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 September issue...
Whilst I would never consider myself a football fan, I’ve got to admit that those fabulous Lionesses winning the Euros in Switzerland made me think it’s maybe not so bad after all. The most impressive memory that I’m taking from the win, however, must be the heroics of England veteran, Ms. Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze MBE. This lady not only scored goals and defended bravely but admitted, only after picking up her winners’ medal, that she’d played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia! Whenever has a middle name (‘Tough’) seemed so appropriate? Evenings will soon be ‘pulling in’ and a sign that Christmas isn’t too far away is that last week, we found out who will be this year’s contestants on “Strictly”. Finally, for those of you whose “little ones” are either starting school this time or going on to further education … enjoy the peace and quiet, at least for a little while!
Like many people I sometimes browse social media on my mobile phone.
If I’m honest with you I only initially started because of my job as a journalist, making sure I kept up to date with what might be happening locally and nationally that I didn’t glean via the traditional media.
However, I’ve never been much of a poster and usually only drop a ‘like’ here or there, and of course a ‘congratulations’ message to mark a friend or relative’s landmark event.
One thing that constantly surprises me are the memories that come up from previous years. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I find them really depressing as I’m constantly thinking ‘it can’t be that long ago.’ Today I had a reminder that it was a friend’s birthday, but it seemed only five minutes since their last one.
The speed of the advancing years is a shock, but it reminds me that I am one of the lucky ones who are still here to look back at bygone days...
Account Manager Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com With thanks to: Diamond Byte, Whitings LLP, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter
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 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.
Design Andy Beavis | Sarah Gumbley | Graham Copestake | Graham Booth
Now is the time to lift potatoes before the arrival of cold damp days and before the slugs and worms can invade the crop: make sure they are well dried out before storing them in light-proof sacks.
Onions should also be lifted and if you are keen you can string them and then hang in a cool, frost-free place such as a shed. Cut courgettes and marrows regularly because they will be finished by the end of the month, as will outdoor tomatoes. Remove any green tomatoes and place them in a drawer or shoebox to ripen.
September is an ideal time to care for and improve your soil:
Composting: As you harvest crops and pull up spent plants, collect any leaves, plant debris, and vegetable peelings to add to your compost heap. Turn the compost to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
Green manures: If you have empty beds, consider sowing green manures like mustard, clover, or ryegrass. These will improve soil structure, add organic matter, and help suppress weeds over the winter.
Mulching: Adding a layer of organic mulch, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost, around your perennial plants (like fruit trees and bushes) will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the soil.
Clear weeds: Before they have a chance to set seed, remove any weeds. September is the last chance to get on top of them before growth slows down in winter.
Top-up raised beds: Raised beds tend to sink over time as organic matter breaks down. Top them up with fresh compost or well-rotted manure to prepare them for winter crops or to rest over winter.
Now is a good time to plant several crops which are hardy enough to withstand the winter or are fast growing. Some examples are:
• Lamb’s lettuce, oriental leaves, winter lettuces (“Valdor” “Arctic King” or “Winter Density” are good varieties to choose)
• Spring cabbage
• Peas for early harvest next spring
• Spinach
• Onion sets.
A few jobs that need doing include:
• Cut down asparagus to 2.5cms(1in) above the ground.
• Turn the compost heap and water if it is dry.
• Earth-up or stake Brussels and remove any yellowing lower leaves or those that have fallen off as these are ideal homes for pests to shelter. Tall growing varieties may need staking against autumn winds.
• Harvest apples and pears.
• Ripen pumpkins and squashes by removing leaves to allow sunlight in.
• Plant new strawberry plants and those propagated from runners.
• Apply nematodes to control slugs and snails while temperatures are still mild.
• Feed all late crops with a general fertiliser such as pelleted chicken manure.
• When your peas and beans finish, leave the roots in the ground after cutting and composting the top growth. This allows maximum nitrogen to re-enter the soil from the root nodules.
• Clear the soil of spent crops, leaving them to rot on the soil may spread disease.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Support Fenland
Support Cambridgeshire registered address: The Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7HN
LOVE DOGS? WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Guide Dogs in Wisbech, Leverington, Emneth and Newton-In-The-Isle are in need of Training Dog Fosterer volunteers locally to help look after one of our amazing dogs in training, so they can train more dogs and reduce the time people are waiting for a life-changing guide dog.
Volunteer fosterers provide temporary homes for future guide dogs, as they complete their specialised training. While you give our clever canine a loving home in the evenings and at weekends, we care for them during the day,
so volunteering with us won't hinder your day job.
We’ll collect your training dog from your home between 8.30am9.30am and return them 4pm-5pm (times may vary), Monday to Friday.
Guide Dogs covers the cost of all the food, veterinary care and equipment required for each dog and provides full training and support to help you every step of the way.
Fosterers Darren and Sarah advise: “It was hard to give back our first foster dog, but it’s really rewarding to see them progress and know you’ve had a hand in that.
“We know they’re going on to help somebody with their independence and that’s really satisfying. That’s the great part of fostering for Guide Dogs, but the best thing, is the convenience!”
If you think you could provide a loving, temporary home for a trainee guide dog, visit the website www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-youcan-help/volunteering/volunteerwith-our-dogs/fosterer/ for more information and to apply or email volattractcentral@guidedogs.org.uk.
Guide Dogs looks forward to welcoming you as a volunteer soon!
FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
By Bridget Hunter
We are a group interested in learning and sharing information about family history, and we love helping and sharing our knowledge with others researching their family history
NEW RESEARCH SESSION
We will be starting a new research session in September at a lovely new venue. You will be able to buy a meal or drink in The Red Lion pub in North Brink, Wisbech, while we research your family history for you. We will start on the third Wednesday evening of every other month between 6.30pm & 8pm in the restaurant area. For more information, please check with the staff at the Red Lion.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held on the fourth Thursday each month in the evening at Wisbech Library from 7pm-9pm except August and December. On September 25th after our AGM, our speaker will be Richard HOLT with a talk on Freedom of Info for Genealogy. Our October 23rd speaker is Malcolm BRUCE whose subject will be Wisbech Hospital. Visitors are always welcome to join us at our meetings.
EVENTS TEAM
Our team arranges displays at events to match the theme of the event being held. We research and
display some interesting facts about the theme of the event. We have been invited to attend an event in St Augustine Church for the Christmas Tree festival. Next year at the Wisbech Castle. A possible event will be at Peckover House. If you would like us to attend an event for you, please contact us.
RESEARCH SESSIONS
If you would like help with your research, you can join us either at the Wisbech Library on the first Tuesday of each month from 10am-12noon or Baytree Garden centre in Hilgay near Downham Market on the second Monday of each month from 11am-2.30pm. We have a team of experienced researchers at both sessions available to help you. We are willing to go elsewhere but the place must have access to Wi-Fi.
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. They include: ‘Starting your Family History’; ‘We’re going down the pub - a talk on local’ history’; ‘History of Elgoods’; ‘Wisbech heritage’; ‘The Littleport Riots’; ‘The Fun of Family History’; ‘My Naughty Great Aunt Eliza’; ‘The Ups & Downs of Being a Magistrate’; and ‘The Sad Tale of The Blacksmiths Family’.
For further information on any of the above please phone me on (01945) 587723. Email: bridget25hunter@btinternet.com
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Going off to university or college without a decent laptop is akin to refusing to take pads and pens. However, a laptop is more than just a tool for taking notes; it’s a student’s portable library, design studio, research assistant, and entertainment centre.
Since there is a wide variety of sizes, features and prices, choosing the best laptop for university or college life can be a challenge. Here are some tips:
Portability: Since students regularly move between lecture halls, libraries, cafés etc, a lightweight laptop with a compact form factor is ideal.
Battery Life: Extended battery life is essential for working all day, especially when access to power outlets is limited. Aim for at least eight hours of real-world use.
Processor: As the ‘brains’ of your computer, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the most indispensable part of any PC. It performs most of the processing inside a computer by executing instructions from programs as well as the operating system. The two most popular brands of consumer processors are AMD and Intel. AMD Ryzen 5/Intel core i5 processors are
HOW TO GET TOP MARKS FROM YOUR LAPTOP
good for multitasking, making them an every-day choice. AMD Ryzen 7/ Intel core i7 are better for multimedia tasks and gaming, however, are more expensive, therefore you may wish to consider a refurbished laptop.
Hard Drive: This is the part of the laptop on which all your data is stored. A 250GB SSD hard drive can store about 62,500 photos or MP3s. For playing around with video files, you should look at a 1000GB (1TB) drive, which can store about twentyfour hours of HD video. Beware of buying a ‘bargain’ device with LESS than 128Gb of storage space – Windows 11 has regular sizeable updates which may not install if you have even the smallest of additional software installed.
Memory: Random Access Memory (RAM) is fast, temporary storage that Windows uses to load both itself
and whatever it is you are doing at the time. So, when surfing the internet, you are using some RAM for Windows, a little more for the web browser, a little more for your anti-virus program, etc. 8GB of RAM is really the baseline minimum.
Operating System: Windows 11 is the latest OS from Microsoft. DO NOT buy a laptop running Windows 10 as it will not be supported after October 14th.
• Other recommendations you may wish to consider are:
• Invest in a padded laptop bag or sleeve to keep your device protected.
• Avoid purchasing a Chrome Book as they aren’t compatible with MS Office and some other software packages.
• Check the connectivity — USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack cover most needs. If you use SD cards or Ethernet, check for those ports.
• Back up your files regularly using cloud storage or an external drive.
• Don’t overpay for unnecessary features — a mid-range laptop is perfect for most students.
• Universities and colleges may provide a version of Office 365, so check that this is the case before paying extra for it when purchasing your laptop.
FENLAND AERIALS
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The Eccentric Man
Alocal newspaper ran a spotlight article on him in which he was described as…. eccentric. But what has this got to do with Discovering Wisbech?
e eccentric man does not come from Wisbech or the Fens but he has now lived here quite a time and is very happy. He isn’t planning on moving anywhere else and has even bought his own plot in Wisbech St Mary cemetery.
As a professional musician he started out working in London, South London, and Surrey, mainly in clubs and pubs. Music in places like that was a big thing in those days. Even the smallest of pubs had a piano.
he did as soon after the Cabaret Club had a re and closed! And then he got an o er to play at the Cellar Club which was under Marcam Hall. Now, you’re not going to believe this but it’s just as well he took the job at the Cellar Club as there was a massive re at the Lobster Pot and it burnt right down. He enjoyed the Cellar Club but nally moved on and years later that building burnt down too.
But as well as this he was kept busy playing in churches of di erent denominations, playing for a large school of ballet dancing, conducting a ladies choir, and giving private music lessons.
One day his agent phoned and instead of somewhere nearby said, did he want to do a gig in a place called March. is was certainly unusual. It had always been London mainly south London, places like ornton Heath or Crystal Palace.
Anyhow, the eccentric man said yes and o he went. Don’t forget, in those days there was no sat nav, you had to use things called maps.
e gig was at the March Cabaret Club. ey liked the eccentric man and asked whether he would play there permanently. He never went back to London. He settled in March. Wisbech would come later. is was when his love for this area started.
At that time March was known as the ‘Las Vegas of East Anglia.’ People would come long distances for the entertainment and the gambling. It is certainly di erent now.
Anyhow, after some time the eccentric man moved across the road to a club called the Lobster Pot. It’s just as well
Whilst in March he did play in a number of churches. e Roman Catholic church wanted an organist but all they had was an old harmonium. So, the eccentric man on their behalf found a pipe organ in north London that was for sale. Armed with a removal lorry and a gang of volunteers he went to the church, took the organ to pieces and carefully loaded it onto the van. Back in March it was carefully unloaded and he put it all back together. It still works very well even now.
As an adult pupil he obtained a degree in music at Cambridge (that’s the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology) and for a time he taught music at the Springwood High School, King’s Lynn, (for his sins!)
What else?
He started the March electronic organ society which ran successfully for some time and played in the orchestra for a local production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ As well as all this, he did a summer season on the Isle of Wight and another at Great Yarmouth and spent six months in an electronic factory learning how electronic organs worked!
But then something very strange one New Year’s Day happened to him ending up with him getting to know and love Wisbech and eventually writing about Wisbech.
And eventually he would receive the highest accolade anybody could have, having his name on the front cover of… the Discovering Wisbech magazine!
e very strange thing will be revealed in next month’s article.
Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and ‘Interesting
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Household and utilities bills are rocketing, so now is the time to consider insulation as the answer to inflation! According to the Energy Saving Trust in an uninsulated home up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof space! We can supply and install insulation to save your pocket and the planet – and you’ll be surprised how cost-effective our solutions are.
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How Could Acupuncture Help You?
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms.
We are delighted to welcome experienced acupuncturist Carri Cantral-Withers to the practice. Carri has been a therapist for 35 years – initially as a massage therapist, aromatherapist and reiki practitioner, she then studied a four year Bachelor of Science degree in Acupuncture at The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, affiliated to Kingston University. We are pleased that she is now providing Acupuncture appointments from March Podiatry Practice.
A growing body of evidence-based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture safely treats a wide range of common health problems, including anxiety, arthritis, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sports injuries and much more.
Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine.
During your first visit, your acupuncturist needs to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle. This involves asking questions about your current
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symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion, and your emotional wellbeing. Based on all the information you have given, the practitioner will make a diagnosis and put together your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary advice as well as acupuncture.
The acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and, once in place, they are hardly noticeable. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often feel very calm after a treatment.
A lot of people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), headaches and low back pain, or for common health problems like an overactive bladder. Other people choose acupuncture when they can feel their bodily functions are out of balance, but they have no obvious diagnosis. We have daytime, evening and Saturday appointments available. If you would like more information, or to try acupuncture, contact us on 01354 651200.
March Podiatry Practice Ltd
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
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
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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.
Every Friday 10am – 3pm
We host The Day Centre which provides dementia-friendly activities on a secured floor and is ideal for those living at home to give family carers a break and an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.
Devika Dementia Day Centre
What really makes a difference for them is their group — they show up
If you’re stuck or feeling like it’s all too much, reach out. Find a Slimming
World group in Wisbech and raised £310 for Cancer Research.
Recruiting now
Tplease contact Jamie Holland Team Developer on 07415 175655
Sound Advice From Clearer Hearing
Slimming World
MONDAYS
Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech
9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm
Slimming World
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.
“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.”
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.”
Tel Tina on - 07798894639
TUESDAYS
Emneth Central Hall
9.30am
WEDNESDAYS
Rugby Club, Wisbech
9.30am
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.
Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
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.
THURSDAYS
Outwell Village Hall, 9am
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.
Upwell Village Hall, 6pm Tel Allison on - 07826362418
Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
Rugby Club, Wisbech, 5.30pm
Tel Katie on - 07928395615
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.
Leverington SSC, 5.30pm & 7pm Tel Katie on - 07928395615
real food, real support, real results
real food, real support, real results
• Free hearing tests
• State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones
• Effective painless wax removal
• Noise protection
SATURDAYS
Rugby Club, Wisbech, 8.30am & 10am
Tel Sandy on - 07547486801
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.
“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”
Discover the Heart of Care at Glennfield
Welcome to a life well lived, every day
Glennfield Care Home is a welcoming, purpose-built home located in Wisbech, offering high-quality residential, dementia, respite and end-of-life care.
Located in a peaceful area close to the town centre, Glennfield provides a safe, comfortable environment where people are supported to live fulfilling lives.
Our dedicated team takes time to understand each individual, providing care tailored to their needs, preferences and routines. Building strong relationships with families is central to our approach.
Mealtimes are a social highlight, with nutritious, freshly prepared meals served in our dining areas or in people’s own rooms.
Come and visit us to experience our warm and supportive communitywe’d love to welcome you!
Sing for Life
If you’ve ever thought about giving singing a go, NOW is your chance! We’re inviting around forty women to join a fun, ten-week singing project, starting in September.
Working towards a fantastic live performance at The Cresset on November 6th, you’ll learn to sing, meet new people, perform live on stage AND raise money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, with plenty of laughs along the way!
More than one hundred women sang last year and raised thousands of pounds for charity. Most of them had never sung, rehearsed or performed as part of a group – or in public – before, and here’s what they had to say:
✦ Loved every moment and wish I could do it all over again!
✦ An amazing experience… the support was fantastic!
✦ Fabulous experience shared with a great group of women!
Annette Mawby, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, says: "We're completely in
awe of the passion and dedication that participants bring to this project. The funds raised help Sue Ryder continue to support people going through the hardest times of their lives, ensuring no one faces dying or grief alone.”
#Sing4Life2025 kicks off with introduction sessions at the John Mansfield Campus in Peterborough (PE14HX) on September 4th (7pm-9pm), September 5th (7pm-9pm) and September 6th (2pm-4pm).
There’s NO pressure - just a friendly introduction and a chance to meet the team and some of the other women who’ll be taking part.
For more details visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk, email info@peterboroughsings.org.uk or call 01733 425194, but contact first to reduce waiting time.
Family Funeral Directors
Deadlines & The Autumn Budget Loom Scott Bishop
The world of taxation is a busy one in so many ways. Compliance deadlines are fast approaching, whether this be for advising HMRC of the need to file a Self Assessment tax return, or for company 31 December 2024 accounts to be submitted to Companies House within 9 months and any Corporation Tax payable also being payable.
Individuals have until 30 December to file their online tax returns and have tax of less than £3,000 included in their PAYE code, with all returns needing to be filed by the latest 31 January 2026 to avoid automatic penalties.
The end of this year is going to be very busy for us all, with not only the usual compliance filing deadlines, but also the changes that are to come into effect, with the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026, the biggest change to personal tax since 1997 and the introduction of self-assessment.
In addition, there are some of the previously announced Inheritance Tax changes in the October 2024 Budget, with the restrictions to both Agricultural and Business Property Relief. Previously it was possible to achieve 100% relief on qualifying assets on the whole value, however it will now only be possible on the first £1 million, with a reduced rate of 50% on amounts over this.
How Could You Get Prepared?
These simple yet effective steps can help you to feel more prepared when considering your personal tax position:
• Providing your tax return/accounts information to us now means that we can consider your position earlier, and you will know what tax liabilities will be due up to and including July 2026.
• You may wish to look at your ISA position and whether this is a cash or investment ISA.
• Ticking the Gift Aid box when making gifts to charity will be beneficial for higher rate taxpayers.
• You can also ensure that you are making use of your allowances when making gifts to others.
The upcoming Autumn Budget will no doubt bring further announcements - Life is never dull in tax!
We’re Here To Help
If you would like more information or advice, contact your local Whitings LLP office today.
Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.
Registered Charity Number 1211887
BRAMLEY NEEDS YOUR HELP TO BUILD YOUR LOCAL HERITAGE RAILWAY
Bramley Line: Rebuilding History, Together
Join the Revival of Your Local Heritage Railway
This September marks a monumental milestone: 200 years since passengers first rode by steam on rails, beginning with the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. That single journey ignited a transport revolution that shaped towns, industries and rural life across Britain.
One of the key branch lines in that story was the March to Wisbech route, approved by parliament in 1846 and opened in 1847. Fast forward to today, and the Bramley Line Heritage Railway Trust (BLHRT) is calling on locals to help breathe life back into this historic track.
Your Railway Needs You
BLHRT is looking for volunteers aged 16 to 80 (within Network Rail and insurance safety regulations) to help reclaim and rebuild the Bramley Line – beginning with clearance, fencing, and restoring historic railway structures. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a lover of local history, or someone simply looking to contribute to your community, your hands-on help will lay the foundation for something extraordinary. What volunteers will help to do
• Clear vegetation and help survey track condition
• Erect fencing, gates, and rebuild platelayers’ huts
• Prepare to restore Coldham Station House and signal boxes at Coldham and Waldersea “This is about community, heritage, and making history tangible again.” Please wear strong footwear (no sandals) when joining trackside activities.
A Line That Shaped Lives
Departing West from March Station, the Bramley Line once served Coldham (originally Pear Tree Hill) with its station house, signal box, and small goods yard. Just over a mile on, stood Waldersea Yard Sidings, a hub of rural trade.
From this stretch came shipments of apples, soft fruits, grain, livestock – even ‘London Gold’ (horse manure from city stables), prized as fertiliser for Fenland fields. The line wound through Redmoor Lane and Weasenham Lane toward Wisbech, connecting it to the national rail network and enabling decades of trade, travel and growth.
Looking Ahead:
2027 Goals and Historic Milestones
BLHRT is working with Network Rail and the CPCA to align restoration with future transport visions. With your support, we hope to reopen the Coldham-Waldersea section by 2027 – marking the following anniversaries:
• 180 years since the March-Wisbech line was born (1847)
• 62 years since Coldham Yard closed (1965)
• 32 years since Purina acquired Wisbech Goods Yard (1995)
• 25 years since the line was put out of use (2002)
Get Involved
• 63 years since Waldersea Yard Sidings closed (1964)
• 59 years since passengers last travelled on the line (1968)
• 27 years since freight services ended (2000)
We welcome new faces on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month. Come to Waldersea Depot and discover how you can be part of railway history.
Tel: 07425 630028 Facebook: Bramley Line Heritage Railway
DIRECTORY
PETER BARNES FUNERALS
Independent Funeral Directors
Our Family Helping Yours, Whenever and Wherever You Need Us
“I can supply and install lap panels, waney panels, close board fencing and picket fencing, and also repair and replace broken posts. I also install concrete posts and kick boards. “I concentrate on serving customers in the March and Wisbech area but can travel further afield if required. Most people who contact me want
24 Hour Service
Golden Charter Funeral Plans
38 Murrow Bank, Murrow, Wisbech PE13 4HB
Tel: 01945 700 200 Mob: 07894 164201
E: peterfunerals@btconnect.com
W: www.peterbarnesfunerals.co.uk
a side gate, replacement posts or a new wooden fence along one of their home borders. I am also able to provide concrete posts and remove hedges and conifers to enable a fence to be put up.”
You can contact Steve at Fenland Gate & Fencing on (01354) 653782 or 07897 339334, email: wagmontana@aol.com
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
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
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 10-1.15pm closed Bank holidays. Again all welcome. Contact Secretary Lin Stanton 07906 938571 or wbcsecretary7@gmail.com
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
Capital of the Fens Oddfellows
The Oddfellows meet on the Second Thursday of the month at The Rugby Club in Wisbech at 10.30 a.m. onwards, for coffee and chat We are a friendship group that offers two activities a week so pop along and see what we have to offer.
For further details please contact Gemma on 07939 860968, E-mail: gemma.thomas@oddfellows.co.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
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
