Being new to the responsibilities and etiquette of the parish council, I feel it understandable that mistakes could be made, and protocol not followed to the letter of the law and maybe if there had been more of the old council still prepared to sit on a thankless committee deciding issues for the benefit of the village, that advice could have been offered by more experienced councillors. Who can honestly say they have not made a few mistakes, even if minor, when starting a new job?

MAY I express, through your paper, the City of Ely Military Band’s appreciation to everyone who attended the 50th Anniversary Tea ‘n’ Tunes concert last Sunday and their kind comments, especially those of the mayor, Cllr John Yates, and Cllr Mike Rouse highlighting the close links between the city and the band over the last 50 years and more.

May I also take this opportunity to thank all our playing members and their families and friends who have supported the band over these past 50 years.

Ely’s bands actually go back to the 1890s and to commemorate this in our history, we will be re creating a Tuesday evening promenade concert on Palace Green on May 1 from 7:45pm to 8:45pm.

This is one of many events planned for our golden year.

Let’s hope for warm weather. The concert is free and everyone is welcome to come along and listen to the band.

PHIL GREEN

Bandmaster

City of Ely Military Band

IN the Ely Standard of April 5, you ran an article entitled ‘Councillor in breach of code’ in which it was reported that one of the Sutton parish councillors had been investigated for a breach of the code of conduct. I believe the councillor in question was one of the new members of the parish council who up until the witch hunt to oust the members of the previous council had no thoughts of getting involved with local politics, but due to the campaign to modernise the council and get rid of the old style Sutton people, felt duty bound to stand for election to keep a element of stability and continuity in the village.

Being new to the responsibilities and etiquette of the parish council, I feel it understandable that mistakes could be made, and protocol not followed to the letter of the law and maybe if there had been more of the old council still prepared to sit on a thankless committee deciding issues for the benefit of the village, that advice could have been offered by more experienced councillors. Who can honestly say they have not made a few mistakes, even if minor, when starting a new job?

Bearing in mind that the Sutton Parish Council has a published shortfall of cash it would be very interesting to see just how much this whole episode has cost the community, only to have a decision of “no further action”, obviously when the investigation got to higher authority, it was decided that lack of experience had caused the error, and the good intentions of Cllr Smith were of more importance than the misdemeanour and transgression of the rules.

A SUTTON RESIDENT

THE MS Trust is looking for daredevils in Peterborough, Cambridge and the surrounding areas to take part in an exhilarating skydive.

Imagine the thrill of jumping out of a plane at 10,000ft and then flying through the air at around 120mph. Why not take part in the MS Trust’s group skydiving day at Chatteris Airfield on June 16.

Join other MS Trust supporters who will be jumping from the skies to raise funds towards our work, supporting many of the 100,000 people in the UK with multiple sclerosis.

If you raise a minimum of �395 in sponsorship you can jump for free. The MS Trust will support you all the way with lots of ideas and tips to help you reach your fund-raising target and will, of course, be there on the day to cheer you on.

Places for this event are limited, so if you are interested please contact us now. Telephone the MS Trust on 01462 476707 or visit www.mstrust.org.uk/jump

CLAIRE GAMBRELL

Multiple Sclerosis Trust