Discovering March issue 091, April 2021

Issue 91 / April 2021

and the surrounding villages

INSIDE THIS ISSUE INTRODUCING VINE LAW: BESPOKE LEGAL ADVICE

ECO-DRIVES: SAVE £1000 ON A NEW DRIVEWAY!

FREE RAPID COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE

Your favourite community lifestyle magazine – PRICELESS

Welcome to your April issue...

Three months into the year already and brighter days are almost here (in more ways than one!)

T

o me, the build-up to Easter always seems a bit like a speeding train – you’ve only been on it a little while since leaving the station in the New Year; things have rushed past the window, (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and the like); you’ve just about got used to the wintry wind and rain; and guess what – here’s your stop! Everything has flown by and you’ve been caught unawares.

However, we are now in a much better place than at the start of the trip – evenings are now pulling out, there’s sunshine on the blossom and flowers in the garden; it’s time to think about those holidays ahead and those barbecues.

I hope you enjoy this “better place” as much as I’m planning on doing. The contents of this month’s magazine are designed to help you ease your way through this gorgeous springtime.

Claire x

If ever there was a year to relish the prospect of spring, then this is it.

After a year of on-off lockdowns forcing us all to adhere to social distancing and the isolating effects of being unable to see friends and families, it looks as if both the seasonal and social climate is at last set to change.

As more and more of the local population are vaccinated against COVID-19 most people believe things will improve as we enter spring and then, hopefully, the warm summer months, and I’m sure many of you, like me, cannot wait to get outside to socialise.

On a different note, I wrote last month of my winning run in the EuroMillions lottery which had netted me a grand total of £9.50 for a total investment of £15. Well, it did come to an end, but only after offering up another winning return of a monstrous £2.60.

MEET THE TEAM

Rest assured my new wealth is unlikely to lead me to quit the Editor’s chair in the near future….

Andy

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton: 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk WARZ ON JOHN SCH SABERTage ANDY ARMSTRONG CLAIRESale r p Editor, s Man Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214 Grouover Owner & Distrib Owner, ution ing mags all Disc & Publisher Manager Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Rob Harradine Sales Paula Peake: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com PAULA PEAKE

TORI MARTIN

Account Manager

CATHERINE HEALY

Inside Highlights

5 .................. Win A Chocolate Explosion!

6 .................. Eco-Drives Lincolnshire Ltd 8 ................... Gardening Tips For April 11 ................... March Surveying Services 16 ................. Stephenson Smart 18 ................. Agentis Financial Advice 22 ............... History With March Museum 24-25 ...... Community Matters 26 ................ Christians Against Poverty 28 ............... Safe Local Trades 32 ................ Vine Law 33 .............. Chat Over A Cuppa 34 ............... History With Trevor Bevis 36 ................ Recipe: Easter Rocky Road 38 ............... Drinking with Trevor Langley 40 ............... K.E. Rolfe 41 ................. Olive Tree Law 42 .............. March Podiatry 44 ............. COVID-19 Rapid Testing 46 .............. Willow Court Assisted Living 50 ............... Steve Barclay MP 54-55 ...... Photography Competition Results 58 ............... Let's Get Quizzical 60-61 ....... Business Directory With thanks to:

Caren Palmer-Welch, March Podiatry, Eileen Le Voi, Peter Wright, Richard Munns, Stephenson Smart, Holiday With Us, Trevor Langley, Vine Law, Steve Barclay MP and Trevor Bevis.

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the May issue is Monday, 12th April 2021.

ANDY HURST Editor

Account Manager Discovering March is published by a local teamAccount and isManager 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.

2

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

SONY TVOsM FR 99 .

9 4 2 £ ES/ FRIDG ERS Z FREEOM FR

£129

ING WASH INES MACH

FROM 99

£249.

ERY, DELIV TION LLA INSTA OVAL & REM ICE SERV LE AB AVAIL

ELECT COOKERIC RS FR OM

We look forward to welcoming you back on

APRIL 12TH SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AND FOLLOWING STRICT COVID-19 GUIDELINES

PLEASE CALL US FOR LATEST STOCK AVAILABILITY

£219

DISH WASHER

S

FROM

£249. 99

TUMB DRYERLE S FROM

£199

Images for illustration purposes only

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

26-28 Broad Street, Whittlesey PE7 1HA sales@kellyvision-kcs.co.uk A Pwww.kellyvision-kcs.co.uk RI L 2 0 2 1

P

FREE PARKING IN

WHITTLESEY!

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

3

OUR STORES WILL REOPEN AGAIN FROM MONDAY 12TH APRIL

A FANTASTIC RANGE OF DESIGNS FROM CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSIC

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

SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS

reedshomestore.co.uk

4

|

find us on facebook

REEDS Furniture, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213 REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754 D I S C O V E R I N G March A P R IL 2 0 2 1

WIN A

CHOCOLATE EXPLOSION Find all eighteen Easter Eggs hidden in adverts throughout this issue to win an eggsquisite Chocolate Explosion. When you find them, write the page number you found it on in the boxes below.

To enter, simply post, email or message your entry to us: Cut and Post your completed entry form to Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET Email a clear photograph of your completed entry to info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Message us on facebook @discoveringbournemagazine, with a clear photograph of your completed entry The closing date is the 30th April and a winner will be announced on 3rd May

Get hunting everyone!

Name...........................................................

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

Telephone...........................................................

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

5

Eco-Drives Lincolnshire Ltd

Resin Driveways

Your chance to save a massive £1,000 off your new driveway!

E

co-Drives are giving you this fabulous opportunity to make your home the envy of your neighbourhood.

Why not come out of this present lockdown with a smile and a determination to make this your best springtime ever? Quality and value are assured, as Pinchbeck-based EcoDrives set to work on your new resin drive.

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 wide 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.

Whether you are looking for something subtle or

6

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

eye-catching, Eco-Drives Ltd are confident you will find a driveway that fits your requirements and complements your home. Their prices are very competitive, and their service is friendly, professional and high quality. They are also keen to provide advice on which solution is most suitable for your needs.

Benefits of Resin Driveways ✓ Durable ✓ Low maintenance ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Highly resistant to rust, oil, corrosion, salt and cracking ✓ One of the safest types available ✓ Resistant to abrasion, slipping, indentation and ignition ✓ Many colours available.

To discuss your requirements, please call 01775 888 336 and check out their gallery at www.eco-drives.co.uk for examples of their work.

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

y w ingg tryit lolow cin roiori foll annc rppri efo istta ouur We lddis isiso W al y iai etyt occ afef sso urrssa ou YYo

LowMaintenance, Maintenance, Eco-Friendly Eco-Friendly Driveway Low DrivewaySolutions Solutions

Save

£1000 this Spring

Call now for a free quote 01775 888 336 Call now for a free 01775 888 336 Call now for adriveways, free quote quote 01775 888 336 Resin bound patios, parks and

paths throughout Lincolnshire Resin bound driveways, patios, parks parksand and Resin-bound driveways, patios, throughout Lincolnshire Safe, slippaths resistant, vandal resistant, eco friendly & permeable paths throughout Lincolnshire

Available in various coloursresistant, Safe, slip resistant, vandal eco friendly & permeable Safe, slip-resistant, vandal-resistant, eco-friendly & permeable Eco-Drives Lincolnshire Ltd • 01775 888 336 • info@eco-drives.co.uk Available in various colours Available in various colours Eco-Drives Lincolnshire • 01775 info@eco-drives.co.uk Eco-Drives Lincolnshire Ltd •Ltd01775 888888 336336 • •info@eco-drives.co.uk *Please quote offer onon initial consultation *Please quote this offer initial consultation Findthis us on Facebook or Instagram A P RI L 2 0 2 1

DB Eco Drives FP Advert SEPTEMBER 20.indd 1

Find on Facebook Facebookor orInstagram Instagram Find us us on

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

7

12/08/2020 15:23

Your Garden

I

APRIL GARDENING TIPS

wonder if this month will be a repeat of last year. April 2020 saw the sunniest, warmest, and driest April on record; an excellent scenario for the gardener and, as the days are lengthening, more time to spend outdoors! But beware as there is always a threat of night frosts and it is better to be cautious than to take a risk as precious time will be wasted: don’t forget to cover early sowings with fleece or cloches if frosts are forecast.

It is a busy month with planting, sowing and preparing the ground for the new season’s crops. Also, the weeds are starting to enjoy the warmer weather so do keep on top of their removal; they do say that if you “hoe when you can’t see a weed, you’ll never see a weed!”

Strawberries can be planted out now. An easy way to propagate strawberries is to plant any runners from the plants (keeping them attached) and put the runner into a plant pot filled with compost - the runner can be held down with a “U” shaped staple or piece of wire. It is advisable to rotate the strawberry patch on to fresh ground every four years to minimise the risk of a build-up of diseases, and replace plants every three to five years.

A major task in April is planting out potatoes.

A rough guide would be: plant out first earlies around late-March, second earlies early to mid-April and maincrops mid to late-April. The newly emerging foliage is susceptible to frost damage in April and May and, if frosts are forecast, cover the

8

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

emerging shoots with soil or fleece to protect them.

Other jobs for the month include: • If you haven’t planted your onion sets, then make that one of your first jobs this month.

•

It is very tempting to sow seeds all in one batch; however they will all need pricking out, thinning, and potting on at the same time. Sow the seeds that have the longest growing season first and stagger the rest.

•

Sow sweetcorn – an interesting way of germinating sweetcorn is by pre-chitting: lay the seeds on a layer of damp kitchen paper then place a layer of paper over in an airtight box. Check daily and when a small white sprout appears, plant the seed about half to an inch deep in potting compost.

• Plant asparagus crowns by the end of the month.

•

Don’t forget to regularly hand weed or hoe around seedlings as the weeds appear, as they create a lot of competition for food and moisture.

• Put up pea sticks and build cane supports ready for climbing beans while the ground is still soft.

• Tomato and cucumber seeds can be sown indoors, but wait until the end of the month.

•

Early varieties of carrot, beetroot, spring onions, peas, chard, parsnips, spinach and broad beans can be sown into the open ground.

Happy gardening!

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

RETAIL SHOP GLASSHOUSE PLANTS - ORGANIC VEG PLUGS - SEASONAL BEDDING PLANTS - HANGING BASKETS

CURRENT SHOP OPENING TIMES MONDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 4pm SUNDAY 10am - 4pm

NORMAL OPENING HOURS DURING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

- Buy the best quality - Buy direct from the grower Bedding and basket plants available from April Impatiens Geraniums Dahlias Begonias Marigolds Petunias Fuchsias Perennials

For special offers and competitions HOSPITAL

WE ARE HERE!

Tel: 01354 742022

www.delfland.co.uk

Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0TU A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

9

ce n ra ED u K InsBAC

0 1

r a e

y

A

R UA

G

10

E

E NT

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

SELECT MSS FOR EXPERT ADVICE

M

arch Surveying Services (MSS) is a firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors which specialises in construction dispute resolution but also supplies a range of other services.

involving several thousand individual defects, amongst many others.

The company was founded in 2017 by Lee Morrissey (37), who has been involved in the construction industry since the age of fifteen, and he is assisted in the business by brother Paul and cousin Greg Lee.

“In the past year COVID has obviously affected business but we have grown in terms of turnover.

The suspension of Stamp Duty has helped the property market and there has been an increase in homeowners looking to leave cities and move into more rural locations which has helped generate business.”

Alongside construction dispute resolution, MSS can provide expert services, quantity surveying and also homebuyers’ reports.

Lee said that much of company’s work was historically in the London area, but a majority is now conducted within a fifty-mile radius of March.

He has experience in acting as Expert Advisor, Single Joint Expert, and Party Expert, and has acted on a range of disputes including numerous small claims cases, multi-million-pound contractual disputes, land remediation, and on one case

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

He said: “I originally concentrated on construction adjudication and specialist expert witness work but we have diversified recently into other areas and are now supplying homebuyers’ reports.

March Surveying Services prides itself on its unwavering approach to delivering value, doing so through the provision of informed and impartial advice to its clients, as and when they require it.

Contact March Surveying Services, Regent Buildings, Dartford Road, March PE15 8AD. Tel 07398 065533 Email: contact@marchsurveyingservices.com www.marchsurveyingservices.com

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

11

ColourFence Cambridge The Long Lasting Garden Fence Your Wooden Fence Prone to warping and rotting Requires regular maintenance Susceptible to strong winds

A ColourFence No warp, rot or rust for 25 years* Virtually no maintenance required Proven to resist winds of up to 130mph Continuing to operate and quote safely within government guidelines using social distancing

Call Us Today on 01354 800 034 for a FREE quote or visit colourfencecambs.co.uk * full terms & conditions on website or on request

12

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

We follow Covid-19 Guidelines At Access4Lofts there’s always space for safety!

01733 663207

ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING AND HEATING – NO JOB TOO SMALL! LOCAL & RELIABLE • FULLY INSURED • BOILER REPAIRS & INSTALLATIONS SERVICE MAINTENANCE • POWER FLUSHING • UNDER FLOOR HEATING RENEWABLE ENERGY – AIR SOURCE HEATING INSTALLATIONS & SERVICING FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS • LANDLORD SAFETY CERTIFICATES

CALL REECE ON:

07469 248400 | 01354 461345

EMAIL: beldomplumbing@hotmail.com | 78 ELM ROAD, MARCH PE15 8PG A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

13

Temperature Regulation

uPVC Windows

Weather Resistant

INSURA N

installed by a SupaLite Recommended Installer.

BACKED GU CE

10

YEARS

ANTEE AR

Choose a SupaLite Tiled Conservatory Roof

Noise Reduction

COMPOSITE Doors

CONSERVATORIES

GET A FREE ONLINE QUOTE

www.aogwindows.co.uk

01354 655200 sales@aogwindows.co.uk

14 Station D I S Road, C O March, V E R Cambridgeshire, I N G March PE15 8NG 174

A P R ILDoors 2021 BI-FOLD

P R !

O FO SS SH N NE PE I O US B

For all your Blinds, Awnings and Curtains

GE N RA T AR EN TO TM LL IN CA PO SE AP EA PL

Blinds in Harmony

AN

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

Conservatory blinds • INTU blinds (no screws used) Vertical / Roller / Pleated / Roman blinds • Venetian blinds, wood and aluminum Black-out blinds • Fly screens • Child safety devices available on all blinds Awnings and Canopies • Made to measure and handmade curtains Curtain tracks and poles supplied and fitted • DOMESTIC and COMMERICIAL Come & visit our showroom at 15 Market Place, Whittlesey, PE7 1AB Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and Saturday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

Telephone 0800 028 2942 or 01733 840258 • enquiries@blindsinharmony.co.uk

Visit us at www.blindsinharmony.co.uk DW Blinds in Harmony Half Page AD JULY 20.indd 1

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

17/06/2020 12:51

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

15

Finance

BUDGET 2021: HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU? Last month’s Budget announcement by the Chancellor focused on short to medium term support and recovery in light of the current financial, and overall situation, the country is in due to the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Goad, partner at Stephenson Smart’s March office, analyses the main changes: Furlough The Chancellor confirmed a continuation of the current furlough scheme until the end of June with a further extension until the end of September.

From July, the Government will introduce an employer contribution towards the cost of unworked hours of ten percent in July and twenty percent in August and September.

SEISS In addition to a fourth Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant, open for applications from late April, the Chancellor also announced a fifth SEISS grant to cover May to September this year. The value of the grant will be determined by a turnover test. Businesses whose turnover has fallen by thirty percent or more will continue to receive the full grant; those whose turnover has fallen by less than thirty percent will receive a thirty percent grant.

Business Rates and VAT A business rates holiday for those in retail, hospitality and leisure industries will continue with one hundred percent business rates relief from April 1st to June 30th, followed by sixty-six percent business rates relief until March 31st, 2022. Those in the tourism and hospitality sector will also continue to be eligible for the five percent reduced rate of VAT until September 30th, a twelve percent rate

from September to March next year, with the full twenty percent VAT rate not coming into force for them until April 2022.

Income Tax The Chancellor also announced a freeze on Income Tax personal allowance. The current rate is set at twenty percent when you earn £12,500 a year and the starting point for paying the forty percent higher rate tax is £50,000. The thresholds will go up to £12,570 and £50,270 in April, as planned but will then be frozen for five years. With these thresholds maintained at the same level until April 2026, many people receiving a pay rise may find themselves in a new tax bracket.

As predicted, the Chancellor did not make this Budget about tax changes but about continued support for individuals and businesses in the wake of coronavirus.

If you would like to discuss in more detail how any of these changes will affect you, please get in touch on 01354 653026 or email march@stephenson-smart.com

MARCH 01354 653026 WISBECH 01945 463383 KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318 DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 GREAT YARMOUTH 01493 382500 www.stephenson-smart.com 16

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

A

T

SPEC

Est. 1977

FIRES

37 Market Street Whittlesey Peterborough PE7 1BA

FIREPLACE AND STOVE SPECIALIST Gas Fires

Wood Burning Stoves

Electric Fires

Flue Systems

Full Installation Service

Fireplaces

Chesney's Charnwood Stovax Gazco Capital Fireplaces Rais Wanders Evonic & more...

info@aspectfires.co.uk 01733 202220

www.aspectfires.co.uk

TOM WESTBROOK Installation & Repairs Specialist TRUSTED IN THE TRADE FOR OVER 25 YEARS

• NEW WINDOWS & DOORS • • MISTED WINDOWS • • DROPPED DOORS • • REPLACEMENT LOCKS & HINGES • • CAT AND DOG FLAPS • Call today for a free no obligation quote on 01354 653445 or 07949 457029 westbrookwindowrepairs@gmail.com Find us on Facebook A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

17

Mortgage Advice

The importance of advice

W

ADVICE FROM CAREN PALMER-WELCH, MORTGAGE AND PROTECTION BROKER

ith the extension of the Stamp Duty holiday until June 30th, 2021 for home movers and the continuation of the exemption of Stamp Duty for first-time buyers up to £300,000, you would be forgiven for missing the biggest news for first-time buyers … the re-introduction of mortgage products that require a minimum of a 5% deposit.

There is certainly plenty to be positive about.

Lenders have recently been returning to the market with 10% deposit products and with rates also slowly reducing across the higher “loan to value” brackets. Therefore, we seem to be returning to some form of ‘normality’ for first-time buyers.

The new 95% government-backed mortgage guarantee products will be announced shortly and will almost certainly create a flurry of activity. Getting the right advice about these products is key and being able to access them

while they are available will almost certainly be easier via a qualified and experienced broker.

“Help to Buy” is also still available for first-time buyers, assisting those to purchase a ‘new build’ property with the support of up to a 20% Government Equity Loan and only a 5% deposit.

The gap between 2-year-fixed and 5-yearfixed is the narrowest it has ever been. This means a buyer can now secure their rate for a longer period and have peace of mind for stability of their monthly payments for longer.

Ultimately, it is about getting the right advice and the right service. The need for advice has never been so important, whether you are a first-time buyer, experienced home mover or property investor.

The market has seen many changes in recent years, more so in the last twelve months with the impact of COVID-19.

*Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage*

M. 07925 556767 T. 01733 367800 (Opt 8) E. caren@agentisfinancial.co.uk 36 Thorpe Wood, Peterborough PE3 6SR

Effective advice…efficient service 18

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

www.agentisfinancial.co.uk A P R IL 2 0 2 1

No Problem No Call Out Charge

Roller Garage Doors – Industrial Shutters – Awnings Retractable/Fixed Grills – Glass Verandas

Gutters Cleared

We also supply sectional garage doors and composite front doors

We remove leaves - moss - grass - growth & debris

Photos

Before & After High Security | High Quality | Wide Range of Colours Fully Insulated | Quiet, Smooth Operation Remote Controlled | Emergency Override

OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL

8000+ Reviews 4.96

Get an instant price

01354 526 018

Excellent

or online gutterpro.co.uk

ARTIFICIAL GRASS INSTALLATIONS BY

15% OFF

INSTALLATIONS UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY 2021

TOP QUALITY EUROPEAN ARTIFICIAL GRASS SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED BY US – A PROUD MEMBER OF SAFE LOC AL TRADES

• No more watering or feeding • No more mowing or trimming • Loved by pets • More design possibilities • Incredibly soft and durable

07974 430594

info@artificialturfcare.co.uk www.artificialturfcare.co.uk A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

19

ign Free Dese servic

Free Estimate s

Approved Installer

Approved

TILED ROOF SYSTEM

The Difference is NIGHT and DAY

NEW

Utilise your conservatory all year round with an equinox tiled roof

DESIGN

Features and Benefits 3 Warm in the Winter, Cool in the Summer 3 Quick and Easy Installation 3 Building Control Approved 3 High Energy Efficiency 0.15 ‘U’ Value 3 Tile Colour Options 3 Fully Insulated with Plastered Finish 3 Integral Down Lighting 3 Reduced weather noise

BEFORE THE DIFFERENCE IS NIGHT AND DAY

AFTER Finished plastered Innovative multi-layered roof designceiling with downlights as standard

Innovative multi-layered roof design

Leading Installers of

Upvc Doors

Composite Doors

Windows and Doors

‘A’ Energy Rated Windows and Doors

Guttering, Cladding and Fascias

Stable Doors

See more online www.fourseasonswindowsolutions.co.uk 20

Tel: 01778 394440 • info@fourseasonswindowsolutions.co.uk Drove Farm, Bourne, PE10 OAL A P R IL 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V EDesign R I N GHouse, MarchMeadow

LOGAN DELIVERS AN ELITE SERVICE

E

lite Pressure Washing is a local reputable company specialising in the exterior cleaning of roofs, driveways, conservatories, patios, render, gutters plus more!

Formed by Logan Mott (27), it carries out work for residential and commercial customers throughout Cambridgeshire and has a loyal customer base.

Logan takes great pride in his work, using the best equipment on the market to ensure the best results possible, ensuring the most cautious health and safety requirements throughout all work undertaken.

Elite Pressure Washing has received glowing testimonials from satisfied customers on the website www.elitepressurewashing.co.uk as well as on the company’s Check-a-trade listing.

Logan said: “I’ve been in business for the past five years and have built up a good, loyal customer base, mainly residential. I get a lot of repeat business from customers who want someone

AFTER

BEFORE

they can trust. I carry out a variety of services, with roof cleaning becoming ever so popular and becoming the current biggest demand.”

You can contact Logan on (01354) 552019 or 07754 459266.

Email: info@elitepressurewashing.co.uk

Driveway & Patio Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning Roof Cleaning • Render Cleaning Fully Insured • 5 Star Google Reviews Covering Peterborough, Huntingdon, Cambridge and March

01354 552019 • 07754 459266 www.elitepressurewashing.co.uk info@elitepressurewashing.co.uk

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

21

Local History

March Gas and Coke Company: Expansion and Demise

By Peter Wright & Richard Munns

I

(on behalf of March & District Museum)

n 1888, annual production of coal gas from March's gas works was 11.6 million cu. ft. Demand from the ever-growing town continued to increase and by 1924 production was 38 million cu. ft.

In that year, to supply this ever-growing demand, the March Gas and Coke Company began construction of a new retort house. Mr Dicker, the works manager, told The Cambs Times that the new retorts would be regenerative furnaces rather than the previous direct fired units. These opened in October 1928 together with new pumps to distribute the gas to the consumers. Gas production rose to 52 million cu. ft. in 1928.

From the late 1920s substantial enlargement and modernisation of the Whitemoor railway facilities continued to grow the town's population. Despite increased use of electricity for domestic lighting and cooking, demand for gas continued to grow.

In December 1944, to provide for this increasing demand, the March Gas and Coke Company was granted permission from the Ministry of Fuel and Power to erect a new plant – the third such development since the company was founded.

A bank of six new upwardly heated ‘Woodhall – Duckham Continuous Vertical Retorts’ would be installed at an estimated cost of £28,000. In these, coal was raised by lift into an overhead hopper and gradually fed through a rotary valve into the top of each retort. During its gradual gravitational descent, it was slowly carbonised and converted into coke, releasing the coal gas. This coke byproduct was sold as a valuable solid fuel and 27.6 tons of coal each day could produce 465,000 cu. ft. of gas. Annual production from these retorts reached 98.4 million cu. ft. of gas in 1948.

In 1949, the gas industry was nationalised and the March Gas and Coke Company became

22

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

the March District of the Cambridge Division of The Eastern Gas Board. However, 1964 saw the first shipment of natural gas from Algeria and the following year natural gas was discovered under the North Sea and The Cambs Times reported in February 1965 the closure of March gas works. In the final full year of operation, 1964, gas production at March was 152.9 million cu. ft.

A national programme to convert all gas appliances from coal gas, also known as town gas, started in 1968 and was completed in 1976.

Although the March gas works was demolished in 1986, the site was so heavily contaminated that it would be many years before it could be redeveloped for housing.

Photo: Aerial view of the gas works with The Causeway in the foreground

The museum is currently closed under the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Further details may be obtained from info@marchmuseum.co.uk A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Offering sales, servicing and repairs across a great range of ride-on and walk-behind lawn mowers, all types of grounds care equipment and accessories to suit all applications.

EAST ANGLIA’S PREMIER GROUNDS CARE EQUIPMENT RETAILER X127 Ride On Lawn Mower from £2,715

X590 Ride On Lawn Mower from £7,295

Give your lawn mower the attention it deserves this Spring!

LG265 Home Service Kit

£52.99

Ben Burgess Coates

Eldernell Lane, Coates, Peterborough PE7 2DD enquiries@benburgess.co.uk

TEL: 01733 840777

Upvc Windows and doors Aluminium Windows and doors Bi-folding doors

Prices Inc. VAT

BenBurgess.co.uk Follow us:

Fascia, soffits and guttering Supalite Warm roofs Conservatories

Thewindowanddoorbusinessltd@gmail.com | 07875 745125 The window and door business ltd March 2021.indd A P RI L 2021

1

17/02/2021 14:18 D I S C O V E R I N G March

23

Matters

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, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Cllr Boden said: “These factors all make it more challenging to reduce the spread of coronavirus in our communities. That’s why we’re investing further funding into rapid lateral flow testing and contact tracing, our compliance and prevention work and extending the local discretionary hardship fund to help those on low incomes to self-isolate if they need to.”

Dr Liz Robin, director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “We are starting to see a reduction in COVID-19 infection rates across Fenland but they are still much higher than other parts of Cambridgeshire.

‘ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN DEPENDS ON US’ – WARNS COUNCIL LEADER The leader of Fenland District Council has urged residents to continue to listen to government guidance as lockdown eases to help everyone get back to a more normal life.

Cllr Chris Boden said: “The Government has outlined a four-step roadmap out of lockdown but the dates for each step are not set in stone.

Coronavirus infection rates in Fenland are falling, but less quickly than in some other areas, so we all need to do our best to follow the guidance and stay safe.”

Restrictions started to ease with the reopening of schools on Monday, March 8th and will lead to the planned lifting of all restrictions by June 21st at the earliest.

“I’d like to thank everyone in Fenland who has worked hard and given up so much to help tackle the virus to date, but now is not the time to become complacent,” added Cllr Boden. “We all want to get back to normal, but we must tread carefully. It’s up to us to make this work.”

He added there were a number of factors that put the district at greater risk including many people working in the food sector and other front-line jobs where they have to leave home to work, households with several adults living together in the same house and some people on low incomes who need financial support to self-isolate.

24

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

“We all need to play our part and continue working hard to see this reduction continue by following the Government’s lockdown rules. This means staying at home as much as possible and only going out for essential reasons. If you have to go out to work or for other essential reasons, please try to avoid car-sharing with anyone you don’t live with, keep a two-metre distance from other people, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and wear a face covering where this is required.

“If you are leaving home regularly for work, volunteering, training or education, or if you are a household member for a child attending school, please access a rapid test twice a week. If you have one or more of the three COVID symptoms, then self-isolate immediately with your household and book a test. Together we can all make sure Fenland emerges from lockdown in the best possible position.”

Rapid lateral flow tests for people with no symptoms are available at GER Sports and Social Club, Robingoodfellows Lane, March, open Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and King Edward Community Centre, 3 King Edwards Road, Chatteris, open Monday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. To find out more and book tests online, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting The council is also offering rapid testing to businesses. Any businesses and organisations which would like to set up a lateral flow testing programme for employees can email: LFTWorkplace@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Photo: A Fenland District Council member of staff undergoing a lateral flow test at the rapid testing site for FDC staff at Fenland Hall, March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

TIME TO ENTER THE MARCH GARDEN COMPETITION Spring is just around the corner. It's time to get busy in the gardens that helped to keep us all sane through last year, so why not share all your hard work by entering your local March Garden Competition?

Simply email your name, address, phone number and which category your garden falls into; small, medium or large.

CHANCE FOR KIDS TO SIGN UP FOR CRICKET COURSES March Town Cricket Club is running All Stars Cricket (for five to eight-year-olds) and Dynamos Cricket (eight to eleven years) from Sunday, May 8th. These eight weekly sessions are from 10am to 11am.

All Stars’ cricket gives boys and girls a perfect introduction to cricket. The curriculum of fun cricket activities and games provide the children with the basic movements to begin a lifelong love of cricket and general physical activity. All Stars’ children get a bat, ball, cap, T-shirt and rucksack.

Dynamos Cricket is the introduction to cricket for children who are new to the sport. It provides children with a more social offer focused on developing fundamental movement skills and applying them in an exciting game of countdown cricket. Dynamos’ children get a personalised T-shirt with their name & number plus a digital App experience.

The sessions will be taken by ECB qualified coaches and activators. Please book online via www.ecb.allstars/play/cricket

Judging is planned for July 10th and 11th and the competition organisers will be in touch with everyone who entered to arrange convenient times for them to visit.

The competition will be sponsored by local businesses and prizes awarded for the winners of each category.

Email entries to beaverbom@gmail.com or call (01354) 656185 with your details.

WORKS AT FENLAND RAILWAY STATIONS FORGE AHEAD A multi-million pound regeneration of Fenland’s railway stations is pushing forward with more major improvement works due to begin later this year.

Construction of a new 112-space car park at Manea station is set to get underway this spring, while car park improvements and work on redesigning the Platform 1 buildings at March station will begin in the summer.

The projects are among a series of regeneration schemes for Fenland stations being delivered through Fenland District Council’s Railway Station Masterplans project, with a £9.5 million package of funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), led by Mayor James Palmer, and support from Greater Anglia.

New platform waiting shelters have already been installed at Manea and Whittlesea stations through the Combined Authority funding and Section 106 contributions, along with an improved passenger footpath and lighting at Whittlesea.

Further plans are in the pipeline for Whittlesea, with the council and the CPCA currently working alongside colleagues at Greater Anglia and Network Rail to look at options for a level crossing upgrade as part of a programme of works.

Meanwhile, detailed design works are due to begin shortly for March station, with construction due to start in June 2021 and completion expected in November 2021.

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

25

How to be charitable when

MONEY IS

TIGHT Make use of social media

Facebook has a feature which allows you to set up a fundraising pot for your friends and family.

Why not create one for your birthday and ask people to donate instead of buying gifts?

Simply log on to your Facebook page, create a post and select ‘Raise money’ to get started.

Raise funds while shopping

Are you a regular Amazon shopper? When you order through Amazon Smile, they’ll donate 0.5 percent of the amount spent to a charity of your choosing. It won’t cost you anything – other than what you’d be spending on your purchase anyway – and there are loads of eligible charities to choose from. If you’re not convinced 0.5% will go very far, bear in mind that the initiative has raised more than £5.7 million for UK charities since November 2020. Every little bit really does help. Head to smile.amazon. co.uk to find out more.

If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, it’s the power of charitable giving. According to a special giving report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), support for NHS-linked charities skyrocketed in 2020. It just goes to show what’s possible when collectively we all get behind a cause.

Perhaps you want to get involved and give to the causes you care about, but money is already so tight that you don’t see how it’s possible? Good news! There are lots of other ways to support your favourite charity and make a difference.

By Sue Bradshaw

gain sponsorship, most of which won’t cost you anything. What activity could you get involved with to help raise vital funds for a worthwhile cause?

Do what you love

Fundraising doesn’t have to be all about athleticism. Maybe running a marathon or skydiving is never going to be your thing.

Think about what you enjoy doing or what skills you have – how could you turn these things into fundraisers? If you love video gaming, you could do a sponsored 24-hour game-a-thon.

If you’re into crafts, consider if you could make something to share with friends and family to raise funds. Your handiwork could even benefit a charity directly – for example, you can support your local neonatal unit by knitting or crocheting items for premature babies. See bliss.org.uk/supportbliss/volunteer/knit-for-prematurebabies to find downloadable patterns.

Challenge yourself, have fun, and make a difference in the process.

Volunteer your time

Finding ways to be charitable that fit into your lifestyle is a really easy way to make an impact. You could find out more about volunteering at your local foodbank for one afternoon per week or support a neighbour by collecting shopping or medicines for them. Your time can prove just as precious as your money – if not more so.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with more than 580 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management, job clubs, life skills groups, and support for people breaking life-controlling dependencies.

Visit capuk.org to find out more.

Get sponsored

The pandemic has shown that we don’t need to venture far to do something worthy of raising lots of funds. Look at the late Captain Tom who raised millions for the NHS without leaving his garden! There are various websites available that allow you to set up a fundraising pot and 26

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Are you looking for a Senior School where your son or daughter is given the time to develop, create, learn and grow?

With small class sizes, expert teaching, enriched opportunities across an exciting curriculum of sport, drama, creative arts, music, DofE and 100's of clubs where your child can reach their full potential.

Entry into Year 7 has never been more straightforward. with our dedicated transport links. scholarship and bursaries; contact our Admissions Team on 01945 586750 or email admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

27

Consumer Advice

HD DVR

2 HD SECURITY TURRET CAMERAS PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED

Live View from any smart phone, iPad or laptop 12month warranty • Motion detection Intruder alarm • 500gb hard drive included

SPECIAL OFFER £549.95

Call 01733 691200 Other services include TV aerial and or 07512 394975 satellite installations and repairs LIKE our facebook page www.airborneaerials.co.uk

New Season, New Hope – Let’s Get Spring Cleaning!

by Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades The Easter weekend and school break are traditionally the time when “DIY-ers” and spring cleaners emerge from winter to tackle all those jobs around the home. Few things are more satisfying than a spring clean, whether you have just five minutes or a whole weekend, so here are some tips: 1) Take one room at a time, so as not to get overwhelmed by the task, and be ruthless with your de-cluttering. Ask yourself, “Does the item make me happy, does it serve a purpose, when was the last time I used it?”

Sylvia’s ’’s Masks

DW DWB DM DB DD Airborne Aerials 1/8 Page DECEMBER 20.indd 1 12/11/2020 15:38

Sylvia makes washable, 100% cotton masks (patterned and including a range of Christmas prints) for adults and teens at just £2.50 per mask.

Adjustments happily made for slim or long faces!

Please call 01354 651821 for details

2) In the kitchen – start with the cupboards and then move on to cutlery drawer (tip: soak tea-stained teaspoons in a mug of water with a few drops of vinegar) and then finish with the microwave, kettle and toaster.

3) When it comes to the bedroom, the wardrobe is usually the biggest issue. Take everything out and discard anything you have not worn in the past year or if it doesn’t fit. Sell good condition clothes and bag up others for the charity shops.

4) If you are still working from home, think about how you can improve your working area. Re-assess your space and how you can maintain a clutterfree environment. Go through paperwork, re-filing or shredding as you go along, and have a digital de-clutter too.

FREE* Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

5) In the children’s bedrooms, encourage them to go through their belongings and donate any unwanted items to charity. In return, treat them to some new bed linen and, if you want to keep the space as clutter-free as possible, some funky storage boxes or containers will give them a reason to keep their room tidy!

Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

01354 704585

info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

*

28

D I S C O V E R I N G

ourne 76.5 x 110.indd 2

6) If you have taken down numerous paintings, pieces of artwork or photo frames from newly decorated walls, try and get used to living in the space without them for a while, and only put back up what you really want to.

If you don’t have the time, skill or confidence to give your home the makeover it deserves, then Safe Local Trades can put you in contact with many reputable and reliable professionals to help make your home sparkle this spring.

For more information on our members, to view their profiles, photo portfolios and reviews, visit www.safelocaltrades.com

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1 03/07/2020 15:42

NEED A RECOMMENDATION? FREE and EASY service

ed The ONLY Police Check r of recommended registe local approved traders

®

safelocaltrades.com Recommended & Appro ed

Much more than just a recommendation ...

Serving the PE Postcode community since 2008 Over 70 different trade categories and over 15,500 reviews Here are some of our members … & Patios Driveways

rator & DIY

co Painter, Deen

Tradesm

epairs

R ge Doors & New Gara n me

Trades

RIDGEWAY GARAGE DOORS

www.cambridgeshiredriveways.com

mattc2901@gmail.com

www.ridgewaygaragedoors.co.uk

Call Ian on

Tel: 01733 123456 t

Call Tracey on Tel: 01733 123456 t

t

01733 810063 or Repairs

ow & Do UPVC Wind

Call Matthew on

07702 407908 ations

rass Install

Artificial G

Tradesmen

01733 772934

in association with …

Neighbourhood and Home Watch

Looking out for the community

www.windowrepairpeterborough.co.uk

Call Chris on

t

0800 1577 958

www.artificialturfcare.co.uk

Call us on Tel: 01733 123456 t 07974 430594

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH AGAINST SCAMS PARTNERSHIP

C A PA S P

✃

To see our full list of members and read all reviews just go to ...

www.safelocaltrades.com 0800 014 1832

The safest way to source local traders A P RI L 2 0 2 1

Tear out pageMarch and keep

D I S C O V E R I N G

29

Award Winning Property Lawyers Buying or selling your home, despite what many people would have you believe, is a very complex area of law. Whether you are first time buyer or just on the move, we pride ourselves on our friendly approachable service and have a commitment to providing the highest level of service at all times.

We strongly believe in a one-to-one professional service. Our one-to-one service ensures that we work with you and so we can meet your needs goals and concerns.

Our Conveyancing Services: Auction Properties

Sale/Purchase

Equity Transfer

New Builds

Remortgaging

Help to Buy & Right to Buy

Armed Forces

Leasehold & Freehold Matters

Equestrian, Rural & Farms

Instant Online Conveyancing Quote We know how important it is for our clients to be able to quickly receive an accurate estimate of your expected conveyancing fees and disbursements.

Fill in our instant quote form or call 01733 203873 We take care of our clients, let us take care of you!

30

D 5I Market S C O V EStreet, R I N GWhittlesey March

PE7 1BA www.pdrproperylaw.com A P R IL 2 0 2 1

The COMPUTER Man INDEPENDENT I.T. SPECIALIST Computer problems fixed | Laptops repaired Internet and network issues resolved Network cable installations | Server installations Network installations | Business call outs Home call outs | Maintenance & servicing And much, much more

Contact Stuart Saberton: T: 07914 614513

E: stuart@thecomputermanpeterborough.co.uk www.thecomputermanpeterborough.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS

GRASS CUTTING • HEDGE MAINTENANCE WEED CONTROL • WINTER GRITTING CLEANING OF HARD SURFACES • FENCIng GARDEN AND SITE CLEARANCES GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

01354 656 582/07561 355 350 www.fortunatelandscapes.co.uk

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

31

Choose Vine Law for Bespoke Legal Advice Vine Law is a new law firm co-founded by Melinda Smith, previously a managing partner of a large regional law firm, Kim Cross, an employment law and litigation expert, and experienced wills and probate lawyer Cath Collins.

T

he three bring many years’ experience in the law but are keen to bring a fresh approach to legal work. They explore all aspects of the job to see how it might be done differently to best suit the clients.

Whether by giving choice as to how legal services are priced, giving options as to the level of input each client requires from them, or designing new processes which are quicker, more efficient and of maximum value to clients, Vine Law’s aim is to tailor their services to meet the needs of each individual.

Managing partner Melinda Smith says: “Although we are all living in difficult times at the moment, it has actually encouraged us to think very differently about how we can move from a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which a lot of firms often have to operate by necessity, to a much more bespoke, tailored service which better suits our clients.

• • • • •

“It’s exciting to be able to look at doing things differently and we have the benefit of being a small firm so we’re agile and can quickly adapt as we need, which is pretty essential in the fastchanging world we’re in.

“It also helps that we’re good friends, have known each other a long time and work very collaboratively with each other and other professionals which is hugely beneficial for our clients.”

The firm will concentrate on offering a small number of specialist services aimed at helping both individuals and businesses to not only deal with any legal issues as they arise, but to work with them to put as many protections in place as possible to try to minimise the risk of problems in the future.

Kim, Melinda and Cath are happy to chat to you about the services Vine Law offer, or if you have a particular issue you need help with. Contact them on (01945) 898090 or email at hello@vinelaw.co.uk

Wills, Probate and Estate Planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Employment Law and HR Services Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution Legal assistance for start-ups and SMEs

South Brink, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1JA (01945) 898090 | hello@vinelaw.co.uk | www.vinelaw.co.uk 32

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

“Chat over a cuppa” with Cath Collins

S

he started school at Cavalry Infants then moved to Burrowmoor Road School and from there went to the Hereward which merged with the Neale-Wade. Her first job was a Saturday girl at Maurice’s Mini Market which some people may remember on the High Street in March.

Cath decided against going to university and started work aged eighteen on March High Street for a firm dealing with bankruptcy. Over the next few years, she worked in a number of different roles including banking, telecommunications, for a wood coatings company, and in customer services for a variety of firms in East Anglia.

She's been married for sixteen years to Neil who she met at school. The couple lost touch after they left school and met again in 2001 when Cath went out for a lottery ticket and ended up giving Neil a lift home.

Cath loves listening to music and one of her favourite things (pre-COVID) was going to gigs.

She is also a keen crafter having crocheted for many years, long before she says it became cool

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

Cath is a partner at Vine Law, a brand-new legal firm which covers the Fenland area. She previously worked for a large legal firm based in East Anglia for fourteen years, starting as a secretary and training and qualifying as a chartered legal executive in 2015. again. During lockdown she has picked up some of her mum’s knitting needles to improve her skills and got her sewing machine out again.

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

I am truly March born and bred as I was born in the Maternity Home at Robingoodfellows Lane. My maternal grandparents were apparently overjoyed when I arrived as finally after eight grandsons they had a granddaughter. We lived next door to my grandparents and if I or my brother had to take a day off school due to illness then granny would always cook homemade chips for lunch.

That might explain why I still think chips have medicinal properties!

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

My parents had a great influence on my life as they never made me feel there was any difference or limit between what I or my brother could achieve in life. While we were expected to help out in the house there was no distinction between the jobs we were expected to do. My brother can bake a mean cake

and I’ve been known to pick up a sledgehammer to take down a wall.

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

Both of my parents have sadly died so it would be lovely to be able to spend a few hours with them again and ask them all the questions you think you’ve got years to ask.

How would you describe yourself in only five words?

Loyal, caring, stubborn, sociable and a shoeaholic. My love of shoes knows no bounds and the more colourful the better.

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

I’d love to see a more vibrant high street with a good mix of local and national businesses. It would be great to have more to do for all ages and perhaps even a small cinema like The Luxe at Wisbech.

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

Don’t make too many plans, things happen for a reason and you’ll end up where you ought to be.

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

33

Local History

The Rich Soil Of The Fens

by Trevor Bevis

T

he illustration shows the Fens after thirty years of pumping water into main drains and rivers had taken effect.

It was strange to see trees planted and saplings marking the side of roads, little better than muddy tracks with their roots exposed. After drainage had taken effect the roads were sometimes covered

34

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

with a layer of water and presented hazards to people using them. Eventually farmers uprooted the trees and added the sites where they grew to highly profitable acreage. The reclaimed peat and silt, sometimes a mixture of both, were regarded as the richest soil in the country.

The vast Fens area greatly contributes to the nation’s wealth and health.

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

We install top quality Artificial Grass Let our team create your perfect outdoor space!

Visit our showroom Free site visits

01354 654422

artificialgrasscambridge.co.uk info@artificialgrasscambridge.co.uk

LOCAL DISCOUNT

Unit 1, Commercial Road, March Cambridgeshire PE15 8QP

CALL NOW

FENCES

SHEDS

DECKING

TIMBER

Bespoke Builds & Installations Quality Timber Products Made to Order Call us on 01945 410177 Email: sales@fenlandtimber.co.uk Units 1-3, Sandbank Barns, Wisbech St Mary PE13 4SE A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

35

Recipe

Rocky Road

E GGCELLENT EASTER

Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy making (and of course eating!) this Rocky Road with an Easter twist... just don't expect there to be any leftovers!

Ingredients For the mixture:

390g milk chocolate • 75g butter • 5tbsp golden syrup 200g shortbread • 50g chocolate mini eggs 125g fudge • 100g mini pink and white marshmallows For the topping: 150g milk chocolate • 50g chocolate mini eggs 15g butter • 50g fudge

Method

Recipe can be found at www.goodto.com

36

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

1

2

3

4

Grease and line an 18cm x 28cm tin with baking parchment. Put the chocolate, butter and golden syrup into a bowl, resting over a pan of simmering water and heat until melted.

Meanwhile, put the shortbread into a large plastic bag, tie a knot to secure and bash with a rolling pin to crush. Put 50g of mini eggs in a plastic bag and bash to crush. Cut the fudge into small pieces with scissors.

Take the chocolate off the heat, tip in the biscuits, mini eggs, fudge and marshmallows. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Tip into the prepared tin and chill.

For the topping, melt the milk chocolate with the butter. Pour over the chilled Rocky Road mixture, to cover. Scatter over the fudge and mini eggs, then chill until set or ready to serve. Cut into squares.

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

The Barn Restaurant & Cafe Meals - Snacks - Breakfast

Serving delicious homemade food

r e t s a r E e t y s a pp E a HHappy

Scrumptious afternoon tea any day of the week -

Delivered straight to your door from just £15/person please call for details

TAKEAWAYS Takeaway or Delivery £1.00 charge.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner pre order the day before to guarantee delivery A wide selection of food available – call for details Sunday roast just £7.20 choice of pork, beef, chicken or lamb shank at £10.00 Order a whole week’s meals in one go and we accept cash /card payments over the phone.

Free Delivery over 4 meals a week.

The Barn Restaurant 7 Station Road, March, PE15 8LB

01354 656825 | 07597 351 194 hello@thebarnrestaurantmarch.co.uk www.thebarnrestaurantmarch.co.uk Mon-Thurs 8.30-15.00 Fri-Sat 8.30-19.00 Free wifi available Sunday 8.30-16.00 A P RI L 2 0 2 1

Even though the restaurant maybe closed - telephone orders being tillI5pm D I are S C O taken V E R N G

March

37

Food & Drink

Love Gin?

Love Thunderflower!

By Trevor Langley

G

in is a worldwide favourite for many. The base flavour is from juniper berries and today, numerous flavoured gins can be located.

Gin is, of course, a most popular part of many cocktails, too.

Multi-award-winning Thunderflower gin is a small-batch, craft gin produced using the traditional London Dry method. There are several botanical flavours, (which include Macedonian juniper, English coriander, cardamoms, pink peppercorns, liquorice, angelica root, elderflower, sage and others) that are extracted by vapour infusion. Dartmoor spring water is then added to the final spirit.

Following a lengthy experimentation and development period, the eventual recipe was agreed upon, by Dominic and Anicca O’Nions, and the full-bodied, spicy London Dry gin was finally created. The attractive bottles, all handsigned, are presented with much pride. Following the popularity since its launch, production has had to be increased to meet demand, from their distillery in Teignmouth, Devon.

‘Thunderflower Dry Gin’ (42% vol) is, in my opinion, very well worth locating. Made in the traditional London Dry method and using a ‘oneshot’ distillation process, with botanical flavours extracted by vapour infusion, Dartmoor spring water complements the production perfectly.

Smooth and with an excellent body, this gin is balanced superbly, and the palate enjoys a sensation to the end.

gin is known as ‘Navy Strength’ and, again, is distilled in small batches, utilising the London Dry method and vapour infusions to great advantage, with Dartmoor spring water being added.

For a perfect match’ to these gins, ‘Franklin & Sons Ltd (est. 1886) Natural Indian Tonic Water’ is a recommended addition (www.franklinandsons. co.uk ). The blend of sparkling spring water, natural botanical flavours, plus quinine and cinchona bark extract, pairs extremely well indeed, with the Thunderflower productions, which are truly a great addition to any gin enthusiast’s collection.

Thunderflower Ltd: Telephone 01626 374 055 Email hello@thunderflower.co.uk www.thunderflower.co.uk As always, enjoy!

‘Thunderflower Fire Ship 58’ (58% vol) has to be experienced to be believed! This powerful production has a story that relates to the ‘fire ships’ that were used in naval warfare. These wooden ships were set alight, then steered and aimed, whilst ablaze, into the fleet of the enemy. This

38

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

RCH MA

Sa fe I

ag e

e g a r o t S f l Se or Secure I Self St

Prices From

£66

per Month*

• Ideal for Car booters and moving home • 24 hour onsite Security including CCTV • Electric & lighting available in selected units • Flood lit compound • DIFFERENT SIZE UNITS ALSO AVAILABLE - See website for details

March Self Store.com t: 01354 661 999 m: 07966 255 006 MARCH SELF STORE LTD • THREE ACRES BUSINESS PARK RAILWAY JUNCTION SOUTH • CREEK ROAD • MARCH • PE15 8SW

SAFE SECURE LOCATION

Access everyday

07:00-20:00 hrs

Sundays & Bank Hols 09:00-20:00 * minimum term 1 month T & C’s apply

www.snappyshopper.co.uk

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

39

The First Two Months Of Opening

By Kerry Rolfe of K.E. Rolfe

D

uring my first week of opening, I took a call which was to look after a family who had lost a loved one. Even though I have done this for more than twenty years, I felt so nervous as I was now doing this for myself and it is now my name above the door.

The funeral got arranged to the family’s wishes but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances it had to be postponed so was not the first funeral to leave the new home.

I was privileged enough to look after another family who lost their mum. I knew this family as they lived in Manea where I live. Again, the funeral was arranged to the family’s wishes. The family chose an ecofriendly coffin, and this had a garland of flowers placed all the way round it which looked beautiful.

The day of the funeral arrived, and I felt physically sick with nerves. The coffin was placed onto the hearse and I paiged (walked) in front of the hearse and along the front of my funeral home. At this point it was one of the proudest moments I had achieved in my lifetime and a moment I will never forget.

The funeral went ahead as planned and the family were extremely pleased with the service I had given them at this time of need.

A comment I received from this family was: ‘Kerry, I can’t tell you how grateful our family is to you. Ma would have been delighted to know that she was your first funeral as an independent, and no-one would have known. Your professionalism and knowledge have been indispensable to our family, you have handled everything with such a gentle touch and managed to carry out our requests with ease and dignity. I cannot thank you enough for all your kindness and compassion at such a difficult time for my family. We are so very grateful. Thank you.’

I have continued to look after more bereaved families and some who have lost a loved one through tragic circumstances, but I strive to look after all my families with care, compassion and empathy and when I receive comments like the one above it makes everything I do worthwhile and is the reason I came into the funeral sector.

Independent Family Funeral Director

24 hours personal care

Professional and Experienced Advice Private chapel of rest All funeral arrangements catered for including Eco-friendly/green burials Agent for Golden Leaves Funeral Plans in 6-8 Dartford Road, March, Cambs PE15 8AD Tel: 01354 651499 association Email: kerolfe.fd@gmail.com • www.kerolfefuneraldirectors.co.uk with 40

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

COVID-19 SECURE appointments available during lockdown 4

IS NOW THE TIME TO CONSIDER A WILL? Did you know that more than fifty percent of adults in the UK do not have a will? Most people know about wills and what they are but what stops so many of us from putting one in place?

Saving your family stress and money. Without a will your family may need to complete additional forms, undertake family tree research and seek further legal advice.

In addition to this, a will can be much more comprehensive than many people are aware of. You can stipulate when people receive inheritance, you can allow people to have a right to an asset for their life but ensure it passes elsewhere after their death, for example letting a partner live in your home for a stated timeframe, but not actually ever inheriting. You can state your funeral wishes, make provision for your pets and leave gifts to people or charities.

With all this it is easy to see why putting a will in place is the right thing to do, so why do so many people put off making their will?

Talking about death and being unsure how to make a will are the most common reasons we hear as to why someone has not made a will, We understand making your will is not always an easy conversation, but we will always make you feel comfortable talking about it.

One thing universally remains and that is without a will you have no control what happens to your estate after you pass away and may unintentionally leave family with additional stress or costs to deal with.

Each and every will is drafted by an experienced non-practising solicitor so you can be confident that only a qualified professional will prepare and complete your important documents. Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do.

There are so many important reasons why we should all have a will in place, here are just a few: 1 Make sure your assets go to the right people.

Without a will the rules of intestacy will decide who receives your estate and that may differ from your actual intentions.

2 Protecting your home and other hard-earned assets. You can use your will to protect your assets.

3 Protecting an unmarried partner. If you are not married your partner may not receive anything from your estate when you pass away.

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

We offer free no-obligation appointments to provide you with clear and jargon-free advice helping you protect you and your loved ones. Contact us on 01487 474 352 or hello@olivetreelaw.co.uk

READER OFFER

50% OFF

your will for Discovering March readers during April. Please quote March50 to redeem.

Offer applies to a standard will. Usual cost £120 per will, offer price is £60 per will. Prices include VAT. Offer ends April 30th, 2021.

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

41

Health

DO YOU NEED TO SEE A PODIATRIST? Podiatry is simply another name for chiropody. It is a branch of medicine devoted to the study and diagnosis, and medical treatment, of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The name changed from chiropody to podiatry in 1993, so that the UK was in line with all other English speaking countries, in using the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist. A podiatrist will usually have attended a university for three years, to study full time for a degree in podiatry.

with the pain of ingrown toenails, or corns and calluses. Many feel a trip to the beauty salon is all that’s needed. Covering up a fungal nail infection, with a splash of colourful polish, does not resolve the underlying problem.

Here are four reasons to see a podiatrist:

4) Need footwear advice? – Feet come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing suitable footwear, somewhat, determines your long-term foot health. A number of people have developed problems with their feet over time as a result of wearing poorly fitting shoes.

The right pair of shoes should effectively hug the foot and provide a high-level of comfort.

1) Give your feet an MOT – Even if your feet are in a generally good state, an appointment with a podiatrist, every so often, can help to keep your feet in tip-top condition. It’s easy to overlook problems with verrucas, cracked heels, and ingrown toenails; however, these issues can eventually result in painful conditions and infections. A podiatrist can treat a range of issues including corns, calluses, athlete’s foot, foot odour, flat feet and bunions.

2) Manage the pain in your feet – Putting up with foot pain is uncomfortable and unnecessary. A visit to your local podiatrist is all that’s needed to nurse your feet back to full health. Don’t suffer in silence

3) Do you suffer from foot odour? – It’s common to suffer from foot perspiration and odours from timeto-time. However, if the problem persists, seeking expert advice and treatment from a podiatrist can help resolve the issues quickly and effectively.

March Podiatry is following all current health and safety guidelines, to ensure we are COVID secure in order to provide your treatment as safely as possible.

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

 Follow us on Facebook

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

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

42

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

“Our Family Caring for Yours”

Athena Care Homes are a family run business with five homes across East Anglia. Our vision 'Creating opportunities together by caring to be different' Amberley Hall Care Home 55 Baldock Drive, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3DQ 01553 670600 @amberleyhallcarehome Aria Court Care Home Coronation Close, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9PP 01354 661551 @ariacourtcarehome Ashlynn Grange Bretton Gate, Peterborough, PE3 9UZ 01733 269153 @ashlynngrangecarehome Avocet Court Care Home Monmouth Close, Ipswich, IP2 8RS 01473 786980 @avocetcourtcarehome Goodwins Hall Care Home Goodwins Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5PD 01553 777994 @goodwinshallcarehome

If you would like to find out more please email enquiries@athenacarehomes.co.uk or visit www.athenacarehomes.co.uk

over 50 years experience in mobility Maximising Mobility, Promoting Independence

A range of over 80 Scooters from £220, Wheelchairs from £50 and Rise & Recliners from £495 • Rollators • Walkers • Bath Lifts • Stair Lifts Beds • Slippers • Incontinence & Bathroom Products • Kitchen Aids and 100s more aids for daily living Free Parking, Advice, Demonstrations, Brochures & Toilets

OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-5PM & SAT 9AM-1PM Unit 50, Wellington Road, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX www.fenmobility.com Tel: 01353 653 753 sales@fenmobility.com A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

43

Health

Rapid Result Testing For Key Workers in March

T

here are now more options for residents who are key workers – or anyone leaving home regularly for work, volunteering or training – to have regular rapid tests, helping to track and reduce cases of COVID-19.

Up to one in three people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Testing key workers showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, which helps break chains of transmission.

To help residents access rapid testing close to where they live, three new pop-up testing sites have been launched in Fenland, including one in March, at the GER Sports and Social Club in Robingoodfellows Lane. Testing will be available at each pop up twice a week.

The site is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays only between 9am and 5pm and consists of a designated sheltered testing area, with social distancing measures in place. No appointment is needed to get a test, just turn up on the day testing is taking place.

Static sites have also been set up across the county offering rapid result tests to people aged eighteen and over who have no symptoms of coronavirus, including Queen Mary Centre, Queen’s Road, Wisbech, Fenland, PE13 2PE. People are being urged to take a test twice a week.

In addition to the testing sites, asymptomatic adults living in households with children in school, including their childcare or support bubbles can now test themselves twice a week from home using

44

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

rapid COVID-19 home testing kits which can be collected or ordered. Tests cannot be collected from rapid testing sites.

For more information on the pop-up testing sites and rapid home testing kits visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Cambridgeshire, said: “The rapid testing that we are offering across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is an important way to help reduce rates of COVID-19 and make a success of the Government’s road map. So we would urge anyone leaving home regularly for work, volunteering or training, to please access a rapid test twice a week and help us drive down rates of infection.”

Everyone who takes a test, even if it is returned negative, must continue to follow the rules which include leaving home only for essential reasons, limiting contact with people they do not live with and ensuring good practices where contact has to be made, such as social distancing, wearing a mask or PPE and hand washing.

People with symptoms will not be tested at the People with symptoms will not be tested rapid testing sites.

at the rapid testing sites. Anyone with one or more of the following symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Get your free rapid COVID-19 test Testing is for key workers – or anyone leaving home regularly for work, volunteering or training - who do not have any symptoms

Queen Mary Centre

Queen’s Road, Wisbech, Fenland, PE13 2PE PLEASE BOOK ONLINE, OTHER VENUES ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/rapidtesting

Help us stop the spread of coronavirus.

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

For further updates and information please check our website which will be regularly updated www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk D I S C O V E R I N G March

45

COVID-safe First Anniversary Celebrations at Willow Court

T

he last year has been tough for everyone in almost all walks of life.

From hospitality to leisure, care to travel, we’ve all had to adapt our way of living due to coronavirus.

But for those who moved into Willow Court, Whittlesey’s multi-million-pound assisted living scheme, a little over twelve months ago, efforts have been made to keep life ticking as normal as possible.

While residents have sought sanctuary in their individual flats – Willow Court is made up of sixty flats for the over-65s with a care need – sociallydistanced catch-ups and other activities have been put on to keep everyone entertained.

And, to mark the recent first anniversary of the scheme opening, COVID-safe celebrations took place. Colleagues from Willow Court marked the special occasion with branded cakes and keyrings which they took to residents’ flats.

Sally Lock, Longhurst Group’s scheme manager at Willow Court, said she was delighted to be able to mark the scheme’s first birthday in some way despite the pandemic.

She said: “Our first resident moved in on February 17th last year. Little did we – or they – know how much of a challenging first twelve months we were going to face.

“Residents loved the surprise and socially-distanced visit with their gifts on a trolley – they were all so happy and it created a lovely atmosphere.

“We’ve already got new residents joining us at Willow Court in 2021, and everyone is looking forward to continuing this year on a more positive note.

“It’s going to be lovely to welcome all our new residents into the Willow Court family and create that community spirit that we all want to experience.

“Coronavirus may have changed our plans in 2020, but this year we’ll be back better than ever.”

Willow Court comprises forty-seven one-bedroom and thirteen two-bedroom flats for over-65s who have a care need. It is owned by Longhurst Group, which owns and manages more than 23,000 homes across the Midlands and East of England and has an office in Peterborough.

Each apartment at Willow Court is finished with high-quality fixtures and fittings, as well as neutral decoration to allow residents to make it feel like home.

Willow Court also boasts a residents’ lounge, restaurant, hair salon and therapy room, microshop and communal gardens, which residents hope to make the most of in 2021.

For more information about Willow Court, or to register your interest, visit www.longhurst-group. org.uk/willow-court/

“It’s been difficult at times, but all my colleagues and the residents have remained positive throughout and supported each other to make sure everyone has got through it.

“We’ve maintained a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone within Willow Court and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate our first birthday with the cakes and keyrings.

46

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

47

It’s been a long year, and many of us haven’t had the chance to get away from it all. We can’t wait to help you book your next holiday, and we want to make it extra special. That’s why, now that the kids are back to school and international travel is on the horizon, we have decided to go big with our latest offer – Big Holidays, Big Rewards!

Rewarding you with cashback in the form of holiday spending money* If you’re planning a big family getaway or thinking about taking an extra special holiday in 2021 or 2022, then you can enjoy cashback on your holiday when you book with us! Plus, you’ll get all the usuals; low deposits, flexible payment plans, award winning 5* service and our Covid Protection Promise.

In need of some inspiration? Check out some of our cashback included holidays...

IN PURSUIT OF PANDAS TOUR Book now and get £74 cashback*!

Journey from the imperial treasures of Beijing through atmospheric Xian with its Terracotta Warriors to reach the charming city of Chengdu, where you will meet its most famous residents – the captivating Giant Pandas. This nine-day tour departs in November 2022 from London Heathrow from £2490pp† (based on two adults).

AMAZING AFRICAN SAFARI – TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR Book now and get £110 cashback*!

Enjoy a five-night small group safari followed by five nights on the beach in Zanzibar. Highlights include: Views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim and game viewing in the Serengeti, Tarangire & Lake Manyara National Parks. Tour departs November 2021 from Manchester and includes full board accommodation, airport transfers and internal flights. Price from £3677pp† (based on two adults).

FAMILY FLORIDA FUN THIS OCTOBER Book now and get over £100 cashback*!

Enjoy fourteen nights in a private four-bedroom villa with a pool, spa and games room. Head to Walt Disney World and get access to all of the amazing theme parks and water parks with Disney’s Ultimate Fourteen Day Ticket. Holiday departs October 20th, 2021 from London Heathrow, with SUV car hire included. Total price for a family of four is just £6989†.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury for your next escape, then join our upcoming Virtual Luxury Travel Lounge Evenings where we will be exploring the wonders of Africa, the Indian Ocean, river cruising and some amazing adventure tours. To reserve your place visit www.luxurytravellounge.co.uk/events

*T&C’s apply – contact us for details. †Prices subject to availability and change.

The Holiday With Us Group Phone: 0800 167 0232 Email: enquiries@holidaywithus.co.uk www.holidaywithus.co.uk 48

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Toni Wilkes Acupuncture BSc (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC

work from home in nts - I have taken the decision to In the interest of safety for my clie ointment to suit you.

- please call me to arrange an app my purpose built treatment room

Gentle effective treatment to help you achieve optimal health • Aches and pains

• Strengthens the immune system

• Infertility

• And numerous other conditions

• Allergies

• Balances the emotions

For more information or to book an appointment contact: Mobile: 07780 608343

Toni Wilks Acupuncture 1/2 page - January 2021.indd 1

19/01/2021 14:01

Please contact Helen or Nik for further information: Wednesdays AM & PM: Contact Helen 07711 985276 Thursday PM & Saturday AM: Contact Nik 07566 216933 Open 52 weeks of the year, no matter what the situation - contact us for more details.

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

49

News

INSPIRING CHILDREN TO READ

By Steve Barclay MP

R

eading is a simple pleasure. Whether losing oneself in a fantasy story, revelling in the historical telling of a bygone age, researching facts, or catching up on the news – reading can be enlightening, challenging, comforting or just provide an escape from reality for a short period. I’m sure many will have rediscovered the joy of getting away from it all for a few minutes with a good book during lockdown.

My annual Read to Succeed campaign aims to inspire a love for reading in children that will last a lifetime. The campaign wants to ensure every one of the 1,500 Year 4 children in North East Cambridgeshire will have a new reading book to take home before the school summer holidays. Over the last few years, we’ve delivered more than ten thousand books to pupils across the constituency. This year’s theme, in association with the Summer Reading Challenge, is Wild World Heroes and hopes to inspire children to stand up for the future of our planet.

I’m delighted, to have the backing of teachers, businesses, town and district councils,

community groups and the Bishop of Ely, for the scheme, which has been running since 2016.

It began when teachers first raised with me the difficulty of encouraging children to read throughout the summer holidays and how many fail to make progress in their literacy skills during this period. Year 4 is the age at which children often begin to read more independently.

With the disruption to education over the past year due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever to support our youngsters’ learning.

Businesses and organisations have already come forward to pledge their support. Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, have donated £3,000; Swann Edwards Architecture in Guyhirn has given £200, and another £1,000 has come from Bowsers Solicitors in Wisbech.

I am very grateful to them, and all those who dig deep in aid of our youngsters. To donate please contact adam.fairbrother@parliament.uk Photo: Maria Walker, neighbourhood investment officer, Eastern Region, presents a cheque from Clarion Futures for the Read to Succeed Campaign

To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website or follow me on social media: www.stevebarclay.net  @SteveBarclay  @SteveBarclayOfficial  @SteveBarclayOfficial 50

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Hear CLEARLY again...

Never miss out on the sounds you love

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

with the latest comfortable and invisible hearing aids INVISIBLE RECHARGEABLE & SPECTACLE HEARING AIDS

FREE

*o ns ele cte dp ro du cts

HEARING TESTS

WAX REMOVAL SERVICE

He

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

www.soundadvicehearing.co.uk

or quote ref DISMA

g a i d s d o n't ha ve

e to b e s e

n!

Sound Advice Hearing Centres

Covid-19 Compliant

TROUBLE HEARING THEN CONTACT US TODAY!

rin

a

We are now open again &

BRING THIS ADVERT IN TO CLAIM YOUR SPECIAL HEARING AID DISCOUNT*

37 Market Place, Market Deeping PE6 8EA

t:

01778 301220

Day centre also at J. Neville Opticians, 18 Broad St, Whittlesey

44 Station Road, March PE15 8LE

Privately owned residential care home offers:

L IA or EC ER s f ne SP OFF eek of o w o rice Tw e p th

CLOVELLY HOUSE ✓ 24hr quality care ✓ Caring, fully trained staff ✓ Warm and comfortable surroundings ✓ Home cooking at its very best ✓ Close to town centre, set in its own grounds ✓ Day-care available

Large enough to cope,small enough to care

Committed to providing the very best in quality care A P RI L 2 0 2 1

For a brochure, more information or to organise a visit please contact Malcolm or Kim on 01354 655768 www.clovellycare.co.uk D I S C O V E R I N G

March

51

Orchard House Care Home Welcoming new residents into our home At Orchard House Care Home, we provide Nursing, Residential Dementia and End of Life Care. Together with effective healthcare methods, we promote a healthy wellbeing and lifestyle.

Our home includes light and airy, social lounges and dining rooms, a variety of communal spaces such as a quiet room and a hair salon, as well as spacious en-suite bedrooms. Our landscaped gardens are wheelchair accessible and designed to be a welcoming place to relax.

Our team are dedicated to providing a person centred, engaging and stimulating resident focused community; where family is at the heart of everything.

For more information about how we could help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the number below.

Feel free to call or email us at any time:

01945 223 874 | care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk Orchard House Care Home, 107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF 52

D I S C O V E R I N G

Marchwww.rchcarehomes.co.uk

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

She said: “My husband, Andrew, and I have two children and about five years ago we wanted to spend family time together playing board games, which I have always loved. I didn’t want to just play the old classics, like Monopoly and Cluedo, but wanted to try new games and discovered there were some new fantastic board games available now.

Rollplay will stop you being bored!

A

love of board games has led a March woman to start a business aimed at those who share her hobby.

Vicky Ransome has opened Rollplay in High Street, March which offers a wide variety of games for sale and also the facility for enthusiasts to play games in-house. It opened in October last year, just prior to the lockdown, and instantly attracted customers of all ages.

“After visiting the Games Expo at Birmingham’s NEC, I realised board games were coming back in fashion again so we set up an online website.

However, I always wanted to open a shop where people could come together and be part of a like-minded community and interact.”

Rollplay has around one hundred games in-stock and also has two in-house tables for hire where enthusiasts can play each other.

Rollplay will be open on Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm.

There is also a click and collect service.

Check out Rollplay at 41 High Street, March PE15 9JJ. Tel: 01354 699905 Email: enquiries@rollplayshop.co.uk www.rollplayshop.co.uk and on Facebook.

41 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

Tel: 01354 699905

enquiries@rollplayshop.co.uk www.rollplayshop.co.uk Visit our Facebook page for our opening times and click and collect options

board games | card games | roleplaying games | accessories | events A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

53

YOUR FAVOURITE LOCKDOWN PHOTOS Thank you for entering our Competition.

Here are the three winners and all other entries...

54

D I S C O V E R I N G

1ST

March

Kerry Smith

2ND

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Louise Waldron

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

3RD

Samantha Winwood

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

55

Do you want to be an inspirational teacher?

Find out more at one of our online Information Events for the Fenland & East Cambridgeshire area.

Wednesday 21st April 6pm - 7pm on Zoom The Information Events will help you decide which route into teacher training is best for you. We will: 



Explain the different routes you could take to gain Qualified Teacher Status Answer your questions

We also offer:  A bespoke 1:1 Guidance Service  A Teacher Experience Programme These will support you with all aspects of searching for, and applying to, a teacher training course.

Register your interest:

Contact Sarah McGill smcgill@tmet.org.uk or call 01223 200400 ext:3236 Or Eventbrite: 141130987583 56

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness ● ●

●

● ●

Fully qualified animal physiotherapist Range of treatments, including Ultrasound, massage and exercise techniques Aims to increase muscle health and strength, improved mobility and reduce pain Liaison with veterinarians and progress reports Home-exercise plans given to ensure maximum potential for recovery

07738 682 080 Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Carlie Wood vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk BSc(Hons) FdSc Animal Physiotherapist 07738 682 080 Carlie@vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk vieranimalphysiotherapy.co.uk

Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

57

Pot Luck Quiz 1.

hich country was the first to give W women the right to vote, (Russia, France, Japan or New Zealand)?

2.

According to the bible on which day did God make the Sun, the Moon and the Stars?

3.

What is the name of the planet with the most extensive rings?

4.

What is the year 2021 when written in Roman Numerals?

5.

What is the name for a beaver’s home?

6.

Which is the only vowel not found on a standard keyboard top line?

7. G eorge Washington was the first US President; which number was Donald Trump?

11. In which county is Stonehenge, (Wiltshire, Devon or Somerset)?

12. What is the date of St George’s Day? 13. How is Rubella better known?

14. Name the French port where over 300,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated from in May/June 1940?

15. Name the dog in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, (Tommy, Timmy, Tiny or Spot)?

16. In which decade were the following people born: Madonna, Robert Redford, Ariana Grande?

17. Which folk hero do you associate with the Cannonball Express?

8.

What does the term Prima Donna literally mean?

18. What was abolished from British railways in 1956?

9.

Name the 6 items used to murder the victim in the board game Cluedo?

19. In which country is the Barosssa valley a famous wine-making region?

10. What would you probably do if you got pepper in your proboscis?

20. What is the cockney rhyming slang for “look”?

Train That Brain Take the first number and follow the instructions as you work across to the final answer - guaranteed to keep brains active and frustration levels high!

1) 27: 1/3 of it, x2, -3, 20% of it, Square it, +8, x2, -12, ½ of it

= ?

2) 88: ½ of it, +57, x4, + ½ of it, +78, 5/6 of it, +114, + ½ of it, -87 = ?

3) 4 : +8, x3, -14, x2, +7, 2/3 of it, ½ of it, +11, 4/7 of it = ?

Answer Pot Luck 1) New Zealand; 2) 4th; 3) Saturn; 4) MMXXI; 5) Lodge; 6) A; 7) 45th ; 8) Leading Lady; 9) Candlestick, Rope, Lead Pipe, Revolver, Dagger, Spanner; 10) Sneeze; 11) Wiltshire; 12) April 23rd; 13) German Measles; 14) Dunkirk; 15) Timmy; 16) 1950s, 1930s, 1990s; 17) Casey Jones; 18) Third Class travel; 19) Australia; 20) Butcher’s (hook). Train That Brain: 1) 11, 2) 939, 3) 16.

58

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

For all your self-drive hire requirements Family owned & run since 1957, Islawrffordd Caravan Park offers the very best in quality.

CARS • VANS • LUTONS MINI BUSES

Situated at the southern end of the magnificent Snowdonia National Park coastline in the village of Talybont, Islawrffordd is an award winning, 5 star luxury caravan park, benefitting from a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar, children’s activities and adventure play area.

(7 to 17 seats with seatbelts)

7.5 TONNE WITH TAIL LIFT Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rates Contract Hire • Continental Hire RAC Cover • Collection & Delivery Competitive prices include:

2 Bedroom Luxury Holiday Home • Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach • Decked balcony with stunning mountain and sea views • Available for Weeks /Mini Breaks/Weekend Breaks • Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom

• Smart TV’s with DVD in every room • Fully Insulated and double glazed • Fully Centrally Heated • Free wi-fi, (inc. Amazon Dot)

For information visit www.islawrffordd.co.uk

Unlimited Mileage, VAT & Insurance Waiver

T: (01945) 582458 or 465059

Call 01341 247269 or Email info@Islawrffordd.co.uk

info@easternrentavan.com www.easternrentavan.com

Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Talybont, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL43 2AQ

LYNN ROAD, WISBECH, CAMBS PE14 7AL

DW DM DD DB DWB Islawrffordd Caravan Park 1/4 page Advert MARCH 20.indd 14/02/2020 1 09:59

A SPECIALIST USED CAR DEALERSHIP BROKERAGE SERVICE ●

●

● ●

●

●

Hassle free selling, all negotiations dealt with on your behalf Offering benefits such as finance, part exchange and warranty Free collection from your home Professional photographs and 360-degree videos for virtual viewing Multi-platform advertising at no cost to you Sale or return of your vehicle within 90 days

T 01733 978345 E brokerage@noyamotorgroup.co.uk

www.noyamotorgroup.co.uk 5 Lakeside Court, Kingston Park, Peterborough PE2 9FT A P RI L 2 0 2 1

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

59

ELECTRICIANS

GARDEN CARE

✓ Domestic & Commercial installations ✓ Inspections & testing carried out 01354 740206 | 07770 931667 alwynf92@gmail.com

SPECIAL RATES FOR OAPS LAWN MOWING HEDGE CUTTING ROTAVATING FENCING ETC. FREE QUOTES

POND MAINTENANCE

Ponds

N.V.R

SPRING POND & FISH HEALTH CHECKS New Builds & Liner Repairs Tel: 07393 367410 Email: peteburlton@live.com  Search Pete’s Pond Clearances SECOND HAND GOODS

FURNITURE SHOP

Local Chatteris Father & Son Team Call Danny or Charlie Atkins:

01354 278244 07990 040575

VEHICLE REPAIRS

Pete’s

2 Queensway, Pointon, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0NE

B L JO AL O SM O

March (Est 1972)

TO

Electrical Contractor

N

All Your Gardening Maintenance Covered:

A.M Fisher

CAR RESTORATION RESPRAYS & ACCIDENT REPAIRS MOT PREPARATION • WELDING ALLOY WHEELS REFURBISHED Gaul Farm, Gaul Road PE15 0YY

Nigel’s Vehicle Repairs of March

TELEPHONE

07907 683866

SEWING SERVICES

Carol’s Sewing Services

45 HIGH STREET, MARCH PE15 9JJ

We can arrange for our van to collect your items

Including Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaids Dresses etc.

Please telephone 01354 653857

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

SPECIALIST CLEANING

Soft Washing Roof Cleaning Driveway Cleaning Patio Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Tel: 01733 736 017 Chimney Sweeping www.mrcleverclean.com Render Cleaning

60

Spring Business Directory

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE

CALL 01778 421427 OR 07837 499061 PRICES START FROM JUST £19

W W W . DIS COV E R IN G M A G A Z IN E S . CO. U K | A P R IL 2 0 2 1

ROOFING SERVICES

MATHS TUITION

5 ★ GUTTERING & FASCIAS

Multi-Maths March

ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

Repairs & replacements • All colours supplied and fitted UPVC fascias and soffits • All repair work undertaken Local family business – please call for a free estimate:

01480 877586 or 01354 776396 ONE CALL DOES IT ALL GARDEN CARE

Ashwood

One-to-one tuition and support for Year 6, GCSE and A Level Maths.

Face-to-face lessons at West End, March or distanced, via video conferencing.

Mobile 07902 931160 Email karenlevet@aol.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Tree and Garden Landscapes

YOUR HAPPINESS IS OUR PRIORITY

✔ Patios & Paving ✔ Landscape Garden Work

✔ Fencing ✔ Tree Work ✔ Power Cleaning

✔ Moss Removal ✔ Full Garden Tidies

01354 776396

Steve 07393 942998 Andy 01480 877586

O N E CAL D O E S IT ALL L

TREE SURGERY

T. D. A. Services

Decorating and Tiling Specialist

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

Expert interior and exterior decoration, including: • FREE estimates & references available on request • Fully insured

Call Tony on - Mobile: 07908 008007 | Telephone: 01487 815926 E-mail: tda-services@hotmail.co.uk | Based in March

10% OFF

if you men tion this advert

Appearance is not everything, it’s the only thing!

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

OSTEOPATH

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

CALL STEVE TODAY 01945 898314/07780 929409 pinetreecare1@gmail.com

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

T: 01945 450082 M: 07711 897089

www.bowlestreeandgardenservices.co.uk

Folleys Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech

PATIOS & LANDSCAPING PATIOS, LANDSCAPING & GARDEN DESIGN

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN MAINTENANCE UNDERTAKEN

PINE TREE CARE & LANDSCAPES LTD

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

E:

174 Station Road, March, Cambs PE15 8NG

DECORATING & TILING

• All types of painting, staining & varnishing • Wall & floor tiling • Wallpapering

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES

14 day cooling off period

Free estimates and friendly advice

0800 1910467

installers of

MARCH OSTEOPATHS FREEDOM TO MOVE AGAIN TREATMENT FOR NECK AND BACK PAIN, MIGRAINE, SINUS PAIN AND HEADACHE. GENTLE, EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR THE WHOLE INDIVIDUAL.

2 Station Approach Tel: 01354 660513 www.gurusingh.org.uk

WW W.DI SCO VER INGMAGAZI N E S. C O . UK | APRI L 2021

Covering all aspects of garden design and installation n Huge Choice of Paving n 22mm Sand Stone Paving n 20mm Porcelain Paving n 20mm Porcelain Project Packs n Circular Paving

n Gravel n Hardcore n Sand n Cement n Post Mix

Also on display Artificial Grass Visit our website at www.marchpatiocentre.co.uk or call in to discuss your plans

The Pathway To Your Dream

Garden

MARCH PATIO CENTRE Telephone: 01354 661036 Email: paul@marchpatiocentre.co.uk Unit 3 Corner Lodge Industrial Estate, Knights End Road, March, Cambs PE15 0YJ

Spring Business Directory

61

DIRECTORY BUSINESS FEATURE OF THE MONTH:

PETE'S PONDS: FOR THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

P

ete Burlton has kept ponds for all his life and his hobby turned into a passion. So much so that he decided to develop what had, for several years, been a part-time business into his full-time employment over three years ago.

Based in Pointon, north of Bourne, but covering a wide area of South Lincolnshire and adjoining counties, Pete’s Ponds carry out all types of pond maintenance, including new and total rebuilds, and this time of the year there will be plenty of springtime cleaning and maintenance needing to be carried out.

He also repairs ponds and fits new liners, whilst also offering a pond clearance service, which

sees Pete’s Ponds accepting unwanted fish of all breeds and sizes.

To complete the “full package” for fish enthusiasts, Pete also provides fish health checks, and has a range of new and second-hand equipment for sale.

See the wide range of what Pete’s Ponds can do for you by visiting his Facebook page @Petespondclearances

Pete’s

Ponds

SPRING POND & FISH HEALTH CHECKS New Builds & Liner Repairs

2 Queensway, Pointon, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0NE

Tel: 07393 367410 Email: peteburlton@live.com  Search Pete’s Pond Clearances

WITH THE GEM IN THE FEN

ON YOUR

WHAT BETTER TIME TO JOIN

MARCH GOLF CLUB? Call Michal on 01354 652364 www.marchgolfclub.co.uk 62

D I S C O V E R I N G

March

A P R IL 2 0 2 1

YOUR ONE-STOP CARAVAN SHOP

Does your caravan need a little TLC?

REPAIR

Our onsite workshop offers a fully comprehensive repair service for your caravan or motorhome.

SERVICING

From a minor service to a full comprehensive check, our experienced engineers will give you peace of mind for your journeys ahead.

INSURANCE

A Family-Run Business with 30 Years’ Experience

SPARES

V&G

CARAVANS

Exterior Caravan Valet when booking a Full Service.

✁

ACCESSORIES

We’ve got everything for your camping needs in our friendly, onsite shop.

CARAVANS BOUGHT FOR CASH

FREE

We are a fully, insuranceapproved repair centre for all major UK insurers and manufacturers.

with this voucher

Looking for a spare part? Why not get in touch? With our contacts in the industry, we may be able to order spares in for you.

SALES

Looking to buy? We have a range of used caravans that may suit your requirements.

01733 350580 M 07732 371171 T

info@vandgcaravans.co.uk www.vandgcaravans.co.uk A107 P RI L Benwick 2021

D 2HD I S C Road - Whittlesey - Peterborough - PE7

V&G CARAVANS O V E R I N G

March

63

nt ns ge e A eF th of

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

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

2021

March Residential Sales

Wisbech Residential Sales

01354 607100

01945 428820

March Residential Lettings

Wisbech Residential Lettings

01354 607105

01945 428825

March Professional

Wisbech Professional

6401354 D I S602030 C O V E R I N G

01945 428830 March

maxeygrounds.co.uk A P R IL 2 0 2 1