Tali

Bon Appetit! Flavours of the World market returns to Ely

Ely will welcome the world to its doorstep this coming Bank Holiday when its celebrated international market returns for a 12th year. The Flavours of the World market will sell everything from authentic North African food to French cheese, Mexican churros and Baltic amber jewellery. Julia Davis, of Ely Markets, said: “People love seeing something …

Bon Appetit! Flavours of the World market returns to Ely Read More »

Schools bomb threat a hoax

Schools across the country are on high alert after receiving bomb threats today. The National Crime Agency said “a number of threatening emails” had been sent to schools this morning. The National Crime Agency is investigating the threats together with police. In a statement the agency said: “We understand that these types of emails can …

Schools bomb threat a hoax Read More »

American Park gone forever

An iconic Ely adventure playground, recently plagued by litter and vandalism, has gone forever. However, the Ministry of Defence told Spotted in Ely that the decision to remove the playground, known locally as the American Park, was unrelated to its recent troubles. On April 27 the play equipment was dismantled from its site off Heaton …

American Park gone forever Read More »

Beanie BOOM!

Ever wondered what a Llamacorn is? Or where you might find a Beanie Flutter? Kids’ creative skills have been put to the test during a special competition hosted by the City Cycle Centre’s Toy Department in Ely. Over the past three weeks, the store’s been running a competition to see who could invent the best …

Beanie BOOM! Read More »

Police investigate ivory trafficking in Little Thetford

Police investigating reports of ivory trafficking have executed warrants in Little Thetford. No arrests were made, but a notice was posted publicly, advising residents that warrants had been executed “at an address in your community”. The action was carried out yesterday by officers from the Cambridgeshire Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) in conjunction with the National …

Police investigate ivory trafficking in Little Thetford Read More »

East Cambs youth invite US school shooting survivors to Ely

A local youth group is fundraising to bring survivors of one of America’s deadliest high school shootings to Ely. During an exclusive interview with Spotted in Ely yesterday, members of the East Cambs Youth Consultation Panel revealed they needed to raise at least £10,000 to bring eight students and two chaperones over in October. They’re …

East Cambs youth invite US school shooting survivors to Ely Read More »

East Cambs brings the waste home

East Cambs brought the waste home this week with its trading company now responsible for rubbish and recycling collections. On Tuesday East Cambs Street Scene, the council’s trading company, took over waste collection and street cleansing throughout the district. This followed a cost-saving decision by the council in February 2017 to bring the service in-house, …

East Cambs brings the waste home Read More »

Double decker coffee rig launched to keep up with Ely's demand for caffeine

Possibly the UK’s only double decker coffee rig has opened this week to help residents get their caffeine fix amid a stunning backdrop of Ely Cathedral.  Silver Oak Coffee has unveiled its brew-ti-ful coffee rig to coincide with the launch of Ely Mini Markets today. Susanne Stent, who runs Silver Oak with husband Bruce, told …

Double decker coffee rig launched to keep up with Ely's demand for caffeine Read More »

Two-thirds of patients visiting Ely's Minor Injuries Unit would have gone to A&E

Two-thirds of patients attending the revamped Ely Minor Injuries Unit say they’d have travelled to Accident & Emergency, had the service not been saved from closure. This staggering figure is revealed in a just released report by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group. Spotted in Ely launched a campaign in July 2016 to #saveourminorinjuriesunit, …

Two-thirds of patients visiting Ely's Minor Injuries Unit would have gone to A&E Read More »

Lack of hotel near new retail park a “missed opportunity”, Ely’s mayor says

Ely’s mayor has welcomed the arrival of three major retailers to a new, out of town development, but says not including a hotel is a “missed opportunity”. Councillor Richard Hobbs told Spotted in Ely that a family hotel would “boost the tourist economy in the area”. Mr Hobbs said: “This is something which I would …

Lack of hotel near new retail park a “missed opportunity”, Ely’s mayor says Read More »

"No child will lose their meals during the rollout of universal credit" – MP Lucy Frazer

MP Lucy Frazer has defended her decision to vote in favour of government reforms to free school meal entitlements, saying “no child will lose their meals”. The South East Cambridgeshire MP has rejected claims by the Children’s Society that 10,400 children in poverty across Cambridgeshire will miss out on free meals. Ms Frazer told Spotted …

"No child will lose their meals during the rollout of universal credit" – MP Lucy Frazer Read More »

Three major retailers coming to Ely – but only if bats and voles are protected

Three major retailers are coming to Ely – as long as developers can satisfy planners that water vole and bat populations will be protected, Spotted in Ely can reveal. Last week, East Cambridgeshire District Council gave the green light for the construction of budget supermarket chain Lidl, bargain store B&M and DIY chain Wickes, in …

Three major retailers coming to Ely – but only if bats and voles are protected Read More »

Rail staff get autism training

Rail operator Greater Anglia is giving staff special training to raise awareness and understanding about autism. Accessibility manger Rebecca Richardson said some passengers on the autism spectrum found using public transport a daunting experience. “We want all of our customers to have a good experience while travelling with us.” World Autism Awareness Week takes place …

Rail staff get autism training Read More »

Brave Oliver to take on London night walk to raise funds for autism charity

When Oliver Chapman contacted meningitis as a baby, his parents were told he might not survive the night. A decade on, amazing Oliver’s gearing up for a nocturnal trek through London – his fourth epic charity mission to help causes close to his heart. This Saturday Oliver, 10, and mum Tracey are planning to take …

Brave Oliver to take on London night walk to raise funds for autism charity Read More »

The Hive due to open in May

Fitness fans will be able to get their exercise buzz at The Hive in May, when Ely’s new sports centre opens, Spotted in Ely can reveal. Massive leisure company GLL, who’ll be running The Hive, are advertising for lifeguards and fitness instructors in readiness for the grand opening. Spotted in Ely has today gained exclusive …

The Hive due to open in May Read More »

Brave brain tumour survivor Ella, 12, hosts fundraiser to save more lives

A Sutton family is celebrating their daughter’s recovery from a life-threatening brain tumour by hosting a fundraiser for the Brain Tumour Charity. Sid and Sally Bibby will don their bandannas with pride during the coffee and cake fundraiser at Sid Bibby’s Turf & Landscaping on March 2 – almost a decade after daughter Ella-Rose was …

Brave brain tumour survivor Ella, 12, hosts fundraiser to save more lives Read More »

Bridge repairs will mean fewer delays between Ely and Kings Lynn, Network Rail says

A £1 million package of repairs to a railway bridge between Ely and Littleport was carried out last week to prevent future delays between Ely and Kings Lynn. Had the work not been carried out, speed restrictions would have been imposed on the line, leading to delays and cancellations, Network Rail says. Between February 12 …

Bridge repairs will mean fewer delays between Ely and Kings Lynn, Network Rail says Read More »

Fordham crime prevention evening aims to reduce thefts

Residents will be advised on how to protect their homes and belongings from crooks during a special crime prevention workshop in Fordham this week. The event is part of a police day of action on Wednesday (February 21) across Cambridgeshire. It’s Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s biggest ever crime prevention event, involving 40 police officers, 80 PCSOs and …

Fordham crime prevention evening aims to reduce thefts Read More »

Careers event draws hundreds of primary kids to Ely College

Hundreds of students had their eyes opened to a variety of careers during a special event at Ely College today. The college hosted its annual careers event, bringing together year five students from six different primary schools and year eight secondary students. Littleport Community Primary School, Millfield School, Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, the Lantern Community …

Careers event draws hundreds of primary kids to Ely College Read More »

Massive cash boost keeps Lantern kids at cutting edge of technology

Kids at The Lantern Community Primary School are celebrating a major tech upgrade at their school, thanks to a £18,000 cash boost. Sixteen iPads, 30 laptops and an interactive classroom board have now been delivered to the Ely primary school, which will help children stay on the cutting edge of technology. Digital leaders, made up …

Massive cash boost keeps Lantern kids at cutting edge of technology Read More »

Prince Albert Valentine's garden to show "how much love there is in Ely"

Visitors to the Prince Albert Pub may be surprised to find a “carpet of love” spreading across a section of the garden. Spotted in Ely Rocks are hoping to “cover the garden in love for a spectacular sight” on Valentine’s Day. Young and old alike have been leaving love-themed rocks of art – aimed at …

Prince Albert Valentine's garden to show "how much love there is in Ely" Read More »

East Cambs Cadets face "heartbreaking" closure unless new leader found

Find a new leader or face closure. That’s the “heartbreaking” message for Police Cadets in East Cambridgeshire. The hugely popular unit has been running for almost three years, catering for 30 teens, aged between 13 and 18. The team volunteers in the community, supporting local police, delivering crime prevention advice and acting as mystery shoppers …

East Cambs Cadets face "heartbreaking" closure unless new leader found Read More »

Penguin pebbles (and toy) give comfort to poorly pre-schooler

Ely rockers may love painting pebbles but their hearts are definitely not made of stone. When members of Spotted in Ely Rocks found out about a penguin-loving, poorly three-year-old, they decided to make him rocks of art, decorated with his favourite Antarctic animal. Spotted in Ely Rocks administrator Fleur Patten launched Mission Penguin last week, …

Penguin pebbles (and toy) give comfort to poorly pre-schooler Read More »

"Selfish" drivers putting lives at risk at Chettisham crossing

It’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious smash at the Chettisham level crossing, comes the chilling warning from Network Rail. Today the body responsible for managing railways issued a warning, blaming “selfish” drivers for endangering lives at the crossing on Lynn Road, Ely. Cameras have caught motorists recklessly ignoring red lights, shooting …

"Selfish" drivers putting lives at risk at Chettisham crossing Read More »

Cheaper train tickets for Cambridge travellers – but Ely misses out on best deal

Cheaper weekday train deals have been launched today by Greater Anglia in a bid to blow away “post Christmas blues”. However, even with the offer, Ely will be paying twice as much as Cambridge travellers to visit London – because it’s classified as being in the furthest zone, even though it’s only a stop or …

Cheaper train tickets for Cambridge travellers – but Ely misses out on best deal Read More »

Ely rail "bottleneck" key priority, Transport Secretary tells Spotted in Ely

The Ely area rail “bottleneck” must be sorted before investigating reopening Soham Station or building a new train station in the North of Ely, Chris Grayling says. The Secretary of State for Transport visited Ely Station on Thursday (January 11) to talk about ways of “improving” track and train reliability in the area. He told …

Ely rail "bottleneck" key priority, Transport Secretary tells Spotted in Ely Read More »

Charity in memory of heroic Liam Fairhurst hosts fifth birthday in Parliament

The charity set up in memory of heroic Soham schoolboy Liam Fairhurst recently held its fifth birthday in the House of Commons. Friends, family and supporters of the Liam Fairhurst Foundation gathered at The Speaker House earlier this month to pay tribute to an incredible teen who lived by the motto: “Life Is measured in …

Charity in memory of heroic Liam Fairhurst hosts fifth birthday in Parliament Read More »

Littleport Station car parking spaces to double from tomorrow

Littleport commuters are in for a pre-Christmas treat, with 79 new car parking spaces opening at the station tomorrow (Friday, December 22). Parking facilities in the village will be doubled as a result, with residents able to use the new spaces from 8.30am. East Cambridgeshire District Councillor Bill Hunt, assisted by Littleport Councillors David and …

Littleport Station car parking spaces to double from tomorrow Read More »

Answers to missing landlady’s fate “lie in Ely”, police say

Two decades after an Ely landlady disappeared without trace, police hope members of the public will help them solve the tragic mystery and find closure for her family. Those in charge of investigating the case believe Deborah Steel was murdered – and that someone in Ely holds the answers. The former Royal Standard landlady was …

Answers to missing landlady’s fate “lie in Ely”, police say Read More »

Ely College students raise almost £2000 for good causes

Christmas has come early for five charities, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Ely College students. The college held its first Charity Day yesterday, with the five houses competing to raise the most cash for their chosen charities. This action packed event, raising almost £2000, was one of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust’s (CMAT’s) PLEDGES …

Ely College students raise almost £2000 for good causes Read More »

Katie and Ellen crowned Debating Champions of SE Cambs

Debating duo Katie and Ellen have described being crowned Debating Champions of East Cambridgeshire as the perfect early Christmas present. The two students, representing Soham Village College and Ely College, were among 14 Year 11 students to battle it out last week in the finals of MP Lucy Frazer’s Parliamentary Inter Schools Debating Competition 2017, …

Katie and Ellen crowned Debating Champions of SE Cambs Read More »

Diocese of Ely praised for its running of faith schools across East Anglia

The Diocese of Ely, which runs 27 primary schools across East Anglia, has been praised by OfSTED for its “wholehearted commitment to improving life chances of children”. Government inspectors have praised the ‘journey of systematic improvement’ at the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT), saying the quality of education in many of its schools had …

Diocese of Ely praised for its running of faith schools across East Anglia Read More »

Witchford shows spirit of goodwill following heartless theft

Witchford’s post mistress has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by villagers since a heartless thief stole charity boxes from inside the shop. The whole village has rallied together to show their incredible community spirit – raising almost £800 in just 48 hours, more than five times the money thought to have been inside the …

Witchford shows spirit of goodwill following heartless theft Read More »

From amateurs to exhibitors: 'Ely Through the Lens’ shows off students’ photography

Ely with a twist is the theme behind a new photography exhibition that opened this week. Called ‘Ely Through the Lens’, it features stunning photography, with profits from the sale of prints going to East Anglia Children Hospices (EACH). The other twist is that all those taking part were complete novices just 10 weeks ago! …

From amateurs to exhibitors: 'Ely Through the Lens’ shows off students’ photography Read More »

Plight of Farmers raised in Commons by MP Lucy Frazer

The plight of farmers was yesterday highlighted by MP Lucy Frazer during Prime Minister’s Questions. The South East Cambridgeshire MP, who’s promised to make agriculture a top priority, yesterday urged Prime Minister Theresa May to “confirm her government’s commitment to supporting UK farmers” once the UK leaves the European Union. The Prime Minister responded by …

Plight of Farmers raised in Commons by MP Lucy Frazer Read More »