Thousands enjoy Cambridge University – and the sun comes out!

Each year Bridge the Gap raises thousands of pounds for three local charities – the Arthur Rank Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust and Press Relief.

Open Cambridge events, all of which were free, were fully booked in advance – and many were heavily oversubscribed. A total of 1,650 people registered for Bridge the Gap ahead of the event; a further 400 adults registered on the day – with numbers boosted by welcome sunshine.

Pat Long, who lives in the village of Hardwick, was among the 600 people who took part in Open Cambridge. With four friends, all members of the Women’s Institute, she joined a tour of Wolfson College and garden, given by bursar Christopher Lawrence and head gardener Philip Stigwood

She said: “I loved the college and the garden, neither of which I’d ever seen before. The next day I did the Bridge the Gap walk, again with a group of friends, and saw yet more colleges. We all agreed that we’d do both events again next year. It was such fun.”

Rob Wallach, Senior Lecturer in Materials Science and Fellow of King’s College, took a total of 90 people round King’s College Chapel in three groups.

He said: “They were a complete cross-section of ages and backgrounds, all of them full of enthusiasm. A fair number had never set foot inside a Cambridge college before. We started on the grass outside the chapel and I gave them each a questionnaire that got them to explore the building, a bit like a treasure hunt, and we got together at the end to discuss what they’d found.”

On Sunday, a flood of people holding bright blue balloons poured along the streets as people of all ages strode out to raise thousands of pounds to support local charities. They included families, groups of friends and work colleagues, and individuals – all wanting to know what lies behind the college walls.

Alison Logan from Burwell, walking with her husband and two school-aged sons, said: “This is the fourth time we’ve taken part. It’s a great event as it combines raising money for worthwhile causes such as Arthur Rank, with the chance to see inside the colleges. I love community events like as there’s such a lovely atmosphere.”

The walk was launched by Olympic swimmer (and BBC Television’s Strictly Come Dancing contestant) Mark Foster (pictured above with the Cambridge University flag), who lives in St Neots, and is a supporter of the Teenager Cancer Trust. Walkers completing the four-and-a-half-miles were welcomed back to the upbeat sound of the Arco Iris samba band.

Penny Wilson, Head of Community Affairs at the University of Cambridge, said: “We’ve had a wonderful weekend of exploring the Cambridge treasures on our doorsteps. Our first Open Cambridge was a huge success and with Bridge the Gap we hope to have raised well over £30,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Arthur Rank Hospice and Press Relief. We're already looking forward to next year.”