Homerton graduate’s artwork exhibited at the Royal Academy

Xanthe Burdett, a recent graduate from Homerton College has had her artwork displayed at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London, which will run until January next year.

The painting - a portrait of Burdett’s friend, actor Afolabi Alli - sold on the second day of the exhibition.

Burdett struggled to find the time to paint during her studies, but was inspired to pursue her passion further during first lockdown last year.

Reflecting on how her time at Cambridge has impacted her career, Burdett said: “Studying Education, English and Drama at Homerton was a fantastic experience and really informs the narrative elements of my painting as well as my community art practice.”

Joe Wicks visits Cambridge

Personal trainer and internet sensation Joe Wicks visited Heffers bookshop in Cambridge on Tuesday (05/10) to sign copies of his new children’s book, The Burpee Bears.

After getting the nation moving during lockdown through his PE With Joe workout videos on Youtube, ‘The Body Coach’ has now written a children’s book which he hopes will encourage children to keep getting regular exercise.

Speaking to the Cambridge Independent about the motivation behind his work on children’s fitness, Wicks said: “My purpose and drive is always about children's mental health first [...] it's about making children feel excited to get into fitness, to enjoy it and to feel the benefits and actually connect with how movement and exercise changes the way they feel.”

Sidney Sussex Master runs London Marathon in aid of student hardship funds

The Master of Sidney Sussex College, Professor Richard Penty, participated in the London Marathon lastSunday (3/10), running 26.2 miles to contribute to the college’s hardship funds.

Last year, he ran ‘virtually’ for the same marathon, raising £2,000 to support students during the Covid-19 crisis. 

Speaking about his reasons for competing in the race, Professor Penty said: “Given this difficult time for our students, I thought that I would run in aid of Sidney hardship funds – many students had additional costs last year and no doubt will have them this [year] too.”

“I’m not expecting a particularly fast time: just getting around in one piece before it gets too dark to see the finish line will be success enough for me.”

Cambridge Music Festival kicks off at West Road Concert Hall

Cambridge Music Festival kicked off its autumn 2021 lineup on Thursday (30/09) with a performance by the Academy of St Martin in the Field, at the West Road Concert Hall located within the University’s Faculty of Music,.

The lineup will also see other artists such as pianist Stephen Hough, and string ensembles Takacs Quartet and 12 Ensemble perform.

This year marks the festival’s 30th anniversary, with performances starting in March. The festival is expected to also take place at venues around Cambridge, such as Downing Place URC and Robinson College Chapel.