Cambridge – 2023.

Please see report below from John Braithwaite (G 65-69), summarising to date the informal OSB group recently established in Cambridge for pub meetings.

John Braithwaite (G 65-69) explains how he has set up an informal OSB group in Cambridge for pub meetings. I came to live in the centre of Cambridge just a year ago from the beautiful Devon South Hams area known for its coastal and rural scenic beauty and quiet hidden hamlets, where everyone knows everyone else. The original idea to set up these fun pub meetings had its roots in feeling anonymous in a city, and listening to what Steve Downham is doing in Kendal. Pam quickly and efficiently contacted those OSBs living in the area who were on the Society’s database and requested that they contact me if they were interested in some sort of event in the Cambridge area. Not knowing where this idea would lead, I then visited many pubs, restaurants, and colleges in and around Cambridge to find suitable venues in spite of not knowing who and how many would be interested. It seemed to me that the prerequisites were: places with character, quiet table areas, no loud music, car parks and where we could book tables. Also, of course, we would need quality food and beer at sensible prices. I also checked out posh venues for those who wanted the occasional smart black-tie dinner parties in a prestigious college. The next step was to contact by phone or email the sixteen names of those who might be interested. Of these, two decided it was not for them sadly and of the remainder, two decided the journey to Cambridge for a mid week evening at night was too taxing, and perhaps we may see them again when the nights get shorter.
After four meetings, roughly one every two months, we have a core group of five attendees, or one table. This has clarified for me our situation, so that although the first three meetings were booked at a gastropub in Grantchester, our last meeting didn’t require a table to be booked and we met in a quiet central pub near a public car park which is free at night. So now, little organisation is necessary, we just agree where and when and our fifth meeting will be in January.  There is almost overload on what is on in this university town, whether it be at the twenty three theatres, the colleges and churches, music concerts, or public lectures in the university departments; and it is good to be able to exchange information about societies and websites.
All are welcome to join us; we meet at 7:30pm when the traffic has died down, and people are free after work, mid week, when it is quieter, and we eat and chat for a couple of hours. We have even received interest from London and the USA! Pam Rumney will give details of future dates and locations via email and the Society website and Facebook pages. I look forward to hearing from you. John may be contacted direct on 07717209399 or at braithwaite.john@icloud.com or details can be obtained via the Society office (here).

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk