News

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, …

Littleport Players Win NODA Award for Best Pantomime! Read More »

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 …

Voter ID needed for Police and Crime Commissioner election Read More »

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 …

Ely Museum Proud to Celebrate Young Curators’ Exhibition Read More »

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 …

75 Oak Trees Being Planted to Mark King’s Coronation Read More »

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 …

Plea for hedgehog sightings to be recorded on interactive map Read More »

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. …

Waste Vehicles Go Green Read More »

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 …

Shop Watch Attracts 100 Members in East Cambs Read More »

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 …

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

‘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 …

Ely Air Cadet Yarn Bombers on target for The Longest Day Read More »

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 …

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

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 …

Council Remains Debt Free and Freezes Council Tax Read More »

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 …

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

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 …

A Celebration of Bridal Gowns at Ely Cathedral Read More »

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 …

East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition 2024 Award Winners Announced Read More »

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, …

Apprenticeships thriving in East Cambridgeshire Read More »

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 …

Haddenham Launches the 2024 Slower is Safer Campaign Read More »

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 …

Council Helps Fund Multi-Adapted Gym in Littleport Read More »

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. …

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

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 …

Competition to name new waste and recycling fleet Read More »

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 …

Council Approves Over £1.76 Million Funding For Community Projects Read More »

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 …

Council Crack Down to Extinguish Illegal Fires  Read More »

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 …

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

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 …

Council Achieves Silver Investors in Environment Accreditation Read More »

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 …

The Hive awarded Gold Standard by Investors in People Read More »

Eddi Reader, Peatbog Faeries, Breabach, Jez Lowe and O’Hooley & Tidow Headline this year’s Ely Folk Festival

Ely Folk Festival launches programme for 2024. The 38th annual Ely Folk Festival takes place from 12th – 14th July at Stuntney Estate. Three stages and 35+acts plus workshops and meet and greet sessions. Ely Folk Festival returns to showcase a wealth of local and global talent celebrating folk, roots and acoustic music over a …

Eddi Reader, Peatbog Faeries, Breabach, Jez Lowe and O’Hooley & Tidow Headline this year’s Ely Folk Festival Read More »

Plans for Lakeside Bereavement Centre Announced

A full business plan to build a state-of-the-art ecological bereavement centre alongside a beautiful lakeside setting at Mepal is to go before East Cambridgeshire District Councillors. The plan for the council-owned land includes a crematorium, natural burial area, and a pet cemetery. Set within flower meadows and woodland walks with views overlooking the lake, it …

Plans for Lakeside Bereavement Centre Announced Read More »

Save money during Energy Saving Week

An online form to help residents identify if they qualify for home energy efficiency grants is being promoted by East Cambridgeshire District Council to help mark Energy Saving Week (17th January to 23th January). The form, which takes 10 minutes to complete, helps the council’s energy advisers to better understand an individual’s circumstances, such as …

Save money during Energy Saving Week Read More »

Let us entertain you! Public invited to help choose the line-up for popular Cambridgeshire arts programme

A county-wide programme of arts and entertainment, is calling on the public to help select the acts they would like to see perform in Cambridgeshire this Spring. Since its launch in 2018, The Library Presents has grown in both popularity and appeal, attracting audiences of more than 30,000 and consistently delivering a diverse arts programme …

Let us entertain you! Public invited to help choose the line-up for popular Cambridgeshire arts programme Read More »

Repair Cafe in Ely Library will Help You Save Money and Reduce Your Impact on the Environment

Do you have something that’s broken that you don’t know how to fix but can’t bring yourself to throw away? Something like a toaster, kettle, lamp, bag, toy, jewellery, pair of jeans or computer? Bring it along to the Repair Cafe being held on Saturday 27th January from 11.00am – 2.00pm in Ely Library and …

Repair Cafe in Ely Library will Help You Save Money and Reduce Your Impact on the Environment Read More »

Babylon Arts presents ‘Future Artefacts’, a local celebration of Wicken
Fen

In anticipation of Wicken Fen’s 125th Anniversary of becoming the first National Trust nature reserve, Babylon ARTS were invited by Wicken Fen to lead creative conversations with local communities. Led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite, people created their own ‘future artefact’. Over 350 of these artifacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery alongside work from local …

Babylon Arts presents ‘Future Artefacts’, a local celebration of Wicken
Fen
Read More »

Exclusive resource portal launched for East Cambridgeshire businesses

Businesses across East Cambridgeshire are being encouraged to sign up for a new resource portal dedicated to helping them gain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic economic landscape. East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Economic Development team has written to more than 5000 businesses, encouraging them to register their interest. Those that sign up will gain free …

Exclusive resource portal launched for East Cambridgeshire businesses Read More »

East Cambs Businesses Invited to Shop Watch Launch

Businesses that want to find out more about Shop Watch in East Cambridgeshire and collect a free Members’ Pack are invited to a special event on Tuesday 5th December. 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 …

East Cambs Businesses Invited to Shop Watch Launch Read More »

Good Vibes Local Celebrates 10th Birthday Great Little Giveaway

Spotted in Ely celebrated its 10th birthday back in August 2023 and as part of the celebrations the Trustees of Good Vibes Local (GVL) decided to launch a second Great Little Giveaway for local organisations, but this time offering grants of £200 with the criteria of healthy lifestyles. The Giveaway was promoted throughout August and September.  …

Good Vibes Local Celebrates 10th Birthday Great Little Giveaway Read More »

A Bit of High School Musical from Witchford Amateur Dramatic Society Youth Group

Witchford Amateur Dramatic Society‘s newly-formed youth group will bring the story of High School Musical to life this week. The performances will take place in the Main Hall of Witchford Village College from Thursday November 30th to Saturday December 2nd. Individual tickets cost £12 or £40 for a group ticket. Doors open at 6.30pm for …

A Bit of High School Musical from Witchford Amateur Dramatic Society Youth Group Read More »

Swan Spectacle Makes for a Wild Winter at WWT Welney

Visitors at WWT Welney in Norfolk can experience a white winter wonderland with a difference as thousands of swans return to the area after completing incredible journeys from their summer homes in Arctic Russia and Iceland. To celebrate this migratory miracle, the wetland site is putting on a range of events to allow people to …

Swan Spectacle Makes for a Wild Winter at WWT Welney Read More »

Government changes support right first-time approach to planning

Impending changes to the way the planning system operates should support a right first-time approach according to Cllr Bill Hunt, chair of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee. New government regulations, to be brought in on 6th December 2023, mean that anyone bringing forward a planning application is advised to make sure it meets all planning policies and requirements before it is submitted to …

Government changes support right first-time approach to planning Read More »

Ely Museum receives grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop collections, events and new exhibitions

Museum continues good work with grant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund Ely Museum is delighted to announce the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their project to increase access to their historic collections and to develop and grow the exhibitions and events that they hold for the community.  Faced with growing operational …

Ely Museum receives grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop collections, events and new exhibitions Read More »

Babylon Arts Winter Open returns for a second year.

‘Small, but perfect’ is Babylon’s second Winter Open exhibition, and features 300 brilliant original artworks from local artists. All the pieces are for sale, with prices ranging from £60 to £150, and would make the perfect festive gift. Due to the success of their first Winter Open in January earlier this year, Babylon Arts iscommitted …

Babylon Arts Winter Open returns for a second year. Read More »

Trials of Terror

Though the Haunted season has since passed and thoughts turn to Christmas, that didn’t stop the specters of history from appearing before a sold out audience at Ely’s Sessions House on 10th November, when three trials were recreated in the very court room in which they were first heard. In a first of its kind …

Trials of Terror Read More »

Local Artists Deliver a Family Exhibition Inspired by the Fen Landscape

Fen Textures is an exhibition at Babylon Gallery from artists Bob and Carol Banks, and  Carol’s daughter, Violet Shaw. Their different creative practices come together to encapsulate the fen landscape, including jewellery, oil painting, pastels and pottery. There will also be an opportunity to create ‘Fen Textures’ of your own, with a family activity in …

Local Artists Deliver a Family Exhibition Inspired by the Fen Landscape Read More »

Council Ranked Highly for Combating Climate Change

East Cambridgeshire District Council has officially been ranked 29th out of 164 district councils for its work to combat climate change, putting it in the top quartile for performance. This is the second time campaign group Climate Emergency UK has officially scored local authorities on their performance. The assessment consisted of 91 questions or less, depending …

Council Ranked Highly for Combating Climate Change Read More »

Art Unequalled returns to The Maltings this November

Fourteen years ago, local sculptor Sally Dunham had a vision to create a new Art event for the Ely area. Sally wanted to create an event that brought together independent artists and craftspeople creating handmade work to the highest standards at a friendly and welcoming event. In October 2010, Art Unequalled was held for the …

Art Unequalled returns to The Maltings this November Read More »

Funding for Wildlife Area Will Help Create a New Green Loop for Soham

Plans to establish a new wildlife area in Soham have been given a boost thanks to support from East Cambridgeshire District Council. Soham Town Council has been awarded a £4600 Pride of Place grant to buy trees, wildflowers, hedging and bug hotels for Drayton Meadows. The money will also pay wildlife information boards and a …

Funding for Wildlife Area Will Help Create a New Green Loop for Soham Read More »

Fen Authors and Explorers: An Afternoon of Talks

An afternoon of talks about how the Fens offered inspiration for the work of local authors and photographers is taking place in Ely this Saturday, 21st October between 1.30-4.30pm.  The event titled ‘Fen Authors and Explorers’ is organised by Fascinating Fens, a local group that brings people together across the Fens through projects involving heritage, …

Fen Authors and Explorers: An Afternoon of Talks Read More »

Applications invited for affordable home in Fordham

An opportunity to purchase a one-bedroom affordable home in Fordham for £117,000 is available to residents who meet the eligibility criteria. The property is one of a number set aside by East Cambridgeshire District Council to help local residents struggling to get on the housing ladder. They are sold to local people on average salaries …

Applications invited for affordable home in Fordham Read More »