08 Oct 10 Good News for a Change
They say no news is good news and it is certainly true that much of the national news coverage including Cambridge news does focus on human tragedies and misfortunes. However, they also say that rules are there to be broken. With news stories breaking about the University through to coverage of local events, there is still much positive news coming out of Cambridge.
Cambridge is Number One
This September saw the announcement in the news that Cambridge University managed to overtake Harvard in the USA and take first place in the University world rankings table run by QS, a prestigious careers advice company. Now, table rankings are always controversial, especially in education, but this result is still a very important achievement for the University and for the UK. Now that the financial goose no longer lays golden eggs, we have to look to other areas for our future economic growth, so well done Cambridge University.
Boating History
Another good news story about the University in 2010 was that Cambridge University won the 156th Boat Race, in spite of Oxford being clear favourites. The race was closely fought over the entire length of the arduous course along the Thames, but Cambridge managed to dig in and overhaul Oxford towards the end to win with clear water between the boats.
The End of Time?
The end of 2008 witnessed the most peculiar if not downright wacky Cambridge news story about the installation of a new £1 million clock on Corpus Christi College’s walls. After the clock was set in motion by Professor Stephen Hawking, himself a qualified expert on the nature of time, the internet started buzzing with a story backed up by a short film that this clock would mark the very end of time itself. It is certainly true that the Corpus Christi clock does things a bit differently with hands replaced by blue LED lights and mini-shows every five minutes but fortunately the various net-induced predictions of imminent doom based on symbolic interpretations have been shown to be completely inaccurate (at least so far!).
Cambridge Folk Festival
Another good news event that makes its way into the press each year is the ever popular Cambridge Folk Festival at Cherry Hinton Hall. It started as long ago as 1964 with only 1,400 tickets sold but has now become a regular sell-out event. Lasting for almost four days during the golden days of East Anglia’s summer, it has developed a strong tradition of featuring an eclectic mix of artists, pushing the definition of folk music to the very limit. This plays well with the large audience though, who keep coming back each year for more musical surprises as well as hearing some of those good old favourites, occasionally sung or performed by members of the audience. The event always gets coverage by the local press as well as music critics on national newspapers and BBC TV and Radio.
These examples all go to show that no news is good news is not always the case…
The wide variety of Cambridge news that hits the headlines proves that life in the city is never dull. For all the latest headlines about Cambridge, visit the Cambridge News.
Tags: Cambridge, Cambridge News
08 Sep 10 A Historic Look at Cambridge’s Universities
The first thing to note about the term Cambridge universities is that this small but beautiful city on the edge of East Anglia’s fenland is home to more than one university. In addition to the collegiate University of Cambridge, it now houses a major part of the Anglia Ruskin University, one of the largest universities in eastern England.
Origins
The main University of Cambridge is the second oldest in the UK and was formed by a breakaway group of scholars from Oxford in 1209 who had apparently experienced a falling out with Oxford’s townspeople. Henry III granted the first charter in 1231 and the Pope followed suit with permission to teach throughout Christendom. Ever since then, there has been intense rivalry between the two Oxbridge universities and not just in the annual Thames Boat Race. For the most part, this rivalry has pushed both institutions to the very peak of higher education in the UK and, arguably, the whole world.
In addition to Anglia Ruskin, there are currently 31 colleges making up Cambridge universities, with three still restricting entry to women only. Although they all fall under one umbrella, much of the day-to-day educational and research activity takes place within the individual colleges. Peterhouse was the first college, founded in 1284, and was quickly followed by many others, as the collegiate model was seen to be successful.
Money was sometimes made available for Cambridge University colleges so that students would pray for the souls of their founders, but this lapsed after the Reformation under Henry VIII. This reforming process continued so that Cambridge became a centre of support for the Puritans and Oliver Cromwell, he himself being a man of the fens and student of Sidney Sussex College.
Academic Achievements
The full list of achievements at Cambridge University would fill a very long book indeed but perhaps the first name out of the hat is that of Sir Isaac Newton, famous for developing mathematical laws governing motion as well as for a fenland apple allegedly falling on his head.
Other top names who studied at Cambridge universities are also famous for their work in Science, from Francis Bacon (who developed scientific methodology) through to Charles Darwin (Evolution) and Francis Crick/James Watson (DNA). A total haul of 87 Nobel Prizes speaks volumes and places Cambridge universities at the top of the class. In the Arts, the list of graduates is also dazzling, including writers such as C. S. Lewis, poets such as Wordsworth and artists such as Roger Fry.
University Traditions
Wooden spoons used to be given to the student with the lowest pass mark in the tough Mathematical Tripos but results at Cambridge universities are now published in grades so that the lowest mark is impossible to establish. With the university being sited on the river, rowing and punting is of course very popular and other sports are actively followed. Carol singing, especially at King’s College, is also now a major part of the university calendar, being broadcast to the nation every Christmas by the BBC. The university’s Footlights amateur revue has also produced countless entertainers, including the Goodies.
Anglia Ruskin University
John Ruskin was a prominent Victorian art critic who believed in action in the arts as well as words. To this end, he opened the Cambridge School of Art in 1858 and this evolved to become one of the universities in Cambridge, under the name of Anglia Ruskin University in 2005, part of the modern-day expansion of higher education. It now has 25,500 students, making it a major provider of part-time education, especially in the East Anglia region. The appeal of studying in Cambridge is worldwide as students from all over the globe descend on this historic city to enjoy its academic merits and interesting life experiences.
Cambridge universities have a long and proud history, as well as an impressive list of alumni. Visit the Cambridge News for the latest stories about universities in Cambridge.
Tags: Cambridge News, Cambridge universities, universities in Cambridge
13 Aug 10 How Cambridge Businesses Cater to Tourists
Tourism is a key factor to Cambridge business but the recent economic crisis across the world has led to a lower number of foreign visitors coming to this beautiful city. The ash cloud that disrupted UK airspace hindered visitors to Cambridge and when tourism starts to drop here; so does business revenue as the two are closely linked. Almost every kind of business is affected when Cambridge tourism slows, from petrol stations that fill holidaymakers cars up and the restaurants they dine in through to the shops the tourists by drinks in and gift stores for a Cambridge souvenir. Thankfully, the city is once again welcoming back its hordes of visitors and Cambridge looks set to enjoy the benefits of tourism once again.
Why Visit Cambridge?
There is a real attraction surrounding Cambridge, from the stunning architecture of the King’s College Chapel and the fertile and lush Botanic Gardens through to the museums that house interesting works and detailed information from years gone by.
Over the years, the city has changed to become what it is today; a fabulous stunning piece of English charm and a centre of excellence in the world of education. It also boasts some fantastic theatres housing West End shows. Another great allure for Cambridge business is punting that provides endless hours of fun for everyone!
Tourism by Day…
Many businesses in the city are geared toward the tourist market and where there are tourists you can guarantee there are restaurants, bars and shops. Wandering around the inner streets, signs offering great deals on tours around some of the best museums outside of London like the Fitzwilliam Museum showing arts and antiques are easy to spot.
Punting is one of the things that is a must-do on any Cambridge trip. There are only two options when it comes to punting; punt independently with no crew or make the sensible choice and pay the extra for a (semi) professional to glide you through the waters ensuring no crashes or wet customers!
Cambridge tourism promotes cycling as the best way to get around the city and this generates great business opportunities to businesses that hire out bicycles. Walking can be time consuming and with the extensive cycle path network, it is deemed very safe to take to the city streets on a bike to explore the attractions.
After-Dark Businesses that Boom…
As night falls the city comes alive with a vibrancy that is less apparent during the day, set off with the illumination of signs and the distinct feeling that everyone is heading somewhere.
The Arts Theatre and the Cambridge Corn Exchange are two of the most prominent places to catch a show in the city with the latter holding the most seats, at 1,800. Both have a regular schedule of shows that will last throughout the year and these shows draw in both tourists and residents.
The evening is a winner for many Cambridge business establishments as food, alcohol, entertainment and fun is all highly sought after by visitors. Being a university city there is no end of bars, restaurants and clubs in which to enjoy a night out in. From classy wine bars and trendy cafés along the water’s edge to funky clubs and dingy student bars that serve up cheap beverages and fast food.
The city of Cambridge is often a bustling hub of activity and there are seemingly endless choices of businesses that cater to visiting tourists from the museum explorers through to the pub crawlers. Even the local ducks get benefit from the eager bread-feeding visitors…
Thanks to the strength of Cambridge tourism, businesses in Cambridge are booming. For all the latest Cambridge business news, visit the Cambridge News website.
24 Jun 10 A Clubber’s Guide to Cambridge
It is a well known fact that late night parties in the UK are some of the best in Europe, from the nightclubs in Cambridge and London through to Manchester and Liverpool. Top British DJs spread their wings across the globe as they are invited to play one-off parties in famous party venues in places such as Ibiza, New York, Bangkok and Melbourne.
Cambridge’s old universities and a multitude of students mean that the city boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Due to many students struggling to make ends meet; enticing offers like cheap drinks, happy hours and free admissions are regularly found on local club flyers and leaflets.
Late Night Bars
Late night bar venues have become increasingly popular in Cambridge, a trend that is encouraged by the younger generation who continually reside here to attend the famous universities. Since the introduction of more lenient licensing laws, many bars now stay open until 02:00 onwards and although they still operate for their normal daily trade of shoppers and lunchtime workers; when the night falls, the volume goes up and the drinks begin to flow.
Revolution Bar on Downing Street is one such late night bar where revellers can enjoy a coffee and burger during the day before the nightlife in Cambridge kicks into action in the evening. Set up as a vodka themed bar, Revolution Bar make their own Russian blends with interesting flavours like lemon and lime on offer along with more unusual offerings such as birthday cake.
La Raza is a hidden gem on the late night bar scene in Cambridge and it is situated on Rose Crescent in a basement setting. The menu is served until late and is compiled of good quality Mediterranean food dished up tapas style with beer and alcopops available at student-friendly prices.
Real Clubs in Cambridge
True clubs in Cambridge will usually open its doors around 22:00 and sometimes later depending on how exclusive they are. A cover charge is commonplace, although in recent years many have scrapped this in exchange for an early entrance to encourage punters to spend more money behind the bar.
The Soul Tree located on the Corn Exchange is the pinnacle of a true nightclub in Cambridge aimed at student customers. It is found in the midst of a host of good restaurants and it has free entry on weekends for those with student cards along with further discounts on drinks throughout the night. There is a variety of different music on offer with mainstream DJs and live bands making regular appearances. The upper floor can be hired out so private parties can keep away from the crowds and the Soul Tree is one of the best this thriving city has to offer.
There are a few other places along the same line to check out including Cindies also known as The Ballare Nightclub, located on Lion Yard. Another is The Place Nightclub and both of these venues do drinks deals and have a variety of music on offer throughout the week.
A change to the normal nightlife in Cambridge can be enjoyed with a trip to the Kambar Nightclub on Wheeler Street. Kambar offers alternative music like punk rock, indie and heavy metal. It is certainly different to the normal student nightclubs in Cambridge and has somewhat of a cult status among its followers.
Nightclubs in Cambridge come in many different styles, the most popular being the places that play commercial music and offer cheap drinks. Drink deals are plentiful in the majority of venues. Free admissions before certain times are also fairly easy to find – so be prepared to enjoy a great night out in Cambridge, however you want to spend it.
With students looking for a well-earned break from studying, the nightlife in Cambridge is guaranteed to be very lively. Visit the Cambridge News for the lowdown on the best nightclubs in Cambridge.
Tags: Cambridge News, nightclubs in Cambridge, nightlife in Cambridge
26 Mar 10 The Theatres of Cambridge
Cambridge is known throughout the country as a university city filled with interesting examples of architecture and buildings but if visitors delve a little further they will find a trip to a Cambridge theatre will offer a great night on the town.
There are a number of venues in the city where acts take to the Cambridge stage to ply their trade and many theatres here are housed within old buildings that are well worth exploring. Theatre-goers can travel into the city centre and enjoy shows close to all the local sights or take in one of the student productions shown within university grounds.
Prices will vary depending on where you want to take in the atmosphere of the Cambridge theatre scene and there are various charity nights as well as free plays if you are visiting on a tight budget.
Cambridge Arts Theatre
This little piece of history can be found on Peas Hill in the centre of Cambridge and has been operating since 1936. It was opened and run by a trust linked with King’s College, where many of the trustees came from. The 75-year-old Cambridge stage has had a number of very famous people perform here including David Frost, Sasha Baron Cohen (AKA Ali G and Borat), John Cleese, Eric Idle, Griff Rhys Jones and Emma Thompson.
Most of these actors have all performed under the Cambridge Footlights brand; a world famous comedy troupe. The group was originally founded in the late 19th century and went on to become a worldwide hit in the 1960s with a string of hit shows offering the very best stand-up comedians. Most of their trade is now applied in the smaller ADC Theatre on Park Street.
ADC Theatre
The Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC) started up the theatre in 1882 after raising funds for the previous 30 years to buy the freehold on the building. It was quickly redeveloped and became the ADC Theatre before a fire in 1933 gutted the entire building.
After a fine tune of the theatre from 2002 to 2005 it can now hold 228 audience members. The shows here are run and performed by members of the CUADC and they continue to have a good turn-out for their comedy productions as well as a small selection of other shows.
Cambridge Corn Exchange
One of the most famous theatres in the UK is the Cambridge stage at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. It is widely known as being one of the best places to watch live music and theatre productions in the country.
They opened the Cambridge stage doors here in 1875 after more than a year was spent on constructing the building on the site of an ancient priory. The opening performance did not go down too well when a mistake in the national anthem played by the Coldstream Guards led to angry crowds attacking the local mayor’s home. The subsequent court case attracted worldwide media.
The past 50 years has seen happier times for the venue with some top shows being performed here like Annie, West Side Story and The King and I. As well as famous shows it has also attracted musical acts in the form of Oasis, Pink Floyd, Take That and The Beatles who have graced this particular Cambridge theatre.
Cambridge theatre scene
The theatre scene in the city is one that is always changing shape and it attracts some of the UK’s best performers and up-and-coming stars of the future. Comedy, drama, musical and opera are just some of the choices of shows to go and see on the Cambridge stage.
Cambridge Theatre is something to be marveled at, with entertainment for all tastes. Visit the Cambridge News to check up on which acts are gracing the Cambridge stage.
