Spring 2024 Events at St Augustine’s

All the events below are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice, and nibbles, are served at most events.

The programme is supported by Richmond, Oxford and Windsor Roads’ Residents’ Associations, and Benson Area Residents’ Association, and compiled by St Augustine’s Church.

We have a varied programme this Spring, reflecting some of the themes which we adopted last year but also adding new subjects which we hope that you will enjoy.

FRIDAY 12 JANUARY  6 – 7 PM  ALCONBURY’S ROMANO-CELTIC VILLA

Patrick Lambert, an archaeologist with Oxford Archaeology, will explain the findings of a recent dig on the old RAF Alconbury site, which revealed an ancient Romano Celtic Villa – which featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain programme on 3 January this year for those who are unable to attend the talk and wish to use catch up.

FRIDAY 26 JANUARY   6 – 7 PM   WHAT’S BURIED AT WIMPOLE: FINDING THE ARCHEOLOGY

Michael Coales, Field Officer with Cambridge Archaeology Field Group will talk about excavations and fieldwork done on the National Trust estate of Wimpole to show how it has been intensely occupied from prehistoric to modern times.

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY 6PM – 7.30PM        PURE CLEAN WATER – THE CHALK STREAMS CRISIS IN GREATER CAMBRIDGE 

Pure Clean Water is a new acclaimed film, produced by Tony Eva, environmentalist and campaigner, which explains how the demand for water in and around Cambridge is causing springs to dry up, precious chalk streams to disappear, and the iconic River Cam to be badly degraded. The film also looks at ways in which all parties to new development might come together to ensure that our City has a reliable water supply without further damaging the environment. To be followed by a 30 mins. Q&A session with Tony.

FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY   6PM- 7PM    PRE-CONSTRUCTION ARCHEOLOGY

Mark Hinman is a Director and Regional Manager with Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd and will describe the process of how sites earmarked for development are inspected and searched  before construction begins, indicate some of the challenges that the work throws up, and of course some of the rewards.

FRIDAY 1 MARCH   6PM- 7PM   PEOPLE AND NATURE IN MYANMAR

Christoph Zoekler, has been a regular visitor to Myanmar (or Burma as it was known in colonial times) for many years, and has surveyed almost every corner of its 3000 kms coastline in search of the globally threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper. He will introduce us to some of the many peoples and cultures of the area, together with its rich variety of flora and fauna.

 FRIDAY 8 MARCH 6PM – 7.30PM         ERIC RAVILIOUS – DRAWN TO WAR

Drawn to War is a true story. Eric Ravilious is as compelling and enigmatic as his art. Set against the dramatic war-time locations that inspire him, Margy Kinmouth’s film brings to life this brilliant but undervalued British artist. Caught in the crossfire of war 80 years ago, Raviliuous’s legacy largely sank without trace, until now ……. with  Ai Weiwei, Alan Bennett, Grayson Perry, Harriet Walter, Jeremy Irons and many others.    

SATURDAY 9 MARCH  6PM – 7PM         CHORAL CONCERT

St Augustine’s Singers, conducted by Paul Jackson with Philip Mead (piano), will entertain us with Joseph Hadyn’s Nelson Mass (Missa in Angustiis) – for choir and 4 soloists.

SATURDAY 16 MARCH  7PM – 10PM      QUIZ NIGHT 2024

All are very welcome to take part in Richmond Road Residents’ Association’s Annual Quiz Night. Teams of up to 6 people compete for the prestigious trophy awarded to the winning team. Supper and drinks are included in the £10 (adult) and £5 (children) entrance fee. Book your place now: jr.footitt@gmail.com or ring 01223 364929. Further details will follow in due course.

….. and don’t forget on  Sunday 7 January, 4 February, Sunday 3 March; and Sunday 7 April to come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH at St Augustine’s starting at 1pm with 2 courses – including a veggie dish for those who wish – wine or fruit juice for only £8.00ph. All are welcome.

And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at CAFÉ@99? Open every Monday and Friday from 10.30am to 12pm at St Augustine’s in Richmond Road – a café run by and for the local community. Come and meet your neighbours, share conversations, read a paper, or simply relax. Hosted by RRRA and St Augustine’s, with takings going to a range of charities, local, national and international.

Autumn 2023 Events at St Augustine’s

We’re delighted to have a new programme of talks and recitals to offer. We have 2 principal subjects this term: our archaeological and artistic heritage – interspersed with reflections on and around Remembrance Day in November, and Christmas in December (including 3 concerts to which all are invited to participate, including children).

You can find the dates in the calendar, with full details shown below or to download HERE. All events are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where fees are requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice and nibbles are served at most events.

TO BE RESCHEDULED – ALCONBURY’S ROMANO-CELTIC VILLA
We are sorry to say that this talk has had to be postponed and will not take place on 6th October as planned.

Patrick Lambert, an archaeologist with Oxford Archaeology, will explain the findings of a recent dig on the old RAF Alconbury site, which revealed an ancient Romano Celtic Villa – to be featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain programme in January 2024.

FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 6 – 7 PM WHITTLESEA’S BRONZE AGE SITE
Chris Wakefield of Cambridge Archeological Unit will speak on discovering the “Must Farm” Bronze Age site near Whittlesea, one of Cambridgeshire’s most exciting projects, a mere 3000 years old and well preserved.

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 7PM – 8PM THE COLOURS OF AUTUMN CONCERT
Cambridge Chamber Music will entertain us with a musical tribute to the beauty of Autumn. Highlights include: Vivaldi’s Autumn Concerto; Sibelius’s Mignione Suite for flute and strings; Tchaikovsky’s October Song; and Autumn Leaves arranged in jazz style.

FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 6PM- 7PM THE DEAD OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE: COWS AND CRUCIFICTION
Familiar with the phrase “What did the Romans ever do for us”? David Ingham, project
manager with Albion Archaeology in Bedford, will give his answer based on findings from a
remarkable roadside settlement discovered at Fenstanton.

FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER 6PM- 7PM GOOD GRIEF: COPING WITH BEREAVEMENT AND SADNESS FROM A HEALTHCARE PERSPECTIVE
Dr Harriet Shannon will draw on her experience as a research physiotherapist at UCL with a special interest in paediatric intensive care, and as a doctoral theology student, to offer insights into the grieving process after the death of a loved one. A prelude to Remembrance Day – see below.

SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 6PM – 7PM REMEMBRANCE DAY CONCERT
With St Augustine’s Singers, conducted by Tim Brown and accompanied by Philip Mead (piano) and Caroline Mead (flute). The concert will follow a narrative about war – from the jaunty sentimental WW1 songs such as Pack up your Troubles, to a new setting for Wilfred Owen’s chilling poem “Sonnet (on seeing a piece of artillery brought into action”). Followed by the Requiem Mass of Morten Lauridson and a vision of paradise in Philip Mead’s work, The Nightingale for flute and choir to the words of Coleridge.

FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 6PM – 7PM FROM PLASTER TO BRONZE
Directed, filmed and edited by Rhea Quien, From Plaster to Bronze will take us through the many stages of the bronze casting process as practised by The Bronze Age Fine Art Foundry in creating a well-known bust of Lord Mountbatten, Admiral of the Fleet in WW2.

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER 6PM – 7PM LOOKING FOR LOWRY
Watch this fascinating documentary film, starring Ian McKellen, about the life and work of the much loved artist L S Lowry – meeting those who knew him and those who have been inspired in our post-industrial age by his unique observations of Britain and by his powerful artistic legacy. Followed by a short revealing account of an interview with Lowry in 1965.

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 6.30PM – 7.30PM A GLIMPSE OF NEW HORIZONS
Cambridge Chamber Music return with a selection of classical string pieces for cello, 2 pieces by Dobrinka Tabacova (Dawn and Longing), and the Love Theme from The Secret Garden and The Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet.

FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 6PM – 7PM HIDDEN ART AND ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF THE CAMBRIDGE COLLEGES
Dr Victoria Avery, Keeper, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, at the Fitzwilliam Museum, will introduce some of the extraordinary buildings and artwork that belong to the Cambridge Colleges but which are often hidden from view.

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 3.30PM – 4.30PM JOINT ROADS CAROL SERVICE
All are welcome to join with your neighbours and sing along with a selection of Christmas Carols led by Anne Taylor – and to enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 6PM – 7PM SEASONAL SONGS AND POEMS
Come and enjoy a short concert of Christmas music, readings and audience carols, presented by the well-known Cambridge choir Cantores, conducted by Jeremy Wong.

SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER 6PM – 7.30PM THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
WTH PRIZES, CAROLS FOR CHILDREN AND CAROLS FOR ALL
Listen to, and identify if you can, the carols in The Christmas Carols Suite, a continuous jazz medley by David Johnstone. A concert for the little ones – and those young at heart – led by CCM.

…………. and don’t forget on SUNDAYS 1 October, 5 November and 3 December to come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH at St Augustine’s starting at 1 pm: two courses with wine or fruit juice for only £8.00 ph.

And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at Café@99? Open every Monday and Friday from 10.45am to 12.15 pm at St Augustine’s in Richmond Road – a café run by and for the local community. Come to meet neighbours, share conversation, read a paper, or simply relax. Hosted by RRRA and St Augustine’s.

The programme is supported by Richmond, Oxford and Windsor Roads’ Residents’
Associations
, and Benson Area Residents’ Association, and compiled by St
Augustine’s Church
.

Spring 2023 Programme of Local Events

We’re delighted to have a new Spring programme of talks and recitals to offer, from energy efficiency to sublime music. You can find the dates in the calendar, with full details shown below or to download HERE. All events are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where fees are requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice and nibbles are served at most events.


FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 6 – 7 PM A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RETROFIT
“Retrofit” means redesigning existing buildings to make them more energy efficient.
Most of us can see that this is important, but where do you start and which measures are
best? Margaret Reynolds is an architect of 40 years standing and is now a qualified
Retrofit Co-ordinator. She will be taking us through Cambridge City Council’s new guide
“Retrofitting your Home” launched in December 2022 – see
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/11676/retrofitting-your-home-report.pdf

FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 6 – 7 PM DEALING WITH DROUGHT – FROM THE PRACTICAL TO THE EXOTIC
A changing climate is making us realise that traditional gardening must adapt to cope
with more extreme conditions by using more sustainable inputs with reduced carbon
emissions. Howard Griffiths, recently retired Professor of Plant Ecology in the
Department of Plant Sciences, will muse on various aspects of dry gardening, and whilst
his own background on tropical succulents suggests that we might encourage plants from
warmer climes, the recent cold snap provides a timely reminder of the sensitivity of such
plants – and those of climatic extremes!

FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY 6 –7 PM CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM AND WHAT IT CAN TELL US ABOUT OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Roger Lilley from the Cambridge Museum will describe the origin and history of this
fascinating local museum, the story behind some of its intriguing exhibits, and how and
why they came to be here

SATURDAY 18 FEB 6 – 7.30 PM WINTER DREAMS: ROMANTIC, BEAUTIFUL AND EXCITING
Cambridge Chamber Music presents a concert dedicated to WINTER – including
pieces by Sibelius (Spring Quartet Intimate Voices), Grieg (Two Elegaic Melodies),
Telemann (Concerto for Two Violins), Bach (Concerto for Two Violins), Haas (Duo for
Viola and Cello), Schubert (Trout Quintet theme and variations) and Elizondo (Danzas
Latinoamericanas).

FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 6 – 7 PM WHY ALL IS NOT WELL WITH THE RIVER CAM
Stephen Tomkins, Chairman of the Cam Valley Forum, will explain in an illustrated talk
and follow-up discussion, why there is now so much concern about the River Cam, as a
chalk-aquifer sourced stream, and about its future ecological well-being.

FRIDAY 10 MARCH 6 – 7 PM THE MIGRANTS OF CALAIS
It is difficult to comprehend the degree of desperation which motivates refugees to risk
their lives in refrigerated lorries and small dinghies to get from Calais to Britain, or to
live rough for months in the freezing cold without shelter or food while they wait their
chance. Mary Stretch, founder of Calais Light (which runs w/e convoys to volunteer
with refugee charities in Calais), will outline why refugees want to come to the UK and
why so many volunteers are willing to help them keep their hopes alive.

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 6 -7 PM FINDING W H HUDSON: THE WRITER WHO CAME TO BRITAIN TO SAVE THE BIRDS
WH Hudson, one-time celebrated author and naturalist, played a key part in the creation
of the RSPB and the rise of the modern day conservation movement. Conor Jameson
reveals how this unschooled, impoverished, battle-scared immigrant from Argentina
achieved what he did. He travels to Hudson’s homeland and discovers that he is
remembered and celebrated there, links his life and legacy to today, and compares then
and now. It’s a costume drama, with plenty of birds!

FRIDAY 31 MARCH 6 – 7.30 PM RRRA CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON CONCERT
… details to follow.

SATURDAY 1 APRIL THE DAWN OF HOPE
Cambridge Chamber Music presents a dramatic programme in Poetry and Music about
the season of SPRING and its resonances of hope for peace in the world. Highlights
include Vivaldi’s Spring from his 4 Seasons, Piazolla’s Spring from the 4 Seasons in
Buenos Aires, and Jose Elizondo’s The Dawn of Hope.

…………. and don’t forget on SUNDAYS 8 January, 5 February, 5 March and 2 April to come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH at St Augustine’s starting at 1 pm : two courses with wine or fruit juice for only £8.00 ph.

And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at Café@99? Open every Monday and Friday from 10.45am to 12.15 pm at St Augustine’s in Richmond Road – a café run by and for the local community. Come to meet neighbours, share conversation, read a paper, or simply relax. Hosted by RRRA and St Augustine’s.

The programme is supported by Richmond, Oxford and Windsor Roads’ Residents’
Associations
, and Benson Area Residents’ Association, and compiled by St
Augustine’s Church
.

Autumn 2022 Programme of Local Events

We’re delighted to have a new Autumn programme of talks and recitals to offer. You can find the dates in the calendar, with full details shown below or to download HERE. All events are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where fees are requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice and nibbles are served at most events.


SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 7 – 10pm ‘QUIZ NIGHT’
All are welcome to take part in Richmond Rd Residents’ Association’s Annual Quiz Night. Teams of up to 6 people compete for the prestigious trophy awarded to the winning team. Supper and drinks are included in the £10 (adult) and £5 (children) entrance fee. Book your place now: JR.Footitt@gmail.com or 01223 364929. Further details to follow.

FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 6 – 7pm ‘CAMBRIDGE per diem’
Rosie Zanders is a recently retired Cambridge Blue Badge tourist guide, and author of Cambridge per diem, a book which contains an eclectic mix of Cambridge anniversaries, at least one for every day of the year. Rosie has long been fascinated by Cambridge time, and the personalities of those who passed through it, and will share some personal reflections on the passing of time, whilst focusing on some notable Cambridge stories. There will be a special mention of Cambridge connections on 14 October, the day of this talk. Her book can be found on www.cambridgebookshop.co.uk/products/cambridge-per-diem

FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 6 –7pm CONVOY TO CALAIS – “WHY WE CHOOSE TO SUPPORT REFUGEES”
How we treat people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK has seldom been out of the news over recent years, and opinions are clearly divided as to what should be done. Climate change and wars in far-flung parts of the globe impact us all, but some areas and peoples are particularly vulnerable. Calais Light is a weekend-only refugee charity convoy that takes ordinary people to volunteer and support asylum seekers in Calais, and has first-hand experience of what it is to be a refugee. Mary Stretch, its founder, explains what is really going on over there and why her convoy is always fully booked. And in doing so, Mary will also want to hear your views on the issues highlighted.

FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 6 – 7pm ‘VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AND THE PARADOX OF THE ENGLISH HYMNAL’
Ralph Vaughan Williams, a self-confessed agnostic, played a key role in selecting and arranging the music for The English Hymnal, first published by OUP in 1906 and containing over 700 hymns. Philip Mead discusses that role, and the apparent paradox which it reveals.

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 6 – 7pm REMEMBRANCE DAY CONCERT
To celebrate 150 years since his birth, St Augustine’s Singers perform works by Ralph Vaughan Williams (Towards the Unknown Region and Five Mystical Songs), together with the world premiere of Simone Spagnolo’s new work specially written for this concert. Conducted by Paul Jackson, with Philip Mead on the piano and Alistair Bamford (bass).

FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 6 – 7pm ‘DIPPERS OF THE MONGOLIAN ALTAI’
In the course of his work as a biologist in Mongolia, Andrew Laurie followed up on a childhood fascination with dippers by finding out more about their lives in the Altai of Mongolia, where White Throated Dippers are found in unpolluted streams and rivers, providing a good indicator of water quality. Andrew will describe his findings in the context of biodiversity in Mongolia, and illustrate them with photographs and films.

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER 6 – 7pm ‘A TOUR OF EUROPE IN SONG’
With the onset of winter, Tim Palmer (tenor) and Hugh Taylor (piano) will take us on a tour of Europe in song, looking forward to next summer with lovely weather, beautiful scenery and peace. Their recital will also explore some of the pitfalls of extensive travelling – even the possibility of finding love! Starting and ending in the UK, the tour will take in 14 countries with songs by Ireland, Godard, Faure, Diepenbrock, Eisler, Nielsen, Grieg, Stenhammar, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Dvorak, Schubert, di Capua, Schumann and Vaughan Williams. A feast of song!

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER 6 – 7pm ‘GIORGIONE IN VENICE’
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a handsome Renaissance building on the Grand Canal in Venice, was originally decorated on the outside with frescos by Giorgione and Titian, the two great young artists of their age. Fragments of Giorgione’s work survived into the 19th century, fascinating the Victorian writer John Ruskin. Clive Wilmer, Emeritus Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, who has written on Ruskin and lived in Venice, will tease out some implications of these facts.

…………. and don’t forget on SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER, SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER, and SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER to come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH at St Augustine’s starting at 1 pm : two courses with wine or fruit juice for only £8.00 ph.
And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at Café@99? Open every Monday and Friday from 10.45am to 12.15 pm at St Augustine’s in Richmond Road – a café run by and for the local community. Come to meet neighbours, share conversation, read a paper, or simply relax. Hosted by RRRA and St Augustine’s.

Autumn 2019 Programme of Local Events

All events below are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where fees are requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice and nibbles are served at most events.

FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER   6- 7 pm   LOOKING FOR THE GOSHAWK: THE LOST RAPTOR

Hear about the natural history of this enigmatic bird of prey, how and where it lives, and why it might be missing from our lives. Conor Jameson, who works for the RSPB, explains how his search for the Goshawk took him to some unexpected places at home and abroad, from city centres to dense forests – and how this adventure turned into a prize winning book.

FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER   6 – 7 pm   100 000 MILLION STARS AND SILENCE:  ARE WE ALONE?

We live in a universe perfectly suited to our existence, in a galaxy of 100 000 million stars and possible as many planets, containing giant molecular clouds full of the building blocks of life, and yet it is silent out there. Dr Robin Catchpole of the Institute of Astronomy will consider the question as to whether there is life – and in particular intelligent life – beyond our planet, and if not perhaps why not.

SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER        7 – 10.30 pm    QUIZ NIGHT  

Hosted by Richmond Road Residents’ Association, this popular annual quiz is open to teams from the local area who compete across a range of subjects for the magnificent Challenge Cup awarded to the winner on the night. Teams of 6 pay £12 pp to take part and the price includes a buffet meal and drinks. Book a place now (01223 364929).

FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER   6 -7 pm     A PIANIST DOWN UNDER – DOUGLAS ZANDERS AND THE AUSTRALIAN ENTERTAINMENT UNIT IN WW II      

Douglas Zanders was a New Zealander who joined the Australian Army at the outbreak of WW II in the Pacific, firstly as an infantryman and then as part of a concert party providing entertainment to fighting units in Australia and New Guinea. This talk by his son, Ed Zanders, will provide the background to the unit and describe some of their experiences as they performed in various shows, often under arduous conditions in the jungle or outback.

FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 6 – 7 pm   THE ART HISTORIAN GOES TO BETHLEHEM AND SINAI

Robin Cormack, Emeritus Professor at the Courtauld Institute, shows Byzantine mosaics, icons and books in places now difficult to reach but built in the Sixth Century AD as pilgrimage destinations for Christians. He uncovers new questions in old art.                                 

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 6- 7pm    A EUROPEAN EVENING OF MUSIC AND FOOD

Come and enjoy a choral concert of Brahms’ German Requiem with the St Augustine’s Singers conducted by Paul Jackson. Soloists include Alanya Reynolds (soprano), Alistair Bamford (baritone) – with Philip Mead (piano).

To be followed by an Italian Buffet Supper at 7.30pm prepared by Antonio and Celeste Potenzaros.                                                                     

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER    7 – 9.30 pm    DRAWING  EXHIBITION

An exhibition of the latest collection of work by artists from St Augustine’s Drawing Group in a variety of styles and medium. Wine and nibbles available throughout.  

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 6-7 pm  FRAGMENTS BETWEEN TWO CONTINENTS:THE AZORES AND ATLANTIS

Nine small islands in the middle of the Atlantic have enchanted sailors and adventurers from the 15th century to the present day, and fuelled speculation as to whether they once formed the lost land of Atlantis mentioned by Plato in c400BC. Richard Footitt explains his own life-long fascination with the Azores – and with the myth of Atlantis.  

SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER  6 – 7 pm     PIANO CONCERT

A tribute concert celebrating the Bicentenary of the birth of Clara Schumann, with compositions by Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and of course Clara Schumann. Neil Colledge on the piano.

SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER     4 – 5.30 PM     COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE

Come and enjoy the real thing – a local Community Carol Service, with traditional lessons and carols followed by mulled wine and mince pies, and much more!

TUESDAY 1 JANUARY       10 AM – 12 PM    VIENNESE COFFEE HOUSE

A welcome return of the New Year Coffee House with drinks, cakes, and live music reminiscent of Vienna in the early 20th century. Relax after the holidays in good company and with beguiling music played by Chihiro Ono (violin) accompanied by Philip Mead on the piano.

And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at Café@99? Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 12pm at St Augustine’s – run by and for the local community.

… and don’t forget on  the 1st SUNDAY of each month (1 SEPTEMBER, 6 OCTOBER, 3 NOVEMBER, 1 DECEMBER and 5 JANUARY) come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH starting at 1 pm: two courses with wine and fruit juice for only £4.50 per head.

Separate publicity will appear for each event and on the St Augustine’s Calendar

Spring 2019 Programme of Local Events (including Friday Nights at St Augustine’s)

All events below are held at St Augustine’s Church and Community Centre in Richmond Road and are open to all. Entry is normally free, although a small charge or retiring collection may be held where fees are requested by speakers or performers. A complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice and nibbles are served at most events.

The programme is supported by Richmond, Oxford and Windsor Roads’ Residents’ Associations, and the Benson Area Residents’ Association, and compiled by St Augustine’s Church. Details at www.churchatcastle.org.uk & https://stas.org.uk .

FRIDAY 1 MARCH     6 – 7.30 PM                                 UNDER MILK WOOD  

A night for the film buffs! To celebrate St David’s Day, a big screen showing of Dylan Thomas’s outstanding poetic drama Under Milk Wood produced by BBC Wales and performed by a collage of famous Welsh voices and faces, including Tom Jones and Bryn Terfel. Not suitable for young children and parental guidance for those under 12 years.

This sets the scene for the following evening featuring more poetry and music “Told Round the Fireside” – see below.

SATURDAY 2 MARCH   6 –7 PM                       TOLD ROUND THE FIRESIDE

An evening of music, poetry and stories on the theme of Home to raise money for Shelter’s work with the homeless – with Isy Mead and Philip Mead (piano). The winners of a competition for original poetry on the same theme will be invited to read their poems and receive their prize.  Poems judged by Michael Harrison and John Hegley.

SATURDAY 16 MARCH   7 – 11 PM                               QUIZ NIGHT

                                                                                “SPRINGTIME FOR BREXIT”

Put the politics of Brexit aside for a few hours, and join Cambridge Operatic Society for a quiz evening of good humour, great company, music and show business-themed questions, with Geoff Reed at the helm as Quizmaster. Sign up by following the link https://eventbrite.co.uk/o/cambridge-operatic-society-18519356354 or email: secretary@caosweb.org                         An admission charge will apply for this event.

FRIDAY 22 MARCH   6 – 7 PM                               TO BE A PILGRIM?

What is the difference between going on a pilgrimage and going on a walk? What makes pilgrimage a universal cultural phenomenon? Why has there been a resurgence of interest in spiritual journeying?  Drawing on her experience as a long-distance walker, Camino pilgrim and one-time medieval researcher, Gill Mead will look at the history of pilgrimage and attempt to discover why, even in this day and age, “longen folk to goon on pilgrimages”.

SUNDAY 24 MARCH     1.45 – 4 PM                          SUNDAY ART WALK

Time for personal reflection and group discussion on the spiritual aspects of art on a gentle stroll around the public art freely available in parts of West Cambridge. Cream teas available on return to St Augustine’s.             Led by the Rev Dr Janet Bunker

FRIDAY 29 MARCH     6 -9 PM       A CELEBRATION OF BIRDS IN ART

Come and view an exhibition of beautiful sculptures and art work by Jayne Ruffell-Ward, on the theme of birds. The work will be exhibited alongside outstanding photographs of birds and the Suffolk landscape by Mark Wills.  The exhibition will be open all week-end.

SATURDAY 30 MARCH   6 -7 PM   A CELEBRATION OF BIRDS IN MUSIC 1

Join us for a concert of piano music performed by Marion Caldwell, inspired by the art work in the exhibition. The concert will include works by Maurice Ravel, Amy Beach and Robert Schumann. Followed by a buffet supper. 

SUNDAY 31 MARCH         3 -4 PM    A CELEBRATION OF BIRDS IN MUSIC 2

Zero Gravity, Cambridge’s Recorder Band, directed by Evelyn Nallen,  present an afternoon of music by Wren and Woodcock, with Music for a Bird and ending with A Wild Goose Chase!  A fitting finale to a week-end dedicated to our feathered friends.

FRIDAY 5 APRIL 6 -7 PM    THE ISLAND CALLED NOWHERE: WILLIAM MORRIS AND GEORGE ORWELL COMPARED

Utopia means either “the good place” or “no place”. In his story News from Nowhere (1890), William Morris imagines the perfectly happy society and calls it “nowhere”. Nearly 60 years later, George Orwell does the opposite in Nineteen Eighty Four, imagining the sort of society we now call Dystopia. But in some ways, Utopia and Dystopia resemble one another.  Clive Wilmer, poet and critic, Emeritus Fellow at Sidney Sussex College, and Master of John Ruskin’s Guild of St George, explains all.           

………….  and don’t forget on SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY,  SUNDAY 3 MARCH, SUNDAY 7 APRIL and SUNDAY 5 MAY come and share a COMMUNITY LUNCH starting at 1 pm : two courses with wine or fruit juice for only £4.50 per head.

And why not enjoy a coffee and cake at Café@99?  Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 12 pm at St Augustine’s in Richmond Road – a café run by and for the local community. An opportunity to share a conversation, write a poem, browse a newspaper, or simply relax.  Hosted by RRRA and St Augustine’s.

Christmas tree backdrop

Advent 2018 – countdown to Christmas

Events every day in December 2018 in and around St Augustine’s to prepare for Christmas – these events are in addition to our usual calendar.

  • SUNDAY 2
    9.30-10.30 am Advent Sunday Service with Holy Communion. Children’s activities. Coffee
  • MONDAY 3
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
    4.40-5.30 pm Come and join 1st NW Cambridge Rainbows as we take on a ‘Cheer Challenge’ and learn what makes a good cheerleader and have a go at creating our own cheerleader chants!
  • TUESDAY 4
    6-7 pm Soiree with Gill and Phil Mead playing recorder and harpsichord music (local location – contact us for details)
  • WEDNESDAY 5
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
  • THURSDAY 6
    6.30-7.30 pm 38th Cambridge Guides Crafts – Come and join the 38th Cambridge Guides for Christmas crafts. Suitable for children and adults
  • FRIDAY 7
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
    6-7 pm Friday Nights at St. Augustine’s. Bell ringing for all – a talk by Barbara Le Gallez
  • SATURDAY 8
    6-7 pm An International Choral Christmas – A concert by St. Augustine’s Singers
  • SUNDAY 9
    9.30-10.30 am Holy Communion for the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Children’s activities. Coffee
    2-4 pm Christmas Jazz Piano Concert with Colin Hazel
  • MONDAY 10
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas coffee Shop
    6-7 pm The Brownies invite you to share their camp fire! Families with young children especially welcome.
  • TUESDAY 11
    6.30- 8.00 pm C@C Carols at Eddington – Meet outside Sainsburys for an evening carolling around the new development
    7.30 pm – lateish Parish Men’s Group, with Ladies! The service of Compline followed by Advent readings by participants and finally a modest Christmas party. All welcome. Local location – contact us for details.
  • WEDNESDAY 12
    10.30 am- 12 Noon Christmas Coffee Shop
  • THURSDAY 13
    5.45-7.00 pm Upper Room Bible Study group in the Oxford Room. A showing of a dramatic DVD of St. John’s Gospel
    7.30-9.00 Come and help our Rangers raise money for the World Scout Jamboree. Café and edible Christmas tree decorations.
  • FRIDAY 14
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
    6-7 pm Friday Nights at St Augustine’s, Rev’d Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, reads a selection of his own poetry
  • SATURDAY 15
    1-2 pm An International Choral Christmas Concert by St. Augustine’s Singers at Michaelhouse, Trinity Street
  • SUNDAY 16
    9.30-10.30 am Holy Communion for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Children’s activities. Coffee
  • MONDAY 17
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
    4-4.30 pm Parish Prayer Circle in the Darwin Room. Join us for prayers for individuals and the community
  • TUESDAY 18
    6.30 pm Join St Augustine’s Singers carol singing in “The Square” [Eachard Road, Hoadly Road etc]
  • WEDNESDAY 19
    10.30 am- 12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
  • THURSDAY 20
    2-3.30 pm Tea with the Vicar – tea and conversation with Rev’d Dr Janet Bunker
  • FRIDAY 21
    10.30 am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Shop
    6-7 pm Friday Nights at St Augustine’s – Here we come a-caroling. Philip Mead gives a talk on the history of some well-known carols-with live musical examples!
  • SATURDAY 22
    4-5.30 pm Community Carol Service
  • SUNDAY 23
    9.30-10.30 am Holy Communion for the 4th Sunday of Advent. Children’s activities. Coffee
  • MONDAY 24
    10.30 am-12 noon. Christmas Eve Coffee Shop with Philip Mead providing seasonal background music on keyboards
    11.30 pm-12.30pm ChurchAtCastle Midnight Mass at St Augustine’s
  • TUESDAY 25
    9.30-10.30 am. Christmas Service with sung Eucharist at St Augustine’s

 

St Augustine's Church in 1898

Celebrating 120 years

You are invited to celebrate St Augustine’s 120th birthday

1898-2018

All welcome.

Saturday 26th May 2018.

2-4 pm: History of St Augustine’s exhibition, Café open serving Victorian treats.

6-7 pm: 120th Anniversary concert
Music from 1898 with St Augustine’s Singers.
Works by Elgar, Grainger, Debussy and Coleridge Taylor.
Paul Jackson (conductor), Amanda Dean, Stephen Lawrence, Alice Woods (soloists), Colin Hazel (piano), Philip Mead.
Philip Mead will play the original harmonium installed in 1898, returning to the church for the first time since its restoration.

Sunday 27th May 2018.

8 am: Simple service of Holy Communion

9.30 am: Service of celebration of St Augustine’s, past present and future
Featuring Philip Mead playing the 1898 harmonium. Note there will not be Holy Communion at this service.

12 – 2 pm: Bring and share Victorian Buffet lunch

12-4 pm: History of St Augustine’s exhibition, Café open serving Victorian treats.

St Augustine’s was opened in 1898 as the local school, and church, in what was then a rapidly-developing district to the north-west of Cambridge. It has always functioned as a dual-purpose building, and when the school moved to Mayfield Primary School,  it has served very effectively as a community centre.

This Victorian-themed weekend of events will celebrate the building’s heritage 120 years after it first opened, and its lively and diverse present.

1898

St Augustine's Church Cambridge 1898

2018

St Augustine's Church Cambridge in 2018