More than 2,000 people took part in the annual Bridge the Gap walk last Sunday. As well as enjoying a stroll around nine of the colleges and the chance to see the displays at the Polar Museum, they raised around £40,000 for Arthur Rank Hospice and Press Relief.
The weather was bright and sunny for the walkers who started and ended their walk on Jesus Green, where those with a bit of time to spare enjoyed entertainment provided by a group of local drummers. Many of the people who take part in the walk do it every year as it allows them a chance to see parts of the college grounds normally closed to the public.
Nicola Bennett, the member of the University of Cambridge’s Public Engagement team who organised the Bridge the Gap talk, said: “People of all ages took part, with many people following the five-mile route with friends and families. There was a great atmosphere and many people told us how much they enjoyed the morning.”
The Bridge the Gap charity walk marked the end of the three-day Open Cambridge programme, an opportunity for the public to visit museums, colleges, gardens and more, free of charge. Free talks were given by a number of speakers from the University and beyond – including the Head Butler of Peterhouse. Bookable sessions filled up fast and drop-in events were well attended.
Sue Long, organiser of Open Cambridge for the Public Engagement team, said: “There is huge enthusiasm from the public for our events – which this year numbered more than 50. Every year we have new attractions on the programme. This year the Mosque in Mawson Road took part for the first time as did the Sainsbury Laboratory. Also new was the chance to go behind the scenes at Corpus Christi and see the mechanisms of the Taylor clock.”
Coming up next on the festivals agenda is the University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas – a programme with something for everyone that takes place from 23 October to 3 November. Bookings open on Monday 23 September. www.cam.ac.uk/festival-of-ideas
The annual Bridge the Gap walk, held last Sunday, was enjoyed by thousands of people and raised around £40,000 for charity. It was the final event in Open Cambridge, a three-day celebration of the city’s heritage.
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