This month, we have news of grants available to businesses and community groups across Fenland. Don't miss out!

Also, in this The Fenlander, an update on Whittlesey Relief Road, projects to create new sports areas, a replacement toilet block for March and upgrades to several community centres.

A new chairman has been appointed to be the civic face of the council across Fenland.

And we've reminders not to miss our next, imminent Fenland Four Seasons event, Chatteris Midsummer Festival, Golden Age event with advice, support and inspiration for over 60s and, as always, our packed Active Fenland programme of free and low-cost exercise and social classes.

New Chairman elected for Fenland District Council


Image above: New Fenland District Council Chairman, Cllr Brenda Barber (centre) with new Vice Chair, Cllr Sam Clark (left) and outgoing Chairman, Cllr Nick Meekins (right).

Cllr Brenda Barber, district member for Leverington and Wisbech Rural ward, was elected as the new Fenland District Council Chairman for 2025/2026.

Cllr Barber is now the civic head of the Council, representing Fenland at official engagements, community events, and civic occasions across the district and beyond.

Cllr Sam Clark, who is also a district member for Leverington and Wisbech Rural ward, was appointed Vice Chair.

See more: New Chairman elected for Fenland District Council

Businesses encouraged to apply for grants

Grants of £5,000 to £25,000 are available to Fenland businesses of all sizes in the third round of the Fenland Investment in Business grants programme.

The grants are intended to support businesses to grow and provide employment and prosperity to benefit all of Fenland.

The programme can provide up to 80 per cent of the costs for capital and revenue projects.

Business have until 9am on Monday, July 14, to complete an expression of interest form.

Investment in Business grants are being delivered by Fenland District Council's economic growth team Fenland for Business. The Investment in Business programme is funded with a grant from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) with funds from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Discover more and apply: Investment in Business grants

Community funds open for applications

Applications are invited for grants of up to £10,000 to support community groups with projects with environmental benefits.

Constituted community groups or organisations (with a written constitution - or governing document - which sets out rules on how the organisation is run, such as volunteer groups, town and parish councils and charities) are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funds with upcoming deadlines: 

• Ransonmoor Community Fund The next deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday, August 17. Grants of up to £5,000 for projects in the areas around Benwick, Doddington and Wimblington.
• Glassmoor Local Environment Fund The next deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday, September 21, 2025. For groups in Whittlesey, Coates, Eastrea, Pondersbridge and Ramsey Mereside and the surrounding area. Typically, successful bids are of a maximum of around £10,000, but there is no formal maximum bid.

For more information on these and other community grants, and to apply, visit: Fenland grants webpage

Community centre upgrades supported by grant funding

Cherished community centres in four Fenland villages are to get environmentally friendly upgrades that will help secure their futures through cost and energy saving following successful grant bids.

Community centres in Tydd St Giles and Guyhirn, the community hall and sports pavilion at Gorefield playing field and parish hall at Wimblington will benefit.

Discover more about the plans: Community centre upgrades supported by grant funding

Plans for new sports areas move forward

Plans for new sports play areas in Fenland are being pushed forward following a decision by Fenland District Council's Cabinet.

Cabinet agreed to provide match-funding to support the creation of Football Foundation PlayZones (games areas where multiple sports can be played), at Manor Leisure Centre field, Whittlesey, and Barton Road Playing Field, Wisbech.

Fenland's Cabinet agreed to cover a quarter of the cost of the facilities. The Football Foundation has approved a grant to cover the rest, Cabinet was told.

See more: Plans for new sports areas move forward

Whittlesey Relief Road feasibility study published as Council approves next steps for further work

Fenland District Council has agreed to progress the next phase of the Whittlesey Relief Road project, including sourcing £220,000 of extra funding required to complete more detailed work.

The decision agreed by the Council's ruling Cabinet came following the publication of a feasibility study which presents a compelling case for a relief road to be built.

See more: Whittlesey Relief Road feasibility study published as Council approves next steps for further work

Work begins on new public toilets in March

Work is now under way on the construction of new public toilets in March, marking another step in the town centre regeneration.

The new facility, being built along the western edge of Grays Lane, is expected to be complete in the autumn.

See more: Work begins on new public toilets in March

Don’t miss Chatteris Midsummer Festival

A packed weekend of fun and entertainment is planned for Chatteris Midsummer Festival.

The festival is at Furrowfields Recreation Ground, PE16 6DY:

• 10am to 10.30pm on Saturday, June 28 (admission £2 adults, £1 children), and,
• 10am to 4pm, on Sunday June 29 (admission £1 for all).

On Saturday, the parade assembles at 10.30am at Church Lane car park and sets off at 11am to arrive at Furrowfields Recreations Ground for 11.30am when fancy dress contest judging will take place.

There’s still time to get involved with the parade, which this year has a TV cartoon characters theme.

The recreation ground will be full of colourful live performances, stalls and delicious food.

On Sunday, a dog show is planned (weather permitting, to be replaced with children’s sporting activities if it can’t go ahead), colour fun runs for all the family and tug of war. Register at the recreation ground Sunday morning to take part. Sunday is also set to include strawberry cream teas in the marquee, water fights and a family disco with foam cannon.  

Chatteris Midsummer Festival is a Fenland Four Seasons event driven by a dedicated committee of volunteers and supported by Chatteris Town Council and Fenland District Council.

Discover more at: Chatteris Midsummer Festival and Chatteris Town Council news pages.

Come along to the next Golden Age event for over 60s

Over 60s are reminded they can discover opportunities, services and support available to them at an upcoming free, informal Golden Age event.

Visitors to the drop-in event can stroll information stands, enjoy free refreshments and take home a goodie bag.

Anyone aged over 60, or with an interest in services and support available to over 60s, is welcome, 10am to 1pm, Friday, June 20, at Manor Leisure Centre, Station Road, Whittlesey, PE7 1UA.

See more: Free event offers information on services and support for over 60s