We seem to have a third world bus service!

I probably have a bee in my bonnet about buses, but perhaps I am entitled to, as a pensioner in a Fenland village who doesn't drive.

I am more and more irritated to hear about services that benefit Cambridge and the surrounding areas to the detriment of other towns and villages.

I saw on local television that the Cambridge congestion charge is to help fund a 'world class bus service.

Then I read that the Greater Cambridge Partnership is proposing a new busway between Waterbeach and Cambridge.

Finally, additional Council Tax will help fund buses, I suspect again Cambridge and the surrounding areas.

I feel that rather than a 'world class bus service', we have a 'third world bus service'! I reiterate that I am grateful that Dews, a local bus company, can get me to Ely, albeit by two buses with sometimes a long wait in Chatteris. At least they can claim to run a service, which Stagecoach East no longer can.

Janet Woods

Doddington

 

Could your group be considered for a donation?

Those of you who came along to Cherry Hill Park, in Ely, on November 5 last year, amongst a crowd of several thousand, will have experienced an annual firework display later described by people as “amazing,” “excellent” and, for one individual, one which London on New Year’s Eve could learn a thing or two from.

Organisers, Ely Community Events Team ( ECET ) were hugely grateful to all who helped to make the event such a great success – the ticket selling venues, Louise Hulland (and Pudsey Bear) of Radio Cambridgeshire for her entertaining presenting, Fireworks Crazy for the fabulous display, all of those who volunteered their services as site stewards, and Cambridge Commodities for their generous sponsorship.

The evening also produced a record financial return and, as in previous years, all surplus funds are destined for the benefit of the local community.

ECET, following the event, has already identified a dozen worthy and needy causes which are now to receive the benefit of donations to a total value of more than £5,000.

In addition, the monies raised on this occasion have made it possible to donate a further £2,500 to the Arthur Rank Hospice.

On January 28, the ECET committee were welcomed at the Hospice and given a highly interesting tour by Donna Talbot, director of communications.

There is so much being achieved by Arthur Rank , both within the hospice itself and through the delivery of invaluable home care within the community, all of which has to be funded. The committee are both delighted and proud to have been of help via the fireworks evening.

Funds still remain for more donations. Anyone wishing to be considered is invited to contact ECET at: pr@ecet.org.uk

Please give details about yourself, your group or organisation, and whether or not you would be looking to fund any particular project – if so, details of any funding target and amount raised so far.

Priority will be given to those who have not previously benefited. Requests should be received no later than by the end of April.

All such requests will be considered at the ECET team’s forthcoming meetings, and we would expect to respond during May.

Michael Judkins

Viva Theatre

 

Can you offer support to deaf association?

Local charity, Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, is looking for committed and enthusiastic volunteers to help with the growing number of people in the county who are struggling with hearing loss.

More than 200,000 people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough currently suffer with the condition and many older people can sometimes struggle with hearing aids, that are too fiddly, or stop working altogether.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and social decline, particularly for older people, and this is where volunteers can play a very important role.

Being able to repair and maintain your hearing aids is such an important part of retaining your independence.

Many people struggle with dexterity and eyesight as they get older and it can make it much more difficult to do this yourself.

Thousands of people are affected by hearing loss in the area and we all have had instances where relatives or people we know have a hearing loss and it can be frustrating and isolating, but our aim is to support carers, service users and family members to ensure the hearing aids are maintained and kept working as best as they can be.

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association organises sessions across the county offering to change tubes, clean hearing aids and replace batteries for people who may not be able to do this themselves.

CDA also arranges visits to care homes and nursing homes, ensuring that those who cannot travel to sessions are equally supported.

Regular maintenance of hearing aids is essential to allow people to be involved in conversations and hear and speak to their loved ones.

Our volunteers are essential to us as they allow us to reach thousands of people, travel all over the county and provide courier or postal services for those that are home bound too.

They are trained to signpost and give advice when needed as well as providing regular re-tubing, battery replacement and basic repairs, to allow people to continue to live their lives to the fullest.

Unfortunately, the demand is growing and we need more volunteers to support us, to reach further. There are a number of roles available including repairing and re-tubing hearing aids or receptionist, courier or care home re-tubers”

CDA provide training and support for volunteers to learn the necessary skills in re-tubing and cleaning hearing aids and pay travel expenses for volunteers who are able to be involved in our courier and community services.

If you feel that you can help, please email: office@cambsdeaf.org or call: 01223 246 237 (and leave a message for Rachael Dance).

Rachael Dance

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association 

 

Service to honour Mike Rouse and John Unwin 

 

You are invited to the combined Laying Up and Dedication of The City of Ely Branch Standards.

Thanks to the kind donations of the late Mike Rouse and the Unwin estate the new standard will be known as ‘The Unwin Standard’ to commemorate the life of Pte John Unwin, 1921 -1943.

The event will take place in Ely Cathedral as part of Choral Evensong on Saturday, February 25. The service will start at 5.30pm, so please be seated by 5.15pm.

Standards that are supporting this event are kindly requested to be ready at 5pm for a briefing.

City of Ely Royal British Legion