County to welcome “powerful” knife monument

Cambridgeshire is set to host a 27-foot-tall monument created to raise awareness of knife crime and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.

The nationally recognised Knife Angel will be at Palace Green, in Ely, opposite the Ely Cathedral from 20 May to 17 June.

It will be free to attend, open seven days a week and accessible to the public throughout its stay.

The opening ceremony on 20 May will see speakers including High Sheriff Frances Burkitt, Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston, Chief Constable Simon Megicks, Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren and knife crime campaigner and spoken word artist Quinton Green.

The Knife Angel was created by sculptor Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre. It has been crafted from more than 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by police forces across the UK and serves as a powerful symbol of the human cost of knife crime and violence.

This will be the sculpture’s first visit to Cambridgeshire, which will coincide with a knife amnesty, encouraging people to safely surrender weapons and helping to prevent further harm.

Throughout the Knife Angel’s stay, there will be a strong focus on education and engagement, particularly with young people. Secondary school visits are scheduled for 2, 9 and 16 June, with workshops and programmes taking place on those days to support prevention and early intervention.

The project is being delivered by Soham Town Rangers Football Club in collaboration with partners including the Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and Ely Cathedral.

National Lottery funding has largely covered the costs of the Knife Angel and local businesses have also contributed, with recovery firm, Manchetts, transporting the Angel and local community group, Men’s Shed in Soham, making the picket fence which will surround it.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston said: “I welcome the Knife Angel to Cambridgeshire. Its message of anti-violence is clear and moving. Whilst we may not have the scale of knife crime that is seen in some parts of the country, sadly Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are not immune to these issues. Hosting the Knife Angel will illustrate to communities, in Ely and across the wider county, the devastating effect of knife crime. It’s also an opportunity to engage our communities, particularly young people, to make them more aware of the risks and consequences of knife carrying. I will continue to work with partners to support their efforts to prevent serious violence.”

Superintendent Paul Rogerson said: “Knife crime is thankfully low in Cambridgeshire in comparison with national levels. However, every single incident leaves lasting harm on individuals, families and communities and the Knife Angel is a powerful reminder of the real human cost behind every blade. By bringing the sculpture to Cambridgeshire, alongside a knife amnesty, we want to encourage people to think twice, surrender weapons safely and have honest conversations about how we prevent violence before it happens.”

The project will also support East Anglian Air Ambulance, who will be holding a range of activities throughout the Knife Angel’s stay in Ely. These will include delivering CPR and defibrillator training, as well as holding collections and opportunities for the community to learn more about the charity’s lifesaving work.

Tammy Swiderski, Community Fundraising Lead at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as the benefiting charity for the Knife Angel’s visit to Ely. The installation is a powerful reminder of the impact of serious violence and the role we all play in preventing it. As a charity, we bring the hospital to the patient’s side in the fastest time possible for the most seriously ill and injured people in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, so this message deeply resonates with our crews. With no regular government funding, every mission is made possible by public support and working with local partners on events like this helps raise awareness of the importance of keeping this lifesaving service flying.”

The Knife Angel’s visit aims to spark conversations, educate communities about the consequences of carrying knives, and reinforce the message that violence can be prevented through collective action.

The post Knife Angel to Visit Ely Cathedral This May in Major Knife Crime Awareness Event appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

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Follow us on Facebook or call 07548 677770 to book.

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For just £29.50, The Ely Passport offers discounted entry to four of the city’s must-see attractions: Ely Cathedral, Ely Museum, The Stained-Glass Museum, and Oliver Cromwell’s House. With just one ticket, visitors gain access to an immersive experience of Ely’s extraordinary history, architecture, art and culture – all within a convenient 48-hour period.

The Passport has been created with both value and flexibility in mind. Whether you’re in the city for a day or a weekend, the 48-hour window allows ample time to explore each venue at your own pace, while still leaving room to enjoy Ely’s charming cafes, independent shops, riverside walks and welcoming pubs. Multiple entry to Ely Cathedral is also available, just in case you miss something and want to return during your stay.

“The Ely Passport is a fantastic way for visitors to experience the very best of our city in an easy, affordable and enjoyable way. By working together, our attractions are offering not just great value for money, but a joined-up visitor experience that encourages people to stay longer, explore more and discover everything Ely has to offer – from its heritage and culture to its shops, cafes and riverside walks.” Anna Bennett, Tourism Manager Visit Ely

The launch of the Ely Passport marks a milestone in collaborative tourism for the city. Ely Cathedral, Ely Museum, The Stained-Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House have worked closely together on the initiative, highlighting the power of partnership to enhance the visitor experience and support the local economy.

Each attraction offers a unique perspective on Ely’s rich and diverse story, from the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cathedral and the vibrant artistry of The Stained-Glass Museum to the engaging historical narratives found in Ely Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House. Together, they provide a captivating picture of a city steeped in heritage and alive with culture.

The Ely Passport can be purchased at any of the participating attractions and is valid for 48 consecutive hours from the first use. It’s ideal for individuals, couples and families seeking a cost-effective way to discover the highlights of Ely without the hassle of multiple bookings.

With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to discover, or rediscover, what Ely has to offer. The Ely Passport is your key to unlocking the best of the city on one simple, great-value ticket.

For more information, including pricing, opening times and where to buy the Ely Passport, please visit the links

To buy on-line  https://shorturl.at/YGwqo

To purchase in person: https://www.visitely.org.uk/the-ely-passport/

The post Explore More, Spend Less: Ely’s Top Attractions Join Forces to Launch the Money-Saving Ely Passport appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The venture is a new arm of the newly formed Good Vibes Local Community Interest Company which umbrellas everything Spotted in Ely. The new CIC means that we can grow the good community feel social media project which spills into real life.

The radio station has been very lucky secure a Head of Music in the highly experienced Craig Dane, formally of Star Radio and still works from time to time for Heart. We also have local house DJ Steven Funnell joining us plus over 20 volunteers all working in the background towards a full launch in the first quarter of 2021.

You can tune in to tonight’s 2 hour launch party online, through the android app and via Alexa. Mark Cooney, Editor of Spotted in Ely will be doing the first hour and Craig the second.

The station will be formally opened by Sue Austen, the Mayor of Ely.

How can you listen?

Online: www.spottedinely.com/Radio

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.mf3f5cd6d2&gl=GB

Alexa: If it’s your first time say “Alexa, Enable Ely Radio” after that say “Alexa, play Ely Radio“.

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Her activities have not only got local attention but national too and has appeared on many news items with the BBC and various other national networks.

She has also recruited an army of volunteers, who until recently were working out of Coton Hall near Cambridge but has had to give up the space so that the venue can prepare to reopen.

Aitus Group, the owners of 62 Newnham Street (BAR62), saw Scrubs for Cambridgeshire in need of a space to work from while looking for a permanent home. “We were happy to help such a worthy cause.”

Ms Gomez commented to Spotted in Ely “Thank you very much to the very generous and kind-hearted Fiona Talbot that kindly offered her very spacious BAR 62 in Ely that had to be closed because of the COVID and will not be open anytime soon. We are very grateful to have a temporary hub where we can continue doing our work for the healthcare community. We have many sewers in Ely that have been sewing and produce many scrubs for the NHS. Thank you!”

You can follow the progress of Scrubs for Cambridgeshire in their Facebook group where you can also volunteer and donate: https://www.facebook.com/groups/243760926807640/

Read Ms Gomezs initial post where the group first started: https://www.facebook.com/groups/243760926807640/permalink/244642806719452/

The post Bar 62 becomes new home for Scrubs for Cambridgeshire appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

A regular to Tesco, buying for Foodbank, the Market Street restaurant owner arranged to feed 45 of its staff one evening as some finished their shift, while others were about to start.

On returning to collect his utensils, Zahid found a lovely note that read, “Thank you so very much for your delicious Curry. It was much appreciated. Regards Tesco Ely Night Team”, placed in an envelope marked “To the mystery curry man”

Staff at Ely supermarkets have been the targets of several unnecessary pockets of abuse including one who tells me she had sandwiches thrown at her but the panic buying seems to be over and things almost returning to normal.

Sylhet restaurant is remaining open for deliveries, for as long as they can, and even offering at 10% discount on all orders online. During busy times they are assisted by Ely Business Travel for their deliveries.

The post Mystery Curry Man says “Every Little Helps” appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Today, Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust was pleased to be able to confirm that the Trustees and Academy Council have appointed Mr Simon Warburton to work alongside Mr Spencer as the new College Principal from September.

Mr Warburton is an experienced senior leader, having held Deputy Head roles at Hitchin Boys’ School and Impington Village College.  The father-of-two is a scientist married to a musician and is, therefore, equally devoted to the sciences and performing arts!  Simon worked for 15 years in schools across Hertfordshire, before moving to Impington Village College 5 years ago.  Whilst at Impington, he has led a number of strategies to improve the mental health and wellbeing for staff and students and has played a key role in the impressive reputation that Impington Village College now possesses. 

Mr Warburton says “I am thrilled to have been appointed as College Principal of Ely College for September.  The huge progress made by Mr Spencer, his senior team, all the staff, students, parents and trustees means that I will be leading a community who are rightly incredibly proud of their school.  The five CMAT core values are fundamental to my belief in what constitutes the goal of education: maximising the full benefit of 7 years at Ely College to empower learners to discover their lifelong joy, be confident, respectful and successful members of their communities and enthuse in others the wonder of learning and pride in overcoming challenges.”

Mr Spencer said: “I am delighted that we have appointed Mr Warburton as Principal from September. He brings with him a wealth of experience, fresh ideas and energy. This is a very exciting time to be a part of Ely College and I am very much looking forward to delivering new developments alongside him over the next few years. Thank you to all staff, parents and carers for your support and encouragement so far and I hope you will join me in welcoming Mr Warburton to our community.”

The post New Principal for Ely College named appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

His run of good fortune sadly ended with a series of illnesses and minor heart attacks a few years ago and since then his life has calmed down from being someone who enjoyed the hustle and bustle of business life.

In recent years, Ian has found his enjoyment in a new friend Lola, a terrier who just adores him. He has also taken up digital art and more recently presenting quiz shows across various venues in Ely. The quiz themselves are not your traditional pub, pen and paper quizzes but require technology to run it through your smartphone, which means more questions, which in turns to more enjoyment of the experience.

These quiz shows bring so much enjoyment to 100’s of participants each week that 2 people got in touch to nominate him for a Community Star. We focused on the one from Austen Dack who frequently visits Ian’s quiz at The Minster on a Thursday.

On nominating Ian, Austen wrote, ” I only met Ian a few months ago. From what he has told me he has had a bad time of it over the last few years. In recent times he and his dog Lola have become known as the quiz masters in and around Ely pubs. With the little reward, Ian delivers fantastic nights and deserves a community star. I attend the Thursday quiz at the Minster Tavern.”

Ian still maintains his social media presence and offers advice to anyone needing it, but on a much smaller scale although he still has over 35,000 followers on the various platforms.

He also gave up his time to run the SpeedQuiz for Ely Foodbank at Riverside Bar & Kitchen where over £800 was raised to help other families in need across the region.

And so for being known as “Ely’s Best Quizmaster”, your latest Community Star is Ian McKendrick

The post Quizmaster is a Community Star – Ian McKendrick appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

On the 8th November, Spotted in Ely got a message that warmed the hearts of the team. It read:

“Sat in Prezzo and just witnessed 4 young boys, aged around 15, sat with the homeless man outside Mind charity shop. They got him food, gave him some money and sat with him chatting for a while before giving him a hug when they left. It even prompted a man walking past with his dog and takeaway, to share part of his food as well! It was lovely to see such a selfless act of kindness! “

India

The post has become one of the most viewed and reacted to this year on the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SpottedInEly/posts/2773571529340279

A few days after posting, Miss Martin from Ely College contacted us to tell us that 2 of the boys concerned were college students and nominated them for the award. Her nomination read:

Summary of their award: Showing compassion to others and representing their school in a positive way
Kenzie is in year 8 and Wesley in year 10 at Ely College. I am Kenzies form tutor but I have seen them both progress into outstanding young men in their time at the college. They are both always very willing to help out with anything in and out of school and Kenzie also has attended every poppy selling session I have conducted in Sainsbury’s, as well as always helping out staff and students if need be. It came to light that Kenzie and Wesley were 2 of the young boys, along with 2 other friends, who helped out a homeless man, which was witnessed by a member of the public who then went on to make a post in Spotted in Ely, which was viewed by thousands! I am so very proud of Kenzie and Wesley and they are very deserving of a Community Star award.

Miss Martin, Ely College

Along with SA Events who decided to sponsor the award, Spotted in Ely jumped into action to arrange to surprise Kenzie and Wesley during their assembly. Sadly, Wesley was not available in Friday morning but the award was presented by Mr Mawby, Head of Turing House and Wesley was presented with his later in the day. Both also received vouchers to their favourite stores.

Showing compassion to others and representing their school in a positive way, your Community Stars Wesley Santos and Kenzie Neal.

Know someone deserving?

You can nominate or sponsor a Community Star by visiting our Stars page: spottedinely.com/Stars

The post Compassionate Shining Examples – Wesley and Kenzie from Ely College. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Ely’s Pantomime Favourite, the hilarious Terry Gauci returns as Dame Sarah Sweet Tooth alongside a host of Ely pantomime favourites! Terry has become a firm favourite with Ely Audiences and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without him!

Gregory Hazel returns to play the wicked villain of them all, ‘Queen Rat.’ Gregory has recently been touring the UK as his alter ego ‘Vivienne de Vil’ with his show ‘With One Look’. Joining Gregory will be Lucinda Withers as ‘Enchantress of the Thames’, Terry Burns as ‘The Captain’ and Lucy Bell as ‘Alice.’

Daniel Bell, Producer, Writer & Director of the pantomime said ‘we are thrilled to have recruited some of the best pantomime talents in the country and will be finalising the rest of our casting over the next few weeks. Audiences can expect everything they would hope to see from a KD Pantomime; live music, high energy choreography, stunning sets and costumes and lots of laughs for all the family!’

The pantomime runs from the 13^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020 at The Maltings in Ely and tickets can be booked online at www.kdtheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01353 725 026.

The post Stunning Cast Announced for this year’s pantomime ‘DICK WHITTINGTON’ at The Maltings, Ely appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Lord-Lieutenant was in Ely this weekend to oversee the Remembrance Parade and when he heard of the work Les & Verity, he was happy to stay around at present the award to the couple at The Townhouse in Ely. He also spoke and offered his thanks to work done this year in Ely and described the couple as “Inspirational”.

Les is a veteran of the Army and travelled the world. Verity was WRAF serving at RAF Ely for many years. The pair, although have known of each other for years, managed to tie the knot while starting The Ely Veterans Breakfast group which runs once a month on a Saturday. An opportunity for past and current service personnel to meet and create a new network of comrades. The group also communicates through a Facebook group to which Les administers and offers assistance and banter.

Orchestrated by Les & Verity, the couple also managed to arrange a collection of 80 Easter Eggs which were presented to the Highfields School in Ely and laid remembrance crosses at the graves of the fallen in Ely’s Cemetry.

This year’s Poppy Appeal has been successful with a final figure still yet to be counted, but both Les & Verity have been responsible for distributing the poppy boxes around the East Cambs area, rallying volunteers and arranging the Wreaths of Remembrance and their work this year isn’t over as they sit on the Ely Branch of The Royal British Legion and the debrief is yet to begin.

Ely and especially the Veterans and Serving Members of Ely owe a great thank you and we welcome Spotted in Ely’s newest Community Stars – Les & Verity Wilson.

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Do you know someone who deserves a Community Star? Nominate them today – https://www.spottedinely.com/stars/

The post Les & Verity Wilson – 2 Wonderful Community Stars appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Ely primary school, part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), has settled into the new academic year with a brand-new playground which was built on the site of former playing fields.

Previously these fields would become unusable from October to April as the colder, wetter weather made it boggy and marsh-like.

The playground, built with investment from CMAT after the school joined in June 2018, now means the children can enjoy playing sports all year round, both during and after school hours.

Additionally, a playing field has been developed from land donated to the school from neighbouring Ely College.

As well as these significant changes, repairs were made to the school’s front playground to improve its surfacing and drainage. A path running by the side of the school was also upgraded to alleviate a subsidence issue and a six-foot fence installed near the school’s reception area, replacing one which had deteriorated and to create additional site security.

David Lawrence, Principal of Lantern Community Primary School, said: “Since joining CMAT last year we have received a tremendous amount of support including financial help allowing us to fund the changes made this summer.

“The school has needed these changes and improvements for some time now and the parents, teachers and pupils are extremely happy with the results. It has become quite a talking point in the community.”

Mark Woods, Chief Executive of CMAT, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to invest in Lantern Community Primary School. At CMAT we think it’s incredibly important to devote the time and money into our schools, ensuring the pupils and teachers have the best learning environment and opportunities to succeed.

“We are happy to see how positively these changes have impacted not just the pupils and teachers, but the reaction of the community too. We hope the facilities are enjoyed for many years to come.”

Lantern Primary School, situated in Nene Road, currently has 411 pupils with a further 30 in the pre-school. For more information about CMAT, visit www.cmatrust.co.uk or for more about Lantern Community Primary School, visit www.thelanternschool.net.

The post Pupils delight at Lantern Community Primary School’s new playground facilities appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) has teamed up with East Cambs Street Scene to provide all of their employees and elected members with a water bottle and coffee cup.

All reusable water bottles and coffee cups were handed out to staff by ECDC’s recycling superhero, Michael, last week.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of ECDC, said: “We are committed to reducing single-use plastics across the district and would encourage others to do the same.

“The environmental impact of plastic bottles in the UK is phenomenal. Recent statistics have revealed that the average person uses 150 plastic water bottles a year – around three per week.

“It is imperative that we all do our bit to reduce single-use plastics and, in turn, protect the environment.”

The statistics, from Water UK, also estimate that around 700,000 plastic bottles are littered every day in the UK.

The initiative follows the Council’s purge on plastics in which it committed to several pledges including eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic packaging, helping to ensure all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable and help increase the ease in which plastic packaging can be collected and recycled across the district.

Previously, ECDC had to send coffee cups to a specialist company to be recycled at a further cost. The cups contain a thin film of plastic which had to be removed prior to recycling.

Councillor Julia Huffer, member champion for waste, health and wellbeing at ECDC, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our reusable bottles and coffee cups to our staff.

“The scheme proves that we are serious about reducing plastic bottle waste by encouraging everyone to refill their water bottles and coffee cups to reduce the impact on the environment.

“It is part of a wider initiative to encourage people to bring their own bottle to meetings and encourage visitors to the planning committee or full council meetings to also bring their own bottle.”

As part of the commitment to the purge on plastics, all cups will be removed from the Grange from October 1 for all committee meetings.

Press Release via East Cambridgeshire District Council

The post Reusable bottles and coffee cups for all at the council appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

It has been confirmed today that Kings Ely has sold a former boarding on St Mary’s Street in Ely.

Chief Operating Officer of King’s Ely, Mark Hart said in a statement, “We can confirm the sale of a former boarding house at 24, St Mary’s Street, Ely as part of the ongoing strategic consolidation and development of the King’s Ely site. It was acquired in the mid-1980s as a boarding house but has always had an unsatisfactory layout and did not meet the requirements of modern boarding, and was closed three years ago and put on the open market towards the end of last year.”

Although the actual buyer has not been confirmed, a rumour has started that free house company, JD Wetherspoon is acquiring the property to add to their list of estate properties throughout the UK.

Spotted in Ely contacted local estates representative for JD Wetherspoon, Josh Allen, who said he could not confirm or deny the purchase of the property but they are currently looking at the possibility of opening in Ely. Ely is looking to national chains to help generate footfall into the City.

JD Wetherspoon was established in 1979 and since grown to one of the UK and Irelands biggest service industry businesses serving drinks and food and now also has a chain of hotels.

Watch this space!! We will keep you up to date on this exciting development.

The post Is a JD Wetherspoon Free House coming to Ely? appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5K timed runs all around the world. They are open to everyone; they are free, safe and easy to take part in.

They are inclusive and family-friendly. It really is for everyone!

parkruns only happen off the back off volunteering, which is huge fun and really satisfying.

Please come to the public meeting on Monday 16th September at the Ross Peters Sports Centre at 8.30pm.

Press release from Justin Smith

The post parkrun is coming to Soham! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Hayley Ellis, founder of Eco Ely, was featured on BBC Look East on Thursday 8^th August 2019 for the work she has been doing to try and make Ely a Greener City. 

Eco Ely is a community group aimed at like-minded residents of Ely and surrounding villages, who are interested in environmental issues, sustainability, recycling and making a difference where we live.

The Facebook group has been going for just 12 weeks and has over 2000 members. As well as the group they have a Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram social media platforms.

Hayley said: “A member of Eco Ely told me that BBC Look East were doing some segments about Eco things that are happening in East Anglia and suggested I get in touch. I sent a brief email, got a call and then the filming was arranged. 

We were able to film at the Lighthouse Centre, where we had the support of Ely Nappy Library and some local mums with their babies in cloth nappies which were a great addition to the filming and they were all so well behaved! Disposable nappies make up a huge amount of the daily waste so we wanted to showcase this as an alternative for people. 

I then had a one to one interview with Emma, and she said I was very enthusiastic and inspiring and she was going to look into recycling her crisp packets through TerraCycle in her area!

The new Ely shop Prospects Trust Unwrapped were also featured, and we got to showcase their new green grocers which is opening in September, selling organic produce from the Prospects Trust Farm in Reach. They will also have a refill wall for liquid refillables and dried goods, a café serving homemade cakes and seasonal light bites, and Pods for local sellers to showcase their local products.”

Eco Ely will be holding a fundraising event at Littleport Leisure Centre on Sunday 18^th August at 7pm with a quiz and a raffle. Hayley will be showcasing some eco swaps for people to look at.

The first official Eco Ely meeting will be on Wednesday 4^th of September at 7pm at St Mary’s Church Hall in Ely. 

Hayley says “Please come and hear more about Eco Ely, bring any ideas you have or changes you would like to see. Everyone is welcome and we are open to any ideas or suggestions. We are particularly keen to set up a committee, and if you have any skills or support you would like to offer, we would love to hear from you!”

For further details of Eco Ely please find us on social media, or email ecoelycambs@hotmail.com or call Hayley Ellis on 07793 671728.

Press release from Eco Ely

You can follow all the Eco Ely news here on the Spotted in Ely website.

The post Eco Ely reaches out to the Region on Look East appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Ely Cathedral is commissioning leading young British composer James Olsen to write a major new work for Ely Cathedral boy and girl choristers, organ, professional orchestral musicians from the Britten Sinfonia, Cathedral clergy and altar servers, and over 250 Cambridgeshire schoolchildren, to be performed at Ely Cathedral on 22 June 2020.

The new work, titled Ad orientem: An Ely Liturgy, tells the story of how the original Anglo-Saxon monastery at Ely founded by Saint Etheldreda in 673 was destroyed by the Vikings in 870. Conceived especially for the Cathedral and inspired by Ely’s history and ecology, it will combine theatre, music, liturgical elements to create a site-specific work which makes use of different parts of the building in performance.

The project aims to give schoolchildren from Ely and the surrounding area the opportunity to sing in the Cathedral even if they have had no previous musical experience. Participating schools include Ely College, Ely St Mary’s CofE Junior, Rackham CofE Primary, Hilgay Riverside Academy and Ten Mile Bank Riverside Academy. As part of the project, James and musicians from the Cathedral and the Britten Sinfonia will deliver a number of workshops in participating schools, introducing the children to local Anglo-Saxon history and medieval music.

The work will also contain a series of short meditations by a larval eel as it makes its 4,000 mile journey eastwards from the Sargasso Sea near North America to Ely, written especially for the work and read in the performance by the distinguished local writer Francis Spufford.

The project has been largely funded through a donation from the Farmington Institute. The Cathedral is also offering individuals and local businesses the opportunity to become patrons of the project: from as little as £10, patrons will see their name printed in the published score as well as receiving other benefits.

Composer James Olsen says: ‘It’s an honour and a thrill to be asked to write this new piece for Ely Cathedral. Many of us love the hymns and church music we sang as youngsters, and the Anglican choral tradition is in many ways the bedrock of British musical life. But our beautiful cathedrals can seem a bit scary if you’ve never been inside one, which is why this project is so important to me. By giving over 250 Cambridgeshire schoolchildren the chance to sing in this magnificent space, this project will help to pass this precious musical tradition on to the next generation. This project is particularly special to me because, three years ago, I decided to make Ely my home. I have huge admiration for all that the Cathedral does, and am delighted that we are collaborating on this project which I hope will be of benefit to our community.’

The Very Revd Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely, says: ‘I am delighted that Ely Cathedral is commissioning composer James Olsen to create this unique new work for us. The Cathedral’s musical tradition is one of its great treasures, and by giving hundreds of local schoolchildren the opportunity to sing alongside Cathedral musicians and members of the Britten Sinfonia in this magnificent space, a new generation will discover the richness and beauty of that tradition for the first time. This project is not simply about music, however: participating children will learn about the Anglo-Saxon origins of the Cathedral through special workshops and tours, and bring that history to life in a spectacular final performance which will combine music, drama and liturgy. We owe our Cathedral’s existence to the patronage of countless individuals who wished for this great building to inspire future generations and I therefore very much hope that individuals and businesses will consider continuing that tradition of generosity by supporting this project.’

For more information, please visit www.olsenverlag.com/ely

Press release from Ely Cathedral

Photo credit James Billings

The post New Musical work at Ely Cathedral for 250 local children and an eel appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Ely swimmer Ciara Taylor, who is 14, travelled to Glasgow last week to compete in the British Swimming Summer Championships held at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Only the top 24 swimmers in each age group in Britain qualify to attend this annual event and Ciara achieved a personal best time in her Heat to qualify for the Final where she finished 9th in another personal best time and breaking her own Cambridgeshire County Record.

Ciara competes for St.Ives Swimming Club.

The post Ely Talent at the British Swimming Summer Championships 2019 appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

An extraordinary art work by the renowned street artist, Banksy, will be on temporary display in Ely Cathedral during the summer months. 

The Grappling Hook (2017) is an original piece signed by the artist, and is presented in the form of a large crucifix with 3 steel grapples and over 4 metre length of knotted rope.  

The ‘Grappling Hook’ is widely acknowledged as one of the most iconic pieces to emerge from Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem and  is known to have been created as a powerful statement highlighting the struggles surrounding the West Bank and the division of the two most holy cities in Christianity. 

Banksy refers to the piece as a “military grade grappling hook and combined spiritual ornament”. As well as the Grappling Hook, the specially created hand sprayed box will also be on display. It has been described as arresting, moving and polemic and ranks alongside the artist’s most significant works. 

As controversial as it may seem for a Cathedral to be displaying such work, Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely commented – “The Cathedral provides a wonderful backdrop for art and sculpture. Obviously there are strong statements associated with many of Bansky’s works, and we hope many will come to see this piece and draw their own interpretation and meaning from it. We are not displaying it to create any political statement, although it is borne out of very troubled political situation – but we cannot either escape the fact that Jesus’ crucifixion had a very strong political element to it too.  I think this work will create a particular presence and challenge in a building devoted to the Christian faith”.

 The Grappling Hook has been kindly loaned to the Cathedral by a specialist  collector who wishes to remain anonymous and will be in situ from mid July until the end of September. Please visit the website for further details – www.elycathedral.org. 

Press release from Ely Cathedral

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The parade, part of the Ely Folk Festival almost didn’t happen when a call from a small group of people asked for it to be scrapped but thankfully, Ely as a whole came forward when more 4,000 people voted to keep the parade. Their feelings are known that the parade is welcome this year and for every year to come.

A meeting between the folk festival committee and the Market Team at ECDC resolved any issues.

The parade was led by Mayor Michael Rouse and had around 15 troops.

Some market traders and independent stores reported they had an incredible and busy day of trading since the parade started at 11am.

See our gallery below and feel free to add your own memories on our Facebook page. If you didn’t get to watch the Live video, its now below. Enjoy

Photos copyright Spotted in Ely

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In a post dated July 2nd on his Facebook page which has more than 6,000 followers, it said, “With great sadness, we have to report that Garfield died a short while ago. He was hit by a car in Sainsbury’s car park earlier this afternoon and was rushed to the vet but they were unable to save him.
David and Tina are, of course, devastated. Garfield brought joy to all our lives and his memory and legacy live on. Give your own cat an extra cuddle tonight and remember Garfy with love.”

Since that post, thousands of well-wishers, Facebook postings and even national news media has covered the demise of Garfield.

Many fans of Garfield have attended the Sainsburys store in Ely to lay flowers, cards and even toys.

To commemorate the life of Garfield, owners, David and Audrey have set up a Just Giving page in aid of Cats Protection in which they hope to sponsor other cats to live out their days in comfort while being unable to be rehomed. So far, over 100 people have supported the cause raising over £1200 of their £4664 target.

Garfield became so popular worldwide, that alongside author Cath Caruth, owner David commissioned a book called “What’s THAT doing there?”, a tribute to when Garfield used to play in the meadows before Sainsbury’s was built and his ownership of the supermarket.

Many others have called for memorials to be placed in Ely to remember the lovable feline and many ideas are currently being looked at.

To offer your support please see https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mr-sainsbury-garfield

The post Garfield’s Memorial Fund hits 100 Supporters and roars through £1000 appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Today, we are please to announce a new Interactive Recycle Map for East Cambridgeshire here on the Spotted in Ely website. All of the data was collected the group associated with us, Eco Ely.

With products ranging from Clothing to Electrical and from Dental to Plastic, there is now always somewhere to recycle ethically within our region.

You will always be able to find the map under the Eco Ely tab on the menu or simply click here: https://www.spottedinely.com/eco-ely/recycling-points/

The post Where to Recycle Made Easier appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In a press release, East Cambs said, “Following a very successful meeting between the council and Ely Folk Festival, we are pleased to confirm that all concerns have been addressed and a managed procession will take place using the traditional route in harmony with the Farmer’s Market and Craft Market. The festival is steeped in history and the procession is a central part of the event. By working together, we have been able to reach a positive outcome with which all parties are satisfied. We look forward to a well-managed, safe, fun-filled weekend for all to enjoy and this continues in the future.” 

Thousands of you took to Spotted in Ely to cast your vote as to whether the parade should remain as tradition dictates and 97% of Elysians agreed it should.

The parade will take place on July 13th.

The post The Folk Festival Parade WILL Take Place As Per Tradition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In its first Ofsted inspection since joining the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), Ely College has been rated Good with Outstanding leadership and management. 

It has been a fantastic three years for the college, who were announced last summer as ‘Secondary School of the Year’ at the Cambridge News Education Awards and achieved some of the best GCSE results in their history. 

Now, just three years after joining the Trust, Ely College has been rated Good for ‘quality of teaching, learning and assessment’, ‘personal development’, ‘behavior and welfare’ and ‘outcomes for pupils’. The College’s post 16 provision, Bishop Laney Sixth Form, was also rated Good. 

The ‘effectiveness of leadership and management’ was judged to be Outstanding. Inspectors said: “Since taking up his post in September 2016, the principal has been unwavering in his determination that only the best will do. Senior leaders, the trust and governors have successfully transformed the culture in the school.” They continued: “The quality of teaching, learning and assessment, achievement and behavior have all improved significantly as a result.”  

Principal, Richard Spencer, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection. We have waited a long time for a report like this and it is an accurate reflection of all the hard work and dedication that our staff have put in to transforming the school over the last three years. We are indebted to all at CMAT, the Fenland and East Cambridgeshire Opportunity Area and our fantastic local community who have supported us on every step of our journey and enabled us to become the school we are today. Looking forward, we’re excited to carry on building on this success and continuing to provide a fantastic education for the children in our community.” 

The running of Ely College transferred to CMAT in July 2016. This came after discussions with the Department for Education which aimed to secure local support for Ely College, with the aim of moving the school more quickly towards becoming Good. Before joining the Trust, Ely College had been through a turbulent period, with Ofsted judging the school ‘inadequate’ and requiring special measures in 2015.

Mark Woods, Chief Executive Officer of CMAT, said: “We are over the moon with the results of the inspection at Ely College. The College’s success is a real representation of our commitment to providing a high-quality education for everyone, at the heart of local communities. We are thrilled to have been a part of the College’s journey and excited to see what we can continue to achieve together in the future.”  

The full report can be found on the College’s website but the key findings are detailed below:

• Leaders have transformed the school by successfully establishing a culture of high expectations of both staff and pupils. As a result, the quality of education has improved rapidly. Parents and pupils recognise the significant improvements that leaders have made
• Leaders have worked relentlessly to improve behaviour, teaching and achievement. Staff share leaders’ ambition and want the best for pupils
• The overwhelming majority of parents who responded to Parent View, Ofsted’s online questionnaire, were supportive of school leaders and acknowledged that significant improvements had been made
• The Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (the trust) has been instrumental in securing rapid improvements in the school. School leaders’ work with the trust has contributed to improved teaching, learning and assessment and ensured that leadership at all levels is strong
• Teaching is effective in helping most pupils to make strong progress in many subjects, including English and mathematics
• Leaders have carefully constructed a curriculum that supports pupils’ academic and personal development well. An extensive range of extra-curricular activities, a well-planned personal social and health education (PSHE) programme and the PLEDGES system contributes strongly to preparing pupils for life in modern British society
• Governors have a comprehensive knowledge of the school. They provide appropriate support and challenge which ensures that school leaders’ actions result in improvements
• Adults know pupils well and provide them with the support needed to complete their studies and progress to education, training or employment
• The sixth form provision is good. Students typically achieve well on the vocational courses offered. Leaders have re-introduced A-level courses to broaden opportunities for post-16 study in the local area

Press release from Ely College

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WWT Welney are excited to have been nominated for a Gold Accolade within the Visit England, Quality Assurance Scheme. The team at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust site pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and informative experience for visitors, so that everyone can connect with wetlands and the incredible wildlife.

The continued improvements made to the visitor centre and reserve over the years have been recognised through the Visit England scheme. The strengths that shine through include; knowledge of the staff and volunteers and the care shown to visitors, quality of the gift shop and atmosphere of the Wigeon Café, engagement opportunities for visitors including the Godwit Festival as part of Project Godwit and the newly installed Fenland exhibit.

Leigh Marshall, Centre Manager, said:

‘It is great to see the hard work from our team of staff and volunteers being recognised in this way. We are open 364 days of the year, so it is the commitment and enthusiasm of our team that means we continue to provide amazing ways for visitors to connect with wetland wildlife.

‘The seasonal changes of our wildlife and landscape result in very different experiences for our summer visitors compared with our winter visitors, and making sure that we get the best out of each season is a top priority for us. This year’s Visit England evaluation took place during our Godwit Festival weekend, and the assessor adored her visit – which was reflected in the score’.

Wetlands are hugely beneficial to people as well as the wildlife they support. An environment such the Welney Wetland Centre provides the opportunity for people with a wide range of accessibility needs to enjoy fantastic wetland experiences.

Press release from WWT Welney Welland Centre

Images: Aerial views of visitor centre credit: Sky Vertical; Headstarted black-tailed godwit chicks credit: Georgette Taylor/WWT; NEW Fenland exhibit within visitor centre credit: WWT; Gift shop in visitor centre credit: WWT

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The plans of East Cambridgeshire District Council to bring the 88 empty properties at the MoD site in Ely back into use were thrown into doubt at the end of May when a motion to review the proposals was successfully put forward by the opposition group at the first Full Council meeting of the new administration.

At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council last week the motion was rescinded, the effect of which is to put the project back to being delivered to its original plan, albeit slightly later than had been agreed with the MoD.

At nil cost to tax payers, the project will deliver 88 refurbished homes with 4 units being divided to provide 92 homes in total, 15 of which are to be retained as affordable homes in a Community Land Trust structure and reserved for local working people.  Subject to planning, the purchase also offers the potential for further development of the site in the future, with up to 62 new homes, at least 30% of which would be reserved as affordable homes for local working people in a Community Land Trust structure.

Leader of East Cambs District Council, Cllr Anna Bailey said: “This project was put at very serious risk of total loss by the well-intentioned but ill-informed motion brought by the opposition group who failed to examine or understand the detail of the scheme.  We know there were private developers interested in the site that would not be required to deliver any affordable housing from the existing properties.  I fear if the delay had gone on any longer, the MoD would simply have sold privately or put the site to public auction and I am delighted it is now back on track.”

The Combined Authority received £100m in the devolution deal to deliver 2,000 affordable homes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  The Liberal Democrat motion sought grant funding from the Combined Authority to upgrade more of the units to affordable homes.

Cllr Bailey continued: “The 15 affordable homes being delivered in phase 1 will be reserved for local working people and is the maximum the business plan can reasonably bear.  The Lib Dem motion would have required over £100k per unit against the Combined Authority’s benchmark level of £35k – the Combined Authority could never have agreed to it. 

“We have always said we think there are good opportunities to deliver an increased number of affordable homes in phase two of the project, where new homes can be purpose built and where we think we can get an increase on the normal 30% policy level and we are actively working on this.  It would be great if we can all work together as one Council and focus on the opportunities in phase two for the good of East Cambs residents, and I invite the opposition to do so.” 

Refurbishment works will now commence in the autumn of 2019, led by East Cambs Trading Company, one of the Council’s commercial arms that is 100% owned by the Council for the benefit of residents.

Press Release By East Cambridgeshire District Council

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Isle of Ely Primary School – famous for its ‘more-than-a-school-fete’ summer shindigs – will be opening its gates to the local community for Isle Fest 2019, a festival of family fun, on 6th July 2019, 11am – 3pm.

The Isle of Ely PTA is firing on all cylinders to deliver a 2019 line-up full of festival delights including: live music, crafts, street food, face-painting, circus activities and more … plus a likely encounter with a Stormtrooper or a Dalek!

2019’s headline act is Tom Lumley, an indie singer-songwriter fresh from touring with some of the UK’s hottest bands. There will be more live music from the lovely Emily Wright and the amazing Thomcats, plus Sammy Magic Magic will be conjuring up plenty of fun and Lane Academy promise to light up the stage with their show-stopping routines.

Around the festival site you will discover local author Frank Danes signing copies of his Doctor Who book, Irish dancing, Ely Fire Station, All4Sports football, a kids ‘open mic’ stage, circus workshop, face painting, ‘pass-it-on’ school uniform stall, cake stall, tombola, toy shop, forest school  and of course a raffle stocked with great prizes, kindly donated by local businesses.

Festival-goers are very welcome to bring picnics on-site, but Steak & Honour, Grain Culture, Sweet Ally Scoops and the Rural Coffee Project will provide tasty treats a-plenty to re-fuel the party.

All funds raised will go towards the Isle of Ely PTA’s campaign to create an innovative outdoor music classroom, to expand the school’s existing array of creative learning opportunities. With research demonstrating the positive impact that the Arts play in raising attainment across the curriculum, the music classroom aims to open up exciting opportunities for pupils to experience learning in different ways and to discover new talents.  

Helen Davies, the new headteacher at Isle of Ely School comments: “I look forward to opening our gates for Isle Fest to meet members of both our school and local communities. Our exciting vision for an outdoor music classroom reflects the emphasis we place on fun and creativity in our curriculum and we hope this event will help us to turn our ambitious plans into reality for our young people.” 

Heather Brooks, Head of Isle of Ely PTA said: “Isle Fest is a great opportunity to come and see our school community in action – especially for parents in Ely considering future school options. I’m excited to say that the 2019 line-up promises to make this year’s event the best one yet – we look forward to welcoming you on the day!”

Ticket information: Entry to Isle Fest is £5 per family or £2 per adult. We advise booking tickets in advance from pta@isleofelyprimary.org or alternatively they will be available on the gate. Follow us at: www.facebook.com/IsleOfElyPTA for festival news before the event.

Press release from Isle Fest

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A local council has been the talk of the county after filling up a Zero Waste Box to the brim in just four weeks.

East Cambridgeshire District Council, who installed the box for seemingly unrecyclable items such as crisp packets and sweet wrappers at The Grange, will send the contents to Terracycle to safely recycle all the collected materials.

Once with Terracycle, the waste is separated into fibres and plastics. The fibres are recycled or composted, and the plastics are extracted to be made into recycled plastic products.

East Cambridgeshire’s Environmental Services team have been at the forefront of installing the Zero Waste Box.

In the four weeks, the box had been filled with 1,118 packets and wrappers.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This is fantastic news for our district.

“Having installed just one of these boxes in reception, the turnout has been incredible.

“This is something all organisations should utilise from Terracycle, who are able to recycle items that ordinarily would go to landfill.”

With the success of the Zero Waste Box for crisp packets, the Environmental Services team at East Cambridgeshire District Council have now installed a Zero Waste Box for coffee pods.

Much like the crisp packets, the coffee pods will be sent to Terracycle and separated by material.

All plastic from the pods will undergo extrusion to eventually be moulded into new plastic products.

To find out more in recycling and waste, visit the ECDC website: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/recycling-and-waste-ecss

To find out more about Terracycle, visit their website: https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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Witchford Village College recently welcomed Jon Crisp from Amey, at Waterbeach. He held an assembly with our Year 8 students about recycling and reducing waste. He informed them about the waste that goes to landfill and how long it takes to break down. He then gave them information about recycling and waste reduction.

Jon was also here to launch a pilot project with fifteen of our students who went on to visit Amey’s Waterbeach site and see first-hand how waste is dealt with. Students then chose a small item of wooden furniture from the recycling centre and returned to College with it.

Workshops were then held over two days for students to up-cycle their furniture using recycled materials. They were shown how to apply the paint, use stencils and re-upholster chairs by Nikki DiGiovanni, a local artist who specialises in upcycling and reusing. They used fabric scraps and recycled paint from CCORRN, Cambridgeshire Community Reuse and Recycling Network at March.

The project culminated in an assembly where furniture was displayed for all Year 8 students to see what their peer group had achieved. Parents of the students involved were invited and the Managing Director of Amey, Paco Hevia told the students how impressed he was with the outcomes. He presented the fifteen students with certificates and an Amazon voucher for their efforts. The furniture will be put up for sale on our website.

The scheme has been set up to show students how easy it is to recycle everyday household items and that a profit can be made. It is hoped that Year 8 have gained a full understanding of the waste and recycling issues the country faces and now have ideas that they can put in place at home and at school.

Press release from Witchford Village College

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‘I’ve visited Ely several times and know what an asset the independent cinema is for the City. I’m really pleased to be supporting the Save Ely Cinema campaign and I hope Babylon Arts is able to raise the money it needs to keep it going’ Watch the clip of Himesh talking about the campaign here

The initial target was to raise £3000 by 1st June to cover the annual warranty and maintenance costs of the cinema kit. Caroline Cawley from Babylon ARTS who manage the cinema said ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by people’s support and have smashed our first target. We now need to continue our appeal to raise the remaining £7000 to meet our over-all target of £17,000. We’d like to say a big thank you to all our original pledgers and ask everyone to continue to coming to see more films, more often at our riverside cinema to ensure its long term survival.’

You can find out more about the campaign or donate online at www.babylonarts.org.uk or at the cinema.

The post Boost for ‘Save Ely Cinema’ campaign from ‘Yesterday’ film star Himesh Patel appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

David Lyon, who had been Chairman of Haddenham Parish Council and the project manager whilst the skatepark was being developed and built had been invited to carry out the official opening duties.  He said the provision of this skate park by the Parish Council demonstrated their commitment to encouraging sporting activity throughout the community by enhancing the facilities at every opportunity.  The success of this project can be measured by the amount of use it gets.”

Several of the users of the facility gave demonstrations of their skills and these were appreciated by those present.

The idea of the project was formed back in 2016 when the old wooden skatepark had to be demolished due to it becoming unsafe and the Council was approached by two lads in the village about fundraising to build a new skatepark.

There then followed a quite lengthy process of public consultation, putting together ideas for a design, choosing a preferred design and working with that contractor to deliver what was wanted.

Once this was in place and the £100,000 budget set for the project the Parish Council applied for grant funding. This was also quite a lengthy process but well worth the wait with WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) Ltd, but now known as FCC Communities Foundation Ltd, and Sport England both very generously granting £50,000 each towards the cost.  Other costs have been covered by the Parish Council and Haddenham Recreation Charity.

Building work commenced in April 2018 and was completed in August 2018 and although the skatepark has been in use since that time this event was the official opening of the area and an opportunity to publicly thank both grant funding bodies and everyone else who was involved for making it possible to provide a state-of-the-art facility of this kind in Haddenham and indeed the district.

The post Haddenham Skatepark Gets its Official Opening appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

As the Eastern Regional Swimming Championships drew to a close last weekend, head coach Elaine Hill was able to reflect on the Club’s best regional performance for many years.   

Swimming against the top swimmers of their age from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, the club celebrates three medal winners (pictured).

Maximilian Veiga at the age of 12 and swimming in his second regional championships stormed to double Gold in 50m and 100m Backstroke meaning he currently sits 7th in 50m Backstroke and 8th in 100m Backstroke in England in his age group for 50m swims.  

Iona Trainer, 16,  consistently qualifying again this year for regionals, won Silver in 50m Breaststroke and qualified for the Swim England National Summer Meet in Sheffield, entry for which is by invitation only based on performances in the qualification window.

In her first Regionals, Georgia Holgate, 12 , also stepped up to the challenge winning a Bronze medal in 200m Butterfly. City of Ely finished 21st in the Regionals’ overall medal table and 12th in the 14 years and under medal table.

Elaine reflected “The performance from our swimmers this year at Regionals has been exceptional and is testament to the many hours they have committed to training.  We haven’t had any regional medals for many years and now four have been achieved this year. Ely hasn’t won a gold medal at Regionals in a generation which shows what an outstanding performance it is for Maximilian to win two in 2019.    Hopefully this will encourage others in the Club to emulate Iona, Georgia and Maximilian’s success and we can build on these results next year.”

Press release from The City of Ely Swimming Club

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This year’s festival themed ‘Landscapes of Life’ features an unmissable programme of art, performance, music, literature & free events. The festival launches on Friday 14 June with ‘An Evening with Wendy Cope OBE in conversation with Jeremy Sallis’.  

The evening will include poetry readings from Wendy who will be joined by BBC presenter Jerermy for a conversation about Wendy’s fascinating journey from Primary School teacher to becoming one of the UK’s favourite poets. Tickets available from visitely.org.uk

Drawing audiences from across the District the wide-ranging programme showcases work from local, regional and internationally renowned performers, artists and makers. During the first weekend you can catch a major exhibition of work from John Piper at the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s Waterside (until 16th June). 

Visit Ely’s Courthouse on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June to see the tale of how one local family lost a fortune a hundred years ago and how greed and pomposity can lead to ruin.  Local artist Ted Coney will be in a ‘pop up’ studio in the main courtroom working on his latest family painting ‘Who Stole The Toothpaste?’ Ely’s courtroom is reputed to be E.H. Shepherd’s inspiration for the illustation in Wind in the Willows. Entry to the exhibition is free. Also in Ely The Old Fire Engine House is exhibiting work from Suffolk Painter Barrie Houghton (until 28th July)

Festival Chair Sheila Friend-Smith said ‘We pride ourselves on being a Festival celebrating all the arts and reaching as many local villages as possible so there’s plenty on offer outside the city.’  

Haddenham Arts Centre’s Summer Exhibition ‘Summer Landscapes and Inspirations’ runs throughout the festival  (until 7th July). Enjoy work from popular artists Claire McGinley, Stuart Green as well as textile, jewellery and ceramic work created by artists and makers who live in and around the Fens at this beautiful venue with sculpture garden and cafe. Events include ‘Haddenham Thursdays’ with live music, kicking off on 20th June. 

Upcoming festival highlights include a village tour from the Festival Players, a picnic concert as Sing! Choirs perform in the Bishop’s Garden,  A Night at the Movies at Ely Cathedral with the Festival Orchestra & Community Choir.  The final event is on Saturday 13th July as Ely Choral Society bring “A Night at the Opera” to the Hayward Theatre in Ely. 

Pick up a free brochure from Oliver Cromwell’s House, Ely Cathedral, Babylon Gallery and shops and venues throughout the District.  Visit the Festival website for latest update and details on booking isleofelyartsfestival.org.uk

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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In October 2018 my beautiful Grandson Alfie became ill. What we thought was an ear and throat virus turned into the beginning of a horrendous scary 6 months and is still ongoing.

After being rushed to Addenbrokes hospital he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This type of Leukemia is rare in children as it usually affects the over 60s . We were told he would be in hospital for 6 months. He was only 10 months old.

My heart was broken. Watching my daughter and future son in law suffering was the hardest thing I’ve ever seen. Ollie had only just finished treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 4 days before Alfie was admitted. So two people out of a little family of three had been struck with this vile disease.

We were all sad, confused and angry. And so began the treatment….four rounds of chemotherapy over six months. Watching the different chemos entering his tiny body broke me every time. So many medicines to stop infections and to stop him being sick. So much for a baby, but every day he made us smile with his determination to keep going and enjoy life.

Each round, when he was neutropenic he was at danger of catching any illnesses so we had to be extra careful. He ended up in a barrier room each round, which he obviously didn’t understand, why he couldn’t leave the room for up to two weeks at a time. Poor Saffron didn’t see daylight for two weeks during one round.

The emotional roller coaster on C2 ward is hard. You see families coming in hanging onto hope. Then later seeing them broken and trying to absorb all the information but then the next minute you are celebrating with another family who have received good news. I have never cried on or hugged so many strangers in my whole life. You draw strength from each other and that is the only way to get through it.

Each round also meant heart scans and bone marrow aspirations to see what level the disease was at. Waiting for those results each time was nerve racking.

The position we are in now is that treatment has finished but we have had worrying blood results from his weekly tests in that they have seen some immature cells and they are not sure what they are yet. Alfie is now having yet another bone aspiration done so they can see what is happening inside his little body.

The scientists at Bristol have also designed him his own personal test to see if they can give us any information on what is likely to happen in the future. This limbo feeling is so hard. It is a constant black cloud above our heads threatening to burst at any time and bring us crashing down again.

There is no stem cell match for Alfie at the present time. So please can I ask anyone who is able to sign up to be a potential donor.

There are 4 registers: DKMN take people from 16 to 55, the NHS, the Welsh Register and the Anthony Nolan Trust take 16 to 30.

A person’s best match after a sibling is a complete stranger so please, please, please can I ask you to help. We have met many children on C2 who have needed stem cell transplants, so please help others out there too.

Weʼre raising £150,000 to help pay for CAR T cell therapy for Alfie: Just Giving link

Thank you.

Words by Karen Miller

#HopeForAlfie

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Ellee is a prolific fundraiser for ACT – Addenbrookes Charitable Trust, where she was hospitalised for a long time at a very early age and continues to be cared for on a regular basis when treatment is needed for the illness Bronchomalacia.

Bronchomalacia is a congenital problem that arises from diminished cartilage within the main airways (bronchi). The weakened cartilage usually collapses more easily during expiration and prolongs expiration, or prevents expectoration and causes trapping of secretions.

Despite those limits, she just wants to say thank you to ACT for their support. Ellee started doing cake sales and small walks within her abilities. Those small walks developed into longer ones and she is now planning a charity walk from Waterbeach to Ely with her best friend, Keith the dog.

To date, Ellee has raised over £3,000 and says she isn’t stopping ever.

At her school this morning, alongside Seb from the 10is Academy, the sponsor of this award, we were introduced by head, Mrs Ireland-Curtis to the school and she said, “Ellee portrays what the school is all about, despite illnesses and hardship, you are a very special young lady and we are honoured to have in our school”.

Ellee was presented with our new style Community Star Award, as well as a special present from Seb, a Unicorn styled Long-Board which we had learned she had been eyeing up from her mum. After the presentation, Ellee became emotional with tears of joy as she hugged her mum.

Proud mum, Ashleigh said “What an amazing morning, I couldn’t be more proud of my girl, I hope she never forgets how truly amazing she is”.

Ellee Mae Handscomb you are our latest Spotted in Ely Community Star sponsored by 10is Academy.

Do you know a person, a group, business or organisation that deserves a special recognition? Visit https://www.spottedinely.com/stars/ and get nominating. Likewise businesses, we cannot do it without you. Pledge your interest on the same page and visit our past recipients.

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Before the selection process however, the standing down as Mayor needed to be formally complete and Cllr Rouse wanted to do things slightly differently by presenting cheques to many groups and individuals who deserve the extra attention within our community.

ST JOHNS AMBULANCE – they have supported the Civic Service on many occasions.

THERAPY DOGS – A cheque was presented to Elena for here work in both dog and human welfare.

K9 CAFE – for an upcoming project writing about the importance of dogs.

EMILY PIETERS – AIR CADET – to help launch her fund towards achieving her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Scheme

ZACK WYMER – to help towards the cost of a 2 week National Youth Theatre residential course this summer

Tribute was also given to the passing of John Yates, a long term councillor and good friend to Mayor Rouse for which a long ovation was given to his incredible work for Ely. John was passionate about youth services and I had the honour of working alongside him at the Youth Exhibition some years ago.

Mikes consort for last year, his daughter Cassie stood down and when Mike was re-elected, his other daughter Lauren will act as this years consort.

Mayor for 2019-20, Councillor Mike Rouse

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This years Soham Carnival takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2019 with a full programme of events!

On Arena 1 & 2 from 9am – 1.00pm is the Traditional Heavy Horse Show, followed by the judging of the parade floats at 1.45 pm.

The parade starts at 1.00pm from Holmes Lane through the town to the recreation ground. Our Carnival Prince, Theodore Simmcock Simms and Carnival Princess, Ruby Corbett will be in the parade along with the Princess attendants, Freya Hewlett and Joules Patten.

Ruby Corbett, Theodore Simmcock Simms, Freya Hewlett ( Joules Patten not in Picture)

Lucy Alda is the overwhelming winner of the Towns-person award for 2019. She has been quietly developing litter picking and dog walking groups, through ‘lovewhereyoulive’, galvanising the community to participate in these events.  Lucy has gained the support and admiration of local Councillors, for her community work and subsequently, has had some generous offers of support and equipment.  Keep an eye out for the events and get involved. Lucy was not expecting this award saying ‘I am amazed and lost for words – thank you so much, people of Soham for nominating me, I am truly stunned’ Lucy can be spotted on Carnival day, on the Little Wombatz float and later in the main arena, accepting her prize and drawing the winning raffle ticket!

Lucy Alda Towns-person Award 2019

Congratulations also to Olivia Rice who won the competition for the Front Cover design of the programme.

At 2.45pm in Arena 1 & 2 we are remembering 75 years since the Soham Train Disaster, which will include a small explosion in the Arena. Further stories will continue in the Scout Hut throughout the day. The ACF Marching band are on at 3.00pm followed by Vogue Athletics at 3.30pm.

Other attractions include our Fun Dog Show. Bring your dog along from 10.30am- 1.00pm and enter one of the classes, once again, TV celebrity Sian Ryan – Dog Trainer and behaviourist from the BBC2 Show- ‘Me and my Dog’ will be a Judge at this year’s event.

From 11am- 4pm on The Skate Park are the BMX and Scooter Competitions with Mike Mullen (Parental consent form required for under 16’s)

The Live Music Stage starts at 12.00pm: Headlining this year are Timemachine – other performances include Michael Antony, Akimbo, Tzarina, VIVA, KD Theatre and Seb Howe.

Timemachine

We are pleased to bring back our Classic Car Display which can be found on the Pavilion road.

Meet Veterans on the RBL Stand and hear real stories from our Heroes about D-day 75 years ago.

Other attractions include, a Free Climbing Wall, Beer Tent, Free Scotty’s Have A Go Circus Workshop, Kuk So Wan- Martial Arts, Premier Sports, Fun Fair, Raffle, Inflatables, BBQ, Stalls, Majorettes, Vogue Athletics Dance, Cheerleading & Parkour, ACF Marching Band, Soham Comrades Band, Punch and Judy Show, Raptor Foundation, Bygones, Zorb Balls, Cub Carts plus much much more.

ADMISSION: Adults £3.50, Concessions £2.50, Children (under 16) 50p.
For more information see our Facebook page: facebook.com/sohamcarnival

Press release from Soham Carnival Benevolent Association

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Ely’s weekly markets regularly feature a diverse mix of street food, produce and gifts from across the globe. This bank holiday weekend, the regular traders will be joined by the Flavours of the World market, returning for its 15th year. Ely’s Market Place and High Street will have everything from authentic Spanish food and French cheese to gorgeous gifts and jewellery.

“People love seeing something new when they come to our markets,” explains Julia Davis of Ely Markets. “We already have a fabulous selection of food, crafts and gifts every week, but this bank holiday the Flavours of the World market will give you even more choice than ever. Whether it’s Mexican churros, Spanish paella, Chimney Cakes or Baklava – we know you’ll find something you can’t resist.”

As well as enjoying delicious food, market visitors will also be able to buy gifts, homewares and more. There will be beautifully scented French soaps from Marseille, lavender from Provence and leather goods.

The Flavours of the World market takes place in the Market Place on Sunday 26th May and bank holiday Monday, from 10am until 4pm on Sunday and Monday. Ely’s weekly Craft, Food & Vintage Market and Farmers’ Market is open as usual on the Market Place and Dolphin Lane on Saturday.

Press release from Ely Markets

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About 150 young people, some of whom have difficulties hearing or seeing, will be leading the festival-opening Eel Day Parade in front of thousands of spectators on 4 May, while beating out some specially-prepared Brazilian grooves on their samba drums.

It is the climax of a four-month project called ‘Sambafest’, which has involved pupils all over Cambridgeshire. The aim is to use drumming to improve the young participants’ confidence and self-esteem, while also proving that no form of impairment should be a barrier to playing, performing or enjoying music.

The project has been organised by Cambridgeshire Music, the county’s music education provider, and has involved more than 800 young people in total. That includes almost all pupils in the county who are either deaf or have difficulty hearing (a group known as D/deaf), and those who are visually impaired.

These pupils are often excluded from music-making activities, but Sambafest provides them with a chance to get involved. Even if they cannot see or hear, the vibrations created by this Brazilian music’s infectious rhythms mean that they can feel what is going on, and keep in time.

Many other local schools have also been involved in the project. It began with music workshops, in which pupils learned the basics of beating out samba rhythms, before giving a concert in front of parents and fellow-pupils.

With the help of project partners Cambridge United Community Trust (CUCT), around 150 pupils then gave a live performance at half time on a match day at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium last month, in front of thousands of fans. And this weekend, more young performers will be fronting the Eel Day Parade at the start of a festival that brings around 10,000 people to Ely every year.

Liza Field, Music Development Manager at Cambridgeshire Music, said: “Sambafest is an opportunity to make and perform music in a way that goes far beyond anything offered in the school curriculum, culminating in a major live performance. For many of these young people, that is something they would never have believed possible.”

“We want them to come away not just with the knowledge that they have done something special, but with more self-belief and memories of an experience that hopefully they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Samba drumming has, for decades, accompanied football matches in stadia around the world and Sambafest also explores the football connection with CUCT, Cambridge United’s charitable arm. The Trust organises football skills sessions as part of the project, and arranges opportunities for the young performers to meet professional footballers.

This year’s project follows a smaller pilot last year, involving five Cambridge schools, which was a huge success. Only 50% of the pupils had taken part in school music events beforehand. Afterwards, the schools saw an upswing of almost 60% in the numbers applying to get involved in music and sporting activities, and many teachers reported signs of much more self-confidence within the pupils.

This year, the schools taking part are being helped to set up samba bands and get involved with the many other music-making opportunities run by Cambridgeshire Music. The idea of creating a community samba band in Ely is also being discussed.

“This should just be the beginning,” Mrs Field added. “We want Sambafest to be an access point for these young people, so that they feel inspired and able to carry on with music, and go wherever that journey takes them.”

The pupils performing in the Eel Day Parade will be from: Ely St Mary’s, Rackham Primary (Witchford), Ely College, Millfield Primary (Littleport), Cottenham Village College, Mayfield Primary (Cambridge), and the Ely Area Music Centre. The Sambafest project was supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

From Tom Kirk

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The Red Herring, owned by TLC Inns opened officially yesterday after a weekend of successful soft launches and oh how the weather tested them.

We were invited to see the new restaurant alongside the Visit Ely team and the Mayor, Mike Rouse and we were not disappointed with the decor. It brought back a taste of old fashioned seaside fun with wooden fish on the walls and old drawn photos on the wallpaper.

The place is filled with nik-naks, lighthouses, old cameras, popcorn machine, Punch & Judy style bar and so much more. While you’re there, find the crocodile and soon a shark is to be installed on the ceiling.

The Red Herring is also proud that it has adopted the eco-friendly approach from the start using only recyclable materials in all its packaging including paper straws. On the wall is a beach and above it, recoverable plastics from the beach and it is hoped to raise awareness against the use of single-use plastic.

We were served by Chas, a very helpful and knowledgeable guy about the food and we decided to try the traditional seaside meal, Haddock & Chips. Most of the food seems to offer gluten-free options and there seemed to be a good selection to cater to all food choices. We even had the choice of mushy peas and or curry sauce (not sure when curry sauce became a tradition but apparently it is in Wales).

The food was quick and the fish was fantastic. Covered in a lovely crisp and light batter from tip to tip. Chips were also light inside and crispy on the outside. The portion was just right and left enough for a pudding. Chocolate Sundae for me and Toffee Apple Waffles for Alison. Both very much enjoyed and Rouse tried to steal it. Cheeky Mayor.

We got to spend time with restaurant manager Aaron and owner Steve who showed us around and explained their vision. I think if you had tried to tell me before the visit, I wouldn’t have got it, but once there I did very much so.

Steve and Jo Haslam, owners of TLC are setting new trends within the service industry by opening quirky news bars and restaurant throughout East Anglia and Essex including Wiff Waff in Ipswich. TLC also own the local local Cutter and Riverside Bar & Kitchen.

It is fantastic to see another non-chained restaurant opening in Ely and it is set in the best place with the beautiful scenic surroundings of the river. As we were there The Hotel Waternimf came floating by as the sun began to set. Definitely, a place to try as a local or a visitor to our modest City.

You can find more information about The Red Herring on their website: http://www.redherringrestaurants.co.uk/ (which is under construction) or for now their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redherringely/. It will prove popular especially on hot days so book now to avoid disappointment on 01353 664388.

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Organised by the Visit Ely team, Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend runs from 3rd to 6th May. This year, as always, we see the return of the Eel Food Safari which runs all weekend where a selection of local food outlets provides special dishes inspired by the eel theme. So, pick up a trail leaflet and visit as many of the venues as possible across the weekend and sample such delights as Spicy Eel Dish, Jelly Eel Fudge and Eel Festival cocktails (not all dishes contain eel!).

The Eel Parade kicks off Saturday’s Eel Day when we celebrate 16 years, with a colourful array of eels processing through Ely’s High Street including our mascot eel, Ellie, who has been lovingly repaired by Babylon Arts. Ellie will be followed by the newly formed, Cambridgeshire Music SambaFest, which will see over 150 students participate in their first ever parade. Follow them down to the river and into Jubilee Gardens where a whole host of eel related activities take place.

Special highlights include the Town Criers’ Championships and the World Eel Throwing Competition (no eels will be harmed in this competition, just stuffed toys!). Can you beat the World Record of over 17 metres? The full programme of arena events includes music, dancing, a living history encampment and a street food scene (including eels of course!).

Rounding up the weekend is the ever popular two day Food and Drink Festival now in its sixth year. Over 75 artisan and specialist food and drink traders will be showcasing their wares. We have an amazing Street Food Scene, comprising of a range of culinary delights which will tantalise your taste buds with the unusual, yet exquisitely crafted combinations. We also have a beer tent and cocktail bar with some easy listening, live music to enjoy.

Back on St Mary’s Green is our Kitchen Pantry with a selection of goodies to help stock your pantry, some handy gadgets and beautiful kitchenware along with a seating area and some scrumptious light bites.

This year, the festival has a healthy twist as we welcome into our fabulous Cookery Theatre the nutritionist from TV series such as “How to Lose Weight Well, “Eat Well for Less” and “Sugar Free Farm”. But don’t worry, whilst there is a nod to the health conscious there is also plenty of naughty but nice combinations as well. Our second celebrity is award-winning Italian chef Aldo Zilli who will be providing us with a masterclass in pasta making, a demo not to be missed. We also have a fantastic line-up of local chefs and artisan producers ensuring that there is something for everyone in our programme including wine tasting, a fresh take on British herbs and several fish dishes – well it is Eel Festival!

Also, there will be the chance to personally meet and greet our celebrity chefs for a Q&A hour at our “Conversation With” sessions which will be held at Oliver Cromwell’s House. This is a great opportunity to hear more about the fascinating careers and lives of our chefs and is a must for all foodies. Prices are just £10 and can be booked via our website at www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk

The Festival also has its very own ice cream! Four-year-old, Rose, won a competition run by our main sponsor Cambridge Commodities, to develop a flavour with festival favourite Jack’s Gelato, based in Cambridge. She came up with a rose fondant and dark chocolate combination, aptly named Rose’s ice cream. This speciality flavour will be on sale at the Food and Drink Festival so pop by and try it.

Tracey Harding, Manager of Visit Ely said: “We are once again bowled over by the number of organisations, sponsors, partners and businesses who come on board and support this festival. We simply love this weekend and always feel that it kicks off our tourist season for Ely”.

All in all, Ely is the place to be this Spring Bank Holiday. For the full Ely Eel Festival programme check out www.elyeelfestival.co.uk

Press release from Visit Ely

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Well now that logo exists and Nando’s is opening to the excitement of many residents in Ely. Spotted in Ely got early access to the new restaurant and taste some of what it has to offer during the soft launch.

Nando’s is a worldwide organisation started by 2 Portuguese brothers who were living in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1987 they opened their first store. They now have over 1,000 outlets in 35 countries and all based on the Portuguese sauce, Peri-Peri.

When Ely Leisure Village was announced, many residents hoped for Nando’s and from tomorrow, Wednesday 24th April, their wish has come true.

There was seating for approximately 100. What immediately struck us was that you could manoeuvre about as the seating was not squeezed in for maximum numbers.

We met Tiego and some of the team, all excited to get the doors open for real and eager to serve. Training has been underway for some time and although the store was due to open last week, the team decided to let Easter pass before what will be a very busy few weeks.

In all, the restaurant is currently employing more than 70 new staff and have recruited from all over the UK, including one of their experienced chefs who hails from Wales. Something which made Alison very happy indeed.

An interesting way of ordering, choose your food and head up to the till unlike conventional restaurants. Having spent time in South Africa, I could see how this approach has been passed from country to country as the restaurant chain has grown.

We decided to start with the Wings Roulette, a combination of chickens wings with various flavours and degrees of spice and on round one I got the hot one but was very tasty as were the remaining portions.

For mains I went for the Sunset Burger smothered in cheese, chutney and spinach and Alison for the Chicken Butterfly (cue the obvious food pictures below). We were both very happy with our choices and the bottomless soft drinks is a welcoming choice.

Sadly, both to full for desserts but overall a pleasant experience and speedy service.

Currently you cannot book, instead it is a turn up and eat venue with take-away facilities. Booking seats will only be available in a few months time so you may experience queues over the next week or 2 especially at weekends.

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“We’re delighted to be hosting our third annual Vegan and Vintage Fair again this year,” says Julia Davis of Ely Markets. “It’s a brilliant event for all the family with a unique mix of delicious food, quirky stalls and retro fun.”

There will be a diverse range of vegan food available – from vibrant street food to delicious cakes and bakes. Visitors should also look out for vegan beauty and lifestyle products, plus ethical clothing.

“Ely Markets has a great reputation for vegan food and lifestyle products,” explains Julia. “At our Vegan and Vintage Fair, we bring together local foodie favourites with food and producers from all over the region. We’ve got something for everyone – from Food by Lizzi’s authentic ‘Scotch Eggless’© and snacks to Asian inspired sauces and amazing iced cakes. There’ll also be vegan-friendly cleaning and beauty products from Full Circle Cambridge, plus bamboo socks and activewear.”

As well as sampling vegan food, visitors can also browse a selection of retro-inspired stalls. There will be all kinds of vintage and upcycled furniture – plus collectables, clothes and records.

“This year there’ll be everything from mid-century furniture and glass to vinyl records and vintage fashion,” says Julia. “People love the unique combination of delicious vegan food and eclectic retro stalls. So, whether you’re curious about vegan food, or a fan of vintage style, come and explore our Vegan & Vintage Fair this bank holiday with your family and friends and discover something new.”

Ely Markets’ Vegan and Vintage Fair will take place on Sunday 5th and Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2019 from 10am – 4pm. Vegan food will available be on Dolphin Lane and the vintage stalls will be on the main Market Place. There will also be a bar, traditional bank holiday market stalls and street food, plus children’s entertainment.

Ely Markets’ regular weekly Craft, Food & Vintage Market takes place as usual on Saturday 4th May on the Market Place and Dolphin Lane.

Press release from Ely Markets

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While in a bar fight one day, witnessing stabbings and the worse violence he had ever seen, decided that if he could escape and reach the door, he was done with drugs and criminality.

He reached that door, went home to his wife, Lynn and said: “We’re moving”. They stayed with Sam’s mother in Pennsylvania where Lynn and mother became best friends and visited the church regularly. After much “nagging”, as Sam puts it, he went to church and after his first visit, his pastor was to predict he would go to Africa.

“I will not be going to Africa”, claimed Childers but sure enough, a few years later he was to make his first of many trips and to now what he calls home in Africa.

His organisation now helps with over 13,000 meals per day, builds businesses to help communities to become self-sufficient. They are building schools, 7 of which are educating the future doctors, nurses and educators. The businesses are teaching young adults skills to earn wages and feed families. A new truckstop will help create many more orphanages and fund them for years to come.

Childers has become a dangerous figure to politicians and regime, so much so he needs around the clock protection when home in South Sudan. He is also a controversial figure as he claims to be a hillbilly. Hunting and the second amendment in the US is his right.

Giles Cornell, Pastor of the Lighthouse Centre in Ely said, “Tonight we raised just over £1800 for the Machine Gun Preachers cause.

“Over 250 came to hear the Sam Childers talk about his work in Africa and his life as a biker in America. Sam’s organization cares for 350 children 24/7 – most of these children have lost all their families through war or other tragedies. Sam’s organisation ‘Angels of East Africa’ also prepares/makes around 13,000 meals every day in Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

“I was so pleased with the turnout and it was great to hear Sam speaking passionately about how he helps the challenges of the widows and the orphans in Africa.”

Sam Childers was the topic of a Hollywood film starring Gerald Butler and a second is due in 2021. Childers has also realeased 2 books with a third on the way and raises funds and awareness for his organisation by travelling the world.

You can find out more about Sam Childers and the organisation he runs on his website:
http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/

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There was a fantastic weekend of success at Newmarket Open Meet over 13^th and 14th April with 134 personal best times, 13 Eastern Regional times and 70 Medals won over some very difficult races showing lots of determination and goals achieved.  

Medal winners were Daniel Kendall (4 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze), Tia Hill (4 Gold and 5 Silver), Lexi Harrison (6 Gold and 1 Silver), Amelie Hawksley (2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze), Thomas Alderton (1 Gold, 1 Silver), Derrell Jackson (4 Gold and 1 Silver), Maximilian Veiga (6 Gold), Oliver Davey (1 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze), Georgia Holgate (1 Gold and 2 Silver), Robert Banwell (1 Silver), Hannah Turner (1 Silver and 2 Bronze), Kendle Putter (2 Silver), Emil Kwiecien (1 Silver), Sarah Hardiment (1 Silver and 3 Bronze), Finley Jones (1 Bronze), Jake Challenger (2 Bronze), Amber Lloyd (1 Bronze) and George Sporle (1Bronze).

At the end of March, a team of Ely’s swimmers performed strongly at the very competitive Luton Level 1 Long Course event gaining 15 personal bests and medals for Georgia Holgate (1 Silver and 1 Bronze), Maximilian Veiga 1 Silver and 1 Bronze), Iona Trainer (1 Bronze), Tia Hill (1 Bronze), Amelie Hawksley (1 Bronze) and Inez Trainer (1 Bronze).  

Meanwhile, at the Cambridge Spring Open, pictured, held at Parkside Pools there were competitive performances from a further Ely team with a medal haul for Daniel Kendall (5 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze), Tia Hill (1 Bronze), Bryony-Rose Brodie (3 Gold and 1 Silver), Oliver Davey (2 Silvers), Robert Banwell (1 Silver) and Hannah Turner (1 Bronze).  There were also 64 personal bests from Amber Lloyd, Breanna Kehren, Kaci Gibson, Olivia Brodie, Adrian Kwiecien, Daniel Milliard, Cade Kirkpatrick, Jake Challenger, Mark Banwell, Erin-Mae Carey, Grace Stevenson, Isabella Pillow, Phoebe Bishop, Emil Kwiecien, Alexander New, Connie Stevenson and Eryk Szymanski.

Over the next few weeks City of Ely Swimming now looks ahead to the second Luton Long Course Level 1 meet over the Easter weekend, the Junior Fenland League Round 2, the 6^th Newmarket Masters and Swim England’s East Region 2019 Long Course Championships for age groups 15 and over.  

Press release from City of Ely Swimming Club

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A further £1,500 was raised which has already been given away to help support National Fish and Chip Day which is on June 7th 2019, and local schools.

Held in Ely’s High Street in October, the company have joined forces with Mayor of Ely Councillor Michael Rouse to help give the cash away.

Hundreds lined Ely High Street for the race to cheer on the teams as they sprinted the half-a-mile course – each carrying a 20kg bag of Fenland-grown spuds. It was the first race to be televised, plus over 20,000 people from all over the world also tuned into a Spotted in Ely live Facebook feed too!

Mayor of Ely Councillor Michael Rouse said: “I was honoured to be the official starter for the Ely Potato Race and saw first hand what a great race it has become.

“To raise over money for local charities and groups is the icing on the cake. I urge you all to come forward no matter how small.”

Oliver Boutwood, of organisers Isle of Ely Produce, said: “It was a fantastic race and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.

“To raise more than £2,500 for good causes, and now we are looking for 5 local charities and groups to help spend it. We have now raised over £14,000 for local causes since the race was first ran.”

The event is put on annually by Isle of Ely Produce to celebrate the region’s potato growers and the harvest festival. Last year it included a Fire Crew, Panto Dame and even a Hot Dog!austen

To be in with a chance of receiving a share of the money, email austen@chippychat.co.uk explaining why your charity or community group should receive a share of the cash.

Austen Dack race event organiser says “We hope to make a difference to 5 local projects it can be a crucial piece of equipment, or to help pay for essential maintenance.”

Each successful group or charity will receive £300.

The event is the only potato street race in the world! This years event will be held on Saturday October 12th.

The closing date for nominations is April 27 2019. The nominations will be considered by the Mayor, and the directors of Isle of Ely Produce.

If you would like to run this year in the mens or ladies races, or would like to be a sponsor get in touch with Austen. email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Press release from Isle of Ely Produce

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She is unwavering in her determination to make the Hockey Club and EOSA the best it can provide for Ely. Her fund-raising of nearly £200,000 for a new hockey proves that she is one special resident for our City.

Alongside Steve Ellis from SE-Electrical who sponsored the award, we decided to gatecrash their end of year hockey dinner at the EOSA club on Downham Road to the surprise of everyone in the room. You can watch it below.

The nomination came from a fellow voluntary directory of EOSA, Jon Evans and entitled it “Amazing dedication to the improvement of facilities at Ely Outdoor Sports Association”

Julia is a voluntary director at EOSA. She gives her time freely and spends many hours supporting the sports that benefit from the building which has been in need of improvement.

She has daughters who play hockey and her husband Mark was involved in the installation of the original floodlights.

Two recent projects that show her determination and drive are the new £198K Hockey Astro pitch, a project she project managed from start to finish during 2017/18, almost singlehandedly, submitting grant applications, managing contracts, engaging and supervising contractors and even making the tea while it was laid; and our new kitchen which has also been installed in the last few months, after a successful bid for money from the Calor community fund, supported by Spotted in Ely and the local community.

Her work is untiring and she deserves recognition for her efforts, that everyone at EOSA really appreciates.

Jon Evans nomination for Julia Gilbert.

During her speech which, in fairness, the whole room wanted to hear she said “Once we got halfway to raising the money, I just couldn’t stop and its for you and next generation, the future players of hockey. You are the future”.

Interested in playing hockey then have a look at their Facebook page for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/ElyCityHockeyClub/ and please take a look at the wonderful EOSA facilities too:
https://www.facebook.com/EOSAelyoutdoorsportsassociation/ .

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Crews from stations around the county dug out their buckets and sponges and welcomed people with all manner of vehicles, from cars and vans to children’s bikes and mobility scooters to raise money for the charity. The community came out in force to show their support for the crews.

Events took place in the places listed below raising the following amounts:

Ely Fire Station – £1,300

Cottenham Fire Station – £925 (including £250 from a cake sale)

Cambridge Fire Station – £860

Wisbech Fire Station – £800 (£400 of which was donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution)

Huntingdon Fire Station – £634

Papworth Fire Station – £510 (including a cake sale)

Sainsbury’s Superstore, March – £465

At some of the events, crews had additional support. At Wisbech a group of students from the College of West Anglia’s Uniformed Services courses joined the event to help raise money. They also chose to donate half the total to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The events at Cottenham and Papworth also included cake sales to help raise money.

Crews were also supported by local businesses during their events. Branches of Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Dominos, Do It All, McDonalds, Fitzbillies of Cambridge, Nandos and Drainco Services all pitched in with donations to keep the firefighters and volunteers going.

In total, £5,094 was raised for The Fire Fighters Charity to help them continue providing support to the fire service community. For more than 75 years the charity has given support and rehabilitation help to serving and retired members of fire and rescue staff and their families.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported our events this month. This is a fantastic total to raise and we continue to be amazed by the generosity of the public and local businesses when we host these events. It really is very much appreciated.

“The support from these events makes a massive difference to the charity, which does some great work supporting fire service staff and their families, from our own service and others across the country. The charity relies solely on donations so the support given this month by everyone is very welcome.”

There are lots of ways to support The Fire Fighters Charity, from taking your vehicles to the car washes, to donating clothing to the charity textile recycling banks, to taking on personal challenges. You can find out more about the charity by visiting https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk. 

Press release from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service

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Tanya was nominated by regular customer and now close friend, Sue Farrow.

Sue told us when nominating, “Tanya is always helpful, kind, just goes out her way to help me find what I’m looking for, help pack my bag, count my money, even have a general chit chat and she never refuses to do something.

“Tanya works in Wilkinsons in Ely as a cashier. She has cerebral palsy and I am disabled too. She always has a smile on her face and cheers me up. I didn’t know of her disability until she told me.

“Shes an inspiration “

While arranging the surprise we spoke with her 2 managers Jo and Trudy and both said that Tanya was a real trooper and no one deserves it more.

Tanya first came to our attention when Sue posted a Shout Out Sunday on our Facebook page and hundreds of followers commented about how Tanya is a Star.

The award was presented by Dean of Ely Cathedral, Mark Bonney who sponsored this award to Tanya.

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In an exciting and innovative initiative, the Royal College of General Practitioners is collaborating with parkrun UK to promote the health and wellbeing of staff and patients. Under this initiative, GP practices across the UK are encouraged to develop close links with their local parkrun to become parkrun practices.

Additionally, Thera East Anglia is part of a national charity that provides support to people with a learning disability. Thera East Anglia employee, Justin Smith has been promoting accessibility at parkrun for people with a learning disability and/ or autism. parkrun is for everyone.

Littleport parkrun is at 0900hrs every Saturday at Littleport Leisure Centre. Do contact Justin with any queries about accessibility for people with a learning disability and/ or autism at Justin.Smith@thera.co.uk

From Justin, core team member of Littleport parkrun.

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The multi-award winning organisation is a parent led charity providing events and support for families of children with Autism, additional needs, learning difficulties and disabilities.

Leading that charity is Justin from Soham is a very humble guy who clearly was shy of the limelight when the award was given by Amanda Shepherd, a volunteer and close friend to the Heron family. You could see that everyone in the cinema agreed that Justin was a deserving recipient.

Amanda who nominated said “Justin has been an absolute Star working many many (60+) hours a week, all unpaid, organising and negotiating such amazing opportunities for the charity. He doesn’t like to be singled out as he sees it as a team effort but if it wasn’t for him there wouldn’t be the opportunities that there are”.

As well as the award, Justin has a signed cheque for £100 to donate to any charity he wants plus free membership to the local gym on Newnham Street both courtesy of Atrium Fitness.

We left the many children and adults in attendance to watch Mary Poppins at the special screening, something that Justin arranges each month.

Inside everyone is a Community Star that can appear at anytime to any of us. Maybe you know one such Star? If so then nominate them and maybe we can surprise them too. www.spottedinely.com/stars

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An annual event held at The Institution of Engineering and Technology, situated on the banks of the Thames in London, the Awards recognise the commitment and achievements of teachers, teacher trainers, education consultants and academics across primary and secondary schools, and further and higher education.

Nominated and voted for by peers in the education sector, the Design and Technology Association’s Excellence Awards is open to the 11,000-strong membership and non-members across England and Wales.

Awards were presented by Lesley Morris, Chair of the Design and Technology Association and Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association

Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, recognised Mr Bausor’s achievement, saying: “Dave is to be congratulated on his well-deserved award, and celebrated for going above and beyond what might be expected in his contributions to supporting the subject of design and technology.  We know that employers across the advanced manufacturing and creative industries are already concerned about the real shortage of engineers and designers and we need more people like Dave Bausor and his team to inspire future generations.”

Principal Richard Spencer commented: “We are thrilled to be able to share this news with the community. David has been with Ely College for over 5 years and his enthusiasm for teaching and sharing good practice is commendable. This is fantastic for Dave, and fantastic for us to have colleagues recognised at a national level for their work and expertise.”

For more details about the awards, please visit www.data.org.uk/

Press release from Ely College and The Design and Technology Association

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Using their lessons to plan, test and prepare presentations for the public, science students did a superb job of showcasing a range of experiments. The Ely College Science Fair is a fantastic opportunity for parents and pupils of all ages in the area to be inspired by science and STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Working in partnership as part of the CMAT Trust, this year saw Year 5 & 6 pupils from the Lantern join in, as their mini scientists explaining their class investigations into the effects of gravity.

With everything from mobile phone holograms and up close dissections to air cannon footie and the ever-popular slime recipes, the range of experiments on display was impressive. Sam Craven, Curriculum Leader at Ely College applauded students for their commitment to putting on an engaging and inspirational event: “We are so proud of the hard work and enthusiasm of our Year 7 and 8 students during this year’s science festival.  We are delighted that two primary schools, Lantern and St Mary’s, also had children present work from their science lessons. Harlequin Nursery enjoyed the fair as well. Something for all ages! This year was bigger than last and we are already planning and looking forward to next year.”

Last year this fantastic event gained recognition, as it was nominated and shortlisted at the Cambridge News Education Awards for ‘Science Project of the Year’. While our young scientists just missed out in 2018, it is clear this year they have gone the extra mile and are proud to call their college ‘Secondary School of the Year’; an award Ely College and our community gained last year in acknowledgement of the vast improvements made at the College in recent years.

Ely College students were awarded Science Fair commendation rosettes and PLEDGES awards, with some invited to Cambridge University to repeat their experiments for the public as Science Ambassadors at the Cambridge Science Festival School Zone on Saturday 23^rd March. “This was another fantastic event and our students were commended for their maturity, science knowledge and enthusiasm.”

For more photos from our science fair, take a look at the Ely College Facebook page here.

Press release from Ely College

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Claire Somerville, Chief Executive of the local charity said “We need to raise an additional £17K over the coming year to ensure the survival of the cinema.

“The High Street and small independent traders have seen some of the toughest trading in the UK for years. This alongside more competition from the out of town national chain has meant a gradual decline of our audiences. Our charity is increasingly having to subsidise the running costs of the cinema over the last two years which is clearly not sustainable in the long term. In a few months our Board will be facing the difficult decision to close it permanently.

“We know the community value the cinema, it is well loved and we have a loyal audience and fantastic volunteers who value it as a communal space that brings a unique cinema experience to the heart of our local community.

“Initially we’re seeking 30 individuals, companies or local groups to pledge £100 each to our cinema fund by 1^st June; this will help pay towards the increased cost of our projector warranty and maintenance. We need people to come and come more often to our films and live event screenings.  

“Once lost, it will be lost forever so please help us to continue operating this valued community asset. If you’d like to pledge or donate money please contact us on 01353 616991 or email office@babylonarts.org.uk to find out more about our campaign.”

If you wish to donate click here

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon ARTS charity launches campaign to Save Ely Cinema appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The workshop was run as part of the College’s SPARK initiative, which aims to identify what makes each student tick, ignite their love of learning and raise their aspirations. It also served to enhance the students’ learning environment, as part of the school refurbishment project, and gave students ownership of this area.

The students involved, threw themselves into the project and came up with some great individual ideas. They then collaborated with their fellow students to pull the various designs together to form a cohesive plan for their walls. They were all very keen to get started on the spray painting, which was far more difficult than they all first thought. Once they got over their initial errors and had practiced the techniques Si had shown them, the wall art began to emerge.

We were extremely lucky to secure Si Mitchell for the workshop. He is a Street Artist and the current UK Illustration Champion. He has produced artwork for Green Day, McFly, BBC, YouTube and many more. The students found him to be very inspiring and motivational and were entranced by some of the stories he told them. ‘Awesome’ became the much used word of the project and the final walls definitely are awesome. This group of students will now use their acquired knowledge to roll out further workshops to inspire some of our younger students.

Press release from Witchford Village College

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This family themed event takes place inside Ely’s magnificent medieval Cathedral. Highlights include the installation of a seven metre diameter lunar replica, The Museum of the Moon, by artist Luke Jerram, which will be suspended from the Nave ceiling.  This illuminated breath-taking installation reflects the exact imagery of the moon’s surface from data collected by NASA.

With a focus on space exploration, artificial intelligence and future technologies the Festival’s guest speakers will be the Astronomer Royal, Lord Rees, Sky At Night presenters Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Chris Lintott, and television celebrity and space enthusiast, Dallas Campbell.  A space themed exhibition will run alongside the full programme of activities. Key exhibits will include meteorites, astronaut suits, a space toilet and space food alongside many other fascinating items on loan from The Science Museum, The Institute of Astronomy and The Sedgewick Museum in Cambridge.

Ely Cathedral Canon, Vicky Johnson, a former research scientist, who is overseeing the festival, said: “Ely is situated in part of the country where science and technology are an important part of the local economy.   Through our Science Festivals we celebrate the opportunities that Science and Technology offer to the wellbeing and advancement of the human race. Our aim is to become a Cathedral for Science where Science and Faith can happily interact and learn from each other.”

The Festival will run from 18 May to 9 June inclusive. A full programme of all the events highlighting details of all the activities, talks, music, cinema and art taking place is available in the Science Festival leaflet or online at www.elycathedral.org

Press release From Ely Cathedral

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At Ely Cathedral, James Salmons was awarded a Spotted in Ely Community Star Award for saving his wife’s life after suffering a Cardiac Arrest.

Saving her life once is worthy of a Star alone, but James had to do it twice, a year apart and on both occasions, the paramedics on scene told mum of 2 Charlotte, his wife, that she is alive because of his actions.

James understood the signs of Charlotte’s arrest and with training, he had received 18 months earlier was able to perform the life-saving endeavour.

Today, James was proud to show off his award from us and the one received last year from The British Heart Foundation on Twitter saying ” So privileged to receive recognition for my actions. Hold that special person a little tighter tonight as you just never know #CPR. Thank you to The British Heart Foundation andSpottedInEly”

We have 2 more Stars being presented in the next couple of weeks, one of which will be a total surprise with plans for another 2, maybe 3 in April.

Do you know someone who deserves a Star? Go to spottedinely.com/stars to nominate. We are also looking for sponsors to take part.

The post Double Award for CPR Star appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Ricky Munday is an inspirational speaker, international expedition leader, Red Cross delegate and Chartered Accountant. To overcome redundancy, in 2004 he completed the toughest footrace on earth – the 150-mile Marathon des Sables. With a decade of expedition experience behind him, he reached the highest point on earth – the summit of Mount Everest – on 18th May 2018. He’s since visited over seventy schools and businesses across the UK to deliver inspirational talks to over 14,000 people. He has delivered talks on perseverance, developing resilience, goal-setting and overcoming adversity at many of the UK’s leading independent schools and corporations.

A qualified Mountain Leader and Polar Ambassador who grew up on a council estate, Ricky founded Inspire Alpine as a social enterprise to help close the attainment gap that exists between disadvantaged young people and their peers.

As a Chartered Accountant, Ricky is a resilient and highly motivated corporate services leader with an unusual breadth of experience transforming large, multidisciplinary and multicultural support functions in complex and insecure environments across the public, private and third sectors, and completed field missions in post-disaster scenarios in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

First held in 2012 this annual Celebration of Business in Ely Cathedral has grown to be one of the region’s biggest and grandest business exhibitions. Over 100 different organisations have a stand for the day, giving representation to a diverse range of business sectors and ranging from small local enterprises to large national and international companies. For the first-time limited market plots  on the Cathedral’s adjacent Cross Green will also be available to book. This fantastic networking opportunity is available to all for free of charge thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

We have lined up two fantastic seminars also free to attend. Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce will be hosting their popular Grow Your Business breakfast brunch workshop designed to encourage us to think about our business’s growth, employee’s development and to consider the skills required to attract talent for the long term. After lunch Russell Beck, Head of Consulting for Impellam Group (the largest recruitment company you’ve never heard of) will deliver his acclaimed seminar The Generation Game. Pulling on the latest research and background information, this seminar explores the differences between generations and looks at the different behavioural traits of each, together with the political, cultural and technological factors that impacted each, we will consider where their strengths lie, the respective value propositions to drive motivation and potential areas of inter-generational conflict.

Tickets for all of the day’s events are available to book now from the Ely Cathedral Box Office www.elycathedral.org/events/celebration-of-business or Tel: 01353 660459. Dinner tickets are priced at an accessible £25 per head and include a drinks reception and a locally sourced three course meal provided by the Almonry Restaurant.

For exhibition space please register online at www.elycathedralbusinessgroup.org

For all enquiries including sponsorship opportunities please contact the group’s Administrator info@elycathedralbusinessgroup.org

We hope that you can join us for this unique and exciting event!

Press release from Ely Cathedral Business Group

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East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) have partnered up with Terracycle, who are an innovative waste management company that specialise in hard-to-recycle waste including crisp packets and sweet wrappers.

Walkers partnered with the same company back in October 2018 after members of the public began to post their empty crisp packet wrappers back to Walkers through the Royal Mail service.

The campaign was hosted by 38 degrees, who called for Walkers to make their crisp packets recyclable.

ECDC have jumped on board with the scheme which offers a free recycling point where members of the public can bring in items which they cannot currently put into their blue bins.

A specific recycling bin has now been installed in the reception of the East Cambridgeshire District Council offices at The Grange and accepts all brands of crisp packets, sweet wrappers, chocolate bar wrappers and snack bags.

The wrappers are collected and sent off to Terracycle, where they are separated by plastic type, cleaned and extruded into plastic pellets to make new recycled products.

Councillor Julia Huffer who is waste service delivery champion for East Cambridgeshire District Council said: “The reaction nationwide to the 38 degrees campaign shows that there is a need for this service and we want to do our bit for our district.

“Recycling is of paramount importance in our district and this is another exciting scheme which the council has adopted to urge members of the public to recycle more of their waste.

“Since transferring our waste services to East Cambs Street Scene, we have been able to take on campaigns like these which help us get one step closer to our recycling target of 60% in the district.

“We are thrilled to have this programme available to our residents and we hope they utilise this facility.”

East Cambridgeshire District Council also adopted the Metal Matters scheme last year in a bid to recycle more metal in the district and have supported the Bin It Your Way initiative aimed at cleaning and keeping the streets of the district clean from chewing gum.

Similarly, the council have a recycling champion, Michael Recycle, who was recently awarded gold at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Pride awards for the Anglia, Thames and Chiltern region in the education campaign category.

For more information on recycling in East Cambridgeshire, visit: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/recycling-and-waste-ecss

Photo credit: East Cambridgeshire District Council
Left to right: Michael Recycle and Councillor Julia Huffer

Press releases from East Cambridgeshire District Council

The post East Cambs Follows in Walkers Footsteps to Deliver New Recycling Scheme appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Over 320 families came to see the many exhibits and take part in the activities which included a Lego Robot Wars.

Derek Tye, from the Ely CAP Debt Centre said ‘It was a great day, and we are very grateful to The Countess Church for hosting, and to Duncan Bridges who came up with the idea and undertook most of the organisation.’

Ely CAP is a partnership between the churches in Ely and provides free debt counselling to anyone who feels weighed down by debt. If you live in the CB6 or CB7 post code areas and would like know more please call 0800 328 0006.

Press release from Ely CAP

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Each evening’s film programme brings together a range of styles and content from drama to animation, comedy and more. Over a dozen countries will be represented from as far apart as Ethiopia, Singapore and South Korea to those from closer to home, the Netherlands, Sweden and not forgetting the USA.

You can buy tickets online from the Babylon ARTS website www.babylonarts.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01353 616991.

The Film Festival evenings are from Wednesday 20th March, Thursday 21st March, Friday 22nd March
Doors 7pm, films from 7.30pm
Tickets £5 per evening, Festival pass for all three £12

Wednesday 20th March: 100 minutes

Sounds of Nature : Sweden 8.00
Ten-year old Finn takes a walk into the woods with his parents, paying more attention to his Game Boy, upsetting his father who takes it away. Suddenly, a strange noise catches the boy‘s attention. His mystical journey begins.

Crossing Salween : Irl  21.00
A young girl must make the journey through the horrors of the Burmese jungle to the Salween River and the safety of Thailand beyond. But will her late father’s enduring love and promise of a guardian angel be enough to shepherd her across the river where so many have fallen.

Panic! : Neth 6.00
While driving her car Marja has a sudden rush of panic: did she turn off the gas? Did she leave the water running? Is the window locked? In her mind her imaginary mistakes grow to absurd proportions.

Shift / Vahetus : Germany 15.00
When Miina, a seemingly well-off woman is caught shoplifting, the female officer shows off her contempt. She sees a rival in the shoplifter and decides to teach Miina a lesson. Both women meet just a few hours later in a situation where the previous rivals become partners in crime and must trust their fates in the hands of each other.

Brooklyn Breeze : USA  4.00
Brooklyn Breeze is a visual journey through different parts of Brooklyn, some of the iconic spots and others not often seen by the visitors, based on a tune recorded by New York based Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.

Earthy Encounters :  UK 15.00
Fifteen-year-old Kyle believes he can save his dying older brother with a plant he found in the garden center where he works—the problem is, a shadowy government agency is out to destroy it first.

D-24 : Korea   7.00   
In the year 2072, Gusik is a single, lonely man. He sees a commercial for D-24, an android wife, and makes a purchase thinking that D-24 can save his life. 24 days after his order, he finally gets D-24 in his hands but can you really buy happiness?

Let them Die Like Lovers : USA 15.00
A body-jumping soldier grapples with the morality of her missions in this emotionally charged sci-fi thriller.

Shanghai Love Market : USA / China 9.00
Shanghai has a park where parents can match-make their unwed children. This is just one love story in a city of 20 milliion people.

Thursday 21st March: 100 minutes

ASAD : South Africa 18.00
A coming of age fable of a Somali boy as he struggles to survive in his war-torn land.

Out of Erasers : SWE  14.00
A woman on her way home becomes a victim of a strange infection. She soon realizes that an epidemic is spreading and there are larger forces at work. While struggling to find a cure she also discovers that desperate times require hard choices.

Moth :   UK  12.00
Tommy, an unhappy seven year old boy still grieving the death of his father, whilst battling with his new stepfather. When a moth dies in the palm of his hand he is fascinated by the residue left behind – “magic dust, that helps the moths to fly” his mother tells him.

Mend and Make Do : UK 9.00
Cup of tea? Come and take a seat in Lyn’s cosy front room, hear her story of wartime love and watch as her belongings come alive with the hope, fear and humour of one spirited lady.

I Strongly Suggest : NZ  6.00
A woman gets her partner into a vulnerable position, then uses the opportunity to ask him a few tricky questions.

Carry On :  China / USA   17.00
During the brutal withdrawal of Japanese forces at the end of WWII, a Chinese father does whatever he can to save his family.

Day 39 :  USA 14.00
A young soldier in Afghanistan has to assist a doctor with a moral dilemma, a matter of new life or death.

Casitas / Grown Ups : Spain 10.00
Carlos and Marta, both 35 years old, are living the life they have always dreamed of. A house with a yard, a dog, and they are even about to have a child. But there is no such thing as a perfect life.

Friday 22nd March:  97 minutes

Zombiehagen : Denmark   24 .00 
The living dead have laid waste to Copenhagen. A lone survivor, searching for her loved one, is led to the national football stadium, where a shelter for survivors has been organized. Unfortunately, the shelter has become infected from the inside by the “walkers”.

One Rat Short : USA  10.00
A rat fights for survival in the New York City subway.

Drone : USA  14.00
A rookie drone pilot becomes increasingly attracted to the target he watches halfway around the world. 

Late Afternoon :  Irl  9.00
Emily lives between two states, the past and the present. She journeys through her memories searching for a connection

Exit Strategy :  USA 15.00
Two brothers caught in a time loop must traverse a series of maze-like events in order to prevent a catastrophic fire from taking occurring

Cappuccino :  UK  3.00
Taking centre stage with a speech impediment can be a harrowing ordeal, as is explored in Cappuccino

The Goodnight Show :  USA  16.00
It’s 1978 and a world ending asteroid is headed directly for Earth. With only hours left, Samuel embarks on a journey to find his place in a world doomed to end and just maybe, lose his virginity before it is too late. 

Setting Them Straight :  Aus   6.00 
Having been nurtured and accepted by his parents as a gay man, Joshua finds the courage to confess, that he’s actually not.

Press release from Babylon ART

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Over the last several years, students from Ely College have developed a close connection with two schools in the slums of Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth largest city. Following the success of their October 2017 trip, many students straightaway vowed to return. There has been a big commitment to fundraise for the Kenya Projects over the last 16 months by 24 students.

As well as the usual cake stalls and sponsored swims to raise funds, students looked to the people of Ely to support their efforts. Ely College is so grateful to the community and local businesses who supported the Kenya Projects, either by sponsoring students or contributing to the mountain of shoes, clothes and school supplies that students took with them as extra luggage. The children of Jubilee and Ungana, staff and parents, were delighted to be gifted even the most basic supplies which we take for granted in the UK. Having something to call their own made the world of difference and this was all thanks to generous donations from our wonderful local community.

Since returning from their 10-day adventure, which in addition to classroom renovations and building new toilet blocks incorporated a wildlife safari, students have reflected on their experience and the stark contrast with our own lives. Teacher Sheila Branch, who jointly led the trip, commended the students for their hard work and compassion: “Not one of our students complained about the desperately poor conditions. Despite each one of them giving their every effort, either labouring to improve the site or teaching the children in class, at the end of trip they still felt like they wanted to do more. Many chose to leave their own clothes, shoes and personal belongings.”

Lauren Burrows who also led the trip commented: “We are so proud of the students who have volunteered this year. There is a real sense of continuity & lasting legacy with each visit, adding to each building project to improve the resources. We have built a strong relationship with the staff in Kenya and they have been warm and generous hosts.” As Ely College bid farewell for another year, Kenyan staff and children gave each volunteer a locally made personalised bracelet;  a memento of a life changing and humbling experience.

For more information about our trip providers African Adventures, click here.

Press release from Ely College

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The Carnival commences with the traditional Heavy Horse Show in the main arena from 9.00am – 1pm. Followed by the judging of floats – Float procession 1.00pm from Holmes Lane through Soham to the Recreation Ground.

We will also be remembering the 75^th Anniversary of the Soham Train Disaster on the main arena and the Scout Hut.

For the 3rd year running we are holding a Fun Dog Show.- bring your dog along from 10.00 – 1.00 and enter one of the fun classes email: info@developingdogs.co.uk  for more information.

From 11am – 4pm on The Skate Park – with Mike Mullen. Enter the BMX and Scooter Competitions (parental consent form required for under 16’s)

Other attractions include the live music stage – sponsored by Blueshed Studios, a free ‘Explore Outdoor’ Climbing Wall, Free Scotties have a go Circus Workshop, Kuk So Wan – Martial Arts, Premier Sports have a go Sports Event, Classic cars, a Fun Fair, Beer Tent, Raffle, Inflatables, BBQ, Stalls, Majorettes, Vogue Athletics Dance and Cheerleading, ACF Marching Band, Soham Comrades Band, Punch and Judy Show, Raptor Foundation, Bygones, Zorb Balls, Cub Carts plus much much more.

Stalls and pitches are still available to hire – email carnival@soham.org.uk for more information.

Entre a Parade Float whether you are a Club, Charity, School, Pub or Organisation why not enter a float and enjoy the fun of the Carnival – Prizes to be won!

For more information visit our Facebook page facebook.com/sohamcarnival

Email carnival@soham.org.uk or call 01353 624493.

Press release from Soham Carnival 2019

The post Preparations are Underway for the 66th Soham Carnival appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Sam, one of Frank’s GCSE students, said the translation is ‘Much easier to understand than the original’. Parents report that Frank’s translation has really helped their children, especially as GCSE revision and exams loom.

Frank is the author of over a dozen GCSE and A level guides to English Literature texts. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – translated into clear, modern English for GCSE is available for £8.20 (including p&p) from pumblechookianpress.co.uk

From Author Frank Danes

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This year will be the 16th Eel Day Parade, and with the funds raised, we’ll be running free workshops and arts activities in our riverside Gallery on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 March. We’re inviting local children, families and seniors, to work together to help create a fantastic spectacle for the Eel Day parade on Saturday 4 May 2019. 

We have four fantastic artist led, Ellie the Eel repair workshops that will be running over the 30th and 31st March 2019, between 12-2pm & 2-4pm.

These workshops will be led by local artist John Lyons, who will be repairing one of the first eels ever paraded on eel day, and one he originally created. You’ll also have a have to chat to the team about how you can be part of the parade by helping carry Ellie on Eel Day.

If you can’t make our artist-led workshops, we will also have community drop-in sessions during weekends in April, where you will be able to decorate a scale for the infamous Ellie the Eel. These drop-in sessions will be running over consecutive weekends 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21^st April between 12-4pm.

If you are interested in taking part in any of our free workshops, please contact florence.tong@babylonarts.org.uk for more information. 

To follow the progress of this project, please visit www.babylonarts.org.uk/projects

Press release from Babylon Arts

The post Ellie the Eel Community Repair Workshops appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Over the last few years, thousands of pounds have been raised by Ely Firefighters taking their free time to wash cars for Ely locals. Anyone can bring their cars for an outside wash for a minimum donation of just £5.

The Firefighters Charity is there to help both former and past serving members who may have been injured or suffer from past experiences.

For more information: https://www.spottedinely.com/event/ely-fire-station-car-wash/

The post Firefighters Car Wash Announced appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

To celebrate this landmark birthday, entry to the museum will be FREE* all day on Saturday 30 March, during our Family Fun Day.

The Stained Glass Museum’s Curator, Dr Jasmine Allen, commented: “This will be a really exciting event – 40 years to the day that the Stained Glass Museum first opened in Ely Cathedral in 1979. We want to celebrate with you! Whether you are revisiting, or discovering the museum for the first time, come and be inspired by our fantastic collection, have fun and learn something new.”

A range of activities suitable for all the family will be taking place throughout the day, including:

• Glass Painting Demos by professional stained glass artist – 10.30am – 12.30am and 2.00pm – 4.00pm (ground floor, south-west transept)

• Gallery Toursꭝ (lasting 15-20 minutes) – 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm (upper level, SGM gallery) Come on a whistle-stop tour with one of our team, who will introduce some of the museum’s key exhibits

• Behind-the-Scene Toursꭝ (lasting 10-15 minutes) – 11.30am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm (upper level, SGM gallery) An opportunity to see behind-the-scenes!

• Crafts and stories (ground floor, south-west transept and upper level, SGM gallery)

Visitors can also explore the museum on their own throughout the day using our trails, audio guides, light box activities, and discovery bags (upper level, SGM gallery).

Location and Access: The Stained Glass Museum is located on an upper level of Ely Cathedral known as the south triforium. Some activities will take place in the Stained Glass Museum (accessed by 40 steps) whilst other activities will take place on the ground floor. We have included the location of activities in the list above.

*Please note free entry applies to The Stained Glass Museum only ꭝNumbers on tours may be limited for health & safety reasons – we will operate on a first come first served basis.

Press release from The Stained Glass Museum

The post The Stained Glass Museum opens its doors for free to celebrate its 40th Birthday appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The pitch has been dedicated to Trevor Hopkinson who sadly passed away during the long process but his family were in attendance.

Gallery of Opening

Julia Gilbert, opened the ceremony with a formal speech found below and which tells the full story.

Good afternoon everyone!

It’s lovely to see so many people here – thank you so much for coming along today to celebrate the opening of our new astro pitch!

As many of you know, Ely Outdoor Sports Association is responsible for providing and maintaining the facilities that you see here.  Not only are they available for our member clubs – Ely City Hockey Club, Ely Tigers Rugby Club and Ely Tennis Club – they are also available to hire by the wider Ely Community.  The astro pitch is the home of Ely City Hockey Club but a number of junior and adult football teams, together with a couple of local schools, also use it on a weekly basis. It is a much used and needed community asset.

We started fundraising for our new astro pitch about 15 years ago when the old astro pitch was just 10 years old.  Astro pitch carpets generally only last 10- 15 years and with the replacement cost at just under £200,000 we had a big target to reach.

A number of fundraising events and activities took place but with the astro pitch getting older, we were having to spend more and more on patching it and maintaining it.  In the last few years, we were having to spend on average £6000 each year – a huge sum to fork out when you’re trying to save for a new carpet! Although it was often of benefit to the Hockey Club when the opposition, not knowing how slippery the bottom right side of the pitch was, would end up on their bottoms after a run down the wing, the old pitch became too dangerous to play on last year.  At 25 years old it had served its purpose.

Two and a half years ago we realised that the pitch was coming to the end of its life.  Having raised only a quarter of the £198K needed to replace the astro carpet and shockpad and although we had been unsuccessful in applying for a grant 8 years ago, we realised that we had no other option but to try again and to apply for not just one grant but a number of different grants.  We also decided to reach out to the local community and businesses.

Two and half years later, I am very pleased to say that we managed to secure enough money from a number of grant providers and received some very generous donations from local businesses.  Work started on the pitch in October last year and was finally completed in January.

We are hugely grateful to Sport England, the Amey Community Fund, the National Hockey Foundation and East Cambridgeshire District Council for giving us a grant.  A huge thank you too to local businesses G’s Fresh, A L Lee Farming and J Gilbert & Son Ltd for you’re very generous donations. You all made our new astro pitch possible!

I genuinely don’t believe though that we would have been as successful in our grant applications without the help, support and advice of Victor Le Grand at East Cambs District Council, Simon Fairhall of Living Sport and Andy Dale of England Hockey.  Their never ending help in all our grant applications was invaluable and very much appreciated. Thank you.

Here at EOSA and Ely City Hockey Club, a big thank you must also go to Hannah Brown and Tom Grimshaw for their tireless work identifying funding opportunities and filling out numerous application forms, to Gemma Neal and Gemma Mott and their team for the organising the various fundraising events: to David Carford for ensuring that we met and completed all the criteria necessary to become ClubMark accredited: to Vicky Cooper for putting our accounts into a format that the grant providers required and to Jon Evans for all his help and support when we actually came to replace the carpet.  From a personal point of view I would also like to say a big thank you to my husband Mark and daughters, Annabelle and Zara for all their support. Lots of people in the Hockey Club took part in and helped with the various fundraising events and they all deserve a huge thank you too. I would though like to give a special mention to three Junior members – Daniel, Eve and Mia – who took part in a triathlon around Ely and between them raised over £1200 for the new pitch. They are a real inspiration to us all.

Finally but by no means least, I would like to thank Trevor Hopkinson, who is very sadly no longer with us.  His family – Kate, Greg and Krista are though here today. Without his knowledge, experience and contacts, none of this would have happened.  Having spent years trying to raise the necessary funds for the replacement astro pitch, he introduced me to Victor, Simon and Andy and passed on all the relevant documents and information that we needed to be able to submit the various grant applications.  He was Ely City Hockey Club and in honour of all the time and effort he put into not only the Club but also to the replacement of the astro pitch, we are naming the new pitch after him.

I’d like to hand you over now to Paul Massey, Chairman of Ely City Hockey Club, who is going to say a few words about Trevor and the Hockey Club.

Julia Gilbert, Opening Statement, Trevor Hopkinson Astro Pitch

If you would be interested in using the new facilities or playing hockey then please visit The City of Ely Hockey Clubs Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElyCityHockeyClub/

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Peter Pan is desperate to find the Lost Boys a mother and he finds just the girl in Wendy. But by bringing the Darling Family over to Neverland, is he putting them in danger with the villainous Captain Hook and his pirates following their every move?

KD Theatre Productions brand new exciting version of the classic story is bound to keep you HOOKED in the beautiful open-air setting of The Deans Garden at Ely Cathedral.

Daniel Bell, Producer said ‘We are delighted to be working with the team at The Cathedral to provide professional theatre in the most beautiful outdoor setting. We hope it will be the start of something really exciting at the Cathedral! It also marks the 90^th anniversary that JM Barrie gifted the rights to Great Ormond Street Hospital and we are very proud to be donating money from every ticket towards the hospital.’

Performances will take place between the 17^th and the 21^st July 2019 nightly with matinees on the 20^th and 21^st July. Audience members will be encouraged to bring their own picnics, blankets and chairs and enjoy the production.

Tickets can be purchased from KD Theatre (www.kdtheatre.co.uk , 01353 725 026) or via the Ely Cathedral Box Office (www.elycathedral.org/events , 01353 660 349)

Press release from KD Theatre Productions

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This status however did not ensure that Ely Common would be maintained to remain open and accessible, and over the last few years parts of the Common have been increasingly encroached upon by blackthorn scrub, despite being within Ely’s Country Park.

Two years ago, in co-operation with East Cambridgeshire District Council, Ely Wildspace began a process to clear the encroaching scrub from the Common, with the assistance of the Community Payback team and its own volunteers. Disposing of the cut shrub and scrub regrowth has proved problematic, and the cleared areas have remained unusable.

Help has come however from Camps Highways Ltd, specialists in commercial landscaping and highway soft verge maintenance, who this week provided their plant and personnel as a community service to remove and shred all the cut scrub and regrowth. The whole of this part of the Common is now accessible to the public for the first time in several years.

Ely Wildspace chairman Andrew Bullivant said ‘Ely Wildspace is delighted that Camps Highways’ team has come to our assistance in solving this long-standing problem of scrub encroachment on Ely Common. We hope that following their lead, ways may now be found to keep the Common open in the long term’.

Press release from Ely Wildspace

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For those who want more hands-on fun there will be the opportunity to take part in a Lego version of Robot Wars.

Father and Son Duncan and Callum Bridges (DC Lego Creations) are putting on the Ely Brick Show in aid of the city’s Christian’s Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, who last year helped 48 families and individuals from the area.

After visiting Lego shows elsewhere the duo decided it was time to put on their own show with some of their own creations, not just sets. Their enthusiasm for Lego meant Duncan has bought himself a log cabin to store and make his Lego creations in, when his spare room became too small and his attic was taken up by their Lego City.

“We are pleased to host this fantastic display as part of our own support for the important work of the Ely CAP Debt Centre, which has seen its case-load increase over the past year” said Karl Relton, minister of the Countess Free Church.

The show will take place on Saturday 16 March, 10am until 4pm at the Countess Free Church on Chapel Street, Ely. Admission (pay on the door): adults £3, children £1.

Press release from Ely CAP Money

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This is long standing custom at Ely Cathedral sees the choristers, and occasionally members of staff and the clergy, race down the Cathedral’s spectacularly long nave tossing pancakes as they go.

As in previous years Ely Cathedral are teaming up with the Church Urban Fund as part of their ‘Big Pancake Party’ to raise funds and awareness of food poverty in the UK; children going to school hungry and parents who are sacrificing their own needs so that their children can eat an evening meal.

Everyone is invited to come along and watch. Following the races, pancakes will be served with all donations going direct to the Church Urban Fund.  The Chorister’s Pancake Race and Big Pancake Party takes place directly after Evensong on Tuesday 4 March at 6.30pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

For catering purposes tickets can be obtained from Ely Cathedral Box Office- 01353 660349.

Press release from Ely Cathedral

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This fun and friendly group is run by volunteers and is welcoming new members from all walks of life to take part in their showcase ‘Celebration’. CAT are an inclusive group and welcome performers of all abilities and disabilities.

An information evening will be held at Little Thetford Village Hall on Tues 26^th Feb 7-9pm. Here you will be able to find out more information about the format of the show as well as meet some of the directors.

Following this, auditions will be held at the following dates/times:

Sun 3^rd March at Little Thetford Village Hall 2-3:30pm for ages 8-16 and 2-5pm for 16+yrs

Tues 5^th March 7-9pm at Little Thetford village Hall for ages 16+

You have only need to attend one audition.

For those wishing to be in the ensemble, no audition preparation is necessary. For those wishing to perform solos or duets in the showcase, please prepare a song from one of our past productions. A list of these can be found on our website www.cattheatrecompany.co.uk. Please note, we cannot guarantee that songs used for the audition will be featured in the final production.

Rehearsals will be held at Little Thetford Village Hall on Tues evenings and Sun afternoons. Although you may not be needed for every rehearsal, you must be available for both Tues and Sun rehearsals should you be needed.

Performance dates will be Thurs 30^th May – Sat 1^st June 2019 and will be held at Needham’s Hall, Ely College. You will be required for rehearsals every evening of show week – WB 27^th May

For more information, visit our website or email cat-ely@outlook.com 

CAT Publicity Team, Campaign Amateur Theatre Ely

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The Department for Transport has approved a funding package of approximately £27m to allow Network Rail and its contractor Volker Fitzpatrick to upgrade the stations at Waterbeach and Littleport, extending the platforms to accommodate longer trains to stop.

Once the work is complete, eight car services can be introduced during peak times to provide more seats and a better experience for passengers by reducing overcrowding on existing services.

The work will involve:

• Extending platforms 1 and 2 at Waterbeach station to 167 metres
• Extending platform 2 at Littleport station to 167 metres and providing step free access to platform 1
• Creating new stabling at King’s Lynn to support the longer train formations

Work is currently expected to start in October 2019 and completed in the summer of 2020.

It is anticipated Great Northern will look to introduce longer eight car services in December 2020.

Rail Minister Andrew Jones said: “This is an important and much needed upgrade, which will mean longer trains and a doubling of seats for passengers on the line between King’s Lynn and Cambridge.

“This is an excellent example of the investment we are putting into the national network over the next five years – around £48 billion to modernise our railways, giving passengers the reliable and punctual services they deserve.”

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “This funding announcement marks a significant milestone to deliver upgrades which will benefit all passengers travelling between Cambridge and Kings Lynn. These upgrades will allow longer trains to run on the line at peak times, providing more seats and space for passengers and reducing overcrowding.

“We hope this will be welcome news to everyone who has supported this investment.”

GTR Infrastructure Director Keith Jipps said: “King’s Lynn to King’s Cross services are very popular.

“Our drivers and trains are ready and we are working with our partners at Network Rail to get 8-carriage services operating on stopping services to King’s Lynn as soon as the infrastructure is ready and in line with the current industry timetable process.”

This is one of the first projects to progress to this stage of the new Rail Networks Enhancements Pipeline process, which the Department for Transport and Network Rail now jointly use to manage the delivery of new rail infrastructure.

Press release from Network Rail

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Back in January, Mark and Teresa Harrison, owners of Ely Tuk Tuk decided to make the tough decision to sell Nellie and put out a Facebook appeal to find new parents to the unique business.

Partnering with Viva!, The Sohams Mens Shed and Never Alone in Soham, NCS have decided to raise funds to house Nellie and use her to help take local people for trips around Soham and try and bring the community closer together with maybe a trip for coffee and lunch meets.

Wendy Lansdown, a Neighbourhood Care Worker said: “We have heard how tough people find it to get out and about in Soham and really want to make a difference.

“When we heard about Nellie being up for sale it sounded like the perfect idea to bring people closer together and be able to use Nellie to take them to coffee mornings, drop-in sessions and shows held by Viva.

“We already have volunteers who would be interested in driving it and we know there is a demand.”

Volunteers have already come forward to drive the Tuk Tuk and any extra money raised from the fundraising efforts will be used to keep Nellie maintained.

Soham Library will house a fundraising meter and you can give to the project https://www.crowdpatch.com/communityinvestors/2211/nellie4soham/

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PLEDGES and Futures Day is a regular feature at Ely College. A day of extended learning focusing on Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), each age group had a different focus covering some essential elements of the curriculum. By getting involved and engaging with outside partners such as the police and first aiders trainers, students can also earn their PLEDGES awards.

While Year 11 students looked to the ‘future’, with a dedicated day of revision to immerse themselves in their English Literature GCSE, younger students took part in a carousel of workshops centred around ‘making healthy choices’.  Gaining a deeper understanding of everything from cyber-bullying, positive body image and forming healthy relationships to healthy eating, mental wellbeing and future career choices, these activities simulated the challenges our young people face.

Working with Sgt Phil Priestley and sniffer dog Bessie, students gained knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with drugs and alcohol. Mr Spencer, Principal at Ely College commented: “We wants students to leave college as well rounded individuals, equipped with the tools to reach their fullest potential in life. These insights, will allow students to play a full and inclusive part in a healthy society and ensure they look out for each other with compassion and empathy.”

A workshop and activities facilitated by local group Talking FreEly was very popular as staff and students appreciated the time given to ‘just sit and talk’ about the barriers that stop us all from opening up about mental health concerns. Organisers commented on how positively students engaged with the day, explaining ‘that while teen mental health is at the fore front of today’s activities, we hope Ely College students can take these conversations home and continue to break down the stigma around mental wellbeing.’

Press release from Ely College

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The daytime event at The Cutter on Annesdale, by the river will be from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and from the Vernon Cross Room at Ely Museum on Market Street from 6:30pm to 8pm.

This is an opportunity for anyone to come meet and discuss any issues you may have in person.

You can remind yourselves of any the above times by visiting the events on the Spotted in Ely Facebook page.

The Cutter from 12:30: https://www.facebook.com/events/336378156970886/

Ely Museum from 6:30: https://www.facebook.com/events/770510469972544/

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Annington, who is currently building the Cawdle Meadows development in the village, gifted a storytelling morning to the school to celebrate the end of National Storytelling Week (which took place at the beginning of February).

The children were treated to a session with local bookshop owner Annabel Reddick of Burrows Bookshop in Ely, who told the children stories to entertain them and inspire their learning.

Annabel Reddick, owner of Burrows Bookshop, comments: “As a local bookshop owner, I believe that telling and sharing stories is at the heart of our community. I was so pleased to be invited to celebrate national Storytelling Week by telling stories to the children at Little Thetford Primary School, and would like to thank Annington for recognising the importance of storytelling as both a learning tool, and also as a way to build and develop communities.”

The event was completed by the unveiling of a bespoke wooden storytelling chair, which was donated by Annington for the school to keep. The chair has been intricately carved with a large owl to tie in with the school logo and fit in with Cawdle Meadows’ environmental ethos.

Louise Saunders, Sales & Marketing Manager at Annington, comments: “Family is at the heart of our new development at Cawdle Meadows, so we hope the storytelling session with Little Thetford Primary School will help pupils to foster a love for storytelling, reading and creative thinking. We hope the children will be able to continue to enjoy sessions like these with their new nature-inspired storytelling chair.”

Mr Wallace, Head Teacher at Little Thetford Church of England Primary School, commented: “We were so delighted to receive our very own storytelling chair from Annington, as it was something that our school has wanted to provide for our children for a very long time. The chair definitely helped to create a magical atmosphere for our reading with Annabel, and we look forward to holding many more storytelling sessions with her.”

Annington is due to launch its Cawdle Meadows development in Little Thetford in late spring 2019. Set in over three acres, the development will comprise of an exclusive collection of 10 detached properties, with eight four and five-bedroom family homes and two bungalows available to purchase. Designed to conserve and enhance the wildlife of the area, the homes will overlook green open space that will feature bark mulch paths and native trees, with the addition of insect hotels, log piles and bird and bat boxes to encourage wildlife.

To register your interest, and to find out more about Cawdle Meadows, contact selling agent William H Brown on 01353 663311 or visit www.cawdlemeadows.co.uk.

Press release from Annington Homes

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All of the exhibits have either been donated to, or purchased by, the Embroiderers’ Guild for preservation and archive purposes. Some of the most visually striking include a 200 year old Matador’s Jacket in purple velvet decorated in silver thread and made in Spain.  Other interesting works includes a late 19^thcentury Dragon Robe from China which would have been worn by a high-ranking mandarin. The blue silk fabric is hand embroidered with nine dragons, red bats and crane medallions.   

Over 150 people attended the preview with representatives from the Embroiderers’ Guild including their Executive Chair, Muriel Campbell, who was felt the chosen venue could not have been more appropriate.  “The Guild is delighted to be able to bring valued items from its collection of embroideries and textile art to be seen by the public and have them exhibited in the magnificent surroundings of Ely Cathedral”.

In addition to the main collection the exhibition also includes interesting examples of embroidery from the Cathedral’s own collection. Amongst them a 15^th century Mediaeval Cope which is one of the best examples of its time and rarely on public display.

King’s Ely, which has an excellent reputation for Art and Textiles, are also participating in the exhibition with a striking display of samples of coursework produced by GCSE and A Level students.

The Beautiful Stitch runs from 05 -28 February. Access to the Exhibition is included in the standard entry fee to the Cathedral.  For further information visit www.elycathedral.org

Further information about the Embroiderers’ Guild can be found at www.embroiderersguild.com

Press release from Ely Cathedral

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East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Economic Development team has been at the forefront of developing the network working with local specialist company, Air Broadband.

The team has delivered an innovative and cost-effective solution, building the necessary infrastructure, to make this all possible. The first area to have free public Wi-Fi in the district was delivered in December to Ely.

A total of five Wi-Fi hotspots have gone live in Soham, allowing users to log on when they are ‘on the go’ via their phones or tablets.

With an estimated population of over ten thousand people, the free Wi-Fi will be an asset to users of local businesses, residents of Soham and visitors to the town.

Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Councillor Charles Roberts, said: “I’m really pleased to see the roll-out of our free Wi-Fi hotspots reach Soham in such a short space of time.

“We welcomed the free Wi-Fi access points in Ely just a month ago. With more and more people browsing the internet and making digital payments while out and about, Soham free Wi-Fi will be of huge benefit to them.

“I am looking forward to seeing other market towns and villages in East Cambridgeshire welcome free Wi-Fi hotspots in the near future.”

Councillor Mark Goldsack, who represents Soham North Ward, said: “This is an exciting time for East Cambridgeshire.

“It’s great to see Soham become the next location for public free Wi-Fi and I’m sure it will be a huge asset to the town.”

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

Photo credit: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Photo: Councillor Mark Goldsack

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The theme of the school’s moving Service of Remembrance, held on January 28^th, was ‘Torn from Home’. The service was held to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau; to mark the 25^th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda and 40 years since the ending of the Genocide in Cambodia.

Prior to the service, all students in Years 7 to 13 were encouraged to read and reflect on the life of Sokphal Din, who was forced out of his home by the Khmer Rouge in April 1975, aged just 17. Sokphal endured hard labour in the Killing Fields and eventually survived the Genocide in Cambodia by escaping to Thai refugee camps where he lived for seven years.

A short poem written by Karen Gershon, entitled ‘I was not there’, was read out at the service. Karen was rescued as a child on the Kindertransport. Students were invited to light candles in memory of those who lost their lives.

King’s Ely Junior and Senior students have also taken part in the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Postcard Project this year, where pupils have learnt about the history and explored the life stories of people affected by the Holocaust and the Genocide in Cambodia, and then written personal postcards to them.

Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27th) is a national commemoration day in the UK dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. It was first held in January 2001 and has been on the same date every year since. The chosen date is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by the Soviet Union in 1945.

To discover more about opportunities at King’s Ely, please visit: www.kingsely.org

Press release from King’s Ely

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In 2017, while enjoying an evening with his wife, Charlotte and children, Grace and Alfie. James was called upon to remove all his fears and do something he would never thought possible and save Charlotte as she collapsed and was unresponsive.

Charlotte at just 31 years of age had suffered a cardiac arrest. Her heart had just stopped working.

Within seconds, James had begun the process of CPR for which he had received training from his workplace 18 months previous, while calling 999 and alerting the emergency services into a swift response.

____________________________________________

While the Ambulance service and East Anglia Air Ambulance were en-route, James remained calm and collected and continued to assist his unresponsive wife with CPR.

Within 25 minutes, Charlotte was in an Ambulance and then Air-Ambulance and the paramedics said that Charlotte only survived through James quick actions and knowledge of CPR and recognising the signs of what Charlotte was going through.

Both James and Charlotte are now advocates for getting more defibrillators hosted around Ely and the Cathedral themselves are now proud to announce they have bought a defibrillator and taken on training to use the device.

Charlotte is also active raising funds for other organisations to own a device including Pure Ely, which recently raffled off a giant teddy.

It is Spotted in Elys great pleasure that James Salmons becomes our first Community Star and was awarded such in Ely Cathedral at their Evensong, in which the Dean of Ely, Very Reverend Mark Booney took.

There will be more information coming in the following few days about Spotted in Ely Community Stars but it will be an all year round celebration of local people who do amazing things.

Related: Pure Ely Donates Colin to Littleport Academy and Raises Funds for a Defibrillator

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The Taken by Storm, Storm Thorgerson exhibition, which was on display at The Babylon Gallery throughout December, was one of the most popular the gallery has experienced. Head of Project Delivery Florence Tong said: “The interest and success of this exhibition inspired us to celebrate the artwork that is associated with our favourite bands, music and tracks by inviting amateur, professional and first time artists to create their own original piece of vinyl artwork.”

Mayor of Ely, Cllr Mike Rouse attended the launch to present the top prize of £100 for ‘Best in Show’ which was awarded to Mack Mathod’s for his take on Jethro Tull’s Step into the Wild Land winning him the £100 prize for ‘Best in Show’.  Father and son artists Lee and Jimmy Hasler as well as Cameron Taylor’s designs were ‘Highly Commended’

Rupert Truman, StormStudios who supported the exhibition said: “We’re very proud to be associated with this awesome event organised by our friends at Babylon ARTS in Ely. The fundraising exhibition features one-off album cover tributes from professional and amateur artists – democracy in action!”

Alongside the Album Art exhibits we’re presenting never before seen, limited edition StormStudios ‘vinyl rough’ designs for various album covers, which will be recognisable to music lovers. These are rarely seen outside of the studio but a crucial part of the design process. The studios have donated a stunning limited print from their artist Dan Abbott which is being raffled at the Gallery throughout the show as part of this fundraising exhibition.

All artwork is on sale at the Babylon Gallery until Sunday 27th January, open daily 12-4pm. Entry is FREE. At least 50% of the proceeds from artwork sales going to support the work of our charity Babylon ARTS.

To follow the progress of this project, please visit www.babylonarts.org.uk/projects

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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As part of her campaign to improve the outlook for our high streets, Lucy Frazer MP, invited the Minister to come to Ely.  He met with key local figures who are actively engaged in efforts to ensure the future prosperity of the High Street.  
At a meeting with the Minister hosted by Lucy, all those present welcomed ‘The Future High Streets Fund’, announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget.  The Minister was asked for advice on how to ensure a successful bid on behalf of Ely.

Other points of discussion included the Combined Authority funded ‘Market Town Feasibility Study’ and the collaborative effort needed to address the changing nature of the high street affected by a whole host of issues including the online shopping revolution, rents, rates and the impact of charity shop status.

Those in attendance included Councillor Lis Every, Cambridgeshire County Councillor (Ely North), East Cambridgeshire District Council and City of Ely Councillor (Ely East); Charles Roberts, Deputy Mayor of the Combined Authority and Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council; Councillor Anna Bailey, Deputy Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council and the County Councillor for Ely South; Mike Rouse, Mayor and Chair of the City of Ely Council;  Richard Hobbs, Chair of the Tourism, Tourist Information Centre, Events and City Centre Committee and Tracey Harding, Manager, Town Centres, Tourism, TIC, Oliver Cromwell House and Events.

A number of High Street business owners were invited to join the latter half of the meeting. They included Andrew Olly manager of City Cycle Centre and a representative of the Trading Association; Annabelle Reddick, owner and co-manager of Burrows Bookshops and Burrows Newsagents; Sarah Simonds, owner of the ladies’ fashion shop, Artichoke and Tracey Reynolds, co-owner of interiors shop, Duck Egg Blue.

Following the meeting, the Minister was taken on a tour of the High Street, beginning at City Cycle Centre and also visiting James Cox, gentlemen’s outfitters, Eel Catchers Daughter, gift shop and Bent and Cornwall, butchers.

Lucy spoke about the visit saying, “The future health of our high streets affects us all.  Not only are our high streets a vital component of our economy, they are also essential to the fabric of our local community.  It is clear that in order to ensure a vibrant future, our high streets need to adapt and the government is committed to helping them make the necessary changes.  Thanks to an ongoing review of towns and high streets in our region, currently being undertaken by the Combined Authority in conjunction with the District Councils, a number of proactive practical measures to help our high streets have already been identified. These measures need funding and I am very grateful to the Minister for taking the time to speak with us today and to help us understand how we can best target funding that is being made available for this purpose.”

In addition to ‘The Future High Streets Fund’, the government is supporting local businesses with a number of other measures. More than £9 billion of business rate support means that many small businesses now pay no rates.  The reduction to the annual rates rises is worth a further £4 billion and there is also a £300 million discretionary relief scheme which local authorities can use to grant relief to businesses. In addition to this, the Government are reviewing the wider taxation of the digital economy and recently established an expert advisory panel, the ’Future High Streets Forum’, which is to support and champion local high streets, share best practice and develop new solutions and responses to the challenges being faced at a local level.  

High Streets Minister, Jake Berry, said “It was great to meet local leaders who are really enthusiastic about making sure their high street thrives both now and in the future. Our Future High Streets Fund is open to ambitious ideas and I look forward to receiving Ely’s application.”

Councillor Lis Every who helped to coordinate the visit and who is very engaged in supporting local retailers, said, “ We need to work collectively to address the structural shift taking place in the retail environment. Here in Ely, footfall is down despite all we have to offer including free parking, an award winning market, a very attractive riverside, a unique heritage and recently introduced free Wi-Fi! Local independent shops are vital to the future viability of the city centre and are also vital to the social cohesion of the local community. I am really grateful to Lucy for arranging today’s meeting.  It was very helpful to be able to talk directly with the Minister.”

Press release from Lucy Frazer MP

Photo:  Lucy Frazer MP with High Streets Minister, Jake Berry MP and Manager of City Cycle Centre, Andrew Olly  

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The festival will be open from 6pm till 9pm Thursday; 09.30am till 9.00pm on Friday 26th and 9.30am till 7pm on Saturday 27th. (No entry after 6pm) There is free entry at all sessions for card carrying CAMRA members and a small charge of £2 for non members. The venue has disabled access. Hot food will be available at all sessions.

Tony Gimbert, Festival Organiser said “we will be opening with a wide selection of real ales, ciders. This year there will be a choice of over 86 real ales including ten key keg, ciders and meads. Also, in response to requests there will also be wine served for those attending that do not like ale. The range of real ales will be vast from some from brand new micro-breweries as well as beers from the north of England, the Midlands and of course East Anglia. To add to the variety we will be having a selection of local ciders. The range of ales and ciders on offer has been chosen to reflect the diverse array of tastes and styles of ales, including a range of Milds, meads, cask lagers and ciders and also gluten free and vegan ales so we hope that there will be at least one beer to suit each customer’s palate. With this in mind it reinforces the claim that we are the biggest and best festival in the Ely area offering the most diverse range of beers.

We are really looking forward to this years festival and all the branch members have worked really hard to make it a success. We are so happy to be back at the Maltings. It’s a superb venue and perfect for our festival. However, please note that due to capacity issues we will only be open to ages eighteen and over, we will not be allowing children into this year’s festival.

Once again there will be “fringe” festivals going on in town at 3at3 in Three Cups Walk, The Prince Albert on Silver Street and the Draymans Son on Forehill.

We are always grateful for volunteer helpers to make the festival run smoothly. You do not need to be a CAMRA member to help out and you will be rewarded for your time and efforts. If you think that you may be able to help us by working at the festival, even if it’s only for a short time then download the staffing form at www.elycamrabeerfest.com/volunteering and send on to Ian Gray, Staffing Officer on ianelvisgray@gmail.com.

So, come along and try some of the best regional real ales on offer. Even if you think you don’t like real ale, please come along and give it a try, we have something for everyone. This promises to be a right winter warmer of a Beer Festival, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Brian Partridge, Publicity Officer for the Branch added “This year you can follow us on our Festival Website at www.elycamrabeerfest.com, via our Facebook page at ElyAndDistrictCamra and via Twitter at twitter.com/ElyBeerFestival”

Press release from Ely and District CamRA

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The new bypass opened to traffic at the end of last year and since then our contractors, VolkerFitzpatrick, have been continuing to work on the walkway.

The separate walkway linking Fen Rivers Way and Ouse Valley Way footpaths will provide a new walking route with impressive views of Ely and the Cathedral from the Fen.

Chairman of the Economy and Environment Committee, Cllr Ian Bates said: “I am delighted that the final piece of the jigsaw to Ely’s new bypass is complete and people can start to enjoy those nice New Year walks.  

“Ely Southern Bypass opened to traffic in October and has been a huge success, solving long-standing traffic problems and reducing journey times for drivers. The opening of the walkway will benefit many residents and visitors in Ely. The public can admire views of Ely Cathedral and the surrounding landscape from an exceptional structure that links existing public rights of way along the east and west flood bunds of the River Ouse.”

Mayor James Palmer said: “The exceptional design of this bypass means that any fears there may have been over the impact on the setting of Ely Cathedral within its unique landscape I think were overstated. In fact what we now have is a walkway that offers stunning views of one the jewels in Cambridgeshire’s crown, which can now be enjoyed and experienced by more people.”

In total, around 252 tonnes of steel and 25 tonnes of sustainable timber have been used for the walkway. It also features a stainless steel handrail that is 380m in length.

Ely Southern Bypass is a 1.7km single carriageway with a viaduct crossing the Great Ouse and a bridge over two railway lines. It connects the A142 at Angel Drove to Stuntney Causeway.

The underpass work, to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, continues and will be finished by the end of February. There has been a slight delay with this work due to issues with unexpected utility pipes under the road, drainage complications and the manufacture of the over-height vehicle detection signs, which until installed the underpass cannot safely open.  

Press release from Cambridgeshire County Council

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Numbers of wintering swans, ducks and wading birds peak on the Ouse Washes this month, and along with a mix of  low water levels and cold weather forecasted, we could be in for an incredible winter wetland scene. 

Present conditions at Welney Wetland Centre are relatively low water levels.  This will mean that Mike Dilger will only need to wear welly boots to walk along the edge of the lagoon in front of the main hide and feed the swans – slightly less water to contend with since his last time feeding the swans in a dry suit with a floating barrow.  Visitors will be able to watch Mike feeding the swans, join him bird watching from the hide or even hear about his adventures filming with WWT at his talk. 

Visitors will also be able to hear about Bewick’s swan conservation from WWT team members Kane Brides and Dr Kevin Wood.  Kane has travelled to Artic Russia to tag Bewick’s swans and Iceland to tag whooper swans as part of our ongoing monitoring of these two migratory species.  Kevin has monitored the wintering population of Bewick’s and whooper swans around the Ouse Washes to assess this stage of their year, and whether it has played into the decline of the Bewick’s swan population.  Photojournalist, Ben Cherry, was a volunteer with the Flight of the Swans project and so has travelled the autumn migration of the Bewick’s swans from Arctic Russia to the UK alongside them.  Dutch Bewick’s swan expert, Wim Tijsen, will be talking about how the Bewick’s swans fair in the Netherlands, on his 25^th year of following the Bewick’s to the UK. 

The low water levels mean that the Welney Wash Road is open, as well as all the hides and footpaths on the reserve.  Pools of water in front of the hides and a few shallow flooded washes around the reserve are the current roosting options for the swans, meaning that a few prime locations on the reserve are the best spots for viewing the Bewick’s and whooper swans. 

The Festival of Swans weekend provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to find out more about the rarest swan species found in the UK, from some of the key people working to protect them and their wetland homes. 

Key Times:
10am  Event starts
10am Mike Dilger guide in the hide with visitors
1-2pm Mike Dilger with panel of speakers for questions
3.30pm Mike Dilger feeding the swans Saturday and Sunday

For a full list of events and visitor centre facilities including directions, go to WWT Welney’s page – http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney

Press release from WWT Welney Wetland Centre

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Colin who is over 2 metres tall and weighs more than most humans was put up as a prize in a raffle to raise enough money to buy a defibrillator for the shop. During the December competition, Mrs Bailey also gave training to all her staff, both first aid and in the use of the defibrillator.

During the live draw, Cheryl thanked everyone for taking part and confirmed enough had been raised to buy the life-saving kit before pulling out one of the tickets belonging to Maria Isaacs.

On contacting Maria, she decided Colin, while very lovely, was too big for her home and wanted to give it away. Comments on the social media post mentioned many good causes, but Ms Isaacs who worked at Highfields in Ely decided the new Highfields would get the most benefit.

And she was right, yesterday on arrival at the school, the children looked out through every window to see the arrival of Colin. Met by Grace 10, nearly 11 and Jack who is 8 1/2, Colin was shown to assembly along with an unexpected addition, a 6-metre snake who as yet has no name. The snake was donated by a friend of Maria’s.

Colin will be used at the school in the Therapy room which is being created. A place where children would be able to relax and take time out and a cuddle from Colin would make the children more at ease.

Littleports Highfield Academy has now been open 2 years and still in the process of trying to get more equipment for their school especially in the outdoor play area. SOLHA, The Supporters of Littleport Highfield Academy are constantly raising money and applying for grants but also are relying on the generosity of local businesses including Life Fitness who recently gave the school an outdoor Foosball Table.

The school have asked us to pass along a BIG THANK YOU to SOLHA, Cheryl and Maria for their generous contributions.

The post Colin Finds His Forever Home at Littleport Academy appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The hospital is being developed by the local NHS into a health and care superhub. This is a place where lots of different health and care services are offered on one site.

They need your help to make sure that people from the Ely area have an opportunity to contribute to these plans and say what they think is needed.

For more information click here

From Healthwatch in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

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Awards were made in five categories for young people aged 4—18yrs who are all studying within East Cambridgeshire Schools. The prizes are sponsored by Tindalls and other local shops and businesses. More information can be found on www.babylonarts.org.uk

The exhibition which is supported by the Ely-Hereward Rotary is showcasing over 120 selected artworks from the talented young artists including painting, photography, ceramics and textiles. President Sarah Lindsell presented the prizes to the following students: 

Foundation

Finn S. – 1st Lantern Primary School
Florence Y. – 2^nd Mepal & Witcham Primary School 
Ella-Grace G-W. – 3rd  Littleport Community Primary

Key Stage 1

Hannah B. – 1st Littleport Community Primary 
Daisy K. – 2nd Lantern Primary School
Sapphire – 3rd Littleport Community Primary

Key Stage 2

Lizzy F. – 1st The Weatheralls Primary School 
Gryte – 2nd The Weatheralls Primary School
James W. – 3^rd Shade Primary School

Key Stage 3

Annabel T. – 1^st Ely College 
Alex B. – 2^nd Ely College 
Ayla W. – 3^rd Soham Village College

Key Stage 4

Ella P. – 1^st Ely College 
Elli-Rai – 2^nd Soham Village College 
Emille P. – 3^rd Soham Village College

Key Stage 5

Archie H. – 1^st King’s School, Ely
Charlie W. – 2^nd King’s School, Ely
Lauryn S. – 3^rd King’s School, Ely

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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This grant award means that Ely Museum’s ambitious £2.2 million project will now go ahead, beginning in 2019. Alongside the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, the museum has received support from a number of local and national trusts and foundations, East Cambridgeshire District Council, City of Ely Council, and has been delighted by the donations and enthusiasm of local people.

The project aims to transform the museum over the next two years and to work more closely with local communities. The museum will become a heritage hub for locals and tourists, introducing them to the history of the area. New galleries, a series of events and exhibitions and improved visitor facilities will create an exciting destination for local families, schools and visitors to the museum, while resources and trails will encourage people to explore the district further.

The project will include the renovation of the historic ‘Old Gaol’ building on Market Street and the redisplay of the collections within it. Schools visiting the museum will benefit from improved facilities and exciting new opportunities. Storage for the museum’s collections will be improved to safeguard local heritage for the future.

Commenting on the award, curator Elie Hughes said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this transformational grant thanks to National Lottery players. There will be lots of opportunities for the community to get involved with events and activities, volunteering opportunities and consultation. It’s a very exciting time for everyone in Ely!”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of HLF said: “Museums are vital to our understanding of the past, and with the support of the National Lottery, the people of Ely will have a wonderful asset on their doorstep in order to discover the rich heritage of the cathedral city.”

Press release from Ely Museum

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This action packed event, dedicated to fundraising, is one of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust’s well-established PLEDGES and Futures Days, where students are given the opportunity to work towards their PLEDGES or broaden their experiences as they work towards their futures.

In the lead up to the big day, the students came together in their form groups and Houses to vote for their House charities for the year. It was a difficult process as so many worthy causes were on the table, but overall each House leaned towards a charity that helped children. Students shared their thoughts and empathised with young people their age who face difficult challenges or life threating conditions. Some houses adopted new organisations whilst Scott and Franklin kept supporting groups they have built a relationship with over the last year.  This year, Ely College will be supporting the following four charities:

• Arthur Rank Hospice – Scott House
• Spectrum Cambridge- Etheldreda House
• C9 Cancer Ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital- Franklin House
• EACH, East Anglia Children’s Hospices- Turing House
• with Bishop Laney Sixth Form also choosing to support EACH

Students brainstormed fundraising ideas, planned and prepared their stalls and the culmination of their hard work came together on the last day of term as ‘Charities Day 2018’ took place. The school site was divided into event areas with tuck shops, a sports zone, neon dodgeball disco and even a return of the ‘stage door haunted house’! Gladiator Battles were very popular as were glitter makeovers and various delicious cake sales.  As well as the traditional lucky dips and tombola’s we had some fresh ideas. From gaming challenges to selfie stations, zorbing footie to nerf wars; there was something for everyone!

The event was well supported by teachers, who encouraged students to plan for a bigger and better event than our inaugural year. Principal of Ely College, Richard Spencer, thanked his staff and all who supported the event and said: “PLEDGES and Futures Days are so important because they play a vital part in helping our students to develop empathy as well as more tangible skills such as the teamwork and responsibility that comes with event planning.

“Handling cash with its insights into customer service and building communications skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, preparing them for life beyond the classroom. We are delighted with how the students have embraced their House Charities this year and we look forward to running fundraisers for them throughout the year.”

Head students, Oscar and Hannah commented: “What an awesome way to end the term! We enjoyed working with our form groups and the student council to come up with new ideas and raise even more than last year. All the houses totally smashed expectations and we are all very pleased the money will go to help children and their families who deserve it. We want to thank our form tutors for helping us raise so much and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”

PLEDGES were introduced at Ely College last year and are vital in ensuring students leave college as well rounded individuals, to support their academic and career paths. A system of rewards and behaviour, PLEDGES help students develop character and responsibility that can be taken into their adult life. They encourage students to get involved with the wider experiences the college and community has to offer them.

Press release from Ely College

The post Ely College students organise their second ‘Charities Day’ and smash last year’s fundraising for their House Charities. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The event is not an official event but he will be raising money for the new Spotted in Ely Community Fund by swimming 1km in the river followed by 25km on a bike, consisting of 5 laps of 5km and finishing with a 5km run, 5 laps of 1km.

Mark, who hasn’t done much fitness training since being in the RAF nearly 30 years ago is working with Aaron McCombie from Atrium Fitness on Newnham Street.

Aaron has been a fitness instructor with the local gym for some time and is giving up his time to train Mark up to the fitness required in the short time span.

Although some fitness and cardio work has taken place in December, the actual stamina or consistency training began today. Mark is only currently about 1/5th of the stamina/distance he needs to complete the challenge.

Spotted in Ely are currently working with an accountancy firm to set up a sponsorship account and money raised in the SiECF (Spotted in Ely Community Fund) will be used to grow local events, support youth and sporting activities and hopefully set up a “The Apprentice” style program to teach our kids business and money. All organisations will be considered for projects being created.

After each training session, 3 or 4 a week to start, SiE will update you on the progress. Mark and Atrium also invite anyone to come along and train with them for a small donation. The Atrium is also offering 50% of peak memberships should you wish to join up long-term.

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This is the eighth year the Cathedral has put on a Christmas Day lunch for those who are in need or lonely or just want to celebrate with others and enjoy being part of a community on this very special day.

The lunch is entirely organised by volunteers who give their time to help prepare and serve food, cook, decorate the Lady Chapel and collect any donations from local suppliers.

Sally Ann Ford, a member of Cathedral staff, has been involved in the Christmas Day lunch from the beginning. “This lunch is able to take place every year because of people in the community giving their time and their skills to make it all happen. There are so many people we should be thanking, it is impossible to name everyone however I should like to particularly acknowledge one of our Cathedral volunteers, Tabatha, who keeps us all organised and focused. We really cannot thank everyone enough for all the food donations and the gifts we received. As a result are able to donate cash to other local charities. Finally we should also thank those who came along and enjoyed the lunch, the atmosphere was amazing”.

The lunch, which consisted of roast turkey with all the trimmings, was cooked on site in The Almonry restaurant kitchens Cathedral team by Gareth and Rachel, from Crucial Cuisine in Cambridge, with the support of Adrian Scarlett, Cathedral Catering Manager.

Members of Histon WI popped in with gifts for everyone and volunteers and guests were also treated to Christmas good wishes in person from Lucy Frazier MP and the Mayor of Ely, Mike Rouse.

However all did not go exactly to plan. A power cut presented problems for washing up and lighting but by sheer luck there was an electrician on hand, Steve Ellis, who was able to sort the problem just in time!

Press release from Ely Cathedral

Photos thanks to James Billings

The post Cathedral Christmas Day Lunch appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

As with every year before, Spotted in Ely has helped with lost and found items, travel reports, local good news and community issues, local event awareness and so much more. We’ve now set up a Littleport page on our website specifically for the villages news items, all possible thanks to the great work Maria Stableford. We are looking to set up ones for other locations.

In 2018 over 3,000 hours have been spent gathering all the information for Ely and surrounding villages. This has created more than 5 million post engagements on Facebook and encouraged over 1 million views on our website for the first time.

You may have noticed that more and more of the news items are now on the website? This is so we can create a better library of historical news but this comes at a price to keep the server running, especially with the number of high quality images we receive.

Running Spotted in Ely also comes at a cost personally both financially and mentally. This year we’ve had some serious issues to resolve in-house with people who wanted to work with us under a different agenda. This has created a small but manageable rift between those people and a few select followers, but Spotted in Ely maintains the same premise it started with, it’s a brand and it needs to protect itself.

Financially, the site has been funded with some job adverts and few advertorials but mostly by us and in 2019, this has to change.

In November 2018, after much thought and chat, we considered to shut down SiE and to be honest this could be a possibility as the cost is just too much month on month to maintain and I have to go and work late evenings to make up the shortfall in our own bills and running costs meaning I am working over 80 hours a week and this isn’t healthy.

BUT, the good news is, we are staying open for business in 2019 but before I go on and tell you the changes to be made, let me tell you about something I am doing in January and I need your support.

Thanks to Matt and Atrium Fitness Ely, I am going to be doing a 30 day COUCH to MINI-TRIATHLON challenge which will see me hopefully complete a 1k swim, 25k bike and 5k run on Sunday 3rd or 10th February (based on weather) around Ely. This is not an organised triathlon, just one I will be doing. We will keep a video diary of the whole project and make a documentary at the end plus daily social media updates.

WHY? Well 2 reasons, (actually many reasons but 2 main reasons).

Firstly, we want to create a SiE Community Fund which will help and benefit local charities, organisations etc with various projects. It will also be used to help us start our Community Stars Project (may not be the name, still working on that one) in association with the Cathedral. They are really keen to do something every month during 2019 with us on this project. I have set myself, what feels like an impossible target to raise £10,000 from my get fit to triathlon project but big targets mean I work harder every day. This fund will also create a “The Apprentice” style program for local schools to learn business skills.

The second reason is simple, I used to enjoy being fit and was a big cross country runner during my school and RAF days. These days with my various jobs, I do a lot of sitting around and often eat junk, so time to change. Not getting any younger.

During training and the event itself, I invite people to join me. You can do part or all of the event. Your choice. I’ll be taking part in gym work, swim, fitness classes etc. Chuck a donation in and join us and be part of the social media activity.

I am also looking for a serious corporate sponsor to help fund the project and put some change into the donation bin also. In return, I am happy to promote you with branded wear and over the various social media activities.

Back to SiE in 2019.

I make no bones that we lose money each month and I have to work extra hours to make those up. We have bills to so I cannot stop that but we have to consider who we help.

From now and with immediate effect, SiE will no longer post for people asking for recommendations. People asking for those will be sent a link to our business directory. We know of lots of companies who have done well out of the recommendations and a very small handful have come forward and done some advertising with us and very few have thanked us.

We also get a lot of companies messaging us asking for our time to help them promote a good cause project they are doing. While we appreciate the gesture they are committing, if they don’t support us in the first place then we will now have to refuse to help. We just do not have the time.

Next our Event Calendar. This is where Alison spends most of her time and personally, I think there are better ways using the new Facebook Local system. Until July 2019, side by side, we are accepting co-host requests. This means your event will appear on the Spotted in Ely events tab. This does not mean we will automatically promote the event on the main timeline. We will be asking for a small fee for this happen.

The jobs section – we have huge success for those who use this section. We currently charge £49 per listing, we will be increasing this to £79 from early 2019. We have an over 90% hit rate and some amazing reviews. Other sites are 10x this and other local media is into the hundreds of pounds. “Fulfilling Local Jobs for Local People”

Trying to create a wage for 2 isn’t cheap and unless we can monetize SiE, then it will disappear and the date I am determining for that choice is July 2019.

Spotted in Ely isn’t just a notice board like other groups etc, we get out and get involved and that is what has made us different and so when people say cut back, well if we do then we are just a notice board and so we are determined to make differences and be different.

We recently had congratulations from the local Police due to some things that we have stuck our nose into that has made changes in policies and we have a few other things we want to stick our nose into also. We also want to get into more campaigns like Ask for Angela and I’m Des.

SiE for the next 6-7 months is at use us or lose it stage. We want to help local businesses and groups but they to must help us, co-operation is key and we ask that if we put something out for you, don’t leave it there, share it just like you do when other media put it out. For certain events, we may ask for a donation for our time.

Likewise, in 2019 we will be selective with the events we take part in due to those time constraints. Often, more than one event type may clash with another, we find we enjoy being more involved with the the event that involves us most. For us to attend events, we need planning time. We are constantly asked 20 hours before if we can attend and this just isn’t possible.

Much more to come in the next months.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Team Spotted in Ely.

The post Changes in 2019 – Reviewing 2018 appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Fire fighters accessed and dealt with the incident as they would in real life. Windows were removed from the vehicle, followed by the doors and then the roof was cut away to give access to the casualties. Vice Principal, Mr Baynes, was carried from the wreckage on a spinal board whilst the pupils were able to walk away. The cyclist was not so lucky and was put into a body bag. It was a very chilling and thought-provoking end to an informative day. Daniel Allgood, who was one of the casualties, enjoyed being rescued but acknowledged that he would not want to repeat the experience any time soon.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue had spent the morning with students educating them about road safety. Fire fighters brought virtual reality headsets that showed students short videos of road traffic accidents, these were graphic and made students stop & think. They encouraged students to think before they get into a car and to be a responsible passenger by explaining to students how distractions and fatal mistakes lead to a high number of fatalities in the 17-24 age group each year. Students also learnt what to do if they are first on the scene at an accident, how to access the situation, how to get help, and how to give first aid and CPR.

We are very grateful to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service for taking time to educate our pupils, they did have to rush away and deal with an incident for a short time but returned and carried on with this valuable exercise. Thank you too to Mrs Ouzman for organising the day which was a great success and will hopefully stay with our pupils for a long time to come.

Press release from Witchford Village College 

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Hailed as “wonderful” by one reviewer and “impeccable” by another, five performances were held in the school’s Hayward Theatre, tickets for which sold out within a matter of days.

More than 50 King’s Ely Senior students took part in the production, including not just the young actors and actresses but those backstage too in sound, lighting, make-up and costume. Everything from the set construction to the cross design, and the lighting to the make-up involved current students, Old Eleans, staff, former staff or friends of the school.

The production was directed by Nick Huntington, musically directed by Peter North and choreographed by Natasha Hobbs, all under the banner of the King’s Company, which has been producing a school musical every year for the last decade.

With music by Grammy and Academy award-winner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Oscar winner, Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the final days of Jesus Christ’s life. It is told primarily by Judas Iscariot, the disciple who ultimately betrays Jesus, through the heavy use of 1970’s slang.

In the King’s Company production, the role of Jesus Christ was shared by John-Paul Gilbey and Charlie Watson. Mary Magdalene was played by Francesca Bisson and Judas Iscariot was played by Alex Layfield.

Director of Drama at King’s Ely, Nick Huntington, said: “This is not the first time that King’s Company has tackled Jesus Christ Superstar. Back in 2008, Director of Performance Studies, Adella Charlton, had the idea of creating King’s Company, the school’s production company name for all things drama, dance and musical theatre. As the actor-in-residence back then, Jesus Christ Superstar was my first full production at the school, and the first production under the King’s Company banner. I was thrilled to work on a project that involved such a great cast and crew, and 10 years later it seemed very fitting to produce and direct the show again. The Jesus Christ Superstar cast were very lucky to have such a fantastic creative team of teachers and students supporting them, and the creatives were lucky to have such a superbly talented cast to support. As ever, we do not go for easy choices and Jesus Christ Superstar is no exception.”

To find out more about opportunities at King’s Ely, please visit www.kingsely.org.

Press release from King’s Ely 

Photo credit: Toby Roney

Jesus Christ Superstar – Review by Charlotte Dean

For those of us in our young 20s when the Jesus Christ Superstar album came out in 1970 ahead of the stage show, this was exciting, iconoclastic stuff. Just three years earlier the musical Hair had literally rocked the establishment. So confident were we in our safe, inherited certainties that we kicked over the traces and shocked our elders in every area of life with no thought for consequences. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll became the new norm as we courted disapproval dressed in our flares, mini-skirts, flamboyant shirts and kaftans.

“Context is all,” as Margaret Atwood famously wrote. Those musicals, so confrontational fifty years ago, had their day; times moved on. Yet both Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar are now being revisited in London.

The answer must lie in contemporary, rather than historical context.  Nick Huntington, Director of Drama and Theatre, took on this musical 10 years ago as Actor in Residence. When asked how he felt about this production compared with his previous one, his reply was, effectively, “That was then, this is now.”

This production was “now” in no uncertain terms. The huge screen at the back of the stage, flanked by two smaller screens at the sides were frequently used to depict real contemporary news, complete with newsreaders and rolling headlines and footage of noisy, rioting mobs with heavy-handed police, fires and destruction. Throughout the show there were reporters, desperate to catch the moment and jostling for sound-bites, with instantaneous relay onto the screens, providing subliminal comparison with the current news on our TVs at home.  The audience was in no doubt about contemporary relevance.

In the musical, Jesus was placed in his rightful historical context (1^st century Palestine under Roman occupation) where he was adopted by some led by Simon Zealotes as a potential figurehead for uprising. The atmosphere was dangerously unstable, with an undercurrent of discontent and revolution.  Freddie Bowles in his padded gilet adopted an impressively aggressive, thuggish stance, referencing the violence of the modern far right, whilst also providing the Zealots’ rationale for liberation.

The Roman governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, played by Alfie Peckham, was a tall, leather-coated, threatening figure in Nazi-style military costume. Alone on the stage for his dramatic number recounting his dream, he described his anxiety concerning Jesus’ following getting out of hand – for which he would get the blame, whichever way he sided. This explained to some extent his subsequent horrifying cruelty, although he not merely condoned but also personally contributed to the torture of Jesus (unflinchingly enacted on stage by Pilate’s alarmingly realistic guards Orlando Squires, Solomon Boon, Audrey Raines and Henry Bullivant) a scene with echoes of the Iraq war of hooding and of torture still rife in prisons and interrogation centres. This production was concerned to emphasise the cruelty of a cruel story, but the horrifying violence was never gratuitous. Again, context is all.

In the biblical Passion accounts, the traditionalist religious leaders of the Jews themselves do not come out well either.  Their guilt lay in urging the Roman authorities to act against Jesus in order to keep a grip on their control and to hang on to such power as they possessed. The Sanhedrin council were here satirically portrayed in scarlet robes and bald, tattooed skull caps.  Caiaphas, the High Priest, and Annas were played, and sung, very successfully by Joshua Jackson and Emily Hamilton-Bing (in this counter tenor role) and they were joined in Council meetings by the Priests who – now this came as a surprise on reading the programme! – they turned out to be the same actors/singers as the Roman guards (see above).  Similar flexibility was also seen in the multiple roles taken on by very many in the cast. All credit to the Director and the students’ acting powers that this worked so well.

Tim Rice’s libretto is certainly of its time not just in its attitudes but in its assumption that everyone knew the New Testament story and did not need narrative explanations; the drama hurtles on with abruptly dislocated scene changes. The sheer pace of this performance rightly allowed us no time to wish for developments or connections that are not supplied.  Extremely efficient, technically faultless, scene changes carried us with headlong momentum as one dramatic situation was replaced by another. This focused attention on the central concern: the characters of Mary Magdalene, Judas and Jesus.

Francesca Bisson as Mary Magdalene was superb.  Her musicality and her acting complemented each other in her utterly convincing characterisation. With provocatively hitched-up long skirt and auburn braids she was the archetypal ‘scarlet woman’, vilified yet sought out by male society, a social outcast deliberately befriended by Jesus, to the disapproval particularly of Judas. Francesca’s energy never flagged and her stage presence and focus were always compelling. Her bewilderment at the new type of love that Jesus opened up to her (“I don’t know how to love him”) was haunting. All in all, it was a truly memorable performance.

On Wednesday night, Jesus was played by John Paul Gilbey. My apologies go to Charlie Watson: I was not able to attend on the nights that Charlie was taking the part. I am sure he was magnificent as well. Although the first half would not have required the ‘job share’, there is no way that a single actor of school age, could cope emotionally with five performances in four days of the second half. As it was, it was hard to believe that it was a student production, such was the quality of the show. The tone of joyful euphoria among the crowd at the start (“Hosanna”) darkens as the tragedy develops.  John Paul gained in stature as the drama progressed: his awareness of having started on something he gradually realised he could not deliver or properly understand was sensitively portrayed. The moving scene (“Poor Jerusalem”) when the blind and crippled crawl and clamour for his healing showed him overwhelmed at being unable to help the unending numbers of suffering people. Jesus often reveals his uncertainty and confusion, especially regarding his death. Furthermore, we are provided throughout with doubts about Jesus’ divinity (“He’s just a man”). This is essentially (theologically) the most shocking aspect of the whole musical since the issue is left open at the end.

The Disciples (including two girls to update the historically male group)) showed uncomprehending affection for their leader from the outset. Having no clue that discipleship would end up involving what it eventually did, the drunken last supper displayed their innocence in the face of the enormity of the situation. Simon Peter (Peter Lonsdale) had an individual role at the arrest of Jesus and a significant one with his denial during the trial.  Victoria Davis featured as the Woman by the Fire in that scene.

The darkness of the stage and the emotional content of many scenes was mitigated in both halves by two bright, brash, up-beat numbers.  In the first part, the Temple was exposed with all its sleazy, avaricious, gambling activities as a flashing casino, with red-light sex dens at each side of the stage indicating its underbelly of corruption.  The main stage was brilliantly lit and noisy. Fast moving images on the screens indicated the attraction of distraction that such places offer. Mention should be made here of the fantastic band (Musical Director and conductor: Peter B North), drawn from students and music staff, thanks to whose high technical skills the professionalism of the whole production was assured.  Music and Drama came together for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The equivalent scene in the middle of the second half was one of brilliant gold lighting and high camp humour and it came as welcome light relief. King Herod, played by Jamie Layfield, revelled in his role.  Dressed in a shimmering gold cat suit, he gyrated and posed while his bevy of gold-sequinned dancers charlestoned their way in perfect synchronicity and high spirits behind him. At the end he stripped off his top half to leave just his gold tie on his chest, to the manifest delight of the audience.  The dancers, captained by Victoria Davis, were wonderful throughout the show, acting while dancing, never flagging, often funny, sometimes raunchy, always eye-catching and perfectly disciplined. Congratulations to them and to the choreographer Natasha Hobbs.

Finally, to the anti-hero, Judas Iscariot.  With no role-share, I don’t know where Alexander Layfield will find the high-octane energy that he brings to this extremely demanding role for the rest of the run; yet I have no doubt that he will.  Set impossibly high vocally, he made the artistic decision to power out the volume regardless of where the pitch sat in his voice. This produced realistic displays of raw anger and frustration. He took his audience with him every moment he appeared on stage. Charismatic in his dreadlocks and leather, with lithe, sinuous movement, he was a perfect foil to Jesus and, as is the way of such things since story-telling began, was in danger of upstaging the hero.  This was a key part of the musical’s original, and to many shocking, conception. We witness the well-intentioned motives involved in Judas’ betrayal and identify with his attempts to claw back some self-respect – too late. Nowadays we are more prepared to at least sympathise with his human frailty than was the case in the historical demonising of his part in the story. But betrayal is betrayal, and Judas’ contorted logic that he was caught up in the story against his will as a necessary agent and would be “Damned [by Christians] for all time” is never explored within the text of his song.  However, sympathise we undoubtedly do. He was a towering presence on the stage and his suicidal hanging was another example of the terrifying realism of this production.

The acting by John Paul Gilbey throughout the second half, building up to and including the crucifixion, was a moving and powerful experience.  Indeed, it felt wrong to applaud the numbers (apart from Herod’s) from Gethsemane on, and yet one wanted to praise the performances. After so much realistic violence, I had to wonder how the crucifixion would provide the climax of the production in an appropriate manner.

Much was dependent upon the magnificent lighting which created mood and emotion so effectively. Sound and technical wizardry were handled flawlessly. The set design was very creative.  The Hayward Theatre lay-out was reversed so that the audience faced the entrance doors, having entered by the side fire exit. A large stage was constructed with four steps across the front of it providing additional areas of movement.  It was of sufficient height to accommodate the rising table beneath (for the Council and the Last Supper) and a rising central structure. Scaffolding both sides added useful and visually interesting height. Impressively, the set was constructed by students as well as staff in what was clearly a huge joint endeavour. The cross, designed by Patrick Carberry, was undertaken by the Design and Engineering department.  It was strong but not massive, and the logistics of its construction and its rising securely into position must have taken some doing.

The final image was of the utterly vulnerable human corpse of Jesus whose flesh was further emphasised by the black clothing of his disciples bearing hm away from a now jet-black stage.  We were left with total darkness but for five dazzlingly white searchlight beams focused on the cross, which yielded to small white lights framing its outside edges. It was an emotionally powerful ending that satisfied and spoke where words could not.

All praise to a totally committed cast too many to mention individually but who acted their hearts out as disciples, reporters, crowds, mobsters, merchants, even angels (in the ironic “Superstar”).  Everyone involved in this collaborative production – including crew, backstage, coaching, musicians, costumes, props – ALL contributed to a spectacular and gripping event. Thank you all, and very many congratulations.

Photo credit: Toby Roney

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With the kitchen in the Clubhouse desperately in need of replacing, EOSA applied for a grant from the Calor Community Fund.  They needed to secure enough votes though to get through to the final round and with the very kind help of Spotted In Ely, the residents of Ely and the surrounding areas stepped up to the challenge.  At the end of the 4 week voting round, EOSA’s kitchen project was in 1^st place with over 15000 votes!  The project was felt to be worthy enough of a £5000 grant by the Calor Community Fund and with a £1000 cheque from Tesco Bags of Help, work started to replace the kitchen in October.

The icing on the cake though was a very generous donation by Hughes Electrical in Ely High Street of two fridges, a freezer, microwave and kettle for the kitchen together with a new sound system and speakers for social area.

EOSA Director, Julia Gilbert says ‘We can’t thank the people of Ely enough for their support in helping us get this much needed grant!  It was a close run competition – both exciting and nerve racking – but the result is so appreciated by all those that use the new kitchen. We are also hugely grateful to Hughes Electrical for their very generous donation of appliances for the kitchen and a fantastic sound system for the social area.’

The kitchen is used by members of the Hockey, Rugby and Tennis Clubs for their team teas as well as for their social events.  The bar and social area is also available for hire by the local community and with the new kitchen and sound system in the social area, it is an ideal venue for a party, event or meeting.

Press release from Ely Outdoor Sports Association 

The post Ely Outdoor Sports Association (EOSA) Celebrates 25 Years With A New Kitchen Thanks to the Support of the Local Community appeared first on Spotted in Ely.