A piece of history

Whether it be hazy memories of late nights out, or even hazier photos on the Gardies Instagram, a piece of the kebab shop will remain with us all despite its closure on October 4th. However, one student took this to the extreme and asked the workers dismantling the interior for a piece of its wall. “The guys doing the scrapping were actually so friendly and even went through the rubble in the truck to pull out a particularly intact piece of tiling,” she explained. The piece is currently living in her drawer while she decides whether to hang it on her wall, split it to share with friends, use it as a trophy for a tiddlywinks tournament, or auction it for charity. “If they ever attempt to faithfully resurrect the Gardies brand in Cambridge, I would maybe gift it as memorabilia,” she suggested.

UL never believe this

Cambridge University Library has received the private letters of Herbert Kretzmer, who wrote the English lyrics to Les Miserables. The donation marks the centenary of the late writer’s birth, as well as the 40th anniversary of the musical’s premiere at the Barbican. Writing to theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh, Kretzmer complained that he had not received enough credit for his work: “Les Misérables is not a show translated or rewritten, but a show reborn.” The major changes he made to the original French text are evident from its additional hour of runtime. The archives, which also include annotated drafts of the script, will be available to researchers by the end of the year.

Knight in shining armour

Queens’ alumnus Sir Stephen Fry has backed the opening of a new support hub for under-25s in Cambridge and Peterborough. Centre 33 has operated out of a building on Clarendon Street since 1981. The proposed new hub on the corner of James Street and Maids Causeway would double the number of people able to receive help with mental health, caring responsibilities, and practical issues like housing each year. “Early support can have a lasting, transformational impact,” said Fry. He continued, “Last year, over 90% of young people Centre 33 supported progressed towards their goals, over 70% had improved mental health and 85% of young carers felt less isolated”.

Pawsitive news

Feline fans will rejoice as a new cat cafe is due to open on Mill Road in December. Cat Latte hopes to be a “trendy” spot but also to address a serious issue. Business director Harry Brown explained: “There’s a lot of problems with the cat industry in the UK. Cats are often in a bad state in rescues, which struggle with the large numbers they have to look after.” Customers will therefore be able to adopt the cats, and all proceeds from this will go to a local rescue. “People are often particular with the kinds of breeds they choose to adopt – or they take in kittens that their friends’ cat has had,” Brown added, “This means there are lots of crossbreeds that need adopting”.