Welcome to your April issue...
I’m often surprised at just how quickly, within a few weeks, we move on each year from those cold, dark mornings and all that rain and those gale force winds. Blossom is now on show and summer is nearly upon us, and there are smiles on people’s faces.
As ever, I hope you find the wide range of topics included in this month’s magazine both informative and enjoyable. Many thanks to all the contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement; your feedback is always welcome. Enjoy the Easter celebrations, and best wishes for a happy break to you all.
The Easter Bank Holiday comes early this year, with Good Friday falling on April 3rd.
Weather permitting, it is usually a time when many people try to shake off the winter blues of months spent inside their homes and either get busy outside in the garden or plan trips away.
With the advent of British Summer Time on the last weekend of March there is always a feeling that we should all take advantage of the longer daylight hours and make an effort to take some fresh air on board.
Like most people, I have some tasks I need to undertake outside of my home, although I will keep these to myself and won’t announce them in public as I don’t want to become a hostage to fortune.
I also fancy taking a trip away, however with the current spiralling cost of fuel, where I go may be closer to home than I had previously hoped…
Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET
Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton: 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com
Sales Sallyanne Davis: 07737 026594 | sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214
Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Graham Booth
4 Gardening Tips For April
Community Orchard Project
Diamond Flooring & Carpets Ltd
Community Matters 30 Food For Thought: Yogurt & Kefir
Win £50 In Our Dragon Hunt!
Whitings Chartered Accountants
March Podiatry
........... Wild About March
MIST Community Hub
Slimming World Success Story
............ March Heritage Buildings
Steve Barclay MP
........... Spring Is Here... On A Budget
March Museum
The Quiz Inquisition
..... Business Directory
The Shed Shop, Vine Law, Trevor Langley, Whitings Chartered Accountants, March Podiatry, Joan Munns, Jennifer Lawler, Diamond Byte, Steve Barclay MP, Christians Against Poverty and Peter Wright.
Deadline details
Copy deadline for the May issue is Friday 10th April 2026.
Discovering March is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct at the time of going to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by any errors. Permission must be granted to reproduce, copy or scan anything from this publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk.
There will be plenty to keep you busy this month as the days are longer, soil temperatures are rising and it should be warm enough for many crops to be planted outdoors… but be wary of late frosts!
Aim to get all your potatoes planted by the end of the month – plant out chitted second early potatoes in the first two weeks of the month and maincrop potatoes in second two weeks. Second earlies and maincrop need more growing space so plant them about 38cm (15 inches) apart and 75cm (30 inches) between rows. When the shoots appear, earth up each plant by covering it with a ridge of soil.
If you want to grow asparagus and haven’t already prepared your bed, do it this month or it will be too late. Plant the crowns by digging a trench 12 inches deep and add some wellrotted manure, making a 4-inch ridge at the base and spread the roots of the crown over the ridge, replace the soil, leaving the tips just visible. Water in and add mulch. Don’t forget to leave the asparagus for two years before harvesting – it’s well worth the wait!
You can sow several seeds indoors; chillies, peppers, celery, courgettes and summer squashes, runner and French beans, sprouting broccoli, Florence fennel, courgettes, summer squashes and sweetcorn are just a few.
Other jobs:
• Last chance to plant onion sets and sow aubergines and tomatoes indoors for transplanting out.
• Most root crops can be sown now; it is probably your last chance to sow parsnips.
• You can sow the following outdoors but under cover; beetroot, cucumbers, lettuces, turnips, oriental leaves, leeks, cabbage and salad leaves. They can be sown in pots, modules or prepared seed beds from which you can transplant them. If you do grow any seedlings in trays or modules and they have grown a couple of “true leaves” prick them out and move to individual pots or larger modules. You can also harden off young plants by putting them outdoors on sunny days but bring them back in at night or put them in a cold frame or under cloches.
• Don’t forget to regularly hand weed or hoe around seedlings as the weeds appear as they create a lot of competition for food and moisture.
• Make sure that fruit trees, canes and bushes are kept watered, as any fruit planted in the last 18 months is susceptible to drought damage. Adding mulch around the base will help.
• Sow maincrop peas and make the last sowing of summer broad beans.
Happy planting!
VCommunity Orchard Project Comes to Fruition
olunteers from the March Community Orchard group, who have been campaigning over the past two-and-a-half years to bring a community orchard to March, have started planting fruit trees in front gardens across the town as part of a hybrid, community orchard. The group recently planted eighteen apple, pear and plum trees at spots such as March Library, Burrowmoor Primary School, Wendreth Court Care Home and at residential addresses spanning the town.
Ms Alanna Wilson, founder of the group, said: “When we weren’t able to secure land in the town for a community orchard, we put our heads together to figure out a way to bring fruit growing and a sense of community to the town, and came up with the Front Garden Fruit project. Despite the many hurdles, we remained determined and couldn’t be happier to finally be putting spades in the ground.”
“We’ve had such a positive response from residents – and couldn’t make this happen without their participation in the project,” added treasurer Max Spencer.
Inga Bundziniece, manager at Glenholme Wendreth Court, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Red Falstaff apple tree planted by March Community Orchard. We feel very honoured to have been chosen for this tree, especially as our company’s Senior Living symbol is a tree, making this gesture particularly meaningful to us. Our staff and residents are really looking forward to watching it grow over the years and, in time, enjoying the fruit it produces.”
Neighbours on Stonecross Way, Steve and Sharon Revett and Diane and Jeremy Bulbrook, commented: “We are very pleased to have received our trees as part of the launch of the
March Community Orchard’s Front Garden Fruit initiative. It’s an excellent project which in the future will provide excess fruit, free to others in the community, bringing people together. We hope the project will receive local support and go from strength to strength.”
Once the trees are well established and bearing fruit in approximately two to three years, excess will be available to the community through either a pick-your-own system (where they overhang the footpath) or through a crate set near to the footpath for passers by.
Locations of the trees will be pinned on a virtual town map and updates on where fruit is available will be shared on the group’s Facebook page.
Currently there is one additional Conference Pear and Greengage Plum tree available and seeking a home. If interested, contact marchcommunityorchard@gmail.com
March Community Orchard was awarded a grant last year from Healthy Fenland and the Cole Charity Trust to help fund its tree planting activities. The group is hoping to secure funding to offer another round of planting this coming year with trees being planted in February 2027. Trees were purchased from the East of England Apples & Orchards Project.
The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month in the Wordsworth Room of March Library at 7.30pm and is always open to new members.
Hudson Smith, age 5, helping to water a newly planted Red Falstaff apple tree at 129 West End, March
From left to right: Alanna Wilson (founder), Martin Fields (trustee), Max Spencer (treasurer) and volunteers Fadhl Razali, Madeleine Wells, Chris Flay, Sue Holland, Steve Wells, Jacqui Finlayson and Iain Finlayson
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Acole
Acole Plumbing Services Ltd is a new business that has been set up to deal with Fenland homeowners‘ plumbing and heating requirements.
The COMPUTER Man
It has been launched by March-based Colin Ovenden who has more than thirty years’ experience in the business, primarily carried out in London.
Colin moved to the town from the capital five years ago and after being employed locally has now decided to venture out on his own.
He said: “I love living in March and felt the time was right to start my own business.
“I am looking to focus on all general domestic plumbing and heating work, predominantly repair and refurbishment, in the March, Wisbech and Whittlesey area.”
• All general plumbing repairs undertakenbig or small.
• All domestic heating repairs undertaken.
• All domestic boiler fault finding undertakenboth gas and oil.
• Landlord Gas Safety certificates
• House purchase inspections of plumbing and heating
• Boiler replacements.
• Central heating power flushing.
STATUTORY SICK PAY RULES ARE CHANGING
In April 2026, the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules are changing. These changes are being brought in under the Employment Rights Act 2025 and will have a significant effect on both employers and employees.
So, what is changing?
SSP will be payable from day one
Employees currently have to wait for their fourth day of sickness to be entitled to SSP. From April 5th, 2026, the three-day waiting period is going and employees will be entitled to SSP from their first full day of sickness.
Removal of the Lower Earnings Limit
Currently, employees must earn at least a certain amount each week, known as the ‘Lower Earnings Limit,’ to qualify for SSP. The Lower Earnings Limit is currently around £125.
This threshold will disappear in April meaning that all employees can qualify for SSP regardless of how little they earn. This includes part-time and casual or zero-hours staff.
A new method of calculating SSP
SSP is currently paid at a flat rate to everyone who qualifies. The rate is currently £118.75 which is payable for up to twenty-eight weeks.
The flat statutory rate will be going in April and SSP will be calculated as the lower of:
• Eighty percent of the employee’s average weekly earnings, or
• The statutory SSP flat rate, which for 2026-27 will be around £123.25 per week.
That means, for higher earners, SSP might look similar to now, but for many lower-paid workers it will be a decent proportion of their usual pay.
Key Implications for Employers
Employers will need to look at their HR and payroll systems to ensure they comply with these changes. They will need to:
• Ensure their payroll and IT systems are updated to remove any code that starts SSP from day four to build in the new 80% of earnings calculation and cap logic, and to apply the new statutory rate (£123.25) from April 2026.
• Contracts, handbooks and absence policies will need updating to reflect eligibility without the earnings threshold, SSP from day one, and possibly the employer’s process for absence and certification.
Clear communication with staff about their entitlements will help manage expectations and avoid disputes down the line.
If you would like a discussion about your employment rights, or those of your staff, you can contact Kim Cross on (01945) 898090 or email kimcross@vinelaw.co.uk
• Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers Of Attorney
• Property
• Employment Law and HR Services
• Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution
• Legal assistance for start-ups and SMEs
KIRSTY MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF
Kirsty Parnell has overcome a number of obstacles to set up in business.
The 38-year-old had to contend with opposition on her way to launching her Watts Her Name electrical business.
She said: “I had wanted to become an electrician for quite a while but faced a number of hurdles for being female, being too old and suffering from chronic fatigue and headaches.”
However, the Whittlesey woman stayed focused and after completing a four-year apprenticeship with local firm GDC Electrical started her own business last year.
Kirsty, who previously worked as a carer at homes in Whittlesey and Ramsey, had her interest sparked by watching her late father Stephen conduct DIY work at home. She said: “I like to do hands-on work, to get things working. Power is essential and I really enjoy what I do.”
Kirsty can carry out all types of electrical work for domestic and commercial properties including full and partial rewires, PAT
testing, EICR testing and new installations.
She added: “I’ve picked up quite a lot of work via Facebook and word of mouth and am about to start my biggest project which includes work on an Airbnb conversion. I am available for work in the local area including March, Ramsey and Peterborough, in fact anywhere within an hour’s drive from home.”
Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys reading, Lego building and organising an annual Hallowe’en display for charity.
Contact Kirsty on 07958 391662, or email wattshername.electrician@gmail.com
Is Your Legacy Well-Prepared?
Understanding Inheritance Planning
By Ashlie Barnard
When it comes to planning for the future, inheritance is often something that’s left to the backburner. But if you want to ensure that your wealth is passed on to loved ones in the best possible way, it’s important to take a closer look at inheritance planning.
Inheritance planning isn’t just about drafting a will; it’s about understanding the bigger picture – how your assets will be transferred, the impact of inheritance tax, and how to protect your family’s financial future. Without the right planning in place, your estate could be exposed to unnecessary costs, and your loved ones might not inherit what you intend.
At Nene Financial Planning, we focus on helping people in March navigate the often complex world of inheritance planning. We take the time to understand your goals and ensure your wealth is transferred in a way that reflects your wishes. It’s not about pushing financial products, but about creating a plan that delivers the right outcomes for you and your family. If you haven’t looked at your inheritance plan in a while, now’s the perfect time to have a conversation.
What our clients say:
“The information and advice that Ashlie gave me was exceptional. She was really patient, answering all my questions and was happy to explain the figures more than once until I had fully understood them. Following my meetings with Ashlie, I came away much better informed and would definitely recommend her to friends and family.”
“We spent a very useful morning with Ashlie as we made plans for the future of our family farm – she really knew her stuff and was able to give us plenty of advice about the different options open to us. We were very impressed and reassured. We look forward to working with her as we move on with the next stage of our future proofing.”
“Ashlie and her team were helpful and professional throughout the whole process. The information was extremely helpful and we will be using their services again in the future.”
If you have a ‘when can I? or ‘how can I?’ question, then get in touch with our friendly team in complete confidence on (01354) 278088 or book online at www.nenefinancial.co.uk
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CHOOSE DIAMOND FOR QUALITY FLOORING
There’s a new local business that’s been launched to offer a quality range of all types of flooring and carpets to home and business owners.
Diamond Flooring and Carpets Ltd has been set up by March man Neil Winning who has more than twenty years’ experience in the sector. He formed the company last August, since when he has enjoyed an encouraging start, mainly via recommenda�ons, and now he is keen to spread details of his business to a wider audience.
Neil (47) said: “It has been a pre�y good start as I already had established rela�onships with a number of quality suppliers, experienced fi�ers and previous customers. I have been part of a networking group for the past twelve years in Cambridge and have picked up a lot of recommenda�ons from trades people but now I want to focus on more organic growth.”
He is supported in the mobile business by a team of four sub-contracted fi�ers and picks up work primarily within an hour’s radius of Hun�ngdon, covering an area that includes Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn, but can also cover a wider geographical area.
Diamond Flooring & Carpets Ltd can supply and install a wide range of flooring types for both residen�al proper�es and commercial buildings including carpet supply and fi�ng; engineered and solid wood; luxury vinyl (LVT) and vinyl sheet; laminate flooring; safety and commercial flooring; and prepara�on and finishing. It can also provide a wooden flooring restora�on service
Neil and his team can visit your home or place of business to carry out surveys, take precise measurements, and bring a selec�on of flooring samples directly to your door From there, they’ll provide you with a transparent and compe��ve quote for a variety of flooring op�ons.
Should a customer choose to place an order, the company can provide a professional fi�ng service for the flooring of their choice — and all products and installa�ons come with a full guarantee for customers’ peace of mind.
I can’t recommend Neil and his team highly enough. If you are looking for a genuinely professional company to look a�er all of your flooring needs, from beginning to end Neil offers a truly first rate service. Diamond Flooring and Carpets most definitely get 5 stars from me!
MATTERS COMMUNITY
ATHLETIC CLUB TO CELEBRATE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
March Athletic Club is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary next month.
The club will be holding a special birthday bash at the town’s Elm Road sports field on Sunday, May 31st.
Admission is free on the day which will start with a Buddy Run, with teams of three finishing together, and feature a barbecue supplied by Glam Grazing which must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.
There will also be a bar, staffed by March Bears Rugby Club, and a video of the building of the first DIY track in the UK thirty years ago by club members will be shown throughout the day. The video was taken by Winston Fox who will bring along his Crazy Bike which is said to be impossible to ride!
Founder chairman Peter Jackman will be sharing his collection of photos of forty years and memorabilia and from 2pm to 4pm two local singers, Jackie and Steph, will perform.
We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering March, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET Email: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
TEST STAR SHINES AT DINNER
Former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE was the guest speaker at March Town Cricket Club’s annual dinner.
More than seventy members and guests enjoyed a three-course dinner before listening to anecdotes by the former star spinner who was a vital part of the 2005 Ashes winning team in what is often called the greatest test series of all time.
He was also a County Championship, T/2O Blast and One-Day winning head coach and was the managing director of England Men`s cricket in 2019 when the country won its first-ever fifty over World Cup.
Awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to cricket, together with his wife Stine in 2015, he launched the Giles Trust which has now raised more than one million pounds for brain tumour treatment.
March Town Cricket Club chairman Matt Vail with Ashley Giles
MATTERS COMMUNITY
EAGER BEAVERS
ENJOY SIGMAVET VISIT
Forty energetic Beavers from the 1st Doddington Scout Group have visited the SigmaVet practice in March over two days.
Both sessions kicked off with the usual engaging presentation led by receptionist Anne who chatted with the group about the essentials of pet ownership, responsibility, and general pet needs before the group enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours by Sally and Kristi.
Using a mock-up cat, the Beavers got a hands-on look at exactly what happens in the prep theatre, kennels, X-ray room, and bloods lab. They learned all about anaesthesia, taking bloods, and placing catheters; maintaining sterility in the operating room; and how dental and full-body X-rays work. SigmaVet has also continued its visits to local schools with trips to Townley Primary School and Nursery in Christchurch and Friday Bridge Community Primary School.
We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering March, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET
Email: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
LEGO SHOW A SUCCESS
Local Lego lovers travelled to the second Wisbech Brick Show at The Queen Mary Centre.
Exhibitors showcased their passion for Lego and the many varieties of building bricks with dealers and visitors having a great time. Organiser Adam Fairbrother was delighted the show was such a success with all monies raised going towards the upkeep of the centre and the Ferry Project.
Photo: coutesy RWT Photography/Radio Fenland
New Takeaway thinks inside The Box!
Zoe Bedford, 44, has recently realised her dream of opening up a takeaway sandwich shop. After much preparation and hard work, The Lunch Box, in Plough Road, was finally born just before Christmas, and it's been on a roll ever since!
Working alongside her mother-in-law, Josie, who has always been in the food industry, they have both loved the first few busy weeks in their new venture and enjoy chatting with the customers and getting to know them.
‘The people of Whittlesey have been so friendly and welcoming,’ Zoe said, ‘even bringing in gifts just before Christmas, even though we had only just opened!’
Opening at 7am for the early-risers, so close to the town centre, and with plenty of parking available, this a convenient location for all. Plans for the future include expanding into providing delivery.
The Lunch Box has a delicious and extensive, handmade and locally-sourced menu selection on offer, including sausage rolls, baguettes, bacon baps, jacket potatoes, salads, cakes, plus carefully selected and freshly roasted coffee to complete your warm welcome.
‘We look forward to seeing all returning and new customers for lunch very soon.’ smiles Zoe, as she prepares a hot and tasty-looking cheese and bacon turnover for another happy customer! And, that’s a wrap!
You can check out The Lunch Box full menu and keep updated on our Facebook page
Buffets for any occasion: meetings, parties etc. Contact The Lunch Box for a quote.
YOGURT AND KEFIR Food for thought...
Yogurt is a semi-solid dairy (or it can be a nondairy) production, utilising fermented milk to create a product that is rich in nutrients, including calcium and protein, plus probiotics, that assist the health and well-being of bones and gut. Greek-style productions are usually recognised to have a thicker consistency and higher protein level.
Multi award-winning Tims Greek Family Yogurts (Est. 1949) are inspired by their Greek family recipes and have the finest natural ingredients, plus gutfriendly bio-live cultures and fresh, pasteurised British milk combining to bring really great tastes to fruition, with dairy goodness and creamy textures to the fore. Founded by the Timotheou family, their amazing story developed and now ‘Tims’, as the brand has become known, creates productions that continue to gain prestigious awards.
Tims Greek Family Natural Yogurt I found to be very delicious on its own, also when accompanying fruits. Delights around the
table were experienced. Other comments were that this product is so versatile it can be drizzled with honey and used as a favourable dip, topping or dessert, as required. Other very popular choices include Blackcurrant, Honey, Caffe Latte, Mango, Raspberry and Vanilla flavoured yogurts.
Tims Greek Family Natural Kefir is a probiotic-rich dairy production that is fermented and produces a refreshing sensation which has digestive and immune benefits. The smooth productions of kefir are known to improve digestion and gut health, and, similarly to yogurt, can assist in the fight against infections.
By Trevor Langley
Tims Foodservice Range offers opportunities for chefs, hotels, colleges and universities, catering establishments, wedding venues, also schools, plus hospitals and many other outlets, that require these types of productions, to gain access to bulk supplies. Stockists, further productions, information and more details are available on their very informative website. Doorstep deliveries are available and online ordering is easy too. Tims itself does not sell online – just through wholesalers for the food service and, for example, Waitrose and Ocado for the Greek family range. All orders are dispatched quickly and efficiently. Highly recommended.
Tims, Mopes Farm, Denham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire SL9 0QH. Tel: 01753 888380. Email: info@timsdairy.co.uk www.timsdairy.co.uk
As always, enjoy!
win £50 in our
Match the correct dragon picture with those placed in the windows of participating businesses and win £50, courtesy of March town council, to spend in ONE OF THose participating businesses. write the shop names in the boxes underneath each of the 21 dragons.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL:
Competition Closes 30th April 2026. the £50 must only be spent with the participating businesses. Please fill in your details below and return your completed Dragon Hunt to: Panini’s, Market Place, march or paper-chain, station road, march.
TEL:
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
MARCH QUALITY MEATS • ROLLPLAY • PAPER-CHAIN • ANNE'S THAI KITCHEN
THE WHEEL CENTRE ENTERPRISE • K E ROLFE INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
SPECTACULAR • A'DIVA HAIR DESIGN • WHITE SEPTEMBER • ELLIS WINTERS & CO
MAXEY GROUNDS RESIDENTIAL • PANINI'S • THE CYCLE SHOP • SHARMAN QUINNEY MALLETTS JEWELLERS • THE FORK AND KNIFE • THE CARPET WAREHOUSE
LEONARDO'S PIZZERIA • NATE'S BARBERS • SIGMAVET • FACET SHOP
Springing into a New Tax Year
Ben Beech
As we move into spring, we also enter a new tax year and for business owners and landlords, this brings important new rules to be aware of.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is live!
A major change to income reporting began on 6 April 2026 as Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) came into force.
MTD for ITSA applies to individuals who:
• Are sole traders and/or landlords
• Have combined income (before expenses) of over £50,000 from self employment and property, based on their submitted 2024/25 tax return
The threshold will reduce to £30,000 from April 2027 and to £20,000 from April 2028.
Affected taxpayers must:
• Keep digital accounting records
• Submit quarterly income and expense updates to HMRC using approved software
• Complete an end of year declaration
The 31 January tax payment deadline remains unchanged, but reporting will now take place quarterly rather than annually. Think these rules may apply to you? Act now, as the first quarterly submission is due soon.
Preparing early will help you to:
• Choose appropriate accounting software
• Register with HMRC in good time
• Put systems in place and avoid compliance issues once quarterly reporting begins.
Dividend Tax Changes and Small Company Remuneration
From April 2026, dividend tax rates increased:
• Basic rate increased from 8.75% to 10.75%
• Higher rate rose from 33.75% to 35.75%
• Additional rate remains at 39.35%
These increases will be particularly significant for owner directors of limited companies.
Previously, many favoured a modest salary, topped up with dividends. As dividend taxation becomes less favourable, the balance between salary, dividends and pension contributions may need reconsidering.
There are many factors to consider when sorting remuneration, some of which include:
• Overall income level
• Dividend tax rates and allowances
• Salary level, National Insurance and more...
A tailored approach is essential. As dividend taxation becomes less favourable, now is a good time to review how you take money out of your company. A good remuneration strategy can make a significant difference, but it needs to reflect your personal circumstances.
We’re Here To Help
For assistance with MTD for IT, reviewing your current approach to remuneration or exploring more tax efficient alternatives, please get in touch with a member of our team.
Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.
•
MONDAY
Soup of the day with cheese toastie
TUESDAY
*PLEASE NOTE Our loyalty cards cannot be used for the tea/coffee offered with our Lunch of the Day Deal
Cheese and bacon omelette with chips and salad
WEDNESDAY
Ham and two eggs with chips and salad
THURSDAY
All-day breakfast
FRIDAY
Scampi with chips and salad
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MICROWAVE THERAPY FOR SKIN
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For more information visit
www.treatwithswift.com
www.marchpodiatry.co.ukwww.marchpodiatry.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon 9am-7pm, Tues 9am-5pm, Weds 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm
A Place to Remember
Barn Swallow
Hirundo
rustica
By Joan Munns, of March Wildlife Group & March & District Woodland Group
Most of us just think of a Swallow but it is a worldwide species seen on every continent, including vagrants in Antarctica. There are many other different swallow species in other parts of the world so the addition of Barn to the name is necessary to avoid confusion. Our Barn Swallows are long distant migrants flying to and from sub-Saharan Africa every year, a distance of 6000 miles (10,000 km) each way. Their route takes them directly across the Sahara Desert where there are few insects or places for them to rest. Barn Swallows live an average of four years. A few have been recorded at ten years of age and one bird, captured in Europe, was found to be sixteen years old.
Individuals return to the same nesting site or the place where they fledged every year. They are slim birds with an overall length of 7½ inches (19cm), and their most distinctive feature is long tail streamers with white windows in the tail feathers. The back is entirely deep blue-black with no white on the rump. The front of the head is rusty red and that continues under the chin with a blue-black ring on the throat; the rest of the chest and belly are creamy white.
Barn Swallows have a pleasing twittering call that is produced almost non-stop all day. They feed on insects in fast flight and detect them by sight performing some extraordinary turns in mid-air to catch prey or to miss an obstacle. In fine weather they will be high in the sky but very near the ground when it is dull or raining. They also drink on the wing swooping near to the surface of open water to take a sip. They roost at night in groups in trees, rock ledges, or tree cavities. They only settle on the ground to gather mouthfuls of mud to make their nests, which they build, using straw as binding agent, in buildings under eaves or bridges. They always nest near man but seldom in towns. They have two or three broods each year laying three to six eggs each time. Young are flying
about three weeks after hatching.
In late summer they begin to gather in large group on overhead wires before heading south. On migration they will often roost overnight in large reed beds in standing water. When the conditions suit them, they will often leave long before daylight to continue their long flight.
Nests are built using mud and straw
It was once thought that the birds went into the reed beds and buried themselves in the mud for the winter only to re-emerge the following spring.
Next Gault Wood Work Parties are Saturdays April 11th and May 9th at 10am.
If you'd like to support our work at the wood as a volunteer, please contact the Woodland Trust using this email: volunteering@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Alternatively, you might like to support the Nature's Calendar project, which focuses on phenology, which is the study of plant and animal reaction to climate change. Nature's Calendar (woodlandtrust.org.uk)
Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow in flight
Independent Family Funeral Directors in March, Cambridgeshire
Compassionate and professional funeral planning and arrangement
Whether you’re simply seeking advice, planning a funeral for yourself or someone close to you, we can provide compassionate and personal guidance.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to o er services that meet your needs and requirements.
We provide respite care or longer-term residential care and support at our home in Chatteris
Rooms at The Gables are decorated to an exceptionally high standard and most feature ensuite facilities. There are large, communal living and dining areas and access to our beautiful, well-kept garden where we host events with families and our local community.
We provide high-quality care including fresh, nutritious meals and a wide variety of activities are available.
Prices are available on request and depend upon the room and level of care required. Our home is rated as good with the Care Quality Commission and is one of the Top 20 care homes in East Anglia, based on reviews from the highly respected carehome.co.uk website.
To find out more, please give us a call or visit us online.
Tel: 01354 693858 Email: thegables@blackswan.co.uk www.blackswan.co.uk
MATTERS COMMUNITY
SOMETHING’S GROWING IN THE HEART OF MARCH
The MIST Community Hub at March’s Fork ’N’ Knife café every Tuesday hosts a welcoming indoor market, giving local creators, crafters and small independent makers a place to showcase their work and connect with the community.
Open from 9am to 4pm at 7 Station Road, it provides a relaxed indoor space where visitors can browse handmade goods, discover unique gifts and support local talent while enjoying the café environment.
The market forms part of the MIST – March Is Stronger Together initiative – which aims to support independent businesses, creators and community projects by giving them a platform to grow locally and connect with the community.
Current traders include: M & D Crafts – handmade jewellery and keepsake gift pieces; The Little Resin Studio – unique handmade resin creations and decorative gifts; Craft & Pom – custom prints
READER OFFER
Enjoy a slice of cake on us!
Bring this page with you to the MIST Community Hub at Fork ’N’ Knife ON ANY TUESDAY THROUGHOUT APRIL 2026 and enjoy a complimentary slice of MIST cake. Available between 1pm-2pm. Simply show this page to a member of the team when you arrive.
and engraved designs on card, slate and wood; IamKDK – a children’s author sharing rhyming stories and books for young readers; Useful Makes – handmade fabric items and hair accessories; and The Fox Crafty Co – handmade decoupaged homeware, gifts and creative craft items.
New traders continue to join the market each month, bringing a variety of handcrafted items, artwork, gifts and creative products to the town. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, browse the stalls and support local makers.
Local creators interested in having a stall are welcome to get in touch. For stall enquiries or more information: contact.forknknife@gmail.com
Upcoming community events and updates can be found at: www.skool.com/fnk-mist-4882/about
C
ath & Neil Look to a Healthier Future...
In a world where the pressures of modern life often nudge health to the bottom of the priority list, Cath and Neil Collins stand as a shining example of what can happen when determination meets the right support. The couple, both having recently passed their fiftieth birthdays, found themselves facing a truth many quietly recognise: the lifestyle they wanted for their future simply wasn’t compatible with remaining overweight and inactive. Something had to change… and change it did.
Since joining Slimming World, Neil has reached his target weight with an impressive 5st 3lbs lost, while Cath has shed a remarkable three stone. They credit much of their progress to the power of community. “If you’ve had a bad week, there will be people there who’ve been in the same boat,” they say. “If you’ve had a good week, fellow members celebrate your success with you.” With a supportive consultant and a room full of friendly faces, attending group became a highlight. Armed with Slimming World recipe books and the app, Cath and Neil have embraced meal planning with gusto. Their favourites – from Korean
Dirty Fries to Chow Kow Beef – reflect a newfound joy in cooking that supports their goals without sacrificing flavour. But perhaps the most striking transformation is in how they feel day to day. Decorating the house recently, they noticed how much easier life becomes when you’re not carrying excess weight. Running up and down the stairs no longer leaves them breathless. Cath now completes five thirty minute exercise sessions a week, something she once considered almost impossible. Their story is a reminder that it’s never too late to take control of your health, that small steps can lead to profound change, and that the right support can turn daunting goals into achievable realities.
WEDNESDAYS
9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm & 7pm at 2nd March Scout Hut, Mill View (Nr Sainsbury’s), March, Cambs PE15 8SY Contact Jamie on 07415 175655
Same venue as above... this one is for you early birds!
70 DARTFORD ROAD, MARCH
By Jennifer Lawler
The Jack of Trumps was the only public house in the country so named: in card games the highest-ranking card which beats all others.
The eighteenth century building of gault bricks has a central block with an extension on each side –the left one originally a cottage. It looks perhaps as two semi-detached houses originally with an upper (now two) and lower sash-window and a door on each side, all with a round-headed arch. There is a central chimneystack and an end stack on the tiled roofs of each extension.
In 1838, the beerhouse licensee was Jonathan Pepper and owner Richard Hopkin. The Jack of Trumps was sold for £175 at the Unicorn Inn, St Ives in October 1848 together with Mr Hopkin’s brewery, March’s Anchor Inn, and other public houses.1
Following the death of Mr Edward Miller, fourteen public and beerhouses including the Jack of Trumps, March Brewery and steam flour mill, houses, shops, and land, were auctioned in the Griffin Inn in May 1859. The Jack of Trumps was sold for £80. The brick and tiled cottage adjoining the Jack of Trumps and occupied by Joseph Albyn was sold with its turf hovel and plot of land in February 1864 in the Griffin Inn. It had a roadside frontage of eighty feet.2
At March Licensing Sessions in 1873, with licensee John Jackson, Mr Walters, owner of The Jack of Trumps, claimed it was impossible to find anyone to begin the work to bring the house up to public-house value. He was told it must begin immediately. The case was adjourned to the next petty sessions to satisfy them that required improvements were progressing.3
In April 1884, the ‘newly erected’ (restored), brick-built and tiled Jack of Trumps, with its
outbuildings, yard and garden adjoining, was sold at the Griffin Hotel for £330 to Mr Ambrose Ogden. He also bought the Prince of Wales beerhouse on Station Road for £420.4
The public-house stood earlier in a more rural setting on the outskirts of March on the road to Wisbech. In 1885, it benefitted from improvements by March Local Board of Health in road travel and gas lighting. In March it was resolved that granite would be used on various March roads including Wisbech-road from the north end of Broad Street to the Jack of Trumps. In October it was proposed by Mr T Vawser that the lighting district be extended, including to the Jack of Trumps in Wisbech Road. The Gas Company would be requested to arrange the lighting.5
The Jack of Trumps transferred from Ogden’s Brewery to Greene King Brewery in 1930 and closed in 1998. It is now a restaurant. Earlier photos and the sign are in March Museum.
1 Rate Books, March Museum; Cambridge Chronicle and Journal October 7th, 1848, p3
2 Cambridge Chronicle and Journal May 14th 1859 p6; February 18th, 1864, p5
3 Cambridge Independent Press October 18th, 1873, p7
4 Cambridge Independent Press March 22nd, 1884, p4; April 5th, 1884, p7, 8
5 Cambridge Independent Press March 7th, 1885, pp6,7; October 10th, 1885, p7
HOW TO TRY OUT AI
Following on from last month’s article on the three biggest AI engines, here is just a very small handful of suggestions on fun and useful things to do with AI.
MEAL PLANNING
How often do you open your fridge or kitchen cupboard wondering what meal you can cook using the contents? Try asking ChatGPT. For example, ‘ChatGPT, I have chicken, peppers, pasta and cheese –suggest three dinner recipes that take less than one hour to cook.’
You can even create a weekly meal planning (using Copilot for example). Be as specific as possible - number of people, duration, not forgetting to include dietary restrictions or a particular ingredient you might fancy eating. If any meals pop up that you wouldn’t eat, at least it gives you a base to work from.
LEARNING AND TUTORING
If you are struggling to understand a particularly complex topic, ask AI to simplify it. For example, ‘ChatGPT,
explain PI for a ten-year-old.’
Or use Google Gemini’s Guided Learning as a digital tutor. It simplifies complicated topics, checks your comprehension by asking questions as you go along and even adapts its teaching method based on the answers you give. Be mindful that it can sometimes misinterpret responses, and you may need to keep it on track, although on the whole it does offer a more interesting way to study.
PLAN A TRIP
Instead of spending hours researching travel itineraries, you can use AI to generate your own customised travel plan. Simply ask your AI engine of choice to, for example, ‘plan a three-day, budget-friendly trip to Milan, taking in top attractions and suggestions for dinner venues.’ Or, if you would rather stay away from the crowds, ask it to suggest ‘hidden gems that locals frequent.’
TRY A DIFFERENT HAIRSTYLE
Have you ever wondered what you would look like with a purple wolf cut
or a multicoloured Mohican? Then try Gemini’s Nano Banana photo editing tool. Log in, upload a photo, type your hairstyle prompt into the chat box, press ‘generate’ and watch your new look appear!
IDENTIFICATION
Unsure as to whether that green plant in your garden is a weed or a flower? Or what the tree is at the end of the garden? Simply take a photo and ask Gemini, Copilot or ChatGPT what it is. You can ask AI to recommend particular plants for your garden by providing information such as which direction it faces and soil type. In fact, why not go the whole hog and ask ChatGPT to design your garden?
Do remember that although AI is a powerful tool, it’s not flawless – it can get things wrong and, more worryingly, make things up. It’s important to check over any AI-generated content to ensure that there are no mistakes, privacy violations or, most importantly, that you are not using it for unethical purposes.
PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE
FENLAND COMMUNITIES WORK TOGETHER
By Steve Barclay MP
As I write this, it is against the backdrop of conflict in Iran and neighbouring countries, a spike in oil prices, and concerns at home particularly regarding the impact on heating bills. It is too early for the full picture of the impacts on our own community to be clear, but already the Spring Statement given to Parliament in March by the Chancellor looks out of date.
The international picture is in sharp contrast to the past month locally, which has been notable for the way our community has worked together on a number of campaigns, with residents, councillors, campaign groups and local organisations all uniting to secure real results or to press for the changes needed to do so.
One of the most significant developments has been the refusal of the application to expand operations at Johnsons Aggregates and Recycling Ltd’s Saxon pit site. Cambridgeshire County Council’s planning committee rejected the application after months of determined local effort. The Saxongate Residents Group, town, district and county councillors, and many residents all worked together to highlight the serious concerns about increased HGV traffic, noise, and public health risks. Their persistence ensured these issues were fully understood by the planning committee and I am in no doubt had a major impact on the successful outcome.
Another campaign where the community has come together and which is gathering real momentum is the push for a pelican crossing outside March’s Westwood School. This is the largest primary school in the county, split over two sites, and staff, parents and pupils have raised concerns about road safety around the school. Since launching my petition to support the school, I am grateful that every March Town councillor has endorsed using money from housing developers to fund the pelican crossing, as well as more than five hundred residents who have signed up in support. It is encouraging to see local councillors from all political parties uniting behind the staff,
pupils and families at Westwood School, and if you haven’t yet added your name, you can do so at stevebarclay.net/westwood
There was also positive news from Wisbech Port where the application to store large quantities of waste on the site has been withdrawn following significant local objections. Many residents responded to the call to contact the Environment Agency, which subsequently requested further information from the applicant. This appears to have led to the withdrawal of the application. While the possibility of a future application cannot be ruled out, this is a welcome outcome for now – preventing additional lorry movements through the town and protecting nearby homes from the impact of large-scale waste storage.
Chatteris is also celebrating a fantastic achievement following the community working together, as it is one of only four towns across Great Britain to reach the finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom 2026 competition! Alongside Haddington in Scotland, Glastonbury, and Henley, Chatteris now has the chance to take the national title, and we wish the team the very best of luck. This remarkable success is thanks to the dedication of Chatteris in Bloom president Sue Unwin, chair Anne Wells, vice chair James Green, and the whole team of volunteers who work tirelessly to brighten up the town.
After months of disruption caused by the closure of the Ralph Butcher Causeway, it is also welcome to see this road finally reopened, and I am grateful to Cllr Chris Boden for all his hard work on this. The length of the disruption does however highlight a wider problem. As we have also seen with the long closure of Barton Road in Wisbech, there is a lack of grip by the county council regarding road repairs, potholes, and road resurfacing. Roads are closed for too long, often several roads in the same area are subject to work at the same time with little co-ordination. Meanwhile, other roads are left with potholes or are not resurfaced when needed. As someone who uses Fenland roads regularly, I know how frustrating these closures are for residents, and I will continue working with councillors to put pressure on Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver long overdue improvements.
To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website www.stevebarclay.net or follow me on social
What’s Coming Up
EVERY THURSDAY: FREE PUB QUIZ
7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome. No limit on team size
FRIDAY 3rd APRIL:
CECIL FARAYI WITH HIS MOTOWN & SOUL SHOW
Tickets £5 members, £7 guests Club opens at 7pm
SUNDAY 5th APRIL:
EASTER SUNDAY – EASTER CHICK HUNT & FREE FILM SHOWING OF ZOOTROPOLIS 2 An easter egg for every child! 1pm start
SATURDAY 11th APRIL
SIXTIES NIGHT WITH MUSIC FROM SPARKY & SPRITE
Includes Sausage & Mash Supper from Pig & Spud Roasts
Tickets £12, available now
FRIDAY 17th APRIL: CASH BINGO NIGHT
Eyes down at 7.30pm
SUNDAY 19TH APRIL
TRADITIONAL CARVERY by Pig ‘n’ Spud Roasts
Come and give it a try! £17 per person for two courses. Booking essential – tickets on sale now
SUNDAY 25th APRIL: ST GEORGE’S DAY PIE & MASH NIGHT FOLLOWED BY MUSIC AND DANCING Club opens at 7pm
SUNDAY 9th MAY: ANDY JOHN: BOHEMIAN CHAMPION
The music of Freddie Mercury and Queen Club opens at 7pm
For more information contact the Club on 01354 653150 or go to the Club Facebook page and just search for March Con Club. If you like the page you will get all the updates for what’s going on.
Why not come and see what the Club has to offer?
We have very limited availability for private bookings. For more information about this or any of our events, please contact the club.
GAMES ROOM
Club sports include Bowls, Pool, Snooker, Dominoes, Darts and Crib
Featuring snooker and two pool tables, a big screen TV, PLUS TWO DARTBOARDS!
We also have a JUKEBOX that is able to play in all rooms! The games room can be accessed by members from 9am.
is here...
Now we have some sunny days it’s time for walks, looking at nature and enjoying the outdoors.
By Fenland Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
So, look up what’s on in your area – libraries are a great source of events that are normally available for FREE.
Also, if you look at places like your local garden centre, they often have events too.
Plan a picnic – there is usually a park fairly near and a picnic costs very little to put together.
Our local park has updated the swings and playground and there are also water sprays to run under (for the children!!) so maybe bring a towel!
Find a walk near you that isn’t too long and give the children a list of things to find e.g. a flower, leaf, stick etc.
Plan a children’s corner in your garden; it doesn’t have to be big and let them choose the plants and take care of their garden... don’t worry if they get messy as they will wash.
Make your spring a joy but one that doesn’t have to cost a lot, and enjoy some the company of good friends.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with more than 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capuk.org for debt help.
MATTERS COMMUNITY
PLANS FOR FUTURE OF FENLAND
Fenland District Council has launched a ‘call for sites’ consultation as the next major step in developing its emerging Local Plan gets underway.
The new plan, known as Fenland 50, will guide how Fenland grows and changes up to 2050, influencing where new homes and jobs go, how towns and villages develop, how flood risk is managed, and the quality of new development.
The call for sites, a statutory and vital early stage in the planmaking process, invites landowners, developers, community groups, and residents to suggest land that could potentially be included in the plan to help meet the area’s future needs.
Sites can be put forward for various uses, including housing, employment, retail and leisure, commercial, renewable energy, public open space and biodiversity land, infrastructure, mixed-use developments, and any other type of land use.
Alongside the call for sites, the council is also asking the public to submit nominations for ‘Local Green Space Designation’ in the local plan. This provides open spaces with particular importance to local communities with special protection against new development.
The call for sites and local green spaces designation consultation is open until Thursday, April 30th. To find out more and submit a site for consideration, visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/Fenland-50-Call-ForSites-2026
We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering March, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET Email: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Local History
WHEN MARCH WELCOMED LINCOLN CITY
By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum
Mr J H Cross, a prominent March coal merchant, was a director of March Town United FC and a shareholder at Lincoln City. It was through his association with both clubs that an invitation was issued for a charity match at March on Monday evening of May 3rd, 1954, in aid of St Wendreda's Angel Roof Fund.
March had just won the United Counties League title and Lincoln competed in the Football League Division Two against famous teams such as Everton, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Lincoln fielded five of their regular first team players and also included in the Lincoln side by special request from March, was Bill Anderson, who had been the Lincoln manager for five years after a playing career at First Division Sheffield United and Barnsley. March fielded their regular first team squad having beaten Lincoln on a previous visit to the GER.
Torrential rain greeted the players as they emerged on to the pitch. This atrocious weather spoiled what would have probably been one of the finest football spectacles witnessed by a March crowd who cowered in the grandstand and the 'Chicken run' on the opposite side of the pitch.
The game was started by the Rev Allen C Turnbull, Rector of St Wendreda's. In pure football, Lincoln were a class above March but did not seem to conquer the prevailing conditions as well as March. Controlling the ball on the slippery surface was difficult for both teams, but Lincoln's class was soon evident with clever footwork.
The game produced spectacular exhibition football to the delight of the above average crowd with March raising their game trying to match the Lincoln skills. While March may have failed in ball control, they excelled in determination and refused to be beaten. Undoubtedly the March star was Billy Dack, whose footwork was comparable to any Lincoln player.
Two minutes before half time, March opened the scoring following a corner when Wally Beach controlled the ball well from a poor clearance and put his shot into the net, wide of the defenders and the goalkeeper. After the restart, Lincoln's Dykes shot through a crowd of players into the March net for the equaliser. March then threw everything at Lincoln creating many chances until Oscar Hold left the defence standing to drive home the second March goal. In the closing moments, Lincoln did everything to draw level again, hitting the March post and seeing a shot cleared off the line as the 'Hares' clung on grimly for the win. Afterwards, both teams and officials held a celebratory dinner along with Mr C Baldock from the UCL and Rev Turnbull. The Lincoln players said they had been delighted to play at March in support of such a worthy cause. Mr C W Applewaite, of Lincoln, said that the game had provided a fun show for the spectators and that all the players had done well singling out Anderson (our left back) who he said ‘had put up quite an extraordinary show, and without him, who knows, we might have won.’
In conclusion, Rev Turnbull thanked all who had made the event a great success. He was deeply grateful to Lincoln as £168 was raised and the fund was nearing its target.
March Museum is located in High Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30am-3.30pm www.marchmuseum.co.uk
1) Bonnet; 2) Good Friday; 3) Italy; 4) The resurrection of Jesus; 5) Judas Iscariot; 6) Germany; 7) Pacific; 8) Chile; 9) True; 10) Palm Sunday; 11) Thorns; 12) Faberge; 13) Washing clothes; 14) Donkey; 15) Lent; 16) The Last Supper; 17) Roast lamb; 18) Fry’s; 19) 1873; 20) Raisins.
LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS
SOLO CLUB: For people who have lost partners through bereavement. Come along and join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month; midday at Hot Pots Cafe – The Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Membership £5/year. For more details contact 01354 656181 or 01354 654169.
FRIENDS OF MARCH LIBRARY: Coffee morning at March Library on the last Saturday of every month from 10 30am to 12 noon. Hot and cold drinks plus biscuits cost 50p and we also hold a raffle. All profits are spent on/by March Library. For more details contact Maureen Malvern on 01354 658247.
WISBECH AND 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. For more information, call 07857 690312 (Secretary) or 07780 790163 (Treasurer)
MARCH LIONS CLUB: Meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm in the FACT Community Room at Martin Avenue. New members always welcome. For more information visit marchlions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5101.
THE OTHER ART GROUP: Meets every Thursday afternoon 2-4pm at March Library. Membership fee is £30 for 12 weeks paid quarterly. If you are interested, please contact the Chairman; Derek on 07799 485477.
MARCH RACEWAY: One of the oldest 1/12 radio control car oval clubs in the UK. Our members range from 8 to 75 years old so all are welcome! Race every Friday at Longhill Road Social Club, Longhill Road, March PE15 0PR (at the prison). Doors open 6.30pm. For fixtures and further information visit marchraceway.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.
MARCH JIVE CLUB: At the Braza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ. Meets every Wednesday night 7.30-10.30pm with 1:1 personal tuition available. Every 3rd Friday of the month dance with top line groups and DJs. For more info call Hannah 07990 072974 or Terry 07979 442920.
MARCH PROBUS CLUB: Meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at March Conservative Club as a group of semi or fully retired gentlemen; 10am for a cuppa and a chat and then at 10.30am we have a guest speaker for approx 45 mins covering a wide range of topics. To find out more please contact Dr Allan J Whyte (Club Secretary) on 07979 887110 or pop in.
MARCH U3A: For people in their third age; retired or not in full time employment. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Braza Club, Elm Road, March at 2pm. There is a range of activities available in groups run by U3A members. New members are very welcome. If you would like any more information please email march.u3a.enquires@gmail.com
MARCH MARLINS SWIMMING CLUB: We swim every week night and can offer membership to swimmers of all ages and abilities from stage eight to masters. We are a friendly, competitive swimming club. Contact us for a free trial session at swimatmarlins@gmail.com
MARCH RIFLE CLUB: meets at the indoor range, Upwell Road, March, every Tuesday evening from 7pm-9pm to shoot 0.22LR target rifles. Also bench rest and prone air rifle shooting. Please contact us prior to first attendance. Email info@marchrifle.club
MARCH DOG TRAINING CLUB: Meets at Tower Hall, Maltmas Drove Fridaybridge PE14 OHW every Wednesday evening. Membership is £5 per year and classes are £3 per session. Puppy class commences at 6pm. For more information of other classes please contact Maggie on 01354 657185 or 07514 882509.
ROTARY CLUB OF MARCH: Meets at the Conservative Club, Creek Road, on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 7pm for a meal at 7.30pm. Open to all adults, supporting local and international good causes. For more information, search March Rotary Club on Facebook or online or call 07920 556501.
MARCH BEARS RUGBY CLUB: Be part of a thriving, supportive, and fun-loving community that celebrates rugby in all its forms. Reach out on social media: @marchbearsrugby on Facebook and Instagram or email info@marchbearsrufcorg.uk to learn more.
MARCH WILDLIFE GROUP & MARCH AND DISTRICT WOODLAND GROUP: Meets regularly at 10am on the 1st Saturday of each month at Gault Wood for work parties. For details contact marybarrington123@gmail.com
MARCH FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Meets on the second Thursday of every month at St Peter's Church Hall, High Street, March PE15 9JR from 2pm to 4pm. All people over 50 welcome, refreshments available. The Club is associated with the Cambridgeshire Older People's Enterprise (COPE), looking after the interests and well-being of Older People in Cambridgeshire. For more details contact Rosie on 07887 514591 or Susan on 07547 191315.
MARCH MORNING WI: Why not join our lively and friendly group? Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at The Braza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ at 9.30am to 11.45am. All ladies welcome. If you are interested, phone 01354 660873 for more information.
www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk
wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk
Eco Gardener March is a new garden maintenance company which has ‘green’ credentials at its heart.
Launched by former serviceman Keith Harding last December, it caters for householders in March and Wimblington who want their gardens looked after in an ecofriendly way.
Keith (51), uses an electric Danish bicycle to travel to and from his customers' homes and then electric-powered tools in dealing with all their requirements including mowing, hedge cutting, clearance and strimming.
He said: “I’m eco-conscious and focus on our carbon footprint
when travelling and delivering our gardening service. I can carry a lawnmower in the basket of my bike and can carry out work as far as my legs can take me in March and Wimblington!”
info@ecogardenermarch.co.uk
Keith prides himself on providing a professional, value-for-money service, charging by the hour and offering discounts for OAPs.
Expert interior and exterior decoration, including:
• All types of painting, staining & varnishing
• Wall & floor tiling
• Wallpapering
• FREE estimates & references available on request
• Fully insured
call
info@ecogardenermarch.co.uk; www.ecogardenermarch.co.uk
Right up your street for over 200 years
Looking forward to the next 200!
For five generations we have been helping clients buy, sell, let and manage property and land in this area. Whether it be your home, farm, factory or development site, talk to the Agents with local knowledge and professional expertise, who are an established part of your community.
March Residential Sales
01354 607100
March Residential Lettings 01354 607105
March Professional 01354 602030
Wisbech Residential Sales
01945 428820
Wisbech Residential Lettings 01945 428825
Wisbech Professional 01945 428830