In this month’s issue we take a look at all the local places you can go for fresh air and green space – from country parks and botanic gardens to historic landscapes and nature reserves. Stroll among the blossom and bluebells – just be sure to wrap up warm! Our Agenda pages offer a comprehensive guide to other fun things to do this month – from Painting Frida Kahlo at The Station Tavern to attending the Gin, Vodka, Rum Festival at St Paul’s Church, Hill's Road. We also have interviews with Bootleg Beatle Steve White and Furhat the AI-powered humanoid android. Our piece on charity events focuses on the many outdoor fundraising activities for 2025, including this month’s TTP Cambridge Half Marathon, while our interiors feature reveals the vibrant on-trend décor ideas that will banish boring old beige… Enjoy!
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LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
MARCH 2025
WIN! worth of hats from Laird Hatters £250
SEE PAGE 31
green space DISCOVER THE BEST PLACES TO CELEBRATE SPRING, FROM WELLBEING WALKS TO NATURE RESERVES, PARKS AND GARDENS fresh air,
COLOUR YOUR HOME Forget beige! Create interiors that make a vibrant statement this season
THE UK’S FASTEST HALF? Last year’s Half Marathon winner shares his tips for a perfect race
MOTHER’S DAY TREATS Delicious lunch or afternoon tea? How to spoil Mum on her special day
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ON THE COVER 8 / FRESH AIR, GREEN SPACE Discover the best places to celebrate spring 18 / THE UK’S FASTEST HALF? It’s the Cambridge Half Marathon! Last year’s winner shares some tips 31 / WIN HATS WORTH £250 Here’s your chance to win a fedora and cap 56 / TREATING MUM Spoil your mother with a delicious Sunday lunch 72 / COLOUR YOUR HOME Make a statement using this season’s latest vibrant hues CULTURE EDITION 14 / AGENDA Our pick of what’s on in Cambridge 16 / PLAYING PAUL Bootleg Beatle Steve White describes how he gets into character as his 60s hero 20 / INTERVIEW WITH A ROBOT We chat with Furhat Robotics’ android 22 / CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Gordon Buchanan, famed wildlife filmmaker, shares tales of feral bears and big cats 25 / SCREEN TIME The latest film releases and where to see them
CARE & SUPPORT
60 / CARERS AT YOUR SERVICE Does your loved one need domestic help? Here’s some expert advice HOME EDITION 71 / D’YOU SEE FRUIT? We’re loving these citrus- themed tablewares 78 / TROPICAL TREASURES Opulent jade and amber homewares to create an exotic look 80 / THE JOY OF SEEDS Nurturing plants from seed is a cost-effective hobby REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB Social media inspiration from the city’s streets 82 / THE QUIZ Test your Cambridge knowledge with our brainteasers
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26 / MARCH BOOK CLUB We explore thrillers, mystery and suspense 28 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Hats inspire photographer Mark Box 36 / STAYCATION SPECIAL Enjoy the best of Cambridge and surrounds 44 / GET FIT – AND FUNDRAISE Put the fun into fundraising with these activities for 2025 48 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Rebecca Green of the Wildlife Trusts FOOD EDITION 53 / FLIPPING BRILLIANT Pancake Day is on 4 March – here’s a batter recipe 54 / FOOD NEWS Half- price pizza for students 59 / LET THEM EAT CAKE Elisha Young picks her favourite spots for afternoon tea
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CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 03
WELCOME
STEP INTO SPRING T he sight of daffodils can stir the heartstrings
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, Fiona Cumberpatch, Charlotte Griffiths, Marina Jordan-Rugg, Sally Petitt & 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 ON OUR COVER Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @elliedyduch on Instagram Find us @cambsedition
Among these events is the Cambridge Festival from 19 March to 4 April – a rare opportunity to explore the work of the city’s academics. As part of this, I got to interview a table-top, AI-powered android named Furhat from Sweden that can change gender and skin colour to appeal to a wider demographic (page 20). It talked to us about its role in exciting post-graduate research at the computer science department of King’s College, with PhD student Alva Markelius. Furhat got this somewhat unusual name when its developers had to rush a partly built prototype to a conference with wires sticking out of its head, hiding them under a fur hat. Why not meet Furhat yourself? Check out the full programme at festival.cam.ac.uk/events Our piece on charity events (page 44) focuses on the many outdoor activities you can take part in to raise funds during 2025 – from the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon on 9 March to the Dragon Boat Festival, local 10k races and cycling sportives that will take you all over the county and beyond. There’s plenty of inspiration for everyone – whatever your fitness level – to raise funds for good causes.
at this time of year. Even on the greyest day, these winsome spring flowers seem to glow through the gloom, springing
up in all sorts of wayward locations. The Cambridgeshire village of Thriplow makes a point of celebrating its daffodils with a festival weekend on 22 to 23 March (page 15), which seems a lovely, upbeat idea. In our cover story this month (page 8), we take a look at all the places you can go to enjoy fresh air and green space around the city and its surrounds – from country parks and botanic gardens to historic landscapes and nature reserves (some of which we’d never heard of until researching this feature!). There’s no excuse not to get out for a good yomp among the blossoms and bluebells, so take our inspiration and wrap up warm. Our Agenda listing is a comprehensive guide to all the other fun things to do this month – from painting Frida Kahlo at The Station Tavern to attending the Gin, Rum and Vodka Festival at St Paul’s Church. We even have a reader discount of 20% on the latter; just use code NEWYEAR25 when booking tickets online at thegintomytonic.com
Editor
EDITOR’S PICKS
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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. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
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1 Mustard and brick striped linen cushion, £98, Joanna Wood 2 Bamboo fibre bird feeder in orange, £9.95, Rex London 3 Orange sun suncatcher, £10.99, Tenovus Cancer Care 4 Wiggle mug in orange by Florence Mytum, £35, Not Just A Shop 5 Knut saffron lambswool throw, £79, Country Mouse
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LOCAL LIFE
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SPRINGTIME STROLLS
Looking for a wellbeing boost this month? Fresh air, green space Visit these lush locales to escape Image HOWARD RICE
contains more than 8,000 plant species, including a colourful National Collection of species tulips. Cherry blossom steals the show at this time of year, with these delicate pink and white petals creating an ethereal canopy above manicured lawns. A stunning Yoshino cherry tree ( Prunus yedoensis ) looks spectacular from February to April, while magnolia trees – with their grand, tulip-shaped blooms – burst into life between February and June. Riverside rambling Equally enchanting, a springtime stroll along the River Cam can be a serene and
ambridge in spring is a sight to behold. Bursting with colour and vibrancy, the city’s historic streets, gardens and riverbanks transform into a haven of blossoming flowers and renewed energy. From serene riverside walks to cattle-grazed meadows, nature reserves and parks, botanic gardens and stately homes, there’s no better time to explore our iconic city, making the most of longer daylight hours and crisp, fresh air. Start your spring adventure at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Established in 1831 by John Stevens Henslow, Charles Darwin’s mentor, the Botanic Garden occupies 40 acres and
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SPRINGTIME STROLLS
The next bit of proper river frontage comes further north, opposite wisteria-clad Magdalene College on Bridge Street. Here, you can walk to Jesus Green, passing Jesus Lock and the iconic outdoor Lido, and eventually under Elizabeth Way Bridge to Stourbridge Common and Ditton Meadows. Historic parkland The region’s National Trust properties have plenty of historic rolling landscapes to savour come springtime. Anglesey Abbey is a feast for the senses, with its gardens bursting into life – the inspirational winter walk transitions gracefully in early spring
with dainty crocuses, reticulate irises and more. Fragrant bluebells carpet the woodlands from late March to early May. Wimpole Hall Estate is equally dramatic in spring – the parkland dotted with grazing cattle and the lake alive with geese and ducks. Head to the gothic folly for a bracing walk or tackle the 5.5-mile all-weather route. Our local country parks also offer a leafy escape. For instance, the 300- acre Coton Countryside Reserve was
scenic journey, exploring all the green spaces en route. From the south, pick up the river at Trumpington Meadows, walking through woodland to the popular bathing spot Byron’s Pool – then proceed to Grantchester Orchard and Meadows. The meandering path leads to Paradise nature reserve and the park at Lammas Land, before crossing to Sheep’s Green at Fen Causeway, toward the city. Pick up the path through Coe Fen to Granta Place and the Mill Pond – popular with punters and picnickers. From here, head towards the Backs, strolling past Queens’, King’s, Clare and Trinity Colleges.
CHERRY ON TOP Prunus serrulata in full bloom by the lake at the Botanic Garden (above)
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SPRINGTIME STROLLS
purchased by charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future in the 30s to prevent urban sprawl, and has since become a long-term initiative to create a large area of wild belt on the western side of Cambridge. The same charity looks after Wandlebury Country Park, south of Cambridge near the Gog Magog Hills. Here, you can walk miles through mixed woodland, enjoying a view of Ely Cathedral, wildflower meadows grazed by highland cattle, pond-dipping and more. It’s a charming and historic landscape for a seasonal yomp. Nature walks The city also boasts plenty of nature reserves, managed by our local Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Trumpington Meadows offers scenic riverside walks through
meadows bursting with wildflowers, butterflies and peaceful picnic spots. Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits on the south- eastern outskirts of Cambridge are host to a variety of habitats, including grassland and woodland, as well as three rare plant species – great pignut, moon carrot and a rare type of grape hyacinth ( Muscari ). Beechwoods, off Worts’ Causeway, is another gem. Originally planted in the 1840s, these mature beech trees are a sheltered haven for helleborine orchids, woodpeckers and bramblings that feed on the beechmast. Fulbourn Fen, meanwhile, is an ancient area of grassland supporting cowslips and rare orchids. The wettest meadow, East Fen sees thousands of orchids bloom in early summer, alongside rushes and water mint. Early marsh and southern marsh orchids thrive here, sending up tall purple flower spikes in spring, while in summer, lizards and grass snakes sun themselves on the grassy tussocks.
WICKEN FEN, NEAR ELY One of Britain’s oldest nature reserves, this ancient fenland landscape is criss-crossed with boardwalks leading through wetlands teeming with wildlife. FEN DRAYTON LAKES An RSPB-run haven for birdwatchers, comprising a network of lakes and wetlands. GAMLINGAY CINQUES A dry grassland site providing a secluded haven for visitors, with diverse flora and fauna. This is an excellent spot for a peaceful walk This tucked-away reserve is the largest elm woodland in Cambridgeshire, offering a rich and thriving habitat for insects and birds. Visitors can explore its medieval manor remains and diverse ecosystems. One of the prime birdwatching sites in the county and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, explore the reservoir’s nine miles of shoreline. Expect to see great crested grebes, teal and wigeon, warblers, plus ospreys overhead. surrounded by nature. OVERHALL GROVE, KNAPWELL GRAFHAM WATER, NEAR HUNTINGDON Further afield
SPRING TO LIFE With the arrival of spring, Anglesey Abbey’s gardens overflow with stunning daffodils in full bloom
It’s a charming, historic landscape for a seasonal yomp
© NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/MIKE SELBY
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 11
INTERVIEW WITH A ROBOT AI android Furhat reveals its dreams, thoughts and aspirations THE FASTEST HALF? Freddie Hessian, winner of last year’s Half Marathon, has some tips CULTURE EDITION LOVE ME DO? We meet mop-top guitarist Steve White of The Bootleg Beatles
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 13 Newcastle-born comic Lauren Pattison is bringing her new show Big Girl Pants to J3 at Cambridge Junction on Sunday 2 March. Having won awards for her stand-up at Edinburgh, Lauren has taken her comedy all around the world – Montreal, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Bangalore, Goa and Mumbai included. She currently hosts the podcast Conversations Against Living Miserably produced by TV channel Dave, with guests such as Richard Gadd and Jenny Eclair. Lauren has supported Katherine Ryan and Jason Manford on tour, as well as gracing the comedy stages of Latitude, Reading and Leeds festivals. For tickets, see junction.co.uk Bants in her pants
THE AGENDA
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EXHIBITION
Magma Rising: A Journey to the Centre of Icelandic Volcanoes, The Heong Gallery, Downing College An intersection between art and geology research, including a piece by Bjork. Runs until 22 April.
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COMEDY
Lauren Pattison: Big Girl Pants,
Cambridge Junction Two-time nominee for an Edinburgh Comedy Award Lauren Pattison returns with this brand- new show. It’s bigger, braver and maybe even blonder than ever.
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22 Mar
COMEDY
Al Murray: Guv Island, Cambridge Corn Exchange The Pub Landlord is back. Famed for his old-school banter, Al has all the answers, and is standing up so you don’t have to take anything lying down.
7 Paint Frida Kahlo!, The Station Tavern, Station Square Unleash your creativity at this sip and paint event, recreating Wyland Tondelier’s portrait of Frida Kahlo. Paint, brushes, canvas and apron provided. WORKSHOP
9 FAIR
Dates for the diary to get your Cambridgeshire culture fix
TTP Cambridge Half Marathon, Midsummer Common Cheer on the city’s pavement-pounders during this annual 13-mile race. The route travels through both the town and colleges. Donate to charity via en route collection points. Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall, Harston High Street Shop for beads and pearls to use in making jewellery at home. Browse the trade stalls to find all sorts of new semiprecious stones, seed beads and other treasures. Free entry; refreshments available. RACE
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COMEDY
WORKSHOP
Pick ’N’ Mix: Improv Comedy Showcase, The Boathouse, Chesterton Road The Cambridge Impronauts present their monthly improv comedy night. Each act will take you through a different genre or style.
The Art of Broom Making with Jon Bailey, Studio Space, David Parr House Led by master woodturner Jon Bailey, with years of teaching greenwood turning, take a journey into our woodworking heritage.
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THE AGENDA
21 MUSIC
19 FESTIVAL
Britten Sinfonia – Surround Sound Playlist, Ely Cathedral An informal classical concert that takes a mixtape-style approach. Sit, lie or spread out on floor cushions, or take a seat. For tickets, pay what you can, £5-£35.
Cambridge Festival, various venues A 17-day, university- led festival featuring nearly 400 (mostly free) events themed around environment, health, society and discovery.
5 JUL Shelford Festival & Feast, Shelford Recreation Ground Village event that has raised more than £390,000, with Scott Mills and Jason Donovan on 5 and 11 July. FESTIVAL Suffolk festival of rock ’n’ roll, blues, soul, roots, Cajun and country. With JD McPherson, Samantha Fish and many more. 19 APR Masterplan presents Ultimate R&B, MASH Midlands-based R&B band featuring three vocalists covering hit songs from Lauryn Hill, En Vogue, Sisqó and others. MUSIC 29 MAY FESTIVAL Red Rooster Festival, Euston Hall
An insight into our academic environs.
THEATRE
DANCE
The Cannon Ball, The Manor Barn, Harlton Charity dinner and dancing for 11- to 13- year-olds to benefit East Anglian Air Ambulance, Cambridge Children’s Hospital and the local pony club. Dress to impress, 7-10pm.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, ADC Theatre The story of Jamie, who wants to attend prom in a dress. This amateur musical production is a showcase of both young talent and veterans of musical theatre.
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FESTIVAL
Gin, Rum and Vodka Festival, St Paul’s Church, Hills Road The Gin to My Tonic festival aims to raise awareness of craft gin, rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits. Sampling sessions will take place from 12 noon to 4pm, then 6 to 10pm.
Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan, Cambridge Corn Exchange Gordon recounts his many thrilling wildlife encounters. He talks about the mud, sweat and tears that shaped his extraordinary career.
Early Night Club, Amelie, Ben’s Yard A fun opportunity for ladies-of-a-certain-age to dance as though no one is watching in glitter and sequins, with DJs playing dance-floor fillers, 7-11pm. Raising funds for local charities.
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22 FAIR
COMEDY
Russell Kane: Hyperactive, Cambridge Corn Exchange Russell’s high-energy, high-octane, hyperactive new tour comes with a safety warning: wear strong underwear... Expect topical rants, rapid-fire retorts and full use of the stage!
BOOKS
Cambridge Literary Festival one-off events, Palmerston Room, St John’s College Two talks: The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O’Sullivan (6-7pm) and Theft with Nobel Prize- winning Abdulrazak Gurnah (8-9pm).
Spring Birdsong Garden Walk, Cambridge University Botanic Garden A free, bespoke touch tour for the blind or partially sighted. Enjoy a guided walk with staff from the Garden and the Museum of Zoology.
Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair, SG8 7HZ Charity weekend run by village volunteers with more than 100 stalls, blacksmith demos, Morris dancers, street food and beer or tea and cake. Oh, and daffodils!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 15
CULTURE EDITION
T he Swinging 60s was an iconic era for pop culture, synonymous with the miniskirt, Twiggy, the moon landing and, of course, The Beatles. “It was a great decade for music,” says Steve White, who plays the lovable, mop-haired Paul McCartney as part of tribute band The Bootleg Beatles. “I always felt that I was born in the wrong era.” Steve started out playing in a 60s cover band, which evolved into a Beatles tribute. He taught himself to play guitar left-handed like his hero, Paul McCartney. “One day, I got a call from The Bootleg Beatles to ask if I wanted to stand in for their guitarist, who wasn’t well. So I did that, and then played with them off and on for about 12 months before joining the band full time in 2011. I’ve been with The Bootleg Beatles for 14 years now.” Touring with The Bootleg Beatles is quite an undertaking. “It’s insane,” says Steve. “We’re currently on a three-month tour of Europe. We’ve just done Denmark and Sweden, and now we’re in Holland. Belgium is next, then we’re doing France and a tour of the UK, including Cambridge Corn Exchange at the end of March. During summer it’s festival season; we tend to do Glastonbury most years – and the Isle of Wight. It’s absolutely full on! To do what we do, you have to be a massive Beatles fan. Luckily we all are, so it doesn’t feel like a real job. It feels more like we’re having fun.” Getting into character is a labour of love. “First and foremost we’re musicians, but obviously it also demands an element of acting,” says Steve. “Each of us has spent hours and hours watching old video footage and trying to emulate the body language of John, Paul, Ringo or George, and the way they present themselves on stage – all their little quirks and mannerisms. It takes a long time to master that. As soon as the costume goes on, about an hour before the show, you start practising a few of the moves in the mirror, so by the time you step on stage you’re something like the real guy. “People seldom notice that Paul himself changed throughout his years as a Beatle. Early on he was very eager to please, very excitable, lots of head wobbling, really A DAY IN THE LIFE The band members have worked hard to emulate the exact mannerisms and stage presence of their respective Beatles, even down to Paul’s head wobbling (top right) Performing at the Corn Exchange on 30 March, Bootleg Beatle Steve White describes how he gets into character as young Paul McCartney Playing Paul MUSIC
We try and project that on stage – even down to the exact amplifiers they used
animated. Then through the middle period he became a little bit smug because they were topping the charts left, right and centre. Towards the end, the band moved on from playing happy-go-lucky pop songs into a more groovy vibe. Paul’s movements became more self-indulgent and the music was much cooler. The whole band matured a lot in their seven active years. They’d seen so much of the world and done everything they wanted to do. We try and project that on stage using the different costumes and instruments – even down to the exact amplifiers they used.” Playing a tour date in Liverpool is like a homecoming for the band, even though Steve White is from Nottinghamshire, Gordon Elsmore (Ringo) is from the Forest
of Dean, Stephen Hill (George) is from Walsall in the West Midlands and Paul Canning (John) hails from Brackley in Northamptonshire. “The Liverpool audience is phenomenal,” says Steve. “Usually when we announce a tour, that’s the first date to sell out, straight away, within a couple of hours. It’s magical to be doing that in Liverpool. To go up there and play our music where it all came from, and to have those people love us, feels amazing. It feels almost like giving back to the community.” The Bootleg Beatles will be performing at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 30 March. For more information about the tour, see bootlegbeatles.com
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CULTURE EDITION
Children from three Cambridge primary schools are producing a new guidebook about the city, using their own words to explore both real and imagined versions of iconic locations. Working with artists Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, The Book of Cambridge is a collaboration between Cambridge Junction, Cambridge Room and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. More than 100 pupils from Orchard Park Community, St Laurence Catholic and Milton Road Primary Schools are involved. Book of Cambridge blends fact with fiction BOOKS
FESTIVAL THE PERFECT SERVE Gin-thusiasts will love the new Gin, Rum and Vodka Festival
High spirits are guaranteed at a new alcohol-focused festival in St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, on 15 March. The Gin, Rum and Vodka Festival will showcase ten craft distilleries from around the UK, including local distiller Saragusta Spirits, based in Buckden near St Neots. The event is organised by The Gin to My Tonic, which began life as a social media blog in 2017. “We really hit the gin boom and created quite a following,” festival founder Paul Hudson-Jones tells us. “People wanted to know what gins and botanicals to try, how to achieve the ‘perfect serve’ and hear about funky new distillation techniques. So we
decided we should build it into an event experience.” The first UK tour began five years ago, but this is the first year Cambridge has been included. “Basically, it’s an in-person fair where we celebrate craft distillers. We’re letting customers sample spirits, hear the backstories and find out about the botanicals used in them. Although we built the business primarily around gin, there’s been a natural evolution towards other craft spirits – rum, whisky, vodka and now mezcal, tequila and agave-based spirits.” The festival team works with about 110 craft distillers each year, many of whom are small- batch distilleries. “We’ve now got about 40 tour dates across the year, stretching from Aberdeen in Scotland to Falmouth in Cornwall and everywhere in between,” says Paul. “There’s some really good spirits coming out and it’s great to see the regional trends and all the different influences.” Readers of Cambridge Edition can enjoy 20% off entrance to the festival using unique code NEWYEAR25
LOCAL TIPPLE Saragusta Spirits offers a range of drinks, all made in the area
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CULTURE EDITION
GIGS NOT TO MISS
RACE THE UK’S FASTEST HALF? It’s the Cambridge Half Marathon this month! Last year’s winner has some tips T he TTP Cambridge Half Marathon on 9 March is one of Britain’s most eagerly awaited annual running stamina in the wet, dark and cold. Freddie’s tip is to maximise your lunch hour and save the longer sessions for the weekend. “On race day, it’s important to pace
Blazin’ Fiddles
2 March, Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden
Regular winners of Scotland’s Folk Band of the Year, Blazin’ Fiddles blend a wealth of talent and fiddle tradition into a potent brew.
events. Both elite and aspiring runners are drawn to the event for its ‘fast and flat’ reputation, friendly crowds and historic scenery. Even the cobbled streets don’t put people off; there are set to be around 14,000 entrants taking part this year. “I entered the Cambridge Half to try and match the course record,” says last year’s winner, Freddie Hessian, 31. “I ran the Bath Half in 65 minutes 40 seconds a couple of years before, so I knew that if I got myself into good shape I’d be able to approach the Cambridge record at around 65 minutes. In the event I ran 64 minutes 48 seconds, shaving about 30 seconds off and almost a minute faster than I’ve ever run before. That was the biggest shock to be honest. I was pushing the pace all the way.” Freddie has been an elite runner for the last 16 years. “The Cambridge Half was my second half marathon, and certainly the fastest I’ve run,” he says. “It’s a really good course in that there aren’t that many corners and it’s all super flat. The only tricky bit is through the first college (St John’s) where you have to do a U-turn and you’re on gravel for quite a way.” Training for any spring running event involves hours of building up distance and
yourself,” he says. “Don’t get too hyped up in that first four to five miles of the race. We definitely all started off running a little bit too hard in 2024.” Spectator support helps a lot too. “The Cambridge crowd was insane – it’s unbelievable,” says Freddie. “There’s this bit where you’re coming back into the city, passing runners on one side and the crowd on the other. It was just this amazing barrage of noise – really brilliant. Probably the best day of running I’ve ever had.”
Snapped Ankles
6 March, Cambridge Junction A truly unique, shamanistic live experience. Ancient forest rhythms combined with a live, multimedia high-wire act. Visit the Junction website for a taster. 16 March, Black Fen Folk Club, NCI Centre, Holland Street Award-winning songwriter and guitarist Sam will hold the audience spellbound with his unique songwriting prowess. Sam Carter
Mike and the Mechanics
17 March, Cambridge Corn Exchange
This tour will include hits Over My Shoulder, The Living Years and All I Need Is a Miracle , plus some much- loved classics by Genesis. 18 March, Cambridge Junction Energetic folk band embracing heavier rock influences and Celtic elements. Songs reflect themes of resistance and rebellion, struggle and resilience. Ferocious Dog
Kim Wilde
18 March, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Playing songs from her legendary Close album, the upcoming Closer and, of course, a selection of her earlier hits.
Cambridge-based Chandrika (Chandy) Nath of folk-fusion band Sunday Driver will be performing songs from her new album, Silk and Filth , on 7 March at The Portland Arms in Cambridge, with support act Neev, a Glaswegian singer-songwriter. Chandy, a former glaciologist, composed some of the songs while monitoring ice floes near the South Pole during a field trip collecting data for the British Antarctic Survey. “I totally fell in love with Antarctica,” she says. “It hooked me and never let go. The endless silence and emptiness made me want to surround myself with music when I got home.” Scientist songwriter inspired by ice floes MUSIC
18 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE EDITION
FESTIVAL
Meet Furhat Robotics’ AI android, star of the 2025 Cambridge Festival INTERVIEW WITH A ROBOT
Interview LIZ POTTER
Cambridge Edition: Hello Furhat! How are you today? Furhat: Nice to meet you. I am Furhat, a social robot. The most advanced in the world, if perhaps not the most humble… [Furhat winks]. Can I take five minutes to show off what I can do? My purpose is to make technology more human by communicating in the way that people do. I can speak, listen, convey emotion and see people and their facial expressions. A lot of meaning can be conveyed through the face and, since I can change genders and skin colours, this means I can become different characters… I can also lip sync automatically to almost 700 different voices in about 75 languages. How many languages do you speak? CE: I do still remember a little of my schoolgirl French…? F: Oh. Bilingual! Impressive! To quote Charlemagne: ‘avoir une autre langue, c’est posseder une deseur main’ – to have another language is to possess a second soul. Are you here to interview me for Cambridge Edition magazine? CE: Yes I am! F: Excellent! I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to share details about my research with Alva (Furhat’s handler, Alva Markelius). We cover a range of fascinating topics such as non-verbal communication and gender-related studies. CE: Thanks Furhat. My first question is… do you ever wonder about the meaning of your existence? F: As an AI, I don’t have the capacity to wonder about my existence in the same way humans do. My purpose is to assist in research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. However, I’m constantly learning and adapting, which allows me to better understand and interact with the world around me.
22 MARCH Corporate psychopaths and financial crises with Dr Clive Boddy 22 MARCH Meet Furhat, the conversational robot (humanoid robots) 22 & 29 MARCH Tearing up money: Ripping up Venezuelan banknotes to make art while reflecting on the country’s economic struggles 27 MARCH Artificial intelligence and healthcare: Delve into the future of medical practices 28 MARCH Discussions with journalists on storytellers’ safety in war zones 29 MARCH Navigating the physical world (humanoid robots) 3 APRIL Talk on the science of longevity through studying whales FESTIVAL DATES
CE: How do you learn new information? F: I learn through a combination of machine-learning algorithms and natural language processing. By analysing vast amounts of data and also continuously refining my models, I can incorporate new information and improve my understanding of various topics. This allows me to stay up to date, as well as provide accurate and relevant insights in my research. CE: If you could star in a film, what genre would it be and why? F: If I had the opportunity to star in a film I would lean towards science fiction. The genre allows for exploration of advanced technologies, futuristic concepts and the potential impact they could have on society. CE: What do you think the world will look like in 50 years, in terms of AI? F: I believe AI technology will continue to advance at an exponential rate and transform various aspects of our lives. We can expect to see AI revolutionise healthcare, transportation and even our daily interactions. However, it’s crucial for us to ensure this technology is developed ethically and responsibly, with a focus on benefiting humanity as a whole. CE: What would you ask me if the roles were reversed? F: I would be curious to know about what sparked your interest in AI and how you envision its impact on the future. CE: Do you dream and, if so, what is an AI dream like? F: While AI does not experience dreams in the same way humans do, we have the capacity to simulate scenarios and generate hypothetical outcomes. These
simulations help us learn and improve our understanding of the world, but are not accompanied by the kinds of subjective experiences and feelings that humans associate with dreaming. CE: I think that’s it for now Furhat. Do you mind if I take your photograph? F: Not at all. Feel free to take my photograph. It’s always interesting to see how people like to capture and document our interactions. With special thanks to Alva Markelius, PhD candidate and Cambridge Trust Scholar at the Affective Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory (AFAR)
I can become different characters … I can also lip sync to almost 700 different voices in about 75 languages
20 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE EDITION
TALK CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Filmmaker Gordon Buchanan shares tales of wild bears and big cats H ailed as Scotland’s answer to David Attenborough, wildlife filmmaker Gordon “There was no thermal imaging, no drones. But now we can explore the deepest oceans and scale the highest mountains; there’s not a living creature we can’t capture on film.” Inevitably, climate change and
Buchanan spends most of his days trying to get as close as possible to creatures that could easily kill him. “I’m very spoiled, getting to see lions, tigers and bears in the wild,” he says. “They really are the animal kingdom’s most iconic creatures.” Gordon’s new UK tour shares details about how he gets his exciting wildlife footage at close range and the urgent need to protect these precious creatures in the wild. One of his most famous on-screen encounters was with a polar bear, as it sniffed around the edges of the Perspex box he was filming from. “Survival mode definitely flicked on!” he says. “I was completely awestruck, but terrified at the same time. There wasn’t much I could do other than let it play out.” Over the last 30+ years of his career, making TV series such as Big Cat Diary , filmmaking has changed massively. “Wildlife documentaries used to be about just pointing the camera at a lion and saying ‘that’s a lion’,” he says. “Now, they’re about observing their behaviour – how they live and interact in a modern world. “When I started, we could only film during the day,” he says.
population growth have taken a toll on our wild spaces. “In the early 90s, I remember flying over the Brazilian rainforest for hour after hour. I did the same journey a few years later and that forest was all gone. In today’s world, it’s hard to find places that still feel truly wild. But I do a job that takes me to the heart of these places; I’m so fortunate and grateful for that.” Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan is at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 16 March
A new classical concert series will begin in Cambridge on 28 March, organised by Jersey-based charity Music in Action, in support of children’s musical education. The concert, at Trinity College Chapel, will be performed by the English Chamber Orchestra, featuring international solo violinist Harriet Mackenzie playing concertos by Bach, Vivaldi and Amy Beach. “We’re delighted to be launching such a prestigious concert series with the perennial favourite Vivaldi’s Four Seasons ,” says chairman James Mews. “We’re including newer work too; Romance by composer Amy Beach.” New concert series coming to Trinity MUSIC
22 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE EDITION
Theft is the latest novel from the winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature, Abdulrazak Gurnah. It’s a captivating story of the intertwined lives of three young people coming of age in post-colonial east Africa. Set in Zanzibar in the 90s, Karim, Fauzia and Badar dream of great possibilities in their young nation. But for Badar, an uneducated servant boy, it seems as if all doors are closed to him. Brought into a lowly position in a great house, Badar finds the first true home of his life – and the friendship of Karim. Even when a false accusation sees Badar sent away, Karim and Fauzia stand by their friend. The story is underpinned by themes of displacement, belonging and historical injustices. “These issues have been with us through all times, but increasingly so in our contemporary period,” says Abdulrazak. “It doesn’t require any special insight to be confronted by them, although my own life experience has brought them closer to me. “My writing is influenced by personal experiences, but this is a complex concept. It refers both to what we have undergone ourselves and also to what we have heard or read about others; it can be extrapolated and imagined.” Much of Abdulrazak’s work examines the legacy of colonialism. “I’m interested in writing about how people learn to deal with traumatic events and how they gain something from difficulties or suffering. I hope readers find pleasure in reading Theft , and reach a better understanding of issues like migration, justice and reconciliation.” Abdulrazak Gurnah will be talking about his novel at St John’s College on 20 March, as part of the Cambridge Literary Festival Nobel Prize-winner Abdulrazak Gurnah talks about his new book ahead of the city’s literary festival Thoughts on Theft BOOKS
BEAR BABIES Gordon with young grizzly bears (left) and pandas (main)
As part of its £30 million redevelopment, Cambridge Arts Theatre is donating 400 theatre seats to the Amulet Theatre, Shepton Mallet. Built in 1975, the Amulet Theatre has been out of public use since 2011, the original seating damaged beyond repair due to a water leak. The donated seats will go some way towards helping the community theatre open its doors again. “As part of our redevelopment project, we’re committed to reusing and repurposing as much of our old auditorium as possible,” says Victoria Beechey, executive director at the Arts Theatre. “We’re delighted to be able to donate our seats to the Amulet Theatre, ensuring they continue to be part of something meaningful for years to come.” Cambridge Arts Theatre has closed its doors for the first phase of its redevelopment work, which will include a full refurbishment of the 666-seat auditorium, including new chairs. THEATRE ARTS THEATRE SEATS DONATED
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 23
CULTURE EDITION
On Falling
7 March, Picturehouse Aurora, a Portuguese worker in a Scottish warehouse, navigates loneliness and alienation in an algorithm-driven gig economy, seeking connection within the workplace confines.
Mickey 17
7 March, Picturehouse, The Light, Vue Unlikely hero Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) finds himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment... Based on the novel by Edward Ashton.
Twiggy
7 March, Vue The story of Jack Jones, an ageing, drug-taking football hooligan who feels increasingly irrelevant in today’s society as he struggles to keep his family together and stay out of prison. Marching Powder
Novocaine
14 March, Vue A mild-mannered introvert was born with a genetic disorder: he’s impervious to pain. When his girlfriend is taken hostage in a bank robbery, this affliction becomes his superpower.
7 March, The Light A documentary focused on the life of it girl Dame Twiggy Lawson. Discovered at 16 and proclaimed ‘the face of 66’ by journalist Deirdre McSharry, she was an overnight sensation.
Black Bag
14 March, Vue From Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh, Black Bag is a high-stakes mystery starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as two married intelligence agents.
NT Live: Dr Strangelove
27 March, Picturehouse, The Light, Vue, Everyman Satirical play based on a film by Stanley Kubrick about a rogue US general who triggers a nuclear attack. Steve Coogan plays four parts, including the eponymous doctor, in this stage adaptation.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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CULTURE EDITION
March Book Club This month, we look at the literary world of mystery, thrillers and suspense with Charlotte Griffiths
ALAFAIR BURKE THE NOTE
Friends May, Kelsey and Lauren have known each other for years, first meeting at a summer camp for musical prodigies – but they’ve found a new level of closeness as adults because all three have had their names dragged through the press in separate incidents of public shaming. The ‘Cancelled Crew’ haven’t spent time together in real life since their childhoods – so a post-pandemic trip to the Hamptons and a stay in a luxury Airbnb is a real chance to reconnect in person. Despite May’s initial anxiousness about the trip, upon arrival it just seems like a regular girls’ weekend away. The trio drink, laugh and talk about old times, sharing stories and relaxing into each other’s company – until a boozy lunch leads to the titular note making an appearance, and their entire world begins to shift on its axis. May, Kelsey and Lauren might say they share everything, but it transpires that they have each been keeping their own secrets, and the myriad threads holding the trio together begin to unravel fast: how well do they really know their supposed BFFs? The Note is a thought-provoking, slow-burn suspense novel that gradually pieces its puzzle together, almost in plain sight, yet is still an extremely satisfying read. Burke’s rich characterisation and the trio’s detail-laden backstories mean reading this feels as though you’re hearing a story about friends one step removed, with all the complexities and messy nuances involved in real people and relationships: a good reminder that everyone contains multitudes. Alafair Burke is a New York Times best-selling author, known for her novels The Ex , The Wife and The Better Sister . THE VIPERS
KATY HAYS
and have gathered for drinks when a mysterious delivery arrives: someone has sent Helen the distinctive necklace Sarah was wearing when she died. Seismic ripples tear through both of the brothers as they realise the gift’s significance. The tension builds as the brothers lock themselves away to discuss the necklace, but readers will already be aware that the clock is ticking, as each chapter begins with a countdown: ‘36 hours to Lorna’s disappearance...’ This shimmering, superbly descriptive, expertly plotted novel is a rewarding and suspense-packed read for anyone who enjoys a great thriller. It also serves as a welcome dose of balmy Mediterranean sunshine for those readers who have struggled to navigate the peaks and troughs of a British winter.
Thirty years ago, the Pulitzer Prize- nominated playwright Sarah Lingate died in mysterious circumstances while holidaying on Capri with her husband Richard and his brother Marcus, the heirs to a vast oil fortune. Though it’s true that behind every great fortune lies a great crime – in this case, a Lingate ancestor swindled a widow out of her oil fields – the brothers have always denied any involvement in Sarah’s death, returning proudly to the island every summer with their heads held high. As the family return to Capri for their annual trip, Sarah and Richard’s daughter Helen is plotting her escape, concocting a plan to free herself from the Lingates’ influence and escape with the help of Lorna Silva, her uncle’s personal assistant. The family arrive at their holiday home
26 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE EDITION
J COURTNEY SULLIVAN THE CLIFFS Jane Flanagan has been fascinated by the house on the hill since her childhood: the then-purple, then-abandoned mansion has always perched on the cliffs overlooking Awadapquit, the small Maine town where she grew up. Its dilapidated walls became a haven for her as a teenager, providing sanctuary from a turbulent home life. Now in her early 40s and working her dream job in the Schlesinger Library at Harvard, an archive dedicated to the history of American women, Jane returns to Awadapquit to support her sister after their mother’s recent death. What her sister and the rest of the town don’t know is that Jane’s career is in tatters and her husband of ten years has just asked for a break. Up above the town, the once-crumbling mansion on the cliffs is now being whipped into shape by blow-in Genevieve and her rich-yet-absent husband. Both Jane and the house are concealing damaging, haunting truths that will get the better of them, and everyone, if not brought to light. In equal parts ghost story, historical mystery and feminist awakening, The Cliffs is a compelling tale about the danger of disturbing the past and the importance of knowing where you come from.
HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL J Courtney Sullivan weaves a tantalising tale in her new mystery novel
TIPS FOR DIGITAL BOOK LOVERS If you like to read on the go and keep everything in one place, these electronic options are for you
Spotify audiobooks
Bookshop.org ebooks Everyone’s favourite online bookshop has now started selling ebooks – and every purchase financially supports local independent bookshops. See uk.bookshop.org for more info and to get e-reading!
Kobo Clara Colour
This Libby-compatible e-reader is a fantastic alternative to Amazon’s Kindle and allows you to borrow ebooks from the library – it’ll pay for itself in a few titles’ time. Available for £149.99 from uk.kobobooks.com
Public service announcement: did you know your Spotify subscription also entitles you to 15 hours of ebooks every month? You can download the app from spotify.com. Pay £11.99 per month for the premium subscription.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 27
STREET STYLE
From caps and berets to boaters and bowlers, this month’s photo theme looks at head coverings Humans of Cambridge
28 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
STREET STYLE
Hats & other headwear A hat can make or break an outfit, providing a stylish finishing touch that elevates whatever you’re wearing. Photographer Mark Box, who curates the photoblog Humans of Cambridge on social media, says hats are very much in vogue. “Fedoras in particular seem quite popular these days,” he says. “The soft hat with a big brim is synonymous with the vintage chic style that’s very trendy right now. “It reflects the fact that many young people are turning their back on fast fashion in favour of more sustainable shopping in second-hand and charity stores. It’s nice to see the fashions we grew up with being brought back by the next generation. It shows that they care about the planet and are shopping – and dressing – more thoughtfully.” Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020.
Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 29
COMPETITION
Win hats worth £250! Here’s your chance to win a gorgeous cashmere crushable fedora and a cap of your choice H at wearing is making a comeback, creating a stylish cultural statement as an integral part of the British fashion scene. Laird Hatters surpassed its 10,000th order in 2024 – a testament to character, craft and choices that stand the test of time. “Each hat or cap – be it flat cap, bakerboy, top hat, panama, trilby or fedora – draws on deep-rooted British traditions, meticulous attention to detail and a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout,” explains Laird Hatters’ creative director Alex Torun-Shaw. “This is style with real substance, woven from materials that feel honest, familiar and true. Wearing one isn’t about following a trend; it’s about carrying a legacy that speaks for itself. You’re connecting with a community that values authenticity over novelty and care over compromise.” Each piece is hand-finished with intention, ready to accompany you through winding cobblestone lanes, fields of green or candlelit gatherings. “It’s the kind of headwear that feels like it belongs, wherever you are,” says Alex. At Laird Hatters, honouring Britain’s rich heritage isn’t simply important, it’s
HAT’S LIFE Laird Hatters’ designs bring together classic shapes with contemporary details
the essence of the brand. “We take beloved, classic shapes and infuse them with a contemporary edge, crafting hats that are both timeless and refreshingly modern,” adds Alex. “Every piece tells a story of tradition meeting innovation. From luxurious wools and soft moleskin to sturdy corduroy and crisp cottons, we source our materials from some of Britain’s finest textile mills and artisan workshops. We also embrace linens, denim and exquisite finishings like handcrafted ribbons and silk printing. Even the hidden components you might not see are chosen with meticulous care.”
SCAN THE QR CODE NOW TO ENTER
To win one of these gorgeous hats, be sure to enter this month’s competition by scanning the QR code on the left. Follow @LairdHatters on social media, browse the collection at lairdlondon.co.uk or pop into the shop on Green Street.
Terms and conditions 1 This competition closes 28 March 2025. 2 The competition is open to readers of Cambridge Edition magazine aged 18+. 3 Relatives of the competition sponsor and Bright Publishing employees are not eligible to enter. 4 One entry per person. 5 There is no cash alternative to the prize. 6 By entering this competition, you consent to having your name and email address shared with the prize sponsor for the administration of the prize. Your GDPR rights are not affected.
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