In its 17th year, Bridge the Gap starts from Parker’s Piece and will additionally meander through Christ’s College, Sidney Sussex College, St Catharine’s College and Pembroke College as well as pausing for walkers to enjoy an eagerly anticipated opportunity to see inside the Museum of Zoology. The addition of this captivating museum will be a real highlight for walkers, as they stroll the route.
In the region of 2000 people take part each year, with the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides on hand throughout to offer interesting historical tales and provide an array of information about their stunning grounds and features.
This year is cause for extra celebration for headline sponsor Cambridge Building Society, as they celebrate a decade of helping to fund and organise the event. Peter Burrows, Finance Director for The Cambridge explains why they are so passionate about being involved: “Bridge the Gap provides the perfect opportunity to get involved with your local community - it’s an event for the local community, organised by the local community to benefit the local community.
“The great thing about it, is that it’s open to everyone. Not only does it give an opportunity to explore the Colleges that those who live here might take for granted but it raises much needed funds for two local charities whose valuable work really does make a difference to people’s lives."
The Bridge the Gap team additionally consists of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity - a long standing beneficiary - and Romsey Mill who came on board in 2016, as well as TTP, Cambridge Assessment and the Rotary Club of Cambridge who continue to sponsor the walk ensuring that 100% of the entry fee directly benefits the Charities. New for 2018, Bridge the Gap is delighted to welcome Co-op Food Stores to the organising committee – who are supporting with event promotion, water and volunteer support – as well as media partners Cambridge Independent and Cambridge 105 Radio.
Lynn Morgan, CEO for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, comments: “Bridge the Gap is a fabulous morning out with family, friends and work colleagues. We have maintained an affordable entry fee for a number of years and continue to honour our promise to keep the event free for children. Over the years, we have welcomed people of varying ages and it is lovely seeing the children of those who took part in the early years coming along with some bringing families of their own. We are confident that the inclusion of the Museum of Zoology will prove a fabulous highlight. We look forward to welcoming people from across the county and beyond.”
Neil Perry, Chief Executive of Romsey Mil, adds: “Every one of the 2000 walkers who takes part in this great leisurely walk through Cambridge’s beautiful College grounds and gardens is also helping others in a very real and practical sense: they are partnering with Romsey Mill and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, and helping us in our respective work to support people in our own communities who are going through some really tough times.”
The launch evening for the event (pictured) featured music from the Jazz Wave Jazz Band upon arrival, and a question and answer session hosted by The Cambridge Building Society's Carole Charter and Ruth Meyer of the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides: guests were given a unique inside-view of the treats this year's walkers can look forward to!
Registrations are already flooding in for the popular walk. You can sign up by visiting http://www.arhc.org.uk/BTG (online registration available until 1pm on Friday 7 September), calling 01223 675888, or by picking up a registration form in person from Romsey Mill (Hemingford Road, Cambridge) or the Arthur Rank Hospice (adjacent to the Babraham Road Park & Ride) or any of the Charities’ shops.
Forms will also be available from The Cambridge Building Society branches across the county from August 2018.
Prices are £15 per adult during the early bird (until 13 July 2018), increasing to £18 per adult after that date, or £20 on the day. Children are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Groups of friends, families or work colleagues are also welcome and special rates of £15 per person within a group of 10 or more are available until Friday 7 September – to book call Arthur Rank Hospice Charity on 01223 675888.