A Cambridge kindness in blue

Tonight our brilliant blue installations which light up the city’s landscape each week to thank our keyworkers were themed on kindness, a topic being championed during Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Mathematical Bridge, Queens’ College. Photo credit: Martin Bond, A Cambridge Diary

Steeped in legend and perhaps one of the city’s most favourite landmarks, The Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College displayed a snippet of a poignant quote from mental health advocate and former student, Stephen Fry.

“I suppose the thing I most would have liked to have known or been reassured about is that in the world, what counts more than talent, what counts more than energy or concentration or commitment, or anything else - is kindness. And the more in the world that you encounter kindness and cheerfulness - which is its kind of amiable uncle or aunt - the better the world always is. And all the big words: virtue, justice, truth - are dwarfed by the greatness of kindness.” - Stephen Fry

The Cambridge Belfry. Photo credit: JMPS

Throughout the lockdown, many local businesses have stepped forward and shown their generosity by offering solutions to help emergency services with the Cambridge Belfry Hotel, being no exception.

“We are honoured to be able to support our NHS here at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cambridge Belfry” says David Rowley, General Manager. “At present, the hotel is providing complimentary meeting and training facilities every week, as well as offering a rest, relaxation and refreshment service 24 hours a day to ambulance crews and emergency services. In addition to this, the hotel is donating toiletries, essential supplies and sweets to the Rosie Hospital and Papworth Hospital. We are happy to be able to help in any way that we can, and are pleased to be able to show our support by lighting the hotel blue as a token of our appreciation.”

Emmanuel College. Photo credit: Martin Bond, A Cambridge Diary

Finally, Emmanuel College has been highlighting the community feel that has kept their students together over the past few months.

“Our college community has become stronger than ever, with our Student Union organising regular online yoga sessions, bake-off competitions, regular Zoom catch-ups with the Master, weekly film nights, and even pets dressed in Emmanuel jumpers! Students have praised our welfare officers for their efforts in fore-fronting mental health and wellbeing, and we’re delighted that all our members continue to be connected with us” said Master of Emmanuel, Dame Fiona Reynolds. “Emmanuel is delighted to be able to be part of the #makeitblue campaign in Cambridge. We want to thank our key workers, carers and NHS staff, especially all our members of the college who are involved and contributing so much.”

Over the past eight weeks, this campaign has supported our own mental health by giving us a creative release and welcome structure whilst the live event world is resting. We couldn't do it without the kindness of our supporters (hi Dad! - I know you’re reading), event contacts and fellow #ShineBright team members: JMPS, Pink Lamp, Blueshed, and JezO’s.

So this week we say thanks to all for staying safe and being kind.