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.
