We had a hugely successful Repair Cafe back in January 2024. We fixed a total of 26 items, prevented 69kg of waste and 230kg of CO2 emissions – that’s like growing 4 tree seedlings for 10 years!

Repair Cafes don’t just save money and reduce waste, they also bring people together. Our repairers are keen to share their skills, stop things going to landfill and reduce the impact that buying new stuff has on the environment. 

We’re looking for general volunteers and repairers to help us on the day and at future cafes. Get in touch with us at info@elyrepaircafe.org.uk. 

Please note that our repairers may not always be able to fix things, but will try their best. 

To find out more about Ely Repair Cafe and to book your items in for repair visit https://elyrepaircafe.org.uk

Find out about other events in the Cambridgeshire Repair Cafe Network: https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/repair-cafes

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Following the success of the inaugural event in 2021, and the unexpected cancellation in 2022 due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Ely Cathedral’s annual Green Fair is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever.

Over 80 trade stands, exhibitors, local organisations and environment groups will be taking part in this free event on Saturday 5th August in the grounds of Ely Cathedral. 

Demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day and will include: wood turning, weaving, flower arranging and needle felting plus children’s creative workshops by Re-Imagine. 

Visitors can enjoy wandering around the many artisan craft stalls. Food will be a major feature with several local producers alongside street food traders providing a feast of delicious options including Falafel & Halloumi Wraps, New Deli Street Food, Vegan Wraps, Asian Steamed Buns, Wood Fired Pizza, Cakes, Brownies, and locally brewed beer from the Three Blind Mice Brewery.  

National and regional organisations, dedicated to supporting our local communities and the environment, will be on hand to share their knowledge and views including The Wildlife Trust, Cam Cycle, South East Cambs Badger Group, ECDC Climate Change, Therapy Dogs and the RSPB.   

Live entertainment will be provided by Littleport Brass Band, The Riot Border Morris Dancers and Spotted In Ely Radio.  

This free event, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors, takes place on Cross Green and Palace Green on Saturday 5th August from 10.00 a.m. 

Press release from Ely Cathedral

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Hayley Ellis, founder of Eco Ely, was featured on BBC Look East on Thursday 8^th August 2019 for the work she has been doing to try and make Ely a Greener City. 

Eco Ely is a community group aimed at like-minded residents of Ely and surrounding villages, who are interested in environmental issues, sustainability, recycling and making a difference where we live.

The Facebook group has been going for just 12 weeks and has over 2000 members. As well as the group they have a Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram social media platforms.

Hayley said: “A member of Eco Ely told me that BBC Look East were doing some segments about Eco things that are happening in East Anglia and suggested I get in touch. I sent a brief email, got a call and then the filming was arranged. 

We were able to film at the Lighthouse Centre, where we had the support of Ely Nappy Library and some local mums with their babies in cloth nappies which were a great addition to the filming and they were all so well behaved! Disposable nappies make up a huge amount of the daily waste so we wanted to showcase this as an alternative for people. 

I then had a one to one interview with Emma, and she said I was very enthusiastic and inspiring and she was going to look into recycling her crisp packets through TerraCycle in her area!

The new Ely shop Prospects Trust Unwrapped were also featured, and we got to showcase their new green grocers which is opening in September, selling organic produce from the Prospects Trust Farm in Reach. They will also have a refill wall for liquid refillables and dried goods, a café serving homemade cakes and seasonal light bites, and Pods for local sellers to showcase their local products.”

Eco Ely will be holding a fundraising event at Littleport Leisure Centre on Sunday 18^th August at 7pm with a quiz and a raffle. Hayley will be showcasing some eco swaps for people to look at.

The first official Eco Ely meeting will be on Wednesday 4^th of September at 7pm at St Mary’s Church Hall in Ely. 

Hayley says “Please come and hear more about Eco Ely, bring any ideas you have or changes you would like to see. Everyone is welcome and we are open to any ideas or suggestions. We are particularly keen to set up a committee, and if you have any skills or support you would like to offer, we would love to hear from you!”

For further details of Eco Ely please find us on social media, or email ecoelycambs@hotmail.com or call Hayley Ellis on 07793 671728.

Press release from Eco Ely

You can follow all the Eco Ely news here on the Spotted in Ely website.

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On Thursday 25th July we attended the Megahertz Electric Vehicle Open day on Lancaster Way Business Park with members of Eco Ely.

The morning consisted of listening to various speakers from Megahertz, Mercedes Benz and EV-Box who all shared information about the future of electric vehicles and how the technology is developing and changing quickly to suit the needs of the electric car market. 

After lunch, the afternoon was spent having a short tour of the factory floor to see how Megahertz kit out vehicles for outside broadcasting and to see one of their electric vehicles on site complete with electric charging point. 

There was also the opportunity to drive a single seater Renault Twizy, owned by Cambridge University and a ride around in a Mercedes Benz eVito Tourer. Mercedes will be providing fleet vehicles for DPD and the Post Office in the very near future so you may see some in your neighbourhood soon!

Hayley Ellis from Eco Ely, was interested in attending to learn more about this eco-friendly way of transportation and said, “There are currently 14 electric vehicle charge points within close proximity to Ely. This needs to increase rapidly for us to meet the government recommendations. It was interesting to hear that 50% of the vehicles on the road are fleet vehicles so I hope the change starts with companies. It was exciting to hear that National Grid is developing an ultra-rapid charging network along the existing motorway system. Hearing Mercedes Benz talk about encouraging people to rent electric vehicles will help to make them more accessible financially to the general public.”

Steve Ellis from SE Electrical Services, a local Electrician, also attended and said , “It is an exciting time for the future of electrics. The forecast is for 2,000,000 electric vehicles and 186,000 charging points in the UK by 2020. Anywhere that has more than 20 parking spaces will need charging points, as well as new builds. There are government grants for Workplace Charging Schemes (WCS) and Electric Vehicle Homecharge Schemes (EVHS) and I am looking forward to attending my Accredited installation course in October to be able to install these locally.”

Spotted in Ely would like to thank Megahertz for their hospitality during the Open Day, especially the surprise ice cream as it was one of the hottest days of the year!

Photo Credit Megahertz and Spotted in Ely

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Prospects Trust Unwrapped, in partnership with Lighthouse Ely, are hosting a tabletop 2nd hand Toy Sale on 20th July 2019, from 11.30am to 2pm at their new shop location, 13 Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EG. 

With the start of the school summer holidays, Prospects Trust wanted to share its eco-aims with the younger generation.  

Prospects Trust Unwrapped will open its new venture at Lighthouse Ely in September but the team want to showcase their recent improvements to the shop front while helping parents and carers give their toy cupboards and children’s bookcases a good clear out for the Summer Holidays while providing local children the opportunity to re-home pre-loved toys that just need a new owner.  

The sale will be open to the general public in the Main Community Hall at The Lighthouse Ely and there will be an opportunity to sneak a peek at the new Green Grocery & Refill Larder during the event. 

Tom Cockerton, Unwrapped Manager said, “as a parent to three children I am aware of just how much plastic waste is connected to our young consumers.  Every child should have the joy of a new toy but it does not always need to be brand new. A local re-sale event is providing an opportunity for toys to find new homes and create more joy, without breaking the bank”.

Table Top Pitches can be booked at https://prospectsunwrappedtoyre-storysale.eventbrite.co.uk

Press release from The Prospects Trust

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The Prospects Trust will open its GREEN grocery, Farm Food Servery and Refill Larder this September in Ely.

Eager to fundraise for the first stock of the shop and to create a series of Eco/Local events, Eco Ely, Spotted in Ely and the expertise of Ely Swishers have come together to host the first fun fundraiser for Prospects Trust Unwrapped – THE BIG GREEN SWISH 2019

Prospects Trust Unwrapped will open its new venture in Ely in September, but on the 19^th July, an evening event of ‘Swishing’ will be held in the recently converted store front and community room at the Lighthouse Centre, Ely (13 Lynn Road, CB7 4EG).

Doors open at 7pm, with homemade cakes and bakes, refreshments and a raffle. Entrance fee of £5 will be donated (minus booking fees) to Prospects Trust (Registered Charity 1048584) and Eco Ely to create a programme of other Eco-events for Ely.   

For more event details please visit: https://www.facebook.com/EcoEly/   Swishing tickets can be purchased online: https://elysbiggreenswish2019.eventbrite.co.uk

Tom Cockerton, Prospects Trust Unwrapped Manager said, “I have been amazed by the local support, volunteers, donated goods and offers of help I have received since we took over the shop renovation in June.  The Swishing Event was suggested at our Public Consultation Events held in May and I am delighted to say our shop conversion is now at a phase where we can host our first ever shop out of hours event.”

Hayley Ellis, Eco-Ely Founder said, “Eco Ely is a group aimed at like-minded residents of Ely and surrounding villages, who are interested in environmental issues, sustainability, recycling and making a difference where we live. With help from Spotted in Ely this group has reached over 1300 members in just 2 months. We are hoping to increase eco-awareness in Ely and work with a wide variety of people in the community to improve our city.  We would love to raise funds to put on local events, eco-friendly workshops and raise awareness”.

Mark Cooney, Editor of Spotted in Ely, “I was delighted when Hayley contacted SiE about her Eco Ely idea and it’s been a pleasure to work with her to develop this group. We’ve worked together on an interactive recycling map for the area and we are honoured to be co-hosting and promoting this local eco-friendly event.“

This event will showcase local businesses, handicrafts and Eco products, adding more fun to an exciting evening of Swishing. Stalls will be in the main community hall of the Lighthouse with clothes rails for the Swish dotted around the new Unwrapped shop.

Ruth Buckley, the Ely Swish Co-ordinator said, “Swishing is an exchange of those pretty, classic and barely worn items we all have hiding in our wardrobes and finding something new instead! Clothes Swapping gives you all the excitement of something new to you to wear while taking an eco-step forward to avoid throw away fashion.  Do your bit and have some fun! To participate in the Swish, bring up to 10 items of clothes, shoes or Accessories. These must be wearable, ironed where relevant and clean. My rule of thumb is if you would lend it to a friend you can Swish it. The points system is as follows: 10 points for high street names, 20 for premium high street and up to 50 points for outfits, suits, evening dresses and designer items.  The check in volunteers are experienced and fair. When you check in your items, you will be awarded points according to what you have brought and your “Swicket” will be stamped in multiples of 10 points. This event welcomes previous Swishers and new people who wish to trade their clothes, rejuvenate their wardrobes AND do their bit for the environment.”

Prospects Trust Unwrapped will be a new social venture offering a Green Grocery to the shoppers of Ely and real retail experience to people with additional needs.  Prospects Trust will offer a supported training package for young people and adults to learn food hygiene, retail and customer service in their shop. The shop will stock local, seasonal and eco product ranges alongside the organic vegetables, fruits and preserves from Snakehall Farm.  A refill wall of pantry staples and a refill service of household liquids will enable Ely consumers to shop single-use-plastic-free.

Press release from The Prospects Trust

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Today, we are please to announce a new Interactive Recycle Map for East Cambridgeshire here on the Spotted in Ely website. All of the data was collected the group associated with us, Eco Ely.

With products ranging from Clothing to Electrical and from Dental to Plastic, there is now always somewhere to recycle ethically within our region.

You will always be able to find the map under the Eco Ely tab on the menu or simply click here: https://www.spottedinely.com/eco-ely/recycling-points/

The post Where to Recycle Made Easier appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Eco Ely, a Facebook group started by local lady Hayley Ellis, and supported by Spotted in Ely has grown in the two months it’s been running to over 1200 members!

One of the main objectives of Eco Ely is to look at the way the community can reduce single use plastics, ditch the disposables, increase awareness of reusing, and reducing what ends up in landfill sites. Therefore their first project has been launched!

Eco Ely Party Packs has its own Facebook page www.facebook.com/EcoElyParty, where you can make bookings to hire a Party Pack for FREE! They just ask for a £10 returnable deposit, if everything is returned back, and is clean. However, if you don’t have time to clean it, that’s also OK, they will provide you with a 50% return on your deposit, if it’s dirty, and they will clean it for you!

Hayley said, “At present we have two main party packs; one kindly donated by Becky English, and can be collected from Littleport. This is enough for 30 people, and includes plates, bowls, cups and cutlery.

The second has kindly been donated by funds from SE Electrical Services and Jessica May Betson Childminding and will be based with Jessica May Betson in Soham. This Party Pack is a little bit smaller in size and contains smaller cups, bowls, plates and cutlery sets and is great for smaller children; this set can currently cater for 16 children.  

We have also had a kind donation from MACC Media and have been able to buy some additional items like spare plates and cutlery for bigger booking, some jugs, serving bowls, serving plates and some decorative bunting to add to our items that can be hired out.

We are looking for any donations of items which can be used in our party packs, we are also looking for anyone who wishes to sponsor a pack, and anyone who wishes to host any new locations. We are hoping to launch one in Ely and Little Downham/Pymoor next.

Our hope is that every village in the Ely area will have these packs so that as a city we can Ditch The Disposables!“

For more information, please visit our Eco Ely Facebook page and group, or you can call Hayley Ellis on 07793671728 or email ecoelycambs@hotmail.com 

Press release from Eco Ely

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A local council has been working with a school in Ely to make thrown-away waste into an art display.

East Cambridgeshire District Council’s (ECDC) waste team organised the event at Lantern Community Primary School in Nene Road to produce a giant school of fish structure out of items commonly-found in litter.

The council have also enlisted the help of Fred White, who is a local artist and regularly utilises rubbish to inspire his creations. 

Previously, Fred has created a giant Temnodontosaurus Platyodon (an extinct species of marine reptile) for Wisbech Museum out of littered materials with the help of local school children.

On the event, Fred said: “I’ve worked on similar projects like this in the area for many years and it still brings me such joy to see these waste materials being made into something amazing.

“The children were fantastic and creative. I think there are a few budding artists amongst them.

“The masterfully-created fish is now swimming in their roof space from one classroom to another – it looks magical.”

ECDC’s recycling hero, Michael even made an appearance and helped to create the masterpiece.

Jessica Wyatt, a year 3 teacher at Lantern Community Primary School said: “The students have had a wonderful time creating the school of fish.

“It’s been an excellent period of learning and we hope that what they have been taught this week will stay with them.”

Jo Brooks, director of ECDC’s trading company East Cambs Street Scene, said: “Events like these are integral to showing young people the importance of recycling waste.

“The creativity of the children shows that there are plenty of inventive ways to make the most of leftover materials, something I know our recycling hero approves of.

“We pride ourselves on East Cambridgeshire being a nice place to live, work and visit, and it’s great to be teaching future generations the same message.

“We can’t wait to see more events like this in the future.”

Press release from East Cambridgeshire District Council

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