Discovering March issue 119, August 2023

Welcome to your August issue...

Another summer holiday is here and, sure enough, the rain gods have met to discuss how best they can ruin everyone’s al fresco plans, be it the annual School Sports Day, the Village Fete, the ‘Family Fun Day’ or just that special barbecue.

Oh well, it happens so often that I’m sure we just take it in our stride and think we’re lucky not to be having to endure those 40 degree-plus temperatures the Mediterranean areas are getting right now.

Make the most of the month to come as you won’t need me to tell you that, once those little ones have headed back to their new classrooms in September, it will only be a matter of weeks before shops start stocking “you know what” for “you know when” in December!

Have yourselves a fabulous holiday and stay safe!

Back in the day when I first started as a trainee journalist on an evening newspaper, I used to bash out my stories on an old manual typewriter.

In the ensuing years, things got a bit more sophisticated; firstly, with electric typewriters, which I hated, and then primitive word processors.

Nowadays I sit in front of a PC that I not only use to write on but also to scan websites and social media for ‘real’ not ‘fake’ news. Like most other people, this news trawl is also supplemented by scanning for information on my smart phone. These sources enable me to keep up to date with what’s happening locally and also across the globe. However, when it comes to my social life I still prefer to read from a daily newspaper or a magazine.

The printed word always seems to have more impact and for some reason seems more ‘real’. You can’t beat technology but hopefully my daily trip to the newsagent will continue for many years...

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton:

01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Sales Sallyanne Davis: 07737 026594 | sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Dan Handley

Inside Highlights

With thanks to:

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the September issue is Friday, 11th August 2023.

The Shed Shop, Eileen Le Voi, Steve Barclay MP, Vine Law, Peter Wright, Diamond Byte, March Podiatry, Joan Munns and The Light Cinema.

This year, National Allotments Week runs from August 7th – 13th, with the theme of ‘soil health’. Good soil health improves yields when growing edibles but also contributes positively to biodiversity and the environment. A major environmental benefit of adding homemade compost or sowing green manures over exposed ground is that it helps the soil to retain carbon.

Firstly, digging and forking through the soil allows you to loosen any compaction, and remove weeds and debris. Then improve the soil with plenty of organic matter in the form of compost, which helps drainage and aeration on heavy soils and conserves essential moisture on light ones. No matter what soil type you have, digging in bulky organic matter such as well-rotted manure, compost, leaf mould, mushroom compost, or composted bark will greatly improve the soil health.

In light soils, it acts in retaining moisture and nutrients and in clay soils helps break up the soil, provides better drainage and makes the soil easier to work. The best time for soil preparation is in autumn for clay soils and spring for light, sandy soils. Autumn digging lets the soil be further broken down by frosts and rain.

Jobs for August include:

• Keep weeds at bay; regular hoeing should be sufficient.

• Water regularly. To retain precious moisture, add mulch around your crops to prevent excess evaporation, preferably immediately after it has rained.

• Prune gooseberry and currant bushes.

• Strawberry runners that have been potted can be transplanted into a sunny, fertile spot where you have not grown them for at least 3 years. Planting them through plastic will help conserve moisture and provide warmth during the winter.

• Harvest courgettes regularly before they grow too large.

• Cut to the ground all summer-fruiting raspberry canes that have borne fruit this year and tie in the new green canes that will produce next year’s fruit. Take care not to damage the new bright green stems.

• Tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash need feeding with a tomato fertiliser.

• Outdoor tomatoes should have their growth stopped by the middle of the month – nip out the leading growing shoot just above the highest truss. Continue pinching out and do not forget to provide support for the plants as they become more heavily laden – also for cucumbers, peppers and even fruit trees.

• Keep earthing up potatoes to prevent the tubers being exposed.

• Dig over any spaces that have been left from harvesting crops, where you could grow green manure such as clover or vetch, which will provide nitrogen for the soil, or alfalfa, cress or mustard which will help break up the soil.

• Pinch out the tops of climbing beans when they reach the top of the canes as this will encourage growth lower down and harvest regularly before they become tough and stringy: you can let some grow on to produce bean seeds for next year.

SPONSORED BY THE SHED SHOP

March Armed Forces Fair

WEST END PARK, MARCH

Dad's Army & Static Spitfire

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flyover at 1500hrs

WW1, WW2 & post-war displays and vehicles

Classic cars & all variants of Land Rover on display

Navy, Army & RAF recruitment teams

Trade stalls, food & bars

Bands & Act of Remembrance

Sunday 3rd September 2023

From 1100hrs to 1730hrs

How ‘Forwarding’ Can Help in the Fight Against Phishing Fraudsters

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe

Local Trades

When receiving a suspicious email from an unknown number or contact, simply deleting it from your inbox is arguably the easiest option. But, thanks to a recently launched service, forwarding these suspicious and potentially fraudulent links is helping in the fight against the increasing issue of phishing. The advice from Action Fraud is to forward any suspicious emails to a designated address, without of course clicking on the links or just pressing the delete button. Almost 21 million reports have been made to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), which uses the email address report@phishing.gov.uk, resulting in the removal of over 235,000 malicious websites.

SERS was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the City of London Police in April 2020 to enable the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans them for malicious links.

And in a two-pronged attack, mobile phone providers also offer a service that allows customers to report suspicious text messages, by forwarding them to the number 7726. The service is free of charge and enables providers to take down malicious websites and block malicious texts from being sent across their network. A good idea is to keep this number handy at your workstation.

Practical advice you can follow when it comes to dealing with phishing scams:

1 If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don’t use the numbers, addresses or links in the message – use the details from the organisation’s official website. Remember, your bank will never ask you to supply personal information via email.

2 If you think an email could be a scam, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk

3 Always report suspicious text messages or scam call numbers free of charge to 7726. Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.

If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

THE FIGHT GOES ON...

By Steve Barclay MP

My campaign against plans to build an enormous incinerator in Wisbech have featured in this column many times in the last few years. Many in the constituency will know that the Planning Inspectorate is currently examining proposals to decide whether to give the go-ahead to bring in hundreds of thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable municipal and commercial and industrial waste to the town. The firm behind the incinerator plans has also put in an application for an environmental permit to the Environment Agency, which launched its own public consultation. The Environment Agency is looking at whether the application meets all the necessary environmental regulations and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health. Part of the assessment process is to get the views of the local community and I hope many of you have contributed or will do so before it closes in early August. The impact a facility like this will have on our area would be terrible and I will continue to do all I can to oppose it.

It’s heartening to see the culmination of years of work to safeguard Wisbech and Fenland Museum following a £878,000 overhaul. Historic England contributed grant funding of more than £600,000 to save a building of both national importance and immense local pride and significance. Many congratulations and thanks go to those who have made it possible, with their hard work, financial support and continued efforts including the Friends, volunteers and other local and national organisations who have played a role. The Grade II* listed museum, which was one of the first purpose-built museums in England and houses the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations among other treasures, was in sore need of repair with major roof and drainage problems damaging the historic interior. Now it has a new accessible entrance and courtyard garden, and the original Victorian building will continue to inspire generations to come and provide a window into the history of Wisbech.

I’m pleased to see NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) continue public engagement about Priors Field

Surgery with public meetings to hear about the work to secure a long-term solution and give your views on what the community needs – now and in the future. It was excellent news that an interim new provider was found for the Sutton surgery but a permanent solution which meets the needs of local residents is essential. Primary care services are about more than just your local GP and include services such as specialist nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, social prescribers, paramedics and midwives. You can also send your suggestions to cpicb.sutton@nhs.net or see updates at https://www.cpics.org.uk/sutton/ It’s good to hear that £203,014 has recently been awarded to farmers in North East Cambridgeshire as part of the Government’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. These grants are aimed at helping boost farm productivity, reduce waste and cut input costs, as well as increase environmental sustainability and improve slurry management. Nationally more than three thousand farmers will benefit from the £31million scheme.

Finally, I’m delighted that this year’s Read to Succeed campaign not only raised enough money to buy a new reading book for every Year 4 child in the constituency, which they took home for the school summer holiday but that we’ve also collected enough to give each school £200 to spend on books for their libraries. Some 37 primary schools in North East Cambridgeshire will receive the funding to support literacy and encourage a love of reading. My Read to Succeed campaign is aimed at an age when children start to read independently and we hope will allow them to find a genre that will encourage further exploration of books – whether adventure stories, factual histories, comics or manuals. Reading is a joy. My heartfelt thanks go to those organisations, businesses and individuals who have supported the campaign with their generous donations this year. Every penny is going to a good place.

What happens when there is no will?

If someone dies without a will, there is a strict set of rules that govern who should deal with the administration of their estate and how the funds are divided. This person will be known as the personal representative (PR) and they will have similar rights and responsibilities as an executor under a will.

The main difference between an executor and a PR is that technically the PR cannot start dealing with assets until they have obtained a Grant of Letters of Administration.

For a single person, and that just means someone not in a civil partnership or not married, it will be either their children, or their parents who would deal with the administration of the estate. This is the case even where the person has been in a relationship or living with someone for many years.

For a married person, or someone in a civil partnership, it will be their spouse who deals with the administration of the estate. Ordinarily this would be straightforward, but in cases where a couple are separated but not divorced and the deceased has a new partner, sometimes of many years, it won’t be the partner that has the right to deal with the estate. This can cause lots of upset and worry at what is already a very difficult time. When it comes to dividing the monies in the estate, the PR has to follow the rules as set out. For example, where the deceased is a single person with children, the estate will be divided equally between those children. This is the case even where the deceased has had no contact with one or more of the children and wouldn’t have wanted them to benefit from their estate. If the deceased had no children then the estate would be divided equally between their parents.

Where things can get really complicated is where the deceased had both a spouse and children. The rules have recently been amended to increase the amount that the spouse receives from the estate. They will now receive the first £322,000 (increased from £275,000) of the estate outright plus half of the remainder of the estate. The other half share of the remaining funds is then divided between the children.

Whilst on paper this doesn’t sound too difficult to deal with, in practice it might be much more complicated. If the family home was in the sole name of the deceased and valued at more than £322,000, the spouse would be entitled to some of the property and the children the rest. If the children wish to realise their share in that property, the property would likely have to be sold immediately which could be very distressing for the spouse who remains living there.

This scenario is increasingly common at a time where second marriages or relationships are common. The rules on intestacy in such cases may not deal with assets in a way you would want and may not look after your loved ones as you would have wished.

Some people take the view that they don’t want to make a will and that it will just get sorted after their death anyway. However, to make sure that your estate goes to the people you want to receive it, we would always recommend putting a will in place. We are happy to have a chat with you about your circumstances and what would happen if you hadn’t put a will in place so that you can make an informed decision about whether you need a will.

If you’d like to have a chat contact Cath Collins on cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk or (01945) 898090.

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

● Fully qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist, associated with IAAT and AHPR

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

● Range of treatments, including laser therapy and massage

● Treating and maintaining conditions such as osteoarthritis, canine cruciate rupture, hip, elbow dysplasia and certain spinal conditions such as IVDD.

● Aiming to increase muscle and joint health, improve mobility, reduce pain and increase fitness

● Liaison with veterinarians ensuring the best care for your pet

Carlie Wood BSc(Hons) FdSc

07738 682 080

Animal Physiotherapist

BSc(Hons) FdSc

Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Animal Physiotherapist

07738 682 080

07738 682 080

Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

MATTERS COMMUNITY

GET ON TRACK FOR NEW ART COMPETITION

Local artists will get the chance to have their work go on show in railway stations and exhibitions – and seen by potentially millions of people – in a new art competition celebrating Fenland’s historic railway line.

The Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP), which champions the Hereward Line between Peterborough and Ely and its stations at March, Manea and Whittlesey, has launched an art competition as part of its ten-year anniversary celebrations.

Everyone from young, budding Picassos to professional artists are being invited to put their creative talents to the test – with winners getting the unique opportunity to have their work displayed online and at railway stations, venues and exhibitions along the Hereward line and further afield in partnership with railway industry organisations.

The challenge is to create a piece of artwork that celebrates the Hereward Line and captures what people can see, visit and experience, all through travelling by train in Fenland. It could be inspired by the unique Fenland landscape and heritage, rail travel or stations, or even the communities and destinations along the line.

The closing date for submissions is September 8th, 2023, and there are five entry categories:

• Colouring Fenland images (for ages 5-11).

• Junior Artist aged 5-11.

• Young Artist aged 12-18.

• Art Student (evidence of your place of study is required).

• Amateur Artist, aged 19 and over.

• Professional Artist, aged 19 and over.

The winning artwork will be used to help promote the Hereward Line, the importance of local historic railways and sustainable travel, and local tourism opportunities.

More information, including full entry details and prizes, is available on the Hereward CRP’s website at www.herewardcrp.org/art-competition

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

Email: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

LISA CELEBRATES COMPETITION WIN

Lisa Wilson from March was so thrilled to have won the Father’s Day Competition. She is pictured receiving the voucher for a £20 meal from The Barn Restaurant, Station Road, March.

Congratulations Lisa and thank you to everyone who entered!

FIGHTING THE FRAUDSTERS

The net is tightening on Council Tax fraudsters in Fenland thanks to a new initiative that has produced £138,000 savings in the district in its first three months.

A new taskforce has been created to root out people who are incorrectly claiming support with Council Tax payments and discounts for living alone.

From the launch of the service in April to the end of June, £122,000 in savings was made in Fenland through the identification, prevention and reclaim of invalid Single Person Discount payments. An additional £16,000 of savings have been made with the identification, prevention and reclaim of Council Tax Support overpayment.

If you suspect someone of committing benefit fraud, call the Benefit Fraud Helpline – confidential and free: 0800 515368 Or email: reportingfraud@ angliarevenues.gov.uk If you are struggling with the cost of Council Tax, you may qualify for support. For advice contact Fenland District Council on (01354) 654321 or apply online.

SINGING FOR SUE RYDER

Launching in September, Sing for Life will sign up forty-plus local women to take part in a tenweek pop-up singing project, working towards a fantastic live performance event at The Cresset, Peterborough, this November, supporting charity partner Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

No previous singing experience is needed, just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, get stuck in and give it a go.

NEW CALENDAR IS NOW AVAILABLE

The 2024 issue of the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust Calendar is now available. The price is held again at £10 and for the first time there is a smaller version at £8. If you would like to grace your wall with this useful and nostalgic calendar, or indeed buy one as a surprise gift, please contact Peter Wright of The Trust via jetbreeze@btinternet.com or at (01354) 660011. Local delivery will be free of charge.

NEW LIONS PRESIDENT

Outgoing Lions Club president Lion Ruth Martin handed over the chain of office to the club’s new president, Lion John Potter MJF before the 47th Charter Anniversary celebration dinner. Mr Potter was previously club president in the 20132014 and 2019-2020 Lions’ years. He has also previously held roles at regional level and was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Central and Eastern Lions’ District in recognition of the work he has undertaken there. The fellowship aims to continue the legacy of the Lions Clubs International founder Melvin Jones. Events already confirmed for the year include the club’s stall at the MAFF on September 3rd and the Autumn Fete on September 30th.

March Lions Club is a voluntary organisation raising money to support local and national charities through a gala, Santa’s Sleigh and other events. It meets on the second Wednesday of the month at March Town Hall.

If you are interested in helping the club or would like more information, please contact club secretary Lion Jenny Webb on (01354) 650855 or email revdjennywebb@btinternet.com

Project director Will Prideaux said: “Sing for Life is not about finding the next Adele; it’s about helping ordinary women find their voice. So many people lack confidence or genuinely believe they can't sing, but deep down just about everyone secretly has a favourite karaoke number. We promise we’ll have you singing, and loving it, in no time.”

More than one hundred brave women took part in Sing for Life 2022, and they smashed it, giving the performance of their lives and raising more than £10k for the charity, a fantastic total and more than the project has ever raised before!

Helen Kingston, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: "A big thank you to the Sing for Life team who will, once again, bring our community together in perfect harmony to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“With your support we can continue to provide expert and compassionate care in the local community and fill last days with love. Good luck to everyone who signs up this year and we look forward to seeing you all on the stage at the grand finale concert.”

The project kicks off with introduction sessions at The John Mansfield Campus Dogsthorpe PE1 4HX on Thursday, September 7th (7pm-10pm), Friday, September 8th (7-10pm) and Saturday, September 9th (2pm-5pm).

For more information about Sing for Life visit www.peterboroughsings.org.uk, email info@ peterboroughsings.org.uk or call (01733) 425194.

BertramMills

PROSPECTIVE CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE FOR ISLE OF ELY - PART ONE

By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum

On the evening of Friday, January 28th, 1938, the Palace Hall in March was packed with enthusiastic Isle of Ely Conservative Party members. Many members could not find a seat. They were there to listen to circus entrepreneur Bertram Mills give his acceptance speech as their prospective parliamentary candidate for the elections to be held the following year. He was given a tumultuous reception. He won the confidence of his supporters who thought he would be a victorious candidate. He began a series of visits to local functions and this enhanced his popularity. Was the appearance of the Bertram Mills Circus at March later in the year intended to further enhance his support among the ordinary voters?

He was born at Paddington, London on August 11th, 1873. His father owned a carriage building company and from his earliest days young Mills was familiar with horses. He married Ethel Notley, of Thorndon, Suffolk in 1901 and had two sons. At Olympia in 1919 he watched what he regarded as a very disappointing circus. He made a wager of £100 that he could do a better job. Enthusiastically, he put together a circus event for the following year and so began the circus empire that was to become a household name. Mills was a man with boundless energy and could manage with only two-three hours’ sleep each night. In 1929, he began a touring circus from April-October each year. Up to four special trains were needed to move his travelling circus from town to town. Seventy-five lorries and tractors would then be used to move his animals and equipment from the railway to the circus venue. Mills was a charismatic showman. When the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ was making prominent headlines,

he offered £20,000 to anyone who could capture one and bring it alive to Olympia.

In 1937, he and his sons travelled about 50,000 miles to view and book new acts. At Olympia, his expenses were £15,000-£20,000 per week and at least £60,000 would be spent before he sold a single ticket. For his London shows he would employ about four thousand people with perhaps as many as 1800 others in reserve. Some 350,000 people would see his London circus each year during its five-week run.

Outside his business life, he had considerable experience as a London county councillor. He was a familiar sight riding in Hyde Park wearing a grey top hat. He always wore a buttonhole of blue cornflowers, the emblem of the coaching business. In 1934 he was elected president of the Showman’s Guild and in early 1938 he broadcast the story of his life in a radio programme called 'The Showman'.

However, his life was cut short when he died at his country home, Pollards Wood, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire on Saturday, April 16th, 1938, aged just 64. The cause of death was ascribed to heart failure and bronchial pneumonia. His funeral was at Golders Green crematorium the following Tuesday. His coffin was decorated with a huge cross of red roses and a small wreath of cornflowers. Afterwards, more than two hundred circus people gathered in the ring of the 'Big Top' at Luton, Bedfordshire for a memorial service, where hours earlier they had thrilled the audience. The circus orchestra played the hymns, and his sudden death caused a great sense of loss.

Pictured: Bertram W. Mills, circa 1935. This picture appeared on the Bertram Mills Circus souvenir programmes after his death. Photo: courtesy Vandyk, London (Don Stacey Collection)

March

Quality Meats

Rollplay

The Pet Shop

Paper-chain

Anne′s Thai Kitchen

The Wheel Centre Enterprise

NAME: ADDRESS:

HUNT

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

Bizzee Bee Florist

K. E. Rolfe Independent

Family Funeral Directors

Spectacular

A’Diva Hair Design

White September

Ellis Winters and Co.

Maxey Grounds

Residential

Maxey Grounds

Commercial Paninis

Nate′s Barber Shop

The Cycle Shop

Riverside

Fish & Chips

Sharman Quinney

M&D′s

TEL:

Please fill in your details above and pop your entry form in to either Paninis or Paper-chain, or post your entry form to us at Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET. Competition closes Thursday 31st August 2023. Good luck!!

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

PASS THE UNI TEST

Going off to university or college without a decent laptop is akin to refusing to take pads and pens. However, don’t just buy whatever is on sale; you need the right laptop for your specific needs. As there’s a wide variety of sizes, features and prices, choosing the right laptop can be a challenge. Make sure it’s either running Windows 11 or if it’s refurbished it can run Windows 11 as Windows 10 has just over two years left to live.

Processor – CPU

As the ‘brains’ of your computer, the processor does influence performance, although the choice will depend on what you need to do. If you’re looking for a standard laptop with the best combination of price and performance, buy an Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 3. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs or above will be better for multitasking, multimedia tasks, high-end gaming (when coupled with a dedicated graphics card), but are more expensive.

Storage – Hard Drive or SSD

This is the part of the laptop on which all your data is stored. Make sure it has a Solid State Disk. Most people struggle to fill a 250GB Drive with photos, apps and music since the average size of a photo or MP3 is about 4MB. In other words, this means you can store about 62,500 photos or MP3s on a small 250GB Hard Drive. If you play around with video files however, 250GB will be hugely insufficient and you should look to one thousand GB drives which can store about twenty-four hours of HD video. Warning: be very wary of buying a laptop/netbook with LESS than 120Gb of storage space.

Memory – RAM

RAM is fast, temporary storage that Windows uses to load both itself and whatever it is you are doing at the time. So, if you are surfing the internet, you are using some RAM for Windows, a little more for the web browser, a little more for your anti-virus program, etc. 4GB is the bare minimum

amount of RAM you should have in a laptop, 8GB is ideal.

Battery

You’ll undoubtedly be spending a lot of time in locations where plugging in a laptop is difficult, therefore you’ll need at least six hours of battery life, with eight+ hours being ideal. But be realistic, sitting in the library watching cat videos on You Tube with the brightness turned up to eleven or playing a video game will eat battery life in no time.

Get the right OS & Software

Check with the university about software requirements as they may need you to have a specific type of software or operating system. Windows 11 is the most popular and versatile operating system. Also check with the college or university before you buy Microsoft Office as you may be able to get it SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper through them.

FOR THIS AND ALL OUR OTHER ARTICLES, GO TO WWW.DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK

As the warm weather of summer beckons, it's time to slip into sandals and flip-flops. But before you expose your feet to the world, it's important to give them some extra TLC. Proper foot care during summer can help prevent discomfort, pain, and potential foot problems. Here are some podiatry tips to share for keeping your feet in top shape this season.

Hydration is key: Staying hydrated is not only vital for your overall health but also for your feet. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin. Remember to drink plenty of water to maintain adequate moisture levels.

Nail care: Trim your toenails rounded at the end to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting them too short as it may increase the risk of infection. Regularly inspect your nails for discoloration or thickening, which may indicate a fungal infection.

Sunscreen for feet: Apply sunscreen generously to your feet, especially the tops and sides. Don't forget to protect the delicate skin on your feet from harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Moisturise daily: Keep your feet moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Choose a goodquality foot cream and apply it after showering or before bedtime. Focus on areas prone to dryness, such as heels and soles.

Proper footwear: Choose open-toe shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Look for styles with arch support and avoid

flat, unsupportive flip-flops. Remember to wear

breathable socks with closed shoes to prevent excessive sweating and fungal infections. Preventing fungal infections: To minimise the risk of fungal infections or verrucae, avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools, gyms, and communal showers. Wear flip-flops or water shoes in changing rooms to protect your feet from potential infections.

Foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes, where moisture can accumulate, leading to bacterial or fungal infections. Remember to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Regular exercise: Keep your feet active and healthy through regular exercise. Walking, jogging, or performing simple foot stretches can strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of foot pain and injuries.

Remember to seek professional care if you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, or any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a podiatrist. Our team of podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend suitable treatment, and offer expert advice personalized to your needs. By following these summer foot care tips, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping your feet healthy and happy. Embrace the warmth, stay active, and step out confidently with feet that are ready to take on any adventure!

How have you found your experiences with your foster carers?

It has been a good journey with both of them. They support me throughout everything. We have had some ups and downs but have always got through it together.

What do they support you with?

They support me with everything; my health, cooking, college and building my independence. Mum has helped me a lot with cooking, and I have been making tuna pasta bake, chicken and chips. My mum always talks to the college to see how I am doing; if they have any concerns or worries, they will call them up and invite us to meetings.

How have you found the support from Nexus Fostering?

Great! Our social worker, Vanessa, has supported me with my next journey (leaving care). Vanessa comes out to see me and constantly checks that I am OK. Vanessa encouraged me to make my own telephone calls, such as doctor's appointments etc. I was really nervous about it at first, but I was pleased that I did it! Even though I was on hold for a long time!

What are some of your best memories with your foster parents?

The day we went to Stanwick Lakes. I went down a mudslide, and mum had to cover the car with a picnic blanket to cover the seats from all the mess. Also, one great memory was going on holiday to Spain, which was amazing! We have also been on holiday to Clacton for my fourteenth birthday. I got to eat lots of great food, enjoy the caravan we stayed in and have a go at the arcades. If I

JESS’S STORY

go again, I won’t leave the arcades as I love them!!! Even if I am too big for the rides, I want to go on them still!

What would you say to a young person who has come into care?

Try not to worry, and everything will be OK. You will be safe with your foster carers. You will be well looked after, taken care of, fed, and it will be a place you can call home. I live with another child who is five and when he came, he was scared. So, I welcomed him into the family and played with him. He can sometimes be annoying, but I see him as my little brother. My mates who see him say that he is cute!

Now you have turned 18... what are your next plans?

I will be doing Staying Put here, which means I can stay with mum and dad, and nothing changes. My mum will also support me to see my birth family this month for my eighteenth birthday, which I am looking forward to. I plan to do an internship through the college which is run by the local council for a year. I am feeling nervous about it, but I am looking forward to starting it. I know some of my mates are doing the internship also, which I am pleased about.

At Nexus Fostering reading positive stories like Jess's is why we continue to support our children and young people. Our foster carers provide safe and loving homes to help them flourish. We encourage anyone considering becoming a foster carer to contact us to discover how you can contribute to creating remarkable outcomes. Visit www.nexusfostering.co.uk/cambs or call us on 01223 778266 for further information.

The eighteen-year-old talks about her experience of living in a fostering household

Some of you may have noticed a change to the High Street and that is us...hello! Welcome to A’Diva Hair Design March. We are Liana and Katie and we are bringing to March a family-run contemporary unisex hair salon.

We are so incredibly proud and super excited to be able to say that this is our second salon. We have expanded A’Diva Hair Design in St Ives after it opened back in 1997 by founders Lidia and Vi. We feel very lucky to be given the opportunity to take ownership of what was Spike & Violet. It’s an honour and privilege that Vicky has trusted us to take on her well established, successful salon of twenty-two years along with the amazing creative team Amy, Terri, Jordan and Beth, so Vicky and her family can prepare for their next chapter. They are looking forward to their new life in Australia. We are really enjoying being alongside our new team, they are a wonderful talented bunch. We have also met some wonderful new clients and friends these last few weeks and have been made to feel so welcomed by you all.

We are so ready to take on this new challenge and exciting chapter and we promise to continue the hard work and success that the Spike & Violet girls have worked so hard for.

We have brought another stylist, Brandon, along with us from the St Ives branch and together with the experienced, dedicated and passionate team of stylists, we are ready to offer you a relaxed and personal service using only trusted brands such as L’Oréal professional and GHD’s.

We specialise in all aspects of hairdressing including colour correction, cutting, keratin treatment, wedding/bridal hair and extensions, alongside gents barbering we welcome children too.

We believe in the importance of keeping up to date with current trends, techniques and fashion and often visit L’Oréal headquarters in London for ongoing training.

We look forward to welcoming you to A’Diva Hair Design March where we offer a good range of beverages, free Wi-Fi, and are fully air conditioned for your comfort.

We are offering a ten percent discount on all colour services until September as an introductory offer.

Finally we would like to wish Vicky and her family all the very best of luck in their new adventure too. As one door closes, another one opens!

A’Diva Hair Design March, 31 High Street, March PE15 9JA. Tel: (01354) 655590. Opening hours: Monday 9am-6pm (alternate weeks);Tuesday 8am-5p; Wednesday 8am-8pm; Thursday 8am5pm; Friday 7am-6pm; and Saturday 7am-4pm.

We listen to our clients’ needs when we have our pre-shampoo consultation and pride ourselves on offering a service second to none.

10% ColourOFFALL ServicesuntilSeptember!

✓ Home cooking at its very best

✓ Day-care available Large

OMG.Whatcanwesay,wewerelookingfora tranquillocationintheUKclosetothechildren whenwestumbledonTallingtonLakes.

AllIcansayisallofthestaffareso welcomingandthelodgesaresimplybeautiful andinasettingyoucanonlydreamof.

Thebuyingprocesswasquickandsimpleonce thesaleofourownhomehadgonethrough.

Wehavenowlivedhere foralmost6months andareoverthemoonwithourdecisiontobuy here.

PS.YoureallymusttrytheSundayLunchin the restaurant.

Mrand MrsC

(Anti) Social Wasps

By Joan Munns, of March Wildlife Group & March & District Woodland Group

There are seven species of social wasps in Britain but Common Wasps, Vespula vulgaris, are the familiar picnic hazard. Unlike honeybees, wasps have an unbarbed sting that they can use several times. It is a weapon used to kill their insect prey and to ward off predators.

Like honeybees, wasps live in social groups with a queen, drones, and workers. Their groups, at about two thousand, are small in comparison to honeybees that can be up to fifty thousand. Their nest is a beautiful structure made from cellulose and, in spring, wasps can be seen gnawing wood for nesting material. Pictured is a nest in a roof space.

Wasps, which include hornets, are seldom seen in the spring and early summer as they are busy killing aphids and caterpillars to feed to their larvae. When feeding on the insect pests the larvae produce sweet saliva for the wasps to feed on. In late summer, the queen stops laying eggs so, with no new larvae to produce sweet saliva, the wasps seek sweet food elsewhere. They are attracted to anything sweet and will gather on windfall fruit and scavenge in gardens and orchards. As the weather gets cooler in autumn all of the workers and drones will die leaving only a fertilised queen to hibernate through winter and start a new colony in spring.

In late summer, they come around picnics looking for anything with sugar in it. Refuse bins are usually surrounded by wasps as anything sweet will attract them. Avoiding crowded picnic areas is the safest way to keep away from wasps.

Having a small amount of sacrificial jam a short distance away could be a good idea. Open

bottles of sweet drinks are vulnerable to wasps going inside so put the top back on between sips and avoid cans with ring pulls that cannot be closed. If a wasp is around, you duck away without swiping at it. If you hit a wasp it will defend itself by pursuing you.

Wasps don’t buzz like bees or flies and can go unnoticed indoors and usually fly to a window. You may be lucky and can open a window to let them out but they are stubborn and attempts to move them may irritate them.

One way of evicting insects and spiders requires a large glass and a piece of stout card bigger than the top of the glass. Trap the creature under the glass then carefully slide the card over the top of the glass whilst keeping the glass close to the surface where the beast is trapped. Keep the card firmly on the glass and take it outside or put it through an open window and remove the card allowing the creature to escape.

Next Gault Wood Work Party is Saturday, August 5th at 10am.

If you'd like to support our work at the wood as a volunteer, please contact the Woodland Trust using this email: volunteering@woodlandtrust.org.uk Alternatively, you might like to support the Nature's Calendar project, which focuses on phenology, which is the study of plant and animal reaction to climate change. Nature's Calendar (woodlandtrust.org.uk)

Photo: Autumn wasps enjoy the sun and ivy flowers

JOIN JAMIE AT SLIMMING WORLD

Jamie Holland has taken over as consultant for Slimming World in March.

The 52-year-old, who also runs sessions in Peterborough, took charge of the group in June and loves the team spirit and togetherness of the local members.

He said: “The March group is really good fun. All the members are really friendly and supportive of each other.”

Jamie became involved in Slimming World in 2017, when he managed to lose three stone in weight, and became a consultant a year ago.

He said: “I was feeling overweight and lethargic and couldn’t wear some of my clothes and so after seeing a photo of myself decided to take some action. I now feel so much fitter. I walk four or five miles a day and don’t use my car as much, swim more and can now even run up the stairs of my three-storey house.

“Slimming World is family-orientated so everyone can eat the same food. It is not a diet; you can still eat your favourite things. There is no judgment among members or shame, it is proven to work.” The sessions are held at the 2nd March Scout Hut, Mill View (Nr Sainsburys), March on Wednesdays at 9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm and 7pm. You can telephone Jamie on 07415 175655; or email: jamiehollandsw@mail.com

Monday – 9.30am or 11am at Wimblington Village Hall: Contact Dawn on 07515 557803

Wednesday – 9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm & 7pm at 2nd March Scout Hut: Contact Jamie on 07415 175655

Thursday – 6pm or 7.30pm & Saturday 8.30am or 10am at St. Mary’s Church Hall: Contact Nik on 07566 216933

has

Handmade

Gifts

Bespoke Gifts

Tel: 07956656690

www.manddcrafts.com

MAndDcrafts@outlook.com

Opening Times :

Mon : 10 am - 5 pm

Tues: Closed

Wed: 10 am - 5 pm

Thurs: 10 am - 5 pm

Fri: 10 am - 5 pm

Sat: 10 am - 5 pm

Sun: 10 am - 4 pm

Come and see us in our new shop at 83 High Street, March, where a warm welcome awaits you.

As well as the above-listed items, we also offer workshops, home shopping, children's party bags, wedding favours, and much more.

If you are someone who handmakes items, we also rent shelf space. Call us or pop into the shop to find out more details about what we offer.

THE SEVEN STARS

summer

Why

AUGUST ARRIVALS

By Tiff Mears

Cowabunga dudes, we have the famous brothers causing mischief on August 4th with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – a pizza would be great treat to watch this film with! This is followed by a hunt deep in the ocean in the search for The Meg 2: The Trench!

Did you miss seeing Oklahoma, starring Hugh Jackman, last month? Not to worry we have another showing on August 10th.

I do like surprises; I hope you do to... if not you’re in for a tense time on August 11th with Haunted Mansion

Based on a true story, we see the transformation of gamer to racer; see how racing is really done with Gran Turismo.

This summer we have a new superhero, Blue Beetle on August 18th. After taking a takeaway box from a stranger, how will their new life unfold?

Are you a Metallica fan? At The Light, on August 19th, Metallica M72 World Tour Live from TX #1 will bursts onto the big screen not once but twice! Metallica M72 World Tour Live from TX #2 will be showing on August 21st.

The King of the Waltz invites you to his all-new cinema concert from his beautiful hometown of Maastricht, on August 26th; André Rieu's 2023 Maastricht Concert: Love Is All will be back on our screens.

Did you know we also do Family Specials? These are select showings of family films on a Saturday and Sunday; you can enjoy a family favourite for

£3.75, or a selected new release for just £5.75 a ticket! We also run our Family Specials Monday to Friday during school holidays and on bank holidays too.

Toddler Time will be available everyday over the school holidays. We will be seeing Sarah & Duck: Musical Showcase, Bebefinn – Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs, Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots, Zog and the Flying Doctors and Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie

2: Wonderstar Concert

100 years of Disney

How amazing is that one hundred years! We are going celebrate by screening ten family favourites across the next few months. Just to name a few, we have Toy Story, The Princess and the Frog, 101 Dalmatians and Frozen 10th Anniversary; these can be found under 'family specials' on our website.

MyLight Premiere

Love movies? Welcome to PREMIERE, The Light's scheme for frequent cinema-goers. For just £15.99 per month, you can cram your days full of movies as well as treating yourself to ten percent off all your favourite cinema snacks all day, every day! It’s easy to sign up to by visiting our website and click join! (T&C’s apply.)

More information can be found on our website www.wisbech.thelight.co.uk

Gran Turismo Blue Beetle

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Haunted Mansion

Wednesday 9th & Wednesday 23rd August: 1-5pm

Introduction into board games, drop by to try out different styles of board games.

Thursday 10th & Thursday 24th August: 1-5pm

Introduction into Role-Playing Games. Sign up to join one of our D&D style one-shots. (Available to secondary school age only).

Friday 11th & Friday 25th August: 1-5pm

Introduction into Trading Card Games – drop by to learn how to play Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh.

Does your caravan need a little TLC?

CARAVANS BOUGHT FOR CASH

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.

SALES

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

INSURANCE

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

ACCESSORIES

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

SPARES

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.

What’s Coming Up

EVERY WEDNESDAY: LUNCHES

Served from 12 noon to 2pm

EVERY THURSDAY: PUB QUIZ NIGHT

7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome

SATURDAY 5th AUGUST

CLUB MUSIC NIGHT WITH MANDY REILLY

Members £8, non-members £10. Club opens at 7pm

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

CLUB BARBECUE WITH AMY LEEDER

Members £12, non-members £14 Club opens at 12 noon, barbecue at 2pm

SATURDAY 12th AUGUST

CARIBBEAN NIGHT WITH SOUNDS OF SUNSHINE STEEL BAND

Playing a mix of traditional and modern music

Members £10, non-members £12. Club opens at 7pm

SUNDAY CARVERY 20th AUGUST

With choice of desserts, tea and coffee £16pp – booking essential. 1pm start

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST

UB40 SHOW ON THE LAWN

DURING THE AFTERNOON

Members £10, non-members £12

Club opens at 12 noon

For more information contact the Club on 01354 653150 or go to the Club Facebook page and just search for March Con Club. If you like the page you will get all the updates for what’s going on.

Why not come and see what the Club has to offer? Our live music events are second to none in the local area, with comfortable, spacious and well decorated rooms.

Did You Know...

Pool, Snooker, Dominoes and Crib are all played at the club? We also have a six-rink bowls green, FREE jukebox, plus lots of events for members. Why not come along and enjoy yourself?

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Solo Club: For people who have lost partners through bereavement. Come along and join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month; midday at Hot Pots Cafe – The Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Membership £5/year. For more details contact 01354 656181 or 01354 654169.

Lunch & Film Club: Meets on the first Thursday of each month in March Town Hall. Lunch is served at midday followed by the film. £15 per person. Tickets are available from Paninis.

Friends of March Library: Coffee Morning. The Friends of March Library hold a coffee morning at March Library on the last Saturday of every month from 10 30am to 12 noon. Hot and cold drinks plus biscuits cost 50p and we also hold a raffle. All profits are spent on/by March Library. Do come and join us. For more details contact Maureen Malvern on 01354 658247.

Rings End Nature Reserve: Family workshops for all to be involved in. Meets every second Sunday of the month in the car park for the nature reserve Rings End PE15 0BE. Conservation for all 9.30am-12 noon.There is a meeting at the Rookswood Club on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7pm to discuss the nature reserve management and events. All are welcome (please check Facebook for any last minute changes to venue). Please call Hayley on 07962 337988 for more information.

March Yoga Club: Meets at March Community Centre on Tuesdays 4.30pm-5.45pm and 6.15pm-7.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11.15am then Elm Primary School or Emneth Central Hall Wednesdays 7pm-8.15pm. For availability please contact Peter on 07905 601585 or email: pabamullins206@ntlworld.com

March Parkinson's Group: Meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Braza Club, Elm Road, March. This is a friendly group and everyone is welcome. £1 per session so pop along for a free taster and check us out. Please contact Wendy Summerlin on 01354 661997 for more details.

The Other Art Group: Meets every Thursday afternoon 2-4pm at March Library. Membership fee is £30 for 12 weeks paid quarterly. For details contact March Library on 03450 455225 and your details will be forwarded to them.

March U3A: For people in their third age; retired or not in full time employment. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Braza Club, Elm Road, March at 2pm. There is a range of activities available in groups run by U3A members. New members are very welcome. If you would like any more information please email march.u3a.enquires@gmail.com

Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Family History Society. Join us from 2-4pm on the first Wednesday of the month at March Library Meeting Room. We have speakers on both family and social history. For further details contact Wendy 01354 650932.

March Lions Club: Meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in March Town Hall. New members always welcome. For more information visit marchlions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5101.

March Raceway: One of the oldest 1/12 radio control car oval clubs in the UK. Our members range from 8 to 75 years old so all are welcome! Race every Friday at Longhill Road Social Club, Longhill Road, March PE15 0PR (at the prison). Doors open 6.30pm. For fixtures and further information visit marchraceway.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.

March Jive Club: At The Braza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ. Meets every Wednesday night 7.30-10.30pm with 1:1 personal tuition available. Every 3rd Friday in the month dance with top line groups and DJs. For more info call Andrew and Donna on 01354 776229 or Terry 07979 442920.

Wisbech and District Flower Club: Meets every third Monday of the month at St Peter’s Hall, Wisbech from 7.30pm. Please call Yvonne on 01945 581360 for more information.

March Probus Club: Meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at March Conservative Club as a group of semi or fully retired gentlemen; 10am for a cuppa and a chat and then at 10.30am we have a guest speaker for approx 45 mins covering a wide range of topics. To find out more please contact Dr Allan J Whyte (Club Secretary) on 07979 887110 or pop in.

March Marlins Swimming Club: Meets each weekday at Manor Leisure Centre Whittlesey and George Campbell Leisure Centre March please come along and join us; all abilities welcome (must be able to swim at least one length). Please contact swimatmarlins@gmail.com

March Triathlon Club: Meets every Thursday 8-9pm for swim training at the George Campbell Leisure Centre. All abilities welcome. £4 per person. Please contact Martyn on 01354 460000.

March Town Cricket Club: Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Cricket for adults, ladies and juniors including All Stars & Dynamos (From 5 to 15 years). Regular social events and bar open most evenings. Call 01354 652029 or visit www.marchtowncricket.com

Wimblington Village Choir: Meets Monday evenings, 7-9pm in Parish Hall, Addison Road, Wimblington. All voices welcome. Learn great arrangements of songs from the ‘50s onwards, and perform at local events. Taster night free, then £3 weekly. For more information contact Chris: 07831 835358, Maureen 07988 982200 or email: wimblingtonchoir@hennen.co.uk

March Brass 2000: Your local brass band - we rehearse at St Peter's Church in March every Monday evening, from 7pm. We are a family-orientated band and enjoy performing at a variety of venues. If you can play a brass instrument please come along and meet the band on a Monday night; you would be most welcome. For more information please contact Secretary Anita Mackie on marchbrass2000@gmail.com

Intrigue Circle of Light Clairvoyance Evenings: Every Monday; starts 7pm for 7.30pm at The Braza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ. £4/person. Please call 01354 655093 for information.

www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

07549 263767

wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk

ALL AGES AND LEVELS WELCOME