Last week I was asked to judge Ely’s shopfronts along with Mayor Richard Hobbs and Councillor Alison Arnold and if I am honest was very honoured to be given the responsibility.
The three of us trawled the High Street, Forehill, Market Square, The Passages, The Cloisters and Market Street in search of the best “Winter Wonderland” theme window.
What was surprising was the number of shops who chose to take part in the first competition.
After visiting lots of shops we went back to Sessions House for a deliberation and a winner was chosen but not before we shortlisted 7 of the many shops. It was a tough decision and not unanimous.
Initially, we were only going to give one prize but after rethinking this, it was decided all 7 shortlisted businesses would receive something and finally we nailed a winner.
Mayor Hobbs said, “My congratulations to all those shops that entered into the shop window competition with the theme of ‘Winter Wonderland’ whilst the winner was the Cancer shop I believe the effect of all makes Ely a great place to shop. Well done Ely shopkeepers.”
Alison Arnold leads the Christmas committee for the Ely City Council said, “I wish to thank all Ely shops as it was fantastic to see them taking part in the City of Ely Councils, best dressed ‘Winter Wonderland’ window display competition. Many had limited space to do this and as the saying goes, where there’s a will there’s a way and is an inspiration for their willingness to participate. All were inventive, very original, unique and different. With each having flair, quality of their end product window design, it was quite hard to judge. With debating all window displays with the Mayor (Cllr Richard Hobbs), Spotted in Ely (Mark Cooney) and myself (Cllr Alison Arnold) the competition results are ……”
Cancer Research Charity Shop
When we surprised Cancer Research they were absolutely delighted. Shop manager Dawn was eager to tell me, “It was a real team effort with all our volunteers and every item was recycled. Sadly 3 of our members are not here today but well done to everyone. The 3 members who were not in are, Clare Laws, whose idea it was, Elizabeth Robinson and Mark Constable.
The other 7 shortlisted winners all received certificates.
Cherry Hill Chocolates
Mitzi
Artichoke Ely
Ely Fudge
Johnsons Dry Cleaners
Inheritance Legal Services Ltd
Lots of shops in Ely are also helping with a competition to find the missing letters from the words “HAPPY CHRISTMAS”, to enter download the form at http://www.cityofelycouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/shoppers-entry-form.pdf. For all other information see https://www.facebook.com/SpottedInEly/photos/a.614578065239647.1073741826.614301668600620/1705342876163155/
More photos of the other shops can be seen on page 3 of the new Spotted in Ely magazine, see below.
