Chase away the January blues this month with our tour of the top 10 architectural gems, from listed bridges, colleges and churches to the modern-day masterpieces that reflect the city’s state-of-the-art science and tech. Don’t miss your chance to vote in our inaugural Cambridge Edition People’s Choice Awards 2025, in association with The Grand Arcade. We’ve got 16 hotly-contested categories, plus community hero and customer service awards. Our Agenda pages are packed with the gigs, books and new films not to miss, plus interviews with the founder of Wet Wet Wet, True Crime expert Cheish Merryweather; and the Jesus Green Lido swimmers who have just published a book on our iconic outdoor pool. All this, plus the latest foodie news and health-food hotspots for a virtuous start to 2025.
JANUARY 2025 FREE
LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
CELEBRATE THE BEST! Have your say in our prestigious new People’s Choice Awards
See page 16
perfection FROM NEOCLASSICAL COLUMNS TO BRUTALIST BRICK, WE SHARE THE CITY’S TOP TEN ARCHITECTURAL GEMS building MEET THE LIDO LADIES Two swimmers dive into the history of Jesus Green pool... brrr! TIME TO MOVE... OR IMPROVE? Discover the renovations and retrofit features that add value and save cash
WIN A MINIBREAK IN NORFOLK Enter now to land a weekend stay at a coastal cottage, worth £600+
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CARE & SUPPORT
ON THE COVER 11 / BUILDING PERFECTION We show off the city’s top ten architectural gems 16 / PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS Nominate local businesses for our prestigious new awards 32 / MEET THE LIDO LADIES Two local swimmers dive into the history of Jesus Green pool 76 / TIME TO MOVE... OR IMPROVE? We explore the home improvements that will add real value 89 / WIN A MINIBREAK Enter our competition for a cottage stay in Norfolk CULTURE EDITION 30 / AGENDA Our pick of key dates for your diary 33 / A PERFECT MURDER Discover what motivates a serial killer with Cheish Merryweather 37 / A NEW WORLD VIEW Local travel photographers scoop top awards 39 / 5 MINUTES WITH Wet Wet Wet founder Graeme Clark 41 / DISCOVER THE HISTON GIANT The tale of strongman Moses Carter
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63 / HAPPY EVER AFTER Supported living options for elderly folk 71 / EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT Learning beyond the classroom 73 / RETURN OF A RUGBY LEGEND A former England scrum half joins the staff at Gresham’s HOME EDITION 83 / ECO LOGICAL Shopping inspiration with an environmental theme 85 / LIGHT WORKS Create layers of inviting lighting in your home 87 / A FRESH START New Year’s resolutions to bring into the garden REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB Inspiring scenes from social media 9 / LETTERS Readers share their thoughts on local issues big and small 90 / THE QUIZ Think you know Cambridge?
43 / SCREEN TIME New film releases for January 44 / BOOK CLUB This month we focus on historical fiction 46 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Pictures in the theme of street style 49 / A CUP OF TEA WITH Cambridge Aesthetics and Wellbeing Lounge FOOD EDITION 52 / FOOD NEWS The latest on award-winning restaurants in the city 54 / NEW YEAR, NEW FOOD Elisha Young looks at healthy dining options 56 / PERFECT PARTNERS How to pair delicious, locally made cheese with excellent wines 58 / VEGGING OUT Plant-based restaurants serving up Veganuary feasts
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CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 03
WELCOME REVIEW, REFRESH, RENEW T his month’s issue offers a celebration of
EDITORIAL Editor Liz Potter 01223 492249 lizpotter@bright.uk.com Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors Zanna Buckland, Minhaj Zia ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive Claire Cornish 01223 499453 clairecornish@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Marina Jordan, Jenny Swarbrick, Anna Taylor & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman Ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
Whatever your New Year’s resolutions, we’re focusing on healthy eating in our Food Edition pages this month (from page 51). Columnist Elisha Young writes about the city’s wealth of nutritious dining options, while yours truly looks at the many plant- based restaurants where you can practise Veganuary. I have to admit that a vegetable- based diet does appeal; not least the tasty- looking pesto pastry spirals on page 61! Also in this issue is a piece on making home improvements – ‘Move or Improve?’ on page 76. This explores the various ways in which you can add more space and light or improve the flow of your home. From loft extensions to conservatories, installing ground source heat pumps or retrofitting solar panels – there are so many ways to boost your home’s value and even see a return, perhaps falling in love with it all over again… but not losing money if you choose to list it. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy start to 2025!
the built landscape of Cambridge. Our city has 67 Grade I and 47 Grade II listed buildings – among them are gems
designed by the likes of Sir Christopher Wren and Sir Norman Foster, as well as wonderful examples of historic and vernacular styles, design ingenuity and bold ambition. We’re fortunate to have so many listed colleges, bridges and churches – it’s no wonder the city is such a tourist hotspot! (If you have a favourite building we haven’t included in our top ten on page 11, please do write in to the email address letters@cambsedition.co.uk and let us know.) We’re also launching our new People’s Choice Awards this month: an opportunity to recognise the best local businesses, be they tourist attractions, health spas, music venues, pubs or restaurants. There are 15 categories in all, so flip to page 16 to find out how to vote for those shortlisted by our editorial team or nominate a deserving business that you think also makes the grade.
Editor
ON OUR COVER Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @quietlycambridge on Instagram
EDITOR’S PICKS
Find us @cambsedition
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Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, 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 the magazine aren’t 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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1 Campins mug in tea towel teal, £12, Loaf 2 Linen floral cushion in duck egg blue, £50, from the Garden Collection by Helen Round 3 Venus teal star lantern, £16.95, Paper Starlights 4 Moroccan Babouche basic slippers in blue grey, £32, Bohemia Design 5 Payton 3.5-seater sofa in linen look velvet frost, £2,315, Darlings of Chelsea
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 05
LOCAL LIFE
Use #instacamb for a chance to feature!
@xacbert
@soums_peripetatic
Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
@shereadsandtravels
@classiccambridge
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 07
Letters
OPINIONS
Share your thoughts, ideas and opinions with Cambridge Edition readers by sending an email to letters@cambsedition.co.uk
Light fantastic
I’m writing in to say what a wonderful evening I had when visiting the light trail at Wimpole Hall just recently. The dramatic music and animated lights were choreographed beautifully, and left me and my husband spellbound! It’s such a shame that Anglesey Abbey no longer runs its own Christmas light show – the birch tree grove was always the highlight for me – but I can understand the pressure of having all those people visit every year, which must take its toll on the grounds. Melanie Simons, Cambourne
Parking apps might be part of our brave new world, but they throw a spanner in the works if you want a nice, uneventful trip into town. On two recent trips into Cambridge – parking outside the Botanic Garden and at Harvey Road before shopping – with twentysomething-aged children in tow (not left to my own middle-aged devices), the app hasn’t worked for a good ten minutes. While rootling around for rusty coins, we debated risking a fine or turning around and going home – hardly a relaxing way to start a day out. It’s a big problem for older people, and I’ve heard lots of grumbling about it. Jenny Swarbrick, Hardwick APPS MAKE ME SNAP
Brilliant bodies
What makes Bodies in the Bookshop truly special is the intimate atmosphere it fosters. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of detective novels or just dipping your toes into the genre, there’s something so welcoming about mingling with like-minded enthusiasts and engaging in discussions with the authors themselves. It’s not often you find such a personal, vibrant bookshop that champions both emerging talent and
I wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on one of Cambridge’s literary gems: Bodies in the Bookshop. This unique bookshop is a celebration of crime fiction and has been a long-standing haven for book lovers such as myself, offering an unmatched opportunity to dive into the thrilling world of murder mysteries.
Paradise found
I’d like to sing the praises of one of Cambridge’s smallest but most beautiful treasures: Paradise local nature reserve. It’s a sanctuary not only for wildlife but also for the people lucky enough to visit. Whether it’s the chance sighting of a kingfisher or enjoying the many wildflowers and trees, there’s something magical about being immersed in nature. The work done by local conservation teams and volunteers to nurture this reserve deserves the highest praise. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet visited the reserve to make time. It’s a reminder of the incredible biodiversity we have on our doorstep and why it’s so vital to
established names in crime writing. Charlotte Smith, Trumpington
Festive feel
Well done Cambridge Edition for the lovely cover on your Christmas issue! It’s nice to see illustrations being used on the front of the magazine, and King’s College Chapel is such an iconic landmark for our city – especially beautiful in snow. G Peters, Chesterton
cherish and protect it. Kim Glazer, Newnham
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ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE
Cambridge has an amazing array of architectural gems to explore. Here’s our top ten BUILDING PERFECTION
C ambridge’s architectural landscape is a tapestry of historical and modern masterpieces. There are 67 Grade I and 47 Grade II listed buildings in the city – the churches and colleges are remarkable, and the newer builds aren’t all that bad either, with examples by Sir Norman Foster and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Plus, there are several unusual landmarks – the Grade I listed former Theatre Royal, now part of Cambridge Buddhist Centre; Hobson’s Conduit, a watercourse built in 1610-1614; and several examples of domestic residences that illustrate their creators’ varied architectural ambitions. Visitors to the city will stumble across these marvellous buildings wherever they turn and no doubt think we are spoilt; our cityscape is certainly marked by style and innovation. So here’s our top ten – please do share your own favourites by email to letters@cambsedition.co.uk
BUILT 1446–1515
King’s College Chapel
King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST Architect: Reginald Ely Style: Perpendicular English Gothic Commissioned by King Henry VI, the Grade I listed chapel is renowned for its fan-vaulted ceiling and extensive stained-glass windows. The first stone was said to have been laid by Henry VI himself, but the Wars of the Roses interrupted its construction, so it was completed under King Henry VIII. The magnificent wooden screen separating the nave from the choir was a gift from Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, featuring their intertwined initials. Visiting: kings.cam.ac.uk/visit-kings
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ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE
BUILT 1831
BRIDGE OF SIGHS St John’s College, St John’s Street, Cambridge CB2 1TP Architect: Henry Hutchinson Style: Gothic Revival
Located at St John’s College, this iconic, Grade I listed, covered bridge spans the River Cam, connecting the college’s Third and New Courts. Built nearly 200 years ago, it’s the only covered bridge to cross the River Cam and the only college bridge built in the Victorian Gothic style. Students have pulled the prank of dangling a car under it on two separate occasions. Visiting: 2 to 19 Jan 2025, adults £15. See joh.cam.ac.uk/visiting
BUILT 1490-1615
TRINITY COLLEGE’S GREAT COURT The Great Court at Trinity College is Grade I listed and one of the largest enclosed courts in Europe, with an ornate covered fountain in its centre. The annual Great Court Run is a long- standing tradition where students attempt to circle the court within the time it takes the clock to strike 12 (43 seconds). Visiting: Guided tours on selected dates, £5. See trin.cam.ac.uk Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TQ Design: Thomas Nevile Style: Classical Revival
BUILT 1749; REBUILT 1866 AND 1905
Queens’ College, Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9ET Architect: William Etheridge; built by James Essex Situated at Queens’ College, this Grade II listed wooden footbridge is famed for its engineering marvel, exhibiting tangential and radial trussing. It’s made from teak wood and uses nuts and bolts in its construction. The bridge is an iconic example of how straight lines can create a curve through precise alignment and tension. Visiting: 4 Jan to 16 Apr 2025, enter at the Visitors’ Gate on Queens’ Lane, adults £5. See queens.cam.ac.uk/ visiting-the-college/tourist-information Mathematical Bridge
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ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE
BUILT 1985 SCHLUMBERGER GOULD RESEARCH CENTRE Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0EL Architect: Michael Hopkins Style: Modern This Grade II listed building serves as a research facility for the leading oilfield services company Schlumberger. Its innovative design is renowned for the distinctive fabric roof made of Teflon-coated glass fibre and suspended by a network of cables, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and create an airy, open environment. The layout fosters interaction among scientists, through its laboratories, office areas and workshops arranged to encourage collaboration.
OPENED 1934
Cambridge University Library
West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR Designer: Giles Gilbert Scott Style: Industrial
The main research library for the University of Cambridge, this Grade II listed building contains eight million books, plus maps and sheet music. The tower stands 48m tall; Scott’s design harks back to his earlier Bankside Power Station, now London’s Tate Modern. Visiting: You can see the building on West Road. To visit the current Endless Stories exhibition, book online at lib.cam.ac.uk
BUILT CIRCA 1130
Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UB Architect: Unknown Style: Norman One of four medieval round churches in England, this Grade I listed building was inspired by Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The building’s original purpose is unknown, but it has been suggested that it was used as a wayfarers’ chapel. It was a parish church from at least the mid-13th century until 1994, at which time the congregation had become too large and moved to St Andrew the Great. The Round Church (Church of the Holy Sepulchre)
Visiting: Adults £3.50. See roundchurchcambridge.org
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ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE
• Cambridge Central Mosque, 309-313 Mill Rd CB1 3DF • Robinson College, Grange Rd CB3 9AN • Eddington, Eddington Ave CB3 0QZ • Leper Chapel, Barnwell Junction, Newmarket Rd CB5 8JJ • The Wren Library, Trinity St CB2 1TQ Also worth a visit
OPENED 1995
10 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DZ Architect: Norman Foster Style: Modernist With its glass roof and open-plan design, the building reflects transparency and accessibility in legal education. While not listed, the building is named after the university’s first full-time vice-chancellor and professor of public law, Sir David Williams. Sir Norman Foster also designed the terminal building at Stansted Airport and the Gherkin in London. Visiting: See the building from West Road. THE FACULTY OF LAW BUILDING
BUILT 1891
5-1 Sidney Street, Cambridgeshire CB2 3HQ Architect: Alfred Waterhouse Style: Dutch renaissance with 1935 neo-Tudor extension Lloyds Bank, Sidney Street
A former millworkers’ bank built for Foster and Company, which owned several mills. The ornate, Grade II listed exterior and Italianate banking hall make the building seem older than it is. Architect Alfred Waterhouse also designed the Natural History Museum and the elaborate gateway at Strangeways prison. Waterhouse was inspired by the High Victorian Gothic style of John Ruskin. Visiting: See the building from Sidney Street.
BUILT 1837–1848
FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM
Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB Architect: George Basevi Style: Neoclassical
This elegant, Grade I listed city museum houses a vast collection of art and antiquities bequeathed by founder Richard Fitzwilliam. The collection spans centuries and cultures, including masterpieces by Titian, Van Dyck, Monet, Turner and Gainsborough; sketches by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Dürer and William Blake; sculpture by Rodin and Barbara Hepworth; manuscripts and rare books; coins and medals; textiles and costumes. Visiting: Open Tuesday to Sunday; free admission but donations encouraged. See fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/plan-your-visit
14 JANUARY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Cast your vote in our prestigious new awards. Over the following pages we’ve shortlisted the best independent retailers, products and services, now we need YOU to decide the winners!
AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
In association with GRAND ARCADE
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 17 Located in the heart of Cambridge, Grand Arcade is an award-winning shopping centre offering an unparalleled mix of retail, leisure and community experiences. Discover its newest tenants, from renowned national and international brands such as JD Sports, Beaverbrooks, Oliver Bonas, Dr Martens, Miele and Rituals, to unique independents such as Scamp & Dude and Elem Hair. Experience our brand-new, five-screen Everyman cinema, now open on the first floor – perfect for a stylish movie night! Enjoy viewing films in a warm, friendly atmosphere, with amazing food and drinks served to your seat. We bring the Cambridge community together through a variety of innovative events all year round – including Let’s Go Circular, Grand Discoveries, Rainbow Runway and Jurassic Arcade. At Grand Arcade, our aim is to celebrate connection and inclusivity, creating a vibrant space where everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s shopping, dining or simply enjoying our events, create unforgettable moments with us!
AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
This hotly contested award seeks to celebrate the best of the fine-dining scene in Cambridge and its surrounding areas. We’ll be looking for an establishment that delivers exceptional dining experiences through a combination of outstanding food quality, creativity in menu offerings and superior service. Our winner will demonstrate excellence in culinary expertise, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and showcasing innovation, while maintaining consistency in both taste and presentation. Key factors include a welcoming atmosphere, attentive and knowledgeable staff and attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience.
NOMINEES
Midsummer House Restaurant Twenty Two The Cambridge Chop House Navadhanya The Oak Bistro
Taj Tandoori Kibou Sticks’n’Sushi Six Vanderlyle Millworks The Orator The Astronomer
Bistro du Vin Provenance Kitchen Scott’s All Day Market House Sushi & Salad Mercado Central
With Cambridge being a city constantly on the go, there’s never been greater demand for welcoming cafes and tea shops. We’ll be searching for a cafe that provides excellent coffee or other beverages, an atmosphere that’s inviting and a menu that reflects quality, creativity and attention to detail. The winner should excel in delivering a comfortable space where customers can relax, work or socialise, paired with consistent, friendly service. We’ll consider the quality of the cafe’s coffee, tea or other speciality drinks, alongside fresh, locally sourced or homemade food offerings.
VOTE HERE!
NOMINEES Fitzbillies Hot Numbers Coffee Roasters Aromi Benets Cafe Norfolk Street Bakery Stir
Indigo Coffee House Savino’s Sticky Beaks Black Cat Cafe Cafe Au Chocolat Franks Farm Waffle and Coffee Victor Victoria
18 JANUARY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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SPONSORED BY
has become a destination for high-quality, locally sourced produce. The Gog is home to an award-winning butchery, famous for its sausages, aged beef and free-range poultry, all sourced from high-welfare farms. Its deli offers a curated selection of farmhouse cheeses, freshly baked goods and charcuterie. Committed to sustainability and provenance, The Gog partners with the finest local and national producers.
With this award, we want to recognise the hard work and creative vision of the many artisanal producers of food and drink in Cambridgeshire. The focus is on craftsmanship, local or regional sourcing and preserving the integrity of the ingredients. Artisanal food makers typically place emphasis on sustainability, freshness and authenticity, with the process often involving hands-on, labour-intensive work.
NOMINEES The Cambridge Cheese Company Stir Hot Numbers Coffee Roasters Cambridge Organic Food Company
The Gog Farm Shop is a renowned artisan food store and hub placed just outside of Cambridge. Family-run for more than 40 years, it
Fitzbillies Cambridge Distillery The Gog Farm Shop Burwash Larder Saffron Grange Vineyard Eighty Six Friends Robert Graham 1874
There’s nothing like a tasty snack on the go, and in Cambridge we’re lucky to have lots of delicious street food options. We want to award a vendor or food truck that delivers exceptional, flavourful dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The winner will demonstrate creativity, combining innovation with authentic flavours. Crucial factors include taste, presentation and consistency, as well as the vendor’s ability to provide quick and friendly service.
NOMINEES Guerrilla Kitchen, Histon
Steak & Honour, Wheeler Street Wandering Yak, Great Shelford
Thirsty, Chesterton Road Fired Up Pizza, Impington Africfood, Hills Road The Garden Kitchen, Cambridge University Botanic Garden or Kettle’s Yard Nanna Mexico, Petty Cury La Latina Bustaurante, The Grafton Centre Churros Bar, various locations including Burwash Manor in Barton Buffalo Joe’s, various locations including West Cambridge Campus and Cambridge Science Park Off The Beaten Truck, various locations including Saffron Walden and Alconbury
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 19
AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
For this award, we are looking for a home or
garden retailer that consistently provides superior customer experiences through product quality, variety and innovation. The winning entry should demonstrate excellence in sourcing or creating unique products, offering expert advice and services, and commitment to community engagement and sustainability. Angela Reed Glasswells Abbeygate Lighting John Lewis Scotsdales Garden Centre Coton Orchard Garden Centre Henry Rose Cambridge Home and Garden Reeds Homestore Ripples Granite Transformations M&J Abbs Roundhouse Knights Country Kitchens Tomas Kitchen Living NOMINEES Neptune
There are so many wonderful pubs and bars in our city and surrounding villages that we’re sure all CE readers must have a favourite they’d like to nominate for a well-deserved award. We’re searching for an establishment with a welcoming atmosphere, top- notch drinks and excellent customer service. We’ll also consider quality of food (if served) and the venue’s role in its community.
NOMINEES The Rupert Brooke,
The Architect, Castle Street The Red Lion, Hinxton The Pheasant, Great Chishill The Packhorse Inn, Moulton The Weeping Willow, Bury St Edmunds The Carpenters
De Luca Cucina & Bar, Regent Street Pint Shop, Peas Hill La Raza, Rose Crescent The Chubby Frog, Caxton The Green Man, Grantchester Old Bicycle Shop,
Grantchester The Cock, Hemingford The Plough, Coton The Old Crown, Girton The Three Horseshoes, Madingley The Crown &
Small & Green Sew Knit Craft Shire Trees
Regent Street d’Arry’s, King Street
Punchbowl, Horningsea
Arms, Great Wilbraham
VOTE HERE!
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This award looks to recognise a local fashion retailer that sets itself apart through exceptional clothing quality, innovation, style, its great customer experience and adaptability to changing fashion trends. We’ll award this to a nominee that excels in curating a range of trendsetter clothing and accessories that appeals to its target audience.
NOMINEES
Iris & Violet Boudoir Femme Modish Lilac Rose Oska Elouise Lingerie Loake Shoemakers Laird Hatters Cambridge Leather Bags Covet Clothing Me and Mrs Jones
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 21
AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
NOMINEES
Our city remains a top-tier tourist destination for visitors from overseas and other parts of the UK. For this award, we’re looking for a destination that provides an outstanding and memorable visitor experience, offering unique appeal and consistently high-quality service. The winner should showcase cultural, historical or natural significance, appealing to visitors of all ages.
King’s College Chapel Trinity College and the Wren Library St John’s College and the Bridge of Sighs Cambridge University Botanic Garden The Round Church The Polar Museum
Punting on the River Cam Newmarket races Wimpole Hall Ely Cathedral Audley End Miniature Railway Anglesey Abbey Johnsons of
Old Hurst Thursford Collection
offer local businesses the chance to showcase products, services and events for free, presenting the city as a fantastic overnight destination. Cambridge attracts a large number of visitors each year and Visit Cambridge is there to help them decide where to stay and what to do while they’re in the city. Follow on Facebook @OfficialVisitCambridge as well as @visitcambridgeofficial on Instagram.
SPONSORED BY
Visit Cambridge promotes everything about the city – its events, heritage, businesses, culture and uniqueness. Its website – visitcambridge.org – and social media channels are all managed by Cambridge BID, and
This award will celebrate an organisation or individual that delivers outstanding service in promoting health, wellness and wellbeing. Our winner will offer high- quality, personalised care, whether through physical fitness, mental health support, nutrition or holistic wellness practices. Key factors include making a commitment to improving clients’ long-term health, carrying out evidence-based approaches and emphasis on preventive care. NOMINEES Crossfit Stags & Does F45 Training Camyoga Hotpod Yoga Studio One The Glassworks Health Club and Spa Floatwell The Cambridge Massage Company Neal’s Yard Remedies Cambridge Country Club Health & Wellness The Day Clinic The Gainsborough Health Club and Spa Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Chill at the Yard
VOTE HERE!
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NOMINEES Scruffs Elaje Hair & Beauty Fratelli Hair Elem Hair CSL Brows & Beauty Cloud 9 Nail & Beauty
For the winner of this award, we are seeking a salon with a creative, professional atmosphere that delivers exceptional customer service, creates a welcoming, relaxing environment for clients with top-quality hairstyling, beauty treatments or both. Our salon winner will demonstrate strong focus on client satisfaction with a commitment to good hygiene, high-quality products and efforts to promote sustainability.
House of Beauty Salon Seven Clear Beauty
Cambridge Trichology Cambridge Aesthetics & Wellbeing Lounge
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AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
We want to find a business or individual that consistently provides outstanding, personalised service to customers, going above and beyond to meet and exceed expectations. The winner should demonstrate a deep commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction through responsiveness, professionalism and a genuine desire to solve problems and enhance the customer experience. Key factors include how well they handle enquiries, resolve issues and adapt to the needs of customers.
SPONSORED BY
a fresh approach to legal services, with clients’ interests at the heart of every decision. With UK offices in Bristol, London, Swindon, Nottingham, Peterborough and Stamford, the firm has unveiled its new-look Cambridge office, where a dedicated and growing team ensures the firm remains close to the UK’s leading regional tech capital, with its vibrant start-up and scale-up business landscape.
Buckles Law is a national law firm with more than 200 talented individuals ready to apply their considerable legal knowledge to the challenges faced by individuals, families and businesses. Buckles offers
Here we want to celebrate the best places to stay in Cambridge and its surrounding villages. Our winner will be a property that delivers exceptional hospitality, offering a blend of comfort, quality and personalised service. The winner should create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests, with attention to detail in areas such as room quality, amenities, cleanliness and overall ambience. A warm, professional atmosphere will set the property apart from its competitors.
NOMINEES The Varsity Hotel & Spa Hotel du Vin
University Arms Hotel Bedford Lodge Hotel Gonville Hotel Graduate by Hilton Cambridge Clopton Courtyard Poets House The Fellows House Turing Locke Hyatt Centric Cambridge The Old School House Rooms Clayton Hotel Cambridge Quy Mill Hotel & Spa The Cambridge Belfry The Waterman Cambridge The Lodge Duxford
VOTE HERE!
24 JANUARY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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This award is decided entirely by readers of Cambridge Edition – even down to the shortlisted nominees being picked by you. We’re seeking to recognise the efforts of a local individual who regularly goes the extra mile, making an exceptional impact on the community through selfless acts of kindness, service or leadership. The winner will demonstrate their dedication to improving the lives of others, whether through volunteer work, charity efforts or simply going above and beyond to support those in need. Vital attributes include positive influence, the ability to inspire others and commitment to forging a stronger, more connected community.
SPONSORED BY
skylit floors, the centre provides a truly exceptional shopping experience. The John Lewis & Partners flagship store anchors Grand Arcade, offering three floors full of fashion, beauty, accessories, home and technology, as well as a rooftop cafe and brasserie which command spectacular views of the local cityscape. Food and drink are also on the Grand Arcade menu. There’s coffee at Caffe Nero, Costa and Starbucks, Italian-style dining at Carluccio’s or the warm, inviting bar and lounge at Everyman – something for all tastes.
Grand Arcade sits right in the middle of Cambridge city centre. Surrounded by the beautiful and historic architecture of the world- famous University of Cambridge Colleges, it’s award-winning and the region’s leading shopping centre. Featuring an unrivalled mix of 60 premium and high-street retailers distributed across three stunningly
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AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
For this award, we’re looking for a venue that excels in offering diverse, high-quality cultural programming, including performances, exhibitions and events that engage and inspire broad audiences. The winner should demonstrate a commitment to promoting the arts and fostering creativity. We will consider how well the venue supports local or emerging artists, its preservation or advancement of cultural heritage and the overall visitor experience.
Getting married can be a stressful time, so this award will recognise a wedding supplier who delivers exceptional products or services that contribute to making weddings both seamless and memorable. The winner will demonstrate creativity, attention to detail and the ability to understand and fulfill the unique vision of each couple. The most important considerations here are quality and reliability, whether it’s wedding attire, decor, catering, photography or entertainment. Customer satisfaction, professionalism and the ability to work collaboratively with other vendors are crucial.
NOMINEES
ADC Theatre Cambridge Arts Theatre Cambridge Junction
Cambridge Corn Exchange Arts Picturehouse Cambridge Fitzwilliam Museum Kettle’s Yard Cambridge Film Festival Cambridge Literary Festival Corpus Playroom (run by ADC) King’s College Chapel Saffron Hall Stapleford Granary Cambridge Open Studios National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket
NOMINEES Burr Bridal
The Granary Estates at
Cellini Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery Baker Brothers Catherine Jones of Cambridge Finery & Co Dipples Jewellers
The Tailor’s Cat Anstey Hall Cambridge Swynford Manor The Old Hall Ely Longstowe Hall Poets House
Newmarket South Farm Elouise Lingerie Anne Furbank
The Jockey Club Rooms
VOTE HERE!
26 JANUARY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
A NEW WORLD VIEW Cambridge photographers scoop top prizes in new travel awards 5 MINUTES WITH… Graeme Clark of Wet Wet Wet, at the Corn Exchange this month CULTURE EDITION MURDER STAGED Discover what motivates a serial killer, with Cheish Merryweather
Up the Junction
Comedian Sophie Duker, pictured, will be performing at Cambridge Junction on 30 January. Her stand-up show, But Daddy I Love Her , coincides with Independent Venue Week (27 Jan to 2 Feb) – a seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues that recognises the vital role they play in nurturing new talent. “It’s good to be part of a campaign like this,” says Rob Tinkler, who has worked at the Junction for the last 30 years. “It lets people see that there’s more to live music than what you see on TV and enormous stadium events. If it weren’t for small venues like ours, you wouldn’t have people like Taylor Swift because they wouldn’t have had anywhere to start out.” See junction.co.uk for more events.
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THE AGENDA
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Live Forever: The Rise of Oasis, Cambridge Corn Exchange Celebrate the Gallagher brothers’ meteoric rise, from humble beginnings on a council estate in Manchester to being one of the biggest bands on the planet.
Under the Rays of the Aurora Borealis: Sophus Tromholt Refound, The Polar Museum Exploring the northern lights as seen in 1883 by Danish school teacher Sophus Tromholt, in Norway. Ends 22 Feb.
EXHIBITION
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Picturing Excess: Jan Davidsz de Heem, The Fitzwilliam Museum Showing four indulgent tablescapes exploring pronkstilleven – lush still lifes – painted in the 1600s at the height of Dutch colonial trade. Until 13 April.
A New Year’s Celebration, Saffron Hall An evening of musical enchantment featuring the haunting beauty of pieces by Mozart, Haydn, Strauss and more, performed by virtuoso Matilda Lloyd.
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Open gardens, Robinson College Ten Edwardian gardens linked by a central wild woodland. Open 10am-4pm weekdays and 2-4pm weekends, admission £5, proceeds
Digital Performance: Dan Forshaw Quartet, Saffron Hall Saxophonist Dan Forshaw is often found playing in UK jazz clubs, theatres and cathedrals. The ensemble is part of Saffron Hall’s Foyer Jazz concert series.
Dates for the diary to get your Cambridgeshire culture fix
go to the National Gardens Scheme.
COMEDY
Simon Evans: Have We Met?, Cambridge Junction Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two
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hours of unique entertainment.
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Brennan Reece: Me Me Me, Cambridge Junction Everything was going well until Reece got cancelled at a comedy roast on the BBC. This new tour dives into cancel culture.
Little Shop of Horrors, ADC Theatre The award-winning Festival Players perform this story of a boy who lives in a flower shop, when he becomes the owner of a strange plant that will change his life.
London Symphonic Rock Orchestra, Cambridge Corn Exchange This army of ‘rock warriors’ fuse orchestra with rock in iconic hits from the likes of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.
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THE AGENDA
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Murder: Staged, Cambridge Corn Exchange Cheish Merryweather, psychologist and psychopathy expert, explains the ‘CSI effect’ and creation of a new type of killer who can mislead investigations.
16 MAR Gordon Buchanan: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Cambridge Corn Exchange Award-winning wildlife filmmaker and photographer Gordon Buchanan recounts thrilling animal encounters. TALK
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Wet Wet Wet, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Founder Graeme Clark, guitarist Graeme Duffin and frontman Kevin Simm perform the band’s catalogue of legendary hits, including Sweet Little Mystery and Goodnight Girl .
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22 OCT An unbiased look at climate change from this German comedian. It’s sure to delight; everyone loves talking about the weather. Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn, Cambridge Corn Exchange Bow Wow Wow, Cambridge Junction Annabella Lwin and the band are back for their first UK headline tour in a decade. Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren formed the band in 1980. MUSIC
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COMEDY
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ADC Theatre One of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, this chaotic tale unfolds in the magical Athenian forest, where the air is pierced with jealousy, unrequited love and delicious confusion.
Rob Newman: Where the Wild Things Are, Cambridge Junction Rob Newman’s stand-up covers cave paintings to car-free cities, by way of the Roman Empire’s chariot ban and Homo ergaster’s dance steps.
Lucy Porter: No Regrets!, Cambridge Junction Frank Sinatra had too few to mention, but Lucy’s got hundreds. And she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them.
Ode to Joy, Cambridge Philharmonic, West Road Concert Hall A glorious combination of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major and Beethoven’s final symphony, directed by Harry Sever. Starts 4pm, adult tickets £15.
THEATRE
COMEDY
Colin Hoult: Colin, Cambridge Junction A show about family, fatherhood and Hoult’s formative childhood experience with a ouija board and a gorilla. Best known for his work with Ricky Gervais on Derek and After Life .
Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway?, Cambridge Corn Exchange Virtuoso ventriloquist and Bafta nominee Nina Conti presents a brand- new, unscripted show that delves deep into who we are.
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CULTURE EDITION
BOOK MEET THE LIDO LADIES Annie Morgan James and Becky Allen have written a new book celebrating Jesus Green Lido, with historic photos and stories from its regulars O ur city has enjoyed a long association with swimming. In 1587, it was a fellow at St John’s Interview LIZ POTTER Portrait KANE SMITH
The fact that the pool was built with a ‘middle deep’ is unusual. “Originally they were going to create two separate pools – one for women and one for men,” says Annie. “In the end they decided to build just one pool, and that’s why it’s so long: 91 metres. Along with Tooting Bec it’s the longest lido in the UK.” Regulars were interviewed at the poolside and have been remarkably candid, some revealing how cold-water swimming has helped improve mental health and beat chronic pain, for instance. “Everybody had an interesting tale to tell,” says Annie. “One of our oldest swimmers, Joan Ludman, was a champion river swimmer in the 50s and still swims here today, though not in winter. “Pink Floyd used to swim there too – at least Dave’s brother Peter Gilmour and Syd Barrett did. Hanging out at Jesus Green pool was a rite of passage for teenagers at one point in time. It’s so much more than just a swimming pool,” says Becky.
College, Everard Digby, who first set down how to do it in his De Arte Natandi ( The Art of Swimming ), with woodcuts showing the techniques for breaststroke, backstroke and crawl. So it’s no surprise that the city has its own cherished swimming traditions – not least at our iconic open-air pool, celebrated in the new book 100 Yards, 100 Voices: A Century of Swimming at Jesus Green Lido . “We wanted to mark its centenary by writing about the origins of the pool and interviewing some of the regulars who use it,” explains historian Annie Morgan James, who co-wrote the book with journalist Becky Allen. “Becky suggested the title 100 Yards, 100 Voices and it all fell into place.” Together, the pair have brought the pool’s rich history to life. “We started our research at the Cambridgeshire Archives in Ely,” says Annie. “We found the original council meeting minutes where the idea of a pool at Jesus Green was first proposed. Most of our discoveries were made at the Cambridgeshire Collection on the top floor of Cambridge Central Library. After several visits, we came across some original source materials – swimming club scrap books, photos, newspaper cuttings and diaries. Archive copies of Cambridge News showed the opening of the pool in 1923. “We discovered that river swimming was a really popular pastime here in the 1920s,” says Annie. “It was a recreational hobby for many, but also a competitive sport between the colleges and local clubs such as the Granta and City of Cambridge Swimming Clubs. “There was a bit of town-and-gown rivalry, but because the new pool was public it brought everyone together. Water polo was huge; photographs show the place absolutely rammed with spectators. That’s something we want to try to resurrect.” One of the main reasons for building the lido was to teach city children to swim. “It was built in a central location, parallel to the river, so that all the local schoolchildren could visit. In the lido’s early years, water was pumped into the pool from the river and swimmers would complain about the little fish in it!” IN THE DEEP END Swimmers sitting atop the diving board frame (right); ladies preparing to take the plunge (far right); Morgan James and Allen, authors of 100 Yards, 100 Voices (top right)
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CULTURE EDITION
Water was pumped in from the river and swimmers would complain about the little fish in it!
“Everybody who comes here feels that it’s special, which is why the book is so full of wonderful stories. We all love and value it. There’s just something very unique about swimming outside and seeing the lime trees change with the seasons. “For me, it’s an enchanted place,” adds Annie, who once swam here with her mother, then her daughters and now with her grandchildren. “I like the idea of pushing through these old-fashioned
turnstiles into another world, where the air feels different and you can breathe.” The lido is open all year round, even attracting swimmers in neoprene booties and woollen hats in the colder months. “One year, we had to break the ice,” says Becky. “I didn’t go in that day! But there’s the sauna to warm up in, hot showers and the cafe for hot drinks. We get all sorts of people in winter – some in wetsuits, others in bikinis – ours is a very broad church.”
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CULTURE EDITION
A true crime event will be staged at the Corn Exchange this month. Psychologist Cheish Merryweather explains what’s in store A n obsession with true crime and psychopathic serial killers might seem like a dark interest to pursue, but for Cheish Merryweather it’s become a profession. A qualified research psychologist, she conducts theatre talks and stages crime scene events, challenging members of the audience to use their own sleuthing skills to solve true crimes. “The aim is to try and understand what motivates a killer, find behaviour patterns and explain things that seem beyond our comprehension,” says Cheish. “If we can explain crimes like these and understand why they’re committed, it makes the world a little less scary to live in.” Cheish started out as a freelance writer obsessed with serial killers. “I couldn’t find publications that would publish my work, so I started my own website: Crime Viral. Then Netflix released a series called Making a Murderer in early 2015 and interest in true crime really took off. Crime Viral gathered so many followers, which made me realise there are loads of us out there! I started to do talks and became a guest lecturer on true crime at universities. Now, I tour with new material every couple of years, looking at the dark side of psychology.” A perfect murder THEATRE
True crime is a way to get close to our worst fears without risking death
Research psychology involves finding human behaviour patterns by collecting data, analysing it and drawing conclusions. “I just apply that approach to serial killers, asking for instance: what kind of childhood behaviours make for a mass murderer?” It’s revealing that 99% of Cheish’s audience are women. “True crime stories are a way for us to get as close as possible to our worst fears without risking death itself,”
Murder: Staged takes place on 24 January at 7.30pm, Cambridge Corn Exchange. Tickets are £23 including booking fee and have that discussion among friends,” concludes Cheish. “The more we talk about these crimes, the greater chance there is of solving and avoiding them.” adds Cheish. “We want to understand what’s going on, place ourselves in that situation and ask what we would do. In fact, serial killers are responsible for less than 2% of all murders committed every year, so Murder: Staged is about that other 98%, asking who they are. Unfortunately, it’s typically the partners we share a bed with, the close friends, immediate family members and colleagues at work.” Part of the evening involves Cheish conducting a psychopathy test on the audience. “It’s a really fascinating night, looking at psychological insights about the killer next door,” she says. “The evening starts off with a fun introduction video telling you that your best friends are more likely to murder you than Ted Bundy, which always cheers the audience up! Then, we go through six different types of murderer – the cleaner, the creator, the concealer, the fabricator, the planner and the inflictor – and the scenes they tend to leave behind. Then we explain how they were caught and the telltale mistakes they made along the way. After a short break, the audience get to examine some crime scene reconstructions. I ask them: do you think the murderer was a stranger or was it somebody who was already in the house? “I want people to leave the theatre
A KILLER DISCUSSION Cheish wants audiences to leave knowing more about murderers and their habits
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CULTURE EDITION
A picture of a rare European black- bellied hamster has scooped the top prize in a new competition aimed at the region’s travel photographers C ambridge’s inaugural Travel Festival last November offered the region’s photographers a chance to showcase their best travel photos in a unique new competition. The Cambridge Travel Festival Photo Competition 2024 was sponsored by JRNY Travel Magazine and attracted more than 500 entries, with the grand prize – which included a £500 travel voucher from Freedom Destinations – awarded to Victoria Andrews for her black- bellied hamster pic taken in Austria. The competition was judged by Campkins Cameras, Cambridge Camera Club and Swavesey Camera Club. Sponsors included Freedom Destinations, Campkins Cameras, JRNY Travel Magazine and Wex Photo Video. For a full list of winners, see thetravelfestival.com 1 River Stour, Suffolk by Justin Minns 2 The Hemisferic, Valencia by Richard Bircham 3 Stilt Walker, Deadvlei, Namibia by Maggie O’Moore 4 Wild European Black-Bellied Hamster, Austria by Victoria Andrews A new world view PHOTOGRAPHY
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CULTURE EDITION
MUSIC
travelling around on a song, which is what we’ve done for the better part of my life. CE: The line-up has changed a bit over the last decades. Did you ever consider retiring the band? GC: When Marti Pellow stepped out in 2016, we had a big decision to make. I wanted to carry on, feeling the band still had something musical to say. There are also lots of people who have worked for Wet Wet Wet for an awfully long time so, for me, carrying on was a no-brainer. CE: How did you find Kevin Simm – your new lead vocalist? GC: Kevin was put on my radar after he’d won The Voice . Someone sent me a copy of his a cappella audition piece and said listen to this guy! We had a chat and I liked him, and we went and sat in the studio and played acoustic guitar together. Luckily, he felt the same way and we’ve been out on the road now since 2018, gathering momentum and writing new songs. The thing about Kevin is that he’s brought something new to the songs that isn’t a pastiche or clichéd version of them. CE: Will your set be a mix of your favourite hits and some new music too? GC: Our previous line-up had certain songs that they just didn’t want to sing, but the
The founder of iconic soft rock band Wet Wet Wet tells us about his love of Cambridge, musical inspiration and new frontman Kevin Simm 5 MINUTES WITH GRAEME CLARK Cambridge Edition: Are you looking forward to playing at the Corn Exchange later this month? Graeme Clark: We’ve played there before; I really love it, these quirky, out-of-the-way provincial cities! We had a great time last time we were there. It’s a beautiful city and I have a niece studying at the university. CE: Are you based in Scotland now? GC: I married an English girl, for my sins, so I’m based south of Croydon. But I have family in Glasgow; it will always be home. CE: Do you enjoy touring? GC: It’s a great way to see the country! When your music connects with people, there’s no better feeling in the world. We started playing live in about 1982-83 and it opened a door I can’t shut. It’s amazing,
new guys have come in without any of that history. So Kevin says: ‘Why aren’t we doing this song?’ And I’m like, ‘Good question, let’s play it!’ Generally, new music is a difficult sell, especially for a band like Wet Wet Wet. When fans buy a ticket, the expectation is there for us to play their favourites. I have no problem with that. What we can do is fly in one or two of our new ideas, and people will accept that. CE: What advice would you give to young artists just starting out in the music industry? GC: Man, I’m the wrong guy to ask! But what I will say is, you’ve got to be good and not muck it up. The song is the thing that lasts, that will connect and resonate with people. So try and make them as good as you possibly can. Wet Wet Wet will be performing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 28 January from 7.30pm. Tickets from £37
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