Cambridge

On Thursday 2 August we boarded the coach to travel to our next destination - Kings Lynn in Norfolk. On the way we spent a few hour exploring Cambridge.

Cambridge is a university city situated on the River Cam, a tributary of the River Ouse.

There had been settlements in the area since Roman times however Cambridge really came into existence when the university was established in 1209.  The university was granted a royal charter by King Henry II in 1231.

The university buildings dominate the town.

There are a number plaques on buildings commemorating people associated with the university.

We purchased tickets to visit Kings College Chapel, the home of Kings College Choir.

It is a most impressive building. Work began on building the Chapel in 1446.

Another view - carved panels on entrance to the choir stalls.

As in so many of these buildings the ceilings are magnificent.

We then went down to the river where there was another view of Kings College Chapel.

Punting on the river appears a popular activity.

Navigating among the ducks would be a challenge.

We then returned to coach and continued the journey to Kings Lynn.

Game 13 against Cambridgeshire at March

The 25th of June saw us travelling to March Town in Cambridgeshire. March used to be a market town on the Isle of Ely. The area was once surrounded by fens (marshes).

The game was hosted by March Town Cricket Club, established in 1880.

The Australian players underwent their stretching and other exercises before the game.

Australia batted first and after 45 overs had made 6 for 278. Phil Drescher opened the batting and soon retired at 51. He was joined by John Dedman and Greg Quinn. It was a good batting performance. Ian Southall and Robin opened the bowling but it was when Brian Scott joined Robin as a bowler that wickets began to fall. Brian taking 2 wickets for 14 runs and Robin taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in their 9 over stint. Greg Quinn also took 2 wickets. Cambridgeshire was dismissed in the 42nd over for 119.

Before the game began I had discussed the image on club sign with one of the club members who told me how to locate the remains of the market cross a short distance from the grounds.

During the afternoon the Wags went to explore Ely, a cathedral city, not far away.

There are many old buildings in Ely.

There is also the Oliver Cromwell Museum to visit if you wish.

I also found this garden and associated buildings dating back to the 15th century.

But it is the cathedral that is the main building in the city.

A monastery has been on the Isle of Ely in the fens since the 600s. Church buildings on the site have been destroyed and rebuilt over many centuries. Work on the present cathedral began in the 11th century with the building gaining cathedral status in 1109. Henry VII dissolved the monastery in 1539 but the building, although there was some damage, was not destroyed. The building became a cathedral again in 1541. The town has since grown up around the cathedral.

The cathedral is impressive from any angle.

The surrounding buildings are also impressive.

Back at the ground after the game we all helped John Stackpoole celebrate his birthday.