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.