Discovering Wisbech issue 060, April 2023

Welcome to your April issue...

At this time of the year, I’m often surprised at just how quickly, within a few weeks, we’ve moved on from those cold, wet mornings, those biting winds and long, dark evenings to something much more appealing. Blossom is now starting to be on show and our long, hot summer (hopefully!) is nearly upon us.

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 of the contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement. Enjoy the month ahead, and best wishes for a happy Easter to you all.

High winds, snow storms, freezing fog, heavy rain and hail with the odd spell of sunshine... we’ve seen all types of weather in Fenland over the past few weeks.

I’ve lost count of the times that part of my day has been spent drying my drenched dog, moving garden furniture and assorted pots back into their rightful position or straining to keep my balance tiptoeing over slippery paths.

Hopefully, now with the advent of British Summer Time we may see more of the sun and have a spate of settled weather as 2023 local outdoor activities spring into life.

After months huddled in front of the TV trying to keep warm without breaking the bank by having the heating on too long, it will be great to spend more time outside.

I know it’s only April and we are not out of the woods yet (yes, I do know the saying ‘ne’r cast a clout till May is out’) I’m hopeful that the fickle British weather is kind to us all over the coming weeks.

Account Manager

Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211

marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton

Sales Sally Anne Davis: 07737026594

Ops Director Andy Armstrong

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

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

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

Discovering Wisbech is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct at the time of going to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by any errors. Permission must be granted to reproduce, copy or scan anything from this publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@ discoveringmagazines.co.uk.

KELLYVISION CELEBRATES

THE WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT OF FORTY YEARS IN BUSINESS IN APRIL 2023!

Kellyvision was started back in April of 1983 in a small shop in Broad Street opposite Keshco supermarket by current Managing Director Kelley Shipp. The opening caused such a stir that the road had to be closed by the police while Ruth Madoc of popular television series Hi-de-Hi! fame opened the shop! In fact, some of the children and grandchildren from the opening are still coming into the store today which says a lot about the customer service Kellyvision provides.

Business was so good it moved to Blunts Lane, Whittlesey, and finally to the current location on the corner of Broad Street and Whitmore Street, supplying home entertainment equipment i.e. televisions, videos, hi-fis followed by the brand new invention of satellite television in 1989.

The motto back then was ‘Better because we care’ which still stands with the company today despite larger department stores, supermarkets and the internet all selling electrical products.

Like a phoenix from the ashes, Kellyvision survived the devastating fire at its premises in April 2005 which saw it move into a temporary trading address in Market Street for eighteen months while the building was renovated. This move to continue trading was only achieved with the help from other local businesses and friends who all immediately rallied around to help.

Kellyvision has been overwhelmed by the loyalty and support given from both old and new customers over the years, including the continued support of the business which was forced by the Government to close its doors to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.

Expanding into white goods – i.e. washing machines, refrigeration, cookers, gave Kellyvision the opportunity to be your local onestop-shop. As an independent, Kellyvision prides itself on being able to offer free, friendly advice; something lacking by clicking a button on the internet these days. After noticing that built-in kitchen appliance sales were increasing rapidly, in 2017 Kellyvision took the plunge into kitchen design and planning. This has been a phenomenal success with Director Lee Cochrane taking on most of the new challenge.

As Lee explained: “A lot of customers are now making bigger investments in their own homes, rather than moving. New houses are smaller, therefore customers want clever designs, with integrated kitchen appliances to make the most out of their space. Our kitchen appliance sales have grown vastly over the years so it seemed a natural progression to offer a full kitchen design and installation service.”

The sleek Symphony kitchens complement the showroom’s current stock of goods, which include brands such as Smeg, Bosch, Neff, Siemens, Liebherr and Hotpoint. But if you thought that buying local meant you paid more, then you might be surprised. “We’re actually cheaper than most well-known high street retailers,” Matt Vail explained. “Not only that, we offer better customer care and more competitive warranties.”

So if you are looking to upgrade your home, whether it’s a new television, cooker, fridge or a brand new kitchen, pop into Kellyvision for personal and professional advice and service.

Peterborough Telepgraph reports the fire in 2005

April is a good month to get ahead by sowing seeds indoors or outside in cold frames and under cloches. If you covered your plot over the winter, the soil may well be warm enough to plant and sow certain crops directly outdoors. However, beware of cold nights and frosts, making sure that tender plants are protected.

Aim to get all your potatoes planted by the end of the month – plant out chitted second early potatoes in the first two weeks of the month and maincrop potatoes in the second two weeks. Second earlies and maincrops need more growing space, so plant them about 38cm (15inches) apart and 75cm (30inches) between rows. When the shoots appear, earth up each plant by covering it with a ridge of soil.

If you’re short of space you can always grow them in an old dustbin or similar. Make sure that there is plenty of drainage; bore some holes in the bottom and 10cms up the side, then add grit or hardcore before topping up with good quality compost to approx. 4 inches. Place 5 chitted potatoes on the soil, sprout side up, cover with 4-6 inches of compost, and water. As the shoots appear, cover with compost, leaving the topmost leaves exposed; continue to do this and layer-up until it reaches the top of the bin. Remember to place in a sunny spot and keep watered, but not waterlogged.

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.

• Beetroot, peas, and carrots can be sown directly outside.

• It is very tempting to sow seeds all in one batch; however, they will all need pricking out, thinning, and potting on at the same time. Sow the seeds that have the longest growing season first and stagger the rest.

• 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.

• Plant asparagus crowns by the end of the month.

• Do not forget to regularly hand weed or hoe around seedlings as the weeds appear, as they create a lot of competition for food and moisture.

• Tomato and cucumber seeds can be sown indoors but wait until the end of the month.

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

Happy gardening!

We are ideal for garden designers, landscapers, gardeners, nurseries and retail traders and the general public are also more than welcome too. We offer a wide range of stock and have the facility of offering stock grown on site from our environmentally friendly nursery.

We have recently moved premises from School Road, West Walton and are delighted with our new premises at West Drove South, Walpole Highway.

We have a wonderful viewing area, which consists of an indoor tunnel, outside viewing area and tree lines. All stock is priced, together with a description, and our stock is displayed in a location of ideal growing conditions.

Our stock consists of shrubs, climbers, herbaceous and perennials, larger specimen stock from 10L pots upwards, hedging, a large range of trees from half standards to semi mature, together with pleached trees, Mediterranean plants, topiary and so much more... deliveries are available on request.

We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and our friendly trained staff are available to offer advice. Our team is made up of the most enthusiastic and dedicated individuals. We are all passionate about what we do and enjoy our working relationship with customers. Take advantage of our RPO ‘Young at Heart’ Loyalty Card – every Thursday Senior Citizens receive a ten percent discount from plants purchased.

So, if you are looking to add plants to your existing garden or maybe you have a completely new build with a blank canvas then look no further, pay us a visit.

We very much hope to see you soon. Our team looks forward to welcoming you to our plant outlet. Everyone welcome!

Left to right: Ryan, Sarah, Jack, Rachael and Marie

in

Har mony

For all your Blinds, Awnings and Curtains

Westbrook Window Repairs say Thank You for Local Support

Westbrook Window Repairs say Thank You for Local Support

Westbrook Window Repairs would like to thank their loyal customers for the amazing support shown to them during bleak times.

SPECIAL

OFFER 20%

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.

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.

Conservatory blinds • INTU blinds (no screws used) • Black-out blinds

Vertical / Roller / Pleated / Roman blinds • Venetian blinds, Wood and Aluminium

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 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 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 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.

Fly screens • Motorisation and child safety devices availab le on all blinds

Fly screens • Awnings and Canopies • Made to measure and Handm ade Curtains

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 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.

Come & visit our showroom at 15 Market Place, Whittlesey, PE7 1AB

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm

Tom and very grateful to the supported their growing business over the last two-and-a-half years. They are future excited about what the business. If about how Westbrook please call them on 01354 653445 and follow them on Facebook.

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.

• DOMESTIC and COMMERCIAL

TOP 5 INTERNET SECURITY TIPS

We are rapidly approaching the summer months, meaning that many of you will be doing a lot of online bookings for days out and holidays. Here are some top tips on how to keep safe whilst online.

Set a serious password.

Coming up with a good password that’s easy to remember as well as strong can be a challenge. The best passwords are made up of phrases, upper and lower case characters and punctuation. For example, “iloveShopping4shoes!” or “iwantaCheesesandwich4lunch!” would work really well (well not now obviously I’ve just told all the other readers). Use the £ symbol – it is the UK’s secret weapon as only UK keyboards have it on them!

Split your email addresses

For added security, I would suggest having multiple email addresses for at home – two at a minimum –one for all the social media sites you use (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat etc) and one for the websites which contain financial information, i.e. shopping and banking. This means that should your social email address get hacked, it won’t be quite as catastrophic as the shopping/banking one. A lot of companies give free email addresses out – Microsoft, Google and Yahoo to name just three.

Use a credit card

Avoid using a debit card online. A credit card provides a lot more financial protection online than a debit card does.

Update, Update, Update

Make sure that you keep your PC or Mac up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft and Apple.

Don’t Trust your Anti-Virus Software

A very odd thing to say I know but hear me out. You can spend £60 a year on something like Norton or McAfee and they may give you a warm fuzzy feeling that you are safe, but you are not! They are making you as safe as they can and for the most part do a really good job of killing viruses and improving your firewall. They do, however, have two major flaws, the first being they are only as good as their last update and the second being that warm fuzzy feeling of feeling safe. The internet is full of fraudsters and hackers wanting to gain access to our bank accounts, and what anti-virus software cannot do is to prevent us, the users, from providing them with our easy-to-guess passwords and installing free programs from unknown websites that can actually get around any firewalls that are installed.

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

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

Voter ID: A summary

On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across 230 councils in England.

At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences and cards with a PASS Mark.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Visit fenland.gov.uk/voterID, call 01354 654321, or scan the QR code above to find out more, including:

• The full list of accepted forms of photo ID

• How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (if you need one)

• What will happen at the polling station

Alternatively visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

Have you moved home recently?

Have you registered to vote at your new address?

When you move you do not automatically get registered at your new address, even if you are paying Council Tax.

Registering to vote is easy:

1. Go to gov.uk/register-to-vote

2. Fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details. You will also need your national insurance number.

gov.uk/ register-to-vote

3. Look out for confirmation from local electoral registration staff to say you are registered.

If you don't have access to the internet, you can contact the Electoral Registration Team who will help you to register. Email elections@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654321.

You are required to register by law and need to register to be able to vote and have a say on who represents you. Also, Credit Reference Agencies use the register to confirm where someone lives when they apply for credit.

fenland.gov.uk/elections

Professional Animal Care to Suit You

As a nation of animal lovers, we are more than happy to care for our four-legged friends, be it feeding, exercising, or maintaining their health and wellbeing. But what about animal physiotherapy? There’s a very talented young lady in South Lincolnshire establishing herself in this very niche field.

Carlie Wood BSc, Dip.A.Physio, IAAT, offers her services as a mobile therapist, so that sessions can be carried out in the comfort of your pet’s home, thus helping to reduce the stress your pet may feel. Carlie qualified in January 2020 and has been expanding her business and developing her knowledge ever since. As a member of the prestigious International Association of Animal Therapists, as well as being on the AHPR (Animal Health Professions’ Register), she can ensure that high standards are continuously maintained.

Carlie has over seventeen years’ experience in animal handling, welfare, behaviour, and rehabilitation, as she has worked with animals throughout her professional life. Services offered include the use of a variety of machines, massage, stretching, and a range of exercise techniques. With these methods (and working alongside the veterinarian), Carlie can rehabilitate conditions such as hip/elbow dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, IVDD and patella luxation, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Laser therapy is now available to help treat muscular issues, bone fractures, open wounds, orthopaedic and neurological conditions.

Carlie is fully insured, canine and human first-aid trained, and, due to expanding, she now has further availability, and can be flexible in arranging a time to suit you. Sessions include initial assessment, treatment, and home exercises, so that your pet can have the best chance of recovery.

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

Carlie Wood BSc(Hons) FdSc

07738 682 080

Animal Physiotherapist

Animal Physiotherapist 07738

07738 682 080

Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

MICROWAVE THERAPY FOR SKIN

MICROWAVE THERAPY FOR SKIN

MICROWAVE THERAPY FOR SKIN

MICROWAVE THERAPY FOR SKIN

Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction.

Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction.

Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction.

Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.

In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.

In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.

In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.

For more information visit www.treatwithswift.com

For more information visit www.treatwithswift.com

For more information visit www.treatwithswift.com

For more information visit www.treatwithswift.com

MRK25, Issue 2

MRK25, Issue 2

MRK25, Issue 2

www.marchpodiatry.co.ukwww.marchpodiatry.co.uk

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

Lyncroft Care Home

Our family, caring for yours

Lyncroft 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 support, Lyncroft provides family-led care in a luxurious and homely environment.

• Fisherman’s Arms Pub

• Bistro Café

• Hair and pamper salon

• Tailored meaningful activities

• Daily Fine Dining

• Luxury en-suite bedrooms

For more information about life at Lyncroft Care Home contact Customer Relations Advisor Mel Cushen on 07563 022 290 or email mel.cushen@countrycourtcare.com

01945 475 229

81 Clarkson Avenue, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 2EA

www.countrycourtcare.com

R&D Relief Beware Cold - Callers

Jeannette Hume

What is known as the ‘super generous’ Research & Development Tax Relief rules are undergoing a few changes, impacting on the numerous businesses in the Wisbech area which invest in R&D. The changes will serve to clamp down on fraudulent claims.

Does your business currently receive cold calls from R&D ‘specialists’ promising you tax refunds? There has been a rise in the number of these calls and, at the end of the day, you may well lose out because they know nothing about your circumstances.

R&D reliefs support companies that work on innovative projects in science and technology. They can be claimed by companies seeking to research or develop an advance in their field. It can even be claimed on unsuccessful projects.

The latest changes include increases and, inevitably, decreases from April 1 this year. These include raising the R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) rate from 13% to 20%.The additional deduction for SMEs drops from 130% to 86% and the SME tax credit ‘surrender’ rate is lowered to 10% except for those R&D intensive companies which can continue to claim at a rate of 14.5%.

These are some of the positive as from now on additional costs of datasets, cloud computing and pure mathematics may be allowable. However, eligible subcontracted work will be limited to work undertaken here in the UK. Other measures include:

• Costs for externally provided workers will only qualify if the service provider or connected party that paid them did so through the UK PAYE system.

• All claims will be required to be made digitally, through an HM Revenue & Customs portal, potentially with additional information.

• Claims will need to name a senior company officer and any accountant/ advisor must be identified.

• Companies will be required to inform HMRC of their intention to file a claim within 6-months of their year-end unless they have submitted a claim in the last three years.

If you need help, then don’t hesitate to contact me through the Whitings LLP Wisbech office.

ON-SCREEN APRIL ADVENTURES

Step into the world of adventure and fantasy on April 3rd with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

A charming thief (Chris Pine) and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run foul of the wrong people, what will their fate be?

One for all the family is The Super Mario Bros. Movie playing its way to our screens on April 7th. Italian American plumber brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) find themselves transported by a warp pipe into a different dimension, with Mario transported to the Mushroom Kingdom and Luigi into the domain of the evil warlord Bowser. Mario teams up with the kingdom's monarch, Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), as well as Toad (KeeganMichael Key) to rescue Luigi, as Bowser sets in motion his plans to conquer the world.

Toddler Time at The Light!

Join us for some interactive fun at our toddlercentred screenings, designed exclusively for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Audience participation is encouraged, and with tickets priced from just £3 for children (parent/ carer free) – what’s not to love?! Babies and older children are welcome at these screenings.

Event Cinema

Royal Ballet: Founder choreographer Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella celebrates its 75th anniversary on April 12th. The ballet’s opening night in 1948, featuring Moira Shearer and Michael Somes in

the lead roles, was received rapturously. After more than a decade away from the Royal Opera House stage, Ashton’s timeless reworking of Charles Perrault’s famous rags-to-riches story returns, showcasing the choreographer’s deft musicality and the beauty of Prokofiev’s transcendent score.

NT live: Olivier award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C P Taylor’s timely tale of Good airing on April 20th. David Tennant makes a muchanticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays. As the world faces the Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.

Royal Opera: Director Antonio Pappano conducts a truly international cast in David McVicar’s timeless production of The Marriage of Figaro on April 27th. Servants Figaro and Susanna are filled with excitement on their wedding day, but there’s a hitch: their employer, Count Almaviva, has dishonourable intentions of his own towards the bride-to-be. With more twists than a page boy’s stockings, the story of Mozart’s comic opera will surprise and delight you at every turn, all unfolding over the course of one crazy, topsy-turvy day in the Almaviva household.

We are also hosting an Easter market on April 8th 12-4pm, come and support local business!

More blockbuster films coming your way including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, and The Flash. Book your tickets and find out more by heading over to wisbech.thelight.co.uk

NT Live: Good

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Royal Opera: The Marriage of Figaro

Your money is protected when you book your holiday with us

We understand that when it comes to paying money in advance for something such as travel, it’s so important that your money is properly protected. That’s why we are proud to be members of Protected Trust Services (PTS) who provide some of the best financial protection in the UK, giving us and our customers the confidence that their holiday money is fully protected.

What is Protected Trust Services?

PTS is a company that provides financial protection through an independent trust account and bespoke technology to protect your monies. This means, every time you book a holiday with us, your money only goes towards the arrangement of your holiday. It will be used to pay the suppliers, book the tickets, and will never be used for anything irrelevant to your booking. You can also call us at any time, ask where your money is, and we can give you an exact answer.

Being part of PTS, we take great pride in being able to offer the best and most trustworthy protection in travel. We can guarantee that when you book with us, you’ll receive the financial protection you deserve. Contact us today for a quote, we aim to beat any online or high street price.

For peace of mind, and to book your holiday with confidence, choose Holiday With Us.

We protect your money with Protected Trust Services. This means that all your hard earned money goes into a separate trust account and is only used for your booking.

Now just sit back & look forward to your trip with peace of mind

Unusual, fascinating and sometimes amusing, by the author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’, Chris Donald

e largest, longest, unhappiest Royal visit...

It was when King John came to Wisbech in 1216. At the time, he was very ill with dysentery. The sad thing is that with today’s medicine he would have lived, but after staying the night at Wisbech Castle in great pain he went on to Newark and within a week was dead. On top of all that, he is supposed to have lost all his regalia and other treasures in The Wash that were being carried for him by his soldiers. As nothing has ever been found, no treasure or anything belonging to the soldiers who were carrying it, was there any in the first place? The mystery continues... And we go from one unhappy story to another. In November 1236, just twenty years later, the WORST ever flooding of Wisbech took place. At that time Wisbech was quite close to the sea. The whole town and the stone castle were completely demolished. Many people died, entire flocks of sheep and herds of cattle were destroyed and ships lost. However, the castle was soon rebuilt. We know this as it is recorded that ten years later it was in use again. There is no record of the church having suffered damage but it must have weakened the foundations of the tower as two hundred years later it finally collapsed doing a MASSIVE amount of damage to the main part of the church.

Staying with St Peter’s Church, in the 1700s two big balconies were built inside the church to try and accommodate the HUGE congregations but even that wasn’t enough so they had to build two overflow churches (the Octagon and St Augustine’s) to take the remainder. And... most services were two hours long with the sermon lasting one hour! And they still kept coming every Sunday! Far more interesting is that in St Peter’s Church in 1622 an INCREDIBLE twenty pints (more than eleven litres) of wine were drunk at Easter Day Communion! That’s getting on for fifteen bottles of wine. What an Easter and some service! Did the vicar manage to stand upright?

Now, the next two stories are from the 1800s. The LARGEST street party ever held in Wisbech was in

1838. It was held in the Market Place and was to celebrate Queen Victoria’s coronation. Almost five thousand people sat down for a meal together with a drink and some tobacco. It was a lovely day, no rain, and it cost a MASSIVE £44,000 (£450).

Then in 1847, the Wisbech and Fenland Museum opened in the Old Market Place and one of its first exhibits was the BIGGEST swordfish ever caught in the world at that time. It was twenty-five feet (seven and a half metres) long, weighed five tons (5000 kg) and took one hundred men to land it.

A little later in that century they decided on having a new town bridge to replace the old stone bridge. But it was not to be any old bridge, this was to be the LARGEST opening bridge in the whole world. Wisbech would indeed be famous. It would be 156 feet long (47m) and 40 feet wide (12m), and cost one million pounds (£13,000). The foundation stone for the new swing bridge was laid by the Mayor in 1856, followed by a dinner and great celebrations. But, they got the their maths wrong and it couldn’t be used as a swing bridge. The swing bridge couldn’t swing, so, it didn’t last long.

In 1931, they changed to the present bridge. Wisbech now had the LONGEST portal bridge in the world, measuring just more than 91 feet (27.7m). It was described as a fine neo-Georgian bridge. You might want to disagree.

And now, finally, back to Royalty. The WORST publicised Royal visit to Wisbech was when the Queen, later to become Queen Mother, together with Princess Margaret, came to the town in 1950. Not only did the inhabitants of Wisbech not know she was coming, even the Mayor wasn’t told!

And the MOST UNUSUAL and UNIQUE grave in Wisbech is that of Jane Stuart, natural daughter of James II. All the lettering is spelt out in box hedging rather than stone.

And did you know? Wisbech has a river that SURPRISINGLY goes uphill! Look at the Nene when it is going from low tide to high tide and you will see it moving backwards! Wisbech is quite some place.

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter

Our aims are to support and help anyone interested in family history no matter where the family originated. As a society, we are invited to give talks to various groups and clubs. We also attend many functions and events with a display, including church festivals, fairs, shows and even civic occasions.

We strive to provide a display stand to match the theme of the event. This gives an added attraction to any event, in addition to promoting family history research. If you would like us to attend one of your events please call us.

Chin Up Charles Fitness taking a holistic approach to tness focusing on movement, alongside nutrition and lifestyle habits including self-care and stress management. When you’re nourishing your body and mind you can be the best version of yourself!

Level 3 Personal Trainer and Holistic Core Restore® Coach, specialising in working with women at all stages of their life, including pelvic health, pre to post natal and peri to post menopausal.

We offer: 1:1 sessions online or in person, training with a friend or a small group and classes.

See our website for a full list of classes and offerings www.chinupcharles.com

Our meetings are held in Wisbech Library on the FOURTH Thursday of each month from 7pm-9pm. All welcome.

Our research sessions, when our team of researchers help visitors with their family research, are held twice a month, first in Wisbech Library on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month from 10am12 noon, the second in Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay, near Downham Market on the second MONDAY of each month from 11am-2.30pm.

For further information on any of the above please phone (01945) 587723.

FIGHTING FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE

By Steve Barclay MP

Together with my neighbouring MP Lucy Frazer and Cllr Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, I met with Jan Thomas, chief executive officer, and Dr Gary Howsam, chief clinical improvement officer, of NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) at Priors Field Surgery to discuss what can be done to maintain primary care services in Sutton following the decision to close at the end of March.

Just days later, the ICB confirmed interim new provider arrangements by Malling Heath for the next year, which is excellent news and will be a big relief for patients and residents. My thanks to those involved in arranging this temporary fix and I know work will continue on seeking a more permanent solution.

My annual literacy campaign Read to Succeed is now underway, aiming to encourage a love of reading by raising enough money to buy a new reading book for every Year 4 child in North East Cambridgeshire for the summer holiday. Last year was one of the most successful ever and now in its eighth year, I’m hoping 2023 will be even better.

Over the years we’ve distributed more than fifteen thousand books, reaching every Year 4 and many Year 5s. Last year there were 311 more children who took part than the previous year. Local businesses, charities, organisations and individuals have made generous donations and I hope they will do so again this year. Year 4 is the age at which children often begin to read more independently and my campaign means every child will have a new book to take home before the school summer holidays.

We align the Read to Succeed campaign with the Summer Reading Challenge in libraries to encourage children to test out different books and learn what they enjoy, whether action adventures, science facts or comic books. Last year 61 percent of pupils that started the Summer Reading Challenge completed it – up from 47% the previous year. That’s a huge increase and I hope it will improve again this year. A love of reading lasts a lifetime and I hope that is what we’re inspiring with this campaign. To donate please contact adam.fairbrother@parliament.uk I spoke at the Open Floor Hearings last month during the first days of the Planning Inspectorate’s process to decide whether to allow an enormous incinerator to be built in Wisbech. I wanted to highlight the significant flaws in this proposal and, although I only had five minutes to make my feelings known, I have followed up in writing to the examining inspector. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure this scheme does not proceed.

Finally, good news that CityFibre has completed its £5 million investment to bring its full fibre network to March. Residents and businesses can now access fast, reliable broadband up to Gigabit speeds from a variety of internet service providers. CityFibre will now explore opportunities to reach further areas including new build properties, those on private or unadopted roads, and business parks. Alongside the other existing improvements planned for the town, it marks an exciting new chapter for March as we move into the digital age where access to good broadband is essential and drives wider investment, opportunities and economic benefit. Work is also underway in Whittlesey thanks to a £3 million investment and the first homes are due to go live imminently.

Wisbech u3a is an organisation which aims to meet the social, recreational and creative needs of those no longer in full-time employment. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall, Wisbech at 2-30pm. We have lots to offer you so please come along and find out for yourself. www.u3asites.org.uk/wisbech

Friends of Wisbech & Fenland Museum hold monthly talks at Wisbech Public Library. For further details, please see Facebook Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum, www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk or email: friendsofwisbechmuseum@outlook.com

Fenland Archaeological Society (FenArch)

Monthly talks and meetings at The Secret Garden, Mile Tree Lane, PE13 4TR

Facebook https://m.facebook.com/FenArch/ Website https://www.fenarch.org.uk

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

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 01954 581360 for more information