News

Council Gives Go Ahead for Climate Change Action Plan Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been unanimously given the green light from the council’s operational services committee. The Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan is a result of a wider climate change motion which was presented and approved at last October’s Full Council meeting. The …

Calling All Artists – Babylon Gallery to reopen with Summer Open Exhibition

Art and Exhibitions, News, Organisations, Places to Visit / By Alison Cooney

Babylon ARTs, has announced the re-opening of the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s riverside, following its temporary closure due to Covid-19. The first exhibition will be their annual selected Summer Open exhibition, which over the past five years, has showcased hundreds of artists’ works and this year, the charity hopes will be one of their biggest …

Calling All Artists – Babylon Gallery to reopen with Summer Open Exhibition Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council Welcomes Retailers Back to its High Streets

East Cambridgeshire District Council Welcomes Retailers Back to its High Streets Read More »

Following guidance from central Government, East Cambridgeshire District Council is gearing up to welcome retailers and shoppers back to its high streets from Monday 15th June. While some shops selling essential items have remained open, Monday 15th June will be the first time retailers selling non-essential items will be open following lockdown. To ensure that residents’ shopping …

Calls for High Street to be Closed to Non-Essential Vehicles

News / By Mark Cooney

Former Mayor and Councillor Richard Hobbs has called for the High Street to be closed during the current Coronavirus pandemic as more shops in Ely begin to reopen from Monday. Some non-essential shops have been given permission to reopen from Monday 15th June and Ely Market reopened this week on Thursdays and Saturdays but only …

Calls for High Street to be Closed to Non-Essential Vehicles Read More »

Did Artwork and Creativity Help You Through Lockdown?

Art and Exhibitions, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

As life in and around the Cathedral starts to look forward in the hope of opening up and being able to start doing things again, we are thinking of holding an exhibition of all the wonderful creative activities that so many people have been undertaking while staying at home. The exhibition will be for anyone, …

Did Artwork and Creativity Help You Through Lockdown? Read More »

St Andrews PTA Fundraising with Virtual Balloon Race

News, Organisations, Schools, Soham / By Alison Cooney

It’s up, up and away for St Andrew’s supporters on Friday the 3rd of July! Normally the summer term is a busy one for the PTA with ice cream sales, disco, and of course the Summer Fair. Obviously, this year is a little bit different however with a little thinking outside the box, we need …

St Andrews PTA Fundraising with Virtual Balloon Race Read More »

Happy 99th Birthday to the Duke of Edinburgh from 1094 Ely Squadron

Happy 99th Birthday to the Duke of Edinburgh from 1094 Ely Squadron Read More »

Happy 99th Birthday to the Duke of Edinburgh. So many Air Cadets and Adult Staff have benefitted from participating in The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Here is a photo of The Duke speaking with our Officer in Charge Flying Officer J Donoghue RAFAC 36 years ago when 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron won The Sir Alan …

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales extends his Patronage of The
Stained Glass Museum for a further two years

News, Organisations, Places to Visit, Tourism / By Alison Cooney

The Stained Glass Museum is delighted to announce that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has agreed to extend his role as Patron of The Stained Glass Museum for a further two years from May 2020. His Royal Highness first became Patron of The Stained Glass Museum in 2008 during a major appeal when …

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales extends his Patronage of The
Stained Glass Museum for a further two years Read More »

Promotion for Ely Cadet

Promotion for Ely Cadet Read More »

Congratulations to Ely Squadron’s newly promoted Cadet Warrant Officer Rory Donoghue who was appointed by Wing Commander Anthony Kelly FCMI RAFAC Officer Commanding Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing following Rory’s successful CWO promotion board interview on Sunday morning. CWO Donoghue has enjoyed a remarkable cadet career over the past 5 years fully embracing all that the …

Council Moves Forward With Environment Pledge for District

Council Moves Forward With Environment Pledge for District Read More »

Following the declaration of a climate emergency in October 2019, East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) is moving forward with its environmental ambitions by seeking approval for its climate change strategy and action plan and setting out its bid for COVID-19 funding, to support “pop-up” cycling schemes. The ECDC Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, …

Fire Service Heroes at Corkers Crisps

News / By Mark Cooney

Several Fire units were called to Corkers Crisps at around 2.45pm today as reports of a major fire incident at the closed premises. Having spoken briefly to one of the owners, he was pleased to report everyone is safe and this was later confirmed by a member of the Fire Service who told Spotted in …

Fire Service Heroes at Corkers Crisps Read More »

Ely’s most famous cat takes his popular children’s adventure stories into an audio book

News / By Alison Cooney

Following on from the great response to What’s That Doing There, last year, Garfield The Sainsbury’s Cat, is now to be featured in an audio version of his book, due for release on 2nd July, the anniversary of his tragic death. A proportion of the profits for the audio-book will be donated to the East Anglian …

Ely’s most famous cat takes his popular children’s adventure stories into an audio book Read More »

Ely Markets to reopen on 11th June 2020

Foodie, News / By Alison Cooney

Ely Markets will reopen on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11th June. Initially, these markets will include a small number of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread, meat, fish and plants. There will be social distancing and safety measures in place to help ensure the wellbeing of traders, staff and members of the public. The …

Ely Markets to reopen on 11th June 2020 Read More »

Ely’s Community Star Quizmaster needs your help!

News / By Alison Cooney

Local Ely Quiz Master Ian McKendrick has put out an appeal for help from the community to continue his entertaining online quizzes after his aging MacBook died during last nights quiz. During lockdown Ian has been hosting quizzes most evenings, even running a family friendly Foodbank fundraising quiz on Sunday afternoons. Community Star Ian said …

Ely’s Community Star Quizmaster needs your help! Read More »

47th Haddenham Steam Rally Postponed

Events, Haddenham, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

This is the announcement that we had hoped not to make. We are sure it will come as no surprise to you that we have made the difficult decision to officially postpone the 47th Haddenham Steam Rally & Heavy Horse Show until 2021. This is really disappointing for all of us, we know that it …

47th Haddenham Steam Rally Postponed Read More »

Cambridgeshire Music’s Second Online Orchestra Challenge

Music, News, Organisations, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Hot on the heels of the success of Cambridgeshire Music’s first Online Orchestra, we’re pleased to bring you news of the music education hub’s second Online Orchestra challenge! For the first challenge, you may recall that Cambridgeshire Music transported everyone to the sunny beaches of Hawaii with a heart-warming performance of the classic theme tune …

Cambridgeshire Music’s Second Online Orchestra Challenge Read More »

King’s Ely student’s ‘Two Point Six Challenge’ in aid of The DofE Award

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely Sixth Form student Molly Whymark has raised almost £600 for a cause close to her heart by putting her best foot forward during lockdown. Molly, 17, decided to complete a ‘Two Point Six Challenge’, not only to raise funds for The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award, but to also try and make the …

King’s Ely student’s ‘Two Point Six Challenge’ in aid of The DofE Award Read More »

CMAT are preparing to welcome Children back to Schools

News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) runs five primary schools in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area. Mark Woods, CEO of CMAT, said: “As a Trust, we are continuing to closely follow the guidance being provided by the Government in relation to the reopening of schools. “We are working hard to be prepared to welcome more students …

CMAT are preparing to welcome Children back to Schools Read More »

Virtual Evensong featuring Ely Choristers raises £770k for charity

Virtual Evensong featuring Ely Choristers raises £770k for charity Read More »

A star studded live broadcast of Choral Evensong featuring 2 choristers from Ely, has attracted a global audience of 19000 and raised £770,000 for charity. Amongst the 250 singers who took part in the live broadcast on May 19th were Alfie Bottley aged 12, and Mimi Hughes aged 15, both of whom are choristers at …

Cathedral chorister joins star studded line up for Evensong

Cathedral chorister joins star studded line up for Evensong Read More »

A young chorister from Ely Cathedral has been chosen to be part of a star studded line up to record a Virtual Choral Evensong, which will be broadcast live on YouTube on Tuesday (May 19th). Alfie Bottley, aged 12, is one of several choristers from York Minster, Ely, Norwich, Wakefield, Winchester Cathedrals and Westminster Abbey, …

Babylon Gallery launches search for co-designers and poets for ‘Comic Book Windows’ Exhibition

Art and Exhibitions, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

Babylon ARTS is collaborating with local Manga Artist, Irina Richards, to create 60 new illustrations, one for each of the Babylon Gallery window panes that face onto Pegasus Walk, Ely Riverside. The exhibition will comprise three separate comic ‘strips’, two based onIrina’s own stories and one using a poem and this is where the public …

Babylon Gallery launches search for co-designers and poets for ‘Comic Book Windows’ Exhibition Read More »

East Cambs Bus, Cycle, Walk Consultation – Don’t Leave It Too Late To Have Your Say

East Cambs Bus, Cycle, Walk Consultation – Don’t Leave It Too Late To Have Your Say Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council is urging residents to submit their thoughts to the Bus, Cycle, Walk consultation before the deadline on May 31st. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, East Cambs District Council extended the deadline to give residents a greater opportunity to respond. The aim of the consultation, which began on 9th March, is to …

1094 City of Ely Squadron Air Cadets Lockdown Aero-Modelling Club remembers The Dambusters

1094 City of Ely Squadron Air Cadets Lockdown Aero-Modelling Club remembers The Dambusters Read More »

77 years ago on the 16th and 17th May Nineteen Lancaster bombers from 617 Squadron took off on operation Chastise to bomb the Dams of the German industrial heartland using purpose-built “bouncing bombs” developed by the British engineering genius Barnes Wallis. The operation later became known as the Dam Busters Raid but tragically 56 aircrew …

Learn How to Manage Yourself and Your Team Through the Coronavirus Crisis

Learn How to Manage Yourself and Your Team Through the Coronavirus Crisis Read More »

Please join us at 6pm on Tuesday 19th May for a great opportunity to learn how to better manage yourself and your team through the Coronavirus crisis. We are very pleased that Zarine Jacob, Leadership Coach, has generously agreed to run this session for us completely free. Details of the session are below and on this occasion it is essential to …

Hundreds of PPE face shields donated to frontline workers by King’s Ely

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely has been able to make and donate more than 800 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) face shields to frontline and key workers in the region. Every single one of the protective shields has been made by Patrick Carberry, who is Head of Design and Technology at King’s Ely. Patrick has worked tirelessly to make …

Hundreds of PPE face shields donated to frontline workers by King’s Ely Read More »

Local WVC NHS Fundraiser gathers momentum

News, Organisations, Schools, Witchford, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Witchford Village College have been at the forefront of an NHS fundraiser since the college closed, just prior to lockdown. The fundraiser for the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust, challenges students, staff and the local community to walk, run or cycle 5K for the NHS and donate to their JustGiving page. Another eight local schools have now …

Local WVC NHS Fundraiser gathers momentum Read More »

1094 Ely Squadron Celebrate VE Day 75 at Home

1094 Ely Squadron Celebrate VE Day 75 at Home Read More »

On Friday 8th May our Squadron was due to be awarded ‘The Freedom of The City of Ely’ by Ely’s Mayor Mike Rouse on a parade which was to be held on Palace Green in front of Ely Catherdal. With the Freedom of the City Parade postponed for the time being yesterday the Squadron took …

East Cambridgeshire District Council calls for business to claim remaining grant funding

Business, News / By Alison Cooney

East Cambridgeshire District Council is urging businesses to check their eligibility for the small business and retail, hospitality and leisure COVID-19 grants. The Council has so far paid £11,355,000, 72% of available funding and is waiting on responses from the remaining eligible businesses in order to process their applications. The Council is doing its upmost …

East Cambridgeshire District Council calls for business to claim remaining grant funding Read More »

Re-opening of Household Recycling Centres

News, Witchford / By Alison Cooney

Cambridgeshire County Council is working with its partner Amey to put plans in place to re-open the county’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) from Monday 11th May 2020. It is the Council’s intention to open all nine of its sites. The plans will make sure that visits to the HRC are safe for residents as well as …

Re-opening of Household Recycling Centres Read More »

The Virtual Sutton Beast 2020

Events, News, Organisations, Sport, Sutton / By Alison Cooney

The Tony Robinson 10km and 2.5km Family Fun Run Due to the Coronavirus outbreak this year the official Sutton Beast race which was due to be on Sunday 7th June has been postponed to June 2021. The Sutton Beast are therefore giving the chance for runners to create their own version of a virtual beast …

The Virtual Sutton Beast 2020 Read More »

LECA Working on PPE for the Community

Littleport, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Community Support During COVID-19 Littleport and East Cambridgeshire Academy staff and students have been busy over the last two weeks making PPE for NHS, Care Home Staff and front line workers in the Littleport Community and beyond. We’ve hand crafted over 300 visors in one week and have delivered these to St George’s Medical Centre, …

LECA Working on PPE for the Community Read More »

Soham Station takes a step towards reality

News, Soham, Villages & Towns / By Alison Cooney

Proposals for a new railway station in Soham have taken a step forward with the submission of an application to East Cambridgeshire District Council for permission to build the station. Network Rail is seeking permitted development rights to build the station following the announcement in September 2019 for a £18.6m funding package from the Cambridgeshire …

Soham Station takes a step towards reality Read More »

Take a Virtual Tour with Ely Artist Ted Coney

Art and Exhibitions, News / By Alison Cooney

Artist, Ted Coney was expecting to take his 1931 Morris Minor to the V.E. Day celebrations in Ely next week, until it was cancelled because of the pandemic. He was also hoping to open his pop-up art gallery (Ted Coney’s Family Portraits) for the twelfth season but this has also been postponed for the same …

Take a Virtual Tour with Ely Artist Ted Coney Read More »

Haddenham Plugged In – Family Entertainment this Weekend

Events, Haddenham, Music, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

Every year Haddenham Beer Festival raise over £5000 for local charities and this year as the festival has been postponed we are running an Online Festival called “Haddenham Plugged In” on Saturday 2nd May on our Facebook Page. There will be lots of family fun, live acts and competitions throughout the day, all of which …

Haddenham Plugged In – Family Entertainment this Weekend Read More »

Together in Isolation – Creative Postcard Project with Babylon ARTS

Art and Exhibitions, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

Babylon ARTS is inviting everyone to get creative during this lockdown period, by adding their designs and written responses to an exhibition of postcards, which will go online now and will in the future become part of a physical exhibition at the Babylon Gallery. Florence Rose, Head of Project Delivery explains: “We are looking for …

Together in Isolation – Creative Postcard Project with Babylon ARTS Read More »

Ely Christmas Lights ‘Switch On Event’ Cancelled for 2020

Events, News / By Alison Cooney

With heavy hearts the City of Ely Council’s Christmas Lights Committee, last night took the decision to cancel the Ely Christmas Lights Switch on event which was scheduled to take place on the 27th November 2020. Members agreed that the event, which has an attendance of around 6000 people could not go ahead this year …

Ely Christmas Lights ‘Switch On Event’ Cancelled for 2020 Read More »

Prospects Trust Unwraps a Parcel of Joy to Key Workers at Highfield School Ely

Prospects Trust Unwraps a Parcel of Joy to Key Workers at Highfield School Ely Read More »

Ely’s first zero waste greengrocery and refill larder, Prospects Trust Unwrapped, made a special top of the class delivery to its friends at Highfield Ely this week while on their busy home delivery rounds. Highfield School learners have been part of the social enterprise since it opened last September and the team at Unwrapped wanted …

Eel Day 2020 – Community “Colour me in” Eel

Events, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Fascinating Fens are collaborating with Visit Ely and Babylon Arts Gallery to bring you a great community event inspired by the Fens and Eel Day 2020. Sadly, due to current circumstance, we can’t bring you our bright and colourful Eels that parade down the High Street and Forehill, but here’s an idea you may like …

Eel Day 2020 – Community “Colour me in” Eel Read More »

Boys Hike at Home for Addenbrooks Charitable Trust

News, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Two amazing boys Adam (6) & Elliot (4) are climbing 978m to the summit England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, albeit from the safety of their own home on their Mummy’s stepper (5000 steps each!) They wanted to say thank you to the brave NHS staff and are raising valuable funds for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. They …

Boys Hike at Home for Addenbrooks Charitable Trust Read More »

Ely Cathedral joins National Campaign to support UK Charities

Ely Cathedral joins National Campaign to support UK Charities Read More »

Ely Cathedral is one of many leading organisations to join in ‘The 2.6 Challenge’ in support of UK Charities. Inspired by the organisers of the London Marathon, The 2.6 Challenge asks you to do something to keep active and help save the UK’s charities. Anyone can get involved and take part. You simply have to …

Have a Virtual VE Day 75 at Home

Events, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

Visit Ely many not be able to deliver all the wonderful plans we had for VE Day 75, Bank Holiday Friday (May 8th), but we’ve come up with some ‘virtual’ ideas so we can still commemorate and celebrate the end of WW2 and peace time. Attached are some resources for you, particularly the bunting! We’d …

Have a Virtual VE Day 75 at Home Read More »

Cambridgeshire’s first Online Orchestra

Music, News, Organisations, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Aloha! We’re delighted to unveil the very first performance by Cambridgeshire’s Online Orchestra – in a specially arranged version of the classic TV theme tune for Hawaii Five-0. Cambridgeshire Music received more than 60 video and audio recordings from 50 different musicians across Cambridgeshire and further afield – including one of Cambridgeshire Music’s former students …

Cambridgeshire’s first Online Orchestra Read More »

More photography awards for creative King’s Ely students!

News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Three King’s Ely students have snapped their way to victory in a national photography competition. There were more than 1,500 images submitted in this year’s Beyond the Frame student photography competition, on the theme ‘Through my Eyes’. The contest is organised by Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) and attracts entries from across the UK. …

More photography awards for creative King’s Ely students! Read More »

New ‘wild’ home learning hub helps parents in East Anglia be fun science teachers

News, Organisations, Schools / By Alison Cooney

Wildlife charity WWT, which runs Welney Wetland Centre in Norfolk, launches its new online ‘wild’ home learning hub to help hard pressed parents teach their primary school aged children key parts of the science curriculum. New resources, covering different conservation science themes, will be released weekly on a Monday morning during lockdown. WWT has 70 years’ experience in teaching school …

New ‘wild’ home learning hub helps parents in East Anglia be fun science teachers Read More »

A Calmer Place to Be

A Calmer Place to Be Read More »

Sing! Choirs has been singing since 2011 and has put on amazing performances both in the local area, further afield in the UK and also abroad, as well as raising over £29,000 for local charities to date! In response to the Covid-19 crisis, MD Kathryn Rowland has set up Sing! Choirs online which now sees …

Is there really Hidden Treasure in Ely? Do you think you could find it…

Competitions, News, Organisations, Tourism, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Visit Ely may not be able to deliver our unique ‘escape room challenge’ right now, but we’ve come up with a fun alternative. Have a go at trying to locate the missing treasure that is still said to be located within the medieval walls of Ely! Download ‘Ely Pilgrim’s Lost Treasure’ for just £5 and …

Is there really Hidden Treasure in Ely? Do you think you could find it… Read More »

Let’s get digital – Council forges ahead with planning committee using video conferencing

Let’s get digital – Council forges ahead with planning committee using video conferencing Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council is preparing to hold their first ever planning committee meeting via online video conferencing platform, Zoom. The planning committee meeting, which will take place on Monday 20 April at 1pm, is one of the first virtual committees to take place in the East of England. Restrictions put in place by central …

Are You Up For A Challenge?

Are You Up For A Challenge? Read More »

Local Personal Trainer & Business Owner Joe Ison Launches a 21 Day Health & Happiness Facebook Group Challenge Joe Ison, owner of Joe Ison Personal Training, is launching a Free Fitness coaching challenge which is starting on Monday 20th April. The Facebook Group is for adults who want something to do whilst being at home …

100km Rowing Challenge to Raise Funds for NHS

News, Stretham, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Will Garner, a 17 year old from Stretham, is completing a five day rowing challenge of 100km, to raise funds for NHS Charities Together, in support of their national response to the Coronavirus outbreak. He is currently on day 4 of rowing and due to complete his challenge on Saturday he also has the support …

100km Rowing Challenge to Raise Funds for NHS Read More »

Council calls for small businesses to utilise available coronavirus funding

Council calls for small businesses to utilise available coronavirus funding Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council is calling for businesses that it has contacted to return their grant applications for support during the coronavirus pandemic. The council has contacted more than 1,300 businesses in the area informing them that they are eligible for financial support and instructing them on what they need to do to apply for …

King’s Ely wins National Photography Competition for third year running!

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Talented King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Paige Newell, has been crowned the winner of this year’s ILFORD PHOTO UK Student Photography Competition – making it the third year running that a King’s Ely student has won the contest. For this year’s competition, photography students from across Britain were invited to choose one word to complete …

King’s Ely wins National Photography Competition for third year running! Read More »

Isle of Ely Produce Aim to Raise Money for the NHS!

Isle of Ely Produce Aim to Raise Money for the NHS! Read More »

Farmers and Chip Shops Come Together for Huge Charity Push Potato wholesaler Isle of Ely Produce who supply chipping potatoes to fish and chip shops across the UK from Ely, Cambridgeshire are today launching a scheme to help the NHS by raising up to £20,000 for our national heroes from its farming partners. In a …

Skilful King’s Ely flautist, Pim, secures DipABRSM

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Talented King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Pim Mahikote, has achieved her DipABRSM with the flute. Pim, who is in Year 13, started playing the flute in Year 8 and says she loves how versatile the instrument is. She says achieving her DipABRSM (Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) with the …

Skilful King’s Ely flautist, Pim, secures DipABRSM Read More »

Ely Cathedral Wins National Eco Church Award

Eco Ely, Eco News, News, Organisations, Places to Visit, Tourism / By Alison Cooney

Ely Cathedral has been awarded an Eco Church Silver Award, in recognition of the steps the Cathedral is taking in implementing a more environmentally friendly approach in its day to day operations and ministry. The Silver award is part of the Eco Church scheme created by A Rocha UK, a charity committed to mobilising Christians to care for nature. The award, …

Ely Cathedral Wins National Eco Church Award Read More »

Haddenham Post Office Re-opens After Refurb of Premises

Haddenham, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

Haddenham Post Office has re-opened today (14th April) after extensive refurbishment of the Blakemore SPAR premises at, 5 High Street, Haddenham, Ely, CB6 3XA. The branch had to be closed for health and safety reasons during the major refit. The work took longer than planned due to restrictions on work during the coronavirus pandemic. Press …

Haddenham Post Office Re-opens After Refurb of Premises Read More »

Isle of Ely Rowing for Addenbrookes

News, Organisations, Sport / By Alison Cooney

Over this bank holiday weekend, 32 members of the Isle of Ely Rowing Club are taking part in a marathon challenge and raising money for Addenbrookes Hospital. Members that have access to thier own indoor rowing machines have volunteered to row a marathon distance over the Easter weekend. Some families are taking this on as …

Isle of Ely Rowing for Addenbrookes Read More »

Rackham Primary Sends a Video Message to Students

News, Organisations, Schools, Witchford / By Alison Cooney

Staff at Rackham Primary School in Witchford were asked by their headteacher to spread some hope and positivity to the pupil and parent community this weekend. Headteacher, Bridget Harrison said, “I have seen lots of brilliant videos made by teaching staff in other schools over the past few weeks and so sooner or later it …

Rackham Primary Sends a Video Message to Students Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council supports businesses impacted by COVID-19

East Cambridgeshire District Council supports businesses impacted by COVID-19 Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council has contacted all eligible local businesses to support them in accessing vital funding during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the government’s COVID-19 support package, a £25,000 cash grant is being provided for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are operating from premises with rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Businesses …

Ely College staff and students produce PPE and spread positivity to the community

News, Organisations, Schools / By Alison Cooney

Despite the current closure, Ely College staff and students have been busy this week, converting the Design and Technology department into a production line for PPE (personal protective equipment). Students attending the childcare provision still being run on site over this period have also designed a large rainbow banner to spread hope and positivity to …

Ely College staff and students produce PPE and spread positivity to the community Read More »

Proposed Move For Ely Post Office

Proposed Move For Ely Post Office Read More »

Public consultation The Post Office is proposing to relocate Ely Post Office to 7 St Mary’s Street, Ely, CB7 4ER. These proposed premises, which are currently empty, would undergo a refurbishment to incorporate a stationary, gift, mobile accessories & repair store. Ely Post Office at Central Hall, 52-54 Market Street, Ely, CB7 4LS is currently …

No Car Park Penalties During Outbreak

No Car Park Penalties During Outbreak Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council is not enforcing time restrictions in its car parks during the coronavirus outbreak. In order to support the changing needs of residents, key workers and community volunteers during the current crisis, time restrictions within the district’s free car parks are not being enforced and no fixed penalties are being issued. Councillor …

East Cambridgeshire District Council provides small business support in uncertain times

East Cambridgeshire District Council provides small business support in uncertain times Read More »

East Cambridgeshire District Council has taken action to assist small businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. The Council has responded to the roll out of the Government small business grant and has contacted all eligible businesses in the area with information about what they need to do, more than 1,000 businesses in total. The first grant …

Local Dementia Choir goes On-Line!

Local Dementia Choir goes On-Line! Read More »

Registered Charity All In Sound has now been running Sing! Together in the Ely community for 2 years! A group which is for people living with dementia, memory loss and their carers, happens on Monday mornings at Ely Beet Club. With current Covid-19 Crisis and following a grant in response to that from Cambridgeshire Community …

National Youth Music Theatre selection for talented King’s Ely Sixth Form student

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Billy Pinto, has been called-up by the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT). Billy, 16, will be starring in (subject to the COVID-19 situation) ‘Imagination’, by Timothy Knapman and Stuart Matthew Price. Directed by Richard Fitch, the production will be presented at CURVE Theatre, Leicester and for the International Youth …

National Youth Music Theatre selection for talented King’s Ely Sixth Form student Read More »

Council Extends Advice Service for Residents

Council Extends Advice Service for Residents Read More »

From April 1st residents will be able to access an extended range of advice from East Cambridgeshire District Council including support on issues relating to debt, relationships and work. Following Government advice on social distancing the increased support services will be delivered by telephone and email; when Government restrictions are lifted they will also be available …

East Cambridgeshire Forms Support Network to Help Elderly and Vulnerable

East Cambridgeshire Forms Support Network to Help Elderly and Vulnerable Read More »

A district council is appealing to residents to help provide a support network for those who need help during the coronavirus outbreak. East Cambridgeshire District Council has asked people to sign up to its scheme and will map out the support available in towns and villages across the district. The Council is sending out letters …

Raising a Glass for Ely Cinema

Raising a Glass for Ely Cinema Read More »

Babylon ARTS’ new Chair of Trustees, Linda McCord attended the Ely CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) annual celebration on Saturday 14th March to receive an incredible donation towards the Ely Cinema campaign. The group had raised £800 at their annual Beer Festival held at The Maltings, Ely and then held an additional raffle, raising a …

South Angle Farm Park Starts Crowdfunder

News, Organisations, Soham / By Alison Cooney

Sadly, South Angle Farm Park has decided to close to the public till further notice to protect visitors and staff. It breaks our heart to close as we love spring time here so much but we will be very active in sharing all the beauty of the season regularly on our social media. Remember you …

South Angle Farm Park Starts Crowdfunder Read More »

Ely City Crusaders Awarded Funding to Revamp Football Facilities

News, Organisations, Sport, Youth / By Alison Cooney

People living in Ely are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities. Ely City Crusaders have been awarded a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, to improve the quality of the grass pitches at Ely City Football Club on Downham Road. The Football Foundation is the UK’s …

Ely City Crusaders Awarded Funding to Revamp Football Facilities Read More »

National finals are calling for skilful King’s Ely students!

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely mathematicians have qualified for the national finals of the UK Team Maths Challenge. King’s Ely Junior pupils Yanki Ertem and Anna Ost, and King’s Ely Senior students John Lau and James MacGillivray, travelled to The King’s School, Peterborough to compete in the regional finals of the competition earlier this month. Despite fierce competition …

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King’s Ely goes all out to mark British Science Week!

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Wacky experiments, fascinating lectures and some VIP guests saw King’s Ely celebrate British Science Week in style. Students and staff from King’s Ely Acremont Nursery right the way through to King’s Ely Sixth Form enjoyed a feast of events and activities to commemorate all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The Science Week programme …

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Community Information on Covid-19 from Ely North and South Primary Care Networks

Community Information on Covid-19 from Ely North and South Primary Care Networks Read More »

Information is accurate up to 27th March 2020 As your local GP practices, we are facing our most significant challenge in the history of the NHS. The two Ely Primary Care Networks are working together to provide you with the best care, across the following GP surgeries: Burwell, Haddenham, and Staploe (Ely South PCN); and …

East Cambridgeshire District Council Coronavirus Response

News / By Alison Cooney

East Cambs District Council, working with Cambridgeshire County Council as the lead authority of the Local Resilience Forum, is stepping up its response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to safeguard the wellbeing of residents, staff, and members. The Council is taking a number of steps to support residents and keep its services operating. The …

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King’s Ely rowers victorious at National Junior Championships

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely students were on oar-some form at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships – bringing home two Silver medals. Sixty of King’s Ely’s rowing students travelled to the prestigious Copper Box Arena at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to compete in the Championships. The competition involved around 3,000 Year 7 to 13 rowers from …

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Soham Carnival Postponed

Events, News, Organisations, Soham / By Alison Cooney

Preparations were well underway for Soham Carnival 25th May 2020. The traditional Heavy Horse Show, Parade of Floats, Team Mad, Max Headroom Band, Soham Village College Samba Band and a special performance from Haydn and the Deuces – Haydns Law #wearahelmet along with all of the other traditional attractions were all booked and ready to …

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Vinnie’s New Buggy

Vinnie’s New Buggy Read More »

Two organisations got together, Ely Rotary Club and the Ely Community Unit Trust, to supply a special Joggster Buggy for Vinnie Edwards. Vinnie is two years old and has limited mobility. He was born with Global Developmental Delay, which causes problems with walking, and he has frequent falls. The Joggster has an increased weight capacity …

Bronze Leadership Qualified Cadets

Bronze Leadership Qualified Cadets Read More »

Congratulations to four of our Leading Cadets: Finn Pieters, Scarlet Minchin, Thea Poli and Finn Elcombe on passing their Bronze Leadership Award this weekend. As part of the Air Cadet progessive training syllabus cadets attended The Eastern Sector Skills Weekend at Imperial War Museum Duxford the home of 2461 (Sawston) Squadron. Staff from Squadron’s across …

A Whirlwind Weekend Results in Victory for 1094 City of Ely Squadron

A Whirlwind Weekend Results in Victory for 1094 City of Ely Squadron Read More »

This weekend saw a whistle stop tour of Central and East’s Regions top Squadron’s for Regional Commandant Group Captain Nigel Gorman and Warrant Officer Mark Giddings. In previous weeks each of the Regions Six Wing Commanders had nominated their best Squadron to compete in The Morris Trophy Competition for the best Air Training Corps Squadron. …

The Friendly Squadron gets Inspected

The Friendly Squadron gets Inspected Read More »

On Sunday 8th March, 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron were inspected by Central and East Region Commandant Group Captain Nigel Gorman and Warrant Officer Mark Giddings. Having previously won the Walker Trophy for the best Squadron in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing The Squadron were honoured to represent The Wing as one of The Morris Trophy …

Muscle Mash Up for Embrace

Events, News, Organisations / By Alison Cooney

With such successful “Muscle Mash Up” charity exercise events over the last three years the fourth didn’t fail in expectations! This year’s event was held at Ely Beet Sports & Social Club, where the veryfirst Muscle Mash Up was held over 3 years ago. The money raised previously went to MIND and Global’s Make Some …

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Prizes aplenty for skilful King’s Ely and Ely Cathedral Sixth Form Organ Scholar

Kings Ely, News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

King’s Ely Sixth Form student and Ely Cathedral Organ Scholar, Miriam Reveley, has won a haul of prizes in recognition of her organ playing. Miriam, 16, not only passed the examination for the Colleague of the Royal College of Organists (CRCO) – an achievement very rare for someone of school age for whom it was …

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National Careers Week at WVC

News, Organisations, Schools, Witchford, Youth / By Alison Cooney

National Careers Week 2020 started at WVC weeks ago with preparations to hold careers events for as many of our students and feeder primary students as possible. During assembly and form, all students took part in careers activities that linked nicely to our half term theme of Society. Staff were engaged by filling in ‘door plaques’ …

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Volunteer Opportunities at Ely Museum

Volunteer Opportunities at Ely Museum Read More »

Join Ely Museum at our volunteer recruitment day on Saturday 28th March, from 11:30am – 3pm at the Old Dispensary on St Marys Street to learn more about the volunteer roles on offer and see how you can get involved as we create an exciting new museum in Ely. We are particularly keen to recruit …

Sutton Spring Beer Festival

Events, News, Organisations, Sutton / By Alison Cooney

Held in the 14th Century St Andrews Church, Sutton Beer Festival started in 2008 as a way of raising much needed funds for the village church. The 13th and 14th March sees our first Spring Festival. So far there have been 12 summer festivals and 5 winter ones. This time we will see some new …

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Ely’s Food and Drink Festival

News / By Alison Cooney

9th May to 10th May 2020 Palace Green and St Mary’s Green Showcasing over 75 artisan and specialist food and drink traders including our amazing Street Food Scene comprising of a range of culinary delights which will tantalise your taste buds with the unusual, yet exquisitely put together combinations. This year our event lends itself …

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Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend

Events, News, Organisations, Tourism / By Alison Cooney

7thMay to 10th May 2020 Celebrate Ely’s eel origins with four fabulous days of quirky eel related fun and entertainment. We are truly honoured this year to share our Eel Celebrations with VE Day 75! Here’s a line-up of what’s on! Thursday 7th May – Launch of Eel Food Safari and Business Eel Throwing on …

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Bus, Cycling and Walking Consultation Opens Monday

Bus, Cycling and Walking Consultation Opens Monday Read More »

A six-week consultation for residents to highlight the key bus services and cycling and walking routes in East Cambridgeshire will start on Monday 9th March 2020. The aim of the consultation is to identify routes that residents would like to see delivered, or where improvements need to be made. Building on the success of the …

Culture Catalogue Goes Live

News, Organisations, Schools, Youth / By Alison Cooney

To mark the start of the National Careers Week 2020, Babylon ARTS’s has launched the Culture Catalogue: an online hub of cultural enrichment and creative careers opportunities, for young people, available in Cambridgeshire. The Culture Catalogue will be an essential tool for young people looking for a career in a creative industry, available on the …

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Headteacher Plans School Fundraising Skydive

News, Organisations, Schools, Witchford / By Alison Cooney

A local Headteacher is resorting to a fundraising skydive because there isn’t enough government funding for much needed improvements to the school building and grounds. Bridget Harrison will be raising money for The Rackham C of E Primary School in Witchford in July by falling through the air at 125mph from 15,000ft, the highest skydive …

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Dogs Inspire Budding Writers in Ely

Dogs Inspire Budding Writers in Ely Read More »

Dogs can change our lives. Nobody knows this better than the folks at the K9 Community Café in Ely. This social project is dedicated to bringing together people and dogs over tea and treats (who doesn’t enjoy a good biscuit!), and then watching as special friendships form. Coinciding with this year’s World Book Day on …

Ely Tigers Welcomed Woodbridge

News, Organisations, Sport / By Alison Cooney

Just one game with the wind playing such a huge part would be nice!! Ely Tigers welcomed Woodbridge to the Cambridge Commodities Park for what would be another game that battled the latest storm, the recent downpours had made the pitch sticky in places, the home side was once again forced to make changes to …

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Buckingham Palace Invites for Ely Cadets

Buckingham Palace Invites for Ely Cadets Read More »

Four senior Ely Air Cadets received a very special delivery in the post last week. All four received personal invitations to attend Buckingham Palace to be awarded with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. All four young adults and their parents will then attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Seen in the photo below are …

Awards Evening at 1094 Ely Squadron

Awards Evening at 1094 Ely Squadron Read More »

A wonderful awards evening in Ely for 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron with staff, Civilian Committee members, parents and cadets having a fund raising tea and cakes sale before the awards evening began. The Guest of Honour was Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colin Elsden who was attended by Lord Lieutenants Cadet for Cambridgeshire Flight Sergeant Rory …

CRC Taster Day at Witchford Village College

News, Organisations, Schools, Witchford, Youth / By Alison Cooney

Year 8 Students have been taking part in a Taster Day. Witchford Village College was selected by Cambridge Regional College to host the event, giving students an insight into the range of subjects that they offer. Staff and current students from CRC arrived with a range of vocational based activities for pupils to take part …

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Council Approves Bus, Cycling and Walking Consultation

Council Approves Bus, Cycling and Walking Consultation Read More »

A six-week consultation for residents to highlight the key bus services and cycling and walking routes in East Cambridgeshire has been given the go ahead. At the 6th February East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) Finance and Assets Committee, members approved the launch of the district’s bus, cycling and walking consultation which will commence on 9th March 2020. …

Ely Air Cadet Meets The Princess Royal On a Flying Visit