News in Brief: Self-testing, sweltering heat and a rock festival

A light-hearted round-up of this week’s stories, including another heatwave and the end of a crime drama set in Cambridgeshire

Addenbrooke's is currently the only UK hospital where patients can check their own eyesightRuying Yang for Varsity

by Varsity News

Sunday July 13 2025, 12:26pm

Check yourself

Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge has become the first in the UK where eye patients can check their own sight. The new system was created by Dr Louise Allen, Cambridge University Hospitals’ consultant paediatric ophthalmologist, during Covid-19. It allows patients to check their eyesight in a kiosk, synced to their smartphones. Dr Allen compared the ‘DigiVis DVA test’ to scanning your own shopping at the supermarket; while it might seem awkward at first, people soon get used to it.

Climate change catching up with Cambridge?

An amber heat-health alert was put in place for Cambridgeshire ahead of another heatwave this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Friday (11/07) that the alert would be in place from midday on Friday until 9am on Monday (14/07). The “risk score” for the East of England is 12, with 1 being the lowest possible score and 16 being the highest. The UKHSA explained: “Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.” Whilst temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s, they are not expected to be quite as high as those experienced at the beginning of May Week.

Goodbye Grantchester

Just as post-exam frolicking in Grantchester meadows comes to an end, ITV is saying goodbye to Granchester – a crime drama set in the Cambridgeshire village. Based on the novels of James Runcie, the show is set in the 1950s and first aired in 2014. The final season, now in production, will star Robson Green and newcomer Rishi Nair as the latest crime-solving vicar. The show has long drawn interest from students and tourists alike for its idyllic scenery and occasional on-location sightings.

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News in Brief: Congratulations, Chancellorship, and financial challenges

Cambridge Rock Festival turns 21

Cambridge Rock Festival is celebrating its 21st year in style with its “best lineup yet”. The event which is run by a team of volunteers will be held in Ely from 31 July until 03 August. Festival director Dave Roberts said: “Our line-up is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a mix of established acts and new talent,” including Georgia Nevada, Kira Mac, and The Milk Men. In addition to live music, the festival will feature a real ale bar, merchandise, and a variety of local food stalls.

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