Discovering Wisbech issue 067, November 2023

Page 1

Issue 67 / November 2023

Wisbech

Christmas Fayre

and the surrounding villages

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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

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ARE YOU FED UP WITH CLUTTER?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In- St Thomas Church

Sound AdviceW Ϯϲ ϮdZ From Clearer Hearing Pondersbridge

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;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.”

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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NOVE MB E R 2023

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

29



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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

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