Elyi 73

ELY COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NFORMATION

10,000 COPIES DELIVERED DOOR TO DOOR IN ELY & AVAILABLE ONLINE www.elyimagazine.com

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The Guardian™ Warm Roof system is ideal for both new build conservatories or for replacing the polycarbonate/glass roof on your existing conservatory.

This is not a make-over. The Guardian™ Warm Roof solution is based on an insulated lightweight tiled or slate roof that will not only look beautiful, it will give you extra all-year-round living space. Installed by our own tradesmen and fully compliant with local authority building control.

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Dear Reader

Thank you to everyone who has sent in info and events for the magazine. There are lots of lovely events happening over the coming months. The May Bank holiday weekend has Ely Eel Day on the Saturday followed by the now traditional Gift, Food and Craft fair on the Sunday and Monday.

That same weekend is the Sailing Club’s first open day (second on 11th) and Soham Carnival and Heavy Horse Show on the Sunday. The Model Railway Club have their open day on Sat 18th May which is at Ely College this year – a much larger venue. The Ely Arts Festival kicks off in June, drawing together artistic events from all over the area. Most residents will get a programme through their door but if you don’t all event details are available at www.elyartsfestival.org

In June, Soham recreation Ground hosts a oneday music festival with some big-name bands headlining. See page 47. Tickets are strictly limited for this so book early to avoid disappointment. There really is something for all tastes this summer with the famous Ely Folk Festival coming up in July, Aquafest and some fantastic classical concerts including at Ely Choral Society at St Mary's and Ely Collegium at St Peter's. Go to page 50 to read what our local brass bands are up to. As usual there is a full programme of bandstand performances in Jubilee Gardens throughout the summer (May-Sept)

all the best

Bridget

You can email me on the usual address or submit event details directly here: https://bit.ly/443DKJK and don’t forget the Ely Events Listings Facebook Group - a what's-on hub for the area. www.facebook.com/groups/elyeventslistings

ELYi BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTING

CB25 Accountancy

Accountancy Service covering everything your business needs T: 07803 782423

El: info@cb25accounting.co.uk

Pride Payroll Ltd

Local payroll services for your business Tel: 07595289736 E:georgina@payroll.co.uk

ADVERTISING

The Elyi Magazine

Reflecting the richness of Ely Life

T: 01353 722568 E: editor@elyimagazine.com www.elyimagazine.com

AERIALS

BM Aerials & TV Services

All aerial, Satellite & TV work undertaken

T: 01353 863922 Mob: 07826 840 922

Email: bmaerials@gmail.com

AUTOCARE

Glovers Autocentre

For all your car & van repairs, servicing and MOTs. Also van hire and sales.T: 01353 664234 www.ggvs.co.uk / www.practical.co.uk

BOAT HIRE

Fish and Duck Marina

Self-Drive Day Boat Hire from Holt Fen, Little Thetford, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3HR

T: 01353 648081 www.fishandduck.co.uk

BUILDERS & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Art On Glass Ltd

Windows, Doors, Conservatories, uPVC Windows, Composite Doors, Conservatories

T: 01354 655200 www.aogwindows.co.uk

CJ Property Services

Handyman, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Tiling, Kitchens and Bathrooms

T: 07957 144375 E: cjhayproperty@gmail.com

Complete Kitchens

Specialists in quality German kitchens

www.completekitchensely.co.uk

E: info@completekitchensely.co.uk, T: 01353 860879

Clean Driveway

Cleaning, resanding, repairs and sealing of blocks, decking, sandstone, slabs & tarmac.

T: 01353 362283 E:contact@clean-driveway.com

DS Silcock Construction

Your local quality builders!

T: 01353 862400

E: office@dsilcockconstruction.co.uk

Ely Carpentry and Construction

A well established, loacal, family run construction company T: 07943 816901

E:ashley-elyconstruction@hotmail.com

KC Bespoke Renovations

For all your home improvement needs

T: 07383 833737

kcbespokerenovations@gmail.com

Magical Interior Renovations

Bathrooms and Kitchens, plumbing repairs, wall movement and loft conversions, T: 01353 664044

E: magicalinteriorrenovations@gmail.co.uk

MAM Tiling & Plant Hire

Stunning wall and floor tiles for every room. Selfdrive mini diggers, dumpers, trailers.

T: 01353 863916

www.mamtiling.co.uk

Sharman's Garden Centre, Camel Rd Littleport

Projects4Roofing

Enjoy your conservatory all year round, www.projects4roofing.co.uk

E: info@projects4roofing.co.uk

T: 01638 507730

Turn to Ted

For all house maintenance and garden services

www.facebook.com/turntoted.ted

Mob: 07967 796 992

E: turntoted@btinternet.com

CARE & CARE HOMES

Eaton Homecare

Short or long term care aimed at enabling you or a loved one to stay independent. T: 01223 857235

www.eatonhomecare.co.uk

The Orchards Care Home

Superior care with not-for-profit values

2 Forsythia Road Ely CB62FU

T: 01353 885165

Trinity Care

A nurse led domiviliary care company supporting people in their own homes T: 01223375100

E:office@trinitycarestaff.com

CHILDCARE

Bright Horizons

Little ones aged 3 months to 5 years learn, flourish, have fun and make friends. 5 St Thomas Place, Ely CB7 4EX For info Tel: 01353 882 040

CHILDRENS CLUBS & CLASSES

Tumbletots Ely

A fun physical activity to do with your child. from 6 months to 7yr olds in and around Ely

T: 07979757202

E:fran.badcock@tumbletots.com

https://www.tumbletots.com/ely

CLEANING

DMAK Oven Cleaning

Ovens, Hobs, Extractors, Microwaves, BBQs

T: 01353 864685

E: dmakcleaning@outlook.com

Ely Eco Cleaning Services

15 years experience in professional domestic cleaning, fully insured, fully professional. E: elyecocleaningservicesltd@hotmail.com

T: 07719140614

DANCE LESSONS

Cambridge Ballroom

Ballroom, Latin, Tango and more. More info: www.cambridgeballroom.co.uk/

EAR CARE

Ely Ear Care

Highly experienced Registered General Nurse with a specialist interest in Ear Care, T: 07984 831 177 Address: 96 Cambridge Rd, Ely www.elyearcare.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

James Loosley Electrical Ltd

Domestic and commercial installations, rewires, air conditioning, EICR/landlord certificates, EV charging and more. T: 07584 084258

E:jamesloosleyelectrical@gmail.com

TW Electrical Ely

Electrical Installations & repairs

T: 01353 862900 info@twelectrical-services.co.uk

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Absolute Sense

Your local chartered financial planning firm. T:01353 880033. 21 Market St. Ely CB74LS

E: general enquiries@absolutesense.co.uk

FLORIST

Flowers by Chloe

Independent Family Funeral Director

2 Pont’s Hill Littleport T: 01353 863200

www.flowersbychloeely.co.uk

FOOTCARE

Keifer Page Foot Health Professional

Treatment for nails,verrucas, corns & calluses and well as general Foot and nail management. T: 07810 387 185

FUNERAL SERVICE

Ely Funeral Service

Here for you when you need us most. Funerals, Private Chapel of Rest, Memorials T: 01353 666566 (Tower Rd) T: 01353 880555 (Forehill)

R. J. Pepper & Son

Independent Family Funeral Director

14 Prickwillow Rd, Ely, Cambs CB74QT

T: 01353 665300

FURNISHINGS

A.J Read Upholstery

Full and complete re-upholstery service for both domestic and commercial. Free home consultations. Quality Fabrics T: 01223 860800

www.read-upholstery.co.uk

Langtry Fitted Furniture

We design and manufacture kitchens, bedrooms & home offices T: 01353 725 380.

https://langtryfurniture.co.uk/

Newnham Street Carpets

Family run providing high quality carpets and flooring. T: 01353 662689 26-28 Newnham Street CB74PE. www.facebook.com/

NewnhamStreetCarpets

Reeds Furniture Store

A world of choice at Reeds

T: 01353 669754 E: info@reedshomestore.co.uk

www.reedshomestore.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES

Cabin Viva

Bespoke Garden Studios - beautiful, versatile, Unique. Free No obligation Quote.

www.cabinviva.co.uk

Green Thumb Lawn Treatment Service

Our year round treatments will give your grass the TLC it deserves. T: 01778 426730

www.greenthumb.co.uk

Kevin Casey Gardening Services

Garden maintenance, clearance, regular or one-off services. T: 07790682086 / 01638 602046

Let's Garden

Trained gardeners you can trust. We create the garden space you dream of. Free Quotes T: 079024 922 595 facebook.com/LetsGarden1

M Evans Landscapes

Landscaping, Fence Repairs, turfing, hedge cutting and more T: 01353 969 388

E: m.evanslandscapes@gmail.com

Paul Hopkin Paving

Block and Slab Paving Specialist, fencing and garden work. T: 07930 528 519

The Joshua Tree

All Tree Works undertaken, hedge cutting, fencing, garden maintenance and more!

www.thejoshuatree.uk/ E: jane@thejoshuatree.uk T: 01638 597711 / 07909 291094

GARDEN MACHINERY

Fenland Spirit Services

Lawnmower sales, Servicing & Repairs

T: 07753 836 499

El: fenlandspiritservices@gmail.com

www.elyimagazine.com

HOTEL

Poets House

The perfect venue for weddings, conferences and celebrations of up to 50 guests T: 01353 88777 www.poetshouse.co.uk

LEAFLET DELIVERY

The Elyi Magazine Delivery Team

Leaflet runs to Ely homes start at £65/1000 T:01353722568 www.elyimagazine.com

LOCKSMITH

Bargate Master Locksmith

24hr emergency call out service

T: 07872 169 428 E: paulbarham@btinternet.com

MASSAGE

Therapeutic Relaxing Massage

Massage in the comfort of your own home. T: 07787 594 763 E: egimiflorin@gmail.com

PIANO LESSONS

Haze Law Music

Piano tuition for all ages, also KS2 maths and English. T: 07702102406 E: hazelawmusic@gmail. com Web: www.hazelawmusic.co.uk

PET SERVICES

Mongoose Pet Services

Cat, Dog and small animal sitting/walking

E: mongoosepets@gmail.com

White Wonders Ely Pet Services

Dog training, pet sitting, dog walking services. E: info@whitewonderselypetservices.co.uk www.whitewonderselypetservices.co.uk

T: 07445 377 175

PLUMBING & HEATING

LNW Plumbing

For all your plumbing & heating needs

T: 07960 222 388 E: lnwplumbing@gmail.com

Mark Bennett Plumbing and Heating Services

Family Business with 30 years’ experience. T: 01353 862054 Mob: 07775 832 894

Mason Heating & Plumbing

Gas safe registered engineer and plumber with over 30 years experience. From boilers to bathrooms, we can help. info@masonplumberely.co.uk

T:07749 507018 M: 01353 969686

Port Plumbing

Bathroom, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Supplies

Sharman's Garden Centre CB61EW

T:01353 860093 W:www.portplumbing.co.uk

PRINTERS

ClanPress Ltd

Large and small print jobs and great customer service. T: 01553 772737,

E: info@clanpress.co.uk

SOLICITORS & LAWYERS

M C P Solicitors

Crime, Disputes, Property, Wills & Probate, Family, Company & Commercial Law. T:01353 666075

www.mcp-law.co.uk

Vine Law

Specialising in Commercial Law, Employment Law, Private Client and Property T: 01353 240079

www.vinelaw.co.uk

STORAGE

Stretham Storage

Secure and affordable storage near Ely

www.strethamstorage.co.uk

T:07723 016 591 E: admin@harv.co.uk

THERAPY/COACHING

Doula (Child birth)

A birth and post natal doula supporting your family through childbirth and beyond. T: 07972900739

E: dani.swanson.doula@gmail.com

Michael Ling Coaching

ADHD Coaching in Ely or remote. Helping you find strategies to cope and thrive.

Email: michaellingcoaching.com

Web: www.michaellingcoaching.com

Real Life Therapy

Heart-Centred Therapy from the Mind

E: realifetherapy@gmail.com

T: 07739 260027 Mob: 01353 664920,

WELDING

Tig-a-Tak

Welding Services, specialising in aluminium, steel & repairs, T:01353 667627

E: jerrytcycles@hotmail.com

Business Directory listings cost £100 for the year and can be booked online at:

https://bit.ly/31PGoZb

You look after the kids, we’ll look after the lawn

We provide a premium lawn care experience. We seed them, feed them, even control the weeds. So, you don’t have to.

For a FREE lawn analysis visit greenthumb.co.uk or contact our local team.

Wisbech branch

Call 01778 426730

Email wisbech@greenthumb.co.uk

A bright future to look forward to at Ely

Book a tour...

01353 882 040

Join our Local Governing Body (LGB) We need you!

We’re looking for Trust Governors to join the joint LGB for Highfield Ely and Highfield Littleport Academies

A Trust Governor is someone who is not currently a parent at our schools and who brings expertise, possibly from a sector ou of education, to the LGB.

If you have a passion for supporting educa opportunities for children and young peop with special education needs and disabiliti and an interest in representing the local community, get in touch today!

This is a volunteer role, with a commitment to att he schools.

ail:

In return, we offer all the training and ongoing support you need Plus it’s an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of local childr addition to your CV!

karen.jarvis@activelearningtrust.org to find out more!

scanto fnd outmore

highfieldschoolely.co.uk | highfieldlittleport.org

https://www.freecycle.org/

WAIT - DON'T THROW IT OUT!

If you no longer love your stuff, set it FREE!!

Ely Freecycle® lets people "recycle" things no longer used, but too good to throw out. The goal is to find a good home for things otherwise headed for the landfill.

Signup and join the group here. (Membership is free!)

https://www.Freecycle.org/town/ElyUK

© 2024, The Freecycle Network ®(http://www.Freecycle.org).

All rights reserved. Freecycle and the Freecycle logo are are trademarks of The Freecycle Network in various countries

ELY & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB

We have some exciting news to share. Our 44th Model Railway Exhibition in Ely will be at Ely College (CB6 3DY) on Saturday 18th May 2024 and will, for the first time, be held in the newest part of Ely College. This superb space (2 large halls and a spacious entrance lobby - see pictures) offers our visitors, invited model railway exhibitors and invited traders a number of significant im-provements.

One of the main advantages will be completely level access to all the (directly interconnecting) spaces throughout. Alongside the new location of our visitor cafe, we will also have access to a large adjacent quadrangle where we hope to have Royston Model Engineers offering train rides for young families.

Another advantage is that it should be a lot easier for our invited model railways and traders to set-up their layouts and stalls. Our Exhibition Managers are putting the final details into place and will be in contact with you all in the near future with the final exhibition pack/paperwork.

A further advantage is that we will have the use of Ely College onsite car parks (part of the old area and all of the new area). We will also have access to a large car park area at the adjacent Highfield School (2-3 minute walk from the show entrance). The best bit - we are also doubling the number of car-park marshals to help direct you to all these extra spaces and all the car park-ing is FREE.

As many of you will remember from last year’s show, if you wish to come by train we’ve got you covered too. We should again have a lovely vintage coach shuttle service running between Ely Railway Station and the Exhibition at Ely College. This is FREE - but Charles the driver would be delighted to accept voluntary donations onboard for Macmillan Nurses. We will publish a timetable for this vintage coach shuttle nearer the time.

When you arrive at the new Ely College entrance to the show, this year we will have TWO pay-ment desks (both accepting card or cash payment) and so hope to significantly reduce any queuing (we open at 10.30am, close at 4.30pm.) Note that Ely College is a non-smoking site. Dogs are not allowed on site either - except assistance dogs are welcome.

You will also be delighted to hear that, for the third year running, we will be holding our entrance prices, offering a good value day out to both modellers and families alike. This year we also hope to have a miniature traction engine offering rides around Ely College grounds for the children too.

Full details of our invited layouts and traders and further useful information will be published in the near future on our website:www.elymrc.org.uk - as well as on our Ely MRC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Elymodelrailwayclub

We’re really looking forward to putting on the show in this new, modern building at Ely College and very much hope to see you there on Sat 18th May 2024!

Live-In-Care by Eaton Home Care

Most of us wish to live in our own homes for as long as possible, but at some stage in our lives we may need round the clock help and support to do so.

Live-in-care is an alternative to residential care, with costs starting from £1,200 per week dependent on your needs, a Live In Carer allows you (and your pets) to stay in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.

As the name suggests, Live in Care means a qualified, fully vetted live in carer will live with you and support you at home. The main advantage of livein-care versus residential care is that it provides peace of mind not only for you but for the entire family, knowing there is a care professional living with you who is providing the support you need, whilst also keeping you safe.

In addition to ensuring your care needs are met, your live-in carer is there to provide companionship and assist with all those other day to day tasks that may be a little challenging. These could include general duties such us helping with meal preparation, shopping lists, appointments, cleaning, washing and changing the laundry and even ensuring the bins are put out for collection.

At Eaton, we recognise that your home is full of priceless memories and with a little help it’s a place you can continue to enjoy along with your daily routine.

To find out more about Live In Care or any of our other care at home services which Eaton Home Care offers, call and speak to one of our care specialists on 01353 881067 or visit www.eatonhomecare.co.uk.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS NO WILL?

When someone dies without a Will, the administration of their estate and asset distribution follow strict guidelines. The appointed Personal Representative (PR) has similar rights and responsibilities as an Executor under a Will.. For a single person (someone not in civil partnership or married) their children or parents deal with the administration of the estate. This is the case even if the person has been in a relationship or living with someone for many years.

For a married person, or someone in a civil partnership, their spouse deals with the administration of the estate. Even where a couple are separated (but not divorced) and the deceased has a new partner, sometimes of many years. This can cause lots of upset and worry at what is already a very difficult time.

When it comes to dividing the monies in the estate where the deceased is a single person with children, the estate will be divided equally between those children (even if they wouldn’t have wanted them to benefit from their estate). If the deceased had a spouse and children, the spouse receives the first £322,000 of the estate plus half of the remaining estate, with the

remaining half divided among the children. If the family home is solely owned and valued over £322,000, the spouse and children share ownership, potentially requiring an immediate sale, which can be distressing for the remaining spouse.

To make sure that your estate goes to the people you want it to, we always recommend putting a Will in place. If you’d like to have a chat about Wills please call Cath Collins on 01353 240079 or cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk.

Legal Solutions for Business and Life

Crime I Disputes

Property I Wills & Probate I Family Company & Commercial Law

2 Three Cups Walk, Forehill, Ely, CB7 4AN

www.mcp-law.co.uk

T: 01353 666075

Also at Peterborough, Wisbech, King’s Lynn and Thetford

Ely Hero Awards 2024 officially launched on Monday 15th April and the search is on to discover Heroes in Ely and the surrounding villages. Supported by the local Business Community this is an Event not to be missed and they need your help!

Ely Hero Awards is a Community Event designed to celebrate inspiring individuals in the community who perform good deeds. Everyone is invited to nominate a Hero in 1 of the 10 Categories via the website. The nominations are shortlisted by a Judging Panel and 3 Finalists of each Category are invited to a glamourous Black Tie Award Ceremony in September when the Winners are revealed and Heroes are Crowned.

If you know an individual worthy of an Award, this is an ideal opportunity to thank and reward them for all the good they do! Please visit: www.elyheroawards.org.uk for more details on the Category Criteria and to nominate.

Piano tuition for all ages, with a friendly and professional approach. Hazel Law GMus, P.G.C.E, L.G.S.M www.hazelawmusic.co.uk 07702 102 406 hazelawmusic@gmail.com Also available: Key Stage 2 Maths and English tuition.

As an experienced teacher with a passion for music and education, I have realistic expectations of my students, alongside encouraging them to strive for excellence. I enable pupils to achieve their goals and foster a love of learning.

ADHD

ADHD Coaching

- In Ely or remote with Michael Ling

- 10 years experience as a teacher

- Very experienced with ADHD, helping adults, children and stressed parents find strategies to cope and thrive

- No diagnosis required michael@michaellingcoaching.com

The Village Foot Clinic

Carpond Lane, Wilburton CB6 3RJ

Clinic and Mobile appts for:

vNail filing and trimming

vReduction of thickened nails

vCorns, hard skin removal etc

vDiabetics treated

vAssessment & Treatment £32

Marisa Jolley 07909 943 171

B.A (Hons) MCFHP, MAFHP Registered Foot Health Practitioner

Dementia care

Companionship

Medication support/PEG feed

Help with shopping We

Light cleaning

Respite care

Sit-in services day /night, sleep in, waking night

www. elyearcare.co.uk

Are you feeling a little deaf?

Do you have wax build up in your ears causing you problems? Do you need your ears checked before an audiology appointment?

Do you need your ears checked before an audiology appointment?

n

Contact: Ali Coghlan Registered General Nurse Tel: 07984 831177

Contact: Ali Coghlan Registered General Nurse Tel: 07984 831177

96 Cambridge Rd Ely CB7 4HU

Cambridge Rd, Ely

Highly experienced Fully insured DBS checked Purpose built treatment room CQC regulated

Highly experienced and fully insured. Purpose built treatment room.

Irrigation appointment for one or both ears £45.00

Irrigation appointment for one or both ears £40.00

Ear check up prior to irrigation or audiology £10.00

Ear check up prior to irrigation or audiology £10.00

www.elyimagazine.com

HIGHFIELD FRIENDS & PARENTS

ASSOCIATION

HFPA have some excellent news to report once again and its all down to all of you. Our quest to refurbish the Sensory Room at the Academy has been met with the most unbelievable support. The anticipated cost has been reduced and we are almost there.

Unexpected donations from anonymous sources, regular contributions and our own activities have all contributed to this wonderful position. We are already in discussion identifying our next project. Our “Owl Day” where children were able to participate raised £630, we collected outside Tesco early April, will be at Aquafest in July, two Highfield staff members are taking a skydive for us, and the Ultra Marathon Runners are collecting for us at the end of July.

We held our AGM in March; Steph a long term member is now officially our Chair, Jenny also has remained as Treasurer and Catherine also as Secretary, a very experienced and enthusiastic team. We are delighted to say that we have attracted some additional members too.

Having said this, we are still in need of further volunteers to take part in some of our hands on events. Sadly, we are not able to run our annual Car Boot Sale this year as we are short of volunteers. What we need is people who we can call on who are willing to participate from time to time, no fixed commitment, anything you can accommodate will be a great help.

You will appreciate that what we have contributed to Highfield, has provided many “resources” that the staff and children would not otherwise have the benefit of.

As always a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who have supported us.

Please get in touch with Steph our Chair who will be happy to chat through how things work and invite you along to a meeting so you can see and hear for yourself. email: hfpachair@highfield.cambs.sch.uk

Thank you in anticipation,

Linda Neate on behalf of HFPA.

ContactPRICESSTARTAT£65/1000editor@elyimagazine.com formoreinfo

• Full Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations

• Floor and wall tiles fitting

• Wall movement and loft conversion s

• Plumbing repairs and installations, radiators, leaking taps, replacing showers, baths, sinks, toilets etc

www.magicalinteriorrenovations .co.uk RELIABLEDOORTODOOR

Emergency Services magicalinteriorrenovations@gmail.com

M: 07497 105870

M: 07443401299

For all your plumbing and heating needs including :

- Boiler, cylinder and oil tank installs

- Servicing and landlord certificates

- Central heating systems

- Taps, showers and bathrooms

- General repairs and maintenance

Email : lnwplumbing@gmail.com

Mobile : 07960 222388

MAYOR AND MAYORESS OF ELY HOLD FUNDRAISING GALA FOR LOCAL NSPCC BRANCH

Over 100 residents attended the NSPCC Ely Gala at The Maltings last Friday to fundraise for and celebrate the local NSPCC branch.

Guests, including former Ely mayors, were treated to musical acts from The Allen Family, a five-piece string quartet, Julia Stead, who sang a selection of ballads and The Loose Covers, playing covers from the 1960’s until the present day, as well as a selection of finger foods.

Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and his consort Mrs Mary Rone held the event following Mary’s decision to name the NSPCC as the city’s charity of the year. He said, “I would like to thank the NSPCC Committee for all their hard work. The purpose of the evening was to raise money for a very good cause, but along the way it was also important for us to enjoy ourselves with good people, music and food. The good work of the branch is known to us all and there are many thousands of children and young people who benefit from the work of this organisation and tonight was about making a contribution to that and I think we achieved it.”

Last year, the NSPCC Ely Branch raised over £16,000 for the charity with various events including jazz evenings and summer suppers and this year they want to raise even more.

Committee members have also been reaching out to nearby villages in hopes to expand their

committee and do even more for the charity throughout 2024 and beyond.

Johanna Partridge from the NSPCC Ely Committee, said: “For over 40 years this branch has continued to build on our fundraising efforts for the charity and we have a lot of support from the local community, which aids us in our efforts. We have many events planned throughout 2024 and are hoping to attract some new members to help us expand on this work.”

Throughout spring and summer, the Ely Branch is holding more events and is inviting the public to attend. These include a Summer Supper event on 21st June and various events across Ely and nearby villages will take place to celebrate the NSPCC’s forthcoming Childhood Day, on 7th June.

NSPCC Trustee for the East and schools service volunteer, Derrick Mortimer, who also attended the event, said: “I’m a schools service volunteer and I go around schools in Cambridgeshire and teach children a programme called Speak out, Stay safe. This is aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 primary school children and helps them to understand where to go and who to speak to if they have any worries or concerns. Most of our funding comes through donations, so without the generosity from guests at events like this one it simply wouldn’t be possible to deliver these vital services to children.”

If you would like to find out more about being part of the NSPCC Ely Branch or how you can attend and support a forthcoming event, please contact johanna.partridg@hotmail.co.uk

Increase your Confidence!

A professional, friendly service every time.

Natalie & Jasmine are a mother and daughter team who both run their own businesses from their clinic in Chettisham, near Ely.

Natalie is an experienced and licensed Advanced Aesthetician qualifying 35 years ago. Her passion and area of expertise is in the treatment of benign skin lesions. For example thread veins, skin tags, milia, cherry angioma, seborrhoeic keratosis, sebaceous hyperplasia, xanthelasma, syringoma, age spots, warts and verrucas. You name it - Natalie can probably fix it for you! Her treatments offer a safe and proven route to improved skin, with minimal skin reaction and downtime.

Natalie's passion for helping her customers is very clear, "The transformation I have seen in clients once they have committed to treatment is amazing. Increased confidence, self-esteem and happiness! With the NHS now not treating benign skin lesions clients are very relieved to find me" she says.

Jasmine studied at the prestigious Cambridge school of beauty therapy gaining CIBTAC & CIDESCO in Electrical epilation. Jasmine has seen first hand the demand for Electrolysis treatments with how busy her mother has been over the years. It’s safe and effective for permanent hair removal.

"It's so lovely to see clients gain new found confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin again. It's not a quick fix of course, so I offer a course of treatments to sort your problem hair once and for all. It's such a joy to see clients walk out of the clinic having taken the first step." says Jasmine.

You can book in by calling or emailing

Natalie for Skin blemish removals 07724 168 646

email:nj.skinclinic@gmail.com

www.nataliejacksonskinclinic.com

Jasmine for permanent hair removal 07709 531 410

email: jjelectrolysis@gmail.com

insta: @jjelectrolysis

*website coming soon!

CITY OF ELY COUNCIL

During the past 5 years, The Maltings has gone from strength to strength. We offer a wide range of events for all ages of the community from Family Raves to Boogie nights, Live Music to Theatre productions, Comedy Nights to Wrestling, Drag Bingo to Cabaret shows, Hobby fairs to Pagan Fayres, Art Exhibitions to Cinema Screenings. We specialise in Weddings and pride ourselves on being able to make your special day exactly what you want.

The Maltings has multiple events running every week so you are sure to find one that sparks your interest, we are home to the Ribe Tapestry which is on display in our Foyer for all to see, if you haven’t seen it as of yet, we would love to show you! The Maltings is a stunning listed venue which we, City of Ely Council, have worked tirelessly to uphold and improve for all to enjoy in the years to come. We have had all the lighting changed to LED to help lower our Carbon Footprint, a new PA system – from Mono to Stereo - which helps bring all our new events to you, new retractable tiered seating to add a bit of comfort whilst you are enjoying one of our many bands, theatre performances, Babylon Arts Cinema, or even attending a conference!

We are about to start the process of renovating our entrance doors so we can make them easier for disabled access as well as having a new and improved platform lift fitted so all the venue is accessible to everyone. Plans have already been submitted for approval to replace all the windows

facing towards the river. The Maltings will only grow in the years to come and will be the place to be in Ely! We look forward to seeing you here!

Lola Howell, The Maltings Venue Manager Cllr Richard Morgan, Chairman of Assets Committee City of Ely Council

Eel Day 2024 is celebrating its 20th year this year! Having started in 2004, the event grown over the years, and now extends to three days of celebrations.

You’ll find the event team at Cross Green from 10 am as they prepare the annual parade. Led by our wonderful eel and the volunteers, followed by a samba band and six morris and molly dance groups, the parade will depart at 10.30 am. Once arrived at Jubilee Gardens, the samba band will continue to play! This will be followed with a short speech from the Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips as he officially opens the show and commemorate 50 Years of the city of ely council, and official city status. A time for all of us to celebrate what a fantastic city we have.

The City of Ely Council event (organised by Visit Ely) is thankfully sponsored by the Riverside quarter restaurants, this year is bigger and better than ever. We have the environment agency in attendance with their elver tank, eels to throw in our famous competition, and to eat fresh from our seafood/fish stall.

Appearing in the arena on Eel Day (4th May) you can enjoy many dance displays and Sing Choirs!, face painting, small fairground and of course eel throwing !

Sunday and Monday we move up to Palace and Cross Green to continue celebrating the city of Ely with a Food, Drink and Craft Fayre! We have a few returning delights and many new and exciting traders attending the 2024 celebration. This is chance to browse, taste, purchase (we hope!) and chill in the lovely surroundings! There will be musical entertainment on both areas for you to enjoy, so pitch up your deckchair and have fun! Anna Bennett, Tourism and Events Manager has quoted ‘Once again we bring you this fantastic three-day event, full of things to see and do. Please do and come for the whole weekend and celebrate Ely with us, we have so much to offer! We have great train links to Ely, and of course free parking, but do remember to plan your journey in advance.’

For a full list of traders attending and what’s on, please refer to our website www.visitely.org.uk and our social media channels, Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram. If you have any questions regarding the event, please send an email to info@visitely.org.uk

Ely Armed Forces Day

We have much to celebrate in 2024, and there’s a wonderful, family friendly event for you all to attend. Saturday, June 22nd, Ely will be commemorating Armed Forces Day, a national event, celebrated throughout the country. The event will be held on Palace and Cross Green, Ely and will be an all-day event.

As mentioned above, Armed Forces Day is a national event and a chance to show your support to all men and women and animals, that were and are part of the Armed Forces community. They could be currently serving troups, family of the armed services, veterans, and cadets.

There are many ways people, communities, and organisations across the country can show their support. Here in Ely, The City of Ely Council, Visit Ely and the City of Ely Royal British Legion are collaborating to put on an event for Ely.

In attendance this year at Royal Armed Forces Day, expect to see a myriad of old vehicles and displays, Armed Forces charities, youth organisations, music, and food.

Anna Bennett, Ely’s Tourism, Town Centre, and Events Manager said “We really hope if you are visiting Ely that weekend, or you are a resident, please join us from 10.30 am, with a short parade (TBC) leaving Ely War Memorial at 10.15 am. We all need to give our thanks and praise for the Armed Forces and their community”.

Anyone interested in bringing old military vehicle should contact Matt at VistitEly or Dave Martin at: cityofely.chairman @rbl.community

80th CELEBRATIONS OF D-DAY

On June 6th, 2024, we will all join together as a nation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. To commemorate this occasion, a small service will be held 11am at the war memorial, Ely, so please join us as we remember those that sacrificed their lives, so we can lead the life we do today. Further church services will be announced, so please do check websites www.visitely.org.uk and social media channels.

ELY STATION PLANT SPOTTERS

News and pics from our volunteer day on 27th March

Thank you to all those that came to help with beautifying the station recently. The tubs on all 3 platforms were weeded removing all the dead plants and a rather large grass mound that had found its way into one of the tubs!

They then turned the soil over and started sowing some wildflower seeds along with planting donated lily of the valley so we are very excited to see how that will turn out! They also planted some sweet peas and structured obelisk for them to grow up.

The wildlife garden at the end of platform 1 was covered in weeds that had really got comfortable into the ground and was quite a job to remove them. Once these were removed the soil was all turned over and levelled out, we are really hoping this year we can start to grow things in this area

of the station. Above are the before and after pictures. What a transformation!

We had our new hanging baskets and barrier basket delivered from our grant we received from the Hereward community rail partnership and once we get some fresh compost delivered we can get these up on display too!

Later on in the day we had Bev join us from Hereward Community rail partnership who had bought us in some new bright yellow vinyl for the background of our poster board to really brighten it up and give it a little refresh! She has some great plant knowledge and intends to bring in some seeds and plants to get started in our newly weeded and refreshed wildlife garden.

A massive thank you to all that volunteered some of their most valuable time - Nigel, Janet, Ben, Naomi, Jem, Bev and Will.

The station received a much-needed weed and refresh after the cold winter months along with some new bedding plants and wildflower seeds. We were amazed with the turnout of people!

Jade Wilkinson

The wild life garden

Weeding the platform tubs

FACES OF ELY

A project for 2024 by local photographer, Richard Frewin, celebrating people volunteering in our community. Go to Facebook to nominate!

Ruth Marley Director of Reimagine Resource Centre

Ruth started reimagine in 2013. The centre has two main aims. Firstly, to help save and use the materials we already have on our planet, and second, to help people who would like to use art, craft and play materials but can’t afford them. The centre is a hub of creative energy with a successful Community Kitchen and Solidarity Larder which support many families in Ely and the surrounding villages with fresh, healthy food collected from supermarkets and local food businesses.

Re-imagine’s mission is to promote sustainability, creativity, and imagination through events, creative reuse, educational programs, material re-allocation, and community partnerships. Their goal is to inspire innovative ideas on how to divert materials from the waste stream and transform them into resources to help the local community. They have over 150 local and national businesses that redirect resources destined for landfill and over 3500 members to their resource centre.

Ruth’s favourite thing about Ely is the Heroes she meets as a Judge for The Ely Hero Awards. She admires the strength of those who show up for their community while facing their own battles. Re-imagine is a place of creativity, giving and unity. They want to continue the work they do to help those struggling in our community and strive to support those facing tough times. Ruth is so proud of what she and her team have achieved: “Our eco-credentials are fierce and we are super proud of our constant commitment to our community and the planet”.

Richard Frewin Photography

info@richardfrewin.com

Tel: 07780 115 809

Facebook: Faces of Ely

Jenny Fletcher Secretary of Soham Pumpkin Fair and Jigsaw Magazine Editor

Jenny has been the secretary of the Soham Pumpkin Fair since 2007. The Fair runs annually on the last Saturday in September.

This year, they will be celebrating the 50th Pumpkin Fair. The Fair aims to raise money and awareness for local charities and groups while providing the community with an enjoyable day out. Over the years, they have raised over £60,000 to support local charities and beneficiaries have included 1st and 4th Soham Brownies, Ely Hockey Club, Soham United FC, and local schools. Other clubs and groups take part and raise funds themselves with their own stalls, games, and activities.

The Fair takes almost a year of planning and Jenny’s role as secretary involves much of the documentation, and receiving/responding to information requests, emails, and letters. As a small committee, Jenny has many other roles such as competition secretary where she updates print and social media with new competition information, communicates with schools and organisations that are involved, and ensures trophies are returned and engraved. She is also the brochure manager and writes and invoices advertisers and compiles the brochure for proof reading.

Jenny puts so much work into the Soham Pumpkin Fair to support clubs and charities and provide an enjoyable day out for the local community. Check out their website and perhaps put the date in your calendar. http://www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk

ANGLESEY ABBEY

We’ve enjoyed welcoming young visitors to Anglesey Abbey over the school holidays for the Easter Adventures trail, bubble shows and facepainting. We’d like to say a huge thank you to our volunteers* who helped put a smile on faces over the Easter holidays and to our student volunteers from the Green Team at Cambridge Regional College who helped create the giant bird boxes on the trail. The gardens are bursting with spring colour at the moment as the ‘Little beauty’ tulips appear under the silver birches and the Formal Garden boasts rows of hyacinths soon to be replaced with African marigolds. We are delighted to announce that we are extending our Rose Garden at Anglesey Abbey by 20 new rose beds on the south side of the garden to create an even more impressive display in the summer. David Austin Roses have generously donated 180 roses including ‘Emily Bronte’, ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ and ‘Queen of Sweeden’ – come back and see all 60 rose cultivars looking blooming lovely in the summer!

We are about to launch a new exhibition on the ground floor of the house and in the gardens called ‘Artists of East Anglia’. From 1 May until the end of 2024, come and see some of the many English landscape paintings that Lord Fairhaven commissioned by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, to contemporary depictions of the estate by Leonard Squirrell and Edward Seago. There will also be opportunities over the summer for visitors to engage creatively with the exhibition through watercolours and photography.

In May half-term, there will be lots of fun for families as ZooLab are bringing their ethical animal encounter shows to Anglesey Abbey. Come along to meet the likes of snakes, snails and spiders and enjoy a weird woodland trail around the gardens. Please head to our website to book tickets and find out more. We are also looking forward to starting up our Under 5’s Gardening Club on weekdays from 3 June to 12 July. More details to follow next time! And don’t forget, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are coming to Anglesey Abbey on 17 August to perform

HAMLET outdoors. Tickets are on sale on our website now.

* If you’re interested in volunteering at Anglesey Abbey please get in touch. We’re currently on the lookout for a helping hand in welcoming visitors in the car park over May half-term.

WICKEN FEN

We’ve enjoyed a busy February with lots of activities on for both children and adults, including the return of our popular Stick Trail. It’s been a good month for wildlife too – we’ve been seeing lots of cranes as well as hen harriers and barn owls hunting over Sedge Fen at dusk.

We celebrated World Wetlands Day on 2 February and one of our rangers, Ajay Tegala, took part in a podcast for BBC World Service, discussing the question: are wetlands our secret weapon for fighting climate change? If you’d like to find out more about the importance of our wetlands and the work we are doing to protect them, you can listen on BBC Sounds. Search for: The Climate Question.

National Lottery Open Week is 9 – 17 March and we will be offering free entry for lottery players during this period. Our free February half-term workshops were made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and with thanks to lottery players, so we’d like to show our appreciation by offering lottery players the chance to visit free of charge.

Boat trips along Wicken Lode will be starting up again (with a brand-new engine too!) and you can enjoy a bike ride on the wider reserve. The Cycle Hire will be open from 9 March 2024. We are excited about putting on our Easter Adventure Trail from 23 March – 14 April along the Boardwalk at Wicken Fen. Normal admission applies, plus £3 per trail which includes a chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. We look forward to welcoming you!

Photos: Mike Selby

A bit of History

A bit of History about Ely’s Eel Day - a remarkable event!

Beginning in 2004, Eel Day looked to bring the community together and celebrate the rich history and long-held relationship between Ely and the humble Eel. It is no exaggeration to say that without Eels there would be no Ely. It was eel farming that fed not only the residents but the wider economy, it was with eels that the stones to build and repair our world-famous cathedral and it is even said that our very name is derived from the Saxon words for Island of Eels.

From eel gleaves (the bladed forks used to hunt them from shallow-bottomed boats) featuring on the City crest to businesses featuring Eels in their name and even a city-specific sushi with the key ingredient of Eel you can easily see the continued influence after all these years.

Though the draining of the fens would eventually impact the eel population and cause a decline in that particular economy, the legacy has been preserved and promoted with Eel Day.

Eel Day has grown, from a small event to a weekend-long celebration, but some things have stayed the same. The parade, headed by a large eel, has continued and was only halted by the pandemic, the arena still buzzes with performances including Lantern Dance School who have danced at every single Eel Day! With over forty stalls, and the chance to dine on eel, this event has become part of the beating heart of the city.

What is Ely without the Eel? Perhaps now it is more important to ask what is Ely…. Without Eel Day?

MAY

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

Ely Sinfonia

Contemporary Classical Music

A sparkling evening of film music

by John Williams, William Walton, Vangelis, Elmer Bernstein and others.

Ely Cathedral CB7 4DL Tickets £10 - £25

4th May 2024 7.30pm www.elycathedral.org/events

50

GOLDEN YEARS OF THE CITY OF ELY!

• Stalls

• Singing

Including Ely’s Food, Drink and Craft Festival 2024

Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

• Dancing

• Competitions

• Folk music

• Real ale

• Re-enactments

• Children’s crafts

• Tasty street food

• Crafts

• Cocktails

• Food demonstrations

• And so much more!

For more info go to www.visitely.org.uk

SHAKATAK

The Maltings Pop Music

This music still glows as brightly as that first hearing...Shakatak aren't just a band, they were the soundtrack to our lives

The Maltings, Ely CB74BBm Tickets £32.45 10th May 2024 doors 6.45pm start: 7.30pm

https://thelittleboxoffice.com/oeplive/event/ view/170124

THE ROLLING CLONES

Event Horizon

Tribute Act

Formed in 1997, the Rolling Clones have been entertaining crowds for almost 25 years, distilling the show down to a pure hit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The Maltings Ely CB7 4BB Tickets £25.85 11th May 2024 7.30pm (Doors 6.45pm)

www.seetickets.com/event/the-rolling-clones/ the-maltings/2799013

GERRY COLVIN BAND

Ely Folk Club Folk Music

This multi-talented singersongwriter - catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics on love, society, angst and Johnny Cash! www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

Arkenstall Centre, Haddenham

Tickets £12 adv/£13 on door Tel: 01353 740999

15th May 2024 7 for 7.30pm

https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014764

CILLA & THE SWINGING 60S SHOW

60S Music

Starring the unforgettable voice as seen on ITV and previous West End Singer, Sandy Smith as Cilla, along with her stunning backing dancers,

The Maltings Ely CB7 4BB Tickets £15.00 + fee 23rd May 2024 7.30pm (Doors 6.45pm)

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sandzentertainment/t-pqkepqy

MAY

A SELECTION OF LOCAL EVENTSIN AND AROUND ELY. WE WELCOME INFO FOR EVENTS LISTINGS FOR EACH MAGAZINE. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR JULY/AUGUST 2024 EVENTS BY 17/6/24 Simple Listings free / guaranteed non profit posters £30 email here: editor@elyimagazine.com or use the form here: https://bit.ly/443DKJK

Hi. I am organising a Crafter's Destash Event at Hardwick Primary School, Limes Rd, Hardwick (CB23 7RE) on Saturday 18th May from 11-3.

“What is a Destash”, I hear you ask? It is, essentially, a tabletop sale; providing crafters with the chance to sell off their excess supplies, and buy more items that they want. In addition, it enables new or beginner crafters to gain from the experience and knowledge of more experienced crafters in a fun and friendly environment. Environmentally, it helps keep items from going to landfill, too. It is NOT a craft fair!

This is the first such event for the area. There are loads of crafters out there – especially since Covid. This is the opportunity they have been waiting for! Who knows, Sellers might even find new and exciting bargains all around them that they want to buy instead!

We will be raising money for local charities EACH and SfC (Scrubs for Cambridgeshire). There will be more than 30 stalls selling a wide variety of crafty bargains including Yarn, Fabric, Beads, Haberdashery, MDF, Resin, Papers, Craft CDS, Craft Equipment, Children’s Crafts, Forever Flowers, Macramé, Items for Upcycling and lots more.

Admission will be free. Coffee and homemade cakes will be available all day. Assistance dogs only, please. Everyone is welcome, so we hope to see you there!

Clare Diston

ELY OPEN GARDENS

SUNDAY 2ND JUNE

Sunday, June 2nd will see the annual Ely Open gardens take place once again. Last year, we welcomed over 500 guests through our garden. Altogether, we raised just over £6,000 for the NGS to donate to charities, some large, such as Marie Curie, and some small, such as Horatio’s garden. It was a record breaking year.

It’s my pleasant duty to invite you and any family or friends to come and visit the seven gardens opening this year, and hopefully beat last year’s record total. Open from mid day ‘till 6pm, you have the opportunity to visit gardens not usually open to the public. Come and see what we’ve been up to in the past year and enjoy a pleasant walk around Ely.

Refreshments will be available at the Methodist Church in Chapel Street from 12.30pm ‘til 6.00pm, and are cash only sales. Please note that although we hope to have contactless facilities to pay for entrance to the gardens, anything on sale in the gardens will also be cash only. If you’re thirsty on your way round, you will have the opportunity to have light refreshments in one of the gardens.

If you’d like a preview of the gardens, go to elyopengardens.weebly.com and click on the gardens page. Any questions? You can contact us via the website contact page.

Entrance to all of the gardens is £10 per adult, individual gardens at £3.00, and under 16s free. Bookings may be made by following the links on our website, or by going to the NGS website and following the links.

We look forward to seeing you,

Ken Ellis

To mark the anniversary of John Wesley's visit to Ely, 250 years ago, the Methodists of Ely are planning some special events this year.

On JUNE 13th at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church in Chapel Street they will be welcoming The Revd. Dr. The Lord Leslie Griffiths. He will be speaking about his work as Labour Whip in the House of Lords and how it impacts on his role as a ‘retired’ Methodist Minister. Lord Griffiths is an excellent and interesting speaker and ALL are welcome to come to hear and question him.

LORD GRIFFITHS TO COME TO ELY.

Andy Abraham (X FACTOR FINALIST)

NANCY ANN LEE (80’s REVIVAL)

sammy magic MAGIC

Viva!: Vocal Vibes ed cusick INCLUDED WITH ENTRY:

BUZZ PUPPETS

PUPPET PETTING SHOW

STEEL DRUM BAND

BUMPER CARS • HELTER SKELTER

BUNGEE TRAMPOLINES

BOUNCY CASTLE • MAGICIAN

BALLOON MODELLER

FACE PAINTERS LOTS AND LOTS OF FREE FAMILY FUN!

For tickets and more information

www.sofest.co.uk

NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN

Ely Folk Club Folk Music

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best-known and most experienced folk duos on the British circuit today. www.elyfolkclub.co.uk

Arkenstall Centre, Haddenham

GREAT CHORAL

Tickets £12 adv/£13 on door Tel: 01353 740999 19th June 2024 7 for 7.30pm https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014768

GREAT CHORAL CLASSICS

Ely Choral Society

Classical Music

A lovely summer concert in the beautiful St mary's Church. Tickets include refreshments

Saturday, 13th July 2024, 7.00 pm

St Mary's Church Ely Tickets £20 (£5 U18) 13th July 2024 7.00pm www.elychoralsociety.org

St Mary’s Church, Ely

Saturday, 13th July 2024, 7.00 pm

St Mary’s Church, Ely

Ely Choral Society, Ely Youth Choir, Glen Dempsey organ Andrew Parnell conductor

Ely Folk Festival returns to showcase a wealth of folk, roots and acoustic music over 12-14 July; all located on a lovely rural site behind Ben’s Yard on the Stuntney Estate. A jewel of an event, the festival is small and family friendly (dog-friendly too!), and as well as music, includes a packed programme of kids entertainment; food trucks and craft stalls; real ale bar and gin bars.

There is an eclectic range of music across three stages including folk rock, Americana, blues and roots, and traditional folk acts. Headliners include music legend Eddi Reader, Celtic fusion band Peatbog Faeries, contemporary folk band Breabach, acclaimed duo O’Hooley & Tidow, veteran performer Jez Lowe, and musicians extraordinaire and festival patrons Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams who will host a special concert. Other highlights are folk legend John Kirkpatrick, award-winning

Morganway, Canadian band The Fugitives, troubadour Rory McLeod and folk-rockers Rusty Shackle. Also performing will be local favourites Barefoot Doctors, Kitewing, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Guise, Wilswood Buoys, Frog on a Bike, Stumpy Oak and many more.

The festival also includes ceilidhs, morris displays, workshops, ‘meet and greets’ with festival performers, open mic & jam sessions, and singarounds.

Getting to the festival site is easy – a free shuttle bus will run between the festival site, rail station & city centre all weekend. Car parking & camping are available.

Ticket prices start at £32.

Details of performers, tickets and lots more are available at: www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk & our facebook & Instagram pages.

Bands Bands Bands!

Soham Comrades Brass Band

Soham Comrades Band have a full & fun packed Summer Concert programme ahead. From carnival to garden party; park bandstand to seaside prom; commemoration service to music festival, you will find us filling the air with a few melodies you may well know. Come and enjoy a selection of music - showtunes like Hello Dolly, Over The Rainbow, Come Follow The Band; film music such as The James Bond Theme, Colours of the Wind from Pocahontas, Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission: a bit of traditional music with Men of Harlech, Highland Cathedral, Lincolnshire Poacher; sounds of a big band with Mood Indigo, Someone to Watch Over Me; some brass band favourites Bandology, Instant Concert; and last but not least, a taste of the Proms with Fantasia on British Sea Songs.

To see us in action:

5/5/24 Soham Carnival, outside the Pavilion 11am to 12.30pm

19/5/24 Hunstanton Bandstand, 2 to 4pm 2/6/24 Soham St Andrews Church Service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Soham train explosion, 10am

2/6/24 SOFEST (times to be confirmed) 7/7/24 Brass on the Grass Garden Party, The Hall, Sand Street, Soham, 3 to 5pm

21/7/24 West End Park, March, 2-4pm

1/9/24 Ely Bandstand, Jubilee Gardens, 2.30 to 4.30pm

For further details about the band, to make contact to book or join the band, please see: www.sohamcomradesband.org

The City of Ely Military

The City of Ely Military band are looking forward to summer this year with two prominent concerts planned in Ely.

We will be performing at The Methodist Church, Chapel Street on Tuesday 18th June, 7.30–9pm. This is a free concert.

We will start playing at 7.30pm and encourage everyone to come and listen for as long as you like, pop- in anytime, bring the children for a few minutes to see a live band. It is a relaxed atmosphere, and you can jump up anytime to purchase refreshments kindly provided by the ladies of the Church.

Our Jubilee Gardens date this year is 28th July, 2.30 – 4.30pm. We hope for a lovely afternoon by the river, no baking heat, and no thunderstorms, we have had them both, not good for bandsmen. Come and grab an ice-cream and enjoy the lovely music with us.

Find the Engagements page on our web site to keep informed about the band, elyband.uk/ The website also tells you about the band if you would like to join us. We are looking for more brass players.

Wicken CoronationBand

Wicken Coronation Band, a local brass band is continuing to thrive and grow. The Brass Band encompasses a Senior Band and Youth Band, which perform either together or independently throughout the year at a range of nearby events and locations.

The bands have already performed at several concerts since the start of 2024. The first was titled “A night at the Movies” and was organised by the Wicken Youth Band. The conductor for the evening was our very own Youth Band conductor, Fraser Ickeringill. A great night was had by all. Popcorn was handed out to the audience as they enjoyed a variety of music from well-known films and musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the musical Matilda and films such as “Nine to Five" featuring the fabulous Dolly Parton.

We followed this concert with our band social evening, where we had the chance to invite friends of the band to come along and enjoy some delicious food, wine and a performance by each band. We also had a prize giving event where one of our Youth Band players won an award, the Robert Peacock Memorial Shield, for the Most Improved Player of the Year. This was awarded to our newly promoted repriano player.

The money from ticket sales, or when generously donated, is vital to the survival of the Wicken Brass Band and helps us to pay for things like the hire of our rehearsal rooms, new music, purchase of new instruments, servicing/repairing and insuring existing instruments and all sorts of other small expenses. We are grateful for all the help we receive.

Looking forward to the year ahead, we have already settled down to practising music for the

summer and between the two bands we have many engagements already in the diary. One of our first events planned is an Open Day in the Wicken Village Hall on the 11th May starting at 11am, a day to attract new players to the bands.

Instruments will be available to try and Band members will be around to help and answer any questions. Refreshments will be available on the day and we’ll probably play a few tunes along the way.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability, whether you are interested in learning to play or you fancy trying to get a note out of a tuba.

Please come along and give it a go!

Not long after the Open Day the summer programme begins.

A few dates for 2024:-

2nd June 2pm Ely Bandstand, Jubilee Gdns, Ely 8th June 7pm Concert at Fordham Church, St

Peter & St Mary Magdalene

7th July 2pm March Bandstand, West End Park, March

Please take a look at the bands website, https:// wickenbrass.band for further information or if you are able to attend one of our engagements listed above, pop over and say hello!

The Inner Wheel club of Ely

Women who give service whilst enjoying friendship.

What is Inner Wheel? Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s service organisations in the world. From its origin in Manchester in 1924, it has 17,000 Members within Great Britain and Ireland and over 100,000 Members from more than 104 countries across the globe.

The Inner Wheel Club of Ely was founded 75 years ago. We support and fund-raise for National and International Charities and especially for Local Charities. We recently raised over £1,000 for the local branch of the NSPCC. This is done by holding fund raising events as well as by collecting used stamps, glasses, printer cartridges, mobile phones and much more which can be recycled to raise money. We also produce knitted goods and soft toys many of which are sent overseas. We assist the two Ely Rotary clubs when called upon in particular with Aquafest and Christmas street collections.

Our meetings take place on 4th. Wednesday of the month 7:00 p.m. at The Old Dispensary, St. Mary’s Street, Ely. We have business and Speaker meetings followed by coffee and biscuits but on special dates, President’s Night, Charter Night, Christmas we dine in local hostelries.

Inner Wheel Promotes Friendship and Service. Come along, make friends and make a difference. If you would like to know more information, please contact Joy Hockey 01353663525 or President Pauline Lancaster 01353 663378 email paulinedlancaster@yahoo.com. and we can talk over coffee. Check out our District web site District 8 - Inner Wheel We look forward to meeting you.

Ely City WI results are in!

Ely City WI (ECWI) are no strangers to fun, appreciation and celebrating success. With Easter already behind them and the glint of spring through the wet weather, Members have been delighted to forge forward into the new season with some well-deserved accolades (and trophies!) to those who have particularly shone over the past twelve months.

Not only are ECWI a creative, friendly, welcoming and active group; they are a rich and diverse alliance with many talents, interests and skills between them. Supporting many community groups and causes, Ely City took the time to reflect on their own achievements and their most

The ECWI Craft Cup was awarded to Jane Blanks with second place going to Helen Merrick and third place Wendy Gammon. The ECWI Presidents Cup was awarded to Helen Merrick. Second place went to Diane Banahan and third place to Patricia Canham. The Sue Stuart Memorial cup for an outstanding contribution to Ely City WI was awarded to Veronica Stubbings.

A spokesperson said “each year we have the competitions that are part of the meetings, and every member can participate. This year has been a joy to celebrate, and the effort made by all participants has been second to none. Each of the award winners are so well-deserved and the atmosphere at presentation time was fantastic!”

Ely City WI have a full and varied programme over the coming months. Find more info in The groups and Meets listings at the back of the magazine.

Fantastic Concert!

The North Sea Voices & Orchestra, with Ely Collegium, scored a huge success on Saturday 13th April in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral.

Composer Dr Susannah Self led the combined forces in the world première of her major choral work ‘Stabat Mater’, while talented Persian violinist Saba Safa conducted the world première of ‘Dare’, a short orchestral piece with solo horn.

There was also a stirring performance of Vivaldi’s ever-popular ‘Gloria in D’. Local singers Kate Arnold and Tamsin Jones (altos) excelled in their solo roles, as did Norfolk singers Alexandra Nicole and Elizabeth Wilmott (sopranos). Reaction from the capacity audience was hugely positive, with a lengthy standing ovation. The free concert was a fund-raiser for Sands, the charity supporting parents suffering stillbirth and neonatal bereavement, and generated £638 through the retiring collection. Ely Collegium, a new high-quality choir with members from Ely and Cambridge, was begun last September.

The choir is still accepting members in all voicetypes, and anyone with choral experience who would like to join is urged to contact Michael Christie, the Administrator, for an audition (selfmademusic@aol.com). Their summer concert is on July 7th, at 3pm in St. Peter-in-Ely, free with a retiring collection for the church.

• 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!

ELYi GROUPS AND MEETS DIRECTORY

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

Our meetings are held at The Old Palace,Ely. Doors open 7pm for 7.30 start. Visitors are welcome for £7 on the door. Refreshments after the lecture for £1. Thurs 16 May - Ravenna and the art of mosaic, Francis Woodman. Thurs 20 June - From flea pit to picture palaces: cinema architecture in Britain, Andrew Davies. www.theartssocietyely.org.uk, or see our facebook page, email:smholgate@outlook.com

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 Methodist Church, Chapel Street, 7:00 to 9:00PM . The annual membership cost is £35. For more info go to: www.elyartsociety.com or email: elyartsociety@gmail.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: 07968 810550 https://www.paintely.com

CAMBRIDGE & ELY OPEN STUDIOS

The Cambridge Open Studios July Art Festival runs over the first four weekends of July every year, and provides the opportunity to visit working studios, and buy art direct from the artists. More info at: https://camopenstudios.org/

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 and we even squeeze in a raffle, chat and a cup of tea! Everyone is welcome to attend a couple of meetings as a guest before deciding to join the club. Membership is currently just £45 per annum. www.elyguildofwoodturners.org.uk

HEREWARD STITCHERS

We meet last Thursday of the month at The Glebe, Sutton, Ely. CB6 2RB. 2 - 4 pm. We do every kind

of stitching and would welcome new members of all abilities. Come along and see what we do!

For more information contact Anne: 01353 778873

SKETCHBOOK WEDNESDAY GROUP

We meet at Riverside Bar & Kitchen, The Maltings, 6.30pm- 8pm - Informal social adult sketching club meets 1st Wednesday of the month. Suitable for beginners or anyone looking to add more creativity to their lives. Starter sketchpads and sketchpad kits available to purchase. Different sketching techniques/ themes each month. Guest Artists invited to collaborate on special sessions. New membership discounts available when booking termly/annually. Pay per session available too. 2023/24 prices TBC. To book in advance or register your interest TEL: 07966 727 289 email: artintheburrow@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/sketchbookwednesdayclub/

ELY WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP

We meet on Tuesday evenings during term time at Ely College to paint 18:30 to 21:00. 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: Vivienne Robinson email: vivienne@thehall.co.uk tel: 07932 828416.

ELY YARN CRAFT AND SEW SOCIAL

We are a friendly group of yarn and textile crafters who meet up on most Monday evenings to work on projects, share ideas and make friends. Our meeting times are Mondays from 6pm to 9pm, (but not the second Monday of each month). We meet at the City of Ely Bowls club on Nutholt Street. Details of sessions and membership costs please email: ely.yarncrafterssewsocial@gmail.com or phone: 07779434354

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

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 usually meet informally 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. For further info email the Secretary: fluasecretary@ flua.org.uk or visit our website at www.flua.org.uk

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. For further information see our web site: https://sites.google.com/site/eastcambsnhw/, or contact Kevin Evans: 01353 614892 email: kevin.g.evans@gmail.com

DRAMA & THEATRE

ELY AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

www.facebook.com/ elyamateurdramatics. org / elyamateurdramatics / @DramaEly

CAMPAIGN AMATEUR THEATRE

Visit our website at www.cattheatrecompany.co.uk or contact Chair: Gemma Crossland 07896 860252 email: gemma.crossland@yahoo.co.uk

THEATREGOERS & SOCIAL CLUB

Various venues regularly visited - Plays, Ballet, Musicals, Concerts. A number of Social Outings (always popular) also arranged. Prices include cost of coach travel and driver’s tip. We have pick up points in Littleport, Ely and Soham. For further info – please call General Secretary on 07887 240483 Or see website:www.elytheatregoers.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)

Hiam Sports and Social Club is a friendly club with a superb semi-sprung dance floor, a licensed bar, level access, ample free parking, free wifi and a raffle at every dance. Main activities include Ballroom and Sequence Tea and Evening dances, Country Line dances, Rock'n'Roll nights and Bingo. See the website for organisers' contact details. The hall is also available to hire for meetings, parties, wedding receptions etc. Venue: Hiam Sports and Social Club, Putney Hill Road, Prickwillow ELY Cambs. CB7 4UU email: info@hiam.org.uk

website: https://www.hiam.org.uk/ Tel: 07470 098996 or 01353 688576

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 courses in Ely. Venue: The Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Street, Ely. To book 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 of any age no longer in full time employment providing an opportunity to share activities and knowledge with like minded people. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Countess of Huntingdon Chapel in Chapel street, Ely at 2.30 for general meetings. During the

week you can take part in over 60 interest groups meeting all over Ely and the surrounding area. New members are welcome. For more information come along to a general meeting and visit our website – type in Elyu3a into your search engine.

FUNDRAISING & VOLUNTEERS

ELY COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS

Community first responders (CFRs) are volunteers who are trained by the East of England Ambulance Service to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life-threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives. Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care until the more highly skilled ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment. If you are interested in becoming a CFR then visit https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-theteam/community-first-responders OR EMAIL: elyfirstresponders@gmail.com

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.

ELY FREEMASONS

Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world. Membership is open to adults from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be. It provides a structure for members to build new friendships and develop themselves, whilst having family inclusive fun. One of the largest charitable givers in the country, Ely Freemasons support a great many good causes locally. For more information email us at elyfreemasons@gmail.com or visit: www.pglcambs.org.uk

ELY HEREWARD ROTARY

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month at the St Peter's House in Broad Street, Ely CB7 4BU, with no meal or formality. Both meetings are usually available on Zoom by prior arrangement. Our website is http://tinyurl.com/ElyHereward-Rotary-Club and we are on Facebook too. Email Janet Porter at j.e.porter@btinternet.com

HOME START

Home-Start Cambridgeshire is part of the HomeStart network, one of the UK’s leading family support charities. Our mission is to give as many children as possible in Cambridgeshire the best start in life. We offer support to families with at least one child under five, at times when they need us most. Family challenges could include parental mental health issues, isolation, disability, bereavement, multiple births, poverty, a lack of parenting skills and/or confidence. A significant part of our service is the volunteer led in-home support, whereby trained volunteers spend around two hours per week supporting any one family, for up to six months. Tel: 07875108674

E: kath.gerighty@homestartcambridgeshire.co.uk

W: https://homestartcambridgeshire.co.uk/

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF ELY

InnerWheel is the largest service women’s organisation in the world. The Ely club is 75 years old and has been working in the local community and internationally fund raising and supporting many charities. We are a social group meeting monthly having fun and friendship. Come along, make friends and make a difference.

Contact Joy Hockey 01353 663525 or President Pauline Lancaster 01353 663378

Paulinedlancaster@yahoo.com

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.If you do decide to join us your commitment is as much or little as you want it to be. We usually meet on the first Thursday of the month (except Aug) at The West End Pub in Ely at various times (check online) Contact via Facebook Messenger or email: lionscluboflittleport@gmail. com www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/littleport FB: Littleport Lions Club

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. 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

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

Ely Rotary are largely responsible for Aquafest, the House to House Christmas Collection and the collections in the High Street in Ely and Ely Fireworks . We are also seen at the Eel Parade, Applefest, Pride and other community events. We meet at Ely Bowls Club three Thursdays in the month at 8 p.m. and we go out for a meal on the fourth. We have speakers and more importantly we have fun. We would love you to become a part of our Rotary family. For more information- contact Viv Doji - vclariced@hotmail.com or 07368229318

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

ELY & DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

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@ gmail.com Tel: 01353 614892

web: https://www.elyarchaeology.org.uk

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 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 & DISTRICT CAMRA

The Campaign for Real Ale and its main aims are to secure the long term future of real ale, cider and real perry. Promote and protect pubs and clubs. Recognise the benefits of responsible, moderate social drinking and provide information to all those with an interest in beer, cider and perry. We also organise and run festivals and outings in the local area.Email: elycamra@yahoo.com

Web: https://ely.camra.org.uk

Facebook: @ElyAndDistrictCAMRA

ELY BEET CLUB CHESS

We are a friendly bunch comprising players of a wide range of skill levels, from beginners new to the game to seasoned veterans Our club nights are hosted at the Ely Beet Sports & Social Club every Monday from around 7:15 pm (except for Bank Holidays) in the lounge bar, and we would love to welcome new people into the fold.

Email:contact@elybeetchess.co.uk

www.elybeetchess.co.uk/

ELY BEET CLUB POKER NIGHT

Mondays 8pm £10 to play + £10 top up (optional)

Friendly, low-stakes card game. All skill levels welcomed. Learn to play poker every Monday night 20:00-23:00. Ely Beet Club. Just turn up!

ELY EVENING SCRABBLE CLUB

King's Arms Pub, St Mary's Street, Ely. 4th Monday of the month (unless Bank Hol) @ 7.15 pm until approx 9.00pm. No fee but you must buy a drink from the bar. Bring a scrabble board and scrabble dictionary if you have them (to ensure we have enough boards to play), notebook and pen for your scores. Contact: Sheila 07879863199, mail@ sheilawillson.plus.com We play just for fun, come and join in!

CITY OF ELY FLOWER CLUB

Friendly welcoming club for anyone with a love of flowers. Demonstrations, Workshops, Social Events. We meet on the first Thursday of the month (except January and August) at Adelaide Hall, Ely College, Downham Road @ 7pm. New members and visitors are very welcome. Please call for further details. Stephanie Laing Tel: 07740263309

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-FOLKS-FRIDAY/

THE K9 COMMUNITY CAFE

Usually meeting at the "Unwrapped' cafe at the Lighthouse centre. www.facebook.com/thek9cafe/ Tel:07552462040

ELY & 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 and we have recently started new projects in N gauge and for digital OO gauge. We meet regularly and will hold our annual exhibition at Ely College on Saturday 18th May 2024. 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 and by email at davidjabbott70@gmail.com

ELY PHILATELIC SOCIETY

We’re a small friendly club and would welcome new members. Our stamp collecting interests are wideranging and we cater for all levels from beginners upwards. 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 Association links the Cities of Ely and Ribe in Denmark and was one of the first town twinning groups to be set up in the UK – in 1956! You may have heard of and seen the amazing tapestry commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of the twinning in 2006, on display in the Riverside Maltings. Our recent exhibition in Ely Library included highlights from visits to and from Ribe. During the year we also organise Danish themed gatherings for Association members. To find out more contact Chair, Anne Heffernan at elyribe23@gmail.com or visit our webpage: www. cityofelycouncil.org.uk/about-the-city-of-ely/ely-ribeassociation/

SUGAR IN THE FENS

We are 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. Come along and have some tea, refreshments and a great evening. E: sugarinthefens@gmail.com

FB: https://m.facebook.com/sugarinthefens

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

LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

ELY ENGLISH LANGUAGE CAFE

Free English lessons with native speakers. You are welcome to the High Flyer, Newnham St. Ely. Tuesday and Friday. 11a.m for one hour approx. For more information email: enfield4141@outlook.com

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.

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. 3rd Wednesday of every month (except August), with events either in-person at Babylon Gallery or online. For full details see https://linktr.ee/fenspeak or email fenspeak@gmail.com. Free entry, all welcome.

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 monthly book group for people interested in international literature. We mostly read contemporary fiction with the odd classic and nonfiction work thrown in and we usually meet on the last Tuesday of the month, 7-9 pm. Contact us for dates, books and venues: smallworldbookgroup@gmail.com or via Facebook. https://bit.ly/smallworldbookgroup

MUSIC

ELY ACOUSTIC

Everyone gathers 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

THE BAND OF UKES

The Band of Ukes, a small Ely based ukulele group, are looking for one or two new members. If you can play ukulele and/or bass guitar, can sing a few notes and rehearse on Friday mornings you might be just the person we are looking for! Contact John on 07812 112187 or Annie on 07901 935991 for more info and a chat.

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 weekly at St John’s School, Ely on Mondays at 7.30pm with our Conductor, Andrew Parnell. If you wish to join us for our Summer Term Concert, please contact us through Facebook or contact our membership secretary through the link at: www.elychoralsociety.org

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 usually on the “teenth” Wednesday of the month with nationally acclaimed folk musicians/ bands and local support acts. Upcoming events: 15th May Gerry Colvin Band (support Eric Sedge) 19th June Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (supp't tba) 17th July Camus (support The Larks) 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'll be a welcome member of the groups! Contact Kathryn on kathryn@ singchoirs.com, call 01353 662022, or through our website www.singchoirs.com Keep in touch for regular weekend workshops too! Please also see a listing in "Support and Care" for information about a local singing group for people living with dementia, memory loss 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 partnership with local schools to grow our junior section. For the latest info find us and message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ sohamcomradesband.

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

NATURE & OUTDOORS

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 registered charity and care farm based just outside Haddenham, Cambridgeshire. We seek volunteers to help with animal care of our Boer goats and Shetland sheep, management of our habitats for turtle doves and great crested newts, to help grow produce in our community garden and orchard, as well as to support therapeutic visits for people with learning difficulties. Please get in touch: info@willderland.com / 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 entrance, at 10.00 am on Fridays, in term-time. email:: 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

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 Community 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

More happens across the city - 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 -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

13-15 Chapel Street Ely CB6 1AD

All are warmly welcome to join our worship on Sundays at 10.30am.

n Open fellowship and bible study group. See www.elyandnewmarketmethodists.org.uk/ely

n Coffee Drop-In 10-11.30am – Come along for free coffee and cake and a chance to chat. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

n Saturday coffee morning with stalls for a range of causes. 2nd Saturday of the month 10-12 noon.

n Make Way Singers Community Choir is free and open to singers of all ability. There is no audition, and they rehearse and perform in our church. For details, contact Berniece on 07845 555679.

Excellent facilities to rent for your meetings and events. For information please e mail

bookings4emc@gmail.com or telephone 07894

400425. Superintendent Minister: Rev’d Catherine Dixon Tel: 07894 400426 Admin: 07894 400425. Email: elyandnewmarket@gmail.com

website for more information on current events and https://www.elyandnewmarketmethodists.org.uk/

ST MARY’S, CHURCH OF ENGLAND

n Every Sunday:

The eight15 – traditional service – 8.15am

The nine45 – intergenerational worship – 9.15am

The eleven15 – contemporary worship – 11.15am

Midweek Meetings:

n Monday

Under 1s, Parents and Carers - 10am

Monday Club for Seniors – 2.30pm 3rd Monday of the month

n Tuesday

Under 5s, Parents and Carers - 9.30am

n Wednesday

Warm Space - drop-in 9am – 12.30pm

Bereavement Café – drop in 10am – 12 noon last Wednesday of the month

Mothers’ Union – 2.15pm 2nd Wed of the month

n Thursday

Market Day Communion 9.30am

Market Day Coffee Morning 10.15am – 11.30am

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

ST PETER-IN-ELY, CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Broad Street, Ely CB7 4BQ

St. Peter’s is a small traditional Anglican church near the station and the river, where everyone is welcome. Regular services are Sung Eucharist at 9.30am every Sunday; Evening Prayer at 6pm on Mondays; Holy Communion (said) at 12 noon on Tuesdays. The church is open for visitors and quiet prayer on Mondays from 9.30am until 1pm and the priest, Rev’d Ann Williams, is available in the church room for anyone who would like to come and talk for any reason. The church is also open from 5pm before Evening Prayer and again on Tuesdays from 10am and Ann is available in the church, and at other times by appointment. Please contact Rev’d Ann for more information: annmewilliams@gmail.com; or 07722 127239.See St. Peter-in-Ely on Facebook or the website https:// www.elystpeterschurch.co.uk

ELY QUAKER MEETING

Ely Quakers meet every Sunday at 10.30am 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 more information or for the Zoom link. Contact: Sue Brock-Hollinshead Email: ely-clerk@cambridgeshire-quakers.org.uk

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 GROUPS

ELY ARMED FORCES & VETERANS DROP IN CENTRE

Meets at Ely Library every Thursday from 10:00 - 13:00. Open to all members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their dependents. 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.Meetings at Ely The Prince Albert, Silver Street, 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

E-Mail: CityOfEly.secretary@rbl.community

ELY CITY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Ely City WI have moved to new premisesfor 2024 owing to the increase in Members. 2nd Monday of each Month - 7pm to 9pm. Bishop Laney Sixth Form, Downham Road, CB6 2SH. We are a thriving and friendly group, priding ourselves on ensuring a warm welcome to all WI members and visitors. Web: https://wielycity.wixsite.com/home E: elycitywi@yahoo.com. National Federation of Women’s Institutes: https://www.thewi.org.uk

ELY COMMUNITY LUNCHES

Ely Community Lunches would like to thank the lovely people of Ely for their kind donations to Ely Community Lunches and for volunteering to help us at Christmas. We rely on the generosity of our local people to support and help us with Community Lunches. This is not just Christmas as we can pop up for other occasions like last year's Kings Coronation and give people a jolly good time! If you think that you are interested in knowing more or supporting us then please go to our website and or FaceBook page or call 01353 662228 (op 2).

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 1st Tuesday of the month in the Methodist Church Hall,Chapel St. Access through the blue gate from St Marys carpark. Coffee and tea are served from 10.am,followed by a guest speaker 10.30am.If you are new to the city and looking for a friendly group,come along.You can find out more by contacting Lesley 07946020001

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 third Wednesday 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

An organization for retired or semi-retired people who come together each month to meet and make new friends. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00am (with tea or coffee) for 10:30am start in the New Hall at Ely Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Ely CB6 1AD. Each meeting we have a speaker – Upcoming Meetings: 21.05.24: Folding Back The Years – Rock n’ Roll Memories 18.06.24: Operation Chastise –The Dambusters Raid. New members are most welcome to attend. Contact Michael Brisbourne at michaelbrisbourne@hotmail.com for further information. Full list of Speakers available at: https://www.probusonline.org/ely-and-district

SPORT & EXERCISE GROUPS

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 bothindoors 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. 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. 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/

BENDING AND STRETCHING

Keep fit for the over 60s. Every Wednesday morning 10am-12noon at Centre 33, Barton Road Ely. email: margaret-briggs@ymail.com or phone:07745 504 877

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, 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 WOMEN FC

A friendly & welcoming team, offering weekly training, match opportunities and regular socials. Matches on the Demcom Stadium pitch / Competing in the Cambs Girls' & Women's League / Female coaches / Weekly training for all abilities - Mondays 7-8 / Creating a pathway for females

17+ to Vets / Partnered with Her Game Too. Please email for more details.e: elycitywomen@gmail.com

ELY WOMEN'S VETS FC

We'd love more local women to join us. We offer relaxed weekly football sessions in a fun, pressurefree environment for women aged 35 and over.

Female coaches - All abilities welcome

Opportunities for matches - £3 per session - pay as you play - First session free - Mondays 8-9pm Ely Outdoor Sports Association astro turf pitch, on Downham Road. Her Game Too Grassroots Partner

Email us for more details: ElyWomenVets@gmail.com

ELY CITY GOLF CLUB

Contact: 01353 662751 www.elygolf.co.uk / email: info@elygolf.co.uk

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

HEARTBEAT FOR HEALTH

We are a walking group which has been going locally for over 20 years. There is no fee to join and you can just turn up. The walks run on the following days: Monday 10:00am Soham meet at the church gates. Tuesday 10:30am Littleport meet opposite the church, Tuesday 2pm meet opposite the Cathedral. Wednesday 10:00am Sutton meet outside junior school gates the Brook. Thursday Burwell 10:00 am meet at war memorial the causeway Friday Sutton 10:00 am Junior School the Brook (only the last week of the month)

HEALTHY YOU EAST CAMBS

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

E: elyvikings@outlook.com

LITTLEPORT LIONS KORFBALL

Contact Andy on: andrewdunlop@hotmail.com, website: www.littleport-lions.co.uk

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

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

www.cityofelynetball.co.uk E: elycity@hotmail.co.uk

ELY NETBALL CLUB

Offering netball to ladies (age 18+) 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

ISLE OF ELY ROWING CLUB

Contact: chairman@elyrowingclub.org.uk

Web: http://www.elyrowingclub.org.uk/

ELYSIAN RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP

Elysian Riding for the Disabled have recently moved venues and are now at Old Tiger Stables (North Angle Farm Soham.) We offer riding therapy sessions to disabled children and meet on Tuesday mornings in term time. If you are interested in helping out by volunteering or fundraising please contact us via email:elysianrdagroup@gmail.com or telephone Ros James on 07845 198 551

RIDING AND SKATING ELY (R.A.S.E.)

Advocating for a new skatepark in Ely. Join RASE on Insta and Facebook. FB/Riding and skating Ely

ELY RUGBY CLUB

Contact email - playrugby4ely@gmail.com

Website - https://elytigers.rfu.club/

ELY RUNNERS

A welcoming and friendly club for runners of all abilities. We host regular Beginners Courses, plus various weekly training sessions, and lots of opportunity to race (cross-country, road and relay). Please visit www.elyrunners.co.uk or contact Lauren Thomas – secretary@elyrunners.co.uk – for further details.

LET'S RUN GIRLS ELY

We are a group for women that like to be active and we meet regularly on the Market Square Ely

at 6.30pm. We offer different levels of activity, and different days of the week - details are on our Facebook page (Let’s Run Girls Ely). We are working towards inspiring women to lead healthier, happier and more connected lives.

E: letsrungirlsely@yahoo.com www.letsrungirls.com

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 SAILING CLUB

www.elysailingclub.org

e: training.elysc@gmail.com

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

We are a proudly not-for-profit, friendly club that is on a mission to make tennis available to all in Ely and the surrounding communities. We offer coaching for all levels and ages, social tennis and events, Cambs League team opportunities, and club championships. With new courts being planned, a new logo and a growing membership base, the future is very bright for Ely Tennis Club. Drop us a line at elytennisclub@hotmail.com if you’d like to play some tennis.

ELY TRI CLUB

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

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

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

ESC MODEL YACHT FLEET

Contact: ESC Model Yacht Fleet Captain on email: training.elysc@gmail.com Tel: 01353 626838

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 www.ageukcap.org.uk

e:informationservices@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

St Mary’s Church in Ely currently hosts a Bereavement Café on the last Wednesday of each month, where anyone who has suffered the loss of someone close to them either recently or longer 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 – it can help to talk to those who have had similar experiences.The Café takes place in the church building on St Mary’s Street in Ely. All are welcome. Dates for May and June 2024: 29th May, 26th June

CARING TOGETHER

Looking after someone? Caring Together offers a range of support for people looking after a family member or friend, including groups and activities for you and the person you care for and information, advice and guidance to help you in your caring role. Come along to our carers hub on the first Thursday of the month from 10am – 12pm at the Paradise Centre, Newnham St, Ely. Call 0345 241 0954, email hello@caringtogether.org or visit our website, caringtogether.org

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

We bereavement support to people across the UK through face-to-face and group sessions. Helpful info on the Cruse website at: www.cruse.org.uk If you would like support, please contact our local Helpline on 01223 633536 (open 9.30am-1.30pm weekdays) or the National Helpline on 0808 8081677 - open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am-5pm and Tuesday: 1pm – 8pm.

Closed on Saturday and Sunday. We also offer a drop-in group, on the first and third Thursday of the month 10.30am - 12pm at the Methodist church rooms in Ely. Please email cambridge@cruse.org. uk for any support or information. 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

Based in Fordham. We are open two mornings a week for you to browse our sheds which are packed full of all the baby items that you need up to 18 months. 78 Mildenhall Road, Fordham CB7 5NR. Tel:07715 908024 E: thesofachurch@gmail.com

Opening times: Tues & Thurs 9.30-1pm

Our volunteers can deliver if you can't travel to our base. Donation drop offs are possible Monday - Saturday. Please leave in the shelter at Donate online: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/ely-baby-bank/ donate www.elybabybank.com and find us on Facebook

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 e: elydeathcafe@gmail.com Facebook: Ely Death Café Twitter: @Ely_D_Cafe

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) which runs on rechargeable batteries. The player has bright yellow buttons making it easier for those who are visually impaired to use. The news is delivered weekly, in the post - free of charge, on a USB stick. If you wish to sign up to this service, users need to register. You must be referred by a doctor, optician, or professional carer/partner. If you know someone would benefit from this service, please contact: fenprobe1@outlook.com or via the website: fenprobe.exintra.net

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 community spirited platform, which aims to signpost and connect people, to offer free practical help and provide well-being sessions 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-CancerHub-107167038300494

POSABILITY

PosAbility is a charity offering chair-based and specialist exercises to people living with long-term neurological conditions We are always Positive About Your Ability www.posability.org/ E: admin@ posability.org

Phone: 07565598193

RICH TEA COMMUNITY

Offering fun, faith and friendship for adults with learning disabilities plus any carers and friends. Usually meeting 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

Someone to talk to: If you need a chat about housing, emotional well being, mental health, money matters or anything else that is on your mind, then please contact us during our opening hours. We also offer support with sexual health related issues and food bank vouchers. Remember all of these services are free and you don’t need an appointment. On occasion you may have to wait until someone can talk with you. Call us, email us or message us. hello@centre33.org.uk / www. centre33.org.uk Tel: 0333 4141 809

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 www.girlguiding.org.uk/