Eastlife January 2019

Cambridgeshire
The
Cambridge
Scene
Written by Victoria Magnall
Twitter: @victoriamagnall
Instagram: @victorias_social_scene
Blog: victoriamagnall.wordpress.com
Now that the last of the mince pies have been
eaten and the country is on an annual detox,
you may be looking for something to spice up
your new year. Thankfully, there is just SO much
on our Cambridge doorstep that there is no
excuse to hibernate this January!
As Oscar season is approaching, why not visit some of our
famed cinematic locations? Great Court at Trinity College
can be seen in the Academy Award winning film, ‘Chariots
of Fire’. Scenes of Nigel Havers speeding across the Great
Court cobbles have inspired many a re-enactment! To
add to the occasion, you may wish to watch the British
masterpiece again before visiting.
We host one of the world’s most beautiful libraries
and the best bit is that it is open to the public. Wren
Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1676, has
some of the most important works of literature and rare
manuscripts on its shelves. Why not write some pages
of your inner novel within the walls of this magnificent
building, or failing that, savour a quiet read in this
stunning sanctuary.
The cloisters at St John’s College is often referred to as a
Harry Potter walkway, flooding with light and with terrific
acoustics. It was recently seen on screen in ‘A Theory of
Everything’ with Eddie Redmayne, playing the leading
role of Professor Stephen Hawking. St John’s College
also played the backdrop to the film’s beautiful May
Ball. Visit @stjohnscam on Instagram for some truly lovely
images of the college, grounds and students.
The Bridge of Sighs and Kitchen Bridge are also seen in
the Oscar winning film when the lead actors are spinning
and dancing on the banks on the River Cam. A still now
captured on postcards sold around the city shows the two
historical landmarks which make up a collection of
25 bridges, each with their own story and charm.
The imposing Fitzwilliam Museum is the place to ensure a
cultural fix and this January you can indulge in the works
of Rosseti, Ruskin and Orpen. If that isn’t enough you can
also take in an exhibition by James McNeill Whistler.
What a place to while away a January afternoon...
and all you have spent is your time!
Victoria’s Top Tip
102 Things To Do In Winter by
Alex Quick
With a young family, reference
books that I can dip in to are still firm favourites and
this is a gem of a find! Packed full of cosy ideas to enjoy
as a family will ensure that your New Year is joyous.
Flicking through the pages, what to plan first? Attend a
pantomime, fry an ice cream or go snow tubing?! Alex
Quick’s ‘102 Things To Do In Winter’ has captured the
essence of winter in this easy read, one to buy now and
enjoy throughout the winter months!
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