News

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

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

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Littleport Station car parking spaces to double from tomorrow

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

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Ely Roller Skating Club – End of Year Results

Ely Roller Skating Club have just completed their most successful year of medals since 2011. They competed in 10 competitions this year and have won 67 medals.   They have won:  16 🥇, 21 🥈, 30 🥉 (Team and duo medals are counted as one medal.) They also won the Visitors Cup  at Maidstone for the best performing club. Out of a team of 35, 27 …

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

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

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King’s Ely students wow audiences with sell-out production of Grease

Almost 1,500 people witnessed talented King’s Ely students stage the charming American musical Grease. The sell-out production took place in the school’s Hayward Theatre from December 6th to 9th – and for the first time in school history included an additional performance on the Wednesday evening to cater for ticket demand. More than 50 King’s …

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Explorer Jake Heath inspires students at King’s Ely Acremont

Tales of flying fish and ferocious storms from a Guinness World Record holder enthralled children at King’s Ely Acremont. Jake Heath, one of four people who entered the Guinness Book of World Records after successfully completing the Olympic journey from London to Rio de Janeiro using human power alone, popped into school to talk to …

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Ely College students raise almost £2000 for good causes

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

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Food Supply Chain Industry Benefits The Economy In East Cambridgeshire

One of Cambridgeshire’s leading food supply chain specialists opened its doors to members of local and central government to showcase the inner workings of their purpose built processing and repack facilities in Newmarket.  Susanne Devanney from the Department for International Trade (DIT), MP Lucy Frazer and a number of East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) Councillors …

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Katie and Ellen crowned Debating Champions of SE Cambs

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

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

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

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Witchford shows spirit of goodwill following heartless theft

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

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

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

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Plight of Farmers raised in Commons by MP Lucy Frazer

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

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Winter Wonderland comes to Ely with Best Christmas Window Competition – Editors Column

Last week I was asked to judge Ely’s shopfronts along with Mayor Richard Hobbs and Councillor Alison Arnold and if I am honest was very honoured to be given the responsibility. The three of us trawled the High Street, Forehill, Market Square, The Passages, The Cloisters and Market Street in search of the best “Winter …

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No to Littleport being in No-rfolk, council says

The council has said no to Littleport becoming part of Norfolk under a radical shake-up of Parliamentary boundaries. During a full council meeting last week, East Cambridgeshire District Council agreed to ask the Boundary Commission for England to review its controversial plans for new constituency boundaries which would see Littleport becoming part of a new Norfolk …

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That's £1300 up in smoke but all to worthwhile charities.

Ely Fireworks organiser Richard Stewart dropped into the Lantern School yesterday to give away what money they had left from the successful night of lights and explosions on Cherry Hill. The Guy competition winning school received a cheque for £150 alongside the Royal British Legion. Marc Beveridge from the Poppy Appeal said, “This is a really generous …

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Two Ely schools celebrate "good" OfSTED ratings

Two Ely schools are celebrating after getting a prestigious “good” rating by OfSTED inspectors. Ely St Mary’s C of E Junior School and The Lantern Community Primary School have both been rated as “good” in all areas following recent inspections by OfSTED (the Office for Standards in Education). OfSTED praised St Mary’s headteacher Rebecca Ireland-Curtis, saying …

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Holy cow! Train struck cow has lucky escape but causes udder chaos for commuters

A lucky cow caused udder chaos for rail commuters this morning but escaped uninjured after being hit by a train. While passengers may be used to hearing about “leaves on the line” causing disruption on some rail networks, it was a cow on the line which caused delays this morning, leaving some commuters una-moo-sed. An …

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International packaging firm makes significant relocation within East Cambs

Local company Faerch Plast (formerly Anson Packaging) recently opened the doors of its impressive new UK headquarters and design facility on Lancaster Way Business Park in Ely. Hosted by the company’s Managing Director, the MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, joined East Cambridgeshire District Council’s economic development officers for a behind the scenes look …

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Russian doll rock boards train to Kings Cross to make her fortune

A rolling stone may gather no moss – but a Russian matryoshka doll created in Ely has travelled to London to make her fortune. The doll, one of a pair of twins painted on rocks by Ely College teacher Fleur Patten, was hidden at Ely Station on Friday morning. Greater Anglia train dispatcher Jessika Ransome told …

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Ely College thespians take part in world's biggest youth drama festival

Budding thespians from Ely College recently took part in the world’s largest youth drama festival this autumn. The students were part of a record 280,000 young people to have participated in the Shakespeare Schools Festival, run by Shakespeare Schools Foundation. Earlier this month the Ey College students performed an abridged adaptation of William Shakespeare’s farcical …

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King’s Ely wins sustainable Travel Award

KING’S Ely has become the first independent school in Cambridgeshire to win a Modeshift STARS Bronze award. Modeshift STARS is the national awards scheme established to recognise schools and workplaces that demonstrate excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. The scheme encourages schools and organisations across the country to join in …

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New craze rocks Ely

A quirky new craze is rocking Ely – one psychedelic stone at a time. Hand painted rocks with different designs have been left at strategic destinations across the city by Ely resident Fleur Patten and her son George – with the hope that they will melt even the stoniest of hearts. The idea behind these …

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Latest addition to Ely Police Station causes of-fence

Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s previous campaign used the slogan “Get Closer, Support the Force” – but this may become harder in Ely with the construction of a fence surrounding its police station and adjoining land. The wooden structure has been causing of-fence amongst local residents – but police say it will prevent injury and preserve the area. …

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More hard-up residents using Foodbank – and problem likely to get worse, its boss warns

More residents in crisis are seeking help from Ely Foodbank than ever before, its boss says, warning that the problem is likely to get worse. Project director Cathy Wright told Spotted in Ely that despite East Cambridgeshire being perceived as an affluent area, many working people are struggling to keep up with the cost of …

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Ely unable to turn the screw and end with a draw against unbeaten Stowmarket.

The Tigers dominated the first half. On debut, man of the match Jacob Muncey found space down the blindside and sprinted in untouched from twenty metres out, for a converted try. Joel Scott Paul was next to get on the scoreboard when Mitchell Kennett dummied one defender, broke through and offloaded for a converted try. …

Ely unable to turn the screw and end with a draw against unbeaten Stowmarket. Read More »

King’s Ely Acremont and Nursery pupils support Charity Toy Donation Appeal

Pupils at King’s Ely Acremont and Nursery have gone out of their way to help support people who are less fortunate than themselves. Earlier this year, Richard Hill, his wife Samantha and their son, Jackson, who used to attend King’s Ely Nursery, moved from Ely to Belize on the eastern coast of Central America to …

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King’s Ely Junior raises thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK

Fantastic fundraisers at King’s Ely Junior (KEJ) have raised almost £18,000 for Cancer Research UK. KEJ chooses a different charity to support each year – and it is the pupils who decide which beneficiary they will be fundraising for. The children make their suggestions and then, in each house, elections are held, with the charity …

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Fun-filled Book Week goes down a storm with King’s Ely pupils

Author visits, dress-up days and storytelling sessions galore were among the highlights of an action-packed Book Week at King’s Ely Acremont and King’s Ely Junior. To say the pupils and staff went all out for the literary extravaganza would be a slight understatement. The fun-filled week included visits from published authors Saci Lloyd, Pippa Goodhart …

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Little Thetford Acorns Pre-school Welcomes Prospective Parents to Open Day

Little Thetford Acorns Pre-School (LTA) will welcome prospective new parents and their children at its annual Open Day on Monday 30th October. Families are invited to drop in any time between 12noon and 2pm to come and look round the well recognised local pre-school, speak to the manager, meet the staff and get a feel …

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There’s still time to get your garden under control for free!

Ex-service personnel living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can call the Green Aiders to clear their garden this autumn. The Green Aiders is a free, one-off garden clearance service run by community charity Groundwork Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and there is still funding for more veterans and their families to benefit from the scheme. It is funded …

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Train operator hopes to give “leaves on the line” disruption the slip

Greater Anglia is hoping to give “leaves on the line” disruption the slip this autumn by fitting special wheel protection on some of its trains. The operator, working together with Network Rail, has fitted special anti-slip “Wheel Slide Protection” (WSP) technology on its class 156 trains, which include services running between Ipswich and Cambridge/Peterborough. WSP …

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Junior stylists turned salon bosses Claire and Hannah are a cut above the rest

When best buddies Claire Farrow and Hannah Smith became junior hairdressers over a decade ago, they dreamt of one day running their own salon. Today that dream becomes a reality. The two mums, who met while studying at Ely College, are celebrating the opening of Farrow & Smith Hair Design. The funky salon opened today …

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Prickwillow Ploughing Festival looks set to be a whole weekend of entertainment!

This weekend is Prickwillow Ploughing Festival, gates open at 10.00am on Saturday and Sunday. Entertainment begins on Saturday at 11.15am, with The Hobblers on stage, The Hobblers are a Folk band based in the countryside of Norfolk, and will be preforming various Folk, and Irish Folk songs which I am sure you are going to …

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Train doors opened on wrong side during rail strike, Greater Anglia investigating

Greater Anglia is investigating why train doors were allowed to open on the wrong side, allowing two passengers to disembark, on Tuesday. The incident happened on the 1350 Peterborough to Ipswich service, which calls at Ely. It took place while members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union (RMT) were on strike regarding the …

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Almost 4 million visitors flock to East Cambs in three years

We all love Ely – and now more tourists than ever are discovering the delights of one of England’s smallest cities. East Cambridgeshire is enjoying bumper tourism, with almost four million visitors heading to the area in the past three years, according to figures released today. Statistics show that overnight stays in the region have …

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Are more awards in the pipeline for Atrium Fitness?

Atrium Fitness has been shortlisted in the UK’s biggest fitness awards and are in the running for a prestigious national award. The club has been shortlisted in the Customer Service Category at the National Fitness Awards, an annual event which recognises excellence and achievement in gyms throughout the country. The awards are organised by Script …

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Greater Anglia says passengers won't be affected if next week's rail strikes go ahead

A bitter row has broken out between rail bosses and union members over planned strikes next week. The RMT union is planning to strike on Tuesday and Thursday (October 3 and 5), accusing Greater Anglia of failing to ensure the future of train guards across its network, calling it a “clear threat to passenger safety”. …

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MP Lucy Frazer announces "additional £3.1 million" for SE Cambs schools

School funding will remain at the top of Lucy Frazer’s agenda, the MP promises Spotted in Ely, announcing “an additional £3.1 million” for South East Cambridgeshire’s schools. This week Ms Frazer said that once the government’s new National Funding Formula was fully implemented, primary and secondary schools across her constituency would get a funding boost …

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Welcome to Cambridgeshire Artistic Roller Skating Club:  A BRAND NEW club coming to Cambridgeshire. 

Cambridgeshire Artistic Roller Skating Club launched in August when three taster sessions were held at Ely Paradise Centre.  Following the success of these sessions we have two permanent Grades and Fun sessions starting very soon. We welcome all ages and abilities.  Our goal is to provide a fun and exciting environment for every skater. We …

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Talking FreELY & Happy Cafe Ely 'Auction of Promises' an event not to be missed!

On October the 13th Talking FreELY and The Happy Cafe welcome you to an ‘Auction of Promises’ at the newly refurbished Ely Tigers Rugby Club. The Auctioneer will be Mr David Palmer from ‘Flog It, Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic’. Supper is included in your ticket purchase and there will be live music from The …

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East Cambs schools face further staff losses and funding cuts, unions warn

Cash strapped schools across East Cambridgeshire face a funding crisis, with all of the district’s colleges set to have their budgets slashed and teaching staff reduced in the next four years, unions warn. Figures released today predict that in real terms 88 per cent of schools throughout England face crippling budget cuts by 2020, with …

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Mums hit out at plans to axe Children's Centres

Axing almost half of Cambridgeshire’s children’s centres is going to have dire effects on children’s health and wellbeing, mums and health professionals warn. With just four days to go before a consultation closes on the future of children’s centres throughout the county, a number of mothers from throughout East Cambridgeshire have voiced their concerns to …

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Increasing Pressure on Queen Adelaide due to extra trains. Have your say!

This evening at Queen Adelaide Village Hall, Cambridgeshire County Council and Network Rail are asking people who live in the area or use the main route through the village to come to a public meeting seeking views.   The objective of the meeting to understand what impact to local residents more trains would cause especially …

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