GVL Great Little Giveaway: Branching Out

Good Vibes Local £100 donation to Branching Out Branching Out is a Littleport-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities in a variety of fun work experience and social activities. Their high-quality support staff team encourage people to overcome difficulties and achieve in everyday life. The adults supported by Branching Out attend a day centre …

GVL Great Little Giveaway: Branching Out Read More »

GVL Great Little Giveaway: Supporters of Highfields Littleport Academy (SOHLA)

This term some of our students at Highfield Littleport Academy started 1-1 guitar lessons. Their teacher Penni, has built strong relationships with the students and has followed their individual interests to help them have lessons that are engaging and great fun. The class teachers have been so impressed by the progress that the students have …

GVL Great Little Giveaway: Supporters of Highfields Littleport Academy (SOHLA) Read More »

Ninja Dash a Hit at Ely Primary School

Children from the Lantern Community Primary School got to put their stealth and speed to the test during the school’s first ever ‘Lantern Ninja Dash’ yesterday (May 3rd). The fun-filled challenge, organised by Friends of the Lantern School (FOTLS), included jumping over straw bales, crawling under a cargo net, navigating tyres and weaving in between …

Ninja Dash a Hit at Ely Primary School Read More »

Isle of Ely School Celebrates another ‘Good’ Ofsted

Isle of Ely Primary School, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, has received another ‘Good’ rating following a recent inspection from Ofsted.  The school was inspected on March 7th to 8th 2023, where inspectors found no change to the school’s overall judgement – a rating it has proudly held since 2017.  The report celebrated …

Isle of Ely School Celebrates another ‘Good’ Ofsted Read More »

The Stained Glass Museum Celebrates The Coronation of its Patron, the Former Prince of Wales, with Free Open Day

Visit The Stained Glass Museum for FREE on Coronation Day and Explore Royal Connections in Glass The Stained Glass Museum is celebrating its ties to the British monarchy by opening to visitors for free all day on Coronation Day, Saturday 6 May. To commemorate His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation, visitors will be able to …

The Stained Glass Museum Celebrates The Coronation of its Patron, the Former Prince of Wales, with Free Open Day Read More »

Royal British Legion sees second ‘silent soldier’ in place at Ely’s War Memorial

At such a memorable period in the history this country, members of the City of Ely branch of the Royal British Legion have ensured that the city’s war memorial is looking its best.  Branch members and a Korean War veteran have donated the cost of a second ‘silent soldier’ to stand opposite the first which …

Royal British Legion sees second ‘silent soldier’ in place at Ely’s War Memorial Read More »

Fit For a King

Ely City Women’s Institute members have been out in force bigger, better and brighter than before to decorate Ely in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty the King. Our extremely talented members have been busy crocheting, making pom poms, creating bunting and constructing wreaths in red, white and blue.  The beautiful handiwork adorns our …

Fit For a King Read More »

Cambs O40S Win Historic National Championship

Cambridgeshire Badminton Association is celebrating an historic victory after success in the Badminton England Masters County Championships this weekend. In a finals competition spanning the weekend held at the University of Birmingham, the county’s O40 team triumphed in the finals of the season-long competition. The Cambridgeshire team comprising Daniel Bates, Neil Place, Sam Scharf, James …

Cambs O40S Win Historic National Championship Read More »

King’s Ely golfer qualifies for Faldo Series Junior Tour Grand Final

King’s Ely Sixth Form student and skilful golfer, Paul Collington, has driven his way to victory in the eminent Faldo Series Junior Tour.  Paul, who is in Year 13, beat 152 of the UK’s most able junior players in the competition, which was held at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire, from April 3rd to 5th. Paul …

King’s Ely golfer qualifies for Faldo Series Junior Tour Grand Final Read More »

Creative King’s Ely pupil is a cut above the rest in London Fashion Design Contest

An artistic King’s Ely student has been crowned a winner in a national fashion design competition. Eleanor (Nell) Kittoe, who is in Year 11 at King’s Ely Senior, was awarded first place in the ‘Eveningwear Teenage’ category of the 2023 Stitch Festival Dressmaking Competition, with her exquisite jacket, pictured. Nell was one of nine GCSE …

Creative King’s Ely pupil is a cut above the rest in London Fashion Design Contest Read More »

‘Foodie Friday’ Returns at Ely Markets this weekend – Don’t Miss Out!

After a roaring success in 2022, Foodie Friday will relaunch just in time for the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend at Ely Markets on 7th April and will run throughout the summer on the last Friday of every month. Featuring some of the most delicious food vendors from across the region, there will be something for …

‘Foodie Friday’ Returns at Ely Markets this weekend – Don’t Miss Out! Read More »

King’s Ely Rowing Community Clocks Up 620,000 Metres and £3,000 in Gruelling 24-hour Charity Challenge

Rowers at King’s Ely had their fitness and stamina tested to a whole new level – all in the name of charity. A taxing 24-hour Ergothon was held in school to raise money and awareness for the Tearfund charity’s relief efforts for people impacted by the Turkey-Syria Earthquake, and for King’s Ely Boat Club’s fundraising …

King’s Ely Rowing Community Clocks Up 620,000 Metres and £3,000 in Gruelling 24-hour Charity Challenge Read More »

King’s Ely Triumphant in Photography Competition for Fifth Year Running

Creativity and passion have resulted in a King’s Ely Sixth Form student snapping her way to victory in a prestigious photography competition. Jessica Harding, 18, has been crowned the International Winner of the ‘2023 ILFORD PHOTO Student Photographer of the Year Competition’, beating hundreds of young photographers from across the world with her poignant black …

King’s Ely Triumphant in Photography Competition for Fifth Year Running Read More »

Ben’s Yard: Visit Local British Businesses at New Retail Village

Ben’s Yard is the new dynamic retail village located in Ely (near Cambridge), set to open in Summer 2023. The new go-to destination is halfway between London and Norfolk, making it the perfect stop-over for Londoners heading out of the city. With universal access, Ben’s Yard plays host to retailers including local businesses and great …

Ben’s Yard: Visit Local British Businesses at New Retail Village Read More »

King’s Coronation Poetry Competition Launched for Young People

Young people across East Cambridgeshire are being given the opportunity to write a poem to help celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation. The competition is being run by East Cambridgeshire District Council over the Easter Holidays, with under 18s being asked to compile an illustrated poem entitled “If I were King Charles for the day.” Twenty …

King’s Coronation Poetry Competition Launched for Young People Read More »

Council leader ‘Seriously Worried’ about the basic safety of the district’s roads

The poor state of repair and the safety of roads across East Cambridgeshire is being highlighted in a letter from District Council leader Anna Bailey. Writing to Lucy Nethsingha, the Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, which is responsible for highways, Cllr Bailey said she was “seriously worried” about the basic safety and “alarmed” about the …

Council leader ‘Seriously Worried’ about the basic safety of the district’s roads Read More »

Council to invest in new veg-fuelled recycling vehicles

Recycling lorries across East Cambridgeshire could soon be running on vegetable oil. East Cambridgeshire District Council plans to buy 10 new eco-friendly recycling vehicles – which will be converted to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO generates 90 per cent less carbon than a traditional diesel fuel vehicle helping the Council make significant savings …

Council to invest in new veg-fuelled recycling vehicles Read More »

Council Celebrates the Planting of 28 New Community Orchards

East Cambridgeshire now has 28 new orchards thanks to a district council initiative to give away free trees to community groups. Churchyards, schools and public open spaces are just some of the many areas across East Cambridgeshire to receive a share of approximately 300 native fruit trees made available under the East Cambridgeshire District Council’s …

Council Celebrates the Planting of 28 New Community Orchards Read More »

Register to Vote Now to Have Your Say in District Elections

Anyone who has not yet registered to vote is being encouraged to do so now in time for the district council elections on 4th May. East Cambridgeshire District Council is writing to more than 1300 people it believes are eligible to vote but have not registered. John Hill, Electoral Registration Officer at East Cambridgeshire District …

Register to Vote Now to Have Your Say in District Elections Read More »

District Council to Install Energy-Saving Solar Panels on E-Space North

East Cambridgeshire District Council is funding a £50,000 project to add solar panels to the roof of E-Space North in Littleport – helping save up to 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. It is anticipated the panels could provide around 60 per cent of the power needs for the business hub, which supports start-ups, …

District Council to Install Energy-Saving Solar Panels on E-Space North Read More »

Extra services added on some Greater Anglia routes on Thursday 16th March

Greater Anglia can confirm that it will now be able to operate some later trains than originally planned on some routes during this Thursday’s industrial action. The additional details for Thursday 16th March are as follows: Please note that on the other Greater Anglia routes which have some services operating on Thursday all trains will …

Extra services added on some Greater Anglia routes on Thursday 16th March Read More »

Homeowners Asked to Help out Ukrainians on One Year Anniversary

East Cambridgeshire District Council is launching a renewed appeal for homeowners to help support people from Ukraine on the first year anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Since it was launched on 14th March 2022 extraordinary people from across our district have helped support more than 183 men, women and children from Ukraine fleeing …

Homeowners Asked to Help out Ukrainians on One Year Anniversary Read More »

Industrial Action to Affect Greater Anglia Services on 16/18/30 March and 1 April

Rail passengers in East Anglia are advised to check before they travel on 16th, 18th, 30th March and 1st April when strike action will affect Greater Anglia services. On 16th March there will be a reduced service operating on a limited number of routes between 07.00 and 19.00, with all last trains reaching their destination …

Industrial Action to Affect Greater Anglia Services on 16/18/30 March and 1 April Read More »

Council continues support for Sutton residents following announcement of GP closure

East Cambridgeshire District Council is continuing to push for support for Sutton residents following the announcement of the closure of the GP practice. The Council, along with many local residents, is concerned about the impact closing the GP facility in Sutton will have on the local community. This week it has been working with partners, …

Council continues support for Sutton residents following announcement of GP closure Read More »

Soham Carnival – 70th Anniversary Great Family Fun Day

The Soham Benevolent association, organisers of Soham Carnival, are looking forward to bringing you their 70th Great Family Fun Day on Sunday 30th April 2023 at the Recreation Ground in Soham. From 9am until 1pm in the main arena is the renowned heavy horse show. The parade of floats commences from 1.00pm from Holmes lane in …

Soham Carnival – 70th Anniversary Great Family Fun Day Read More »

Record Amount Raised for Charity by Ely Fireworks Team

On Saturday 5th November 2022, at Cherry Hill Park, Ely, a crowd of several thousand experienced an annual firework display later described by people as “amazing” “excellent” and, for one individual, one which London on New Year’s Eve could learn a thing or two from. Organisers Ely Community Events Team (ECET) were hugely grateful to …

Record Amount Raised for Charity by Ely Fireworks Team Read More »

Downham Feoffees Primary Academy – Celebrates World Book Day

World Book Day was a big success at Downham Feoffees Primary Academy (DFPA) yesterday and this special event saw a huge range of wonderful costumes from the children’s favourite books.  From Reception to Year 6, the school (which is part of Meridian Trust) had Matildas, Dumbledores, Christmasauruses and everything in between! The children delighted in …

Downham Feoffees Primary Academy – Celebrates World Book Day Read More »

Older People Encouraged to Plan Now for May Elections

Older people in the district are being encouraged to start thinking now about voting in the local elections this May. This year, for the first time, residents will need to show identification when casting their votes. This can include passports, driving licenses, disabled badges and bus passes. But it is widely recognised many pensioners, especially …

Older People Encouraged to Plan Now for May Elections Read More »

Giant 3D Wetland Mural to Visit Ely Cathedral on UK Tour

A 20ft long interactive wetland mural will visit Ely Cathedral this weekend (Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March) during its tour of the UK. Commissioned by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and originally unveiled in Bristol on 2nd February 2023, the mural highlights this year’s World Wetland Day theme of wetland restoration. Members of …

Giant 3D Wetland Mural to Visit Ely Cathedral on UK Tour Read More »

Ely Swimmers Show that Competitive Swimming is Not Just for Children

Not to be outdone by the success of the youngsters in the recent County Championships, the Masters squad of City of Ely Swimming Club competed at the West Suffolk Masters Swimming meet at Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 26th February 2023. Top performer for Ely was Barry Schultz with 6 gold medals in the men’s …

Ely Swimmers Show that Competitive Swimming is Not Just for Children Read More »

Sternberg Charitable Foundation Active Life Award 2023

On Thursday 9th February Margaret Clark attended an event at 11 Downing Street, London jointly organized by The Times and the Sternberg Charitable Foundation Active Life Award.   Margaret was recognized as one of 5 runners up for this prestigious award as she volunteers at VCAEC for the social car scheme, and has done since 1999.   …

Sternberg Charitable Foundation Active Life Award 2023 Read More »

Electronic Vehicle Charging Points in Council Car Parks

East Cambridgeshire District Council will be installing 24 electric vehicle charging points across its district car parks from today (Tuesday 28th February). The 7kW chargepoint units will be located at Barton Road Car Park and Newnham Street Car Park in Ely and Clay Street Car Park in Soham. The council successfully applied to the Office …

Electronic Vehicle Charging Points in Council Car Parks Read More »

Council Pledges Support for Residents Following the Announcement of the Closure of the GP Surgery in Sutton

East Cambridgeshire District Council is urgently looking into the announced closure of the GP practice at Priors Field on 31st March 2023.  We understand this is due to the current GPs retiring and the practice being unable to find new doctors who want to take on the surgery. While we expect to be formally notified …

Council Pledges Support for Residents Following the Announcement of the Closure of the GP Surgery in Sutton Read More »

Greater Anglia joins Samaritans to remind public that small talk can be lifesaving

Greater Anglia has joined Samaritans to remind the public that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by simply striking up a conversation, as part of the charity’s latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Samaritans are relaunching their Small Talk Saves Lives campaign today to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they …

Greater Anglia joins Samaritans to remind public that small talk can be lifesaving Read More »

What’s The Story

Well, quite a lot if February’s meeting was anything to go by! With a(n almost!) full house, welcoming more new members, Ely City WI has certainly been busy…. and we are only two months into 2023! Not only have members been actively contributing to raising awareness on the effects of climate change by showcasing crafted …

What’s The Story Read More »

Style and Comfort at Gravel Farm Self-Catering Cottages

Gravel Farm Cottages comprise four stylish and luxurious self-catering properties located on a family-farm near Stretham, just five miles south of the beautiful Cathedral City of Ely in Cambridgeshire. Close to local amenities, yet delightfully rural and secluded, it is perfect for holidays, business travel, family and friend celebration weekends and mini-breaks. Dog, wheelchair and …

Style and Comfort at Gravel Farm Self-Catering Cottages Read More »

District Council secures three Changing Places toilets

Ely, Littleport and Soham are each to get a fully accessible Changing Places toilet after East Cambridgeshire District Council put in a successful bid for Government funds. The disabled toilets are special because they contain a hoist and a changing bench enabling people who need personal assistance to use the toilets or get changed without …

District Council secures three Changing Places toilets Read More »

City of Ely Amateur Swimming Club Excels at Cambridgeshire County Championships 2023

Over two weekends in January and February the counties’ top swimmers gathered in Cambridge to compete at the 2023 Cambridgeshire County Championships. Twenty one swimmers achieved the qualifying times and competed in the individual events, where City of Ely ASC finished 3rd out of all the clubs in Cambridgeshire. The swimmers achieved excellent results with exceptional performances …

City of Ely Amateur Swimming Club Excels at Cambridgeshire County Championships 2023 Read More »

Cathedral Celebrates 1350 Years of Ely’s Foundation

2023 marks 1350 years since the foundation of Ely and the Cathedral and city will be celebrating this significant anniversary with a year long programme of events, exhibitions, creative storytelling, art, music and worship across the city.  The Cathedral have recently unveiled a visual interpretation around the life of Etheldreda, highlighting the four key stages …

Cathedral Celebrates 1350 Years of Ely’s Foundation Read More »

Hideout with the experts to experience winter wildlife this February half term at Welney Wetland Centre

Families can discover the UK’s greatest winter wildlife like never before this February half-term by joining WWT  Welney’s The Big Hideout. This half term the bird hides have become hideouts with activities available to take part in and the enthusiastic team at Welney on hand to help you discover the joy of birdwatching.  All the family can …

Hideout with the experts to experience winter wildlife this February half term at Welney Wetland Centre Read More »

Council approves £95,000 High Street Renewal Fund to help improve Littleport and Soham

Landlords, property owners, businesses and community groups in Littleport and Soham are being given the opportunity to apply for up to £20,000 worth of funding to improve the front of buildings or the general appearance of the town centres. Examples of projects that will be considered include minor structural or aesthetic repairs to frontages, new …

Council approves £95,000 High Street Renewal Fund to help improve Littleport and Soham Read More »

King’s Ely musician awarded Scholarship at reputable London Conservatoire

A talented King’s Ely student has secured a place at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Lauren Peck, who is in Year 13 at King’s Ely Sixth Form, has been awarded a Scholarship to study BMus (Hons) – Classical Saxophone at the London conservatoire in September 2023. She also received offers of a …

King’s Ely musician awarded Scholarship at reputable London Conservatoire Read More »

Local BBC Radio to Recognise and Celebrate Everyday Acts of Kindness with Make A Difference Awards 2023

Nominate local heroes in your community now  BBC Local Radio is once again honouring your great neighbours, super carers, and awesome volunteers for everyday acts of kindness where they live. For this year’s ‘Make A Difference Awards’ every local BBC radio station across England needs your help to find these remarkable individuals. We want to …

Local BBC Radio to Recognise and Celebrate Everyday Acts of Kindness with Make A Difference Awards 2023 Read More »

Killer performances from Ely College students who blow the roof off their ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ whole-school musical

The new January term saw Ely College students take to the stage in their version of the B-moviesque dark comedy ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’. With audiences laughing and applauding the energised and talented company, these students laid on an impressive array of musical delights with familiar hits like ‘Somewhere That’s Green’ and ‘Feed Me …

Killer performances from Ely College students who blow the roof off their ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ whole-school musical Read More »

Grants Still Available to Local Organisations

Applications are invited from local, voluntary and charitable organisations that provide a service which benefits the parishioners of the City of Ely. This includes Ely and the villages of Prickwillow, Stuntney, Chettisham, Queen Adelaide and Shippea Hill. The Council has a small budget which is allocated to grants each year. It is still encouraging applications …

Grants Still Available to Local Organisations Read More »

Community groups encouraged to apply for grants up to £1000

Community groups are being urged to apply for grants of up to £1000 being offered by East Cambridgeshire District Council. The money can be spent on new or existing projects designed to improve the quality of life for residents. Cambridgeshire-based charity Blue Smile was recently successful in applying for a £1000 grant to help support …

Community groups encouraged to apply for grants up to £1000 Read More »

Spring Programme of Talks and Workshops Announced

Find out what’s happening at Ely Museum this spring Countless resolutions are made to kick off each new year, as we promise ourselves we’ll learn or try something new. At Ely Museum this spring, there are lots of opportunities to do just that! With a programme of evening talks and craft workshops, ideal for beginners …

Spring Programme of Talks and Workshops Announced Read More »

101 Year-old Celebrates Birthday With Help of Local Schoolchildren

A choir of primary schoolchildren has helped an Ely care home resident celebrate her 101st birthday, presenting her with handmade cards and singing Happy Birthday. Lily Hale, who has lived at Lily House care home in Ely for six years, was joined by pupils from Isle of Ely Primary School and family members to celebrate the …

101 Year-old Celebrates Birthday With Help of Local Schoolchildren Read More »