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Gold Rush for Ely at British Rowing Indoor Championships

Members of Isle of Ely Rowing Club brought home a fantastic 14 Gold medals from the British Rowing Indoor Championships in last Saturday. Ely’s Captain, Duncan McCulloch, congratulated all who took part and said the performances from club rowers “did us all proud”. The Indoor Championships take place each year at the 2012 Olympic velodrome …

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A Star-Studded Spectacular (Littleport’s Finest) ‘Aladdin’ Opening Night

The cast and members of The Littleport Players promised an evening to remember and boy (or girl) they sure didn’t disappoint. From the off, the room (about 120 in the audience) was filled with laughter, music, fun, surprises and a huge dusting of talent ! All the cast members were amazing and everything went to …

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Legacy of legendary Great London Plane Tree of Ely to live on thanks to King’s Ely and Barcham Trees

It’s more than 300 years old, has been hailed one of the finest in Britain and is so significant that it even has its own place in national heritage. And now, thanks to an exciting partnership between King’s Ely and Barcham Trees, the largest tree nursery of its type in Europe, the legacy of the …

Legacy of legendary Great London Plane Tree of Ely to live on thanks to King’s Ely and Barcham Trees Read More »

Littleport Café Joins Healthier Options Award Scheme

A café in Littleport is being praised after meeting requirements to become a member of the Healthier Options scheme. Fieldside Café at Littleport Leisure Centre is celebrating becoming a Healthier Options member and as a result will be listed on the members page of the Healthier Options website and receive a certificate to display on …

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Ask for Angela Initiative Relaunched in East Cambs

Spotted in Ely yesterday (Monday) relaunched the initiative where a simple code word could help someone who feels insecure for many reasons while on a night out. With the help of East Cambridgeshire District Council and the local Police, the “Ask For Angela” initiative is to be relaunched and reintroduced into local licenced establishments over the …

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St. Georges Parish Church Christmas Fayre……Complete with Elves!

The Church Christmas fayre for me, starts the beginning of the festive period. An event which is at the heart of community life. The fayre is always well attended and has many quality craft stalls, which are all unique. Many are from out of the area and belong to several specialist crafting guilds. The running …

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Ely College enhances fitness offering for students with new strength equipment

The fitness suite at Ely College has been given a welcome boost with the addition of new strength equipment donated by Life Fitness UK. Prior to the arrival of this new equipment, the fitness suite had been more geared towards cardio exercise, with a select number of weightlifting options available to students. Now equipped with …

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Local Schools Branch Out For National Tree Week

Two primary schools in East Cambridgeshire have each been awarded a new tree following a district-wide competition. Littleport Community Primary School and Robert Arkenstall Primary School in Haddenham, each submitted photographs of their favourite tree to be used in East Cambridgeshire District Council’s (ECDC) Tree Strategy which was adopted in September of this year. The …

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Ely College’s first Christmas Market was a gift to… and from the community

On a wet and cold Thursday evening, the people of Ely turned out in their hundreds to support their local college and small businesses. Ely College Christmas market on 29th November was a fantastic festive success, raising £1400 for their PE and Drama departments. An event set to be repeated next year! Earlier this year, …

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Haddenham Beer Festival Donates Funds to Local Groups

Now in it’s 5th year the Haddenham Beer Festival has raised in excess of £28,000 for local charities and good causes including in excess of £8000 in 2018! Organisations receiving cheques this year included Arthur Rank Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Brownies, Haddenham Over 60’s Club, The Bonfire Committee, Haddenham Pre-School, Haddenham Library, Big H …

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Horsley Hale Farm Scoops Best Newcomer Prize

Wedding and Events venue, Horsley Hale Farm announced today that it has been named the Best Newcomer at the 4th Annual 4 Counties Wedding Awards. The prestigious awards, presented by Director of the National Association of Wedding Professionals, Tracey Butterfiled, recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of wedding suppliers in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire …

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Ely to Celebrate Small Business Saturday with a HUGE GIVEAWAY

Ellgia a local, community-minded recycling company has pledged to raise the profile of small businesses this Christmas. Partnering with Visit Ely, Ellgia has called upon their wide network of business contacts to seek donations to come up with a variety of free giveaways this December. Joe Hemsley-Rudd, Sales Director at Ellgia said: “We are a …

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Sporting Presentation Success for Witchford Village College Pupil

A fourteen year old from Witchford Village College took centre stage at a major sporting event this week. Jess Lonnen was successful in her application as one of two young event hosts at the School Games National Summit 2018 for the Youth Sports Trust. The prestigious celebration lunch took place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry …

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Sally Gunnell OBE Leads Line-up at East Cambs Business Boost 2018

Key note speaker and Olympic champion Sally Gunnell OBE was joined by over 250 local businesses at East Cambs Business Boost 2018 held at The Hive Leisure Centre in Ely on Friday 23rd November. Business Boost is the District’s largest business to business networking event and is organised by East Cambridgeshire District Council’s (ECDC) Enterprise …

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Record number of visitors attend Ely Cathedral’s Christmas Gift & Food Fair

Ely Cathedral welcomed over 15,000 visitors to its annual Gift & food Fair last week making it record attendance for the seventh year the Fair has been taking place. Due to the event growing in size and popularity an extra day was added this year to accommodate the growth. Many stall holders sold out and …

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Highfield Ely Academy praised as a Good School in a ‘relentless cycle of improvement to achieve the very best’

In its first inspection since receiving a Good rating in 2014, Ofsted has praised Highfield Ely Academy for its clear vision, drive and unwavering determination in a strong and effective safeguarding environment.   The report states: ‘Aspirations for all pupils are high. Staff encourage pupils with their learning and provide well-targeted support. Leaders ensure that …

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Nationally Recognised Ely Country Park Gets New Play and Picnic Area

A nationally-accredited park in Ely has completed work on a new play and picnic area aimed at baby and toddler play. Ely Country Park, which received a Natural England accreditation earlier this year, decided to make the addition to provide an extra place for play as well as supplying further seat and shade provision in …

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Ely College remembers with hundreds of handmade poppies as the Last Post is sounded

On Friday, Ely College students and staff marked the Armistice Centenary and remembrance weekend with a moving Last Post Ceremony. All 1100 students from Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form gathered together as a community to show their respects for the fallen. They were joined by Mayor Rouse and representatives from the Royal British …

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Ely Cathedral’s Christmas Gift & Food Fair adds an additional day due to demand.

New for 2018: Extra day added, exciting new traders and demonstrations Now in its seventh year this popular event is widely acknowledged as one of East Anglia’s exceptional Christmas experiences. Over 120 bespoke stalls fill the Cathedral’s magnificent Nave, its famous Lady Chapel and a heated marquee in the grounds. In addition to shopping, visitors …

Ely Cathedral’s Christmas Gift & Food Fair adds an additional day due to demand. Read More »

Bookbuzz free books for Ely College students encourages a passion for reading

This week, as students at Ely College were welcomed back after the half term break, a special assembly hosted by Ms Shaw and the English department saw every Year 7 student get a FREE book. Thanks to the Bookbuzz reading programme run by the UK’s largest reading charity, Book Trust, each student was given the …

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Driving Instructors across the Country Raise Funds for Children in Need with The Big Learner Relay

Hampshire driving instructor Louise Walsh is the inspiration behind ‘The Big Learner Relay for Children in Need’ planned for November this year. This two week event, now in its fifth year, features driving instructors and pupils across the country all getting together to raise money for Children in Need. Driving Instructors will be relaying a …

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Rainbow Preschool calls out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s bag fund

Rainbow Preschool in Ely is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores awarded to local community projects. Three groups in every …

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1094 (City of Ely) Air Cadets install “There but not there” Tommy Silhouettes in St Andrews Church Soham

This morning as part of the 100th anniversary of the Great War armistice, 1094 (City of Ely) Air Cadets installed five of their “There but not there” Tommy Silhouettes in St Andrews Church Soham. Soham’s community groups including all four the town’s schools and the town’s church got together with the Soham branch of the …

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Witchford Village College Students Enjoy Science-based Geneva Trip

A group of Witchford Village College students recently enjoyed a trip to Geneva. They visited the Palais des Nations and learnt about the current activities and history of the United Nations whilst seeing the spectacular assembly rooms. A stop at the History of Science Museum gave students an insight into the evolution of astronomy and …

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Little Thetford Pre-School Flying High After ‘Good’ Ofsted Inspection

Little Thetford Acorns Pre-School is celebrating after being awarded a ‘top level Good’ in its recent Ofsted inspection carried out in September. The pre-school, which is open to all local 2 to 5 year olds and based in the heart of Little Thetford village, was highly praised by Ofsted inspector, Tracey Dawson, for offering families …

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Councillors pay a visit to award-winning Recycling Centre

Members from East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) were recently invited to visit an award-winning recycling company based in Lancaster Business Park. The visit is a part of a wider effort to meet with and understand the needs of businesses from across the district. Ellgia, who recently won a national award for Independent Operator of the …

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Arthur Rank Hospice’s popular Ely Festive 5K has less than 100 places left!

Ely Festive 5k is once again selling out in record time with less than 100 places remaining for festive loving fun runners. The fun run sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer and Price Bailey and organised by Arthur Rank Hospice will take place at an earlier start time of 9am, on Sunday 25 November 2018. The …

Arthur Rank Hospice’s popular Ely Festive 5K has less than 100 places left! Read More »

One Project Opens another Begins – Work to commence on Underpass

Opening Ely Bypass on 31 October means work can seamlessly start on the next phase with the underpass work beginning the next morning (Thursday 1 November). Once the bypass has opened, we can close the underpass to begin working on improving access for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. This closure will also encourage drivers …

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Battle’s Over – Ely Cathedral to lead a day of commemoration

Ely Cathedral is playing its part in an international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I. Battle’s Over takes place on November 11th 2018, with events throughout the United Kingdom and several other locations overseas, including New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Bermuda, France, Belgium, Canada, the United …

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Local Woman Holds Fundraiser to Fund Genetics Test

On Saturday, 17th November, local woman Tia Colcomb will be hosting a fundraising evening full of magic, music, and fun activities. Tia’s Bright Stars evening, taking place at Littleport Village Hall, will raise money for a potentially life-changing genetics test which Tia has been told by doctors will be a crucial part of her ongoing …

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Be the first to drive over the New Southern Bypass as date is announced

Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed that Ely’s Southern Bypass will now be open to traffic on October 31st 2018. The long-awaited opening of the £50 million project can’t come soon enough for many drivers who are constantly stuck in traffic trying to get into Ely via the crossings near to the station. While you can …

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Witchford Village College puts students’ Future First

Former students from a Witchford state college are being asked to go back to the classroom to inspire current students to career confidence and academic success. The students past and present from Witchford Village College in Manor Road, Witchford, have joined a programme run by the national education charity Future First which helps state schools and colleges develop ‘old …

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Ely College students showcase their design and technology learning at a key national conference.

Year 8 students from Ely College were invited to showcase their exceptional work at the Design and Technology Association conference in Birmingham on Monday 1st October. The conference aimed to influence government policy on how we train the next generation of British designers and engineers. Enjoying keynote speeches and panel discussions at the event hosted …

Ely College students showcase their design and technology learning at a key national conference. Read More »

Storm Thorgerson Exhibition at the Babylon Gallery

Arts charity planning a treat for fans of Pink Floyd, Ian Drury, Audio Slave, Biffy Clyro, 10cc, Cranberries, Steve Miller and Muse Ely-based charity Babylon ARTS is planning to stage an impressive exhibition of album art at its riverside gallery in Cambridgeshire later this year. The exhibition will be officially launched on Saturday 17th November …

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World-famous, award-winning family rave phenomenon Big Fish Little Fish returns to the Maltings

For the last 5 years Big Fish Little Fish have put on amazing events at Alexandra Palace, The National Gallery, The V+A, Glastonbury, Bestival, Edinburgh Festival and dozens more venues across the UK and Australia. We will be celebrating 5 amazing years with a sold out event at Fabric. World-famous, award-winning family rave phenomenon Big …

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Another Successful Soham Pumpkin Fair 2018

After a frosty start, the sun soon burned through the mist for a bright Saturday in Soham. Competition entries flooded in throughout the morning as gigantic pumpkins, enormous sunflowers and other various shapes of vegetable arrived at the Recreation Ground. Decorated cakes, floral arrangements, art and poetry were also entered into the indoor competitions showing …

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The Full Monty Supports Prostate Cancer UK this October

The Full Monty will be coming to the Maltings, Ely very shortly.  In support of Prostate Cancer UK, Becky Green, Director stated “we are so excited for this upcoming musical…… it’s funny, upbeat and hosts a catalogue of amazing characters, both male and female.  Being able to support Prostate Cancer UK through this show too, …

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Make some noise: Brand new Ely Area Music Centre will help take young musicians to the next level

A new venture for young musicians who want to take their music to greater heights by playing in a proper ensemble is being launched in Ely at the end of September. The Ely Area Music Centre starts on September 29 and will run on Saturday mornings during term time. It is open to school-age students …

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Successful Community Yard Sale for Highfield Littleport Academy

On Sunday 9th September, Littleport held a community fundraiser by way of a village wide yard sale. 87 households in Littleport came together, to create one huge yard sale, complete with maps and the best walking routes. The idea was thought up by a parent group at the new Littleport,  Highfield Academy. To raise some funds, …

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East Cambs Awarded with White Ribbon Accreditation

East Cambridgeshire District Council have been recognised for their work on challenging violence against women and awarded White Ribbon status by the renowned national charity. White Ribbon, whose mission is to end male violence against women, work with men and boys to challenge male cultures that lead to harassment and abuse. White Ribbon invites men …

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Skills Fair Returns to Ely Cathedral For Fifth Year

Back by popular demand, East Cambs Careers & Skills Fair is returning to Ely Cathedral on Tuesday 9th October. Now in its fifth year, the fair has continued to grow and draw attention from local schools and businesses alike. Last year’s event saw 800 students from schools and colleges throughout the district visit and for the first …

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Ely College students get a ‘rocking opportunity’!

Starting this term, a group of lucky Year 7 Ely College students will be benefitting from the generosity of THE LLOYD-REASON FOUNDATION. A talented delivery team of tutors will work with four selected students in Year 7 who have shown the potential and willingness to develop their interest in learning and playing a musical instrument. …

Ely College students get a ‘rocking opportunity’! Read More »

New Community Bus Partnership – good news for Ely as improved city centre bus service begins

A new and improved bus route around the city of Ely set off today (Monday 3 September) from Market Street following a campaign by a group of local residents and councillors for a better bus service for Ely. Following the loss of the old number 15 Ely service, a group of local councillors along with …

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Funding agreed to extend local urgent care improvements

Funding has been agreed by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG to extend the Local Urgent Care Services (LUCS) pilots in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland for a further year. Over the past year, the CCG has been working alongside local services and clinicians to help provide better access to urgent care services for local residents, to improve …

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‘Secondary School of the Year’ Ely College celebrates impressive GCSE results

Hot on the heels of being announced as ‘Secondary School of the Year’ at the recent Education Awards, Ely College has today built further on the huge improvements secured in 2017 with some of the best GCSE results in its history. 62 per cent of students secured grades 4-9 in both English and mathematics – …

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Ely Runners Autumn Beginners’ Course

Ely Runners are pleased to announce their next 10 week beginners’ course – commencing on the 17th of September 2018. The course is run by qualified coaches and supported by established club members. It is very friendly and aimed at runners of all abilities: speedy types, long distance types, and those who want to go steady and just enjoy it! The aim …

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Further sporting success for talented King’s Ely student Rebecca

Kings’s Ely Sixth Form student Rebecca Daniel is jubilant after being chosen to represent England Reds in the 2018 School Games. The eagerly-anticipated event, supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, is a major multi-sport event for the most talented young athletes from across the UK. Between …

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Over £3000 given to charities from 2017 Ely Potato Race

Street Race Delivers Multiple Local Charity and School Funding. The streets of Ely were lined with over 1,000 spectators and watched by over 7,000 people online through our live stream, the Isle of Ely Produce organisers of the annual Potato Race on the streets of Ely have today announced the beneficiaries of the charity proceeds …

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Soopa Doopa Spartans

Following the pairs participation in the Obstacle Race “Nuclear Rush” to raise awareness for Action of Addiction, Soopa Doopas’ Jake Scott-Paul and mate Matt Lucas were at it again, this time taking on the “Super” Spartan Race, which involved 10 miles and 28 plus obstacles. Jake has been taking part in these events to help …

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King’s Ely raises more than £3,000 for Hope 4 Malawi charity

King’s Ely students have raised over £3,000 for a charity working to relieve poverty in Southern Africa. Each year, the boys in Osmond House at King’s Ely Senior choose a different charity or organisation to support and over the last 12 months they have been taking part in a wide variety of fundraising activities in …

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Witchford’s ‘Oscars’ Awards Evening 2018

Witchford Village College’s ‘Oscars’ Awards Ceremony took place on 19 July 2018. It was attended by students and their families who were given the full red-carpet treatment. Students had been nominated for awards by College staff in recognition of their achievements throughout the academic year. Two awards were presented for each subject area, with students …

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10 years on and Ely College students still taking on the Jurassic Coast to raise money for Local Charity

In July 2008, a small group of students from Ely College took part in the first Dorset Walk. Ten years later, the students of Ely College are still supporting the event and The Malcolm Whales Foundation, it what is going from strength to strength. The walk, which is organised by The Malcolm Whales Foundation, has …

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50 cyclists raise over £15,000 by cycling 200 miles in one day In aid of East Anglia Air Ambulance & Beads of Courage

Over fifty cyclists from Ely’s Octagon Cycling Club have successfully pedalled 200 miles each in one day, raising money for two local charities. ‘The Double Ton’ followed a route from Ely, taking in Swaffham, Cromer, Great Yarmouth, Stowmarket and returned to Ely after 12 hours of riding in extremely hot conditions. The fundraising group set …

50 cyclists raise over £15,000 by cycling 200 miles in one day In aid of East Anglia Air Ambulance & Beads of Courage Read More »

Cathedral Choristers set off on Music Tour of Estonia.

17 boy choristers from Ely Cathedral’s highly regarded choir will perform a series of choral music concerts in Estonia. This is the Choir’s first ever visit to Estonia and includes a very busy schedule of five performances in venues across a number of cities including Tallinn, Haapsalu and Parnu. The tour will culminate in a …

Cathedral Choristers set off on Music Tour of Estonia. Read More »

Ely First World War Commemoration Event and Cambridgeshire Regiment Reunion Service 2018

On July 15th, 2018, Ely Cathedral will host the annual reunion service for the Cambridgeshire Regiment and its descendants, D (Cambridgeshire) Company, VI (Vol) Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. This year’s event is an important one from a First World War perspective as the King’s Colour of the wartime 11th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment – …

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