Rotary Trip to Cambridge: 13th - 15th March 2020

Rotary Trip to Cambridge: Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March

The Trip raised £1,100 for Dover Foodbank

It was fortunate that the trip took place just before the restrictive measures to combat the spread of the corona virus came into effect.  Almost everywhere was open, the hotel was busy and there were plenty of tourists.  Despite the looming shadow of the Covid19 we had an enjoyable and memorable time.  Understandably numbers were reduced but 22 Rotarians and friends set out from the Union Street car park in Dover at 9.00am on Friday 13th March, with plenty of room on the coach for ‘social distancing’.

Soon after midday we arrived at the small and picturesque town of Duxford where some of the group left the coach to have lunch at a thatched pub called The John Barleycorn.  The rest of us continued to the nearby Imperial War Museum.  As this was our first visit Sue and I followed the advice from Don and Margaret and took the minibus to the furthest exhibition on ‘Land Warfare’ and then walked the half mile back, visiting most of the other exhibitions on the way.  It was a fascinating and informative experience not just as regards the amazing technology involved in the development of largely military aviation, but for the insight into the people, with there different stories, who were part of this process.  The American War Museum explored the importance of the collaboration between the USA and Britain from the First World war to the present day.  This would link to our visit to the American Cemetery.  In late afternoon we arrived at the Holiday Inn, a two storey building in black, situated between the extensive roadworks of the A14 and the rural village of Impingham.

After breakfast on the Saturday morning we set off to visit the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial and were lucky to be given a tour as the place was officially closed.  Our guide, an ex-military man from Texas, told us of the 30,000 young Americans who died in the Second World War either in the Battle of the Atlantic, the air bombardment of Europe or the Invasion of Normandy.  There are 3,812 graves in the cemetery and on a 100 metre wall stretching from the entrance to the chapel are the names of 5,127 Americans whose bodies were never found.  Our guide, who was knowledgeable and passionate as well as entertaining, appreciated appreciated a group which knew about World War 2 and America’s part in it.

Our next stop was Cambridge city centre where we had time for sightseeing and exploring, the Fitzwilliam Museum, University Botanical Gardens and King’s College Chapel being popular places.  After a quick snack, Sue and I spent our time in King’s College Chapel finding out about its history which began with its foundation in 1441 by Henry VI as a royal and religious college for scholars from poor backgrounds.  It remains a place of religion and education but its scholars are not so poor.  The construction of the fan vaulted roof and the creation of many stained glass windows are testament to the ingenuity and skill of designers and craftsmen of previous generations. It was then back to the hotel for a few hours rest before returning to Browns Restaurant in the evening for a convivial meal in the building which was once part of Addenbrookes Hospital.

After breakfast on the Sunday morning we set out for Ely, well known for its cathedral and eels.  We went down to explore the Riverside, the river being the Great Ouse which rises in North Oxfordshire and enters the Wash near Kings Lynn.  Adjoining the river is the Ely Country Park which is home to many species of bird including ducks, canada geese, swans, moorhens and greater crested grebe.  There is also an area of fenland between the river and the railway where snipe and plovers nest.  After a quick look round the cathedral with its impressive Octogan Tower it was time to start the journey home.

We thank Terry for his detailed organisation, for keeping us informed and for looking after us. He put a great deal of time and effort into planning and conducting the trip.  Thanks also to Miriam for her help in the planning; it was good to have her with us.  We were also fortunate to have a helpful, attentive and patient driver in Duncan.