Events in your area include:  Ghost of a Smile (Theatre) and Victor and Albert  (Comedy). Additionally, we have workshops with Handmade concertina books, Africa Music and Comic and Graphic Novel.

Thanks to public funding from Arts Council England, tickets are affordably priced between £3 and £9, with concessions available.

Guests can look forward to a unique and intimate experience, quite unlike anything offered by a traditional theatre or larger entertainment venue. Everyone is welcome – we aim to make our activities as welcoming and accessible as possible. Detailed access information for all activities is on the Events page on our website.

Tickets are now on sale. Take a look at the full programme schedule, pick up a brochure and purchase tickets in participating libraries and online www.library.live/the-library-presents  

The post The Library Presents returns this September with a Fourteen -week Autumn Season. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Think your local library is just about books? Think again! Tickets are now on sale for the 16th season of The Library Presents, the arts and entertainment programme that transforms these community spaces across Cambridgeshire into immersive, theatre-style experiences.

Returning this September, the programme features 33 different acts and includes a mix of live music, laugh-out-loud theatre, mind-blowing magic and dazzling dance. Hundreds of local residents played a part in shaping this season’s line-up by taking part in the choosing process. Highlights include: hip-hop dance theatre from I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, dance performances from Olive Branch, theatre show The Ghost of a Smile! and storytelling from F(able): Fierce Fairy Tales for the Next Generation.

Try something new this Autumn

Did you know that when asked their motivations for attending, 61% of our audiences said they come to The Library Presents to try something new? This Autumn, why not join them? Featuring 51 events at 24 intimate library venues, from Bassingbourn to Yaxley and everywhere in between, this season offers more variety than ever. Whether you’re amazed by the arts or wowed by the workshops, there’s truly something for everyone. From performances to hands-on sessions for adults, families and young people, all events are affordably priced between £2 and £10, with concessions and flexible “pay what you can” options available at selected shows.

This season will offer more new artists and workshops than any other programme to date and features eight dance performances and workshops.

What’s on locally in Ely, Littleport and Soham

As part of this county-wide line-up, libraries in Ely, Littleport and Soham will host a range of performances and workshops.

Ely
Ely Library will welcome the quick-witted comedy of Victor & Albert and the powerful dance theatre performance of I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, both with Hearing Loops available, alongside a third live event later in the season.

Littleport
Littleport Library will host:

• Crochet Flowers for Beginners – Monday 17 November, 6pm. Run by published author and teacher Claire Montgomerie, this workshop guides confident beginners aged 8+ (with some crochet experience) through creating colourful floral motifs. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
• The Ghost of a Smile! – Saturday 13 December, 7pm (doors open 6.40pm). Two of Charles Dickens’ creepiest tales reimagined with a comic twist. Adapted and directed by Gavin Robertson and performed by Nicholas Collett. Suitable for adults and young people 12+. This is a Relaxed Performance with a quieter space available. Hearing Loops will also be in place.

Soham
At Soham Library, families can enjoy the Jungle Jumble Flip Book Workshop – Friday 31 October, 2pm. Illustrator Moira Millman will help participants aged 7+ create imaginative animal flip books using drawing, rubber stamping and collage. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Libraries like you’ve never seen them before

The humble libraries and community spaces of Cambridgeshire will be transformed with lighting, backdrops and sound equipment. And while there is plenty for the little ones to enjoy, adults can enjoy performances accompanied by a glass of something cold from the bar at some of our evening events.

Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:

“We’re delighted to launch a new season of The Library Presents, with an exciting range of events shaped by our communities and hosted in local libraries.

Our libraries are vibrant community spaces where people can come together to engage with culture and creativity. The Library Presents makes high quality live entertainment accessible locally, demonstrating our commitment to creating a fairer Cambridgeshire. This autumn season is set to be a wonderful celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection – and we warmly invite everyone to come along and enjoy it.”

Accessibility and inclusivity for all

With a commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, The Library Presents offers a range of assistance, including relaxed performances — safe spaces for neurodiverse or autistic audience members — BSL-interpreted events, audio-described and live-captioned performances, and ‘touch tours’ before performances, to assist those with extra sensory needs. Detailed accessibility information is provided for each of our events and can be found in the programme brochure (available in all libraries and other community hubs) or by browsing our website.

Funded by Arts Council England

Cambridgeshire is one of a small number of library authorities funded to help bring high-quality arts programmes to local communities, thanks to the continued funding from Arts Council England.

Over a three-year period, £530,000 has been invested to help keep ticket prices affordable and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

“The Library Presents is a brilliant example of how creativity can thrive in unexpected spaces, bringing high-quality arts experiences directly into the heart of local communities. We are proud to support a programme that champions accessibility, celebrates diversity, and empowers residents to shape their cultural landscape. It’s inspiring to see libraries transformed into vibrant venues where people of all ages can try something new.”

Tickets on sale now!

The first event of the new season takes place on Saturday, 13 September. Demand is expected to be high, with many events likely to sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online, by scanning the QR code in the programme brochure, by phone, in person at participating libraries, or on the door (subject to availability).

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We specialise in a wide range of beauty and wellness treatments, including:

• Japanese Head Spa (includes scalp analysis and blow dry)
• Swedish & Hot Stone Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Microdermabrasion Facials
• Waxing & Tinting
• Manicures & Pedicures
• Lash Lifts and more

Prefer to relax at home? We offer mobile beauty appointments across Littleport and surrounding areas.

Gift vouchers available
Pamper packages and private events can be arranged
View our full treatment list below

Follow us on Facebook or call 07548 677770 to book.

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The Combined Authority’s Market Towns Programme is investing back into high streets, community buildings and outside spaces to support a sustainable future for these historic towns.

The latest funding commitments include £927,500 for the Littleport Business and Community Centre, which will create a multi-use facility to support local businesses, remote workers, and community groups.

The centre will serve as a hub for meetings, training sessions, workshops, and events, while also hosting outreach services for healthcare, wellbeing, education, and employment support.

The Combined Authority has worked with Littleport Town Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council on the project, with further funding secured for all of the £2.2 million cost. It is planned to open in October/November 2026.

Littleport Town Council Chairman Clive Webber, said: “This is a significant development for the residents of Littleport. The Council is delighted to have secured this funding to provide a community hub which aims to support local businesses, health services and host further educational providers, creating a centralised space which will enhance local services and resources for the residents of Littleport.

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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 reflection
on the project.

In 2023 Babylon Arts was fortunate to secure funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an 18-month project entitled ‘Inspired by Nature’, working with partners at The National Trust’s Wicken Fen site and Ely Museum. The aim was to develop creative approaches that enabled connection and engagement for people with low vision, young people and the wider public, thereby improving access to arts and heritage for more people. And we were also delighted to be able to involve Highfield Littleport Academy in a later hands-on, creative phase which culminated on Thursday 6th June.
All children at the school benefited from practical workshops in February and March 2024 with three professional artists, Lead Artist, Kaitlin Ferguson and Assistant Artists, Amy Wormald and Lyn Pryor, experimenting with a variety of printmaking techniques using natural inks from blueberries, beetroot and bark and taking into consideration nature, whilst
referencing fossils and those we may leave behind!

A significant and magnificent truly co-created artwork, ‘Deep Time – Imagining Ely’s Prehistoric Landscape and Ocean’ comprising of 4 printed wall hangings on muslin that incorporate imagery provided by the artists and the children has been installed at an impressive height in the school hall to serve as a legacy and a reminder of the fruitful and creative interactions that took place in the school during the residency by the artists.

On Thursday 6th June a Celebration Event brought together all the young participants, several parents and carers, teachers and the artists to enjoy the fruits of their labours and to engage in some further creative activity and evaluation.

The main highlight was that the children saw the finished artwork, ‘Deep Time’ for the first time and were very excited to
see some of their own drawings incorporated and all the pupils credited on the wooden plaque alongside! Other highlights of the project adorn the walls of the school where you can see framed prints made by the children and fired handmade clay fossils are on display in
the hall. During the event, children were given access to a Sensory Room where they enjoyed Kaitlin Ferguson’s film about Wicken Fen, accompanied by scented oils to stimulate their senses, a fossil digging station where they played amateur archaeologists, unearthing some 3D printed wooden fossils and a printmaking table where they produced a largescale
communal print by using fossil stamps that they had made themselves during the project.

“The finished artwork is fantastic, it depicts the students sensory and learning experiences perfectly,” said Yvonne Skillern, the Headteacher of Highfields Littleport Academy,

“It is great that every student from the most sensory learner to some of our artists of the future have been included in the project. It has been of huge benefit to our learners and we would love to repeat this sort of project again. A huge thank you to Babylon Arts for making
this possible”

The children and parents even provided creative feedback on their experience of the project on sugar paper leaves with which they could adorn a tree or via dinosaur footprints that could be placed on a pathway through nature, printed using real leaves and plants! Some of their comments included: “I want to be an artist”, “It made me feel proud of myself” and “This was the best day ever”.

Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery Players for making this possible.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The community garden has been awarded £13,414 towards the cost of building the 15 metre pond which will boost the environment for a broad range of aquatic invertebrates, pollinating insects, birds and mammals.

As well as boosting biodiversity, the pond will bring interest and pleasure to the 100s of visitors to Peacock’s Meadow and become a learning resource for youth clubs, Scouts, Guides, pre-schools, early years groups and organisations which support disabled children.

It will also help counteract the catastrophic loss of natural ponds in Cambridgeshire, which have declined 95% in 40 years.

 Deb Curtis, committee chair at Peacock’s Meadow, said: “Peacock’s Meadow is the only volunteer-managed open space in Littleport and we have long wanted to create a ‘legacy wildlife pond’ within the community garden and we are so excited and pleased we now have the funds to do so.

 “Based on our observations of our small pools, we anticipate that within six months the pond will be rapidly colonised by amphibious reptiles such as frogs, toads and newts.

“It will also provide a water source for wildlife such as birds, deer, foxes, hedgehogs, and even snakes, andcreate a breeding habitat for aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, damsel-flies and water boatmen.”

She added: “This will bea true community enterprise, involving our local Scout/Guide group, local youth club (The PORT) and our body of ‘Friends’ volunteers.

 “We have found these communal garden projects enormously beneficial in strengthening community bonds across different age groups, ethnicities and backgrounds, who as well as enjoying the nature can also go pond dipping and learn about the importance of biodiversity.”

The pond will be fenced to meet health and safety requirements and have a varying depth up to a maximum of 1.25 metres. Wildlife ladders will also be installed.

Littleport district councillor, Christine Ambrose Smith said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Friends of Peacock’s Meadow with this exciting project.

 “The pond will provide a pocket sanctuary for local wildlife and enhance this wonderful community space, which I know has been dubbed the “Jewel in Littleport’s Crown.”

Work on the pond should start next month and be completed by July 2024.

Under its Pride of Place initiative, East Cambridgeshire District Council is making up to £15,000 available for environmentally friendly projects that create, tidy up or enhance somewhere special in local communities.

Applicants must either be a Parish Council, or a non-profit group or organisation which is either based in East Cambridgeshire or benefits East Cambridgeshire residents.

For full terms and conditions visit the Pride of Place page on the council’s website.

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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The wall is 2.5 metres high and 4 metres wide and incorporates a number of fun games and sporting activities all designed to help people get fit, encourage teamwork, and improve co-ordination and movement.

A laptop, or gaming console can also be plugged into the wall so that it can be used for seminars, presentations and movie nights. Littleport Town Council is also keen to work with adult educational providers so that training courses can be run to improve employment opportunities for residents.

The wall will primarily be used as a positive means of engaging with young people in the town.  Combining community activities with the use of the interactive gaming wall will offer an opportunity for ‘cross-generational’ projects, as well as a form of gentle exercise for less mobile residents.  The variety of games makes the wall suitable for use by disabled children, and those with special educational needs, making all activities completely inclusive.

The wall was part funded by an £8,500 Facilities Improvement Grant from East Cambridgeshire District Council. 

Littleport Town Councillor Jo Webber, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to install this equipment into our new building and are very grateful to both East Cambridgeshire District Council and Sanctuary Housing for seeing the potential benefits to our community and providing us with the grants.

“Having the equipment will allow us to run a much wider range of activities at the building which many children and older residents in our town would not normally have the option to experience.

“The wall will also be used to encourage young people to take part in creative projects that will benefit the community.  For example, litter picking followed by interactive games and team play.

“We also plan to use the wall to carry out intergenerational activities, as it is important to break down the barriers that are often created between the younger and older generations.”

Facilities Improvement Grants of up to £10,000 can be applied for to help village halls, community centres, sport and leisure centres, play facilities and public open spaces protect and enhance the quality of life for residents within East Cambridgeshire.

To apply or find out more information, go to the East Cambridgeshire District Council website.

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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East Cambridgeshire District Council’s next Youth Fusion event takes place at Littleport Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday 23 August 2023.

Anyone aged 18 or under is invited to attend the event which takes place between 11am and 3pm. 

This interactive wellbeing event is an opportunity to find out what is going on for young people and the things that matter to you. 

As well as fun activities such as a climbing wall, games and a bouncy castle, there will also be a chance to find out more about the National Citizen Service and the clubs and organisations operating in East Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge Constabulary will be there to offer bike marking and there will also be the opportunity to have push bikes repaired for free.

The team from East Cambridgeshire District Council will be on hand to help with financial, employment or housing advice or signpost you to the Youth Pages on its website which contains everything young people need to know, whilst East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership can offer advice and information about keeping safe and what to do if you are concerned about drugs or crime. 

The climate team will also be asking people to vote for which local endangered animal they would like the council to prioritise for support as part of its Species Recovery Programme.

Residents are being asked to choose between otters, hedgehogs, bees, bats, toads and owls, all of which need help. The animal which receives the most votes will be officially incorporated into the council’s Environment Plan and measures then put in place to enhance and protect their habitats.

Rhianna Regan, a youth ambassador for East Cambridgeshire Youth Council, said: “Whether you want to just have an enjoyable free day out with friends, or find out more about the support and services that are available – or both, it is guaranteed there will be something for everyone on the day.”

Attendees are advised to take their own water bottles for refills on the day. 

You can find out more about the Youth Fusion Days, together with lots of handy hints and tips for young people on the youth pages on East Cambridgeshire District Council’s website.

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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The academy, which is part of The Active Learning Trust (ALT), is an area special school co-located with Littleport and East Cambs Academy (LECA), providing education for pupils aged two to 19 with significant and complex learning difficulties. 

The curriculum is different to comprehensive schools and tailored to the needs of students who all have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), many of whom will have physical, behavioural, sensory, communication or medical needs.

Oliver Woods, a student at the school was given the opportunity to study a GCSE at Littleport and East Cambs Academy (which is also part of ALT), becoming the first student to complete this significant achievement.

Oliver is now going to Cambridgeshire Regional College – Huntingdon campus with his first day on Monday 5th September. He is studying a Supported Learning Entry Level course which will improve his English and Maths skills as well as preparing him for adulthood.

Yvonne Skillern, Head of School for Highfield Littleport Academy, said: “We are so proud of Oliver’s monumental achievement!

“Oliver began studying Maths at LECA as part of his tailored timetable nearly four years ago. Despite his additional learning needs, a leg surgery and the disruption caused by the pandemic, he has worked extremely hard and achieved a grade 3 GCSE in Maths and was very close to a grade 4.

“All of the staff are delighted with Oliver’s success and wish him well at college. Oliver has realised the true vision of the academy and we look forward to supporting other students with opportunities like these and working even more closely with LECA in the future.”

Craig D’Cunha, Acting Chief Executive Officer at The Active Learning Trust, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to extend my congratulations to Oliver and the school for this excellent achievement. 

“To do this under normal exam circumstances would have been a significant achievement, but to do this after the last few years of disrupted learning and changes to exams makes it extra special.

“We continue to be so impressed by all the students and team at Highfield Littleport Academy which has created strong links with our fellow Trust schools. This has promoted a high-quality education provision so that all students can maximise their potential for learning irrespective of their different needs.”

In its first Ofsted inspection since opening in September 2017, Highfield Littleport Academy was rated ‘Good’ in all areas.

For more information about the school, please visit: www.highfieldlittleport.org/

Press release from The Active Learning Trust

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If successful, the Council’s bid will support the creation of 270 new jobs and inject £19 million into the town’s economy.

It will also support the development of a 4.3km cycle path to help link up the businesses in the west with residential areas, the town centre and train station.  

The proposals will help with levelling up the area which has one of the highest unemployment rates in East Cambridgeshire and lower levels of life expectancy. It also forms a key milestone in the wider Littleport Vision 2030 which includes the development of a country park to provide more green spaces for the town, and investment in the marina and riverside areas.

Specifically, the bid is seeking to improve and expand the E-Space North Business Centre into a dynamic hub to support the formation and growth of new and existing businesses.  The proposed 3,325sqm facility is essential to address the shortfall in employment opportunities, reduce the number of people commuting out of the town to work and the lack of commercial work space in the town and will support approximately 270 workers.

Operating as a business growth zone by day, the hub, will also tap into the day-to-night economy, with the vision to become a training, arts, culture, heritage and community centre for the benefit of the local community.

The Council is also seeking to develop Littleport’s first dedicated cycling and pedestrian route. This is essential to help connect employment areas with residential communities, Littleport Train Station and surrounding green and open spaces.

As well as encouraging a shift to greener, active travel, this will provide health and wellbeing benefits through greater access to green space and surrounding nature.

Taken together, the two projects are designed to stimulate even more investment into Littleport by generating new jobs and providing greater opportunities.

The bid has the full backing of Littleport MP, Stephen Barclay, who said: “I welcome the efforts of Littleport Vision 2030 in my constituency, which are looking to address the key levelling up themes of transport, regeneration and culture. Littleport has one of the fastest-growing populations in East Cambridgeshire. It is vital that employment opportunities, commercial space and sustainable transport infrastructure keep pace with the needs of young families coming into the area. This funding will help Littleport evolve as a thriving and successful community. I very much hope that they are successful in their application for funding and I fully support this bid.”

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, added: “I wholeheartedly support this Levelling Up Fund bid. A relatively small investment to reinvigorate our already successful business growth hub, E-Space-North, and create a 4.3km cycle path, will help unlock Littleport’s huge potential. On a practical level, this bid has the potential to generate 270 new jobs, promote active travel, support wellbeing and inject £19 million into the town’s economy.  But perhaps more importantly it will inspire much-needed confidence in the town and provide the key to further funding streams, which in turn will enable Littleport to deliver its vision for 2030 for the huge benefit of everyone who lives there.”

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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Lauren, who will be taking up her new position in March 2022, will be joining the team at Littleport and East Cambs Academy with a wealth of experience in the education sector. 

Lauren has seventeen years of teaching experience, working in schools across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. This includes five months serving as an Interim Head of School at Barclay Academy, Stevenage, and Vice Principal at Milton Keynes Academy. 

Lauren holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and has just been awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Speaking on the new appointment, CEO of The Active Learning Trust, Stephen Chamberlain, said: “We are delighted that Lauren will be joining Littleport and East Cambs Academy as the new Principal, where her leadership skills and expertise will be highly beneficial to students and the wider community. 

“Lauren has an outstanding track record of growing and developing schools and being engaged in the whole school community. The enthusiasm and passion Lauren has shown for delivering a high-quality education and learning opportunities to young people is inspiring, and we believe she will be extremely well placed in leading the school on its continual growth journey.

“We wish Lauren the best of luck upon starting her new role and greatly look forward to working alongside her and seeing how this appointment will build on the school’s existing strengths and successes.”

Alongside her teaching career, Lauren has a range of interests which include singing with several different choirs. In the past, Lauren has also sung with the Philharmonia Chorus in London and has performed in major venues across Europe.

Lauren will replace Colin Taylor, the current interim Principal at the school.

Stephen added: “A big thank you to Colin Taylor who is doing a fantastic job. Colin’s relentless commitment and professionalism ensure that each and every one of our pupils has a safe, engaging and creative education.”

Lauren will be visiting the academy throughout this school term and is looking forward to getting to know the community in preparation for the start of her new headship in the spring.

Press release from The Active Learning Trust

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A charity providing help for homeless people in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has received some Christmas cheers thanks to a kind-hearted donation from Littleport and East Cambs Academy.

Staff at the Academy visited The Purfleet Trust to drop off a number of boxes which contained essential items including groceries and toiletries.

The boxes had been filled with items bought from the proceeds of a non-uniform day held at the Academy, which is part of The Active Learning Trust.

Krystal Sturman, Young People’s Worker at the Academy, came up with the idea of donating to The Purfleet Trust as one of her friend’s parents works for the charity and knows just how vital the support is to homeless people.

Krystal said: “We would like to thank everyone involved with the school who donated for our non-uniform day as the total of £882 was a superb amount for us to use to make this offering to The Purfleet Trust.

“Christmas is a time for giving and we wanted to do our bit to help bring some festive cheer to those homeless people who rely on The Purfleet Trust, particularly at this time of year with the longer, colder nights.

“At the school we encourage and support our students to positively contribute to the modern world so learning about the amazing work charities and community organisations in our area do day in, day out is an important aspect to this.”

Two students, Theo Hatton-Winters and Noah Swain, who helped to pack up the boxes visited the charity to drop off the gifts. They were also able to hand over dog food donated by local company Jurassic Bark for the pets of the homeless people to have.

The Purfleet Trust, based at Austin Fields, King’s Lynn, was set up as a charity to provide help for single homeless people in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk who were not eligible for help from the Council. Its services include housing advice to help people find accommodation, support to help them maintain their tenancies, a rent deposit scheme and a day centre providing a daily hot meal and the opportunity to gain some essential life skills.

Paula Hall, CEO of The Purfleet Trust, said: “We are really privileged to be based in such a supportive local area and we are very grateful for this donation from Littleport and East Cambs Academy.

“This has been a very challenging year for everyone, not least the homeless people we support, and I am sure they will appreciate having something to open on Christmas and make their day a little brighter.”

Press release from The Active Learning Trust

Photographs copyright to the Active Learning Trust

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Highfield Littleport Academy has opened a brand-new sensory garden, providing pupils with a place to learn and relax, following a generous £9,760 donation from St James’s Place Charitable Foundation. 

Following the donation, Natalie Pearce and Mary Gambrill, both dedicated Teaching Assistants at the academy in Littleport, near Ely, worked tirelessly throughout the lockdown period to prepare the sensory raised beds, clear the space of weeds, and coordinate contractors to complete the project.  

The outdoor space was transformed thanks to kind-hearted support from Ely based, Daniel Bonnett and his team at DK Patio’s and Fencing. 

The academy, which is part of the Active Learning Trust, is a special educational needs (SEN) provision school for students with specific needs.

Head of School, Yvonne Skillern, said: “We are thrilled to have opened our well needed, brand new sensory garden which will give our pupils here a safe, secure and stimulating place to learn. 

“At Highfield Littleport Academy our aim is to provide an energising environment where learners are confident, happy and achieve to the best of their ability. Our pupils now have access to a sensory garden that is carefully designed to engage and develop children and support their learning.

“Daniel Bonnett and his team at DK Patio’s and Fencing did a superb job and completed the work through wind and rain. They truly saved the day!” 

The sensory garden comes complete with musical instruments and a walkway comprising of different textiles such as brick, rubber, grass and timber. 

CEO of the Active Learning Trust, Stephen Chamberlain, said: “We wanted a sensory garden that was more than just an aesthetic feature and we’ve certainly achieved that. There’s no doubt it will make a huge difference to the pupils here and ensure a calm and purposeful learning environment.

“We are so thankful we can finally get the pupils in to benefit from the immense learning opportunities it has to offer. A huge thanks to all of the staff, contractors and volunteers who made this project possible.” 

The application for funding was kindly completed by volunteers Jo and Andrew Pearson who have also supported the academy in various other projects.

Formed in 1992, the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation has been supporting those in need and making a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives. The Foundation supports organisations by awarding grants to assist them with the incredible work they do every day. So far, the charity has raised and distributed £100 million.

To find out more about Highfield Littleport Academy, visit: www.highfieldlittleport.org/ 

Press release from Highfields Littleport Academy

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Following guidance from central Government, East Cambridgeshire District Council will be re-opening its outdoor play areas on Saturday 4th July.

East Cambridgeshire District Council maintains 19 play areas throughout the district and provides a range of facilities for a variety of ages from toddlers, to juniors and youths.

The council has undertaken a thorough inspection of all play equipment under its control to ensure it is safe for use. 

East Cambridgeshire District Council will be displaying the following safety guidance by each play area:

• Do not use the play equipment if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19
•  Sanitise hands before and after use (where washing facilities are not available please use hand sanitiser gel)
• Avoid touching your face
• Facemasks are recommended where possible
• Children should be supervised to maintain good hygiene and social distancing
• If social distancing cannot be maintained, please wait until the equipment is free
• Please do not consume food or drink while using the play equipment

Cllr David Brown, Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Finance and Assets Committee said:

“Playgrounds are a valuable community asset that provide essential physical and social development opportunities for the children in our district.

“We want children to have fun on our playgrounds, but we urge parents and care givers to ensure that they do so safely, to minimise the risk of infection.  We ask that they follow the guidance provided and supervise children using the equipment.”

From Saturday, play equipment in the following areas will re-open for use:

• Beresford Road, Ely
• Brooke Grove, Ely
• Collier Close, Ely
• Goldsmith Court, Ely
• Jubilee Gardens, Ely
• Kingsley Walk, Ely
• Morley Drive Toddler Play Area, Ely
• Murfitt Close, Ely
• Pocket Park, Ely
• Tennyson Place, Ely

• Fisher Bank, Littleport
• Sandys Crescent, Littleport

• Meadow Way, Mepal

• Bittern Grove, Soham
• Downfields, Soham
• Kingfisher Drive, Soham
• Lapwing Way, Soham
• Teal Avenue, Soham

• Victoria Green, Witchford

These play areas will be inspected regularly by a member of the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team to ensure safety levels are maintained.

Other play areas within the district not listed above could be the responsibility of the parish council or another organisation. While guidance for playgrounds is provided by central Government, please read the signs provided at each play area as additional advice relevant to that specific area may be provided.

For more information about play areas in East Cambridgeshire visit: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/community/east-cambridgeshire-play-areas

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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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, Littleport Grange Care Home, Laburnum Lodge, Beech Court and Alderton House and the East of England Ambulance HQ in Newmarket. Staff have said how much they appreciated the kind gesture and we will continue to create more for the community each week.

The visor masks are simple to make and require patience as some students have pointed out. They are created by using laser OHP acetate sheets, a foam band made from draught excluder foam and tied together with elastic band behind the head. We’ve taken A3 size plastic sheets and cut into A4 using a guillotine and cut smooth edges with scissors on the bottom half. We had two staff members sew on the 30cm elastic bands to the side of the visor shield, then a number of students cutting a 30cm foam strip and sticking these on to the visor. With a delay in the delivery of our elastic band order, Littleport based shop, Sew Much To Do stepped in and have donated elastic bands for our first day of mask creations. 

In addition to the visors, Mrs Cameron has taken to the sewing machines and is teaching students how to sew face masks.  Even though NHS staff are not able to wear these, care home workers, shop keepers, bankers and many other members of the public have asked for them to be made to help keep them safe.

Not only that, but some donations of old duvet covers have also meant that scrubs and scrub bags can also be made using the sewing machines in school.

The face masks have been dropped off to staff at the Co-op in Isleham and NatWest Newmarket branch.

It is amazing to see the students working as a team to support our local community, some of whom are parents/carers of our students!

Press release from Littleport and East Cambridgeshire Academy

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In May 2017, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. A disease which on average takes 7 years to get diagnosed. A disease which 1 in 10 women suffer from. A disease women get mid-diagnosed from as it has so many similar side effects to other illnesses. A disease which is listed one of the top 20 most painful illnesses in the U.K.

So what is Endometriosis?

“Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows in other places, such as the Fallopian tubes, ovaries or along the pelvis. When that lining breaks down, like the regular lining in the uterus that produces the menstruation, it has nowhere to go. This causes cysts, heavy periods, severe cramps and even infertility. The endometrial tissue may also grow in the vagina, cervix, bowel or bladder, and in rare cases it may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. The most common symptom of endometriosis is cramping during menstruation, which can get worse over time, and can be debilitating. The pain is due to internal bleeding from the lining being shed inside the body — in a place where it doesn’t belong — and can also lead to scar tissue formation, blocked Fallopian tubes, and bowel problems“

Many women have described the pain as being “stabbed continuously, having your insides pulled out, being wrapped in barbed wire or having contractions”

One of the worst things about this disease is not only the fact we need more specialist doctors but we need to raise money to find a cure! Many women under the age of 40 are undergoing a full hysterectomy just to help ease the pain, and even then it can still grow back in places such as the lungs.

So what can you do?

On the 19th April, I am running the Brighton Full Marathon! All in aid of raising awareness and also money to help towards finding a cure, so more women can live a better life!

A bit about my story and experience….

Having suffered with “bad period pains” since the age of 12 and knowing no different I had always been put on different types of contraception to help “control” the pain. As the years went on and from the age of roughly 17 the pain and symptoms were becoming worse. I became a regular at the doctors, receiving different types of pain relief. After many trips to the hospital and gynaecologist they finally agreed to do a laparoscopy in 2017 at the age of 22. This is currently the only way to fully diagnose endometriosis. They agreed as the disease also runs in my family so there was a high chance of me having it.
After my first laparoscopy and the surgeon finding endometriosis they lasered what they could away, however only 18 months later it started to grow back. I ended up back in A&E in severe pain, with more scans and tests it became apparent it had grown back yet again! I was told by doctors that I have a few options left, I either have the coil, have it lasered again however this reduces my fertility or have my cyst removed which also comes with the risk of having my ovary removed. At the age of 24 this seemed to much of a high risk as all I wish for one day is to be a Mother, I opted for the coil, which has slightly helped, but I’m still in pain approx 5/7 days.

Training for a marathon has been tough, especially as I’m in pain, but I’m determined to make more people aware and make a difference. Please visit my Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Libby-Tucker1

Story from Libby Tucker

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Today Pink Chair Engagement (PCE) volunteers met up in Littleport Village Hall.

Armed with sewing machines, we set to work, sewing some of the community voluntary group squares, into one huge Community Picnic Blanket.

The groups who created a material square include: Littleport Guiding Groups and Cubs, Littleport First Responders, 363 Motor Cycle Club, The Men’s Shed, The Port Youth Group, St George’s Church Groups, Vine Community Church, Littleport Timebank, Littleport Library craft & stories. Plus more!

With the help of those who came, we managed to complete a lot of it. We plan on continuing the project when we visit the Grange care home next Saturday 18th January.

The finished blanket will be available to borrow from the Parish Council Office. Any group who have completed a square can borrow it over the coming summer.

A historical diary of its use will be kept containing a photo of each use.

#Livelovelittleport

Press release from Pink Chair Engagement

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Artsmark is Arts Council England’s award for schools and education institutions that champion cultural education. It celebrates schools that embrace the arts across the curriculum, bringing them to life for children and young people.

Littleport and East Cambs Academy won the award through its extensive commitment to the arts.

As part of their Artsmark journey, students at the academy in Littleport took part in a variety of successful arts initiatives. For example, the entire Year 8 cohort completed Bronze Arts Award by developing a portfolio of their arts experiences, including watching and reviewing a concert and creating clay pots.

Students also took part in enrichment activities such as a trip to the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London, working with actors from a visiting drama group, performing at Ely School’s music festival and taking part in a range of arts-based extracurricular clubs.

Students also worked collaboratively with external organisations and entered regional competitions such as the Cambridgeshire Young Artist Competition.

Jason Wing, Executive Principal at Littleport and East Cambs Academy, which is part of the Active Learning Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Artsmark Gold Award. Considering the school has only been open for two years this is a huge achievement and a testament to our brilliant staff and the fantastic arts provision at the academy.

“At the academy, we are passionate about providing our students with rewarding enriching experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. To win the award is a great achievement and we now look forward to sharing what we have learnt with other schools in the Active Learning Trust and our local community.”

Press release from Littleport and East Cambs Academy

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Littleport Community Hub is being relaunched with the aim of bringing together a range of experts from a variety of organisations, support groups and charities to help individuals from across the district.

The hub will offer advice and assistance to those dealing with debt, budgeting, benefit problems, job loss, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health crises, relationship breakdown and domestic violence – all triggers for homelessness.

Councillor David Ambrose Smith, chairman of the Operational Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council and ward member for Littleport, said: “It may come as a shock to many, but the truth is that any one of us are just two steps away from homelessness.

“A job loss or a relationship breakdown could spiral into debt, despair and financial ruin or trigger addition or a mental health breakdown.

“As a council we have always looked at early intervention and prevention to prevent the worst from happening and our community hubs play an important role in this.”

East Cambridgeshire District Council run community hubs in at the Lighthouse Centre in Ely and at Stretham Youth Centre in Stretham. Housing drop-in sessions are run three times a week at the Council offices on Nutholt Lane.

Littleport Community Hub originally opened in Littleport Village Hall in March 2018 but was under-used so the council has looked at alternative venues, settling on St George’s Parish Church which also runs a food bank.

Councillor Ambrose Smith added: “The new location will hopefully help us to target those in most need of support – those who already know and access the food bank for example.

“Community hubs offer the most vulnerable people in our district a chance to get help, answers and advice without having to go through a long referral process.

“The team behind the new Littleport Community Hub are primed to offer this assistance too.”

Among groups being represented at the hub will be East Cambridgeshire District Council’s housing team, the mental health charity Red 2 Green, Women’s Aid, Christians Against Poverty and the Job Centre.

Sanctuary Housing, the floating support service for tenancy advice P3 and CGL, the free and confidential drug and alcohol service, will also be on hand.

The new Littleport Community Hub will launch officially on the 5th of November and will take place on the first Tuesday of every month at St George’s Parish Church in Littleport between 1:30pm and 3pm.

Members of the community can simply ‘drop-in’ to the hub to talk and tea, coffee and cake will be available.

Press releases from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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Littleport and East Cambs Academy is delighted to have received a grant of £5,000 from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (the DofE) Diamond fund.

The funding will give young people the opportunity to experience new activities and learn new skills whilst completing the prestigious award.

The DofE scheme is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people. It provides young people, aged 14-24, the opportunity to develop key life skills such as confidence, commitment and team working through volunteering, learning a new skill, physical exercise and an expedition.

The grant will allow Littleport and East Cambs Academy, in Littleport, near Ely, to help equip pupils with the necessary materials to take part in the expedition element of the award, including providing tents and backpacks.

Christina Emmess, DofE Lead at Littleport and East Cambs Academy, said: “We believe it is important to support our students to become confident and rounded individuals who are ready for life after education. We are thrilled to have received a grant from the DofE’s Diamond fund. With DofE we can give more young people the opportunity to develop key communication and confidence skills that are transferable to life and work.

“This year alone, we have 27 Year 9 students on the DofE programme.  We look forward to celebrating all their hard work over the next year on our next practical expedition which will take place in June 2020.”

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “We are delighted to grant Littleport and East Cambs Academy money from the #iwill DofE Diamond fund to enable even more young people in Cambridgeshire the opportunity to do their DofE. The life changing benefits of a DofE programme should be readily available to any young person who wants to help themselves to go further in life.”

Through its Diamond fund, the DofE will be investing a total of £3 million over the next four years to increase the number of young people starting their DofE from 50,000 per year to 70,000 by 2021. The main focus of the funding is to support disadvantaged young people.

The £3 million is made up of £1.5 million raised by over 15,000 supporters in the DofE’s Diamond Anniversary year (2016), £1 million from the #iwill fund for England, a joint initiative from The National Lottery and Department of Culture, Media & Sport, and additional DofE donations to double Diamond Anniversary fundraising in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

To find out more about Littleport and East Cambs Academy, please visit: www.lecacademy.org
To find out more about the DofE and how it enables young people to succeed, please visit DofE.org

Press release from The Active Learning Trust

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October 1st saw the opening of SP K9 Therapy, a local professional therapy and rehabilitation centre for sporting, working & recovering dogs. 

This brand new, purpose-built hydrotherapy centre offers a state-of-the-art heated hydrotherapy pool, water treadmill, and a fully qualified team that can provide a combination of hydrotherapy, pre & post-operative physiotherapy, rehabilitation programmes, a spectrum of electrotherapies and tailored fitness & conditioning.

SP K9 Therapy aims to provide a service that completely meets the needs of your pet, utilising professional practices and through the various techniques and treatments they can help them improve their mobility, achieve fitness and weight-loss goals, work on water confidence, and of course have fun.

SP K9 Therapy has been started and is run by local canine therapist Steph Pratley. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Therapy, Steph had a desire to place herself within the industry where she could make a difference to those dogs that really needed professional, ethical and customised support in their recovery and rehabilitation programme.  Steph and the team are strong believers in always providing a high standard of care, with tailored treatments that meet the needs of your pet.

Steph is also an enthusiastic member of a local Flyball team and is often travelling around the UK to agility and Flyball competitions, with her very dedicated terriers by her side.  This experience adds first-hand experience to the rehabilitation and conditioning elements of the services offered by SP K9 Therapy. 

The centre is now open to the public and Steph welcomes people to get in touch to book a 1-2-1 slot to come and have a look around. 

Steph says, “I am so excited for the time ahead, this is a true dream and passion of mine now coming true.  It has been a long process to get to this point and a lot of hard work with all the renovation and building work required in order to transform the facility into what you see today.  I am looking forward to being able to help and support the recovery and rehabilitation of the dogs that visit the therapy centre.”

Contact SP K9 Therapy to find out more or book your appointment.

www.spk9therapy.co.uk    |   info@spk9therapy.co.uk     |

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A masterplan to transform a market town in East Cambridgeshire has been given the go-ahead approved by local councillors.

The Littleport Vision 2030, which aims to make the area healthy, thriving and prosperous by investing in jobs, homes and skills, and identifying improvements to the town centre and the creation of a station gateway was approved by members of the East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) finance and assets committee on Thursday.

ECDC is working with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) to produce a new growth plan for every market town which will help them become, and remain, vibrant and thriving places.

Within the document are proposals for an Eco Business Park, which would create 400 jobs in up to 30 new businesses, and the A10 roundabout project which would comprise of 30 new business units, create more than 500 jobs and 250 homes including affordable housing. The two proposed developments will cost around £3.5million in total.

Councillor David Ambrose Smith, ward member for Littleport and Chairman of Operational Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The council is committed to enhancing Littleport and creating a town centre that drives growth, ensures future sustainability and improves opportunities for the people of Littleport to work nearer to home.

“Littleport is a small market town but both it, and the surrounding area, is growing fast.

“The town needs investment to make it a vibrant and attractive place in which to work and live.

“We are pleased to approve the Littleport Vision 2030 plan which we hope will attract financial investment to make these proposals become a reality.”

Proposals include a feasibility study to develop initial ideas for the development of Littleport station gateway area as a mixed live/work hub.

The document also suggests further work to look at options for the future of Littleport town centre, a business growth zone along the A10 and the creation of a country park.

Another plan is to improve digital connectivity with higher speed internet connections which would attract businesses and encourage home working in Littleport and provide free town centre Wi-Fi.

The Littleport Vision 2030 document will be presented to the CPCA board in November for adoption.

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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After over ten years successfully running adult men basketball teams Littleport Basketball Club has decided to start offering children basketball training sessions this year.

With some encouragement and support from Littleport Leisure Centre the first training session took place on 18th of September with 11 participants turning up ranging from ages of 5 to 13.

Sessions will run weekly on Wednesdays from 6-7pm and they will be led by a qualified and experienced coach.

First session is free, afterwards £5 per session on a pay as you turn up basis. Come along and give it a try!

If you are interested or you have any questions please contact Tadas at 07866980331.

From Littleport Basketball Club

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A local charity in Littleport is helping to improve the lives of adults with complex learning disabilities, with the help of food donations from its local Tesco store.

Founded in 1994, Branching Out provides specialist work-based training to its members, in areas such as upcycling, gardening, arts and crafts and cooking.

The group also provides volunteering opportunities at its charity shop, encouraging people to become more involved in their local community. 

The charity has been receiving donations of vegetables, baked goods and eggs from Tesco since 2017, which it uses to make lunches for its members during training sessions. The group also uses the eggs to create dog biscuits, which are sold in its charity shop.

The biggest surplus food redistribution scheme of its kind in the UK, Community Food Connection sees surplus food from Tesco stores distributed to local charities and community groups, and is run in conjunction with food charity FareShare.

Susan Wiggans, General Manager at Branching Out, says: “We’re hugely grateful for Tesco for the surplus food. Without it, we’d have to purchase the items ourselves, which would leave us with much less budget to use on supporting vulnerable members of our community.

“We launched our charity 25 years ago, and in that time we’ve supported thousands of local people. Just recently, 500 members of the wider community came to our family fun day to celebrate our 25^th anniversary with us, and it was so rewarding to see the community turn out in such a huge number to raise money for us.”

Tesco’s Head of Community, Alec Brown, said: “We’re proud to have played a small part in the admirable work that Branching Out does for the local community.

“We firmly believe that no good food should go to waste, and our Community Food Connection scheme ensures that our surplus food is used to benefit the local community. We look forward to receiving more applications from community groups and charities in Ely.”

If you are a charity or community group that could benefit from the support of Community Food Connection then visit www.fareshare.org.uk/fareshare-go to find out more.

Press release form Ely Tesco

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A fantastic time was had by all. You can read the run report here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/littleport/news/2019/08/10/run-the-rainbow-clare-andrews/

Everybody is always welcome at parkrun, which is a free, weekly, timed 5-kilometre run.

Come and join us and enjoy a run, jog or walk round the course at your own pace.

There’s no such thing as ‘too slow’ and nobody finishes last, because that’s the job of the Tail Walker – a friendly volunteer who helps make sure everybody gets round the course safely.

All you need to do is register online with parkrun – https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ then print out your personal barcode and bring it with you.

Press release from Littleport parkrun

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Pupils attending Highfield Littleport Academy, in Cambridgeshire, will be looking to hone their footballing skills for the 2019/20 season after receiving their free Premier League Primary Stars equipment pack.

Stocked full of items including Nike match footballs, training bibs and numbered and lettered floor markers, the Premier League equipment pack will aid teacher delivery of active lessons across the curriculum.

The equipment pack was awarded to pupils at Highfield Littleport Academy following Yvonne Skillern’s successful application for this year’s Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment Scheme, which is delivered by the Football Foundation.

The scheme is part of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme which uses the appeal of Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children at primary schools across England and Wales to learn, be active and develop important life skills.

PLPrimaryStars.com offers primary school teachers free curriculum-linked resources in English, Maths, PE and PSHE, and opportunities for schools to enter competitions and access free offers like the Premier League Primary Stars Kit and Equipment scheme. 

Nick Perchard, Head of Community at the Premier League said: “The Premier League Primary Stars kit and equipment packs have been extremely well-received in the past and will provide a very welcome boost as we approach the end of the school year. We hope that coupled with the free downloadable online resources, we can inspire children to do their best in the classroom and on the sports field.”

Yvonne Skillern, Head of School, Highfield Littleport Academy, said: “These new resources have enabled our teachers to inspire pupils through fun and engaging PE activities.”

Press release from the Active Learning Trust

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We held our latest: Pink Chair Engagement (PCE) event today on the green opposite St George’s Church in Littleport. We are popping up throughout Littleport, crafting, chatting and engaging.

The project aims to take back areas which have become known for anti-social behaviour. So the area starts to have a new positive identity. Filled with community fun!

We unveiled our new pink chair banner. A big Thank you to Cllr Clive Webber, Littleport Parish council and The Printing Barn for providing our banner.

Crafts included: wood whittling, crochet, knitting and card making. Lovely 4 year old Rose was passing by with her Dad. Using our craft box, Rose made a beautiful sparkly butterfly.

Pink Chair Engagement is unique to Littleport.

#livelovelittleport
Fb/pinkchairengagement

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In an exciting and innovative initiative, the Royal College of General Practitioners is collaborating with parkrun UK to promote the health and wellbeing of staff and patients. Under this initiative, GP practices across the UK are encouraged to develop close links with their local parkrun to become parkrun practices.

Additionally, Thera East Anglia is part of a national charity that provides support to people with a learning disability. Thera East Anglia employee, Justin Smith has been promoting accessibility at parkrun for people with a learning disability and/ or autism. parkrun is for everyone.

Littleport parkrun is at 0900hrs every Saturday at Littleport Leisure Centre. Do contact Justin with any queries about accessibility for people with a learning disability and/ or autism at Justin.Smith@thera.co.uk

From Justin, core team member of Littleport parkrun.

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From the off, the room (about 120 in the audience) was filled with laughter, music, fun, surprises and a huge dusting of talent !

All the cast members were amazing and everything went to plan. A colourful and spectacular assault on the senses. For both the communities young and the old.

The lively production of Aladdin was brought to the Littleport stage….Directed by Karen Booth, musical direction by Mark A J. Checkley and Choreography by Nikki Dyer.

A new stage venue for the players this year, being held at the Littleport & East Cambs Academy.  A venue which Chelsea Booth explained, accommodated the cast so very well. Providing ample rehearsal space.  Also, meaning bigger and better and more challenging, but very rewarding sets.

Littleport village hall, has in past years, provided the community and the players with a suitable venue.  Providing a much loved, heart of the village and memory making venue.

But as the community of Littleport grows and indeed flourishes. The Littleport players needed more space and to be able to comfortably hold a larger audience. The use of the academy space quickly came into its own. Once rehearsals for the production had got under way.

On opening night, it was lovely, as the audience could hear and see the performance well, from wherever they sat.

Funds raised from the ticket sales and a nightly production raffle, amazing prizes included those given from the plethora of takeaways and restaurants around the village. Which will go towards funding, the next planned Summer show and Christmas performance next year.

Also other fundraising events are planned to pay for a much needed, new large shed. To store props and scenery.

(Editor private note: If any businesses out there, thinks they could assist with a large shed for this well loved community group. Please do get in touch with Spotted in Ely).

Audience Feedback includes – that the ‘performance was hilarious’, From a Mr Timbers: ‘you deserve all the praise, well done all’.

From Ms Reeve-Smith: ‘Wow ! What a great show. Haven’t belly laughed like that in ages. Thank you’.

A special well done and thanks must go to all the cast. Also to the the incredible, ever ready backstage crew, front of house and anyone else who has helped the players in any way.

There are tickets still available for 2pm & 7:30pm Saturday 8th December and some limited availability for the 2pm matinee performance on Sunday 9th December. So grab yourself the best weekend ticket in the village. You will not be disappointed.

 If anybody feels that the stage is beckoning. Maybe, you have found yourself breaking into song in the Main Street Co-op.  Or when opening the door to the post person, you find yourself grabbing a hand to offer a quick jig!  Then you seriously need to sign yourself up. FB/TheLittleportPlayers

Maria x

livelovelittleport

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Teachers, parents and the PTFA worked together to provide an enjoyable evening, for both the young and the old. The event, 3 months in the making.

Promising excitement , celebration and most of all a festive sprinkling of sparkle and a guest appearance by the main man himself – SANTA! (A very busy man whom, I am reliably informed, felt compelled to visit the school. After he had found out, how well behaved and hard working the schools children are)

An amusing moment was when Rachel Dray from the PTFA, was busy serving hot chocolate. When she accidentally spilt some. One very young child, then explained: that he was off to tell Santa and that she was very naughty!

It was a spectacular night, with craft stalls, a teacup ride, a frosted forest light trail, fun games, free hot chocolate whilst waiting for Santa and a hog roast.

The Lakenheath Silver band provided some big band Christmas music. The beautifully lit forest scenes and all the lighting, was managed by McLatchie electrical.

The event finale was provided by the super www.Fireworkscrazy.co.uk

As the families looked on. The sky was illuminated, by a stunning firework display. Full of colour, bangs and in time with the display music: ‘The Greatest Showman’.

The school and the PTFA have received so many positive feedback about the event. All saying, thankyou, for such a memorable time.

The total raised from ticket sales and on the night funds, is in the region of £2000.

This will enable all the year six pupils this year to have an amazing London theatre trip, complete with boat trip along the Thames.

Maria x

#livelovelittleport

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The fayre is always well attended and has many quality craft stalls, which are all unique.

Many are from out of the area and belong to several specialist crafting guilds. The running theme, is that they all love to come to Littleport as it has a vibrant, community feel and people genuinely enjoy and buy their creations.

As you come through the welcoming church vestibule, decked with fir and pine cone garlands. You open the ancient, big oak door and the air is full of Christmas. Scents of pine needles, ginger biscuits, fruit cake and mulled wine.

The first thing that I spy, is an amazing 30 piece handknitted nativity set. Made specially for the fayre. You can buy a square and hope to win.

One of the jewellery stalls is run by the lovely Liz Hunter, ‘Handmade by Histon’. Liz prides herself on doing one off pieces, which are interesting and intricate in design. Using semi-professional stones and handmade glass beads.

A special skill which Liz has, is to adapt the ancient African/Indian Peyote stitch, woven fine bead work and produce beautiful, modern pieces.

FB/HandmadeinHiston

Moving on, I was welcomed by a pair of beaming elves. The happy mum and daughter duo. Whom I recognised from the Autumn fayre.

They started attending craft fayres two years ago. Julie cares for her autistic son at home and needed a hobby. She developed her knitting and crochet skills and can now do just about anything. Julie enjoys being on her craft stall as it is very social, meeting so many lovely people. Also a lovely mum and daughter time.

FB/crochetJules

Another stall, on first sight looks very ‘Harry Potter’. Full of stunningly crafted tall pens magnifying glasses and wooden bowls to name but a few. Pat Carter is a master crafter who specialises in searching for unusual, reclamation material. Which he uses to make so many items. Being hand turned on a traditional lathe. This process of making, using primarily ancient wood, is popular in America. But becoming more so over here. Pat’s father had been a pen maker and after he sadly died. Pat (self taught) decided to continue on with his fathers craft. The items which Pat has fused into pens etc. Includes wood, resin, watch parts and other items. The strong core of the pen, often being brass.

One pen which catches my eye is a light wood and brass one, which is engraved with ‘Rolls Royce’. Pat explains that he had to really search out the material. The light and smooth wood actually coming from a Rolls Royce. Also, a brass gearshift and across the top and bottom of the pen is a tyre tread designed metal band. Obviously a one off design. Pat likes to push himself, particularly when fusing newly found, different items. Another pen contains watch cogs and marbled resin mix. Another, which is bright reds and browns contains mulled wine ingredients.

For those who have an interesting in sewing, is a pen fused with many tiny coloured buttons and resin. The buttons were first stuck onto the pens carbon fibre sleeving. Then a coating of resin was placed on top. Everything on Pats stall is very tactile. Enjoyable to hold and to feel the different finishes. Easy to marvel at each, and every one.

Rev’d. Howard explained that the beautifully crafted pen which is used during the church wedding services, is one of Pat’s creations.

FB/PenmakinginCambridge

The proceeds of the fayre go to the the Ministry of the Church so that the church can continue to flourish and to welcome the community.

Maria x

#livelovelittleport

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This week I had planned as usual to go out into the community.  To be in Littleport, at the heart, a place which I love and have loved since my family and I moved here eight years ago.

To eagerly gather details from the community for this weeks feel good, happy article. A task, which has now become an honour, a pleasure, something which I cherish and love to do.

To promote everything good. To provide a spotlight, for the local volunteers, unsung hero’s, schools, community groups and amazing stories here in Littleport.

But…. I have felt unable to leave my home due to a violent incident which occurred a few nights back. Directly outside of my home. A set of circumstances that my family and I found ourselves unwittingly caught up in. Through no fault of our own. The details of the incident cannot and need not be detailed.
Overnight, I had lost my happy mojo. I was deeply concerned, that I was now not able, maybe never able again, to provide a community story. Due to not feeling able to go out of my own front door.

Just at the exact moment, when I was seriously starting to wonder as to what I should do….amazingly the feel good community story came to me instead!

The series of events started to brighten. Indeed, It tapped so loudly at my door, demanding to come in. I tried to shrug it off and to refuse it passage.  But it was full of light, hope, love, offers of assistance: shopping, lifts, a comforting ear, coffee and cake. A shoulder to cry on, if one was needed.  From so many, by so many.
The community had heard, from my immediate friends of our dark day and had come out in force. United and full of resolve.

Full of strength and love uniting as one, to collectively bring the smile back to mine and my families faces. Some of these messages were from strangers, who wanted us to know that they were there and that they truly cared.

I know that a very small number of individuals have chosen to be in the dark shadows.  Choosing to take a different life for themselves. Trying to make themselves outsiders and too often blame others or circumstances on their life’s direction.

To those, well you know what? Life is what you make of it.

You are the destiny of your own creation and only YOU hold the key.

It doesn’t matter whether it is charitable support services, defendant support services, the police, teachers, social services or anybody else for that matter. No other persons are responsible for you, or can ultimately make how you live.  Make your daily life style choices or what happens, for you.

Taking responsibility of life’s pathway is like holding a computer games console, a key to the door, driving a car, paddling a boat, or whatever. You alone, choose how to live your life, what you choose to do with it and what type of contact you have with people.

This community welcomes all.  It truly does.
The more you dip your toes in the more you feel the warmth and the less you feel like an outsider.

Yes it takes guts, courage and a bit of will power, but the rewards shine brightly and you never know, you may just end up liking it.
But if you never choose to, you will never know.
Do you really want to miss out?

Somebody once said to me:
“But there is no way back?”
There is.  All you need to do is dip your toes….

A community who cares.  Is a community which is valued.

Maria x

#livelovelittleport
#communityspirit
#policingeastcambs

The post A Community that Cares appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Scout leader, Julie explained that earlier this year The Co-Op made the Scouts one of three local groups which they are assisting with fund raising.

The stand was also an opportunity for locals to find out a bit more about the local clubs, through a very informative information board and to enquire about how to join up.

Julie was joined by leaders, Chris and Claire. Several scouts, including Ralph and Dennyson.

Accompanying Claire was her delightful, disabled assistance dog, Niamh.

Niamh certainly looked the part, as she was wearing the scouting scarf (necker).

Customers were able to buy tickets for either a hamper or cash prize squares.

Running alongside, was a toy and a cake stall which Co-Op staff had helped with.

The scouting movement is a fun way to socialise and to learn new skills, which sometimes includes summer camps.

As well as finding out more about the area where you live and other local charities.

It is open to both boys and girls.

The Beavers are a group from 6 – 8 yrs

Cubs takes children from 8 – 10/5 yrs

Scouts from 10/5 – 14

Then members can move onto

The Explorers 14 – 18 yrs

And the Scout Network 18 – 25yrs

Further details can be made through the groups Facebook page or enquiries can be made by emailing Julie and the gang at: Info@1stlittleportscoutgroup.org.uk

Well done all!

Maria x

#livelovelittleport #Thescoutassociation

The post 1st Littleport Scout Fundraiser appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The lure of visiting ‘The Hangar – Littleport’s Men’s Shed’ became more than tempting. I think in part, it came about as my father had never let me into his shed. So I was a little intrigued, to say the least. I would be going into a mans domain. A sacred space of tools, cuppas (cake if you are lucky) and wood.

I was warmly welcomed by the lovely Nigel, Graham and Paul. Also by Michael, who popped in, whilst I was there.

Nigel was instrumental in setting up the Littleport Shed. The shed idea being connected to the National Men’s Shed scheme (UKMSA). Nigel and the volunteers wanted to make a difference in Littleport. The ethos being that men could come together in a relaxed, self-contained setting. To chat, tinker and make things out of wood, metal etc. To enjoy computing also.
Nigel, pre retirement, was a teacher at King’s Ely. With a love for computing, programming in particular. He has brought to the sessions a ‘Rasberry Pi’ programming computer. Small enough to sit in your hand and is now connected to the sheds TV. This can help with many things. Particularly, with project design. So far, a wooden World War biplane and a mobile phone stand have been created, along with a few other bits. In the future, Nigel hopes to raise enough, to have a 3D printer installed.

In the members own words. It is a: “Playgroup for old codgers” but of course all men over 18 are made very welcome.

The setting up of the group has been funded primarily by The Vine Church. The building, which is in Globe Lane. Which was for many years a hair dressers. Once the space was gained (Spring 2018), Nigel and his volunteers tidied, painted, floored and sorted out some plumbing and electrics. So it could be a safe and more spacious space.

The Hangar needed tools, particularly those used in woodworking. So the word was put out and a Facebook page set up ‘The Hangar, Littleport Men’s Shed’.

Littleport Rotary Club donated £150. The parish council, the Littleport Lions Club and St Georges Church assisted as well. Parish Councillor Clive Webber arrived with an arm full of drill parts. Michael, a local member of the shed donated a new drill. Other individuals donated tools as well.

UKMSA advises that they, ‘support and provide guidance to individuals and groups across the UK in starting and managing Men’s sheds. Raising awareness of the social and health benefits of Men’s Sheds in reducing isolation, loneliness and in empowering local communities’.

Nigel added, that those who may benefit mostly from the group are those men who have experienced bereavement, isolation through home working, poor mental health and general isolation or boredom. But all who walk through the Hangars door will benefit and will quickly feel able to engage, in a relaxed atmosphere. Good old men’s banter at the core.

Nigel has certainly seen these benefits already, first hand. Not only have members learnt new skills from each other, but having a good old fashioned natter and men’s moan off, is so beneficial.
The days of the dank, end of garden, independently used wooden shed, hasn’t necessarily gone….but has just had a big upgrade. Social in nature, with the added benefits of having, just the right tool, somebody always knows how to do something and with heating, running water and working electrics it is a win, win situation.

The origins of the social shed stems from Australia, in 1988. Then it grew to Ireland and then the UK. The UK now has some 460 groups now in operation.

New members will need to comply with the groups health and safety policy, filling out a membership form. Membership is only £12 a year. With sessions, just £1 a time.
The shed members meet: Thursdays 9:30am to 12.00pm (Globe Lane).

So, please don’t be shy. As once through the Hangar door you are in for a treat and above all fun!

I have been left with shed envy and have now lost my husband to the Shed…..not necessarily a bad thing

Nigel hopes that in time, as membership grows. More sessions can be added.

If anybody wishes to donate, either tools or funding to help with more specialist equipment. Please contact Nigel, through The Hangar in Littleport, or the Facebook page.

Maria x

#livelovelittleport #ukmensshedsassociation #mensshed #UKMSA #littleportparishcouncil

The post Off to the Shed appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

This is their story (I will refer to: as our friends):
(Thankyou: Phyllis, Ida, Richard, Jenny & The Grange: Taz)

Littleport, during World War 2 was viewed as being a safer area. Littleport and The Fens was seen as a predominantly natural marshy region, flat and away from any high populated city or national area/building of high security importance with few main transport links. It was expected that Germany would drop bombs on Britain’s main cities. As this had been their action during the Spanish civil war.

Our friend living in Prickwillow recalls being aged 10 at the start of war and that a letter had been sent to the countries prime minister from Hitler. Due to this letter, the country was now at war.
From the outset of war. Littleport and the fens were deemed as being a suitable place, where city children could be welcomed and evacuated too.
These evacuee children came to this area by train, bus and coach. On arrival (usually to a village school or hall) the children would be welcomed with drink and cake freshly made by residents. Often welcomed by a prominent Fenland group, such as the Local Mothers Union. In reality and as we now know, nowhere was truly safe. The children were usually kept with siblings. But not in all cases.

Our friend explained at Alexandra Hall, Victoria Street, Littleport, evacuee children were welcomed. Addresses were assigned and they would then begin life, for the duration of the war (nobody really knew how long this would be).

Some of these children, included those who were Jewish. She recalls that the village children thought that they spoke differently. But all were integrated and included well. Into mainly welcoming families and the local school. It was sometime later, that the magnitude and atrocity affecting Jews in occupied towns became apparent…..
Many evacuated Jewish children would never see their birth families again. Boys and girls were educated separately. Most of the Fenland children found these extra friends as being of interest and fun could be had. The reality of war was viewed less dramatically by the younger children, than those whom were teenagers. The horrors of war would for them, forever be committed to memory.

As war took grip the local schools closed. Both Littleport and Prickwillow. But were used to aid war effort and to assist with the distribution of food rationing.
One of our friends attended the once Prickwillow school. Indeed five generations of her family attended. She was active in trying to prevent the schools closure in more recent years.
This food rationing via a rationing book, continued well after the conclusion of war. Indeed many years after. On the whole this was effective. There was a feeling and rumour, that certain families received more, a bit extra. One of our friends said that her mum always seemed to have extra sugar. But as she adored tea.. She would swap some sugar for the tea with a neighbour.

The Boys Salvation Army became prominent and assisted where needed. The evacuees initially arrived and started school with a name tag attached to their coat button. This tag stated their name, school and other details. They had a small suitcase, a gas mask and a pre-addressed, stamped postcard to send to parents, telling them where we had arrived.

Our friend, Aged 12, having lived in Littleport all her life. Was grateful that she lived on a farm, Mildenhall Rd, Littleport. Her father was the farm manager and as such he wouldn’t be enlisted to fight in the war. Those exempt from conscription were: Dock workers, miners, farmers, scientists, merchant seamen, railway workers and utility workers.
An Uncle went to war and sadly didn’t return. Food was plentiful on the farm. To be fair, being from a farming community. People ate from garden to table. Growing a good variety of fresh goods. Rabbit and wild fowl was readily available.
As war raged on. It became clear that nowhere was truly safe. The fens were home to many flight landing strips with bases. Ely, Lakenheath and Mildenhall to name but a few. It was these areas that proved to be some what of a target. Our friend explained the terror of one night when the long concrete access road to the farm became a mistaken target (looked like a runway) and was bombed.

But all was not lost as the ‘land Girls’ from the British women’s Land Army had arrived! These enthusiastic young woman were speedily put to work at the farm and in the area. The farms becoming in affect, their employers. The idea was that these civilians could replace men called up to the military.

Our friend, who lived with her family in Prickwillow lived in a cosy, functional home which was full of asbestos inside and out. Her Grandmother lived a short way away in a riverside, corrugated iron cottage. During the day she had asked our friend if she could the next morning bring her some bread. This day was the last time that she would see her Grandmother (& a male relative….too painful to explain). Two American B17-Flying fortress, believed to have left a local airbase. They flew over her Grandmothers home, it is believed their wings touched. This cause of event, had catastrophic implication. The planes were loaded with bombs. Both fell to the ground. One fell in a field, exploding into a fireball on contact. The other landed on the Grandmothers house. Killing those inside. The date was 6th February 1945. Her Grandfather had been heavily into horse showing and had collected a lifetime of memorabilia. Something which our friend had fondly viewed with her Grandfather (possibly, hoping to own sometime). All was destroyed. Nothing was left….

Our friend recalls Anderson shelters quickly going up, at the start of war. People seemed to like making these. As it felt like proactive work. Many became very inventive with their shelters. A neighbours was made from an old chicken coop, dug into the ground.

The sight of regular, daily planes going over brought about differing feelings from our friends. This seems to be dependent with the age. Those whom were the youngest viewed as excitement. The others as terrifying. A daily reminder of being at war.

Our friend, lived just outside of Welney. Was aged 13 at the start of war. Initially working on a land farm. Then going into the ‘Home Guard’. The Home Guard, started out being voluntary, but then became compulsory as war bore on.
Our friend, in part, valued this time. As it taught many skills. Recalling that on one day there were 13 fires to be put out. On another occasion a plane had tried to Bomb Welney bridge. This bridge was an important access into villages. Luckily the bomb landed in a field, falling short. Being part of a Home Guard platoon came with some much needed social events. Which included meals and dances or village ‘whists’.

Our friend, was born in 1943. So was a young child at the start of war. Remembering the affects of food rationing and that it was still in place when she was 12 or 13 years of age. Her and her family lived in Cambridge University accommodation. Her family ministerial. She would help with the food distribution. She remembers it all being laid out on tables at a shop ‘Joshua Taylor’, Market St, Cambridge. Enjoying as a young girl cycling in Cambridge. For a city, obviously not as built up as now. They had a larger than average garden she enjoyed having fruit from the fruit trees. She recalls that everybody pitched in. That there was an amazing sense of community.

Our friend, remembers the sad time when and an Uncle died during war. His wife and young daughter moved in with them. Our friend later became a teacher and understands the importance of war being taught in schools both then and now. But to children who aren’t too young. Due to the deep seating feeling war evolves and the atrocities that can be viewed from history. Her Grandfather was a missionary in Africa.

I asked all four as to why it is important for our community and future generations to remember war. They spoke of the need to respect and remember those whom sacrificed and who lost their lives.  In order to give us the future which we enjoy now. To ensure and protect that we never be at war again. Too much needless human loss. Too many families affected and torn apart.

So how did Littleport remember…

Adams Heritage Centre pay respect

During the weeks leading up to Armistice Day, Clair’Marie from the Heritage Centre trustees requested that the community come together. To help her create a creative visual remembrance window. To mark the community coming together in remembrance. She needed beautifully crafted (whichever medium you chose) hands and poppies. The poppies being in red and purple (to remember the animals whom died in war). The idea was that the window would describe a  ‘Joining of hands’. This was symbolic at the end of the war and now too. The red hands were joined together to create one, centrally displayed huge poppy.

The residents, schools, pre-schools, child minders and local businesses (whom helped distribute flyers) didn’t disappoint).  Clair’Marie received a staggering approx. 1,000 !
The poppies were made from everything, strayed plastic bottle ends to metal and wire work.  The youngest participant being just a few months old. A beautiful poppy with the babies hand print for the poppy leaf. Two children (9 yrs) drew and cut out beautiful poppies. Both with themselves coloured in, peeking out from the top of the poppies.
In case you missed it. When the window display is taken down. It will be kept in part of the heritage centre. For another viewing day :
Poppy Exhibition Day – Sunday 25th NOVEMBER from 10am.

Remembrance Rocks 

Mark announced via social media that his Niece and Nephew: Elizabeth, aged 5 and Morgan, aged 8 had wanted to do something special to remember the soldiers. They were already part of the #Norfolkrocks. So it seemed a fitting idea.  They painted many rocks and hid them around Littleport, near to one of the primary schools.  I am sure you will agree. They did them beautifully and they were found!

The Rainbows, Guides and Brownies

The youngest section of girl guiding got crafting. Rainbows are aged: 5 – 7yrs. They made beautiful spray painted, bottle top poppies to display. The photo shows: Alicia, Isla and Isabella, from Littleport 1st Rainbows enjoying their group time. Well done girls!

The Beavers, Scouts and Cubs

Not to be left in the dark by the guiding girls. The Littleport beavers & scouts got busy. Painting rocks.  These rocks were placed along St George’s church footpath. For worshippers to view on Remembrance Day. They were all individual and stunning. Well done all!

The Port Youth Club

We all had an inkling that the fabulous staff at the Port youth club were up to something…When several weeks leading up to Armistice Day. Via social media, they put out a request for chicken wire, plastic sheets and plastic bottle tops. All I can say is wow, what a display ! The wired poppy display is just by the door, as you go into church. Showing 100. As well as a steel silhouette which was cut from a steel sheet by Stuart Palmer at Anvil Crafts. Their is a Podcast recording which Carol Palmer assisted the port to put together. The link can be found on the ports Facebook page. The youths were joined at the church on Remembrance Day by the bikers of 363.

Leading up to remembrance. I asked the question:

“Why is it important for the young, as well as the old to remember now, those whom fought in the war and to keep the memory alive?”

Reply – Charlie N “We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those who lost their lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes, families, friends, strangers and the future they believed in. To pay our respects to those who died, serving their country. We must NEVER forget those who spent their lives protecting us”

Wow! Well done Charlie. Awesome, well thought out words. You have made The Port and Littleport proud. Well done all.

Royal British Legion (Littleport Branch)

In honour of the 100 years. A memorial garden has been made. This is at the large graveyard, Parsons Lane. It is to be dedicated in April. So look out for that.

In memory 1918-2018

Maria x

#livelovelittleport #spottedinely #guiding #girlguiding #scouting #scouts #rembrancesunday #armistaceday #royalbritishlegion

The Littleport Remembrance Parade

Photographs taken by Maria Stableford

The post Littleport Young and Old Remember (1918-2018) appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

When I arrived, I found a good size area, which I never knew even existed. A hidden, rambling, thorny and overgrown piece of land. What struck me was how quiet it was. You felt away from the hustle and bustle of life and could easily see, hear and feel the nature around which was bursting from within. It truly felt to me like a secret garden.

Deborah Curtis Watson and others had the vision. That through campaigning, support from Littleport Parish Council, East Cambridge District Council, Sanctuary housing, Littleport red lions, Littleport Time bank, The Port Youth Club and the community. There was a chance that this once neglected area could be brought back to life again. To be accessible to all.
The garden was named ‘Peacocks Meadow’.

Days were set aside, rota’s drawn. Heavy machinery was brought in to do the initial clearing work.
Volunteers appeared and tirelessly cleared the ground of brambles, freed ditches and levelled areas which needed to be for easy pedestrian access. The local ‘Lions’ had some members come from as far afield as Great Yarmouth. Volunteers supplied tea and cake.

Wild flower seeds were bought, to be germinated over the winter and then sown. All involved were very keen to keep the wildlife which had made it their home and to encourage more. This has now been done, through hedgehog, reptile, frog and toad, wildlife houses and specialised planting etc. Through the tireless work of the garden committee. Peacocks Garden was selected to be one of 50 community growing spaces to be awarded a ‘Grow Wild Seed Pack’. A National outreach scheme scheme run by Royal Botanic gardens, Kew London.

The garden is now a haven for wildlife, a relaxing quiet area for the community to enjoy. People have enjoyed a variety of events which include an Easter egg hunt and bug hunting. More events are being planned.

As with any garden, particularly one of this size. The garden requires constant pruning, cutting back, pathways maintained etc.
Recently another ‘garden tidying’ day was held. The community came out and helped.
Littleport Timebank members were able if they wished to garden in exchange for credits.

Carol and Stuart from Fenland Spirit Services donated a mower to help in the garden. One resident, Ben who came to the garden day, explained that he loves the garden as it is accessible for his mobility scooter and that he likes to spend as much time there as he can.

The garden members regularly post updates on their Facebook page. Find these: Fb/Peacocksmeadow Also the event days and when they need additional help to maintain.

Like any community volunteer project, the more hands, the lighter the work will be. So please do volunteer your services as there is always something to do in the garden. The reward will be a satisfying time, fresh air and great fitness benefits.
Message the group and let them know when you can help. Even if you can do just an hour. It all helps.
A group gardening event is planned for November. So keep an eye out for that.

So the ‘Secret Garden’ may not be very secret anymore. But I for one, am glad it now isn’t!

#livelovelittleport

Maria x

The post The Secret Garden appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Every year we all rush out to source the biggest and best pumpkin which we can find. Eagerly dreaming up new carving ideas. Our front of house becomes full of ghouls, demons, skeletons and monsters ready to pounce on any brave trick or treaters.

But is this festival for all……Not necessarily.
Many children enjoy the spooky going ons and relish the next jumpy moment.  Pushed on, by the lure of something sweet and nice.
But children are children, all individuals, with individual likes and dislikes.  It is this difference which make the children of the Littleport community so amazing, caring and each unique.
A proportion of these children, will not enjoy all the aspects of Halloween.  Some may not want to be involved at all.  Which you know what ? Is just fine.
Others may wish to celebrate, but in some other way.
Children come in all shapes and sizes.
Other children may have a disability, such as autism or Aspergers and a full on Halloween may not be the best way forward.  Changes of routine and the sudden presence of visual ghoulish dress up and of loud creepy noises etc. May not be the best. This is all dependent on the child of course.  All goes really and children should be able to have a good time however they spend Halloween.

So with this mind Julie and all, at the Littleport Vine Community Church. Held an amazing free, children’s ‘light’ event for Halloween.  An alternative type of party and fun. Local children, aged 5-10 were invited along to the church to enjoy an early evening of games, food, crafts, lights and music.
22 children enjoyed: star coaster making, sun-catchers, sweetie skewers.
The room was beautifully decorated with dim lights, fairy lights and LED balloons. Group party games were fun, followed by a picnic by lantern light.
A short talk on light and Jesus, alongside modelling balloons.
The party ended with a good old children’s knees up of dancing and each child was given their own memento from the light party of a helium LED balloon.
This is likely to be a recurring event.  So keep an eye out for it next year.

For more details about the Vine Community Church and all events.
Find them on Facebook and also:
www.vineccl.org.uk

#livelovelittleport

Maria x

The post Pumpkins V’s Dream Catchers appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

When you go for a walk, people often strangers, will talk to you. This may just be about the weather or to tell you about a local point of interest.
During one such trip a local man, when I told him that we were newbies, asked if I had been to the Branching Out charity shop. I hadn’t and so he urged me to check it out. He said that it was such ‘A Happy Place’.
I found the shop easily in the High Street and I was soon eagerly scouring the clothing rails and shelves. What struck me the most, was how well organised the shop was and with very friendly staff. The shop display had incredible attention to detail, with the design and care taken.
Dress necklaces, were displayed, by being draped over many gold sprayed barbie dolls which were attached to a large ornate picture frame. Sounds very kitsch. But you know what, it worked!

More recently I was told about the Branching Out workshop on Grange Lane. Again, a local described this place as such a Happy Place. Intrigued I visited and I came away so very happy and you will too.
Branching Out is a disability charity which has a central workshop and two shops. The stores being in Littleport and Chatteris.

The organisation provides highly skilled and worthwhile day provision for people with learning disabilities and complex needs. The team workers, headed up by the Grange manager Susan Wiggins offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere. This helps with behavioural correction and personal development, building upon both social aspects and daily skills. With the emphasis on creativity. The staff are able to identify the issues and what a persons trigger may be. Then come up with a strategy plan, which works.
Adults attend mostly, for 2 to 3 days a week. Often for several years.  Across the organisation there are 17 members of staff.
The disabled people who attend are either local, but can be from further afield. Particularly as the care which Branching Out offer, is highly specialised and often not catered for in many towns.

So how is this service funded.
Well with difficulty. But through donations, staff perseverance, commitment, grants and finance knowledge, somehow it does.

This year Branching Out became a ‘Partner Charity’ for the White Stuff clothing store, in Ely.
Surinder, the manager at the White Stuff says, that it is a privilege and honour to sponsor the store for three years. This will mean regular fundraising by the store staff. In the form of sweets selling, from the many jars which are behind the till. As well as bigger fund raising events. In the summer, Surinder and the staff set themselves a challenge. Which they weren’t entirely sure they could complete. It was a week long challenge where the staff would run (mileage by group) the equivalent of Ely to Edinburgh. Some 350 miles. They were to run the task on a hospital grade treadmill. Which incidentally had been previously donated to Branching Out. For the disabled clients to remain fit and active. Donated by Co-Op Littleport.
The White Stuff staff didn’t disappoint. They smashed it!!
These funds this year, primarily went towards building work. To bring more light into the Grange workshop converted barn, by way of an amazing high window door entrance. The removal of what was once a dark brick wall, now floods the workshop with natural light. An amazing 409.5 miles was covered by the White Stuff. Staff and visitors to the store donated £412 during the fundraiser.

Other ways that the store has raised additional funds has been through raffles, cake sales, lucky dip, book sales and more recently Halloween bingo.
In order for this charity to continue its amazing work. It does need the support of both locals, businesses and visitors.
Your help can be through volunteering for the store or at Grange Lane. So many things need to be done. This may be assisting the disabled in looking after the Grange Lane garden or in the shop. Helping with the craft making or assembling at home. So cutting out craft items, which go in packs for the disabled clients to then assemble in the workshop.

The clients make so many amazing things, which are available to the public to buy.

Personalised wooden items:
Named Christmas Eve boxes
Signs
Birthday bunting
Christmas, Halloween,Easter etc decorative items
Plus oodlles more.

Stationary wedding items: Including Keep the date’ cards
Cake stands

Many items to hire for either wedding or baby showers:
Sweet cart
Wooden ladder for displaying things e.g wedding table plans etc.
Rustic post box

Decorated items for the LGBT community.

You can also purchase fruit & veg and plants from the allotment.
Fire wood available
Event room hire too.

Either turn up or call if you would like anything.

Please, if you can spare some volunteer hours, wish to donate items to go on sale in the shop, to donate some funds or are a local business who would like to sponsor this amazing charity please do. They are waiting for you at this special, Happy Place.
Susan and everybody at Branching Out thank everybody who donates and assists them.

#branchingout
#whitestuff
#co-op
#charity
www.branchingoutuk.com
Tel: 01353 863561

#livelovelittleport
Maria x

The post A Happy Place appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Tia’s Bright Stars evening, taking place at Littleport Village Hall, will raise money for a potentially life-changing genetics test which Tia has been told by doctors will be a crucial part of her ongoing treatment for multiple chronic conditions. These affect her ability to work or to live normally. Unfortunately, due to additional health complexities the test Tia needs is not available on the NHS.

Tia is currently having tests for a condition called Ehlers Danlos syndrome, as well as the chronic condition porphyria. These affect major organs as well as affecting the nervous system.

After years of treatment and mis-diagnoses Tia’s specialists have advised her next step is to have a more complex test for porphyria. This is done by means of a genetics test which is currently not available on the NHS, and would add a very significant piece to Tia’s ever-developing medical puzzle, helping to define the right course of treatment in the future. Unfortunately, the test which Tia needs is not cheap.

Tia says: “This test is so important to my future health and the results will mean I can live a better quality of life, including having children, which is sadly, currently not an option. I am a highly motivated person and I want so badly to lead a normal life – to walk, to eat normally, to work! – but I struggle to do even the simplest of things because of the ambiguity of my health. Because of the fact that I can’t work regularly I am also struggling to raise the funds to pay for this test. I am not one to ask for money so instead I thought I’d throw a party and entertain the party-goes in exchange for their donations!” 

When Tia is well enough she runs Bumbly Bee’s, a local musical group for children aged up to four years. She describes it as a fun place for children and adults to learn and grow in a relaxing atmosphere, helping with development. When at full health Tia also enjoys singing, although her conditions don’t allow for this very often.

At Tia’s Bright Stars fundraising evening (sponsored by The Nail Place, Littleport & Ashco Building & maintenance Services) you can look forward to various live musical acts (billed for all ages and tastes!), The headline act is Run for Cover, we also have Gemma Raymond magician and illusionist, Tia and the Bandits, Beard to the Bone and Tia and Kevin.  A wide range of music something for everybody and various other fundraising activities to join in with on the night.

Doors open at 7pm at Littleport Village Hall on Saturday 17th November. More information visit bit.ly/tiasbrightstars, or buy tickets at paypal.me/tiasbrightstars

Please note: the evening is not catered to please bring your own drinks.

The post Local Woman Holds Fundraiser to Fund Genetics Test appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The poppies can be in any form: card-work, drawing,painting, knitting, crochet. All sizes up to about A4.
So get creative !
Open for all.
See below, some of the beautiful work which has already been handed in.
The poppies can be posted through the centre letterbox or contact Claire’Marie above.

The individual poppies will form a symbol of thanks in the form of one huge poppy ring. Which will be displayed in the centre window for all to see and enjoy.

#livelovelittleport
Maria x

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Often people accidentally mislay items around Littleport. Whether this be a child’s cuddly softy or more recently a 10” dinosaur. Sadly, but luckily not so often, something is stolen.

In both instances the drive by the community and our local beat officers to reunite the owner with the item is incredible.  Showing no tiring of resources until both are united. This coming together by the Littleport residents, takes the forms of chats in the local shops, cafes, on social media and word of mouth.

On Thursday (11th Oct) a very unusual mint green Jorvik child carrier trike was stolen from Johanna and her family. The family naturally were very upset and distraught, not sure if they would ever see it again.

During the day PCSO,s Robinson and Chennell were out on patrol locally, when they noticed an unusual looking trike in Church Lane.  The trike was with a group.  The ever poised police nose sniffed out, that something wasn’t right or adding up.

Details were obtained and the trike was seized and stored temporarily at the Co-Op. Through the power of social media and the community the trike was then cycled by a police officer back to the now happy owner.

An eye witness: Elaine confirmed that about 21:55hrs she was travelling along Wisbech Rd when she saw an unusual, but amusing sight.  A Police Officer wearing a fluorescent jacket was riding the trike towards the chippy roundabout and was being tailed by a marked police car.

The owner of the trike, Johanna advised that her family had happily owned the trike for about 4 months. It was now an integral part of the family.  Being ridden around the village and to take her young daughter to school.

Johanna has been bowled over by the support of the Littleport community and their infectious resolve to get the bike quickly back to the family. Johanna initially reported to the police the theft and also did a local social media post showing a photo of the missing bike.

So many people have since sent the family messages of support and to say how pleased everybody is, that they now have the bike back.

The police have advised that enquiries re: the suspects are continuing and if anybody knows any details to contact East Cambs Police.

I have been reliably informed that a photograph of the officer riding the trike is in existence. But they are being a bit shy.
However, the officer may participate in the annual naked bike ride in Cambridge next year. As he/she has got a taste for the saddle (Joking! Like the above pic, a bit of artistic licence)

To Johanna and her family. Wishing you many years of trike enjoyment in Littleport. If locals see them, give them a wave.

#livelovelittleport
Maria x

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A 15th century church (early records indicate an initial building,14th century) dedicated to St George, the patron saint of England.  A church, which is lovingly and enthusiastically headed by Revd. Howard Robson. Ably assisted by his many volunteers and committee members.

Lisa, the chair of the church events committee.  A crafter herself, had a great idea of a yearly, quality craft fair to bring people from outside of the area into Littleport. As well as raising funds, to help secure the comfortable future of this historical building. 100% of the stall fees go to the church.

Saturday 22nd September, locals and people from far and wide came together for the third year of this growing event. With an amazing selection of stalls, food and an outdoor gin bar.  All beautifully presented and organised superbly. This organisation and the friendly, relaxed Littleport community feel is what several of the stall holders commented so fondly on.  Saying, that this is why they come back year after year and plan on doing so, hopefully for many years to come.

The stalls included artists, jewellery making, crochet & wool work, sewing crafts, metalwork, wooden toys and home goods, lace making,candle making, felt work and so many more.

Lace maker: Sue Medlow first learnt this intricate craft in 1991 when she enrolled on an evening class at Cottenham village college. Using multiple threads, a wooden with beaded bobbin and with central pins placed on the backing.

Sue has given it a modern twist with decorated cards and decorative hangings. Exquisite and with patience, Sue ably demonstrated her craft throughout the day.

Having held a positive and steadfast presence for so many years.  The doors welcome all. Not only through their church services.  But through church clubs and drop-ins: Messy church (children & toddlers), Tea & Tots, Shine (promoting talk between children and the elders of the community), Play & Pray.  As well as providing a vital lifeline and base for the food bank.

Well done all!

#livelovelittleport

Best wishes

Maria

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87 households in Littleport came together, to create one huge yard sale, complete with maps and the best walking routes.

The idea was thought up by a parent group at the new Littleport,  Highfield Academy. To raise some funds, to benefit the students who attend the school.

It was Spearheaded by a lovely lady, Chelsey Marie Meadows. Whom by all accounts did a sterling job, even when her printer decided to give out, during the 11th hour.

There was an entry fee for stall holders and a small fee for the sale of stall location maps.

It was a huge success and attended by many. Some bought, others stopped by for a chat and a purchase. It was great to see so many residents, young and old wandering happily from stall to stall.

Some lovely stories came out from the day. Two stood out for me were: one from a lady who contacted me, Whilst busy at her stall, a man had come by.

After chatting for a while, it transpired that they had gone to school together, many moons ago. But had over the years lost contact. Not any more!

Another was that some under 5’s pocket money had finally run out during the stall visits by them and their accompanying families. One of the children got a bit sad as she really liked the look of something. Seeing the monetary issue, the stall holder gave the item to her. A big smile firmly back on her face.

An awesome total of £129.21 was made for the school and importantly the children.  The money was handed over to Highfield Littleport Academy by 7 year old Bailey Meadows.

Well done all!!

#livelovelittleport

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