The Topping-Out Ceremony on Monday 19th February marked the completion of the construction of the Gatehouse, and gave the Vice-Chancellor an opportunity to thank Dr Faulkes for his great generosity to the University and to the Newton Institute.

Dr Faulkes (left) with Mrs Anne Campbell, Member of Parliament for the City of Cambridge, listen to Vice-Chancellor Sir Alec Broers explaining what will happen in the ceremony. On the right is Professor Keith Moffatt, Director of the Newton Institute.

As tradition demands, Dr Faulkes and Mr Len Bogic, works manager for contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, quaff ale after the topping out, in which Dr Faulkes fixed a sprig of yew to the top of the building.

Both Keith Moffatt, the director of the Newton Institute, and contractor Sir Robert McAlpine are Scottish, so a piper is essential for the ceremony. Dr Faulkes listens with rapt attention. Between them on the table, is the Gatehouse modelled in a cake baked by Elizabeth Barrow.