So, it’s beginning to look a bit more like summer weather, now that the rain has finally given up on breaking all known records for deluges. I suppose now we’ll be hearing that the temperatures over the coming few months are the highest ever recorded too!
In 1935, George Gershwin penned the immortal line: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy”, and I’d like to think that, every year, we, at Discovering Magazines, go some way to making your summer a little easier with our extensive range of interesting features, advice and a comprehensive schedule of what’s happening in your area in the weeks to come.
The last few weeks have been so busy with fun outdoors events, now that we’re well into the “School Fairs and Village Fetes” time of year. In whatever ways you choose to spend these summer days, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday time.
Claire x
American statesman Benjamin Franklin was said to have proclaimed that the only two certainties in life were death and taxes... well I’ve got a third one to add: aches & pains.
Now I’m a relatively fit person. I’m not on any pills or potions for illnesses and save for a long-standing battle with back pain caused by sciatica I think I’m pretty healthy for my age.
However, every morning when I wake up, I seem to suffer from a new ache or pain. It comes from nowhere and can affect most parts of my body before suddenly disappearing as quickly as it arrived.
I have also developed a persistent pain in one of my feet which means that one day I walk along like someone half by age and the next like someone twice my age.
My day now begins with a bout of stretching exercises to help me navigate the day ahead until the health gremlins attack again during the night.
These aches & pains are probably the result of years of wear and tear... a bit like what happens to a classic car with a lot of miles on the clock shortly before it turns into an old banger...
Account Manager
Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com
Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton
Sales Sally Anne Davis: 07737 026594
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
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.
With thanks to: Diamond Byte, Whitings LLP, Chris Donald, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter
WHITTLESEY LIBRARY
Jack and the Beans Talk
Garlic Theatre presents a charming and inventive puppet show about what might happen if you throw things out the window!
Saturday 6 July 2.30pm
Suitable for: Families with children aged 3 - 8 yrs
Steve Barbe will lead you in creating music, playing games and exploring rhythm with junk objects.
Saturday 20 July 3pm
Suitable for: Adults & Families (4+ yrs)
Running time: 2 hours / Tickets: £6 / £3
MARCH LIBRARY
Textile Banner Workshop
Join artist Titania Fisher to create your own unique applique floral banner.
Thursday 25 July 5pm
Suitable for: Adults & young people 14+ yrs. Running time: 2 hours / Tickets: £6 / £3
For tickets and details visit www.library.live/the-library-presents
Lasting Powers of Attorney: A Vital Tool
We simply can’t stress how important it is to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).
It is the only way that you can appoint the people that you trust to look after you and your finances if you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself or are struggling to cope with financial matters. Leaving it too late can cause problems for you and your loved ones.
With the cost-of-living crisis still an issue for many households, making LPAs is often put on the back burner due to the costs involved. However, this may prove to be a false economy in the long term.
There are two types of LPA: one covering health and welfare decisions, the other property and financial affairs.
Property and Financial Affairs
If you are living alone or have taken sole responsibility for your household finances it is vital to have someone you trust to help you if you are no longer able to cope, but they will need to be appointed as your attorney under an LPA to do this. Even as a married couple, if you lose the ability to manage your own affairs, your spouse will not be able to access money held in a sole account in your name (such as an ISA) however vital those funds might be to continue running your home or to providing care for you. If you are currently using savings to top up your income, would losing access to them cause you difficulties?
Health and Welfare
If you have definite views about the type of medical treatment or care that you would want
to receive an LPA allows you, via your attorney, to have your say even if you lose capacity.
Without an LPA for health and welfare, medical staff can decide what treatment is appropriate for you. This may mean you could receive treatment that you would not have given consent for if you were able to make decisions for yourself.
Professional Advice
Using a professional to draft your LPA means that you are able to build in safeguards and to give guidance and instructions to your chosen attorneys that will be approved by the Office of the Public Guardian, the body responsible for registering the documents.
Our charges and options
We believe it is important for everyone to have access to professional advice and assistance when putting LPAs in place and recognise that cost can be a barrier, so we are offering the following option. If you aren’t able to pay in full at the time you instruct us, we offer the option to split the payment into three equal instalments between the start and end of the process, typically paid over four months. We will talk to you about the additional registration fees payable to the Office of the Public Guardian and will work with you to see whether you are able to obtain a reduction or full discount on those fees at the time of making your application.
If you would like to talk to us about putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place then call Cath Collins on (01945) 898090 or email her at cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk
• Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers Of Attorney
• Property
• Employment Law and HR Services
• Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution
• Legal assistance for start-ups and SMEs
Now is the time to lift garlic and shallots as the foliage becomes yellow and strawy: hang bulbs out in the sun or in an airy shed. Onions also need drying well before they are stored: a few days before harvesting, loosen the soil around the roots, choose a dry day to lift the bulbs and lay them on the ground in the sun. Do not be tempted to store them until they are thoroughly dry as they will probably rot.
Early potatoes can be lifted and eaten now while they are at their best. If you are not using the space for anything else, a green manure can be planted, such as mustard (a fast-growing crop), which will help prevent weed growth and can be dug in when fully grown to provide nutrients for the soil. With later potato crops, check the plants and earth-up, if necessary, to prevent the tubers going green from exposure to light. Poor potato crops are the result of poor nutrition; try feeding potatoes with a tomato feed. Although it is getting late for sowing and planting, there are still a few crops that can be planted:
•lettuce, rocket and a variety of salad leaves –succession sow for an ongoing supply in the autumn.
•Fast growing varieties of peas, beetroot and carrots - a good time to sow carrots to avoid the carrot fl y.
•Florence fennel.
•Plant out your leeks. Just dib a hole about 150mm/6″ deep and drop the leek into the hole. Water it in and there’s no need to fi ll the holes with soil; enough will wash in with watering and rain.
•Plant out cabbage, cauliflowers, Brussels, broccoli and kale for autumn and winter cropping, using the space created by lifting onions, garlic and early potatoes.
Other jobs to do in the vegetable patch:
•When climbing beans have reached the top of the canes, pinch out the growing tip.
• Strawberries will fi nish fruiting, so tidy up old foliage and cut off runners or use them to produce new plants.
• Earth up brassicas to give them a fi rm hold in the soil and give them a top-dressing of nitrogenous fertiliser or an organic liquid feed.
•Nip off the side shoots of your tomatoes; they appear in the “v” between leaf stems and main stems, and when there are four or fi ve trusses, pinch out the growing tip of the plant to allow the fruit to ripen. Water them with a liquid feed as soon as the fi rst fruits are formed. Likewise for peppers.
•Ensure that peas and brassicas are netted to keep off the pigeons.
•Plant potatoes ready for Christmas; garden centres usually stock the winter varieties.
•Use a liquid feed on most crops in moist soil. This can be a proprietary feed from a garden centre or homemade from nettles or comfrey.
•Consider mulching around larger plants like squashes to help preserve water too. You can use well-rotted manure or your own garden compost.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour and let’s hope for sunnier days!
Create ‘Kerb Appeal’ and Add Value to Your Home
This 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 bungalowcannot 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.
Acole Plumbing Services Ltd Colin Ovenden
Service List
• All general plumbing repairs undertakenbig or small.
• All domestic heating repairs undertaken.
• All domestic boiler fault finding undertakenboth gas and oil.
• Landlord Gas Safety certificates
• House purchase inspections of plumbing and heating
The countdown to the ‘end-of-life’ of Windows 10 is well under way. In just under eighteen months’ time (from October 14th, 2025), Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education editions. This means that new updates or security fixes for all these versions will no longer be available. Users will therefore need to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to continue receiving security updates, which will ensure that their personal privacy and data security are not compromised.
What does ‘end-of-life’ mean for an operating system?
When a Windows version reaches its end-of-support date, the software itself doesn’t actually stop working, so users could technically keep using it. However, this is absolutely not something we would recommend. With sophisticated phishing attacks, remote exploits and ransomware rearing their ugly heads on an all-too-regular basis, users will risk compromising their personal data if they continue to use an unsupported operating system.
How do I find out more about the Windows 11 Upgrade?
Microsoft has created a
webpage which provides important information about the upcoming end of support for all the old Windows versions, including Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (although quite frankly, if you are still using Windows 7 or 8, you are playing a very dangerous game and should stop using it immediately):
www.microsoft.com/en-us/ windows/end-of-support
What do I need to be able to upgrade to Windows 11?
Upgrading to Windows 11 is free for Window 10 users; however, there are minimum system requirements that your PC will need to meet, such as:
• An eighth-gen Core CPU and above, or the Ryzen 2000 series and above for desktops or 3000 and above for laptops*.
• A minimum of 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
• Windows 10, version 2004 or higher must already be installed.
• A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. This is a security chip, embedded in a laptop and plugged into a desktop, which acts like a lockbox for keys as well as an encryption device which is required for the more advanced security that Windows 11 provides. Without it, your computer will be unsupported.
PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE
If you aren’t sure whether your PC will upgrade to Windows 11, you can use the PC Health Check tool to find out. In Windows, type ‘PC Health Check’ in the Search box on the taskbar. (If a PC health check update is available, install it so that you have the latest version.) if you don’t have PC Health Check installed, you can install it by going to: https://aka. ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp
Once completed, the Health Check will let you know what, if anything, is preventing your PC from upgrading to Windows 11. For example, if it informs you that your CPU is too old, then you’ll have to upgrade it. However, if you do, you will also need to switch out the motherboard. The list of corrections could be extensive and expensive, and it might well be cheaper and certainly easier to buy a new PC or laptop that comes pre-installed with Windows 11.
*The health check may show that your computer does have a compatible CPU, however, confusingly the computer might
not actually be compatible due to other components not being enabled in the BIOS. If this is the case, your laptop or desktop may need a minor tweak, which can be carried out by a reputable PC specialist.
My PC will upgrade to Windows 11 - how do I get it?
If your PC is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, type Windows Update in the search box on the taskbar and follow Microsoft’s instructions. Or you can go to the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/ en-gb/software-download/ windows11/
A Windows 11 installation should activate using a Windows 10 key. However, if your computer has never had Windows installed on it, you will need a valid licence, which you can purchase from either the Microsoft Store or a reputable retailer.
What else should I be aware of? It is really important, that before you start any upgrade, you
back up your files and system, especially if your computer does not meet the Windows 11 system requirements or if you choose to clean install Windows 11. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your files and data. You can choose a quick cloud back up option or back up to an external hard drive (SSD or HDD).
Because Microsoft requires your system to have 64GB or more free space for Windows 11, make sure you have enough free space on your drive. If necessary, you can delete temporary files or alternatively, move any unneeded or seldom used large files to an external drive.
For laptops, make sure the power cable is plugged in, and if you are updating a PC, make sure the power supply is uninterrupted. A reliable internet connection is also important as you need to stay connected to the web whilst Windows 11 installs, so avoid updating using mobile data hotspots, public Wi-Fi, and/or an unstable private connection.
Patthhwayys in thhe park
Wednesday 3rd July 10am to 2pm
Come along to the CWA Fair at the Wisbech Park Pavilion
We’ll be running a range of activities, whilst offering one-to-one information and support for adult education.
Sunday 7th July 10am to 2pm
Win a prize or simply discuss how we can help you with numeracy, literacy, ESOL and essential digital skills.
Learn about our greenskills and sustainability agenda. Tell us about your interests and aims.
Free refreshments available in collaboration with:
s the warm weather of summer beckons, it's time to shed our winter boots and slip into sandals and flip-flops. But before you expose your feet to the world, it's important to give them some extra TLC. Proper foot care during summer can help prevent discomfort, pain, and potential foot problems. Here are some podiatry tips to share for keeping your feet in top shape this season.
Hydration is key: Staying hydrated is not only vital for your overall health but also for your feet. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin. Remember to drink plenty of water to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Nail care: Trim your toenails rounded at the end to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting them too short as it may increase the risk of infection. Regularly inspect your nails for discoloration or thickening, which may indicate a fungal infection.
Sunscreen for feet: Apply sunscreen generously to your feet, especially the tops and sides. Don't forget to protect the delicate skin on your feet from harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Moisturise daily: Keep your feet moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Choose a goodquality foot cream and apply it after showering or before bedtime. Focus on areas prone to dryness, such as heels and soles.
Proper footwear: Choose open-toe shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Look for styles with arch support and avoid
fl at, unsupportive fl ip-fl ops. Remember to wear breathable socks with closed shoes to prevent excessive sweating and fungal infections. Preventing fungal infections: To minimise the risk of fungal infections or verrucae, avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools, gyms, and communal showers. Wear flip-flops or water shoes in changing rooms to protect your feet from potential infections.
Foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes, where moisture can accumulate, leading to bacterial or fungal infections. Remember to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Regular exercise: Keep your feet active and healthy through regular exercise. Walking, jogging, or performing simple foot stretches can strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of foot pain and injuries.
Remember to seek professional care if you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, or any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a podiatrist. Our team of podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend suitable treatment, and offer expert advice personalised to your needs.
By following these summer foot care tips, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping your feet healthy and happy. Embrace the warmth, stay active, and step out confidently with feet that are ready to take on any adventure!
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March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200
March Podiatry Practice Ltd
47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ
March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 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
If you would like to honour a
then please supply 100 words including their name, age, occupation,
and funeral details and a short tribute, plus a head and shoulders image, and we will feature it in the magazine for just £29 an insert.
For more details, contact Paula Kirtland on 07903 776211 or email: marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com
Lyncroft Care Home
Lyncroft Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our home is beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Lyncroft feel extra special.
We now host the Devika Dementia Day Centre for those living in the local area every Friday from 10am – 3pm. The Day Centre provides dementia-friendly activities on a secured floor and is ideal for those living at home to give family carers a break and an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. For more information about life at Lyncroft Care Home or to enquire about our Day Services contact Customer Relations Manager Mel Cushen on 07563 022 290 or email mel.cushen@countrycourtcare.com.
01945 475 229
www.countrycourtcare.com
Are you interested in volunteering?
Are you interested in volunteering?
If so, come along to one of our Volunteer Cambs’ coffee mornings to find out about the many opportunities available across Fenland.
Simply turn up for a coffee and a chat, and a chance to meet one of the ‘Spotlight Organisations’ and learn about the opportunities available to you.
Meetings
Wisbech: Third Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Trinity Methodist Church Cafe
Whittlesey: Third Friday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Whittlesey Library
March: Third Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12pm at March Library starting 17th July
Chatteris: Third Monday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Chatteris Library starting 16th Sept
Are you a voluntary organisation looking for volunteers?
If so, we would love to hear from you. We are holding regular organisation meetings in all four Fenland market towns to help you with recruitment, and an opportunity for you to share your successes and challenges with other local organisations.
To complement the above, we are arranging Volunteer Fairs in the area. Our first one is in Wisbech on 30th August, at Wisbech Tesco, between 10am and 3pm – we would love to see you there.
Do pop in to say hello!
For further details please contact Rima Simkute: rima@cambridgecvs.org.uk 07709 741 962 or Sarah Hall: sarah@cambridgecvs.org.uk 07871 281 565
volunteercambs.org.uk
FENLAND VOLUNTEER BLEND
Pop along to our friendly group to chat about volunteering in your local community!
We are meeting every month in March, Wisbech, Whittlesey and Chatteris. 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Refreshments provided.
For more information
Call: 07709741962
Email: rima@cambridgecvs.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you!
volunteercambs.org.uk
FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
By Bridget Hunter
We cover the Fenland including South Lincs, North Cambs and West Norfolk.
INTERESTING FACTS
Did you know about the WORM
CHARMING
CHAMPIONSHIPS, an annual competition held in Cheshire? It challenges locals to coax the largest number of worms above ground. It is held on a Saturday in June/July at Willaston Primary School. It is one of our younger traditions dating back to 1980, initiated by John Bailey, a deputy headmaster of the school. There have even been world records at this championship. In 2009 ten-year-old Sophie Smith attracted 567 worms... a new record.
As July comes, I remember the rhyme about the cuckoo; ’In May the cuckoo comes to stay. In June it sings in tune. In July she flies away.’
From last month’s issue, the COLLECTIVE name for Thrushes is a Hermitage of Thrushes.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held at Wisbech Library at 7pm-9pm on the fourth Thursday of each month, non-members welcome. At our May meeting, our speaker, the author Diane Calton Smith, was excellent. She is a brilliant storyteller and took us back to the 1200s when Wisbech was flooded and then onto the recovery and rebuilding. Her story mentioned places and names still with us today. Our meeting on June 27th was due to feature Sue PAUL with her talk about her ancestor who was a pirate, a very interesting tale.
July will be our outing when we will meet at St Lawrence Church, Leverington for a demonstration of bellringing. No meeting in August. Everyone is welcome to attend. Visitors are asked for a donation of at least £2.
EVENTS TEAM
We have completed our research and preparation for the Newton in the Isle village event on July 6th. It will include a display of special village places and
events in the past, plus some family history of people living in the village. If you have an event coming up, remember our team creates special displays to suit the event you are holding. 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.
COMPUTER RESEARCH SESSIONS
In Wisbech Library on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month from 10am-12noon. Using all the wonderful research resources available in the library, our team of researchers help visitors with their family research, no matter where their family came from. And on the SECOND MONDAY of each month, from 11am-2.30pm we are in the restaurant at Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay near Downham Market. We offer help with family research to visitors to the garden centre. If you need our help and are unable to attend, please contact us, see details below. Please note. We are willing to go to other venues if Wi-Fi is available, just call and we will try to arrange it.
SPEAKERS
Speakers are available to attend groups and clubs to give talks in the local area. They have recently attended various groups including Doddington Court, Wisbech Baptist Church and Edina Court. Many talks are very amusing as well as informative plus items of added interest.
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; ‘The Sad Tale of The Blacksmith's 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.
For further information on any of the above please phone me on (01945) 587723. Email: bridget25hunter@btinternet.com
Sound Advice From Clearer Hearing
TDenture re-lines
Denture additions
Denture cosmetic improvements
Dentures cleaned and polished
here’s no need for people to suffer in silence if they feel they have hearing problems. That’s the message from Clearer Hearing Ltd which says people should treat their hearing just as they do their eye-sight.
A fully qualified dental technician
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 protection, but Jackie says the most common procedure they carry out is ear wax removal.
• Free hearing tests
Dentures fracture for a reason. They may have become damaged, perhaps by dropping; they may simply be old and worn; or perhaps the denture is no longer suitable for purpose.
She said: “Wax removal is definitely the most common problem we deal with. People tend to think that if their hearing worsens they may need 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.”
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.
Loose dentures may damage gums or the underlying bone structure and are also more prone to breakage. Re-lining your denture will re-stablish a good fit.
Your dentures should be inspected annually along with a checkup on your oral health, or more frequently if necessary.
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.
• State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones
• Effective painless wax removal
• Noise protection
St Ives Practice 13 The Broadway St Ives PE27 5BX
Tel: (01480) 300955 Wisbech Practice 31 High Street Wisbech PE13 1DE Tel: (01945) 466386
You can visit us at one of our local clinics: For information on any of the ser vices we provide, or to discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch. Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk
“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”
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
Wisbech & District Flower Club. See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the month at St Peter's Hall, Wisbech. More info 07949 443 251
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
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
Trinity Carpet Bowls Club
All ages and abilities welcome Meet at Trinity Methodist Church -17 Church Terrace (next to The Wheatsheaf Inn) Tuesdays 13.30 - 15.30
1st session free £3 thereafter
Contact Hazel on 07799958896
Wisbech Baptist Church Hill St by the side of BOOTS.
Our Church is open for worship every Sunday at 10.30pm and all are very welcome
Open doors is a drop in for coffee chat every Monday at 101.15pm closed Bank holidays. Again all welcome. Contact Secretary Lin Stanton 07906 938571 or wbcsecretary7@gmail.com
Wisbech NHS Retirement Fellowship
We are a group who meet once a month at the Rosmini Centre in Wisbech where we enjoy a variety of speakers and various functions throughout the year. Everyone is welcome, not just ex NHS staff. Please contact Georgie on 01945 465522 for further information
www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk
07549 263767
wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk
ALL AGES AND LEVELS WELCOME
Call, text or email for information about a range of membership options for individuals and family groups.
The Beatles were too expensive!!!
e low-lying fertile loam soils of the Fens are ideal for growing corn. At rst, farmers would sell their corn to the merchants in the open markets but, as the business grew Corn Exchange buildings were built like the one in Wisbech on the North Brink, built in 1811. By the 1840s, Wisbech was one of the largest if not actually the largest corn market in the whole country and the Fens became known as the Granary of England.
But this Corn Exchange building was to become famous for much more than just corn. In 1857, the building was enlarged and it is now so big that you could t an Olympic-sized swimming pool in it. And because of its enormous size, it has been used for an incredible range of things.
Over two hundred years we have seen it used for public meetings, concerts, talks, lectures, public exhibitions, auctions, shows, fairs, dancing, roller skating, wrestling, boxing and even bingo. It is so big that as well as the ground oor it has a rst oor that houses the Wisbech Town Council.
But, with all its interesting history of events, the period that people remember most is the 1960s when the Fens became the ‘Las Vegas of the East Anglia’. ere was a burst of entertainment.
At the Corn Exchange there were very big names of that time; Jerry Lee Lewis, Lulu, Adam Faith, Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey and the Rolling Stones! It was hoped to have the Beatles, but they were just too expensive to a ord.
And Wisbech wasn’t the only place in the Fens to have big names; March gave good competition. ey had the Marcam Hall, a disused cinema. Big, big names appeared there too. e Who, e Kinks, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the Moody Blues. But as well as that they had something the Wisbech Corn Exchange didn’t have and that was… Sir Elton John!!!
How could they have a orded him? Well, actually, nobody knew at the time that they were listening to Elton John.
Ken Wallis, co-owner of Marcam Hall, booked a band called Bluesology whose lead keyboard player was called Reg Dwight.
Later on, Reg Dwight changed his name to something that sounded more “a bit more Show Business like” and guess what, he thought of the name… Elton John. But unfortunately, later Marcam Hall burnt down.
One small thing to note, under the Marcam Hall, there was a cellar club that had cabaret acts, dancing, drinking and food and was open to members only. Ken Wallis advertised the acts that were on each week and that they were accompanied by ‘East Anglia’s leading duo’.
And that duo was led by a musician from London... Chris Donald!
But back to Wisbech and the Corn Exchange. is building, because of its size and height can cope with larger audiences than any other hall in the town so there is more scope to play with. Whether it be performances or trade shows or indoor markets it can cope well. And, of course, it can all be served up with plenty of tasty hot and cold refreshments from the Rolling Stones Cafe.
Wisbech does not want to lose more of its heritage, so many buildings have been lost and it is marvellous that there are people who have taken on the task of not only saving this building but also wanting to run it as a commercially sound business that will help pay for the upkeep of it. ey are the Wisbech Corn Exchange Conservation Trust. Because of their e orts, thousands of people have either visited the building or viewed it on social media in the last few years.
It is possible that this grand building can give a lot of pleasure and happiness to many, many people. e Trust have got a ne job on their hands. If you can support them in any way possible, please do so.
To nd out more Google, Wisbech Corn Exchange. or wcxct.org
Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and
‘Interesting
Right up your street for over 200 years
Looking forward to the next 200!
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