Elyi 50

ElyiMagazine Reflecting the Richness of Ely Life

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JULY/AUG 2020 Issue No. 50

PRICKWILLOW TELEPHONE BOX

THIS VILLAGE FOCAL POINT GETS A NEW LOOK!

HOPES FOR THE HIGH STREET

AS ELY UNLOCKS

A VIRTUAL MAYOR MAKING! UPDATE ON PLANS FOR ELY HERO AWARDS

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e li 0 R 5 ful Dely hom SUE U E IS O re

Ca very INE up L es e to R ON pick villag m o U c t g . o + O Free ndin zine a u g o r ma i sur in w.ely w w

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

Massive site revamp this year, bigger car park, new stone area, new display areas and Hollies Tea Room!

WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE We are a traditional garden centre specialising in...

Home grown bedding Pots and planters

HOLLIES TEA ROOM OPEN FOR TAKEAWAYS

Bagged stone Huge range of trees Specimen plants and shrubs for instant impact

Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm, Sunday: 10am - 4pm 01487 840397 www.parkhallgardencentre.co.uk Parkhall Road, Somersham PE28 3HW 2 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Hello Ely! I’m celebrating today as it’s our 50th edition since we started up in 2014! Thank you to all the people; distributors, contributors and advertisers that have helped to get us this far especially, of course, to Madeleine Funnell who worked in partnership with me on the magazine for several years. Thank you! As I write I can hear people walking in the street outside. Although it has been lovely on occasions, during the lockdown, to feel we have Ely all to ourselves, it is the hussle and bussle of busy shoppers that we have really missed. And the buskers!

I am glad to say that things are gradually starting to pickup as shops open and people become more confident in venturing out. Its so cheering how some of our retail stores have managed to keep going creatively with online ordering and home deliveries. Of course, for some it hasn’t been possible due to regulations or staff structure.

A big cheer to all the staff at Boots and other essential outlets who have handled the different phases of the lockdown with efficiency and good humour and all the supermarket workers who have shepherded nervous (and sometimes bad tempered) shoppers through their stores.

The last edition of the magazine felt very strange with literally no current events to advertise, but I am thrilled that we have all sorts of things in for the summer. There are several art initiatives planned and the fantastic Visit Ely staff have organised some lovely local walks and picnics teaming up with Poets House, Peacocks Tea Room and LemonTree Deli and cafe for the refreshments. I think I shall allow myself a little 50th anniversary tipple and sign up for the twilight cocktail stagger - er walk!. I’m hoping the cocktails are at the end!

Bridget #staysafe

ElyiMagazine

CONTENTS ELY CITY COUNCIL 4-6 ELYTE CLEANING 11 REEDS FURNITURE STORE 12 CAMBS FIRE SERVICE ADVICE 16 HEDGE TRIMMING ADVICE 20 HELP FROM THE FSB 22 GOOD LUCK TO OUR ELY INDEPENDENTS 24-5 ELY HERO AWARDS UPDATE 28 BABYLON SUMMER EXHIBITION 30 CAMBRIDGE OPEN STUDIOS 31 ISLE AVE A SHANTY FUNDRAISER 32 ELY WILDSPACE 32 VISIT ELY WALKS 33 ELY MAYOR 34 ELY DISTRICT SCOUTS 35 ADDENBROOKES CHARITABLE TRUST 36 NEW FROM ST MARY’S SURGERY 37 LIBRARY SERVICES 38 ELY FOLK FESTIVAL UPDATE 40 ELY CATHEDRAL ECO AWARD 41 KINGS SCHOOL SUCCESS 41 ELY MUSEUM UPDATE 42 THE PROSPECTS TRUST UNWRAPPED 43 ELY WILDLIFE WATCH 44 ELY STAINED GLASS MUSEUM 44-5 TED CONEY FAMILY PORTRAITS 45 SOMEWHERE IN ELY 45 THE LAST LAUGH - SOCIAL MEDIA GEMS 47

EDITORIAL, DESIGN & ADVERTISING Bridget Hickish : 01353 662684 / editor@elyimagazine.com COVER PHOTO: Elisabeth &Bill of ‘Enchanted Flowers’ get creative in PRICKWILLOW! PRINTED BY: Clanpress 01553 772737 / info@clanpress.co.uk FIND US ONLINE: Tw: @elyimagazine FB: @TheElyi Web: www.elyimagazine.com OUR BLOG: https://elyionline.com/ OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY https://everythingely.com/ FIND US BY POST: The Old Chapel, Butchers Row, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4NA SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPT/OCT 2020 issue - 10th AUGUST 2020 www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 3 3

CITY OF ELY COUNCIL Update

City of Ely Council Sessions House, Lynn Road, Ely, Cambs CB7 4EG Phone: 01353 661016 Fax: 01353 667057

Working Virtually!

Since the Council’s last publication in Elyi, the City of Ely Council continues to provide essential services to the residents of Ely. This may be mainly remotely, but a full service is still being provided.

ESTATES TEAM The Estates Team continue to work hard to ensure all recreation sites are safe and secure.

Please remember that play areas are still all closed for the time being and we would ask parents and carers to ensure their children do not use these. The team is also undertaking the services provided at Ely Cemetery and would encourage residents to still visit their loved ones’ graves, during this difficult time.

THE MALTINGS The Maltings remains closed and we await guidance as to when this can reopen. We would very much like to be able to open up this wonderful venue for weddings and family celebrations and hope that this will be possible in the not too distant future. The Maltings, however, will be opening for the regular blood donor sessions, which is an essential service that needs to continue during these times.

council meetings The Council held its first ever virtual Annual Parish Meeting on the 27th May. This went very well and was attended by some members of the public. This is an annual opportunity for residents to find out what the Council does during the year and ask questions of the councillors. The next Annual Parish Meeting will be in March 2021 and we hope that more residents will attend, in person, at the Maltings. If you did miss this opportunity and have any questions or concerns, please contact the Council on: info@cityofelycouncil.org.uk or 01353 661016 and we will be happy to respond to these.

ELY IN BLOOM The City Centre will soon be awash with colour, as the Council’s hanging baskets and flower tubs have been filled in June.

We hope that this will bring a lot of joy to residents and visitors.

4 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

COVID-19 SUPPORT UPDATE Visit Ely and our Town Ranger continue to work supporting our residents in collaboration with the District Council’s Community Hub and The Ely Community Covid-19 Mutual Aid group.

Collectively, they now have 294 volunteers signed up to offer assistance. Our grateful thanks to these volunteers who have distributed nearly 4,000 copies of the 2nd edition of the East Cambs Community Newsletter in hard copy to areas of Ely and Prickwillow and/or who are working side by side with our residents to support their needs.

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY ACTION Since the outbreak of COVID-19, communities have sprung into action. Neighbours are connecting and looking out for each other more than usual, informal support groups in local areas have been organised to support people in need. Many people have stepped forward as formal volunteers; in the NHS, community hubs and local charities but many more are involved in micro-volunteering in their own streets and villages. At the East Cambs Parish & Community Forum virtual meetings, we hear about the ideas, support and kindness going on in and around our city and also across the District whether its helping with shopping, collecting prescriptions, setting up community larders, phoning a neighbour or using the village school kitchens to

provide hot meals for families and older residents.

Communities have shown their resilience over recent weeks ensuring that no one is left behind.

However, not everyone can contribute to or benefit equally from neighbourhood action, and those that are already disadvantaged may find it challenging to maintain resilience and participate in social networks in the face of the outbreak.

Volunteer and community organisations play a valuable role here working alongside communityled social action to provide additional support.

Having a strong community infrastructure and supportive social networks help us withstand and adapt to shocks. Let’s continue to build our resilience!

VISIT ELY – UNLOCKING ELY! After a very successful ‘Virtual’ Eel Festival and VE Day, Visit Ely have been focusing on our next promotional campaign ‘Ely Unlocked’.

As we see more and more businesses reopening their doors, Visit Ely are supporting each and every one of them by promoting them on-line and shouting about their special offers. All our local businesses have been busy planning and preparing for their big day in welcoming our community and visitors back!

Please support them by shopping locally where you can.

Our Tourist Information Centre and gift shop will re-open from July 3rd from 10 am3pm. If you plan to visit and support a local business in town, by producing a receipt to show you’ve purchased - we are offering a discount in our very eclectic gift shop! Oliver Cromwell’s House will be re-opening the shop Thursday to Sunday each week for now and we hope to extend that and re-open the attraction very shortly thereafter.

We have all you need for that perfect UK ‘Staycation’ so do come and browse our information. The staff will be on hand to offer their excellent advice and updates about supporting the Town Centre and our plans for later this year. Please be advised all safety guidelines have been adhered to respecting social distancing so all our visitors to the house, where Oliver Cromwell himself once lived, will feel at ease and, of course, safe!

Welcoming our new Mayor!

The Annual Council and Mayor Making will now take place on July 13th 2020. This will be a first in our history as it will be carried out virtually. Members of the public can attend this by contacting info@cityofelycouncil.org.uk and a link will be sent to you allowing

Cllr Mike Rouse and Cllr Sue Austen pictured at last year’s Mayor making ceremony. - photo M Rouse you access to this very important event in our Civic calendar. We are really excited to announce this will be a live stream, filmed and directed as it happens from multiple locations

by Mark Cooney from ‘Spotted in Studios’ and streamed live on Spotted in Ely, again a first for our City and a big thank you to Mark for making this possible.

Cllr Mike Rouse, our current Mayor, who has brilliantly served in office for two years, will be handing over to Cllr Sue Austen and the new Deputy Mayor will be Cllr Richard Morgan. This will be our opportunity to thank our outgoing Mayor and welcome Cllr Austen and Cllr Morgan to their new posts.

Upcoming meetings The Council’s website, www.cityofelycouncil.org. uk has details of all the Council’s meetings and information regarding the services the Council provides. Please visit this and check out what the Council is doing.

Stay Safe We would like to remind people, that although lockdown restrictions are being eased, the 2m social distancing rules should still be observed.

We will take the necessary action to ensure that this is the case with all our venues in order to keep residents and visitors safe in our beautiful City.

More Council info ggggggggg www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 5

CHURCH STREET PROBATE

Specialist in probate, estate administration & grant of probate web: www.churchstreetprobate.co.uk

email: info@churchstreetprobate.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 602 444

Cllr Sarah Bellow - North Ward sarah.bellow@cityofelycouncil.org.uk Cllr Arnie Arnold – West Ward arnie.arnold@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Sue Austen - West Ward sue.austen@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Edward Carlsson Browne - North Ward edward.carlssonbrowne@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Mike Rouse – North Ward mike.rouse@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Richard Morgan – North Ward richard.morgan@cityofelycouncil.org.uk Cllr Alison Whelan – North Ward alision.whelan@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Rebecca Denness - West Ward rebecca.denness@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Chris Phillips – West Ward chris.phillips@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Your local elected councillors are here to help you. Here is a reminder of who they are.

Cllr Matthew Downey – East Ward matthew.downey@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Elisabeth Every - East Ward elisabeth.every@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Dian Warman – West Ward dian.warman@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

Cllr Ian Lindsay – Cathedral Ward ian.lindsay@cityofelycouncil.org.uk Cllr Christine Whelan – West Ward christine.whelan@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

6 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Cllr Kevin Wilkins – East Ward kevin.wilkins@cityofelycouncil.org.uk

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www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 77

AERIAL & TV SERVICES LTD All Aerial, Satellite and TV work undertaken.

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8 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

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www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 9

SHOWROOMS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY-Please Call!

Ely Electrical Services

www.langtryfurniture.co.uk

I am semi-retired now but still carrying out the following types of work:

Installation of new light fittings & Sockets, lighting design, advice and installation, in fact, everything I have always done but on a smaller scale.

Graham Barber Please contact me to discuss your requirements

Tel: +44 (0)1353 668994 Mob: +44 (0)7887 537121 email: graham@elyelectricalservices.co.uk

Bespoke, handmade furniture and an extensive range of kitchens and bedrooms From a dripping tap or boiler breakdown to a new bathroom or central heating system Please call Lee on: 07960222388 or email: LNWPlumbing@gmail.com 10 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

From design to completion

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Bespoke sizes to �it any kitchen and any budget Free design service

Showroom opening times Mon - Fri 7am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Unit 24, North�ield Business Park Soham, Ely, Cambs, CB7 5UE

tel: 01353 725380 fax: 01353 725384 out of hours: 07738559569

“get your oven back to sparkling clean”

“windows so clean, you’ll think they’re open”

“Keeping your home on the path to cleanliness”

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Hello@ElyteOvenClean.co.uk

Hello@ElyteWindowCleaning.co.uk

Hello@ElyteClean.co.uk

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Maintaining a Cleaner Home

Professional Cleaning Services

E

lyte Group began trading in 2013 offering a domestic cleaning service and was known as Ely Clean. Since then we have expanded the area we operate in, and the services we offer has increased. Therefore we felt the change of our name to Elyte Group was essential in fitting our services under one hat, making it easier for our customers to find us in all of the locations that we cover. Elyte Group is the umbrella for our services which are now: ELYTE CLEAN: Offering a professional regular maid service by local cleaners at an affordable price.

Our professional cleaners provide a bespoke service that is tailored to each individual client, whether its general housework or ironing and changing beds. Elyte Clean, keeping your home on the path to cleanliness.

ELYTE OVEN CLEAN: Cleaning an oven can be exhausting, time consuming and require specialised equipment.

Our certified oven cleaning technicians have years of experience and use 100% bio friendly cleaning solutions to get our client's ovens back to sparkling clean. No harsh chemicals are used in our client’s homes. From single door ovens, Range cookers, all types of hobs, extractor hoods and more Elyte Oven Clean are ready to get down and dirty.

ELYTE WINDOW CLEANING: Providing a professional window cleaning service using the modern water fed pole (WFP) system, this method allows us to safely and effectively clean our client's windows from the ground in all weathers.

W

e also offer gutter clearing using industry leading gutter vacuum equipment; our wireless skycam records the clean so customers can be sure their gutters are truly clear.

Other services include soft washing of facias, soffits, cladding, conservatory roofs, signage and more. An exterior cleaning service with the assurance of a professional job every time.

Elyte Group; maintaining a cleaner home. www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 11

Popular home and furniture store, Reeds, with outlets in Downham Market and Ely, and the Reeds Toy Shop in Downham Market, reopened on Monday 15th June.

Along with the majority of retailers, Reeds temporarily closed its doors in March following guidance by the UK Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now all three stores are welcoming customers back safely. Social distancing measures and cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures, in line with Government guidelines have been introduced to protect both staff and shoppers.

Jim Carlile, owner and managing director at Reeds, said: “We have been so looking forward to opening our doors again. I and all my team were only ever willing to reopen when it would be safe for our valued customers and for our employees.

We are following expert guidance on the different measures that retailers can put in place to allow people to shop and work with confidence.

We are doing everything we can to minimise any disruption, but we also know our fantastic customers will understand and respect why any changes in the stores are needed.”

The 65-seater café at Reeds Furniture, Bed and Homestore in Downham Market will remain closed for now but furniture home deliveries have been running for over w week.

Jim Carlile added: “Many people have spent a lot more time at home recently and may be considering some interior design updates as a result. You can’t beat being able to see furniture and homewares in person to be able to make the right choice for your home. That is why we can’t wait to welcome people back to our stores so they can safely browse our great range of trusted brands, all backed by our price guarantee.

“We also hope that our Toy Store in Downham Market reopening will help our local community.

Its wide range of toys and products cater for all ages and include creative and educational items, as well as providing lots of fun to help keep all the family safely entertained at home.”

Reeds Furniture, Bed and Homestore is located at Bridge Street in Downham Market. Reeds Furniture, Flooring and Bed Centre is situated at Lancaster Way Business Park in Ely and Reeds Toy Shop can be found at Wales Court, Downham Market. All three stores are open between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

For more information about Reeds visit www.reedshomestore.co.uk

12 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

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A FANTASTIC RANGE OF DESIGNS FROM CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSIC

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REEDS Furniture, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213 REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754 * Reeds will beat any competitor’s price within a 50 mile radius. Internet sales excluded.

We’re really sorry, but the Reeds Caféwww.elyimagazine.com is not yet open. |

13 Elyi Magazine | 13

!

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For all that’s best in Home and Garden 19/21 Forehill, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4AA

01353 662881

www.cutlacks.co.uk 14 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

01353 862400

office@dsilcockconstruction.co.uk 14a Black Horse Drove, Littleport, Ely, Cambs, CB6 1EG

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www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 15

SUMMER FIRE SAFETY With temperatures rising, fires in open areas of land can easily start, spread and become out of control. We want to help ensure that people safely enjoy the sunny weather whilst it’s here. High temperatures and dry areas of land can be perfect conditions for a fire to spread.

Something as simple as not properly stubbing out a cigarette, or using a disposable barbecue on grass, can start a fire that can develop quickly.”

SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO TAKE TO HELP PREVENT OUTDOOR FIRES: Put disposable barbecues on bricks, do not place directly on grass. u Ensure cigarettes are completely out u

u

Do not throw cigarettes out of car windows onto grass verges or vegetation

u

Do not leave glass bottles lying on the ground, the sun’s rays refract through the glass and can start a fire

u

Use barbecues on a hard, flat surfaces, away from grass, shrubs and fencing

u

Importantly - talk to your children about the dangers of starting a fire.

For the latest news, incidents and safety advice, or to contact us, please log on to: www.cambsfire.gov.uk.

Sign up to email alerts and find us on: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM! Did you know that you should test your smoke alarms at least once a month? Or that you should have smoke alarms on every floor of your home?

Or that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service carry out free home visits to make sure that your home is fire safe?

Visit this website for helpful tips and advice: https://firekills.campaign.gov.uk It takes only one accident to start a fire.

Fire kills - Let’s prevent it!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE LATEST NEWS AND SAFETY ADVICE FROM YOUR FIRE SERVICE. Want to get all the latest news, safety advice or vacancies delivered straight to your inbox?

Choose what you want to hear about, and update your subscriber preferences at any time. Sign up to our mailing list at: bit.ly/CambsFireBulletins.

GET THE CALL - BECOME AN ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER! Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to recruit more on-call firefighters to help serve local communities across the county. CFRS is looking for men and women from all backgrounds to become on-call firefighters and provide emergency cover from either their home or their workplace.

On-call firefighters are a vital part of our Service and community. They respond to a wide range of incidents, from fighting fires, attending road traffic collisions, animalrescues to supporting other emergency services. In addition to responding to emergency incidents, our on-call firefighters support their communities by providing information and advice on a range of community safety topics.

They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours).

It’s a hugely rewarding role, and we hope to encourage members of the community from all backgrounds to contact us to find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter.

Please visit: www.cambsfire.gov.uk/oncall for more information.

16 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Before After

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01353 886531

clean-driveway.com 42 West Fen Road Ely CB6 1AL www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 17 Email: contact@clean-driveway.com www.clean-driveway.com

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Natasha Natasha Chambers Chambers 01353 01353 863006 699699

Qualified City & Guilds Level 3 Grooming for Dogs and Cats

(formerly Elaine’s Grooming) North Fen, Little Downham, Ely, Cambs, CB6 2UG

PROSPECTS TRUST UNWRAPPED AVIVA COMMUNITY CROWDFUNDER NEEDS MORE SUPPORT! Ely’s first zero waste greengrocery and refill larder, Prospects Trust Unwrapped, opened its doors in September 2020 with dreams of “retailing differently” with over 3 months of Covid uncertainty the team at Unwrapped need your help!

Now Unwrapped needs to raise £1,500 before 15th July through The Aviva Community Crowdfunder in a raise it or lose it race to the finish. Donations can be made online at: https://www.avivacommunityfund. co.uk/refill-not-landfill

18 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

NOW FULLY OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Please practice social distancing in store.

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www.jurassicbark-online.co.uk www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 19

How to use a hedge trimmer effectively.

With summer in full swing, it might be time to take your hedge trimmer from the shed and show your shrubs some TLC. Here are some tips on how to use a hedge trimmer effectively – and avoid injuring yourself in the meantime.

Safety first Because hedge trimmers have large blades, it’s important to be cautious when using one. You should: 1. Wear protective googles and gloves at all times to prevent twigs, leaves and other objects from cutting or injuring you 2. When using ladders to trim hard-to-reach areas, stand them on flat ground, have someone hold them in place, and don’t over-reach Keep equipment well-serviced Old hedge trimmers that have been in your garden shed for 15 years might no longer be as effective as they once were. You can make your equipment as good as new – and avoid hurting yourself with a faulty machine – by having it professionally serviced every few years.

General hedge trimming tips You’re ready and prepared to start trimming your hedges, but do you know the most effective way to trim your garden shrubs? Here are four simple tips that’ll serve you well this summer:

KEVIN CASEY GARDEN SERVICES

• Start from the bottom of your hedge and work your way up • Trim the sides of your shrubs at an angle. This will ensure sunlight hits each section of the shrub and doesn’t restrict growth • Don’t go too deep with your trimming – you don’t want to remove too many branches and making the hedge look sparse • Avoid over-trimming; informal hedges only need to be cut once or twice a year, whereas formal hedges may need three to four annual trims

07790 682 086 01638 602046

Maintenance & clearance Regular & one-off work undertaken End of rental tidy-ups 30 years experience Free estimates

For help with servicing and repairs of your hedge trimmer or other garden machinery, call Fenland Spirit Services on 0775 383 6499

Fencing repairs and replacements, turfing, grass & hedge cutting, clearance and more!

T: 07429 137677 / 01353 969388 E: m.evanslandscapes@gmail.com

20 20 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

PERFORMANCE

BY HUSQVARNA Shop all the tools you need for those summer jobs in the garden.

SEASONAL DEALS AVAILABLE ON LAWN MOWERS

HEDGETRIMMERS FROM £195

CHAINSAWS FROM £150

PRESSURE WASHERS AND ACCESSORIES FROM £130 90 Lancaster Way Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 3NX www.shopatpeck.co.uk 01353 664515

21 www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 21

For information on how your business can benefit from joining the FSB please contact: JEREMY REEVE jeremy.reeve@fsb.org.uk www.fsb.org.uk After months of lockdown, some non-essential businesses in England are allowed to open from 15 June 2020 and others planned for early July.

Businesses must carry out a risk assessment to prove they are COVID-19 secure and show how they will keep customers safe. As restrictions begin to lift, it’s going to be crucial for your small business to maintain customer confidence in this new normal.

The government has released detailed guidance how different sectors in England can work safely during coronavirus, as well as an up-to-date list of businesses allowed to open. Separate guidance is available for businesses in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including businesses currently allowed to open in each country.

Following government guidelines is key for protecting your customers when they visit your premises, but how can you reassure them that you have taken all the right safety precautions?

SHARE YOUR SAFETY MEASURES Your health and safety procedures are going to be vital reassurance to customers. Make people aware of the new processes you have put in place to reopen your business, like social distancing, hand sanitiser or any necessary PPE. Tell customers about the risk assessment you have carried out to be COVID-19 secure, as this reassures them you’re following all the government guidance.

Health and Safety England offers a COVID-19 secure certificate which you can print off, sign and display in your premises to show that you’re complying with government guidance, such as maintaining a 2-metre distance in the workplace, updating cleaning procedures and managing the transmission risk.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION Be direct about any plans for reopening. You could do this through your social media channels, your website or a sign in your shop window.

Setting out a plan will give customers confidence that you’re prepared for opening.

22 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Communicate clearly about any changes to your opening hours or days. For example, you may be choosing to only open on certain days, or closing early to allow for cleaning to take place. Whether it’s updating your Facebook business hours or putting up signs, letting people know when you’ll be open gives people the chance to plan their trips accordingly.

Consistent messaging with a sensitive tone will help to reassure your customers. If you’re going to be advertising your business, use the right tone – this pandemic has impacted everyone, so be empathic, kind and supportive.

BE FLEXIBLE During the crisis, you may have adapted and implemented new services or ways of working in your business, such as selling online, offering deliveries or organising collections. When you reopen, keeping these options in place for people will help you to stay flexible in your approach.

People who are vulnerable or hesitant to visit shops in person will appreciate the option of still shopping with your business online, or the convenience of having your hand-picked products delivered to their doors.

STAY INFORMED Are you compliant with the latest government advice? Adhering to the latest government guidelines will ensure the safety of everyone involved with your business, including your customers.

You can visit the GOV.UK website, HSE or the FSB dedicated coronavirus hub for the latest news, information and advice you need to know.

For more advice and guidance about how you can keep your business compliant during coronavirus, visit the FSB Legal Hub, where you can download a risk assessment template and access the latest health and safety information.

FSB members can also download a set of printable signs in both A3 and A4 size to display in their premises. www.fsb.org.uk

EDGE GARDEN SERVICES CALL OR TEXT: 07511 009 698 CALL: 01366 667156

EMAIL: edgegroundmaintenance@ edgegroundmaintenance@gmail.com

Ben Robinson

The Handyman Based in Ely Gardening and property maintenance.

Hard working offering excellent value for money.

Willing to undertake the jobs you don't have time for.

Reliable, Friendly, Affordable General DIY jobs-Fitting of laminate flooring-Fencing repairs

e:bmr-repairs@outlook.com

t: 07827 468 835

GARDEN MACHINERY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE BLADE SHARPENING LARGE STOCK OF SPARES FABRICATION SERVICES FOR GARDEN PROJECTS VINTAGE TRACTOR SERVICING & ENGINE REBUILDS

Tel: 01353 699020 / 07554 873 880 Unit 2 Mount Pleasant Business Park, Main Street, Pymoor, CB6 2DY Ely

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www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 23

CUTLACKS 19-21 Forehill

SEW MUCH TO DO 7 High St Passage

UCLASSY

2 High St Passage

KAYS OF ELY

3 Coronation Parade, High Street

BE KIND BE PATIENT BE SAFE

We popped out to see how some of our local shopkeepers were getting on as they opened up again recently. Many have been operating during lockdown by finding creative ways to keep going with deliveries and online ordering.

Remember, when you are in town supporting our local businesses, they are working hard to keep you safe. Take time to read notices and follow instructions.

LITTLE ROOS

4 Coronation Parade High Street

THAI TOUCH 27 Market Place 24 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

TOY CENTRE 7 Market Street

LEMONTREE DELI & CAFE 9 Market Place

CHERRY HILL CHOCOLATES 28A High Street

PROSPECTS TRUST UNWRAPPED 13 Lynn Rd

JAMES

25 High St.

THE EEL CATCHER’S DAUGHTER 28B High Street

THE TREASURE CHEST 2 High St Passage

www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 25

10% OFF

Connect with Care Network!

During these challenging times our Community Navigators can help you find local support. This includes access to our Help at Home essential shopping and our Wellbeing Phoneline services Speak to your local East Cambridgeshire Coordinator today on 01353 659639 To learn more or donate to our Covid-19 response services please visit www.care-network.org.uk/ or call 01954 211 919

J.T.Cycles The Cycle Repair Centre

All All general general servicing servicing and and repairs repairs Front and rear suspension servicing (including electric and folding bikes) makes) (all makes) Suspension(all Servicing Disc brake servicing (all makes) Wheel building Frame repairs

No job too small!

01353 667627

jerryjtcycles@hotmail.com

Unit 1b Century Park, Lynn Road, Chettisham, Ely, CB6 1SA

26 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Quote

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BASED IN ELY

VEHICLE PAINT CORRECTION & ENHANCEMENT SPECIALIST SERVICES FROM 1-3 DAYS DEPENDING ON REQUIREMENTS PERSONALISED QUOTES

Tel: 07974 638 601

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Tig-a-Tack Tig Welding Service

Specialising in:Aluminium Stainless steel Steel etc.

Qualified City & Guilds Level II

Repairs and prototype work undertaken

Sub-contract jobs

01353 667627

jerryjtcycles@hotmail.com

Unit 1b Century Park, Lynn Road, Chettisham, Ely, CB6 1SA

Chettisham Garage• • Cambs Lynn Road • Ely Cambs • 1SA CB6 1SA Chettisham Garage • Lynn Road • Ely • •CB6

FOR ALL YOUR CAR AND VAN REPAIRS

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VAN SALES For all your car and van repairs • • • • • • • •

Servicing from £69.95 plus VAT Diagnostic checks, injector Diagnostic checks tyres and batteries.

Diagnostic checks, injector removal, air conditioning, tyres and batteries.

Servicing from £69.95 plus VAT

We hold a large stock of vehicles for sale, Classes 4, 5, 7 MOT and Taxi tests removal, air fully withconditioning, 6 months warranty.

Free serviced courtesy vehicle available (subject to availability) All vans are sold with 12 months MOT

Injector removal

Servicing from £69.95 plus VAT Air conditioning

• SWB • LWB • Lutons • Tippers Tyres and batteries Classes 4, 5, 7 MOT and Taxi tests Car For daily, weekly or long term hire.

Classes 4,5,7 MOT

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Free courtesy vehicle available Tel. 01353 662700 www.practical.co.uk Motorhome MOT 01353 662700 (subject to availability) Taxi tests Van Sales • Tel. 01353 664234

www.practical.co.uk

We hold a large stock of vehicles for sale.

Fully serviced with 6 month warranty.

All vans are sold with OUR SERVICES 12 months MOT. Class 4 & 7 MOT’s

With new MOT lane and fully qualified tester, we have the facilitates to carry out Class 4 (cars) and Class 7 MOT’S Class 4 £40 Class 7 £50 Servicing With fully qualified Mechanics and the latest equipment we carry out servicing of all tyres of vehicles at competitive pricing. Labour £40 + VAT per hour Diagnostics With the latest Snap-On diagnostics technology we will be able to find out what is wrong with your car.

Batteries, Tyres & Exhausts We offer competitive rates on batteries, tyres and exhaust that can be fitted while you wait (subject to stock) Welding We have fully qualified welders on site, able to carry out repairs to MOT standards.

Recovery & Vehicle transportation We now have a recovery lorry and can also carry out vehicle transportation.

Car • SWB • LWB • Lutons • Tippers For daily, weekly or long term hire.

Single and business rates available.

Tel. 01353 662700

www.practical.co.uk

Van Sales • Tel. 01353 664234 We hold a large stock of vehicles for sale.

Fully serviced with 6 month warranty.

All vans are sold with 12 months MOT.

www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 27

Our Family, Caring For Yours ‘Creating opportunities together by caring to be different’

Aria Court is an award winning care home with nursing. It has recently been extensively refurbished to a high standard and has built a reputation for delivering high quality nursing and dementia care, with people being at the heart of everything they do.

They work with a generous team member to resident ratio, which affords every resident the opportunity to have care provided at their pace, while our Lifestyle and Activities Team ensure that the needs of each individual resident are met. Activities range from the popular choir sessions, to the more relaxed arts and crafts and trips to the local pub.

Pop in or call to arrange a visit.

Aria Court Care Home

Coronation Close, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9PP 01354 661551 or @Ariacourtcarehome If you would like to find out more please email us at enquiries@athenacarehomes.co.uk Or visit our website www.athenacarehomes.co.uk

ELY HERO FINAL NOMINEES AND WINNERS TO BE SELECTED ON 27TH JULY!

A Message from the Ely Hero Awards Team Ely Hero Awards is a special annual event to celebrate the inspirational individuals who make the community of the City of Ely and its surrounding villages a fantastic place to live and work. 2020 sees the 4th annual Award Ceremony, which has become an amazing opportunity to showcase our local heroes.

28 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

The event has woven itself into the fabric of the community with incredible support from local businesses, and is a highlight of the calendar each year.

Amidst the Covid-19 uncertainty regarding travel, gatherings and meetings, the team and our stakeholders have discussed at length how best the event can successfully continue. Everyone is committed to celebrating the achievements of individuals in our community, even more so during the times we find ourselves in. With this in mind, we wanted to keep everyone involved and updated regarding progress so far and continuation plans.

As you may be aware, there has been a pause in proceedings during the lockdown period.

However, the judges are now in receipt of all the nominations, and they are processing, shortlisting and arranging to chat with individuals in order to finalise nominations. Our wish is to keep everyone safe, and following Government guidelines. Our judges will either request telephone interviews, video calls or socially distanced physical meetings, allowing each nominee and judge the best option according to personal circumstances or preferences.

We’re here for you, whenever you need us 14 Prickwillow Road, Ely

01353 634811

www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

The deadline for finalising nominations will be 27th July 2020, where the judging panel will meet again and decide on the winner in each category.

After this date, every nominee will be informed of their position in the process. Our Media Partners will also be assisting the team to showcase the three finalists in each category.

These unprecedented times have drawn attention to how much we value our friends and family, and how much we love to physically meet with each other. The glitzy Awards Ceremony at The Maltings has always been a key event due to the excitement and emotions the evening generates.

The team has therefore taken the decision to assess on a month by month basis how it will be possible to hold an Award Ceremony in 2020. At this stage we do not have final details, however, several plans are being drawn up to form various options. The team will keep you updated with developments according to Government guidelines, and our assurances that we wish to honour our local heroes nominated in 2020.

With best wishes to you and your family for continued good health. www.elyheroawards.org.uk

Colour palette Brand colours and shades All colours provided with cmyk, rgb and html values. Use the designer black for large areas and the 100% K for text.

c69 m87 y30 k66 r53 g22 b53

c64 m85 y36 k22 r91 g56 b92

c53 m73 y13 k16 r114 g79 b128

c22 m15 y36 k5 r200 g197 b168

c10 m7 y22 k0 r233 g230 b208

c30 m0 y45 k15 r178 g195 b149

Massage Wellness Beauty c30 m70 y50 k100 c0 m0 y0 k100 r20 g0 b0

c0 m0 y0 k50

The Soothing Co. brand guidelines 2012

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We aren’t able to open on 4th July, but we hope to open soon.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.

Book online or text 079 0612 6593 27 Market Place, Ely www.thaitouch.co.uk Tel: 01353 655 399 www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 29

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! - BABYLON GALLERY TO REOPEN WITH SUMMER OPEN EXHIBITION Babylon ARTs, has announced the re-opening of the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s riverside, following its temporary closure due to Covid-19. The first exhibition will be their annual selected Summer Open exhibition, which over the past five years, has showcased hundreds of artists’ works and this year, the charity hopes will be one of their biggest and best yet.

artists who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

The exhibition will run from Saturday 1st August to Sunday 6th September and the gallery will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.

As Claire Somerville, chief executive explained: “We’ll be hoping to fill our walls and plinths with a diverse range of art works from professional and amateur artists over the age of 16. This exhibition has previously included paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and more. We’re a contemporary space, supported by volunteers, with the ambition of being the creative heart of Ely and West Anglia.”

www.babylonarts.org.uk

“We welcome submissions from all artists” Claire continues, “and we are particularly interested to exhibit work by those living in Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and West Suffolk; disabled artists and

The deadline for submitting works is 10am Monday 13th July and more information can be found on the organiser’s website:

The organisers went on to say that: “Thanks to funding we have received from Arts Council England, to support us through the Covid-19 crisis, we are able to offer this opportunity without charging artists to submit their artworks. So instead of the £10 per art work we have previously charged, we ask that artists consider making a donation, or putting their waived fee towards purchasing an art work at the exhibition, so everyone gets to benefit.”

Babylon ARTS' Summer Open Exhibition

1st August to 6th September 2020 We're reopening the Babylon Gallery with our annual selected 'Summer Open' exhibition. Presenting a huge range of artists' work for sale and bringing creativity and design back to Ely's riverside for you to enjoy.

We'll be implementing social distancing measures to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit. Details will be shared on our website, on social media and on posters nearer the time of opening. We can't wait to welcome you back!

Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm Free Entry - Donations always welcome Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU www.babylonarts.org.uk Charity number: 1043197 30 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

Have you been discovering different routes whilst taking your daily walk around town lately?

Have you been noticing more in windows from rainbows and thank you notes for key workers to teddy bears? Well during the month of July, particularly weekends, you can look out for the bright yellow flag of Cambridge Open Studios.

This will pin point where you will find, not an open studio but, an Open Window Gallery. Weekends in July you will see windows full of original artwork by local artists and craft makers.

In Ely there will be 12 makers on an art trail where you will find painters, jewellers, printers, sculptors and textile designers.

Many more will be showing in the villages and Cambridge itself. If you are an artist or crafts person why not fill your windows with work too, you don't have to be a member of Cambridge Open Studios to take part this year.

Art & Craft is important in our lives it is uplifting and a reminder of what it is to be human so why not make your daily stroll an art adventure.

Find out more on www.camopenstudios.co.uk also on FB IG & Twitter

The lockdown caused by Covid 19 has put a temporary end to exhibitions and events like Cambridge Open Studios where every July Cambridgeshire makers open up their work spaces to the public. But, being creative people they have come up with a way to share their work whilst maintaining social distancing.

Approximately 120 artists across Cambridgeshire will exhibit their art in windows along with details of how you can connect with them if you'd like to buy a piece or want to know more about their work.

www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 31

ISLE' AVE A SHANTY 'A SAILOR AIN'T A SAILOR': FUNDRAISING CHARITY SPECIAL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyDjjC4Zbv0&t=2s So many people need so much support during the current crisis we are faced with, but we have selected 2 charities to support with our bit of fun video. (and Excellent work from editor Elliott C Spray) We hope you enjoy it, and if you can spare even a small amount for charity, we thank you.

1. The Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. We are a sea shanty band based in the landlocked county of Cambridgeshire, the front line services need your help. Your donation will aid the wellbeing of staff through this difficult time, provide vital equipment needed to support the Intensive Care Unit and much more. https://donate.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/helpyourhospital/ 2. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution. We may be far from the sea but we wonder how on earth will this vital service to our sailors and fishermen be sustained without donations? https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate

ELY WILDSPACE Loss of Public Access on Ely Common

In the last issue of the Elyi magazine we described the wildflower meadow on Ely Common, and how it is successfully managed by co-operation between East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC), the Wildlife Trust and Ely Wildspace.

From the boundary of the wildflower meadow to the Sailing Club the Common is owned by a commercial organisation, and in contrast to the careful management of the wildflower meadow, it has been neglected for several years. As a result, access has been seriously reduced by encroachment of scrub, in some places up to 8m. This is despite the status of Ely Common as a Town Green, gained following a prolonged legal process led by Ely Wildspace.

32 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

This provides the same level of statutory protection as a registered common, allowing certain rights of access. Ely Common is also within the Ely Country Park which is administered

by ECDC. Almost four years ago Ely Wildspace arranged the permissions from Natural England (Ely Common is part of the Ely Pits and Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest) and the landowner, and with the assistance of individual ECDC officers and council members, the encroached area was cleared of scrub. Unfortunately the scrub has regenerated and access is again being lost.

During lockdown the Common has been recognised as a safe and valued space, with a huge increase in visits. Our hope is that the owners and ECDC will fulfil their responsibilities, control the scrub encroachment, and preserve access on Ely Common for the benefit of users in the long term.

If you want to get involved in Ely Wildspace activities or find out more about upcoming Wildspace events visit www.elywildspace.org.uk

Walks with A Difference Summer 2020 Our new programme offers a fascinating blend of rich heritage and architecture, coupled with a fine treat from one of our fabulous eateries. Bookable from July 27th until August 29th

Monday: Coffee & Cake Walk 10am £9 per person Tuesday: House Detectives 2pm £12:00 per person Wednesday: Picnic Walk 11am, £13.00 per person Thursday: Cream Tea Trail 2pm £11.50 per person Friday: Twilight Cocktail Walk 6:30pm £10.00 per person Saturday: Brunch Walk 9am, £16.50 per person Lemon Tree Deli Cafe

To book please visit www.visitely.org.uk/whats-on/

www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 33

ELY MAYOR MIKE ROUSE It has been a great honour to serve as your Mayor for the last two years and the Mayoress and I would like to thank everyone for their support and the hospitality shown to us on so many occasions.

The last two months or so, of course, have been difficult and not at all what we were expecting to end our term of office, but at least we had a lovely community supper at the end of February and an unexpected celebration of my 80th Birthday, a couple of weeks ahead of the actual date.

This May marked my fiftieth year as a city councillor starting with four years on the old Ely Urban District council. Having first held the office of Mayor from 1976-77, I had no ambition to serve again, but I’m so pleased that I did. The last two years have been the most rewarding of that fifty years and I have been able to share them first with my younger daughter, Cassie as Mayoress and then with Lauren as Mayoress, which has given me huge pleasure. Serving as Mayor again has proved to me, if I had any doubts, that Ely is a strong and welcoming community.

The past year has seen us fulfil some 250 engagements big and small from the wonderful Aquafest, the exuberance of Pride Day, grand concerts in the Cathedral, the lovely civic service 34 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

in St Mary’s Church with Kathryn Rowland’s dementia choir, events with the City of Ely Military Band, fund raising with the therapy dogs, the Christmas lights and switch on, the fun of the pantomime, so many enjoyable occasions, none more so than the community supper at the end of February. All of it now seems like a distant memory and something from another world after having spent some twelve weeks under lockdown..

Coming out of this coronavirus pandemic and adjusting to new ways of living, working and socialising, while rebuilding the business life of the city is going to be a huge challenge and the incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor will have my full support.

There is some unfinished business from this year and I look forward to working with them as soon as we are able to resolve them. Lauren and I thank you all for your support during the past year, particularly the Revd Mike Banyard for being my chaplain and Marianne Pickering for keeping my diary and correspondence.

We leave office content that we have done our best to uphold the office of Mayor and wish Cllr Austen a very successful year.

During the Lockdown 3rd Ely Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been keeping the fun going and spirits up with lots of activities - weekly zoom meets have given the youngsters a chance to “see” their friends, chat, play games and also learn new skills.

They’ve made rafts, baked cakes-in-a-mug, done orienteering challenges and camped in their back gardens.

Brian Calvert, leader of the Scouts section, says “Zoom meetings can be messy but they’re great fun too. They’re a great bunch and everyone’s committed to keeping on scouting throughout, come what may.”

Helen, mum of an enthusiastic cub, agrees: “Working towards badges and the weekly meets have provided a real structure for my son’s week, and helped keep him positive.” Rae said: “The VE Day camping weekend was my favourite and I loved building a bug hotel from recycled things in the garden".

Places are limited, but if anyone is interested in joining, or wants to help by volunteering as an adult, they should contact: 3rdelyscouts@gmail.com

Making a flagpole for Zoom meetings

Socially-distanced community work Virtual group campout at home

Arriving at orienteering target!

Making a bug hotel challenge.

Preparing for orienteering challenge

www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 35

To help Addenbrooke’s continue through the crisis and beyond Addenbrooke’s NHS Charity (ACT) is encouraging people to continue to donate.

The impact that donations from the public to the appeal thus far have made has been incredible.

ACT have been able to fund many things including research on staff infection, a brand new speedy COVID-19 test for ICU, iPads for families to communicate with sick relatives and a counselling service. It is making a huge difference to patients and staff, and particularly the countless staff working in the background without whom the hospital would struggle to provide vital care.

One of these is Sarah Jayne Rodwell who is the ward clerk for the Haematology Oncology Ward (C10) and performs a range of admin tasks as well as collecting medication, chemotherapy and bloods, talking to patients’ family members and booking accommodation. She explains why public support is so important right now:

Kerry Alexander, Senior Physiotherapist at Addenbrooke’s explains how donations have helped the specific rehabilitation of patients with Covid-19, such as the non-standard, specialist frames and wheelchairs funded by the charity: “The equipment provided by ACT helps reduce the time patients spend in hospital. The frames help to get patients mobile and will help to rebuild the physical fitness of the muscles, heart and lungs, as well as avoiding complications such as pressure sores, and pneumonia. The wheelchairs are very supportive and will allow patients who are severely deconditioned following prolonged bed rest to get out of bed safely, which is imperative to their recovery. This will help to strengthen their muscles and ensure they are in the best position for breathing and keeping their chests clear.

The Procurement & Supply Chain department also plays an essential role and is responsible for the sourcing and buying of goods across the hospital.

The department helps ACT ensure that the items it funds are safe for use in the hospital and provide good value for money.

“The support the public shows us at Addenbrooke’s means a great deal! The donations have been amazing, I especially love to read the messages that come with the fruit donation boxes for staff. And on C10, for the patients who are unable to leave their side room, ACT funds a ‘tuck trolley’ providing lots of treats and snacks. It’s been invaluable during the Covid-19 pandemic. I know that this is a small joy for the patients at this really difficult time, as they can’t have visitors and family, so we’re really trying to keep their spirits high.”

We simply could not achieve these things without incredible support from the public and there is still so much more that can be done to make the hospital even better.”

For more information on how you can help make Addenbrooke’s even better please visit https:// www.helpyourhospital.co.uk/fundraise Or you can donate online at helpyourhospital. co.uk or text NHSHEROES 10 to 70085 to donate £10 (T&C’s apply) 36 | Elyi Magazine | www.elyimagazine.com

ST MARY’S SURGERY, ELY

You are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if you do go out, take particular care to minimize contact with others outside your household.

If you are in a mental health crisis you can access support 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and selecting option 2.

With summer fast approaching, it’s important for us all to take steps for good personal health. If you have hay fever or allergies, don’t’ forget your over-the-counter medicines. Do stay hydrated, especially if you are outside exercising, and don’t forget to use SPF sun cream, when you can.

TAKING STEPS TOWARDS NORMALITY

By Dr Katrina Young

Doctors are now required to wear scrubs and PPE in face to face consultations at the surgery.

We are now several months on from lockdown due to coronavirus and it’s been very tough for many of us. However, we are beginning to take slow and tentative steps out of lockdown and back to some sort of normality.

This means changes for the surgery too.

We are still asking our patients to ONLY come to the surgery if they have an appointment or are collecting a prescription. Patients coming to the building will be screened at the door, including having your temperature taken. We also encourage patients to wear face coverings, where possible. While most appointments are still over the phone or via video link, St Mary’s is again re-open for more routine appointments, including baby clinics, cervical smears and annual reviews.

In April we launched askmyGP. This online system offers our patients the opportunity to be seen on the same day with no more waiting for appointments and to have their healthcare delivered in a way that best suits them.

Our website has the details of how patients can register with askmyGP. If you don’t have access to the internet, please don’t worry, our reception team will look after you in the normal way.

If you have a chronic long term health condition, you are clinically vulnerable and that means you are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities.

Fatalities and infection rates continue to fall. The most important thing we can continue to do is to stay alert, control the virus, and, in doing so, save lives.

USEFUL NUMBERS...

Addenbrooke’s Hospital: Addenbrooke's Patient Advice & Liaison Service: UCC / Urgent Care Cambridge: Minor Treatment Centre: Princess of Wales Hospital: X-ray department: Physiotherapy department: Centre 33: Hinchingbrooke Hospital: Newmarket Hospital: West Suffolk Hospital: QE Hospital, Kings Lynn: District Nurses: Health Visitors: Inclusion Cambridgeshire (Drug & Alcohol service): Talk to Frank (CONF drugs advice): Midwives (non urgent): Chiropody: Police: Social Car Service: Social Services: Boots the Chemist: Lloyds Pharmacy: Lloyds at Princess of Wales Citizens Advice Bureau: The Samaritans:

01223 245151 01223 216756 0330 123 9131 01353 656675 01353 652000 01353 652075 01353 652046 01223 314763 01480 416416 01638 558400 01284 713000 01553 613613 0844 931 0045 01353 652070 0300 555 0101 0300 123 6600 01223 586790 01353 652044 0845 4564564 01353 666553 01353 667911 01353 661461 01353 662226 01353 664820 0870 751 0933 01223 364455

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LIBRARY SERVICE RECOVERY A message from Gary Porter, Head of Libraries and Communities.

You will hopefully know that whilst libraries have been closed during the pandemic the library service has been open for you online. I am sure you have been closely following the communications from government outlining the next stages of the national ‘recovery plan’.

Libraries are included in Phase 3 of this schedule which is effective from 4 July.

This means that if the rate of transmission is declining in the country we can, from this date, offer some form of physical library service.

What might this look like?

It will not be the full opening of libraries. Our priority is the health and safety of all our staff, volunteers and customers in line with Public Health advice and guidance. We are currently planning what our initial phase of re-opening will look like but in headline terms this will be: •

Limited opening hours at some libraries across the county to give reasonable geographic coverage No mobile library services due to the challenge of making a confined space safe

•

Home Library Service – already partially reinstated but we will look to restore to all customers who normally receive this service

Our approach is to start with a small, carefully managed offer that can be gradually grown in line with circumstances and Public Health guidance and requirements.

When will libraries re-open?

The limited offer described above is likely to roll out late July/August but. We will communicate exact dates when they are agreed.

Could this timetable change?

Yes. We are guided by advice from the government and you will be aware that if the public health situation deteriorates the country may revert to stringent lock down measures and if so we would have to revise our approach to reopening libraries.

•

A click and collect book service – not open access, no browsing as in normal times

•

Managed, time limited access to our IT facilities

Even though the libraries are currently closed, there is a vibrant online offering still available, from all the ebooks, eaudiobooks, online newspapers, magazines and comics, not to mention many of the online activities such as Rhymetime on the Cambridgeshire Libraries Facebook page, and #CambsLibChat for book discussions. There are also author talks screenings and many other exciting activities.

For all the information, people can visit:

•

Reinstating the phone line so that customers without home IT can contact the service

https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/ libraries-leisure-culture/libraries.

•

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New beginners and returners are also welcome.

Guitar tuition is continuing for existing students via Skype.

Karen Setchfield BA (Hons) Classical guitar tuition for adults and children, available during the day or evenings.

07504 241701

ELY YOUTH CHOIR

karensetchfield07@gmail.com ď‚‚

Just as soon as we are allowed to, Ely Youth Choir will be up and running again, welcoming anyone aged 11 to 18 who wants to sing.

Contact me to book a free trial and consultation or for further information:

ONLINE SPANISH LESSONS Beginner to Advanced Level Courses for Adults & Children via Zoom Fun & Rewarding!

GCSE & A Level Tuition Available Harriet Tuckett BA MCIL Tel: 07522504729

info@spanacademy.co.uk

We have some great plans for later in 2020, our tenth anniversary year: concerts in Ely, our seventh appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, and a broad range of music from Les Mis to Messiah to Moon River.

More info from youth@elychoralsociety.org We hope to see you soon!

Ely Youth Choir is part of Ely Choral Society, Reg. Charity 802308. www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 39

Having taken the sad decision to not go ahead with this year’s festival, we are delighted to announce that we are working towardsnext year!

The Ely Folk Festival will be 9th-11th July 2021.

We have been delighted by the messages of support for Ely Folk Festival posted on Facebook since we initially announced the postponement of the festival. Thank you so much to all our loyal supporters.

We are committed to ensuring the long term sustainable future of the festival, and so working with our fantastic artists, suppliers, contractors and supporters over the last few weeks, we are delighted to say that the vast majority of the amazing artists we had lined up for the 2020 festival have already agreed to roll over their appearances to 2021. This includes Show of Hands, The Young ‘Uns, Noble Jacks, Daoiri Farrell, Midnight Skyracer, Daphne’s Flight, Martyn Joseph, Merry Hell, Blackbeard’s Tea Party and lots more.

The 2021 festival will be on the same site as previous years and our suppliers who provide the marquees and other elements that we need to make the festival happen, are on board We have been in touch with our fantastic stewards, kids entertainers, morris sides, traders and all those who help make the festival a great experience to explain the situation and plans for 2021.

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Most importantly, we hope that our ticket-buying supporters will stick with us. Many of you had already bought tickets for the 2020 festival. We would be delighted if you are willing to roll-over your 2020 tickets to the 2021 festival as this is the best way to support us in ensuring the future of the festival for years to come.

We have worked with the Apex box office to arrange the process for roll-over or refund of tickets. They have been contacting all those who had bought tickets.

Please stay safe and we will see you at Ely Folk Festival 2021! email queries@elyfolkfestival.co.uk

ELY CATHEDRAL WINS NATIONAL ECO CHURCH AWARD Ely Cathedral has been awarded an Eco Church Silver Award, in recognition of the steps the Cathedral is taking in implementing a more environmentally friendly approach in its day to day operations and ministry.

The Silver award is part of the Eco Church scheme created by A Rocha UK, a charity committed to mobilising Christians to care for nature. The award, which is renewable every 3 years, provides a unique online survey enabling churches to gauge their contribution to the environment and society and grades their responses accordingly. In 2019, Ely Cathedral was aiming for a Bronze award but ongoing improvements and awareness meant we were able to go straight for the Silver award.

Awards are based on performance in the areas of worship and teaching, buildings, land, community and global engagement, and lifestyle. The Revd Dr Jenny Gage, Minister for Social Justice at Ely Cathedral, is particularly delighted with the news;

photo: James Billings

“We are all very happy that Ely Cathedral has been awarded the A Rocha silver eco church award.

This reflects dedication from all areas of the Cathedral community - congregations, volunteers and staff. However this work is ongoing. Next step - Gold! “ For further information on the Cathedral Environment Group, Renew, please visit the website www.elycathedral.org/social-justice/ social-justice-and-the-environment/renew

KING’S ELY WINS NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING! TALENTED King’s Ely Sixth Form student, Paige Newell, has been crowned the winner of this year’s ILFORD PHOTO UK Student Photography Competition – making it the third year running that a King’s Ely student has won the contest.

For this year’s competition, photography students from across Britain were invited to choose one word to complete the sentence, ‘A sense of…’ and to create an image to encapsulate that.

and Orla Simpson won the UK competition in 2017-18, when she too was a Sixth Form student at King’s Ely. To find out more about photography and other opportunities at King’s Ely, please visit: www.kingsely.org

Paige, who is in Year 12 and lives with her family in the Ely area, chose the word ‘vulnerability’ and portrayed this using ILFORD HP5 Plus film.

Her striking image was printed on ILFORD MULTIGRADE IV RC Pearl paper.

Antonio Longo, Head of Photography at King’s Ely, said: “I am over the moon for Paige! Both the image and the print quality were of an exceptionally high standard. The Department also had several other students who were in the final judging again, which highlights the strength of traditional film and darkroom practice.”

Paige’s success comes after King’s Ely Sixth Former, Luna Guo, was crowned both the UK and International winner of the competition in 2018/19 www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 41

ELY MUSEUM UPDATE Although Covid-19 has bought some delays to our National Lottery Heritage Fund redevelopment - we thought you might like to see some new photos taken in June by our architects, HAT Projects You can see our new extension, above the old Vernon Cross room is really taking shape and the galleries are starting to look like rooms again!

The old porch has been removed in readiness for our new, much improved, porch to be added too!

We’re so excited to see the spaces come together & we hope you’ll agree that the museum will provide a fantastic new space for our visitors to enjoy!

We’ve taken lots of our events online & you can find tonnes of themed activities, crafts (and ssh - even some school work!) to keep your family busy! http://www.elymuseum.org.uk/ uncategorised/museumfromhome/ contains links to each weeks activities for you to choose from!

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PROSPECTS TRUST UNWRAPPED - A DIFFERENT WAY TO RETAIL IN LOCKDOWN! In terms of Lockdown Local Business Warriors – Unwrapped is a bit of a fledgling phoenix.

Unwrapped never shut they just transformed, keeping it local and supporting their loyal customers by setting up (physically overnight) home deliveries.

The staff team have gone above and beyond to serve customers, keep the very new enterprise running while staying safe. The Team acknowledge its tough times, but it is for everyone. Customers can still access the website to order online but they can collect, refill and stock-up at Unwrapped from the door.

The Prospects Trust is still waiting for go ahead to resume Co-worker placements, the heart of the enterprise. Manager Tom and his team have loads of plans; with the Aviva Crowdfunder still live raising funds for a new seating area (now only a socially distancing standing area) to expanding on the home deliveries. Obviously Unwrapped want to be able to offer in-shop services again like light bites and CAKE but that is outside of their control.

It takes a lot of loose porridge oats to keep a small business profitable. Unwrapped really needs all of those panic buying loo roll hoarders to keep shopping with them, to keep it local and to boost the Ely economy. For a few weeks Unwrapped

was perhaps the only local shop with flour, yeast, loo rolls, tins of beans and cleaning liquids in a steady supply.

Maz Baker, development manager, says, “I hope the spirit of Ely residents means we see our zero-waste greengrocery fledgling phoenix soar sky high in time to celebrate Unwrapped’s first anniversary in September. What a year it has been!”

Prospects Trust Unwrapped, made a special top of the class delivery to its friends at Highfield Ely during lockdown while on their busy home delivery rounds.

Highfield School learners have been part of the social enterprise since it opened last September and the team at Unwrapped wanted to send some treats to their frontline friends.

Unwrapped Home Deliveries: https://prospectstrust.org.uk/unwrapped-delivery-service/ To donate to the Aviva Crowfunder: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/refill-not-landfill Unwrapped, Lynn Road, Ely CB7 4EG Tel:01353662010 https://www.facebook.com/ProspectsUnwrapped Instagram: @prospects_unwrapped

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ELY WILDLIFE WATCH In normal times families interested in wildlife meet monthly with dedicated and enthusiastic leaders to find out more about the plants and animals living in the area and to help the environment.

Prior to lockdown we had explored the Country Park in January, learnt about amphibians and reptiles indoors in February and carried out “Pocket Park Clean up” in March.

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES EXTENDS HIS PATRONAGE OF THE STAINED GLASS MUSEUM FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS. The Stained Glass Museum is delighted to announce that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has agreed to extend his role as Patron of The Stained Glass Museum for a further two years from May 2020.

We don’t know yet when we will be able to meet up again but in the meantime the leaders and families in the group have been taking part in the Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild Challenge to have a random act of wildness each day in June. You can see what they did on the group’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/49771974577/ Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK's leading environmental action club for children and families. There is lots of information and wildlife related activities on the website https://www.wildlifewatch.org. uk . Our local Wildlife Trust looks after wildlife and over 100 nature reserves in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and supports our Wildlife Watch leaders.

More information about the Wildlife Trust is at: https://www.wildlifebcn. org/

His Royal Highness first became Patron of The Stained Glass Museum in 2008 during a major appeal when the museum relocated from the north to the south triforium within Ely Cathedral.

He has since renewed his Patronage several times and visited The Stained Glass Museum in November 2018 to celebrate its 40th anniversary of opening to the public. It was a very memorable day for both the museum and the city of Ely. The Museum’s Director and Curator Dr Jasmine Allen says ‘We are delighted that His Royal Highness, has decided to extend his Patronage of The Stained Glass Museum for a further term. The news is most welcome during these difficult times whilst the museum remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.’

The Stained Glass Museum is the only museum dedicated to the art of stained glass in the UK. Housed in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral, the museum is home to an internationally significant collection of windows spanning eight centuries, illustrating the development of the art from the medieval period to the present day.

Alongside its collection the museum hosts a range of events, creative workshops and a learning

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programme for schools and other educational groups. Due to the current pandemic the museum closed to the public on 18 March and expects to lose thousands of pounds of expected income this year. Income derived from visitors – through admissions, shop sales, events and workshops – accounts for 80 - 90% of the museum’s total income each year. If you would like to support the museum, you can donate here: https://stainedglassmuseum.com/impact_of_ coronavirus.html

TED CONEY FAMILY PORTRAITS Local artist, Ted Coney was to have opened his pop-up gallery in April for its 12th Season but because of the pandemic this has had to be postponed.

He usually gives guided tours around his house in Ely and shows some of the paintings he has been making for over fifty years. All the paintings have the theme of family life and he also shows some of the objects, ephemera and photographs which have inspired them.

This year he is promoting his Virtual Tour at a cost of 99p for a nine minute film with all proceeds going to the NHS Charities Together appeal, until the end of the year. It is available from his website: www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk In one of the four paintings shown, he ‘flies’ back in time in his 1931 Morris Minor to 1930s Hollywood to research one of his ancestors.

Vote for your favourite creative idea!

We're inviting residents from Ely and the surrounding villages to vote for two creative ideas they'd like to see happen in Ely, this October Half-Term.

Earlier this year we invited artists, makers and creators to respond to a creative brief with ideas for new work in Ely. We received over 70 submissions from a whole range of creative people, who wanted to make something fun and interesting happen in our City. These have been short-listed to five proposals.

Each of the shortlisted artists has made a 2-minute film to tell you more about their idea.

It’s now up to the local residents to choose the two ideas you’d most like to see happen.

We welcome local residents of all ages and interests to get involved. You don’t need any

special interest or experience in art - just have a look at the films and place your vote. The voting closes at midnight on 12 July - and we'll be in touch to tell you more about the selected projects later in the summer.

The online poll is open from 29 June to 12 July 2020. To view the films and make your vote simply visit www.babylonarts.org.uk/projects/ somewhere-in-ely Alternatively follow Babylon Arts on Facebook or Twitter for links to the poll. If you’re on Instagram you can also follow updates @somewhereinely This project is funded by Arts Council England, using funds from the National Lottery. It is in partnership with Babylon ARTS, Ely Markets, Ely College and City of Ely Council. If you'd like to find out more please contact Amy Wormald on alwormald@gmail.com www.elyimagazine.com | Elyi Magazine | 45

ELY REGULAR GROUPS AND MEETS MOST IF NOT ALL GROUPS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED BUT TO UPDATE FOR THE NEXT PRINT EDITION PLEASE EMAIL: editor@elyimagazine.com before 10th August 2020. Let’s hope some groups will be able to start in September!

Ely Theatregoers Club In view of the current situation we have decided to suspend Membership of the Club for the current year. If anyone would like further information please contact Sandra Butler at: butlersandra085@gmail.com The Ely & District Model Railway Club We are a group of individuals who build model railways in a variety of scales and gauges. The Club has run an annual model railway exhibition in Ely for over 40 years. However this year’s was obviously cancelled due to COVID-19 but we will be back with an exhibition in May 2021. More details will be posted on our Club’s Facebook page and on www.elymrc.org.uk nearer the time. For more information please contact our Secretary David Abbott on 01353 721280 or by email at davidjabbott70@gmail.com

PRESENTS

AIMING TO BE BACK IN THE RING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

PRESENTS

WATCH OUT FOR UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MORE DETAILS ON LOCAL SOCIAL, NEWS & MEDIA PLATFORMS

REAL Life Coaching Heart-Centred Coaching from the mind The REAL approach to Integrative therapy Explore the Root, Empower yourself to take Action for Life!

0027

07739 260 027 | 01353 664920 | realifetherapy@gmail.com

www.realifetherapy.com Client-Centred Couns established in Ely since 2004

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Transpersonal Psychot The Mind Body Link Ex

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