Hello! I’ve been at Reeds for many, many years, I’m literally like part of the furniture! It’s a lovely store to work for. It’s a great company, we’re well looked after and we all get on so well. Reeds is a family run businesss and it’s that more personal approach, to be there for the customer, and get them what they need.
Come
Mother’s Day on March 15th and the start of British Summer Time a fortnight later on March 29th. That word “summer” sounds so beautiful to my ears right now, especially having suffered at the hands of the “rain gods” lately. When did we ever see so much rain? I know there’s the old term “February fill dyke” but really …!
Mother’s Day, of course, is when we mothers are allotted by our partners and families a full day of doing nothing, a whole day in which we are spoilt rotten. Seriously, we do not expect the earth on Mother’s Day. It’s just lovely to get some recognition, whatever form that may take, for all our multi-tasking abilities and for our level-headedness and calm when the waters of the family home may sometimes get a little choppy! Three years on from Paula and I losing our own mother, we can join many others and think fondly of mums no longer with us – those wonderful memories continue to make us so grateful for their love and dedication. Finally, from all of us mums, thanks in advance for all the flowers, chocolates, perfume and big hugs!
Sometimes I count myself fortunate that I work primarily from home.
After years commuting for an hour to an office and then having to drive the length and breadth of the UK to interview people, I can now roll out of bed and stroll into my office in seconds rather than having to tackle the increasingly busy Fenland roads.
Travelling is a bit of a nightmare nowadays. Just in the past month, I’ve suffered a four-hour delay at an airport, an enforced mid-journey train swap after it was suddenly announced that the one I was on was not now going to stop at the station my car was parked at, and almost losing a wheel on my car after hitting a water filled pothole the depth of a mine shaft. The closest thing to travel chaos I now have to endure is when my dog and I both arrive at the same part of the stairs at the same time and one of us is forced to give way…
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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.
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March is the start of the main seed sowing period and if you are planting seeds directly into the ground, the soil temperature should be between 7-10 degrees C. Using cloches at this stage can help you give young plants a stronger start.
Now is a good time to prepare your beds. Dig out weeds such as bindweed and couch grass, and rake the soil thoroughly, breaking down any lumps to achieve a fine tilth and applying fertiliser. Hoe regularly to keep the annual weeds at bay. Also, with the warmer weather appear pests such as slugs and snails. You can use slug pellets, or a safe organic solution is to use nematodes, which you buy in packs, add water and water them in, preferably before you plant.
By the end of the month, you should be able to plant out your “first earlies” (small ‘new potatoes’). They are faster growing and ready to harvest in as little as 12 weeks. The plants take up less space, so are useful in smaller plots, and can be grown in containers. Potatoes like rich fertile soil so dig in some well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting. A general rule of thumb when planting earlies is to dig a trench, approx. 15cm deep and then plant the potatoes 30cm apart in rows which are 60cm apart. Backfill the trench, gently firm down and then water. When shoots start to appear keep earthing
them up to protect against frost. If you are growing them in containers, put one potato in a pot at least 30cm wide and deep. Using peat-free compost, half fill the container and shallow plant the potato. As shoots start to appear keep covering them up until the compost reaches the top of the container.
Other jobs this month:
• Feed your over wintered crops such as onions, kale, spring cabbage – use blood, fish and bone meal, chicken manure or seaweed–based organic fertiliser.
• Lettuces and other salad crops can be sown either indoors or outdoors, under cloches or in cold frames. Tomato and cucumber seeds can be sown indoors but wait until the end of the month.
• Sow Brussels sprouts, cabbage, sprouting broccoli indoors and to take full advantage of the ripening season, sow aubergines, chillies and peppers indoors.
• Plant out onion and shallot sets – last chance to plant garlic.
• Early varieties of carrot, beetroot, spring onions, peas, chard, parsnips, spinach and broad beans can be sown into the open ground but may need to be under cover.
• Herbs such as rosemary and sage will benefit from a good trim, and chives and mint can be propagated by dividing them and re-planting.
Enjoy the extra daylight hours!
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• All general plumbing repairs undertakenbig or small.
• All domestic heating repairs undertaken.
• All domestic boiler fault finding undertakenboth gas and oil.
• Landlord Gas Safety certificates
• House purchase inspections of plumbing and heating
• Boiler replacements.
• Central heating power flushing.
97 Nene Parade | March | Cambridgeshire 07759 768060 | 01354 650502 acoleplumbing@btinternet.com Service List
professional Kitchen and Bathroom installation service covering the Fenland area
• Registered Wren and Easy Bathrooms Installer
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The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Experience ONLY 6 LEFT Fri 13th March £68
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour Sun 15th March Adult £63 Senior £59 Child £54
Thriplow Daffodil Event and Country Fair ONLY 15 LEFT 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 ONLY 18 LEFT Weds 22nd April £31
St Paul’s Cathedral Sat 25th April Adult £59 Senior £57 Child £45
London Leisure Day Sat 25th April £35
Harrogate Spring Flower Show Sun 26th April Adult £56 Child £32
Priscilla Queen of the Desert (afternoon show) Thurs 30th April £73
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
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 ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 15th August £106
ONLY 17 LEFT Weds 13th May £52
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
Abba Voyage (afternoon show) 1 CANCELLATION Sun 17th May £129
Legally Blonde (afternoon show)
Strictly the Professionals
Weds 20th May £78
Tues 26th May £90
Gravity – Starring Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker Fri 30th May £79
Portobello Road Market/London Leisure Day Sat 30th May £35
Rushden Lakes Sun 31st May £28
Fawlty Towers – The Play
Southend on Sea
Saltaire Village Experience
Thurs 4th June £75
Weds 10th June £34
Sat 13th June £40
London Zoo Sun 14th June Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £51
Les Misérables The Arena Concert Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 19 LEFT Sun 14th June £117
Royal Ascot – Ladies Day ONLY 17 LEFT Thurs 18th June £112
RHS Garden, Bridgewater Sat 20th June RHS Member £35 Adult £50 Child £40
Great Yarmouth Leisure Day Sun 21st June £29
Wroxham & Summer Jazz Cruise Sun 21st June £51
Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) 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
Jersey Boys (afternoon show)
Tues 30th June £34
Weds 1st July £84
Kinky Boots (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Thurs 2nd July £94
Blenheim Palace, Gardens and Parkland Sat 4th July Adult £68 Child £53
Grassington and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Sun 5th July
Adult £50 Senior £49 Child £44
Oulton Broad 2 course lunch and Boat Weds 8th July £64
Avenue Q (afternoon show) Thurs 9th July £79
The Household Division presents a Military Musical Spectacular ONLY 20 LEFT Fri 10th July £86
Colchester Zoo Sat 11th July Adult £55 Senior £54 Child £49
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens and Wroxham Sun 12th July £46
The Bodyguard Tues 14th July £79
Great Yorkshire Show Thurs 16th July Adult £65 Child £45
Galway Bay Hotel – 6 days
ONLY 10 LEFT Sun 19th July £899
RHS Sandringham Flower Show Sat 25th July Adult £61 Child £27
Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show) Weds 29th July £86
Althorp House and Gardens Sat 1st August Adult £56 Senior £49
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
Sheringham 1940s Sat 19th September £30
Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra ONLY 15 LEFT Sat 19th September £175
Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 19th September £117
Waitress (afternoon show) Weds 23rd September £78
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventure – The Car Man (afternoon show) Thurs 24th September £83
Churchill War Rooms Weds 30th September Adult £69 Senior £65 Child £52
Household Cavalry Museum Weds 30th September Adult £47 Senior £45 Child £44
London Leisure Day Weds 30th September £35
Beetlejuice (afternoon show) Fri 2nd October £79
The Piece Hall Sat 3rd October £44
Halifax Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 3rd October £34
Abba Voyage (afternoon concert) ONLY 14 LEFT Sun 4th October Seated £130 Dance Floor £90
Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool – 4 days ONLY 11 LEFT Weds 7th October £249
Mamma Mia! (afternoon show) Thurs 8th October £83
Sinatra the Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 15th October £90
High Society (afternoon show) Weds 4th November £73
Mean Girls (afternoon show) Thurs 5th November £80
Simply Christmas, Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Craft, Cake & Bake International Shows Sat 7th November £39
Ely – Christmas Gift and Food Fair Thurs 19th November £40
Bakewell Christmas Market Sun 22nd November £30
The Fifties & Sixties Christmas Party (afternoon show & 2 course lunch) Tues 24th November £89
Norwich Christmas Shopping/Leisure Day Weds 25th November £28
Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Weds 25th November £90
York Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Fri 27th November £31
Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 28th November £30
Lakeside Shopping Centre Sun 29th November £31
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sat 5th December £31
Windsor Leisure Day Sat 5th December £36
Christmas at Windsor Castle Sat 5th December Adult £65 Young person £55 Child £51
Leeds Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day Sun 6th December £31
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular Thurs 10th December £82
Cromer Pier Christmas Show (afternoon show) Fri 11th December £57
Hampton Court Palace and Festive Fayre Sat 12th December £65
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure ONLY 20 LEFT Sat 12th December £85
Cruising into Christmas Sun 13th December £62
*Thursford Christmas Spectacular – Long Sutton departure Tues 15th December £82
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, in particular computer systems. Love it or loathe it, AI is here to stay. And it is only getting bigger and better. Just like the internet all those years ago, people had their doubts. Absolutely, it does have its negatives but used properly, it has revolutionised the way we live, work, and socialise. The same can be said of AI - it is becoming an everyday essential and using it effectively can make us more productive, creative, and efficient.
The following are the top three AI platforms and what they are generally best for.
CHATGPT – available on web, iOS, and Android apps.
ChatGPT is essentially a writing assistant to which you can ask questions, give tasks, or request ideas and it will respond with something that sounds like an actual person wrote it. For writers, ChatGPT can help brainstorm story ideas, build outlines and even generate full paragraphs of text (although you will always want
to edit what it writes!). It is also a brilliant editing and summarising assistant - use it for copy editing, proofreading, rephrasing, style adjustments and more. You can even upload photos and ask questions about them; for example, add a picture of a flower and ask, ‘What flower is this?’
MICROSOFT COPILOT – available with MS Office 365 applications. Integrated into Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Copilot is a fantastic tool for enhancing productivity and creativity. In Word, use it to brainstorm ideas, summarise documents and generate reports. In Excel, Copilot can assist with data analysis, automate calculations and create charts. In PowerPoint, it can suggest design ideas, outline content, and even produce slides. Within Teams, Copilot helps schedule meetings, recap discussions, and suggest action items.
GOOGLE GEMINI – accessible through web and integrated with Google services. What makes Gemini special is how versatile it is. It has a user-friendly
interface and is great for writing emails, summaries, blog drafts, and research overviews, with very little editing. It also integrates well with Google products like Gmail and Docs.
Gemini can create any image you ask it to, from photorealistic pictures, graphics, cartoons, and even data charts. Used inside Google Slides, it will instantly enhance a slide with a custom visual. It’s also good fun to try out on personal pictures in Google Photos. Basically, imagine almost any picture and Gemini will create it!
However, it’s important to remember that AI is not infallible We advise caution if using AI as a research tool as it can often ‘hallucinate,’ i.e. make up information. It is fine for satisfying idle curiosities, but make sure you double-check whatever you learn from AI against a reputable source for anything more important. There are also ethical concerns around AI-generated images, such as preventing misuse and addressing potential harm, which are incredibly important as the technology continues to develop.
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With over 20 years experience of making bespoke made window dressings tailored to you. From Pinch Pleat to Eyelet curtains, Roman to Venetian blinds.
Unit 4, The Chase, Cattle Market, Wisbech PE13 1RD
Call us on 01945 660900 or 07733 386929 thecurtainandblindstudio@gmail.com @thecurtainandblindstudio
In this countr y, we are not alone in honouring and thanking our mums on “Mother’s Day”, falling as it does ever y year on the four th Sunday of Lent, or three weeks before Easter Sunday, this year Sunday March 15th.
The customs and traditions focusing on Mother’s Day around the world just confirm that, whilst our societies may be different in so many ways, there remains the central theme, that of taking time out to show our love and affection for this one person who has been there, literally from “Day One”, to care for and nurture us as we grow.
In the UK, Mothering Sunday began as a way for Christians to honour the Virgin Mary but has evolved to include all mothers. Traditionally, children especially are encouraged to shower mum with flowers and chocolates and even help out in the kitchen!
In Italy, mothers are relieved of household chores, the idea being to enable relaxation to kick in. Spouses and children take on the tasks, while mum lies back and enjoys being pampered with love and affection.
Mother’s Day in Japan sees children present their mums with bouquets or single stems of red carnations. These represent a mother’s selfless love and sacrifices made for her children.
The French call it “Fete des Meres” and a popular tradition is that a cake is baked and decorated to represent a floral bouquet and lovingly presented to “Maman”.
In Peru, it is common for families to visit cemeteries on Mother’s Day to remember and honour deceased mothers. Many graves become
festooned with gifts, candles and other offerings to keep her memory alive.
Mother’s Day in Mexico often begins with a serenade called “Las Mananitas”. Family members and sometimes mariachi bands will gather outside mum’s window to express love and appreciation.
In Australia, the tradition of giving chrysanthemums is a popular and enduring practice. How appropriate to give ‘mums to mums?
In Thailand, Mother’s Day has been celebrated on August 12th to mark the birthday of their beloved Queen Sirikit (who sadly passed away last October).
Ceremonies and celebrations honour both mothers and their queen. Jasmine is traditionally gifted as a symbol of purity and love.
Swift Roo ng is a family-run business with over 20 years’ experience. Whether you are looking for a simple roof repair or a complete re-roof, we can assist. Customer satisfaction is our priority and we work to the highest standard possible. Free quotes given with no obligation so please contact us.
As we approach the end of the 2025/26 tax year, it’s an ideal time for business owners and individuals to consider action to be taken before 5 April. Taking time to plan ahead can help to reduce tax liabilities and ensure important reliefs and allowances are not missed.
The timing of business expenditure can significantly affect a business’ tax bill. Expenses incurred before the year end may reduce current taxable profits, while spending after the year end may delay tax relief until a year later. If you are aware of any significant upcoming costs, consider how the timing of this might affect your tax.
If you are planning to invest in machinery, equipment or vehicles, the timing can affect how quickly you obtain tax relief. Capital Allowances provide valuable deductions, but the rules are detailed and depend on the type of asset.
The way in which an asset is funded, for example through outright purchase, hire purchase, or leasing can also influence the relief available. Before making any significant investments, it is worth checking whether the asset qualifies for immediate relief or whether the relief will be spread over a number of years.
Pension contributions are one of the most tax efficient planning tools. For limited company
directors, employer pension contributions are usually deductible for Corporation Tax purposes and do not attract National Insurance. For sole traders and individuals, personal contributions can extend the basic rate tax band, potentially reducing the amount of income taxed at higher rates. Making pension contributions before the tax year end ensures that tax relief is secured as early as possible.
You could consider maximising your £20,000 Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) allowance before it resets at the end of the tax year. Funds held within ISAs are free from both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
If Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a concern, the annual £3,000 gift allowance may be worth considering. This allows an individual to give away up to £3,000 each tax year without it forming part of their estate for IHT purposes. The allowance can be carried forward one year, meaning some individuals may be able to pass on up to £6,000 before 5 April, with a further £3,000 available once the new tax year begins.
Pre-5 April offers a valuable opportunity to review your position and make decisions that could impact your tax bill and longer term financial planning. Some matters can be more complex and benefit from tailored advice. If you would like support in reviewing your circumstances, please feel free to get in touch.
Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.
From April 2026 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax becomes mandatory for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 in qualifying income. We’re here to help if you’re not yet prepared for this change.
• Audit & Assurance
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• Business Tax
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Us Here Contact Us 01945 584113 wisbech@whitingsllp.co.uk www.whitingsllp.co.uk
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The 22nd East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th 2026 at the prestigious Euston Estate, home to The Duke and Duchess of Grafton, just off the A11 at Elveden, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
This two-day event welcomes world class attractions each year and you could win a pair of tickets to visit it for free in our great Discovering Magazines competition (details on the right).
Main Arena displays confirmed for the 2026 show include the World Famous JCB Dancing Diggers –an iconic live performance team, often described as a down-to-earth version of the Red Arrows. They have curtsied for royalty, pirouetted for TV and thrilled thousands all over the world! The team will also be available after each performance to meet the crowd and have photos taken. AND returning due to popular demand, the Horseboarding UK Championships where speed, agility and bravery are all required! Audience participation is encouraged to spur on the competitors and provides great entertainment for all the family.
The Waveney and Norfolk Harriers ‘White Woofers’ hound parade is a spectacle not to be missed! We have a fantastic line up of more free events to watch in the Main Arena and across the show including the much-loved Mid Norfolk Gun Dog displays, Fens Falconry Birds of Prey Displays, Fishing demonstrations with World Champion Fly Caster Hywel Morgan, the hilarious Sheep Show, Traditional Ferreting Demonstrations with Simon Whitehead, Live Craft demonstrations and much more!
Have a go at a range of country activities like clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors (or enter the forty-bird shooting competition for men, women and juniors).
There is also a dedicated clay shoot car park closer to the clay line and Gunmakers Row. Visitors can try their hand at fly fishing on the Black Bourn River. Archery, axe throwing and the air rifle range can also be enjoyed. Breckland Land Rover Club will be running an exciting woodland off road 4x4 course. Choose from a classic Land Rover or
Competition Car and enjoy being driven round the course by one of the team!
If your family’s best friend likes the water, then why not enter them into the ‘Have a Go’ or the competition at the K9 Aqua Sports pool, (long jump into water for dogs!).
The family fun pet dog show is also a favourite with our visitors and the vast array of dogs that love to come to the show (so many classes to enter!).
There are more than three hundred shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers and fishing products. BASC will be among a number of national organisations on hand to discuss conservation, countryside pursuits and memberships. There are also many children’s activities, pony rides, traditional fun fair, food and drink hall with Game Fair Country Kitchen, where talented chefs from across the East Anglian region showcase their culinary skills. Craft and gift marquees and much more.
If you are interested in exhibiting with us, trade stand application forms can be downloaded from our website. Please do take a look at our show highlights video; encapsulating what a fun family day out the show is, with something for everyone. https://youtu.be/ejPoo3qy9dA
Don’t forget to bring your dog to enjoy all of this on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
Advance discounted 2026 tickets are FROZEN at the 2025 ticket prices and available to buy online at www.ukgamefair.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline number (01263) 735 828. Adult £23, Children (5-16yrs) £8 and Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £59. (Discounted ticket offer valid until midday 20/04/26). After this time tickets are available to buy on the gate at the 2026 on-the-day rates. (A small booking fee applies to phone orders and Eventbrite booking fees apply to all). Under 5s are FREE and car parking is FREE for all.
VIP Memberships and camping weekend tickets also available at discounted rates if booked in advance. Visit our website for more information.
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TO BE WON!
You can either post your entry to Discovering Wisbech, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET or you can email hello@discoveringmagazines.co.uk quoting ‘Discovering Wisbech’ along with your answer.
JUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION: The World Famous JCB Dancing Diggers will be performing at the show. Which renowned flying team are they compared to? CLOSING DATE: 31/03/2026
While flowers and chocolates are lovely gifts to give your mum, have you considered something extra special?
Our experienced team can help to make her feet feel wonderful. We can help with feet that she cannot reach anymore, thickened nails, troublesome corns and calluses, plus a wide range of foot and joint pains.
With a treatment from us, your mum gets to enjoy some quality ‘me time’ and you get to help to keep her on her feet and more healthy.
With comfortable feet, your mum can enjoy life more and it is one less thing for her to worry about. We can provide gift vouchers for special occasions and help you to give a very special gift this Mother’s Day.
Call us for more details:
March Podiatry Practice Ltd
47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ www.marchpodiatry.co.uk Follow us on Facebook
OPENING HOURS
Mon 9am-7pm • Tues 9am-5pm • Weds 9am-7pm Thurs 9am-5pm • Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm
MONDAYS
Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech
9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm
Tel Tina on - 07798894639
WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
Emneth Central Hall 9.30am
Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
Rugby Club, Wisbech 9.30am and 5.30pm
Tel Carrie on - 07876636833
THURSDAYS
Outwell Village Hall, 9am
Upwell Village Hall, 6pm
Tel Allison on07826362418
Dentures
SATURDAYS
Rugby Club, Wisbech, 8.30am & 10am
Tel Sandy on07547486801
Recruiting now please contact Jamie Holland Team Developer on 07415 175655
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.
History doesn’t have to be boring. Without thinking about it we all think about history remembering things that are special to us. We say things like, do you remember Paul’s rst tooth, or what about that time it rained all the time when we were at Great Yarmouth for our summer holiday?
You’re driving along a road called Station Road but where is the station? Where is the railway? Wisbech and the Fens had many miles of railway lines and stations in the early part of the 20th century. Now, except for the disused line from Wisbech to March, all have completely gone. ere is no sign of where the station used to be, or the railway lines used to be.
In the early 1900s it was considered a treat to go all the way to Peterborough once or twice a year by train. Railways were used a lot. Very few people had a car then. For a summer holiday you would take the train to Hunstanton. And when you got to King’s Lynn the train went in forwards but came out backwards.
Wisbech had not one but two railway stations, both now gone, and the little village of Murrow surprisingly had two stations too. And they are both gone. One train, known as a tramway, travelled from Outwell to Wisbech carrying people and goods at the incredible speed of… eight miles per hour!
Wisbech at one time had the largest swing bridge in the whole world, costing one million pounds. Only, it seems they got their maths wrong and it didn’t swing and just remained permanently closed. If it had moved, the hydraulic liquid that was used to power it had alcohol in it. ere were actually some people who opposed drinking that thought the bridge should work on purely teetotal principles.
In the 1800s everybody went to church or chapel on a Sunday and the main church in the middle of town held, at one time, 1800 people! And then that wasn’t enough,
so they had to build two extra churches in town, the Octagon and St Augustine’s. If you go into a church now, you can sit anywhere but, in those days, the best seats had to be bought. At the back and sides were free seats.
In Wisbech, water sometimes goes uphill! If you stand on the Town Bridge, you will sometimes see the water going backwards. Why? e Nene is a tidal river, nearly all the way to Peterborough. And in the 1920s and 30s people not only swam in the Nene but also dived o the Town Bridge!
Well, here are some amusing events in the Fens, including Wisbech, starting with local football. Wisbech had an away football game at Huntingdon, but it was delayed as the referee got on the wrong train. In another game, after fty minutes of play, the ball ended up in a thorn bush and punctured. As they didn’t have a substitute ball the game was stopped. en there was the time that the pay box collapsed and nearly two hundred people got in for free. And reporting games in the local newspapers wasn’t very accurate. Sometimes, if you read di erent papers Wisbech won by one goal and in another they won by three!
e Fens is a massive 1,500 square miles. Or about one million acres. We think of the Fens as being Cambridgeshire but there is the northern fen and the southern fen. e northern fen, mostly in Lincolnshire, is mostly silt land while the southern is mostly peat with some silt. And the whole of the Fen stretches from Whittlesey to the Wash and from Ely to Boston.
Wisbech is called the Capital of the Fens as it is the largest town in the region and was also a market town but Spalding claims to be the heart of the Fens. Wisbech, years ago, consumed more opium than any other town in the whole country. And you can still go into a chemist in Wisbech and buy opium legally…. I refer of course to the fragrance, "Opium", made by Yves Saint Laurent.
Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and ‘Interesting and
LEGO fans across Fenland are in for a treat as the second Wisbech Brick Show returns on Saturday, March 7th at the Queen Mary Centre.
Following the success of last year’s debut event, this year’s show promises even more spectacular displays, hands-on activities, and opportunities for collectors and families alike. Visitors will be able to explore amazing LEGO creations built by some of the most talented and imaginative builders in the country. From intricate models to large-scale displays, the event will showcase the creativity and
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. 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.
engineering skill behind the UK’s thriving LEGO community. Alongside the exhibition, families can enjoy a range of interactive zones, including: building zones for children and adults; colouring area; and a fun ‘find the missing word’ challenge hidden throughout the displays
A variety of LEGO traders will also be in attendance, offering everything from brand-new sets to rare and retired items. Visitors will have the chance to hunt for elusive mini figures or even build their own custom character on the day.
The Wisbech Brick Show continues to grow as a key community event, attracting families, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the region.
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.
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.
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.
Organiser Adam Fairbrother said: “It’s fantastic to see so many children and adults coming together to celebrate creativity, imagination, and a shared love of LEGO. This year’s show is bigger than ever, and we’re proud to bring an event to Wisbech that inspires young builders and supports our local community.”
Fen Mobility stocks a wide range of high-quality mobility and daily living products – from scooters and powerchairs to riser recliners, walking aids, and
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.
By Bridget Hunter
Serving the three counties of the fenlands, we welcome everyone to participate in our meetings and research sessions, no matter where your family originated.
Our experienced and friendly team of researchers offer FREE help to anyone wishing to find out about their family. We hold sessions at various times and at various places to suit everyone's needs:
First Tuesday of the month – 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, 11am2.30pm. We will be in the restaurant. Why not pop in to see us and enjoy a coffee or a meal?
Third Wednesday of March and May in Red Lion pub, North Brink Wisbech 6.30pm-8.30pm. These are held every other month. You will find us in the restaurant of the pub. No need to book; just drop in to any of those sessions.
These are held on the fourth Thursday of each month except December & August. Our January 2026 meeting was very good, with a detailed talk about a ‘Murder in Denver’, by Susanah FARMER. On February 26th, our speaker was Jonathan FARMER. March 26th will be a special meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of our FHS. At our April meeting, we will welcome back a favourite speaker, Alan JOHNSON. Visitors are always welcome to join us with maybe a donation to help to pay for the hire of the room.
Our events team creates displays to match the theme of any event you might be arranging to add interest to your event.
We have two speakers willing to give talks on various subjects to local groups.
For further details on any of the above contact me on (01945) 587723 or email bridget25hunter@ btinternet.com
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!
www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk
wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk
Tejaycey Dog Hotel is a well-established luxury boarding kennel situated 5 minutes outside of Wisbech, on the border of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
We work together with you and your dog(s) to make sure their holiday is as much fun as yours.
Luxury large renovated kennels with covered runs so that your dogs can enjoy the views, breezes and smells of the great outdoors.
2 daily walks in our 6 acre private nature reserve shaded by old apple trees and filled with exciting smells and sights.
We are the kennels chosen by many local vets and vet nurses.
You are welcome to come and visit any day between 9:30 and 12:00 (except Wednesday).
Please see our website for further details www.tejayceydoghotel.co.uk
Looking forward to seeing you
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Wisbech u3a If you’re no longer in full-time employment and looking to stay active, make friends, and try something new, Wisbech u3a could be the place for you! We meet on the second Thursday of every month at 2:30 pm in St Peter’s Church Hall, Wisbech. There’s plenty to enjoy — come along and see for yourself! Our website wisbech.u3asite.uk and phone number 07831 910194 Charity registration 1212682
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
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; why not come and join us?
Contact Brian Sandall on 07778 755105 or 410225
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. Secretary 07857 690312, Treasurer 07780 790163
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
