Daniel Divine creates songs and book for Chatteris in Bloom

A heartfelt creative project is helping to raise funds for a cause that keeps a Fenland town blooming.

Daniel Divine, a councillor in Chatteris, has written a children’s book and recorded two original songs to 

support Chatteris in Bloom, the award-winning volunteer group.

All proceeds will be donated to the charity, which is known for its floral displays, community planting, and environmental work.

Mr Divine said: "I’ve always admired the incredible dedication of everyone involved with Chatteris in Bloom.

"They give up so much of their own time to make our town look beautiful for residents and visitors alike.

"I wanted to create something that would celebrate their achievements while also raising funds to support their future projects."

The songs, Chatteris in Bloom and Chatteris Through the Seasons, are available on Spotify, and their music videos can be viewed on YouTube.

The children’s book has already been met with enthusiasm by families in the area.

Sue Unwin, president of Chatteris in Bloom, said: "Daniel’s generosity has been greatly appreciated by everyone at Chatteris in Bloom.

"The book has been a real success and has helped introduce our work to a wider audience, particularly younger readers and their families."

2025
Petition launched calling for pathway along Chatteris road

As the county councillor, Daniel has pledged his support and will present the petition to the council, and has also promised to lobby the highways department to try to get some action.

He agreed that the lack of a footpath was a safety risk for pedestrians.

He said: "It makes sense that the footpath is reinstated so it joins up with the circular public right of way, which is really well used by people."

Instalation of new footpath for Dock Rd/Prospect Way

September 2025 IN PROGRESS

A county councillor has accused drivers in one Fenland town of 'driving like Batman' with noisy exhausts fitted to their vehicles.

Cllr Daniel Divine, the county councillor for Chatteris, said his emails are regularly full of complaints about driving and road issues in the town.

He said: "We have a small number of motorists driving around like Batman with their annoying, noisy exhausts. It’s especially annoying when you feel like there's no good common-sense solution."

His frustration also spills over into how to tackle speeding, one of the main topics for complaints he has received since being elected in May.

Cllr Divine said: "The problem of drivers slowing down for humps only to speed up again is a well-known challenge in traffic management.

"It’s all incredibly frustrating in our town and is a common issue in many areas. We cannot cover the whole town with speed humps and cameras, and lowering the speed limit doesn’t seem to work."

He said the main solution is for drivers to think about the way they drive and to slow down and stick to speed limits through the town.

"There are some issues that we can solve, but unfortunately, not all. That is down to individuals and the way they drive," said Cllr Divine.

He said Local Highways Improvement Schemes are one means to address problems, but pointed out that bids to Cambridgeshire Highways are not always successful, meaning the problem goes unchecked.

Cllr Divine praised the Chatteris Town Council Clerk, Joanna Melton, who puts together the town's annual Local Highways Initiative bids, but no matter how well she puts together the paperwork, some schemes fail, and there is the added frustration that the town is limited to one scheme per year.

He also accused 'more aggressive' drivers of taking the joy out of motoring, and said: "Road safety in our town is important, it's just a shame there are so many more aggressive motorists, and drivers who don't care about speed limits, or where they park."