English Fac to launch podcast 

The Faculty of English is set to launch a podcast suited to lovers of all things words. Entitled ‘Dictionaries,’ postgrad hosts Dillon Whitehead and Amber Kirwan will interview academics and students about a word relating to their research. Upcoming episodes will focus on words such as “weird,” “recursion,” “echo,” and “biosemiotics”. The podcast will be available at the end of Lent term. The hosts are looking to increase student involvement, with a variety of roles on offer.

Meet Robbie, Cambridge’s chirpiest employee

Robbie the robin has become a valuable member of University staff after befriending Steve ‘the Pirate’ Fishpool, who is responsible for manning the gate at Downing Site. According to Cambridgeshire Live, Robbie pays Fishpool a visit on a daily basis, “swooping in and out as he pleases,” including in the bleak winter months. But Robbie’s labour does not go unrewarded. On his visits, he makes sure to help himself to water and food, which includes mealworms and bird seed. Robbie not only puts a smile on the face of Fishpool, but also of passersby on the Downing Site.

Cambridge Arts Theatre makes seat donation

The Cambridge Arts Theatre has gifted 400 auditorium seats to the Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The Arts Theatre will be closed while it undergoes redevelopment works. Victoria Beechey, interim co-chief executive and executive director at Cambridge Arts Theatre stated: “As part of our redevelopment project, we are committed to reusing and repurposing as much of our old auditorium as possible.” The Amulet Theatre, which was constructed in 1975, has been out of public use since 2011. Its original seating was irreversibly damaged after a water leak, being on the ‘Theatres at Risk Register’ since 2022.

Self-driving bus to take to the streets of Cambridge

An autonomous bus set to take to the streets of Cambridge has been unveiled by UK manufacturer Alexander Davis. The vehicle is part of the Connector project which will be trialled in Cambridge later this year. The scheme ultimately aims to deliver four automated buses connecting different parts of Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Councillor Elisa Meschini, chair of the executive board for the Greater Cambridge Partnership, which leads the Connector project, said: “This is a significant opportunity for Cambridge to lead the way in innovation.” The bus must now undergo track-based testing to ensure its safety and performance. Drivers, who will be responsible for providing onboard supervision, will also complete testing and training.