Discovering March issue 044, May 2017

and the surrounding villages Get O and A ut b with out our W

hat’s O Guide n 48-49

Issue 44 / May 2017

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Inside this issue What would Phil and Kirsty Do? page 20

Make the Most of Your Attic page 14

Look Fabulous on Your Wedding Day page 10

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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

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Come and join the fun at United services cluB 1 New Road, March PE15 9AN

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Snooker, Pool & Darts Auction every Thursday • Monthly Supper Nights Karaoke Sessions • Quiz Nights • Charity Events COMPETITIVE RATES FOR HALL HIRE For Children’s Parties, Weddings, Christenings Birthday Parties and Funeral Wakes

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Introduction

Welcome to Your May Issue.

It was great to meet so many of you at the St George’s Fayre, and we really appreciate your lovely comments about the magazine. Thank you!

Following on from that day, the editorial desk at Discovering March has been on fire, as more of you than ever before have been in touch to share your news stories for Community Matters (pages 38 to 39) and events for What’s On (pages 48 to 49). I love hearing from you and I will always get back to you.

If you have access to social media then take a look at our Facebook (Discovering March Magazine) and Twitter (@discovermarch) feeds.

This is where you can find even more information about local events and news stories.

Jaqui x

Speak soon!

Summer is definitely on the way; we had a taste of things to come early last month when temperatures hit 23 degrees, and we had our first barbecue of the year. With two bank holidays this month, we will all be crossing our fingers for more beautiful weather so that we can get out into the sunshine.

So, if you are feeling active and looking forward to spending time in your garden, Skylark have tips for you on page 32. For those of you who are entertaining friends, we have our recipe for baconwrapped asparagus on page 26, and March Quality Meats have details of their great value BBQ packs on page 55.

Claire x

Enjoy!

Copy deadline details:

The copy deadline for the June issue of Discovering March is May 8th.

Publisher - Claire Saberton: 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Editor - Jaqui Fairfax: 07977 450602 | editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Sales - Catherine Healy: 07879 478448 | enquiries.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com Sales - Charlotte Scott: 07590 217349 | info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Ops Director – Andy Armstrong: 01733 200609 | 07780 922214 Design – Sarah Gumbley | Emma Gunner | Rob Harradine Accounts – Cheryl Jakes: 01733 686255 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Photographer – Carol Richardson

Inside Highlights 6................ BRoW4 and Magpas 8 ............... Holiday Feet 10.............. Wedding Make-Up 12.............. Elysium Hypnotherapy 14.............. Attic Story 16.............. Club Guide 19.............. Thinking Inside the Box 20............. What would Phil and Kirsty do?

22............. PDR Property Lawyers 24............. Braza Short Mat Bowls Club 26............. Recipe – Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus 28-29..... Featured Business – Purple Diamond 30............. This Month at the Cinema 32............. Summer is in the Air 34............. Devolution and an Update ................... on the GCGP LEP

36............. Mike Ellis – In the Hot Seat 38-39..... Community Matters 40............. The 1925 Smallpox Epidemic 42............. Clarian Training 44............. Increase in Probate Fees 46............. Johnson Square Cottages 48-49.... What’s On 50............. Consumer Advice 53............. Business Directory 54............. M&J In and Around the Home With thanks to:

March Podiatry, The Light Cinema, Skylark Garden Centre, Fraser Dawbarns, Ellis Winters, Yasmin Chopin, Eileen Le Voi, Lauren Goode, March and District Museum, Steve Barclay, Mike Ellis and Jennifer Lawler.

Photography:

Cover Photo taken by Carol Richardson

Discovering March 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, 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

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Charity Spotlight

Get on Your Bike or Walk!

BRoW4 is a non-profit, volunteer-run, fundraising group. We organise events for charities that are non-government or National Lottery funded.

On Sunday June 25th 2017, BRoW4 are organising a Bike Run or Walk (with or without a dog) for your local air ambulance charity. One of the many air ambulances that we are supporting is the local air ambulance of this area, Magpas Air Ambulance.

Many of the UK’s expert medics volunteer their own time to be trained to work as a member of the Magpas Helimedix team; to provide frontline medical care - free of charge. Fundamentally, the Magpas Air Ambulance flights carry specialist trauma doctors and paramedics who can start treatment straightaway, thus saving more lives and reducing the effect of head and other severe injuries. Supporting the ambulance service, the prime goal is not only to save lives, but for patients to recover more quickly, spend less time in a hospital, and return to a good quality of life. Serious incidents can happen anywhere; on the roads, in city centres, at sporting events, in remote locations, at the water’s edge, in the school playground, or even in someone’s home.

Magpas has been called out to help over 60,000 patients since the charity was founded in 1971, and they are also one of the leading providers of trauma care in the UK. The charity receives no direct Government or National Lottery funding, and relies wholly on generous donations from the public.

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BRoW4 is raising money for all air ambulances in the UK with their Bike Run or Walk charity event in June 2017. Held for the very first time for Magpas in 2015 at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, this event was popular from the start, attracting over seventy entrants. Donations of raffle prizes, time, refreshments and first aid helped this event to take off and raise approximately £2,000 for Magpas. This year, we have decided to open up the event to raise money for all air ambulances in the UK. We would be grateful for any donation you may be able to make to help 2017’s event grow!

By supporting BRoW4 with our fundraising, you are helping us to continue saving lives in the East of England and beyond. To find out more, please go to our website www.bikerunorwalk4.com If you require any further information about the essential work that the Magpas Air Ambulance does, please go to www.magpas.org.uk

MAY 2017

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Health

The hot weather usually means feet are out and on show – it is essential to look after them properly to prevent problems.

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• Do you dread this time of year as your feet are on show?

• Do you struggle to manage your own feet?

Our highly skilled team of podiatrists can put you at ease and provide specialist treatment to your feet to help them look and feel wonderful again.

We have a clinic in the Hight Street, March and at the New Queens Street Surgery, Whittlesey.

We can provide daytime, evening and weekend appointments.

Why not treat your feet today?

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

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MAY 2017

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Beauty

Why you should Hire a Make-up Artist for your Wedding Day

-

Lauren Goode

You’ve bought the perfect wedding dress and booked the ideal venue for the party of the century, but don’t forget about yourself. Your wedding day may be the only time you will be pampered by a professional make-up artist.

Hiring a make-up artist may seem like an ‘extra’ expense. However, if you pay for a lesson, and buy all the make-up (that you probably won’t use again), to attempt a DIY make-up job, it may be cheaper to hire an artist.

If you are still undecided, here are my top reasons for booking a make-up artist for your wedding day: 1) BE STRESS-FREE ON YOUR BIG DAY Out of all the reasons to hire a make-up artist, this may bring the ultimate benefit. Everyone is bound to get a little nervous while getting ready for their wedding, and trying to apply a top quality make-up application that looks not only flawless in person, but also in pictures, is a hard job to tackle.

We are here to help you, so you can just sit back and relax, and leave for your big day looking effortlessly fresh and radiant!

2) MAKE-UP TRICKS TO HELP YOU LOOK YOUR BEST A properly trained artist will know how to highlight your best features, whether it’s your flawless skin, high cheekbones, kissable lips, or sparkling eyes.

They also know how to camouflage any flaws in your skin without caking on tons of products.

Make-up artists study the art and proper selection of colours. From eye shadows and lip colours, to proper foundation colours, they know how to choose those best for your unique colouring. They are equipped with the proper tools,knowledge and techniques to bring out your best features for your wedding day.

3) BE CAMERA READY As a make-up artist, myself, I keep my kit stocked with make-up that is designed to look amazing when photographed. Experienced make-up artists will sculpt your face, using contouring techniques,

to add the illusion of depth in two-dimensional photographs, and in real life. Professionally done, wedding make-up will guarantee you look beautiful under any light, whether it’s outdoor sunshine, evening candlelight, or flashing photography. They will also prevent you from appearing shiny and over, or under, done. So you can smile, knowing that there is no risk of the dreaded ghost face.

4) LONG LASTING WEAR When you a hire a make-up artist, you won’t have to worry about your make-up wearing off.

By utilising specialized products such as primers, setting sprays and powders, make-up artists will give you a long-lasting look that can withstand tears, hugs, sweat, and anything else your wedding day throws at you.

5) NO ONE IS LEFT OUT As well as pampering you, an artist can create a unique, yet universal look, for your whole bridal party. So you won’t have anyone battling for bright pink lipstick, or awkwardly having to ask one of your bridesmaids to tone down their bold brows for your big day.

Make sure you choose an artist who is professionally trained, insured, and someone who makes you feel at ease. It’s your wedding day, be fabulous!

www.befabulous.online 07778 139132

laurenegoode@aol.co.uk

befabulousonline The Cabin, Clovelly House, 44 Station Road, March PE15 8LE

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Health & Beauty

Hypnotherapy for Relaxation

- By Valerie Buckenham (Professional Hypnotherapist with Elysium Hypnotherapy) Relaxation is really important to us. It relieves stress, it helps reduce anxiety and it encourages creativity and clarity of thought. We all know that proper relaxation helps to replenish us and recharge our batteries.

But how often do we get the chance to really relax?

People are often surprised to find just how deeply they can relax in hypnosis. Hypnotherapy works by freeing the subconscious mind, to enable us to be more open to powerful but gentle hypnotic suggestions. Most people find it really easy and perfectly natural to enter into deep hypnotic relaxation. After all, it is no different from a state of awareness you probably experience, quite naturally, several times a day: when you are reading a good book, engrossed in a film, playing a game of tennis, or driving along a route you know well.

What to expect at the first session Most therapists will offer you an initial consultation, which, if you wish, can be just a friendly chat over

the phone. If you decide you want to go ahead with hypnotherapy, whether for stress and anxiety, weight management, smoking cessation, or any other issue that hypnotherapy can help with, the therapist will usually begin with ‘Progressive Muscle Relaxation’. This will help you relax and will be followed by a ‘deepener’ to get you super relaxed.

Then the therapist will offer hypnotic suggestions, which will be absorbed in the deepest part of your mind – your powerful subconscious mind.

When you are ready, you will be re-orientated, back into the room, and the therapist will give you a few minutes to restore yourself to ordinary everyday awareness.

ELYSIUM H Y PNOT H E R A P Y

Hypnotherapy has helped thousands of people and could help you too. By using powerful hypnotic suggestions you can: • • • •

QUIT SMOKING ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS GOALS FIGHT DEPRESSION OVERCOME FEARS AND PHOBIAS

Hypnotherapy can help you in many other areas of your life. Please call Val to see how hypnotherapy could help you.

Tel: 01354 651147 Mob: 07523 712687 12

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Valerie Buckenham is a professional member of the National Hypnotherapy Society.

MAY 2017

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Home Interiors

Attic Story - Interior Designer, Yasmin Chopin There’s a lot to consider if you fancy extending your home into the loft. At first glance, it might seem an impossible task - all those rafters and beams cluttering up the space.

Of course, your roof wasn’t designed for living in so your attic isn’t going to be light and airy, spacious and comfortable. Instead, it’s probably draughty, cramped, dark, and a tad creepy. But, if your family is expanding and you need another bedroom, or if you work from home and yearn for a calm and peaceful workspace, ‘going up’ is an excellent way to achieve it. Your investment could be more than repaid by increasing the value of your property.

“The Nationwide March 2016 House Price Index has revealed that adding a loft conversion, or an extension incorporating a double bedroom and a bathroom, could add more than 20% to the value of a three-bedroom, one bathroom house”.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist.

I was asked for my top tip on loft conversions by a specialist roofing company, in preparation for an article they were writing. There’s so much to consider that I took the time to think about my absolute best piece of advice. This is what I said: “No matter how large or small the space you’ve scrounged from your loft, you really must give consideration to the access. Make sure your loft staircase is wide and ensure it either completely contrasts in style and design with your house stairs, or that it matches perfectly. I’ve seen too many loft conversions where the stairs have been built, but no thought has been given to their design. They transport you to an exciting place…. let them tell the story.”

My top tip on loft conversions is to make sure your loft staircase is wide and ensure it either completely contrasts in style and design with your house stairs, or that it matches perfectly.

Period properties with several floors expressed status through the architecture and design of their staircases. To impress visitors, the most money would be spent on the ground floor and first floors while the bottom and the top, the cellar steps and attic staircase, would be made in a utilitarian fashion. After all, it was only the servants who would be using them! Times have changed - don’t let your loft staircase let you down!

Another piece of advice I would give is this: When drawing up the design with your architect or builder, make sure you consult an interior designer before you approve the plans. Your newly acquired space will be quirky and will require clever ideas to make the best use of it. Make sure it delivers what you are hoping for. Can you envisage how you will use it? What headroom will you have to move around? Will the windows deliver too much or too little light? What will it look like during the daytime - and at night? Where will you put the furniture?

Will it offer stylish storage solutions? How are you going to decorate it? A list that goes on and on... make sure you are clear on all of your questions before you go ahead for planning approval!

Image credits: Pink bedroom English Blinds. Spiral steps from Haddonstone. Home Office Elements cream roller blind for Velux windows.

Contact Yasmin Chopin on 07831 231 664, or email her ycid@yasminchopin.com.

See more on her website: yasminchopin.com.

Yasmin helps you create a new layout or decor scheme that reflects your personality and your lifestyle. She offers a two hour home visit which gives you a chance to ask all your questions and by chatting though your ideas you’ll come up with a plan.

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Entertainment Sport

March Town Cricket Club The Avenue Sports Ground Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Tel.01354-652029 www. marchtowncricket.com facebook. com/pages/March-TownCricketClub/526929200705298 @marchtowncc March Squash & Racket Ball Club The Avenue Sports Ground Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. www.marchsquashclub.org.uk March Town Hockey Club The Avenue Sports Ground, Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Senior training on Thursdays at 7.30pm, and junior training is on Tuesdays at 7pm. Contact 01354 740199.

Finesse Personal Training Bootcamp classes, Pilates classes, Toning and over 50s classes run throughout the week at Westwood School, Neale Wade and St Wendreda’s Hall. For more information visit www.finessept. co.uk or on 07793942893 Estover Playing Field Association Football pitches available for hire.

Open to all. Tel. 01354 653540

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Club Guide Pro Martial Arts School March Train at Neale-Wade Academy (Sunday and Wednesday) - Contact Michael Davison on 07906 411721 for more details.

Clubs & Groups

FenlenZ Photography Group Meet on last Monday of the month at The Rookswood Club, 27 West End, March.

Silver Circle A club for the over 55s Meet Monday at the United Services Club, Deerfield Road, March. 2pm for a 2.30pm start, for an afternoon of games.

Friends of March Railway Station Meetings held every two months in the Community Room (platform 2) March Railway Station at 6.30pm.

Contact adrian.sutterby@fomrs.org.uk or gary.christy@fomrs.org.uk Royal British Legion March Branch Meets on 1st Tuesday of month at 7.45 pm, Rookswood Club, 27 West End, March. New members welcome, Contact Secretary 01354 652470.

March Cruising Club Meet Saturday lunch time, first Saturday of the month, at The Rookswood Club, 27 West End, March. River cruises, rallies and social

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events. Slipway/winch available to members. www.marchcruisingclub. co.uk Secretary 656034 RAOB Locomotive Lodge Meets Thursday evenings at 8-10pm at the Braza Cub, Elm Road, March.

New members welcome. Lodge Secretary, Secretary Gerry Wood, 07789548350, woody2791@gmail.com Friends of March Library Supporting and promoting the library within the community. Join us at our coffee mornings on the last Saturday of every month, from10.30 am to 12 noon. Members and nonmembers are always welcome.

Churches

St Wendreda’s Church Wimblington Road, March St Peter’s Church High Street, March St John’s Church Station Road, March Providence Baptist Church Burrowmoor Road, March. Jonathan Stevens (Pastor) Trinity Methodist/United Reformed Church High Street, March PE15 9LH. Call 01354 680883.

Charities

RSPCA Cambridgeshire Mid East Branch, 37-39 High Street, March Call 0300 1234 999 March Rotary Club March Conservative Club – Monday at 7.30pm Drinksense Fenland 20a Deerfield Road, March.

Call 01354 650457 March Lions Club Oliver Cromwell Hotel, High Street. email marchlionsclub@gmail.com

Youth

20TwentyProductions Skoulding Suite, March Town Hall Arts opportunities for young people. Tel: 01354 652769 Email: geri@20twentyproductions.co.uk PlayRight Theatre Company St Peters Church Hall, High Street, March. Term-time theatre group and holiday clubs.

Fenland All Starz Cheerleading Squad, St John’s Church Hall, Station Road.

Boys and girls welcome Young People March City Road, March 01354 650645 www.ypm.org.uk Also includes Fenzone Youth Council

MAY 2017

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Local Business

Thinking Inside the Box Based in Peterborough, 3 Ways Transport Ltd is an independent business with over ten years’ experience in the transport industry.

What began simply as a ‘man with a van’ company back in 2007 now offers a whole range of delivery solutions, and the firm is currently celebrating the opening of its brand new box shop, which caters for all your transport and house removal needs.

The new shop, in Culley Court, Orton Southgate, offers a large selection of removal boxes, wrapping paper, TV boxes, parcel tape, bubble wrap and more – in short, anything you need to ensure your house move goes without a hitch!

online shop. What hasn’t changed, however, is the professional service we provide to each and every customer.”

“Whether you’re moving a sofa across the street or a pallet across the country, we know it’s our job to make sure nothing goes wrong. Right from the start we’ll use our experience to guide you, advise you and help to make the hard decisions easy.”

On a budget? Don’t fear – we have boxes to suit all budgets. Come in, discuss your requirements and let’s see what we can do for you. Visit us at 52 Culley Court, Peterborough, PE2 6WA, or go online to www.3waystransport.co.uk/shop.

The latest additions to this extensive range include by-the-metre Jiffy foam wrap, ideal for separating plates and other breakables, and black shrink wrap for wrapping furniture. At 3 Ways, the number one aim is to ensure that your treasured possessions are protected in transit.

Managing Director Adam Davis believes the firm’s success lies in its customer service, which has been perfected through years of experience.

“Over the last decade we’ve seen a huge change in our business, growing from a single van to a small fleet, then to a shop and now a fully operational

MAY 2017

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Property

What Would Phil and Kirsty Do? - by Mike Ellis

More and more ‘tech savvy’ buyers are no longer registering with estate agents when looking for the right house, but are relying instead on their ‘property alerts’, set up on the leading property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market, but they may be missing a trick. These days, the ‘hot properties’ are selling like proverbial ‘hot cakes’ to buyers with the inside track, as estate agents call them about properties days before the details have even been put together.

These ‘hot buyers’, people in a position to proceed today, with mortgages or finance in place, are sometimes a day or two ahead of the rest of the crowd. This is because they have got to know the local agents, and have built up a rapport, and so they are ‘on the list’. Being on ‘the list’ gets them early viewings, as the agent knows exactly what they are looking for and how much they are prepared to pay.

Most of us have seen Phil and Kirsty on the television, looking for the right “location, location,

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location”; they’ve seen all of the properties on the market and their clients are getting despondent.

Phil and Kirsty don’t know what to do next when, out of the blue, they get a call from an agent telling them about a new instruction, the owner will take a viewing, are they interested?……Of course, they are, and off they go again! Do you think this happens by accident? Think again. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes, with researchers trawling the local estate agents, getting to know the sales staff, letting them know what they’re looking for, where, and for what budget. The agents want to help, of course they do, because it’s Phil and Kirsty, and everyone loves them. That’s how you get on ‘the list’. Talk to the agents and get them to love you too.

So the next time you’re looking to buy a house, the property portals are obviously the first place to start, but if you really want to know about the best houses, before anyone else, get to know the estate agents in the town where you want to buy. Let them know you’re a ‘hot buyer’ ready to go, ready to view and rather than getting the second best house that ‘will do’, you may just find your forever dream home!

Photo courtesy of Channel4.com

MAY 2017

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Do I Have to Use the Property Lawyer My Estate Agent is Recommending?

By Michelle Rickard, PDR Property Lawyers

This is something I hear on a daily basis, and the quick answer is ‘no’.

When your estate agent recommends a conveyancing solicitor, licensed conveyancer or property lawyer, it is likely the firm they are recommending are paying them a “referral fee”.

This fee, which can be in the hundreds of pounds, is usually passed on to you, the client.

Read the small print before you sign any agreements! Every law firm should detail how much they receive from the estate agent for passing business to them. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) have a strict referral code.

Solicitors and licensed conveyancers are required to set out a full quotation which details their fees, the disbursement costs and associated expenses with your transaction. They are also required to reveal how much they paid for your referral, and I suggest you ask them for details of the referral fee they have paid for your (potential) custom.

In addition to checking the amount of money you, the client, are paying for your referred business,

I strongly recommend that you get at least three quotes for your conveyancing. Fees for leasehold and freeholds within different valuation brackets can vary widely. Also search for reviews of the firms you are interested in working with.

In summary, when buying or selling a property it is vital that you appoint a lawyer that you can trust to act in your best interests; one who will have the experience to complete the transaction properly and in a timely manner, and who will charge you a fair price.

Everyone has the right to choose their own lawyer.

Both the SRA and the CLC rigorously state that its members are meant to ensure that their client has chosen them to act without pressure being exerted upon them to do so.

If you are being pressurised into choosing a lawyer as outlined above, refuse firmly and advise that you will seek the advice of the SRA or CLC – this usually does the trick!

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MAY 2017

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D I S C O V E R I N G

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Club Spotlight

Braza Short Mat Bowls

S

hort Mat Bowls is a comparatively new sport, only becoming established in this country in the 1980s. The ESMBA (The English Short Mat Bowling Association), the ruling body of the game, was formed in 1984 and, five years later, the Braza Short Mat Bowls Club opened in March.

Several of the players who joined in 1989 are still members and enjoying their sport. Brenda, the widow of co-founder Ron, is 92 but hardly ever misses a session at the Braza Club, in Station Road, where she is often joined by her son Colin, and grandson Craig.

Vera Emery is another long-serving member. “I joined with my husband and after he died I carried on. I play in club matches and have played for the county. It’s good because you don’t need a partner; that’s the best thing about it. It’s the best thing I ever did.”

Short mat is played in broadly the same way as lawn bowls, but its big advantage is that it is played indoors all year round. Also, unlike its long mat cousin, it needs no permanent location, as the 45ft long by 6ft wide rink mats can be rolled up and stored away, making it an ideal game for playing in village halls, or social clubs that are used for other purposes. ”We have forty members and welcome newcomers,” said Secretary George Jupp.

“The first two sessions are free, to see if you like it.

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After that, we put newcomers in a team with more experienced players.”

Treasurer, June Parish, and husband Claud are both regulars. “We prefer this to lawn or long mat. You have exercise bending and walking and there’s a degree of strategy and skill. You can do as much or as little as you like. Some just come for the pleasure of a roll-up; others play for the county or in the league.”

Short mat is played in broadly the same way as lawn bowls, but its big advantage is that it is played indoors all year round.

The club meets on Tuesdays from 2 pm until 4.30 pm and on Thursdays from 7 pm until 10.00 pm. The cost is £1.50 per session. There’s an annual fee £8.50 (£7 for retirees) to join the Braza Club and a further £8 a year to belong to the short mat bowls section.

For further information, contact George Jupp on 01354 657981.

MAY 2017

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Eat the Season

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus A simple, tasty dish that makes the most of this locally grown produce.

Method 1 Wash asparagus and pat dry. Trim off the woody stem – usually the bottom 2 inches.

2 Toss the asparagus in olive oil.

3 Slice strips of bacon down the centre so you have two long, thin pieces.

4 Wrap the bacon around each asparagus stem and place on a foil lined baking sheet.

I n g redie nt s 1 bu nch as pa ra gu s (thick st alks are be st fo r this re ci pe) 1 ta bles poon of olive oil St reak y ba co n - ha lf m an y w ho le st rip s of baas co as you ha ve as pa ra gu s. n

5 Season with salt and pepper.

6

Place in middle shelf of the oven, then turn it on to 200˚C or Gas 6. The bacon wrapped asparagus should be in the oven during the preheat phase.

7 Bake for a total time of 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.

8 Serve immediately.

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MAY 2017

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Featured Business

A New Look for

Purple Diamond Purple Diamond, the Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway on Station Road in March, have a new look … and it is fabulous!

The Purple Diamond Buffet is extremely popular and consists of soup, starter, second course, and main, which you choose from their extensive menu.

For example, you could dine on Chicken and Noodle Soup, Spare Ribs in Barbeque Sauce, Crispy Aromatic Duck and Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce with Egg Fried Rice – all for £15.00 (Sun), £17.50 (Mon- Thurs) or £18.50 (Fri-Sat).

They also offer ‘Special Set Meals’ for between one and four people.

The ‘Chef’s Special Set Meal’, which is for a minimum of two people, costs £14.50 per person.

Starters – Spring Rolls, Spare Ribs Peking Style Second Course – Crispy Aromatic Duck Main Courses – Chicken in Oyster Sauce, Garlic Chilli Beef, Monk’s Vegetables, Yung Chow Special Fried Rice and Prawn Crackers

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They are able to cater for gluten-free diets.

In response to customers’ requests, they have added two new telephone numbers, to make it easier to book a table or to order a takeaway: To book a table, call: 01354 387911 To order a takeaway, call: 01354 661333 or 01354 660700 If you would like to book a lunch for your group or business, then this can be arranged by calling the restaurant a week in advance.

Sharon and her team look forward to welcoming you to Purple Diamond.

MAY 2017

BUFFET: SOUP, STARTER, SECOND COURSE & MAIN

Adults: £17.50 Mon-Thurs | £18.50 Fri-Sat | £15.00 Sun Children (6-12yrs): £8.50 Mon-Sat | £5.00 Sun Last orders for Buffet: 9pm Mon-Sat, 8.30pm Sun.

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MAY 2017

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Entertainment

This Month at the Movies with The Light Cinema Wisbech

May is a real mixed bag of films, with something for everyone, as the movie world ramps up for the summer blockbuster season.

The Light is busy planning a fantastic event for the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, out on May 26th, in time for the half-term school holiday. Expect lots of pirate fun!

The month kicks off with the feel-good film A Dog’s Purpose. Lasse Hallstrom directs this moving film, about a dog trying to discover his purpose, as he moves through several different lifetimes and owners.

Jessica Chastain stars in the true story The Zookeeper’s Wife, out on May 5th. Antonina and Jan Zabinski were the keepers of Warsaw Zoo when the Germans invaded. In an incredible act of bravery, they opened up the zoo to the Jews being targeted by the Nazis, hiding them until they could escape.

uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.

Guy Ritchie is the director behind the new King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not. Charlie Hunnam plays the lead role of Arthur in this gritty and fast-paced action film.

For details of more films coming out this month and to book tickets, visit www.lightcinemas.co.uk

Ms. Chastain is also the lead in another film out this month, Miss Sloane. Set in the high-stakes world of political power brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought- after and formidable lobbyist in Washington D.C, but, when taking on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds winning may come at too high a price.

Horror fans will be looking forward to the release of Alien: Covenant on May 12th. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discover what they think is an uncharted paradise. But when they Pictured clockwise from top: Alien: Covenant, Pirates of the Carribean: Salazar’s Revenge and A Dog’s Purpose

For more information and to book tickets visit www.lightcinemas.co.uk Please note that films are subject to change and not guaranteed to show in all cinemas.

Cromwell Road, Wisbech, PE14 0RG www.lightcinemas.co.uk

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Sign up and save on online bookings

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

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Gardening

Summer is in the Air! Summer is on the way! The spring bulbs have faded, and it is time for summer bedding plants.

Skylark have a great selection of locally grown bedding plants, for all your pots, troughs, hanging baskets, beds, and borders. Plus, they are all on great multi-buy deals, to help you save money.

Please remember, when planting up any container, to use good quality compost with extra feed and moisture-retaining granules. The best option is ‘Miracle-Gro Moisture Control’; not only does it have enough feed for up to six months, but its unique formula will help you with the watering, by holding in any moisture.

As the threat of frosts has passed, it is time to start a regular lawn cutting and care regime. They say the secret to a good lawn is hard work, but, with today’s fertilisers and chemicals, this is not really the case. If weeds like couch grass and bindweed appear, cut them right back and dig out the root.

If you keep on top of them they won’t spread; if you let them take hold, it will be harder to bring the lawn back to tip-top condition. Remember, don’t set the lawn mower too low as it will harm the grass; keep the level set to a notch above where you would normally be, and the grass will look greener and thicker. If we do have a dry spell, don’t be tempted to waste a vital resource like water to keep it green. Once we do have rain, the lawn will come back, and don’t cut it just before a dry spell is forecast - longer grass retains moisture.

May means only one thing to many of us…two bank holidays! Over the May break, treat yourself, and try Café Skylark’s new ‘Special Afternoon Tea’.

This delightful indulgence includes a selection of sandwiches, a fruit scone with cream, butter and 32

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jam, followed by a slice of one of our cakes. These are handmade, served on a tiered display and available, all day, every day. Feeling luxurious?

Then add a glass of Prosecco for that extra sparkle!

www.skylarkgardencentre.co.uk Skylark Garden Centre is open every day: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm & Sun 10am-4pm The Cafe is open every day from 9am-5pm

Skylark Country Store & Garden Centre Manea Road, Wimblington, March PE15 0PE

MAY 2017

Are you looking for a wooden building for your garden?

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Please visit us at: Vicarage Farm Byall Fen Drove, Manea PE15 0JY Call Paul on 07906344026 E. allsortssheds@gmail.com

MAY 2017

D I S C O V E R I N G

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News

Devolution and an Update on the GCGP LEP - Steve Barclay M.P.

I

t was great to welcome the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, to Fenland, to sign the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough devolution deal. In the past, major Government announcements tended to be signed in Cambridge, and I am keen to ensure the north of the county receives more attention.

In visiting Fenland to sign this major deal, the Secretary of State showed how devolution is an opportunity for Fenland (and the north of the county as a whole) to be more central to decision making. It also ensures Ministers gain a better understanding of our area and what we need by seeing it first hand, which I was able to discuss with him in the car, on the journey from, and back to, Peterborough station.

We now have a great opportunity to elect a Mayor who will help us take full advantage of the new funding that devolution will bring.

Regular readers of Discovering March will know that since Christmas I have been raising concerns regarding Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). As I mentioned last month, I wrote in my capacity as the Member of Parliament for North East Cambridgeshire to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of the National Audit Office (NAO), Sir Amyas Morse, and the Government Minister responsible for LEPs, Andrew Percy MP, and to the Chairs of two of Parliament’s most powerful select committees, the Public Accounts Committee and Treasury Select Committees, asking for an investigation to be launched into

the governance of the LEP and the Cambridge City Deal.

In the last Parliament, I spent four years as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, reviewing the value for money of a wide range of Government spending. I regard the issues identified as serious and worrying. It is clear that the response from the LEP Board to date has been completely inadequate.

My letter to Sir Amyas and my paper, which is the third this year, on the LEP, can be found on my website, www.stevebarclay.net.

I have since received confirmation, in a letter from Sir Amyas Morse, that the NAO will now investigate the LEP, following the concerns I raised over its governance and value for money.

I have always made it clear that I will continue to speak up for constituents, regardless of whether this involves challenging influential figures in our area. The evidence shows Fenland has been let down by the LEP. It is time that the LEP Board is held to account.

To find out more about my work in Parliament and campaigns locally, or to let me know your views, please visit my website at www.stevebarclay.net.

Alternatively you can follow me on:

 @stevebarclaymp  /stevebarclaymp  @stevebarclaymp 34

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In the Hot Seat

IN THE HOT SEAT Mike Ellis is a Director at Ellis Winters & Co, Estate Agents, an independent estate agency, founded in 2001 by Mike Ellis and Ian Winters. With more than thirty years of experience in the industry, Mike and Ian, together with their co-directors, Jan Townsend and Sue Davies, are hands-on members of an ever-growing team and still work in the business every day.

The company has three offices, each open seven days a week, located in March, Chatteris, and St Ives.

Mike Ellis

Where were you born, and what is your earliest memory of your childhood?

I was born in Albrighton, Shropshire. My father was in the Royal Air Force and was teaching at RAF Cosford.

Six months after I was born, we were posted out to Singapore, and my earliest memory is diving into a swimming pool at Changi, and sitting on the bottom of the pool.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

This is a more interesting question than you imagine because it’s made me think about my life. I never had a great relationship with my dad, because he was always away, and it was only recently that I realised and understood the freedom he gave us, to learn and find out things for ourselves. Sadly, he died a few years ago, but I’m so pleased he had influence over my children.

The second person is the author, Wilbur Smith. My teachers at school used to pick on me because I stuttered when I read out loud, so they made me do it even more. As a result, like most young boys, I never read anything, until I was introduced to “When the Lion Feeds”, an adventure story about a family growing up in South Africa. The tale is wound around real historical events, and through it, I gained a love of history and trivia. Once I read the first book I was hooked, and since then I’ve not been afraid to pick up a book.

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Which two characters (alive or not), would you most enjoy sharing a meal with and why?

I’ve only recently found Rick Stein; he comes across as just a normal bloke, enjoying life and people, travelling the world, tasting the many varied dishes each region has to offer.

Wouldn’t it be great to tag along, and have a great meal in one of his favourite places in the world?

The other person is Chris Evans from Radio Two. He seems to manage effortlessly whatever he’s doing, while at the same time having fun. I imagine it belies the tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. It would be a laugh to meet his friends, and spend some time in their company.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Loving, witty, hardworking, forgetful, annoying.

(All at the same time, usually!)

If there was one thing which you could change about March what would it be and why?

The traffic! March has become more and more congested, and desperately needs another river crossing to the south. It would skirt the back of Cavalry Park, cross the river behind Mallard Way, go alongside Creek Road, and come in somewhere on Elm Road. It would solve the bottleneck that is the town centre.

What advice would you give to a 16-year-old you?

Trust your instincts and be brave, travel the world, and listen to your parents; they’re not as silly as you think!

MAY 2017

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37

Matters Become a Member of a Community Flood Group Are you interested in flood risk?

Would you like to help raise awareness about flood risk in your community? Does helping to write a flood plan and getting relevant training sound intriguing?

If so, then you may be interested in becoming a member of a Community Flood Group in March.

A Community Flood Group is a group of local volunteers who focus on improving flood resilience and minimising the effects of flooding within their communities, by planning ahead and sharing information. They represent the community and work in partnership with other authorities (e.g.

Councils, Environment Agency, water companies) to highlight issues and work together to resolve them.

The Cambridgeshire County Council Flood and Water Team are working with the Environment Agency to help form Community Flood Groups in March and across the county.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about this opportunity, then please contact floodandwater@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

FRIENDS OF MARCH RAILWAY STATION The Transport Model Event held by Friends of March Railway Station on Saturday, March 11th was a great success. The event was attended by over 200 people and they raised £264 for their group’s funds.

If you are interested in joining Friends of March Railway Station (they have several working groups and events throughout the year), please get in touch with Adrian Sutterby (Chairman) email: a.sutterby@live.co.uk or mobile 07972 027331.

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We bring you items of interest for your home and community.

If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch at: Discovering March, Benwick Road Ind. Est., Benwick Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 2HD editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

The Ambulance Men of March The Ambulance Men of March

The part played by the Great Eastern Railway and the remarkable ambulance men of March in the development and growth of the first aid movement!

Local author Alan Sharkey has published a book about a now forgotten part of March’s past which contributed enormously to the development of first aid, not only on the railways but across the first aid movement.

The Great Eastern railway ambulance men were the best- known in the country, and their leader William Goodley, an engine stoker, became a war hero (bestowed the Military Cross) and was knighted by the Order of St John, becoming the Commissioner of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade in London.

Alan J Sharkey

This remarkable story came to light when a scrapbook maintained by Bill Goodley’s nephew (for many years the SJAB Superintendent in March) came to light in the March and District Museum, allowing the story to be told.

Bill Goodley’s great nephew, Roger Loose, said of the book: “Congratulations on an excellent piece of work, honouring and remembering those people of March who played a major part in its 20th century life and are in danger of being forgotten.

I have nothing but admiration for your tenacity in researching and sorting all this information. The result is fascinating and describes a now little known but important part of 20th century life. It is a tribute to all who served. You have also discovered and recorded so much about William Goodley that we did not know, so thank you.”

Alan’s particular interest in the subject stems from joining SJAB as a cadet many years ago, and eventually rising to the role of Assistant Director General of the St John Ambulance Association, with responsibility for the SJA elements of first aid in the rail industry. He is currently a trustee of the Whittlesey-based charity, Defibrillators For All and lives in Whittlesey.

Only 100 copies of the book have been printed.

The book retails at £7.99 and can be obtained by contacting Alan at alansharkey@btopenworld.com.

MAY 2017

Help for Voluntary, Community, and Charitable Organisations Hunts Forum and Cambridge CVS (part of Support Cambridgeshire), are able to assist any voluntary, community, or charitable organisation operating in Cambridgeshire. This help can be assistance with:

Cricket-Force Day On Saturday, April 1st, March Town Cricket Club supported the ECB Countrywide initiative called ‘Cricket-Force Day’, sponsored by Nat West Bank.

The Club carried out a revamp of the Club facilities, to prepare for the start of the new season. Numerous maintenance and repair jobs were completed, on and before the day.

Pictured above are some of the helpers, about to join the afternoon working parties.

Neale-Wade Music Department Hits the Right Notes Continuing a long-standing tradition, the NealeWade Music Department, led by Head of Music Miss Griffin, showcased its hard work with a visit to the Peterborough Music Festival. The senior schools of March have been winning trophies in this competition since 1939.

This year, the students had the exciting opportunity to perform at the Key Theatre, to the international adjudicators Robert Bailey, (strings), and Jeffrey Wynn Davies, (woodwind and brass).

The string ensemble were awarded a distinction for their performance, and the woodwind ensemble, as well as being awarded a ‘commended’ for their performance, won the McIntosh Cup. The other Neale-Wade groups were competing for the Cooke Trophy. The brass ensemble gained a ‘merit’ and the Neale-Wade Concert Band and Orchestra were both awarded in the “commended” category. The adjudicator announced the winner this year as the Orchestra, commenting on their excellent balance as an ensemble.

• Setting up your group • Finding funding • Acting as a critical friend – looking through funding applications • Advice and information - on DBS checks for example • Networking events where you can meet other like-minded organisations; • Training on subjects such as safeguarding or first aid • Creation of your policies and procedures such as a constitution.

The first contact is free of charge, but if someone requires more assistance, then Hunts Forum do ask that they become a member which costs £25 per annum. This entitles them to free help and they are able to attend training or networking events for free.

If you would like some support please contact: Angela Haylock Development Officer Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations The Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Huntingdon Cambs PE29 7HN Direct Tel: 01480 420604 Mobile: 07809 214895 www.huntsforum.org.uk

THE GREAT GET TOGETHER In honour of Jo Cox – 17-18th June Do you think your community would like to be part of this huge national occasion?

If you would like to get involved and organise something, big or small, the Healthy Fenland team can help you with all the necessary practicalities.

Get in touch through our Facebook page if you have any ideas about something you would like to do for this event and, if we can, we will help you to make it happen.

Miss Ceri Griffin, Head of Music said, “We are extremely proud of the achievements and dedication of our musicians at the Academy.

It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to perform onstage at The Key Theatre, Peterborough; our students rose to the challenge and played with great enthusiasm and skill”.

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Local History

The 1925 Smallpox Epidemic

- By Peter Wright (on behalf of March & District Museum)

Rumours and concern swept March at the end of 1925 when a local case of smallpox was diagnosed.

Sidney Stacey, aged 26, who had twice been vaccinated against smallpox during his army career, now lived and worked his family farm in Whittlesey Road. On Sunday, December 20th, he became ill and took to his bed with aches and fever. Three days later, spots began to appear on parts of his body, although his family suspected nothing serious. On Christmas Eve, he was so ill that a doctor’s visit was requested.

Dr. P. Moxey called on Christmas morning and examined Stacey. Moxey conveyed his suspicions of smallpox to the local Medical Officer of Health, Dr. F. A. Evison, who called at the farm as the Stacey family were in the midst of their Christmas dinner. The patient was very ill, he was incoherent and had a temperature of 104 Fahrenheit. Evison agreed with Moxey’s earlier diagnosis, and on Boxing Day Stacey was taken to the local isolation hospital in Gaul Road.

Following Stacey’s removal to the hospital, his room was ‘stoved’ with sulphur dioxide and his bedding and clothes were burnt. On Monday, 28th, further burning of beds, bed linen, carpets, curtains, and clothing was undertaken.

About twenty people, who were considered immediate contacts, were vaccinated at once and their health was closely monitored by Moxey.

Mr. H. P. Sharman, Chairman of the Local Board of Health, authorised posters headed “SMALLPOX” to be printed for public display. These offered free vaccination, as the only protection, for all citizens of March. On Sunday, calf-lymph for the vaccinations arrived by rail. By Monday morning, a centre for immunisation was established at the Guild Hall in Broad Street. Evison, assisted by Moxey, were the doctors responsible. A substantial portion of the population was complacent and declined the treatment. On the evening of December 31st, Stacey was reported as making very satisfactory progress. His previous military inoculation had mitigated the severity of his illness. Where Stacey contracted his illness was never established.

By the following Monday morning, there was no indication of any further developments and Evison

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hoped that by the end of the week he would be able to declare the danger over. Evison reported to the council that “Nursing smallpox is a risky and unpleasant business – most nurses demand double fees. The fee for nursing in our hospital was fixed twenty years ago and has never been altered.

If your council could revise this scale of charges and bring them up to modern needs, it would be an acknowledgment of the services, well and satisfactorily performed, by the present caretaker and nurse.”

The local doctors were subsequently congratulated on the successful campaign they had mounted to prevent a widespread outbreak. By February, the patient had recovered and was allowed home. He was very fortunate in having few scars to remind him of his experience. Just over a year later March would have to face the prospect of being involved in yet another smallpox scare.

Photograph of A F Sharman who was Chairman of The Board of Health at the time of Peter’s article. This photograph was taken many years later (date unknown).

MAY 2017

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Clarian Training comes to Fenland Ady Slack (MIfireE, CMIOSH, Cert Ed), is the owner of Clarian Training Company. He recently retired from the fire service after thirty years as an operational Station Command and Fire Investigation Officer.

He also worked in Fire Protection, Training, Health and Safety, and Operational Support, working within higher risk premises, and the farming industries for site-specific risk inspections.

He is also a national committee member of the IOSH Fire Risk Management Group, and is now focusing on his training company that aims to deliver a high-quality service to the Peterborough and Fenland district. It supports clients in Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Food Safety, First Aid, Water Safety, and Health and Safety Management training courses.

He is looking to run the courses at local venues in Fenland and specialises in going into organisations to run courses on their premises (for a minimum

of six candidates) to give a more cost-effective service to the customer.

Clarian Training offers local SMEs the opportunity to train their workforce and comply with Health and Safety, Food and Fire legislation, at a cost which is, in some cases, up to 50% lower than comparable courses offered by other organisations. All of the courses are nationally recognised and certified by one of the following; IOSH, CIEH, NEBOSH, Ofqual, Qualsafe or RLSS. Ady said, “I am looking forward to the new challenge of expanding my established business, and giving the customer the best opportunity to up-skill their staff, in order to keep ahead of the legislative requirements, at a cost that is very affordable”.

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MAY 2017

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MAY 2017

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

43

Legal

Increase in Probate Fees - by Holly Webb

Obtaining a Grant of Probate is the process by which someone is given the authority to deal with the property, money, and possessions of a person after they have died. This is usually undertaken by the executor of the will or the solicitor acting on their behalf. An application is made to the Probate Registry who issues the Grant of Probate and a fee is payable upon application.

Currently, the fee for obtaining the probate is £215.00 for an application submitted personally by the executor, or £155.00 for applications completed by a solicitor. However, this is all set to change with the government planning a rise in probate fees according to the value of the property left by an individual in their will, before the payment of any Inheritance Tax. The proposed probate application fees, which are due to take effect in May 2017, are as follows: • £300 for estates worth more than £50,000 and up to £300,000 • £1,000 for estates worth more than £300,000 and up to £500,000 • £4,000 for estates worth more than £500,000 and up to £1 million • £8,000 for estates worth more than £1m and up to £1.6 million • £12,000 for estates worth more than £1.6m and up to £2 million • £20,000 for estates worth more than £2 million Not all properties need to go through probate and the threshold below which no fee is payable will rise from £5,000 to £50,000, lifting some estates out of paying any fee.

Many estate administrations, however, involve applying for a grant, particularly where assets are held in the deceased’s sole name. Financial

institutions usually want to see a grant unless the value of the deceased’s holding is relatively modest. Also, the UK Land Registry will insist on sight of a grant if property is to be transferred from a deceased sole owner into the name of a beneficiary, or if the property is to be sold by the personal representatives.

Concerns have, unsurprisingly, been raised as to how payment of these fees is to be made, prior to the grant being obtained. Fortunately, this issue appears to have been resolved with many banks and building societies willing to release funds to pay the new probate fees, much as they do for funeral expenses, or the payment of Inheritance Tax, at the moment. However, the fee increase may still cause problems for some estates which are very high in value but have all of the wealth contained in non-cash assets, such as shares or property.

Should you require any assistance in the administration of an estate, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Probate department at any one of our four offices.

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March

45

Local History

Johnson Square Cottages, Station Road - by Jennifer Lawler

There are several fascinating heritage buildings in March streets. Some of these buildings are badly neglected resulting in threats to demolish them. Their history is often unknown as they have remained empty for so long.

Attached to the rear of March Freezer Centre in Station Road, are the shells of two cottages, the empty remnants of a row of five, late 18th, early 19th century, terraced cottages in Johnson Square. Next to this row was a terrace of four cottages of a different style, demolished for a development which has not taken place. The first row of cottages was set back from the road and appears to have had gardens.1

What remains of the cottages today

The white-painted brownish-red brick cottages have a Dutch gambrel roof, perhaps originally thatched, later covered with red flat clay tiles, and now with black tiles. Each cottage had a front door and a ground-floor window, both with brick arches. The dormer window had Yorkshire horizontal sliding sashes, each of six panes, and there was a tall brick chimney for the downstairs fireplace. An extension to the rear housed the kitchen and later bathroom.

The low height of the rear blocked windows indicates how the path has been raised over the centuries.

The c1605 map of March shows the area of Johnson Square as part of the large plot, including the whole east side of Broad Street, owned by Robert ‘Prarby’ (illegible). The White Hart Inn buildings are the only buildings shown on the plot.2 By 1840, the plot had been subdivided, and the buildings in Johnson’s Yard and Row, bounded by Outwood End (now Station Road), were owned

by Mary Yardy.3 In the 1841 census, there were five dwellings in Johnson’s Rowe and seven dwellings in Johnson’s Yard, including an empty one. Residents included two millwrights, a bricklayer, a carpenter and agricultural labourers.

By the 1851 census, the area had been renamed Johnson’s Square, perhaps after building work, and there were thirteen dwellings. Four of the families remained: the Smiths, Kirbys, Grangers, and Cartwrights. Amongst the residents were

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Artist’s impression of the original row of cottages

now a sawyer, schoolmistress, nurse, carrier, and a railway labourer.4 March railway station opened in 1847 and the cottages were convenient for railway employees.

In the early 20th century shops were built on the roadside5 in front of the end of the row of cottages and eventually, the two remaining cottages were incorporated into the former freezer shop.

1

1887 map, March Library

2

Manor of Doddington map 1600s, March Museum

3

R51/28/1A, 1C, March Apportionment 1840, Cambridgeshire Archives

4

Censuses 1841 March Museum, 1851 Cambridgeshire Family History Society

5

Johnson Square photographs, March Museum

MAY 2017

MAY 2017

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What’s On

May 2017 1st Truckfest 2017 – The UK’s biggest trucking spectacular is returning to Peterborough in 2017 on the 30th April and the 1st of May. Gates open from 9am until 5.30pm. East of England Showground Cambridgeshire PE2 6XE. Contact telephone: 01775 768661. www.truckfest.co.uk/peterborough/.

2nd-4th Brewery Tours – Elgoods Brewery, North Brink Brewery, Wisbech, PE13 1LW. Includes eating and gardens. We regret that children under 6 are not allowed on Brewery Tours. Time 2pm.

Adults: £8, Children (6-16) £5.

4th Big Music Quiz at the Anchor Inn, Norfolk Street, Wimblington.

Starts at 8pm. Fun music quiz for all ages. £1 per person entry (goes to local groups/causes). Max teams of 6. Round of drinks prize for winners.

Money raised goes to a local group/organisation/cause at the end of the month with the Wimblington Christmas Lights and Wimblington Fun Day both receiving donations this year so far this year.

5th Open Mic Night with Bondy at March United Services Club, 1 New Road, March, PE15 9AN. 7pm, £5 entry to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Tickets available from Optima Estate Agents in March.

5th All Shook Up! 50s and 60s Rock & Roll in aid of the Alzheimers Society at The Braza Club, March, 7.30pm.

5th March Town Cricket Club – Open Evening with Buffet – A night for existing and new members of the club.

7.30pm-11pm. Burrowmoor Road, March – see Facebook for more details.

6th Peckover House – Behind the Scenes Tour. Explore parts of the property not normally open to visitors. Note: the tour will involve several flights of stairs. 2.30pm, £3 plus normal admission, Booking advisable. Peckover House and Garden, North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1JR. Tel: 01945 583463.

10th The March Society presents A Visit to Coates.

7pm at March Library – for more information email info@themarchsociety.org.uk 11th General Knowledge Quiz at the Anchor Inn, Norfolk Street, Wimblington. Starts at 8pm. Fun music quiz for all ages. £1 per person entry (goes to local groups/causes).

Max teams of 6. Round of drinks prize for winners. Money raised goes to a local group/organisation/cause at the 48

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end of the month with the Wimblington Christmas Lights and Wimblington Fun Day both receiving donations this year so far this year.

12th John Shaw presents a talk March Town in the year of Three Kings 1936-1937, at March and District Museum's monthly meeting. Meetings begin at 7.30pm at St. Peter's Church Hall, admission is £2 for members and £3 for non-members and everyone is welcome.

13th Charity Open Fishing Competition in support of Thorpe Hall hospice on Gunwade and Overton Lakes at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.11am-4pm (draw for pegs at 8.30am). Entry £30 (£10 to Sue Ryder, £20 to pooled prize fund).

To enter, email Mike Smith: mikethefish30@gmail.com 14th Strictly Tempo Tea Dance with Back Two at March Conservative Club. 3pm-5pm, £6.00 adults, £3 children (includes tea and nibbles).

Doors open 2.30pm. Call 07760 160022 14th March Brass 2000 will be playing at the Jubilee Gardens in Ely at 2pm.

14th Great British Tennis Weekend.

Chatteris Tennis Club will be holding another free Open Day as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend.

Sunday 14th May from 2pm – everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a game of tennis, plus BBQ. Equipment will be provided, just wear trainers.

All ages and abilities are most welcome so give it a go!

Chatteris Tennis Club, St Peter’s Drive, Chatteris, PE16 6BY Contact telephone: 07775 904380. Call to check latest times or cancellations. www.chatteristennis.com.

15th The GiggleFit group have their Monday meeting – suitable for all ages and abilities. It is really good for getting moving and keeping mobile. They are now in the Trinity Hall behind Trinity Church from 5.30 to 6.15pm so it is a quick and fun session. All welcome!

19th March Jive Club have Shane and The Korrados at The Braza Club, March. Contact Andy 01353 776229.

20th Mel Stevens & Classics – ’60s rock & roll band.

8:30pm -11:30pm at The Braza Club, March 20th Karl live at the Rookswood Club – 9pm to midnight.

23rd Wimblington Film Club are showing A United Kingdom at Wimblington Parish Hall, doors open at 1.30pm and film commences at 2pm. £2.50 on the door. Visit www.wimblingtonfilmclub.org.uk or call Pat on 01354 740654.

27th Quiz Night at Parkfield, Wimblington £10 entry per team max of 6, to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

MAY 2017

What̛s On

May 2017 27th Fun Charity Evening of Cabaret and Disco with Jensen Duo at Westfield School, March (Oak Site), 7pm.

Bring your own food/drinks – Supporting SUDEP action.

28th Archery Taster sessions – you will learn how to shoot a bow safely, enjoy affable competition with your friends and a great outdoor experience. Start at 11am.

Depending on the group size, sessions last between 1 - 2½ hours.

The price is £20 per adult and £15 per child over 11 years old, supervised by accompanying adults. This activity is pre-bookable only so please call on 01354 658737 or email your inquiry to john@fourwindsleisure.com.

28th-29th Willow Holt - Open Garden for NGS. An intriguing natural garden developed over 24 years from impenetrable undergrowth on a base of rubbish.

Hundreds of plants hide strange sculpted creatures alongside meandering paths. 2 acres with ponds, woodland, and meadow. A garden to get lost in. Admission £4, Children free. Home-made teas. Times: 11am to 5pm. Willow Holt, Thorney, Cambridgeshire PE6 0QN. Contact telephone: 01733 222367 www.ngs.org.uk/.

MAY 2017

29th Little Miracles Fenland are holding their Summer Fayre at Doddington Recreation Field, Benwick Road, Doddington, PE15 0TX (opposite the hospital). 12 noon4pm. Entry £1 per adult Under 16s 50p. For more info call 07957 610621.

31st Spring Clean - Go Green with the Great Fen team! An afternoon packed full of recycling themed activities. 1:00pm to 3:30pm - The Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, PE26 2RS. Entrance Fee: £3 per person or £10 per four people. Enquiries 01487 710420. Email: info@greatfen.org.uk

See our Facebook page Discovering March Magazine for more events and offers.

To list your event contact editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

D I S C O V E R I N G

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Thompson Wills PROFESSIONAL WILL WRITING AND ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES Wills Asset Protection Trusts Lasting Power of Attorney Probate Living Wills - Advance Directive Document Storage Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

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Consumer Advice

Wise Words on Summer Security With the lighter nights, the warmer days and the gardening season about to blossom, now is the perfect time to think about summer security. With our house, most of us ensure the alarm is switched on, doors and windows are locked and a light is left on when the house is empty.

But what about garden security?

The brighter days and longer weekends present more time for mowing lawns, pottering in the garden, and spending time with friends and family al fresco – and increases temptation for opportunist green-fingered thieves.

Beware of cold callers, suggesting that your fascias or guttering need repairing, your driveway requires attention, or offering gardening services.

And when it comes to what you already have – expensive potted plants, ornaments and stylish furniture – think about the value and security of our outdoor possessions in the same way you view those inside the home.

Here are some simple precautions: • Consider things that may be appealing to a thief, such as an unlocked back gate or shed (particularly if the shed contains expensive garden tools / machinery or bikes).

• Get a reputable locksmith to secure gates and sheds.

• Lock away ladders or anything which could be used to gain entry to your home.

• CCTV surveillance will allow you to view your garden and any unwelcomed activity from your home.

• Install some sensory / outdoor lighting.

• Alarm the garage to provide additional security, or think about installing garage roller shutter doors.

• If your fencing is flimsy, broken panels could provide easy access to intruders, so consider investing in some new and improved fencing or panels.

• If you are going away, even for the weekend – lock any back or side gates or other entrances to the garden to limit access.

• Pack away, out of sight, any garden tools or equipment.

• Secure expensive plants with wire pegs dug into the ground around the root ball.

• Use a security pen to mark valuable items, like garden furniture, ornaments or trampolines, with your postcode.

• Consider defensive planting like prickly hedges or shrubs.

• Join a local Neighbourhood Watch Group – where you and your neighbours can look out for each other. To check if there is one in your area, go to www.ourwatch.org.uk When thinking about having any security, garden maintenance or crime prevention work carried out in your home and / or garden, always use someone reputable and trustworthy. If you need a recommendation for a safe, approved local tradesperson, visit www.safelocaltrades. co.uk or call 0800 014 1832.

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BexBella Mobile Beauty - March

Providing Premium Pampering at Your Door.

Treatments Include; Massage, Tinting, Waxing & Nail Treatments.

✓ Inspections & testing carried out 01354 740206 | 07770 931667

See our advert on page 25

City Road, March PE15 9LT Tel: 01354 652208 www.georgejamesandson.co.uk

Decorator

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Call or text Bex on: 07544 852143 Email: bexbella@outlook.com www.bexbellamobilebeauty.com

PUBLIC

installers of

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES

T: 01354 655200 dan@aogwindows.co.uk www.aogwindows.co.uk

E:

174 Station Road, March, Cambs PE15 8NG

To advertise your business here call 01778 421 427 0r 07590 217 349 Prices start from just £19

w w w .d i s coveringmagazin e s. c o . uk | MAY 2017

Like us on Facebook Spring Business Directory

53

Local Business

Can you do it? Yes, we can!

How many times do you think “If only I had someone who could...”?

Well, finally, you have!

‘M & J In and Around the Home’ is a newly created, family-run business that puts a fresh spin on the traditional ‘handy person’ service.

Mick and Jackie want to make a difference to people’s lives in the local community. By pooling their skills, they have created a unique service, which will make them the ‘go-to’ people, for any work in or around the house.

They enable people to spend quality time in their homes by offering property maintenance,

ess d n i us ke ly B chec i Fam CRB All

HELP!

cleaning (indoor and outdoor), decorating, garden maintenance, dog walking, caring for pets, horse management, and help with internet and computer issues.

Mick and Jackie also have experience working in the care sector and schools, and are able to offer help with the elderly - (both are CRB/DBS checked).

So, if you want some help around the house, on a regular or one-off basis, give them a call and let them know that you need someone who can...

&J M In And Around The Home Giving you more time to enjoy life

• Weekly or fortnightly services available • General DIY Service • Home & Garden maintenance • Property Maintenance

• General Cleaning Inside & Out • Dog Walking • General pet care assistance (including horses) • IT / Internet Support

Any questions or to book: Call Mick or Jackie 01354 653292 / 07731 748681 email: mjservice@mail.com 54

M & J - May Issue half page ad 159x110mm Final.indd 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

20/04/2017 12:17

MAY 2017

ea ts m ar ch qu al ity . m

WE WILL TAILOR MAKE OUR PACKAGES, TO SUIT YOU!

4 HOMEMADE QTR POUND BURGERS

8 HOMEMADE QTR POUND BURGERS

8 FRESH LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGES

16 FRESH LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGES

4 HOMEMADE GRILL STICKS

8 PARTBONED FRESH BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

4 FRESH BELLY PORK SLICES

4 FRESH HOT & SPICY PORK STEAKS

8 PRE-SLICED BURGER ROLLS

8 PRE-SLICED BURGER ROLLS

HTY A MIG AST FE T A E M

PLE

10 PEO

10 HOMEMADE QTR POUND BURGERS 20 FRESH LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGES 10 BBQ PORK SPARE RIBS 10 MINTED LAMB LOIN CHOPS 8 PRE-SLICED BURGER ROLLS 12 PRE-SLICED HOT DOG ROLLS

8 FRESH GAMMON STEAKS 8 FRESH HOMEMADE BBQ CHICKEN KEBABS 8 FRESH JUMBO LINCOLNSHIRE SAUSAGES 8 FRESH GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN FILLETS 8 FRESH HOT & SPICY PORK STEAKS 8 PRE-SLICED BURGER ROLLS 12 PRE-SLICED HOT DOG ROLLS

TASTY NEW RANGE OF SUCCULENT PULLED PORK NOW AVAILABLE SLOW ROASTED FOR OVER 12 HOURS. JUST RE-HEAT, READY TO SERVE. CHOOSE FROM TRADITIONAL , SMOKEY BBQ, ORIENTAL SALT & CRACKED BLACK PEPPER OR TEX-MEX

SUMMER PARTY PACKAGE ALSO AVAILABLE - call for details!

£6

01354 653156

MON-SAT: 7am-5pm | SUN: 8am-1pm MAY 2017

March Quality Meats, 27-29 HighDStreet, I S C O V E R I N G March, Cambs PE15 9JA

March

55

Selling or letting?

We’re right up your street in Chatteris, March and Wisbech.

For more information call one of our local offices today.

56

Chatteris

March Residential

March Professional

Wisbech

T: 01354 693266

T: 01354 652502

T: 01354 602030

T: 01945 583123

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

MAY 2017