Ely Standard Review of the Year: January – March 2022

We have shared your community stories, kept you updated on the latest health news, have paid our respects alongside national newspapers to Queen Elizabeth II, alongside hundreds more moments.

Here are some of what we feel are our top stories from the first three months of the year. 

JANUARY 

The year started on a high after a community project, called ‘love in a bag’ collected 150 bags in just one month in support of White Ribbon Day. The campaign was set up by Ely mum Sophie Bell and the bags were given to people escaping abuse, exploitation and other serious offences. 

Concerns were raised over the location and the decision by East Cambridgeshire District Council to operate a £6.5m crematorium on the site of the outdoor centre at Mepal. 

Yarn bombing returned to the city ahead of Chinese New Year. (Image: Veronica in the Fens)

Yarn bombing returned to the city ahead of Chinese New Year. A crocheted Tiger was found on top of a postbox in close distance to the riverside to mark the year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac calendar. 

Businesses operating in the hospitality-leisure and accommodation sectors across East Cambridgeshire were urged to check their eligibility for a one-off Covid grant of up to £6,000. 

Plans began to take shape ahead of Cambridgeshire County Day 2022. 

The Old Bailey trial began of Rikki Neave’s murder suspect, James Watson. 

FEBRUARY 

Soham landed a £470,000 New Year ‘bonus’ to boost jobs and training. The Combined Authority awarded £325,000 to Viva Arts to support phase two of developing Spencer Mill. And £145,000 will go to expand Soham’s Eastern Agritech Innovation Hub.

17-year-old Alisa Chirgadze from Ely spoke out on how her refillable candle business went viral in just five months. (Image: Waxwing Candles) 

17-year-old Alisa Chirgadze from Ely spoke out on how her refillable candle business went viral in just five months. 

St Mary’s Surgery saw its renovation take the next step forward following the approval of planning permission to carry out renovation works and a £750,000 funding boost. 

A 10-year-old boy and aspiring photographer captured a stunning winter sunrise during a walk along Ely riverside. 

Liberal Democrats in Ely celebrated 20 years since the opening of Jubilee Gardens (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Liberal Democrats in Ely celebrated 20 years since the opening of Jubilee Gardens, one of the city’s most popular open spaces. 

Ely Museum marked the anniversary of the collapse of Ely Cathedral’s bell tower which ‘made the whole city tremble’ 700 years ago. 

Ely Museum marked the anniversary of the collapse of Ely Cathedral’s bell tower. (Image: Facebook / Ely Museum)

MARCH 

There was an outpouring of opposition to a 2,800-acre solar energy park. 

Tributes were paid to Cllr Arnie Arnold, a “marvellous” and “proactive” councillor, who died suddenly. 

Tributes were paid to Cllr Arnie Arnold (R), a “marvellous” and “proactive” councillor. (Image: Archant)

Donations flooded in for Ukrainian war refugees. Locations in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire saw a plethora of items being donated and collected as part of the Ukraine Lifeline group. A warehouse six miles from Ely became a symbol of hope. 

Dean of Ely, The Very Reverend Mark Bonney showed his support for the Ukraine Lifeline group (Image: Facebook / Ely Cathedral)

Permission was granted for the construction of a 7,045sqm major global manufacturing facility in the city. 

The city marked International Women’s Day celebrating achievements of women in and around the area.