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
In the space of less than twenty-four hours, we have seen those patio chairs and sun loungers, occupied in the last week, almost washed away by a deluge of rain. Umbrellas and raincoats are replacing shorts and T-shirts – don’t you just know it’s school holiday time?
Still, not to worry – as Easter is just around the corner, as I write, our Easter bunnies are predicting a dry spell for the massive amounts of chocolate eggs to be secreted in your gardens! I’m hoping that it’s the same outcome as the local tipsters who were backing the magnificent Peterborough United FC to overcome the odds and win the Vertu Trophy at Wembley on April 13th!
Finally, our “Discovering Magazines” family comprises five titles: Whittlesea, Bourne, March, Wisbech, and The Deepings. May 2025’s issue of “Discovering Whittlesea” is number 250 and we are particularly proud of such longevity and thank not just the readers of “Discovering Whittlesea” but also all our contributors, advertisers and readers of all five titles.
Claire x
Thursday, May 8th marks the eightieth anniversary of VE Day which commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Whether you are participating in a local event to mark the day, watching nationwide celebrations on television or sitting at home with your family or on your own, I hope you take time to remember those brave men and women who fought to ensure the freedom of later generations, including ours.
When I was growing up there were still many people in the local community who had either fought or lived through World War II, but as the years have passed their numbers have obviously declined, with this in reality probably being the last significant anniversary to honour them. Sadly, the culmination of World War Two did not bring an end to global conflicts and we should also take time to pay tribute to all those who have fought and given their lives on behalf of the country in subsequent military campaigns...
Account Manager Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com
Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton
Sales Sally Anne Davis 07737026594
Ops Director Andy Armstrong
Editor Andy Hurst editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk
Discovering Wisbech 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
responsibility
be
of
Design Andy Beavis | Sarah Gumbley | Graham Copestake | Graham Booth
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body but the soul.” Alfred Austin
This month sees more pests appearing: aphids, slugs and snails will all be out in force so here are a few ideas for repelling them:
• Peppermint, spearmint and pennyroyal naturally deter aphids and ants, so plant (or put them in pots) throughout the vegetable plot.
• Plant flowers that attract the pest predators such as marigold and nasturtiums.
• Stir together 2 pints of water, 1 tsp of washing-up liquid and a pinch of Cayenne pepper and then spray on plants.
Two of the main cultivation jobs you need to keep on top of:
1 Firstly, the weeds are growing so hoeing is imperative whilst they are small and haven’t had chance to send their roots deeper down.
2 Seeds that were sown last month, such as carrots, beetroot and parsnips will need thinning out whilst they are still very small to give them room to develop. Once they have been thinned out water along the row and this will help the disturbed seedlings settle back in. When watering young plants and seedlings it is better to water less frequently but more thoroughly as this gets down to the roots.
will protect the foliage from frost and stop the tubers going green and poisonous.
• Pick flowers off new strawberries to prevent them cropping in their first year.
• Cover carrots with netting to stop carrot fly damage.
• Pot on growing plants.
• 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 are too numerous to list, but a few 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.
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
• 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.
Are you interested in expanding your kitchen with extra cabinets, additional worktops, handle changes, storage solutions, plinths, pelmets and other accessories? We can arrange supply only or we can arrange full installation for you using our excellent trained fitters. Do you have a and want it to reflect your taste and lifestyle?
PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE
CUSTOMISING YOUR COMPUTER
Following on from our article in last month’s issue, here are some further ways in which to customise Windows 11.
LOCK SCREEN
In the same way that you can change the background image of your PC, the lock screen is also customisable. Go to Settings -> Personalisation -> Lock screen. To the right of ‘Personalise your lock screen’, there is a drop-down menu which allows you to choose Windows spotlight, picture or slideshow. For the latter two options, you will be able to browse your PC for photos to use.
LIGHT AND DARK MODES
Light and dark modes are useful for those who use a PC for many hours at a time. Dark mode helps reduce eye strain from staring at a bright screen in low-light environments. However, there might be times when you wish to increase legibility and view Windows in light mode instead. To navigate between light and dark modes, go to Settings ->
Personalisation on the left- hand side. Click on ‘colours’ and here you will see an option to ‘Choose your mode’ with a drop-down menu. This is where you can flick between dark and light modes.
START MENU
The Start menu in Windows 11 is different from previous versions, but it can be customised, for example by reorganising your apps. Some apps are pinned to the Start menu by default, and you can easily click to drag them around and organise them the way you want. You can also add or remove apps:
• Remove - right-click the app icon and choose Unpin from Start.
• Add - click All apps near the top right corner of the Start menu, find the app you want, right-click it, and choose Pin to Start.
Windows 11 also lets you create folders with multiple apps in the pinned area. To create a folder, simply drag one app icon over another, and a folder will
automatically be created. You can then drag more apps into the same folder.
TASKBAR
To make the taskbar your own, you can add or remove app shortcuts:
• Remove - right-click the app’s icon and choose Unpin from taskbar. If the app is open, it will still appear there.
• Add - open the Start menu, and find the app you want, either from the pinned area, or you may need to click All apps to find it.
A big one you may be looking for is to move the taskbar icons, including the Start menu, back to the left corner of the screen:
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and click Taskbar settings then expand the panel called Taskbar behaviours. Click the dropdown menu next to Taskbar alignment and choose Left to move your taskbar icons to the left.
Pure-
Have you been refused a mortgage or equity release due to spray foam?
If you suspect you’ve been misled or had a poor-quality removal, act now! Contact us for a FREE survey and expert advice before it’s too late.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) states that spray foam may affect a property's valuation, particularly if applied incorrectly. Spray foam can reduce airflow in the roof, potentially leading to issues like mould, wood rot, and reduced structural stability.
❌ Foam left behind in eaves – Often hidden and hard to reach without proper access (scaffolding may have been necessary).
❌ Torn or damaged roofing felt – Careless removal can cause holes, leading to leaks and structural issues.
❌ Foil tacked to rafters – A common trick used to hide incomplete removal, preventing proper inspection.
Structural Damage – Undetected spray foam can weaken your roof over time. Devalued Property – Incomplete removal may leave your home unmortgageable Higher Costs – A second removal job can be expensive if not done right the first time.
CAN YOU HELP CLEAR THE TRACK AND DO TRACK MAINTENANCE SO WE CAN RUN HERITAGE ROLLING STOCK?
We are reaching out to the local communities to find people who would like to join and become members of the BLHRT and help clear the brambles and reeds, so we can assess what is needed track wise and do maintenance. Initially this will enable us to run between Waldersea Yard and Coldham, followed by other sections of track.
We have recently been asked to give talks to groups in Norwich, Ipswich and Wisbech to promote BLHRT and pass on the history of the line to even more people.
Anyone who worked on the line and has a story about it or has any artifacts they would like the BLHRT to have and look after connected with the operation of the line, please contact us on Facebook or by email. Or even a letter to the address above... we would be grateful for your knowledge.
We would like young and old to come and help, but we do have restrictions from Network Rail, regarding our license whilst being on track together with that of our insurance company.
Please wear safety footwear or walking/work boots orgood strong trainers, no sandals.
Thanks for reading this article, we look forward to hearing from you or seeing you, usual work days are 1st and 2nd Saturdays of the month. Thank you
Chair BLHR
BLHRT Waldersea Depot
Long Drove, Waldersea Friday Bridge, Wisbech PE14 0NP
www.bramleyline.org.uk office@bramleyline.org.uk
Bramley Line Heritage Railway Registered Charity Number1211887
•
• 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.
• 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
Handmade Blinds & Curtains
Domestic and Commercial
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
Telephone
It’s Good To Talk
Scott Bishop
The recent Spring Statement didn’t provide us with any new numbers in terms of tax rates or allowances, with all of these having been confirmed in the October 2024 budget. However, what it did provide was for further confirmation of further government consultations. These allow for the profession and public to provide comments and views on various government proposals.
Included in the most recent consultations were matters relating to:
• Research and Development Tax relief advance clearances.
• Better use of new and improved third party data.
• Modernising the tax system through Making Tax Digital.
• Behavioural penalties reform.
The first consultation will affect Companies only, but may provide some more certainty to what has been a complex area of tax, which has witnessed many changes over a short period of time. This has now resulted in a more robust response from HMRC to claims being made.
The remaining consultations listed will, if enacted, affect everyone going forward. You will notice a theme with these, in that they are trying to ensure that they (HMRC) are provided with information electronically. This is to ensure that there is full compliance with the various tax obligations and that the right amount of tax is paid and that this is paid on time.
This will be achieved by allowing greater powers for access to financial institutions including banks, building societies and card acquiring services, thus allowing HMRC a better use of third-party data.
We then move onto the continuing matter of the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD), which will soon require individuals to report income arising from Self Employment and Rental income via the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) regime. This is initially being introduced from April 2026 with further expansion through to, and including April 2028. Initially this will affect those individuals that have turnover exceeding £50,000, but this will eventually reduce to those with turnover exceeding £20,000.
Finally, the consultation relating to behavioural penalties relates to the manner in which HMRC is seeking to improve the financial penalties that apply when inaccuracies are found in returns and documents submitted to HMRC and where taxpayers do not meet their obligations to notify HMRC of circumstances that affect their tax liability.
The current approach is one in which penalties are tax geared and based upon a percentage of the understated liability, or overstated repayment or loss, with reasons for such errors including careless behaviour, and here HMRC are suggesting that this could be replaced by claiming a reasonable excuse, however from experience, the view of what a reasonable excuse is can be very difficult to determine and indeed agree with HMRC.
Get In Touch
As with any new HMRC announcements if you have any queries, then please do contact us for any assistance or further explanation.
Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.
o
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“AHM
all the way” Mrs Marion-Russell, November 2024
Do you suffer from damaged nails and want good looking feet NOW?
Toenail reconstruction could be the answer!
Toenail reconstruction is a cosmetic or medical procedure performed by a podiatrist. We use a specialist gel that is layered either directly onto the nail or nail bed if no nail is present due to trauma or surgery. This is suitable for both men and women, with the option of a natural looking finish or gloss finish. This procedure creates a brand-new nail or covers unsightly or misshapen nails so that the nail is more aesthetically pleasing. This is perfect to disguise unsightly nails due to fungal infections, or damage to the nail bed.
This means that you can still have lovely looking feet for your holiday or special occasion and flaunt your feet in style. Nail reconstruction is not a permanent solution. The length of time that the nail reconstruction lasts will vary from person to person. The new nail will generally last between four and six weeks but can last longer depending on how much of the nail is damaged; after this time, the reconstructed nail is removed and a new one can be reapplied.
A reconstructed toenail may be treated in exactly the same way you would treat a normal nail, meaning you can apply nail varnish and use a nail varnish remover.
Contact us now on 01354 651200 for more information about how we can help your damaged, ugly nails look beautiful again!
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March Podiatry Practice Ltd
March Podiatry Practice Ltd
47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ
47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200
March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200
www.marchpodiatry.co.uk
www.marchpodiatry.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon 9am-7pm, Tues 9am-5pm, Weds 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm
SARAH JANE’S SUCCESS STORY
By Jamie Holland, Slimming World, Team Developer
This is the lovely Sarah Jane, who attends Wisbech Rugby Club on Wednesday morning with Carrie.
She has struggled with her weight for the last twelve years. She was really suffering and had high blood pressure and high cholesterol and was given medication but after losing just over three stone is now off medication and feeling great.
She says: “I’m so much more active doing 15,000 steps daily and am able to run around with my grandchildren. I feel great.
“Walking into the group was daunting for me, but ‘wow’ I’m so glad I did. It’s helped with my weight and mental health. I have made so many friends and it’s a plan that is so easy the whole family can follow.
Don’t wait, walk through the door of one of our fun, friendly groups.”
Carrie, her consultant, says: “The day Sarah Jane joined she walked
Recruiting now
please contact Jamie Holland Team Developer on 07415 175655
MONDAYS
Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech 9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm Tel Tina on - 07798894639
in with her head down and looked really scared but today she is a big part of group, head up and proud of what she has achieved.”
THURSDAYS
Slimming World
Slimming World
TUESDAYS
Emneth Central Hall 9.30am Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
Outwell Village Hall, 9am
Upwell Village Hall, 6pm Tel Allison on - 07826362418
Leverington SSC, 5.30pm & 7pm Tel Katie on - 07928395615
Tel Sandy on - 07547486801 BEFORE
WEDNESDAYS
Rugby Club, Wisbech 9.30am
Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
Rugby Club, Wisbech, 5.30pm
Tel Katie on - 07928395615
SATURDAYS
Rugby Club, Wisbech, 8.30am & 10am
real food, real support, real results
real food, real support, real results
FENLAND’S GOT TALENT...
By Steve Barclay MP
Ihad the privilege of attending the Fenland Business Awards at the Braza Club, March. The event showcased the remarkable quality and resilience of our local businesses, leaving everyone in attendance uplifted by their achievements. It’s a testament to the talent and determination thriving in Fenland.
One highlight was presenting the Best Customer Care award, judged by Iain Kirkbright of Chaos Internet. The finalists – Fenland Families and Baby Bank, March Fast Fit & Servicing, and Sizzler Barbecue Caterers – each demonstrated exceptional dedication to their customers. A huge well done to all three, with special congratulations to March Fast Fit & Servicing for clinching the title for the second year running. That’s no small feat, and it speaks volumes about their consistent excellence.
I was also delighted to join managing director Kent Phippen and Lord Patrick Carter for the formal opening of their new care home, Glenholme Court Care Home in Peterhouse Crescent, alongside the chairman of Fenland and the Mayors of March and Wisbech (pictured right). Cristina Ciardulli and her outstanding team made the occasion truly special. Hearing glowing feedback from families and residents, it’sclear this facility is already making a positive difference in people’s lives.
It’s another example of Fenland’s community spirit shining through.
Switching gears to Westminster, there’s been less welcome news for our farming community again. The Government recently made the sudden decision to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – the key scheme replacing EU-era Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) subsidies – while still phasing out the old system. This move has sparked real concern among local farmers, and rightly so. I joined in a parliamentary debate to press the farming minister to guarantee that every penny allocated to agriculture stays with agriculture. Our rural economy depends on it, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure our farmers get the support they deserve.
From award-winning businesses to new community assets and the ongoing fight for fair policies, Fenland continues to show its strength and character.
To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website www.stevebarclay.net or follow me on social media:
Lyncroft Care Home
Lyncroft Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our home is beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Lyncroft feel extra special. With regular activities and outings which provide variety, social stimulation and enjoyment for residents, we ensure that every day at Lyncroft is filled with opportunities for connection and happiness.
FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
By Bridget Hunter
We serve the Fens including South Lincs, North Cambs and West Norfolk
We are a group interested in learning and sharing information about family history and are for anyone interested, no matter where their family originated. We are a member of the Family History Federation and we cover the Fenland area of North Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and South East Lincolnshire.
RESEARCHERS
Our researchers often find a mistake in the transcription of church records. The 1831 baptism record of Charlotte Clack RINGHAM was transcribed as BINGHAM. Another mis-transcription was the different spelling of SALLIBANKS or SALLABANKS. Both local families. I wonder which spelling they use now. Sometimes we find things out regarding the parentage of a member of the family and we wonder if it will upset the person who we are doing the research for. If you would like us to research your family history, please get in touch or attend one of our research sessions. And we will do our best for you.
RESEARCH SESSIONS
Our team of researchers are in Wisbech Library on the first Tuesday of each month from 10am-12noon, offering help with family research. Visitors are welcome, no matter where their family originated. Also, in Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay near Downham Market on the second Monday of the month from 11am-2.30pm where we can be found in the restaurant. We are willing to go to other places but we do need access to Wi-Fi. We offer our research for free. If you need help but are unable to attend, please contact us.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
At a SPECIAL MEETING in March, members and visitors enjoyed a very different meeting. We displayed and shared our very different ways of
illustrating our family history and research, with all of us going away with lots of new ideas to try out, making family research such an interesting hobby. Our meetings are open to anyone with an interest in family history, no matter where your family originates. Our meetings are held at Wisbech Library 7pm-9pm on the fourth Thursday of the month (no meetings August & December). Everyone is welcome, but visitors are asked to give a donation to help us pay for the room. Our meetings usually include an interesting speaker on various subjects, plus refreshments and general exchange of information and help with research. On April 24th, Alan JOHNSON was to be our speaker. On May 2nd, we look forward to our guest speaker, Diane CARLTON SMITH who will give a talk on ‘Going to School in Medieval Fenland’.
EVENTS TEAM
Our team attended the Festival for International Women’s Day at the Queen Mary Centre in Queens Road, Wisbech with illustrations of women in World War Two and the work they covered which was so varied including lumber-jills replacing lumberjacks. We are always happy to create a special display to suit your theme to bring added interest to your event. If you have an event coming up, please contact us and we will be happy to support you.
SPEAKERS
Our speakers are available to attend groups and clubs to give talks in the local area. Our talks are very amusing as well as informative plus a display of items for added interest.
They include: The Fun of Family History;’ ‘My Naughty Great Aunt Eliza;’ The Ups & Downs of Being a Magistrate;’ ‘The Sad Tale of The Blacksmiths Family;’ and ‘We’re going down the pub,’ a ‘local’ history about the many pubs in the area. Plus, other talks can be arranged.
For further information on any of the above please phone me on (01945) 587723. Email: bridget25hunter@btinternet.com
Sound Advice From Clearer Hearing Specialists
TDenture re-lines
Denture additions
Denture cosmetic improvements
Dentures cleaned and polished
here’s no need for people to suffer in silence if they feel they have hearing problems. That’s the message from Clearer Hearing Ltd which says people should treat their hearing just as they do their eye-sight.
A fully qualified dental technician
Jackie Mantle, manager of the company’s Wisbech and St Ives branches, said: “Most people have their eyes tested every year and they should treat their hearing the same.”
The company can help people deal with a host of hearing issues, including tinnitus and noise protection, but Jackie says the most common procedure they carry out is ear wax removal.
• Free hearing tests
Dentures fracture for a reason. They may have become damaged, perhaps by dropping; they may simply be old and worn; or perhaps the denture is no longer suitable for purpose.
She said: “Wax removal is definitely the most common problem we deal with. People tend to think that if their hearing worsens they may need a hearing aid, which due to technology today are small and unobtrusive, but invariably it’s because of a build-up of ear wax.
“People shouldn’t be afraid to come in and have their ears checked; they shouldn’t sit at home in silence. We are here to give advice and have many regular customers at our Wisbech clinic, many of whom have been with us for years with some coming from as far afield as north Norfolk.”
Established in 2002 and with a presence in Wisbech since 2008, Clearer Hearing is a family owned independent hearing healthcare company with team of qualified and registered hearing aid audiologists.
Loose dentures may damage gums or the underlying bone structure and are also more prone to breakage. Re-lining your denture will re-stablish a good fit.
Your dentures should be inspected annually along with a checkup on your oral health, or more frequently if necessary.
The company’s comprehensive website –www.clearerhearing.co.uk – boasts a quick and easy hearing checker which provides a snapshot of your hearing ability to give an easy assessment and the opportunity of a priority booking should you require a full consultation.
Icenidental@gmail.com 07932 162606
Contact Clearer Heating Ltd at 31 High Street, Wisbech PE13 1DE. Tel: (01945) 466386; Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm.
• State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones
• Effective painless wax removal
• Noise protection
“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”
The Church That Isn’t
If you walk along the North Brink in Wisbech and go just past Peckover House you will nd the church that isn’t a church. It calls itself ‘Friends Meeting House’, and there has been a Meeting House there ever since 1711.
Every Sunday, people go to a service that isn’t a service; it’s a Meeting for Worship and they call themselves ‘ e Religious Society of Friends’ although most people know them as ‘Quakers’.
So, why isn’t the building called a church? Well, the founder of the Quakers, George Fox pointed out that in the Bible, the Christians were called the church, not the building. In other words, it is the people who practise Christianity that are more important than any building. e buildings are important but they wouldn’t be any use without the people.
e rst record of Quakers in Wisbech was in the 1660s. And at that time it was against the law to practise any type of religion other than the Church of England. Eight of the Wisbech Quakers were imprisoned, one of them for three years.
And why are the worshippers often known as Quakers? Well, when George Fox introduced this form of religion, it was against the law. is meant that often George was put in prison. One time, when he was in court facing Justice Bennet he told the judge that he should tremble at the word of God. Bennet turned round and said rather derisively, ‘Perhaps we should call you Quakers.’
And the name stuck.
All the Peckovers in Wisbech were Quakers and it was Algernon Peckover who in 1854 designed and built the present building.
One of the things that Quakers are well known for is their views on peace. ey strive to bring about a world where people sort things out by talking and not ghting. Priscilla Hannah Peckover started a Peace Association in 1878 which spread incredibly all over the world.
Behind the Meeting House is a small graveyard. In it are graves of Wisbech Quakers and of all the Peckovers who died in Wisbech, the earliest of which is dated 1793 and is
one of John Peckover’s sons who was only seven months old when he died. e last of the Peckovers to be buried here was Alexandrina in 1948, aged 88.
But the graveyard has one very unusual secret, hidden away from the general public for most of the year and that is the grave of ‘Jane Stuart’. She died in 1742 and all the facts indicate her to be one of the natural daughters of King James II. He had quite a few.
At the time of her death it was not the normal thing for Quakers to mark graves with a headstone as it is now, but because they believed that she was descended from royalty they wanted to do something special.
Unusually, they did this with box hedging shaped in words and numbers, saying:
J S AGE 88 1742
For nearly three hundred years gardeners have looked after this box hedging and it still spells out the letters and numbers of Jane Stuart, her age and date.
Not only is this a very important grave, but it is as far as we can tell, totally unique and it’s in Wisbech.
What of the future of this ne building that Algernon designed and built? Luckily, in 1972 the Quakers decided to convert the top of the building into ats. is was done in conjunction with the East Anglian Housing Association which is now no more. e rent from these ats pays for the property to be looked after.
And Wisbech is unique by having Peckover House which is the only National Trust property in the whole country that has connections with Quakers.
Meetings are held every Sunday at 10am at the Meeting House and at heritage weekends the building is open for the public to view from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
And nally, Quaker Oats, isn’t Quaker... it has nothing to do with Quakers at all!
Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and
and Curious Facts of Yesteryear’
‘Interesting
www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk 07549
wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk
Family Funeral Directors
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LOCAL CLUBS AND GROUPS
Wisbech u3a is an organisation which aims to meet the social, recreational and creative needs of those no longer in full-time employment. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall, Wisbech at 2-30pm. We have lots to offer you so please come along and find out for yourself. wisbech.u3asite.uk
Wisbech & District Flower Club. See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the month at St Peter's Hall, Wisbech. More info 07949 443 251
Friends of Wisbech & Fenland Museum hold monthly talks at Wisbech Public Library. For further details, please see Facebook Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum, www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk or email: friendsofwisbechmuseum@outlook.com
Royal Air Force Association Wisbech Branch Welcomes everyone to sample our newly refurbished club. For your comfort and enjoyment we offer: Fully air conditioned • Free Wi-Fi • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks • Choice of hot drinks and snacks • Pool table • Meeting facilities by arrangement • Quiz night, games night, entertainment • Friendly welcome • New members always welcome, not required to be ex-Forces. Opening Hours: Thursdays/Fridays 7pm till 11pm | Saturdays 11am till 2pm and 7pm 11pm. rafawisbech.co.uk Situated at 22 Lynn Road PE13 3DJ
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
Wisbech Scouts and Guides. Meet at The Robert Hall Centre, St Augustine's Road, Wisbech. For more details contact 07986 144534. Robert Hall is also available for hire, and the contact number is 07986 144534
Wisbech Baptist Church Hill St by the side of BOOTS. Our Church is open for worship every Sunday at 10.30am and all are very welcome
Open doors is a drop in for coffee chat every Monday at 101.15pm closed Bank holidays. Again all welcome. Contact Secretary Lin Stanton 07906 938571 or wbcsecretary7@gmail.com
Wisbech NHS Retirement Fellowship
We are a group who meet once a month at the Rosmini Centre in Wisbech where we enjoy a variety of speakers and various functions throughout the year. Everyone is welcome, not just ex NHS staff. Please contact Georgie on 01945 465522 for further information
Wisbech & District Stroke Club
We are a club for stroke survivors and their carers. We meet twice monthly on the second and last Friday of each month at the Tesco Community Room Cromwell Road at 2pm. Members enjoy chatting with other Stroke Survivors ,Guest Speakers. Trips to the theatre and places of interest to get them rehabilitated back into the community. At the last meeting of the month we are joined by a qualified specialist keep fit instructor to get survivors moving again. We are a friendly bunch come and join us. Contact Brian Sandall on 07778 755105 or 410225
