Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

east 

cambridgeshire 

ISSUE 5 SUMMER 2008 www.eastcambs.gov.uk 

Get your 

kids to try 

different 

sports 

Win tickets 

to the 

Cambridge 

Rock Festival! 

Celebrating 

Cromwell 

Revived attraction honours 

the Fens’ most famous son 

INSIDE: SUMMER EVENTS • BIN AND RECYCLING DAYS • NOISY NEIGHBOURS • EXTENSIONS IN CONSERVATION AREAS

A message from 

Councillor Fred 

Brown, Leader of 

East Cambridgeshire 

District Council 

I have lived in East 

Cambridgeshire for many 

years now and I love it. There 

are so many different places 

and characters out there 

which make the District what 

it is – a thriving, vibrant area 

where lots of people want to live. 

You just have to look at some of the events 

coming up this summer to see what I mean. 

We have the Littleport Show, the Haddenham 

Steam Rally and even the World Pea Shooting 

Championships in Witcham coming soon. Each 

event has a unique heritage which has 

sustained many changes over the years to 

create events which are really popular today. 

In a sense, we can learn a lot from these 

events as we move forward in the District. Let’s 

make no bones about it – change is everywhere 

and we can’t hide away from it. But this doesn’t 

mean we have to sacrifice all that makes East 

Cambridgeshire great. 

We must hold onto our traditions and our 

heritage because this is what attracts people to 

the District. So we need to manage our growth 

and celebrate our successes, while embracing 

the new schemes and projects which can make 

us stronger in the future. 

This means dealing with the real issues that 

affect people’s lives. Whether it is anti-social 

behaviour, decriminalisation of parking or 

growth, we must look for answers to the 

problems that are out there. 

However, we can’t do this by ourselves. The 

days have long gone when councils could bring 

about change by themselves. To really change 

people’s lives we need to work in partnership 

with other organisations, community groups 

and, most importantly, the public. 

For all the tradition and history in East 

Cambridgeshire, it is the people who live here 

who make it what it is. This is why we need to 

talk to you and involve you as we try to make 

the District an even better place to be. 

I am proud to be Leader of the District 

Council. It is a position that not many people 

get to hold. I promise I will do my best to serve 

the interests of East Cambridgeshire and its 

residents so that, in years to come, we can look 

back and celebrate how we tackled the big 

issues and changed lives for the better. 

4 

14 

Publisher 

East Cambridgeshire District Council 

The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely CB7 4PL 

For all council enquiries (and availability of 

this magazine in other languages/formats) 

tel: 01353 665555. Editor: Tony Taylorson. 

Photographer: Geoff Durrant 

22 

Contents 

Features 

Oliver twists 4 

Oliver Cromwell’s historic stately home in Ely 

has undergone some major refurbishments to 

provide new facilities for visitors to the house 

and the Tourist Information Centre within 

Witchford wonder 8 

A state-of-the-art centre is replacing the waste 

site at Grunty Fen, taking East Cambridgeshire’s 

recycling facilities into the future 

Eco-extensions 10 

Conservation area? No problem! Be inspired 

by these savvy ideas for making improvements 

to your home with minimal impact on the 

surrounding environment 

Sounding off 14 

Complaints about noise are a common issue for 

the Council. Here’s how to turn things down – 

and how to deal with a noisy neighbour 

Advertising 

Rob Tidswell 

Advertising Manager 

01223 477427 (direct line) 

01223 477411 (switchboard) 

01223 304760 (fax) 

rob@cpl.biz 

welcome contents 

Child’s play 16 

There are plenty of fun sports clubs around the 

District to encourage kids to get fit and active 

Photo focus 

Strawberries ripe! 20 

Get a quintessential taste of summer with 

these mouthwatering images of British berries 

at their best 

News and events 

Great days out and diary 22 

News update 26 

from the Council 

Finance and accounts 28 

Recycling and bin days 30 

Design and Production 

Cambridge Publishers Ltd 

275 Newmarket Road 

Cambridge CB5 8JE 

Tel: 01223 477411 

Fax: 01223 327356 

www.cpl.biz 

©All rights reserved. No part of East Cambridgeshire magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from 

the copyright owners. The opinons expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or of Cambridge Publishers Ltd. In accordance with Section 

51(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 2000, notice is hereby given that East Cambridgeshire District Council adopted a new Code of Conduct for Members on 22nd May 

2007.This code applies to all Councillors and Co-opted Members of the authority with voting rights and replaces the previous code adopted in March 2002. Furthermore a 

renewed Register of Members’ Interests has been established.The Register of Members’ Interests and copies of the new Code of Conduct are available for inspection by 

members of the public at the Council offices,The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely between the hours of 8.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.30pm Friday. 

John Hill, Chief Executive, East Cambridgeshire District Council. 

summer 2008 east cambridgeshire magazine 

8 

16 

3

feature Oliver Cromwell’s House 

Dressing-up games... it is not just adults who will appreciate a visit to Oliver 

Cromwell’s House. 

A house fit for a 

A major refurbishment to Oliver Cromwell’s 

House in Ely incorporates state-of-the-art 

facilities into this historic building, as Simon 

Cobby found out 

Imagine how the course of 

history would have changed if 

Oliver Cromwell had been king. 

In all but name he was. From 

1649 to 1653 he effectively led 

England after concluding that 

Parliament, which was running the 

country at the time, wasn’t doing a 

very good job. 

But more importantly, imagine 

how much more famous Oliver 

Cromwell’s House in Ely would now 

4 

be. Cromwell lived in the house in 

St Mary Street between 1636 and 

1647, having inherited control of 

several properties in Ely from his 

uncle – as well as his uncle’s job as 

tithe collector for Ely Cathedral. 

As a result, his income would 

have been between £300 and 

£400 a year – a huge amount at 

the time and one which would 

have put him within the ranks of 

the gentry. 

east cambridgeshire magazine summer 2008 

king 

As it is, the house – which 

incorporates the city’s Tourist 

Information Centre – welcomes 

thousands of visitors a year. But a 

recent refurbishment has brought it 

right into the 21st century, with 

state-of-the-art facilities to make 

the Cromwell experience even 

more memorable for visitors. 

The refurbishment, which was 

completed in March, was the most 

extensive the house has undergone 

in the last 15 years, according to 

the District Council’s tourism team 

leader Tracey Harding: “Visitor 

numbers had started to stagnate so 

it was time for a makeover. More 

than 100,000 people a year visit the 

Tourist Information Office, but only 

10 or 12 per cent of those stay in

the building and take a tour of the 

house. We wanted to change that. 

We want to make it an attraction 

that tourists and local people will 

want to look around as part of their 

visit to Ely and the Tourist 

Information Centre. 

“The makeover has been 

considerable. The house was 

decorated throughout, a new fire 

alarm system was installed and the 

electrics were renewed. The shop at 

the front of the house was refitted 

and new audio handsets – used 

extensively in other properties open 

to the public throughout the world 

– have been introduced. Some of 

the rooms were reorganised and 

one has now been set aside for 

functions. Visitors to the house are 

now greeted with a scene-setting 

film at the start of their tour.” 

This all adds up to a pretty 

impressive monument to a man 

famous for his Puritanism and 

deeply-held religious beliefs. 

As Tracey explains, Cromwell 

“Visitors to 

the house are 

now greeted 

with a scenesetting 

film” 

believed that everybody should lead 

their lives according to what was 

written in the Bible. 

“The word Puritan means that 

followers had a pure soul and lived 

a good life. Cromwell believed that 

everybody else in England should 

follow his example. 

One of the main beliefs of the 

Puritans was that if you worked 

hard, you would go to heaven. 

“Pointless enjoyment was 

frowned upon. Cromwell shut 

many inns and the theatres were all 

closed down. Most sports were 

banned. Boys caught playing 

football on a Sunday could be 


5


Oliver Cromwell’s House – a room-by-room guide 

The parlour – a dimly-lit, atmospheric 

room, panelled with original 17th century 

oak where visitors can watch an 

introductory film.This sets the scene in 

1636 when the Cromwell family came to 

live in the house. 

The cold larder – a cold room in the 

days before fridges, where food such as 

fish and meat was kept on marble 

shelves. 

The kitchen – Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen is 

a bright and cheerful room which looks 

6 

out over St Mary’s Church. An eel dish is 

being prepared at one end of the table, 

while at the other, dishes are ready to be 

taken into the dining room. 

Mrs Cromwell’s room – this room 

shows how the Cromwell family would 

have spent their leisure time. Mrs 

Cromwell is seen working on her 

embroidery, while rocking the baby in the 

cradle at her feet. 

The Civil War room – panels in this 

room, dominated by a large portrait of 


Mrs Cromwel’s Room 

Oliver Cromwell, provide general 

information about the causes of the Civil 

War. Exhibits include pieces of armour, 

weapons and a soldier’s field kit. 

The study – here visitors see the figure 

of Cromwell writing at his desk, perhaps 

reflecting on his responsibilities as Lord 

Protector. 

The haunted bedroom – in here the 

deathbed scene of Cromwell is portrayed, 

while the commentary tells the story of 

Cromwell’s death and subsequent 

exhumation and decapitation.The story 

of his head and its burial in Sidney Sussex 

College in 1960 is graphically told. 

Gallery corridor – the doorway is 13th 

century and originally an external door to 

the house.The small painting at the 

bottom of the stairs is a Victorian study of 

the remains of Cromwell’s Tithe Barn. 

Tithe office – this room, with some of its 

original 17th century oak panelling, is 

where Cromwell would have overseen the 

locals bringing corn and other produce in 

order to pay for their tithes or taxes.This is 

now the function room and is used for 

events, activities, displays and meetings. 

whipped. Swearing was punished 

by a fine, though persistent 

offenders could be sent to prison. 

Sunday became a very special day 

under the Puritans. Most forms of 

work were banned. Women caught 

doing unnecessary work could be 

put in the stocks, while simply 

going for a Sunday walk – unless it 

was to church – could lead to a 

hefty fine. All a far cry from the Ely 

we see today. 

“Cromwell’s presence is not only 

felt in Ely, but across

Cambridgeshire. He or his family 

have lived in some of the county’s 

grandest houses. His grandfather, 

Sir Henry Cromwell, owned 

Hinchingbrooke House in 

Huntingdon (now Hinchingbrooke 

School), where he is said to have 

entertained Queen Elizabeth I, 

James I and Prince Charles Stewart. 

Sir Henry’s second son Robert, 

who was MP for Huntingdon, 

married Elizabeth Steward of 

Stuntney Hall near Ely. They were 

the parents of Oliver. 

Ramsey Abbey (now Abbey 

College) was the home of Oliver 

Cromwell’s uncle Sir Oliver.” 

Tracey explains that the 

Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon 

is housed in the former Grammar 

School attended by the young 

Oliver Cromwell. The museum – 

owned by Cambridgeshire County 

Council – is devoted to him and is 

the only one of its kind in the 

country. 

The year 2008 marks the 350th 

anniversary of the death of Oliver 


“It has been a 

real challenge to 

introduce new 

attractions to 

the property” 

Cromwell on 3 September 1658. 

“When Cromwell died he was 

the Lord Protector, the head of a 

British Republic. The ceremonial 

proceedings after his death were 

closely modelled on those for King 

James 1st, over 30 years earlier. In 

the weeks leading up to the 

anniversary we will be holding a 

number of events based in and 

around the house so it makes it an 

even better time to refurbish the 

home. 

“I am delighted with the new 

look as it has been a real challenge 

to introduce new attractions to the 

property while still complementing 

its period features, especially as we 

open seven days a week, 362 days 

a year. 

“So next time you pass by the 

house, please pop in and we’ll be 

delighted to see you.”■ 

Opening times and 

admission prices 

Open all year except 25 and 26 

December and 1 January 

Summer Hours 

1 April to 31 October 

10am to 5pm daily, including 

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. 

Winter Hours 

1 November to 31 March 

11am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 

Sundays, 10am to 5pm Saturdays 

Admission Prices 

Adult: £4.30 

Concession: £3.85 

Child: £3.00 

Family: £12.50 


7

feature new recycling centre 

Recycling centre 

marks new era for 

waste management 

The Grunty Fen Recycling Centre will shortly be coming 

to the end of its working life, after many years of 

recycling the things people no longer want. So how will 

residents in the district recycle their bulky waste in the 

future? Tony Taylorson went to find out 

Ihave learnt as I have got older that visiting 

the local recycling centre becomes part of 

your normal adult life. 

You stack up your car and trundle down to 

Grunty Fen to recycle an old tree, some plastic 

bottles and a bit of rubble. In fact, anything you 

care to mention can be left there to be put to 

some good use. 

But all good things come to an end and the 

Grunty Fen Recycling Centre will be closing its 

doors in 2009. So where will you go after that 

to get rid of your unwanted rubbish? 

According to Simon Lacey, from the Waste 

Team at Cambridgeshire County Council, the 

future for recycling in the district is going to be 

very exciting. 

“We are just about to unveil our plans for a 

new Recycling Centre, which will completely 

revolutionise the way we handle household 

recycling in East Cambridgeshire. Grunty Fen 

has served the district really well but it is an oldstyle 

site, which is no longer big enough, 

considering all the growth there has been in the 

area. 

“After assessing a number of different sites, 

the preferred location for the new centre is just 

outside Witchford, on the A142. Everything will 

be totally different from what you currently see 

at Grunty Fen. 

“The centre will be indoors, there will be 

longer opening hours and controls over litter, 

light, dust and smells coming from the building. 

This centre will be the first one we build from 

scratch, so we will have the chance to address 

many of the issues residents find difficult with 

our existing sites. 

“For example, the new recycling centre will 

be split-level. This means no lifting heavy items 

up a flight of steps – and we will design the site 

so it is easy for skips to be removed without 

having to close the site – a major problem at 

Grunty Fen.” 

One aspect that will be key to the successful 

8 


development of the new centre is engaging 

with the public, as Simon readily recognises. 

“It would be foolish to come up with a 

building that is completely out of character with 

the area. We are committed to working with 

the local community to understand their 

aspirations for the future of their village and 

therefore the site. We want to create a 

sustainable building that will be fit for purpose 

well into the future. 

“Throughout the design process, we will 

work hard to make sure that we create an 

unobtrusive building that is in harmony with the 

landscape. For example, the centre will be set 

back from the road, be screened with 

landscaping, and may even have a turfed roof. 

The proposed site should also mean far less 

traffic going through Witchford as cars with 

trailers will use the A142 instead of the village’s 

lanes.” 

Over the summer the waste management 

team will be holding a series of events to 

explain how plans have progressed from open 

days to market stalls. This will allow the public

“We could have one of the most advanced sites 

in the country – in waste management 

terms it doesn’t get more exciting than that” 

to feed into the process before the planning 

application is made in the autumn. 

As Simon concludes: “I think everyone agrees 

that improving the way we all recycle is key to 

securing a better world for generations to 

come. This new centre will play a central role in 

this important work. 

“The plan for the rest of the county is to build 

more of these centres closer to urban areas to 

reduce the amount of travelling people have to 

do to recycle. So instead of driving a long 

distance with your waste, we want to 

encourage shorter trips, or even popping into 

your local recycling centre on your way to the 

feature new recycling centre 

shops or returning from work. With increasing 

fuel costs, this makes increasing sense. 

“The recycling experience is set to change 

and we want to make sure it is the best it can 

possibly be. But we can only do this with public 

support. In a very short time we could have one 

of the most technologically advanced sites in 

the country – in waste management terms it 

doesn’t get more exciting than that.” ■ 

● If you want to view the proposals for a new 

recycling centre at Witchford, log on at 

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/environment/ 

waste and follow the links. 


9

feature conservation areas 

Past modern 

Just because you live in a conservation area, it doesn't 

mean your property has to remain rooted in the past. 

Tony Taylorson finds innovation can create homes that 

enhance the area they inhabit 

So you live in your self-proclaimed castle, but 

something is missing. You look at your 

home and of course you love it, but 

something is not quite right. Is it the space, the 

windows or even the letterbox? It’s definitely one 

of them but what if to put it right means going 

through the complex and nightmarish world of 

building in a conservation area? 

This is a world where you assume nothing will 

be easy; it will be complicated, long, drawn-out 

and come the end of it, you will be left with 

something that may be functional, but wasn’t 

really what you wanted. 

To the great surprise of many, it doesn’t have 

to be like this. Throughout East Cambridgeshire’s 

29 conservation areas, there are examples 

of where, with a bit of innovative thinking and 

10 

Before 

After 


discussion, people have come up with designs to 

rival any TV property development show. 

Take Rob Assheton, for example. He lives in 

Burwell and had the dilemma of how to extend 

his cottage to take into account his growing 

family. 

“It was obvious that our home wasn’t big 

enough for us anymore, but we didn’t want to 

move from where we were happy. We needed 

an extension, but when we were told our 

original ideas would dwarf our existing home 

and we were unlikely to get permission, we 

knew we had to think a bit differently. 

“So with our architect, Graham Waterhouse, 

we looked closely at what was possible. My wife, 

Sarah, and I have always found ecological 

designs more interesting, and had an idea it 

Rob Assheton’s home in a conservation area in Burwell before the renovations... and how it will look when finished 

might be fun to build an earth-sheltered home 

on a hillside one day, but it hadn’t occurred to us 

it could work well on the edge of the fens. So, 

when Graham suggested an earth-sheltered 

extension, we were both really keen. It seemed 

like a great way to satisfy the constraints of the 

conservation area while getting a really 

interesting end result. 

“As well as looking good, there are benefits of 

building like this in terms of energy efficiency. 

The earth surrounding the building acts as a 

thermal store. A bit like the sea, the temperature 

of the ground lags behind the temperature of 

the air. This means in the winter, it has retained 

the heat of the autumn so requires less energy to 

heat it, while in the summer, it still holds onto 

the coolness of the spring. The technical term is 

‘thermal flywheel,’ but it effectively means we 

will be able to maintain a given temperature 

with less energy. 

“One of the reasons we love living here is that 

we have great neighbours around us so it was 

important that our extension should be a good 

thing for them, too. If we had simply followed 

the obvious route of extending the same profile 

backwards from the road, it would have

overshadowed our neighbours to the north and 

made their home a lot darker, as their windows 

are not far from our boundary. 

“This is the main reason why our design sinks 

partly into the ground, giving a finished height 

less than half that of the existing cottage. We’re 

really pleased that their response to the design 

we showed them was that they are ‘very excited 

by the prospect of having such a totally cool 

house next door.’ Our neighbours to the other 

side have helped us out during the build, too. 

Everyone around us has been very supportive, 

and this really makes the whole process so much 

more enjoyable. 

“We are about a third of the way through the 

build at the moment, but I don’t want to set a 


“A conservation area is an area of special 

architectural or historic interest, the 

character or appearance of which it is 

desirable to preserve or enhance” 

The plans for 

the ‘green’ 

extension. 

Neighbours are 

excited about 

living next to 

such an 

interesting 

property. 

finish date because then we can’t be late! Once 

it’s done it will be a really lovely place to live with 

our family.” 

Rosie Burton, Conservation Officer at East 

Cambridgeshire District Council, agrees that 

building in a conservation area more often than 

not encourages innovation. “Conservation areas 

are all about managing change, ensuring we do


not repeat some of the mistakes that were made 

in the 1970s and 80s. Back then, buildings 

received permission which seemed to have no 

relevance to the place they were built. What we 

are now trying to do is restore some balance, 

giving some individuality back to distinguish 

towns and villages from each other. 

“The dictionary definition of a conservation 

area is: ‘an area of special architectural or historic 

interest, the character or appearance of which it 

is desirable to preserve or enhance,’ which I like 

to think is really important in a district like East 

Cambridgeshire. We have so much heritage 

12 


Lionel March sits in the new 

extension with his wife 

“An earth-sheltered design seemed like a great 

way to satisfy the constraints of the conservation 

area while getting a really interesting end result” 

here, it is important to protect it but we also 

must be flexible to understand people’s needs. 

“Planning officers we are always keen to help 

and advise about changes to buildings because 

for many this will be their one and only venture 

into planning. From the outside it can seem a 

very daunting procedure, but talking it though 

with us and a good architect means you know 

what you can achieve from the start. For 

example, when people understand a three storey 

extension on a one-and-half storey cottage is not 

appropriate, they look for other suitable and 

often innovative solutions. 

Conservation area grants 

East Cambridgeshire District Council is keen to help 

the repair of buildings in conservation areas and is 

one of the few remaining authorities that run a 

conservation area grant system. 

Basically, if you’re an owner of a building in a 

conservation area, which needs renovation, you can 

apply for funds via a points system.Applicants need to 

provide at least two quotes based on identical 

specifications. 

Any grant likely to be over £5,000 would go to 

Planning Committee for their decision and it is likely 

to be offered on a loan basis.The Loan is interest free 

and need not be repaid until the property is sold. 

However, it is attached like a loan to the property at 

the land registry, so when the property is sold the loan 

is automatically repaid by the solicitor. 

Councillors are keen to assist with the protection of 

the historic built environment through grants. Most 

are small so the money is spread as far as it can be. 

The forms are available from the East 

Cambridgeshire website www.eastcambs.gov.uk or by 

contacting Rosie Burton on 01353 665555. 

“Like Rob Assheton, I cannot stress how 

important it is to speak to your neighbours 

ahead of submitting a planning application. No 

one likes shocks or surprises so if you explain to 

them what your plans are, they can feel part of 

process.” 

Lionel March, from Stretham, can back up 

Rosie’s comments about the importance of 

speaking to officers from the time when he and 

his wife came to build his extension. 

He said: “By speaking to officers at the 

beginning of the process, I believe the 

application became very straightforward. We 

had just returned from living in a large house in 

Los Angeles, where we had plenty of space for 

our books and furniture, to a cottage which had 

been in my wife’s family for more than 30 years. 

Following a spot of renovation to the old 

building, it became clear we needed more space 

if we hoped to get all our things in. 

“We withdrew our first plans for the extension 

as, following a meeting with planning officers, 

they told us – and quite rightly so – that we 

should make the proposed building smaller. So 

we rethought our designs for the library and 

another bedroom to fit in with this. 

“I have always admired the way homes in 

Germany embrace greener architecture so I was 

keen to try and develop some environmentally 

friendly aspects to the cottage. Given the 

building is in a conservation area, I thought this 

was only right. So as well as a green roof, which 

is landscaped with sedum, we also included a 

timber structure and solar water heaters. 

“We have now been living in the new 

extension for two years, and it has both allowed 

us to keep all our books and given us a room for 

visitors to stay. We also have a smaller garden, 

but to be honest when you get to my age that is 

a blessing as it is easier for us to potter around 

in. 

“This whole process has been really 

worthwhile and as I said at the start, if you need 

help go and get the advice of the experts. They 

can ensure you develop what you actually 

need.” ■


13

focus noise pollution 

Turning it down 

If something goes boom, bang, buzz, 

bark, beat or generally disturbs your 

peace, what can you do about it? Well, 

you can call your local district council, as 

Glenn Thwaites finds out 

The rapid development of East 

Cambridgeshire – in both its 

housing and economy – has 

brought with it many challenges. 

One of these is excessive noise, 

which can have a real impact on 

someone’s life, especially if it is 

loud and constant. But there are 

things which can be done. 

The District Council Domestic 

Pollution Team consists of seven 

officers who are experts in dealing 

with a wide range of domestic 

issues such as housing disrepair to 

odour and noise disputes 

between those people who want 

a quiet life and those whose 

Top tips for a quiet life 

● Warn neighbours of any events you 

are organising; 

● Avoid excessive noise at all times; 

● Reduce the volume level as the 

evening progresses; 

● If you are going away, leave contact 

details with a neighbour and, 

whenever possible, also leave a key; 

● Generally be a good neighbour and 

treat others as you would want them 

to treat you; and 

● Respect other people’s opinions 

and accept that different people have 

difference tolerance levels to noise 

and disturbance. 

14 

lifestyles or businesses are a little 

more noisy. 

Karen See, who leads the team, 

explains how the department 

works: “We deal with everything 

from complaints about barking 

dogs to booming car stereos, 

noisy neighbours and 

malfunctioning smoke and 

burglar alarms. There are also 

often issues raised by new 

housing developments built near 

existing industrial sites. 

“We have found that the key is 

to deal with potential problems 

before they even happen. For 

example, we have two huge 

music events coming up this 

summer – the Ely Folk Festival and 

Danceisland. The only way to 

make sure they run smoothly is to 

work closely with the organiser of 

the events. 

“We have held regular 

meetings with all parties – from 

the organisers to the police and 

local residents – to agree a 

number of conditions that include 

noise. We have agreed to monitor 

these events closely to ensure the 

levels we have decided on are 

stuck to and do not cause 

unnecessary disturbance to 

people in the area. 

On the domestic front, 

excessive noise can make life a 

misery. Noisy neighbours, noise 


from industry or construction sites 

and barking dogs are just a few of 

the problems that crop up. 

The rapid growth in house 

building has brought many more 

people living closer together. So 

barbecues, birthday parties and 

other celebrations that go on into 

the night can upset people if 

people aren’t considerate. 

As Vinnie Jathoul explains: 

“When we receive a complaint, 

we do our best to resolve the 

issue informally and mediate 

between the two parties. But 

sometimes things cannot be 

resolved easily, so a range of 

“Deal with 

potential 

problems before 

they happen” 

legislation can be brought into 

force to deal with the issue. 

“There are a variety of Acts 

which we can use. These provide 

a range of weapons that can be 

brought to bear on those 

responsible for unacceptable 

levels of noise or disturbance. 

“For example, pubs and clubs 

that exceed agreed noise levels at 

night can be hit with an instant 

£500 fixed penalty notice, and 

drivers who like to entertain the 

world with their car stereo 

systems can also be required to 

quieten down. 

“We also help businesses to 

avoid problems. We are here to 

give advice to any firms that are 

considering changing their 

working practices or hours of 

business, and regular liaison 

meetings are held with local 

businesses.” 

These liaison meetings also 

involve a range of interested 

parties, such as local people, 

parish and district councillors. The 

meetings are chaired by an 

independent person and are 

designed to resolve any potential 

areas of conflict in advance. 

But, as Claire Braybrook 

explains, a district council can act 

swiftly when it has to: “Ultimately 

we have the power to obtain a 

warrant to enter a property and 

deal with the source of the noise 

– but this is not an action which is 

taken lightly and the decision to 

enter a property could leave the 

owner with a hefty bill. 

“Just a few weeks ago, we 

were told about a smoke alarm 

that was disturbing the 

neighbours of a three-storey 

terraced house. 

“A fault had developed, which 

meant the alarm was sounding 

continuously. We tried to find the

home owners, but they were 

away for the weekend so 

unfortunately it proved fruitless. 

The neighbours couldn’t even 

expect some respite when the 

smoke alarm batteries were 

exhausted, as they were mains 

powered. 

“So we obtained an entry 

warrant and, accompanied by a 

police officer, a locksmith and an 

engineer to fix the alarms, we 

went into the house to deal with 

the problem. We then charged 

the homeowners for all the work. 

The 

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Although this is an extreme 

example, it does show what we 

can do to deal with noise 

problems, although thankfully 

most issues are settled much more 

easily.” 

The message from the East 

Cambridgeshire District Council 

team is clear: ‘Don’t suffer in 

silence: we are here to help.’■ 

● The team can be contacted 

during normal office hours or via 

the Council’s out of hour’s 

emergency number (07710 

978900). 

Essex House, 

71 Regent Street, 

Cambridge CB2 1AB 

01223 464171 

www.bodylaser.co.uk 

Opening soon at 58 Broadway, Peterborough

feature sport for youngsters 

Star-searching 

There are hundreds of sporting clubs based 

in the District – from bowling to football to 

athletics – which are all looking for new 

members. But how many realise there is a 

vast pool of untapped talent on their 

doorstep? Tony Taylorson finds out where 

clubs can go to find the next superstars 

– to me they are the 

key to the future survival of 

“Schools 

sporting clubs in the 

District. I am always amazed that 

they are not inundated with 

requests from people wanting to 

show why their sport is the best.” 

So says Tom Hickson, Sports 

Development Officer at East 

Cambridgeshire District Council as 

Fencing for the future 

Gerry Doe, who is in the process of 

setting up a new fencing club in East 

Cambridgeshire, agrees the key to 

success for a coach is to convey your 

enthusiasm to the youngsters. 

“Fencing can be very complex but I 

learnt a few years ago that, to get 

beginners into the sport, you have to 

keep it simple. Following the example of 

a master of the art, I say to people 

during taster sessions that there are only 

four moves to remember: straight, over, 

under and twiddle. 

“The value of getting into schools is 

that you can expose people to a sport 

which they wouldn’t normally play. 

Teaching children is great because if you 

can get them interested, then you can 

begin to programme into their muscles 

16 

he explains why he is working to 

bring schools and clubs closer 

together. 

“We have more than 25 schools 

in East Cambridgeshire which have 

thousands of children keen to find 

some sport or leisure activity that is 

right for them. They are not 

necessarily looking to become 

world champions, but they are 

looking for something they can 

enjoy. I have always thought clubs 

should be hammering down their 

doors to get access to such a well of 

talent and, let’s face it, membership. 

“This is why we are now 

working with schools and clubs to 

make them aware of the benefits of 

mutual cooperation. Every school in 

the District is working towards 

government targets to offer five 

hours of sport and physical activity 

in a week, so linking to local clubs 

can really help to reach this goal. 

“To be fair I don’t think anyone, 

until very recently, understood how 

the moves for them to use in the future. 

“I have found that the key is to give 

people praise and encouragement. 

Everyone reacts well to positive 

comments – it is human nature. So when 

I see someone has made their best effort 

in an area, I congratulate them and then 

we move onto another technique.That is 

the way to get people to relax and 

ensure they retain their interest enough 

to come and join a club. 

“For minority sports, good school and 

sport club links are vital.We are not as 

privileged as some areas in the country 

where a lot of money is spent honing 

future generations but I have learnt that 

money isn’t everything and by 

simplifying things, people can find a love 

for any new sport.” 


schools and sporting clubs could 

link up effectively. I see it as being 

really important that we get this 

moving now before it is too late.” 

One of the people which Tom is 

working with is Di Baker at 

Witchford School Partnership. It is 

her job to act as a bridge between 

the sporting clubs and the schools, 

establishing links and making sure 

all the basic checks are done. 

“In the past I think many 

sporting clubs thought it was 

enough just to put a poster up at 

the local leisure centre to tell people 

Thousands of East Cambridgeshire 

children are keen to find sporting activity. 

“Times have changed and, to be 

honest, not many people bother to 

read notice boards anymore” 

about when they held their weekly 

meeting. But times have changed 

and this is possibly not the most 

effective way of communicating 

information. So in order to find new 

recruits for their clubs, they have to 

think smarter which is where we 

come in.. 

“To help them along, we are 

actively speaking to groups and 

clubs, explaining to them that I am 

here as a link from school to club. 

One of my roles is to sort out the 

paper work, ensure the basic things 

like criminal record, insurance and

first aid checks have been done. We 

then advertise to all the schools in 

that area. Schools are then able to 

contact the clubs direct and arrange 

taster sessions, assemblies etc. From 

there we can develop more formal 

links and get people involved in 

which ever sport it is. 

“While we aim to create fit and 

active children through this 

programme, we also want to bring 

a sense of community spirit to the 

clubs. For example, not everyone is 

Community spirit is as 

important as fitness and activity. 

driven to be the best at a sport but 

they may want to participate in 

other areas like volunteering or 

becoming officials. Sport is such a 

good way to make this possible.” 

For those who teach sport every 

day, like Sarah Denney at Witchford 

Village College, these club links and 

taster sessions can be invaluable for 

introducing new sports to young 

people – but only if they are done 

right. 

“The taster sessions are a great

feature sport for youngsters 

“Children and young people 

want to learn things and be 

inspired by high-quality coaches” 

way to bring a new sport into a 

school, because if they are done 

well they can offer a brief snapshot 

of all that is great about the sport. 

Children and young people want to 

learn things and be inspired by 

high-quality coaches. But they are 

no fools either. If people who come 

in don’t catch their imagination, 

then they will switch off. 

“There are so many sports that 

should be competing for young 

people’s attention, from the big 

guns like football and hockey, to the 

more minority sports like archery 

and fencing. This puts the onus on 

people to come in and put their 

club on the map. 

“Sports clubs, if they are to 

attract young people, must be 

smarter as children no longer go 

out looking for clubs. To be fair, I 

think people are beginning to get 

the message, especially in the minor 

sports that need members to 

sustain their clubs. 

18 

“From my own experience, I have 

seen how young people are keen to 

be taught by different coaches, as it 

turns a PE lesson into an event. The 

key is to be enthusiastic, adaptable 

and really know what you are 

doing. In that way you can ensure 

children will go away feeling they 

have learnt something and more 

importantly want to learn more.” 

Perhaps the final word should go 

back to Tom Hickson: “In an ideal 

world, I would like to see schools 

promoting sports clubs through lots 

of taster sessions and then for more 

children to take up an extracurricular 

activity. What is exciting is 

that this isn’t a long-term goal that 

could take years to achieve. With 

the right will and commitment from 

all sides it is not out of the question 

that we could have this set up in a 

matter of months. Now that would 

be something to celebrate.”■ 

● For further information contact 

Tom Hickson on 01353 665555 

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Sports clubs need to be smarter to attract children.


19

photo focus strawberry growing 

20 

east cambridgeshire magazine summer 2008

photo focus strawberry growing 

Strawberry fields forever? 

Strawberries and cream are one of our 

favourite desserts, blending perfectly with a 

hot summer’s day. And Cambridgeshire has a 

long tradition of responding to the nation’s 

desire for this luxurious fruit. 

Frasers of Little Downham and John Quince 

of Isleham are two farms that are keeping up 

the tradition. “Warm nights and a dry spell 

just before ripening are the best conditions 

for strawberries,” explains John (pictured 

below), who has been growing them since 

1986. “People are still keen to discover the 

fun of Pick-your-own and the children 

absolutely love it. It makes a great day out”. 

Low-priced strawberry pulp from Bulgaria 

and its neighbours – imported by the major 

jam manufacturers – almost destroyed the 

Cambridgeshire industry in the 1970s. Many 

farmers could not produce their fruit 

competitively, and switched to other crops. 

It’s now making a comeback, however, 

thanks to luxurious varieties such as 

Symphony and Cambridge Favourite. “There 

is no substitute for freshly-picked fruit,” 

continues John. “You can get them from the 

supermarkets, but very often they have been 

driven hundreds of miles to get there, and 

once they’ve been refrigerated, they lose 

their original flavour.” 

Photographer: Geoff Durrant 


21

feature days out 

A summer of fun 

Dates for your diary 

Ely & District 

Horticultural Society 

Show 

The Summer Horticultural Show 

will be held at the Paradise 

Sports Hall, 

Newnham Street, 

Ely. Gardeners 

from around the 

district come to 

enter their prized 

specimens in 

hotly contested 

competitions. 

The show 

starts after 

judging has 

completed at 

12 noon and 

runs through 

until 5pm. 

On Sunday 

the show 

22 

will run from 10am until 5pm. 

Admission £2 for adults and 

there is no charge for 

accompanied children. 

23-24 August 


World Pea-Shooting 

Championship 

In 1971, residents of Witcham 

were trying to raise funds for their 

Village Hall. Local headmaster 

John Tyson had the idea to harness 

his pupil's penchant for peashooting. 

The community organised a 

pea-shooting challenge during the 

Village Fair. The event was a huge 

success. Over the years, it has 

grown into the World Pea- 

Shooting Championship, 

attracting competitors from 

around the globe. 

Competition is fierce and peashooters 

have travelled from the 

United States, Europe and New 

Zealand to challenge locals in a 

contest to hit the bull’s eye with a 

pea. 

Contestants shoot a pea 

through a tube, 12 feet towards a 

12-inch target. Laser-guided 

shooters are not unknown, taking 

the sport into the 21st century. 

July 12 2008 sees the 38th 

Championship at the Village Fair 

on the Green at 1pm. 

(Competition starts at 2pm). The 

aim remains to raise funds for the 

upkeep of the Village Hall. Entry is 

£1(50p for juniors) and peashooters 

and peas will be on sale 

on the day. 12 July

Soham Pumpkin Fair 

Soham Pumpkin Fair is an annual 

event, open to all-comers, and 

held every September in the 

recreation ground. 

A festival of size, it measures a 

gardeners’ skill and patience. With 

a variety of classes for pumpkins, 

sunflowers and outsize vegetables, 

there are prizes for all, including 

special sections for junior 

members of the community. 

Categories include: 

Heaviest Pumpkin 

Grown in East Anglia; 

Tallest Sunflower 

Grown by a Child; and 

Longest Runner Bean. 

It has become a 

local tradition to issue 

every child in the 

town with a 

pumpkin and 

sunflower seed to 

grow especially for 

the fair – some 

enjoy amazing 

success. 

There is a range 

of traditional 

stalls, a car boot sale, 

funfair, vintage cars and tractors, 

plus children's amusements, 

including performances by Soham 

Fenlander Majorette Troupe and 

Zak the Clown. Mr Pumpkin will 

also be making a special visit. 

Admission is £1 for Adults, 50p 

for Senior Citizens and Children 

over 12, Children Under 12 get in 

free. The show opens at 1.30pm 

and closes at 5pm. 

Exhibits are on show 

throughout. 

27 September 

Littleport Show 

One of the highlights of the year 

in the Cambridgeshire calendar is 

the Littleport Show, which draws 

visitors from outside the county as 

well as thousands nearer home. 

The show is famous for its 

displays of heavy horses, and 


other features include show 

jumping, sports, stalls, food and a 

licensed bar. 

All are welcome for a fun 

family day out at one of 

Cambridgeshire's oldest country 

shows. 

26 July 


23


Haddenham Steam 

Engine Rally 

The 35th Haddenham Steam Rally 

and Show is a nostalgic weekend 

for all with over 500 exhibits from 

a bygone age. There are steam, 

horse and tractor working 

demonstrations, including 

ploughing, threshing and wood 

sawing. 

24 

Friday 18th July 

Friday 25th July 

Friday 1st Aug 

Friday 8th Aug 

Friday 15th Aug 

There will also be an old-time 

fair; fire & rescue, sub aqua & 

marine model displays; as well as 

Ken Fox's World Famous Wall of 

Death Show. Visitors will also be 

able to experience Graham 

Atkinson's Famous Showman's 

Engine "Iron Maiden" with the 

Oktoberfest Organ & Stage Show. 

6-7 September 


UB40 

with special guest 

Maxi Priest 

Win! 

Calling all rock 

fans… here’s your 

chance to win tickets 

to Cambridge Rock 

Festival at Wood 

Green Animal Shelter, 

Godmanchester, from 

17-20 July 2008. 

With more than 70 

bands playing the 

festival, and more than 

70 beers and ciders to 

try, as well as an array 

of craft stalls and a record fair, 

there’s plenty to keep everyone 

entertained at the 52-acre site. 

Plus, there’s no chance of 

going hungry with everything 

from savoury crepes to Turkish 

mezze on offer. 

Rock and blues are the order 

of the weekend, but a variety of 

genres will be showcased, all 

with superb hi-fi quality sound, 

and accompanied by spectacular 

lighting. Catch the likes of Led 

Zep Too, The Pure Floyd Show 

and Mostly Autumn (pictured). 

Two lucky winners will each 

receive a pair of tickets to the full 

festival, worth £178. We’re also 

giving away 10 pairs of Friday 

night tickets, worth £50 a pair 

and 25 pairs of Thursday night 

tickets, worth £20 a pair. 

How to enter: Simply visit 

www.cambridgerockfestival.co.u 

k and register to join our email 

list (and receive our regular 

eNewsletter) before 14 July 

2008, entering ‘East Cambs’ in 

the ‘state/region’ field. 

Children are welcome, but 

under-16s must be accompanied 

by an adult at all times.

More at www.eastcambs.gov.uk/tourism 

July Location Time Event 

11 EOSA Club, Ely 3 days Ely Folk Festival (www.elyfolk.co.uk) 

12 Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Free Live Music: Generationz 

Ely Cathedral 19.30 onwards Concert: Natalie Clein 

Witcham Village Hall All Day Event World Pea Shooting Championship 

13 Wicken Fen 14.00-16.00 Fen Flora Walk 

19 Wicken Fen 10.00-17.00 Working Fen Weekend 

20 Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 12.00-17.00 Archaeology Discovery Day 

25 Wicken Fen 11.00-14.00 Pond Dipping 

Jubilee Garden, Ely 14.30-16.30 Free Live Music:White Winos 

Littleport Village Hall All day event Littleport Show 

27 Engine Museum, Prickwillow All day event Traditional Crafts and Trades 

Wicken Fen 11.00-14.00 Minibeast Hunting 

31 Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 12.00-16.00 Food and Farming 

August Location Time Event 

1 Wicken Fen 10.30&14.00 Children’s Activity: Butterfly Flutter By 

Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Free Live Music: Fenland Jam 

Wicken Fen 19.30-21.00 Twilight BBQ & Night Safari with Warden 

3 Wicken Fen 6.00-10.00 Birdringing Demonstration 

4 Wicken Fen 10.30&14.00 Children’s Activity: Fairies, Pixies & Potions 

5 Ely Cathedral 13.10 onwards Concert:Wellington Cathedral Choir 

6 Wicken Fen 10.30&14.00 Children’s Activity: Slimy Slugs & Wiggly 

Worms 

Ely Cathedral 10.00-11.30 Fun & Crafts for Young Families 

8 Wicken Fen 10.30&14.00 Children's Activity: Damsels & Dragons 

9 Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Free Live Music: Steve Bingham 

Wicken Fen 10.30-12.30 Ponies Galore 

11 Wicken Fen 14.00-16.00 Children’s Activity:Wicken Warriors 

12 Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 12.00-17.00 Farmland Olympics 

Wetland Centre,Welney 14.00-16.00 Children’s Event: Frogs and Toads Party 

17 Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Riverside Concerts: Ely Military Band 

Old Stretham Station 14.00-18.00 NGS Gardens Open for Charity 

Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 10.00-17.00 Adult Craft Workshop: Plant Dyeing 

19 Wetland Centre,Welney 14.00-16.00 Children’s Activity: Minibeast Mayhem 

20 Wicken Fen 10.30&14.00 Children’s Activity:Wildlife Detectives 

23 Paradise Centre, Ely All day event Ely Horticultural Society Show 

Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Free Live Music: Riverside Blues Collective 

& The Grace Brothers 

24 Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 12.00-17.00 Mediaeval Fun! 

Anglesey Abbey, Lode 10.30-17.50 Gardens Scheme Day 

30 Anglesey Abbey, Lode 10.30-17.00 Anglesey’s Finest Hour? (WWII) 

31 Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Riverside Concerts: Mississipi Jazz Band 

September Location Time Event 

3 Oliver Cromwell House, Ely 19.00 onwards Lecture: Remember Oliver Cromwell 

6 Palace Green, Ely 10.00-16.00 Living History Day 

Denny Abbey,Waterbeach 10.00-16.00 Adult’s Art Workshop 

Haddenham Village Hall All day event Steam Engine Rally 

7 Jubilee Gardens, Ely 14.30-16.30 Riverside Concerts:Waterbeach Band 

Wetland Centre,Welney 11.00-16.00 Wild about Autumn Workshop 

10 Anglesey Abbey, Lode 11.00-16.00 How to Grow Dahlias 

13 Anglesey Abbey, Lode 10.30-17.30 Heritage Open Day 

20 Wicken Fen 10.00-16.00 Rush Weaving Workshop 

21 Drainage Museum, Prickwillow 11.00-16.00 Model Engineering Day 

27 Soham Village Hall All day event Pumpkin Fair 

Local art exhibitions/ongoing events 

2 July- 3 August Anglesey Abbey Spotlight – Racing 

21-31 August Oliver Cromwell House Free Children’s Craft Activities 

23 July-8 August Welney Wetland Centre Wetland Olympics 

6-31 August Anglesey Abbey Spotlight – The 1st Lord Fairhaven 

16-25 August Ely Cathedral Art in Wood: Summer Exhibition 

3-29 September Angelsey Abbey Spotlight – Caring for the House 

20% OFF 

when you 

spend £500 

on garden 

furniture 

GARDEN & LEISURE UPPER FIRST FLOOR 

We have the widest selection of - BBQ`s, both Gas & Charcoal, 

we supply Calor gas and regulator. Garden furniture in wood 

and metal, in sets or individual bench, chairs, tables, parasol 

and other specialist items. Also a selection of garden hoses, 

sprinklers and chemicals. 

DIY AND TOOLS FIRST FLOOR 

Projects around the house - Come and see us for tools, stains, 

brushes, scrapers, sandpaper, locks, screws, brass and metal 

fi ttings and of course friendly knowledgeable advice. An 

extensive range of bathroom cabinets and fi ttings - roller, 

venetian and blackout blinds. 

PAINTS AND LINENS UPPER GROUND FLOOR 

We now stock Farrow and Ball paints 

along with our usual high quality range of 

paints, stains and decorating equipment. 

Linens, bedding, towels and curtains are also on this fl oor. 

 

COOKING & TABLEWARE GROUND FLOOR 

Looking for anything for the kitchen - pans, pots, stainless steel 

cookware and utensils, kitchen gadgets, timers, chopping 

boards, trays, cutlery, crockery, glasses, mugs and much more 

New Aga cookshop ariving soon 

19/21 Forehill, 

Ely 

Tel. 01353 662881 

within 50m of Market Square 

and Broad Street, Free car park 

AGA Cookshop 

www.cutlacks.co.uk 

264 Mill Road, 

Cambridge 

Tel. 01223 246418 

own free car park opposite 

store in Ross Street 


diary 

25

news from east cambs 

Maltings closed for repairs 

The Maltings, the historic centre 

for conferences, exhibitions and 

banqueting in Ely, has closed for 

six months for essential repairs. 

The repair work coincided 

with the end of the Council’s 

contract with Eliance, who 

provided the catering and 

exhibition facilities at the venue. 

The Council is currently looking 

into the various options for the 

future of the building, but has 

confirmed it will continue to 

house a cinema and community 

facilities when it reopens. 

Get heard! 

Want to act as a sounding board for 

the tough decisions that affect the 

lives of East Cambridgeshire 

residents? 

The District Council is offering local 

people the chance to join a new 

register of consultees to give their 

views about the decisions and services 

made in East Cambridgeshire. 

John Hill, Chief Executive at East 

Cambridgeshire District Council, said: 

“This is a great opportunity for 

anyone who lives in East 

26 

Milton Milton Park Park English English 

& & Thai Thai Restaurant 

Restaurant 

Milton Park Golf Course, Ely Road, Milton, 

Cambridge CB24 6DD 

Reservations - 01223 864602 

For superb Thai, Esan, and English Meals or Snacks 

KITCHEN & RESTAURANT OPENING TIMES 

8:30 – 10am (seasonal) English Breakfasts & Snacks 

12 – 3pm & 5:30 – 11pm Thai & English Meals 

BAR OPENING TIMES 

Cambridgeshire to have their say on 

the policies, services and decisions 

that we make at the District Council. 

We often hear local authorities are 

aloof from the public, but with this 

scheme we want the public to 

become part of our decision-making 

process. 

To register, log on to 

www.eastcambs.gov.uk and fill in the 

form. The Council will be in touch 

when an issue of interest comes up. 

Make sure you don’t miss out! 

8:30am – 11pm Hot & Cold Drinks, Snacks 

Tim & Anna Richards, who brought you superb Thai and Esan meals 

at The Hoops and Golden Elephant, and initially at The Big Buddha, 

are now back with their Thai family (Ed, Cattareeya, and Suriyan) to 

give you the very best quality meals in the Milton Park Golf Course. 

Location – North end of Milton (3rd Right turn on A10 to Ely from 

A14 at Cambridge, turn left at fi rst building). 


Come out to play in Swaffham Prior! 

Swaffham Prior’s play area is the 

place to hang out in East 

Cambridgeshire – thanks to new 

play equipment that has just 

arrived. 

The new slides and climbing 

frames, have been paid for through 

the Better Play Profile Project set up 

by the District Council. The project 

made a successful bid of £200,000 

from the Big Lottery Fund and has 

since been using the money to 

improve play facilities across the 

district. 

Michelle Burrell, Play & Physical 

Activity Co-ordinator at East 

Cambridgeshire District Council, 

said: “The money the District 

Council secured has already made a 

real difference to the lives of 

children and young people in East 

Cambridgeshire. We want to stretch 

it as far as possible in order to 

provide play equipment and youth 

The Angel Drove car park in Ely is 

now being used by more than 100 

people a day, far exceeding initial 

expectations. 

Since the facility on the 

Cambridge Business Park opened in 

December last year, nearly 6,000 

cars have parked in the 205-space 

car park. 

Councillor John Seaman MBE, 

Chairman of the Environment & 

Transport Committee, said: “To have 

hit the 100-a-day figure so early in 

this car park’s life is a real 

achievement and a vindication of 

our decision to build the facility last 

year. We have steadily watched the 

figures go up week upon week since 

the car park opened and I am 

delighted so many people have 

decided it is the best and safest 

place to leave their car. 

shelters where they are desperately 

needed. Our ultimate aim is to keep 

our children and young people 

active, and we believe the new play 

equipment in Swaffham Prior will 

do just that.” 

Commuter car park hits 100 

“We are also cautiously optimistic 

about the current usage of the Parkand-Ride 

service at Angel Drove. In 

the last couple of months, the 

Saturday service has regularly made 

more than 100 trips... We are 

confident we will see more and 

more people using this service, too, 

as they become aware of its 

availability.” 

The Park-and-Ride Buses leave 

every 15 minutes from 9.30am at 

the Tesco bus stop, taking 

passengers to the city-centre shops 

or visitor attractions, after they have 

parked and paid in the new car 

park. 

Customers can have their 

validated tickets reimbursed at either 

Oliver Cromwell House for free, or at 

a number of participating stores in 

the city with a minimum spend. 

The Old Fire Engine House 

Restaurant and Gallery 

The Old Fire Engine House Restaurant, specialising in 

traditional English cooking, fi ne wines and afternoon teas. 

Gallery showing work by leading East Anglian artists. 

Monthly exhibitions. 

Open every day. 10.30am – 10.30pm Mon – Fri 

12.15pm – 5.30pm Sun 

25 St. Mary’s Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4ER 

Tel: 01353 662582

feature accounts 

Spending wisely 

So… where is your Council 

Tax money going? Here, 

we put three council 

priorities in the spotlight 

Meeting needs in a growing district 

Our town planners have identified areas around 

the main towns and villages as the best places 

to take this growth. They are working closely 

with developers to ensure the house designs 

are in keeping with the existing buildings and 

fenland landscape. During 2006/07, 681 new 

houses were built, at an average of 39 for every 

hectare of land. In consultation with local 

housing associations, 193 of these have been 

allocated for affordable housing, to meet the 

needs of families that cannot afford market 

prices. This is a great achievement against the 

local target of building 110 low-cost homes. 

We are actively promoting the district for 

new retail and other employment 

opportunities. More than 22,000 square metres 

of new business premises was created in 

2006/07. The rate of growth in population and 

in businesses is creating many pressures on 

local services, especially in the Ely area. The 

Council has listened to public concern about 

the urgent need for better parking 

arrangements in the city. Having carefully 

considered the options available, a new pay 

and display ‘commuter’ car park near the 

station was identified as right for Ely. This 

opened in December and has helped to take 

pressure off the city-centre car parks, leaving 

more space for visitors and shoppers. 

Affordable housing targets 

have been exceeded. 

Listening to the public 

Last year we tried out a new Neighbourhood 

Panel in the Soham area. This is a meeting of 

local parish, district and county councillors – 

and other people who know what needs doing 

in your area. Four times a year, they hold a 

public meeting with the Police, local housing 

association and other public services. Members 

of the public say what is concerning them, and 

the panel agree what are the most important 

actions to improve life in the local community. 

28 


As a result of the first few meetings, the Soham 

area has seen more Police speed checks, 

resulting in speeding tickets and a drink-driving 

prosecution. There has been a clean-up action 

day to deal with graffiti, litter and abandoned 

vehicles. And increased Police patrols have cut 

the number of anti-social behaviour incidents 

to just seven in target areas over last summer’s 

hol iday period. Because of their success, we 

are now providing Neighbourhood Panels in 

every area of the district. 

Sport and leisure 

The Council has been successful in a bid for 

£200,000 from the National Lottery to improve 

play and leisure facilities for young people. 

Recent new projects include an outdoor 

meeting area for teenagers in Ely, and new play 

areas for Isleham, Stetchworth and Swaffham 

Prior. Additionally, we have appointed a Play 

Officer who is co-ordinating the introduction of 

activity clubs in local primary schools. These 

help to ensure that young children have 

opportunities to enjoy the benefit of structured 

play and physical exercise. The Council’s good 

work in this area has been underlined by the 

results of a recent survey by Sport England, 

which indicated that East Cambridgeshire 

residents have good access to sport and leisure 

facilities and they are also heavily involved in 

volunteering with local sports clubs. With the 

London Olympics just around the corner this is 

positive news and we are already planning for 

an increasing need for leisure opportunities for 

all ages, including the possibility of a new 

leisure centre. The Council is committed to 

listening to the voice of a growing community 

and giving you a range of modern services we 

can all be proud of. 

A National Lottery grant has 

improved play and leisure facilities 

in East Cambridgeshire. 

Statement from the Executive 

Director, Finance 

The following statement by the Executive Director, 

Finance describes some of the key points from the 

Council’s stewardship of public funds. 

“The Council budgeted to make a small surplus in 

2007/08 with a contribution of £116,000 to General 

Reserves in line with its medium term financial 

strategy.The year-end position produced a 

contribution of £46,000 to reserves.The revenue 

reserve balance was £1.62 million at 31 March 2008 

in line with prudent financial management guidelines. 

“The Council’s Statement of Accounts has been 

prepared in accordance with the Accounting Code of 

Practice.The figures in this summary were originally 

compiled having regard to proper accounting practice. 

For the purposes of this statement some modifications 

were made to provide more meaningful information. 

“The Council’s 2007/08 accounts are currently 

being audited by an auditor appointed by the Audit 

Commission.The auditor is expected to publish his 

opinion on the accounts by the end of September 

2008. 

“A full copy of the Council’s 2007/08 accounts is 

available for examination on request. Please 

telephone Tony Grzybek (Principal Accountant) on 

01353 616269 for more details or to obtain a copy. 

Alternatively, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk where the 

full document can be found online.” 

Alex Colyer FCCA Executive Director, Finance 

The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely CB7 4PL 

East Cambridgeshire District Council is committed to 

openness and transparency in its dealings with 

customers subject to the need to preserve 

confidentiality as required by relevant legislation.

Summary of 

2007/08 accounts 

Details of the Council’s spending during 2007/08 

including Planning, Economic Development, 

Recreation and Tourism, Environmental Health, 

Refuse Collection and Recycling and Housing 

The cost of Council services 

Revenue Account for the year ended 31 March 2008 

The Revenue Account presents the costs of running Council services between April 2007 

and March 2008 and where the money came from to finance these costs along with the 

impact on the Council’s reserves. 

Gross Exp Gross Inc Net Exp 

£’000s £’000s £’000s 

Central services to the public 4,976 4,170 806 

Cultural and related services 1,742 252 1,490 

Environmental Services 5,029 639 4,390 

Planning & Econ Development 3,413 2,005 1,408 

Transport 673 73 600 

Housing 13,404 12,448 956 

Corporate & Democratic Core 2,568 914 1,654 

Net Cost of services 31,805 20,501 11,304 

Plus: Interest payable 31 

Less: Interest receivable (817) 

Less:Appropriations and other internal accounting (721) 

Amount to be met from Government grants and local taxpayers 9,797 

Financed by 

Revenue support grant (937) 

Business Rates (5,585) 

Council Tax (3,321) 

Total Income (9,843) 

Net General Fund (Surplus) for the year (46) 

General Fund at the end of March 2007 (1,580) 

General Fund at the end of March 2008 (1,626) 

Income 

East Cambridgeshire had a total income in 2007/08 of £9.8 million. Just over two-thirds 

of this comes from central government as grants and redistributed business rates.Total 

council tax income for East Cambridgeshire accounts for just over a third of total 

expenditure. Last year the Council had a surplus of £46,000. 

Balance Sheet 

What the Council owned and was owed on 31 March 2008 £’000s 

Buildings and Land 14,761 

Stock 69 

Cash in bank and Investments 10,791 

Money owed to the Council 2,293 

Money owed by the Council (14,404) 

13,510 

Financed by 

Non distributable reserves 9,124 

Distributable reserves (*) 4,386 

13,510 

feature accounts 

(*) Distributable reserves comprise the following balances: 

General Fund Balance 

Surplus for the year 46 

Balance at March 2007 1,580 

Useable capital receipts 1,911 

Other reserves 849 

4,386 

The Council has a duty under legislation to maintain a prudent level of general reserves. 

The Council has targeted this level to be around £1.7 million.The balance of £1.63 

million is, therefore, slightly lower than this objective. 

The Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy provides for reserves to be brought up to 

the target level over the next three years. 

Cash Flow 

= Cash in bank (at end of March 2007) £ 7.272 m 

+ Cash in £ 76.017 m 

– Cash out £ 72.661 m 

= Cash in bank (at end of March 2008) £ 10.628 m 

How has the finance service performed? 

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 

Population of the District (Mid year ONS Estimate) 78,500 79,600 81,100 

Households liable to pay council tax 32,871 33,100 34,340 

Band D equivalents 27,000 27,250 27,650 

Council Tax collected in Year 98.53% 97.92% 98.45% 

(English District Council Average) 97.90% 98.00% n/a 

Business rates collected in Year 99.19% 99.02% 99.40% 

(English District Council Average) 98.79% 98.90% n/a 

Creditors % of invoices paid within 30 days 97.44% 99.33% 98.43% 

(English Average) 92.04% 93.06 n/a 

Employee numbers 213 208 201 

Average rate generated on investments 4.64% 4.87% 5.79% 

Average benchmark rate for investments 4.67% 4.99% 5.77% 

Financial Management 

Annual Accounts prepared on time Yes Yes Yes 

Number of Audit Qualifications (*) 0 0 n/a 

(*) The Council’s external auditors are required to give an opinion on the financial statements and this 

opinion should be “unqualified”.Where the opinion is qualified, each qualification identifies an area where 

the financial statements are unreliable.At the date of production of this summarised statement the 

Council’s audit had not been completed and so no opinion was available. 

Some statistics for 2007/08 were not available at the date of production of this summarised statement 

(marked “n/a”). 

Capital expenditure in 2007/08 

Capital expenditure generally represents money spent by the Council on purchasing, 

upgrading and improving assets such as vehicles and buildings, or giving grants to third 

parties for these purposes.The distinction from revenue expenditure is that the Council 

or the grant recipient receives the benefit from capital expenditure over a longer period 

of time.The Council spent just over £2.2 million during the year financed from Central 

Government grants and receipts from the sale of assets. 


29

in/recycle collection days 

RECYCLING 

Your fortnightly collection dates 

(for all your recyclables) 

LUCKING 

EXECUTIVE HIRE 

Chauff eur Services 

30 

Weddings 

Courier Service 

Airport Transfers 

All at Taxi Rates? 

Corporate Accounts 

01223 890027 

lehire@tiscali.co.uk 

VERY ERY Competitive Rates 


The district’s recycling is divided into two weeks – yellow 

and blue – with different areas having their recycling 

collected every other week. To find out your recycling day, 

see the calendars and information below, or visit 

www.eastcambs.gov.uk 

YELLOW WEEK 

BLUE WEEK 

MON Aldreth, Ditton Green, Dullingham, Haddenham, 

Isleham, Prickwillow, Queen Adelaide, 

Stetchworth, Woodditton 

TUES Ely*, Mepal, Pymoor, Sutton, Wardy Hill 

WED Ely* 

THUR Ely* 

FRI Bottisham, Lode, Longmeadow, Reach, 

Stuntney, Swaffham Bulbeck, Swaffham Prior, 

Wicken 

MON Ashley, Brinkley, Burrough Green, Cheveley, 

Chippenham, Fordham, Kennett, Kirtling, 

Newmarket, Saxon Street, Snailwell, Upend, 

Westley Waterless 

TUES Littleport 

WED Soham* 

THUR Burwell, Soham* 

YOUR YO YOUR YO YOUR UR LOCAL LOC LOCAL LOC OCAL OC O A AL A ORGANIC ORG ORGAN RG RGAN ANIC AAN ANIC IC B BOX 

BOX OX SCHEME SCH 

CCH CCH CHEM EM E EME EMEE GROWING GROWINGAND 

GROWING GR GROW O ING AND 

DELIVERING ORGANIC VEGETABLES SINCE 1995 

Box Deliveries to Burwell, Exning, Soham, Fordham, Reach, 

The Swaffhams, Bottisham, Lode, Commercial End, Stow cum Quy 

Contact Paul or Doreen Robinson on 01223 812912 

or enquire through Our website: 

waterlandorganics.co.uk. 

Our own organic eggs and seasonal fruit also available. 

FRI Chettisham, Coveney, Little Downham, Little 

Thetford, Stretham, Wentworth, Wilburton, 

Witcham, Witchford 

So, for example, if you live in Aldreth, which is in the Yellow zone, 

you will have a collection on a Monday in a Yellow week, such as 4th August. 

M 

T 

W 

T 

F 

S 

S 

M 

T 

W 

T 

F 

S 

S 

M 

T 

W 

T 

F 

S 

S 

1 

2 

3 

SEPTEMBER MAY 2008 2008 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

AUGUST 2008 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

OCTOBER 2008 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

● Always remember: in a bank holiday 

week, collection will be one day later. 

29 

30 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

*In the lead-up to the new plastic bottle 

recycling collections, the District Council 

leafleted households throughout East 

Cambridgeshire to explain which days each 

household would have its recycling collected. 

Please refer to this leaflet if you live in Ely or 

Soham to determine which day your 

collection will be done. If you have any issues 

relating to recycling collections, please call 

01353 863864.

REFUSE 

Your weekly collection dates 

(black bags) 

Monday ● Aldreth ● Ashley ● Cheveley ● Ely (Broad St and King St area 

and old RAF site) ● Fordham ● Haddenham ● Isleham ● Little Downham ● 

Little Thetford ● Prickwillow ● Pymoor ● Queen Adelaide (from Prickwillow to 

Queen Adelaide Way) 

Tuesday ● Chippenham ● Ely (St Mary’s St down to station, Cambridge Rd 

and Northfield area) ● Kennett ● Littleport ● Soham (south) 

Wednesday ● Coveney ● Ely (High Barns and New Barns) ● Mepal ● 

Sutton ● Swaffham Bulbeck ● Wardy Hill ● Witcham ● Soham (centre) ● Soham 

Downfields ● Queen Adelaide 

Thursday ● Brinkley ● Burrough Green ● Burwell ● Dullingham ● Ely 

(Witchford Rd and St John’s Rd areas) ● Reach ● Snailwell ● Stretham ● 

Stuntney ● Swaffham Prior ● Wentworth ● Westley Waterless ● Wilburton ● 

Soham (north) 

Friday ● Bottisham ● Chettisham ● Ely (Columbine Rd and all new 

developments in the west of the city) ● Lode ● Long Meadow ● Saxon Street ● 

Stetchworth ● Upware ● Wicken ● Witchford 

Ely Hypnotherapy 

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Other Treatments Available Inc: 

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Tel: 01353 667769 

Fully trained, experienced staff 

Wide selection of fi ttings 

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Ranges from tots to teens 

School shoes specialists 

Smart and casual styles 

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or check out our website: 

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Tom’s Hole Barn, Branch Bank, Prickwillow, 

Ely, Cambs, CB7 4UR 

Cambria Farm 

Cattery 

Holiday 

Boarding for 

Cats and 

Rabbits 

Tel: 01353 688288 

www.cambriafarm.co.uk 

bin/recycle collection days 

BANK HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS 

Day your black bag Revised 

would normally be collected: collection day: 

Monday 25 August Tuesday 26 

Tuesday 26 August Wednesday 27 

Wednesday 27 August Thursday 28 

Thursday 28 August Friday 29 

Friday 29 August Saturday 30 

Cambria Farm, 29 

Prickwillow Road, 

Isleham, Ely, 

Cambs CB7 5RQ 

Anglia Gas & 

Electrical Services 

Sales-Services- Installation-Repairs 

✔ Boiler/Central Heating Repairs/ 

Servicing 

✔ Domestic Gas Appliances, 

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✔ Essential Electrical & 

Plumbing Repairs/Maintenance 

✔ Dual Fuel Appliances Installation/ 

Repairs 

✔ NatGas/LPG Landlord 

Safety Checks 

✔ Portable Appliance Testing 

CONTACT: Jim Perry 

PHONE/FAX 01638 741432 

MOBILE: 07768856456 

ALAN’S 

TAXIS 

01353 665050 

01353 667518 


31

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Open Monday to Friday 9.30 – 5.30 

Saturday 9.30 – 5.00

Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

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