Master’s Outing to Cambridge

Over the course of three memorable days, our group of about 35 liverymen, freemen and guests enjoyed a stimulating and convivial visit to the Master’s home city of Cambridge and its surrounding area. The programme offered an ideal balance of cultural exploration, relaxation, and shared experiences.

We began with a tranquil punting trip on the River Cam, an iconic way to appreciate Cambridge’s historic colleges and riverside scenery. The calm of the water and the beauty of the architecture described by the “chauffeurs” set the tone for the days ahead. A reception and fascinating visit to Kettle’s Yard followed, where the house’s unique blend of art and domestic setting gave us much to admire and discuss. Returning to our hotel base in Duxford we enjoyed a late buffet supper

Next morning our itinerary then took us beyond the city to Audley End, where we were treated to a tour of the house and archive department. This provided valuable insights into the history and preservation of one of England’s grand country houses. Our friendly coach driver, André, then drove us on to a lunch of local charcuterie and cheese, and a tour of Saffron Grange Vineyard offering both refreshment and discovery, with the chance to sample excellent local wines. On arrival we were entertained by a flypast of the sole surviving Lancaster from the Battle of Britain flight taking off from Duxford – well planned, Master! The visit to the vines was curtailed by the heavens opening but the proprietor guide was able to continue an informative discussion in the shelter of the marquee.

Returning to Cambridge that evening, a highlight of the visit was the black-tie dinner in the Senior Dining Room of Trinity Hall, a rare privilege that combined fine dining with a sense of tradition and occasion.

Next day a walking tour of Cambridge led by knowledgeable and entertaining local guides deepened our appreciation of the city’s heritage and quirks. In particular a visit to Kings College Chapel with its fine stained glass and architecture reflecting its lengthy building history was particularly memorable. We were able to extend the knowledge of our guide with our expert identification of a Thames Valley Windsor chair leg replacing the missing sceptre in the statue of Henry VIII at the entrance to Trinity College!

Lunch at Browns, imaginatively housed in a former hospital outpatients’ department, added an enjoyable modern touch.

A free afternoon allowed all to explore Cambridge’s remarkable museums at their own pace, before we gathered once more for a final dinner at our hotel in Duxford. This provided the perfect conclusion to a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable visit and we were unanimous in thanking the Master for her efforts in coordinating the event

The trip combined culture, history, and camaraderie in equal measure, and will be warmly remembered by all who took part.