Discovering Wisbech issuu 070, February 2024

Issue 70 / February 2024

and the surrounding villages

Hallam Travel -

J and S World Foodstore -

Need a New Driveway? -

fancy a day out?

open in March

Lincs Resin Drives can help

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

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Welcome to your February issue... Inside Highlights Being a leap year makes 2024 particularly significant, especially if you’re that lady wondering if “he” will ever get round to the customary getting on to his bended knee and slipping that engagement ring on to your finger!

Ladies, remember that you can beat him to it on February 29th this year … fellas, watch out!

We’re only just into a new year but we’re already hearing that 2023 was the hottest on record.

Thinking of extreme heat brings me neatly on to dear old St Valentine, whose day we celebrate this month. May the happiness resulting from sharing those flowers, perfume, chocolates and so much more (hint, hint, Chris!) with a loved one remain, even when things might get a bit tricky in the future … especially when the snow, and even more heavy rain, comes along to spoil our fun!

Claire x

Like most people, I have a daily routine and mine includes walking my dog early in the morning. Whatever the weather, we are out of the door shortly after 7am for a four-five-mile hike around town.

As part of our daily walk, we invariably meet up with the usual suspects who share our determination to take to the streets come rain, wind or – very rarely – snow.

However, two things have become apparent recently.

One, there are a lot of fair-weather walkers who are easily put off by inclement weather, and two it is gradually but reassuringly getting lighter in the morning.

4 ........The Potting Shed

6 ........ Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd

8 ....... Recipe - Handmade Truffles 9 ........Goddens - Flooring and Home Interiors 14 ...... Whitings LLP

16 ...... Fenland Family History Society 18 ...... Curious Facts 19 ....... Aspect Fires

20 ...... March Podiatry 24 ...... Diamond Byte 25 ...... Hallam Travel

26 ...... Steve Barclay 27 ...... The Quiz

29 ...... Directory

30 ...... Valentines Day With thanks to: Diamond Byte, Whitings LLP, Chris Donald March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter, Steve Barclay

I dress very much for the weather on our daily excursion and recently this has meant that I have started to wear a ‘hoodie’ to save my ears from freezing off in the sub-zero temperatures. It keeps me warm but makes me look like a ‘Mad Monk.’ However, frankly I don’t care as I can’t stand wearing decent clothes and getting them soaked or dirty when out with my four-legged pal.

As for my walking companion, he always looks great in his sleek black suit...

Andy

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 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.

Deadline details: Copy deadline for the March 2024 issue is 9th February 2024.

F E BRUA RY 2024

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Entertainment Your Garden

L

et’s hope that your allotment or vegetable patch has had time to dry out so that you can prepare the beds ready for sowing in March.

Warming up the beds will pay dividends by using cloches, straw-based mulches, or plastic sheeting. If you have clay soil, spread a mix of organic matter and grit over the surface and dig it in to open the structure; avoid treading on the soil especially when wet, by laying wooden planks to walk on, or even consider creating raised beds.

Make sure that you have got all your seed potatoes by the end of the month and that they are spread out in a seed tray, or in egg boxes, in a light, cool room where they can “chit” (sprout shoots) before being planted out. If the “chits” look pale and spindly, the room is probably too warm or too dark.

One vegetable that will be more flavoursome if kept in the dark is forced rhubarb. Once you see the crowns starting to develop, choose a well-established crown, remove any debris or leaves, add a layer of mulch, and then cover with a bucket or large pot without any holes (cover any holes with black tape.) You can increase the heat by mounding compost or manure around the pot. It should be ready to harvest in 7-8 weeks when the stems are 45-50cms long.

Other jobs for February include: • Make sure winter cabbages, cauliflowers and broccoli are netted against hungry pigeons, whose food supply is a little short at this time of year.

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

• Prune autumn raspberry canes by cutting right down to the ground and then mulch.

• Feed and mulch fruit trees and bushes.

• If you know where you are planting your brassicas, check the pH and, if needs be, add some lime to bring it up to 6.5 or 7.

Also add some extra manure to the potato patch.

• The compost heap might benefit from a bit of attention. Rake it through with a fork to aerate it, add water if it seems dry and then re-cover it to keep it warm.

• It really is the last time you can winter prune fruit trees as they should still be dormant; any later and if it is mild, they will be starting to move into growth. As they are still dormant, bare-rooted fruit trees can still be planted.

• Sow seeds indoors: tomatoes, leeks, lettuce, Brussels, sprouting broccoli, spinach.

The main problem at this time of year is a general lack of light, so a cheap solution to prevent leggy, drawn seedlings is to cover a piece of cardboard with aluminium foil and place it to the north side of the seed tray, thus reflecting extra light onto the seeds.

• If the weather allows, you can start a composting trench for your runner beans, courgettes or pumpkins. Mark out the area you will be planting and then dig a trench 60cm deep which you can then start to add layers of organic kitchen waste, covering each layer with soil.

Happy digging!

FE FEBR BRUA U ARRYY 22002244

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Create ‘Kerb Appeal’ and Add Value to Your Home

T

his Holbeach-based firm are establishing a very impressive reputation for the quality of their work and the service they provide, across a wide area of South Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties.

This can be clearly confirmed by the huge number of very favourable recommendations from satisfied customers on their website, www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk, but especially on their Facebook pages.

Resin driveways are a long-lasting and easy-tomaintain option to transform the front of your home.

An eco-friendly alternative, thanks to the non-toxic materials used, and available in a range of colours, a resin driveway is naturally draining, meaning no more puddles from heavy rainfall. They are highly resistant to rust, oil, corrosion, salt, and cracking, and are also the safest option, being resistant to abrasion, slipping, indentation and ignition.

The business owner explains how important it is to have a sound foundation, upon which the resin is to be applied. He recommends

RECOMMENDATIONS: … the men worked very hard, they were ❝ polite and very tidy and were able to answer all questions we asked them - a big thank you to Mark and his staff - well done!” (C.H.)

From my very first meeting I felt I could ❝ trust Mark to ensure a professional job would be done. The team were very hard working and a pleasure to work with.” (P.H.)

Mark’s team were very professional, ❝ tidy, and really friendly - cannot fault any

aspect of their work from start to finish. They have transformed the front of our bungalow cannot recommend highly enough.” (S.S.)

to his clients the method which involves the excavation of the existing surface and installation of a permeable, tarmac sub-base, before a mixture of stone aggregate and a resin bonding solution is to be applied.

Whether you are looking for something subtle or eye-catching, Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd are confident you will find a driveway, path or patio that fits your requirements and complements your home. Their prices are very competitive, and their service is friendly, professional, with high quality, experienced installers.

To discuss your requirements or for a free quote, please call 01406 308201 and check out their gallery at www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk for examples of their work.

Resin, Block Paving & Landscaping Specialist in Lincolnshire

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! See the reviews on our webpage from our happy customers www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk

At Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd, we create resin driveways, resin paths, block paving and pathways. Resin driveways and paths give the finishing touch to your property.

We are trained in resin bound surfacing and understand that any work undertaken can be a big decision.

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With many years experience helping customers design and create their perfect driveways/patios hassle free.

10

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Recipe

Handmade Truffles Ingredients Makes about 15 truffles 2 double chocolate chip muffins 2 tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread 1 handful of raisins or sultanas A few drops of water Coloured sugar sprinkles or your preferred choice of decoration

4 8

What better way to say ‘I love you’ than with chocolate?! With this super-easy recipe, you can make your own gorgeous chocolate truffles which you could then pop into a box or jar and tie with a ribbon for a lovely, handmade gift!

Method • Crumble the chocolate muffins (about 125g/4oz) into a large bowl, then stir in the chocolate hazelnut spread.

• Add the raisins or sultanas and a few drops of water to create a crumbly mixture.

• Squeeze teaspoonfuls of the mixture into balls and then roll the balls in the coloured sugar sprinkles.

These will keep for about five days in an airtight container, if kept at room temperature.

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

FE FEBR BRUA U ARRYY 22002244

G

% N y 10 F OCTIOrsda F u O LE -Th L y CO nda Su

Goddens aims to inspire customers

There’s a new look for one of the area’s most well-established home interior specialists.

Aaron Godden explained the move to the new premises at Platinum Business Park in Thorby Avenue: “We listened to our customers who wanted us to reinstate a showroom where they could discuss with us their home interior requirements in an attractive environment.

“We want to inspire customers about their home furnishings. We have highly knowledgeable staff who can help them achieve their dreams with all they require under one roof.”

The business offers good quality soft furnishings, carpets, curtains, blinds, shutters and flooring.

Aaron is passionate about helping families transform their living spaces into warm and inviting homes and expects to attract customers not just from March but also from the wider surrounding area.

The new showroom will be open seven days a week and staff welcome walk-in customers as well as

DRINK DINE RELAX UNWIND

N

oddens has moved into an impressive new showroom in March which is designed to inspire customers by giving them a complete design experience.

those who want one-to-one appointments. It also features a soft furnishing department led by Susan O’Hara. The company is looking to support a local charity as well as becoming a sponsor of March Town United Football Club.

Aaron added: “We are a unique store and I am confident we can attract people from around 25km-30km away and I’m sure they won’t be disappointed.”

Discover Goddens at Unit 3, Platinum Business Park, 59 Thorby Avenue, March PE15 0AR. Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. Tel: (01354) 658100; Email: home@goddensinteriors.co.uk; www.goddenshomeinteriors.co.uk

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F E BRUA RY 2024

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

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ce n a ur KED s r In BAC a e

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

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

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

13

Starting a Business in 2024 Scott Bishop Each year brings with it unique challenges, whether this is personally or through business, but with careful planning these challenges can be met and overcome.

When you start in business you have an unfulfilled ambition to grow and be successful, but there are so many things to do and consider, that you may feel that you haven’t got time to undertake the actual task in hand, i.e. the business!

So, where do you start?

Should you be a sole trader, in a partnership or establish a Limited Company? Some see this as a progression and evolution of a business, and yes, it is, and yes it does bring its own issues in terms of a need for bank accounts, partnership and shareholders agreements, and most importantly the question of how will you get paid?

As we know, sole traders and partnerships are taxed within Income Tax legislation, whereas a limited company falls within Corporation Tax legislation. However, for sole traders and partnerships, the profits are taxed in full upon the individual, whereas for companies, the profits are taxed upon the company, but if the individual receives any form of income, then we need to also consider the Income Tax legislation. We also cannot forget the impact that National Insurance will have on all profits, whether it is for the individual or the company.

A business plan is the answer A business plan will assist with everything, allowing you to forecast matters, but what factors need to be considered? What are your fixed costs? What are your variables?

Do you have capital to introduce into the business, and what happens when this is repaid to you?

Another factor to consider is VAT: When do you need to register? Is it advantageous to register voluntarily? What VAT basis should you use? Would using the Flat Rate Scheme be beneficial?

Your accountant can help with all of this, they have the experience and expertise to not only work through the numbers with you, but to also provide you with constructive sector advice, and practical ways in which to ensure that the unfulfilled ambition to grow is nurtured in the right way to produce the business results that you desire.

For information or advice contact your local Whitings LLP office to discuss matters further.

Scan the QR code to visit our website today!

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 &

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

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FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter

W

e cover the Fenlands including South Lincs, North Cambs and West Norfolk. Did you know that for you to be born today from at least twelve previous generations, you need a total of 4094 ancestors covering the last four hundred years? Each generation doubles in number. Two parents, four grandparents and eight great grandparents etc. How much did your ancestors have to undergo with happiness and sorrow etc. for you to exist today? If you would like to find out about your ancestors, why not let us help you. You can attend our meetings or research sessions and we will offer you help.

SPECIAL REQUEST One of our colleagues is researching the ‘Fallen’ on Walpole St Andrew and Cross Keys war memorial. If anyone is related to any of the men or has information they are prepared to share, please contact me and I will pass your details to her. She plans to write biographies of the men. Please help if you can.

MONTHLY MEETINGS Held at Wisbech Library 7pm-9pm on the fourth Thursday of each month, non-members welcome.

On Thursday, February 22nd our guest speaker will be Grenville GOODSON with a talk about The Littleport Riots. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. Members are free; Visitors please make a £2 minimum donation.

their family came from. Our first monthly 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 that we are willing to go to other venues if Wi-Fi is available.

EVENTS TEAM We can create special displays, linking various themes to how we research. If you have an event, please make contact and we will be happy to create a special display to bring added interest to your event.

SPEAKERS Our speakers are available to attend other groups and clubs to give talks in the local area.

Talks include the following: ‘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 Blacksmiths Family’, the story of a great, great grandfather; and ‘We’re going down the pub’ a “local” history talk about the many pubs in the area.

COMPUTER RESEARCH SESSIONS Our team of researchers helps visitors with researching their family history, no matter where

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

Email: bridget25hunter@btinternet.com 16

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

FE BR UA R Y 2 0 2 4

LOCAL CLUBS AND GROUPS

Stockists of the

FINEST

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

food and drinks from around the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, The Caribbean, USA and more...

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 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 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 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 Royal Air Force Association Wisbech Branch Welcomes everyone to sample our newly refurbished club.

For your comfort and enjoyment we offer: Fully air conditioned • Free Wi-Fi • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks • Choice of hot drinks and snacks • Pool table • Meeting facilities by arrangement • Quiz night, games night, entertainment • Friendly welcome • New members always welcome, not required to be ex-Forces.

Opening Hours: Thursdays/Fridays 7pm till 11pm | Saturdays 11am till 2pm and 7pm 11pm. rafawisbech.co.uk Situated at 22 Lynn Road PE13 3DJ

Call 07503 802511

Find us at: Unit 7, Platinum Business Park 59 Thorby Avenue, March PE15 0AR

F E BRUA RY 2024

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

17

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

SHE WASN’T INTERESTED IN HOUSEWORK... had sixteen people working for her. Most of her work still came from portraits as this was before the general public owned a camera. It wasn’t until the 1940s that people started to have their own camera with the coming of the Kodak Brownie box camera.

he wasn’t interested in housework... no, leave that to the others!

Lilian Ream had one passion in her life and that was...

PHOTOGRAPHY.

S

Born in 1877 in West Walton, she started working as a photographer when she was just seventeen, working in various photo studios in Wisbech and she was to end up being known for her photography and to become well known throughout the Fens, leaving more than 100,000 photographs.

She also worked for two local newspapers, the Wisbech Standard and the Wisbech and Isle of Ely Advertiser, which meant that many events of the time were recorded by her.

No. 4, The Crescent

She married quite late. Did her passion for photography get in the way? It wasn’t until she was twenty-eight that she married Sydney, and two years later, instead of working for others she opened her own studio at No 4, The Crescent with a special darkroom built in the back garden.

It was a gamble but it was a gamble that paid off. She did a good business in portraiture and was popular with many dignitaries, as well as others wanting to be photographed. If needed, pictures could be doctored and skin blemishes, disfigurements and wrinkles could be removed!

In 1911, aged thirty-four, she gave birth to her first child, a daughter. She needed help to get on with her work so she persuaded her sister, Louie, to move from London to Wisbech to help with the housework.

You can tell how well she was doing by the fact that as well as leasing No 4, she could afford to buy next door, No 5.

With the outbreak of the First World War, Sydney joined the Royal Naval Air Service at Dover seeing the Channel crossings were safe.

Lilian kept photographing. She was an ambitious lady and determined to have no competition.

As well as the Crescent properties, she bought the Borough studio in York Row, the Art studio in Alexandra Road, the Imperial Photo Company, the craft shop in Market Street and the Lynn Road Studio where she had first worked.

The main hub of the business though was the Borough studio in York Row which was open six days a week and a photograph taken in 1929 shows she 18

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

But, after twenty-five years with Sydney, the marriage finally broke up and she left Wisbech, she left photography and went to Eastbourne.

However, this was not the end of the story for at the age of fifty-eight she returned to Wisbech and returned to the business. But then after fifteen more years and at the age of seventy-two she decided finally to retire from the business, retire from photography and move back again to Eastbourne.

Her photos show life was a bit different one hundred years ago. Shopping was different, the market was an important place and much busier than it is now.

One of Lilian’s photos shows part of the Saturday market with more than 180 people shopping. And another shows the opening of Woolworth’s in 1928 which is now Poundland. But some shopping hasn’t changed, there is a photo of Evisons all those years ago with a big sign saying ‘special offer – big discount – cannot be repeated!’

And in another, there are 48 turkeys hanging outside a butcher’s waiting to be bought. What would health and hygiene have to say about that today?

And what would health and safety say about swimming in the Nene and diving off the town bridge. All captured by Lilian and her camera.

And finally, a photo she took just over seventyone years ago of a street party celebrating guess what?... the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. And did she ever like doing housework?

She died at the grand age of eighty-four. She made her final return to Wisbech and is buried in Walsoken churchyard.

FE BR UA R Y 2 0 2 4

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ith rising energy costs, modern stoves offer an economically sound alternative with low fuel consumption, efficiently converting wood into warmth.

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To maximise the efficiency and environmental benefits of a wood burning stove, it's crucial for stove users to adopt responsible practices, ensuring the sustainability of this age-old tradition. Properly seasoned wood, optimal burning techniques, and regular maintenance are all key factors.

Wood burning stoves can be cosy, cost-effective, and conscientious. Environmental responsibility doesn’t have to sit on the back burner.

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icrowave energy is widely used in a number of Microwave energy is widely used in a number Microwave energy is a Microwave energy is widely widely used used in inelds a number number Infected tissue can exist to elevate tissue temperatures of to of medical medical fields fieldsmedical to elevate elevate tissue tissuefitemperatures temperatures several millimetres below of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction. and create precise, localised cell destruction. the surface and can often and create precise, localised cell destruction. and create precise, localised cell destruction. be difficult to treat using traditional methods,

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

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The Technology Site

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

BEATING THE

BROADBAND BLUES One of the most common things we get called about is broadband faults. We, and other repair guys like us, can fix computers and Wi-Fi issues but can’t repair actual line problems.

So, here’s a quick guide on what to check if you have a line fault.

1. Checking your landline phone is working • Plug your phone into the same socket your router is connected to.

• Check there’s a dial tone and try to make a call.

• If it’s not working, then you probably have a line fault and need to contact your telephone/broadband provider.

2. Turning your router AND your computer off and on again Yes, it’s an age-old IT cliché, it may sound simple, but it really does solve most problems.

• Hit the on/off switch on the back of the router.

• Shut down your computer or device.

• Wait thirty seconds and turn everything back on again.

• If the router’s internet light still flashes amber or red after a few minutes, you need to check the cabling, if there’s no problem there then you probably have a line fault and need to contact your telephone/broadband provider.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, and all the right lights are on the router you’ll need to check whether your Wi-Fi is faulty. If you have other devices, are they working correctly?

Plug your laptop or device directly into the router using the steps below: 1. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into any of the ethernet sockets on the back of your router (some models may have a different coloured port that’s blue or red, don’t use this one) 2. Plug the other end into the ethernet socket on your device.

If you can access the internet when you plug in, there’s probably a problem with your Wi-Fi, which may be an issue with your computer. If you still can’t connect to the internet via ethernet, then you should phone your internet service provider first.

I’ve listed some of the UK’s most popular broadband suppliers' customer help numbers here because without an internet connection they can be a real pain to find. If you have slow connection, you can check your speed using the website www.fast.com. This works on almost all devices such as laptops, pcs, tablets and phones.

BT EE Broadband PlusNet Sky TalkTalk Utility Warehouse Virgin Media

0800 800 150 0800 079 8586 0800 432 0200 0800 151 2747 0345 172 0088 0333 777 0777 0345 454 1111

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

FE BR UA R Y 2 0 2 4

HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:

The Choir of Man (afternoon show)

ONLY 7 LEFT Sun 4th February £75

Mamma Mia! (afternoon show)

ONLY 2 LEFT Thurs 8th February £67

Snowdrops at Walsingham

Sat 17th February Adult £30 Child £27

Kew Gardens and the Orchid Festival

Sun 3rd March Adult £48 Senior £47 Child £37

I Should Be So Lucky (afternoon show)

ONLY 20 LEFT Weds 6th March £60

Phantom of the Opera (afternoon show)

ONLY 4 LEFT Weds 13th March £78

Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Crafts and Fashion & Embroidery Shows Only 15 left Fri 15th March Adult £35 Child £28 Thriplow Daffodil Event and Country Fair

Sat 16th March Adult £32 Child £28

Michael Ball

ONLY 6 LEFT Fri 22nd March £94

Shrek the Musical (afternoon show)

Sat 23rd March £76

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour

Sun 24th March Adult £54 Senior £52 Child £45

Pretty Woman (afternoon show)

Weds 27th March £82

Ely Leisure Day

Sat 6th April £25

Stratford Upon Avon Leisure Day

Sun 7th April £28

Bakewell & Matlock Bath

Fri 12th April £28

Brooklands Museum, London Bus Museum & Mercedes Benz World Sun 14th April Adult £58 Senior £57 Child £47 York Leisure Day

Sat 20th April £29

Camden Market

Bakewell Market & Judith Mary Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Standing at the Sky’s Edge (afternoon show) Oxford Leisure Day

Hampton Court Palace & Tulip Festival

Sun 21st April £31

Mon 22nd April £60

Weds 24th April £88

Sat 27th April £30

Sun 28th April Adult £61 Senior £56 Child £48

The Princess River Cruise Experience (includes 2 course meal)

Weds 8th May £50

Whitby Leisure Day

ONLY 17 LEFT Thurs 9th May £32

Highgate Cemetery

Weds 15th May £46

Cannon Hall Farm

ONLY 3 LEFT Tues 14th May £35

The National Stud & National Horse Racing Museum

Thurs 16th May £51

Andre Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra

ONLY 11 LEFT Fri 17th May £165

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Sat 25th May £125

Southend on Sea Leisure Day

Tues 28th May £30

Black Country Living Museum & Dudley Canal & Caverns Thurs 30th May Adult £57 Child £47 Bridlington Leisure Day

Sat 1st June £29

Orwell Lady River Trip

Sun 2nd June Adult £63 Senior £59

Battersea Power Station & Lift 109

Weds 5th June Adult £51 Child £46

International Bomber Command Centre

Sat 8th June £33

Aldeburgh & Southwold Leisure Day

Sun 9th June £32

Scarborough Leisure Day

Tues 11th June £31

Opening Night (afternoon show)

Hidden Hertfordshire (3hr river cruise & 2 course lunch)

Weds 12th June £93

BBC Gardeners World Live & BBC Good Food Show Summer Twycross Zoo

Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal)

Weds 12th June £73

Sat 15th June Adult £49 Senior £48 Child £38

Sun 16th June Adult £43 Child £40 Weds 19th June £65

Knaresborough & The World of James Herriot The View from The Shard Tower of London

Sat 22nd June £39

Sun 23rd June £59

Tues 25th June Adult £67 Senior £60 Child £51

Trentham Gardens and Shopping Village

Sun 7th July £40

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Weds 10th July £60

Buckingham Palace Royal Mews & State Rooms

Thurs 11th July Adult £77 Child £55

National Motorcycle Museum

Sun 21st July Adult £38 Child £36

Windsor Castle

Thurs 25th July Adult £60 Child £46

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Sat 20th July £65

Natural History, Science, Victoria & Albert Museums

Weds 24th July £32

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Weds 31st July Adult £79 Child £67

The Great British Car Journey & Matlock Bath

Sat 3rd August £37

RHS Garden Hyde Hall and Flower Show Sun 4th August RHS Member £28 Non-member £39 Newmarket, River Deben & 2 course meal

Sat 10th August £68

Thorpe Park

Cromer & End of Pier Show

Blenheim Palace, Park & Gardens

Sun 11th August £71

Sat 17th August £52

Sun 18th August Adult £54 Senior £52 Child £43

Westminster Abbey including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries Sat 7th September Adult £67 Senior £64 Child £33 Holkham Hall Estate

Sun 8th September £46

Hello, Dolly! (afternoon show)

Weds 11th September £88

MJ the Musical (afternoon show) North Norfolk Railway

West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park

Operation Mincemeat (afternoon show)

Thurs 12th September £106

Sat 14th September Adult £40 Child £36

Sun 15th September Adult £53 Senior £51 Child £53

Tues 17th September £67

RAF Museum, Cosford

Sat 21st September £29

The Coronation Street Experience

Sun 29th September £66

Bletchley Park

Sun 13th October £47

Eden Camp Modern History Museum

Sat 19th October Adult £44 Child £42

Tower Hotel, London – 4 days

Weds 30th October £398

Hairspray (afternoon show)

Weds 6th November £71

The Devil Wears Prada (afternoon show) Bakewell Christmas Market Festive Gift Fair

Leeds Christmas Shopping/Leisure Day

Weds 13th November £80 Sat 16th November £27

Sun 17th November Adult £36 Child £32

York’s St Nicholas Fair/Shopping/Leisure Day Beverley Festival of Christmas

Nottingham Winter Wonderland/Shopping/Leisure Day

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market/Shopping/Leisure Day *Thursford Christmas Spectacular

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Long Sutton departure) *Thursford Christmas Spectacular

*Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Long Sutton departure) Carols at the Royal Albert Hall (afternoon concert)

Thurs 21st November £29 Tues 26th November £29 Sun 8th December £27

Tues 10th December £26

Thurs 12th December £29 Fri 13th December £77

Sat 14th December £80

Sun 15th December £80

Weds 18th December £77

Sat 21st December £99

*All Thursford Christmas Spectaculars are afternoon shows and deluxe seating. Coaches depart from Spalding Bus Station, unless stated otherwise. New excursions are being added weekly.

Visit www.hallamtravel.co.uk or contact Lorraine Hallam on 01406 493198. Online booking is available via our website.

BRINGING CULTURE TO FENLAND...

By Steve Barclay MP

W

e have some great examples of culture and heritage in the constituency – magnificent buildings, innovative arts groups and some supremely talented individuals.

However, we’ve long recognised that Fenland has lower cultural engagement than it might and there’s more that could be done to support opportunities for local communities and residents to access high-quality experiences.

That’s why I’m delighted to see nineteen organisations were successful in gaining support for their activities from the Fenland Cultural Fund. Up to £23,000 was available with arts organisations and individuals able to bid for up to £2000 to progress creativity and cultural offerings to new audiences, drive increased engagement, and build on existing talent. I’m greatly encouraged that forty-two groups submitted bids to the fund and a second round is due to be launched later this year.

In a similar vein, I’m looking forward to seeing who the next Fenland Poet Laureates are. The deadline for entry was the end of January and this year, the sixth annual competition, is sure to see some amazing talent championing both poetry and the area we live in.

Meanwhile, a series of free heritage talks being held across the constituency are well underway. Thanks to funding from the Government to Arts Council England, the events are designed to promote local historical awareness and provide an opportunity for residents to get together and socialise.

Whittlesey talks will be given by London Brickwork archivist Andrew Mortlock and local historian Maureen Watson; Wisbech talks are by local author and historian Diane Carlton Smith; Chatteris talks are by former councillor Alan Melton; and the Friends of March Railway Station will lead the March talks. Tickets are available to book now: Whittlesey: February 6th, March 5th; Wisbech: February 13th, March 12th; March: February 20th, March 19th; Chatteris: February 27th, March 26th.

There’s just time to get your nomination in for the Pride in Fenland Awards. Over the years we have heard some inspirational stories and had worthy winners and I have no doubt that once again we will be amazed and grateful to recognise

the people who are heroes in their communities.

The closing date for nominations is midnight on February 11th. Nominations can be made online at www.fenland.gov.uk/prideinfenland or printed forms can be found in the Fenland Citizen.

It was a pleasure to visit Online Playgrounds in Christchurch to help them celebrate thirty years of trading.

They are one of our local success stories, helping put Fenland on the map internationally by exporting to the Middle East, USA and Australia. One of the challenges we face as an economy is to get more businesses to think about exporting further afield and what Online Playgrounds has achieved reflects the work that goes on here day in, day out. Online Playgrounds started as a farm diversification project and makes timber playgrounds on-site using traditionally skilled craftsmen and the latest technology, as well as being the UK supplier for the Danish Ledon steel play equipment, and the go-to website for multibrand spare parts for all types of playground. What they have achieved is something quite notable.

Finally, the Energy Secretary of State has until later this month to make a decision about whether to allow an enormous incinerator to be built in Wisbech. I have been against these incinerator plans from the very beginning and will continue to campaign against them. The Planning inspectorate has submitted its recommendation following the public examination last year and in January the Secretary of State issued a letter to various parties asking for further information. The impact of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable municipal and commercial and industrial waste being brought to Wisbech each year would be huge. I will continue to do all I can to oppose it.

Photo: Steve Barclay MP with Andrew Sparrow, Online Playgrounds Group MD

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 26 48

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

FE FEBR BRUA U ARRYY 22002244

Entertainment

Sound Advice From Clearer Hearing

T

Acole Plumbing here’s no need Services for peopleLtd to

suffer in silence if Colin they Ovenden feel they have hearing problems. That’s the message from Clearer Service ListHearing Ltd which says people should treat their hearing just as • All general plumbing repairs undertaken big or small. they do their eye-sight.

Jackie of theundertaken. company’s • AllMantle, domesticmanager heating repairs Wisbech and St Ives branches, said: “Most people • All domestic boiler fault finding undertaken have their eyes tested every year and they should both gas and oil. treat their hearing the same.”

• Landlord Gas Safety certificates

The company can help people deal with a host • Houseissues, purchase inspections of plumbing of hearing including tinnitus and noise and heating protection, but Jackie says the most common • Boiler they replacements. procedure carry out is ear wax removal.

Central heating poweris fldefi ushing.

She•said: “Wax removal nitely the most common problem we deal with. People tend to think97 that if their hearing worsens they may need Nene Parade | March | Cambridgeshire a hearing aid, which due|to technology today are 07759 768060 01354 650502 small and acoleplumbing@btinternet.com 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.”

Established in 2002 and with a presence in Wisbech since 2008, Clearer Hearing is a family owned independent hearing healthcare company with team of qualified and registered hearing aid audiologists.

The company’s comprehensive website – www.clearerhearing.co.uk – boasts a quick and easy hearing checker which provides a snapshot of your hearing ability to give an easy assessment and the opportunity of a priority booking should you require a full consultation.

Contact Clearer Heating Ltd at 31 High Street, Wisbech PE13 1DE. Tel: (01945) 466386; Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk Opening hours: 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

“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

28 I S2 0C23O M AD RCH

V E R I N G Wisbech

R Y 2 0 2 4 43 D I S C O V E R I FE N BR G UA March

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29

The Technology Site

Valentine’s Day What’s That All About Then?

W

hen February 14th comes along, we can expect to exchange messages of love through thoughtful cards, flower bouquets, perfume, jewellery, and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. But why do we celebrate Valentine's Day in the first place, because it hasn’t always been a celebration of love?

Who was St Valentine?

At least two men named Valentine could have inspired the tradition. One Valentine was a priest in third century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage (he thought it distracted young soldiers), illegally marrying couples in the spirit of love until he was caught and sentenced to death. Another legend suggests that Valentine was killed for attempting to help Christians escape prison in Rome, and that he was the first sender of a “Valentine” message himself while imprisoned, writing a letter signed “From your Valentine.”

In the 1300s, it officially became a holiday associated with love At the end of the 5th century, Roman Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14th “St. Valentine's Day.” It wasn't until the Middle Ages, though, that the holiday became associated with love and romance, a tradition that first started from the common belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on February 14th.

The first Valentine was sent in the 15th century The oldest record of a Valentine being sent was a poem written by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife in 1415. One of the lines in the poem read, “I am already sick of love, my very gentle Valentine,” penned while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, aged just twenty-one. People were exchanging cards and handwritten letters to both lovers and friends during the 17th century, but it was in the 1840s that the first Valentine's Day cards were first mass-produced.

However…

Flowers…

Although some historians believe that Valentine's Day commemorates the death of St. Valentine on February 14th, others believe that the holiday has its origins in a Pagan fertility festival called “Lupercalia,” which was celebrated in ancient Rome.

Dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Roman founders Romulus and Remus, the day was celebrated by sacrificing animals and smacking women with animal hides, a practice that was believed to encourage fertility!

The tradition of giving Valentine's Day flowers dates back to the 17th century, but the act of giving flowers then became a popular trend during the Victorian Era, including on Valentine's Day, with red roses symbolizing deep love.

30 D I SRYC2024 O V F E BRUA

E R I N G Wisbech

…and Chocolates!

The first heart-shaped box of chocolates was introduced in 1861. It was created by Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury founder, John Cadbury, who started packaging chocolates in fancy boxes to increase sales… and the rest (as any dentist or dietician will tell you) is history!

R Y 2 0 2 451 D I S C O V E R I FE N BR G UA March

DISCOVER BRAND NEW VAUXHALL AT DISCOVER BRAND NEW VAUXHALL AT

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Thurlow Nunn Wisbech Cromwell Road, Wisbech, Thurlow Nunn Wisbech Cambridgeshire, PE14 0RG Cromwell Road, Wisbech, 01945 561496 Cambridgeshire, PE14 0RG www.thurlownunn.co.uk 01945 561496 www.thurlownunn.co.uk Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/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). CO2 emissions: 373 – 88g/km). *Thurlow Nunn Ltd is aTest credit-broker not aData. lender.

Subject to status.

Termsmpg & Conditions apply.and YouCO2 will emissions never own(g/km). the vehicle.

Offers Official Government Environmental Fuel consumption figures (litres/100km) Vauxhall range: end 05/02/2024.

Offer displayed on the Vauxhall Design 1.2 75ps on a (15.7) 48 month term Personal Contract Hire. miles Urban: 12.7 (22.3) – 74.3 (3.8), available Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) –Corsa 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 18.0 – 85.6(3.3).

CO2 emissions: 373 6,000 – 88g/km). per annum, excess mileage charges apply. willstatus. be charged 10p per mile.

Offers correct at time of printing. #AllOffers loans are *Thurlow Nunn Ltd is a credit-broker notAdditional a lender. mileage Subject to Terms at & Conditions apply.

You will never own the vehicle. subject to affordability and other checks, including use of Credit Reference Agency data.

Minimum loan is £80 and must be repaid over end 05/02/2024. Offer displayed available on the Vauxhall Corsa Design 1.2 75ps on a 48 month term Personal Contract Hire. 6,000 miles a maximum of 5excess monthly instalments. must be 18 or mileage over. Participating Retailers only. subject to 0% APR.ofFinance and full per annum, mileage chargesYou apply.

Additional will be charged at 10p per Finance mile. Offers correct at time printing.Agreement #All loans are Ts&Cs available at Thurlow provided use

by Bumper Limited,data.

WeWork,12 Hammersmith Grove, London, W6over 7AP. a subject to affordability andNunn. other Finance checks, including of CreditInternational Reference Agency Minimum loan is £80 and must be repaid maximum of 5 monthly instalments. You must be 18 or over. Participating Retailers only. Finance subject to 0% APR. Finance Agreement and full Ts&Cs available at Thurlow Nunn. Finance provided by Bumper International Limited, WeWork,12 Hammersmith Grove, London, W6 7AP.

£45

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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.

2024

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

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