Discovering Wisbech issue 097, May 2026

Issue 97 / MAY 2026

and the surrounding villages

Chapel Cottage Plants Outlet -

Praise for Orchard House

Wisbech Furnishings

offer inside

Residential Home

10% Discount

Yo u r f a v o u r i t e c o m m u n i t y l i f e s t y l e m a g a z i n e – P R I C E L E S S

From our home to yours!

Hi, I’m Jim Carlile, owner of Reeds. Customers come from all over the Region to our Stores because we carry such a huge choice of quality leading brand products at competitive prices, covering every room in their home.

It means a lot to me, running a family business you can trust, we work hard to provide the best possible service for our customer’s needs.

Come and say hello and enjoy the amazing service our team at Reeds has to offer. From furniture to flooring, bedding to dining, homewares and gifts, you’ll enjoy a store that keeps on giving.

All your home needs

Visit us in DOWNHAM MARKET and ELY or online at reedshomestore.co.uk 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

Welcome to your May issue...

The last few weeks have made me realise just how fortunate we are, living so close to the beautiful Bourne Woods, a special dogwalking treat for our two hounds. Fabulous carpets of bluebells, celandines and wood anemones right now are an absolute delight, along with the increasing amount of birdsong, as the evenings remain lighter for longer.

It saddens me, however, when the news from around the world seems to involve a violent and unstable future for us all. If only more people were to follow those wise words of P.T. Barnum in ‘The Greatest Showman’…“The noblest art is that of making others happy.” Those people who are fondly remembered for generations are the ones who will have given their time, love, and kindness to others.

Hoping you have a magnificent May and enjoy reading this month’s issue of your favourite freebie!

Claire x

Strolling into town early the other day I heard a loud commotion emanating from a riverside garden.

When I looked over, I was confronted by the sight of a cat pursuing a squirrel with it literally being right on its tail like a scene from an old cartoon.

Of course, the squirrel got away by running vertically up a conveniently placed tree much to the moggie’s disappointment.

Seeing them brought home to me how many animals I have spotted on my daily walks, including deer of all types, foxes, swans and assorted birds of prey.

Their presence in the locality actually brightens my day and their exploits come as a welcome diversion from life’s challenges, something that I’m sure is shared by many as proven locally by the social media interest in the now famous ‘Geese of March’ who enjoy the freedom of the town…

Inside Highlights 4......... Potting Shed 6 ........ Fenland Family History Society 10....... Diamond Byte 16 ...... Whitings LLP 20 ..... Curious Facts 22....... Orchard House 26 ...... March Podiatry 28 ...... Community News 31 ....... Clubs and Groups 31 ....... Directory With thanks to: Diamond Byte, Whitings LLP, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter

Andy

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

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the June 2026 issue is Friday 8th May. 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

MAY 2026

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

3

Your Garden

M

ay can provide a variety of adverse weather conditions, so you may have to protect young seedlings from a late frost or make sure they are well watered if we don’t have enough rain.

Harden off plants that have been grown indoors or under cover before planting. A cheap way to protect tender young plants is to use “bottle cloches” by cutting down the 2 litre plastic drinks bottles, (useful for protecting young runner beans and peas). Alternatives to use are fleece, bubble wrap or newspaper.

Also, hold back on planting out seeds at the beginning of the month as sometimes they are planted too early: the ground may be too wet or cold and they fail to germinate. Whatever the weather, it does seem to favour the weeds!! So, make sure these are kept in check as they take precious nutrients away from young plants and seedlings.

Other jobs to do this month include: • Earth up potatoes-when the leaves are about 20cm tall, draw up the earth on either side to form a ridge approx. 15cm high: this will protect the foliage from frost and stop the tubers going green and poisonous.

• May is suitable for planting out early, such as leeks, sprouts and summer cabbage.

Leek seedlings should resemble a pencil in size. Make a 6-inch-deep hole with a pole

4

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

or a similar tool, place the seedling inside, and fill the hole with water. There is no need to fill in the hole with soil.

• Pick flowers off new strawberries to prevent them cropping in their first year.

• Cover carrots with netting to stop carrot fly damage.

• Some crops may require support ready for their growth, such as beans and peas and climbing plants. Ensure it is strong and sturdy to take the weight once the fruits have formed, as well as the foliage, and that it can withstand any winds.

• Seeds to sow out this month include carrots, beetroot, French beans, lettuce, spring onions, salad leaves and peas.

• Try “succession sowing” a small batch of seeds every two or three weeks and you should have a steady supply, rather than a glut: it will also help to maximise your chances of successful germination.

• Indoors, you can sow chillies, courgettes and squashes, runner beans, sweetcorn, aubergines and cabbages and towards the end of the month, when the risk of frost has gone, they can be planted outdoors.

• Put up supports for climbing beans and runner beans. You can either buy a readymade support or make a wigwam or row using bamboo canes or hazel poles.

Here’s to a warm and sunny May!

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FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter Did you know, ‘Over the Broomstick marriages’ was a term used when a couple could not afford the cost of a church wedding? They would have their banns read two or three times then as they left the church they stepped over the church step and declared they were now man & wife.

This was accepted by everyone. Maybe a reflection of the way we are today.

FREE RESEARCH SESSIONS First Tuesday of the month – 10am-12noon, Wisbech Library, with maybe a donation towards the hire of the room. We have a team of eight or ten researchers available to help you.

Second Monday of the month – Baytree Garden Centre, Hilgay, near Downham Market, 11am2.30pm. We will be in the restaurant, so why not pop in to see us and enjoy a coffee or a meal?

Third Wednesday of May & July in Red Lion pub,

North Brink, Wisbech, 6.30 pm-8.30pm. These are held every other month. You will find us in the restaurant. No need to book, just drop in to any of those sessions.

MONTHLY MEETINGS Please note, a change of venue for our monthly meetings which are now held at Wisbech St Mary Sports & Community Centre, Beechings Close, Wisbech St Mary PE13 4SS. Held on the fourth Thursday of each month except DECEMBER & AUGUST at 7pm-9pm, non-members always welcome. On May 28th, Diane CARLTON SMITH will give a talk entitled ‘Time Travel through Medieval Fenland, Charter to Charter’. Our June speaker is Nick MEEKINS on ‘Wisbech Crime & Punishment.’

SPEAKERS We have speakers willing to give talks in the local area on various subjects.

For further details contact me on (01945) 587723 or bridget25hunter@btinternet.com 6

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

MAY 2026

Zara

Indian Restaurant and Grill Opening soon: a 70-seater

Indian Restaurant and Grill with over 35 years of experience bringing delicious Indian cuisine to life. Enjoy traditional Indian-style cooking in our stylish restaurant, available for dine-in or takeaway. Find us on Main Road, previously Timmys Grill.

Call on 01945 759149 Main Road, Tydd Gote PE13 5QD

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

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

MAY 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

7

Looking to sell your

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MAY 2026

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

9

The Technology Site

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

UPGRADE NOW TO STAY SECURE

O

n October 14th, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. Six months on, we are now seeing the impact that the absence of security updates, technical support, and software improvements is having on the machines that are still running Windows 10.

The most worrying consequence has been the increase in security risks. Whilst devices didn’t instantly become unsafe on October 14th, the number of unpatched vulnerabilities has been increasing over the last six months. Hackers are aware of these vulnerabilities, making Windows 10 a very attractive and easy target for them.

In fact, six months after support ended, malware researchers are reporting a rise in attacks on unpatched Windows 10 systems and cybersecurity companies are updating guidance to regard Windows 10 as a ‘highrisk environment’.

Secondly, there is the gradual reduction of compatibility. New applications and drivers are being built for Windows 11, meaning that Windows 10 users are beginning to encounter driver failures, especially

with newer peripherals, GPUs, and printers. And whilst Microsoft 365 desktop apps continue to work for now, performance will be affected as time goes on. In fact, the latest Microsoft Teams already requires Windows 11 to work.

For businesses, having no support for Windows 10 affects compliance and could increase the risk of downtime.

For some sectors, continuing to operate unsupported Windows 10 systems violates security standards.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STILL RUNNING WINDOWS 10?

• The most obvious and secure option is of course to upgrade to Windows 11, as long as your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

• Older devices that do not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements will need to be replaced with a new laptop or desktop. Whilst this sounds like an expensive option, think about how long you have had your old device – it has probably run Windows 7, 8 and 10, meaning it must be anywhere between six and sixteen years old.

• Some users are paying for Extended Security Updates, a stop-gap solution which will

take them to October 2026.

However, this provides critical security updates only – Microsoft states that it ‘does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.’

We really do not recommend this option, especially with only six months to go. Moreover, only consumer-side Windows editions are eligible, Windows 10 must be completely up to date and your Windows account must have Administrator privileges.

Of course, you could continue using Windows 10 without updates and security patches. Some users have been disconnecting their PCs from the internet to reduce security risks but then can only use the PC for local tasks such as printing or file storage.

Maybe some users are concerned about having to get used to a new operating system. However, the only real changes to Windows 11 are some updated visuals, better tools and, most importantly, far superior security. It really is a more secure, stable and future proof operating system and if you still haven’t upgraded your device, it’s high time you do.

FOR THIS AND ALL MY OTHER BLOGS GO TO WWW.DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK

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

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M AMag Y 2half 0 2page 6 landscape Kyde Collins 03/01/2025

D I S C O V E R I N 02/01/2018 G Wisbech

11

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

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

15

Ready to Be Your Own Boss?

Scott Bishop

Taking the leap from employee to entrepreneur is one of the most exciting yet daunting decisions you’ll ever make. As an accountant, I’ve seen many local businesses start, grow and flourish, but I’ve also seen how a lack of preparation can lead to unnecessary stress and, unfortunately, sometimes failure. Planning ahead is the single best way to improve your prospects.

If you are thinking of starting a new business, here are a few things to consider: Business Structure One of your first big decisions is choosing your business structure. Many start as a Sole Trader because it is simple and low cost. However, a Limited Company offers better protection for your personal assets and can be more tax efficient as profits grow. Because the “right” choice depends entirely on your circumstances and business, it is always worth talking to a professional first.

Understand Your Tax Obligations Whichever structure you use for your business, registering with HMRC is a priority. You’ll also need to stay on top of deadlines, whether that be Self-Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE or Making Tax Digital.

If your VATable turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT, however, for many businesses it can be beneficial to register voluntarily – again, it is a good idea to seek advice at the outset.

I would also recommend setting aside a portion of your income to cover your tax liabilities, to avoid any panic when the tax falls due.

Cash Flow and Banking Most businesses don’t fail because they lack profit; they fail because they run out of cash.

Cashflow management is a key skill to learn, though balancing uncertain income and expenses can be challenging at the outset. Try to keep aside a buffer for slow months and keep on top of invoicing and debt collection.

It’s tempting to use your personal bank account at the start, but please don’t, mixing personal and business finances is a recipe for a bookkeeping headache. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps keep your records clean and will probably save you hours of searching through grocery purchases to find your business expenses.

Lean on Local Expertise You’re starting a business because you’re great at what you do or have had a brilliant business idea. You don’t need to be an expert in every area. Investing in the right professional support – whether legal, insurance, marketing or accountancy – is money well spent, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.

We’re Here to Help If you are thinking of making the leap into business, why not book a free meeting with one of our friendly team to ensure you start on the right track.

Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.

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

19

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

e c la p s u io r u x lu y r e Av

W

here in Wisbech is this very luxurious place? Why would visitors to the town be tempted to visit it? There is nothing like it around here for miles and miles. Built in 1971, it’s more than fifty years old.

But it became really interesting just in 2008. What is it?

Strangely, I talk about the Women’s Institute Hall in Alexandra Road! Only... ‘There ain’t no jam and Jerusalem there no more.’

the films through a digital projector. The cinema receives the films electronically, all done automatically.

Because of this both the picture and sound quality are much improved on the old system. And because they use very strong high-definition projectors and massive sound systems it is far better than any home system and the seats are just as comfy.

And, it is now possible to show live shows, so for example, we can sit in The Luxe cinema in Wisbech and see a live West End show as it is taking place in London and we Instead…

Pure Heart Homecare is a local Laura and Nicole have bothtravelled a HOMECARE have only few miles. company that provides high the hall and worked In 2008 Burleigh Ibbott bought had a within very the sector for many Whether daily, weekly or on an ad quality, personalised, homecare with Laura basis, support workers It alsoameans that Thhoc e Luxe canits show things as theycan are clever idea of turning it into a cinema. Butyears this would not having services for Cambridgeshire andhave a background and In the oldhelp daily happening. dayswith it used to household be the Pathetasks, News be your normal cinema. You would choice of a veryin finance Norfolk residents. and Nicole personal care, meal preparation, whichexperience came a week later.

So, the sad funeral of Elizabeth II comfy leather seat, a leather sofa or deluxehealthcare sofa! And if you in the and prescription collections andscreen more.at couldsupport be seen as it happened on the large cinema sat the deluxe sofas,business you could order drinks andhealthcare food TheinOutwell based industry. whilst you’re watching the fiislm.

He called work the cinema – The the Luxe. understands that home where COMPANIONSHIP Luxe. the heart is and that the majority Pure Heart Homecare prides itself Helping users to feel ‘socially When COVID came along itservice hit many businesses of people feel most comfortable on providing highly skilled included.’ including The Luxe. Nathan has had the enormously hard Th ere were things that were unusual atpersonnel the start. with relevant within theirtwo own home encouraging people back to the cinema, back to an Burleigh had just one 35mm cinema projector.

But the who job environment. qualifications areof effective, DEMENTIA enormously improvedItscinema.

So, what does he see for the thing is, most films needed two reels of film, so he had to reliable, hardworking, honest and experienced and highly trained It was set up by friends Laura have an interval whilst he changed reels. Th e audience liked future of this special cinema? compassionate. support workers provide the highest Dawson and Nicole Day as a this as they had time get some more drinks and stretch quality of dementia care to toenjoy both domiciliary (home) care agency Laura said: “We carefully select He hopes to encourage the younger generation their legs. their to provide local, community-led individuals who demonstrate coming out both to a show,patients a specialand treat.

As families. well as this, he is support adults, a 24/7 and a the older generations that it is a nice encouraging Th e othertothing thatoffering was unusual in those professional early days wasexpertise on-call facility to down ensure someone genuine commitment to making a seeREHABILITATION affordable treat to a movie.

Burleigh would go and stand in front of the stage Fully trained carers can help with is always available. positive impact and delivering before the start of the film and tell the audience what films rehabilitation afterabout an operation or But the only thing that is not luxurious this cinema Laura said: “We to let were coming up inwant the next few weeks. outstanding service.” illness.is cheaper than any other is the cost of a seat which people know that we are a local Support workers receive thorough cinemas in a the area, and despiteDISCHARGE this… The Luxe is In 2017 thethat Picturedrome company specialises company is dedicated in whichtraining to in ensure they have HOSPITAL in theyou top know ten old or unusual cinemas helping provide care and support clear understanding of their job Whether you orlisted someone independent cinemas took over theinrunning for people their own homes. role. In turn, this enables the has been in hospital and needs that in thethey country. of Thecurrently Luxe cinema. company to ensure that a high “We have a team of extra support when get home, forty-five dedicated people on

standard of quality care and

a hospital discharge care service is Wisbech should be Nathan Smith, who support is always given to every our books who cater for seventy available. proud to have such an had already been single service user. service users, primarily in the unusual attractions working at The Luxe DISABILITY Wisbech, Downham Market and Pure Heart Homecare can offer and we over should beage for a couple of years, It can support anyone the March areas.” support with: thankful that became manager and of eighteen who is living with a Burleigh Ibbott had with him the cinema physical disability. the great idea in the has been in very good first place and now to hands. He has seen vast As well as providing private Nathan Smith and changes in how cinemas homecare, Pure Heart is on the his staff for making are run. No longer do Preferred Suppliers List (PSL) for NHS sure that this cinema cinemas rely on Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and will continue for receiving parcels works closely with social workers and many more years to containing huge reels of other NHS professional to provide come. films. Now The Luxe, – ctor support to service users referred to it. proje the e room. Notic like other cinemas, show The room nobody sees – the projection Contact Pure Heart Homecare, 130 top right-hand corner!

Wisbech Road, Outwell, Wisbech PE14 8PF. Tel: 01945 773861; Email: admin@purehearthomecare.co.uk.

Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and ‘Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear’ 20

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

MAY 2026

01945 223572 ORCHARD HOUSE CARE HOME

care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk

Care Home Receives Major Honour

107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF

A local care home has been given a prestigious accolade.

The dedicated team at Orchard House Care Home is celebrating after being crowned Team of the Year at the Fenland Citizen Business Awards.

The award recognises the exceptional teamwork, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by staff at the Wisbech care home, which supports residents with nursing and dementia care.

The accolade marks an extraordinary period of success for the Orchard House team. Over the past five months, the team has achieved twelve finalist nominations and three award wins across both regional and national platforms. This includes winning the Palliative Care Award at the East of England regional finals of the Great British Care Awards, and Activity Team of the Year at the National Activity Awards – highlighting the consistently high standards of care delivered to residents and their families.

The Team of the Year award celebrates organisations whose staff work collaboratively to deliver exceptional service and support. Judges praised Orchard House for its commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, while maintaining strong and meaningful links with the local community.

Sarah Watson, pictured right (inset), General Manager at Orchard House Care Home, said: "This award is a wonderful recognition of the passion, dedication and teamwork shown by every 22

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

rchcarehomes.co.uk

member of the Orchard House team. Everyone works incredibly hard to ensure residents feel supported, valued and truly at home, and it is fantastic to see that commitment recognised. The whole team is very proud of what has been achieved together."

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M

Y

CM

MY

Orchard House Care Home has become well CY known across Fenland for its strong community engagement, welcoming local groups, supporting CMY charities and creating meaningful experiences for K residents through a wide range of activities and events.

Part of RCH Care Homes, the home continues to play an active role in strengthening connections between residents and the local community.

Pauline Manning, Director of People and Culture, said: "This award is thoroughly deserved. The Orchard House team demonstrates every day what can be achieved through compassion, teamwork and dedication. To receive twelve finalist nominations and three award wins in such a short period is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment of the entire team."

The judges, in announcing the award, highlighted the team’s outstanding contribution not only to organisational success, but also to colleague wellbeing and enhancing the overall experience for residents and families.

The team attended the awards ceremony in Fenland to celebrate their achievement alongside other businesses and organisations recognised for their contribution to the region.

MAY 2026

ORCHARD HOUSE CARE HOME

Compassionate Nursing, Residential and Dementia Care.

If you’re looking for care for a loved one, call us today on 01945 223572 or email on care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk

We’re here to make a difference!

01945 223572 ORCHARD HOUSE CARE HOME

107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF M AY 2 0 2 6

care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk rchcarehomes.co.uk

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

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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, as well as a friendly coffee morning on the last Wednesday of each month 10:30am – 11:30am for the local community to relax and connect.

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

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

House Clearance Specialist Professional and Confidential

Fast and Dedicated Clearance Service Houses + Outbuildings + Office + Business UPCYCL E / R ECYCL E WHEN POSSI BL E

No obligation site visits offered FREE OF CHARGE Phone: 07984 473168 email: pmhouseclear@gmail.com

Affordable, Simple & Swift

MAY 2026

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

25

47-49

We offer a full range of services for feet and foot problems, including insoles to help to reduce foot pain.

Sports and remedial massage services are also available.

March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

Tel: 01354 651200

www.marchpodiatry.co.uk  Follow us on Facebook OPENING HOURS Monday 9am-7pm | Tuesday 9am-5pm | Wednesday 9am-7pm Thursday 9am-5pm | Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 9am-1pm

mobility and daily living products – from scooters and powerchairs to riser recliners, walking aids, and

ready to help, with professionalism and care at the core of everything they do.

J ANUA RY 2 026

Specialists offer the following repair services

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

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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 MAY 2026

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

27

Community News

CALL TO JOIN LOCAL GROUP Capital of the Fens Oddfellows is encouraging residents across Wisbech to Littleport to meet new people and explore the local area through its new season of social activities.

From scenic walks to day trips and relaxed get-togethers, the friendship group has a variety of events planned throughout spring to help people connect and enjoy the brighter days.

Lynne Quibell says friendship groups like Capital of the Fens Oddfellows are a great way for people to meet others who enjoy similar activities, and to explore more of the local area in good company.

She said: “There are so many incredible spots right on our doorstep, and as the days get brighter it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy them.

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The group has lots of accessible events planned and all are welcome

“For many people, it can be hard to find others who share the same interests, whether that’s going for a walk, visiting a local café or simply getting out and about for the afternoon. Groups like ours give people the chance to do those things together.

“We’re a friendly, down-to-earth group and we always enjoy welcoming people who’d like to come along and see what we’re about. Often a simple walk or lunch can turn into a really enjoyable afternoon when you’re sharing it with others.”

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

Capital of the Fens Oddfellows has around 280 local members, who are mostly older adults. They get together regularly in Wisbech, Outwell and Littleport for walks, day trips and meals at local restaurants, as well as enjoying coffee mornings, games and quizzes.

The Oddfellows also hosts around sixty free online events every month that are open to everyone, including a monthly virtual open day where people can learn more about its friendship groups.

To find out more about Capital of The Fens Oddfellows, upcoming activities and to receive a free local information pack and events diary, get in touch by calling Gemma Thomas on 0793 9860968, emailing gemma. thomas@oddfellows.co.uk or visiting www.oddfellows.co.uk

MAY 2026

Home

Vet Visits PETERBOROUGH and surrounding areas Routine check-ups Vaccinations Flea & worming Prescription medication Laboratory tests Palliative care End of life planning Mon-Fri 08:30 - 19:00 Sat 08:30 - 15:00 Sun 09:00 - 12:00

www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

07549 263767 wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk

ALL AGES AND LEVELS WELCOME Call, text or email for information about a range of membership options for individuals and family groups.

PAY-TO-PLAY ALSO AVAILABLE

Wisbech Tennis 1-8 june 22.indd 1

17/05/2022 13:21

Tejaycey Dog HoTel

cox’s lane, WisbecH Pe13 4Tb Tel: 07919 263330 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 soon

MAY 2026

Judy and Avi D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

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Swift Roofing 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.

PROFESSIONAL ROOFERS IN WISBECH & SURROUNDING AREAS % NT S 10SCOUOAP DI OR F ROOFING WORK • RE-ROOFS • ROOF REPAIRS • CHIMNEY WORK• • FASCIAS & SOFFITS FOAM INSULATION REMOVAL • LEADWORK • GUTTERING • FLAT ROOFS EPDM • FIBREGLASS • TORCH ON FELT • SLATE & TILES • REPOINTING • VENTILATION MOSS REMOVAL • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • GET IN TOUCH FOR A FREE QUOTE!

MOBILE: 07932 251141 OFFICE: 01945 897430 www.swiftroofingcontractors.co.uk

Magazines 30

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

Please call Paula for more information on

07903 776211 or email

marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

MAY 2026

so

den

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

DIRECTORY

You can contact Steve at Fenland Gate & Fencing on (01354) 653782 or 07897 339334, email: wagmontana@aol.com

o

FENLAND GATE & FENCING

ars’ he cing

ay

ESTD. 30 YEARS

ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCING SUPPLIED, INSTALLED & REPAIRED

HEDGE & CONIFER REMOVAL • TRIMMING SERVICE GARDEN SHED REPAIRS & ROOF RE-FELTS • FREE ADVICE • FREE QUOTES

CALL STEVE KENNEDY 01354 653782 | 07897 339334

Like us on

Facebook

PINE

All work fully guaranteed No deposits required OAP DISCOUNTS

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPES LTD

Tree Felling • Pruning • Fencing Shaping & Crowning • Waste Removed Hedges Pruned & Shaped Overgrown Gardens Cleared Patios • Turfing • Power Washing

CALL STEVE ON 01945 898314 OR 07780 929409 pinetreecare1@gmail.com

GET NOTICED GET RESULTS Connects your business with customers actively searching for what you offer. Stand out with large directory, eye-catching banners, or targeted sponsored content – all designed to drive traffic and conversions.

Call Paula on 07903 776211

LOCAL CLUBS AND GROUPS 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

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

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 Spring Business Directory 59 S.CO.UK | APRIL 2024 Wisbech & District Flower Club. See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national Wisbech & District Stroke Club demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the We are a club for stroke survivors and their carers. We month at meet twice monthly on the second and last Friday of St Peter's Hall, Wisbech. Secretary 07857 690312, each month at the Tesco Community Room Treasurer 07780 790163 Cromwell Road at 2pm.

Members enjoy chatting with other Stroke Survivors, Wisbech Baptist Church Hill St by the side of BOOTS. Guest Speakers. Trips to the theatre and places of Our Church is open for worship every Sunday at interest to get them rehabilitated back into the 10.30am and all are very welcome Open doors is a community. At the last meeting of the month we are drop in for coffee chat every Monday at 10joined by a qualified specialist keep fit instructor to 1.15pm closed Bank holidays. Again all welcome. get survivors moving again. We are a friendly bunch; Contact Secretary Lin Stanton 07906 938571 or why not come and join us? wbcsecretary7@gmail.com Contact Brian Sandall on 07778 755105 or 410225 MAY 2026

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

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nt ns ge e A eF th of

nt ns ge e A eF th of

Right up your street for over Right up your 200 years street for over 200 years

Looking forward to the next 200!

For five generations we haveto been helping Looking forward the nextclients 200!buy, sell, let and manage property and land in this area. Whether it be your home, farm, factory orwe development site, clients talk tobuy, thesell, Agents For five generations have been helping let and manage property and land in this area.

Whether who it be your with local knowledge and professional expertise, are an home, farm, or development established partfactory of your community.site, talk to the Agents with local knowledge and professional expertise, who are an established part of your community.

2026 2026

March Residential Sales 01354 607100

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01945 428825 01945 428830

March Residential Lettings

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01945 428825

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