EVENTS 37-40 ELY GROUPS

The St. Mary’s Church

Transformation

There was an invitation to everyone in Ely to get an early look inside St Mary’s Church when the doors were opened for the first time after its transformation on 27th November.

“The building has become the beautiful, accessible, flexible and functional space we’d hoped for,” said the Rector, the Rev Chris Hill. “Please do come along and take a look when you have the opportunity. Imagine how your group or organisation might like to use it. Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you are welcome here.”

The Grade 1 Listed building which dates back 800 years has a new stone floor laid with underfloor heating. Air source heat pumps will reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

“This has been a magnificent team effort,” said the Rector. “I’d like to thank all those whose generosity and hard work contributed to getting to this point, Archangel architects, Coulson and Son contractors, the members of the church who donated and the grant providers.” One of the first groups to use the building was the “Sing Together” Dementia Choir Community and Ely Choral Society’s 2022 festive concert also filled the amazing space with music. The St Mary's congregation were back in their building for the Christmas Programme of services which included a Christingle, a traditional Carol Service, a Festive Football drop-in for the World Cup final and a Crib Service. The celebration service for the reopening of the church was held on December 8th and saw an excited throng in attendance. To find out more about services in the New Year visit the church website: www.stmarysely.org.

The transformed church includes a sensory area, offering special ways to engage with the God. We hope it will be a place of expanded horizons for school children and young people, offering opportunities for hands-on discovery and imagination. We hope it will be a place of safety, hospitality and warmth, especially for those more vulnerable members of our community; a warm, buzzing place to meet old friends and new, a place to come for a chat if you are on your own.

email: editor@elyimagazine.com before 13th February 2023 for inclusion in the MARCH/APRIL 2023 issue

Quarter page posters now available to non profit groups & meets for a £30 contribution towards printing.

5th FEBRUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - CORSAGE (15) (SUBTITLED) 7.30pm

https://www.babylonarts.org. uk/cinema.htm

1st JANUARY

COME AND SING CAROLS ELY CATHEDRAL – 2.15pm

Be part of the choir for an afternoon of favourite carols in this festive free-for-all! This annual service is led by local singers and any other singers who happen to be visiting Ely and who would like to join them. Singers are asked to assemble under the Octagon at 2.15pm to rehearse. The carol choices are selected from books 1 and 2 of Carols for Choirs. Some copies will be available to borrow on the day, but we rely on most singers bringing their own books. All welcome. https://www.elycathedral.org/events/ come-and-sing-carols 15th JANUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - AFTERSUN (12A) 7.30pm

https://www.babylonarts.org. uk/cinema.htm

5th FEBRUARY

ETHELDREDA 2023 LAUNCH EVENT – ELY CATHEDRAL – 5.15pm

Throughout 2023, Ely Cathedral is celebrating 1350 years since St Etheldreda founded the very first religious community here in Ely - a joint monastery for men and women. We will be marking this important anniversary with a programme of

2023 marks 1350 years since a monastery was first established by St. Etheldreda in Ely

services, concerts and events through the year. in AD 673. To mark the occasion, Ely Cathedral is celebrating the life and legacy of this remarkable Saxon Queen who became a Saint, with a year-long programme of

events, concerts, services and exhibits. Highlights include:

All members of our congregation, volunteers • A new guided tour centring on Etheldreda’s dramatic life. • and staff are warmly invited to the launch event A timeline of visual interpretation depicting the four key stages of her life from East Anglian Princess to Anglo Saxon Saint. • A specially commissioned theatre production focused on Etheldreda • for this celebratory year. Join us under the presented by Time Will Tell Theatre. • A commemorative floral display depicting Etheldreda’s life. Two special festival services, June and October, celebrated by the Archbishop of York. • Octagon at 5.15pm, following Evensong at 4pm, A gala performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Britten Sinfonia. • Son et Lumière Evenings. for a wine reception and previews of the year’s Please check the Cathedral website for dates and times of these special events plus many other activities taking place across the city to commemorate this historic anniversary year for Ely. www.elycathedral.org programme. Tickets are free but please reserve a place here: https://www.elycathedral.org/events/ etheldreda-2023-launch-event

19th JANUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - ROYAL BALLET - LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE - 7:15pm

https://www.babylonarts.org. uk/cinema.htm 26th JANUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - NT LIVE - THE CRUCIBLE 7pm

https://www.babylonarts.org. uk/cinema.htm 9th FEBRUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (12A) 7.30pm

https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/cinema.htm

19th FEBRUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - EMPIRE OF LIGHT - 7.30pm

https://www.babylonarts. org.uk/cinema.htm Tel: 01353 616991

BABYLON CINEMA - ROH LIVE- THE BARBER OF SEVILLE - 7pm

https://www. babylonarts.org.uk/ cinema.htm Tel: 01353 616991

23rd FEBRUARY

BABYLON CINEMA - NT LIVE - OTHELLO - 7pm

https://www. babylonarts.org.uk/ cinema.htm Tel: 01353 616991

26th FEBRUARY

THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT 7.30pm

https://www.babylonarts. org.uk/cinema.htm Tel: 01353 616991

Continuing until 28th FEBRUARY

SWAN FEEDS - WELNEY

Experience one of our winter wild swan feeds enjoying commentated wild bird feeds from the comfort of our centrally-heated hide. Times: 12noon daily, 3.30pm daily, 6.30pm floodlit feeds Saturdays and Sundays only. We advise arriving at the centre 30 minutes prior to the swan feed you want to enjoy. Cost: Free to members, included in admission - you will need to purchase an admission ticket, but do not need to book spaces at the actual feeds. Groups of 12 or more people, who book to visit a swan feed can get a reduced admission fee.Open every day, except Christmas Day

ELY ARMED FORCES & VETERANS DROP IN CENTRE

On Thursday 26th January 2023 we will be opening a Drop in Centre at Ely Library to be run every Thursday from 0900 - 1300. This will be open to all members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their dependants. The aim of the Drop in Centre is to have a place for all service personnel to come and have a brew and a chat with like minded people and, if help is required, we will endeavour to signpost them to the right organisation.

We are being assisted by East Cambs District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, and have local charities and businesses on board.

We are a non profit making and volunteer run organisation and would like to thank Good Vibes Local / Spotted in Ely and Twenty Pence Garden Centre for their help in getting this project up and running. All our volunteers are ex military and are members of Ely Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. Please contact Les Wilson for any further information on 07950300122

Breaks for carers in East Cambridgeshire

Do you, or someone you know, look after a family member or friend in East Cambridgeshire? We know that carers do an amazing job and that looking after someone can be really rewarding but it can also be really hard at times, especially without a break.

We have launched a new project which can provide free short breaks to carers through the support of volunteers.

Short break volunteers can provide company for the person being looked after so that carers can take a break and do something they enjoy – such as going for a walk with a friend, going to the hairdressers, an exercise class or doing something else at home such as gardening or spending time with other family members.

If you are in East Cambridgeshire and would like to find out more you can contact us on 01480 499090 or email eastcambsproject@caringtogether.org

ELY YOUTH CHOIR

Rehearsals 6-7 p.m. Mondays in term time St Mary’s Church Rooms, Ely

• A wide range of music in great arrangements for young singers. • Training by a top choir director to perform at concerts and festivals. • Experience is not essential. There are no auditions and no fees. It’ s for ages 11 and up. Come and try!

We are part of Ely Choral Society. Message us on Facebook: Ely Youth Choir

WINTER OPEN 2023 SMALL... BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

Babylon Arts is delighted to announce our new Winter Open, presenting small but perfectly formed mini-artworks created by artists from across the region. The exhibition provides an open call out to all of our talented local artists to exhibit their mini-artworks in our gallery.

How to enter:

Calling all artists! Babylon Gallery is looking to banish the January blues with a brand new ‘Winter Open’ exhibition featuring small, but perfectly formed, artworks from across our community. The exhibition will run from Tuesday 10 January to Sunday 29 January 2023: We’ll be hoping to fill our walls with a diverse range of affordable artworks from professional and amateur artists over the age of 16. We welcome submissions from all UK-based artists, in particular those living in Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and West Suffolk. We are also keen to receive submissions from traditionally under-represented groups, such as D/deaf, disabled and neuro-diverse artists, and artists who are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Entry fee and sales commission: The entry fee for the exhibition is £5 + VAT (£6) per work, with a maximum of 6 works per artists. We want to encourage you to price your work affordably, and to minimise administration, we are asking you to choose from a small range of sale prices - £60, £90, £120 or £150. Should your work sell, Babylon Arts will charge a simple commission of £10 + VAT (£12) per work sold.

Entry Tickets: go to: https://bit.ly/bawinter22 - please purchase one entry ‘ticket’ per work. Works will then need to be brought to the Babylon Gallery from 10am – 4pm on either Friday 6 or Saturday 7 January 2023 for hanging. For full information (including FAQs) please go to https://www.babylonarts. org.uk/gallery/exhibitions.htm or you can email: office@babylonarts.org.uk.

ENTRY TO THIS DIRECTORY IS FREE FOR ANY LOCAL NON PROFIT GROUP. PLEASE SEND YOUR DETAILS IN

TO: editor@elyimagazine.com or fill in the online form here: https://bit.ly/3dszlbv ARTS & CRAFTS

THE ARTS SOCIETY - ELY On February 16th our lecture will be given by Sarah Burles and is entitled ‘The 3 grandes dames of impressionism ‘ (No meeting in January) Our lectures take place at the Old Palace, Ely. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Visitors are welcome for £7 on the door. Refreshments are available after the lecture for £1. Further information about the Arts Society can be found on our website www.theartssocietyely.org.uk or have a look at our Facebook page ISLE OF ELY ARTS SOCIETY This is a very active, friendly society which welcomes professional and leisure artists, as well as non-artists who enjoy and appreciate art. We meet on the fourth Friday of the month at the Ely museum, 7PM to 9PM. The annual membership cost is £35. For info email: elyartsociety@gmail. com or go to our website: www.elyartsociety.com PAINT-ELY Adult Art Classes - drawing, painting and life drawing classes for beginners and refreshers alike. Friendly and informal atmosphere. All are welcome! email: hello@paintely.com Tel: 07968810550 https://www.paintely.com SUGAR IN THE FENS Sugar in the Fens is a sugarcraft club for all levels and all types of sugarcraft. We meet once a month on the second Monday of the month at the Bowls Club in Ely - 7pm for 7:30 pm. (new venue from Nov 22) We have either a demonstration or a workshop each meeting. We also arrange national and international artists to come and do day/2 day classes where members get a discounted price. Come along and have some tea, refreshments and a great evening. E: sugarinthefens@gmail.com FB: https://m.facebook.com/sugarinthefens ELY GUILD OF WOODTURNERS The Ely Guild of Woodturners exists to enable amateur woodturners to further the cause of woodturning and to preserve this beautiful ancient craft. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Village Hall in Little Thetford, starting at 7pm (we offer a beginners’ instruction from 6pm). Meetings usually consist of a demonstration by a visiting expert or one of our experienced members. www.elyguildofwoodturners.org.uk SKETCHBOOK WEDNESDAY GROUP Meets 1st Wednesday of every month Venue: Riverside Bar & Kitchen, Ely Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm Price: £9 pp inadvance / £10 pp on the door/ £5 each for you and a friend's first session.Informal sociable group. All abilities welcome. Each month comes with a new theme or technique. We meet halfway to offer words of sketching encouragement and then end with a group display of our evening's sketches. Free materials included for the theme or technique but remember to bring a Sketchbook and preferred materials too (starter sketchpads and pencils available to purchase on the night) www.

instagram.com/sketchbookwednesdayclub/

To book in advance or register your interest email: artintheburrow@gmail.com TEL: 07966727289 ELY WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP We meet on Tuesday evenings during term time at Ely College to paint 1830 to 2100. During the summer term we paint outside. New members always welcome! Cost for half a year is £35. IG: @ely_watercolour_workshop FB: @ElyWatercolourWorkshop Contact: Nancy Voak: nancyvoak@gmail.com CAMPAIGN GROUPS & CAUSES

EAST CAMBS ACCESS GROUP We meet fortnightly on a Wednesday in the council offices to make written comments on planning applications, for buildings that the public use, especially for wheelchair access and for those with a visual impairment. These access concerns are added to East Cambridgeshire District Council’s response to the planning application. Everyone is welcome to become a new member of the group. For further info Tel: 07875 222861 or email:getstevecarter@yahoo.co.uk ely.org.uk/ECAccessGroup/EastCambsAG.htm EAST CAMBS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Urgently seeking to recruit new coordinators in your area Contact: Karen Springthorpe Email: karenspringthorpe@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/eastcambsnwa Phone: 01353 668390 ELY CITY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP We hold regular meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.00pm at St Peter’s House, Broad St, Ely, and would welcome new members to campaign and plan events. For info on talks and activities go to: www.amnestyelycity.org.uk email: info@elyamnesty.org.uk

ELY HUMANISTS Ely Humanist Group Normally informally meet once a month on a Saturday morning for a coffee and a chat. Details and times of meetings will be posted on the website along with any other events that may be of interest. If you’d like to stay informed, please subscribe for update emails via the website or email: elyhumanistssec@gmail.com or visit: http://ely.humanist.org.uk/ FEN LINE USERS ASSOCIATION The Fen Line Users Association was formed 35 years ago and is an independent organisation which represents the interests of users of the railway line from King's Lynn to Cambridge (the Fen Line) and services from there to London. Membership is open to all who use or have an interest in the line and the benefits include 3 newsletters every year and the opportunity to question rail industry managers directly at our AGM. For further info email the Secretary: fluasecretary@flua.org.uk or visit our website at www.flua.org.uk We would especially welcome an Ely resident or station user on our Committee. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH We support the local police force in their efforts to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and thus ensure that we live in a safer and more secure community. Through our many members we endeavour to build friendly and helpful neighbourhoods where residents feel part of their community and can rely on each other for assistance. For further information see our web site: https://sites.google.com/site/eastcambsnhw/, or contact Kevin Evans: 01353 614892 email: kevin.g.evans@ntlworld.com DRAMA & THEATRE

ELY AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY www.facebook.com/ elyamateurdramatics.org / elyamateurdramatics / @DramaEly CAMPAIGN AMATEUR THEATRE Next production: Elf the Musical 17-19 November 2022. Visit our website at www.cattheatrecompany. co.uk or contact Chair: Gemma Crossland 07896 860252 email: gemma.crossland@yahoo.co.uk DANCE

DEVIL'S DYKE MORRIS MEN Learn to dance with Devil’s Dyke Morris Men Morris Dance is a great way to keep fit, meet others and helps to keep an ancient tradition alive. Its also free to join! We would also like to hear from any musicians who would like to play for us. Venue: The Scout Hut, Bottisham, CB25 9BB. For more information or a lift contact: Gordon 01223 833983 or bagman@devilsdykemm.org.uk or visit www. devilsdykemm.org.uk EAST CAMBS DANCING FOR FUN Tea Dance Tuesdays from 2-4pm, £3.50 including refreshments. Line Dance Thursdays, Improvers 6.30-7.30pm, Advanced 7.30-8.30pm, £3.00. We meet at the Brooklands Centre Sutton. Further Details 01353 523563 or 07885 727368 HIAM SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB (PRICKWILLOW) HAPPY HIAMS LINE DANCE CLUB facebook.com/hiamslinedanceclub Wendy & Bill - 0772 9790 698 or 01353 860187 ELY & LITTLEPORT BORDER MORRIS DANCERS We are group of dancers and musicians performing Border Morris style dances, mainly our own tradition but with some traditional dances. Practices are at 8pm on Fridays in Centre E on Barton Road. If you are interested in joining us see contact details below or come along to have a look. email:contact@elriot.co.uk /www.elriot.co.uk EDUCATION

ELY COLLEGE COMMUNITY EDUCATION Ely College Community Education offer a range of VTCT Beauty Courses including Reflexology & Swedish Massage. We also offer competitive room hire rates for your local group/society. Please email: community@elycollege.co.uk for further information. ELY LIFELONG LEARNERS Ely Lifelong Learners offer an 8 week course on Gender, Crime and Justice with tutor Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe. The course will explore the different amounts of crime committed by men and women, the different types of crime they commit, the different explanations offered for their crimes, their different treatment in the criminal justice and penal systems and their different rates and types of victimisation. Venue: The Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Street Ely. Wednesday January 25th 2023, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Course fee £40. Payment by cheque only. Pre-booking and payment is preferred. Please contact Anne on 01353 662712 or at awarham575@btinternet.com ELY & DISTRICT U3A 'Live, Learn, Laugh'. We are part of a national movement for people no longer in full-time work, providing the opportunity to continue the pleasure of learning and sharing knowledge and activities. We meet at 2.30 on the first Tuesday of each month, at the Countess Free Church, Chapel Street. We have a very wide range of interest groups from craft to card games, badminton to book groups and everything in between! New members and visitors are very welcome. http://u3asites.org.uk/ely ELY DINING CLUB Contact Sylvia Farmer on Tel: 01353 777373 or email: sylvia.farmer2@btinternet.com

ELYSIAN RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP Contact: Viv Seymour on 01353 610164 or Ros James on 01353 969948 FRIENDS OF JUBILEE GARDENS *NB No experience needed - General tidying up & gardening in Jubilee Gardens. We meet at Jubilee Gardens for Working Parties. We are a friendly, welcoming group who enjoy being outside, tidying and gardening Jubilee Gardens! For more details, contact: The Subscription Secretary Judith Lockyear plockyear@hotmail.co.uk Website https:// jubileegardensely.org.uk ELY HEREWARD ROTARY We have short meetings twice a month and also organise social events and trips out. If you would like to meet us and hear more about what we do, see our Facebook page or contact Janet Porter at j.e.porter@btinternet.com INNER WHEEL CLUB OF ELY The Inner Wheel Club of Ely has been active in the local area for over 70 years. We are a social group meeting monthly and our objects are to promote true friendship, encourage the ideals of personal service and to foster international understanding. Please contact Mrs Sallis-Browne on 07737341648 for info THE LIONS CLUB OF LITTLEPORT Lions come together with others in their local communities to raise funds through friendship and teamwork. We volunteer with integrity, enthusiasm, innovation and creativity. If you would like to come along as a guest to one of our meetings please let us know so we expect you.You are under no obligation to join our club but hopefully you will like what we do and would be interested in becoming a member. If you do decide to join us your commitment is as much or little as you want it to be. We don’t expect you to commit more than you are willing to do. We usually meet on the first Thursday of the month (except August) at The High Flyer Newnham St Ely at 7.30pm. Tel: 01353 664906 or email: lionscluboflittleport@gmail.com www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/littleport FB: Littleport Lions Club LITTLEPORT ROTARY CLUB www.littleportrotary.org.uk Contact: David Ambrose Smith 01353 861010 ELY & DIST' NSPCC FUNDRAISING TEAM Fundraising events throughout the year. If you would like to get involved or support us, please get in touch with either Johanna on 07912617135 or Wendy on 01353610787. THE ORDER OF ST ETHELDREDA The Order of St Etheldreda is an opportunity for Ely Cathedral's most generous supporters to work together with the Cathedral to achieve mutual goals of prosperity and success. Order Members are invited to a programme of exclusive events that include the coveted annual Order Dinner, receive free admission to the Cathedral and Stained Glass Museum, and priority booking to popular Cathedral events and services. Contact Hannah Wilcox for info: 01353 660321 e: h.wilcox@elycathedral.org ROTARY CLUB OF ELY The Rotary Club of Ely is part of a world-wide organisation, promoting fellowship, whilst helping charities all over the world, but especially at home. We meet weekly on Wednesdays, alternating between lunchtime and evening, often with a speaker. We are always pleased to welcome new members to the Club, and if you would like to know more, please contact: John Dennick at jdennick@ btinternet.com or tel: 01353 662636. www.elyrotary.co.uk ELY WOOD GREEN FUNDRAISERS A group for animal lovers who would like to raise funds to support Wood Green and the pets and owners we support. All are very welcome. If interested please get in touch. Beth Twite 07966775455 e: Bethany.twite@woodgreen.org.uk HEALTH

KEEP ACTIVE ELY Every Thursday morning between 9am and 12pm at The Paradise Centre and is low cost exercise for over 50's and people returning to a healthy lifestyle. Badminton, T'ai Chi and Keep Fit to Music, 50 weeks a year for £4. A not for profit event. We would like to be included in the listings. For more info: faradena@yahoo.co.uk YOGA4HEALTH Classes with Paul Fox 10am - 12 noon every Friday at the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Street, Ely. Suitable for all abilities. Classes can be done in a chair or on a yoga mat (provided). Donation only. contactyoga4health@gmail.com or call 07782 413146. Pre-booking required. YOGA STUDIO ELY - MEDITATION EVENINGS Yogic Meditation, practice and theory. Chanting, dharma talks, good company. Beautiful designated yoga studio in a peaceful garden setting. We welcome yoga practitioners and anyone else interested in meditation and spiritual practice to these gatherings. Charitable donations accepted. www.yogastudioely.co.uk t: 01353 698090 e: mark@yogastudioely.co.uk Tower Farm, Little Downham CB6 2TD HISTORY

CAMBS COMMUNITY ARCHIVE This is a web site for old and new photographs of Ely and the immediate area surrounding it. Contribute photos etc by filling in the on line form on the website: www.ccan.co.uk / email:ely@ccan. co.uk

PRICKWILLOW ENGINE MUSEUM Tel: 01353 688380/720737 www.prickwillowmuseum.com www.facebook.com/museumatprickwillow THE STAINED GLASS MUSEUM For further updates and information please check the museum’s social media and website updates at: https://stainedglassmuseum.com/visiting Contact email: curator@stainedglassmuseum.com Tel: 01353 660355 HOBBY & INTEREST GROUPS

ELY ALLOTMENTS & GARDENS ASSOCIATION The Association is run by volunteers on behalf of the City of Ely Council. Our purpose is to encourage domestic horticulture and provide allotment gardens for rent to the residents of Ely in Cambridgeshire. If you would like to apply for a place on the waiting list for a plot, please go to our website: www.elyallotmentsandgardens.org ELY & DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY We will have meetings at 8.00 pm, on the following dates: 16 Jan 2023, 20 Feb 2023, 20 Mar 2023, 15 May 2023. Info can be obtained from our website. Meetings: New Room of Ely Methodist Church. Access may be obtained through the blue gates at the rear of St Mary's Street Car Park. Email: kevin.g.evans@ntlworld.com Tel: 01353 614892 https://www.elyarchaeology.org.uk ELY ASTRONOMY CLUB A club in Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK for anyone interested in astronomy and space exploration.We have regular meetings, and observing evenings. The aim of the club is to be informal, friendly and exciting. Beginners and families are welcome. Mike Stephens / mike@sulis.demon.co.uk - Facebook: Ely Astronomy Club Website: http://sites.google. com/site/elyastroclub/ ELY BRIDGE CLUB Find more info at: www.bridgewebs.com/ely/ Barry Lowe: 01353 658356 e: elybridgeclub@gmail.com ELY AND DISTRICT CAMRA The Campaign for Real Ale and its main aims are to promote real ales and cider, Pubs in our area that serve these (encourage those that don't to change), support CAMRA, organise and run festivals and outings. Tel: 01934 853656 E: contact@elyanddistrictcamra.com Facebook: @ElyandDistrictCamra Twitter:@ElyBeerFestival ELY EVENING SCRABBLE CLUB Contact: Sheila on 07879863199 (text or call), email: mail@sheilawillson.plus.com CITY OF ELY FLOWER CLUB Further info: Pat Simmonds 01353 661837 psimmonds696@btinternet.com FEN FOLKS FRIDAYS A great opportunity to meet up with others to learn more about the fens, hear speakers on fen topics, and discuss fen themes and upcoming events. Please book attendance in advance via our website. If you are a business and would like to sponsor these evenings, please get in touch an follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates go to: www.fascinatingfens.com email: fascinatingfens@outlook.com Booking: https://fascinatingfens.com/FEN-FOLKSFRIDAY/ GIRLGUIDING - ELY CITY DISTRICT We are a uniformed youth organisation for girls aged 5-18. Through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure we empower girls to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in their community. We also are seeking more volunteers to help provide these opportunities.Contacts are Alexa and Jenny email: GGElyCity@gmail.com https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ THE K9 COMMUNITY CAFE Usually meeting at the "Unwrapped' cafe at the Lighthouse centre. www.facebook.com/thek9cafe/ Tel:07552462040 ELY AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB We are a group of individuals who enjoy the hobby of model railways. We are currently building a model of Wickham Market station on the East Suffolk line in 4mm scale OO gauge. However we have members who are interested in other scales both larger and smaller. We meet regularly and will hold our annual exhibition at Ely College on Saturday 20th May 2023. If you would like to know more please visit our website, www.elymrc.org.uk or view our Facebook page @Elymodelrailwayclub. Our Secretary David Abbott will be happy to provide any further information. He can be contacted on 01353 721280 email at davidjabbott70@gmail.com ELY PHILATELIC SOCIETY Did you once collect stamps when you were younger? We’re a small friendly club and would welcome new members. Our stamp collecting interests are wide-ranging and we cater for all levels from beginners upwards. Why not come along and see what we do with no obligation. We have now changed our venue and time of meeting. We meet at the Lighthouse Centre, 13 Lynn Road, Ely from 10.00 for 10.30 until 13.00 on the first Thursday of the month. We meet in the room at the right hand end of the rear courtyard. Full details of our meetings can be obtained from our Secretary, Chris North, on 01354 659358 or 07749565418.

ELY PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB For info please contact: Phil 07739 848871 or our website at www.elyphotographicclub.co.uk has a ‘Contact Us’ form ELY-RIBE ASSOCIATION The Ely / Ribe Twinning Association. For info email: elyribe.association@ntlworld.com Chairman: Howard McMillan Tel: 01353 667949 TEMPUS AMICUS We are a small group, local to Ely and Newmarket, with an interest in re-enacting the 17th century English civil war period. We are able to portray a variety of crafts, trades, and military life during the 1640's We would be happy to visit and talk to groups or even attend your events. We are a self funded group so only ask for travelling expenses which are kept to a minimum. For more information contact tempus.amicus@gmail.com or Brian Faulkner 07871595245 ELY TREFOIL GUILD The Guild is for anyone over 18 who was ever a Brownie, a Guide or an adult leader in the Guide Association. We have members who live in Ely and the surrounding villages. We meet on the first Wednesday each month at the Guide Hall in St Johns Road Ely. We have a varied and interesting programme and would welcome new members. Come along to any meeting and see if you like us. Contact Barbara Kippax via email: bjk17@btinternet.com THE ELY WALKING GROUP We are an informal group of like-minded walkers of all ages. We meet on alternate Sundays throughout the year, come rain or shine, to walk together and enjoy the fresh air and the company of others. The group has been walking, since 1985. Our proud boast is that it hasn't cost anyone a penny. There are no obligations to walk every fortnight, you simply turn up at the specified time & place if you wish to walk that day. If you wish to know more visit our website for more details and how to contact us. email: elywalkinggroup@gmail.com https://elywalkinggroup.wixsite.com/walks LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

ELY ENGLISH LANGUAGE CAFE Do you need help with your English? If so then why not come along to the Ely English Language Café. Meetings are friendly, fun and informal, and, what's more, free! Every Tuesday and Friday mornings at 11am, at the High Flyer Pub, 69 Newnham St, Ely. Wednesdays at 11am, at Lyons Languages, Basement Office, 41 Forehill, Ely. Please e-mail if you wish to attend. Our team of volunteers are happy to help you with all aspects on the English language and culture. Bob Handley: handleybob46@gmail.com T: 01353 666367 www.elyenglishlanguagecafe.co.uk FRIENDS OF ELY LIBRARY Friends of Ely Library coffee mornings are now on the 3rd Saturday of each month in the Meeting Room between 10am and noon. At the moment, all events in the Library's meeting room, are subject to CCC rules. Please check on the Friends notice board for any updates. There will also be some books to purchase and there will be some jigsaws about too as well as refreshments and cake. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing old and new members at the coffee morning. FENPROBE TALKING NEWS Fenprobe is a free service for blind or visually impaired residents in East Cambridgeshire. We offer a smart black audio player (free of charge) with bright yellow buttons, which runs on rechargeable batteries – and the news is delivered on a USB stick. 40 volunteers help read the news, on a five-weekly rota. There’s also a monthly magazine. Users of the service need to register, and must be referred by a doctor, optician or professional carer. If you know someone who has difficulty reading the local news, and who would benefit from this service, you can contact the secretary on 01353 861153. email: jsmith9306@aol.com FEN SPEAK We are Ely's regular poetry and spoken word open mic night with a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Come along to share your work, or listen to the great variety of talent. Includes an extended headline slot from a guest performer. Usually at the Babylon Gallery, currently running online via Zoom. Third Wednesday of every other month (February, April, June, August, October, and December). Free entry, all welcome. Find out more at https://www.fenlandpoetry.co.uk/ or https://www. facebook.com/groups/fenspeak or contact: stewart. carswell@hotmail.co.uk ELY LIBRARY Cambirdgeshire Libraries - Ely. Free weekly rhymetimes, Wednesday 2pm and Friday 10.30am for 0-4 years olds. Creative Tuesday crafting session. Bring your own craft and socialise with other crafters, 10am. Monthly Engage talks, 2nd Tuesday of of each month. Lego clubs for children, Scrabble club for adults. Email: rob.gwilliam@cambridgeshire.gov.uk https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/directory/ listings/ely-library Contact details for all events and activities are: Ely.Referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, 0345 045 5225. SMALL WORLD BOOK GROUP A friendly and informal book group. If you'd like to join us email or message/follow on Facebook. Here are details for Nov and Dec (Dec for those of us who find a good book helps with Christmas). Jan 3rd: The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Jan 31st: The Eternal Audience of One by Remy Ngamije Feb 28th: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev Meet in the Royal Standard, 7-9 pm Email smallworldbookgroup@gmail.com or find us https://bit.ly/smallworldbookgroup MUSIC

ELY ACOUSTIC Everyone sits in a circle and takes turns singing/ playing a song or tune. All welcome regardless of ability/style/instrument. A hosted event is held every month 2nd Thursdays at the West End House Pub. Ely. Follow us on Facebook – Ely Acoustic CAMBRIDGESHIRE CALEDONIAN PIPE BAND Learn to play the bagpipes, snare drum, tenor drum or bass drum. Tuition is provided free of charge and we can provide instruments for beginners too. Contact Iain Soutter: iain.soutter@hotmail.com T: 07745925544 http://www.ccpb.org.uk CAMBRIDGESHIRE MUSIC Cambridgeshire Music is the county hub for music education and arts therapies. website: https://www.cambridgeshiremusic.org.uk/ email: jason.howard@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Tel: 01480 373 500 CITY OF ELY MILITARY BAND We are an amateur band comprising of Brass and Woodwind players. We get together on Tuesday evenings at Ely College throughout the year. If you are looking for a group to play with, you are welcome to get in touch via Bandmaster Phil Green 01353 721782, or online: www.elyband.co.uk ELY CHORAL SOCIETY Our large, mixed voice community choir rehearses at St John’s Primary School, Ely on Monday evenings at 7.30 to 9.30 with our conductor, Andrew Parnell. We rehearse towards four concerts each year. If you are interested in joining, please check our website, Facebook page or email our membership secretary. For further details: W: www.elychoralsociety.org E. membership@ elychoralsociety.org T: 07970 956401 FENLAND JAM We are a community group set up to support local musicians. A monthly meet-up combines all ages, styles and abilities to create what we call, Fenland Jam!Find us: https://www.facebook.com/FJELY/ ELY FOLK CLUB Folk concerts on the “teenth” Wednesday of the month with nationally acclaimed folk musicians/ bands and local support acts. Upcoming events: 18th January Dan Walsh and Brooks Williams 15th February Jackie Oates with Mike Cosgrave at the Arkenstall Centre, Haddenham, 7 for 7.30pm. For further info www.elyfolkclub.co.uk or 01353 740999/664706 ELY AREA MUSIC CENTRE The Ely Area Music Centre runs at King’s Ely Junior School, Barton Road, Ely, CB7 4DB, from 10am to 12.30pm every Saturday during term time. Contact Cambridgeshire Music: 01480 373500, Email: cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk ELY SINFONIA Ely Sinfonia was founded in November 1999 by a group led by ADeC (Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire), with the aim of becoming a beacon of excellence as East Cambridgeshire’s own community orchestra. Since then it has become one of the region’s best respected orchestras. Today, Ely Sinfonia is made up of players of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds, including school and college students, business professionals, retired people and local music teachers. Contact: 01353 721007 www.elysinfonia.co.uk SING! CHOIRS Come and join us! Everyone is welcome, with no auditions - just enjoy singing pop, rock and songs from the shows and you will be a welcome member of the groups! Contact Kathryn on kathryn@ singchoirs.com or through our website: www.singchoirs.com All sessions back in-person now so do contact us to find out more. Please also see a listing in "Support and Care" for information about a local singing group for people living with dementia and their carers. SOHAM COMRADES BAND A friendly established 1st section band based in Soham. We currently have some some vacancies so if you are a brass player new to the area and looking for a home. We have some exciting plans to build the band within the local area including a partnershipwith Soham Village College to grow our junior section. For the latest info find us and message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/sohamcomradesband. VOCELY COMMUNITY CHOIR We are an inclusive, non-audition, and very friendly community choir based in Ely. We currently rehearse on Monday evenings, 7.45pm at The Lighthouse Centre on Lynn Road. We sing all sorts of songs (mostly unaccompanied), and are welcoming new members! If you would like to join us, please get in touch (we especially need lower parts, i.e. Tenors, Baritones, Basses).Email: hellovocely@gmail.com Facebook /helloVocEly ELY YOUTH CHOIR A community choir for young singers aged 11 and up. There are no auditions and no fees. The group sings a wide range of music styles, from Handel to Hairspray, trained by professional choir director and composer Andrew Parnell. Held in the Church Rooms at St. Mary’s Church, Ely. For more details, email youth@elychoralsociety.org Find us on Facebook @elyyouthchoir

ELY WILDLIFE WATCH Ely Wildlife Watch - a roving gang of nature sleuths in and around Ely. All kids and families who want to discover and help protect Ely's wildlife are welcome. Feel free to join our Facebook group in support of Ely Wildlife Watch and/or come along to the events! Contact helen@moorehse.co.uk or look for Ely Wildlife Watch on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/49771974577 WILDLIFE TRUST - ELY LOCAL GROUP Discover more about nature both by exploring outdoors and by attending illustrated talks given by experts in their field. The group is run by enthusiastic local volunteers. It is not necessary to be a member of the Wildlife Trust to attend our events. See Wildlife Trust BCN website for more details. Will Burdett, 01353 661339, willburdett@ btinternet.com, see https://www.wildlifebcn.org/ ely-local-group ELY WILDSPACE Our vision is “To protect and enhance the Ely Wildspace environment for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.’ Our aims are to: Defend Ely Wildspace against harmful developments and strengthen its legal protection and status; Promote the enjoyment of the Ely Wildspace environment, in participation with stakeholders, local people, local government and other organisations; Enhance the Ely Wildspace environment through integrated and effective conservation management, in participation with stakeholders, local people, local government and other organisations; Promote Ely Wildspace as a place of education, in participation with local schools and other educational bodies. Contact:

lpcre@elywildspace.org.uk www.elywildspace.org.uk

WILLDERLAND FARM We are a 4.5 acre community farm, based near Haddenham. We established ourselves as a membership organisation in 2015, with the aim of growing food sustainably, supporting wildlife; benefitting members and the wider community. If you would be interested in becoming a member, please email: info@willderland.com or website: www.willderland.com RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

ELY BAHA’I COMMUNITY Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm we host a virtual zoom meeting entitled “Meaningful Conversations” where we share principles and ideas from the Baha’i perspective on personal and social transformation to which everyone is welcome to join. Zoom ID: 837 3293 7000. A very warm and relaxed group trying to make a difference in our daily life and through acts of service contribute to the betterment of the world. For info Tel or Text: 07746 761 519, Email: elybahais@gmail.com FB: Ely Baha’i Community https://www.facebook. com/Ely-Bahai-Community-734901983310678/ ELY CATHEDRAL The College, Ely. Tel: 01353 667735 www.elycathedral.org n Ely Cathedral - Mothers’ Union The Mothers' Union is a Worldwide Christian Women-led organisation with over 4 million members around the world. We offer Christian fellowship and friendship to one another, and work to highlight issues and support for the vulnerable in society, locally and overseas. Leader Gail Swanson:11yewtrees@gmail.com Landline: 01353 661576 https://www.mothersunion.org/diocese/ely n Ely Cathedral - Edward Bear Group An informal Worship group for parents/carers and babies/ young children, with stories, songs and fellowship. We meet in Powchers hall, off the Cathedral South Door entrance, at 10.00 am on Fridays, in term-time. Contact: Jean Webb E: jmw35n@gmail.com Phone: 07443598322 CHRISTCHURCH @ THE ISLE OF ELY SCHOOL Loving God, Loving People. Everyone welcome. All generations discovering faith together.16:00 Tea and Cakes – 16:30 The service begins e: office@ stmarysely.org - LandLine: 01353 659550 https://www.christchurchely.org ELY CITY CHURCH 15a Silver Street. Tel: 01353 662172 www.elycitychurch.co.uk COMMUNITY OF THE ISLE OF ELY AND THE FENS A community — without walls or borders — of the Open Episcopal Church serving The Fens. We are open, accepting of all, affirming, non-judgmental, offering the sacraments to everyone with unconditional love. We meet everyone where they are, and love them as they are! Please get in touch for sacraments; all types of blessings, including houses, boats, etc; reconciliation and healing; life (and death!) celebrations, markers, and milestones, such as anniversaries, mixed and same-sex partnership blessings, renewal of vows, etc. https://www.facebook.com/isleofelyandthefens email: FatherDavidGoode@gmail.com COUNTESS FREE CHURCH Seeking to Worship, Seeking to Serve - a vibrant community of people following Jesus welcomes you. We are on Chapel St. (opposite the Lighthouse) in Ely CB6 1AD Tel: 01353 662396 E: hello@countessely.co.uk For more info see: www.countessely.co.uk n Sunday Mornings We gather at 10.30 with groups for children & youth and all are very welcome

n Two by Two Parent n Toddler Thursdays 9.30 - 11.00 (term time only) £2 per family. Babies and toddlers with their parents/carers enjoy time to play with different activities each week. n Rich Tea Club Offering fun, faith and friendship for adults with learning disabilities plus any carers and friends. We meet once a month, usually on the third Sunday each month 3.30-5pm at Countess Free Church in Ely, for tea and biscuits, and activities including singing, Bible stories, craft and drama. To find out more call Cate on 07938187907 or see www.countessely.co.uk A whole lot more happens across the city - please see our website! ST ETHELDREDA’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 19 Egremont Street, Ely CB6 1AE n SUNDAY MASS Anticipatory Mass – Saturday, 6:30 pm Sunday - 9.00 am and 11.00 am n WEEKDAY MASS Times of Masses and other services are advertised in the church porch and on the parish website: www.elyrcchurch.com Contact Tel: 01353 662759 Parish Office email: priest@elyrcchurch.com JUBILEE CHURCH ELY Jubilee Church meets every Sunday morning at 10am at the Beet Club on Lynn Road for worship, teaching, children's work and fellowship. We also meet mid-week evenings in smaller groups. Part of the Relational Mission family of churches, Jubilee Church seeks to love God, love people and love Ely. email: office@jubileechurchely.co.uk Tel: 01353 664160. www.jubileechurchely.co.uk THE LIGHTHOUSE FELLOWSHIP n Junior Hangout Fridays 16.30 – 18.00 (Term time only) £1.50 per child. School years 3 – 6. Crafts, activities, games, snack bar. Lighthouse Centre, 13 Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EG More info: 01353 662228 or info@luvely. org n The Hangout Fridays 19.30 – 21.00 (Term time only) Youth club for secondary school age. Membership is £2.50. Session cost: £1.00 for members or £1.50 for non-members. The Garage, Chapel Street More info: 01353 662228 or info@luvely.org n Little Ones (Under one’s group) – Mondays 10.00-noon (term time only) £2 per parent. Parent and baby group. A safe space for new parents to relax and meet other new parents/guardians. n Parent & Toddler group Wednesdays 9.30-11.30 (term time only) £1.50 per adult & £1.50 per child. An opportunity for parents and carers and little ones to enjoy a friendly & relaxed environment to chat and play. n Sunday mornings 10am Church Service, we provide children & youth work throughout the morning for all ages. n LuvEly Social Club (11.00 – 14.00) This club is for our anyone over age 60 to come and join us for a time of friendship and a hot meal with bingo or a quiz. £6 per person. All at The Lighthouse Centre, 13 Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EG More info: 01353 662228 or info@luvely.org n LuvEly Support in the community LuvEly receives surplus food from local supermarkets which we make available for all in the community to collect during the week. Helping you to fill your fridge for free and reduce food waste. n ROOM/VENUE HIRE Lighthouse Centre has various size rooms available to hire. Please contact the office for prices and availability. One-off bookings or long-term. More info: 01353 662228 or info@lighthouse-ely.org ELY METHODIST CHURCH Chapel Street, Ely. Minister: Revd. Catherine Dixon on 01353 662426 https://www. elyandnewmarketmethodists.org.uk/ely.htm ST MARY’S, CHURCH OF ENGLAND EVERY SUNDAY ‘the eight30’ Traditional Service – 8:30 ‘the eleven’ Informal Worship – 11:00 Bishop Woodford House, Barton Rd ‘the nine45’ discovering together – 09:45 St. Mary’s Church Grounds and Rooms ALL MIDWEEK MEETINGS CURRENTLY IN THE CHURCH ROOMS. n MONDAY Under 1s Parents & Carers – 9:30am Mon Club for Seniors – 14:00 1st & 3rd Mondays Contact: Elizabeth Flood on 01353 662385 n TUESDAY Under 5s Parents & Carers – 9:30am n WEDNESDAY Mothers Union – 14:15pm 2nd Wed each month Bereavement Cafe - last Wed of the month - drop in 10am -12pm 23 Jan, 22 Feb, 29 Mar, 26 Apr n THURSDAY Market Day Communion – 9:30am Market Day Coffee – 10:15am Church Office email: office@stmarysely.org Landline: 01353 659550 https://www.stmarysely.org/ https://www.facebook.com/StMarysEly A church for all generations. Everyone welcome. www.stmarysely.org 01353 659 550

NEW CONNEXIONS @ HIGH BARNS Larkfield Community Centre, High Barns, Ely CB7 4SB Website: newconnexionschurch.org.uk Contact: Elder Russell Grief: russellgrief@ntlworld. com. Tel 01353 612200 Website: www.newconnexionschurch.org.uk ST PETER-IN-ELY, CHURCH OF ENGLAND Broad Street, Ely CB7 4BQ Join us every Sunday morning at 9.30am for a sung celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the AngloCatholic style using traditional language, followed by refreshments in St Peter's House. All ages welcome. www.elystpeterschurch.co.uk ELY QUAKER MEETING Ely Quakers meet every Sunday at 10.30 for an hour of worship in silence and stillness. We offer a blended meeting format that allows participants to join either in person (in the Aedwen Room, Ely Museum) or online via Zoom. Visitors are warmly welcome: please contact us for information on COVID safety or for the Zoom link. Contact:Sue Brock-Hollinshead Email: suebhisas@gmail.com ELY AND DISTRICT SPIRITUALIST CHURCH Located at Ely Museum, The Old Gaol, Market Street, Ely CB7 4LS. Free Parking available in the council offices. Every Thursday evening 19.15 - 21.00. Healing 18.45 - 19.10. Come and join our inclusive like-minded group for connections, insights and an uplifting experience. Entry is free, funded by weekly raffle funds and a collection. Raffle prizes are always welcome.For further information contact Elizabeth Burton 07769963850. SOCIAL CLUBS

ELY ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS DROP IN CENTRE Starts on Thursday 26th January 2023 at Ely Library to be run every Thursday from 0900 - 1300. Open to all members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their dependants. We are a non profit making and volunteer run organisation. All our volunteers are ex military and are members of Ely Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. Please contact Les Wilson for any further information on 07950300122 ELY AND DISTRICT EX-ROUND TABLERS CLUB For people formerly in Round Table, a social gathering to grow old gracefully.When we resume meetings, they will be at Ely City Golf Club, Cambridge Road, Ely 7.00 for 7.30 on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Contact: Nigel Davies.01353 721037 e: njdavies1@aol.com LGBT+ IN ELY & CAMBRIDGESHIRE Email: lgbtqcambridgeshire@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/LGBTEly https://www.facebook.com/LGBTCambridgeshire ELY BRANCH ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Become a member of the Royal British Legion family today and take pride in supporting all generations of the Armed Forces community. Membership starts from only £18 a year and is open to everyone. Join us today and, in return, you can then choose to hear the latest news, events and stories from inside our RBL magazine and e-newsletters. Brian Crabtree Tel: 07741 143605 http://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/ ely Contact: E-Mail: CityOfEly.secretary@rbl. community ELY CITY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We meet at the Old Dispensary, St Mary’s Street, Ely, CB7 4ER on the second Monday of each month. 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start to approximately 9.45pm. 9th Jan 2023: Quiz Night We welcome new members to join us at any time of the year. To get in touch you can visit our website: https://wielycity.wixsite.com/home or find us on Facebook (just search Ely City WI) or email elycitywi@yahoo.com ELY FAMILY GAMING Ely Family Gaming is a group for light-hearted and sociable board gaming suitable for families in the area of Ely. We meet monthly, on the 2nd Saturday of each month, at Ely Library (meeting room) 12:30pm-3:30pm. Find out more either on Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/ely-family-gaming/) or Facebook (search groups for Ely Family Gaming). ELY TUESDAY GROUP (LADIES) We are a group of ladies who meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in The Old Dispensary, St Mary's Street. 10am for 10.30 starts. Invited guest speakers. If you are new to the city and looking for a friendly group, why not come along. Contact Leslie on 07946 020001 for info ELY WOMEN’S CIRCLE We are a support group for women who want to share from the heart and be witnessed by other women in love, support, acceptance and nonjudgement. We normally have a meditation, an activity and a sharing circle. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month from 7 30 to 9 30 pm at St Peter’s rooms on Broad Street. Find us on Facebook ‘Ely Women’s Circle’ or contact Louise at ldecaux@btinternet.com ELY PROBUS A club that provides regular meetings for semiretired and retired people at The Methodist Chapel 13-15 Chapel Street Ely CB6 1AD. From Chapel Street it is the side entrance or from town the gate in St Mary's Car Park. New members are welcome to attend and if you have any questions please contact Peter Nancollis at:peterandjudy@nancollis. plus.com Full list of speakers available at: https://www.probusonline.org/ely-and-district/

ELY ARCHERS A friendly and thriving archery club. We promote shooting socially, for fun and shooting seriously for tournaments. We are based in the Cathedral City of Ely, Cambridgeshire and we shoot both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Our qualified coaches are on hand regularly to help where needed and we run archery beginners' courses throughout the summer for newcomers to the sport of archery. http://www.elyarchers.org.uk General enquiries to: info@elyarchers.co.uk. or membership@elyarchers.org.uk ELY HIGH BADMINTON CLUB We meet at Ely College Sports Hall on Wednesday evenings. Contact: Ron Grant: ron.grant@ntlworld. com. Tel: 01353 610743 ELY VICTORIA BADMINTON CLUB Contact: elyvicbad@gmail.com www.facebook.com/elyvictoriaBadminton www.badmintonely.co.uk / Twitter @ElyVicBad EAST CAMBS BASKET BALL CLUB Contact: contact@eastcambsbasketball.co.uk www.eastcambsbasketball.co.uk ELY BEET SPORT & SOCIAL CLUB Ely Beet Sports and Social Club is a Members Club, operating on a Not-for-Profit Basis, which hosts a variety of sports, offers a social facility as well as a private Members bar which is open 7 days a week. We have ample car parking facilities with dedicated disabled parking bays and we are also ideally located close to the City Centre. Tennis and Bowls are available. All courts / rinks must be booked in advance. Please see the notice board or contact the Manager for full details. Tel: 01353 666753 / 07376 404495. email: beetsecretary@gmail.com http://www.elybeetclub.co.uk/ CITY OF ELY BOWLS CLUB www.cityofelybowlsclub.org.uk Tel: 01353 665272 Email: cityofelybowlsclub@btconnect.com CITY OF ELY CRICKET CLUB www.cityofely.play-cricket.com email: cityofely_cc@hotmail.com OCTAGON CYCLING CLUB We are a friendly, local cycling club based in Ely. Formed in 2009, we are a mixed ability social group of riders. Our group boasts a couple of ex-pro racers, ladies, complete novices, newbies, charity cyclists, mechanics, pub riders, triathletes, mountain bikers, and just about anybody who enjoys getting on a road bike. email: octagoncyclingclub@gmail.com www.octagoncycling.com ELY & DISTRICT CYCLING CLUB Contact Cliff Loveday on 07823 338615 ELY CITY GOLF CLUB Contact: 01353 662751 www.elygolf.co.uk / email: info@elygolf.co.uk HEALTHY YOU A free lifestyle and signposting service offering advice and support to those wishing to be more active and to lead a healthier lifestyle. Sophie

Dalpra: 01353 616348 Sophie.dalpra@eastcambs.gov.uk Facebook @HealthyYouEastCambs Ely City HOCKEY CLUB www.pitchero.com/clubs/elycityhockey Tel: 07815 905288, Facebook: Ely City Hockey Club, Twitter: @ElyHockeyClub ELY VIKINGS KORFBALL Contact: http://www.elyvikings.com / elyvikings@ outlook.com KEEP ACTIVE ELY Every Thursday morning between 9am and 12pm at The Paradise Centre and is low cost exercise for over 50's and people returning to a healthy lifestyle. Badminton, T'ai Chi and Keep Fit to Music, 50 weeks a year for £4. A not for profit event. We would like to be included in the listings. For more info: faradena@yahoo.co.uk LET'S RUN GIRLS ELY We are a supportive running group for ladies. Our aim is to support each other to lead healthier, happier more connected lives. Look for our group on Facebook and join us to come on a run each week of about 5k around Ely. https://www.facebook. com/groups/letsrungirlsely LITTLEPORT LIONS KORFBALL Contact Andy on: andrewdunlop@hotmail.com, website: www.littleport-lions.co.uk ELY TANG SOO DO MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Contact: Mr Russell (instructor) on 07732746179 or email robertrussell_4@hotmail.co.uk CITY OF ELY NETBALL CLUB web: www.cityofelynetball.co.uk email: elycity@hotmail.co.uk ELY NETBALL CLUB Offering netball to ladies (age 16+) on Wednesday evenings, at Witchford Village College 730-9pm and also Walking Netball sessions (adults) Tuesday evenings at Ely College. Get in contact for more information. email: elynetball@hotmail.co.uk https://elynetballclub.wixsite.com/elynetball ELY ON PAR GOLF DRIVING RANGE LTD. Downham Road, CB6 2SH 16 Bay flood-lit Driving Range & 9 Hole Golf Course. All players for the golf course must have their own golf clubs and golf bags. Everyone is welcome to come and give golf a go, Live Music, Charity Days & Monthly Golf Competitions.

Tel:01353 669192 Web:www.elydrivingrange.co.uk Email: Meganonpar@aol.com RAMBLERS WELLBEING WALKS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Find a local Wellbeing Walk here: https://beta. ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/wellbeing-walks For more information or to find out about opportunities to volunteer, local coordinator: Sophie. dalpra@eastcambs.gov.uk 01353 616348 Facebook @HealthyYou EastCambs ISLE OF ELY ROWING CLUB Contact: chairman@elyrowingclub.org.uk Web: http://www.elyrowingclub.org.uk/ RIDING AND SKATING ELY (R.A.S.E.) Advocating for a new skatepark in Ely. Join RASE on Instagram and Facebook. FB/Riding and skating Ely ELY RUGBY CLUB Contact email - playrugby4ely@gmail.com Website - https://elytigers.rfu.club/ ELY RUNNERS Richard Hill:secretary@elyrunners.co.uk ELY SAILING CLUB www.elysailingclub.org e: training.elysc@gmail.com ESC MODEL YACHT FLEET Contact: ESC Model Yacht Fleet Captain on email: training.elysc@gmail.com Tel: 01353 626838 THE PARADISE CENTRE The Paradise Centre consists of two main areas, the indoor sports centre and the outdoor recreational grass area. Includes fitness centre, gym, classes, courts and rooms for hire T: 01353 667580 E: admin@paradisecentre.co.uk http://www.paradisecentre.co.uk/ ELY SQUASH CLUB Tel:01353 662156 www.elysquash.mycourts.co.uk ELY TABLE TENNIS CLUB We hold weekly practice sessions at Ely College (Needhams Hall) every Monday from 7pm to 9pm. FREE taster session for new members. Further sessions pay as you go. Adults £5.00, Under 18’s £3.00. Annual membership - Adults £10, Under 18’s £5. One to one coaching available for everyone wanting to improve. All ages and abilities welcome to join the practice sessions and one of the clubs 8 league teams. Bats available to loan. For more information contact Karen Byford, Club Secretary, elytabletennis@gmail.com or visit www. elytabletennis.co.uk ELY TENNIS CLUB Ely Tennis Club was formed in 1989 and is proud to be a community based not-for-profit organisation, with its home at the EOSA complex at Ely Leisure Village. New members are always welcome, contact:elytennisclub@hotmail.com or visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ elytennisclubuk if you are interested in having a chat, organising a tour of the facilities, or just coming along to play tennis! ELY TRI CLUB Duathlon 2022 The Ely Tri Club Duathlon (formerly the Monster Racing Duathlon) is a great way for hibernating triathletes to rub their eyes, shake out the winter legs and kick off the race season in style! For all the latest updates please go to: https://www.elytriclub.co.uk/duathlon TUJI TAEKWONDO We are a not-for-profit community martial arts club. We cater for adults and children aged 4+, including family classes where children and parents can train together. Tuji Tigers is a special class for our youngest members aged 4-6. We teach Olympicstyle taekwondo with sessions bringing together fitness, kick and strike techniques, sparring and self-defence. New members including complete beginners welcome.. Contact Lois Kim - info@ tujitaekwondo.org.uk / www.tujitaekwondo.org.uk SUPPORT & CARE GROUPS

AGE UK CAMBS AND PETERBOROUGH Working with and for older people, providing a wide range of services and support helping older people remain independent in their own homes. Tel: 0300 666 9860, FB: /AgeUKCAP e:informationservices@ageukcap.org.uk, www.ageukcap.org.uk AL-ANON FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP We are a support group for families of alcoholics. We have been meeting in Ely for 30 years. We meet every Monday at Centre 33 at 7.30pm. During these times we are meeting by zoom meetings. For details of the zoom meeting or for help and local contact numbers please call the helpline 0800 0086811. There are no fees for membership. email: al-anonuk.org.uk ST MARY’S BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ Starts Wednesday 25 January 2023, St Mary’s Church in Ely and continues on the last Wednesday of every month. Anyone who has suffered the loss of someone close to them either recently or many years ago is invited to drop in between 10am and 12 noon, have a free cup of tea or coffee and find a warm welcome and someone to chat to. Trained listeners will be on hand if needed, or just come and meet other people who are also trying to navigate their way through loss and grief. St Mary's Church, S Mary's Street, Ely. All are welcome. Dates for the next few months: 22 Feb, 29 March, 26 April. CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE Cruse Bereavement Care is a charity that has been providing bereavement support to people across the UK for over 60 years, predominately through face-to-face and group sessions. As well as www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 51

telephone support, there is also helpful information on the Cruse website at: www.cruse.org.uk If you would like telephone bereavement support, please contact the Helpline on 01223 633536 (open 9.30am-1.30pm weekdays) or the National Helpline on 0808 8081677 (open 9.30-5pm weekdays with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 8pm and Weekends 10am2pm). The service is free of charge and donations welcome. SING! TOGETHER A weekly singing and music-making group for people living with dementia and their carers, run by registered charity All In Sound. No experience needed, just come along to enjoy the singing and the music. Contact Kathryn Rowland on kathryn@ allinsound.co.uk or call 01353 662022. You can also see more on our website: www.allinsound.co.uk CARE NETWORK CAMBS Supporting Volunteers, Encouraging Independence, Developing Good neighbour projects. Tel: 01954 211919 email: volunteering@care-network.org.uk Website: www.care-network.org.uk twitter @CareNetworkCamb Facebook: Care Network Cambridgeshire ELY BABY BANK The Chicken Shed, 78 Mildenhall Road, Fordham CB7 5NR. Tel:07715 908024 Email: thesofachurch@gmail.com Opening times: Tues 10-2 / Thursdays 10-2 Out of hours by appointment only Our volunteers can deliver if you can't travel to our base. We can collect items but would love it if you could try and get them to us please. Donation drop offs- Monday- Saturday: 78 Mildenhall Road, Fordham, Ely, CB7 5NR 1 Gault Cottages, Chettisham CB6 1RU 22 Little London Road, Isleham . We are very grateful for your support. Donate online: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/ely-babybank/donate EARTH We are an Ely based charity, based at Larkfield in the High Barns area, providing horticultural experience and recreational activities for adults with learning difficulties. There is a small charge for the day. We operate on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. To find out more please call:07900 627796 on one of the above days.e: info@earthely.co.uk w: www.earthely.co.uk ELY DEATH CAFÉ At a Death Cafe people come together in a relaxed setting to openly talk about death. You set the agenda. All very welcome. Open to public & professionals. If you attend as a professional please leave your work hat at the door - we simply attend as people who will all die one day. Warning: feelings of relief, positivity and unexpected humour may occur. Free, booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ely-death-cafeonline-30153110542 Email elydeathcafe@gmail.com Facebook: Ely Death Café Twitter: @Ely_D_Cafe ELY FOODBANK Email:info@ely.foodbank.org.uk www.ely.foodbank.org.uk T: 01353 468626 OASIS ELY CANCER HUB Oasis Ely Cancer Hub is a new community spirited platform, which aims to signpost and connect people, to offer free practical help and provide well-being sessions and a positive place for anyone experiencing cancer in Ely and its surroundings. Oasis offers a calm environment in which those affected by cancer can rebuild confidence, improve their quality of life and find new skills and pastimes to build their resilience. We offer online and face to face sessions (currently at the Ely St Mary’s Church Rooms on Fridays 10:00 to 11:30AM). Contact us for a program E: oasiselycancerhub@gmail.com; Tel. 07548 183888; https://www.facebook.com/ Oasis-Ely-Cancer-Hub-107167038300494 POSABILITY PosAbility is a Cambridgeshire based charity offering chair-based and specialist exercises to people living with long-term neurological conditions including, but not limited to, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy and disabling conditions such as arthritis. We are always Positive About Your Ability www.posability.org/ E: admin@posability.org Phone: 07565598193 RICH TEA CLUB Offering fun, faith and friendship for adults with learning disabilities plus any carers and friends. We meet once a month, usually on the third Sunday each month 3.30-5pm at Countess Free Church in Ely, for tea and biscuits, and activities including singing, Bible stories, craft and drama. To find out more call Cate on 07938187907 or see: www.countessely.co.uk TMW ELY A social group of performing arts for individuals with disabilites. Contact Suzie on 07739638817 email info@touchmyworld.co.uk. www.touchmyworld.co.uk and find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ touchmyworld VERSUS ARTHRITIS A charity promoting self-management and online support groups and free physical activity sessions Email: c.preston@versusarthritis.org Phone: +447834418472

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUPPORT - CENTRE 33 ELY DROP IN Natalie Gildersleeve. natalieg@centre33.org.uk / www.centre33.org.uk Tel: 0333 4141 809 VOLUNTEERS

ELY COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Contact Emma Greaves 01353 614794 / Elycfrs@virginmedia.com / Facebook.com/ ElyCommunityFirstResponders/ ELY LITTER PICKERS A voluntary group dedicated to helping keep Ely litter free and looking its best. Ely Litter Pickers loan litter picking equipment, offer advice and safety tips, organise group litter picks, supply bin bags and labels, as well as liaise with the council. Some group members have chosen to ‘adopt’ local roads areas but there is no obligation to do so. Pick as little or as often as you want – it all helps! A rewarding and fun activity for all ages, to find out more search ‘Ely Litter Pickers’ on Facebook or contact elylitter@gmail.com / Brian Calvert 07974 082868. LITTLEPORT & ELY TIME BANK We are a friendly group of volunteers who exchange time and skills with members for free. Everyone’s time is equal and everyone has something to offer, whether visiting someone for a cup of tea or designing a website. Join us and get to know people in the community and share your passion or skill. Non members are welcome to join us at coffee morning to find out more. We are also conducting safe time exchanges and social activities within our own bubbles. For further info please email littleportandelytimebank@btinternet.com or visit Facebook: @LittleportandElyTimebank YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

GIRLGUIDING: ELY CITY DISTRICT We are a uniformed youth organisation for girls aged 5-18. Through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure we empower girls to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in their community. We also are seeking more volunteers to help provide these opportunities. Contact: Alexa and Jenny - GGElyCity@gmail.com https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/

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RELIABLE DOOR TO DOOR LEAFLET DELIVERY September onwards PRICES START AT £60/1000

Call 01353 722568 or email editor@elyimagazine.com

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EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE

It is highly unlikely that anyone across East Anglia has not heard, or heard of, EAAA and the wonderful work it undertakes. The scale of the operation – two state-of-the-art + - HS145 helicopters plus rapid response vehicles means that a substantial bank account is required to meet costs. What are the costs you might ask – well, about £3,750 a mission on average which currently translates to around £17m this year ! We receive an absolutely astounding level of active and passive support from young and, not so, young alike. We need more – please. If you have an idea by which money for EAAA can be raised please get in touch.

Quiz’s, walks, rambles, scrambles !, climbs, orienteering, collections ( at parties or at work, anything – the list doesn’t stop there. It’s fun too. This year our Trek24 raised over £88k, Only The Brave over £83k and the ‘Together We’ series a further £74k plus – please do get in touch* ( info@eaaa.org.uk ) to find out how you can join the teams or do your own thing. Remember, we run a weekly regional lottery and an accumulator – up to £25k. 2023 EAAA pocket diaries are still available for new lottery players and their introducers !

*also to find out about ‘gifts in wills’ – an increasingly important component of our overall income.

Another ‘New Years Resolution ? So, what’s stopping you ? Please help East Anglian Air Ambulance to save more lives.

Michael White

Do you need help this Winter?

Are you struggling to buy food or to pay for household bills?

The Household Support Fund is designed to provide short-term financial support for people struggling to pay for essentials such as food, heating and water.

Get in touch and see how the Household Support Fund could help you.

To apply directly to the Household Support Fund, please go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/household-support-fund or call 0345 045 5219