Discovering Wisbech issue 067, November 2023

Issue 67 / November 2023

Wisbech

Christmas Fayre

and the surrounding villages

Diamond Byte Solutions -

For all your computer maintenance

Access4Lofts -

Do you need more space?

Yo u r f a v o u r i t e c o m m u n i t y l i f e s t y l e m a g a z i n e – P R I C E L E S S

A FANTASTIC RANGE OF DESIGNS FROM CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSIC

A WO R L D O F C H O I CE AT REEDS UNBEATABLE PRICES FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST!

SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS AND MORE! Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm in Downham and Ely | Sunday 10am to 4pm in Ely only Visit the café in our Downham Market Store where delicious food and drink awaits you.

Check out our website reedshomestore.co.uk

|

Find us on facebook for the latest updates

REEDS Furniture, Flooring, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213 REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754

Welcome to your November issue...

No vember? No way! Are we really only ten weeks away from 2024? Still, it’s been for many of us a most enjoyable year so far and, with the festive period just around the corner, there are plenty of wonderful things still to come. Remember, though, that it shouldn’t just be “looking after number one”, as there are so many people for whom the coming weeks, (made worse by the cold and cruel winter weather), are going to be “endured” rather than “enjoyed”.

Let’s all look out for each other, especially that lonely neighbour who we think might be ok, but why not just make the call to make sure? Kindness and being a good neighbour cost nothing!

A big thank you to all our contributors and advertisers in all our five “Discovering” magazines who continue, month after month, to supply such a wide range of informative, entertaining, and very useful features and advice.

Claire x

Inside Highlights 4 ........ March Podiatry 8 ....... The Fenland History Society 8 ....... Local Clubs and Groups

For many years I have always tried to attend my local Remembrance Day Parade to show my respect for those who gave their lives while serving the country.

12 ...... The Potting Shed

In the early days it was to honour those people who died in the two World Wars of the twentieth century, with thoughts later extending to the Falklands Conflict and Gulf wars.

16 ...... Whitings LLP

Sadly, recent events have shown us that worldwide conflict is not something from the past, it is an abomination that we unfortunately have to continue to tolerate in the 21st century.

15 ...... Access4Lofts 18 ...... Curious Facts 24 ...... Diamond Byte 26 ...... The Light Cinema 28 ...... Steve Barclay

I’m sure many of you share my horror at the tragic stories that have emanated from Ukraine and now the Middle East and the suffering of many innocent men, women and children.

29 ...... Directory

The local services are usually supported by hundreds of people of all ages and on Sunday, November 12th I plan to attend again. Hope you can too...

With thanks to:

Andy Account Manager Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

30 ...... The Quiz Diamond Byte, Whiting LLP, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter, Steve Barclay, Chris Donald

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the December issue is Friday 10th November 2023.

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 Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET 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.

NOVE MB E R 2023

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

3

Entertainment Health

Give The Gift Of Good Health

A

t this time of year it can be hard to find a suitable present for loved ones. We all know how important it is to stay fit and healthy and our team of clinicians can help you to stay active and doing the things you love.

We offer gift vouchers for any amount to spend on our treatments or products we sell, to help you to look after your feet. They make the perfect gift at any time of year, but especially Christmas, to help to support those new year resolutions to look after yourself more!

We can take orders over the phone and send them to you or they are available for collection from our reception.

Call us on 01354 651200.

 Follow us on Facebook

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

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

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

34 4

March D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

NNOV OVEEMMBE BERR 22002233

S OF RANGE COOKER LARGE SELECTION OM FR E BL NOW AVAILA D MORE! EMASTER, SMEG AN NG RA

FeRlivEerEy, n

D io allat Inst moval! & Reselected on odels m

WASHING MAC HINES & TUMBLE DRY AVAIL ABLE ERS FOR PROMPT D ELIVERY!!

/ FREE DELIVERY/REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ON SELECTED ITEMS / FRIENDLY, FREE ADVICE / FREE IN-STORE DEMOS

KITCHENS • HOME APPLIANCES • TELEVISIONS CALL US NOW: 01733 208787

OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm Sat 9am-1.30pm 26-28 Broad Street, Whittlesey PE7 1HA

P

FREE PARKING IN

WHITTLESEY!

NOVE MB E R 2023 sales@kellyvision-kcs.co.uk www.kellyvision-kcs.co.ukD I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

5

w Sessions from

£40

with block booking discou nts available

Welcome to The Avenues Therapy Centre. I am a therapy centre in Wisbech, Cambs, offering affordable, personalised counselling, hypnotherapy and life coaching sessions in the comfort of my private practice.

Please feel free to browse my website to find out more about the counselling, hypnotherapy and life coaching that I offer, and if they are right for you. You are welcome to get in touch if you have any questions or fancy a chat about how I may be able to help you.

PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING I work from a pluralistic approach which means that I use various different counselling techniques.

Domestic Abuse S  exual Abuse (Adult or childhood) T  rauma V  ictims of Crime

Loss and Bereavement Relationships Caring and Illness Anxiety and Depression

LIST OF HYPNOTHERAPY SERVICES Hypnotherapy can be incredibly helpful for numerous issues and conditions.

Anxiety Stress Hypnobirthing

Fears & Phobias Pain Management Simple Relaxation Self Esteem

Interview Nerves Test Nerves Habit Stopping

LIST OF LIFE COACHING SERVICES Life Coaching is great for the following issues: Work/Life Balance Career Goals Finding a Sense of Happiness Relationships & Communications Finding Your Purpose

Health & Fitness Getting Motivated Procrastination & Productivity Increasing Your Confidence and more!…

07521 456989 jenna@theavenuestherapycentre.co.uk | theavenuestherapycentre.co.uk

Wisbech Christmas Fayre Sunday 10th December

10am - 3pm - Wisbech Town Centre Live entertainment Meet Santa Funfair and attractions Speciality foods and shopping Miniature steam train and cycling fun Traditional crafts and historical food tasting at Wisbech & Fenland Museum Escape Room & Craft Fayre in the Library

Health

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter

WEDDING FOLKLORE - PROPOSING ON ONE KNEE

I

In the Middle Ages, men would bend down in front of the women they adored. In religion kneeling in front of someone is a sign of respect, loyalty and obedience. Fast forward to today. Most men will still go down on one knee to propose. It is a show of deep emotional connection, showing you are willing to commit the rest of your life to one another.

HEN & STAG ‘DOS’ It was only in the mid-1960s that hen parties began to grow in popularity.

Stag Dos emerged around the same time. They were traditionally Greek, held as a feast to toast the groom and mark the end of youth.

The FIRST DANCE is also something fairly new.

Up to the 1960/70s, the newly married couple used to leave soon after the wedding feast was completed.

COMPUTER RESEARCH SESSIONS. These continue to be very popular; we help visitors with researching their family history, no matter where their family came from. Our first monthly research session is in Wisbech Library on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month from 10am-12noon, using all the wonderful research resources available in the library. Our second session is on the SECOND

MONDAY of each month from 11am-2.30pm in the restaurant at Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay near Downham Market. We offer help with family research to visitors to the garden centre.

Please note. We are willing to go to other venues if Wi-Fi is available.

Our MONTHLY MEETINGS. Our November meeting on Thursday, November 23rd will be a celebration of family history and research. As our last meeting of the year, we like to enjoy participation from all members. No meeting in December We meet again on Thursday, January 25th. Our meetings are held in Wisbech Library from 7pm-9pm on the FOURTH Thursday of the month. Everyone welcome. Free entry for members, visitors, a donation of at least £2.

OUR SPEAKERS are available to attend groups and clubs to give talks in the local area. TALKS include: ‘The Fun of Family History’, about a long journey by land, air, and sea to find her roots; ‘My Naughty Great Aunt Eliza’, unravelling a story of lies and deceit; ’The Ups & Downs of Being a Magistrate’, a real-life experience; and ‘The Sad Tale of The Blacksmith's Family’, the story of a great, great grandfather.

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

LOCAL CLUBS AND GROUPS 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 Fenland Archaeological Society (FenArch) Monthly talks and meetings at The Secret Garden, Mile Tree Lane, PE13 4TR Facebookw https://m.facebook.com/FenArch/ Website https://www.fenarch.org.uk

8

D I S C O V E R I N G 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 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 01945 581360 for more information

N OV E M BE R 2 0 2 3

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

NOVE MB E R 2023

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

9

Family Funeral Directors Personal, caring & affordable Advice without obligation 24 hours a day

FUNERALS FROM £2,495 Inclusive of all fees

Funeral Directors James and Laura are proud to be serving the community

Chapel of Rest Traditional, Modern & Eco-friendly funerals Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans 17 Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1NB 01945 405950 (24 hours) mail@wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk

www.wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk F

Wisbech Funeral Service January 22.indd 1

01/12/2021 11:49

AI HEA RE D R E TR IN IA G LS *

Hear CLEARLY again...

Never miss out on the sounds you love

with the latest comfortable and invisible hearing aids

FREE

HEARING TESTS

INVISIBLE RECHARGEABLE & SPECTACLE HEARING AIDS

WAX REMOVAL SERVICE

He

FREE parking HOME visits available FREE aftercare 5 YEAR warranty * 5 YEAR FREE batteries * INDEPENDENT family business

Covid-19 Compliant

* On selected products

rin

a

We are now open again &

g a i d s d o n't ha

BRING THIS ADVERT IN TO CLAIM YOUR SPECIAL HEARING AID DISCOUNT* or quote ref DISB

v e to e s e e n b

!

Sound Advice Hearing Centres

2 Douglas Road, 37 Market Place, Deeping PE6 8EA TROUBLE HEARING THEN THEN CONTACT Market Deeping TROUBLE HEARING, USMarket TODAY! PE6 8PA CONTACT US TODAY!Due to flooding, t: our usual branch is closed for refurbishment!

01778 301220 www.soundadvicehearing.co.uk

01778 301220

WE ARE TEMPORARILY OPERATING FROM DEEPINGS COMMUNITY CENTRE

NOVE MB E R 2023

Free parking on the premises.

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

11

Your Garden

T

he best job you can undertake is to get the soil in the best condition for next year’s crops by pressing on with winter digging.

This is most important if you have heavy or clay soil, where you should turn the soil over and leave it to the elements to break down.

You can add well-rotted manure, which can be left on the surface and if you have acidic soil spread some lime over the surface and rake it in but not at the same time as adding manure. Alternatively, if you follow the “Nodig” method, now is the time to add a good layer of mulch: the worms will pull it down into the soil, which will help with aeration.

spade. Then put a layer of sharp sand or grit in the base of the slit trench.

4. Insert the cuttings to about half their depth, spacing them about 20cm apart. Firm the soil back around them, then water in well. Water in dry spells and the cuttings should be ready to transplant in about a year’s time.

Other tasks for this month include: • Secure covers over compost heaps/bins.

Although the material needs to be damp, winter rain and snow will saturate it and slow the rotting process down.

• Plant garlic cloves, if you haven’t already, as they like to have a period of dormancy and cold before they start growing in the spring.

If you have heavy soil, then put either gravel November is an ideal time to propagate fruit or sharp sand in the base of the hole before bushes: suitable fruits include gooseberries, planting and then cover them with compost blackcurrants, white currants, and redcurrants. to get them off to a good start. Once planted You can also apply the same principle to roses, check that the birds have not dislodged them. dogwood, and forsythia.

• Start to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels 1. Select a healthy stem of the current season’s sprouts, leeks, and parsnips. Wait until after growth and cut it from the plant right at the base. a frost for the parsnips as the frost encourages Select only one or two stems from each bush. the sugars which give parsnips their sweetness.

2. Reduce the cutting down to 25-30cm Pick sprouts from the bottom up as this allows long, trimming just below a bud at the base, the top ones a chance to swell. and above a bud at the top. Remove soft • Protect cauliflowers from frost by bending growth at the stem tip. With redcurrants, white over a few leaves to cover the curds; tie currants, and gooseberries, remove all but the them in place. top three or four buds to create a clear stem.

• Cover late crops with cloches and net Leave all the buds on blackcurrants. brassicas to prevent the pigeons from 3. Choose a warm, bright site with free-draining enjoying them before you can. soil, and make a vertical slit in the soil with a

Happy Gardening!

12

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

N OV E R M BE R 2 0 2 3

“Gorgeous curtains. Will be back in the future.”

“…a fabulous service and amazingly well made curtains…”

With over 20 years experience of making bespoke made window dressings tailored to you.

From Pinch Pleat to Eyelet curtains, Roman to Venetian blinds.

First Floor, North End, Wisbech PE13 1PE • Call us on 01945 660900 or 07733 386929 @thecurtainandblindstudio thecurtainandblindstudio@gmail.com •

DWB Theand Curtain and1/2 Blind Studio Page H AD Curtains Blinds page June1/2 2020.indd 1 MAY 18.indd 1

24/04/2018 21:38 14:05 05/08/2020

WE TA K E UNDER ORK, W A LL T H E SI G N E FR O M D H TO G T H R O U ION AT INSTALL

C o m e an d b ro w se o u r e x te n si ve sh o w ro o m

£500 OFF WHEN YOU BUY A COMPLETE BATHROOM OR KITCHEN Simply visit our website for your discount voucher. Terms and conditions apply.

CALL US TODAY ON 01733 206733

8-10 Syer s Lane , Whittlesey, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 1AT OPENING HOURS Tues 9-5pm | Weds 9-5pm | Thur s 9-5pm | Fri 9-5pm | Sat 10-4pm

www.whittleseybathroomsandkitchens.co.uk NOVE MB E R 2023

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

13

ce n a ur KED s r In BAC a e

10

y

EE T AN R A

GU

Email: enquiries@tradelinkinstallations.co.uk Website: www.tradelinkinstallations.co.uk

14

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

N OV E M BE R 2 0 2 3

ARE YOU FED UP WITH CLUTTER?

F

Have you ever looked around your home and thought “Arghhh we could do with more more space?” Or are you about to have a tidy up but don't want to throw everything out? Well, the answer could be to make more use of the space you've already got, literally under your own roof.

or many homeowners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Peterboroughbased, loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is 'Creating Space The Easy Way' can change all that, often in less than a day.

Access4Lofts Peterborough owner Paul Norgate says much of the work he conducts is for growing families looking for more storage space or retired people looking for the safest access to their loft available.

Paul says that with space at such a premium, it makes sense to make the most of your loft: “Installing a loft ladder is quick and affordable. It's less expensive than a garden shed and it means you don't have to store everything out of the house.”

For the full works, customers can get a retractable three-section ladder, a new hatch, a floating floor over the loft insulation and lighting.

Paul says the new ladders are spring-assisted and lighter so they're much easier to use, come with a safety handrail and there is an option of widetread wooden steps.

Access4Lofts is an approved “Which?”-trusted trader which means the company has passed its stringent checks. The company has full public liability insurance and all ladders and work carried out come with a lifetime guarantee.

To book a free survey and quote, visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/peterborough or give Paul a call on (01733) 663207.

OUR SPECIALIST SERVICES • Loft ladders & loft hatches • Boarding, lighting & insulation • Super simple storage solutions for Christmas & all year round

YOUR PEACE OF MIND • Professional & friendly • No fuss or mess • Lifetime Guarantee

01733 663207 NOVE MB E R 2023 2023 NOVEM B ER

S C March DD I SI C OO V V E E R R I NI N GG Wisbech

15

Autumn Statement Date Announced Scott Bishop The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has confirmed that the Autumn Statement is scheduled for 22 November 2023. As ever this will give the Chancellor the opportunity to set out future tax plans and provide some indication of whether there are likely to be any potential tax cuts before the general election, which must be held before the end of January 2025.

The Autumn Statement follows the Spring Budget in March 2023, which led to warnings that people will be hit with the biggest fall in living standards since records began. The Chancellor has stressed that ‘as a Conservative I want to bring taxes down as soon as we can afford to do so’.

A number of backbench MPs are calling for tax cuts as UK taxpayers face the highest tax burden in decades due to the fact that thresholds have been frozen for five years until 2028.

The day will consist of the Chancellor setting out future tax and departmental spending plans, giving some indication of whether there are

likely to be any potential tax cuts before the general election, which must be held before the end of January 2025.

The date leaves plenty of time to assess whether the Prime Minister has met his target to halve inflation, although the Chancellor may resist making significant pre-election tax cuts if it makes reducing inflation trickier. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has been commissioned to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be presented to Parliament alongside the Autumn Statement.

With public funding tighter than ever, this will be a crucial day for both Parliament and voters across the country.

Contact your local Whitings LLP office today to arrange a FREE initial consultation.

Information that features in this article is correct at the time of writing.

www.whitingsllp.co.uk

Contact Our Wisbech Office Today For Support And Guidance From Your Local Accountancy Firm SERVICES • Tax Enquiry &

• Audit & Assurance

• IT Services

• Business Support

• Private Client Tax

Investigation

• Business Tax

• Probate & Estate

Service

Administration

• Wealth

• Corporate Finance • General Practice

• Start Ups

Find Us Here

Management

Contact Us

12 & 13 The Crescent Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1EH

01945 584113 wisbech@whitingsllp.co.uk

Arrange your FREE initial consultation

Connect with us

Bury St Edmunds | Ely | King’s Lynn | March | Mildenhall | Peterborough | Ramsey | St Ives | St Neots | Wisbech

www.whitingsllp.co.uk

Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and ‘Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear’

T

The Terror of 1795

his ghastly, gruesome story happened in the Fens many years ago.

Mr Marriott was an Overlooker on a farm at Guyhirn. His job was to supervise the workforce. As well as this he also gave lodging to some of the farm workers and at that time he had four Irishmen and a man from Norfolk. In the 1700s many people viewed the Irish as foreigners that weren’t welcome here and were taking local jobs. Sometimes the locals would pick fights with the Irish just to try to make them go home.

Many of these Irish were good honest workers but it only takes a few to give them a bad name. This is the story of four such men.

One Friday night between nine and ten o’clock, Mr Marriott and his wife were going to bed when the four Irish men burst into their room and attacked them. After savagely hitting them and knocking them down they went off to the farmyard and came back armed with a hatchet and pitchfork and laid into them in a terrible way, showing no mercy. They continued on and on until they thought that the couple were dead.

They didn’t stop there and went on to attack the only other person in the house, the lodger from Norfolk. By the time they had finished with him they left him for dead too. They were then free to steal anything of value from the house that they could, including Mr Marriott’s silver watch. After ransacking the place, they escaped and got as far away as they possibly could.

The following morning, a neighbour went to the house and was aghast at what he saw. All three of them were still just about alive. The two men were too far gone to help and sadly soon died, perhaps a merciful end to their suffering but the lady managed 18

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

to tell the neighbour what had happened.

They found out that the four men were heading for Ireland and immediately John Letts of Guyhirn made chase.

Three days later, James Culley, Thomas Markin, and Michael and Thomas Quinn were all arrested in Uttoxeter. They had walked more than one hundred miles trying to get to the safety of Ireland. All four men were taken to court, found guilty of murder and sentenced to be hanged.

After the death sentence had been carried out, two of the dead bodies were given to surgeons for dissection and the other two were hanged on a gibbet at Guyhirn near to where the murders had been committed and easy for anybody who was travelling from Peterborough to Wisbech to see.

They hung there month after month, year upon year and gradually the buzzards and crows and ravens ate the flesh of the dead men until all that was left of this macabre sight were bones and the rags of clothes that were held together by the metal frame.

They were still there when, thirty-six years later a great sea flood washed the gibbets down. John Peck writes in his diary that his brother, Joseph Peck retrieved the iron that contained one of the men’s skulls known as "Paddy’s Nightcap" and was made of iron. It was round in shape with crossbars and a heavy iron collar which fitted round the neck. He kept the iron for some time in a farm building before giving it to a Mr Clark and now that very same iron which had a dead man’s head in can be seen in the Wisbech and Fenland Museum in a section called Law and Order.

Things as horrifying as this are very, very, rare so don’t have nightmares.

And don’t forget... there are a lot of very nice Irish people in this country today.

N OV E M BE R 2 0 2 3

In- St Thomas Church

Sound AdviceW Ϯϲ ϮdZ From Clearer Hearing Pondersbridge

T

;With log burning stoves to keep you warmͿ

Listen to Instrumental the 60’s 70’s here’shits no attributed need forto people to Including Thesuffer shadows, Roy Orbison,The Beatles in silence if they feel they have hearing problems. That’s Performed Live by

the message from Clearer Hearing Ltd which says people should treat their hearing just as they do their eye-sight.

Jackie Mantle, manager of the company’s Wisbech and St Ives branches, said: “Most people have their eyes tested every year and they should treat their hearing the same.”

The company can help people deal with a host of hearing issues, including tinnitus and noise th protection, but Jackie says the most common procedure they carry out is ear wax removal.

Saturday 4 November pm She said: “Wax removal is defi7.00 nitely the most

common problem we deal with. People tend to dŝĐŬĞƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ άϭϬ ;ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƌĞĨƌĞƐŚŵĞŶƚƐͿ think that if their hearing worsens they may need dŽ Ŭ LJŽƵƌ ƐĞĂƚ ĐĂůů WĂƵů – ŵŽďŝůĞ ϬϳϳϮϬϳϭϵϰϮϬ Žƌ Ϭϭϳϯϯ ϴϰϰϰϵϳ a hearing aid, which due to technology today are small and unobtrusive, but invariably it’s because of a build-up of ear wax.

“People shouldn’t be afraid to come in and have their ears checked; they shouldn’t sit at home in silence. We are here to give advice and have many regular customers at our Wisbech clinic, many of whom have been with us for years with some coming from as far afield as north Norfolk.”

Fabric • Wool • Patterns Courses available

Saturday Sewcials

Established in 2002 and with a presence in project, your own Bringsince Wisbech 2008, Clearer Hearing is a g A Fancy Bein sit and stitch, chat and familyhave owned independent hearing Happyhealthcare offee with Hooker? free tea/c ! qualified and registered stitchersof ed team company with like-mind Join us on the : DATE ER EMB hearingNOV aid audiologists. follo

SATURDAY 11th

1 High Causeway, Whittlesey PE7 1AE

Contact Clearer Heating Ltd at 31 High Street, 01733 or 07726 370106 WisbechTel: PE13 1DE.202865 Tel: (01945) 466386; Email: ohsewcaroline@hotmail.com info@clearerhearing.co.uk Opening hours: www.ohsewcaroline.co.uk Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm.

• 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

wing Tuesdays

durin The company’s website – r: g Novembe advance!

Please book incomprehensive 7th & www.clearerhearing.co.uk – boasts a 21st quick and easy hearing checker which provides a snapshot Open Tuesday-Friday of your hearing ability to give an9am-2pm easy assessment Saturday 9am-4pm and the opportunity of a priority booking should you require a full consultation.

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

Wisbech Practice 31 High Street Wisbech PE13 1DE Tel: (01945) 466386

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

Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk

NOVE MB M ARC H 2E 0R 232023

D D I SI C OO V V E R I NI N GG Wisbech S C E R March

19 43

S HOME LE B A AVAIL IEW TO V NOW

ADD A TOUCH OF INDIVIDUALITY TO YOUR HOME  Stunning Lakeside Lodges Luxury Homes Available From Luxury £120,000 ■ ■ ■



www.goodlifelodge.com NOVE MB E R 2023

More Than Just a Home

Invest inlifthee good

Stunning lakeside views  Modern Stylish Interiors Live here 365 days of theyear Individually Designed Homes Prices to suit all budgets  Find Us on

info@goodlifelodge.com

0800 564 2266

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

21

BEFORE 10% OFF

NEW ROOFS

20% OFF ALL FLAT ROOFS

AFTER

SPECIAL OFFERS

50% OFF ALL DRY VERGE CAPPING

HALF PRICE New Fascias & Gutters

DO YOU HAVE A LEAK? TIRED OF ROOFERS LETTING YOU DOWN? NEED A QUOTE? NEED AN EMERGENCY REPAIR? NEED A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST? Look no further. We guarantee to attend your request within 48hrs.

We specialise in:

• New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Tile & Slate Roofs • Leadwork • Re-pointing Chimney Stacks

• All Roof Repairs • Valleys Repaired • New PVC Fascias & Gutters • External Painting • Moss Removal

New Roofs & Roof Repairs Durable has it covered! ✓ All Work Guaranteed ✓ Quality & Reliability ✓ Competitive Prices

01733 01945 855001 750102 || 07307 07340 248422 325661

Acole Plumbing Services Ltd Colin Ovenden

BEFORE

AFTER

Service List

A professional Kitchen and Bathroom installation service covering the Fenland area

• All general plumbing repairs undertaken big or small.

SPECIAL OFFERS 07702 082 002

• All domestic heating repairs undertaken.

10% OFF

50% OFF

• Registered Wren and B&Q approved Installer

• All domestic boiler fault finding undertaken both gas and oil.

ALL DRY VERGE • BiKBBi registered

NEW ROOFS • Landlord Gas Safety certificates

CAPPING

• House purchase inspections of plumbing and heating

20% OFF • Boiler replacements.

ALL FLAT

HALF PRICE New Fascias & Gutters

� jwkitchensandbathrooms 凌 jw_kitchenandbathrooms

• Central heating power flushing.

ROOFS

DO YOU HAVE A LEAK? 97 Nene Parade | March | Cambridgeshire 07759 768060 | 01354 650502 acoleplumbing@btinternet.com

info@jwilliskitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

www.jwilliskitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

TIRED OF ROOFERS LETTING YOU DOWN? NEED A QUOTE? NEED AN EMERGENCY REPAIR? NEED A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST? Look no further. We guarantee to attend your request within 48hrs.

BlindsWindow in Harmony Westbrook For all your Blinds, Awnings Repairs and Curtains We You specialise say Thank for Localin:Support

• All Roof Repairs • New Roofs • Valleys Repaired • Flat Roofs Fenland business Westbrook Window would like&toGutters thank their •Repairs New PVC Fascias • Tile & Slate Roofs loyal customers for the amazing support •shown to them during bleak times.

External Painting • Leadwork • Moss Removal • Re-pointing Chimney Stacks Tom has always been a big believer in repairing The business officially opened in May 2019. Tom

SPECIAL OFFER 20% OFF When 2 or more vertical blinds are purchased!

wherever possible. Often to the surprise of many Westbrook, the man behind the company, had • INTU Tom can complete blinds lots of different more than Conservatory twenty-five years’ experience in blinds the blinds (nocustomers, screws used) • Black-out of repair work, savingand them the expense trade before embarking this new challenge.

Venetian blinds, Wood Aluminium Vertical / Roller / on Pleated / Roman blinds •aspects of buying new.

Tom explains: “I’ve always dreamed of running my

New Roofs & Roof Repairs Durable has it covered!

Fly screens • Motorisation and child safety devices available on all blinds

own business and still to this day feel overwhelmed Tom and his wife Suzanne are very grateful to tocustomers measurethat andhave Handmade Flysupport screens • Awnings and customers.”

Canopies • Made the supportedCurtains their growing by the received from local • DOMESTIC business over the last two-and-a-half years. They and COMMERCIAL Tom loves running his own business and especially are looking to the future and excited about what enjoysAll meeting people and helping with any job & Reliability Work Guaranteed Quality Competitivebusiness.

Prices the future holdsWhittlesey, for the developing big orCome small. From repairing letter boxes, & visit ourdraughty showroom at 15 Market Place, PE7 1AB

✓

✓

✓

If you would like further information about how changing locks,Hours: hinges,Tuesday and glass replacing Opening to to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm Window Repairs can help please a house full Telephone of windows0800 or fitting a stylish new 840258Westbrook 028 2942 or 01733 • enquiries@blindsinharmony.co.uk call them on 01354 653445 and follow them door he is always happy to provide a free no Visit us at www.blindsinharmony.co.uk on Facebook. obligation quote.

01733 855001 | 07307 248422

NOVE MB E R 2023

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

23

The Technology Site

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

TIME TO BECOME

A TRIGGER...?

T

here are many reasons why it makes sense to have a custom desktop computer built for you, particularly if you are after a bargain or you’re an avid gamer/photographer/ architect/accountant etc. A custom-built computer gives you a rock-solid system, which is ready to go straight out of the box. Every one of my own PCs has been custom built... by my own fair hands of course!

The best reason to buy a custombuilt computer is that they are often cheaper. With pre-built computers, manufacturers often use cheaper parts such as cheap power supplies and slow hard drives. This in turn boosts their profits, giving you a pretty box with inferior insides. A custombuilt PC can indeed include premium components but without the mark-ups.

Most off-the-shelf computers come with pre-selected specifications and components; therefore, customers often need to choose between needs and price. Custom PCs, on the other hand, are flexible since you can choose your own quality components – motherboard, graphics card, storage devices, memory, processor and even the power supply.

In fact, many manufacturers won’t let you upgrade your prebuilt computer without voiding the warranty, meaning that you will need to buy a new one once it starts to slow down. However, with a custom-built PC, you can upgrade individual components (graphics card, memory, case, optical drive, power supply, processor, motherboard, mouse, monitor, keyboard, and speakers) as and when you need to.

Think Trigger from TV’s Only Fools and Horses – “I’ve had this broom for twenty years; it’s had seventeen new heads and fourteen new handles.” Which is exactly what a custom PC is all about - you don’t need to buy a new one, you simply remove the parts that are dated and put the upgrades in. Moreover, each part then has its own warranty.

If you want to buy a generic PC from an appliance salesman who doesn’t know one end of a PC from a fridge, so be it. However, if you want it big, fast, small, very fast, flashy lights, ridiculously fast, matte black, phenomenally fast or just plain nippy, then custom is, and always has been, the way to go!

FOR THIS AND ALL MY OTHER BLOGS GO TO WWW.DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK

@discoveringwisbechmagazine 24

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

N OV E M BE R 2 0 2 3

www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

07549 263767 wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk

TYDD ST GILES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAYRES

OVER 50 STALLS

ALL AGES AND LEVELS WELCOME Call, text or email for information about a range of membership options for individuals and family groups.

PAY-TO-PLAY ALSO AVAILABLE

SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 10AM TO 2PM

FREE ENTRY COMMUNITY CENTRE

Wisbech Tennis 1-8 june 22.indd 1

BROAD DROVE EAST, PE13 5LN &

ST GILES CHURCH

TO ADVERTISE 17/05/2022 13:21 YOUR BUSINESS HERE CALL PAULA ON 01778 421427 OR 07903 776211

CHURCH LANE, PE13 5LA

PRICES START FROM

£49+VAT

One in 14 adults

cannot read Could this be one of your relatives or friends? Tell them about READ EASY FENLAND, a charity which offers FREE, confidential, one-toone teaching by trained volunteer coaches. There is absolutely no cost to the reader.

Give them this number to get in touch with Paul on 07824 442271 to find out more or email us on fenlandcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk.

A number of readers have now changed their outlook after embarking on this programme. Help them to help themselves.

There are coaches available across Fenland. Why not change a life!

NOVE MB E R 2023

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

25

Entertainment

NEW TO VIEW IN NOVEMBER

The Marvels

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

This November has some amazing blockbusters making their way to the big screen. On the 10th we will see that Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the supreme intelligence in The Marvels.

Next, it’s the prequel we have all been waiting for, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on November 17th.

Napoleon

Wish

film is helmed by Oscar-winning director Chris Buck (Frozen, Frozen 2) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon).

This month is jam-packed with amazing Live Arts content such as Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake on the 5th. Then we have the re-release of Jack Absolute Flies Again on the 6th. Next it’s off to the Royal Ballet for Don Quixote on the 7th. But if you would prefer a musical then we have you covered with Heathers: The Musical on the 8th. For all you rock fans out there, for one night only we have Welcome to The Darkness on the big screen on the 9th. Next, it’s another rerelease with Skylight on November 16th. And finally, on November 23rd we have Romeo and Juliet.

Our ACCESSIBLE screenings are something we want to make sure everyone knows about! Our autismfriendly screenings happen every Sunday morning and these screenings are designed to help people with sensory sensitivity enjoy the cinema. We have subtitled showings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and we also have Fidelio’s for both hearing impaired and visually impaired users.

We are also bringing back some of Ridley Scott’s classics for our latest Through The Lens season; wrapping up in time for his new masterpiece on November 22nd – Napoleon. This spectacle-filled action epic that details the rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix.

Then at the end of the month we have Disney’s Wish hitting our screens on November 24th. The

This month’s Dementia Screening will be Father of the Bride starring Elizabeth Taylor. Our dementiafriendly screenings have no adverts or trailers, and the lighting remains slightly raised throughout the film. Although these screenings are particularly designed for people living with dementia, they are open to the general public too.

Thank you to Iceland Foods who kindly provided the light refreshments served during these screenings.

Please be aware that pastoral care is not provided at these screenings and that a friend, family member or carer must also be in attendance.

The Light Cinema, Cromwell Road, Wisbech PE14 0RG

www.wisbech.thelight.co.uk lightcinema_wisbech  Light Cinema Wisbech @LightWisbech 26

D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

N OV E M BE R 2 0 2 3

Entertainment

WORKING TO HELP SPORT AND THE ARTS IN FENLAND

By Steve Barclay MP

R

egular readers will know how much I value and support the many grassroots sports clubs that we have in the constituency. We are fortunate to have such a range, run by some amazing volunteers, providing much valued facilities for our community.

Wisbech St Mary Football Club is one such club with a large number of football teams playing each week. So, it was great to meet with Katie Critchley from Cambs FA, who does a huge amount to support our area, together with club officials Martin Holmes and Paul Albutt to discuss the club’s plans to install a new 3G football pitch. These pitches have the advantage that you can train on them for many more hours through the winter and provide a much-improved playing surface. I very much support the club in securing a 3G pitch and have been in touch with Fenland District Council regarding their planning application and will be working with the FA and Katie to ensure funding support.

There are some great examples across a range of sports where together we have managed to leverage funding to upgrade community facilities.

The new 3G pitch at Leverington Football Club, for example, has been a huge success and I hope we will see one under construction very soon at Wisbech St Mary.

Following my arts roundtable meeting earlier this year, it’s great to see the collaboration across the constituency to encourage cultural progress. The

Fenland Cultural Fund is an excellent example that allows arts organisations in Fenland to bid for up to £2000 so support their activities. While we have some great examples of culture and heritage in the constituency, it’s also recognised that Fenland has scope to improve its cultural engagement and there’s more we can do to support opportunities for local communities and residents to access high-quality cultural experiences.

This £23,000 fund should make a significant difference, allowing organisations to progress creativity and cultural offerings to new audiences, driving increased engagement and building on the existing talent we have. The fund will close to applications on November 20th so please get your bid in as soon as possible. Find out more at https://www.fenland.gov.uk/fenlandculturefund It was good to stop by at Sutton Meadows in Wisbech to see the progress of the homes development and present a plant to new residents Richard and Elizabeth Smith. When complete the site will include 221 new premises from two-bedroom semis up to four-bed detached homes.

Finally, a plea to residents to have your say on where you can vote in Fenland District Council’s review of polling districts, places and stations.

Voting is such a vital and important part of our democracy and this review seeks to ensure everyone has accessible and convenient facilities to vote from. Find out more at https://www.fenland.gov.uk/ElectoralConsultation

To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website www.stevebarclay.net or follow me on social media:  @SteveBarclay  @SteveBarclayOfficial  @SteveBarclayOfficial 42 28

Whittlesea D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

NNOV OVEEMMBE BERR 22002233

DIRECTORY ROOFING

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN MAINTENANCE UNDERTAKEN

PINE TREE CARE & LANDSCAPES LTD

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

JB Roofing (Cambs) Ltd Repair Specialists and PVC Roofline

ALL REPLACED OR REPAIRED

CALL STEVE TODAY 01945 898314/07780 929409

t. 01133 808831 I m. 07388 781766 e.jbroofingcambsltd@yahoo.com

pinetreecare1@gmail.com

Unit 5, Lazy Acre Farm, Crease Bank, Whittlesey, PE? 1GR

TREE SURGERY

ADVERTISE YOUR

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

ents v E s a m Christ

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

HERE

T: 01945 450082 M: 07711 897089

www.bowlestreeandgardenservices.co.uk

Folleys Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech

AERIAL INSTALLATION

FUNERAL SERVICES

PETER BARNES FUNERALS Independent Funeral Directors Our Family Helping Yours, Whenever and Wherever You Need Us

24 Hour Service

TV Aerial Installations CCTV Systems Satellite Installations ● Data Cabling ● IRS & Commercial ● Servicing & Repairs ●

●

●

www.airborneaerials.co.uk

01733 691200 07512 394975

Golden Charter Funeral Plans 38 Murrow Bank, Murrow, Wisbech PE13 4HB

Other services include TV aerial and satellite installations and repairs

Tel: 01945 700 200 Mob: 07894 164201

gary@airborneaerials.co.uk

E: peterfunerals@btconnect.com W: www.peterbarnesfunerals.co.uk

GUTTERING SERVICES

WANTED ALL CARS, VANS TRUCKS & 4X4s New or old With or without MOT High or low miles Top prices paid

DOMESTIC CLEANING

• Gutter Cleaning & Repair • Moss Removal & Roof Treatment • Industrial Cleaning Your local, independent business for gutter cleaning and repair, roof cleaning and all working at height jobs. Fully insured trained and certified

� 07443 973613

✉ enquiries@ukgutterbusters.co.uk

www.ukgutterbusters.co.uk

NOVE MB E R 2023

Call Wayne on 07778 057991

Also camper vans and motorhomes bought D I S C O V E R I N G Wisbech

29

UR O Y D FIND FIN T C E F YOUR PERFECT PER

RE G

EG R VAUXHALL ALL

H X U VA

RA & ASTR ID B ASTRA Y H N PLUG-I RA & ASTR ID B ASTRA Y NH I G U L P

AT

KA ORSA & MOK A K SA & C K R O O M C C C I I ELECTR ELECTR A K K ORSA & MO SA & C R O MOKKTA C IC IC ELEC R ELECTR

LAND GRAND

LAND CROSS

£133.00 £86.00 £95.00 £129.00 £133 0% .69 £112 0%.46 £135 0%.17 £122 0%.50 * 0% * 0% * 0% * 0% APR APR APR APR * * * APR* APR APR APR ORDER NOW Starting from

Starting from

^

Starting from PER MONTH

^

Starting from PER MONTH

^

PER MONTH

Starting from

^

Starting from PER MONTH

^

PER MONTH

Starting from

^

Starting PER from MONTH

^

PER MONTH

^

PER MONTH

IMMEDIATE DELIVERYON ONSELECTED SELECTED MODELS IMMEDIATE DELIVERY MODELS Thurlow Nunn Kings Lynn Thurlow Nunn Wisbech 11 Campbells Meadow, Hardwick Rd, Cromwell Road, Wisbech, Thurlow Nunn Wisbech Kings Cromwell Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4YN Cambridgeshire, Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14PE14 0RG0RG 0155301945 769799561496 01945 561496 www.thurlownunn.co.uk www.thurlownunn.co.uk

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions Official Government Environmental Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO (g/ 2 emissions (g/km).

Vauxhall range:Test Urban: 12.7 (22.3) –Data.

74.3 (3.8), Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) – 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) – 85.6(3.3). km).

Vauxhall range: Urban: 12.7 (22.3) – 74.3 (3.8), Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) – 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) – 85.6(3.3).

CO 2 emissions: 373 – 88g/km). Thurlow Nunn Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender. *Finance subject to status. Terms 373 –Guarantee/indemnity 88g/km). Thurlow Nunn Ltdbe is arequired. credit broker andwill not not a lender. *Finance subject torepayments status. Terms COconditions 2 emissions: and apply. may 18+. You own the vehicle until all have andmade. conditions apply.

Guarantee/indemnity may be required.

18+.available You will not own Vauxhall the vehicle until all repayments been Finance provided

by Vauxhall Finance, CF15 7YT. Offer on new ordered and registered by have been made. Finance provided by Vauxhall Finance, CF15 7YT. Offer available on new Vauxhall ordered and 31/12/2023. ^Offers shown are applicable to Partners Associates. registered by 04/07/2023. ^Offers shown are applicable to Partners Associates.

nt ns ge e A eF th of

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

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

2023

March Residential Sales

Wisbech Residential Sales

01354 607100

01945 428820

March Residential Lettings

Wisbech Residential Lettings

01354 607105

01945 428825

March Professional

Wisbech Professional

01354 602030

01945 428830

maxeygrounds.co.uk