Thinking at Twilight is a new innovation for the Cambridge Society of NSW.  The intention is to have around three evening talks a year given by a Cambridge Alumni followed by networking.  Our first event was given by Professor John Webb (PhD Cambridge) who is a professor of Astrophysics at the University of New South Wales.   He has published more than 150 research articles and has appeared on many radio and TV science programs, including "Lateline" with Tony Jones and most recently Discovery Channel’s "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman".  Over 30 people attended the inaugral event and enough praise was given ("stimulating, correct level for the audience") to ensure that the events will continue

Paul Madden is a career diplomat.  He commenced his appointment as British High Commissioner to Australia in January 2011 following his posting as British High Commissioner in Singapore.  Paul has held posts in London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington. He has an MA in Economic Geography from Cambridge University (Gonville & Caius), an MBA from Durham University, studied Japanese at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.  His first book, Raffles: Lessons in Business Leadership, was published in 2003.  He is married to Sarah who is here tonight, has three children, and was born in Devon.

Other guests included Dr Ian Brentnall, Trinity Hall, who matriculated in 1942 and Mary Cahill & Ashley Rose, who both matriculated in 1999.  A new tradition of providing bottles of port and wine to the oldest and newest matriculators attending the Winterfeast started at this function.  

We then moved on to the Concert Hall where the YouTube orchestra was practising for their big performance that night.  We even had a few words from the conductor Micheal Tilsen Thomas!! Google YouTube Orchestra 2011 and you can see the whole performance including the spoctacular light show on the sails (easily the best that has ever been done).

We finished at the Utzon Room, which was reopened in 2008 and is the first interior designed by architect Jørn Utzon, who was the original architect for Sydney Opera House.  The room has a magnificent and rare easterly view of Sydney Harbour.

Thanks to Ed for organising this.  It was definitely one of the most interesting mornings I have spent in my 38 years in Sydney.  I arrived here the week the Opera House opened.  If anyone comes to Sydney there is no doubt that top of the bucket list is to attend a performance at the Opera House and then walk slowly down the forecourt steps following the performance.  I have done it dozens of times and the tingle down the back still happens.   (Written by Chris Golis - photos in the gallery)

The weather was perfect, the music from the jazz trio was excellent and the canapes supplied by the college kitchen were superb.  The drinks and conversation flowed.  Photos are on the gallery (Thank you Helen Cox for bringing a camera.)

Emily Baxter and Rhys Goodey did a great job getting this organised and from the feed back we are going to try to do this again next year as our kick off event.