20 reasons to visit Reeds Homestore in Downham Market. We could go on, but we’ll let you find more on your next visit.
Since 2005, we’ve been helping you create spaces that feel uniquely yours. Whether it’s the sofa you’ve curled up on for movie nights or the dining table that’s hosted family feasts, your home is at the heart of everything we do.
On your next visit, pop into our café and enjoy delicious freshly made food and drink.
REEDS Furniture, Flooring, Bed Centre & Homestore, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213
Open Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm
REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754
Open Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm & Sunday 10am to 4pm or online at reedshomestore.co.uk
Welcome to your April issue...
Every year I am so surprised at just how quickly, within a few weeks, we’ve moved on from those cold, dark mornings and all those high winds and storms. Blossom is now on show and summer is nearly upon us.
Global warming? Ok, well just a little bit then!
I hope you find the wide range of topics included in this month’s magazine both informative and enjoyable. As ever, many thanks to all our contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement.
Good luck to our colleague, Sarah Brooks and all the other fabulous fund-raisers whose last few months of ‘training hell’ will have helped make it a ‘heavenly’ outcome on Sunday April 27th, as they tackle the formidable London Marathon! Enjoy the Easter break and all those chocolate treats, and best wishes for a happy and healthy month to you all.
Now, I’m not a bad bloke. I’ve got a few decent qualities, but one I definitely have not got is patience.
I can’t stand being kept waiting if I want to do something. Whether it’s hanging around for someone to get ready before I can go out, or standing in a shop queue while the person at the front looks shocked to be informed of their need to pay their bill and searches frantically for their wallet or purse.
So, I can’t imagine what it must have been like for the two NASA astronauts who due to technical problems were stuck on the International Space Station for nine months after only expecting to be in space for eight days.
Thankfully they returned safely to Earth, but what must they have been feeling during all that time confined in their mini-prison?
I would have gone mad, well actually I wouldn’t have as there would have been no way you would have got me up there in the first place. Perhaps supermarket queues aren’t that bad after all...
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
Deadline details
Copy deadline for the May issue is Friday, 11th April 2025.
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.
Ruth Bailey, The Shed Shop, Eileen Le Voi, Vine Law, Lin Stanton, Diamond Byte, Trevor Langley, Jennifer Lawler, Steve Barclay MP, Joan Munns, Suzanne Westbrook and Peter Wright.
White September’s a Blooming Success
It’s a year of significant milestones for March businesswoman Linda Hunns
April marks the 25th anniversary of her starting work as a florist at 85 High Street, March and this year is also the tenth anniversary of her taking over the business.
Linda began her career as a florist in 1983. In 2000, she joined owner Dawn Rouse and her daughter Wendy Ziebart at The Flower Basket, which later changed its name to White September, and when Dawn decided to retire in 2015, she took over.
Linda has since massively expanded the gift side of the business. She said: “When I was a child I loved shops that were like an Aladdin’s Cave so I have grown the gift side, which has been really popular. I like to think of it as a little treasure trove.”
White September now stocks accessories for the home, scarves, jewellery, bags, local honey, apple juice, jams and chutneys and chocolate. Plus, there are paintings by local artist Debra Lewis, handcrafted goods from Gran’s Attic and soaps and hand creams from the English Soap Company.
As well as being open for business each week from
9am-4pm Monday-Saturday (except Bank Holidays), Linda also puts on evening workshops where customers can learn new skills such as creating Christmas, spring and dried flower wreaths, pumpkin and jam jar arrangements.
Linda is assisted part-time in the business by Jess Smith, who is celebrating her fifth anniversary, and two delivery drivers.
She added: “We've a big year ahead of us. We will be launching our new loyalty cards at the beginning of April with twenty-five free goodie bags up for grabs. We will also have twenty-five vouchers to give away from April 1st; when you spend over £25 you get twenty-five percent off your next purchase over £25.
“Look out for some special events that will be coming up. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more info or simply see the posters as we put them in the window.”
Contact White September, 85 High Street, March PE15 9LB. Tel: (01354) 650359.
BURROWMOOR bounces back
By Ruth Bailey, Headteacher, Burrowmoor Primary Academy
Burrowmoor Primary Academy has been in March for a long time... it has been through a number of incarnations and recently a really tough time. The Diamond Leaning Partnership Trust was asked by the Department for Education to take the school and it was all finalised on November 1st, 2023. With a new Senior Leadership Team and a lot of trust from the families, children and staff, we have come such a long way on our journey.
We are the only primary school in March with two Forest School areas; all our children – including nursery children get to spend time learning outside in these areas – learning independence, resilience, teamwork and so much more, having fun in school. Our provision is added to with the support from Twenty20 Production who run resilience clubs with some of our children.
We have a well-established and developed nursery who benefit from a curriculum that feeds directly into the curriculum delivered by the rest of the year groups. Our curriculum celebrates learning opportunities that are relevant to our children –every lesson starts with revisit and recall questions so that the learning becomes embedded. Our children enjoy wonderful learning opportunities in Music and PE – taught by a number of experts –namely Beth Letts and POSH (Peterborough United Football Club). We are able to enter sporting competitions across March and the Trust, and our musicians, some of whom are in our school orchestra, take part in the BIG SING, Playground PROMS, Carols Round the Tree and many other opportunities. Our school makes adaptations for all our children; we provide many therapies and additional support for children to address needs in Mental Health support and other areas of special education needs – Play Therapy, Drawing and Talking, ELSA, Lego Therapy and Precision Teaching. We have a sensory room for our children to use to refocus and get back to being able to learn.
In September 2024, we held a sponsored dog walk, raising over £3000 and as a result of this
we are able to afford for our whole school to go to the beach in June – a truly exciting and much anticipated event for all.
Many visitors report on our lunchtime provision. Every child has been presented with a skipping rope and our skipping squad supports all children in developing their skills at lunchtime. A brand new stage allows children to dance and sing through lunchtime, thanks to donations from local businesses, plus basketball games supported by adults, and many other challenges, including art with chalk, ensure our children are happy and busy during their down time. In the summer, we are able to use our wonderful field to ensure that games galore happen in the sunshine. We will be using our field for our Family Bounce Day on June 28th, 2025 – 11am to 4pm.
Our parents too have banded together and we have a wonderful FOBS – Friends of Burrowmoor. We have an auction planned to raise money for a new trim trail for our children to enjoy to the full. Our governing body is made up from some teachers, but more importantly two exhead teachers, and three other members of the community who add immense support and challenge to the SLT to drive progress forward.
We have full classes in Year 3-6 but do have spaces in Reception, Year 1 and 2. If you would be interested in doing a tour please contact the school office and our tour ambassadors in Year 5 and 6 will be happy to show you around. Please call the school on (01354) 652330 to make an appointment to meet the headteacher. You are also welcome to our Family Bounce event. Burrowmoor Primary Academy, Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RP. Email: head@burrowmoor.cambs. sch.uk; www.diamondlearningtrust.com
Hopefully, temperatures will rise this month and, as the days lengthen, there will be plenty to do on the vegetable patch: sowing, weeding and planting. However, beware as there is always a threat of night frosts: don’t forget to cover early sowings with fleece or cloches if frosts are forecast!
A major task in April is planting out potatoes. A rough guide would be: plant out first earlies around late-March, second earlies early to midApril, and maincrops mid to late-April. Potatoes need a sunny site, away from frost pockets, (the newly emerging foliage is susceptible to frost damage in April and May). The traditional planting method is to dig a trench 12cm (5in) deep and space the tubers 30cm (12in) apart for earlies and 37cm (15in) for maincrop, in rows 24in (60cm) apart for earlies and 75cm (30in) apart for maincrop. Alternatively, you can grow the potatoes under black polythene, planting the tubers through slits. The advantage of this method is that there is no need to “earth up” and the new potatoes form just below soil level which means there’s no digging to harvest them, they’ll lie just below the sheet.
A very useful job this month is to prepare seed beds ready for sowing. Rake over the soil when it is fairly dry to break it down into small, even particles, until you get a fine “tilth”. When sowing, if the soil is dry, water the base of the drill generously; if wet, sprinkle a thin layer of sand before sowing. If you forgot to manure in the autumn, you could still add well-rotted manure or compost but dig it in thoroughly.
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 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 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.
Enjoy the longer days!
BLHRT, Waldersea Depot, Long Drove, Waldersea, Friday Bridge, Wisbech PE14 0NP www.bramleyline.org.uk | office@bramleyline.org.uk Bramley Line
The COMPUTER Man
INDEPENDENT I.T. SPECIALIST
Don’t be Fooled by the Scammers This April
By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades
April is often associated with pranks and playful tricks, but the issue of scammers is no laughing matter. This month, we are highlighting some of the most recent scams reported to Which? that have been deceiving customers in recent weeks.
BP impersonation email
An email purporting to be from BP invites recipients to ‘answer and win’ a complimentary ‘car emergency kit.’ However, this email directs users to a phishing site featuring a brief survey aimed at capturing personal and financial details.
• 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.
A fraudulent email posing as Marks and Spencer claims that you have been selected to receive a Marks and Spencer Afternoon Tea Letterbox Hamper. To claim this prize, you are urged to click on a suspicious link and fill out a survey. This link directs you to a site designed to capture your personal and financial details.
Holiday scams
To safeguard against holiday scams:
1 Avoid deals which sound too good to be true.
2 To ensure the travel company is legitimate, verify their affiliation with travel protection agencies by checking the websites of ATOL, ABTA, and ABTOT if their logos are displayed.
3 Check the holiday company’s reviews on various platforms.
4 Using a credit card or PayPal for payment offers greater protection in case of any issues.
Car tax payment scam
A fraudulent email posing as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) informs recipients that their recent vehicle tax payment was unsuccessful due to inaccurate information. The message includes a link for updating these details, warning that failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1000 and the possibility of their information being forwarded to a debt collection agency. Clicking on this link directs users to a harmful phishing site designed to capture personal and financial data.
Report scams
• If you wish to report a scam email, you can do so by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk
• You can report scam websites to www.ncsc.gov.uk/ collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website
• To report scam calls on an iPhone, send a text with the word ‘call’ and the phone number to 7726. For Android users, simply text ‘call’ to the same number. You will receive a reply message requesting the scam number.
BUILD A BETTER GARDEN
March Patio Centre is situated at Knights End Road, March, just past the crematorium. Paul and Mark Constable have been running the family business for more than twenty years.
The company has a large display area which shows a selection of twelve different slab layout designs in porcelain and Indian Sandstone. It manufactures its own concrete slabs at the premises with many different colours and sizes to choose from. It also sells sand, cement, hardcore and grouting compounds to enable you to complete your patio and offers a delivery service free to the March area with a small charge if further afield. It is open weekdays from 8.30am until 5pm and on Saturdays until 1pm so please come and have a chat with Paul about your requirements.
Mark offers a full garden design service and will visit you to discuss various options, according to your budget, to give you the garden you desire. This includes patios, decking, turfing, fencing and planting up. Together with his experienced team, Mark will carry out the garden transformation efficiently and professionally. If you are interested, please ring on 07860 863622 or email: mark@marchpatiocentre.co.uk
PROPERTY MATTERS: FIRST REGISTRATIONS
Dyou know if your property is registered at the Land Registry or unregistered? If it is unregistered, will this cause a problem if you want to sell the property or leave it to your beneficiaries in their will? Is there anything you should do?
The answer is that there is nothing wrong with having unregistered title deeds – they are still valid and will prove that you are the legal owner of the property. However, we would always advise you to consider applying to the Land Registry for first registration before you sell or transfer your property as it may save time, if there are issues to resolve.
What is First Registration and why does it matter?
First registration is the process of having the title deeds to your property submitted to the Land Registry for recording onto a public register. The register will have a clear description of the property and show that you are the legal owner. The property will be assigned its own identifying ‘title number’ and the register will also record any other matters that might affect the property e.g. any rights of way the property might benefit from, details of any restrictions on the use of the property and a list of any registered mortgages.
In short, registration provides protection and can prove invaluable if someone ever challenges your ownership, or if documents are lost or destroyed. It also makes future property sales much simpler and typically less expensive.
When does First Registration happen?
While most properties in urban areas are already registered, there are still many unregistered properties, particularly in rural areas. First registration becomes compulsory when:
• You sell or transfer the property
• You mortgage the property
• You want to voluntarily register it (which often comes with a reduced fee)
The detective work behind registration
First registration involves some detective work.
Property lawyers must piece together the property's ownership history, sometimes going back decades or even centuries. They examine old deeds, maps, and legal documents to create an accurate picture of:
• The exact boundaries of the property
• Who has owned it over time
• Any rights of way or restrictions
• Mortgages or other financial claims
Common surprises during First Registration
Property owners are often surprised to discover:
• Their property boundaries aren't exactly where they thought they were
• They share ownership of certain features with neighbours
• There are historical rights or restrictions they didn't know about
• Parts of their land might be subject to manorial rights or chancel repair liability
The benefits of modern registration
Today's digital land registration system offers significant advantages over the old system:
• Online access to property information
• Faster property transactions
• Better protection against property fraud
• Clearer evidence of ownership rights
• Easier resolution of boundary disputes
Understanding first registration is crucial – not just a legal requirement but an opportunity to secure and clarify the property rights for generations to come.
For help in dealing with first registration, or more information, please contact Kieren Cross on (01945) 898090 or kierencross@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
Disputes over the validity of a Will are becoming increasingly common. If you need to challenge a Will, or defend a challenge being brought by someone else, our contentious probate specialists are here to help.
“Thank you for your excellent work and for achieving a fantastic positive result. Throughout the whole process the team kept us well informed and explained everything clearly for us.”
- Client, Dispute Resolution
Visit our website or contact a member of our team today to discover how we can help with your legal matter.
• New Roofs
• Flat Roofs
• Tile & Slate Roofs
• Leadwork
• Re-pointing Chimney Stacks
• All Roof Repairs
• Valleys Repaired
• New PVC Fascias & Gutters
• External Painting
• Moss Removal
Mayflower can change your life
By Ashlie Barnard
When I founded Mayflower Financial Planning it was important to me to offer cashflow modelling to all clients so that you can make life changing decisions without guessing what your financial situation may look like later on.
One of the most common questions I get as a Chartered Financial Advisor, is ‘when can I afford to retire?’
Cashflow modelling enables us to put your financial information into our system, project figures forward – taking account charges, inflation, performance and even market crashes and give you an exact date. Moreover, we are able to build in those scenarios that might also be causing indecision such as paying off your mortgage, downsizing
or moving home, contributing to a child’s wedding and even assess the impact of serious illness or an early death. All displayed in a helpful and easy to read graph.
Feedback we have from clients is that the service is life changing. Often seeing tears of relief and on the occasions when the outcome doesn’t look quite so good, enables us to build a plan with you on how to improve and change your spending habits or financial holdings to get you closer to your goal.
As part of the process, we write out to all your providers for you so you don’t have to, obtaining the details of your pensions, savings, mortgages, insurance policies, getting a really clear understanding of where you are in achieving your goal.
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 ashliebarnard@tpllp.com
The value of investments can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you put in.
is here...
Now we have some sunny days it’s time for walks, looking at nature and enjoying the outdoors.
By Lin Stanton, Debt Centre Manager for 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.
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HOW TO PERSONALISE YOUR PC
Are you bored of looking at the same images on your PC every time you switch it on? If so (or maybe just for a bit of fun!), why not take a few minutes to change it up a bit. Whether you are using a laptop or a desktop PC, it’s easy to change your desktop theme (i.e. background, wallpaper and sounds) on your PC with Windows 11. Personalising your desktop not only makes it more visually appealing, it can also help reduce stress, improve workflow, and make using your PC seem less of a chore.
Themes are a core feature of desktop customisation in Windows 11. A theme typically includes a set of wallpapers, sounds, cursor styles, and colour schemes that collectively give your desktop a cohesive look. Windows 11 comes with several pre-installed themes, although additional themes can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
It is also possible to create custom themes in Windows 11: Start by right-clicking on the desktop, select Personalise after which you can choose:
● Background. Here you can select a wallpaper of your choosing using the drop-down menu:
● Picture: Choose from a preset group of pictures. Alternatively, choose a picture from your personal library by clicking Browse photos
● Solid colour: Select a plain colour as the background for your desktop.
● Slideshow: Create a slideshow based on photos you choose from your photo library. You can even choose the frequency of the photo rotation and shuffle the order in which the pictures appear.
● Windows spotlight: This feature automatically changes the desktop background image daily using highquality, panoramic images from around the world.
Should an image not match the exact dimensions of your screen, select Choose a fit for your desktop image, which gives you several options of how you want the image to be displayed as the background.
● Colours. Add a splash of colour or choose an option to relieve eye strain:
● Mode: Choose between light and dark modes. Dark mode can reduce eye strain at night and can also save battery life on laptops. Light mode features a bright, white interface, which may be more suitable in well-lit settings.
● Accent colour: Highlight features such as the Start Bar, Taskbar buttons, links or simply choose a colour to match your personal preference or to complement the overall theme.
You will need to save any customisations by clicking Themes and then Save theme
For users with a visual impairment or light sensitivity, there are Contrast themes options, where you can choose from four different themes with high-contrast colours that make it easier to identify different screen elements.
There are many more changes you can make to personalise your PC (Start Menu, Taskbar), and we’ll cover these in our next article.
› Up to 50% less than a new fully fitted kitchen
› Replacement kitchen doors
› Cost effective made to measure solution
› Worktops and appliances
› Quick installation in 2-3 days by local professionals
win £50 in our
Match the correct dragon picture with those placed in the windows of participating businesses and win £50 courtesy of March Events Committee to spend in ONE OF THose participating businesses. write the shop names in the boxes underneath each of the 20 dragons.
Competition Closes 30th April 2025. the £50 can only be spent with 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.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL:
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
DEMIJOHN: EXPERIENCE
The Demijohn Company was founded by Angus and Frances Ferguson during 2004. Now, based at their family farm, Glenlair Steading, Southwest Scotland, this multiaward-winning company can be justifiably proud of many achievements over the years. Delectable, unique and unusual liqueurs, spirits, oils, vinegars and more, are all available, with the liquids being presented in a wide range of very attractive, refillable glass bottles from their international mail order service, farm shop concession outlets and at Glenlair Steading, where over seventy large glass containers greet the eye. Additionally, each bottle can have a free handwritten personalised message added. Gift wrapping is an option too.
RASPBERRY VODKA LIQUEUR (19% vol) I found to be fruity, smooth and sweet, combining Scottish raspberries with superb vodka.
SPICED RUM LIQUEUR (20% vol) does exactly what it says. This dark delectation has perfectly matched caramel and spices.
CHOCOLATE RUM LIQUEUR (29.5% vol) is hugely popular with numerous chocolate
and rum lovers. Cacao is skilfully infused with rum to produce this sensational production. BRAMBLE SCOTCH WHISKY LIQUEUR (18% vol) is the ‘founding drink’ from the outset of Demijohn. Handpicked brambles (blackberries) are expertly paired with Scotch whisky, creating a fruity, rich liqueur that has countless devotees. SLOE GIN (22% vol) is a traditional, fruity production and needs little introduction, as the years of indulgence and popularity speak for themselves. London Gin provides the base spirit, then, steeping the fruit, the richly flavoured sloe gin comes to fruition.
These (all great for cocktails too) are just some of the productions that are available from the Demijohn Company. Bespoke tastings, alcoholic and non-alcoholic gift sets, food gift sets, competitions, recipes and much more are also available. Further services include corporate gifting, personalised engraving, refills, rewards, wedding favours and other customers’ requirements. These are most impressive products, presented with excellence. The very informative website has all details and information. Online ordering is easy, with products being dispatched quickly and efficiently.
By Trevor Langley
Farm Shop Concession
Stores include:
Loch Leven’s Larder, Kinross
Craigie’s Farm Shop, South Queensferry, Edinburgh Juniper, Newburgh, Fife
SUNDAY TO THURSDAY BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOL to enjoy with your meal
*Not applicable to diners who bring their own alcohol to consume WHEN YOU SPEND £50 (eat in or takeaway) RECEIVE
THE GEORGE INN
By Jennifer Lawler
The George Inn has stood as a prominent landmark in March High Street for more than two hundred years. It stands in March Conservation Area, back from the road because the Hythe stream, bricked over in mid-C19, flows along under the front garden.
Until the C18 there was little on that west side of High Street, a waterlogged area labelled Sumps on March Museum’s 1602 map. The Turnpike Road through the centre of March opened in 1730 and road travel increased. Inns sprang up along main roads offering travellers a break on their journey, providing food and overnight stay and stables for the horses, and became community meeting places. In March, the George Inn joined the Griffin, White Hart, Red Lion, Shoulder of Mutton (later Golden Lion), Cock Inn, Seven Stars, and Chequers in the great age of coach travel.
The George Inn has gault brick walls, with C20 rendering. The main building, similar to March late-C18 buildings, has an extension to the right. The steeply pitched roof, originally thatched, has gable-end parapets and end chimneystacks. There are two storeys and an attic with dormer windows. Original segmental arches are above three upstairs windows and above the offcentre doorway. The ground floor windows were replaced by two C20 bay-windows. The extension has a segmental arched upstairs window, and modern window and doorway. A shop with doorway to the side wall has been blocked. There are extensions to the rear.
There was a huge seasonal influx of agricultural workers in the mid-C18, many from Ireland and other parts. Many settled in places such as March. Housing was scarce and makeshift homes sprang up in Sumps behind The George, creating ‘Little London’, an overcrowded area within the boundary of the City Road.
The first discovered record of the George Inn was in November 1821 when innkeeper Joseph Hudson
advertised the loss of his young liver-spotted Pointer dog with a whole tail. He answered to the name of ‘Sancho’.1
Chatteris Brewery and Maltings and forty hotels, inns and public houses owned by the Fryer family, including the George, were sold in May 1857.2 The George Inn’s next owner was March brewer and licensee at the Robin Hood Inn, Mr Ambrose Ogden. The old-established freehold George Inn was then sold in 1867 complete with stables, outbuildings, skittle-alley, and enclosed yard. The house contained six sleeping-rooms, bar, taproom, parlour, large ball-room, commercial-room, kitchen and cellars. It had a good trade attached to it.3 The George Inn was sold to John Peck, farmer and brewer, of Parson Drove.
The George appears to have been a lively public house with many activities. Amongst late C19 advertisements was ‘Wanted, at once, Lady pianist, young, good Vamper. Mrs Coyne, George Inn, March’. 4 The George was later owned by various breweries, including Morgan’s in the 1960s when a driving school was registered there.
1 Cambridge Chronicle and Journal November 21st 1821, p2
2 Cambridge Chronicle and Journal May 9th 1857, p5
3 Cambridge Chronicle and Journal November 30 1867, p5
4 Eastern Daily Press October 15th 1897, p2
9AM–8PM
THE SEVEN STARS
FOOD SERVED
TUES, WEDS & THURS: 12–2.30PM & 5–8.30PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 9AM–2.30PM AND 5–8.30PM ON SUNDAYS: 9AM–3.30PM 75 THE AVENUE, MARCH PE15 9PS T: 01354 655258
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
HELPING FENLAND SCALE NEW HEIGHTS...
By Steve Barclay MP
Despite Fenland’s flat landscape, Fenrock Climbing Centre in Wisbech has emerged as a premier climbing destination, drawing enthusiasts from afar. This unique hub fosters a vibrant community for climbers of all levels, and if you haven’t visited yet then it is well worth doing so. Fenrock continues to innovate, with plans to launch Fenfort, a new section dedicated to children as young as four. This expansion promises to nurture young climbers, and I wish owners Nate and Amanda the best as they bring this vision to life. It is a wonderful facility to have locally.
On the wider sports front, exciting progress is underway with more 3G football pitches across Fenland. The Football Foundation grant, covering seventy percent of costs, has kickstarted the Estover pitch in March, a vital step in enhancing local facilities. This continues our progress following November’s £1.1 million 3G pitch opening at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, alongside the recent £400,000 upgrade to Leverington’s changing rooms.
These all-weather football pitches extend playing hours, improve technique, and offer a consistent surface, making matches more enjoyable. None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of Cambs FA’s Katie Critchley and dedicated club volunteers who secure the remaining funds. Whittlesey’s need for a new 3G pitch remains a priority, and I’m eager to support those efforts moving forward.
Less positive has been the lack of patient access to the new £2.1 million Wisbech Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), opened in 2023 to bring state-of-the-art diagnostics closer to home. I have discovered data showing it is massively underutilised with just a tenth of patients being seen some months compared to other months, and key services have been moved away to other areas.
The MRI scanner which helps early detection including of cancers has been moved and not returned, breaking clear commitments given by NHS bosses. X-ray services have also been moved away. Yet with Fenland having a lower level of screening than other parts of Cambridgeshire and higher health needs, this makes little sense. I will continue to work with local councillors to try and reinstate the MRI scanner and get more services offered locally, not least as travel is often a barrier for patients.
Another issue of concern has been the removal of places next year at Neale-Wade sixth form, which strikes me as a backward step. I have been working closely with parents and students to raise concerns with the Active Learning Trust regarding this decision, and will continue to do all I can to support the school.
Finally, it is pleasing to see new investment in our area such as the new Glenholme Care Home in March. It was good to join their fantastic team of local staff in purpose-built facilities for the opening. We also have had lots of local events, and whether the Fenland Railway Club Show or the recent Lego exhibition, it is great to see first-hand how Fenland has events for all ages.
Looking for an extraordinary job with excellent benefits?
Come along to our recruitment open day at HMP Whitemoor on 30 April.
The everyday of prison jobs is extraordinary and these unique and interesting careers are done by people like you.
Join our recruitment event for an opportunity to:
• talk to our staff about their work and what it’s like working at HMP Whitemoor
• hear about the range of job roles available
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Scan the QR code for further details and to register your place. Choose a morning or afternoon slot when you register.
Wild about March
By Joan Munns, of March
Like all fruiting trees cherry has been cross bred to produce all the delicious varieties that are now available. The Wild Cherry, or Gean as it is called on Scotland, is often used as a rootstock that the culinary varieties are grafted onto to produce robust trees.
Wild cherry is native to Britain and produces high quality timber used for furniture making and grows rapidly to a useful size. Older trees can develop heart rot that renders the timber useless. It can grow up to thirty metres (one hundred feet) tall and live up to sixty years. The trunk of the tree has horizontal stripes making it recognisable in a woodland setting. Several wild cherry trees are planted in Gault Wood and some have red sticky secretions on the outside that make them look as if they are bleeding. This is due to stress that could be caused by drought or insect attack.
The white flowers of the wild cherry appear at the end of March or early April before the oval pointed leaves have properly opened. These early flowers are an important nectar source for early flying insects. Frost can damage the flowers so fruits will not develop.
The cherries that do fill out ripen to a bright red colour and are very popular with birds. The stones pass through the birds and trees can grow elsewhere from their deposits. Small mammals will also eat the flesh but, as it is very sour, they probably choose something else first.
The edible layer of the fruit is thin, very sour and tends to be quite high in the tree. The effort of trying to reach one is not worth the effort because they almost make your teeth curl.
The kernel inside cherry stones contains cyanide but our digestive system will not dissolve the shell so if a stone is accidentally swallowed, it will pass through just as it does for the birds that swallow the fruits whole. The cyanide is derived from amygdalin that is present in the kernels of all stone fruit,
like plums, peaches, and apricots and in apple pips. Amygdalin is broken down by our digestion to produce cyanide. Our livers will metabolise cyanide making it harmless. You would need to consume more than five hundred kernels in a fairly short time to get a dose that would overwhelm the liver. High heat degrades amygdalin making the kernels harmless.
To get a lethal dose of cyanide from apple pips, at least 250,000 would be required!
Next Gault Wood Work Parties are Saturdays April 5th and May 10th 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)
Wildlife Group & March & District Woodland Group
Wild Cherry
Prunus avium
Cherry blossom
Cherries so sour, they make your teeth curl!
Family owned & run since 1957, Islawrffordd Caravan Park offers the very best in quality.
Family owned & run since 1957, Islawrffordd Caravan Park offers the very best in quality.
Situated at the southern end of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont, Islawrffordd is an award winning, 5 star luxury caravan park with 201 holiday homes and 75 fully serviced hard standing touring caravan/motorhome plots, all benefitting from the very best facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, children’s activities and adventure play area.
Situated at the southern end of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont, Islawrffordd is an award winning, 5 star luxury caravan park with 201 holiday homes and 75 fully serviced hard standing touring caravan/motorhome plots, all benefitting from the very best facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, children’s activities and adventure play area.
2
Bedroom Luxury Holiday Home
2 Bedroom Luxury Holiday Home
• Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach
• Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach
• South-facing decked balcony with stunning mountain and sea views
• Decked balcony with stunning mountain and sea views
• Available for weeks/mini-breaks
• Fully centrally heated
• Available for Weeks /Mini Breaks/ Weekend Breaks
• Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom
• Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom
• Smart TVs with DVD in every room
• Smart TV’s with DVD in every room
• Fully insulated and double glazed
• Fully Insulated and double glazed
• Free wi-fi, (including Amazon Dot)
• Fully Centrally Heated
• Free wi-fi, (including Amazon Dot)
MATTERS COMMUNITY
ST GEORGE’S FAYRE MAKES A RETURN TO MARCH
Preparations are in full swing for this month’s St George’s Fayre in March town centre which will be packed with new and favourite attractions. The event takes place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, April 27th when it returns to the newlook regenerated town centre and will feature more than one hundred stalls, street food and live entertainment, storytelling, street performers, amusements and much more.
Market Place, Broad Street and West End Park will be filled with attractions on the day and closed to motorists. Activities will also be hosted inside March Library in City Road and March Museum in High Street.
Cllr Jan French, deputy leader of Fenland District Council and chair of March Events Committee, said: “Every year the people of March come out to support and enjoy this event. It’s our privilege to provide this event which brings together the whole community and creates wonderful opportunities for businesses and showcases March.”
The fayre kicks off with a parade to the town centre, leaving from March Community Centre at 10am. MarketPlace Arts is this year co-creating the parade with community groups from March with opportunities for the public to get involved.
Parking in the town centre is limited and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or travel by public transport where possible. March train station is a fifteen-minute walk from the event. Some town centre roads will be closed from 5am to 7.30pm.
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
FENLAND CULTURE FUND AWARDS
Grants totalling more than £55,000 have been awarded from the second round of the Fenland Culture Fund, boosting arts, culture and heritage opportunities across the district.
Local artists, writers and musicians and museums, festivals, theatres and community groups are among the thirty-five applicants to receive a share of the fund.
Each recipient has been awarded a grant of up to £2000, enabling them to continue their vital contributions to Fenland’s vibrant cultural scene.
FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Free family Easter holiday activities, and sessions for adults who want to lose weight, have been added to the programme of social exercise and fitness classes for all in Fenland.
Family running sessions for adults with children aged twelve+ will be held on Wednesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 16th, 10.30am to 11.30am, meeting at West End Park, March.
In addition, Active Fenland will be staffing a stand on Monday, April 7th, 10am to noon, at George Campbell Leisure Centre, City Road, March where families can stop by for healthy eating tips including explanation of apps that can support, such as the NHS food scanner app that helps you to find healthy swaps.
Free twelve-week 'Active for Health' programmes for adults who want to lose weight, which can allow eligible participants a free ninety-day gym and Leisure Centre access pass, are on offer across Fenland. Courses are due to start on Tuesday, April 29th, 4.45pm to 5.45pm, at the George Campbell Leisure Centre.
LEISURE CENTRE IMPROVEMENTS PLANS
Fenland district councillors have paved the way for an ambitious £23 million leisure centre improvement programme after endorsing a new, district-wide ‘Fenland Inspire!’ investment campaign.
Under the banner of ‘Fenland Inspire!’ the projects will focus on enhancing Fenland’s sport, leisure, and open space facilities, as well as preserving and celebrating the district’s rich heritage and environment. Among the leisure centre improvement proposals being considered by members is the remodelling of March’s George Campbell Leisure Centre’s reception and the old swimming pool changing rooms into a café space and advanced spin studio.
Meanwhile, the swimming pool at the Leisure Centre has reopened. It had closed on December 16th last year for what was due to be two weeks for routine maintenance to the filtration system. However, during these works, contractors discovered further significant repair and maintenance works were required to pipework underneath the pool, relating to the old outdoor swimming pool which closed in the 1980s.
Council officials and dignitaries
for the
Photo:
gather
reopening of the George Campbell Leisure Centre swimming pool
George Campbell Leisure Centre pool
•
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• Effective painless wax removal
• Noise protection
“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”
For information on any of the ser vices we provide, or to discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch.
Wellbeing Corner
How Hypnotherapy Can Help During Pregnancy
Awarm and sunny welcome to the April edition of The Wellbeing Corner... In this edition, I want to talk about the benefits of hypnotherapy during pregnancy and birth.
One of the key aspects of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is mindset. There are likely to be events in our lifetime that challenge us but it’s our mindset that has a huge impact on the way we manage these situations. Having a baby is a life-changing experience, impacting relationships, finances, routines, physical health and well-being. Preparing for this through adopting a solution focused mindset can greatly support the parents-to-be.
There are so many benefits of hypnotherapy, for both parents and baby, with many mums-to-be often sleeping better in the lead-up to birth, which naturally creates higher energy levels during birth and studies have shown that the length of labour can be significantly reduced when hypnosis is used. If we approach birth feeling calm, positive and in control, we will be in the best position possible to cope with physical pain, fear and anxiety, supporting mum to make decisions without panic.
During our hypnotherapy sessions clients will learn:
• About the brain and how to keep anxiety low
• The role of positivity and the chemical response
• About the physiology and neurology of pain
• Self-hypnosis to practise at home
• How your birth partner can support you
In addition to this I will provide you with two relaxation MP3s/CDs to listen to. We will also practise hypnosis every session, so you feel confident about using it during birth.
Everything we do within hypnotherapy is positive, relaxing and empowering.
If you’re expecting and would like to find out more about how Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy can help you through pregnancy and childbirth, why not book a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION to find out more.
I offer appointments from my beautiful therapy space in March, Cambridgeshire.
I can support you with: Anxiety
Call 07935 466590 or email info@sunflowerhypnotherapy.co.uk for a free initial consultation and find out how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you. Facebook-square Sunflower Hypnotherapy
Suzanne Westbrook
CLOVELLY HOUSE
Privately owned residential care home offers:
✓ 24hr quality care
✓ Caring, fully trained staff
✓ Warm and comfortable surroundings
✓ Home cooking at its very best
✓ Close to town centre, set in its own grounds
✓ Day-care available
enough to
care For a brochure, more information or to organise a visit please contact Malcolm or Kim on 01354 655768
Award-winning care at The Gables care home in Chatteris
We provide short-term, respite care or longer-term 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 start from £1,000 per week, depending on the room and level of care required.
Our home is rated as good with the Care Quality Commission and for the last 7 years, has been rated as one of the Top 20 care homes in East Anglia based on reviews from the highly respected carehome.co.uk website.
Tel: 01354 693858 Email: TheGables@blackswan.co.uk www.blackswan.co.uk Committed to providing the very best
To find out more, please give us a call or visit us online.
SAVING THE THREE HORSESHOES PUB: A Community Effort
In February 2024, a planning application to demolish the historic Three Horseshoes pub in Turves and replace it with five houses sparked concern among local residents. This beloved pub, which has been a vital part of the community, was on the verge of being lost forever. However, a determined group of residents, supported by advisers and some grant funding, are working to acquire the building and transform it into a thriving community hub.
The Fenland District Council designated the Three Horseshoes pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), offering it some protection from demolition. This status came into effect in April 2024, just as the owners vacated the premises. Turves, which lacks basic community facilities like a school, hall, shop, or church, would be left without a central gathering space if the pub were lost. In response, the residents have set up a Community Benefit Society, The Three Horseshoes Turves Community Hub Ltd, to purchase the property.
Their vision is to create a multi-use hub, offering services such as healthcare, retail, food, drink, entertainment, and meeting rooms.
The original planning application was withdrawn in September 2024, following a recommendation from the council to refuse it. Now, the community is fundraising to secure the pub as a shared asset that meets local needs.
We encourage everyone to support this initiative by becoming a shareholder or making a donation. For more information, see the advertisement below.
FAQs
Why didn’t the owners sell the pub? The asking price exceeded the building’s value, which needs repairs. Can’t the owners do whatever they want with the building? Whilst they can sell, the ACV status limits potential changes unless the building continues to serve the community.
Join us in saving the Three Horseshoes and securing a brighter future for Turves!
To protect the last remaining community asset in the village of Turves, rebuild the Turves community, and support the surrounding areas.
There are many ways that the community in Turves and the surrounding area can help.
• Funding – either via becoming a member and shareholder, or via donations.
• Support – We need lots of support to make this happen, so please reach out and let us know if you can help in any form.
• Spread the word – Share our cause with friends, family and other social groups. The wider the reach of this campaign, the more likely we will have success.
MATTERS COMMUNITY
TESCO STRONGER STARTS AT NEALE-WADE ACADEMY
UKHarvest has received a financial donation to help deliver an education course at March’s Neale-Wade Academy following blue token donations by customers of Tesco.
Its educational offering will support students to learn how we can all do more in our homes to prevent healthy food from going to waste.
The donation, through Tesco Stronger Starts, will allow UKHarvest to deliver in person or online educational sessions, lesson plans, teacher support, ingredients and donated equipment such as air-fryers and slow cookers.
Claire de Silva, Tesco UK head of communities and local media, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too."
MARCH COUNTRY PARK PLANS
Residents have been having their say on a proposed new country park space in March. Fenland District Council is looking to extend the town’s existing West End Park as part of councillors’ new, district-wide ‘Fenland Inspire!’ investment campaign and last month called for local residents’ views.
The proposed March Country Park development would enhance the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities and provide valuable new facilities for the community, including a new sensory garden and improved services for fishermen –with dedicated parking and accessible fishing platforms for people with disabilities.
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
WORK SUPPORT SCHEME SUCCESS
A new scheme that supports people in Fenland who are struggling to get or remain in work due to ill health, is already supporting 150 people. Anyone who is struggling to get or stay in work due to a physical or mental health issue is invited to register for free support through WorkWell Fenland. The scheme is not linked to benefits, and individuals can register for support whether they are in receipt of benefits or not.
To discover more or to complete a form requesting a call from a WorkWell coach, visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/WorkWell or call Fenland District Council on (01354) 654321.
CHESS TOURNAMENT TO HELP CHURCH SPIRE APPEAL
March Conservative Club is holding chess competitions in support of the town’s St Wendreda's Church Spire Appeal. There will be separate knockout competitions for beginners and novices as well as experienced players. Play will be on Sunday, May 11th beginning at 12noon. Entry for under 21s will be free although adults will be required to pay £2 to play.
Entries are requested by April 25th to Tom O'Keefe on 07305 735726 or at keefetom48@gmail.com
BSc (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC
Barton Manor Delivers Exceptional Care
Nestled in the heart of Wisbech, Barton Manor Care Home is redefining what it means to receive high-quality residential and dementia care.
Purpose-built with both comfort and style in mind, Barton Manor offers a modern yet homely environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling and enriched lifestyle while receiving the expert care they deserve.
At Barton Manor, luxury meets practicality. The home is designed not only to provide exceptional care but also to create a warm, engaging, and vibrant community. With an array of first-class amenities, residents can enjoy a cinema room, library, sweet shop, bistro, and beautifully designed garden rooms – each space thoughtfully crafted to enhance well-being and social interaction. The scenic landscaped gardens offer a peaceful retreat, ideal for quiet reflection or spending quality time with loved ones. Additionally, the on-site hair and nail salon ensures that residents can indulge in a little pampering, promoting confidence and self-care.
What sets Barton Manor apart is its commitment to an inclusive and transparent approach to care. Residents benefit from a single, all-inclusive fee that covers every aspect of their stay – from all levels of care and support to housekeeping, gourmet meals, engaging activities, and even regular hairdressing services. This clear pricing structure ensures that families and residents alike can enjoy peace of mind, free from the worry of hidden costs or unexpected financial surprises.
Barton Manor is not just a care home; it’s a place where residents can thrive. The home places great emphasis on individualised care, tailoring support plans to suit each resident’s needs, ensuring they
maintain as much independence as possible while receiving the highest standard of care. Whether a resident is enjoying a film in the cinema, browsing the library, or socialising over coffee in the bistro, every aspect of life at Barton Manor is designed to be meaningful, engaging, and joyful.
For those seeking dementia care, Barton Manor provides a compassionate and understanding environment, with trained staff dedicated to creating a safe, stimulating, and familiar setting for those living with memory loss. The home’s thoughtful layout and design contribute to a sense of comfort and security, helping residents feel at ease while continuing to engage in the activities they love.
Barton Manor represents a new era in care home living – where luxury, transparency, and expert care come together to create a truly exceptional experience for residents. For families looking for a care home that values both dignity and indulgence, Barton Manor is a shining example of what modern care should be.
NEXT STEP?
Our sixth form college is situated in the market town of Whittlesey, with an easy train link from March to Whittlesey train station that takes approximately ten minutes.
Our sixth form college currently has one hundred students across year 12 and 13 that enjoy a varied array of subjects taught by subject leaders that are passionate about teaching.
We have a dedicated sixth form team that will support you academically and pastorally, treating you as a young adult in a respectful and caring professional relationship.
We have designated areas specifically for sixth form students allowing you to focus on your studies. If you would like to join a well-run and enthusiastic sixth form, please contact us by email: CRestaino@sirharrysmith.com or by phone (01733) 703991, ext 235
Sir Harry Smith Community College Eastrea
Our A-Level and BTEC Subjects
Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, DT, English Literature, Further Maths, Geography, History, Media Studies, Maths, Physics, Psychology, RS, Sociology, Sport
Ofsted Feb 2024
“The provision for students in the sixth form is strong. Teachers’ expert subject knowledge and delivery ensures students learn well. Students develop deep understanding of complex and abstract concepts. Students confidently apply these to different situations, effectively drawing together what they know.”
GER PRESENTS
Sports & Social Club
What’s Coming Up
JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY LUNCHES
Served from 12 noon to 2pm
EVERY THURSDAY: FREE PUB QUIZ NIGHT
7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome. No limit on team size
Spring has sprung and we start this year’s programme of events with a bumper April, celebrating Easter and St George’s Day!
SATURDAY 12th APRIL
LIVE MUSIC FROM OUT BEYOND ALICE
Covers band – playing hits from the 70s up to the present day. Tickets £5 members, £6 non-members
SUNDAY 13th APRIL: SPRING CARVERY
Two courses with tea/coffee, £16 per person. Tickets on sale now, all welcome – booking essential as places are limited
EASTER SATURDAY, 19th APRIL
CLUB MUSIC NIGHT FROM 7PM
EASTER SUNDAY 20th APRIL
EASTER EGG HUNT + AFTERNOON FILM
We will be showing the new Paddington film –Paddington In Peru
FRIDAY 25th APRIL: CASH BINGO NIGHT
Eyes down at 7.30pm, cash prizes and raffle. All welcome
SATURDAY 26th APRIL
ST GEORGE’S DAY PIE & MASH NIGHT
Followed by live music. We use genuine M. Manze’s meat pies (sausages available as an alternative)
BREAKING NEWS... SAT 17th MAY: FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE CLUB, WE PRESENT A TINA TURNER TRIBUTE!
CHESS CLUB
Meets every monday from 7.30pm. All abilities welcome LUNCHTIME DOMINOES SESSION
On the first and third Monday of the month. 12 noon start.
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.
ST WENDREDA’S CHURCH SPIRE
By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum
At the end of 1901, the bells of St Wendreda’s rang out the old and in with the New Year. At the vestry meeting held on Tuesday, April 1st, 1902 concern was expressed over the condition of the spire. After discussion, it was resolved to employ an expert to report on its condition.
On April 25th it was reported that 'Mr Green, who was examining Leverington steeple, would shortly pay a visit to St Wendreda's, erect ladders and thoroughly examine the top of the steeple.’ The next week the bell ringers removed five sacks of sticks from the belfry, taken in by jackdaws.
The following week the steeplejacks were busy on Friday and Saturday afternoon; Mr Green was assisted by a fifteen-year-old lad. They attracted a great many people who watched their movements with great interest. The steeple was found to be in a 'very dilapidated condition, probably through a lightning strike.’
Before the copper ball was removed, a picture of the spire was taken by Mr Bertolle, local professional photographer. Copies of this could be bought for two shillings each from Mr W C Whittlesey of St Peter's Road. A proportion of each sale would go to the restoration fund.
On Monday, July 23rd the steeplejacks started work. As a preliminary, the copper ball from the top of the weathervane was taken down. A number of documents and coins were found in a sealed tube from earlier renovations in 1750 and 1820. These were replaced when the 1902 renovation had been completed, together with the names of all the subscribers of the March Spire Fund.
On Tuesday, August 19th Mr C A Bassett-Smith, the church architect, visited the site and expressed his satisfaction with the work. The copper ball and weathercock had been forwarded to London. The former to be re-gilded while a facsimile of the latter, including a replacement flying duck, made from gunmetal. The earlier duck is now an exhibit at March Museum above the workshop.
Certainly, by the beginning of October, the rebuilding work was complete and all that was now required was the erection of the new weather vane. This
Celebrating the completion of the work. No ‘Health and Safety’ requirements in 1902! (Photo: Henry Amos)
was restored during the week ending October 24th, 1902. Replaced in the ball were the papers found when it was taken down along with the silver tokens. Additionally were inserted a Coronation Medal dated 1901, copies of The Times and Cambs Times together with a list of the clergy, church officials and the restoration committee. Reports of recent world news were also included.
Rev E S King, who was secretary of 'The Restoration of St Wendreda's Spire' fund, reported that in late July, receipts were about £210 and a month later were £370. The total cost was just short of £400, all subscribed for by local residents and businesses.
A special service of thanksgiving for the restoration of the church was scheduled for December 10th. The preacher was to be Rev E T Marshall of Sutton in the Isle.
Unfortunately the spire is again in desperate need of repair to allow the bells to ring out once more. Details of how to donate may be found at www.marchteamministry.co.uk/st-wendredas
March Museum located in High Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30am-3.30pm www.marchmuseum.co.uk Email: info@marchmuseum.co.uk
good friday - 18th
FREE JUKEBOX
THE ROOKSWOOD CLUB
With extended opening hours
easter egg hunt + saturday 19th DAYTIME: evening Disco
with his tribute to the stars of reggae and ska with DJ RUSTY saturday 5th ziggy’s back!
easter sunday - 20th
SUNDAY ROAST
Followed by Easter
Draw
regular Quiz and Bingo Nights, open mic nights, Discos, Karaoke, chess club and live Music
Entertainment
function rooms available to hire for parties, weddings, anniversaries, christenings and wakes
PLENTY OF outside seating in a south facing garden TO ENJOY
Hours will be extended on Entertainment nights. As always, more information is available on posters in the club and on our facebook page.
members only club: For more information or a new membership form please call in and see us
LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS
Fenland Music Centre: For musicians of all ages and abilities. Fridays (term-times) 6-9pm at St Peter's Church March. Orchestra, Concert Band, String, Wind, Brass and Recorder Ensembles. For more information see our website, find us on Facebook or email fenlandmusiccentreassociation@gmail.com
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 07949 443251.
March Parkinson's Group: Meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Braza Club, Elm Road, March. This is a friendly group and everyone is welcome. £1 per session so pop along for a free taster and check us out. Please contact Wendy Summerlin on 01354 661997 for more details.
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.
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 Triathlon Club: Meets every Thursday 8-9pm for swim training at the George Campbell Leisure Centre. All abilities welcome. For more information, please contact Mary-Anne Short via email at shortbyname@gmail.com
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 Bridge Club: At the Braza Club, Elm Road, March. Every Thursday 1.15 -4.30pm. Cost £3 per session. Please contact George Jupp on 01354 652586 or 07963 771179.
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
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 Rifle Club: meets at the indoor range, Upwell Road, March, every Tuesday evening from 7pm-9pm to shoot 0.22LR target rifles. Also potential for 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.
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.
Do You. Dance?: Every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm8.15pm at St Wendreda's Church Hall, 11 Church Street, March PE15 9PY. A small disco with a DJ, where you can come and dance your socks off for an hour to popular music from all decades. It's exercise you don't know you're doing! Adults only. Entrance fee is £3 each. Please contact Tricia on 07772 626233 for more information.
The Green Party: Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at The Rookswood Club, 27 West End, March at 7.15pm and on Zoom quarterly. For more details, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FenlandNECAMBSGreens
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.
EASTER HOLIDAYS
WEDS 9th APRIL 11am-3pm
FRI 11th APRIL 11am-4pm
THURS 10th APRIL 11am-5pm Dungeons & Dragons Taster Day; (sign-up required – under 18s only)
Beginner/Casual Trading Card Day; come and learn how to play
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.
