Read this week's Ely Standard Letters to the Editor

We have heard lately, much about the BBCs impartiality. However, on a more local level, perhaps we should question the impartiality of the Ely Standard?

In last week’s edition of your newspaper, a half page is devoted to personal comment by the Conservative chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council.

With just a few weeks until the local elections, this is surely excellent and free publicity for the local Conservative party?

Is it time for the Ely Standard to be more even handed and give all political parties similar opportunities to express their views?

Mike Dyson

Haddenham

Editor's Note: The column you refer to was written by Anna Bailey in her capacity as leader of the council. Cllr Bailey has been writing for the Ely Standard for several months now and there has been plently of opportunity for people in the area to challenge her opinions and offer an alternative debate or viewpoint. I am happy to publish letters from all political standpoints. Also, we are not officially in the election purdah period at the current time.  Debbie Davies, Editor.

We need habitable properties in East Cambs

It appears that Sanctuary Housing has a number of empty properties in Ely and the surrounding area, and it is “looking at additional measures to ensure the properties are secure” (Squatters – Ely Standard, March 16 2023) so they cannot be lived in by homeless people. 

Shouldn’t Sanctuary Housing, whose mission is “to build affordable homes and sustainable communities where people choose to live”, be spending its money on making these properties habitable, so they can be lived in by homeless people?

John Shippey

Haddenham

I  have been following the comments on your Letters Page regarding 20mph
limits.

I do need to take your correspondents Messres Whelan and Coutts
to task over their  "source of data" for the benefits of 20 mph speed
limits.

They quote that TFL "estimated" various statistics about 20mph
speed limits.

Unfortunately, too many organisations just make these vague pronouncements often containing the words "estimated", "probably" "possibility" etc.

As a scientist, I always look for data that contains real measurements and preferably is reviewed by an independent body.

I have not seen any that indicates that 20mph limits produce a significant benefit.

Additionally, I would say that traffic management in a crowded city requires different parameters to driving in rural areas.

By all means, let's have 20mph outside schools and on housing estates - a
responsible driver will not be driving faster than that anyway.

We need a more sensible approach regarding risk/reward rather than imposing
swathes of unnecessary limits through routes.

Have we measured pollution locally? Have we had a detailed analysis of accidents in
existing 30 limits? I don't think so.

It does look as if Ely and Soham will have these blanket limits imposed soon. In the meantime, much of the traffic on our once quiet but now busy 30 mph road speeds past at 50 mph plus with no enforcement.

If funds are limited we need to sort out existing issues rather than
ignoring them in favour of spending money on issues which are not a problem.

Mike Rose
 

Soham Community Reports

Heartbeat Health walk

On the morning of Monday, March 6, 16 walkers joined David Clarke and Linda Everitt for the three-mile walk around Soham.

On the morning of Monday, March 13, 21 people joined David Clarke for the three-mile walk around Soham.

Starting from St Andrew's Church at 10am they walked around the town and after finishing, they enjoyed refreshments.

Soham Community Group

On the morning of Monday, March 13, the voluntary helpers welcomed the members to the Monday Club in the Causeway Centre.

They started the morning with tea, coffee, cakes, scones and sausage rolls, which were all made by Sheila Cooper who is a wonderful cook.

They welcomed two speakers to the club from CAMSAR which is Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue.

Everyone was enlightened by this very interesting talk as members were unaware they existed.

Angela and her Pat dog Lily attended, and they are always welcomed by the members.

On the menu for lunch this week was liver and bacon followed by profiteroles which were all supplied by The Cherry Tree, in Soham.

Birthday greetings were sung to Michael Huebler and Thelma Everitt. Refreshments were served, and Claire and her mum Jean organised the raffle. 

This was followed by games of bingo, with Claire calling the numbers and Jean checking the books.

All prizes donated by Andrew Fleet. After a most enjoyable day, thanks to Carol and her team of volunteers, the members made their way home.

Community Care Coffee Morning

Due to the wet weather on the morning of Tuesday, March 14, attendance at the coffee morning in The Pavilion was depleted.

However, the 15 people attending enjoyed chatting and catching up on the latest news, while being served coffee, tea and biscuits.

The raffle of prizes donated by members was organised by Diane Wheeling during the meeting.

These coffee mornings are held every Tuesday in The Pavilion, from 9am to 11am and all are welcome.

Comrades Club

On the evening of Tuesday, March 14, bingo enthusiasts met in The Comrades Club.

About 25 people attended and enjoyed the games of bingo. During the break for refreshment, the raffle was organised. New members always welcome and doors open at 7pm, for eyes down, at 7.45pm.

Over 60s Club

Due to the inclement weather, attendance at the Over 60s Club was somewhat depleted.

Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone before introducing local historian Peter Cox.

His talk was called 'the Fenland floods' and was very interesting and detailed as his history went back as far as the 800s.

Peter had brought along many photographs relating to his talk. He also spoke about his sightings of the Fen Tiger.

There were also many copies of two books that members could take home.

Ruth gave the vote-of-thanks on behalf of the members.

Refreshments were served by Jenny Killick, Pam Hall, Shirley Sizer and Richard Badcock.

The raffle, with prizes donated by the members, was organised. Ruth reminded members of the Easter meeting on Friday, March 31 when members are invited to make Easter hats.

The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn. The club would welcome new speakers or entertainment, if you can help contact Ruth Ginn on: 01353720128.

Yvonne Long

Soham Correspondent

The price of a slice of bread!

I once had a girlfriend who was a teacher, and her annual salary was £1,000. That was 50 years ago. 

In 50 year's time, if wages and inflation have risen at the same rate, a teacher will then be paid on million pounds per year (based on present salary!).

By that time, a loaf of bread will be about £24 - and that's £1.20 a slice.

Martin Wesley

Littleport