Cambridge Coincidences Collection

Well I Never!

Professor David Spiegelhalter of Cambridge University wants to know about your coincidences!

Meetings with an old friend after many years

Last July I took part in the first concert of the 2011 Proms season at the Albert Hall. Because of the number of performers in the concert the men's dressing room was front of house, below ground at the level of the entrances to the arena (where the Prommers stand). Shortly before the concert I went to the men's room next to the dressing room and met an old friend with whom I had not been in contact for at least 15 years (we are both in our mid-60s).

Colleague in Colmar

A couple of years ago we stopped overnight at a small hotel on the outskirts of Colmar, France. Looking out of our window, we noticed another British car drive into the car park, and wondered how many other British people were staying there. A few minutes later, my husband went down to the lobby to discover that the couple who had just arrived were a work colleague of mine and her husband.

Amazed in the Adriatic

Joining an Italian cruise ship, sailing from Venice around the coast of Italy to Savona, we wondered what nationality our fellow diners would be as this would be a multi national passenger list. First night we sat down to dinner and when one couple arrived they were from north Cornwall - our favourite UK holiday destination and we struck up a lively conversation on places we all knew and loved. I continued my conversation with our new Cornish friends when my husband began to speak with the 2nd couple to join the table.

Godsons

I have two unrelated Godsons, for whom I was chosen a few years apart. Both are called Edward. Both were born on 4th October [4 years apart]. Both their Fathers are called Graham.

I sit where he sat!

During 2004-2005, I had occasion to research the history of the organ in our local parish church, where I am the organist. Our village is situated on the Essex/Suffolk border. My research included seeking out ancient parish records and recording all mentions of the organ that were relevant. In the 1970s, it appeared that the organist of the day left the appointment as he was not granted the increase of fee which he felt was due to him. There was no mention of his name until the last entry dealing with the matter, when it was revealed.

Holiday in Gozo

In January 2009 we travelled from Skye to an island near Malta, staying at a hotel in Gatwick on the way. The hotel room number was 116. Our flight number to Malta was 116. And our hotel room number in Gozo was 116.

Ms

My childrens birthdays are 02.01.92 11.07.95 09.06.97 When you add up the columns 1 number is the sum of 2 of the others (apart from column 5) For instance 2+9=11, 1+6=7 and 2+5=7. They are also all left handed. Their cousin on the dad's side is also left handed meaning all my mother in laws grandchildren are left handed.

Ubiquitous Schumann

Some years ago I heard Schumann's Piano Quintet for the first time at the Barbican Hall. A while later, one lunchtime, I was leafing through CDs in the shop at the Festival Hall and found a CD of the piece. Within about five seconds of my picking up the CD to buy it, a group of musicians started playing something strangely familiar. The Schumann Piano Quintet.

Missing playing card

We always take a pack of playing cards on holiday. Somehow the four of spades had gone missing and some years later whilst taking a walk in our neighbourhood I saw a playing card laying face down on the grass verge. I turned it over and guess what, it was the four of spades. It wasn't from the same pack as ours and just happened to be an amazing coincidence.

lost one bracelet and found two

In 1979 on one day I visited in-laws, went swimming and then to a concert at Queensway Hall Dunstable. While at the concert I noticed my bracelet was missing. I popped across the road to the leisure centre to see if it had been handed in. My bracelet was duly produced. The receptionist asked if I was sure it was mine. Yes, I replied. Thought no more about it. Next time I visited my in-laws, my mother-in-law produced a bracelet and said you left this here last time. I was incredulous. So now I have two identical bracelets. And yes I felt guilty that I had someone elses.

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