Discovering Wisbech issue 072, April 2024

and the surrounding villages

New

Welcome to your April issue...

The season of new life and new hopes for us all – let’s just see whether or not the awful weather of late can decide that we’ve had enough rain after all, and the sunshine can start putting a smile on all our faces!

I hope you find the wide range of topics included in this month’s magazine both informative and enjoyable. As ever, many thanks to all the contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement. Enjoy the Easter competition, and best wishes for a happy Easter to you all.

Claire x

The recent technical problems that affected some supermarkets’ contactless payments and online deliveries was a reminder of how we can all suffer at the hands of technological gremlins.

It took me back to a time when I was stricken by a malfunctioning tape recorder. I was working for an evening newspaper and had been tasked with interviewing the base commander of an American air base at a time of heightened international tension.

My editor at the time told me to get everything recorded as I had to ask some sensitive questions and we needed to have an accurate transcript. This I duly did, only to find back at the office that the recorder had not worked meaning that I had to rely on the few scratchy notes I had made.

I should have guessed the interview was not going to be a glowing success when as a preamble to my tough questions I enquired whether I could have a flight in one of the US ‘spy planes’ that flew on the edge of space, to which the commander enquired ‘If you mean reconnaissance aircraft Andy, do you know much about flying?’

When I replied I did not have much knowledge having only been an airline passenger on package holidays to Spain, he responded with ‘It might be a bit tricky then as it’s a single seater...’

Publisher

Sales

Ops Director Andy Armstrong

Editor Andy Hurst:

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452

Design

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter

Family history stories are surrounded by family beliefs, superstitions and traditions. That is what makes family research so interesting.

SALT was a very valuable commodity in the past. To spill salt was a serious matter thought to be the work of the devil. The antidote was to throw a pinch of it over the left shoulder in the ancient belief that we have a devil and angel sitting on the left and right shoulder to influence our behaviour. Throwing the salt was meant to blind the devil and banish him for good.

TRADITIONS - CORNISH HURLING

Those living in Cornwall are accustomed to playing a game of hurling outdoors, in teams with a small silver ball. It is played on Shrove Tuesday or the second Saturday following. It is considered one of Cornwall’s traditional games. The game dates

INCINERATOR FIGHT GOES ON

By Steve Barclay MP

The Wisbech incinerator is the topic that everyone is talking about – and for good reason. I was as shocked and angry as constituents when the news came through that the Planning Inspector’s recommendation had been accepted. It is a flawed proposal, located on an unsuitable site.

This is a scheme that, if built, would bring hundreds of thousands of tonnes of municipal, commercial and industrial waste to Wisbech each year for incineration. The town, district and county councils were all united with me in campaigning against it. It is a scheme that would never have been granted planning permission by the local authority and was created to generate just over the fifty megawatts of power threshold, meaning that it qualified as a nationally significant infrastructure project and was therefore subject to determination by the Planning Inspectorate process outside our area.

back to the 16th century, but little is known about the full history of the tradition.

APRIL comes with April showers which is the time to see some wonderful rainbows, which reminds me of the rhyme to help remember the colours of the rainbow in the right order: Richard (red) of (orange), York (yellow), gave (green), battle (blue), in ( indigo), vain (violet).

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 25th at Wisbech Library at 7pm-9pm and will see the return of Alan JOHNSON who will deliver a talk on ‘Hereward and The Wakes’. Members’ free, visitors to donate at least £2. The team will also be part of the Really Useful Show Live in St Ives on April 20th at 10am-4pm – entry free.

For further information on any of the above please phone me on (01945) 587723. Email: bridget25hunter@btinternet.com

This is the wrong scheme in the wrong place, which will have a detrimental effect on our local community. I will continue to fight this proposal and have already held meetings with Fenland District Council to support them in bringing forward a judicial review.

The fight must continue to oppose this scheme given the massive blot on our landscape it will cause. I am committed to doing everything possible to fight it. Only a year ago, the Government introduced legally binding targets to halve the amount of residual waste going to landfill or incineration. Making progress on this target undermines the case for new incinerators. This scheme is even more disappointing given the progress made more widely in securing investment for the constituency, with the latest example being £20 million of funding announced in the budget specifically for local schemes in Wisbech. Yet the incinerator overshadows this progress, and I will work with local councillors, businesses and residents to try and stop it being built.

With rising energy costs, modern stoves offer an economically sound alternative with low fuel consumption, efficiently converting wood into warmth.

For the savvy homeowner, a wood burning stove isn't just a source of warmth –it's a strategic investment that translates into tangible savings on heating bills.

At a time where environmental consciousness is paramount, wood burning stoves can provide both low-cost and low-carbon heating. Modern stoves adhere to stringent environmental standards, with significantly lower emissions than older stoves and up to ninety percent less than open fires, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

To maximise the efficiency and environmental benefits of a wood burning stove, it's crucial for stove users to adopt responsible practices, ensuring the sustainability of this age-old tradition. Properly seasoned wood, optimal burning techniques, and regular maintenance are all key factors.

Wood burning stoves can be cosy, cost-effective, and conscientious. Environmental responsibility doesn’t have to sit on the back burner.

Established in 1977, Aspect Fires has spent decades nestled at one end of Whittlesey’s Market Street. We are a third-generation, familyrun business specialising in everything concerned with fires and fireplaces, offering the complete package from survey through to design and installation.

Time for a Spring Clean? Time for “New Clean”

“N

ew Clean” Lincolnshire is a trusted and reliable cleaning company, providing professional carpet cleaning services and upholstery cleaning in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. This family-run business is in the capable hands of Wayne Phoenix, who has over a decade of experience in the industry, and his son Alfie.

New Clean appreciate that carpets and sofas are essential features of your home or business. Over time, dirt, dust, allergens, and stains can build up on carpets and furniture, and that’s when New Clean can step in, using the latest cleaning techniques and equipment to deep-clean and restore your carpets and upholstery to their former glory. They use eco-friendly and safe cleaning

products that are gentle on your fabrics and do not pose any health hazards to your family or pets.

The “truck mount” cleaning system which is used provides many advantages over most portable carpet cleaning machines. There is better suction due to a belt-driven blower. What’s more, the higher heat and pressure generated ensures a much deeper clean, extracting as much soiling as possible, resulting in cleaner carpets and, importantly, faster drying times.

New Clean are committed to delivering exceptional results and providing a personalised customer service, whether you need a one-time, deep cleaning or regular maintenance cleaning. Their vast array of 5-Star reviews speak volumes for the quality of their work.

Spring Budget 2024: The Round Up

Scott Bishop

The Government want to oversee a high-wage and high-skilled economy, which provides permanent tax cuts and helps families.

However, there will be no Income Tax reduction, albeit there will be a freeze to both alcohol duty until February 2025 and fuel duty for a further 12 months. National Insurance for an employee or self-employed individual will reduce from 6 April 2024 by a further 2%.

For those in receipt of Child Benefit, there is good news, with an increase in the earnings limits from £50,000 to £60,000 with the benefit being completely lost when earnings are £80,000. It has also been announced that further reviews will be made to introduce a household income based system.

There will be a newly introduced British ISA, which will allow for an investment of up to £5,000, which will be in addition to the existing ISA investment limits. A new Fixed Rate Bond for 3 years will be introduced and will be known as the British Savers Bond.

For investors who receive dividends, they will not pay tax on amounts below £500 from 6 April 2024. For savers who are basic rate taxpayers they can earn £1,000 tax free and higher rate payers can earn £500.

Property tax is a subject that governments have historically looked to amend, and again this is something that they have turned to. There will be changes to the furnished holiday lettings regime, together with the abolition of relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax where there are multiple dwellings acquired.

For Capital Gains Tax on residential property, the higher rate will reduce from 28% to 24%.

For businesses, there is an increase in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 as from 1st April 2024, although there are no changes to the rates, with the headline of 20% remaining.

There is so much to consider, but with careful planning and timing then all of the above and more can be achievable.

For information or advice contact your local Whitings LLP office to discuss matters further.

Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.

www.whitingsllp.co.uk

EXCITING FUTURE FOR Nott Johnsons

Nott Johnsons, the well-known local coach company that specialises in running holidays, day excursions, and private hire, has joined forces with Hosier Xecutive Ltd.

On April 1st, Nott Johnsons became part of the Wisbech-based Hosier Xecutive group, which also includes Andrews Travel, but will continue to be fronted by founder Eric Nott and his wife Kim.

Nott Johnsons Coaches began operation in February 2008 when Eric saw an opportunity to develop his own business and purchased Johnsons Coaches which had been established for seventy years in Outwell and had been operated by Gary Johnson and his father.

Eric has been a bus and coach driver for forty-two years and has undertaken many local, national and international journeys, working for many companies in the Fenland area, and further afield.

Nott Johnsons began by providing coaches for many local group outings, and some school trips, but Eric also started to offer his own day excursions. In 2009, Nott Johnsons began offering coach holidays, alongside the day excursions, and private hire, and also operated a private school contract, taking children to Spalding Grammar and Spalding High School. Kim joins

most of the excursions and holidays, to make hot drinks for customers during the journey, and also manages the office for the business. Nott Johnsons has established a loyal customer base, and some customers travel on all of the day excursions and holidays offered, with many becoming good friends with each other and feeling part of the Nott Johnsons family. Recent customer feedback has included: “Just a wee email to say how much I enjoyed our holiday. Thanks for all you both do in the organisation of our holidays and making sure we all have a great time” - Mrs G, March and

“You both go the extra mile for us all, much appreciated” - Mrs T, March

Eric has started to plan for his retirement and is excited to be working with Hosier Xecutive Ltd to ensure that the coach excursions and holidays can continue to be provided to customers.

Sam Hosier, of Hosier Xecutive, which has a fleet of executive vehicles, said: “Eric and Kim will continue to be the public face of the business. They’re a very popular couple with a very loyal following. I am looking forward to helping the business grow and develop in the future and to carry on their good work and to strive to provide an even better customer experience.”

Nott Johnsons

PART OF HOSIER XECUTIVE LTD

Day Excursions

Thursday 11th April £56

Richmond & Poppy Factory Tour (tour included)

Tuesday 30th April £31

Melton Mowbray

Saturday 4th May £42

Gloucester

Wednesday 22nd May £31

Long Melford

Thursday 6th June £35

Southwold & Aldeburgh

Thursday 27th June £35

Nottingham or Wollaton Hall (admission not included)

Pick-up Points

Wisbech – Somers Road Elm

Fridaybridge

March – Elm Rd/Station Rd

March - Broad Street

Wimblington Doddington Chatteris

Other pick-ups may be possible, depending on the route. Please ask us when booking!

Holidays

Thursday 30th May £265 2 Nights DBB Spring Mystery Break

Monday 17th June £555 4 Nights DBB Scottish Borders, Peebles

Friday 2nd August £370 3 Nights DBB Cardiff City Break

Please contact us for further information, to request a brochure or to make a booking on 01945 461136 or email nottjohnsons@gmail.com

Fridays 9am-12noon

We specialise in distinguished luxury journeys for 1-49 passengers for airport, seaport and A to B transfers. We also can provide transport for rail station transfers, days out and weddings.

Hosier Xecutive Limited can offer corporate accounts and feeder work for holiday transfers. We are also a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

For any quotes or enquiries please contact us: 01945 200002

Mobile/SMS/WhatsApp: 07503 490799 Email: enquiries@hosierxec.co.uk Facebook.com/HosierXec www.hosierxec.co.uk

Achieving twenty-five years of serving patients is a milestone worthy of reflection, appreciation, and celebration.

We understand that each patient's journey is unique, presenting its own set of challenges and triumphs. Over the past twenty-five years, our clinic has grown and developed, providing treatment and advice for those suffering from foot and lower limb problems, offering not just medical expertise but also empathy, compassion, and personalised care.

We have touched lives, relieved pains, and improved mobility for thousands of patients over the years. Celebrating this reflects our commitment to excellence, plus demonstrates the profound impact podiatry can have on overall well-being.

Beyond individual patient care, our clinic has played a vital role in promoting podiatric health awareness within the community. Through educational talks to groups and attending events, we have endeavoured to empower individuals to take charge of their foot health and prevent common ailments.

Celebrating twenty-five years allows us to reflect on the broader impact we have had in promoting a healthier, happier community.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team that has worked tirelessly. From skilled podiatrists, foot health practitioners and friendly receptionists, each member of the team has played a crucial role in shaping our clinic's legacy. We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the huge support that all team members have made, in the past and present.

As we raise a toast to twenty-five years of serving patients in our podiatry clinic, we look towards the future with optimism and excitement.

We are thrilled to have an amazing team to continue to provide patient care to the highest standard and we look forward to hosting professional courses to further develop our professional skills and to also benefit other clinicians, raising the scope of practice within our profession. We plan to continue to be a beacon of hope for those in need, a sanctuary for those in pain, and a pillar of excellence in podiatric care for many years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years; we could not have achieved this without you.

Sound Advice From Clearer Hearing

There’s no need for people to suffer in silence if they feel they have hearing problems. That’s the message from Clearer Hearing Ltd which says people should treat their hearing just as they do their eye-sight.

Jackie Mantle, manager of the company’s Wisbech and St Ives branches, said: “Most people have their eyes tested every year and they should treat their hearing the same.”

The company can help people deal with a host of hearing issues, including tinnitus and noise protection, but Jackie says the most common procedure they carry out is ear wax removal.

She said: “Wax removal is definitely the most common problem we deal with. People tend to think that if their hearing worsens they may need a hearing aid, which due to technology today are small and unobtrusive, but invariably it’s because of a build-up of ear wax.

“People shouldn’t be afraid to come in and have their ears checked; they shouldn’t sit at home in silence. We are here to give advice and have many regular customers at our Wisbech clinic, many of whom have been with us for years with some coming from as far afield as north Norfolk.” Established in 2002 and with a presence in Wisbech since 2008, Clearer Hearing is a family owned independent hearing healthcare company with team of qualified and registered hearing aid audiologists.

The company’s comprehensive website –www.clearerhearing.co.uk – boasts a quick and easy hearing checker which provides a snapshot of your hearing ability to give an easy assessment and the opportunity of a priority booking should you require a full consultation.

Contact Clearer Heating Ltd at 31 High Street, Wisbech PE13 1DE. Tel: (01945) 466386; Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm.

•

•

• Effective painless wax removal

• Noise protection

You can visit us at one of our local clinics:

St

13

St Ives PE27 5BX

Wisbech

For information on any of the ser vices we provide, or to discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch.

Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk

“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”

Lyncroft Care Home

Lyncroft Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our home is beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Lyncroft feel extra special.

We now host the Devika Dementia Day Centre for those living in the local area every Friday from 10am – 3pm. The Day Centre provides dementia-friendly activities on a secured floor and is ideal for those living at home to give family carers a break and an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

For more information about life at Lyncroft Care Home or to enquire about our Day Services contact Customer Relations Manager Mel Cushen on 07563 022 290 or email mel.cushen@countrycourtcare.com.

01945 475 229

81 Clarkson Avenue, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 2EA

www.countrycourtcare.com

International Women's Day 2024: Meet Our Inspirational Residents!

International Women’s Day, marked annually on March 8th, is a worldwide opportunity for groups and individuals to unify, celebrate and support women’s advancement. At Country Court, we care for more than 2500 residents including many women who have led inspirational lives both in their careers, family life and local communities. Our residents have witnessed huge changes for women, our teams have been speaking to them about their lives and hearing about their achievements.

Meet Roz Hoyle (84) at Lyncroft Care Home Roz was born in Oswestry in 1940. Her mother Irene was a housewife, but later ran a B&B in Torquay. Her father Percy was in the Royal Navy in the submarines for many years.

After leaving school Roz trained as a Norland Nanny, this type of children’s nanny is considered the ‘best of the best’ and often used by royalty and those of high social standing. With an eye-catching uniform, Norland Nannies are highly trained and sought after. Roz went out to Iran in the 1950s as a

Norland nanny, where she worked for a high-profile Iranian family. A move her daughter Emma describes as “very brave”.

Roz also lived in Norway, Afghanistan and then the UK, where she trained to be a teacher. Roz met her future husband in Tehran, he worked for the Foreign Office and they got married in 1962. The young family often moved around with his work. Her first teaching job was at a school in Guildford, Surrey. The family later moved to Vienna, where she taught children of all nationalities at the International School. She has generally taught primary school children, some with special needs, covering all subjects, but she always loved history. In 1982 she moved to Wisbech and became a much-loved teacher at St Augustin’s School. Some of the care staff at Lyncroft Care Home where she lives, remember her as their teacher and have fond memories of their school days thanks to Roz.

“Roz is quite remarkable,” commented Mel Cushen, customer relations manager at Lyncroft Care Home. “She’s a much-loved resident"

VISIT OUR NEW PREMISES

Diamond Byte Solutions Ltd recently opened a shop at the Pondworld Retail park, Lynn Road in Wisbech and we are really grateful to all our customers (many of whom have been with us since the business began in 2008, as well as those who are new to our services) for their overwhelming support of this new venture.

As well as expanding the retail side of business (selling new and refurbished laptops and desktops, as well as gaming PCs) we are proud of the diagnostic and repair service we continue to offer. These services include (but are not limited to) the following:

HARDWARE ISSUES:

These are physical problems with the components of a device or system, such as the motherboard, CPU, memory, hard drive, graphics card, etc. As hardware problems can lead to system failures, crashes, or malfunctioning, we carry out professional physical

repairs or replace the faulty component. We can also source and replace cracked or faulty laptop screens.

SOFTWARE ISSUES:

We resolve errors or glitches within the software or operating system (which are related to the programs, applications, and system software running on the hardware) by uninstalling malicious apps, and/or by applying software updates. We also specialise in virus removal on computers that have been compromised by unsolicited emails and pop-up ads.

DATA RECOVERY:

This is the process of retrieving data, including photos, that has been lost or become inaccessible, due to power failure, virus attack, accidental deletion, device damage, or formatting etc. Data recovery can be challenging and requires special tools, skills, and precautions to avoid further damage or data overwrite.

CLEAN UP SERVICES:

Software clean – removal of unnecessary files, fixing errors, etc, which can speed up the performance of your computer, free up storage space, and improve overall system stability. Hardware clean – physical cleaning of dust and dirt, which can build up on the internal components of a PC, undermining their performance and leading to a system breakdown.

System Reset - installation of Windows 11, free antivirus, and basic software.

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:

Data Transfer - we will back up the data from a working PC and transfer it across to another machine.

Home set up - we can arrange a home visit to set up a new PC, connecting it to the internet, printers, and any other associated peripherals.

Whilst our shop is open for customers to drop in their PCs, we still offer our call-out services and will gladly visit you at home, either to provide an on-site repair, or to pick up your computer to repair in the shop.

Our retail unit is open from Monday to Saturday should you wish to pop in. Alternatively, please call us on 01945 585201 to arrange an appointment.

Dentures fracture for a reason. They may have become damaged, perhaps by dropping; they may simply be old and worn; or perhaps the denture is no longer suitable for purpose.

Loose dentures may damage gums or the underlying bone structure and are also more prone to breakage. Re-lining your denture will re-stablish a good fit.

Your dentures should be inspected annually along with a checkup on your oral health, or more frequently if necessary.

Icenidental@gmail.com

07932

HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE

Jazz on the Broads

Houghton Hall & Gardens

SEATS

Tues 13th August £51

Weds 14th August £46

Cromer & End of Pier Show Sat 17th August £52

Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens Sun 18th August Adult £54 Senior £52 Child £43

Fawlty Towers – The Play (afternoon show)

BBC

Trentham

Highclere

Buckingham

London

RHS

National

North

Natural

Windsor

Windsor Leisure Day

Thurs 5th September £88

Westminster Abbey including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries Sat 7th September

Adult £67 Senior £64 Child £33

London Leisure Day Sat 7th September £33

Hello, Dolly! (afternoon show)

Holkham Hall Estate Sun 8th September £46

MJ the Musical (afternoon show)

ONLY 19 LEFT Weds 11th September £88

Thurs 12th September £106

North Norfolk Railway Sat 14th September Adult £40 Child £36

West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park Sun 15th September Adult £53 Child £53 Senior £51

Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show)

Tues 17th September £67

RAF Museum, Cosford Sat 21st September £29

The Coronation Street Experience Sun 29th September £66

Bletchley Park Sun 13th October £47

Chicago (afternoon show) Thurs 17th October £74

Eden Camp Modern History Museum Sat 19th October Adult £44 Child £42

Cadbury World Sun 20th October Adult £50 Child £45

Tower Hotel, London – 4 days

Hairspray (afternoon show)

Weds 30th October £398

Weds 6th November £71

The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Weds 13th November £80

Bakewell Christmas Market Sat 16th November £27

Festive Gift Fair Sun 17th November Adult £36 Child £32

Leeds Christmas Shopping/Leisure Day Thurs 21st November £29

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Sun 24th November £79

York’s St Nicholas Fair/Shopping/Leisure Day Tues 26th November £29

Meadowhall Shopping Centre

Tues 3rd December £27

Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Fri 6th December £28

Beverley Festival of Christmas Sun 8th December £27

Nottingham Winter Wonderland/Shopping/Leisure Day Tues 10th December £26

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Thurs 12th December £29

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular Fri 13th December £77

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Long Sutton departure) Sat 14th December £80

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular Sun 15th December £80

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Long Sutton departure) Weds 18th December £77

Holkham Hall by Candlelight Weds 18th December £57

Nutcracker at the London Coliseum (afternoon show) Mon 30th December £110

Phantom of the Opera (afternoon show) Weds 15th January £78

Mrs Doubtfire (afternoon show)

25th

Adult £60 Child £46

Thurs 25th July £33

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter ONLY 1 LEFT Weds 31st July Adult £79 Child £67

The Deep Thurs 1st August Adult £44 Senior £42 Child £39

The Great British Car Journey & Matlock Bath Sat 3rd August £37

RHS Garden Hyde Hall and Flower Show Sun 4th August RHS Member £28 Non-member £39

Highgrove Gardens including 2 course lunch ONLY 16 LEFT Thurs 8th August £90

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Sat 10th August Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £46

Thurs 16th January £84

Giselle at the London Coliseum (afternoon show) Fri 17th January £104

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (afternoon show)

Moulin Rouge (afternoon show)

Wicked (afternoon show)

Starlight Express (afternoon show)

Thurs 23rd January £78

Thurs 30th January £98

Weds 5th February £72

Thurs 6th February £91

Birmingham International Tattoo (afternoon show) Sun 9th February

Adult £60 Senior £59 Child £55

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (afternoon show)

Murder on the Orient Express (afternoon show)

Thurs 20th February £77

Thurs 3rd April £56

• Domestic Help; housework, laundry, ironing, shopping, gardening

• Befriending and Sitting Services; individually tailored for content, timings and duration.

• General/Personal Care; assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, assistance with daily living

• Elderly people with reduced physical capabilities. Dementia

• Our trained carer will maintain the comfort and safety of the person. They will aim to promote the retention of skills using practical sessions and aim to reduce anxiety

• Adults with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, trauma caused through injury and learning disabilities.

• People su ering from mental health problems such as depression, stress, behavioural

LOCAL CLUBS AND GROUPS

aims to meet the social, recreational and creative needs of those no longer in full-time employment. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall, Wisbech at 2-30pm. We have lots to offer you so please come along and find out for yourself. www. u3asites.org.uk/wisbech

Friends of Wisbech & Fenland Museum hold monthly talks at Wisbech Public Library. For further details, please see Facebook Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum, www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk or email: friendsofwisbechmuseum@outlook.com

Wisbech & District Flower Club. See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the month at St Peters hall, Wisbech. More info 07949 443 251

Royal Air Force Association

Wisbech Branch

Welcomes everyone to sample our newly refurbished club.

For your comfort and enjoyment we offer: Fully air conditioned • Free Wi-Fi

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

• Choice of hot drinks and snacks

• Pool table • Meeting facilities by arrangement • Quiz night, games night, entertainment • Friendly welcome • New members always welcome, not required to be ex-Forces.

Opening Hours: Thursdays/Fridays 7pm till 11pm | Saturdays 11am till 2pm and 7pm 11pm. rafawisbech.co.uk Situated at 22 Lynn Road PE13 3DJ

Fenland Gate & Fencing has been offering a quality service to customers in the March and Wisbech areas for nearly twenty years. The company specialises in all types of wooden gates and fencing, covering supply, installation and repair, and also carry out hedge and conifer removal, trimming services, garden shed repairs and roof re-felts.

It is run by Steve Kennedy who moved to March eighteen years ago from Reading in Berkshire. He has thirty-four years’ experience in the trade with the last twenty specialising in fencing and gates.

Steve said: “Most side gate styles I can make to measure and install. I can make driveway gates, barn gates and also supply ready-made gates up to 3.6 metres wide.

“I can supply and install lap panels, waney panels, close board fencing and picket fencing, and also repair and replace broken posts. I also install concrete posts and kick boards.

“I concentrate on serving customers in the March and Wisbech area but can travel further afield if required. Most people who contact me want

a side gate, replacement posts or a new wooden fence along one of their home borders. I am also able to provide concrete posts and remove hedges and conifers to enable a fence to be put up.”

You can contact Steve at Fenland Gate & Fencing on (01354) 653782 or 07897 339334, email: wagmontana@aol.com

Summer at Tolethorpe Competition Time

Throughout summer (June 4th- August 24th) the Stamford Shakespeare Company presents an annual season of plays.

Described by ‘The Sunday Times’ as “One of the finest things to do this summer” and ‘The Stage’ as “One of England’s premier alfresco theatre venues”, it really is an experience not to be missed. This summer the Company is proud to present four fantastic plays:

Step into the vibrant world of George Farquhar’s “The Recruiting Officer”, a rollicking romp and the most popular play of the 18th Century.

The woodland backdrop of the Tolethorpe stage provides the perfect setting for Shakespeare’s most spellbinding of plays, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Laugh your cares away with Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” and celebrate the strength of sisterhood in a Regency-era rollercoaster of comedy and romance.

Patrick Ness’s dazzling story of love, life and healing, “A Monster Calls”, is brought to life by Tolethorpe Youth Drama Theatre Makers.

The theatre is situated in the grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall, just two miles from Stamford, where each summer over 30,000 people experience the magic of a visit to this unique venue. Enjoy a picnic in the glorious grounds, then take your seat, protected from summer showers, and see a stage like no other.

Box office (01780) 917240 www.tolethorpe.co.uk

Would you like to win a pair of tickets to see one of the plays?

Simply answer the following question:

Which of the plays being performed at Tolethorpe this summer is the only one not to have been written by a man?

Send your answer, including your name and contact details to Discovering Wisbech, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET or you can email hello@discoveringmagazines.co.uk quoting ‘Discovering Wisbech’

ON THE MOVE and still right up your street

Maxey Grounds are delighted to announce that they have appointed two new associates to the firm which will allow them to expand the current range of services provided to Fenland, South Holland and West Norfolk.

Ed Weightman will be joining the firm at the beginning of May. Ed has spent the last twentysix years at Russen & Turner Ltd in King’s Lynn. As well as commercial valuations for all purposes including secured lending, Ed is a qualified Party Wall Surveyor and has also carried out contract oversight of development and refurbishment projects on both residential and commercial properties.

Jonathan Malings will be joining the firm at the beginning of June. Jonathan has most recently been working with Strutt & Parker in Cambridge. Jonathan is a General

Agent of the Fens

March

01354 607100

March

01354 607105

March

01354

Wisbech

01945 428820

Wisbech

01945 428825

Wisbech

Practice Surveyor specialising in agricultural management, compulsory purchase and development work.

With effect from 30th April, the professional team will be relocating and the current Professional Office on the Market Place in March will be incorporated into our existing Residential Sales, Lettings and Property Management Office on the High Street in March. Agricultural, Commercial, Development and Professional colleagues will continue to be available at the newly combined March office for pre-booked appointments. All current telephone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.

maxeygrounds.co.uk