Thousands of homes but no energy efficiency

 

As I travel around our district I see hundreds, if not thousands, of new houses being built but what I don't see is one single solar panel or any air or ground source heat pumps or district heating schemes.

I can also say, with absolute certainty, that these houses are being built to the very minimum environmental standards that the developers can get away with and local authorities are sanctioning this.

Caveat emperor, buyer beware, these new builds in the district will all need substantial, expensive, disruptive retrofits in order to make them energy efficient!

 

Rod Hart,

Littleport

 

Charity bought old Salvation Army Hall 

In reference to Lyn Gibb de Swarte’s article in last week’s Ely Standard, I need to correct the information she gave.

Littleport Town Council did not buy the old Salvation Army Hall. It was bought by Littleport Townlands Charity for community use and the use of its tenants (we have 28 mainly one-bed properties, which we provide for the elderly of the village at very reasonable cost).

If anyone would like to know more about the hall or housing, please email the clerk at: littleporttlc@gmail.com

Geoff Norman

Chair of Littleport Town Lands Charity

 

 

Big boots to fill for chief constable

 

Nick Dean’s five-year contract ends in September and whilst I would happily have extended his contract, I completely understand why he has chosen to retire.

In 2018, Nick gave a five-year commitment to the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including his officers and staff and it is a testament to him that he has seen it through.

What is pleasing is that he will leave the Constabulary in a strong position. Crime is down and we have more officers than ever in Cambridgeshire’s history. He will be sorely missed both locally and nationally where he has been the UK police lead for many important agendas including most recently Forensics.

Nick leaves big boots to fill but I am sure that policing circles know what an excellent Chief he has been and that an excellent Constabulary awaits the successful applicant.

I wish him all the very best for his retirement.

Darryl Preston

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner

 

Volunteers needed for water vole survey

 

Volunteers in all corners of England, Scotland and Wales are being called upon to help save one of Britain’s fastest declining mammals, by taking part in a nationwide water vole survey which runs until June 15.

Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) runs the annual survey which requires volunteers to visit a local waterway and record their findings online: www.ptes.org/watervoles.

The survey is part of PTES’ National Water Vole Monitoring Programme, which was set up in 2015 to try and combat the decline in water vole populations.

Water voles underwent one of the most serious declines of any wild mammal in Britain during the 20th Century, but with the help of volunteers their fate can be turned around.

We’re asking volunteers to find their nearest stream, ditch, river or canal, and look out for water voles, listen for their characteristic ‘plop’ as they dive into the water, or see the signs they leave behind - from footprints and burrows in the riverbank to feeding signs and droppings. 

To access the free online training, to sign up to one of PTES’ free Zoom talks or to find out more, visit www.ptes.org/watervoles.

PTES

 

A Clarification

 

In last week's Ely Standard, on Page 2, we listed the candidates for the forthcoming Cambridgeshire County Council elections.

We listed the Liberal Democrat candidate as Oliver Docwra. This should have read: CONNOR OLIVER DOCWRA.

We are happy to publish the correction here and have amended the online version of the story.

 

Community Reports 

 

The Friends of Ely Library

 

The Friends of Ely Library are holding our annual general meeting on Saturday, April 29 at 10am in the meeting room at Ely Library. 

We would love people to attend so we can explain the improvements we've paid for at the library in the past year and tell them of our plans for the next year.

Following the short meeting a volunteer from the National Trust will give a talk about their work at Wicken Fen.

Hope you can make it.

Friends of Ely Library

 

Open day at the Ely Masonic Hall

The Ely Freemasons are throwing open the doors of Ely Masonic Hall for an Open Day on Saturday, April 22.

It is a chance for the public to learn more about the open and inclusive community of Freemasons in Ely, to learn about our social activities and how we support the local community.

Visitors will be able to chat to male and female Freemasons, some of the charities we support and tour the lodge rooms at 27 Silver Street, CB7 4FJ - opposite The Prince Albert pub. There will be light refreshments available throughout the day.

 

Prickwillow Engine Museum

 

We are holding our Tractor Road Run on Sunday, April 23. The Road Run starts in Coveney at approximately 10am and will make its way to Prickwillow Engine Museum via Pymoor and Littleport for a refreshment break.

The tractors are expected to arrive at the museum from midday, stopping for approximately an hour before returning to Coveney via Ely.

The museum will be open for visitors from 11am - 4pm. Food and drinks will be available at the museum.

Ken Woods

 

Soham Reports

 

Community Care Coffee Morning

On the morning of April 15, 19 people met with Diane Wheeling for coffee and biscuits in The Pavilion. There was lots of chat while catching up with friends. Diane organised the raffle.

Members also met in The Pavilion for the annual dinner. The afternoon's entertainment was provided by Brian who sang and played guitar. A raffle was organised by Diane Wheeling and Roger Holliday. Thanks are extended to Diane for organising this event.

Comrades Club

It was eyes down for the bingo enthusiasts who got together in the Comrades Club on the evening of April 11. New members are welcome. Doors open at 7pm, for eyes down at 7.45pm.

Phoenix Club

ON the morning of April 12, members of the Phoenix Club met in The Causeway Community Centre.

Sheila Abbot welcomed everyone before introducing the entertainment for the meeting. Celia Waterhouse played the piano, the guitar and sang. This was enjoyed by everyone.

Sheila thanked her on behalf of the members. The next meeting is on May 10 at 10am and the speaker is Nora Gardner.

Over 60's Club

On the afternoon of April 14, Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone to the meeting in The Pavilion.

Ruth read out a 'thank you' letter from Sheila Jeffery for the donation of £100 for the Mari Curie funds.

The speakers for the afternoon were Ruth Ginn and Richard Badcock who spoke about their experiences as leaders for the Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Girl Guides.

Richard led the singing of many campfire songs and Ruth read humorous readings from her book Campfire Stunts.

Richard organised the raffle of the many prizes donated by the members. The singing of the club hymn brought the meeting to a close.

Methodists News 

On the morning of April 14, a successful coffee morning was held in the church hall. There were a variety of stalls. Lesley Watchorn organised the raffle and thanked everyone for their help and support raising funds for the church.

Soham Bowls Club

The final bingo evening at the bowls club for this year was well supported. Richard Badcock welcomed everyone before calling out the numbers. He was assisted by Pam Hall checking the books.

During the break for refreshments, Daphne Trinder organised the raffle with Richard.