Alison Cooney

Fen Authors and Explorers: An Afternoon of Talks

An afternoon of talks about how the Fens offered inspiration for the work of local authors and photographers is taking place in Ely this Saturday, 21st October between 1.30-4.30pm.  The event titled ‘Fen Authors and Explorers’ is organised by Fascinating Fens, a local group that brings people together across the Fens through projects involving heritage, …

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Applications invited for affordable home in Fordham

An opportunity to purchase a one-bedroom affordable home in Fordham for £117,000 is available to residents who meet the eligibility criteria. The property is one of a number set aside by East Cambridgeshire District Council to help local residents struggling to get on the housing ladder. They are sold to local people on average salaries …

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Soham Benevolent Association Held their 70th Soham Carnival this Year

We raised £8,350 to give to various clubs, schools, organisations and charities. Our 2 main beneficiaries this year were the East Anglian Air Ambulance who were awarded £2000.00 and The Ely/Soham Food Bank who were awarded £2250.00.  Helen Bavester, Treasurer of Soham Benevolent Association, states “We gave the food bank £1250.00 in cash and decided …

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Statement from Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council

I am delighted with the news the Government has announced plans to improve Ely Railway Junction and the A10 between Ely and Cambridge. The Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) programme to allow more trains to run through Ely is something, we as a council, have been championing for many years providing it includes a road …

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East Cambridgeshire Organisations Encouraged to Bid for £700,000 Fund

East Cambridgeshire District Council has released the second round of its Growth and Infrastructure Fund to support sustainable projects that improve the quality of life for residents. Organisations, clubs or councils that want to deliver a project have until 5pm on Friday 8 December 2023 to place bids for a share of the £700,000 fund …

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Council welcomes news Congestion Charging proposals won’t go ahead

East Cambridgeshire District Council has welcomed the decision of the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board not to endorse the Making Connections outline business case.  While the district council supports many of the concepts of the business case it had been concerned that road charging proposals would have a detrimental impact on people living in East …

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Ely’s Window Wanderland is back! 3rd-5th November 2023

Now in our fourth year, The Stained Glass Museum and Babylon ARTS, working with the community of Ely will be hosting Window Wanderland 2023. The Window Wanderland festival has now been a part of UK communities since 2015, with over 25,000 windows decorated across the nation in hundreds of events. Ely has been part of …

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Peacock’s Meadow Receives Funding for Eagerly Anticipated Wildlife Pond

Peacocks Meadow in Littleport is about to start building its eagerly awaited eco-pond thanks to a Pride of Place grant from East Cambridgeshire District Council. The community garden has been awarded £13,414 towards the cost of building the 15 metre pond which will boost the environment for a broad range of aquatic invertebrates, pollinating insects, …

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Lucy Frazer Attends Soham Town Rangers U16 Girls Training to Discuss Local Sport and Physical Activity with Living Sport

Lucy Frazer attended Soham Town Rangers U16 Girls training session to meet the team and to discuss with Living Sport wider sport and physical activity within our local area. Living Sport is an independent charity focused on improving the health, happiness, and wellbeing of the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. They work collaboratively with partners …

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Hedgehogs win the hearts of people in East Cambs

Hedgehogs have found their way into the hearts of East Cambridgeshire’s residents, young and old. In a public vote, they have been chosen as the endangered animal residents would most like East Cambridgeshire District Council to support over the coming year. Hundreds of people attending the council’s recent Youth Fusion events, as well as at …

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Council Votes Against Local Transport Connectivity Plan

East Cambridgeshire District Council was among councils across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that have voted to reject the Local Transport Connectivity Plan (LTCP). The plan, which included the option of a road charge across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, went before the Board Meeting of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) on Wednesday (20 September 2023). In …

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Babylon Young Curator brings us a visual feast

A Matter of Taste, the curatorial debut from Babylon Young Curator, Nancy Mead, is a visual feast which explores the aesthetics of food in a mouth-watering display of paintings, photography, and sculpture. The exhibition will be open to the public from 5th October to 29th October, at Babylon Gallery. Nancy has taken the universal topic …

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Conservation Charity Celebrates Regional Revival of Rare Wading Bird with Free Event

WWT Welney is hosting a special day-long event later this month with the RSPB to mark the end of a seven-year programme that has boosted the numbers of one the UK’s rarest breeding wading birds, the black-tailed godwit, by an incredible 40%. The wetland site will be opening its doors at 6.30am on Sunday, September …

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ATCL Diploma for skilful King’s Ely pianist 

A young musician at King’s Ely has achieved her Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) Diploma in piano. The ATCL is equivalent in standard to the first-year recital of an undergraduate degree, but King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Sayuri Okunushi, has earned hers, aged just 18. Trinity Performance Diplomas are the organisation’s most advanced performance …

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Ely Cathedral Environment Lecture with Baroness Brown

Net Zero: Critical, but not Enough is the talk being given by Baroness Brown of Cambridge at the inaugural Ely Cathedral Environment Memorial Lecture on 12th September. Baroness Brown is a highly respected engineer, who sits in the House of Lords where she chairs the Select Committee on Science and Technology and is the incumbent …

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Soham Village College GCSE Results 2023

Students from Soham Village College are celebrating their GCSE results. Notable performances were made by students of all abilities including Jason Angove; Thomas Assheton; William Botcher; Ella Brown; Logan Bye; Sarah Cross; Danny Dean; Tabitha Dyer-Stephens; Freddie Emms; Elsie May Enrico; Madison Ford; Emily Franklin; Finley Froment; Callum Hardy; Louise Hardy; Noah Jewkes; Leah Johnson; …

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Grants Available to Local Organisations

Applications have reopened again for a short period and applications are invited from local, voluntary and charitable organisations that provide a service which benefits the parishioners of the City of Ely.  This includes Ely and the villages of Prickwillow, Stuntney, Chettisham, Queen Adelaide and Shippea Hill. The Council has a small budget which is allocated …

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Gaming wall plugged in at Littleport Youth and Community Centre

A giant interactive gaming wall, designed to provide positive fun activities, has been installed at the new Youth and Community Centre in Littleport. The wall is 2.5 metres high and 4 metres wide and incorporates a number of fun games and sporting activities all designed to help people get fit, encourage teamwork, and improve co-ordination and movement. A laptop, or …

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King’s Ely Students Celebrate Fantastic A-Level Results

Hardworking King’s Ely students have once again achieved places at their first-choice universities and institutions having gained a stellar set of A-Level grades.   Teachers and staff at King’s Ely Sixth Form are especially proud of the Year 13 cohort’s results, since COVID measures during their GCSE year meant that it was their first time sitting …

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Bishop Laney Sixth Form Students Celebrate Post-16 Success

Students at Bishop Laney Sixth Form, part of Meridian Trust, have achieved a fantastic set of Post-16 results this year. Adam Steels, Head of Bishop Laney Sixth Form, said: “We are delighted with these results which reflect the continued growth and success of Bishop Laney Sixth Form. These results mean our students are completing their …

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Oliver Cromwell’s House is Recognised as Tripadvisor® 2023 Travelers’ Choice® Award Winner  

Historic House, once home to the Cromwell family Earns a Place Among Travelers’ Favorites for 2023 Oliver Cromwell’s House today, announced it has been recognised by TripAdvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award winner for a Visitor Attraction.  The coveted award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the last …

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Health and Well Fair – Free wellbeing event at Ely Country Park

East Cambridgeshire residents are invited to join in a fun and free Health and Well Fair taking place at Ely Country Park on Sunday 3rd September.  The event, hosted by East Cambridgeshire District Council will be a fun day out with a focus on wellbeing.  The aim is to encourage visitors to take steps towards …

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The Visit Ely app puts our Incredible City in Global Spotlight 

After two years of extensive development, the Visit Ely App is launching for public download from both the Apple and Google Play stores, allowing anyone with a compatible handset to discover the enormous amount that this fantastic pocket city. With over three hundred businesses already listed, 5 exciting trails and a heritage focused Quest the …

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Gum Busting Machine to Help Out in Sticky Situations

Two new gum-busting machines are being brought in by East Cambridgeshire District Council to help out in sticky situations. The Ghostbusters-style backpack is being used by a dedicated street cleansing team to rid the district of the perils of chewing gum. Many streets in the district, especially the high streets of Ely, Soham and Littleport, …

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Celebrating Success at Swim England Age Group Nationals – City of Ely Amateur Swimming Club

City of Ely Amateur Swimming Club Member Oliver Davey was invited to Swim England Nationals as one of the top competitors in the 50m Freestyle in the 14-year-old age group. This was the first time at nationals for Oli and he swam brilliantly in the heats to achieve a personal best time of 25.77 which …

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Country Park and Jubilee Gardens Awarded Green Flag Status

Two of Ely’s biggest parks have been awarded Green Flag status. Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens, which are both owned by East Cambridgeshire District Council, were given the prestigious award during a national ceremony. The coveted Green Flag status is awarded to parks and green spaces which are free and open to everyone to …

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National Charity Calls for East Anglian Nature Lovers to Create Watery Havens for Wildlife

From drainpipe wetlands to bogs in backyards, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is calling on residents across East Anglia to make room for nature by creating a network of watery habitats to help wildlife in the region, particularly in cities/towns like King’s Lynn, Bury St Edmunds, Ely and Wisbech. As summer temperatures look set to soar, …

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East Cambridgeshire Businesses Pledge Support for Mums

Business owners in East Cambridgeshire are saying yes to offering a warm welcome to mothers who breastfeed and pump, as part of a new initiative supported by East Cambridgeshire District Council. FreeToFeedCP encourages businesses to sign up as a breastfeeding and pumping friendly business, so mothers can feel relaxed, comfortable and confident feeding their children …

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City of Ely Amateur Swimming Club National Open Water Success

An excellent swim at the regional open water competition saw seventeen-year-old Daniel Kendall qualify for the National Age Group Open Water Swimming Championship for the first time.  This event was held on Saturday 29th July 2023 at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield, where Daniel swam in the 5km race. It was a cool and windy …

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Veterans Attend Ely Royal British Legion Service Marking Korean War Armistice

The City of Ely branch of the Royal British Legion organised a solemn service of remembrance at the city’s war memorial today (27th July) to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice in 1953 which brought an end to the Korean War. The war began in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea following …

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Ely Air Cadet’s Report from The Royal International Air Tattoo

Whilst some of Ely Squadron’s Air Cadets and staff have been working away last week at RAF Fairford on the Royal International Air Tattoo airshow, Sergeant Carter was there privately enjoying his love of aircraft and photography. Here is a report from our Staff Cadet Sergeant Jay Carter: “This past week I have been at …

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King’s Ely pupils’ creative talents shine in ‘A Festival of Music and Dance’

From Prep School violinists to Sixth Form ballroom dancers, ‘A Festival of Music and Dance’ certainly showcased why King’s Ely is internationally renowned for its creative approach to education. More than one hundred musicians and dancers, from Year 4 at King’s Ely Prep through to Year 13 at King’s Ely Sixth Form, starred in the …

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Experience Saxon life as Ely Cathedral celebrates all things Saxon in honour of Ely’s Patron Saint, St. Etheldreda

A two day Saxon Fair takes place at Ely Cathedral this weekend with a host of entertainment from the Saxon period including exhibitors, food stalls, live theatre performances and craft making.   With an emphasis on children and families, visitors can take part in story telling sessions, which were a staple of Saxon life. There is …

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Council calls for halt to Cambridge Congestion Charge

Plans to implement congestion charging in Cambridgeshire should be stopped and alternative proposals, like improved bus services given a higher priority, according to East Cambridgeshire District Council. A motion put forward by Conservative councillors at the Full Council meeting on 13th July called on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), together with the county council …

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King’s Ely Sports Coach helps England win gold at World Masters Hockey Championships

A Sports Coach at King’s Ely played a pivotal role in the England Hockey Women’s Over 45 team winning gold at the recent World Masters Hockey European Championships. Chanrè Bond, who is Head of Hockey at King’s Ely, scored four goals during the international tournament, which took place at the prestigious Nottingham Hockey Centre. Miss …

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Captivating Victories and Remarkable Performances at the 10is Race Finals

10is Academy hosted an exciting day of tennis as participants and families eagerly gathered for the highly anticipated 10is Race Finals. The event took place at the picturesque King’s Ely and featured seven thrilling competitions that showcased the talent and dedication of the young athletes. The day kicked off with the 9 and Under competition, …

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Ely College students attend Royal Henley Regatta

A party of 11 young rowers from Ely College were invited by the Henley Stewards to participate in the Row-Past celebrations on the River Thames as part of the Final Day of the Royal Henley Regatta, Sunday 2nd July. These included the quad pictured, comprising (l-r) Josh Le Gresley, Edward Marygold, Marcus Elliott, Jamie Barrett …

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Haddenham Parish Council
Awarded Funding to Provide New Football Facilities

People living in the Haddenham area are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities thanks to a £503,292 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. This investment will enable Haddenham Parish Council to provide new grass pitches, a pavilion, car park and access road at Newtown Road, Haddenham. …

Haddenham Parish Council
Awarded Funding to Provide New Football Facilities
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Employment shortfall to be addressed in Littleport

Plans for a £1.5 million project to address a shortfall of jobs and office space in Littleport have been given the backing by East Cambridgeshire District Council. The council has approved £550,000 towards the cost of improving and expanding the E-Space North Business Centre into a dynamic hub to support the formation and growth of …

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Enhance Unveils Its State of the Art Dental Facility, Setting a New Standard in Dental Care

Enhance, a renowned dental practice in the UK, officially opened the doors to its new site to the public on June 23rd. The highly anticipated launch reinforces Enhance’s position as a leading dental facility, and signifies a groundbreaking milestone for Enhance, as it positions itself as a pioneer in dental care, offering patients an unparalleled …

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Ely Royal British Legion Marks signing of Korean War Armistice

The City of Ely branch of the Royal British Legion will mark 70 years since the signing in 1953 of the armistice which bought about an end to military operations during the Korean War. Sixty thousand service personnel from across Britain and the Commonwealth saw action during the Korean War, with 1,100 losing their lives. …

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Charity Walk – 15 Year Anniversary for The Malcolm Wales Foundation

The Malcolm Whales Foundation was created following the death of Malcolm Whales in 2008. In 2009 the first ‘Dorset Walk’ was launched with 30 students from Ely College walking 40 miles along the Jurassic Coast. The group managed to raise £6,000. It was, however, the experience and the sense of achievement that set the seed …

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Prime Brass Join 100 Young Singers to Perform Independence Day Concert

Celebration of US/UK accord will include cathedral classics and US and British folksongs Cambridgeshire’s premier brass dectet, Prime Brass, is to join 100 young American singers in Ely Cathedral on Tuesday 4th July for an Independence Day concert to celebrate the special relationship between the US and the UK.  The concert, to include cathedral classics …

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Youth Fusion – Join us for three fun interactive events this summer

Young people are invited to join our fun and free Youth Fusion Days taking place in Soham, Bottisham and Littleport this summer. These interactive wellbeing events are an opportunity to find out what’s going on for young people in the district and where to go to get more information about the things that matter to …

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Festival Foodie Friday at Ely Markets – Today’s the day! 

Ely Markets grand finale of the Ely Arts Festival is set to be a memorable event, bringing together the community through food, art, and music. Taking place on Friday 30th June from 4 pm to 8:30 pm, this special edition of Foodie Friday will feature a range of enticing food and drink stalls, showcasing the …

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Ely Sinfonia and Ely Choral Society present Serenade to Music

Ely Sinfonia, Ely Choral Society and Ely Youth Choir join together in a unique selection of music that makes the most of the magnificent space of Ely Cathedral.  Vaughan Williams, the English twentieth century master, stands next to Beethoven, the early romantic titan.  Between them is Bob Chilcott, one of the most prolific and celebrated …

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Grants of up to £15,000 Available to Help Rejuvenate Local Communities

Bulb planting, bat boxes, pond creation and bramble clearing are just some of the projects that could receive funding as part of a new Pride of Place initiative. East Cambridgeshire District Council is making up to £15,000 available for environmentally friendly projects that create, tidy up or enhance somewhere special in local communities. Applicants must …

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WWT Welney Top Score by Visit England as a Great Experience

WWT Welney Wetland Centre has received a summer score to match that of the more famous winter experience. So the site is again to be put forward for a Gold accolade.  The calibre of staff and volunteers was also very high, leading to a nomination in the Welcome Accolade for a second year running.  WWT …

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Enrollment Night for Ely’s New Recruits

On Thursday evening, 22nd June, 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron enrolled its latest intake of recruits. Twenty cadets were enrolled in a ceremony conducted by the Squadron and Wing Padre, The Reverend Allan Jesson, witnessed by the cadet’s proud parents and other family members. Our Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant J Donoghue RAFAC, delivered the commencement …

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Ely College hosts Aspirational Rowing event at Cambridge University Boat House to inspire its students and other local schools.

Over the past three years, Ely College has been fostering a robust connection with the world of rowing, building a firm alliance with the local Isle of Ely Rowing Club (IOERC). This partnership has provided students with first-hand rowing experience on the River Ouse and established an ongoing pathway for those wishing to join the …

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Flying Scotsman Fans Urged to Stay Safe and Vigilant dlDuring Trip Through East Anglia

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive are being urged to keep off the tracks and enjoy a safe day out when the locomotive travels around the region this Friday. Flying Scotsman is due to travel on the Greater Anglia network on Friday 23 June, when the engine makes its way from London to …

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Council Even More Ambitious on Environmental Pledges

East Cambridgeshire District Council has announced ambitious environmental plans to achieve carbon net zero four years ahead of schedule. In its latest Environment Plan the Council has committed to reduce the 1,316.9 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions that it produced in 2018/19 (baseline year) down to net-zero emissions by 2036. This is 14 years ahead …

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Ely Tennis Club makes a winning start to the Cambs Dunlop Summer League Season

Following on from a record six promotions in the Cambs Winter League, Ely Tennis Club’s Cambs Summer League Teams are raising the bar even higher.  Ely Men’s 2nd and 4th teams are currently topping Divisions 7 and 13 respectively, whilst Ely’s Women’s 2nd team and Men’s 3rd team sit second in Divisions 6 and 10 …

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New Principal Appointed at Lantern Community Primary School

Anthony Aguda has been appointed as the new Headteacher at Lantern Community Primary School, part of Meridian Trust.  Anthony, who took up his new position earlier this term, has joined the team at Lantern Community Primary School with a wealth of experience in the education sector. After completing a four-year combined Biology and QTS degree, …

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Celebrate the Fens with Fascinating Fens 

‘Celebrate the Fens Day’ returns this year on 17th June, and will form part of ‘Celebrate the Fens Weekend’ 16th-18th June. The aim is to bring people together to take part in various events and activities taking place across the Fens of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Suffolk, to celebrate everything about the Fens.   The celebration was …

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New Litter Picking Initiative – with a Royal Twist

East Cambs residents are being encouraged to join in June’s month of community with a new litter picking competition – which will also help mark King Charles III’s Coronation. East Cambridgeshire District Council has provided 22 participating parish councils with free litter pickers and high vis vests. Residents and groups who wish to take part …

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Bishop Laney Sixth Form Receives £5 Million Funding for Expansion and Refurbishment

The Department for Education has announced that Bishop Laney Sixth Form (Ely College), part of Meridian Trust, will receive additional funding to increase its student intake and expand and refurbish its buildings.  Bishop Laney Sixth Form currently accepts 150 students per year group, but this expansion will allow the school to create a further 50 …

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