Ely Networking

23 March 2026

Our monthly networking series in Ely continues where local professionals and businesses come together to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Ely and the surrounding East Cambridgeshire area have been identified as a further education (FE) cold spot, meaning local access to post-16 training, vocational education, and skills pathways is limited. Addressing this challenge is a priority for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, which works with education providers and employers to expand opportunities and strengthen the local skills pipeline.

We are delighted to be joined by Eastern Education Group, the organisation behind West Suffolk College, which has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. They play a key regional role in delivering further education, apprenticeships, and technical training across East Anglia.

Laraine Moody, Group Principal, Eastern Education Group

Laraine will share insight into what an FE cold spot means for Ely and nearby towns such as Soham, the challenges young people face accessing education and training, and the initiatives being developed to improve local provision and pathways into employment.

Knife Angel

This discussion comes at a significant moment for the wider community, with the nationally recognised Knife Angel sculpture scheduled to visit Soham this year. Soham Town Rangers Football Club is honoured to host the Knife Angel, the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, from 20th May to 20th June 2026. This powerful sculpture, created from over 100,000 confiscated knives and blades collected by UK police forces, stands as a striking symbol of the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of community-led change.

Speakers

Natalie Griffiths, Community Liaison Manager and Jonathan James, Chairman, Soham Town Rangers Football Club

We are pleased to also be welcoming the team from Soham Town Rangers FC to this event who are playing an increasingly important role in supporting education locally. They’ll discuss plans to develop facilities that contribute to improving further education access in the area.

Soham Town Rangers Football Club is honoured to host the Knife Angel, the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, from 20th May to 20th June 2026. This powerful sculpture, created from over 100,000 confiscated knives and blades collected by UK police forces, stands as a striking symbol of the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of community-led change.
The Knife Angel represents both remembrance and hope. It serves as a memorial to victims of knife crime while also acting as a catalyst for education, awareness, and positive action. Since its creation, the monument has travelled across the UK, bringing communities together to confront the realities of violence and inspire safer futures.
They are proud to be working in partnership with a wide range of organisations to deliver a meaningful and impactful programme throughout its stay. These include the Police, Fire Service, East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), NHS, The National Lottery, Soham Town Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and Cambridgeshire FA. This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment across agencies to tackle violence and support community wellbeing.
As a club at the heart of the community, they feel privileged to host this national monument on behalf of Cambridgeshire. The Knife Angel will be open to the public seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm, providing an opportunity for individuals and families to reflect and engage with its important message.
A key focus of their programme is youth education and prevention. They are inviting local secondary schools to visit the Knife Angel and take part in a series of workshops, talks, and demonstrations. These sessions, delivered by our partner organisations including the Police, Fire Service, EAAA, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children group, and Quinton Green, aim to educate young people on the consequences of violence and empower them to make positive choices.

Sponsored by Grovemere Property.

 

Supported by the Local Skills Improvememt Plan.

Location

Poets House
40 St Mary's Street
Ely
CB7 4EY

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Event Details

Date:
23 March 2026

Time:
5.30-7.00pm

Location:
Poets House

How to Book

Free to attend – please register your place.

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