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spottedinely@gmail.com

Get behind the scenes of the build of the Ely Bypass and could you name the new road?

Featured, News / By

It’s finally underway, the build of the long awaited Ely Southern Bypass began officially, and now you get the chance to see it being constructed with limited tour dates. The bypass project has met some challenges already in the endeavour to get the much-needed road built which see a shortcut created between 2 points of …

Get behind the scenes of the build of the Ely Bypass and could you name the new road? Read More »

Twinkle twinkle little star, how many shapes in Ely Cathedral do you think there are?

Featured, News / By

If you live in East Cambridgeshire, chances are you’ve visited Ely Cathedral many times. But have you ever noticed how many different shapes there are inside the iconic Ship of the Fens? Youngsters from Rainbow Pre-School in Ely got to explore twinkly stars, rings-a-roses and even octagons, squares, triangles, spirals and crosses when they went …

Twinkle twinkle little star, how many shapes in Ely Cathedral do you think there are? Read More »

Ely College bookworms take part in book award ceremony – with one student getting her own award

News / By

Thirteen Ely College students last week took part in a book award ceremony in Cambridge, with the winners picked by young readers across the county. And one Ely College student, Hannah Meek, received a special award herself, after winning a prize for her design of a trophy for the award. The students were part of …

Ely College bookworms take part in book award ceremony – with one student getting her own award Read More »

Cineworld Announces Opening Date For New Six Screen Multiplex Cinema In Ely

Featured / By

Cineworld Ely to open its doors on Friday, May 12th 2017 Cineworld, one of the UK’s leading cinema chains, today announced its latest cinema in Ely will open on Friday, May 12th2017. The new cinema will feature six state-of-the-art screens showing the latest Hollywood releases, as well as a Baskins Robbins ice cream counter. The …

Cineworld Announces Opening Date For New Six Screen Multiplex Cinema In Ely Read More »

Bobby Scheme named Hopkins Homes' Cambridgeshire Charity of the Year

Featured, News / By

A charity helping elderly and vulnerable residents to secure their homes against burglars is £7000 better off after being named Hopkins Homes’ Cambridgeshire Charity of the Year. Yesterday Hopkins Homes announced that the Bobby Scheme had won the competition, which invites members of the public to vote for their favourite local charity. The Ely Foodbank …

Bobby Scheme named Hopkins Homes' Cambridgeshire Charity of the Year Read More »

Animal friendly oxygen masks provided to fire stations across Cambs

News / By

We consider pets to be part of the family – and thanks to animal-loving firefighter Neil Hoskin, every fire station in Cambridgeshire is now equipped with special animal oxygen masks. The Smokey Paws masks are designed to help save the lives of four-legged, two-legged, and even no-legged friends. Station and area commanders from across Cambridgeshire …

Animal friendly oxygen masks provided to fire stations across Cambs Read More »

Knife juggling children’s author Julian Sedgewick wows students at Ely College

News / By

Popular children’s author Julian Sedgewick used to visit Ely College when his sons attended the school. Last week the keen broadcaster and writer visited once again – this time to inspire students wanting to improve their literary skills as part of a World Book Day promotion. A regular visitor to the college, Julian put the …

Knife juggling children’s author Julian Sedgewick wows students at Ely College Read More »

Immigration Minister Pays Tribute To Cambridgeshire’s Efforts In Welcoming Refugees

Featured / By

During Home Office Questions today, Monday 6th March, Lucy Frazer MP for South East Cambridgeshire, welcomed Cambridgeshire County Council’s participation in the unaccompanied asylum seekers dispersal scheme and the fact that Cambridge City Council, working with East Cambridgeshire and South Cambridgeshire District Councils is offering homes to 100 refugees. Lucy asked the Immigration Minister if …

Immigration Minister Pays Tribute To Cambridgeshire’s Efforts In Welcoming Refugees Read More »

Ely Firm Ellgia Acquires Purple Recycling

Business, News / By

Ely-based waste management and recycling company Ellgia is pleased to announce it has acquired Purple Recycling this week and will take over operations at the Purple Recycling site in Prickwillow with immediate effect.  Ellgia anticipates a smooth transition with all services continuing as normal and has confirmed all staff will be retained. Steve Crook, Ellgia’s …

Ely Firm Ellgia Acquires Purple Recycling Read More »

Ely Cathedral to host spectacular light show to raise awareness of refugees

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Ely Cathedral will host a spectacular light show next month to raise awareness of families escaping war-torn Syria. In the first show of its kind ever seen in the district, the cathedral will light up with colours and images, as well as featuring poignant artwork by local children, highlighting the plight of refugees. On the …

Ely Cathedral to host spectacular light show to raise awareness of refugees Read More »

Vegans, v-curious and those hunting vintage or vinyl are in for a treat during May Bank Holiday

News / By

Foodies are in for a treat with a return of Ely’s popular Vegan Fair in early May. Following Ely Markets’ highly successful first Vegan Fair in October, the team will be back in early May Bank Holiday weekend, this time returning for a delicious two-day special. This time they will be joined by a Vintage …

Vegans, v-curious and those hunting vintage or vinyl are in for a treat during May Bank Holiday Read More »

Ely's Minor Injuries Unit one step closer to becoming an Urgent Care Hub

Featured, instant_articles, News / By

Ely’s Minor Injuries Unit is one step closer to becoming a Local Urgent Care Hub, after getting the green light from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group. Yesterday afternoon the CCG’s governing body endorsed the business case for the first phase of the project, which has been approved by its clinical executive committee. Campaigner …

Ely's Minor Injuries Unit one step closer to becoming an Urgent Care Hub Read More »

Brilliant bright sparks from Ely College wow uni academics with their maths skills

Featured, instant_articles, News / By

Twelve bright Ely College students recently got a taste of uni life when they “graduated” from a special scheme at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. The high-achieving year eight students, all part of the college’s Brilliant Club, stunned academics at UEA by not only completing the demanding programme but also achieving maths problems …

Brilliant bright sparks from Ely College wow uni academics with their maths skills Read More »

Oliver Cromwell's House Receives 'Hidden Gem' Title for Second Time in 3 Years

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One of Ely’s most treasured attractions has been named a “hidden gem” by the national tourism agency. Oliver Cromwell’s House was assessed under Visit England’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme and signified by the Quality Rose Marque before being highlighted in a list of special attractions. It is the second time that the House has won …

Oliver Cromwell's House Receives 'Hidden Gem' Title for Second Time in 3 Years Read More »

Fond Farewell from Class of 78 to Needhams Tower with Charity Abseil

Events, Featured / By

The class of ‘78 from the City of Ely College will abseil down their old school building – the soon to be demolished Needham’s Tower – to raise money for charity. Ian Cox (top left), Geoffrey Everett (top rt), Robert Skinner and Elaine Pullar. Four of the former students met up and agreed that turning 50 would …

Fond Farewell from Class of 78 to Needhams Tower with Charity Abseil Read More »

Commuting to Cambridge by rail about to get easier, councillors say

News / By

A new car park due to be built near Ely Station will make travelling to the new Cambridge North railway station much easier for Ely commuters, councillors say. As reported in Spotted in Ely earlier this month, East Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee unanimously gave the green light for the new 128 space car park. …

Commuting to Cambridge by rail about to get easier, councillors say Read More »

Cyclists furious about plans to axe underpass from southern bypass

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A group promoting cycling in East Cambridgeshire is furious about Cambridgeshire County Council’s decision to axe plans for an underpass from its southern bypass construction. Ely Cycling Campaign yesterday called the decision to drop the promised underpass “short-sighted”, accusing Cambridgeshire County Council of showing “little commitment to sustainable transport in rural areas” and neglecting cyclists …

Cyclists furious about plans to axe underpass from southern bypass Read More »

Soham Schoolgirl's poignant polar bear video will leave a lump in your throat

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Soham schoolgirl Megan Jones’s chilling video about the plight of endangered polar bears will leave a lump in your throat. The eight-year-old Weatheralls Primary School pupil’s simple but shocking video about the lethal effects of global warming has already become a massive hit online. Animal-lover and environmentalist Megan spent a while thinking about how to …

Soham Schoolgirl's poignant polar bear video will leave a lump in your throat Read More »

Kids' Cromwell House tours promise "the bits teachers are too grossed out to tell you"

Featured, Holidays, News / By

Love Horrible Histories? Curious about Cromwell? Join Professor A. Bismal for a tour with a difference this half term. Oliver Cromwell’s House will be showing families “the bits teachers are too grossed out to tell you”. Warning: it’s not for the faint hearted! Hot on the heels of their haunted tours of Ely, the team …

Kids' Cromwell House tours promise "the bits teachers are too grossed out to tell you" Read More »

Calling 999 is for emergencies – plea after inappropriate calls made to EEAST

News / By

A rat bite, a broken toe nail and a woman who wanted an escort home are just the latest ‘emergency’ calls received by the region’s ambulance service. New figures today reveal that the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) received 312 hoax calls between April and December last year, which diverted time away …

Calling 999 is for emergencies – plea after inappropriate calls made to EEAST Read More »

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation award £1753 for the new East Cambs Youth Consultation Panel

Featured / By

Excellent news for the East Cambs Youth Consultation Panel today. Suzy Kay, Grant Programme Manager for the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation has informed us that our application for £1753 to support the purchase of social media technology has been successful! The money will be invested in the provision of new technology for the group – including …

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation award £1753 for the new East Cambs Youth Consultation Panel Read More »

Arbuckles on track for March opening and already 3000 reservations made

Featured / By

Despite press stating that the Ely Leisure Park will open in April, many companies have stuck to their original date of March to open. Arbuckles included. John Murphy, Owner of the popular restaurant took to Facebook this morning to reassure many people, especially those who have booked that Arbuckles is planning to open in March …

Arbuckles on track for March opening and already 3000 reservations made Read More »

Schools in the Ely area take part in the Young Voices 2017 concert at the O2 in London

Featured, News / By

The 16th January saw several schools in the Ely area take part in the Young Voices 2017 concert at the O2 in London. My own daughter was amongst those representing The Lantern School. St Mary’s and the Rackham School in Witchford also took part. Young Voices brings together school children from across the country to …

Schools in the Ely area take part in the Young Voices 2017 concert at the O2 in London Read More »

Minor Injuries Units to be piloted as Urgent Care Centres

Featured, News / By

People power has saved our Minor Injuries Unit from imminent closure, with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group today announcing plans to pilot urgent care hubs in Ely, Wisbech and Doddington this spring. Spotted in Ely can confirm that the CCG is putting together a formal business case for the three hubs, which is …

Minor Injuries Units to be piloted as Urgent Care Centres Read More »

Brave Ria hopes electric wheelchair will help her get her life back

Featured, News / By

An Ely mum of two battling a degenerative disease that leaves her in debilitating pain and causes life threatening health complications is fundraising for an electric wheelchair so that she can regain some of her independence. Brave Ria Hockey, 34, decided to share her heartbreaking story with Spotted in Ely in the hope that it …

Brave Ria hopes electric wheelchair will help her get her life back Read More »

Witchford College Kick-Ash, a message to everyone that Smoking Kills

Featured, News / By

​As part of their Kick-Ash programme, Witchford Village College Kick-Ash Mentors were invited to participate in a graffiti project at Witcham Village Hall on Saturday 21st January 2017. Mentors from all ten Kick-Ash participating schools across Cambridgeshire are invited to participate in the 2017 Kick Ash Graffiti Event. The day was run by Kick-Ash staff …

Witchford College Kick-Ash, a message to everyone that Smoking Kills Read More »

Charity “overwhelmed” by generosity to children’s Christmas gift appeal

News / By

A charity supporting struggling families has been “overwhelmed” by people’s kindness towards local children in need in the run up to Christmas. Beauty salon Pure Ely collected donations of children’s gifts before Christmas on behalf of Home-Start Cambridgeshire, which supports hundreds of families each year. The presents were then handed out to youngsters by Father …

Charity “overwhelmed” by generosity to children’s Christmas gift appeal Read More »

Ely College Students learn about healthy choices during first PLEDGES day

instant_articles, News / By

Ely College students took time out from their regular studies last week to focus on their health instead, as part of their first ever PLEDGES and Futures Day. PLEDGES are a set of challenges that students are expected to complete during the course of their time at the college. By completing certain sets of challenges, …

Ely College Students learn about healthy choices during first PLEDGES day Read More »

Mercury Spillage Closes Market Street but No Concerns to Public Safety

News / By

The Cambridgeshire Fire Service from Ely Station were called to Page Jewellers on Market Street at around 4.45pm today after a Mercury Spillage within the store. 2 firefighters with breathing apparatus entered the evacuated store and made safe the dangerous element and it is now bagged. At no time did anyone make contact and did …

Mercury Spillage Closes Market Street but No Concerns to Public Safety Read More »

Raving AND behaving at Clubbercise Ely – a workout with a difference!

Featured, News / By

Banging tunes, glow sticks, funky moves… Anyone entering Treetops Soft Play on Monday would be forgiven for thinking they’d just wondered into a hot new club. But those planning to take part in Clubbercise Ely’s opening night on January 23 will be raving AND behaving, getting a wicked workout while dancing to some old school …

Raving AND behaving at Clubbercise Ely – a workout with a difference! Read More »

Ely's only Post Office mysteriously shut, permanent postmaster STILL not found **exclusive**

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Post Office customers in Ely have been shocked that the city’s only branch has been mysteriously shut since yesterday. Meanwhile a permanent postmaster has STILL not been found for Ely – eight months after the last one lost his contract. Yesterday (Monday) morning a notice went up in the Costcutter in Ely, saying “problem with …

Ely's only Post Office mysteriously shut, permanent postmaster STILL not found **exclusive** Read More »

Have your say on major expansion plans throughout East Cambs

Featured, News, Villages & Towns / By

How do you feel about 11,400 new homes being built across East Cambridgeshire in the next 19 years? That’s one of the proposals set forward by East Cambridgeshire District Council, which yesterday launched its second public consultation to hear public views on its draft Local Plan. The plan also says Soham’s town centre is “under …

Have your say on major expansion plans throughout East Cambs Read More »

Bar-ology alive and kicking despite bizarre rumours circulated in local paper

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Bar-ology is here to stay and expand claims Rob Gilkes, owner of Ely’s newest late night cocktail bar. Despite a bizarre news article published today by a local newspaper on their website, the venue on Forehill is not closing, selling or changing its name in any way. In fact, it has plans to expand. Liquid …

Bar-ology alive and kicking despite bizarre rumours circulated in local paper Read More »

Back Hill WILL be gritted if temperature falls below zero – but grit may not stop roads from icing over, council warns

Featured, News / By

Back Hill and other routes in East Cambridgeshire are now back on the winter gritting route, following a major public outcry. As well as reversing its policy on night time street lighting, Cambridgeshire County Council has decided to restore last winter’s gritting routes – but it warns that even gritted roads can become icy in …

Back Hill WILL be gritted if temperature falls below zero – but grit may not stop roads from icing over, council warns Read More »

Residents welcome lighting u-turn but say black spots leave them scared at night

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“We don’t feel safe anymore”. That’s the message from residents, terrified to venture outside since their neighbourhoods have been plunged into darkness as part of a cost saving plan by Cambridgeshire County Council. As reported by Spotted in Ely, the council has reversed its unpopular policy of turn street lights off at night, following a …

Residents welcome lighting u-turn but say black spots leave them scared at night Read More »

Zombie firefighters Steal the Show with Diversity on New Year's Day

Featured, instant_articles, News / By

A Witchford dad is among five firefighters to dance alongside Diversity on TV on New Year’s Day after wowing producers with their zombie-themed safety video. Cambridge Black Watch crew commander Jeff Whitlam, 40, will be joining colleagues Myles Strickland, 23, James Ball, 35, Chloe Housden, 26, and Dom Mould, 29 as they perform on Diversity …

Zombie firefighters Steal the Show with Diversity on New Year's Day Read More »

Cambridgeshire schools attend debating competition final in Parliament organised by Lucy Frazer MP and Lord Finkelstein

Featured / By

Year 11 students from Ely College, Impington Village College, Bottisham Village College and Linton Village College attended the final of a debating competition hosted and organised by Lucy Frazer MP, in a Committee Chamber in Parliament. The competition was the culmination of inter-school rounds completed this Autumn term, and two finalists from each school were …

Cambridgeshire schools attend debating competition final in Parliament organised by Lucy Frazer MP and Lord Finkelstein Read More »

your local group could receive a share of £2,500 in a Festive Giveaway!

Featured / By

Lots of good causes in East Cambridgeshire will receive a share of £2,500 this Christmas time – and we are looking for your nominations to decide just who should benefit. Isle of Ely Produce raised £2,500 with its popular potato race, held in Ely’s High Street in October and have joined forces with city Mayor …

your local group could receive a share of £2,500 in a Festive Giveaway! Read More »

Petition launched to "restore gritting to Ely roads"

Featured, instant_articles, News / By

Plans to give major Ely roads the slip when it comes to winter gritting have been met with an icy response from the city’s Liberal Democrats, who have launched a petition to “restore gritting to Ely roads”. Ely Liberal Democrats plan to raise the issue during a meeting with Cambridgeshire County Council tomorrow (Tuesday). In …

Petition launched to "restore gritting to Ely roads" Read More »

Little angels enjoy a magical visit to Ely's Christmas Tree Festival

Featured, Gallery, News / By

Little angels (and shepherds!) enjoyed a magical start to the festive season during a visit to Ely’s Christmas Tree Festival this morning. The Cubs group at Rainbow Pre-School, aged between two and three, got a special tour of the beautiful Christmas trees on display at the Ely Methodist Church, as well as the chance to …

Little angels enjoy a magical visit to Ely's Christmas Tree Festival Read More »

Ely’s former fire chief hangs up his helmet after almost 30 years

instant_articles, News / By

The former station commander at Ely Fire Station has hung up his helmet for the very last time, after almost three decades of service. Ely resident Alan Brown, the Head of Emergency Planning and Resilience at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the county is in a ‘significantly robust position’ in the event of a …

Ely’s former fire chief hangs up his helmet after almost 30 years Read More »

Da da da da da Lovin'It!! McDonalds opens January 25th – over 100 jobs will be created

Featured / By

The new McDonalds at the almost built Leisure Village in Ely is set to open in January of next year with promises to create over 100 new jobs and even more when the licence is granted for 24 hour opening. The leisure village which sees a new Cinema complex for Ely is now expected to …

Da da da da da Lovin'It!! McDonalds opens January 25th – over 100 jobs will be created Read More »

Recycling Hero Set To Be Brought To Life Thanks To Kids Competition

Featured / By

Schoolchildren have been invited to unleash their imagination and creativity to design a recycling champion for the district. East Cambridgeshire District Council have launched an innovative competition aimed at primary school pupils who have been asked to draw or paint the hero – Michael. A winning design will be picked to front the “Be Like …

Recycling Hero Set To Be Brought To Life Thanks To Kids Competition Read More »

Internationally Acclaimed Artist Celebrates 10 years in Ely

Events, instant_articles / By

This Christmas we are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of The Angela Mellor Studio & Gallery on December 3rd/4th & 10th/11th 10.30am-5pm Angela’s love of ceramics began whilst teaching in the early 70’s and she furthered her studies in 1984 at the University of East Anglia under the direction of Peter Lane, the ceramist and author, who became …

Internationally Acclaimed Artist Celebrates 10 years in Ely Read More »

East Cambs schools face funding crisis, with huge cuts to budgets and staff by 2020, unions warn

Featured, News / By

East Cambridgeshire’s schools, already some of the poorest funded in the country, will lose teachers and suffer a funding crisis unless they receive a major cash boost, the country’s biggest teachers’ unions warn. Cambridgeshire’s schools already receive £600 less per pupil than the English average, with £4200 a year being spent per pupil – some …

East Cambs schools face funding crisis, with huge cuts to budgets and staff by 2020, unions warn Read More »

Mulled wine will get shoppers into festive spirit at Lantern Christmas Fair

instant_articles, News / By

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at the Lantern Community Primary School. The Ely primary is gearing up for its Christmas Fair next Saturday, which for the first time will be selling homemade mulled wine and fresh soup on top of its regular refreshments. In addition, there will be sumptuous cakes for sale, …

Mulled wine will get shoppers into festive spirit at Lantern Christmas Fair Read More »

Support Ely’s independent businesses this Christmas by choosing My Shop is Local

Business, Featured, News / By

Ely residents can give a double gift this Christmas by stocking up on goodies from local businesses – all at the click of a button. Supporting Ely’s independent businesses is easier than ever before, thanks to a one-stop-shop that delivers local produce straight to your door. And by shopping locally for festive groceries and gifts, …

Support Ely’s independent businesses this Christmas by choosing My Shop is Local Read More »

SPOTTY IN ELY: The Lantern goes spotty dotty for Children in Need

Featured, Gallery, instant_articles, News / By

Children and staff alike were beary surprised when Pudsey made an appearance at the Lantern Community Primary School on Friday. The Ely primary was one of numerous schools across our district fundraising for the BBC’s annual Children in Need appeal. Youngsters swapped their purple and yellow uniforms for bright spots and fluffy headbands, each making …

SPOTTY IN ELY: The Lantern goes spotty dotty for Children in Need Read More »

SPOTTY in Ely: district goes dotty for Children in Need

Gallery, instant_articles, Music, News / By

Seeing spots? Lots and lots! This week residents young and old dug out their polka dots, fluffy ears and Pudsey costumes to raise cash for the BBC’s annual Children in Need appeal. Numerous events were held in schools, preschools, baby and toddler groups and workplaces across East Cambridgeshire. At The Lantern Goslings Pre-School in Ely, …

SPOTTY in Ely: district goes dotty for Children in Need Read More »

Ely police heroes honoured during moving ceremony

News / By

Three heroic Ely cops, praised by the victim of a vicious attack in Cherry Hill Park, have received special awards for their professionalism and dedication during a moving ceremony last night (Thursday). Detective Sergeant John Yore, Detective Constable Peter Ware and Police Constable Alistair McKenzie received a Judges Commendation during the awards ceremony held at …

Ely police heroes honoured during moving ceremony Read More »

The Rickshaw Challenge gets emotional applause as it travels through East Cambridgeshire

Featured, News / By

The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge received a warm welcome from residents across East Cambridgeshire when it passed through this afternoon. Residents of all ages lined the streets of Littleport and Ely to show their support for its incredible young riders, raising money for the BBC Children in Need appeal. Each of the six young riders …

The Rickshaw Challenge gets emotional applause as it travels through East Cambridgeshire Read More »

Over 1000 Women, 65 Choirs and even some from Ely make up this years Christmas Military Wives 'Home for Christmas'

Featured / By

The Military Wives are back for Christmas 2016 – with their biggest release yet. Featuring over 1000 women, from 65 choirs across the UK and overseas, ‘Home for Christmas’ is an inspirational collection of twelve Christmas carols and songs. Following the enormous success of No. 1 single Wherever You Are in 2012, Military Wives Choirs …

Over 1000 Women, 65 Choirs and even some from Ely make up this years Christmas Military Wives 'Home for Christmas' Read More »

Ely City FC Progress to the Third Round Proper of the FA Vase to meet Welwyn Garden

Sport / By

It’s becoming a very special year for The Robins as they sweep aside Wadham Lodge from Walthamstow who are of the same level league from a different part of the UK. All 3 goals came in the first half from Alex Theobald, Kelvin Enaro and Tom Williams for Ely and even while under pressure throughout …

Ely City FC Progress to the Third Round Proper of the FA Vase to meet Welwyn Garden Read More »

The award-winning Viva Theatre Company will be staging Dad’s Army in 2017

News, Organisations / By

The production will feature three well-known episodes from the TV series: The Deadly Attachment, The Godiva Affair and Mum’s Army. In addition, a short sketch from the Dad’s Army West End show entitled The Floral Dance will also be included. The production will be staged in Soham from June 15th to 17th 2017. There is …

The award-winning Viva Theatre Company will be staging Dad’s Army in 2017 Read More »