What’s On Guide

Christmas at Ely Cathedral

December 6: Advent Compline by candlelight – 9pm

December 7: Pre-school Christmas service – 1pm

December 10: Winter Wonderland Christmas Concert – 7.30pm

December 12: Chorister & Carols Christmas music – 2.30pm

December 13: Advent Compline by candlelight – 9pm

December 17: Shoppers’ Carol Service – 11.30am; Ely Cathedral Girls’ Choir Christmas Recital – 1.30pm; Christingle Service – 3pm.

December 18: Carol Service with Ely Cathedral Choir – 6pm

December 20: Advent Compline by candlelight – 9pm

December 22: Carols by Candlelight featuring Ely Cathedral choirs Ely Imps.

December 24: Children’s Crib Service – 3pm; Carol Service – 6pm; Midnight Mass – 11.30pm.

December 25: Holy Communion – 8.15am; Christmas Sung Eucharist – 10.30am; Festal Evensong – 4pm.

Music

December 2

ZOU Jazz performing at the Olive Tree in Silver Tree in Ely in aid of the building project in Ivory Coast. Tickets are �10, which includes a glass of wine or fruit juice. Tickets on the door or from the box office on: 01353 664210. Time: 7.30pm.

December 3

ELY Choral Society perform a Ceremony of Carols with seasonal music and readings at St Mary’s Church in Ely. Organ and piano - Jonathan Lilley and conductor Andrew Parnell. Tickets are �12 from Burrows Bookshop or on the door. Time: 7pm.

December 4

THE Mayor’s Christmas Spectacular – family concert with Ely Sinfonia at The Maltings in Ship Lane. Performances at 2pm and 3.30pm. Tickets are �7.50/�5�21 for a family. Tickets available from the box office on 01353 616991 or from Burrows Bookshop in High Street Passage and ADeC at the Babylon Gallery in Waterside.

CAROLS For the Family - traditonal carols and music with Corona Brass Quintet and members of the Ely Choral Society. Snacks and drinks available. Free entry. Time: 6pm-8pm.

December 6

SHED Seven at The Junction in Cambridge. Tickets are �18.50 from the box office on 01223 511511.

December 9

MOZART by Candlelight at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. The orchestra will perform in full period costume in a candlelit setting. Conductor is Thomas Carroll who will lead the Mozart Festival Orchestra, joined by soloists Richard Hosford on the clarinet and Jonathan Scott on piano. Tickets �8.50-�28 from the box office on 01223 357851.

WITCHFORD Voices Choir to perform at St John’s Church in Station Road, Waterbeach. Popular songs and Christmas music and light show. Tickets are �7 for adults and �4 for children, which includes an interval drink, and are available on 01223 864345. Time: 7.45pm.

LITTLEPORT Brass Band festive concert at Littleport Village Hall. Refreshments, mince pies and raffle. Tickets are �5 and �2 for under 16s and are available on the door. Time: 2pm-4pm.

LIMEHOUSE Lizzy – Thin Lizzy tribute band – at The Junction in Cambridge. Tickets are �14 from the box office 01223 511511.

LITTLEPORT Brass Band Festive Concert at Littleport Village Hall. Refreshments and mince pies and raffle. Tickets are �5 for adults and �2 for under 16s and are available on the door. Time: 2pm-4pm.

December 10

ELY Consort at St Mary’s Church in Burwell for a concert of festive music. The choir, conducted by Matthew Rudd, will be joined by soloists Eleanor Cramer, Daniel Bennett and Simon Adams. Tickets are priced at �8/�10 on the door or in advance from Burwell Post Office or by telephoning Peter 01603 741408.

December 11

PARISIAN Swing play gypsy jazz at the Royal Standard pub on Fore Hill in Ely. Free admission. Time: 8pm onwards.

December 17

FORDHAM Charity Group’s Christmas Concert at The Victoria Hall in Fordham. The evening will feature the Wicken Coronation Band, singer Janet Scott, pianist Bridget Hicklish and carols for the audience to sing along with. Tickets are �6 and available from DN Jenkins in Fordham or by telephoning 01638 720674.

JOHANN Strauss Gala at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. A tribute to the ‘waltz king’ and the orchestra will be directed from the violin in traditional Viennese manner by David Juritz. Popular songs from the period will be brought to life by soprano Amy Freston. Tickets are priced from �19.50-�28.50 and available from the box office on 01223 357851.

December 18

ELY City Military Band in concert at Ely Community College in Downham Road, Ely. Admission is ticket only, �5, including drink and mince pie, from Burrows Bookshop in High Street Passage, Ely or telephone: 01353 663324. Time: 2.30pm-5pm.

December 19

BOO Hewerdine Christmas Show at The Maltings in Ely. Includes special guest Ezio and Booga and Irish songwriter Duke Special and Brooks Williams. Tickets are available from Burrows Bookshop in Ely or by telephoning 07841881597. Doors open at 7.30pm.

December 22

CAROLS by Candlelight at Ely Cathedral. A traditional celebration of music and carols, including solos by some of the cathedral’s boy choristers. The Ely Cathedral Choir will be joined by the Ely Imps. Tickets are priced from �13-�16 and are available from the ox office on 01353 660349. Time; 7.30pm.

Theatre/Opera

Till December 3

GOLDEN Globe winner Amanda Donohoe stars in Star Quality at the Arts Theatre, Cambridge. Noel Coward’s wickedly, observant satire about the talent and treachery that goes on backstage. Tickets are �15-�30 from the box office on 01223 503333. Time: performances are 7.45pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Exhibitions/Comedy/Talks/Other/Dance

December 1

MARY Berry – queen of cakes and recent judge on the Great British Bake Off – will be at St Mary’s Church in Ely for a talk and tasting session. Tickets are �8/�7 from Topping & Company Booksellers. Time: Doors open at 7pm and talk at 7.30pm.

MEDIUM and Clairvoyant Lorraine Rees will be at The Brook in Soham for a demonstration evening. Tickets from the box office.

ELY Lunch Club at the Prince Albert pub in Silver Street. Everyone is welcome to join this informal and friendly club. Bring some money to pay for lunch. Time: midday-2pm.

ELY Scrabble Club at Ely Library in The Cloisters. Bring your own Scrabble set if you have one. Time: 1pm-3pm.

December 2

QUIZ night at Ely Sailing Club to raise funds for animals supported by The Brook Hospital. Trivia, music and bar. Tickets are �5 per person and are available on the door.

SOCIAL Dancing at the Ely Beet Club in Lynn Road. A mixture of ballroom, Latin American, popular sequence and line dancing. No partners required and beginners are welcome. �3.50 per person, including refreshments. Time: 2pm-4pm.

December 3

PAINTBOX Preschool and Afterschool Club in Sutton is having a Christmas Fayre at the Brooklands Centre. Santa’s Grotto, raffle, gift stalls, snacks and crafts. Time: 11am-2pm.

CHRISTMAS Storytelling session at Burrows Bookshop in Ely. Letter to Santa competition, cookies and juice and a goody bag from Burrows. Sessions at: 10am; 10.45am; 11.15am, midday; 2pm; 2.45pm; 3.15pm and 4pm. Book early on: 01353 669749

CANDLELIT Christmas Market at St Peter’s Church, Wilburton. Mulled wine and refreshments, cakes, stalls, crafts and cards as well as tombola and raffle. Time: 4pm-6pm.

CHRISTMAS Craft Fair at Ely Cathedral Centre with more than 30 stalls. Hand-made Christmas gifts, toys, cards and ceramics and hot drinks and mince pies available from the Caf�. Admission is 50p for adults and children free. Time: 11am-4pm.

JUMBLE sale and bric-a-brac at the British Red Cross Centre in West Fen Road, Ely. From 10am.

THE Gluten Free Food Fair at The Meadows Community Centre in Arbury. Exhibitors and a gluten-free cafe. Time: 11.30am-2.30pm.

THE Bumpstead Boys present Ruby & Her Horses - a true life East Anglian narrative in story, song and screen - at the Mundford Village Hall. The story of the hardships of the agricultural depression. Tickets are �6 in advance from 03300 100391 or �6 on the night. Time: 7pm.

COUNTRY Line Dancing with Dane Stevens and DJ, plus the Record Machine. Entry is �5.50 for members and �7.50 for non-members.

December 4

WICKEN Village Hall Christmas Market. Stalls, arts and crafts, pottery, local produce, raffle, refreshments and Santa’s Grotto. Admission is free. Time: midday till 5.30pm.

CHIC Face and Body Clinic Art Deco make-up party. Tickets are �5, which is redeemable against products on the evening, available from the clinic at 14 St Mary’s Street, Ely. Complimentary glass of bubbly, raffle and goodies to be won on the night. Time: 7pm.

December 8

HIGHFIELD Christmas Coffee Morning at Highfields School in Downham Road, Ely. Hand-made crackers, books, raffle, plants, crafts and refreshments. Time: 10am-midday.

CITY of Ely Flower Club meeting at Ely College with Grace Bent and Sue Lee. Time: 7.15pm.

December 9

ANNUAL Christmas Bingo at the Comrades Club in Market Street, Soham in aid of the British Legion. Doors open at 7pm and eyes down at 7.45pm. Everyone welcome.

FENLAND History on Friday with Mike Petty. This week’s talk is entitled ‘honor rideout - Cambridge’s Stourbridge Fair. Meetings are held at Ely Library from 10.30am-midday. Seats are limited so arrive early to secure a place. All welcome. �2.50 on the door.

December 11

EAST Cambs Ramblers walk to Woodditton. Meet at Parsons Lane (grid ref 210/TL668586 at 10am. Circular walk to Saxon Street, Upend and Kirtling (six miles). Contact is Jim on 01638 780415.

December 13

SOHAM Lunch Club at The Cherry Tree pub in Soham. Bring some money to pay for your lunch and join this friendly and informal club. Time: 12.30pm-2.30pm.

December 14

CHRISTMAS Shopping event at St Peter’s Hall in Wilburton. Stalls and refreshments between 7pm-10pm.

December 15

ELY Lunch Club at The Prince Albert pub in Silver Street, Ely. Everyone is welcome to join this friendly and informal club just bring some money to pay for lunch. Time: midday-2pm.

ELY Scrabble Club at Ely Library in The Cloisters. Bring your won Scrabble set if you have one. Time: 1pm-3pm.

December 20

LITTLEPORT Lunch Club at the Littleport Leisure Centre in Camel Road in Littleport. Bring some money to pay for lunch and join this friendly and informal club. Time: midday-2pm.

Weekly Events/Clubs

Thursdays

CUBAN Salsa Classes with Leandro Charanga at Ely Football Club in Downham Road. Time: 7.30pm- beginners and improvers; 9pm – intermediate and advanced and 10pm – dancing till late. Classes are �6, with two classes for �8. INFO: telephone 07899840510/ 07955640210.

HEARTBEAT Health Walk in Burwell. Meet at the War Memorial at 10am.

CUBAN Salsa classes at Ely Beet Club in Lynn Road. Beginners – 8pm, intermediates/advance – 9pm. INFO: 0789984051.

AMNESTY International (Ely Group) meets on the third Thursday of the month at St Peter’s House in Broad Street at 7pm. INFO: Anyone who wishes to join or help with fund-raising should contact Sally MacEachern on 01353 741228 or e-mail: info@amnestyely.org.uk

ALZHEIMER’S Society Drop In session at the Ely Cathedral visitor centre. Time: 10am-1pm. Drop in for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee. INFO: Sheila Burgess on 01353 699422.

JITTERBUGS Toddler Drama and Movement at Ely Paradise Centre for ages 2-5 years. 1.30-2.30pm �3.50 a week. INFO: 0780 525 1101

Fridays

ELY Art Society is looking for new members. Contact Liz Howe on 01638 781225.

OPEN Door Caf� at the Olive Tree Fellowship in Ely. Tea and coffee and home-made cakes. Time: 10am-midday.

HEARTBEAT Health Walk in Sutton – meet at the Brooklands Centre at 10am.

NEW beginner’s yoga class starts September 2 at the Yoga Studio in Little Downham. Time: 6.30pm-8pm.

INFO: for more information contact Mark on 01353 698090 or go to: www.yogastudioely.co.uk

BOWLING at the City of Ely Bowls Club in Nutholt Lane in Ely. Time: 9.30am-midday.

Mondays

BRIDGE at the Beet Club in Lynn Road, Ely. Beginners and regular players welcome. Time: 2pm-4pm. Contact Barry Lowe on 01353 658556.

ELY Theatre-goers Club quarterly meetings at St Mary’s School in High Barns in Ely. Members can discuss the various shows on offer. The club also organises social outings.

INFO: 01353 648424/01353 722854.

BOWLING at the City of Ely Bowls Club in Nutholt Lane between 9.30am-midday.

ELY Community Samba Band at St Mary’s Junior School, New Barns, Ely. New members welcome. Aged 10+. Time: 6.30pm-8pm. �2/�1.

FENLAND Jam Open Session Workshop at the Ely Beet Sports and Social Club in Lynn Road, Ely. Last Monday of the month. All ages. Time: 7.30pm-9pm. �2 per session. INFO: 01353 611591.

MATURE & Active Tea Dancing at The Maltings. Cost is �5 and includes a cake. Time: 2pm-4pm. Book on: 01353 662633 or 01353 6655555.

ELY & District Horticultural Society stores at the Ely Beet and Social Club open to members from 6.30pm till 8pm. Contact Gerald Rolfe on 01353 663487 for membership details. Store open on Saturdays, 9am-1pm.

LAVENDER Ladies Creative Textiles and Embroidery Group at Lavender House in West Fen Road in Ely. Small group sharing and experimenting with design and techniques in textiles. Time: 10am-midday. INFO: 01353 610713.

HEARTBEAT Health Walk. Meet at St Andrew’s Church, Soham at 10am.

BAND Academy Club at Ely Beet and Social Club. Form bands and write songs. Ages 8-16. Time: 6.30-7.15pm.

Tuesdays

BOWLING at the City of Ely Bowls Club in Nutholt Lane between 2.30pm-4.50pm.

SOCIAL Dancing at the Brooklands Centre in Sutton. Tea and biscuits and dancing for �3.50. Time: 2pm-4pm. Contact Claire Smith on 01487 849912.

ENGLISH Language Caf� at The Lighthouse Centre in Lynn Road in Ely. Time: 10.30am.

NEW Tuesday senior and gentle yoga class at the Yoga Studio in Little Downham. Time: 10-11.30am. INFO: contact Mark on 01353 698090 or go to: www.yogastudioely.co.uk

ELY and District branch of the U3A meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Countess Free Church Hall in Chapel Street. Time: 2.30pm. Membership is open to anyone who is no longer in full-time employment and wants to share in developing new interests and friendships.

INFO: 01638 741642.

THE Lighthouse Knitters meet at The Lighthouse in Lynn Road in Ely. Suitable for beginners and more experienced knitters. Time: 9.30am-11am.

INFO: Maria on 01353 772812.

CITY of Ely Military Band meets at the City of Ely Community College in the Main Hall. Contact Malcolm Fletcher on 01353 663324. Time: 7.15pm-9.30pm.

ELY Watercolour Workshop at the Art Department at the City of Ely Community College. Informal group meeting to exchange ideas, advice and offer encouragement. Term time. Time: 6.30pm-9pm.

INFO: 01353 776103.

BOTTISHAM and Burwell Photographic Club meets at Lode Chapel. Time: 7.30pm.

HEARTBEAT Health Walk. Meet at Ely Cathedral at 2pm.

HEARTBEAT Health Walk at Littleport Community Caf� 10.30am.

Wednesdays

BOWLING at the City of Ely Bowls Club in Nutholt Lane between 7pm-9pm.

ENGLISH Language Caf� at The Lighthouse Centre in Ely. Time: 7.30pm-9pm.

ELY Photographic Club meets in the library at the City of Ely Community College in Downham Road, Ely (term time only). Time: 7.30pm.

CITY of Ely Bowls Club Open Night at the club in Nutholt Lane. All ages, including juniors and free coaching. Time: 7pm.

SOHAM Rendezvous at Saucy Megs Caf� near the war memorial in Soham. Everyone is welcome to join this informal and friendly drop-in club. INFO: 01223 811662.

MATURE and Active session for the over-55s at the Littleport Leisure Centre. Try out archery, carpet bowls and fitness training.

INFO: contact Lewis Bage on 01353 665555.

KNIT and knatter group running every Wednesday at Branching Out on Grange Lane in Littleport from 3.30pm. Knit, have a cup of tea and make friends in a friendly social group. Enquiries to Chris on 01353 863221.

BURWELL Farmer’s Market running on the second Saturday of every month at Burwell Village College on The Causeway. Local producers offering a range of goods, from 9am. Contact David Reilly on 07733182395.

Ely Cinema

24-hour information line: 01353 666388.