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Issue 93 / January 2026

FEN MOBILITY Helping to make your life easier

and the surrounding villages

WESTMINSTER SLIMMING WORLD LAW Success Valuable legal advice

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Welcome to your January issue... So here we go into 2026 with new year’s resolutions made and high hopes for the future. On behalf of our hard-working team at Discovering Magazines, I would just like to wish you all a fabulous 2026, with good health and success in whatever lies in front of you, your family, and your friends. I know many readers who see their monthly ‘Discovering’ magazine almost like an ‘old friend’, dropping by to keep them in touch with events in their town and activities to come; to keep them up to date with advice from our many contributors; and to entertain with our quizzes and competitions. Why not just settle down with a drink and relax with that ‘old friend’ and enjoy our offering this month? All the very best for 2026!

Claire x

Inside Highlights 6 ........ Westminster Law 9......... Hallam Travel 10....... Diamond Byte

Welcome to the first issue of 2026.

12....... Steve Barclay

The new year will inevitably come with its own unique challenges but it will also hopefully present some new opportunities for those willing to grasp them.

14 ...... New Year Festival Customs and Traditions

Let’s hope the next twelve months sees local businesses flourish and organisations thrive and prosper.

Life can sometimes seem rather grim with obstacles seemingly in the way of personal happiness, but there is plenty to be thankful for... we live in Fenland alongside some fantastic people! The Discovering team looks forward to continuing to bring you the best possible magazine each month and I would like to wish you all health and happiness throughout 2026...

Account Manager Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

20 ...... March Podiatry 21 ...... Slimming World

There are many people in the Fens who work hard each week to try and provide a better future for themselves and their families and I wish them all good fortune for the year ahead.

Andy

16 ...... Whitings LLP

22 ...... Fenland Family History Society 26 ...... Curious Facts 27 ...... Susan's Soft Furnishing 28 ...... Fenland Mobility Centre 31 ....... Clubs and Groups 31 ....... Directory With thanks to: Diamond Byte, Whitings LLP, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter, Chris Donald, Steve Barclay

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the February 2026 issue is Thursday 8th January. 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.

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 Design Andy Beavis | Sarah Gumbley | Graham Copestake | Graham Booth

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WHY DO WE NEED A PROPERTY PROTECTION TRUST?

ost people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees.

The solution to help protect your estate is a will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the

property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children's inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners. A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property. Westminster Law will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.

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HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:

Cinderella (afternoon show) ONLY 5 LEFT Sun 4th January £75 Sleeping Beauty Panto at the London Palladium (afternoon show) ONLY 4 LEFT Sun 11th January £100 Wicked (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Weds 14th January £74 Starlight Express (afternoon show) 1 CANCELLATION Thurs 15th January £92 Cirque Du Soleil – Ovo (afternoon show) ONLY 14 LEFT Fri 23rd January £130 Wembley Stadium Tour Sun 25th January Adult £55 Child £50 Hercules (afternoon show) ONLY 14 LEFT Thurs 29th January £85 Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures – The Red Shoes (afternoon show) Thurs 5th February £82 The Birmingham International Tattoo (afternoon show) ONLY 9 LEFT Sun 15th February £69 Sunny Afternoon (afternoon show) Thurs 19th February £77 Natural History, Science, & Victoria and Albert Museums Fri 20th February £34 Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift Weds 25th February £66 The Woman in Black (afternoon show) Weds 11th March £61 The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Experience Fri 13th March £68 Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour Sun 15th March Adult £63 Senior £59 Child £54 Thriplow Daffodil Event and Country Fair Sat 21st March £36 Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour Sun 22nd March £69 Coronation Street Experience Sun 12th April £70 Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile (afternoon show) Thurs 16th April £65 Hampton Court Palace including the Tulip Festival Fri 17th April Adult £64 Senior £59 Child £50 Ely Leisure Day Sat 18th April £27 RAF Museum, Cosford Sun 19th April £32 York Shopping/Leisure Day Weds 22nd April £31 St Paul’s Cathedral Sat 25th April Adult £59 Senior £57 Child £45 London Leisure Day Sat 25th April £35 Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth – 5 days Sun 26th April £654 Harrogate Spring Flower Show Sun 26th April Adult £56 Child £32 Priscilla Queen of the Desert (afternoon show) Thurs 30th April £73 Peter Kay – The Final Show ONLY 5 LEFT Fri 1st May £110 Bakewell & Matlock Bath Sat 2nd May £31 Holt Sunday Market & Sheringham Sun 3rd May £28 The Princess River Cruise Experience includes 2 course meal Weds 6th May £56 Haworth and Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Sat 9th May Adult £46 Child £39 Aldeburgh & Southwold Sun 10th May £31 Highgate Cemetery Weds 13th May £52 My Neighbour Totoro (afternoon show) Thurs 14th May £75 The View from The Shard Sat 16th May £62 London Leisure Day Sat 16th May £35 Makers Central Sun 17th May Adult £44 Child £29 Legally Blonde (afternoon show) Weds 20th May £78 Giltar Hotel, Tenby – 5 days 2 CANCELLATIONS Sun 24th May £531 Strictly the Professionals Tues 26th May £90 Portobello Road Market/London Leisure Day Sat 30th May £35 Rushden Lakes Sun 31st May £28 Fawlty Towers – The Play Thurs 4th June £75 Southend on Sea Weds 10th June £34 Saltaire Village Experience Sat 13th June £40 London Zoo Sun 14th June Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £51 Les Misérables The Arena Concert Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 20 LEFT Sun 14th June £117 Royal Ascot – Ladies Day ONLY 20 LEFT Thurs 18th June £112 RHS Garden, Bridgewater Sat 20th June RHS Member £35 Adult £50 Child £40 Great Yarmouth Leisure Day Sun 21st June £29 Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance ONLY 16 LEFT Thurs 25th June £81 Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Sat 27th June £64 Skipton Leisure Day Sat 27th June £35 Kew Gardens Sun 28th June Adult £56 Child £42 Moreton in Marsh & Bourton on the Water Tues 30th June £34

Jersey Boys (afternoon show) Kinky Boots (afternoon show) Blenheim Palace, Gardens and Parkland Grassington and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway

Weds 1st July £84 ONLY 11 LEFT Thurs 2nd July £94 Sat 4th July Adult £68 Child £53 Sun 5th July Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £44 Oulton Broad 2 course lunch and Boat Weds 8th July £64 Avenue Q (afternoon show) Thurs 9th July £79 Colchester Zoo Sat 11th July Adult £55 Senior £54 Child £49 East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens and Wroxham Sun 12th July £46 The Bodyguard Tues 14th July £79 Great Yorkshire Show Thurs 16th July Adult £65 Child £45 Galway Bay Hotel – 6 days Sun 19th July £899 RHS Sandringham Flower Show Sat 25th July Adult £61 Child £27 Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show) Weds 29th July £86 Althorp House and Gardens Sat 1st August Adult £56 Senior £49 Cannon Hall Farm Weds 5th August £42 Crich Tramway Village Sat 8th August Adult 48 Child £43 Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder at the London Palladium Sat 15th August £106 Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Sun 16th August £64 Hever Castle and Gardens Weds 19th August Adult £51 Senior £50 Child £41 Tower of London Thurs 20th August Adult £71 Senior £65 Child £55 London Leisure Day Thurs 20th August £35 Dirty Dancing (afternoon show) Fri 28th August £80 Whitby Leisure Day Weds 2nd September £35 Annie (afternoon show) Thurs 3rd September £78 Canterbury Cathedral Sat 5th September Adult £53 Child £47 Canterbury Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th September £35 Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £55 Young Person £48 Child £45 Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Sun 6th September Adult £85 Young Person £67 Child £60 London Leisure Day Sun 6th September £35 The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Weds 9th September £83 Barnum the Circus Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 10th September £75 Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show Sun 13th September Adult £74 Child £30 Cromer Pier Summer Show (afternoon show) Weds 16th September £56 Paddington the Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 17th September £90 Sheringham 1940s Sat 19th September £30 Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 19th September £175 Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour Sat 19th September £117 Waitress (afternoon show) Weds 23rd September £78 Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure – The Car Man (afternoon show) Thurs 24th September £83 Churchill War Rooms Weds 30th September Adult £69 Senior £65 Child £52 Household Cavalry Museum Weds 30th September Adult £47 Senior £45 Child £44 London Leisure Day Weds 30th September £35 Beetlejuice (afternoon show) Fri 2nd October £79 The Piece Hall Sat 3rd October £44 Halifax Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 3rd October £34 Abba Voyage (afternoon concert) Sun 4th October Seated £130 Dance Floor £90 Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool – 4 days Weds 7th October £249 Mamma Mia! (afternoon show) Thurs 8th October £83 Mean Girls (afternoon show) Thurs 5th November £80 Simply Christmas, Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Craft, Cake & Bake International Shows Sat 7th November £39 Ely – Christmas Gift and Food Fair Thurs 19th November £40 Bakewell Christmas Market Sun 22nd November £30 Lakeside Shopping Centre Sun 29th November £31 Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th December £31 Leeds Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sun 6th December £31

Coaches depart from Spalding Bus Station, unless stated otherwise. New excursions are being added weekly.

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The Technology Site

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

r a e Y w e N y pp a H

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et’s start 2026 with a little test of what you, the avid readers of our articles in the Discovering Magazines, have learnt about computers! Test your knowledge with this crossword to which the answers are PC terminology we have used in our articles over the last few years! Answers will be posted on our Facebook page at the end of January! Good luck! 1

9 10

1. Output device used for visual display (7) 4. _ _ _ _ _ storage: Remote servers accessed via the internet used to save data (5) 6. Input device used to control the on-screen pointer (5) 8. & 13 across. Primary storage device for saving data and programs (4,5) 9. Software program that allows the OS to communicate with hardware (6) 10. LCD versions of 1 across are being replaced by this version, which are more energy efficient (1,1,1) 11. & 20 across. Your friendly local expert for computer sales and repairs (7,4) 12. Information system that enables content sharing over the Internet (abr) (1,1,1) 13. See 8 across 14. Type of email that may contain a dodgy link that you should never click on (4) 16. Input device for typing letters and numbers (8) 18. & 22 across. Provides info about PC performance & running software. Use to close unresponsive apps (4,7) 20. See 11 across 22. See 18 across

Down

Across

1. The main circuit board connecting all computer components (11) 2. A unique number identifying a device on a network (1,1,6) 3. Temporary memory used by the computer to perform tasks quickly (abr) (1,1,1) 4. The "brain" of the computer that executes instructions (abr) (1,1,1) 5. A sequence of characters or symbols that are stored and processed by 4 down (4) 7. Windows is one of these (9,6) 12. A video camera attached or built into a PC used for video calls, online meetings & live streaming (6) 14. A set of instructions or code that tells a computer to execute specific operations (8) 15. Click on the "------ File" icon, which looks like a paperclip to insert a file into an email (6) 17. PCs designed for use at a desk, consisting of a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse (8) 19. A non-mechanical storage device, offering quick boot times and fast data access (abr) (1,1,1) 21. A small symbol which represents programs, files, folders or functions (4)

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HAPPY NEW YEAR. I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT 2026 By Steve Barclay MP

n Fenland the year opens with a special event in the form of the Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey, which will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. It is now in its forty-sixth year and will feature more than 250 Molly dancers, musicians, and performers filling the streets. Thank you to all the volunteers whose dedication makes this unique event possible.

The winter months have seen no let-up in the problems caused on local roads from potholes, and I have repeatedly raised concerns with Cambridgeshire County Council. There is now a public database showing what potholes have been registered and when they will be repaired, accessed via the CCC Highways Reporting portal cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roadsand-parking/roads-and-pathways/roadworksand-faults and I will continue to highlight laws in the current approach which is letting drivers down. In particular it appears that no penalties for poor performance have been imposed on the contractor in the past year, suggesting the contract is being badly managed.

Likewise concerns continue with the ongoing repairs to the Ralph Butcher Causeway which result in motorists facing endless delays. Contractor Jones Bros has once again delayed the completion date for works on the crossing. I hope, as you read this in January, the opening is imminent – or now open – if not yet another deadline will have been missed. In Parliament I chair the Finance Select Committee, and one key objective has been to bring more transparency to how the parliamentary authorities spend public money. Normally it is a committee that meets in private, and a change I have made is to open hearings up to more transparency. More transparency is also needed on the Government’s proposals to restrict the right to trial by jury. For more than eight hundred years since the Magna Carta, it has been a key protection in law that decisions on innocence or guilt are determined by juries, and I am deeply concerned that this will be restricted. Given this fundamental change was not included in the Government’s manifesto, it is imperative that Ministers set out the impact assessment for these changes so we can measure the outcomes being promised.

To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website www.stevebarclay.net or follow me on social media:  @SteveBarclay  @SteveBarclayOfficial  @SteveBarclayOfficial 12 52

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech March

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New Year Festival Customs and Traditions Many of the customs of New Year festivals note the passing of time. The Romans derived the name for the month of January from their god Janus, who had two faces, one looking backward and the other forward. The practice of making resolutions to rid oneself of bad habits and to adopt better ones also dates from ancient times. Some believe the Babylonians began the custom more than 4,000 years ago. These early resolutions were likely made to curry favour with the gods. Nearer to home, the nostalgic Scottish ballad “Auld Lang Syne,” revised by the poet Robert Burns, is often sung on New Year’s Eve. Symbolic foods are often part of the festivities. Many Europeans, for example, eat cabbage or other greens to ensure prosperity in the coming year, while people in the American South favour black-eyed peas for good luck. Throughout Asia, special foods such as dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes are eaten, and elaborate dishes feature ingredients whose names or appearance symbolize long life, happiness, wealth, and good fortune. Because of the belief that what a person does on the first day of the year foretells what that person will do for the remainder of the year, gatherings of friends and relatives have long been significant. The first guest to cross the threshold, or “first foot,” is significant and may bring good luck if the person is of the right physical type, which varies with location. First foot traditions are observed, for example, in Scotland, Isle of Man, and parts of northern England. Public gatherings, as in Trafalgar Square in London or in Times Square in New York City, draw huge crowds. Many people mark the new year with religious observances, as, for example, on Rosh Hashana. Buddhist monks are presented with gifts on the day, and Hindus make oblations to the gods. In Japan, visits are sometimes made to Shintō shrines of tutelary deities or to Buddhist temples. Chinese make offerings to gods of the hearth and wealth and to ancestors.

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J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 6

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Financial Planning for 2026 & Beyond Scott Bishop

The team at Whitings LLP would like to wish you all a very prosperous and healthy New Year, in what no doubt will be a challenging one for individuals and businesses following recent Budgets. Over the last two years, there has been an increase in both tax and National Insurance, and the effects of such have been both immediate and something that will affect us all in the longer term. The importance of timely financial management has never been more important, and with the continued squeeze on our finances, we all need to sit down and consider matters, whether this relates to your weekly shop and whether you can afford to spend on those luxuries, making pension contributions for your retirement, a big capital purchase or taking on new employees. These are areas that we regularly discuss with our clients. For small business owners with turnovers of more than £50,000 (including property rental), there will be more work required from you in terms of the reporting requirements set to be introduced from April 2026 with the requirements of Making Tax Digital. The importance of maintaining your business records in the correct and acceptable manner will be important, you may even consider completing quarterly management accounts.

You may also wish to consider a business plan to assist you with decisions, these allow you to forecast matters, but what factors need to be considered? What are you ﬁxed costs? What are your variables? Do you have capital to introduce into the business, and what happens when this is repaid to you? For owners of Limited Companies, the cost of your own remuneration will likely increase with the additional tax charge of 2% for basic and higher rate taxpayers from April 2026. Will you bring forward payments? If so, are you in a position to decide whether you can do that?

We’re Here To Help All of this can be helped with your accountant, they have the experience and expertise to not only work through the numbers with you, but provide you with constructive sector advice, and practical ways in which to ensure that the unfulﬁlled ambition to grow is nurtured in the right way to produce the business results that you want. For further advice on this matter, then please do not hesitate to contact your local Whitings LLP oﬃce. Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.

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47-49

NEW YEAR NEW START

Look after your Feet

We offer a full range of services to help your feet feel wonderful, to help you manage them and to reduce foot pain. Call now to see how we can help you. March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

Tel: 01354 651200

www.marchpodiatry.co.uk  Follow us on Facebook

Wishing all our clients, old and new, a happy new year! We look forward to seeing you soon... OPENING HOURS Monday 9am-7pm | Tuesday 9am-5pm | Wednesday 9am-7pm Thursday 9am-5pm | Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 9am-1pm

FROM ISOLATION TO EMPOWERMENT: PAT’S JOURNEY OF STRENGTH, SUPPORT, AND SELF-BELIEF

at’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, courage, and transformation. Over the course of just three years, she shed an incredible nine stone — but the weight loss is only part of a much deeper journey. It began during lockdown, following a second cancer diagnosis. Surgery and isolation took a heavy toll, leading to significant weight gain and a steep decline in Pat’s confidence, mood and mobility. Everyday tasks became overwhelming, and Pat relied heavily on the loving support of her husband Mel.

group experience — embracing the in-person sessions that became a lifeline of encouragement and connection.

But everything changed on June 13th, 2022, when Pat joined Tina’s Slimming World group at the Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech, thanks to a twelve-week free referral. From the moment she walked through the doors, Pat was welcomed into a warm, supportive community. She committed to staying for the full

Despite her love of food, Pat discovered that feeling satisfied didn’t have to mean sacrificing progress. Within just over a year, she proudly earned her five-and-a-half stone award. Her confidence blossomed, her happiness returned, and her world began to open up again.

MONDAYS Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech 9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm Tel Tina on - 07798894639

Today, Pat enjoys precious time with her grandchildren and friends. She’s no longer reliant on a walker — she walks unaided, dances with joy, and embraces life with a spirit she once feared was lost.

TUESDAYS Emneth Central Hall 9.30am Tel Carrie on - 07876636833

WEDNESDAYS Rugby Club, Wisbech 9.30am and 5.30pm Tel Carrie on - 07876636833 THURSDAYS Outwell Village Hall, 9am Upwell Village Hall, 6pm Tel Allison on 07826362418

J ANUA RY 2026

SATURDAYS Rugby Club, Wisbech, 8.30am & 10am Tel Sandy on 07547486801

Recruiting now please contact Jamie Holland Team Developer on

07415 175655

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY By Bridget Hunter

e serve the three counties of the Fenlands. Everyone is welcome to any of our meetings and/or research sessions, no matter where your family originated. Some of our researchers find information regarding the person they are helping quite amusing and sometimes it is something we wonder if we should tell the person. At one session a researcher found a newspaper report. The visitor’s great grandfather was in court for abusing his wife. His defence was ‘But I only knocked her about a bit.’ Fortunately, our visitor found it very funny. RESEARCH SESSIONS Our experienced researchers do not charge for their help with your research. They are able to help no matter where your family originated. You are welcome to attend any of the following sessions: first Tuesday of the month at 10am-12noon, Wisbech Library, with maybe a donation towards the hire of the room; second Monday of the month, Baytree Garden Centre, Hilgay near Downham Market, 11am-2.30pm, we will be in the restaurant; and the third Wednesday of January, Red Lion Pub, North Brink, Wisbech, 6.30pm-8pm, these are held every other month.

MONTHY MEETINGS These are held on the fourth Thursday of each month except DECEMBER & AUGUST. The November meetings are more of a social evening with a buffet and our members exchanging stories they have found while researching their family, plus an explanation of the research they used which is always helpful information. Our January 2026 meeting will be on Thursday 22nd in Wisbech Library at 7pm- 9pm when the talk will be ‘A Murder in Denver’ by Susanah FARMER. On Thursday, February 26th our speaker will be Jonathan FARMER. Visitors always welcome to join us with a donation of at least £2 to help to pay for the hire of the room. 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: ‘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 22

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 6

Family Funeral Directors Personal, caring & affordable Advice without obligation 24 hours a day

Direct Cremation from £1395 Funerals from £2,950 Inclusive of all fees Chapel of Rest Traditional, Modern & Eco-friendly funerals Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans

Funeral Directors James and Laura are proud to be serving the community

17 Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1NB 01945 405950 (24 hours) mail@wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk

www.wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk

7 19 9777 Esstt.. 1 E

SPEC FIRES

Fireplaces - Flues - Wood Burning - Multi-Fuel - Gas - Electric

Visit our showroom at

37 Market Street, Whittlesey, PE7 1BA

01733 202220 aspectfires

info@aspectfires.co.uk

J ANUA RY 2026

aspectfires.co.uk D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

Lyncroft Care Home Lyncroft Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want for our own loved ones. Beautifully furnished with a warm, family atmosphere, Lyncroft offers regular activities and outings that bring variety, social connection, and happiness to every day.

Call today

01945 475 229

Oxhey Lane, Carpenders 81 Clarkson Avenue, Wisbech,Park, Near Watford, PE13 Hertfordshire, WD19 5RJ Cambridgeshire, 2EA 01923 982 084 www.countrycourtcare.com

small and unobtrusive, but invariably it’s because of a build-up of ear wax.

Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm.

• Free hearing tests • State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones • Eﬀective painless wax removal • Noise protection You can visit us at one of our local clinics: St Ives Practice 13 The Broadway St Ives PE27 5BX Tel: (01480) 300955

“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”

Wisbech Practice 31 High Street Wisbech PE13 1DE Tel: (01945) 466386

For information on any of the services we provide, or to discuss your speciﬁc requirements, please get in touch.

Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk

MARCH 2023

Specialists offer the following repair services

D I S C O V E R I N G March

Denture re-lines Denture additions Denture cosmetic improvements Dentures cleaned and polished A fully qualified dental technician 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. Loose dentures may damage gums or the underlying bone structure and are also more prone to breakage. Re-lining your denture will re-establish a good fit. Your dentures should be inspected annually along with a checkup on your oral health, or more frequently if necessary.

Icenidental@gmail.com J ANUA RY 2026

07932 162606 D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

Skate Away T

he coldest months of the year are normally December, January and February and we grumble about how cold it is. It’s just as well we didn’t live a few hundred years ago as it was a good deal colder then and they didn’t have central heating. In the Fens years ago, flat fields would get flooded and then freeze over making fantastic ice rinks and even in Medieval times there is evidence of people making skates out of bone. John Peck, the local diarist from Parson Drove, who recorded what life was like in the Fens in the 1800s, mentions temperatures getting very cold! It was so cold that even the River Nene froze over, and John remembers his brother having a skating race on it. He records that in 1814 some places had ice for up to sixty days. And it was that at this time that speed skating became very popular in the Fens with thousands coming to watch. Many people in the Fens enjoyed skating. People did it as it was a good way of getting about in harsh conditions. They would often skate to get to places as it was much better than walking and quicker, going to Wisbech, Crowland, Whittlesey and even Peterborough, mostly using the frozen roads, fields and dykes. And in the very cold weather, the labourers couldn’t work with the land all ice-bound and no Social Security to help them, so they took to racing on skates to try to win some cash prizes in the races that were put on. And if it wasn’t money, they could win prizes of meat; beef or mutton. It is said that some races commanded audiences of more than a thousand like the one in 1823 between two men, May and Young. The spectators clambered onto Wisbech Town bridge and both the North and South Brinks as far as Elgoods. The winner won £10 guineas (£600 now) in a time of five minutes thirty-three seconds. The popularity of speed skating gradually grew throughout the country and in 1827 the National Skating Association was formed.

And as late as 1890 it was even cold enough for the Nene to freeze enough again for people to skate on. But often a field or meadow would be flooded and when it froze it could be used for races. And there were mad races like the one in the 1870s when a skater had a race with a train from Littleport to Ely… and won! Ice is not without its dangers though and, for example, sadly in January 1817 a thirteen-year-old boy drowned at Thorney and two brothers aged six and seven drowned at Walsoken. In the 21st century, temperatures kept rising and in consequence there was less ice to skate on. In 2010 it was cold enough to have skating championships at Whittlesey Wash and again in 2018 but (despite recycling etc) if the population of this earth gets more and more, temperatures will rise even more. After thousands of years, the world population in John Peck’s Day in the 1800s was around one billion. Just one hundred and fifty years later the world population is more than eight billion. Is it any wonder that we have global warming? Gandhi said: ‘Live simply so that other people may simply Live.’ And, although the Fen skaters went fast, they didn’t get as fast as the fastest skater in the world as recorded in the Guinness World Records book. The record is held by a Dutch skater who managed a speed of 64mph (103kph). He said: ‘I was literally flying over the ice.’ And where did international speed skating start – in the Fens. The first race recorded in any detail was held from Wisbech to Whittlesey in 1763 and John Lamb of Wisbech won the prize sum of more than twenty guineas. You can explore the Wisbech and Fenland Museum and find the skates they used and even the one made from bone.

Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and ‘Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear’ 26

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 6

Select Susan for your

If you’re looking forward to freshening up your home furnishings or are looking for a new everyday fabric item, then look no further than Susan’s Soft Furnishings.

it up to look after her. Following her passing other things came along and it’s only now that I can once again concentrate on making soft furnishing items for local people.

Qualified in Traditional & Modern Upholstery as a Soft Furnisher, Susan O’Hara has many years of experience in making fine fabric items and is skilled at producing a wide range of items from cushions, footstools, and bedlinen through to baby gifts, bags and table linen. Many of these items are now part of Susan’s new Betty Collection but she can also make bespoke items on request.

“I can be very flexible, such as making wine bottle holders that can take one, two or four bottles, they make a nice gift, along with wine of course, not supplied! A favourite of mine are the hand crochet baby booties and bonnet that come with their own bag or the dish carrier, both from The Betty Collection.

She said: “I will make anything for people, from everyday items such as memory keepsakes for a loved one. For example, I once made a tote bag for a lady using her Dad's ties.”

“I’ve already had friends get in touch with requests for fabric work. I pride myself on being professional and a ‘people person’ and am happy to visit new customers in their home.” Whatever your requirements, call and ask; if Susan can make it, she will be happy to help.

“I ran my own business successfully for many years until my mother became ill, subsequently giving

Call Susan on 07545 630333 or email: bettysuboo18@yahoo.com

Bespoke items made-to-measure for your home From bags to bunting – thoughtful gifts Memory cushions and throws Fabrics supplied by you and made by me

Let me come to you

Call 07545 630333 or email bettysuboo18@yahoo.com ANUARY RY 2026 2026 JJANUA

DD I SI C S C OO V V E E R R I NI N GG Wisbech March

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Fen Mobility Centre Ely: Professional Support with a Personal Touch The team at Fen Mobility Centre in Ely, is known for being friendly, supportive, and truly attentive to individual needs. Customers often comment on the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the respectful, no-pressure approach offered by staff. Whether someone is exploring options for the ﬁrst time or looking to upgrade existing equipment, they can expect knowledgeable guidance and a helpful ear. Customers are certainly happy; they have a 4.9 rating on Google Reviews.

bathroom equipment. All products are carefully chosen for comfort, reliability, and value, and the centre prides itself on offering competitive pricing across the board. It is very important to really try, test and feel the products to ensure the right choice.

What truly sets Fen Mobility apart is the presence of their in-house Occupational Therapist (OT). This unique service means that assessments and recommendations are backed by professional insight, helping to ensure that the right solution is found for every customer. The OT works closely with the team to offer tailored advice, making complex decisions feel simple and stress-free.

Whether supporting older adults, those living with long-term conditions, or people recovering from surgery or injury, Fen Mobility Centre is dedicated to helping individuals stay independent and conﬁdent in their everyday lives.

Fen Mobility stocks a wide range of high-quality mobility and daily living products – from scooters and powerchairs to riser recliners, walking aids, and

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V E R I N G Wisbech

In addition, they provide reliable delivery, installation, servicing and repairs across the Fens and the surrounding areas, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience from start to ﬁnish.

To learn more, visit the showroom, call the team, or explore their website – Fen Mobility is always ready to help, with professionalism and care at the core of everything they do.

N UA R Y 2 0 2 645 D I S C O V E R I NJ AG March

Home

Vet Visits PETERBOROUGH and surrounding areas Routine check-ups Vaccinations Flea & worming Prescription medication Laboratory tests Palliative care End of life planning

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D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

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customers in the March and Wisbech area but can travel further aﬁeld if required. Most people who contact me want