Can you help find a home for these hand-painted Ely Eel Rocks?

A home is needed for 1,004 hand-painted rocks that were made for Ely Eel Day in May.

The rocks were displayed at this year’s Isle of Ely Primary School fete on July 7 in attempt to set a world record for the longest line of painted rocks.

In between lining up for eel day and trying to find a permanent home they’ve been staying in Fleur Patten’s cellar and she says “eels don’t like being in cellars”.

Fleur, organiser of the Ely Rock Eels Facebook group, said: “The eel rocks have been painted by all sections of the community including; nurseries, mother and baby groups, pre schools, primary schools, brownies, guides and retirement homes.

“They have had one glance of open sky since Eel Day at Handmade in Haddenham when Fleur laid them in a labyrinth for people to find their way around.”

Fleur added: “Eventually, the rocks will need a permanent home in a public place that is accessible to all and our Facebook group is open to suggested locations.”

Sam Knightley, of the Facebook group, said: “My suggestion for the rocks’ home is by the school railings of Isle of Ely school by the new housing estate on Cam Drive. I think they would look beautiful mounted in a mosaic-like frame, and sealed in resin.

“Ely is so diverse, and I think this rock art project beautifully sums up the community spirit of Ely, where different generations came together for a cause, and did so, for no other reason than random acts of kindness.

“I have been a part of the rocking community with my six-year-old daughter since 2017 and it has lead her to have a better understanding of generosity, and encouraged her to explore her creative side.”

Former teacher and local artist Carol Banks added: “I feel this project, that has been created by the community, is relevant to our city’s history.

“It needs and deserves to be seen by a wider audience. I understand the need, and benefits, for communities to have links and ties across generations.

“Communities are built on small acts of kindness... this eel rock installation contains a thousand and could be a constant reminder to a generation of children who contributed to it.”