Discovering March issue 090, March 2021

Issue 90 / March 2021

and the surrounding villages

INSIDE THIS ISSUE INTRODUCING K.E. ROLFE: INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR

NOYA MOTOR GROUP CAN HELP MAKE SELLING YOUR CAR STRESS-FREE

CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: FREE RAPID COVID-19 TESTS

Your favourite community lifestyle magazine – PRICELESS

Welcome to your March issue...

There are three significant dates we can look forward to celebrating this month...

M

arch 14th is Mother’s Day, our annual opportunity to shower dear Mum with love and gifts, which this year, sadly, might have to be “Zoom-related”. March 28th is when our clocks “spring forward” an hour – surely a sign that summer will soon be upon us. Thirdly, and this is a muchawaited date which has not yet been finalised – the start of the easing of our lockdown measures and a steady return to “normal times”, those days before anyone had ever heard of ‘social distancing’ or ‘the R number’!

Hoping you enjoy our issue this month, and it is with such joy and pride that we, at Discovering Magazines, can send out Discovering Whittlesea (the very first of our five titles) for issue number two hundred. Huge thanks go to everyone who has made this possible over the years.

Claire x

I’ve never considered myself to be a particularly lucky man. Not unlucky, but not the sort of person that unexpected, good things happen to.

My daily dog walk invariably coincides with a downpour of biblical proportions with blue skies greeting me as soon as I return home and step back inside and if I were to discard an old ornament you can rest assured that the only other one of its kind would be featured on the next Antiques Roadshow and valued at tens of thousands of pounds.

However, over the past month there were signs that my luck was changing. For I have won on EuroMillions three times in a row when each time there has been a jackpot well in excess of one hundred million pounds.

However, before you start penning begging letters, please note that my winnings have been £3, £3.90 and £2.60, a grand total of £9.50, for a total investment of £15. Perhaps I am unlucky after all…

Andy

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the April issue is Friday, 12th March 2021.

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton | Ops Director Andy Armstrong Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Sales Paula Peake: 07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Rob Harradine

Inside Highlights

4 .................. Meet The Discovering Team 6-7 .............. Olive Tree Law 8 ................... Gardening Tips For March 16 ................. Stephenson Smart 18-19 ......... Community Matters 20 ............... GutterPRO 24 ............... Diamond Byte 28 ............... Safe Local Trades 30 ............... ColourFence Cambridge 32 ................ Noya Motor Group 34-35 ...... Ten Tips For Preparing For Spring 36 ................ Village Life With Jayne Whytock 38 ............... Recipe: Egg & Bacon Cups 40 ............... Drinking with Trevor Langley 43 ............... K.E. Rolfe 44 ............. March Podiatry 48 ............. COVID-19 Rapid Testing 50 .............. Chat Over A Cuppa 52 ................ History With March Museum 54 ............... Mother's Day Quiz 58 ............... Steve Barclay MP 62-53 ...... Business Directory With thanks to:

March Podiatry, Eileen Le Voi, Peter Wright, Richard Munns, Stephenson Smart, Holiday With Us, Diamond Byte, Trevor Langley, Jayne Whytock, Steve Barclay MP and Trevor Bevis.

Front Cover Photograph: James Cook of March

07487 713600 or email jc7211@hotmail.co.uk

Discovering March 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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Advertorial

COVID-19 SECURE appointments available during lockdown

Firstly, what is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to give authority to people you trust to make decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney, one for decisions about property and finances and one for decisions about health and welfare.

So, why are they important?

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY You may have heard about Lasting Powers of Attorney, but do you know what they are and how important they can be?

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By having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place you are ensuring that should you become unwell or lose capacity, the people you trust can continue to look after you and make important decisions that are in your best interests. They can pay your bills, make important decisions regarding your care and even make decisions about life sustaining treatment.

Lasting Powers of Attorney should be implemented at the very earliest opportunity, because nobody knows what the future holds. You can only make a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst you are mentally able to do so. By putting things in place while you are healthy, you can help your loved ones to make decisions at potentially very difficult times.

What happens if there is no Lasting Power of Attorney?

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection to be able to deal with your property and financial affairs. This is a lengthy and costly process and only provides your loved ones with very limited powers.

It also requires annual accounts and ongoing fees. It also only relates to your financial affairs.

Applications can be made in relation to health; however, it is rare and often too late.

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With a Lasting Power of Attorney you retain control.

You have decided who should make decisions for you and you can also leave instructions and guidance to ensure they act how you would want them to. Our clients want to know that if they become unwell in the future, it’s their family who know them and understand their wishes that are able to make important decisions on their behalf if that time ever comes. As one client said it’s “planning for the worst but hoping for the best.”

Until your document is registered it cannot be used, and with registration taking eight to sixteen weeks, it is important these documents are registered immediately. At Olive Tree Law your Lasting Power of Attorney will be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. We will guide you through the entire process and give you the best advice on all the options available. We aim to make the process as straightforward and simple as possible so you can have peace of mind that your loved ones can make vital decisions when it matters.

Why should I make my Lasting Power of Attorney now?

No one can predict the future. We do not know when we may become critically ill or have a serious accident. Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney gives peace of mind that if the worst should happen, it’s loved ones that will make those crucial health and welfare and financial decisions as required.

There has also never been a better time to create and register your Lasting Power of Attorney due to the launch of the “Use a Lasting Power of Attorney” service, which went live on July 17th, 2020.

CASE STUDY

M

rs M instructed us to prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney at the beginning of 2020. We prepared and registered both Lasting Powers of Attorney for Mrs M, appointing her loved ones as attorneys. During lockdown Mrs M became drastically ill and lost capacity. Because she had a registered Lasting Power of Attorney in place her family were able to make difficult decisions on her behalf ensuring her wishes were followed. Our client’s family were grateful she had taken the time to arrange these vital documents.

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With Olive Tree Law you will only ever deal with two people – Chris and Robynne. Chris is an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has many years’ experience in estate planning. Chris is friendly, approachable and cuts through the jargon. He will listen to your concerns and circumstances and only advise what is best for you. Robynne graduated from Kingston University in 2009 and completed her professional qualifications in 2015. She has always wanted to focus on private client services such as wills and loves working with her clients. We have created Olive Tree Law with a combined passion to look after our clients and deliver only the best customer service.

Offer applies to our fees for advising, preparing and registering your Lasting Powers of Attorney. Third party disbursements are not included in the offer.

If you would like more information on how a Lasting Power of Attorney could help you and your family, we offer free consultations via video call, over the phone and face-to-face. Contact us on 01487 474 352 or hello@olivetreelaw.co.uk

Choosing Olive Tree Law We are specialist will and estate planners with a local office in Ramsey and a head office based in Retford, Nottinghamshire. We deliver a wealth of expertise when it comes to planning your estate

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7

Your Garden

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March

GARDENING TIPS

onger days, the clocks “springing forward” at the end of the month and, hopefully, days becoming warmer means more work in the allotment. The first things to tackle are any weeds that have survived the winter or are starting to grow in the warmer weather; it is advisable to dig out weeds such as bindweed and couch grass.

Once that is done now is a good time to prepare your beds for later planting by raking the soil thoroughly, breaking down any lumps to achieve a fine tilth and applying fertilizer. I favour chicken manure pellets, liquid seaweed and blood fish and bone meal to keep it all organic. Once this is done you can cover the ground to keep it warm before you sow or plant.

If you have chitted your first early potatoes and the ground is not frozen, they can be planted out from mid-March or early April, but it is well worth covering them to protect them from the late frosts. Don’t forget to add a light sprinkling of fertiliser to the trench and plant earlies about 30cm (12 inches) apart, with 40-50cm (16-60 inches) between rows, with the shoots pointing upwards.

If you want to grow asparagus, now is the time to prepare your bed and plant the crowns by digging a trench 12 inches deep and adding some well-rotted manure. Make a four-inch ridge at the base and spread the roots of the crown over the ridge, replace the soil, leaving the tips just visible.

Water in and add mulch. Don’t forget to leave the asparagus for two years before actually harvesting – it’s well worth the wait!

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March can be a busy month for sowing, particularly indoors – aubergines chillies and peppers – indoors or heated greenhouses – brassicas such as Brussels, sprouting broccoli cabbages (summer, autumn and red) can be given a head start by sowing the seeds under cover and planting on when all frost risk has passed. Although there are plenty of seeds to sow, it is worth keeping an eye on the weather forecast as we can still get some pretty cold weather in March and some heavy frosts.

Other jobs include: •

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.

• Plant out onion and shallot sets.

•

Early varieties of carrot, beetroot, spring onions, peas, chard, parsnips, spinach and broad beans can be sown into the open ground.

• Last chance for planting bare-rooted fruit trees and bushes.

•

Feed and mulch fruit trees – fertilise the base, water in and then cover with well-rotted manure or compost to act as a mulch.

• Check cabbages for caterpillars and pick off.

• Remove dead leaves from cabbages and Brussels.

•

Herbs such as rosemary and sage will benefit from a good trim, whilst chives and mint can be propagated by dividing them and re-planting.

Happy gardening!

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Mortgage Advice

The effects of Covid-19 on the Mortgage Market

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ADVICE FROM CAREN PALMER-WELCH, MORTGAGE AND PROTECTION BROKER

t is common knowledge that a wide range of industries have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and the housing market is no exception. As lockdown was declared in March 2020, lenders practically closed their doors to new applications from homemovers because it was not safe for surveyors to attend property valuations. With many lenders reducing their product ranges and scaling back their service levels, homeowners looking to change their mortgage package were left with little choice but to stay with their current lender.

mortgage-holders greater market choice when the time comes for them to re-evaluate their mortgage requirements: at the end of their current deal; raising capital for home improvements; debt consolidation, and many others.

Fast-forward to March 2021 and, although we are still having to make compromises in our everyday lives, there is certainly a positive trend of normality resuming in the mortgage market. Lenders have started to offer higher loan-to-value products, opening up availability to buyers with as little as 10% deposit.

As a “whole-of-market broker”, I will keep you up-to-date with the ever-changing mortgage market, its products, and their criteria, ensuring that you are fully aware of the best options for you.

Interest rates have also seen some positive downward movement, with the gap between a two-year and a five-year fixed product being the narrowest that it has ever been.

Re-mortgage products are also starting to be reintroduced by lenders, giving existing

Whether you are a first-time buyer needing advice on the products and schemes available to you, or a current homeowner looking to move property or just looking for a better deal, now is a great time to get in touch with an experienced mortgage broker, such as myself.

I have worked in the property industry for over eighteen years, navigating recessions and national financial crises, and as such I have the wealth of experience needed to help you make it through the economic instability brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Please contact me and I would be more than happy to talk through your options with you.

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Finance

STARTING UP A NEW BUSINESS One positive thing to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the increase in new business start-ups in the UK. Last year saw an extra 84,758 businesses setting up, compared with 2019. This is equivalent to a 12.3 percent increase year on year, which is the highest percentage growth since 2011 and the highest actual growth on record.

E

mbarking on a new business venture is both an exciting and a challenging task, which carries with it an element of risk. Key decisions need to be made, and there are many factors to consider.

What type of company is right for you?

Business plan

Taxes, legalities, and insurance

A business plan is an essential document that will guide you in establishing and growing your new venture; helping you focus your thoughts, providing you with targets and goals as well as giving you an indication of your cash requirements.

Finance Business financing can take two forms: debt or equity. Debt means borrowing money. Loans may come from family, friends, banks, other financial institutions, or professional investors. Equity relates to selling an ownership interest in your business. Such a sale can take many forms, such as the admitting of a partner or, if you are in a company, issuing of additional shares to investors.

Options are sole trader, limited company, company limited by guarantee and limited liability partnership (LLP). The type of company you choose will be dependent on the nature of the business you intend to carry out.

A significant task for a new business owner is ensuring that the business complies with the extensive tax, legislation and insurance requirements that are imposed by various authorities. To avoid problems, penalties and – in some cases – legal action, it is important to understand your obligations.

At Stephenson Smart we can guide you through these important decision-making processes. As specialist start-up business advisors, we can help you make the appropriate registrations, assist with cash flow forecasts, and offer regular updates to enable you to monitor the performance of your business.

Getting a grant is also an option. There are many different small business and start-up grants available depending on where your business is based, how large it is and what you do.

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Matters

DON’T MISS OUT ON GRANTS Local businesses that have been impacted by local and national COVID-19 restrictions are being reminded to check if they’re eligible for grant support.

Fenland District Council is administering a range of government business grant schemes via its website at www.fenland.gov.uk/businessgrants – and is urging businesses to apply before the closing dates.

Since the first lockdown last year, the council has distributed more than £24 million in funding and made more than 2,500 payments to businesses, with more than £3 million being paid out to businesses since the December restrictions came into force.

Grants are currently available for businesses affected by the Tier 2 restrictions from December 2nd to December 25th, 2020, the Tier 4 restrictions from December 26th to January 4th and the current ongoing national lockdown.

The grant schemes open for applications in Fenland are: • Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment – a one-off grant payment of either £4,000, £6,000 or £9,000 depending on rateable value is available to businesses forced to close in line with the national restrictions which came into force on January 5th, 2021. This grant is available in addition to the Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) and businesses can claim this at the same time as applying for other grants which they are eligible for.

• Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) – hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses registered for business rates which 18

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We bring you items of interest for your home and community.

If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering March, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

suffered a reduction in trade due to Tier 2 restrictions are eligible to obtain the LRSG (Open) grant. This grant is currently available for the period from December 2nd to December 25th when Fenland was in Tier 2.

• Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) – the LRSG (Closed) grant is available to businesses registered for business rates which were required by law to remain closed during the period when Fenland was in Tier 2. For example, pubs which were unable to re-open on December 2nd, 2020 due to the requirement to serve substantial meals alongside any alcohol purchased.

The closing date for the grants’ payment is March 31st, 2021.

Any businesses requiring help or advice regarding any of the grant schemes can contact the council on 01354 654321 or email: covid19.businessgrants@ fenland.gov.uk

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS TO HELP THOSE AT RISK Fenland District Council has secured almost £100,000 from the Government to expand its ongoing work to support those most at risk from COVID-19.

It has been awarded a £96,903 grant from the Government’s £25 million Community Champions scheme to help deliver a wide range of measures to protect those most at risk – building trust, communicating accurate health information, and ultimately helping to save lives.

The funding has been awarded to sixty councils and voluntary groups across England with plans to reach groups such as older people, disabled people, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who according to the latest evidence are more likely to suffer long-term impacts and poor outcomes from COVID-19.

In Fenland, the funding will be used to recruit and train up to ten Community Champions to reflect the different community languages spoken in the area. They will work with the council and voluntary and community partners to enhance communications with these groups and deliver outreach support across the district.

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DIGITAL DRIVE OFF TO FLYING START

STEPHEN’S SPORTING DREAM March man Stephen Wallis is fulfilling a life-long ambition by conducting and broadcasting interviews with sportsmen and women.

When he left school, Stephen always wanted to be a sports journalist but found himself spending more than thirty years working for a bank!

But after being encouraged by a friend to enroll in a broadcast course at Bury St Edmunds he has created a podcast on cricket and horse racing, his biggest sporting passions.

Stephen said: “I had a few contacts in both sports and thought I could interview people about their careers with the object of finding some inspiring stories along the way. You cannot beat a good story and podcasts are an ideal way to grab people’s attention in these strange times.”

The Paddock and The Pavilion’s opening podcast ‘From ballerina to winning jockey’ with apprentice jockey Gaia Boni was released in July. Since then there have been more than thirty episodes.

Podcasts are usually released every Sunday and some have been played on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk on their Upload series.

They have featured both international stars and local ones and have included Ebony Rainford Brent, the Sky Sports cricket commentator and former England Women’s cricketer, former BBC TV racing expert Richard Pitman, ex-England cricketer Philip DeFreitas and local young cricketer George Gowler and the former March Town Cricket Club coach Harry Vaheesan.

Stephen has a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page @ThePaddandPav and the podcasts are available on all the major outlets.

If you have a good story about a sporting star, he would love to hear from you.

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has donated two hundred laptops, tablets and PCs, together with one hundred New 128 GB SSD hard drives and thirty-five 17” monitors, to the Digital Drive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough campaign.

The trust has also pledged to donate a significant number of its computers which are being replaced across the organisation from May 2021.

Richard Matt MBCS, Associate Director, Business Technology at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We're delighted to support this vital initiative, ensuring our local children have access to technology. We know the toll this pandemic has had on our young people and keeping them connected to their friends and online learning has never been more important.”

The Digital Drive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough campaign aims to find 8,000 laptops and provide internet access so that every single child across the county can access their schoolwork at home.”

If you want to get involved with Digital Drive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: Donate all unused laptops – take your laptops to your local library where you’ll find a drop-off box just inside the entrance. They will be collected and delivered to the Cambs Youth Panel which will remove and destroy all hard drives (and data) and refurbish laptops so that they are in good working order before distribution to schools.

Make a financial donation – through either: Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council’s joint Go Fund Me page gf.me/f/ cambridgeshire-laptops-for-children or Cambs Youth Panel’s Go Fund Me page gf.me/u/zfuj78 Purchase and donate an item or items from the Cambs Youth Panel’s Amazon Wish List: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ ls/3FCVZUSB9TZVC?ref_=wl_share

Sylvia’s ’’s Masks Sylvia makes washable, 100% cotton masks (patterned and including a range of Christmas prints) for adults and teens at just £2.50 per mask.

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March

19

place a ladder safely. This means that not only is there less risk of falling off a ladder, there is less risk to your property too.

Sam adds: “For your full peace of mind, we use a CCTV system that enables us to show you before and after photographs of the work we have completed for you. If your gutters are clear, then there is no call out charge. All our jobs are booked in for a timed appointment, so you know we are coming.”

GutterPRO can also provide a gutter washing service which removes black marks and dirt from UPVC gutters and fascia boards, giving homes a fresh new look and much improved kerbside appeal.

Sam continues: “We are seeing people getting a clear and clean before putting their properties on the market. People don’t want to see grass growing from gutters, or dirty gutters on estate agents’ photos.”

When Did You Last Have Your Gutters Cleared Out?

G

utter health is an often-overlooked part of your home maintenance plan, but gutters perform an important function in protecting your home.

Axa, the world leading insurance company, suggest that gutters require at least an internal inspection each year, and clearing out if they are clogged up. Blocked gutters can lead to brick damage, wood rot and even damp on internal walls of your home.

GutterPRO are able to operate contact-free and can even take payment online after the job is complete – and if there’s no problem, there’s no call out charge.

GutterPRO has more than 8,000 five-star reviews and can be reached on 01354 526 018 or visit the website gutterpro.co.uk

No Problem No Call Out Charge

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Local GutterPRO expert Sam says: “Contrary to popular belief, moss not leaves are the major cause of gutter blockages. So even if your property doesn’t have trees in the immediate area there may still be a problem building up. Moss does a great job of falling from your roof when it rains and then swelling up in your guttering. The moss breaks down and provides a great medium for weeds and grass to germinate which will prevent water running freely to the drains.”

GutterPRO are able to clear gutters from the ground using a powerful vacuum system and super-light carbon poles. Because of the length of the poles, GutterPRO can reach over your conservatory where it would be impossible to 20

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The Technology Site

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

Keeping your PC

y h t l a e h & y p p a h

Many of our customers ask us how they should go about maintaining a happy and healthy PC. These are our top tips.

Strengthen your digital security First on the list is to take the time now to start changing your passwords FOR EVERYTHING. Make sure you have a different one for every account. Use a mixture of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create unique passwords. Two factor authentication will also add an extra layer of security. This is usually a combination of something you know and something you have. The thing you know is often a pin number. The thing you have might be a unique token generated each time you log in. This is used in addition to your username and password.

Make backups If your device gets lost, damaged, or stolen, you run the risk of never being able to retrieve the valuable documents stored on it. To save music, photos and documents, a disk, a memory stick or a removeable hard drive will suffice. Probably the safest option is to use some sort of cloud storage, although do remember if you want to make your back-ups

one hundred percent failsafe, it is important to have both physical and online copies saved.

Get rid of desktop clutter Keeping screenshots, images, and shortcuts to files on your desktop can make finding things almost impossible. To get the initial abundance of apps out the way, create a folder on your desktop named ‘old desktop’ and transfer all your clutter into it. Your desktop will immediately look cleaner and more manageable. From there, you can go through the folder in your own time and put all the files in their rightful place, perhaps even sort out other folders whilst you are at it.

Clean that keyboard To clean your keyboard, make sure your PC or laptop is shut down and that the keyboard is disconnected from the computer (if using a desktop PC). We recommend using a can of compressed air that will blast any dirt and debris out from between the keys.

Upgrade your PC If your PC still runs on coal, or even worse, Windows 7 or Vista, you really must upgrade to Windows 10. As we have mentioned time and time again, continuing to use Windows 7 or Vista on the public internet is putting you in a very dangerous situation indeed.

For this and all our other articles, go to www.diamondbyte.co.uk

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March

Consumer Advice Don’t Let Dodgy DIY Become a Drama or Invalidate Your Home Insurance

by Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades Spring is in the air – and with the green shoots of new beginnings comes a desire to tick off all those DIY jobs. But a word of warning before you pick up those power tools or reach for that repair kit; tackling jobs around the home or garden that you are not qualified to do can damage your health as well as your wealth!

Each year, over 200,000 people find themselves in A&E as a result of a DIY accident in the home or 15:38 garden. These range from mishaps with power tools and lawnmowers, to falls from ladders and slip-ups with knives and scalpels, according to RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Over-ambition and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest factors in DIY accidents causing death and injury.

But as well as potentially damaging your health, you could be putting your property at risk if the DIY dream turns to disaster. Apparently, one in five of us hate doing DIY, but are happy to attempt jobs that may be out of our league in an attempt to save money.

Tackling jobs that you are not qualified for could also invalidate your home insurance, leaving you liable for the cost of repairing any subsequent damage.

Water damage is among the most common household claims. However, policies exclude damage which has occurred gradually or damage which could have been avoided by regular maintenance – such as cleaning gutters of leaves.

So, it is important to keep on top of regular home maintenance jobs which could otherwise damage your property over time.

The top ten maintenance jobs in UK homes: 1 Servicing the boiler.

2 Repairing cracked walls.

3 Painting and repairing exterior paintwork.

4 Fixing a damp problem.

5 Replacing boundary fences or walls.

6 Blocked or damaged gutters.

7 Repairing damaged brickwork or mortar.

8 Fitting smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

9 Replacing sealant around baths and showers or cracked shower trays or baths.

10 Updating electrical wiring.

So, if you are unqualified, unsure or inexperienced, the message is simple: leave it to the professionals!

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D I S C O V E R I N G

29

What is the Lifetime Cost of a Timber Fence vs a ColourFence?

O

bviously there are many variables, not least the weather conditions; a strong wind could easily take down a timber fence causing the panels to need repair or replacement, but if you work on the basis that a good quality timber fence will generally be guaranteed for fifteen years then it can be estimated as follows: really good quality fence treatments can protect your fence for up to five years but after an initial treatment this is still three further treatments to get you to fifteen years, five if you go to the end of the ColourFence guarantee of twenty-five years.

You are probably going to have to clean your wooden fence annually with an algae remover or something similar to keep it looking as it did when it was newly installed.

Based on a 2017 survey by Foxtons, the typical British garden is 45x36ft, which equates to around twenty-one traditional fence panels. This means that over the fifteen-year lifespan of your timber fence you are looking at investing around £550 in consumables, not including brushes, brush cleaner or dust sheets etc. This also equates to about seventy hours of labour over the years, more if you need to paint more frequently or undertake repairs.

warranty period that comes with a ColourFence.

In this additional ten years you could be looking at another £300 of treatments over forty more hours.

Add to this that a significant number of the panels may need replacing and you could be shelling out in excess of £2,000 for new panels and fitting. To add insult to injury, this only treats one side of your fence, you may well be relying on your neighbours to maintain their side and if they don’t keep up their side of the bargain so to speak, the life of your fence could be significantly impacted.

So, whilst the initial £105 cost of a typical ColourFence panel, compared with around £90 for equivalent timber feather edge fencing may seem high, when you consider the £50 of treatments, seven hours of labour and £45 of repair/replacements per panel that you save over the twenty-five-year lifetime of the ColourFence, the value becomes apparent.

Sources: Five year (brush on) treatment, £2.80 per litre, at stated max. coverage. ½ hour per panel.

Typical dilute to use sprayable algae remover £32 per 100m2 coverage. Five mins per panel.

Foxtons typical British Garden Survey 2017.

Prices correct at time of writing – January 2018.

All this time and money invested only takes you to the end of the fifteen-year average lifespan of the timber fence. If you want a truly comparable figure, then you need to look at the twenty-five-year 30

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

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D I S C O V E R I N G

March

31

Taking the Stress out of Selling your Car Noya Motor Group (NMG) are an independent dealership, based in Peterborough. Robin Ewan (Brokerage Manager) and Georgia Purdy (Brokerage Consultant) are both enthusiasts with a real passion for cars.

N

ormally, the only options when it comes to selling your vehicle are part-exchange or selling privately. Part-exchange is fine if you are in the market for a new vehicle, but it can mean losing money. To obtain the best price possible for your vehicle, you would need to sell privately.

vehicle, so NMG offer finance on very favourable terms, alongside a warranty and benefits, like paint protection. ●

The car will receive a valet and health check on arrival.

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Furthermore, 360-degree videos of the interior and exterior of your vehicle will be taken, so that potential customers can have a virtual viewing from the comfort of their own home.

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NMG will collect your car from your home.

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They handle all negotiations and finalise the sale to give you the best price possible for your vehicle.

●

NMG operate on a ‘sale or return’ basis and are confident that they can sell your car within ninety days of it arriving at the dealership; if not, they will return your car at no cost to you.

This, of course, may have its own issues, for example, it can take time, effort and a lot of stress to achieve a sale at the right price.

With their bespoke brokerage service, NMG take care of the sale from start to finish, dealing with the ‘time wasters’ and the ‘tyre kickers’, making the whole process easier and safer for you, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

NMG make your car appealing to as wide an audience as possible in a number of ways: ●

32

Eighty-five percent of used car buyers use finance when buying their next

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A stress-free process from start to finish, so simply sit back and wait for the money to hit your account!

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D I S C O V E R I N G

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10

TIPS ON HOW TO PR This month, with the arrival of spring, we look at how we can all prepare, not just ourselves but also our home and garden, so that we’re ready for those long-overdue “post-lockdown days”.

T I PS TO P R E PA RE YO U R SE L F FOR SP RING

1 2

Exfoliate your skin:

During the winter, the air is cold and dry, which can lead to the accumulation of dead skin and impurities on the skin. Exfoliate on a weekly basis for fresh and glowing skin on both your face and your body.

Look after your body:

A balanced and nutritious diet (including fruits, vegetables, oily fish, and nuts) with plenty of hydration, good sleep, and regular exercise is important all year round, but particularly when you are concerned about how you will look in your summer wear.

T I PS TO P R E PA RE YO U R H O ME FOR SP RING

4

Have a general tidy up, removing leaves

and other debris from flower beds and borders. You can cut back the old dead growth of deciduous grasses and herbaceous perennials now. It’s also the perfect time to give your greenhouse a good clean, ready for the seedlings and cuttings of spring. Wash the outside of your greenhouse with disinfectant or detergent, to remove algae, moss and general grime.

5

Order summer-flowering bulbs and seeds now

it’s the perfect task for a wet and windy winter’s day. Flowers like lilies, gladioli and ranunculi can all be ordered in the winter for early-spring planting.

1 34

D I S C O V E R I N G

March Bourne

M A R CH 2 0 2 1

EPARE FOR SPRING T I P S TO P R E PA R E YOUR GARDEN FOR SPRING

7 8

Visually inspect the outside of your property to check for any issues like damaged or displaced tiles/slates or loose guttering.

Clear debris from guttering & downspouts

3

Use moisturiser:

leaves and moss may have accumulated over the year, meaning that rainwater could soon find its way out of the gutter and cause problems.

You should be using a moisturiser throughout the seasons, but it becomes even more important during the dry, cold winter. Moisturiser will hydrate your skin and restore balance, but it is important not to use one that is too heavy or greasy as this can clog your pores.

6

Inspect patio slabs

for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation.

Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, powerwash and then seal the concrete.

9

Look for damage to water pipes

caused by the winter’s icy ravages.

A leaking outside tap or an internal pipe can soon cause untold damage if not remedied very soon.

10

“Spring cleaning”

around the home can take many forms: deep cleaning your carpets, re-arranging your pictures and ornaments, and sorting through kitchen cupboards are just a few of the jobs which could go towards making your home “spring-ready”!

M A RCH 2 0 21

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

35

Why is Mothering Sunday on Different Dates Each Year?

Village Life

Mothering Sunday is always the middle Sunday in Lent (which lasts from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter Sunday). So, Mother’s Day in the UK will fall on different dates each year and sometimes even fall in different months.

Written by Jayne Whytock

M

othering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent since at least the 16th century and this year falls on March 14th.

The History behind Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday, or ‘Mid Lent Sunday '. It was a day of Lent when the fasting rules were relaxed, in honour of the 'Feeding of the Five Thousand', a story in the Christian Bible.

Roman Spring Festival The more usual name was Mothering Sunday. No one is absolutely certain exactly how the name of Mothering Sunday began. However, one theory is that the celebration could have been adopted from a Roman Spring festival celebrating Cybele, their Mother Goddess.

Mother Church As Christianity spread, this date was adopted by Christians.

It is on this date, around four hundred years ago, people made a point of visiting their nearest big church (the Mother Church). This would be the church in which they were baptised.

Cathedrals are the 'mother church' of all other churches in an area 36

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

('diocese'). People who visited their mother church would say they had gone ‘a mothering.’

Girls in Service Young British girls and boys 'in service' (maids and servants) at the local manor house or in a mansion, were only allowed one day to visit their family each year. This was usually on Mothering Sunday.

For some this could be a significant journey since their mother may have lived some distance away, indeed another town altogether from the manor where they were put into service. Often the housekeeper or cook would allow the maids to bake a cake to take home for their mother. Sometimes a gift of eggs or flowers from the garden was allowed.

Maids were put into service for the landed gentry and paid a small salary but boarded free of charge.

They dealt with everything from cleaning, washing to cooking, so to have a day of rest and be able to visit their mother was quite a privilege.

Simnel Cake was a favourite treat and is still baked today. The cake is a fruit cake. A flat layer of marzipan (sugar almond paste) is placed on top of and decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the twelve apostles minus Judas, who betrayed Christ.

M A R CH 2 0 2 1

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A luxury lodge has all the comfort and style of your home, but is set in a stunning location, surrounded by the English countryside at its best. On site there is a bar and restaurant which is open every day, offering meals and a variety of entertainment all-year-round.

Get involved in fitness classes, bingo, trips and weekend discos and parties.

Thorney Golf Club Situated on the outskirts of the cathedral city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. This well respected and long established 18 hole championship course also boasts a 9 hole par 3 course, covered driving range and practice green by the Clubhouse. Located in beautiful countryside you will feel you have escaped to a new world where the pace of life is

slower and you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings. An ideal place for golf lovers or for people looking for a retreat that is a haven of tranquility.

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Recipe

Egg&BaconCups M O T H E R ̛ S D AY S P E C I AL

T

his breakfast idea is so easy, even the kids can get involved!

So go on, treat your Mum to a yummy breakfast in bed... add some buttered toast or hash browns and the brownie points will roll in!

Ingredients

Make as many as required!

Eggs Thick-cut bacon Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1

2

3

38

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

Pre-heat the oven and bake the bacon according to the package instructions. When the bacon is mostly done, still soft and not crunchy, remove it from the oven. When it’s cool enough to touch, wrap it around the cups in the muffin tin, placing another small piece in the bottom of each cup for a ‘bottom’.

Crack an egg into each muffin cup, lightly salt and pepper it, then bake at 350°C for about twenty minutes or, when the egg is lightly touched, it bounces a bit and doesn’t stick to your finger.

Cooking them this way makes the eggs over medium, so some of the yolk is cooked and some is runny. Perfection!

Serve and eat within a few minutes of being taken out of the oven. Great with a side of buttered toast or even hash browns! Yummy, Mummy!

M A R CH 2 0 2 1

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Free Delivery over 4 meals a week.

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The Barn Restaurant 7 Station Road, March, PE15 8LB

01354 656825 | 07597 351 194 hello@thebarnrestaurantmarch.co.uk www.thebarnrestaurantmarch.co.uk Mon-Thurs 8.30-15.00 Fri-Sat 8.30-19.00 Sunday 8.30-16.00 M A RCH 2 0 21

Free wifi available

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Food & Drink

Wines From France:

Some Provence Favourites

T

he Provence region of France is renowned for gastronomy and wine productions of excellent quality. Tourists from around the world visit this part of France and return regularly for the pleasurable delights. The climate is perfect for the production of the grapes which ultimately produce some very impressive wines, ones which can lay claim to many awards, from numerous prestigious competitions and events.

The Sainte Croix winery is located in Provence.

Tradition and history have a large input for the wines produced by this outstanding, multi-awardwinning company. It is now in the fourth generation of the family and is located on the former lands of Thoronet Abbey.

Château Sainte Croix ACACIA (13% vol. Grapes: 100% Rolle) has a very pleasant bouquet which leads, enticingly, to the mouthfeel. The pleasures for the tastebuds include a captivating freshness, for this white wine. The palate’s sensation continues, with the overall pleasing effect of this production. It is great for pre-dining drinks and perfect to pair with fish and seafood dishes in particular.

Château Sainte Croix CHARMEUR (13% vol.

Grapes: Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache) is known to be the company’s flagship production. I found this salmon-coloured rosé wine excellent. Elegance and sophistication are thoughts that easily come to mind. Wonderful to accompany cold meats and a lot of cuisine, it certainly adds colour to a dining table and is splendid for alfresco occasions too.

from the nasal initiation. Full-bodied and smooth, the palate further enjoys the delights of this wine. It is fantastic with red meat dishes.

In addition to the vineyard and winery, the estate offers very well-appointed accommodation and restaurant dining, plus most attractive outdoor areas.

Events and wedding receptions, plus parties, take place regularly. The company is dedicated and committed to producing and supplying wines of excellent quality, plus very memorable experiences for visitors to the estate. For all details, including easy ordering (online too), please email: chateausaintecroix83@yahoo.fr and visit: www.chateau-sainte-croix.com

Trevor L a n g le y

As always, enjoy!

Château Sainte Croix SAINT-PIERRE (14% vol.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah) is a powerful production and a popular, regular choice for many red wine lovers. Juicy, dark, ripe fruits are in abundance for the mouth’s pleasures, which follow splendidly

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FREE* Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

Bathing a problem? – we can help

41 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

• Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

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“Mum, Dad... I want to be an undertaker!”

K

erry Rolfe had an unusual ambition when she was just fourteen years old… she wanted to be an undertaker. She knew nothing about the world of funerals but knew that’s what she wanted to do.

For her work experience she was given a placement at her local crematorium and was told about embalming. She contacted an embalming tutor who asked if she had ever watched an embalming to which she told him she had never seen a dead body!

Supported by her family, Kerry completed an embalming course and in 2000 was offered a position as a trainee embalmer and worked with Dignity U.K for nine years, becoming a fully trained embalmer in 2003.

find it a great honour when families request for me to look after them.”

Now Kerry has opened her own funeral parlour on the site of the old Johnson’s Ironmongers in Dartford Road, March, transforming the premises assisted by husband Martin, children Jack and Kodie and other family members, plus Perce Baxter and Son, who arranged the carpenters, plasterers, plumber and electrician, and K.A Keil Decorators, who carried out the decorating.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the maximum mourners allowed at a service is currently thirty, but this could alter depending on where the funeral is taking place.

Since then, she has worked as a mobile embalmer and funeral director for the Co-op in March and funeral director for George James & Son and Co-Operative Funeral care in Chatteris.

Kerry said: “Last year everyone had a very difficult year with the hit of COVID-19. It is hard when you lose a loved one but losing someone in the times we currently live in, makes everything even harder.”

She said: “I have had the privilege of looking after many bereaved families in the local area and

If you would like any advice with the restrictions, you can contact Kerry 24/7 on 01354 651499.

Independent Family Funeral Director

24 hours personal care

Professional and Experienced Advice Private chapel of rest All funeral arrangements catered for including Eco-friendly/green burials Agent for Golden Leaves Funeral Plans in 6-8 Dartford Road, March, Cambs PE15 8AD Tel: 01354 651499 association Email: kerolfe.fd@gmail.com • www.kerolfefuneraldirectors.co.uk with M A RCH 2 0 21

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Health

DO YOU NEED TO SEE A PODIATRIST? Podiatry is simply the new name for chiropody. It is a branch of medicine devoted to the study and diagnosis, and medical treatment, of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The name changed from chiropody to podiatry in 1993, so that the UK was in line with all other English speaking countries, in using the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist. A podiatrist will usually have attended a university for three years, to study full time for a degree in podiatry.

with the pain of ingrown toenails, or corns and calluses. Many feel a trip to the beauty salon is all that’s needed. Covering up a fungal nail infection, with a splash of colourful polish, does not resolve the underlying problem.

Here are four reasons to see a podiatrist:

4) Need footwear advice? – Feet come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing suitable footwear, somewhat, determines your long-term foot health. A number of people have developed problems with their feet over time as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes.

The right pair of shoes should effectively hug the foot and provide a high-level of comfort.

1) Give your feet an MOT – Even if your feet are in a generally good state, an appointment with a podiatrist, every so often, can help to keep your feet in tip-top condition. It’s easy to overlook problems with verrucas, cracked heels, and ingrown toenails; however, these issues can eventually result in painful conditions and infections. A podiatrist can treat a range of issues including corns, calluses, athlete’s foot, foot odour, flat feet and bunions.

2) Manage the pain in your feet – Putting up with foot pain is uncomfortable and unnecessary. A visit to your local podiatrist is all that’s needed to nurse your feet back to full health. Don’t suffer in silence

3) Do you suffer from foot odour? – It’s common to suffer from foot perspiration and odours from timeto-time. However, if the problem persists, seeking expert advice and treatment from a podiatrist can help resolve the issues quickly and effectively.

March Podiatry is following all current health and safety guidelines, to ensure we are COVID secure in order to provide your treatment as safely as possible.

MarchPodiatry PodiatryPractice PracticeLtd Ltd March Podiatry March Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ 47-49 HighPE15 Street, 47-49 High Street, March 9JJMarch PE15 9JJ

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01354 651200 Tel 01354 Tel 651200 www.marchpodiatry.co.uk www.marchpodiatry.co.uk

Opening hours: Mon 9am-7pm, Tues 9am-5pm, Weds 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm

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“Our Family Caring for Yours”

Athena Care Homes are a family run business with five homes across East Anglia. Our vision 'Creating opportunities together by caring to be different' Amberley Hall Care Home 55 Baldock Drive, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3DQ 01553 670600 @amberleyhallcarehome Aria Court Care Home Coronation Close, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9PP 01354 661551 @ariacourtcarehome Ashlynn Grange Bretton Gate, Peterborough, PE3 9UZ 01733 269153 @ashlynngrangecarehome Avocet Court Care Home Monmouth Close, Ipswich, IP2 8RS 01473 786980 @avocetcourtcarehome Goodwins Hall Care Home Goodwins Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5PD 01553 777994 @goodwinshallcarehome

If you would like to find out more please email enquiries@athenacarehomes.co.uk or visit www.athenacarehomes.co.uk

over 50 years experience in mobility Maximising Mobility, Promoting Independence

A range of over 80 Scooters from £220, Wheelchairs from £50 and Rise & Recliners from £495 • Rollators • Walkers • Bath Lifts • Stair Lifts Beds • Slippers • Incontinence & Bathroom Products • Kitchen Aids and 100s more aids for daily living Free Parking, Advice, Demonstrations, Brochures & Toilets

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SPLASH INTO SUMMER

2022

We all need something to look forward to, and with Summer 2022 holidays now on sale you can plan ahead and book your summer break early.

We’ve got plenty of great summer deals for you to take advantage of. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach stay in the Algarve, a culture-filled break in Greece or a bargain family getaway to the Balearics, we’ve got you covered. Here’s just a taster of what we have on offer…

Why book now for Summer 2022?

When you plan ahead and book one of our Summer 2022 holidays early, you’ll get the best choice of deals, rooms, flight times and dates. The most popular holidays always sell out first so to get the holiday you’ve been waiting for, it’s a good idea to secure it now! You can even book up to 2023 on selected holidays.

Gran Canaria is a firm family favourite, with its swathes of sandy beaches, water sports and adventure parks, there’s plenty to do. Enjoy seven nights at the Mirador Del Atlantico next June with return flights from London Stansted from just £376 per person* for a family of four.

Book with £0 deposits & flexible payment plans When you book selected holidays with us, you can secure your getaway without paying a penny, thanks to our £0 deposits*. So, if you’re keen to get a holiday in the calendar but don’t want to pay straight away, then our £0 deposit holidays are perfect for you! You can then spread the cost of your trip up to as little as 8 weeks before you depart*.

If you’re looking for a couples escape, why not try the beautiful Greek island of Kos? This island gives you a choice of lively party towns, laid-back seaside resorts and traditional fishing villages.

The Nikos II apartments complex is located on the edge of the resort and is ideal for a tranquil getaway, allowing you to enjoy peace and quiet while admiring the surrounding mountain views.

Stay here next June, self-catering with flights from London Stansted from £446 per person*.

Plus, we’re offering free amendments and cancellations* and a money back guarantee when cancelling due to COVID-19*. For more information, please visit holidaywithus.co.uk/ protectionpromise or give our friendly travel experts a call.

*Terms & Conditions apply. All offers are subject to availability and change

The Holiday With Us Group Phone: 0800 167 0232 Email: enquiries@holidaywithus.co.uk www.holidaywithus.co.uk 46

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Toni Wilkes Acupuncture BSc (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC

work from home in nts - I have taken the decision to In the interest of safety for my clie ointment to suit you.

- please call me to arrange an app my purpose built treatment room

Gentle effective treatment to help you achieve optimal health • Aches and pains

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Please contact Helen or Nik for further information: Wednesdays AM & PM: Contact Helen 07711 985276 Thursday PM & Saturday AM: Contact Nik 07566 216933 Open 52 weeks of the year, no matter what the situation - contact us for more details.

M A RCH 2 0 21

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Rapid Result Testing For Key Workers in Wisbech

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esidents who are key workers – or anyone leaving home regularly for work, volunteering or training – are being urged to have regular rapid result tests to help track cases of coronavirus and drive down transmission rates.

Sites have been set up across the county offering rapid result tests to people aged eighteen and over who have no symptoms of coronavirus, including Queen Mary Centre, Queen’s Road, Wisbech, Fenland PE13 2PE. People are being urged to take a test twice a week.

Up to one in three people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Testing key workers showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, which helps break chains of transmission.

To book a test visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting Dr Liz Robin, director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire, said: “We not only need people to have these tests regularly if they are leaving home for work, we also need them to act responsibly when they get their result. If you test positive, please isolate at home with other members of your household and ask for help if you need it. There is lots we can do to help you to self-isolate, including offering grants to those who will struggle financially or help with accessing food shopping, fetching medicines and so on.

“The NHS Test and Trace Service will also get in touch with you to offer advice and ask about contacts. If you test negative, please continue

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to follow national guidance and limit all nonessential contact with others. While the rapid test identifies many people with the virus it doesn’t identify everyone – so following the lockdown rules and other COVID-safe behaviours is essential even if you have a negative test.”

Lateral flow tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test people who have no symptoms of COVID. The tests do not require a laboratory.

The process of taking a test takes on average fifteen minutes from arrival to departure. Results are known within an hour.

Everyone who takes a test, even if it is returned negative, must continue to follow the rules which include leaving home only for essential reasons, limiting contact with people they do not live with and ensuring good practices where contact has to be made, such as social distancing, wearing a mask or PPE and hand washing.

People with symptoms will not be tested at the rapid testing sites.

Anyone with one or more of the following symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

M A R CH 2 0 2 1

Get your free rapid COVID-19 test Testing is for key workers – or anyone leaving home regularly for work, volunteering or training - who do not have any symptoms

Queen Mary Centre

Queen’s Road, Wisbech, Fenland, PE13 2PE PLEASE BOOK ONLINE, OTHER VENUES ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting

Help us stop the spread of coronavirus.

M A RCH 2 0 21

For further updates and information please check our website which will be regularly updated www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk D I S C O V E R I N G March

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“Chat over a cuppa” In celebratration of International Women’s Day, March 8th 2021

with Jenny Webb Revd. Jenny Webb, known to most people as Jenny or ‘Rev Jenny’, is now officially retired as both a local government officer and a Church of England priest.

S

he continues to serve the Anglican churches in March, taking services regularly, doing funerals, and pastoral care with people in their own homes.

She also co-ordinates the work of Christian Aid in March, raising between £5,000 and £7,000 a year, which she says has been challenging in lockdown. She is a trustee of CA (Christians Against Poverty) and of Ely Foodbank, which includes the March centre, and she volunteers for Foodbank. Jenny is also a member of March Lions, which raises funds to support local groups and worldwide initiatives, particularly during emergencies where local Lions can ensure that money goes straight to where it is needed.

Jenny’s ‘claim to fame’ to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th is that she was the first woman President of the Methodist Society at Leeds University, where she took a degree in Theology. She was also the first female priest in charge of St Peter’s and St Mary’s churches in March. Jenny says this is all ‘small-fry’ compared with the achievements of many well-

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known women in the Church and the community, but they are things for which many women have had to fight hard.

Where were you born, and what is your favourite memory of your childhood?

I am an only child, born and brought up in Upwell. I attended Wisbech High School in the days of the 11-plus exam. My favourite memories are of picking strawberries in dad’s garden and playing cards with mum and dad. I left home to attend university, then did professional social work training in London, and worked in Hertfordshire and London for the whole of my paid career. I trained as a priest shortly after the Church of England agreed to ordain women. I served my church in London in a voluntary capacity alongside my paid work. I returned to my roots in 2005 and settled in March and the rest is history...

Who has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

Parents, friends, teachers, church leaders, have had a significant influence on my life, but I hope I can say that Jesus Christ and his life and teaching have had

March

the biggest influence on my life, since I made a decision to commit myself to him when I was fourteen. That decision shaped the rest of my career in social services and as a priest. Sadly, I often fall short of following his example!

Which two characters, alive or not, would you most enjoy sharing a meal with and why?

Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela – both historic giants who have left a huge legacy in the field of justice and equality for all people, on which others have been able to build.

How would you describe yourself in only five words?

Loyal, committed, driven, sensitive and caring.

If there was one thing which you could change about March, what would it be and why?

I would like to see more investment in March, with a more buoyant town centre and more job opportunities for young people.

What advice would you give to a sixteen-year-old you?

Work hard and follow your dreams.

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Local History

March Gas and Coke Company Limited

I

By Peter Wright & Richard Munns (on behalf of March & District Museum)

n the first part of the 19th century a small section of the streets of March were illuminated by gas supplied by a Mr John Smith who had established a gas production unit on the outskirts of the town. Coal was heated, in the absence of air, collecting the resultant gases and passing them to the lamp standards.

On January 17th, 1860 a meeting was held in the Guildhall when the March Gas and Coke Company Limited was established. The original directors were Charles Culledge (chairman), Harry Wright, Thomas Tusting, P. H. Davis and E. Wilkinson.

The company secretary was possibly George Dawbarn (solicitor). They announced that they had agreed to purchase from Mr John Smith, his gas works and all rights to his business for £2,800, approximately £360,000 in current value.

In July 1860, with the beginning of domestic supply, the first gas meters were introduced and James Beckett was appointed manager in August. His wages were thirty shillings a week during the summer and forty shillings a week for the rest of the year when public street lights were illuminated. Charles Bates was appointed as inspector and payments collector.

Gas production in 1888 was recorded as 11.6 million cu. ft. Following the First World War, increased housing and extensions to the street lighting scheme compelled the company to increase capacity.

However, a brief strike by railwaymen in January 1924 exposed the inability of the company to cope with an interruption of raw materials and the supply of gas was significantly reduced.

Within a few

days pressure had been reduced and street lamps were not turned on. The company had expressed a desire to enlarge the works for some years and recently eleven acres of land adjacent to the works had become available for purchase.

In March 1924, Mr Dicker, manager of the works, outlined to the Cambridgeshire Times the construction of a new retort house on the principle of carbonisation and regeneration instead of the previous direct firing. It was expected that this would increase the capacity of the works by fifty percent. It was expected that the work would be completed by the autumn at a cost of about £13,000, approximately £80,000 in current value.

Further expansion and the ultimate closure will be given in the next issue.

Top photo: A billhead from 1940 Left photo: An inspection cover outside Audmoor House 2010

The museum is currently closed under the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Further details may be obtained from info@marchmuseum.co.uk

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Orchard House Care Home Welcoming new residents into our home At Orchard House Care Home, we provide Nursing, Residential Dementia and End of Life Care. Together with effective healthcare methods, we promote a healthy wellbeing and lifestyle.

Our home includes light and airy, social lounges and dining rooms, a variety of communal spaces such as a quiet room and a hair salon, as well as spacious en-suite bedrooms. Our landscaped gardens are wheelchair accessible and designed to be a welcoming place to relax.

Our team are dedicated to providing a person centred, engaging and stimulating resident focused community; where family is at the heart of everything.

For more information about how we could help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the number below.

Feel free to call or email us at any time:

01945 223 874 | care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk Orchard House Care Home, 107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF M A RCH 2 0 21

www.rchcarehomes.co.ukD I S C O V E R I N G March

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Do you want to be an inspirational teacher?

Find out more at one of our online Information Events for the Fenland & East Cambridgeshire area.

Tuesday 2nd March or Wednesday 21st April 6pm - 7pm on Zoom The Information Events will help you decide which route into teacher training is best for you. We will: 



Explain the different routes you could take to gain Qualified Teacher Status Answer your questions

We also offer:  A bespoke 1:1 Guidance Service  A Teacher Experience Programme These will support you with all aspects of searching for, and applying to, a teacher training course.

Register your interest:

Contact Sarah McGill smcgill@tmet.org.uk or call 01223 200400 ext:3236 Or Eventbrite: March: 132407429185 or April: 141130987583 M A RCH 2 0 21

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Tuition

Montessori Style Learning By Discovery In Lockdown

By Kirsty Kent

I

Certified Private Montessori Online Tutor have just certified as a qualified Montessori tutor for ages four-fourteen and am inviting you to join the Montessori online movement and follow in the footsteps of influential public figures, including the late Princess of Wales, Prince George, Bill Clinton, Beyoncé and Jay-Z and many more.

The principle of national learning objectives is the creative play and explorative activities to empower children through self-guided learning where children are encouraged to discover and develop a love of learning with emphasis not on grades.

It is so crucial that we do our bit to ensure a generation of school children ages don’t become the ‘lost generation.’ As a country and the local community, we have risen to the challenges and strife that lockdown has brought, with the infamous resilient spirit that has defined British people through adversity and crisis. The Duchess of Cambridge has praised the nation’s teachers, describing them as a ‘lifeline’ during the pandemic.

Mental health, education, well-being and sustainability is so important as we navigate our way around education in lockdown.

I’m organising a ‘Learning in lockdown' online promotional week where I will be offering free taster sessions.

For my promotion week, I am looking for voluntary guest speakers and workshop hosts in the fields of education, mental health and well-being and sustainable learning/living. I’m looking for representatives who have made the most out of the learning in lockdown digital communication and work community.

If you are working for a related area and want to inspire and encourage them how to reach their full potential online voluntary, through your own experiences in hosting guest talks and workshops with emphasis on how we can encourage these areas to thrive as we spend our time working and learning from home in a digital environment then get involved. Also, any parents and students who want to share their experience of learning in lockdown are welcomed to share during the online event.

If you are interested in your children joining these sessions, you can book a free assessment to discuss your child’s academic needs and interest. Ground sessions are £15, and one-ones are £30 a session.

Sessions will begin at start of the Easter break but free academic assessment via phone and pupil pay and lesson bookings will be during March. Lessons will be held on Zoom, Microsoft, Google classrooms and Skype. Social media pages were due to officially launch on March 1st.

The sessions will run from 10am-8pm, Monday to Sunday after the promotional week. When schools are able to open, lessons will be held evenings and weekends (after school hours). One to one and small group sessions are two hours.

English and Maths is the main focus of Montessori laced lessons but other subjects like science, history, art, geography, PSHE, RE etc will be blended into the tuition.

If you decide you want to book and pay for sessions, you will receive an email with an invoice by QuickBooks.

Payment must be made before pupils can take part.

PayPal payments currently won’t be accepted.

Qualified Montessori tutor for ages four to fourteen years. For more information or to book, please email: kirsty.kent@montessoritutors.co.uk Tel: 07503 348079 Create.Discover.Learn

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CARLIE WOOD - Animal Physiotherapist

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s a nation of animal lovers, we are more than happy to care for our four-legged friends, be it feeding, exercising or maintaining their health and wellbeing. But what about animal physiotherapy?

There’s a very talented young lady in Bourne, currently a Lecturer in Animal Management at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire, who is now looking to establish herself in this very niche field.

Carlie Wood BSc, Dip.A.Physio, IAAT, is in the process of moving away from her teaching role in the near future to offer her services as a mobile therapist, so that sessions can be carried out in the comfort of the animal’s home, thus helping to reduce the stress the animal may feel.

Carlie qualified in January with her Level 6 Diploma (equivalent to a degree) and is now a fully qualified physiotherapist and a member of the prestigious International Association of Animal Therapists. She

has already over fifteen years’ experience in animal handling, welfare, behaviour and rehabilitation.

Services offered include the use of two machines, (a Long Wave Ultrasound and a Pulse Electro-magnetic field Therapy Machine), along with massage, stretching, and a range of motion and exercise techniques.

With these methods (and working alongside the veterinarian), Carlie can rehabilitate orthopaedic conditions such as hip/elbow dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments and patella luxation, neurological conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and maintaining general health and fitness for sporting animals.

Carlie is fully insured, canine and human first-aid trained, and her current availability is evenings and weekends. With time, her goal is to establish her own practice and a permanent surgery.

Get in touch with her today on 07738 682 080.

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness ● ●

●

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Fully qualified animal physiotherapist Range of treatments, including Ultrasound, massage and exercise techniques Aims to increase muscle health and strength, improved mobility and reduce pain Liaison with veterinarians and progress reports Home-exercise plans given to ensure maximum potential for recovery

07738 682 080 Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Carlie Wood vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk BSc(Hons) FdSc Animal Physiotherapist M A RCH 2 0 21

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News

FROM FLOODS TO FUNDS FOR FENLAND… – By Steve Barclay MP

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ore extreme weather instances are occurring more frequently across the country and what we can do to combat climate change is an issue we are grappling with in government, locally and at family and individual level.

Following the flooding in the constituency over the festive period, particularly in March, Coates, and Tydd St Giles, I brought together representatives of the local agencies involved in water management to discuss what happened and to find ways to make improvements.

I am grateful for the collaborative and constructive approach they all took, each agreeing to a number of actions to try to resolve issues and provide greater transparency to each other and residents about what’s being done.

It has been good to see local COVID-19 vaccination centres opening and I know local GPs are working hard to vaccinate as many people as possible as fast as possible.

It’s also pleasing that we have secured further funding for our area from the Government’s Community Champions scheme – awarding Fenland District Council £96,903 to support work among those within our community who are at higher risk during the pandemic, such as the disabled and older people.

It’s good to see continued progress on Wisbech High Street to address the issue of derelict buildings. Many of you will know this is a particular interest of mine and I have campaigned since becoming an MP for councils to work with landlords to take responsibility for the state of the buildings they own or use enforcement action.

The Environment Agency invited comments on the application for an environmental permit application to build a waste recycling plant at the Saxon Pit former brickworks in Whittlesey. It is simply not acceptable for residents that, after almost three years, there is still no outcome regarding the 122,000 tonnes of unlawful waste buried there, yet new permits are being considered. I am co-operating with local councillors to see what action can be taken to push this forward.

The A47 Guyhirn junction improvement scheme has started and, by the publication of this article, we are probably feeling the pain of a 30mph speed limit, two temporary roundabouts, narrow lanes, noise, and some road closures. It’s important to keep in mind the significant longer-term gains of this project which will reduce congestion, improve journey times and increase safety.

Progress of the £32 million Kings Dyke scheme in Whittlesey for a new road and bridge over the railway line is on track – both on time and on budget. This will be music to the ears of residents and businesses, for whom completion can’t come soon enough. It’s also great to hear the benefits of the scheme are reaching the local community with £750,000 invested in the regional economy by employing local staff and using local suppliers such as nearby PJ Thory and Gemmix.

Finally, Historic England’s grant funding of £616,000 for Wisbech and Fenland Museum is excellent news that will save a building of both national importance and immense local pride and significance. The museum is closed now due to lockdown, but I urge you to pay a visit at your earliest opportunity to see the Grade II* listed building and the treasures inside for yourself.

To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website or follow me on social media: www.stevebarclay.net  @SteveBarclay  @SteveBarclayOfficial  @SteveBarclayOfficial 58

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M A R CH 2 0 2 1

For all your self-drive hire requirements Family owned & run since 1957, Islawrffordd Caravan Park offers the very best in quality.

CARS • VANS • LUTONS MINI BUSES

Situated at the southern end of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont, Islawrffordd is an award winning, 5 star luxury caravan park, benefitting from a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, children’s activities and adventure play area.

(7 to 17 seats with seatbelts)

7.5 TONNE WITH TAIL LIFT Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rates Contract Hire • Continental Hire RAC Cover • Collection & Delivery Competitive prices include:

2 Bedroom Luxury Holiday Home • Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach • Decked balcony with stunning mountain and sea views • Available for Weeks /Mini Breaks/Weekend Breaks • Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom

• Smart TV’s with DVD in every room • Fully Insulated and double glazed • Fully Centrally Heated • Free wi-fi, (inc. Amazon Dot)

For information visit www.islawrffordd.co.uk

Unlimited Mileage, VAT & Insurance Waiver

T: (01945) 582458 or 465059

Call 01341 247269 or Email info@Islawrffordd.co.uk

info@easternrentavan.com www.easternrentavan.com

Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL43 2AQ

LYNN ROAD, WISBECH, CAMBS PE14 7AL

DW DM DD DB DWB Islawrffordd Caravan Park 1/4 page Advert MARCH 20.indd 14/02/2020 1 09:59

MARCH GOLF CLUB Your Gem in the Fen

It’s not just for members, everyone is welcome!

* A variety of membership categories are available to suit everyone, including a 6-month SUMMER MEMBERSHIP from 1st May for only £399. * GOLFING VISITORS always welcome. Greenfees from just £7.50. * SOCIETY packages available * We are taking bookings for 2021/2022 WEDDINGS.

We also offer:

Visit our website for further information: www.marchgolfclub.co.uk  Michal on 07398415159  secretary@marchgolfclub.co.uk M A RCH 2 0 21

A much-admired golf course Excellent practice facilities Sponsorship opportunities Social functions (as soon as permissible) • An ideal venue with bar and catering for weddings, parties, wakes and meetings • The best view in town from our patio • • • •

D I S C O V E R I N G

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Local History

The Finest Of Its Kind

by Trevor Bevis

A

group of architects visiting Saint Wendreda’s Church, March declared that the angel roof is the finest of its kind in Great Britain.

The roof was added to the church in about 1523. Its donors are reputed to have been Sir Anthony Hansart and his wife Lady Alice, residents of March. Carved from oak, there are 118 angels in full flight watched by a host of saints positioned between the windows.

Former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman said it was “worth cycling forty miles in a head wind to see.” At the chancel end can be seen Saint Wendreda and her sister Saint Etheldreda, daughters of King Anna

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of East Anglia. Sir Anthony Hansart and his wife are seen at the tower end. A member of the Dredeman family is buried in the nave. He too contributed to the project of installing the roof.

Such roofs were considerably expensive, and few were produced. Some were deliberately damaged at the Reformation but not at March. The watery Fens kept despoilers at bay.

A friend and I climbed a ladder to inspect the carvings, which were sound, at the time when the roof was put in place.

Illustration: Double hammerbeam angel roof, c. 1500.

St Wendreda's Church, March

M A R CH 2 0 2 1

YOUR ONE-STOP CARAVAN SHOP

Does your caravan need a little TLC?

REPAIR

Our onsite workshop offers a fully comprehensive repair service for your caravan or motorhome.

SERVICING

From a minor service to a full comprehensive check, our experienced engineers will give you peace of mind for your journeys ahead.

INSURANCE

A Family-Run Business with 30 Years’ Experience

SPARES

V&G

CARAVANS

Exterior Caravan Valet when booking a Full Service.

✁

ACCESSORIES

We’ve got everything for your camping needs in our friendly, onsite shop.

CARAVANS BOUGHT FOR CASH

FREE

We are a fully, insuranceapproved repair centre for all major UK insurers and manufacturers.

with this voucher

Looking for a spare part? Why not get in touch? With our contacts in the industry, we may be able to order spares in for you.

SALES

Looking to buy? We have a range of used caravans that may suit your requirements.

01733 350580 M 07732 371171 T

info@vandgcaravans.co.uk www.vandgcaravans.co.uk M A RCH 2 0 21 107 Benwick

D 2HD I S C Road - Whittlesey - Peterborough - PE7

V&G CARAVANS O V E R I N G

March

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ELECTRICIANS

GARDEN CARE

✓ Domestic & Commercial installations ✓ Inspections & testing carried out 01354 740206 | 07770 931667 alwynf92@gmail.com

SPECIAL RATES FOR OAPS LAWN MOWING HEDGE CUTTING ROTAVATING FENCING ETC. FREE QUOTES

POND MAINTENANCE

Ponds

N.V.R

IMPORTANT PRE-WINTER POND & FISH HEALTH CHECKS

Tel: 07393 367410 Email: peteburlton@live.com  Search Pete’s Pond Clearances SECOND HAND GOODS

FURNITURE SHOP

01354 278244 07990 040575

CAR RESTORATION RESPRAYS & ACCIDENT REPAIRS MOT PREPARATION • WELDING ALLOY WHEELS REFURBISHED Gaul Farm, Gaul Road PE15 0YY

Nigel’s Vehicle Repairs of March

TELEPHONE

07907 683866

SEWING SERVICES

TREE SURGERY

Carol’s Sewing Services

PINE WOOD

45 HIGH STREET, MARCH PE15 9JJ

We can arrange for our van to collect your items

Local Chatteris Father & Son Team Call Danny or Charlie Atkins:

VEHICLE REPAIRS

Pete’s

2 Queensway, Pointon, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0NE

B L JO AL O SM O

March (Est 1972)

TO

Electrical Contractor

N

All Your Gardening Maintenance Covered:

A.M Fisher

Including Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaids Dresses etc.

Please telephone 01354 653857 OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

SPECIALIST CLEANING

Soft Washing Roof Cleaning Driveway Cleaning Patio Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Tel: 01733 736 017 Chimney Sweeping www.mrcleverclean.com Render Cleaning

TREE CARE NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR TREES THE PRUNE THEY NEED Why choose Pine Woods?

• Competitive rates • Friendly & honest approach • We undertake all aspects of tree work • Free estimates, quotes & advice • Provide references upon request What we do?

• Tree Felling • Thinning & Pruning • Lopping & Topping • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding • Power Washing • Graveling Proud member of Trustatrader For a FREE estimate with no obligation E: andrewwinters83@outlook.com M: 07468 442 002 or T: 01733 322 562 (please try both phone numbers)

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W W W . DIS COV E R IN G M A G A Z IN E S . CO. U K | M A R CH 2 0 2 1

ROOFING SERVICES

MATHS TUITION

5 ★ GUTTERING & FASCIAS

Multi-Maths March

ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

Repairs & replacements • All colours supplied and fitted UPVC fascias and soffits • All repair work undertaken Local family business – please call for a free estimate:

01480 877586 or 01354 776396 ONE CALL DOES IT ALL GARDEN CARE

Ashwood

One-to-one tuition and support for Year 6, GCSE and A Level Maths.

Face-to-face lessons at West End, March or distanced, via video conferencing.

Mobile 07902 931160 Email karenlevet@aol.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Tree and Garden Landscapes

YOUR HAPPINESS IS OUR PRIORITY

✔ Patios & Paving ✔ Landscape Garden Work

✔ Fencing ✔ Tree Work ✔ Power Cleaning

✔ Moss Removal ✔ Full Garden Tidies

01354 776396

Steve 07393 942998 Andy 01480 877586

O N E CAL D O E S IT ALL L

TREE SURGERY

T. D. A. Services

Decorating and Tiling Specialist

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE SURGERY FOR WISBECH, MARCH, CHATTERIS AND SURROUNDING AREAS:

Expert interior and exterior decoration, including: • FREE estimates & references available on request • Fully insured

Call Tony on - Mobile: 07908 008007 | Telephone: 01487 815926 E-mail: tda-services@hotmail.co.uk | Based in March

10% OFF

if you men tion this advert

Appearance is not everything, it’s the only thing!

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Tree Felling, Pruning, Shaping & Crowning Hedges Pruned & Shaped Overgrown Gardens Cleared Waste Removed Fencing/Patios/Turfing/Power Washing All work fully guaranteed No deposits required • OAP discounts

CALL STEVE TODAY 01945 898314/07780 929409 pinetreecare1@gmail.com

• Felling, shaping and pruning • 24hr emergency service • Stump grinding and removal • All waste removed • Fully insured CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION

T: 01945 450082 M: 07711 897089

www.bowlestreeandgardenservices.co.uk

Folleys Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech

OSTEOPATH

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN MAINTENANCE UNDERTAKEN

PINE TREE CARE & LANDSCAPES LTD

T: 01354 655200 dan@aogwindows.co.uk www.aogwindows.co.uk

E:

174 Station Road, March, Cambs PE15 8NG

DECORATING & TILING

• All types of painting, staining & varnishing • Wall & floor tiling • Wallpapering

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES

14 day cooling off period

Free estimates and friendly advice

0800 1910467

installers of

MARCH OSTEOPATHS FREEDOM TO MOVE AGAIN TREATMENT FOR NECK AND BACK PAIN, MIGRAINE, SINUS PAIN AND HEADACHE. GENTLE, EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR THE WHOLE INDIVIDUAL.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE

CALL 01778 421427 OR 07837 499061 PRICES START FROM JUST £19

2 Station Approach Tel: 01354 660513 www.gurusingh.org.uk

WW W.DI SCO VER INGMAGAZI N E S. C O . UK | M ARC H 2021

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nt ns ge e A eF th of

Right up your street for over 200 years Looking forward to the next 200!

For five generations we have been helping clients buy, sell, let and manage property and land in this area. Whether it be your home, farm, factory or development site, talk to the Agents with local knowledge and professional expertise, who are an established part of your community.

2021

March Residential Sales

Wisbech Residential Sales

01354 607100

01945 428820

March Residential Lettings

Wisbech Residential Lettings

01354 607105

01945 428825

March Professional

Wisbech Professional

6401354 D I S602030 C O V E R I N G

01945 428830 March

maxeygrounds.co.uk M A R CH 2 0 2 1