACROSS THE BOARD Hartford Marina is open to boating and non-boating visitors with scenic views and watersports (pictured)
Grafham Water near Huntingdon has just unveiled a brand-new community hub. The Waterfront boasts a soft play area to keep little ones entertained and a revamped cafe serving light bites and barista-style coffee. STOP PRESS!
The county turns into a rich landscape of lakes, country parks and fenland views
take in a beautiful setting with scenic marina views, waterside restaurant and bar. Then, out on the water, kayaking and paddleboarding can be booked, as well as accessible boat trips with The Ladybird Trust. Those craving more action should head to Lake Ashmore, where stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding await.
own pace. Boat tours of the mill and its surrounds are run in partnership with the St Ives Electric River Boat Co, which offers river excursions including guided tours of the historic Manor at Hemingford Grey. Nearby, Hartford Marina on the Great Ouse is far more than simply a place to moor a boat. Non-boating visitors can
Waterside wonders
F urther afield, Ferry Meadows in Nene Park at the county’s northern edge remains one of Cambridgeshire’s great outdoor destinations, with watersports, sailing, boat trips, fishing and all manner of other activities on offer. Finally, just a short distance away, Peterborough Lido is a beautifully restored Art Deco open-air swimming pool complex that remains one of the finest places to cool off on a hot afternoon. As summer lazily drifts towards its golden finale, there’s still time to make lasting memories by the water. Whether you’re seeking tranquil rivers to sit by and peacefully watch the wildlife or an aquatic activity to get the pulse racing, some of Cambridgeshire’s most beautiful lakes, rivers and waterside adventures are right on your doorstep. With all this to discover and more, we’ve barely dipped our toe in the water.
TEST THE WATERS If you fancy something a bit different, you can book a swan or dragon pedalo down at Ferry Meadows in Nene Park (above)
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THE AGENDA
1 FESTIVAL Magic of Thailand Festival, Parker’s Piece Beginning with a traditional Buddhist monk blessing, this two-day festival invites you to experience the magic of Thailand through delicious food, performances of traditional music, dancing and Muay Thai boxing. Until 2 August. 3 THEATRE Abigail’s Party, Arts Theatre Cambridge Tamzin Outhwaite stars as the absolutely unforgettable Beverley in Mike Leigh’s black comedy of suburban life in the 70s. Showing until 8 August.
4 BOOKS
13 FILM Screens in the City, city centre With four films each day, Cambridge BID’s outdoor screens are on Station Road on 13 and 14 August and outside the Courtyard Building at the University of Cambridge’s Downing Site on both 15 and 16 August. Free, but booking required. 15 THEATRE Much Ado About Nothing, Waresley Park Estate Glitz, glamour and scandal hit Messina in Changeling’s revival of Much Ado About Nothing . It’s a play where love’s
Virginia Woolf and the Natural World, Waterstones Cambridge Dr Karina Jakubowicz examines Woolf’s fictional gardens in light of her progression as a writer, tracing these spaces alongside parts of her personal life and her changing FAMILY Play Pavilion, Fitzwilliam Museum Explore, invent and play all summer long, come rain or shine, in this imagination playground for families that’s inspired by the museum’s Frank Bowling: Seeking the Sublime exhibition. Until 31 August. understanding of nature and space.
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
18 THEATRE Barnum, Arts Theatre Cambridge With Matt Rawle legendary 19th-century showman P T Barnum, this production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse features a cast of actor-musicians, acrobats and circus acts. 19 FAMILY Eager Explorers, Cambridge United Football Ground Ever wanted to step into the shoes of a scientist, crack secret codes or see a 3D-printed bear skeleton? Abbey People ( Cabaret , Evita , Les Misérables ) playing invites families to a free day of discovery packed with hands-on science, technology and curiosity-led fun.
a battlefield and the gossip never stops.
MUSIC Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Saffron Hall
This year marks the 66th anniversary of Joseph Shabalala forming Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Singing a traditional South African music style called isicathamiya (is-cot-a-mee-ya), the group are internationally renowned for their powerful messages of peace.
2 August
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THE AGENDA
4 COMEDY Lucy Porter, Sep
Cambridge Junction J2 Festival favourite Lucy returns with a show about the power of letting yourself go – whether that’s embracing your wrinkles and love handles or using your midlife crisis to pursue new goals. 6 EVENT Sep Rainbow Run, Nene Park, Peterborough Join people running, jogging, walking or wheeling around a 3km or 5km course as they pass through multi- coloured powder paint in aid of Deafblind UK’s services, which support people with dual sensory loss. 13 EVENT Sep 2026 Festival of Preaching, various venues Aiming to inspire and celebrate clergy, lay ministers and all who preach, this festival from Christian charity and publisher Hymns Ancient & Modern will feature a stimulating programme of various
22 EXHIBITION Seeking the Light, Ely Cathedral Showcasing the work of Alexandra Kingswell, a textile artist whose work could be described as a love affair with colour, this exhibition demonstrates her aim to lift spirits, make people smile and foster hope and joy. Until 22 September. 26 MUSIC Michael Ball, Cambridge Corn Exchange Kicking off his new headline tour right here in Cambridge, West End star Michael Ball will be celebrating the launch of Glow , a solo album of original material for 2026, with Liss Jones in support.
29 EVENT
Games Celebration Day, Waterstones Cambridge Expect tables of demo games, a range of ticketed side events to sign up for, bring and buy, bargains, a quiz, a playtest area and more! Guests include Asmodee, Alley Cat, Hachette, Chaosium, DnDice, Ravensburger and Meeple Design.
28 WALK Night Walk, Trumpington Meadows
EVENT Summer Singles
30 EVENT
Soirée, Hot Numbers, Trumpington Street Book a place at the first meeting of this new series of socials for singles aged 40-55 to enjoy an evening of connection and conversation in the Hot Numbers garden, with music, welcome drinks and canapes. Taking place from 7pm until 10pm, tickets can be purchased online.
Little Gransden Air & Car Show, Little Gransden Airfield A full day of flying displays, classic cars, live music, trade stalls, craft and food, with plenty of family fun and community spirit. All proceeds go to BBC Children in Need and other local charities.
Join Rebecca Neal of the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants for a gentle 1.5-mile night walk around Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve and Byron’s Pool Local Nature Reserve to listen out for bats and deer.
worship, lectures and workshops.
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IN THE LOOP The latest updates from Cambridgeshire’s cultural scene
SUITCASE ESSENTIALS Immersive books to accompany your summer escape
MEET THE MAKER Step inside basket weaver Nadine Anderson’s Ely studio
From 25 to 30 August, explore a labyrinth of tunnels and domes and a diverse programme of events at this unique inflatable luminarium that stretches over 900 sq ft. Located on Jesus Green, Myriad is being brought to the city by Architects of Air. Fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with accessibility needs, the luminarium opens at 11am each day, with visiting slots running until 5pm. camcityevents.co.uk Live life luminous
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CULTURE EDITION
AN ODE TO THE NATURAL WORLD
Paul Wyer, oil painter Darryl Nantais and Maureen Williams (Swift, pictured), who has painted and drawn birds and flowers from a young age, and has created illustrations for the Country Matters column in the Linton News for 39 years. Alongside the artwork, displays from local wildlife conservation groups will show visitors how to make or order a swift box and help protect the beautiful creatures seen in the exhibition. Runs until 26 September. Find out more about the venue at galleryabove.co.uk
Inviting visitors to slow down and truly appreciate the wildlife that surrounds us, Flora & Fauna of East Anglia is a new art exhibition opening at Gallery Above & Beyond in Linton on 26 August. Artists taking part include Sachiko Purser, whose work includes watercolours, pastels, Japanese ink painting and woodblock printing; Diana Catchpole, a children’s book illustrator and lino print artist; Ali Ginn, who works in watercolour, exploring the interplay of light, movement and colour. Also featured are naturalist and wildlife photographer
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
Dive into an ocean of wonder at Atrium Theatre Beginning with a magical new interactive puppetry show for the school summer holidays, the Arts Theatre Cambridge is relaunching Pop-Up Adventures, In The Tale of the Loneliest Whale , Whale sings his heart out into the deep blue, but no one sings back. Just as he’s about to give up, a mysterious voice calls through the waves. Determined to find the singer, Whale dives into an unforgettable adventure – through glowing coral caves and past the wobbly jellyfish and daring sea monsters! Perfect for ages four plus, it’s set to be which began in 2025 during the venue’s redevelopment closure. a heartwarming celebration of friendship, difference and the joy of being yourself. The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is showing from 14 to 15 August at the Atrium Theatre, Chesterton Community College. To book, visit artstheatre.co.uk
© ANDY CURRY
PREPARE TO BE OUT OF THE ORDINARY! The city streets will burst into life with quirky performances this month, as the Out of the Ordinary Festival returns to Cambridge. Taking place across the August bank holiday weekend on 29 and 30 August, this year’s free festival will feature the best of outdoor arts, including circus skills, physical comedy, immersive walkabout acts, dance and much more. Highlights include Parade – The Giant Wheel by Autin Dance Theatre, featuring a 12ft-tall giant wheel powered by five street artists and accompanied by music and a large community cast of local groups and individual performers. There is also the Granny Turismo shopping trolley display dance team, physical theatre by performer Luigi Ciotta and the magical Sea Sphere and Enchanted Flower by The Show Globe. Visit camcityevents.co.uk to see the full list of artists
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CULTURE EDITION
STEWART WHITE 5 minutes with Louise Hoffman catches up with a
much-loved local news presenter who helmed more than 8,000 editions of BBC Look East – and whose memoir is now published
the Royal Television Society and being shortlisted on two other occasions, as well as walking into 10 Downing Street to interview prime ministers. Usually, journalists don’t get to walk down the famous stairs, but on one of my early visits I asked if I could and they very kindly said yes! Also my interview with Lord Hanningfield, who had been jailed for parliamentary expenses fraud, which was voted the best broadcast interview of that particular year across the whole country. Were there any moments where you had to think on your feet live on air? Live television is always about thinking on your feet. I was very lucky in that I usually felt more relaxed in those situations than in most others. I think having worked in live radio, where you don’t have a script, actually helped. I enjoyed those moments more than any others. How do you think the role of the television news is changing? The big challenge is that social media very often gets the pictures and sound online before the traditional news cameras I think that the most important thing about being a TV presenter is to be yourself
It’s been five years since you retired from BBC Look East , which seems to have gone by very quickly to me! How has it been for you? When lots of people retire, they do so with a sense of relief. In truth, although I enjoy having time to myself, I miss the cut and thrust of broadcasting. I spend time in the garden, being with my grandchildren and playing a little more golf. It was my grandchildren who made me decide to write the book. When they grow up, they will be able to read about how I spent my life, if they want to. How do you feel when you think back to your time on the programme? I think about how lucky I was to have a job I loved. I was able to meet so many fascinating people and travelled all over the world, from China to the US and from the Normandy landing beaches to the Falkland Islands. I have been inside 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, filmed inside Sandringham House and peered out of a Sea King military helicopter flying along the border in Hong Kong. Most of all, I enjoyed meeting ordinary people who had done extraordinary things. But there were also moments of terrible tragedy where people trusted me to tell their story, which is something I never took lightly.
and reporters arrive on the scene. A lot of younger people do not bother with traditional news outlets because they have already seen everything online. Broadcasting companies need to find a way of getting the news on air much faster without jeopardising the quality and reliability of the journalism. What qualities, in your opinion, make a successful television presenter? I think that the most important thing about being a TV presenter is to be yourself – to be relaxed, real and in control. If you are pretending to be somebody you are not, you will be found out. I also believe that the best interviewers do not just have a list of questions. They should have some questions they want answers to, but the most important thing is that they listen and follow up on what is said or left unsaid.
Read Stewart’s full story in See You at 6:30, published by Pegasus Publishers
What are a few of your favourite memories from your TV career? There are so many proud moments. Winning three national awards from
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CULTURE EDITION
SANSKRUTI DANCE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
Sanskruti has remained connected to Cambridge, working with Cambridge Junction and Cambridge City Council and launching two local dance festivals. “The word Sanskruti means ‘culture’ in Sanskrit. Our mission is to inspire, educate and engage people in South Asian art forms, culture and heritage,” said Krishna. You can catch Sanskruti Dance performing its Tree of Life production at this month’s Out of the Ordinary Festival
originally commissioned to choreograph the first-ever South Asian dance flashmob for Cambridge’s Mill Road Festival. Further to this, the dance company then went on to develop three major productions including Apple ‘N’ Spice (pictured), which has brought young audiences to South Asian dance at more than 50 shows across the UK, and won the Fantastic for Families best family arts activity award in 2023.
Cambridge-based Sanskruti Dance is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year – a decade in which founder and artistic director Krishna Zivraj-Nair has taken South Asian dance from the streets of Cambridge to theatres across the UK, winning national awards and creating a body of work that places Bharatanatyam at the heart of contemporary family theatre. Founded in 2016, Sanskruti came to the public’s attention when Krishna was Choir leader set to receive a prestigious award The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) has announced that Elizabeth Trenchard, director of music and organist at St John the Evangelist Cambridge for 25 years, is to receive an honorary award in recognition of her contribution to church music. The RSCM Council confers such awards annually in various categories, both at international level and in a more local setting. Recipients come from all around the world and from different traditions of church music, reflecting the RSCM’s commitment to helping church music flourish within a diverse array of communities. The award will be presented at Salisbury Cathedral in September 2026
Kershaw’s new tour comes to Cambridge Expect hits aplenty from Nik Kershaw and his band, whose micro anniversary tour comes to Cambridge Junction on 20 August. First picking up a guitar when he was 15 after
watching a TV documentary on David Bowie, Nik cites other early influences as T Rex, Deep Purple, Simon & Garfunkel and Genesis. With multiple hit singles, platinum albums, an appearance at Live Aid, four Brit Award nominations and collaborations
with such stars as Cliff Richard, Bonnie Tyler, Gary Barlow and Elton John under his belt, his most recent album Oxymoron was released in 2020. Find out more and book at junction.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
EXHIBITION Pictures for Schools Until 8 August This exhibition at the David Parr House Studio Gallery explores the legacy of Pictures for Schools, the post-war initiative founded by artist Nan Youngman that enabled schools to purchase original artworks by contemporary artists. davidparrhouse.org the Museums Until 31 August The University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden have a programme packed with free or low-cost activities to keep the whole family entertained this summer, from craft workshops to hands-on science. museums.cam.ac.uk EXHIBITION Ten Good Years Until 11 October The Heong Gallery at Downing College in Cambridge is celebrating its tenth birthday by paying FAMILY Summer at homage to its inaugural exhibition, Generation Painting 1955-65 : British Art from the Collection of Sir Alan Bowness. dow.cam.ac.uk EXHIBITION Polar Panoramas Until 16 January This striking exhibition at The Polar Museum explores the Arctic and Antarctic through panoramic artworks that bring together exploration, history and lived experience of the polar regions. spri.cam.ac.uk ONGOING EVENTS
ADC THEATRE’S AUTUMN SEASON GOES ON SALE
national Tour Show , while regular Footlights Smokers lead us up to the annual CUADC/ Footlights Pantomime – this year it’s going to be Cinderella ! Why not pair it with the panto sketch-show satire Behind You! or Bawds’ Much Ado About Nothing , set in an Edwardian country house at Christmas?” said theatre manager Patrick Nielsen. Then, in the new year, we can look forward to a new translation of Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui , plus the musical The Band , featuring the songs of Take That, and European Theatre Group’s jazz age Antony and Cleopatra . Book tickets online at adctheatre.com , call 01223 300085 or pick up a brochure from the ADC
The ADC Theatre’s autumn season begins with the Cambridge Festival of Drama before We Will Rock You brings Queen’s greatest hits. King Lear ends a stateside tour with a home run in October, while the new musical Midnight Train to Nowhere returns from the Fringe in a double bill with cult classic The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals. More highlights include Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls , Frantic Assembly’s Things I Know to Be True and hit musical The Wiz . At the Corpus Playroom, Remembrance Week is marked with Journey’s End , while Orwell’s dystopian classic is reimagined in 1984: Revolution of the Soul. “Comedy fans should also check out the Cambridge Footlights concluding their
STEAL THE SHOW The Cambridge Footlights’ Tour Show for 2026, which is intriguingly named Prize Cow (For My Best Son)
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LITERATURE
August Book Club This month, Charlotte Griffiths provides the literary itinerary you need for your summer escape Tangled Webs CALLIE COLES
Now this is a holiday read. Settle into your sun lounger with this debut novel by Callie Coles, who you might have bumped into on Instagram – she’s the one with the beautiful country home filled with kids, chickens and ponies that occasionally bimble through her kitchen and help themselves to tea. Set in and around neighbouring Newmarket, this is the first in a planned trilogy and is an all-senses deep dive into the world of horses. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic caused by an early-morning parade of exercising thoroughbreds and wondered what it must be like to ride horses for a living, this is the novel for you. Sage Deverill’s marriage to her dashing but abusive racing-driver husband has crumbled, and she and her young son Hal have rushed back from South America to the only home she’s ever known: her grandparents’ ivy-clad Georgian manor and stables in the heart of Newmarket. While slowly reconnecting with old childhood friends, riding a lot of horses and rebuilding her sense of self, she crosses paths with handsome trainer Rafe Dunbarton – but is it too soon to fall head- over-heels for someone else, when she should be falling in love with herself? And what about her not-quite ex-husband? Coles is a self-confessed fan of Jilly Cooper’s work and every sentence shimmers with vivid description, whether it’s Sage slipping into her grandparents’ kitchen for post-ride bacon butties, or an escaped chestnut filly clattering off towards the clock tower roundabout. Let the stud’s iron gates clang shut behind you, throw caution to the wind and race off into this modern fairytale. You won’t regret it.
The Homemade God RACHEL JOYCE
painting – as well as growing suspicion of their new stepmother Bella-Mae, 50 years younger than their father, who married at speed in the final months of his life. But is blood thicker than water? Can they strike out as individuals while remaining family? Or is it too late to say it’s all just water under the bridge? This is an intense and beautifully written novel that sparkles and charms with sprawling vistas and long multi-course suppers. Yet it also wrestles with questions of inheritance, legacy and whether the siblings have anything in common besides their genetics and shared memories of the good old days. It turns out nostalgia is a powerful drug: best served beside an Italian lake on a balmy summer evening.
Siblings are everywhere this summer, and this novel, now out in paperback, is a hymn to the complexity and beauty of these (hopefully) long-lasting relationships – all set in a sumptuously drawn Italy. What more could you ask for? Here, four siblings – Netta, Susan, Goose and Iris – are travelling to their artist father’s crumbling Italian villa in Piedmont following his unexpected death. A heatwave is stifling Europe, testing the siblings’ patience as they try to carry out post-death administrative tasks. Many decades have passed since their halcyon, chaotic childhood summers, swimming in the lake and tearing around nearby Italian hamlets. Now they’re forced to reconnect as adults, united in a hunt for their father’s will and his rumoured final
Siblings are everywhere this summer, and this novel is a hymn to the complexity and beauty of these relationships
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LITERATURE
Our Perfect Storm CARLEY FORTUNE
The book hops between the present day and flashbacks of Frankie’s childhood, with more than a few references to Little Women , as well as before the fated wedding where the pieces begin falling into place. After building a career as a chef, Frankie works as a recipe developer, so the sheer quantity of food writing here will make your mouth water. Even the trail mix they make for the drive to Vancouver Island sounds delicious. George has seven days to carry out his plan to heal Frankie’s broken heart, and it won’t be any surprise that Frankie and George get closer during this trip (you can see that coming a mile off). But what’s not to love about two old friends finally realising they’re perfect for each other?
A classic summer romance packed with food, travel and adventure. Frankie is about to go on her honeymoon, though not with her ex-fiancé Nate, who called off the wedding at the 11th hour, leaving her best childhood friend George St James to step in. The honeymoon is a no- expense-spared trip to Tofino, a ‘remote rainforest beach paradise on the periphery of Vancouver Island’ – it’s real, I checked! As the pre-booked activities are all paid for, of course Frankie and George take part: learning to surf, exploring beautiful villages, hiking through the redwood forests. It’s all completely stunning, and I definitely put the book down once or twice to investigate visiting this heaven-on-earth for real.
Three travel-inspired stories that were turned into classic films SCREEN STARS
ALEX GARLAND The Beach
A Walk in the Woods BILL BRYSON
My Family and Other Animals GERALD DURRELL
The thriller that came before the Leonardo DiCaprio movie! Join young backpacker Richard as he sets off in search of a remote utopian commune on a beach in Thailand, where not everything is as it seems.
If only we could all grow up in a villa in Corfu with a whole household of creatures. Let yourself drift away into this semi-biographical account of a childhood unlike any other, depicted by Durrell’s observational writing and deep love of the natural world.
Take a shady stroll with Bill and friend Katz on this brilliant and beloved account of a trek along the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail. Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving, it’s a great place to start with Bryson if you’re a newcomer.
Garland’s brilliant writing will transport you to white sands and Pure Shores ...
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LOCAL CINEMAS Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk
Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie 7 August
In this sequel to Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023), the Paw Patrol end up in a land filled with dinosaurs. With support from their new friend Rex, they face their biggest rescue mission yet! Features the voices of Snoop Dogg, Jameela Jamil and Bill Nye.
The Dog Stars 28 August Directed by Ridley Scott, this post-apocalyptic science-fiction film sees most of humanity wiped out by a virus, with survivors now up against roaming scavengers called Reapers. Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin take the lead roles.
One Night Only 28 August
Stranger Things ’ Maya Hawke joins the cast, alongside Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, for this romantic comedy in which two strangers try to find love on the only night of the year that it’s permitted.
The End of Oak Street 14 August After a mysterious cosmic event transports the Oak Street neighbourhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family must stick together to survive as they navigate their now-unrecognisable surroundings. Stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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SCREEN TIME
PICTUREHOUSE PICKS August’s cinema experience is set to alter our perspectives, as Cambridge Arts Picturehouse duty manager and events coordinator Chloe Kelly explains
T his year, the summer film programme has been designed to reshape us. Opening on 7 August, A24 and Picturehouse Entertainment bring forth Tony , starring Dominic Sessa, Leo Woodall and Antonio Banderas. It follows a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain (later to become a beloved chef, author and television personality whose work and message was rooted in exploring international cuisine and cultures) as he travels to Provincetown, Massachusetts, and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen. The film’s Canadian director Matt Johnson has just celebrated the theatrical release of the highly acclaimed Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie and is also responsible for the 2023 film Blackberry , showcasing his talent for unconventional retellings. Therefore, it feels natural that he has set himself up to change the current pace of biopics flooding the industry. From the trailer, we can see that Tony interprets Bourdain’s sharper sides and focuses solely on one transformative summer that had remained unknown by the wider public and unspoken about by Bourdain himself. The Bourdain estate even released a heartfelt endorsement stating that they hope ‘this film serves as a reminder that every journey has a start, and that audiences see the beginnings of The summer film programme has been designed to reshape us
THE MIND’S EYE This summer presents two intimate works, with Tony (above) offering a journey of discovery and Bitter Christmas a self-reflexive portrayal of creativity and hardship
the man who taught us how to be better explorers on our own paths’. On the theme of free and creative spirits, late August marks the return of Spanish director and writer Pedro Almodóvar, with his newest feature film Bitter Christmas opening on 28 August. Bitter Christmas feels like two films rolled into one, as the narrative draws parallels between two individuals while time-travelling between 2004 and 2026. In classic Almodóvar melodramatic style, we are introduced to filmmaker Raúl (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a character that’s an extension of Almodóvar himself. Finding himself entangled in a creative crisis in the present day, Raúl draws inspiration from the story of bereaved advertising director Elsa (Bárbara Lennie) 22 years earlier. Using work as a coping mechanism to distract herself from the recent passing of her mother over the Christmas period, Elsa begins to suffer with debilitating migraines and panic attacks and is forced to take a break, travelling to Lanzarote with a friend. Bitter Christmas is an auto-fictional dive into the darkness that comes from being a storyteller, and makes the audience question the healing properties of art.
Visit picturehouses.com/arts for the full programme, special screenings and events
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
SCREENS IN THE CITY A free outdoor cinema returns to Cambridge this month, thanks to Cambridge BID D elivered as part of its summer events programme, creating free opportunities for people to come together, enjoy the city and make the most
four days of free family-friendly film screenings to two city-centre locations. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, a nostalgic movie night or an excuse to enjoy what Cambridge has to offer, Screens in the City has something for everyone. The big screen will return to the train station at CB1 on Station Road (next to the Clayton Hotel), and for the first time Cambridge BID is proud to partner with the University of Cambridge at its Downing Site, so that audiences can relax and enjoy this enclosed oasis in the city centre.
Both locations will be transformed into open-air cinemas, complete with giant screens and a welcoming summer ambience. Visitors are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets and deck chairs, then make the most of Cambridge’s fantastic city-centre food and drink offering. Pick up snacks, treats or a takeaway from local cafes, restaurants and retailers before settling in with friends and family to enjoy a day of entertainment in the open air. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
of Cambridge throughout the summer, Cambridge BID’s popular outdoor cinema is back this August. From beloved family favourites and animated adventures to feel-good classics, residents, workers and visitors are invited to relax outdoors and enjoy a packed programme of films in the heart of Cambridge, as Screens in the City brings
MOVIE NIGHT Why not soak up the city atmosphere with a free day out and some family favourites?
Thursday 13 August 1pm The Snail and the Whale 2pm Dog Man 4pm Zootropolis 2 6.30pm Back to the Future Friday 14 August 1pm Zog 2pm Chicken Run 4pm How to Train Your Dragon 6.30pm Grease Location: Next to Clayton Hotel, Station Road CB1 2FB Saturday 15 August 1pm The Smeds and the Smoos 2pm Encanto 4pm Night at the Museum 6.30pm School of Rock Sunday 16 August 1pm Tabby McTat 2pm Matilda 4pm Inside Out 6.30pm Audience choice screening (to be announced) Location: University of Cambridge at the Downing Site, lawn outside Courtyard Building CB2 3ER
All screenings are free, however advance booking will be required due to anticipated demand. Follow @lovecambridge_ on social media for ticket release announcements and event updates
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ARTISAN
Weaving together Cambridgeshire’s past, present and future, Ely basketmaker Nadine Anderson welcomes us into her studio Words and Images CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS CUSTODIAN of CRAFT I t’s warm on the day I visit Nadine Anderson, but her studio is cool and bright. Built across the back of her home, one side of the long space has glass doors leading to a lush, slate-covered courtyard garden with glimpses of the sprawling Fenland surrounding her village. The other three walls of the studio
It takes a little while for this display to sink in. Of course, the collection is immediately impressive because of its sheer scale and the beauty of the craftwork. But when you listen to Nadine talk about her processes, and the hundreds of years – thousands, in some cases – of tradition woven into the creation of each piece, you realise that each one of these handmade items is a record of time, of days spent quietly coaxing plants into position or thinking deeply about the task ahead. Meeting the maker Nadine herself appears as neat as her studio, dressed in a loose striped shirt and ceramic brooch echoing the lines of her creations. It’s almost as if she has woven herself an outfit for the day – and given her extraordinary skill set, I wouldn’t put this past her. As with the baskets Nadine creates, every detail has been carefully considered; gently straightened up ahead of my visit and a workshop that’s scheduled for the following day. It was a similar session that started Nadine on this journey, nearly 30 years ago. “I saw somebody demonstrating basketmaking at Denny Abbey. They also ran workshops, so I thought I’d go and spend a weekend with them – and I just loved it,” she explains over tea served in ceramic mugs made by another local maker, while her perfect miniature dachshund Maisie yawns and settles down for a nap. “I wouldn’t say what I made was round – strawberry-shaped, actually – but I bought some willow, some books and tried to repeat what I learned on that weekend, and it became my hobby.” Many people would just enjoy the workshop and then perhaps give it a try on a rainy day, but something clicked for Nadine. She replicated the basket she’d seen demonstrated, and not just once: over and over again until she was satisfied. “Basketry is an exercise in patience. I’ve taught people who can’t wait to get onto the next task, but I always think: be okay with the activity and what you’re doing right now, and then you’ll get there. Maybe not today, maybe not next year, maybe in a couple of years. It’s hard graft.
make its purpose clear. Towering bundles of willow and rush line each end of the space, within easy reach of workshop attendees; while the wall closest to Nadine’s home, covered with shelves that run the entire length of the studio, is bustling with woven creations of all shapes, sizes, colours and textures.
LEARN BY HEART Although many different basket-weaving designs exist, there are some fundamental principles each weaver learns
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ARTISAN
RUSH HOUR Nadine is a yeoman basketmaker to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, meaning she demonstrates a high level of skill and the craft is a key part of her livelihood
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ARTISAN
If you’re a basketmaker, you’re also a bit of an anthropologist
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ARTISAN
MAGIC TOUCH Nadine and Maisie pose for a picture in her home studio (left) where she makes beautiful and intricate pieces, such as the docky bag (right), inspired by woven baskets used by farmworkers
“As an apprentice, all you would be making for a year would be the basket bases, then the following year you’d be allowed to make the basket that the base was made for, and so on. It literally is repetition. If you were going to make a living as a basketmaker, you would need to be producing a lot.” Learning from the past Long before the advent of plastics, Cambridgeshire’s agricultural industry relied on light, flexible but strong willow baskets to transport produce from the fields to markets. One of Nadine’s signature pieces is the Fenland ‘docky bag’, inspired by soft woven baskets used by farmworkers to carry their lunch, and named because the workers didn’t get paid for the time they took to eat: their wages got docked, and lunch became ‘docky’. “If you’re a basketmaker, you’re also a bit of an anthropologist – you’re always thinking about humans and existence. The docky bag is a vernacular basket. It needs a lid because you would have wanted to keep your lunch safe from pests and cool while you’re working in the fields, and it would have probably been made using rushes, maybe flag iris leaves and greater reedmace leaves. There are some old docky bags in the stores in the Museum of Cambridge.” This brushes against a built-in challenge for basketmakers. Because baskets are woven from natural materials – in Nadine’s case, materials she’s either grown herself or harvested by hand from riverbanks near her home – with time, they’ll degrade away to nothing. Fantastic for the environment, but if the skills aren’t passed on to another maker, the techniques quite literally disappear. Basketmaking is a piece of ‘intangible cultural heritage’: each creation carries an invisible link between the user of the
basket and the person who made it, as well as the expert who taught the maker in the first place. Over the years, Nadine has collected many different skills, attended numerous workshops and read an awful lot of books, and she is now regularly running her own classes around Cambridgeshire, as well as from her home studio. She’s also a yeoman basketmaker to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, doing her bit to keep her craft alive. “The community in general are really generous at passing on skills because we’re all just here for a tiny little snip of time, aren’t we? So, I suppose that’s my job over the next decade: to pass this on.” Although we’re (sadly) beyond needing baskets for industry, there are many other reasons to try your hand at this ancient craft. “It’s really fantastic for your fine motor skills and it’s a very good physical workout, especially if you’re making big pieces. There’s also lots of numeracy, physics and engineering in there – as well as that mindful aspect. Sometimes it’s not mindful, especially when it’s not going quite as you want it to and you just have to think, ‘okay, today’s a bad day’. People say, ‘oh, it must be so therapeutic’ and I think well, yes, if it’s going right it is! It’s more about having a day where you’re really, really present. “I usually say at the start of a workshop that your basket won’t look like mine, and it’s not meant to because it’s your brain and your hands, and this has been made by my brain and my hands. People put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform, to get everything perfect. When I teach, I don’t use the word perfect because there isn’t any such thing.” Apart from Maisie the dachshund, of course…
@elybasketmaker | elybasketmaker.com
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