News

Ely Arts Festival is a triumph with over 7000 people enjoying events across two weeks!

Ely Arts Festival is celebrating its largest and most successful festival to date. In 2024 there were 43 events across the two weeks (almost double the events in 2023), all enjoyed by over 7000 people.  Highlights included the festival family fun day (despite the weather) which featured musical performances on the bandstand, circus skills, dance …

Ely Arts Festival is a triumph with over 7000 people enjoying events across two weeks! Read More »

Ely College awarded prestigious national ‘Centre of Excellence’ award for Oracy

Staff at Ely College, part of Meridian Trust, are proud to have received a coveted Oracy Centre of Excellence award from the national oracy charity, Voice 21, for their work in developing students’ speaking and listening skills.  Voice 21 works with more than 1000 schools nationally, and Ely College was one of only 24 to …

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Playful Exhibition from Artist Helen Murray Hopes to Spark Your Imagination

‘Stories from my Mother’s Cabinet’ is an upcoming solo exhibition from artist HelenMurray, taking place at Babylon Gallery throughout July. Focusing on a metaphorical ‘cabinet’, it will explore the transformation of seemingly mundane materials into new forms whether in paint, found objects or mixed media pieces. Helen uses mostly natural and organic materials, including old …

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Babylon ARTS and Highfield Littleport Academy Celebrate Nature, Art and Creative Collaboration!

On Thursday 6th June, Babylon ARTS and Highfield Littleport Academy celebrated the culmination of a large ongoing creative project, made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This event showcased the creative work completed by the students and artists involved, while also offering further creative activities and reflectionon the project. In 2023 Babylon …

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WWT Welney Promises a Summer of Wonder with New Postcard Adventure Trail

Families looking for a fresh adventure that will deepen their connection with nature can enjoy a new postcard adventure trail launching for the school summer holidays at WWT Welney. The trail is one of many activities planned that will offer a summer of wonder for all exploring the wetlands. Giant postcards, designed by children’s illustrator …

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East Anglian Stitch Textiles present an exhibition that celebrates“women of inspiration”

Open soon at Babylon Gallery is ‘Bridging the Gap’, a fascinating and inspiring groupexhibition by East Anglian Stitch Textiles (EAST) that explores the role of women, past and present, through a variety of textile artworks. EAST was formed in 1995 when founder member, Carol Dixon, created a group for textile artists in East Anglia who …

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Greener Together Connecting our Communities to Grow our Action Together

This community event showcased local community led green initiatives.  In addition to hearing about the climate friendly retrofit of Gardiner Hall and the blossoming Repair Café movement, there was also opportunities to learn about Community Energy plans and digital mapping technology which can empower local councils. Over 50 individuals from voluntary groups, parish councils and …

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The City of Ely Council Announces Retirement of Long Serving Councillor

The City of Ely Council announces the retirement of one of its long serving councillors.  Cllr Sue Austen has decided to retire from her role as a parish councillor. The Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips said “I was very sorry to hear that Sue Austen had decided, for health and family reasons, to step …

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Councillors vote to make playgrounds in East Cambridgeshire more inclusive

Councillors have agreed the first step towards making playgrounds in East Cambridgeshire more inclusive for all children and young people. They unanimously agreed a cross-party motion at Thursday’s Full Council meeting (23 May 2024), which recognises the essential role of play in child development. The motion also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for outdoor …

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Ask for Ani domestic abuse campaign launched ahead of Euros

A campaign targeted at kicking domestic abuse out of East Cambridgeshire has been launched ahead of the Euros. One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse. These numbers can increase dramatically during major football tournaments. During the last European championships in 2020 reported rates of domestic violence increased as much as …

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51st World Peashooting Championships – Enter today!

Get ready to aim, shoot, and hit the target as the 51st World Peashooting Championship returns. Pea shooting enthusiasts and curious spectators alike will gather this summer for this eccentric annual event, taking place in Witcham, near Ely in Cambridgeshire, on Saturday, July 13th, 2024. From humble beginnings over 50 years ago, the World Peashooting …

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Grant Funds New Wildlife Habitats at Lantern School

CHILDREN at an Ely primary school hope new wildlife habitats will encourage newts and lizards to their Forest School. Last week youngsters at the Lantern Community Primary School helped install four small bird nest boxes and four open nest boxes around Forest School, as well as admiring new refuges for amphibians, reptiles and bugs. The …

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Community Voices – Your Perspective Matters for End of Life Care

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity invites local people from diverse backgrounds and ethnic minority communities to join their “Community Voices” sessions, where your thoughts and experiences regarding care for life-limiting conditions and at the end-of-life, are valued and much needed. The Charity, which provides palliative care, recognises that Cambridgeshire has a diverse population, and its care …

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King’s Ely student triumphant in 2024 Young Organists’ Competition

A skillful musician at King’s Ely is celebrating success in a national competition. Thomas Strudwick, who is in Year 10 at King’s Ely Senior, has been crowned the ‘Intermediate Class’ winner of this year’s Young Organists’ Competition. The contest is organised by the School Organists’ Association, which was launched in 2020 to support organists and …

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His Majesty King Charles III retains his patronage of The Stained Glass Museum

Following His Majesty The King’s Accession in September 2022, a major review ofmore than 1,000 Royal Patronages and charity Presidencies has been undertaken. To mark the anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, the outcome of this review hasbeen announced, and The Stained Glass Museum is amongst the charities to beretained. As HRH The Prince of Wales, …

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Soham’s fantastic fun family festival offers huge value for money!

Family ticket offers over £270 worth of activities for just £80 Soham’s exciting new family festival, SoFest, is set to offer local families huge value for money, with a range of activities worth over £68 per person.  A group of two adults and two children will save nearly £200 compared with having to pay for …

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Walk this May

There are so many good reasons to get out for a walk, especially with the promise of some fairer weather. Walk this May is a campaign to get everyone thinking about making walking a new healthy habit and a reminder of all the health benefits associated with it. Keep an eye out for some helpful …

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Share your thoughts on new hedgehog guidance for developers

Members of the public are being asked for their thoughts on new planning guidelines aimed at helping increase hedgehog numbers across East Cambridgeshire. The Hedgehog Recovery Design Guidance supplementary planning document – believed to be the first of its kind in the country – asks developers to put measures in place to help hedgehogs when planning new …

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Ely Cathedral to Host Thought Provoking Exhibition by Celebrated Artist and Sculptor

Am I My Brother’s Keeper is a new exhibition by British artist and sculptor Sean Henry.  Curated by Visual Arts Advisor Jacquiline Creswell, the exhibition prompts reflection on the extent to which individuals may support each other and can be interpreted as an enquiry into one’s moral responsibility toward others.  Sean Henry presents over 25 hand painted terracotta and bronze figures, which will populate …

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Photography Competition Victory Continues for King’s Ely!

Eleven King’s Ely photography students had their images shortlisted in an international competition – two of whom proceeded to be crowned category winners. Hundreds of photographers from across the globe entered this year’s ‘Beyond the Frame’ competition, which is organised annually by Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) and Canon to celebrate the creativity and …

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Cathedral Choristers to Welcome Springtime in Song

The Ely Cathedral Boy Choristers, famous for their regular singing of choral music at services, will soon be stepping away from their usual repertoire to perform uplifting and beautiful, music celebrating the joys of spring.  Edmund Aldhouse, Director of Music at Ely Cathedral said, “Seasons and Charms is a chance for our twenty  boy choristers …

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Vivid Paintings of Paper Wildlife Scenes will Fill this Exhibition from Artist Mark Ward

Still life paintings of vibrant animal characters made from rescued materials, form the distinct style of Suffolk based artist Mark Ward. His upcoming solo exhibition at Babylon Gallery is entitled ‘Birds, Beasts and Even More Bendy Stuff’, and opens on Wednesday 1st May 2024. When he left teaching Art and Design to produce his own …

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Celebrating 50 years of City Status – Eel Day Festival 2024

Eel Day 2024 is celebrating its 20th year this year. This quirky event was born in 2004 and has grown over the many years to a full, three-day celebration of all things ‘Eel’ and Ely! You’ll find the event team at Cross Green from 10 am, Saturday 4th May as they prepare the annual parade. …

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Littleport Players Win NODA Award for Best Pantomime!

On Sunday 7th April, Producer Becky Smith, made her way to Ipswich for the annual NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) award ceremony, as the Littleport Players had been nominated for the ‘Best Pantomime’ award, for their production of Alice in Wonderland, that took place in December. They were up against fellow local theatre groups, …

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Voter ID needed for Police and Crime Commissioner election

Residents across Cambridgeshire are being encouraged to check they have Voter ID for the Police and Crime Commissioner election due to take place on Thursday 2nd May. Government legislation means all voters must take with them an acceptable form of ID when voting at polling stations. Without it, potential voters risk not having their say …

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Annual Ely College Science Festival caps off a busy week of trips, PLEDGES and much more!

British Science Week (8th -17th March) is an exciting time for students and teachers alike, as it provides a special platform to showcase the wonders of science and its many connections to our daily lives. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s British Science Week theme was ‘TIME’. Ely College have been ‘maximising the minutes’, packing in …

Annual Ely College Science Festival caps off a busy week of trips, PLEDGES and much more! Read More »

Ely Museum Proud to Celebrate Young Curators’ Exhibition

Museum reflects on 50 years of Ely’s history The Young Curators’ Club at Ely Museum have been working with the museum team on a temporary exhibition to celebrate 50 years of Ely’s history. Ely’s city status was only officially confirmed in 1974 and as this anniversary approaches, the museum felt it would be a good …

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East Cambs Conservatives Insist More Needs to be Done to Restore Full Timetable For Number 9 Bus Service from Littleport to Cambridge

East Cambs Conservatives are working to ensure the restoration of a full timetable of the Number 9 Bus service from Littleport to Cambridge, insisting that the route must have three buses rather than two.  Stagecoach currently runs three buses on the Littleport to Cambridge route which calls at Ely, Little Thetford and Stretham before going …

East Cambs Conservatives Insist More Needs to be Done to Restore Full Timetable For Number 9 Bus Service from Littleport to Cambridge Read More »

All-Round Triumph as Ely College Delves into Brecht’s ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’!

On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th March, Needham’s Hall was transformed into a theatre-in-the-round for Ely College’s enthralling production of ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’ by Bertolt Brecht. Both shows brought the audiences to their feet for two unforgettable evenings that celebrated the joy of live and immersive theatre. The play follows the character, Grusha, a …

All-Round Triumph as Ely College Delves into Brecht’s ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’! Read More »

A Wonderfully Absurd Exhibition Comes to Babylon ARTS this April.

‘Poems, Pictures and Poppycock’ is an exhibition showcasing the diverse work created by artist Mack Mathod throughout 2023. It features a range of poetry and artworks reflecting the artists own, sometimes bizarre, experiences over a busy and eventful year. This upcoming exhibition at Babylon Gallery will showcase the artist’s work over the pastyear. Mack Mathod …

A Wonderfully Absurd Exhibition Comes to Babylon ARTS this April. Read More »

75 Oak Trees Being Planted to Mark King’s Coronation

A grand total of 75 oak trees are in the process of being planted across 20 locations in East Cambridgeshire, thanks to support from parish councils, schools, nurseries and landowners. East Cambridgeshire District Council donated the trees free of charge as part of its campaign to mark King Charles III’s coronation and 75th birthday. The …

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Plea for hedgehog sightings to be recorded on interactive map

As sleepy hedgehogs emerge from hibernation this spring, residents are being asked to record their sightings on an interactive map. The BIG Hedgehog Map (www.BigHedgehogMap.org) enables sightings of hedgehogs from across the UK to be recorded, helping conservationists understand where they’re living and where they most need help. The BIG Hedgehog Map is run by …

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Waste Vehicles Go Green

East Cambridgeshire’s first vegetable powered vehicle is now collecting recycling from homes across the district. The new lorry is able to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) which is renewable, sustainable and 100 per cent biodegradable. Residents will be able to easily spot the vehicle thanks to its “Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry, Green Lorry!” design. …

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East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC)

Shop Watch Attracts 100 Members in East Cambs

More than 100 businesses across East Cambridgeshire have now signed up to the East Cambs Community Safety Partnership’s Shop Watch scheme. Shop Watch is a scheme similar to Neighbourhood Watch. Running via WhatsApp it allows businesses to effectively communicate with each other to help tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. It is being organised by East …

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Sensing Nature exhibition, curated by local young people, has a hugely successful opening weekend

The Sensing Nature exhibition at Babylon Gallery had a very successful opening weekend. From a visit from the Secretary of State for Culture to a wonderful turnout for the officialopening event, this exhibition is off to a great start. On Friday 1st March, Sensing Nature opened at Babylon Gallery. This multi-sensoryexhibition comprises of a variety …

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‘Beauty Tricks’ – Stained Glass Museum Acquires New Contemporary Artwork by Artist  Pinkie Maclure

The Stained Glass Museum has expanded its collection of contemporary works with the recent acquisition of Beauty Tricks (2017), a stained glass artwork by Scottish artist Pinkie Maclure.   The acquisition was made possible thanks to funding from Art Fund and The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. Beauty Tricks is a commentary on notions of beauty, body image and representation in modern society. …

‘Beauty Tricks’ – Stained Glass Museum Acquires New Contemporary Artwork by Artist  Pinkie Maclure Read More »

King’s Ely Instrumentalists of the Year are announced!

Talented musicians Lauren Booth and Julian Mak have been crowned King’s Ely’s 2024 Instrumentalists of the Year.  Students in Years 9 to 13 spent weeks battling it out in a series of heats, all vying for a place at the school’s annual Instrumental Festival Finalists’ Concert, which was held in Ely Cathedral’s beautiful South Transept. …

King’s Ely Instrumentalists of the Year are announced! Read More »

Ely Air Cadet Yarn Bombers on target for The Longest Day

Ely’s Air Cadets are no strangers to venturing into new and interesting activities but even our staff were pleasantly surprised at just how enthusiastically the cadets took to crocheting Poppies for a huge 3D yarn bombing work of art “The Longest Yarn” to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of The Longest Day of the Second World …

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Local Author Brings Bumbly Bee to Life in Children’s Book

Bumbly the Bee and the Day the Flowers Lost Their Music by Tia Colcomb An Enchanting Journey that Teaches Children about Friendship, Nature, and the Importance of Bees Pegasus Publishers is thrilled to announce the release of Bumbly the Bee and the Day the Flowers Lost Their Music by Tia Colcomb. This delightful children’s book …

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Local Artists and Community Come Together to Create a Multisensory Exhibition that Celebrates the Fenland Landscape.

Sensing Nature celebrates work made with local communities who have creativelyengaged with the heritage, significance and stories of the Fenland landscape, inpartnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and Wicken Fen. Curated by Basecoat Collective – a group of 18-25 year olds – the exhibition invited people to contemplate how they connect with nature, and includes new …

Local Artists and Community Come Together to Create a Multisensory Exhibition that Celebrates the Fenland Landscape. Read More »

Council Remains Debt Free and Freezes Council Tax

East Cambridgeshire District Council remains debt free and is freezing its Council Tax again in 2024 – for the 11th year running. The announcements were made during its Full Council meeting on 20th February. This is despite an economically challenging environment which has seen many other local authorities rack up millions in debt. Out of more …

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Council and Agent Nationally Recognised for More Than a “Fleet-ing” Relationship

East Cambs Building Control and Andrew Fleet, a building control agent based in Soham, have received national recognition for their working relationship at the Local Authority Building Control Awards. They were crowned winner of the “Best Partnership” award, which recognises excellence in collaboration, communication and overall partnership working practices. More than 900 leading construction industry figures …

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A Celebration of Bridal Gowns at Ely Cathedral

A Celebration of Bridal Gowns – Ely Cathedral to host an exhibition of over 40 fabulous bridal gowns highlighting the history and allure of the wedding dress. This fabulous exhibition explores how wedding styles and materials have changed over the centuries and how their adaptations reveal as much about social history as fashion, whilst defining …

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East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition 2024 Award Winners Announced

The annual East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition is now open at Babylon Gallery. On Wednesday 7th February Babylon ARTS held a prize giving ceremony, in which the winners were announced, with prizes awarded that were generously funded by Tindalls Ltd. Ely Hereward Rotary Club and Anglia Ruskin University. Babylon ARTS is hosting the East Cambridgeshire …

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Apprenticeships thriving in East Cambridgeshire

Businesses across East Cambridgeshire are being encouraged to consider the benefits of apprenticeships as part of the council’s drive to mark Apprenticeship Week (5th February to 11th February) The number of young people enrolled on apprenticeships in East Cambridgeshire is one of the highest levels across the county, with 11.4% of 18-year-olds enrolled. But currently, …

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Haddenham Launches the 2024 Slower is Safer Campaign

40 local people, including 6 pupils who make up Robert Arkenstall Primary School’s Road Safety Squad, representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council, parish councillors, hauliers MLH, AG Wright and EJ and RE Clark, schoolchildren’s parents and our Neighbourhood Policing Team sergeant attended the launch of the Road Safety Campaign on 31st …

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Council Helps Fund Multi-Adapted Gym in Littleport

Funding to adapt a gym at Littleport Leisure to provide a safe and welcoming space for under-represented groups to improve their health and fitness has been approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council. A grant of £11,400 has allocated towards the £17,000 cost of improving the leisure centre’s second gym to create 14 workstations. The money …

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Local MP Marks £5 Million Government Investment In Bishop Laney Expansion

Member of Parliament for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer MP, met sixth form staff last Friday following the recent granting of planning permission. Lucy Frazer MP met senior staff from Bishop Laney Sixth Form in Ely on Friday, 26th January, to mark the beginning of works to expand the student intake from 300 to 400. …

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Competition to name new waste and recycling fleet

A competition is being launched to name a new fleet of 10 waste and recycling vehicles. The new fleet, purchased by East Cambridgeshire District Council, includes new in-cab technology designed to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective waste collection service. They are also able to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as well as diesel, which …

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Council Approves Over £1.76 Million Funding For Community Projects

Four projects that improve the quality of life for residents in East Cambridgeshire have been awarded over £1.76 million funding. Stretham and Wilburton Community Land Trust is to receive £1.21 million towards its Link Project. This will see the creation of a wellbeing community hub, GP rooms, café and meeting rooms at Plantation Gate. The vibrant …

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Council Crack Down to Extinguish Illegal Fires 

The number of illegal fires across the district has fallen 58% in a year according to East Cambridgeshire District Council. The council has been cracking down on the burning of commercial waste as part of its commitment towards a cleaner, greener East Cambridgeshire. Burning waste, particularly oil-based wastes, plastics and treated wood, results in a …

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Duck the Stress this World Wetlands Day and Visit WWT Welney for a Moment of Calm

This World Wetlands Day, 2nd February 2024, WWT Welney wants everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland for a moment of calm.  Research has shown that just ten minutes in a wetland setting, spaces like a marsh, lake or river, is enough to boost your mood, and WWT wants …

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Council Achieves Silver Investors in Environment Accreditation

East Cambridgeshire District Council has achieved silver accreditation of the Investors in the Environment scheme. The council signed up to the scheme two years ago as part of its commitment to reduce the environment impact at its main head office in Ely, known as The Grange. Within a year it achieved bronze and now its …

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The Hive awarded Gold Standard by Investors in People

The staff owned co-operative running The Hive Leisure Centre in Ely has been awarded the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) Gold Standard. GLL, which runs leisure centres and libraries across the UK, is a charitable leisure and cultural social enterprise and has been running The Hive at Ely’s Leisure Village on behalf of East Cambridgeshire District …

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