More Christmas cheer - NOT amateur radio

This was in a Cambridge department store earlier. 

Now it is December, I am happy. Earlier, I am not!

Christmas in Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Now it is December, I have no worries about Christmas decorations or Christmas promotions. 

The photo shows the Grand Arcade in Cambridge. 

More Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

These are some more images of Cambridge. 

The top picture is of the round church of which there are very few in the UK. 

When I first came to Cambridge in 1970 it was an active church. Now it is a brass rubbing centre.
 

Archetypal Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

This is archetypal Cambridge. King’s College chapel on an autumn afternoon with bikes on King’s Parade.

There are fewer visitors at this time of the year.

Visiting Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Being a resident of a nearby village, I often take Cambridge for granted. Some people travel across the planet to see places I can see for free at any time. There are many videos about the city on YouTube. This is just one.

Cambridge proctors - NOT amateur radio

These are like college policemen, keeping order in the Cambridge University colleges like this one outside Trinity College, that I think was founded by King Henry VIII many centuries ago. 

Proctors wear bowler hats and are a familiar sight in Cambridge.

Cambridge centre - NOT amateur radio

This is Great St Mary's church in central Cambridge. It is the university church and some famous people have preached here. 

In the foreground is Cambridge market and the statue to Snowy Farr MBE who was a well known local fundraiser.

See https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/snowy-farr-sculpture .

Cambridge Today - NOT amateur radio

One of the pleasures of Cambridge is gliding along the back of the colleges on a punt on the river Cam. 

Many prefer others to do the punting whilst  you just relax. Some punts even serve drinks to help you relax even more!  This was the River Cam earlier today.

Nobel prizes - NOT amateur radio

Behind this tree in the photo is Old School Lane on which the original Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge  is located. It was here that many Nobel prizes were won.

Gifts - NOT amateur radio

It is getting closer to the season when, in many cultures, gifts are exchanged. This was in the Grand Arcade, Cambridge earlier today.

King's in the sun - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo shows King's College from across the Backs in the sunshine yesterday in the autumn colours.

More Cambridge in the sun - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the path up to King's College, Cambridge yesterday. It looks far more autumnal. At least the sun was shining!

Cambridge in the sun - NOT amateur radio

We have had "anticyclonic gloom" for what seems like forever. We have seen hardly any sun until today. This was the River Cam outside King's College, Cambridge.

Cambridge Art Gallery - NOT amateur radio

This was an art gallery in the Grand Arcade, Cambridge this morning. 

They always seem to have unusual paintings on display.

Inclusivity - NOT amateur radio

It would appear one of the major shops in Cambridge is trying to be inclusive with lots of signs up to celebrate the Hindu festival of light in early November called Diwali. 

There are also lots of lights that could be for Divali........or Christmas. Am I being cynical thinking this is a way to increase profits, reduce costs, and look good?

"Never knowingly undersold" - NOT amateur radio

Earlier this week my wife had a little time to kill in Cambridge, so she went into a famous shop. Certainly in the past they used the phrase "never knowingly undersold" meaning if you could find it cheaper they would refund you. I think they have dropped this now with internet competition. 

They run as a worker's co-operative with staff sharing in profits. They seem to charge huge amounts for goods and they must be struggling in the fierce retail market. 

It would not surprise me if they do not survive in their current form. It is a nice shop, but they charge silly prices.

Kings College Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

 This was King’s yesterday in the sunshine.

Kings College Chapel, Cambridge NOT amateur radio

 

This is King’s College Chapel from an unusual angle.  

We go here most weeks.

Tunwell Court, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Having lived in the Cambridge area for 54 years I have never noticed this cottage opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum! 

It dates back to the 1500s and is currently owned by Peterhouse College. 

Message to self,"keep your eyes open in future".

Nice way to spend a lazy afternoon - NOT amateur radio

 

What could be better?  A punt on the R.Cam in Cambridge and a cold Pimms! This was a punt on the River Cam selling Pimms.