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About Witcham

A small village off the A142, 6 miles west of Ely, and approx. 20 miles north of Cambridge, surrounded by farmland and boasting a 13th Century Church, and a fine recreation ground with play facilities we call the Village Green. On many a summer’s evening and weekend the sound of leather on willow can be heard and locals gather on the park benches to enjoy watching our successful village cricket teams play their matches. It is also home to the Annual World Pea Shooting Competition, which was begun as an imaginative fundraising event in 1971 to support the Village Hall, (built 1967 by a dedicated group of villagers who gave much time and effort to provide a resource for their community). The Village Hall, sitting in the North East corner, is run by a separate management team but the Parish Council has always given its support and this includes nominated representatives. We are delighted by the level of support it receives; it is in use most days, sometimes two or three times a day with a thriving bowls club, bridge club, mother and toddler group, dancing, and venue for resident’s parties, gatherings and village fund-raising events. Over on Silver Street the pub has been a frequent winner of the CAMRA Ely and District Rural Pub Award and post-Covid restrictions we hope this will be supported by the local community and visitors, and continue to thrive.

Historically the area was occupied by the Romans and a Roman helmet was found at Witcham Gravel, and can now be seen at the British Museum.

The main hub of the village is centred around the crossroads overlooked by the Village Green. The North bound street is Martins’ Lane, leading to the Cemetery and out of the village to neighbouring village, Mepal, where the infant and junior children go to school following the closure of our own school, opened in 1873 and closed 1982 – after a gallant fight from residents with the Local Education Authority. Older children mainly go to Witchford nearby. To the East is High Street; sadly the shop has long been gone but we are proud of the Church and many old buildings, some dating back to the 13th and 14th Century, forming the Conservation area. To the South is The Slade, leading to Witcham Toll and the link with the A142, including the cycleway/pedestrian path providing a link with Sutton and Ely. Silver Street lies to the West, leading to Westway Place and The Orchards – much of which is housing built during 1950s – 1970s. The population has remained relatively static with housing being limited mainly to infill and development of brownfield sites over the last 30 years. The Parish is well served with Public Rights of Way, including tranquil shady green droves which are enjoyed by walkers, dogs and horseriders in the local area, taking in the amazing views of the surrounding highland and fenland landscapes, including the Ouse Washes to the North running upwards to Welney and the nature sanctuary.

Parish Council Assets and Responsibilities

  • approx 9.5 acres droves on Ouse Washes, and recreation ground at High Street
  • cemetery at Mepal Road
  • infant play area and facilities for older children at recreation ground
  • seats at recreation ground and cemetery
  • village sign depicting old village fire engine (now in Ely Museum) and farming heritage
  • red telephone kiosk in conservation area (adopted 2010, refurbished 2020)
  • mobile vehicle activated speed sign
  • 5 street lights (remainder adopted by CCC)
  • bus shelter
  • 2 noticeboards,
  • Interpretation board – location map of points of interest
  • 3 salt bins and 6 dog bins

We are keen to involve people in community life in Witcham. From time to time we will enlist the help and support of members of the community to serve on working parties for specific projects and reporting back to the Council on findings.

The Council employs a Parish Clerk/RFO 22 hours per month, and normally meets the 2nd Wednesday in the month; none in August and December. It carries out its functions financed by the Precept which is collected by the District Council through the Council Tax system. Other income is limited but does include an income from the RSPB in respect of rent on droves situated on the Ouse Washes. Grant aid is obtained to fund any projects from a number of different organisations as and when possible.

Parish Councillors are elected representatives who give their time freely to work on behalf of the community and are bound by the Code of Conduct.

Next Elections May 2023. 6 Councillors. Population approx. 460 (2021 Census results awaited).