The last few weeks have made me realise just how fortunate we are, living so close to the beautiful Bourne Woods, a special dogwalking treat for our two hounds.
Fabulous carpets of bluebells, celandines and wood anemones right now are an absolute delight, along with the increasing amount of birdsong, as the evenings remain lighter for longer.
It saddens me, however, when the news from around the world seems to involve a violent and unstable future for us all. If only more people were to follow those wise words of P.T. Barnum in ‘The Greatest Showman’… “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” Those people who are fondly remembered for generations are the ones who will have given their time, love, and kindness to others.
Hoping you have a magnificent May and enjoy reading this month’s issue of your favourite freebie!
Claire x
Strolling into town early the other day I heard a loud commotion emanating from a riverside garden.
When I looked over, I was confronted by the sight of a cat pursuing a squirrel with it literally being right on its tail like a scene from an old cartoon. Of course, the squirrel got away by running vertically up a conveniently placed tree much to the moggie’s disappointment. Seeing them brought home to me how many animals I have spotted on my daily walks, including deer of all types, foxes, swans and assorted birds of prey.
Their presence in the locality actually brightens my day and their exploits come as a welcome diversion from life’s challenges, something that I’m sure is shared by many as proven locally by the social media interest in the now famous ‘Geese of March’ who enjoy the freedom of the town…
Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET
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 May
Vine Law
March Patio Centre
Sell Your Caravan Today!
Community Matters
Chapel Cottage Plants Outlet
Community Orchard Project
Drinking With Trevor Langley
Game & Country Fair Ticket Winners
Quiz Inquisition
Eco Gardener March
..... Business Directory
The Shed Shop, Vine Law, Trevor Langley, Whitings Chartered Accountants, Joan Munns, Jennifer Lawler, Diamond Byte, Christians Against Poverty and Peter Wright. With thanks to
Deadline details
Copy deadline for the June issue is Friday 8th May 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.
MSPONSORED BY THE SHED SHOP
ay can provide a variety of adverse weather conditions, so you may have to protect young seedlings from a late frost or make sure they are well watered if we don’t have enough rain.
Harden off plants that have been grown indoors or under cover before planting. A cheap way to protect tender young plants is to use “bottle cloches” by cutting down the 2 litre plastic drinks bottles, (useful for protecting young runner beans and peas). Alternatives to use are fleece, bubble wrap or newspaper. Also, hold back on planting out seeds at the beginning of the month as sometimes they are planted too early: the ground may be too wet or cold and they fail to germinate. Whatever the weather, it does seem to favour the weeds!! So, make sure these are kept in check as they take precious nutrients away from young plants and seedlings.
Other jobs to do this month include:
• Earth up potatoes-when the leaves are about 20cm tall, draw up the earth on either side to form a ridge approx. 15cm high: this will protect the foliage from frost and stop the tubers going green and poisonous.
• May is suitable for planting out early, such as leeks, sprouts and summer cabbage. Leek seedlings should resemble a pencil in size. Make a 6-inch-deep hole with a pole
or a similar tool, place the seedling inside, and fill the hole with water. There is no need to fill in the hole with soil.
• Pick flowers off new strawberries to prevent them cropping in their first year.
• Cover carrots with netting to stop carrot fly damage.
• Some crops may require support ready for their growth, such as beans and peas and climbing plants. Ensure it is strong and sturdy to take the weight once the fruits have formed, as well as the foliage, and that it can withstand any winds.
• Seeds to sow out this month include carrots, beetroot, French beans, lettuce, spring onions, salad leaves and peas.
• Try “succession sowing” a small batch of seeds every two or three weeks and you should have a steady supply, rather than a glut: it will also help to maximise your chances of successful germination.
• Indoors, you can sow chillies, courgettes and squashes, runner beans, sweetcorn, aubergines and cabbages and towards the end of the month, when the risk of frost has gone, they can be planted outdoors.
• Put up supports for climbing beans and runner beans. You can either buy a readymade support or make a wigwam or row using bamboo canes or hazel poles.
Here’s to a warm and sunny May!
SHOULD I GET A PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE MY LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to act on your behalf. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney, one that deals with financial matters and the other deals with health issues.
There are specific forms that have to be completed and registered to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney and the rules about the completion of them are very strict.
You will need to sign them as the donor, someone will have to sign them as the certificate provider (more on this later), and then your attorneys must sign. If the signing is not done in the correct order this will mean that the LPAs cannot be registered and therefore cannot be used.
The certificate provider should either be someone with relevant professional skills (such as a lawyer, doctor or healthcare professional), or someone who has known you for at least two years and as more than an acquaintance. It is a very responsible role and should never be undertaken lightly.
At Vine Law, the lawyer dealing with the preparation of your LPAs will usually act as your certificate provider, meaning you do not have to ask a neighbour, friend or colleague to do this for you.
There is a section on both the LPA for health and welfare and the LPA for property and financial affairs where you can set out your preferences or instructions around how your attorneys should make decisions.
The guidance on the form states that ‘most people leave this page blank – you can just talk to your
attorneys, so they understand how you want to make decisions for you.’ Whilst this may work in some situations, it may be less practical if you lose capacity shortly after making the LPAs and are unable to have those discussions, or if detailed conversations about matters such as health are difficult to have, in which case including guidance or instructions within the document can be helpful.
The Office of the Public Guardian has strict rules about the form and type of instructions and guidance that they will allow to be included on these pages. If they are not happy about the contents of the page, then they may either refuse to register the LPA or take out your instructions or guidance.
If you want your attorneys to act in a specific manner, then we would strongly recommend taking advice from a professional to see if that can be set out in a way that the Office of the Public Guardian would approve.
For instance, you might want to include instructions about loaning your money to family members if they are in need. You can’t include this as an instruction, but you could include it as a preference so that your attorneys can consider if it is in your best interests, if you are unable to make the decision for yourself.
Taking the time to get your Lasting Powers of Attorney right can provide clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind for both you and those you trust to act on your behalf.
If you’d like to talk about Lasting Powers of Attorney in more detail, please contact Cath Collins on (01945) 898090 or cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk
• Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers Of Attorney
• Property
• Employment Law and HR Services
• Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution
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
INDEPENDENT I.T. SPECIALIST
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.
MARCH PATIO CENTRE
FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT NEW LOCATION
Homeowners and trades people looking for quality materials for outside projects need look no further than March Patio Centre.
Now based at a new spacious location, it boasts an even bigger display area to give visitors the opportunity of seeing materials in the flesh, not just out of a catalogue.
At Wheelhead Farm, Doddington, you will find everything you need for your next project, be it reworking a garden, extending an outside space or planning something new.
Ideas will start to become real when you see the company’s wide range of porcelain paving,
natural sandstone, decorative stone, aggregates and wall cladding, all carefully selected to give you the options that actually work in real spaces and all reliably sourced and supplied.
When you walk around the new site you will be able see how everything sits, looks in the light and comes together.
March Patio Centre’s team is very experienced with twenty-five years of landscape knowledge to help you choose the materials that will not only look right and suit the space available, but also last.
You can find March Patio Centre alongside D&J Supplies at Wheelhead Farm, A141, Doddington PE15 0TB.
We buy caravans in full working order, any year, any make, any model. We also buy caravans with damp issues, window damage, and not in full working order. IF YOUR CARAVAN STILL HAS FINANCE OR IS SITTING IN STORAGE WE WILL STILL BUY! We buy all static caravans any size, any layout, any berth We can arrange collection from site or home.
Any age, any condition, running, or non
BUSINESS LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY VINE LAW
WHAT ARE THEY?
Lasting Powers of Attorney enable you, as the Donor, to appoint attorneys to act on your behalf. A Lasting Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs can allow your attorney to act for you whether you have capacity or not.
Why do you need one?
What would happen to your business if you weren't able to run it?
Could your family and your employees cope without the income it produces?
If you were to suffer from a serious illness or have an accident is there anyone with the authority to pick up the reins immediately to keep your business on track?
With a Business LPA you should never have to worry about being away from your business unexpectedly.
How do they work?
You choose the attorneys that you trust to run your business for you in your absence.
You can give them advice and instructions within the LPA on how you want them to run the business.
You can also draw up more detailed instructions which can be stored with your BLPA giving them more technical advice if necessary.
You can set out what should happen if you are unable to return to running the business as well as dealing with a short term absence.
When your attorneys need to act on your behalf they provide a copy of the BLPA to the people or organisations they need to deal with to show that they have authority to act.
Things to consider
You should review any Partnership Agreement or Shareholders Agreement prior to setting up a Business LPA to ensure that you are able to give the full authority to your attorneys.
You may also want to discuss whether your bank would recognise the appointment of an attorney.
How do I set one up?
If you would like further information about how to put a Business Lasting Power of Attorney in place, please contact Cath Collins who can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. Email cathcollins@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
Units 19 & 20, Pondworld Retail Park, Lynn Road, Wisbech PE14 7DA (01945) 898090 | hello@vinelaw.co.uk | www.vinelaw.co.uk
How do you know if you can afford to retire?
By Ashlie Barnard
When it comes to planning for the future, it’s easy to focus on the big goals - savings, investments, and that dream retirement. But there's one thing that should always come first: understanding your cashflow.
Cashflow is simply the movement of money in and out of your life - your income, spending, and savings. It’s the foundation of every financial decision. Without a clear picture of your cashflow, how can you know if you’re on track to retire when you want to, or if you're saving enough for the future?
At Nene Financial Planning, we take a client-first approach. It's not about selling you products; it’s about achieving the right outcomes for you.
We help you understand your cashflow in detail, considering the often-overlooked factors - like interest rates, inflation, and tax - that can impact your financial future. By focusing on what’s truly important, we ensure your money is working harder for you.
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I know if I can afford to retire?” or “Am I factoring in all the right things?” it might be time to start with your cashflow.
What our clients say:
“Giving up work (and a regular wage packet) is a daunting prospect, more so when it’s earlier than planned. The team at Nene Financial Planning have been so helpful. Ashlie and her team have gone out of their way to explain everything in an easy to understand way that Julia and I are looking forward to retirement.”
“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 the team really worked very hard and efficiently for us when processing our pension plans. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs to use the services they offer. I feel we’re very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and professional business in our town.”
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
Handmade Blinds & Curtains
Domestic and Commercial
Beautiful Shutters
Vertical, Roller, Pleated, Vision, Roman Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Wood and Aluminium, Fly Screens
Conservatory Blinds and Sails
Perfect Fit and INTU Blinds
Awnings and Canopies
Child Safety Devices, Motorisation and Connectivity
Curtain Tracks and Poles supplied and fitted
UP TO 20% OFF SELECTED BLINDS
The Old Chapel, North Green, Coates, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2BQ
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Telephone 0800 028 2942 or 01733 840258 • enquiries@blindsinharmony.co.uk Visit us at ww w.blindsinharmo n y.co.u k
New: Bringing The Outdoors
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 tradespeople 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
BBC SPRINGWATCH FILMMAKER INSPIRES RESIDENTS
Residents of March’s Aria Court Care Home enjoyed a unique experience when wildlife documentary filmmaker Simon Watts came to visit. Simon, known for his work on the BBC’s Springwatch, brought the wonders of local wildlife directly into the home as part of his tour of Athena Care Homes’ East Anglian locations.
RESIDENTS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON VILLAGE PLANS
Residents in Wimblington and Stonea have a fresh opportunity to influence future development in their villages, with the launch of a Regulation 16 consultation on the area's Neighbourhood Plan. Fenland District Council has launched the consultation on the Wimblington & Stonea Neighbourhood Plan, following its formal submission by Wimblington and Stonea Parish Council.
The consultation runs until Friday, May 22nd, giving residents, businesses and local organisations the chance to review the submitted plan and share their views.
The plan and other Regulation 16 submission documents can be viewed online at: Wimblington & Stonea Neighbourhood Plan and at the following locations during the consultation period: March
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
His bespoke session was designed to support the group’s 2026 Athena in Bloom competition, specifically focusing on the ‘Environmental Impact Champion’ category.
It began with an aerial perspective of the care home and its surrounding environment, helping residents, staff, and visiting family members understand the rich ecosystems right on their doorstep. Simon then explored the hidden world of garden wildlife, from insects to small mammals, explaining their lifecycles and the important role they play in local biodiversity.
Residents were inspired by ideas for transforming their gardens into thriving wildlife habitats. Suggestions included installing ponds, building bug hotels, planting wildlife-friendly greenery, and even creating small access points in fences to allow hedgehogs, foxes, and other animals to move freely.
Hannah Mulholland, head of lifestyle and community engagement for Athena Care Homes, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Simon for sharing his expertise and passion. His presentations have truly inspired our residents and teams, and we're so excited to see our gardens become vibrant havens for local wildlife in the months ahead.”
Library, City Road, March PE15 9LT; Wimblington Parish Hall, Addison Road, Wimblington PE15 0QT - Friday mornings (9am -12pm); Parkfield Sports Club, Chapel Lane, Wimblington PE15 0QX; and The Anchor Public House, 12 Norfolk Street, Wimblington PE15 0QA.
Comments can be submitted to Fenland District Council via email to: planningpolicy@fenland.gov.uk
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
By Trevor Langley
SOME OF ENGLAND’S STILL AND SPARKLING FAVOURITES
Multi award-winning Denbies Wine Estate (Est. 1986) is located in Dorking, Surrey. Utilising several grape varieties, Denbies produces both high-quality still and sparkling wines.
My notes (Still wines):
DENBIES FLINT VALLEY (11.5% vol). This dry white wine pleases on the nose with fresh citrus notes that carry through to the flavour. Splendid with poached and smoked salmon.
DENBIES SURREY GOLD (11% vol) is a medium-dry, white wine and is good for the nasal senses, with the fragrant bouquet enticing to the floral/fruit hints for the mouthfeel and the palate’s delight. Pairs very well with foods of a spicy nature, including many Asian dishes.
If a ‘pink’ wine is required, I would suggest DENBIES ROSE HILL (11% vol). Summer fruits come to mind for this easy-drinking delectation, which I found refreshing and great to add colour to a dining table, as well as for al fresco occasions. A fantastic accompaniment to salads and white meats.
DENBIES REDLANDS (12.5% vol) is my selection for an excellent, smooth, medium-bodied dry red wine. Overtones of ripe, dark fruits are in abundance, for this crimson-coloured production, right from the bouquet. Perfect to accompany casseroles and red meats.
My notes (Sparkling, aged, bottle-fermented wines):
DENBIES GREENFIELDS (12% vol). The colour of golden-straw entices to the aroma and the tasting – an excellent example of a sparkling wine. Crisp, rich and with an extended palate.
DENBIES WHITEDOWNS BRUT (12.5% vol) is very popular, satisfying a lot of sparkling preferences and tastes. With fresh, ripe fruits evident for the mouthfeel, I found this production to be crisp and most pleasurable.
DENBIES CUBITT BLANC DE BLANCS (12% vol) is a much sought-after sparkling production from this company, which is only produced in the best of seasons. The quality is very much appreciated by many. The bouquet is pleasant and appealing, then, the taste buds are activated, continuing on, to a grand finish.
For all information about Denbies, including stockists, wine tastings, forthcoming events, Denbies restaurants, hotel, loyalty club, tours, weddings/receptions and a lot more, please make contact and/or visit their website, which I found very interesting.
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!
THE QUESTION ASKED:
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 World Famous JCB Dancing Diggers will be performing at the show. Which renowned flying team are they compared to?
THE CORRECT ANSWER: Red Arrows
‘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!’
Troy Mark from March Zac Newman from March
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!
Buffets for any occasion: meetings, parties etc. Contact The Lunch Box for a quote.
Ready to Be Your Own Boss?
Ben Beech
Taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur is one of the most exciting yet daunting decisions you’ll ever make. As an accountant, I’ve seen many local businesses start, grow and flourish, but I’ve also seen how a lack of preparation can lead to unnecessary stress and, unfortunately, sometimes failure. Planning ahead is the single best way to improve your prospects.
If you are thinking of starting a new business, here are a few things to consider:
Business Structure
One of your first big decisions is choosing your business structure. Many start as a Sole Trader because it is simple and low cost. However, a Limited Company offers better protection for your personal assets and can be more tax efficient as profits grow. Because the “right” choice depends entirely on your circumstances and business, it is always worth talking to a professional first.
Understand Your Tax Obligations
Whichever structure you use for your business, registering with HMRC is a priority. You’ll also need to stay on top of deadlines, whether that be Self-Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE or Making Tax Digital.
If your VATable turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT, however, for many businesses it can be beneficial to register voluntarily – again, it is a good idea to seek advice at the outset.
I would also recommend setting aside a portion of your income to cover your tax liabilities, to avoid any panic when the tax falls due.
Cash Flow and Banking
Most businesses don’t fail because they lack profit; they fail because they run out of cash. Cashflow management is a key skill to learn, though balancing uncertain income and expenses can be challenging at the outset. Try to keep aside a buffer for slow months and keep on top of invoicing and debt collection.
It’s tempting to use your personal bank account at the start, but please don’t, mixing personal and business finances is a recipe for a bookkeeping headache. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps keep your records clean and will probably save you hours of searching through grocery purchases to find your business expenses.
Lean on Local Expertise
You’re starting a business because you’re great at what you do or have had a brilliant business idea. You don’t need to be an expert in every area. Investing in the right professional support – whether legal, insurance, marketing or accountancy – is money well spent, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.
We’re Here to Help
If you are thinking of making the leap into business, why not book a free meeting with one of our friendly team to ensure you start on the right track.
Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.
Discover How We Can Assist You Today
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 in qualifying income. We’re here to help if you’re not prepared for this change.
• General Practice • IT Services • Payroll • Private Client Tax
Tax Enquiry & Investigation Service • Wealth Management
MATTERS COMMUNITY
TIGERS ROAR TO EUROPEAN FINALS
March-based Fen Tigers goalball club is becoming a big player on the international sporting scene and has now qualified for the finals of a major European competition.
The club, which was established to support blind and visually impaired people to access the Paralympic sport, will compete in the European Goalball Club Association (EGCA) Champions League Finals in Berlin, Germany this September following a fine performance at the qualifying stage in Portugal.
The competition is effectively the goalball equivalent of the UEFA Champions League, bringing together the best clubs from across Europe. As a result, the Fen Tigers are now officially ranked as one of the top ten clubs in Europe and the first-ever British club to reach this stage of the competition.
The community sports club was established in 2016, training locally with the support of Neale-Wade Academy and is proud to be embedded in the local community.
You can discover more about the club on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
MATTERS COMMUNITY
NEW NATURE ROOM HOMES EASTER CHICKS
Residents, staff and families at March’s Glenholme Wendreth Court residential care home are celebrating the creation of a beautiful new Nature Room designed to bring the calming benefits of the outdoors inside.
The new green lounge space has been developed with the support of the home’s community, with staff, residents, friends, and families generously donating a variety of plants and decorative pots. The result is a vibrant and tranquil environment where residents can relax, socialise, and connect with nature all year round.
The Nature Room is currently home to a group of Easter chicks with the eggs donated by a local farm and lovingly incubated by residents, who have taken great delight in watching them hatch and caring for them. The chicks have quickly become a source of comfort and happiness, offering meaningful interaction and companionship, and once they are ready, will be returned to the farm where they will go on to live free-range lives.
Inga Bundziniece, home manager for Glenholme Wendreth Court said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new Nature Room. It has been a real community effort, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed plants and decorations to make it such a welcoming and peaceful space. “Residents and their families are already enjoying the room and the sense of calm it brings. The addition of the Easter chicks has brought so much joy to our residents, who have loved nurturing them and watching them grow. It’s been a truly special experience for everyone involved.”
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
CRICKET CLUB DATE
March Town Cricket Club is holding a ‘Cheese & Wine’ evening from 7.30pm on Saturday, May 9th to herald the start of the 2026 cricket season.
This season the club is offering Sunday morning sessions with the weekly ECB ‘All Stars’ cricket for boys and girls aged five to eight years as well as ‘Dynamos Cricket’ for eight to elevenyear-old children, through to junior teams (U11, U13 & U15).
On Saturdays, it will have two adult teams and on Sundays one team with the ladies’ March Marvels team also playing on Sundays. The club will continue to host several Cambridgeshire County sage group teams throughout the summer. All fixtures are on the website www.marchtown.play-cricket.com
THE SEVEN STARS
FOOD SERVED: TUES, WEDS & THURS: 5pm–8.30pm FRI: 12 Noon–2.30pm AND 5pm–8.30pm SAT: 9am–2.30pm AND 5pm–8.30pm SUN: 9am–3.30pm
A Place to Remember
ORCHARD HOUSE CARE HOME
107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF
Care Home Receives Major Honour
A local care home has been given a prestigious accolade.
The dedicated team at Orchard House Care Home is celebrating after being crowned Team of the Year at the Fenland Citizen Business Awards.
The award recognises the exceptional teamwork, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by staff at the Wisbech care home, which supports residents with nursing and dementia care.
The accolade marks an extraordinary period of success for the Orchard House team. Over the past five months, the team has achieved twelve finalist nominations and three award wins across both regional and national platforms. This includes winning the Palliative Care Award at the East of England regional finals of the Great British Care Awards, and Activity Team of the Year at the National Activity Awards – highlighting the consistently high standards of care delivered to residents and their families.
The Team of the Year award celebrates organisations whose staff work collaboratively to deliver exceptional service and support. Judges praised Orchard House for its commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, while maintaining strong and meaningful links with the local community.
Sarah Watson, pictured right (inset), General Manager at Orchard House Care Home, said: "This award is a wonderful recognition of the passion, dedication and teamwork shown by every
member of the Orchard House team. Everyone works incredibly hard to ensure residents feel supported, valued and truly at home, and it is fantastic to see that commitment recognised. The whole team is very proud of what has been achieved together."
Orchard House Care Home has become well known across Fenland for its strong community engagement, welcoming local groups, supporting charities and creating meaningful experiences for residents through a wide range of activities and events.
Part of RCH Care Homes, the home continues to play an active role in strengthening connections between residents and the local community.
Pauline Manning, Director of People and Culture, said: "This award is thoroughly deserved. The Orchard House team demonstrates every day what can be achieved through compassion, teamwork and dedication. To receive twelve finalist nominations and three award wins in such a short period is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment of the entire team."
The judges, in announcing the award, highlighted the team’s outstanding contribution not only to organisational success, but also to colleague wellbeing and enhancing the overall experience for residents and families.
The team attended the awards ceremony in Fenland to celebrate their achievement alongside other businesses and organisations recognised for their contribution to the region.
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
By Joan Munns, of March Wildlife Group & March & District Woodland Group
The summer migrant
Cuckoos should be in Britain by now but the population in the south and east has declined by more than seventy percent in recent years.
Adult males are grey blue above and barred below, females are similar but can have a brownish tinge. Juveniles are brown with brown barring. If glimpsed in flight they can be mistaken for small hawks but, unlike hawks, they don’t flap their wings above horizontal. They land clumsily as if the landing is unplanned.
The male ‘Ook-ooo’ is unmistakable and is generally given from a perch but occasionally in flight. The females bubbling call, like blowing into water through a straw, is given at any time in the breeding season.
Cuckoos are brood parasites laying their eggs in the nests of Reed Warblers, Dunnocks and Meadow Pipits.
The female will, very quickly, remove an egg from the selected nest and replace it with her own egg and have nothing more to do with it. When the egg hatches, the tiny blind chick will get rid of all the other eggs and nestlings, if any have hatched, and the parent birds will rear one monster chick. The cuckoo chick’s enormous red gape will encourage the parents to go to great lengths to feed it. Most bird species are wise to cuckoos and are no longer parasitised because they will abandon a nest with a cuckoo egg in it.
There are many pressures on cuckoos. Because of habitat loss and reduction in insect populations there is a general decline of all bird species so the number of available nests to parasitise is reduced. The victim species are careful not to advertise their presence and will not sing if a cuckoo is heard. Cuckoos winter in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, making for a dangerous migration. Most birds from south and east Britain migrate by the
western flyway over France, Spain and West Africa. Birds from northern England and Scotland take the eastern flyway over Central Europe and crossing the Mediterranean via Greece or Turkey. These birds are doing much better and northern populations have not declined so significantly. They are large enough to be killed for food in Africa, but this has a minimal effect on numbers. Climate change is causing earlier nesting of all birds and cuckoos can arrive too late to find eggs being laid. Aware of this, they are leaving Africa earlier and can die because they have built up insufficient fat reserves for the journey.
Next Gault Wood Work Parties are Saturdays May 9th and June 6th 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)
Common Cuckoo
Common Cuckoo juvenle in Uganda
MATTERS COMMUNITY
LOCAL CAMPAIGNER NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL TITLE
A woman with links to Fenland has been nominated for a top national award.
Kursty Morrison, who was originally from March and attended college in Wisbech, has been nominated in the National Diversity Awards in the Positive Role Model Award for Disability category.
Born deaf, Kursty is a baby signer, helping mothers bond with their babies via her TinyTalk business which she set up to cover the North Peterborough, Stamford and Oundle areas.
She said: “I am extremely grateful to have been nominated for this award and have already received lots of messages sharing their stories of how I have supported, empowered and inspired them.
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
“I wanted to use this opportunity to ask everyone to reflect on their own experiences of how they have supported their own communities. It's such a lovely thing to be able to do.”
In her official nomination, Kursty stated: “I don’t just teach people how to sign; I teach them how to see sound and find the rhythm in a world lived through vibration. As a classically trained pianist and singer who is both deaf and neurodivergent, I act as the ultimate bridge between the hearing and deaf worlds.
“As the powerhouse behind TinyTalk North Peterborough, I didn’t just teach baby signing – I took it global, training teachers from the Highlands of Scotland to the mountains of Switzerland.
“When the world went quiet in 2020, I turned up the volume. Navigating Zoom while deaf was no small feat, but I moved my classes online and became a ‘lifeline’ for families in isolation.
“From surviving childhood bullying over speech difficulties to raising nearly £800 for Deafblind UK, I have turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. As a mother of four and a relentless advocate, I’m on a mission to prove that inclusion isn’t a polite suggestion – it’s a human right.”
Kursty, who has more than twenty years’ experience of being involved in the deaf
supporting and advocating for a language she is extremely passionate about, is also autistic/ADHD and has significant hearing loss. She was a former recipient of the Leslie Almond Memorial Award which was presented to her in June 2011 by the Isle Campus (College of West Anglia) in Wisbech. This honour recognised her outstanding service and exceptional dedication to the deaf community, highlighting her commitment to supporting others through British Sign Language (BSL) during her time at the college.
Whilst running her TinyTalk business, Kursty undertook a university degree in BA Honours Early Childhood Studies and has completed up to Level 5, so far.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she transformed her business into a digital community. By moving to Facebook e-classes, she used this platform to share her own story of overcoming childhood hearing difficulties, inspiring parents to help their children find their ‘voice’ through the power of sign.
To discover more about Kursty and give her your vote go to: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/ awards-2026/nominations/kursty-morrison/?fbclid =IwdGRjcARBrMtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF 9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR69hX2WW8aEzetTu bp1-gbaFf14yjLyQ3CygGo5PdOUWDodmr2xSwoaR zkveg_aem_e0jslLOZ2yCKiY3fcN3KJA
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
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.
On October 14th, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. Six months on, we are now seeing the impact that the absence of security updates, technical support, and software improvements is having on the machines that are still running Windows 10.
The most worrying consequence has been the increase in security risks. Whilst devices didn’t instantly become unsafe on October 14th, the number of unpatched vulnerabilities has been increasing over the last six months. Hackers are aware of these vulnerabilities, making Windows 10 a very attractive and easy target for them. In fact, six months after support ended, malware researchers are reporting a rise in attacks on unpatched Windows 10 systems and cybersecurity companies are updating guidance to regard Windows 10 as a ‘highrisk environment’.
Secondly, there is the gradual reduction of compatibility. New applications and drivers are being built for Windows 11, meaning that Windows 10 users are beginning to encounter driver failures, especially
with newer peripherals, GPUs, and printers. And whilst Microsoft 365 desktop apps continue to work for now, performance will be affected as time goes on. In fact, the latest Microsoft Teams already requires Windows 11 to work.
For businesses, having no support for Windows 10 affects compliance and could increase the risk of downtime. For some sectors, continuing to operate unsupported Windows 10 systems violates security standards
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STILL RUNNING WINDOWS 10?
• The most obvious and secure option is of course to upgrade to Windows 11, as long as your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
• Older devices that do not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements will need to be replaced with a new laptop or desktop. Whilst this sounds like an expensive option, think about how long you have had your old device – it has probably run Windows 7, 8 and 10, meaning it must be anywhere between six and sixteen years old.
• Some users are paying for Extended Security Updates, a stop-gap solution which will
take them to October 2026. However, this provides critical security updates only – Microsoft states that it ‘does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.’ We really do not recommend this option, especially with only six months to go. Moreover, only consumer-side Windows editions are eligible, Windows 10 must be completely up to date and your Windows account must have Administrator privileges.
Of course, you could continue using Windows 10 without updates and security patches. Some users have been disconnecting their PCs from the internet to reduce security risks but then can only use the PC for local tasks such as printing or file storage.
Maybe some users are concerned about having to get used to a new operating system. However, the only real changes to Windows 11 are some updated visuals, better tools and, most importantly, far superior security. It really is a more secure, stable and future proof operating system and if you still haven’t upgraded your device, it’s high time you do.
HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:
Bakewell & Matlock Bath ONLY 15 LEFT Sat 2nd May £31
Holt Sunday Market & Sheringham Sun 3rd May £28
The Princess River Cruise Experience includes 2 course meal ONLY 15 LEFT Weds 6th May £56
Haworth and Keighley & Worth Valley Railway ONLY 7 LEFT Sat 9th May Adult £46 Child £39
Highgate Cemetery 1 CANCELLATION Weds 13th May £52
Makers Central Sun 17th May Adult £44 Child £29
Legally Blonde (afternoon show) Only 9 left Weds 20th May £78
Strictly the Professionals Tues 26th May £90
Gravity – Starring Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker Fri 30th May £79
Portobello Road Market/London Leisure Day Sat 30th May £35
Rushden Lakes Sun 31st May £28
Fawlty Towers – The Play Thurs 4th June £75
Southend on Sea Weds 10th June £34
Saltaire Village Experience Sat 13th June £40
London Zoo Sun 14th June Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £51
Les Misérables The Arena Concert Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 8 LEFT Sun 14th June £117
Royal Ascot – Ladies Day ONLY 17 LEFT Thurs 18th June £112
RHS Garden, Bridgewater Sat 20th June RHS Member £35 Adult £50 Child £40
Great Yarmouth Leisure Day Sun 21st June £29
Wroxham & Summer Jazz Cruise Sun 21st June £51
Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) ONLY 11 LEFT Sat 27th June £64
Skipton Leisure Day
ONLY 11 LEFT Sat 27th June £35
Kew Gardens Sun 28th June Adult £56 Child £42
Moreton in Marsh & Bourton on the Water ONLY 18 LEFT Tues 30th June £34
Jersey Boys (afternoon show)
Weds 1st July £84
Cleopatra: The Immersive Experience Fri 3rd July £67
Blenheim Palace, Gardens and Parkland Sat 4th July Adult £68 Child £53
Grassington and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Sun 5th July Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £44
Oulton Broad 2 course lunch and Boat Weds 8th July £64
Avenue Q (afternoon show) Thurs 9th July £79
The Household Division presents A Military Musical Spectacular ONLY 12 LEFT Fri 10th July £86
Colchester Zoo Sat 11th July Adult £55 Senior £54 Child £49
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens and Wroxham Sun 12th July £46
The Bodyguard
ONLY 19 LEFT Tues 14th July £79
Great Yorkshire Show Thurs 16th July Adult £65 Child £45
Galway Bay Hotel – 6 days
ONLY 10 LEFT Sun 19th July £899
RHS Sandringham Flower Show Sat 25th July Adult £61 Child £27
Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show) Weds 29th July £86
Woburn Safari Park Thurs 30th July Adult £58 Child £49
Althorp House and Gardens Sat 1st August Adult £56 Senior £49
Highgrove Gardens and 2 course lunch ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 2nd August £127
Cannon Hall Farm Weds 5th August £42
Crich Tramway Village Sat 8th August Adult £48 Child £43
Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Sun 16th August £64
Hever Castle and Gardens Weds 19th August Adult £51 Senior £50 Child £41
Tower of London Thurs 20th August Adult £71 Senior £65 Child £55
London Leisure Day Thurs 20th August £35
Dirty Dancing (afternoon show)
Whitby Leisure Day
Annie (afternoon show)
ONLY 17 LEFT Fri 28th August £80
Weds 2nd September £35
Thurs 3rd September £78
Canterbury Cathedral Sat 5th September Adult £53 Child £47
Canterbury Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th September £35
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £55 Young Person £48 Child £45
Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £85 Young Person £67 Child £60
London Leisure Day Sun 6th September £35
Bletchley Park
Weds 9th September £51
The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Weds 9th September £83
Barnum the Circus Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 10th September £75
Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show Sun 13th September Adult £74 Child £30
Cromer Pier Summer Show (afternoon show) Weds 16th September £56
Sheringham 1940s Sat 19th September £30
Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra ONLY 6 LEFT Sat 19th September £175
Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 19th September £117
Waitress (afternoon show) Weds 23rd September £78
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure – The Car Man (afternoon show) Thurs 24th September £83
Churchill War Rooms Weds 30th September Adult £69 Senior £65 Child £52
Household Cavalry Museum Weds 30th September Adult £47 Senior £45 Child £44
London Leisure Day Weds 30th September £35
Beetlejuice (afternoon show) Fri 2nd October £79
The Piece Hall Sat 3rd October £44
Halifax Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 3rd October £34
Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool – 4 days ONLY 1 LEFT Weds 7th October £249
Mamma Mia! (afternoon show) Thurs 8th October £83
Sinatra the Musical (afternoon show) ONLY 20 LEFT Thurs 15th October £90
Natural History, Science and Victoria & Albert Museums Weds 28th October £35
High Society (afternoon show) Weds 4th November £73
Mean Girls (afternoon show) Thurs 5th November £80
Simply Christmas, Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Craft, Cake & Bake International Shows Sat 7th November £39
Bakewell Christmas Market Sun 15th November £30
Ely – Christmas Gift and Food Fair Thurs 19th November £40
Cruising into Christmas 2ND DATE ADDED Sat 21st November £62
The Fifties & Sixties Christmas Party (afternoon show & 2 course lunch) Tues 24th November £89
Norwich Christmas Shopping/Leisure Day Weds 25th November £28
Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Weds 25th November £90
York Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Fri 27th November £31
Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 28th November £30
Lakeside Shopping Centre Sun 29th November £31
Littlecote House Hotel (Warners) – 5 days Mon 30th November £569
Tony Hadley – The Christmas Big Band Tour Mon 30th November £94
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th December £31
Windsor Leisure Day Sat 5th December £36 Christmas at Windsor Castle Sat 5th December Adult £65 Young person £55 Child £51
Leeds Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sun 6th December £31
The Big Christmas Singalong with Aled Jones & Alexander Armstrong Weds 9th December £83
Chatsworth at Christmas Weds 9th December £66
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular ONLY 19 LEFT Thurs 10th December £82
Cromer Pier Christmas Show (afternoon show) Fri 11th December £57
Hampton Court Palace and Festive Fayre Sat 12th December £65
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure ONLY 18 LEFT Sat 12th December £85
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure ONLY 18 LEFT Tues 15th December £82
Holkham Hall by Candlelight Weds 16th December £60
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall (afternoon show) 3RD DATE ADDED Sat 19th December £108
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular ONLY 1 LEFT Sun 20th December £85
Jack & The Beanstalk (afternoon show) Sat 2nd January 2027 £64
Cats (afternoon show) Thurs 7th January 2027 £83
Cinderella Pantomime at the London Palladium (afternoon show) Fri 8th January 2027 Royal Circle £104 Grand Circle £74
Phantom of the Opera (afternoon show) Weds 20th January 2027 £81
Mamma Mia! The Party (afternoon show) Sun 24th January 2027 Tier A £222 Tier B £172
Moulin Rouge (afternoon show) Thurs 28th January 2027 £85
Oliver (afternoon show) Weds 3rd February 2027 £104
Back to the Future (afternoon show) Weds 10th February 2027 £91
The Full Monty (afternoon show) Weds 10th February 2027 £67
Birmingham International Tattoo (afternoon show) Sun 21st February 2027 £76
Disney’s The Lion King (afternoon show) Weds 24th February 2027 £79
Paranormal Activity (afternoon show) Thurs 25th February 2027 £76
MATTERS COMMUNITY
NEW APPEAL FOR MORE ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to recruit more on-call firefighters to help local communities by responding to emergencies.
On-call firefighters are a vital part of the fire and rescue service and respond to a wide range of incidents, from fighting fires and attending road traffic collisions to rescuing people and animals in need and responding to medical emergencies.
In addition to responding to emergency incidents, on-call firefighters support their communities by providing a range of safety advice helping people to keep safe in their homes.
Being an on-call firefighter has many benefits. As well as being paid an annual wage and for the time spent at incidents or training, there are also opportunities to develop first aid skills and heavy goods vehicle driving qualifications.
Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter by visiting the website: https://bit.ly/ CFRSOncall
The organisation has released advice for people when spending time outside in the garden this spring to help reduce the risk of having a fire. It says:
• Dispose of garden waste using either a local waste pick up service or take it to a local recycling centre. Do not light a bonfire!
• Ensure cigarettes are completely out.
• Do not leave glass bottles lying on the ground – the sun’s rays reflect through the glass and can start a fire.
If you are planning to have a BBQ:
• Use barbeques on a hard, flat surface away from grass, shrubs or fencing.
• Put disposable barbeques on bricks, do not place directly on grass.
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
BARCLAYS BANK SITE SALE AGREED
Fenland District Council has agreed to progress the sale of the former Barclays Bank site in March, marking a key milestone in the town's regeneration programme.
Members confirmed their preferred bidder for the Broad Street site and agreed to proceed to legal contract stage after it received four expressions of interest, with two confirmed offers received.
The winning bid was selected on the basis their offer met best value requirements, but further details cannot be released at this stage as completion of the sale is subject to agreement of final terms and remains commercially sensitive.
To ensure timely redevelopment and avoid land banking, the successful purchaser will be required to submit a full planning application within six months of completion and begin work within six months of gaining planning consent.
What’s Coming Up
EVERY THURSDAY: FREE PUB QUIZ 7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome. No limit on team size
FRIDAY 8th MAY: FILM NIGHT
SONG SUNG BLUE STARRING
HUGH JACKMAN & KATE HUDSON
New release featuring the music of Neil Diamond. Free entry to film – bar meals available
SATURDAY 9th MAY
ANDY JOHN – BOHEMIAN CHAMPION
The music of Freddie Mercury and Queen. Club open at 7pm. Members £8, Guests £10
SUNDAY 10TH MAY: TRADITIONAL CARVERY
£17 per person for two courses. 1pm start. Booking essential – tickets on sale now
FRIDAY 15th MAY: CASH BINGO NIGHT
Eyes down at 7.30pm
SUNDAY 7th JUNE:
SUMMER AFTERNOON TEA WITH CARLA GRAY Tea at 2pm, Music at 3pm
Summer’s Coming
SUN 14th JUNE: PORK ROAST WITH MUSIC FROM THE DENIM ROSES
SUN 5th JULY: ABBA TRIBUTE
SUN 19th JULY: TINA TURNER TRIBUTE
SUN 26th JULY: ONE WILD NIGHT
SUN 1st AUGUST: CLUB BBQ WITH ROCKIN’ REVIVAL
SUN 16th AUGUST: ROD STEWART TRIBUTE
SUN 30th AUGUST: SURPRISE ACT (to be announced)
Club sports include Bowls, Pool, Snooker, Dominoes, Darts and Crib
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
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.
• Men’s, Women’s and Junior Teams
• Family-friendly environment
• Fully licensed bar
• Discounted bar prices for all members
• Beautiful setting to enjoy summer cricket
• Clubhouse available to hire for private events and functions
Support your local club and promote your business:
• Advertising boards
• Player sponsorships
• Ball donations Get involved and be part of our community!
Swap Stress for Success
TOP TIPS TO GIVE YOU FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE
Christians Against Poverty has helped many local people feel more confident with their finances. Here are some top tips:
Money worries can become all-consuming, and with increased stress levels, it can be even harder to manage your finances effectively. At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we recognise the impact stress can have on people’s lives and their money.
Talk about money
Debt and money worries often lead to feelings of loneliness and shame, but talking about these issues can reduce stress and break the cycle of isolation. Sharing your money concerns with a trusted friend, family member or organisations like CAP could provide you with much-needed support and help move you toward the next step in taking back control of your finances.
Upskill your knowledge
Consider a money course to help you cope better with some of the stresses of managing on a budget. CAP offers free life skills courses and money coaching to
give people the confidence and decision-making skills to live well and look after themselves. Money courses not only educate and empower you to learn about how to handle money effectively, but can also equip you with the skills to maintain a positive outlook, even on a low income.
Prioritise self-care
When money is tight and the bills mount high, it can be difficult to set aside time just for you, but it is important for your own wellbeing to look after yourself. Find something you enjoy doing and carve some time out of your week to rest and take your mind off the stresses of life and money-related anxieties. Consider keeping a journal and write down any worries that are bothering you, as well as things that you’re thankful for. This will help organise your thoughts and can help lower stress levels.
Get organised
The pressures of a busy life can sometimes make it difficult to stay on top of your finances, even if you know how to budget. Losing track of your income and expenses can lead to feeling overwhelmed and out of
control, but maintaining an organised approach can address this. To reduce the risk of financial stress, make a plan and stick to it where you can, finding a routine that works for you to regularly monitor bills and manage your paperwork.
Ask for help
If you’re finding managing your money stressful, don’t be afraid to seek help. You can find more information on all CAP’s services in your area at capuk.org/help. We provide free, expert debt advice, guidance on finding work and money education, all delivered face-to-face so you’ll receive an effective combination of practical and emotional support. For wider support, you can visit moneyhelper.org.uk
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with more than 1100 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more
Suzanne Westbrook DSFH
Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist
Member of the AfSFH Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists
Fully insured and holding an Enhanced DBS check
Based in March, I work with adults either online or in-person, supporting them to be the very best version of themselves Sunflower Hypnotherapy can help with anxiety, stress, depression, weight management, pain management, confidence, OCD, anger, phobias, IBS and much more
Call 07935 466590 or email info@sunflowerhypnotherapy.co.uk for a free initial consultation and find out how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you. Sunflower Hypnotherapy
WILLIAM COMPTON HOWARTH
By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum
Thirty-year-old William Compton Howarth was a skilled engineer employed by Messrs. Mather and Platt at its Salford Ironworks in Manchester. He was married with one child.
He was often sent abroad to correct and adjust the company’s machinery. However, a journey to Russian controlled Poland was the furthest that he had ever gone. He had been away a month and had written to his wife to say how worried he was that he could not get the machinery to perform satisfactorily. His wife was very concerned by his letter and sent an encouraging reply, saying 'Don't let it upset you'. Then he received a letter from his employers calling him home.
He crossed the North Sea and arrived in Harwich on Monday, November 2nd, 1908, and caught the 'Continental Boat Express' to continue his journey home. He rode in the through coach that was transferred to the back of the 11.05am Liverpool Street to York express at Ely.
Fellow passenger from Harwich was a Miss Westwood, going to Hull. She particularly noticed Howarth. He appeared perfectly calm and sober, although continually staring out of the windows. She was the first to raise the alarm when Howarth placed his hands on an open window and deliberately jumped out. Passenger guard Thomas Mason was alerted by the communication cord being pulled. The train stopped just past the Bedford Levels Bridge. When Mason reached the last coach, several passengers told him that Howarth had jumped through the open window. Thomas Garner, of Peterborough, was the driver of the 11.55am Peterborough to Ipswich express goods train. His train was travelling at 30mph approaching Furlong Drove where he met the York express travelling at 50-55 mph. As the trains passed, Garner suddenly saw a man's arms and shoulders, followed by his body and legs come out of an open window and strike his engine. He said
that
the carriage door was not open. He whistled and brought his train to a stand after about a quarter mile.
At about 1pm Mrs Copin, a gate keeper, heard the goods train whistle and saw Howarth lying on the line. She ran to him and found him bleeding from his head and legs. He looked at her asking 'Who are you and where am I? They were soon joined by driver Garner who said that Howarth was much disfigured. Howarth was crying and saying 'Oh! My God. This is all through -------', but the end of his sentence was inaudible.
The one o'clock express from Ely to Peterborough was stopped and the injured man conveyed to March. Doctor C P O'Connor met the train and ordered that Howarth continue to Peterborough in the care of March Railway Medical Officer W Goodley. He was taken to Peterborough Infirmary by ambulance and was put into the care of house surgeon Dr Pearson, who noted that the injuries had been bandaged by medical men.
Howarth died later that evening and an inquest jury returned an open verdict.
March Museum is located in High Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30am-3.30pm www.marchmuseum.co.uk Email: info@marchmuseum.co.uk
Photo: The Continental Boat Express, headed by 4-4-0 number 1869, c 1910
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Who recently became the most capped England international cricketer with 402 appearances: Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, or Joe Root?
What does the Latin expression “bona fide” mean: hopeful, friendly, or genuine?
What does the French expression “faux pas” mean: lie, clown, fate, or a breach of good manners?
When did the £1 coin replace the Bank of England £1 note: 1976, 1983, 1990, or 2001?
Which national charity was founded by Lincolnshire born vicar, Chad Varah in 1953: The Samaritans, Help for Heroes, or ChildLine?
Carlos Alcaraz (aged 22) recently broke whose record for being the youngest winner of the “tennis career Grand Slam”: Borg, Connors, Federer, or Nadal?
What name is given to the cohort of individuals born between 1946 and 1964?
Who is sixth in line to the British throne: Princess Charlotte, Prince Archie, or Princess Lilibet?
What percentage of British university students were awarded a “First” in 2024/25: 16, 24, 30, or 37?
Magdalen College is a part of Cambridge University: true or false?
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Which alcoholic drink takes its name from the Spanish word for “bloodletting”?
Between 1311 and 1549, which ecclesiastical building was the tallest in the world?
What is the name of Harry Styles’ 2026 World Tour?
Which South American country has Asuncion as its capital: Paraguay, Ecuador, or Guyana?
Who was the British Prime Minister at the time of the Millennium: Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, or John Major?
Who is the world’s longest-serving television star in a continuous role?
Which country has recently hosted the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?
How old was darts sensation Luke Littler when he threw his first “180” in a youth game: 6, 8 10 or 14?
What are the following examples of: running, saddle, whip and blanket?
Who are the starring couple in the film “Hamnet”?
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.
MARCH TOWN CRICKET CLUB: Get involved this season! Looking for fresh air, friendly faces, teamwork and a great time? We are a welcoming, community-focused club for all ages and abilities! Offering mens, womens & girls and junior cricket. Pick up a bat and give it a go! Contact @marchtowncricketclub or lesm841@aol.com
To advertise your club or group please call Paula for more information on 07903 776211 or email marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com
www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk 07549 263767
wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk
ALL AGES AND LEVELS WELCOME
Call, text or email for information about a range of membership options for individuals and family groups. PAY-TO-PLAY ALSO AVAILABLE
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. To
Expert interior and exterior decoration, including:
• All types of painting, staining & varnishing
• Wall & floor tiling
• Wallpapering
• FREE estimates & references available on request
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.
