Cambridge Alumni Groups are regarded by the University authorities as “an invaluable network of ambassadors, advocates and supporters who enable the University to continue to fulfil its mission and core values; to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence, and to support freedom of thought and expression and freedom from discrimination.”

Our Society, with 123 members mainly over 60, and activities that are primarily recreational and/or intellectually stimulating, already makes a contribution to the achievement of these worthy roles and objectives. However, we are actively looking for ways in which we could do more to support the University by expanding our age range and the scope of our activities.

At present we hold at least four meetings a year ⎯ with a convivial lunch being included on all occasions. One meeting, held in the autumn, will also transact the business of theSociety’s Annual General Meeting. Usually there are two excursions each year to places of interest, with informed and informative input from a knowledgeable person. The two others (autumn and winter) offer talks, quite often by distinguished Cambridge academics.

Recent speakers have included Dame Stephanie Shirley, whose charitable foundation supports projects working in the field of autism and Aspergers syndrome; Lord Rees of Ludlow, for many years Astronomer Royal and former Master of Trinity College; and Sir Robert Worcester of Allington Castle and Ipsos Mori.

Over the past few years, members have been offered comprehensive tours of Restoration House, Rochester, the redeveloped Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, the Turner Contemporary Gallery at Margate, Chiddingstone Castle and Dover Castle. Excursions have included a visit to the Bluebell Preserved Railway where members were able to observe work on building a new steam locomotive, restoration of vintage carriages and the operation of the railway’s main signal box. More recently members were offered a guided Thames boat trip focussing on Brunel’s work in South London. Recent visits have included Finchcocks Music Museum, the Powell-Cotton Museum at Quex Park, a tour of Romney Marsh Churches and Denbies Vineyard.