Discovering March issue 127, April 2024

Welcome to your April issue...

The season of new life and new hopes for us all – let’s just see whether or not the awful weather of late can decide that we’ve had enough rain after all, and the sunshine can start putting a smile on all our faces!

I hope you find the wide range of topics included in this month’s magazine both informative and enjoyable. As ever, many thanks to all the contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement. Enjoy the Easter competition, and best wishes for a happy Easter to you all.

The recent technical problems that affected some supermarkets’ contactless payments and online deliveries was a reminder of how we can all suffer at the hands of technological gremlins. It took me back to a time when I was stricken by a malfunctioning tape recorder. I was working for an evening newspaper and had been tasked with interviewing the base commander of an American air base at a time of heightened international tension.

My editor at the time told me to get everything recorded as I had to ask some sensitive questions and we needed to have an accurate transcript. This I duly did, only to find back at the office that the recorder had not worked meaning that I had to rely on the few scratchy notes I had made.

I should have guessed the interview was not going to be a glowing success when as a preamble to my tough questions I enquired whether I could have a flight in one of the US ‘spy planes’ that flew on the edge of space, to which the commander enquired ‘If you mean reconnaissance aircraft Andy, do you know much about flying?’

When I replied I did not have much knowledge having only been an airline passenger on package holidays to Spain, he responded with ‘It might be a bit tricky then as it’s a single seater...’

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 | Richard Hallam

Discovering March is published by a local team and is not associated with any other

to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused

publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk.

4 Gardening Tips For April

7 New Clean

11 Steve Barclay MP

16 Safe Local Trades

26-27 Community Matters

30 Diamond Byte

31 .............. March Patio Centre

32-33 The Spice Bank

34-35 Dragon Hunt: Win £50 Cash!

36 Nott Johnsons

38 March Podiatry

40 ............ Vine Law

44 March Heritage Buildings

46 Tolethorpe Competition

50 Wild About March

54 History With March Museum

57 Yorke Upholstery Workshops

59-61 Business Directory

62 Special Easter Quiz

Now is an ideal time to prepare seed beds. Soil should be broken down into small, even-sized particles and stones and other debris removed. Rake over the soil when it is dry to create a flat surface that will drain more evenly. Create a fine tilth by dragging the rake back and forth, forwards at a shallow angle and backwards at 90 degrees to create the small even particles. Also, the weeds are starting to enjoy the warmer weather so do keep on top of their removal. Some say, “Hoe when you can’t see a weed and you’ll never see a weed!” Hand weed or hoe around seedlings as the weeds appear, as they create a lot of competition for food and moisture.

One of the main tasks in April is planting out potatoes. Although there is no hard and fast rule about dates, a rough guide would be – plant out first earlies around late March; second earlies early to mid-April; and maincrops mid to late April. Potatoes need a sunny site away from frost pockets – the newly emerging foliage is susceptible to frost damage in April and May and, if frosts are forecast, cover the emerging shoots with soil or fleece to protect them.

Sow the following outdoors but under cover: beetroot, cucumbers, lettuces, turnips, oriental leaves, leeks, cabbage, and salad leaves. They can be sown in pots, modules, or prepared seed beds from which you can transplant them. If you do grow any seedlings

in trays or modules and they have grown a couple of “true leaves” prick them out and move to individual pots or larger modules. You can also harden off young plants by putting them outdoors on sunny days but bring them back in at night or put them in a cold frame or under cloches.

Other jobs for the month include:

• If you have not planted your onion sets then make that one of your first jobs this month.

• You might start seeing aphids on your crops now – blast them off with water or spray with a horticultural soft soap.

• Sow sweetcorn – an interesting way of germinating sweetcorn is by pre-chitting: lay the seeds on a layer of damp kitchen paper then place a layer of paper over in an airtight box. Check daily and when a small white sprout appears, plant the seed about half to an inch deep in potting compost.

• Put up pea sticks and build cane supports ready for climbing beans while the ground is still soft.

• Spring onions, chard, parsnips, spinach, and broad beans can be sown into the open ground.

• This is your last chance to sow aubergines, chillies, and tomatoes (under cover) as they require a long growing season to do well. Other crops that can be sown under cover include celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, cucumber, leeks, and marrows.

Happy gardening!

Time for a Spring Clean?

Time for “New Clean”

ew Clean” Lincolnshire is a trusted and reliable cleaning company, providing professional carpet cleaning services and upholstery cleaning in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. This family-run business is in the capable hands of Wayne Phoenix, who has over a decade of experience in the industry, and his son Alfie.

New Clean appreciate that carpets and sofas are essential features of your home or business. Over time, dirt, dust, allergens, and stains can build up on carpets and furniture, and that’s when New Clean can step in, using the latest cleaning techniques and equipment to deep-clean and restore your carpets and upholstery to their former glory. They use eco-friendly and safe cleaning

products that are gentle on your fabrics and do not pose any health hazards to your family or pets.

The “truck mount” cleaning system which is used provides many advantages over most portable carpet cleaning machines. There is better suction due to a belt-driven blower. What’s more, the higher heat and pressure generated ensures a much deeper clean, extracting as much soiling as possible, resulting in cleaner carpets and, importantly, faster drying times.

New Clean are committed to delivering exceptional results and providing a personalised customer service, whether you need a one-time, deep cleaning or regular maintenance cleaning. Their vast array of 5-Star reviews speak volumes for the quality of their work.

By Steve Barclay MP

The Wisbech incinerator is the topic that everyone is talking about – and for good reason. I was as shocked and angry as constituents when the news came through that the Planning Inspector’s recommendation had been accepted. It is a flawed proposal, located on an unsuitable site.

This is a scheme that, if built, would bring hundreds of thousands of tonnes of municipal, commercial and industrial waste to Wisbech each year for incineration. The town, district and county councils were all united with me in campaigning against it. It is a scheme that would never have been granted planning permission by the local authority and was created to generate just over the fifty megawatts of power threshold, meaning that it qualified as a nationally significant infrastructure project and was therefore subject to determination by the Planning Inspectorate process outside our area.

This is the wrong scheme in the wrong place, which will have a detrimental effect on our local community. I will continue to fight this proposal and have already held meetings with Fenland District Council to support them in bringing forward a judicial review.

The fight must continue to oppose this scheme given the massive blot on our landscape it will cause. I am committed to doing everything possible to fight it. Only a year ago, the Government introduced legally binding targets to halve the amount of residual waste going to landfill or incineration. Making progress on this target undermines the case for new incinerators. This scheme is even more disappointing given the progress made more widely in securing investment for the constituency, with the latest example being £20 million of funding announced in the budget specifically for local schemes in Wisbech. Yet the incinerator overshadows this progress, and I will work with local councillors, businesses and residents to try and stop it being built.

Fence Ownership – Who’s Right and Who is Left?

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

Fence ownership is one of the most common uncertainties among homeowners; contrary to popular belief, there’s no rule that says the fence on the left side of your home belongs to you.

The transfer or conveyance deed might state who owns it, but if it’s not in writing, then homeowners should look for any T-marks on the boundaries. The stalk of the ‘T’ will sit on the boundary and come out into your garden or property, which means that that fence is your responsibility. If the responsibility for the boundary is shared, like in the case of a party fence wall, then an H-mark (two T-marks mirrored on the boundary line) is used, indicating that any repair bills should be split 50/50.

When looking at the boundaries and the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of a fence separating two properties, the first step would always be to look at all the documents registered at the HM Land Registry. Documents such as the conveyances, transfers and deeds may outline ownership and maintenance obligations of the fence. Where the documents registered with HM Land Registry are silent on the issue, there is a common practice that the property owners, either side of the fence, are jointly responsible for the upkeep and maintenance.

According to GOV.UK, it may be worth the homeowner:

• Checking the information they received when they bought the house including the register/ deeds as well as any particulars of sale provided by the seller which may include details of which fence/boundary they have looked after.

• If they don't have a copy of the register or 'filed' deeds, then obtain copies.

• Read, and ask their neighbour to read, www.gov.uk guidance on boundaries.

• Try and agree with your neighbours a way forward that works for you both.

Other questions you may have:

1) Can I make my neighbour repair their fence? There’s no law which says your neighbour must repair their fence, even if it’s rotting away. Hiring a boundary demarcation disputes expert is a possibility. Alternatively, leave the old fence where it is and erect another one right next to it. The boundary would then be a thin line that runs between the two fences, even if they’re touching each other.

2) How high can a fence be?

Fences in back gardens can be up to two metres high; any higher, you’ll need to get planning permission.

3) Can I attach something to my neighbour’s fence? You can only hang things on your neighbour’s fence, paint it, or use it to support your plants with their permission. Anything you do without permission, including staining or applying preservative to your side of the fence, is tantamount to criminal damage.

Mayflower can change your life

By Ashlie Barnard

When I founded Mayflower Financial Planning it was important to me to offer cashflow modelling to all clients so that you can make life changing decisions without guessing what your financial situation may look like later on.

One of the most common questions I get as a Chartered Financial Advisor, is ‘when can I afford to retire?’

Cashflow modelling enables us to put your financial information into our system, project figures forward – taking account charges, inflation, performance and even market crashes and give you an exact date. Moreover, we are able to build in those scenarios that might also be causing indecision such as paying off your mortgage, downsizing

or moving home, contributing to a child’s wedding and even assess the impact of serious illness or an early death. All displayed in a helpful and easy to read graph.

Feedback we have from clients is that the service is life changing. Often seeing tears of relief and on the occasions when the outcome doesn’t look quite so good, enables us to build a plan with you on how to improve and change your spending habits or financial holdings to get you closer to your goal.

As part of the process, we write out to all your providers for you so you don’t have to, obtaining the details of your pensions, savings, mortgages, insurance policies, getting a really clear understanding of where you are in achieving your goal.

If you have a ‘when can I? or ‘how can I?’ question, then get in touch with our friendly team in complete confidence on (01354) 278088 or ashliebarnard@tpllp.com

The value of investments can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you put in.

MATTERS

APPLY NOW FOR £10K TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS

If you’re investing in your business whether it be in farm diversification, a building project, new piece of equipment or in many other ways – you could get a £10,000 easy-to-access government grant.

Businesses in most of Fenland can apply for a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant of up to £10,000 to invest in capital investment projects. The grants are being delivered by Fenland District Council's economic growth team Fenland for Business thanks to funding awarded to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority by the Government's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Eligible businesses:

• Have two to nineteen employees.

• Can spend the grant by the end of January 2025.

• Can fund half of their project themselves or with match-funding from elsewhere.

• Cannot have received funding for this project from another Defra scheme, including the Farming Investment Fund.

• Are based in the Central Government defined Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund area which includes most of Fenland (check via the council’s expression of interest page).

Businesses have until 5pm on Saturday, April 6th, to lodge an expression of interest. For an informal chat and guidance about the grants available contact business@fenland.gov.uk or call 07752 700248.

BEACON TO BE LIT TO MARK 80TH D-DAY ANNIVERSARY

Plans have been announced to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon in March on June 6th, 2024, in celebration of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war, followed by an event to commemorate the historical event.

March Town Council and the serving, cadets and veterans within March wish to organise the lighting of the beacon within West End Park at 9.15pm supported by the businesses and people of March. The event will include World War Two displays, vehicle, food stalls, a parade, Act of Remembrance, lighting of the beacon and music.

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

FUN TIMES AT THE ARIA COURT GENERATION GAMES

Every school holiday brings a morning of fun and excitement to Aria Court care home as children and residents come together for the Generation Games in March.

Youngsters and elderly residents recently shared laughter, stories and activities at the home during half term with a variety of activities that brought smiles to everyone's faces. There were colouring sessions and crafting snake spirals to adorn rooms, friendly competitions with a giant game of Connect 4, jigsaw puzzles, and a variety of games on the ever-popular Omi table.

SIGN UP TODAY FOR FREE FENLAND TEA DANCES

Residents are being urged to sign up for free tea dances to encourage healthy activity.

The tea dances are offered by Fenland District Council's Active Fenland, which secures grant funding to provide opportunities for people to live more active lives.

The dances include free entry, tuition and light refreshments and will be held from 1.30pm to 2pm (free dance tuition), and 2pm to 4pm main event on Friday, May 31st and Friday, August 2nd, at March Braza Club, Elm Road, March. Booking is essential at www.fenland.gov.uk/ activefenlandbookingform

HELP TO TACKLE LONG-TERM EMPTY HOMES IN FENLAND

A council tax premium charged to owners of long-term empty properties in Fenland is being strengthened to help increase the supply of housing for residents and improve local communities. Since April 2021, properties that have been unoccupied for two years or more have been subject to a one hundred percent council tax premium – meaning owners pay double the usual council tax rate – to discourage them from letting homes sit empty.

From April 1st, 2024, the application of the premium is being changed. Owners will now be charged the premium on properties left empty for one year or more, rather than two. From April 1st, 2025, a one hundred percent premium will also be introduced on second homes in the district.

If you own an empty property and would like advice and support to bring it back into use, you can contact the council’s empty homes officer Lorraine Moore on 07729 638832 or via email at: lmoore@fenland.gov.uk, or visit the empty homes advice webpage at: www.fenland.gov.uk/ emptyhomes

MARCH LITTER FIGHTERS

March residents, businesses, schools and community groups have been taking part in the country’s biggest environmental clean-up. Now in its ninth year, Keep Britain Tidy’s national Great British Spring Clean was held last month with residents and groups being involved in eleven preorganised Street Pride community litter picks and project work parties being held across Fenland with the March Street Pride litter pick taking place on Tuesday, March 26th.

The Technology Site

NEW PREMISES

Diamond Byte Solutions Ltd recently opened a shop at the Pondworld Retail Park, Lynn Road in Wisbech and we are really grateful to all our customers (many of whom have been with us since the business began in 2008, as well as those who are new to our services) for their overwhelming support of this new venture.

As well as expanding the retail side of business (selling new and refurbished laptops and desktops, as well as gaming PCs) we are proud of the diagnostic and repair service we continue to offer. These services include (but are not limited to) the following:

HARDWARE ISSUES:

These are physical problems with the components of a device or system, such as the motherboard, CPU, memory, hard drive, graphics card, etc. As hardware problems can lead to system failures, crashes, or malfunctioning, we carry out professional physical

repairs or replace the faulty component. We can also source and replace cracked or faulty laptop screens.

SOFTWARE ISSUES:

We resolve errors or glitches within the software or operating system (which are related to the programs, applications, and system software running on the hardware) by uninstalling malicious apps, and/or by applying software updates. We also specialise in virus removal on computers that have been compromised by unsolicited emails and pop-up ads.

DATA RECOVERY:

This is the process of retrieving data, including photos, that has been lost or become inaccessible, due to power failure, virus attack, accidental deletion, device damage, or formatting etc. Data recovery can be challenging and requires special tools, skills, and precautions to avoid further damage or data overwrite.

CLEAN UP SERVICES:

Software clean – removal of unnecessary files, fixing errors, etc, which can speed up the performance of your computer, free up storage space, and improve overall system stability. Hardware clean – physical cleaning of dust and dirt, which can build up on the internal components of a PC, undermining their performance and leading to a system breakdown.

System Reset - installation of Windows 11, free antivirus, and basic software.

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE:

Data Transfer - we will back up the data from a working PC and transfer it across to another machine.

Home set up - we can arrange a home visit to set up a new PC, connecting it to the internet, printers, and any other associated peripherals.

Whilst our shop is open for customers to drop in their PCs, we still offer our call-out services and will gladly visit you at home, either to provide an on-site repair, or to pick up your computer to repair in the shop.

Our retail unit is open from Monday to Saturday should you wish to pop in. Alternatively, please call us on 01945 585201 to arrange an appointment.

MARCH PATIO CENTRE CAN HELP YOU BUILD A BETTER GARDEN

March Patio Centre is situated at Knights End Road, March, just past the crematorium. Paul and Mark Constable have been running the family business for more than twenty years.

The company has a large display area which shows a selection of twelve different slab layout designs in porcelain and Indian Sandstone. It manufactures its own concrete slabs at the premises with many different colours and sizes to choose from.

It also sells sand, cement, hardcore and grouting compounds to enable you to complete your patio and offers a delivery service free to the March area with a small charge if further afield. It is open weekdays from 8.30am until 5pm and on Saturdays until 1pm so please come and have a chat with Paul about your requirements.

Mark offers a full garden design service and will visit you to discuss various options, according to your budget, to give you the garden you desire. This includes patios, decking, turfing, fencing and planting up. Together with his experienced team, Mark will carry out the garden transformation efficiently and professionally.

If you are interested, please ring on 07860 863622 or email: mark@marchpatiocentre.co.uk

win £50 cash in our

Match the correct dragon picture with those placed in participating shop windows and win £50 in cash to spend in one of those businesses! write the shop names in the boxes underneath each of the 24 dragons.

THE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:

MARCH QUALITY MEATS

SPECTACULAR

ROLLPLAY

PAPER-CHAIN

THE WHEEL CENTRE ENTERPRISE

ANNE'S THAI KITCHEN

BIZZEE BEE FLOWERS K E ROLFE INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS

A'DIVA HAIR DESIGN

WHITE SEPTEMBER

ELLIS WINTERS ESTATE AGENTS MAXEY GROUNDS RESIDENTIAL

MALLETTS JEWELLERS

THE BARN RESTAURANT

MARCH LIBRARY

Competition Closes 30th April 2024. the cash can only be spent with participating businesses. Please fill in your details below and return your completed Dragon Hunt to: Panini’s, Market Place, march or paper-chain, station road, march.

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TEL:

EMAIL:

the discovering march dragon hunt is sponsored by

EXCITING FUTURE FOR Nott Johnsons

Nott Johnsons, the well-known local coach company that specialises in running holidays, day excursions, and private hire, has joined forces with Hosier Xecutive Ltd.

On April 1st, Nott Johnsons became part of the Wisbech-based Hosier Xecutive group, which also includes Andrews Travel, but will continue to be fronted by founder Eric Nott and his wife Kim.

Nott Johnsons Coaches began operation in February 2008 when Eric saw an opportunity to develop his own business and purchased Johnsons Coaches which had been established for seventy years in Outwell and had been operated by Gary Johnson and his father.

Eric has been a bus and coach driver for forty-two years and has undertaken many local, national and international journeys, working for many companies in the Fenland area, and further afield.

Nott Johnsons began by providing coaches for many local group outings, and some school trips, but Eric also started to offer his own day excursions. In 2009, Nott Johnsons began offering coach holidays, alongside the day excursions, and private hire, and also operated a private school contract, taking children to Spalding Grammar and Spalding High School. Kim joins

most of the excursions and holidays, to make hot drinks for customers during the journey, and also manages the office for the business. Nott Johnsons has established a loyal customer base, and some customers travel on all of the day excursions and holidays offered, with many becoming good friends with each other and feeling part of the Nott Johnsons family. Recent customer feedback has included: “Just a wee email to say how much I enjoyed our holiday. Thanks for all you both do in the organisation of our holidays and making sure we all have a great time” - Mrs G, March and

“You both go the extra mile for us all, much appreciated” - Mrs T, March

Eric has started to plan for his retirement and is excited to be working with Hosier Xecutive Ltd to ensure that the coach excursions and holidays can continue to be provided to customers.

Sam Hosier, of Hosier Xecutive, which has a fleet of executive vehicles, said: “Eric and Kim will continue to be the public face of the business. They’re a very popular couple with a very loyal following. I am looking forward to helping the business grow and develop in the future and to carry on their good work and to strive to provide an even better customer experience.”

Nott Johnsons

PART OF HOSIER XECUTIVE LTD

Day Excursions

Thursday 11th April £56

Richmond & Poppy Factory Tour (tour included)

Tuesday 30th April £31

Melton Mowbray

Saturday 4th May £42

Gloucester

Wednesday 22nd May £31

Long Melford

Thursday 6th June £35

Southwold & Aldeburgh

Thursday 27th June £35

Nottingham or Wollaton Hall (admission not included)

Pick-up Points

Wisbech – Somers Road Elm

Fridaybridge

March – Elm Rd/Station Rd

March - Broad Street

Wimblington Doddington Chatteris

Other pick-ups may be possible, depending on the route. Please ask us when booking!

Holidays

Thursday 30th May £265 2 Nights DBB Spring Mystery Break

Monday 17th June £555 4 Nights DBB Scottish Borders, Peebles

Friday 2nd August £370 3 Nights DBB Cardiff City Break

Please contact us for further information, to request a brochure or to make a booking on 01945 461136 or email nottjohnsons@gmail.com

Fridays 9am-12noon

We specialise in distinguished luxury journeys for 1-49 passengers for airport, seaport and A to B transfers. We also can provide transport for rail station transfers, days out and weddings.

Hosier Xecutive Limited can offer corporate accounts and feeder work for holiday transfers.

We are also a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

For any quotes or enquiries please contact us: 01945 200002

Mobile/SMS/WhatsApp: 07503 490799 Email: enquiries@hosierxec.co.uk Facebook.com/HosierXec www.hosierxec.co.uk

Achieving twenty-five years of serving patients is a milestone worthy of reflection, appreciation, and celebration.

We understand that each patient's journey is unique, presenting its own set of challenges and triumphs. Over the past twenty-five years, our clinic has grown and developed, providing treatment and advice for those suffering from foot and lower limb problems, offering not just medical expertise but also empathy, compassion, and personalised care.

We have touched lives, relieved pains, and improved mobility for thousands of patients over the years. Celebrating this reflects our commitment to excellence, plus demonstrates the profound impact podiatry can have on overall well-being.

Beyond individual patient care, our clinic has played a vital role in promoting podiatric health awareness within the community. Through educational talks to groups and attending events, we have endeavoured to empower individuals to take charge of their foot health and prevent common ailments.

Celebrating twenty-five years allows us to reflect on the broader impact we have had in promoting a healthier, happier community.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team that has worked tirelessly. From skilled podiatrists, foot health practitioners and friendly receptionists, each member of the team has played a crucial role in shaping our clinic's legacy. We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the huge support that all team members have made, in the past and present.

As we raise a toast to twenty-five years of serving patients in our podiatry clinic, we look towards the future with optimism and excitement.

We are thrilled to have an amazing team to continue to provide patient care to the highest standard and we look forward to hosting professional courses to further develop our professional skills and to also benefit other clinicians, raising the scope of practice within our profession. We plan to continue to be a beacon of hope for those in need, a sanctuary for those in pain, and a pillar of excellence in podiatric care for many years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years; we could not have achieved this without you.

DISCO

Trouble hearing? Then contact us today!

Deepings Community Centre

2 Douglas Road

Market Deeping PE6 8PA

We provide short-term, respite care or longer-term support at our home in Chatteris.

Rooms at The Gables are decorated to an exceptionally high standard and most feature ensuite facilities. There are large, communal living and dining areas and access to our beautiful, well-kept garden where we host events with families and our local community.

We provide high quality care including fresh, nutritious meals and a wide variety of activities are available. Prices start from £1,000 per week, depending on the room and level of care required.

Our home is rated as good with the Care Quality Commission and is one of the Top 20 care homes in East Anglia based on reviews from the highly respected carehome.co.uk website

To find out more, please give us a call or visi t us online.

Tel: 01354 693858

Email: TheGables@blackswan.co.uk

www.blackswan.co.uk

ACTING AS AN EXECUTOR: HONOUR OR BURDEN?

Being appointed as an Executor is a great honour; it means that the person that appointed you believed you to be honest and trustworthy, and you could be relied on to follow their wishes.

It is also a great responsibility and dealing with the administration of an estate can be a daunting prospect especially as the Executor can be found personally liable if the estate is not administered correctly.

The Executor must follow both the instructions within the will, but also adhere to all of the administrative requirements set down in law.

The first step is to identify all assets and debts.

• Did the deceased have one bank account, or a number of different accounts with different organisations? It can be difficult in these days of online only bank accounts and paperless accounts to ensure that you have found all the accounts.

• Did the deceased hold any shares? Again, with virtual share certificates and dividend payments being paid directly into the deceased’s bank accounts, if there is no paper statement to review, it might prove difficult to find all the shareholdings.

• Did the deceased own their own property and is there a mortgage secured over it?

• Did the deceased have any credit cards or loans? These may have to be identified from bank records if no paper statements or agreements can be found.

Once all of the assets and liabilities have been identified, the Executor must calculate whether any Inheritance Tax is due. Depending on whether the deceased was married, or widowed, or they had any children who will be inheriting the family home,

there are different allowances that can be applied that might mean IHT isn’t due.

The Executor must also look into any gifts made by the deceased in the seven years before their death, as these may have to be considered when calculating the amount of Inheritance Tax payable.

Depending on the type and amount of the assets, they may have to make an application for a Grant of Probate. This is a document issued by the Probate Registry which confirms that the person named has the right to administer the estate.

The application is usually made online these days, but in some circumstances a paper application might still need to be made. The Probate Registry says that on average it takes around sixteen weeks for a grant to be issued for an online application, when it is straightforward and all the forms are completed correctly. Unfortunately, they will not accept phone calls within the first sixteen weeks after the application has been submitted, so you will have to wait to hear from them if something is incorrect on the application.

For applications that have to be made on paper, the Probate Registry is currently reporting that it is eight weeks behind its sixteen-week target.

Vine Law is able to assist with ensuring your application is made correctly and as quickly as possible by arranging electronic searches for both assets and liabilities and ensuring that the probate application is correctly completed. It is worth bearing in mind that the firm of solicitors who drew up the will may not always be the best firm to assist with the administration of the estate.

If you would like to have a chat about estate administration, please contact Cath Collins on cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk or (01945) 898090.

• Free hearing tests

• State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones

• Effective painless wax removal

• Noise protection

You can visit us at one of our local clinics:

St Ives Practice

13 The Broadway

St Ives PE27 5BX

Tel: (01480) 300955

Wisbech Practice

31 High Street

Wisbech PE13 1DE

Tel: (01945) 466386

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

Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk

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

SWANS HOLT, ELWYN ROAD

By Jennifer Lawler

Located at 41 Elwyn Road, is ‘Swans Holt’ – a Grade II Listed1 early C18 cottage of rendered brick with a red pantiled roof and an end chimneystack. The ‘Dutch’-style gambrel roof is one of a few surviving C17 Dutch-style houses in March, similar to those in West End.

The cottage has one storey and an attic. There are two ‘catslide’ dormer windows with sloping roofs and three horizontal sliding sash windows on each side of the doorway and C20 door.

The 1887 map indicates that the building was originally two cottages. There was a tree in the centre of the garden with paths from the doors, and gardens marked out.2 The road is now higher than the garden.

Elwyn Road was formerly of two sections. The road from the bridge was an ancient drove called Bridge Drove and later named Bell Metal Lane, up to the north-south section of Elwyn Road named ‘Yards End Drove.’ The 1602 map shows a stream running from the river in front of the ‘barn’ and present buildings and along the road before turning on the bend into Yards End Drove. In the 1850s there were concerns about the state of March waterways including the ‘ditch’ in Bell Metal Lane. The houses were between both the ditch and the river.3 The open waterway is no longer there.

In 1602 the land between the road and the river was owned by Martin Coward.4 Cottages were probably first built on the river side of the road in the late C17-C18 after drainage.

Swans Holt was the name of this area. 29-31 Elwyn Road has a sign ‘W. H.1878 Bancroft Cottages Swans Holt’. Holt is a Saxon word for

In 1887 Swans Holt was two cottages

wood. Swans Holt was a C17 name for a swampy, marshy area or waterway, or a forest by the river inhabited by swans.

In the 1840 tithe awards Thomas Winterton was awarded two garden plots used as orchards, between the houses and the river.5 This is now the western half of Wherry Close. On this site by the river stood his house the early C19 Listed 17 Elwyn Road, demolished in 1988.

The 1841 census records ‘Swans Holt’ occupied by Thomas Winterton (65), of independent means, his wife Sarah (55) and Mary Tilbrook (55), a female servant. Thomas, a former tailor and draper of Whittlesey, and Sarah, both widowed, married in 1835.6 Thomas was formerly married to Mary Oliver and Sarah, daughter of Owen Gray, was previously married to Johnson Barley.

1 Historic England https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/ the-list/list-entry/1216214

2 1887 map, March Library

3 William Lee, Public Health Act Report March Doddington 1851, p21, March Museum

4 1602 map, March Museum

5 R51/28/1A, 1C, March Apportionment 1840, Cambridgeshire Archives

6 1841 census, March Museum

Summer at Tolethorpe Competition Time

Throughout summer (June 4th- August 24th) the Stamford Shakespeare Company presents an annual season of plays.

Described by ‘The Sunday Times’ as “One of the finest things to do this summer” and ‘The Stage’ as “One of England’s premier alfresco theatre venues”, it really is an experience not to be missed. This summer the Company is proud to present four fantastic plays:

Step into the vibrant world of George Farquhar’s “The Recruiting Officer”, a rollicking romp and the most popular play of the 18th Century.

The woodland backdrop of the Tolethorpe stage provides the perfect setting for Shakespeare’s most spellbinding of plays, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Laugh your cares away with Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” and celebrate the strength of sisterhood in a Regency-era rollercoaster of comedy and romance.

Patrick Ness’s dazzling story of love, life and healing, “A Monster Calls”, is brought to life by Tolethorpe Youth Drama Theatre Makers.

The theatre is situated in the grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall, just two miles from Stamford, where each summer over 30,000 people experience the magic of a visit to this unique venue. Enjoy a picnic in the glorious grounds, then take your seat, protected from summer showers, and see a stage like no other.

Box office (01780) 917240 www.tolethorpe.co.uk

Would you like to win a pair of tickets to see one of the plays?

Simply answer the following question:

Which of the plays being performed at Tolethorpe this summer is the only one not to have been written by a man?

Send your answer, including your name and contact details to Discovering March, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET or you can email hello@discoveringmagazines.co.uk quoting ‘Discovering March’

• Domestic Help; housework, laundry, ironing, shopping, gardening

• Befriending and Sitting Services; individually tailored for content, timings and duration.

• General/Personal Care; assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, assistance with daily living

• Elderly people with reduced physical capabilities. Dementia

• Our trained carer will maintain the comfort and safety of the person. They will aim to promote the retention of skills using practical sessions and aim to reduce anxiety

• Adults with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, trauma caused through injury and learning disabilities.

• People su ering from mental health problems such as depression, stress, behavioural

Screen Printing Banners & Pennants

Wed 3 Apr 10am to 1pm March Community Centre

Thur 4 Apr 10am to 1pm March Scout Hut

Sat 6 Apr 1pm to 4pm March Library

To book, email peggy@cppmarketplace.co.uk

Dungeons & Dragons Escape Rooms

Mon 8 Apr - Various times through the day March Community Centre

To book contact Cambsals on 01353 613013 or email cambsals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Sunday 21 April - 10am to 4pm

March Library, City Road, West End Park

Open air stalls, street food and live entertainment, storytelling, falconry, street performers and much more.

Kicking off with a Dragon March from the bandstand at 11.30am

To

What’s Coming Up

WEDNESDAY LUNCHES

Served from 12 noon to 2pm

EVERY THURSDAY: FREE PUB QUIZ NIGHT

7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome

SATURDAY 20th APRIL

ST GEORGE’S DAY PARTY

With a pie, mash and liquor supper followed by entertainment from Rockney Music. £10 members, £12 non-members. Tickets are on sale now

SUNDAY 28th APRIL

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY

With a choice of desserts followed by tea or coffee. Served from 1pm. All welcome. £16pp – booking essential

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?

We have very limited availability for private bookings. For more information about this or any of our events, please contact the club.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM GOODLEY, OBE, MC

By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum

From the mid-Victorian era through to the end of the steam age, railway companies had ambulance teams at major stations and depots. The first was established in 1860 while the first ambulance classes on the Great Eastern Railway began at Stratford in 1880 with the GER Ambulance Corps being formed in 1891.

The March branch was formed in 1897 and won the railway's own competition the following year, followed by 1903/4/6/7. When representing the GER, they won the HM The King's Inter Railway Shield in 1903/4/7 – three of the five times that the GER won this trophy. The team representing March in 1907 comprised A E Mortlock, W Labbitt, F W Brundell, W Goodley and F Watts. They achieved 218 marks out of a possible three hundred.

The Cambs Times reporting on the 1907 victory said 'Let us at once allocate highest honours where they are due. No keener or more capable railway ambulance officer exists than Chief Officer Mr Goodley and no surgeon takes a closer interest or encourages his team more than Dr C P O'Connor.' The March railway ambulance brigade flourished under Goodley's leadership. William was born in early 1878 and followed his father, also William, who was a railway engine driver, when he joined the railway footplate staff at Norwich. In 1899, William (Snr) died, William (Jnr) married his bride Elizabeth and transferred to March. Certainly by 1901, he was living in Creek Road with wife, mother-in-law Sarah, and first son, also William. By 1911 he had moved to Rust Terrace, New Park, now with his wife and five children. It seems that he was still a fireman and, possibly due to deteriorating eyesight, became a locomotive running foreman before WWI.

During WWI he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in France and was awarded a Military Cross for gallantry in conducting a field hospital under enemy fire at Sailly-sur-Lys in 1918.

In 1919 he resumed his railway career and was appointed Carriage Cleaning Superintendent,

a post he held until he retired in 1943. In civil life he was Commissioner for No1 District (Prince of Wales's) of the St John Ambulance Brigade and he was appointed Commander of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem by King George V in 1934. He was responsible for the first aid arrangements for King George V and Queen Mary's Silver Jubilee in May 1935 and also for the King's funeral procession in January the following year. In May 1937 he was responsible for first aid arrangements during the Coronation of King George VI. In the Birthday Honours list in 1938, he was awarded an OBE for ‘services to the Home Office in connection with Air-raid Precautions and training civilians in anti-gas and first aid’.

After a long illness he died aged sixty-eight on Friday. January 3rd, 1947. His funeral was at the City of London crematorium the following Wednesday. He was mourned by his widow, four sons and a daughter.

MARCH MUSEUM

is located in High Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30am-3.30pm

www.marchmuseum.co.uk

Email: info@marchmuseum.co.uk

The winning team of 1907 with the Shield and Cup

GER PRESENTSSports & Social Club

BEARS ON THE HUNT FOR NEW MEMBERS

Since 1968, March Bears Rugby Club has been a cornerstone of local sports, nurturing a love for rugby across all ages and abilities. This year marks a particularly triumphant chapter for the men's first team, as its unwavering dedication and the tireless support of its coaches, volunteers, and supporters has set it on a path to league victory. This success is said to highlight not only skill and strategy but a community united by hard work and passion for the game.

Building on this momentum, the club is excited to announce the early stages of forming a second team. This initiative opens more opportunities for participation and showcases its commitment to growing the rugby community in Fenland.

On the women's side, the club is proud to host a team that, despite being in only its second season, is already showing immense potential and women of all ages and skill levels are being actively encouraged to join. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there's a place for you.

The club is about more than just rugby; it's about building a community where everyone can find their place, from the energetic youths in the mini and junior sections to those enjoying the camaraderie of Walking Rugby. The latter caters to those seeking a less intensive form of the game, proving that rugby truly is for everyone, regardless of age or physical capability.

March Bears Rugby Club is a family, and like every family, it is always looking to welcome new members. Whether you're interested in reigniting your rugby career, picking up the ball for the first time, or simply looking for a fun, healthy way to stay active, March Bears is your local hub for all things rugby.

The club invites you to be part of a supportive, and fun-loving community. Reach out on social media (@marchbearsrugby on Facebook and Instagram) or email info@marchbearsrufcorg.uk to learn more about how you can get involved.

YORKE

UPHOLSTERY WORKSHOPS

Bring along your own project. If you’re new to upholstery, keep it simple. Learn how to strip away existing upholstery. Clean, wax or paint wood before building up the upholstery using modern or traditional methods.

No previous experience required Basic equipment available to use Materials available to purchase

Forthcoming workshops

Monday 15th April, Bedford Hall, Thorney. 9.30am-12.30pm or 1-4pm. 5 weeks. £155

Thursday 18th April, March Community Centre. 9.30am-12.30pm or 1-4pm. 6 weeks. £180

Enquiries susannah@yorkeupholsteryandinteriors.co.uk or 07590 067 872

To keep up to date with courses follow us on @yorkeupholsteryandinteriors

yorkeupholsteryandinteriors.co.uk

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Fenland Music Centre: For musicians of all ages and abilities. Fridays (term-times) 6-9pm at St Peter's Church March. Orchestra, Concert Band, String, Wind, Brass & Recorder Ensembles. For more information see our website, find us on Facebook or email fenlandmusiccentreassociation@gmail.com

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.

Friends of March Library: 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. 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 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. Meets 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.

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

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 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

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.

March Dog Training Club: Meets at Tower Hall, Maltmas Drove Fridaybridge PE14 OHW every Wednesday evening. Membership is £5 per year and classes are £3 per session. Puppy class commences at 6pm. For more information of other classes please contact Maggie on 01354 657185 or 07514 882509.

March Bridge Club: At the Braza Club, Station Road, March. Every Thursday 1.15 -4.30pm. Cost £3 per session. Please contact George Jupp on 01354 652586 or 07963 771179

The March Society: March’s civic society, involved in the promotion and conservation of March. Concerned with March history, geography and architecture. Monthly talks at March Library with guest speakers, topics include; past, present, future of March. Next event: Local Historian Peter Wright with Stories and History of Station Road Cemetery, 20th March at 7.30pm. Entry is £2 members, £3 visitors. www.themarchsocietychessck.co.uk

March Rifle Club: meets at the indoor range, Upwell Road, March, every Tuesday evening from 7pm-9pm to shoot 0.22LR target rifles. Also potential for air rifle shooting. Please contact us prior to first attendance. Email info@marchrifle.club

Wisbech and District Flower Club: See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the month at St Peters Hall, Wisbech. For more information, call 07949 443251.

March Bears Rugby Club: Be part of a thriving, supportive, and fun-loving community that celebrates rugby in all its forms. Reach out on social media: @marchbearsrugby on Facebook and Instagram or email info@marchbearsrufcorg.uk to learn more.

www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

07549 263767

wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk

Fenland Gate & Fencing has been offering a quality service to customers in the March and Wisbech areas for nearly twenty years. The company specialises in all types of wooden gates and fencing, covering supply, installation and repair, and also carry out hedge and conifer removal, trimming services, garden shed repairs and roof re-felts. It is run by Steve Kennedy who moved to March eighteen years ago from Reading in Berkshire. He has thirty-four years’ experience in the trade with the last twenty specialising in fencing and gates.

Steve said: “Most side gate styles I can make to measure and install. I can make driveway gates, barn gates and also supply ready-made gates up to 3.6 metres wide.

“I can supply and install lap panels, waney panels, close board fencing and picket fencing, and also repair and replace broken posts. I also install concrete posts and kick boards. “I concentrate on serving customers in the March and Wisbech area but can travel further afield if required. Most people who contact me want

a side gate, replacement posts or a new wooden fence along one of their home borders. I am also able to provide concrete posts and remove hedges and conifers to enable a fence to be put up.”

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

ON THE MOVE and still right up your street

Maxey Grounds are delighted to announce that they have appointed two new associates to the firm which will allow them to expand the current range of services provided to Fenland, South Holland and West Norfolk.

Ed Weightman will be joining the firm at the beginning of May. Ed has spent the last twentysix years at Russen & Turner Ltd in King’s Lynn. As well as commercial valuations for all purposes including secured lending, Ed is a qualified Party Wall Surveyor and has also carried out contract oversight of development and refurbishment projects on both residential and commercial properties.

Jonathan Malings will be joining the firm at the beginning of June. Jonathan has most recently been working with Strutt & Parker in Cambridge. Jonathan is a General

Agent of the Fens

Practice Surveyor specialising in agricultural management, compulsory purchase and development work.

With effect from 30th April, the professional team will be relocating and the current Professional Office on the Market Place in March will be incorporated into our existing Residential Sales, Lettings and Property Management Office on the High Street in March. Agricultural, Commercial, Development and Professional colleagues will continue to be available at the newly combined March office for pre-booked appointments. All current telephone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.