Discovering Wisbech issue 054, October 2022

Welcome to your October issue...

Every now and then, something happens either in our own lives or on a larger scale which just makes us stop in our tracks.

One such moment struck the world when we heard that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. Along with millions of others, I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when that news reached me. A fabulous life well lived, a role model for us all and the “glue which has kept our society together”, no one will ever forget her.

Claire x

No apologies for focusing my comment this month on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Like most other people, I have only ever experienced the Queen being on the throne and it seems very strange to think of life in Britain in the future without her.

I never had the privilege of meeting her, although I did see her on several occasions in London and at Sandringham, However, her presence has been there in the background every day, from starting out at school, to heading into employment and getting married and having children. She has always been a constant.

Revered for her dedicated service to the country over many decades, she was a very special person who spanned the generations and embodied the spirit of country. We will not see her like again... 07903

What a summer we had! But now, nights will be longer and days shorter, so best to get time in at the allotment before the clocks go back.

Harvest or protect any remaining crops that are susceptible to frosts and clear away any remaining debris, and place on the compost heap: the larger the quantity, the better as this helps the heap to warm up and accelerates the rotting process. It is advisable to shred or pulverise thick, woody stems such as sweetcorn, beans, and brassicas, so that they decompose more quickly. Do not put any diseased foliage on the compost heap; burn or discard it.

If you have an allotment or space in your vegetable patch, have you thought about planting a native hedge for wildlife? If you choose something like blackthorn (for sloe berries), elderberry, or crab apples, you will also have a niche crop... mmm, sloe gin! There is a variety of companies on the Internet that sell mixed edible hedging packs. Crops that can be sown this month include:

• Early broad beans.

• Japanese over-wintering onion sets.

• Last chance to transplant spring cabbages – be sure to net them to prevent pigeons eating the young leaves.

• Plant garlic.

• Plant bare-rooted fruit trees or move existing ones – the soil still has some warmth.

• Sow a pot of basil seeds and put in a propagator or on a warm windowsill, keeping the soil moist. Parsley and mint can be dug up from an established clump, put in a pot and kept on the windowsill – much cheaper than buying pots from the supermarket!

Other jobs for this month include:

• Continue to earth up celery and leeks.

• Protect cauliflowers by bending a leaf over the curd.

• Finish pruning blackberries and raspberries.

• Keep removing yellow leaves from brassicas – leaving them on the ground risks spreading grey mould.

• If you have not already done so earth up, or stake (or both) Brussels sprouts and sprouting broccoli plants.

• Pick the unripe tomatoes and put a few in a bag with a ripe banana –this gives off ethylene gas which speeds ripening.

• Cure pumpkins and squashes – cut and leave them to dry out in the sun, it hardens the skins, and they will keep for longer.

• Cut back asparagus and artichoke foliage and compost.

• Remove runner bean canes: if left in the ground they will easily rot.

• Divide rhubarb crowns.

Happy gardening!

LOOKING THROUGH THE NEW WINDOWS UPDATE

The Windows 11 2022 Update (also known as version 22H2) was due to start rolling out to compatible devices from September 20th so I thought we’d take a look at some of its upcoming new features and as well as some that were due to be released with the original version, but which, for various reasons, are still pending release.

Folders in the Start Menu: Why we couldn’t have had folders in the Start Menu on release day seems like a massive oversight. However over the next few months this should arrive and make managing our apps and shortcuts a little easier.

Improved Account Management: If you want to check on subscriptions for Xbox, Office etc or change a password, you currently have to open the settings page in Windows 11, which

opens a web browser page on Microsoft’s website where you have to log on once more in order to make amendments etc. This is going to change, allowing you to be able to do it in settings, without taking you to a website.

Drag and Drop Support for the Windows 11 Taskbar: You’ll be able to drag files straight to apps on the taskbar, such as Outlook for adding attachments or image editors like paint or photos to make amendments, which should make working on multiple things at once easier.

User interface improvements: Currently, the pop out section for audio, brightness, Wi-Fi etc in the bottom right-hand corner is a hot mess, so thankfully it looks like this is going to be improved.

Android Apps: These, have been available in beta from Amazon App store in the USA for a while

now. This will bring the Kindle App and more than one thousand games and utilities with it.

Mail, Calendar and People: This update is long overdue! In Windows 8, the in-built Windows Mail app was awful, it got a minor tweak in Windows 10 and is still the same on Windows 11 (we’ve been pushing either Mozilla Thunderbird (free) Outlook (not free) for years). Apparently, this update is going to be a replacement and will be offered to both Windows 10, 11 and Apple macOS users. Hopefully this update will provide a way to back up settings and contact details (i.e., email addresses etc) so that you can transfer them from one machine to another, like Thunderbird or Outlook.

For this and many other of our bi-weekly blogs and hints and tips please visit our website at www. diamondbyte.co.uk

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

FURTHER ARTICLES FROM DIAMOND BYTE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE: DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK/BLOG

By Steve

The news of the death of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth II has caused great sadness across the constituency and our country. Much has been written about the remarkable seventy years of service and duty she displayed, and readers will have their own memories of her, particularly those who happened to meet the Queen in person.

I had the fortune to meet Her Majesty as recently as July at Windsor Castle, which is a personal memory to cherish, and more recently the privilege of attending the accession council at St James Palace for the proclamation of the new King Charles III. This has been followed locally by our district council proclamation led by the chairman of Fenland District Council Cllr Alex Miscandlon, and as I write plans were being made for the funeral.

Before the news from Balmoral, we had some positive news to celebrate regarding improvements to local healthcare. For years I have campaigned for routine health services to be available to people nearer their homes. While no-one questions the need for centres of specialism when people are very sick and need specialist treatment, there are many low risk, high volume services that patients should be able to access without travelling long distances.

A knock-on effect of the COVID pandemic means waiting lists are high and services are struggling to cope with the backlog. This is why I’m so pleased that Wisbech is set to be a priority location for a Community Diagnostics Centre in Cambridgeshire. Patients needing certain checks, scans and tests will be able to access services much closer to home. It means an increase in more than 40,000 scans in Wisbech during the first year of service, removing the cost, disruption and worry of travel for patients at a time when they are already anxious about potential diagnoses. The plans mean some tests, such as MRI or CT scans, should be available to patients at

Wisbech from December this year. From next April there should be extra capacity for NOUS services (Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Scans) which are used to create images of soft tissue structures to help diagnose gallstones and other illnesses) and Phlebotomy (having blood taken for testing). New services for Echocardiography (an ultrasound scan that shows how well your heart is working) will also be introduced. Other services are also being considered while existing ones such as Xray and Endoscopy will continue.

I’m also delighted to hear that once up and running, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System is considering a trial to open the diagnostics centre seven-days-aweek to support waiting list reduction. Another Community Diagnostics Centre is also being planned at Ely with new and additional capacity in similar services (except Endoscopy) aiming to be introduced from April next year.

Meanwhile, sticking with health, the autumn COVID jab booster programme is underway so find out if you’re eligible and how to book here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/how-to-geta-booster-dose/

It is very disappointing that the Planning Inspectorate has decided to accept the application for an enormous incinerator in Wisbech for examination. As I’ve said many times, this incinerator plan is totally unsuitable for Wisbech and I will continue to fight against it. The Planning Inspectorate now has three months to prepare for the examination. In October people and organisations can register to become an ‘interested party’ on the application and submit their comments. You can do this on the Planning Inspectorate website: https:// infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ projects/eastern/medworth-energy-from-wastecombined-heat-and-power-facility/#

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter

Our society was founded in 2001 to support and promote family history research. We welcome anyone interested in family history no matter where the family originated. We also record and transcribe records in the Fenland area, which covers three counties: North Cambridgeshire, North West Norfolk and South Lincolnshire, and these are available to researchers. We often get requests to look up a record or to photograph a grave for distant members. Not all records are online, so we may be able to provide the information you are looking for.

INTERESTING FACTS

Hope you remember to put your clocks back an hour on the last weekend of October. I have to remember the poem; in the spring the time ‘springs’ forward an hour and in the fall the time ‘falls’ back an hour. Clocks went forward for the first time in 1916. It was called Daylight Saving introduced during the First World War to extend the evening light and preserve energy. Maybe with the costs of energy increasing so much it is more relevant now than ever before. While looking at my family history records, I noted that the wedding certificate of my parents stated the place the wedding took place was in three named counties. Although they lived in North Hertfordshire they were close to the boundary of two other counties and they were all named on the certificate. I looked at my grandparents’ certificate and they had two different counties named, they lived in Bishops Stortford in East Hertfordshire on the border of Essex. This made me think about county boundaries, and how they have moved over the years. Even here in the Fens boundaries have often moved. In the past, part of Wisbech and also Walsoken have the county boundary dividing them which

has moved various times over the years. You can start walking down a street in Cambridgeshire and halfway down it becomes Norfolk. Quite difficult when you are tracing your family by county. Many have asked me to find their grandparents giving me an address. Although the house is still there it has a completely different address now. More houses have been built and the numbering has been changed, plus the county border has moved and they are no longer shown as living in the same county as before.

OUR COMPUTER RESEARCH SESSIONS

Our sessions are held twice a month. The first is in Wisbech Library on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month from 10am-12 noon. Our researchers are able to help visitors with their family research and show them all the wonderful research resources available in the library. Our other session is on the SECOND MONDAY of each month from 11am2.30pm in the restaurant at Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay near Downham Market. We offer help with family research to any visitors at the garden centre.

MONTHLY MEETINGS are held in Wisbech Library from 7pm-9pm on the fourth Thursday. Our October speaker will be Discovering Wisbech contributor Chris DONALD with the subject ‘Unusual Historical Things - Wisbech & The Fens.’ Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Members free, visitors £2.

SPEAKERS

Our speakers are available to attend other groups and clubs to give talks in the local area. Talks include “The Fun of Family History”, “My naughty Great Aunt Eliza” and “The Ups and Downs of Being a Magistrate”

For further information on any of the above, please call me on (01945) 587723.

This means that any brick or blockwork, range of installation services and repairs

The business officially opened in May 2019. Tom Westbrook, the man behind the company, had more than twenty-five years’ experience in the trade before embarking on this new challenge.

Tom explains: “I’ve always dreamed of running my own business and still to this day feel overwhelmed by the support received from local customers.”

Tom loves running his own business and especially enjoys meeting people and helping with any job big or small. From repairing draughty letter boxes, changing locks, hinges, and glass to replacing a house full of windows or fitting a stylish new door he is always happy to provide a free no obligation quote.

Tom has always been a big believer in repairing wherever possible. Often to the surprise of many customers, Tom can complete lots of different aspects of repair work, saving them the expense of buying new.

Tom and his wife Suzanne are very grateful to the customers that have supported their growing business over the last two-and-a-half years. They are looking to the future and excited about what the future holds for the developing business. If you would like further information about how Westbrook Window Repairs can help please call them on 01354 653445 and follow them on Facebook. job

always been a big believer in repairing possible. Often to the surprise of many customers, Tom can complete lots of different aspects of repair work, saving them the expense of buying new. and his wife Suzanne are very grateful to the customers that have supported their growing business over the last two-and-a-half years. They are looking to the future and excited about what the future holds for the developing business. you would like further information about how Westbrook Window Repairs can help please call them on 01354 653445 and follow them on Facebook.

Acole Plumbing Services Ltd is a new business that has been set up to deal with Fenland homeowners‘ plumbing and heating requirements.

It has been launched by March-based Colin Ovenden who has more than thirty years’ experience in the business, primarily carried out in London.

Colin moved to the town from the capital five years ago and after being employed locally has now decided to venture out on his own. He said: “I love living in March and felt the time was right to start my own business.

“I am looking to focus on all general domestic plumbing and heating work, predominantly repair and refurbishment, in the March, Wisbech and Whittlesey area.”

Contact Acole Plumbing Services Ltd on (01354) 650502; or 07759 768060; Email: acoleplumbing@btinternet.com

• All general plumbing repairs undertakenbig or small.

• All domestic heating repairs undertaken.

• All domestic boiler fault finding undertakenboth gas and oil.

• Landlord Gas Safety certificates

• House purchase inspections of

• Boiler

• Central heating power flushing.

HYPNOTHERAPY FOR ANXIETY

Then hypnotherapy could be the answer for you!

According to the Office for National Statistics, nearly 40% of adults experience some form of anxiety.

It is relatively healthy to have some level of anxiety. But when it gets in the way of your everyday activities, it’s time to deal with it.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help you overcome stress and anxiety quickly and effectively. It works by tackling the root cause of the problem on the subconscious level, so the changes are permanent and long-lasting.

During my hypnotherapy sessions, you will be awake and conscious and able to talk to me and remember everything that happened in the session. You will feel better immediately after your first session, learn how to deal with your emotions, and find it easier to manage challenges in your everyday life.

My Approach

I use a unique programme that resembles psychotherapy but on a profound level, working with emotions; while classic

hypnotherapy leads a client into a trance-like state and gives positive suggestions.

I mainly work with clients that experienced adverse situations in their lives and who want to eliminate the negative impact those situations had on them. So if you’re ready to take control of your life and overcome stress and anxiety, Lera Hypnotherapy can help!

The Anxiety Elimination Programme

Consisting of six intense 1.5-hour sessions, we will, together, find the root cause of your anxiety and re-programme your mind. It will involve deep emotional work and requires a total commitment on your behalf.

My Anxiety Elimination Programme In October 2022, a special offer for my Anxiety Elimination Programme is £350* (for all six sessions). This programme is powered by a proven method 5-PATH, so you can be sure that the sessions are tailored to suit your needs to get the desired results.

So if every day feels like a battle to keep your head above water, contact me today and see how the Anxiety Elimination Programme can start your journey to a happier, healthier life in just days!

Email me at lerahypnotherapy@ gmail.com or send a message to 07919 924569 to get started. We’ll then arrange an informal discussion to see if the Anxiety Elimination Programme is right for you.

Feel free to explore my website lerahypnotherapy.com Here to help you feel better, Valerie Robins, MH, AdvHyp, QGHR, 5-PATH IAHP

Certified Hypnotherapist

*£350 with mention of the Discovering Wisbech Magazine. Normal Price £600.

Do you feel like you’re constantly under pressure? Do you feel like you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of everyday life? Do you feel like anxiety and stress are ruling your life?

Freepik.com

GOTHIC

A new shop specialising in ‘everything Gothic’ has been given a civic seal of approval. Wisbech Mayor, Susan Wallwork has opened Dark Realms in the town’s Market Street, which is being run by Heavy Metal fan, Nigel Swan and his Goth partner, Andrena Bidgood.

Nigel (47) said: ”We stock everything Goth and also Heavy Metal and Punk clothing through to associated ornaments, candles and crystals. We decided to open the shop as we used to get stopped in the street and asked where we got our clothing from by people who have previously had to travel to places like Peterborough and Norwich to buy their clothing.

“Since the opening, the response has been terrific. It has been featured on Facebook and has attracted a lot of interest. We play the appropriate music in the shop so customers can enjoy a real niche experience.”

Lyncroft Care Home Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our newly refurbished home is beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Lyncroft feel extra special. If you’re concerned about how your relative is coping and would like them to have more Lyncroft family-led care in a luxurious and homely

Wisbech Yoga Club Meets at Trinity Methodist Church on Mondays 7pm-8.15pm and Wednesdays at Elm Primary School or Emneth Central Hall 7pm-8.15pm. For availability contact Peter on 07905 601585 or email: pabamullins206@ntlworld.com

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-12noon. To Please call Hayley on 07962 337988 for more information

Wisbech and District Flower Club Meets every third Monday of the month at St Peters Hall Wisbech from 7.30pm Please call Yvonne on 01954 581360 for more information

Fenland Foragers Fenland Foragers runs The Little Acorns toddler group on Wednesday mornings, 9-11am in St Johns Church grounds on Station Road, March along with Nature Detectives a group for al ages 9.30-11.30am every other Friday. To book please call Hayley on 07962 337988 www.fenland-foragers-forestsch.class4kids.co.uk

October's Top Picks Bend the knee to Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical epic

The Woman King on October 7th. Inspired by true events, the film tells the untold story of an all-female army who rise up to fight for their freedom and future. The Woman King stars the Academy Award-winning star of The Help, Widows, and The Suicide Squad, Viola Davis, who plays General Nanisca, a tribe leader who will stop at nothing to protect the Kingdom of Dahomey –once located within what is now present-day Benin – in this emotionally epic journey. We continue the regal theme with the release of The Lost King on October 7th which reunites the creative team behind the Oscar-nominated hit Philomena, and promises more of the wit, charm and fighting underdog spirit as one intrepid amateur historian discovers the remains of King Richard lll beneath a car park in Leicester. This is her story.

Emily, released on October 14th, tells the imagined life of one of the world’s most famous authors, Emily Brontë. The film stars Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Death on the Nile) as Emily, a rebel and misfit, as she finds her voice and writes the literary classic Wuthering Heights. The film explores the relationships that inspired her – her raw, passionate sisterhood with Charlotte and Anne, her first forbidden love for Weightman, and her care for her maverick brother whom she idolises.

Event Cinema

In celebration of fifty years of Billy Joel, Live at Yankee Stadium comes to the big screen for a special two-night fan event on October 9th and 11th. Billy Joel’s legendary 1990 concert at Yankee Stadium stands as one of the greatest concert

films of all time. The newly edited version includes a never-before-released performance of ‘Uptown Girl’ along with interviews from Billy and behind-thescenes footage from the event’s production. The set list consists of re-edited versions of songs from the original film including ‘Piano Man’, ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’, ‘New York State Of Mind’, ‘Shout’ and more – all live from the iconic stadium in The Bronx.

Family Favourite

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to the big screen on October 14th. When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) – who loves baths, caviar and great music – living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbour Mr Grumps, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.

Why not sign up to our Infinity membership and watch all the 2D and 3D films you can handle for just £15.99 per month? Our members also receive 25% off favourite cinema treats, all day, every day (excluding alcohol), discounted Event Cinema tickets, and invites to member only screenings. To find out more head to our website or ask a team member for details.

More blockbuster films coming your way include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and Avatar: The Way of Water. Keep an eye on our full film listings at wisbech.lightcinemas.co.uk

Emily

The Lost King

The Woman King

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Time to Plan Your Retirement

Keith Day

Trying to work out what income you will need in retirement?

It’s a challenging task and needs the consideration of many factors. It’s like gazing into a crystal ball to predict 20, 30, maybe 40 years ahead but you also have to analyse today’s outgoings to calculate any savings retirement pot.

Among the biggest factors, one that is becoming increasingly significant, is how long you will be retired for. Largely gone are the days when a man or woman retiring at 65 would do well to reach 70. As medical science continues to advance, a 65-year-old man has a 50% chance of living to 87, and a 65-year-old woman a 50% chance of living to 90.

Lifestyle or standard of living will dictate how much money you will need in retirement. The general agreement is that anywhere between half and two-thirds of your pre-retirement income will be needed to sustain a similar standard.

Naturally, your spending habits and priorities will change once you retire, therefore the amount of income you need will change. Factors to consider are a drop in work-related expenses like commuting costs, or today, bills associated with working-from-home. Hopefully the mortgage will have been paid off. You will almost certainly spend more time and money on hobbies other leisure interests so commensurately, the time spent at home will rise with a corresponding increase in household bills – a current very hot potato!

Careful planning in building up your savings to support your future is needed. Equally, as important, is getting advice when you decide to retire. The time might be right to address planning or managing your retirement.

Our colleagues, Whitings Wealth Management Ltd can help so please do not hesitate to get in touch with them on 01945 581937 or through their website whitingswm.co.uk

Information on which this article is based is correct at the time of publishing. Any updates are available on our website: whitingsllp.co.uk

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