California Dreaming

Henry followed up his Masters at Goldsmiths by starting a five-year PhD programme in English literature at the University of California in Santa Barbara. When the family left California in 2006, he always swore, like the Terminator, that he would be back.

Catching On Like Wildfire

Not that it has been all plain surf-boarding in SoCal. In addition to the marauding mountain lions, Henry has been subjected o a range of natural hazards including the wildfires and mudslides of the surrounding hills. 

Goldsmiths - Coburn!

Before leaving Goldsmiths, Henry captained their University Challenge team on TV, achieving a decent score and a highly memorable Paxo sneer for an incorrect interruption: "Georgia O'Keeffe?!!!??!"

Ascending the Pyramids

Alice continues her work in pharma promoting science careers, now with Martyn having joined her in London to do a PhD at Brunel. Their pursuit of the perfect 10 on the Scotsdale chilli scale in meso-America left them with taste buds intact, but stunned by the snorkel diving in the deep caves of Yucatan.

Run Alice, Run

Alice and Martyn are keen participants in their local Park Run most Saturdays.  Except when they go for a longer distance: Alice ran half-marathons in Cambridge, Hackney and the Royal Parks.  Henry joined Alice and Martyn for the local 10k Great Wilbraham Run, with the lure of cake at the finishing line – produced by Bake Off finalist Ian Cumming.

Launch of Solving Cyber Risk

Andrew published a new book in 2019: Solving Cyber Risk, co-written with his wonderful colleagues Eireann and Gordon, de-mystifying cyber threat for beginners. The book was unleashed on a world tour of launch event parties at Cambridge, London, New York, and Washington DC. The tour was a lot more fun than writing the book. And to everyone's surprise, reached #4 in the risk management category of Amazon book sales.

Available now from Amazon.com (are you the only person who hasn't got a copy?)

Revitalising Shrinking Cities

Helen’s work at Cambridge Architectural Research continues to focus on shrinking cities.  Her RE-CITY project looks at the causes of shrinkage and how to address them, funding 13 PhD students at the European partner universities and companies.  CAR’s student Faeeza has joined us from South Africa, to work with Helen on resilience to climate-related events. In September CAR ran a workshop day for all the students at the RE-CITY training school in Porto.

Warning to Football Managers:

This posse may damage your career

Helen and Andrew have been spotted at various Premier League football grounds this season, after which heads have rolled. Their record in successfully chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning!” have put paid to the tenures of Mssrs Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger, and most recently Unai Emery from Arsenal. Ole Gunnar Solskjear is next up: Liverpool v Man U, Jan 19. Be afraid Ole, be very afraid...

Nick's Retro Party

Andrew’s brother Nick turned 60 this year (goodness!) and celebrated with an all-singing, all-dancing hootenanny at the Chester St David Hotel.  Theme was 1930s – with plenty of excuse for chalk-striped suits, correspondent shoes and fedoras for the guys; boas, cigarette holders and cloche hats for the girls.

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Helen's Hats

You may have noticed a theme in this year's events – lots of hats were required, mainly supplied by Helen, who is continuing to experiment with millinery techniques. She’s making her own 3D printed hats blocks at Makespace in Cambridge, and taking occasional masterclasses with renowned hat makers - Niav Riley in Abbeyleix in Ireland, Judy Bentinck in London, et Estelle Ramousse à Paris.

Cambridge Risk Centre

Andrew took up a role as Chief Scientist at the Centre for Risk Studies at University of Cambridge, a research unit that he helped set up while he was working 'in industry' (as they quaintly call it in academia). This year marked the 10th anniversary, with a record number of publications and supporters.

Fire Walk With Us

Helen writes on

Helen continues her adventures in the screen trade.  She was sponsored by Screen Skills for the Talent Campus programme, run by the London Screenwriters’ Festival: not only intensive coaching on screenwriting, but team-bonding and fear-conquering sessions. Specifically tarantula stroking.  And firewalking!