Discovering March issue 103, April 2022

and the surrounding villages

Issue 103 / April 2022

WIN

A Choc o Explosi late on IN OU R EAS TER EGG HUNT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MARCH

ST. GEORGE’S FAYRE

March Town Centre

Sunday 24 April 2022

10am to 4pm

Welcome to your April issue...

I

’m often surprised at just how quickly, within a few weeks, we move on each year from those cold, dark mornings and all that rain and those gale force winds – I’ve already forgotten the names of this year’s dreadful storms! Blossom is now on show and summer is nearly upon us.

As ever, I hope you find the wide range of topics included in this month’s magazine both informative and enjoyable.

Many thanks to all the contributors and advertisers for their hard work and for your continuing support and words of encouragement. Enjoy the Easter celebrations, and best wishes for a happy break to you all.

Claire x

Events in Europe have shown how powerful the love of one’s home is in people.

Whether it be to a home town, region or country, it is an emotion that seems ingrained in most of us.

I was born in Fenland and now find myself living just a quarter of a mile from where I grew up, which in some ways is shocking but in other ways quite comforting.

A few months ago, as I walked into town, I found myself nonchalantly kicking a conker along the path. I then realised it was from the same horse chestnut tree that I used to gather them from when I was a youngster, a fact that made me both feel old and also surprisingly nostalgic.

As I wrote this a strange coincidence occurred… when I googled horse chestnut the fact came up that the tree is the symbol of Kyiv….

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 Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214 Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake Rob Harradine | Dan Handley Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Inside Highlights

4 ................. Gardening Tips For April 7 ................. Elite Pressure Washing 8 ................ Naz Miller: Financial Planner 10 .............. Olive Tree Law 14 .............. Stephenson Smart 16 ............... Vine Law 20 ........... Diamond Byte 21 ............. Flame Safety Limited 22 ............. Safe Local Trades 26-27 ... Community Matters 30 ............. Wild About March 31-34 .... March St. George’s Day Fayre 36 ............ Christians Against Poverty 39 ............. Toni Wilkes Acupuncture 42 ............. History With March Museum 43 ............. Peter Stanley: Foot Prince 44 ........... Easter Traditions Around The World 46 ............. Drinking with Trevor Langley 47 ........... Smiths The Bakers: 1st Anniversary 50 ............. The Light Cinema: April Movies 51-52 ...... Easter Egg Hunt 54 ............. The Quiz Inquisition 56 ............. Steve Barclay MP 60-61 ..... Business Directory With thanks to:

The Shed Shop, Naz Miller, Stephenson Smart, Eileen Le Voi, Vine Law, Olive Tree Law, Joan Munns, Diamond Byte, Lin Stanton, Peter Wright, Trevor Langley, The Light Cinema, Fenland District Council and Steve Barclay MP.

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the May issue is Monday, 11th April 2022.

Discovering March is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct 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.

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March

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Your Garden

SPONSORED BY THE SHED SHOP

O

April Gardening Tips

ne of the main tasks is planting out potatoes – a rough guide would be: first earlies around late March, second earlies early to mid-April and maincrops mid to late April.

Potatoes need a sunny site away from frost pockets. Dig a trench 12cm (5in) deep and space the tubers 30cm (12in) apart for earlies and 37cm (15in) for maincrop, in rows 24in (60cm) apart for earlies and 75cm (30in) apart for maincrop. Alternatively, you can grow the potatoes under black polythene, planting the tubers through slits. The big advantage of this method is that there is no need to earth up and the new potatoes form just below soil level which means there is no digging to harvest them, they'll lie just below the sheet.

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.

Last chance to sow aubergines, chillies, and tomatoes (under cover) as they require a long growing season to do well. Other crops that can be sown under cover include celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, leeks, and marrows.

Other jobs for the month include:

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• If you have not planted your onion sets then make that one of your first jobs this month.

• You might start seeing aphids on your crops now – blast them off with water or spray with a horticultural soft soap.

• Beetroot and carrots can be sown directly outside. So can peas, but they are a favourite snack for mice – if these are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall.

• 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.

• Plant asparagus crowns by the end of the month.

• Do not 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.

• Spring onions, chard, parsnips, spinach and broad beans can be sown into the open ground.

Happy gardening!

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Reeds in Downham Market is a family owned business renowned for its service. It is an amazing hidden gem with no less than 27,000 sq.ft. full of furniture and other products from all over the world. While you’re here visit our very popular 75 seat café, with a dog friendly area, offering delicious freshly made food and drink.

For over 100 years Reeds has offered a huge choice of quality leading brand products at competitive prices covering every room in the house. Perhaps it’s time you paid us a visit!

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

ENJOY AN ELITE EXPERIENCE Elite Pressure Washing is currently enjoying its busiest ever start to a year

T

he local company specialises in the exterior steam cleaning of everything from roofs, driveways and patios to render, conservatories and gutters.

Owner Logan Mott (28) said: “We’ve been so busy since the start of the year, mainly with roof steam cleaning work. It’s definitely been the busiest I have experienced which I think is due to the recognition we enjoy. Although it has primarily been roof steam cleaning work, April is normally like a light being switched on with pressure washing work being booked in.”

Elite has residential and commercial customers throughout Cambridgeshire and has a loyal customer base.

Logan added: “I cover the whole of Cambridgeshire, and I get a lot of regular business work in the March area with many of my customers using me for all of their exterior requirements throughout the year.”

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.

He added: “I am a sucker for a new product as I always try to have the best possible equipment, which drives my colleague Tom mad. He is due to take his driving test soon and when he passes, we already have a van ready to go out on the road.”

You can contact Logan on 01354 552019 or 07754 459266. Email: info@elitepressurewashing.co.uk; www.elitepressurewashing.co.uk

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

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D I S C O V E R I N G

March

7

Pension v ISA (Individual Savings Account)

I

NAZ MILLER

n an ideal world it would be great to be able to save both in a pension and an ISA. Both pensions and ISAs have huge tax advantages and there is no reason why you cannot save in both simultaneously. Before we delve into this subject it’s crucial to understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, so which is right for you depends very much on your financial goals and aspirations.

The main difference between pensions and ISAs is tax relief as money is being invested and taxation when funds are being drawn out. Both offer generous allowances, and any investment returns are free of Income Tax, Dividend Tax and Capital Gains Tax. These tax advantages make pensions and ISAs a good vehicle for longterm savings e.g., retirement or future financial expenditures.

Deciding which investment vehicle is right for you depends on a few factors. A general rule of thumb is if you will need to access your investment before the age of fifty-five, then an ISA will work better as it allows withdrawal any time. If you are saving for retirement, then a pension is usually best. With pension savings you cannot get access to your money until the age of fifty-five.

Using a combination of both an ISA and pension means that any income in retirement can be kept as tax-efficient as possible.

Pensions are designed only for income in retirement and the tax advantages are there to help us save for our retirement. So, as well as all investment returns being tax-free, the Government tops up your monthly contributions by offering

pension tax relief as an extra incentive to save for our future.

Tax relief is paid at the highest rate of Income Tax you pay eg. A basic rate taxpayer gets 20% pension tax relief, a higher rate taxpayer gets 40% and an additional rate taxpayer can claim 45% pension tax relief.

ISAs also come with tax advantages to encourage us to save. However, unlike pensions there is no pension tax relief on any contribution. Instead, on withdrawal, there is no Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax to pay.

I hope this article has gone some way to help clear up any confusion surrounding pension and ISA savings. Please do give me a call to discuss this or any financial questions you may have. I will be delighted to hear from you.

You can also access my personal financial blog at www.personalfinancial.info/naz-financial-blogs

CAMBRIDGE & ELY FINANCIAL SERVICES Associate Partner Practice of St. Jamesʼs Place Wealth Management

Naz Miller Financial Planner

Mobile 07496 488090 | nusrat.miller@sjpp.co.uk www.cambridgeandelyfs.co.uk Cambridge and Ely Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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9

www.olivetreelaw.co.uk

NO LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY?

P

You aren’t alone eople have a lot of great ‘reasons’ why they don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Do these sound familiar to you?

• They are expensive • My partner will sort me out • I don’t want someone to control my life • I have joint ownership of everything • Aren’t those for old people?

• And our favourite... ‘ugh, what a drag’.

The alternative to establishing an LPA is waiting for something terrible to happen and having a deputyship established for you...without needing your consent or taking your preferences into account. Think Britney Spears and her struggles... only without all the paparazzi.

Expense: Having a family member apply for deputyship costs £327 and that is just the basic court fee. It can cost thousands to get a deputyship and there are additional annual fees on top. The family disagreements, lost time, and regulations? Priceless. LPAs cost less both in emotional turmoil and your wallet.

Partner: You may think that your legally recognised partner can make medical and financial decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. But without an LPA they can’t. A deputyship can only help with the finances and only if it is completed in time.

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March

Control: Both the Health and Welfare and Financial LPA can be set to only be used when you no longer have capacity to act for yourself. While you can make decisions, you do. With instructions and preferences, you can take away and give powers as you see fit. You can specify who has what powers. Want one family member to take care of the house and the other to take care of your pets?

You can choose. You can still have control.

Joint ownership (see Partner): A Property & Finance LPA helps your attorneys manage things like talking to the mortgage company, utilities companies, pension funds, etc. Without appointing someone, financial documents and tools can be out of reach, even for joint ownership. ALSO, with a Property & Finance LPA, you can set limitations, like no selling the house, keeping your pets out of shelter.

For old people: No. Just... no. If you have financial, personal, professional obligations and concerns that need to be looked after, you need an LPA. Have a home? LPA. Have kids? LPA. Have an SME (small or medium-sized enterprise)? LPA. These are tools designed to give powers to another person so that your life doesn’t fall apart while you can’t tend to it. LPAs are for adults. Plain and simple.

What a drag: That list of reasons to not get an LPA tends to boil down to “Ugh, what a drag!” because talking about being incapacitated by life isn’t fun. But it doesn’t have to be painful. It can be a thoughtful assessment of who you know in your life that has your back.

Have more questions about how Health & Welfare and Finance & Property LPAs can work for you?

Give us a bell at Olive Tree Law and ask for Chris or Robynne. Tel: 01487 474352; Email: hello@olivetreelaw.co.uk

READER OFFER

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Offer ends April 30th, 2022. Offer does not apply to third party disbursements. Just let us know you read all about it in Discovering March and want to know more.

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March

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March

13

Finance

Stephenson Smart HELPS NEW BUSINESS START-UP TO FLOURISH

D

uring the COVID pandemic many people reconsidered their working life, and 2020 saw a record

number of new business start-ups. One of these is Cambridgeshire Hair and Beauty in March.

Lauren Slipper, hair and beauty specialist and Sean Brown, family friend and entrepreneur, have transformed a property on Gaul Road, March, into Cambridgeshire Hair and Beauty, helping to realise a dream for former Centre Parcs Spa Manager, Lauren.

Since it opened in July 2020, the business has soared, with hairdresser Abbie Evans joining the team to meet the demand. Lauren is already offering a host of new services, with hopes to set up a training school in the future.

Lauren said the challenges faced didn’t put her off investing in her own business: “I’ve always wanted to have my own salon and when Sean approached me with the opportunity of being his business partner, I just knew it was the right time.”

Sean added: “It was obviously a difficult time to open but we did it without fear and since then we have just expanded rapidly, it’s been absolutely bonkers.”

The pair renovated the building next door to another of Sean’s businesses, Cambridgeshire Medical Aesthetics, with space for a hairdressing salon, reception area and beauty room.

“Chris has been brilliant. I can literally send him a text with a quick question, and he is always so helpful.

“With each start-up I have worked on Chris has guided me through the process and helped me with the business model. He’s also been so supportive throughout COVID and the different claims available to me.

“I haven’t had the need to worry about anything because I know Chris is always at the end of the phone with an answer.”

Starting up a new business is both an exciting and challenging task, which carries with it an element of risk. Key decisions need to be made, and there are many factors to consider.

Stephenson Smart are specialist business start-up advisors. We can guide you through the decisionmaking processes, help you make the appropriate registrations, assist with cash flow forecasts and offer regular updates to enable you to monitor the performance of your business. Please get in touch if we can support you on your new business start-up journey.

Call Chris on 01354 653026 or email march@stephenson-smart.com

Sean said support from Chris Goad, partner at Stephenson Smart, had been vital with opening a business during the pandemic.

MARCH 01354 653026 WISBECH 01945 463383 KING’S LYNN 01553 774104 FAKENHAM 01328 863318 DOWNHAM MARKET 01366 384121 EAST COAST 01493 382500 www.stephenson-smart.com 14

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March

15

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT IF.. .

You are moving in with someone

I

f you are about to move in with a new partner, or you’ve already made the leap, there are things which you and your partner ought to consider when it comes to property and finances.

Ownership of the property

Different legal scenarios can arise depending on who owns the house.

If you own the property and your partner is moving in, is it intended that s/he will benefit from any financial interest in the property? Even if this is not explicitly agreed at the outset, some actions can give rise to a potential claim to an interest in the property, even though the property is still held in one partner’s sole name. This may be by carrying out/paying for work to the property which increases its value, selling a property on the expectation this new home will be shared or making a significant financial contribution.

If you’re buying a property together, has one of you paid more to the purchase than the other? Has a family member put money towards the purchase which they would expect to be returned if the property was sold or that they would want one of the owners to retain if the relationship ended?

Financial contributions Who is going to contribute to what? Are you going to have joint bank accounts? If so, you are each entitled to whatever is in that account but similarly you are each liable for any debt if the account goes overdrawn, even if it wasn’t you spending it.

Are either or both of you buying items on a credit card or with a loan? If so, legally the debt belongs

• • • • •

to the person in whose name it was taken but have you agreed that that person will be reimbursed for that money?

What happens if you one of you dies?

If your partner owns the house and s/he were to die, if they have not made provision for you in their will, what will happen to you and where you live?

Was there an agreement you could stay living in the property for a period or that you would have an interest in the property and if so, was that agreement recorded?

If a couple live together for a period of two years or more, the surviving partner can potentially make claims on the deceased partner’s estate. If you own the property and have family who you want to inherit, particularly children from a previous relationship, you need to take steps to protect those assets. Or you may have intended your partner to benefit but hadn’t changed your will so s/he has to take legal proceedings to receive their intended share.

What do you need in place to protect you both?

The best way to avoid arguments and legal disputes is to be absolutely clear what is agreed between you and your partner and to have that legally documented. All of the above scenarios can be covered in different legal documents such as a cohabitation agreement, wills or a declaration of trust. These can be drawn up before you start living together or at any time after – circumstances often change, and you may want to reflect that change to protect you and your partner in the future.

Spending a small amount of time and money now to ensure that the intentions of everyone is recorded and legally secured, can save much more time, money and heartache in the future.

For further information or advice call Melinda Smith or Cath Collins at Vine Law on 01945 898090.

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

South Brink, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1JA

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D I S C O V E R I N G

March

19

The Technology Site

THEY BITE!

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

U

nsurprisingly, there has recently been an explosion in fraudulent activity since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Thus far, we have witnessed fake charity sites, dubious phone calls, fake news stories, toxic adverts, fake fund-raising pages on social media and the inevitable pleading emails, to name just a few.

As usual, with everything IT security-related, forewarned is forearmed, therefore we have created a little guide on how to spot and deal with some potential attempts at fraud.

First and foremost, we ALWAYS advise against clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, social media, and text messages from any unknown source. These are cyber-attacks, otherwise known as ‘phishing.’

And if the perpetrators of these criminal activities know lots of details about you, this is called ‘spear phishing.’ Delete the message immediately and don’t panic if you opened the email

or message - it won’t do any damage unless you actually click on a link within the message.

We also advise being vigilant around ‘malvertising.’ This is clicking on what looks like a news story or advert that then takes you to a page informing you that your computer is infected, or that you need to install some software and that Microsoft or BT will help you solve your problem (which, incidentally, you didn’t have before you clicked on the link!). These will look like legitimate current news stories and therefore might be hard to spot on certain websites or social media platforms. Almost all of these will have the word ‘AD’ written on them.

Another type of attack that is much harder to spot, is the fake website. These can look exactly like the genuine one, since stealing text and images off a real website is actually very easy. These could be for charities or payment sites such as PayPal. So always check if it is a genuine

website address (URL). One way to do this is to check if there is a padlock to the left of the website address (you can click on the padlock, which brings up the certificate telling you who the site was secured by and secured for).

Secondly, a website that has an ‘https’ tag is usually more secure -- and therefore more trustworthy -- than a site using the more common http designation. Lastly, if there is a warning triangle with an explanation mark inside, don’t ignore it.

To the best of our knowledge, charities never phone for donations, so if anyone phones asking for money, politely decline and put the phone down. You could always say, just in case you are unsure, that you will donate via their website.

Unicef https://www.unicef.org/ The British Red Cross https://www.redcross.org.uk/

FOR THIS AND ALL OUR OTHER ARTICLES, GO TO WWW.DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK

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March

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The 48-year-old fire risk assessor, who started his career in fire safety as a fire safety inspecting officer with London Fire Brigade, said: “My focus will be on commercial properties but can include flats. These properties can vary from small shops, through to pubs and restaurants, offices, schools, and also farms.”

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March

Get Your Home ‘Springready’ While Avoiding a DIY Drama!

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades The Easter break is traditionally a time when “DIY-ers” and spring-cleaners roll up their sleeves and tackle all manner of jobs around the home. This may include plans to move house or maybe a long-awaited garden makeover. If you are selling your home, then you will want it to look its very best to keep you one step ahead of the competition.

Beating the rush means you can start showcasing your property earlier than others, so now is the perfect time to get serious about selling.

Alternatively, if a thorough spring clean is on your agenda, then here are our super six tips: 1 Take one room at a time – this way you won’t 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, and when was the last time I used it?”

2 Kitchen: start with the cupboards and then move on to the cutlery drawer (tip: soak teastained teaspoons in a mug of water with a few drops of vinegar), microwave, kettle, and toaster.

3 Bedroom: empty the wardrobe and discard 15:38 anything you haven’t worn in the past year or if it doesn’t fit. Sell good condition clothes and bag up others for charity.

4 Your working area: maintain a clutter-free environment, going through paperwork, refiling, or shredding as you go along. Have a digital de-clutter too.

5 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 or some new funky storage boxes.

6 Keep walls clutter-free! If you have got newly decorated walls, only put back up pictures and photographs that you really want.

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.

Whether it’s cleaning or de-cluttering, odd jobs around the home, decorating, bringing new life to your upholstery, installing a new kitchen or bathroom, getting the windows professionally cleaned or your garden landscaped – they have tried, tested and reliable tradespeople for the job; however big or small. www.safelocaltrades.com A P R IL 2 0 2 2

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25

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

BOOK YOUR SPOT AT MARCH GALA After two years away, March Gala will return on Saturday, June 4th in West End Park and organisers March Lions would like to invite individuals, businesses and charities to book a stall.

All of the money raised over the weekend will go to local charities and the Lions have decided to keep the fees at the same level as previous years, which is £10 for charities and £20 for individuals/ businesses.

COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES Fenland District Council has pledged to support Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.

Council leader Cllr Chris Boden wrote to Steve Barclay, MP for North East Cambridgeshire and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, highlighting the council’s readiness to assist however it can with the Government’s expanded Ukrainian Humanitarian Route.

Cllr Boden said: “We are all horrified and appalled by the events unfolding in Ukraine and the unprovoked assault on a peaceful sovereign and democratic nation. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are ready to offer support to Ukrainian citizens here in Fenland and those who may arrive as a result of this terrible conflict.”

For a booking form, please contact Rev Jenny Webb by email revdjennywebb@btinternet.com, or phone (01354) 650855.

LITTER HEROES CLEAN UP Fenland’s litter heroes have been rolling up their sleeves by joining the nationwide Great British Spring Clean.

Several of Fenland District Council’s volunteer Street Pride groups have been holding community litter picks as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign, the next one being staged by Wimblington Street Pride who will meet at the Parish Hall in Addison Road at 10am on Saturday, April 9th.

The council is working with voluntary and community organisations in Fenland to identify which agencies are collecting supplies for Ukraine, so it can signpost anyone who wishes to donate items such as clothing, bedding, medical supplies and toiletries.

If you’d like to help, the most effective action you can take is to make a financial donation to one of the following charities which are supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.

Any amount you can give will go a long way to helping those in need: Save The Children; International Rescue Committee; International Committee of the Red Cross; British Red Cross; Choose Love; British Ukrainian Aid; UNHCR; Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB); and With Ukraine Global Support Fund.

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SWIMMERS URGED TO ‘MAKE A SPLASH’ WITH SWIMATHON Former Team GB swimmer Mark Foster is calling on people in March to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2022.

The swimming hero is helping to highlight the annual fundraiser that raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.

He is urging people of all ages and abilities to enter the sponsored event taking place at pools across Cambridgeshire from May 6th-8th including March’s George Campbell Leisure Centre.

Mark said: “Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, with a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental health, and is accessible to people with varying abilities and needs.

FENLAND PARTNERS JOIN FORCES FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Frontline agencies across Fenland have been working together to help people spot the signs of abusive relationships.

The Fenland Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which brings together organisations including the police, local authorities, and fire service to address community safety concerns, has been working with Refuge, Change Grow Live (CGL) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership (DASV) to raise awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control.

“Whether you’re a keen swimmer who’s in the pool all the time, prefer to be in open water or if you’re just dipping your toes in for the first time, Swimathon is the perfect challenge for everyone. That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved and feel the benefits of this fantastic sport whilst raising money for two great charities in Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.”

With a variety of distances to choose from, from 400m up to 30.9k, Swimathon offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced.

People can participate individually or as part of a team.

Any swimmers who cannot make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon, taking place from April 29th-May15th, and choose a time and venue that suits them.

Photo: Mark Foster – leading Swimathon 2022 campaign

The Domestic Abuse Awareness Campaign has included targeted training for frontline professional and community organisations working for and supporting Fenland residents, and a community awareness campaign to increase confidence in victims and their families to report and seek support. This has included posters and stickers in locations throughout the district, and posts on social media.

Refuge Outreach Service – support for victims of domestic abuse Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Peterborough can be contacted on 07787 255821 or by email: outreachcambridgeshire@refuge.org.uk Photo: A domestic abuse poster went up at The Griffin Hotel in March

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D I S C O V E R I N G

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Blackthorn blossom

WILD ABOUT MARCH

By Joan Munns, of March Wildlife Group & March & District Woodland Group

T

Blackthorn Winter

he Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a widespread native shrub, or occasionally a small tree, that lines many country roads. Where the hedges are viciously trimmed back the explosion of flowers is not seen. It has been planted along the edges of the paths in Gault and, like all of the Prunus family, its suckering habit means it spreads easily.

Anyone who has got close to Blackthorn will realise it has many sharp thorns, which protect from grazing animals and being damaged by being pushed through by people and animals.

Because it is so dense and impenetrable it is a popular bush for birds to nest in.

Its prolific white flowers appear in late March giving the appearance of snow which is why ‘Blackthorn Winter’ was a common expression after a cold spring. The flowers will bring out hundreds of pollenating insects on a sunny day and, if the weather is kind, will produce a bumper crop of sloes in the autumn.

The blossom is susceptible to frosts that will turn the flowers brown and prevent development of fruits.

This applies to all early flowering shrubs and trees and fruit can be sparse in autumn. A mass of wild berries in autumn is not a portent of a cold winter but the result of a mild spring. Orchard fruits are also victims of frost; plums and pears are often affected and the reason that outdoor peaches and almonds are not grown commercially in the UK. The opening line of T S Eliot’s poem ‘The Waste Land’ is ‘April is the cruellest month’ and this can often be true. Early flowers fool wildlife as well as us into the thought that summer is just around the 30

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Blackthorn at Gault Wood

corner. Birds start nesting and insects emerge when perhaps they should bide their time. All too often, after a few glorious days, April will turn on us and produce cold gales blowing away all the pretty petals and killing foolish insects. If birds have chicks by this time there can be no food available to them. Many species have only one brood each year and if the young die, then it will be the next year before they breed again. Climate change is definitely changing the seasons and it remains to be seen how wildlife will adjust.

We are lucky we can go out and enjoy the glories of spring and, if the weather turns, we can wrap up in warm clothes or sneak indoors to await another pleasant day. This is a luxury denied to wildlife.

Next Gault Wood Work Parties are Saturdays April 2nd and May 9th at 10am. If you'd like to support our work at the wood as a volunteer, please contact the Woodland Trust using this email: volunteering@woodlandtrust.org.uk Alternatively, you might like to support the Nature's Calendar project, which focusses on phenology, which is the study of plant and animal reaction to climate change. Nature's Calendar (woodlandtrust.org.uk) A P R IL 2 0 2 2

Celebrating St George’s Day and the Queen’s Jubilee through the years

MARCH

ST. GEORGE’S FAYRE

March Town Centre

Sunday 24 April 2022

10am to 4pm

140 Stalls Fun Fair Street Food Live Entertainment Children’s Activities Commemorative Parade Vintage Vehicles Music from the D-Day Darlings!

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Join us for March St George’s Fayre!

Come on down to March Town Centre on Sunday 24th April 2022 10am – 4pm.

The streets will be filled with a large market, live entertainment, music, food and fun fair. We are very pleased to be back after 2 years away, and this year looks set to be biggest and best yet.

The Opening Parade What better way to launch the event than with an opening parade. Local groups are invited to join us in parading from March Community Centre at 10am along Broad Street into Elwyn Road and finishing at the Market Place.

Once on the Market Place there will be a packed entertainment programme throughout the day. If you would like to join in the celebrations, there is still time and there is no cost. Please contact: Nigel Spencer via email at spence747@hotmail.com with the name of your group to receive full joining information.

The Highlights…

Family Activities Around every corner there will be fun to be had by the young (and young at heart alike). We are very grateful to be supported again for a further year by LW Carey Amusements who will be bringing all the fun of the fair to Broad Street. Families are also encouraged to visit the Library Area where there will be plenty of interactive activities throughout the day including free bubble making and circus skills, live music and inflatable fun. Reenactors at March and District Museum will be opening their doors too, be sure to pay them a visit in March High Street.

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Shopping We are delighted to say that the number of traders wishing to attend Fenland Four Season’s Events continues to grow. This year there will be over 140 stalls in the Town Centre and St Peter’s Church Hall offering an eclectic range of arts, crafts, gifts and produce. We would like to extend sincere gratitude to all of the stall who have supported the event for manyA Pyears.

D I Sholders C O V and E R local I N G companies March R IL 2 0 2 2

The Highlights…

Fox Boat Tours Sit back, relax and take in the sights of the river Nene onboard Fox Narrowboats, who will be running boat trips throughout the day. Trips can be booked in advance on 01354 652770 or purchased from the Fox Narrowboat stall on the Town Bridge on the day. All money raised will go to charity.

Food and Drink There will be plenty to tempt your taste buds too! with tantalising street food and desserts. Why not try some Halloumi Gyros or how about a ‘Naanwich’ or finish things off with a sweet crepe? There will be a tasty mix of cuisines for all.

Not to mention the many establishments that will be open for business throughout the town too so be sure to leave room for a delicious lunch!

Live Entertainment From the moment you arrive there will be entertainment for your enjoyment.

Not only do we have three stages packed full of live music and dance performances next to The Acre, Market Place and High Street; there will also be plenty of impromptu turns from a breadth of very talented players. We are excited to welcome Rhubarb Theatre Company and the D Day Darlings to the Market Place stage too, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent!

Thank You March Events and Fenland District Council would like to sincerely thank the following organisations and businesses who have kindly sponsored this year’s Fayre. Your generosity helps us to continue to deliver this much valued free community event.

Donna's MOT And Tyre Centre EKS Construction and Groundworks Fenview Motors Goldstar Metal Traders Ltd March Town Council Riverside Barbers The Pet Shop March D I S C O V E R I N G March A P RI L 2 0 2 2

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Celebrating St George’s Day and the Queen’s Jubilee through the years

From

Market Place

10:00 10:10 10:30 11:00 11:30 11:50 12:30 13:00 13:30 13:50 14:30 15:10

Parade Official Opening by the Mayor of March and school performances

Cambridgeshire Corps of Drums Fenland Music Association Bourne Borderers D-Day Darlings Back Two 20Twenty Productions Ely and Littleport Riot D-Day Darlings The Time Machine March Can't Sing Choir

From

The Acre Stage

From

The Town Stage

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:30

Ethan Nia Kickboxing Lila Darcy

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30

Lila Darcy MA Band Dominic May

Dominic March Brass May Jack March Brass Close

March Town Centre

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D I S C

Jack Lunch Break Ethan Nia MA Band

May be subject to change, please check @fenlandevents

Sunday 24 April 2022

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Fenland charity aiming to raise £300 to help local people in poverty and debt

By Lin Stanton, Centre Manager for Fenland CAP

Fenland CAP debt team are putting their best foot forward with a St George’s Day event to ensure local people can receive free debt help.

T

he team at Centenary and Wisbech Baptist Church in the town has partnered with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for thirteen years, helping dozens of local people in that time break free from crushing debt.

This April, the team are taking part in a quiz afternoon aiming to raise as much as possible so that they will be able to continue offering their free debt service in the area.

The event is to be held in Centenary Baptist Church Hall at 3pm on Saturday, April 23rd. There will be an event for children while the quiz is taking part and a small auction while the tea and cake are being served. There is an entry fee of £3 per person (children are free) and a prize for the best team.

Lin Stanton, CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “As a church, during our time working with CAP we have met so many wonderful people, who have taken the first step out of debt by calling us. We know this takes a lot of courage and we’re delighted to be able to help them. We are able to provide them with practical support like food or emergency fuel top ups, as well as emotional support and encouragement.

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D I S C O V E R I N G

“We are able to do all this completely free of charge, thanks to funding by so many generous people not just from our church but across a number of churches and right across our community.

This means we can help those who need us the most.

“The quiz afternoon gives us an opportunity to raise further funds, while having a bit of fun as a team. We’ll be absolutely thrilled if we can raise a good amount as the funding will help change people’s lives here in March and Wisbech.

“While we have helped many people, we know that there are still many who are struggling.

Prices are going up; energy costs are rocketing and many people who may have just about managed before are now finding it more difficult.

“Getting help as early as possible can make a big difference. Debt can happen to any of us, as it can be caused by so many different reasons – ill health, bereavement, relationship breakdown or low income – so it’s important that anyone who is struggling doesn’t feel that they are on their own.

“We want everyone in our area to know that our service is here,

March

completely free of charge, and we want this to be the case for years to come, as the need is likely to continue. The funds we hope to raise from this quiz will help towards that.”

If you are struggling financially, please visit capuk.org or ring freephone number 0800 328 0006.

To make a donation please visit linstanton@capuk.org or phone 0790 6938571.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity determined to reduce poverty by delivering free debt help, money management education, life skills courses and job clubs, all through local churches.

CAP is also the UK's largest provider of adult, face-to-face financial education through the CAP Money Course. This takes place through more than one thousand partnerships with churches who follow CAP’s tailor-made course. Find out more about CAP at capuk.org/ about-us. CAP is committed to its services being available to all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

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Acupuncture Can Help With Your Health...

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he British Acupuncture Council says there are more than thirty different health conditions which acupuncture can help with, including acne, depression, eczema and osteoarthritis.

And the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) now recommends acupuncture through the NHS for chronic lower back pain.

Toni Wilkes, who trained at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading where she gained a BSc (Hons), is an expert in the practice.

During your first visit, the BAcC acupuncturist needs to gain a thorough understanding of your main complaint and your general health and lifestyle.

This will involve asking questions about your current symptoms and your medical history, as well as such things as your sleeping pattern, your appetite and digestion, and your emotional wellbeing.

You may feel that some questions are unrelated to your condition but the information you give will help form a more complete picture of your health and lifestyle.

Each patient is unique and two people with the same diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.

For more information, contact Toni at Elegance Beauty Salon, Dartford Road, March on 01354 653408.

Using subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for centuries, such as pulse taking and tongue examination among others, acupuncture seeks to focus on the individual as a whole, not the isolated symptoms of a person’s illness and all manifested symptoms are seen in relation to each other.

Helping you to find balance Toni Wilkes Acupuncture

BSc (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC

• 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 In the interest of safety for my clients - I have taken the decision to work from home in my purpose built treatment room - please call me to arrange an appointment to suit you.

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! p e t S r u o Y n i g n i r p S a Keep

Call now to see how we can help you keep your feet fit and healthy, so you can continue to enjoy life.

March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

Tel: 01354 651200

www.marchpodiatry.co.uk  Follow us on Facebook OPENING HOURS Monday 9am-7pm | Tuesday 9am-5pm | Wednesday 9am-7pm 40

Thursday 9am-5pm March| Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 9am-1pm

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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

Monday 9.30am or 11am at Wimblington Village Hall: Contact Dawn on 07515 557803 Wednesday 9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm or 7pm at 2nd March Scout Hut: Contact Helen on 07711 985276 Thursday 6pm or 7.30pm & Saturday 8.30am or 10am at St. Mary’s Church Hall: Contact Nik on 07566 216933

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If you are a resident of Cambridge shire or Peterboro ugh and w ould like to lose weight, yo u may be el igible for a

FREE 12 W EEK REFERRA L! Visit the w ebsite for details

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Local History

March Nene Co-operative

Pig Club

I

By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum

n 1942, during the depths of World War II, shipping losses on the high sea were mounting.

Reduced production on Britain's farms was also causing severe concerns about food supply. During that year, March UDC was asked by the Isle of Ely War Agricultural Committee (known universally as WarAg) to make arrangements to collect kitchen waste for pig feeding.

An informal meeting agreed to the formation of the March Nene Co-operative Pig Club which came into being on December 2nd,1942. The club was governed by the rules of the Small Pig Keepers Council and administered by a small local committee. Such clubs were springing up all over the country and it was hoped that these clubs would increase domestic food production.

Piggeries were rented from Mr W L Vawser in Nene Parade. These premises proved to be an excellent choice and had all the necessary facilities for pig rearing. The maximum number of members allowed was one hundred and the March club was fully subscribed and one of the largest in the country. Some towns got round the restriction by having a number of smaller clubs. Membership initially cost £4 per annum, which was raised to £5 during 1944 and 1945 and to £6 in 1946.

In exchange for their efforts, half of the slaughtered pig was sold to the Government and each member was entitled to the other half to supplement their rations; obviously this was a huge incentive. All members pledged to assist at the piggery where waste food was cooked and necessary cleaning performed. An attendance book maintained a rota system and was periodically inspected by Pig Council officials.

There was no limit to how many pigs could be kept. Meal rations up to September 1946 were 42

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28cwt. per month, sufficient for fifty pigs. This was supplemented by bins of kitchen waste, of which the council had collected 4274 during 1946.

Extant statistics seem to indicate a successful breeding programme. Pigs provided for fattening in 1943 and 1944 were fifty each year, falling to forty-seven in 1945 and only twenty-seven in 1946.

However, pigs sold to the Ministry for Food were sixty-four in 1943, seventy-eight in 1944, eighty-one in 1945 and 136 in 1946. The meal ration was cut to just 7½ cwt. after September 1946 and membership slumped to fifty-four. Thus on December 14th the club was closed down as it was felt impossible to continue. This was announced in the Cambs Times on December 29th saying that a meeting early in the New Year would conclude the club's affairs.

During the war, these clubs fed and fattened over a million pigs annually, contributing a great deal towards the nation's diet.

MUSEUM OPENING TIMES 10.30am-3.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday. Entry is FREE.

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FOOT PRINCE OFFERS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE eter Stanley offers a bespoke, personal and professional foot care service tailored to your individual needs and carried out in the comfort of your own home.

The Foot Health Professional (FHP), who underwent specialist training at The SMAE Institute based in Maidenhead, is available to visit people in the March and Wisbech area through his company Foot Prince.

Peter, who is based in Downham Market, is fully trained and qualified in both the theoretical and practical aspects of foot health and care to enable him to assess the condition of your feet and treat as appropriate, referring you if necessary. He provides routine foot care and maintenance for your feet using the latest procedures and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.

He can help with: • Nail trimming/reduction • Callus/corn removal • Fungal nail/athlete’s foot • Cracked heels • Thickened/ingrowing nails • Verrucae • Diabetes foot care and neurovascular assessment Peter said: “I offer a professional service for a variety of foot problems, from treating corns and ingrowing toenails though to treatment for people who suffer from diabetes. Most of my patients are aged over fifty-five and I enjoy a lot of repeat business. I trained at the oldest foot health institute so people can be assured of my professionalism.”

Peter is available on 07842 553554; Email: footprinceuk@gmail.com, also on Facebook.

Professional Foot Health Practitioner Peter Stanley MAFHP, MCFHP • Nail trimming/reduction • Verrucae • Callus/corn removal • Ingrown toenails • Fungal nail/athlete’s foot • Cracked heels • Thickened nails • Diabetes foot care • Neurovascular assessment

HOME VISITS ONLY

Call Peter on 07842 553554 Email footprinceuk@gmail.com A P RI L 2 0 2 2

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r e t s a E The Easter Bunny

Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, deciding whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide. Besides being popular in much of Europe, it is thought to have made its way across the Atlantic in the 1700s via German immigrants, who settled in Pennsylvania and brought with them their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws”, with their children making nests in which they would receive coloured eggs.

The world’s biggest omelette Every Easter, in the French town of Bessières, the Giant Omelette Brotherhood is responsible for creating a huge omelette, comprising 5,000 eggs served to 1,000 people in the town’s main square. The tradition is said to have originated at the beginning of the 19th century when Napoleon and his army stopped there one night and were fed omelettes that were so good, they ordered the townsfolk to gather all their eggs and make a giant omelette the next day.

Egg dancing Also known as “hop egg”, this is a centuries-old tradition which originated in Germany and is still enjoyed in the UK, USA and much of Europe. Rules vary but always involve dancing around a floor strewn with eggs, trying not to break any. A slightly safer alternative can be found depicted in “The Egg Dance”, a painting by Dutch Renaissance artist, Pieter Aertsen. In this, the goal was to use your feet to roll an egg out of a bowl, keeping it within a chalk circle, before flipping the bowl to cover the egg.

Egg rolling Or “Pace egging” as the ancient Lancashire custom would have it, involves launching hard-boiled eggs down a grassy hill, and is a centuries-old English tradition, successfully exported across the Atlantic. The White House in Washington has been hosting an Easter Egg Roll (in which participants race to roll eggs with long spoons) since 1878 on its South Lawn.

Egg tapping Also known as egg knocking, egg pacqueing, egg boxing, egg picking, egg jarping or the more prosaic egg fight, this involves knocking a hard-boiled egg against that of your opponent until one of them cracks. A kind of Easter version of conkers, with messier results, the last egg standing is the winner.

Kite flying

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In Bermuda, children have been flying brightly coloured homemade kites on Good Friday ever since (legend has it) a schoolteacher used a kite to explain Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

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CLOVELLY HOUSE

44 Station Road March PE15 8LE

Privately owned residential care home offers: ✓ 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

For a brochure, more information or to organise a visit please contact Malcolm or Kim on 01354 655768 www.clovellycare.co.uk

There is a God in heaven He loves you He died for you And He’s alive!

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Food & Drink

WINES FROM THAILAND:

A Good Choice

T

hailand (officially the Kingdom of Thailand, and previously known as Siam) is a country in Southeast Asia, with Bangkok as its capital city.

Today, manufacturing and agriculture are leading parts of Thailand’s economy, alongside countless tourists visiting this fascinating country. From the shopping malls of Bangkok, through the fabulous coastal beaches, with hundreds of tropical islands, plus the nightlife and world heritage attractions, culture, history, sports and more, there is something for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Thai cuisine and wines are very popular and can now be found globally.

Monsoon Valley is a multiaward-winning fine wine producer. Grapes are carefully selected and transported in air-conditioned vehicles from the Monsoon Valley Vineyard to the Siam Winery. Producing splendid wines, with grapes only grown in Thailand, Monsoon Valley wines are now recognised and enjoyed by numerous connoisseurs, as well as being available in five-star hotels and restaurants in Thailand and around the world.

Monsoon Valley White wine has a pleasant bouquet, plus a good mouthfeel and palate, and is excellent with seafood and white meats. The Monsoon Valley Red has good red fruits for 46

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the bouquet and for the mouth’s pleasures. This pairs wonderfully with red meats. If it’s a rosé that is preferred, then the Monsoon Valley Rosé will not disappoint, having grapes grown on ‘floating vineyards’ and at the Monsoon Valley Vineyard. This wine has a delicate nose, excellent mouthfeel, and palate. It is a wine that is extremely popular with many people. If a Shiraz is required for satisfaction, then Monsoon Valley Shiraz, from the Premium Range, with its ruby-red, enticing appearance, has it all.

Dark fruits are in abundance, with oak-aged barrels contributing to the exceptional pleasures of this wine, and it is fantastic with red meats. For an aromatic, sweet wine, Chenin Blanc Dessert Wine (flagship) ‘ticks all the boxes’ for me.

Having Chenin Blanc grapes, left on the vines for several more days, ensures the provision of the added sugars required to produce this impressive delight, which gives a grand finish.

These are just some of the wines from the Monsoon Valley ranges. For all details, please visit www.monsoonvalleywine.co.uk and www.siamwinery.com

As always, enjoy!

March

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Smiths The Bakers Celebrates

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FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN MARCH pril sees the first anniversary of Smiths the Bakers (shop & café) being open at 4b Dartford Road, March.

can also be arranged, which has proven popular with customers.

The business was established by Norman and Betty Smith in King’s Lynn in 1971, celebrating its fiftieth anniversary last year. The business has been Royal Warrant holders for more than thirty years, supplying the Royal family when they stay in West Norfolk.

The shop serves traditionally made bread and cakes made daily at Smiths bakery in King’s Lynn.

In addition to the shop there is the café which provides hot and cold food including a delicious all-day breakfast with a selection of fifteen different items. The breakfast is also available for takeaway.

Company director Chery Rix commented: “Having supplied the previous owners with cakes and bread for the previous twelve years and knowing how disappointed customers were when they thought they could no longer buy our products, we had no hesitation in reopening the business.

“Reopening during a pandemic was a challenge and not ideal. But let’s hope we can all now move forward and with warmer weather approaching, look forward to seeing new and regular customers sitting outside again at the table and chairs on the shop forecourt.”

To help celebrate being open a year, packs of four hot cross buns have a 20% discount.

Happy Easter!

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Buffets are made to order and proving to be very popular. Freshly made on the day of the event and nicely presented, buffets can be provided for all occasions, wakes to birthdays. An additional service of having staff attend to serve hot drinks

Bespoke celebration cakes are available to order.

These range from birthday to wedding cakes, designed to your liking and specification.

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Traditionally made bread & cakes Delicious hot & cold food Eat-in or takeaway Celebration cakes for all occasions Freshly made buffets to order.

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-2pm

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BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Phone: 01354 655855 Email: jo@smithsthebakers.co.uk

11/03/2022 18:05 D I S C O V E R I N G March

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Paninis Market Place March

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For all your self-drive hire requirements CARS • VANS • LUTONS MINI BUSES (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:

Unlimited Mileage, VAT & Insurance Waiver

T: (01945) 582458 or 465059 info@easternrentavan.com www.easternrentavan.com

O U

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O LO U O N T K EW FO M R EN U

LYNN ROAD, WISBECH, CAMBS PE14 7AL

THE SEVEN STARS Book Now For Easter!

WIDE RANGE OF BEERS & SPIRITS SELECTION OF REAL ALES

OPEN TUES–SAT 12–11PM SUNDAYS 12–8PM

FOOD SERVED 12–2.30PM & 5–8:30PM TUES–SAT & 12–3.30PM ON SUNDAYS

75 THE AVENUE, MARCH PE15 9PS T: 01354 655258 THESEVENSTARSMARCH@GMAIL.COM • FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

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Entertainment

Morbius

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Awesome April Movies!

Top Picks

Marvel’s Morbius finally hits the big screen on April 1st as Oscar winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed.

Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore flies onto our screens from the 8th. Set several years after the events of The Crimes of Grindelwald, it follows Albus Dumbledore tasking Newt Scamander and his allies with a mission that takes them into the heart of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald's army.

The spellbinding conclusion to the trilogy promises to bring answers as to why Dumbledore can’t fight Grindelwald and many more of the riddles the famous Hogwarts headmaster has woven over the years. To celebrate the magical release, we are planning to have some fantastic beasts of our own for you to marvel at on opening weekend. For more information keep an eye on our Facebook page.

You’re cordially invited to Downton Abbey: A New Era on the 29th where the Dowager Countess of Grantham has shocking news for the family that will change the future of the entire estate. This announcement comes as the first of many fresh twists and turns at Downton as we reunite with all the residents upstairs and downstairs.

We are overjoyed to announce that dementiafriendly screenings are back and already on sale

for the eightieth anniversary of Casablanca on April 25th. We also have next month’s screening of Brief Encounter on sale for May 16th.

Theatre

Book your tickets now for ROH: La Traviata screening on the 13th and watch Courtesan Violetta sing some of Verdi's most acclaimed arias including the joyous 'Sempre libera', in her poignant and passionate encounters with Alfredo and Germont.

Tickets are now on sale for NT Live: Henry V in which Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s thrilling study of nationalism, war, and the psychology of power. Captured live from the Donmar Warehouse in London, this exciting modern production explores what it means to be English and our relationship to Europe, asking: do we ever get the leaders we deserve?

Family Films

Everybody’s favourite blue blur is called back into action when Dr Robotnik returns in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on April 1st, but this time, everyone’s upping their game as Tails and Knuckles enter the chaos.

The Bad Guys also released on the 1st introduces us to the Big Bad Wolf and his criminal crew in this new animated action-packed comedy from Dreamworks as the bad guys try turning good.

More blockbuster films coming your way including Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World 3, Lightyear and The Railway Children Return. Sign up to myLight for FREE on our website to get the best ticket prices, showtimes, news and special offers straight to your inbox.

Keep an eye on our full film listings at wisbech.lightcinemas.co.uk

The Light Cinema, Cromwell Road, Wisbech PE14 0RG Tel: 01945 640000 instagram lightcinema_wisbech  Light Cinema Wisbech Twitter-square @LightWisbech

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t n u H g g E r e t Eas Find all 26 Easter Eggs around March for a chance to WIN a

CHOCOLATE EXPLOSION PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

March Quality Meats Rollplay The Pet Shop Paper-chain Fonetek Anne's Thai Kitchen The Wheel Centre Enterprise Bizzee Bee Florist K E Rolfe Independent Family Funeral Directors Smiths The Bakers WMS Music Spectacular Greetings

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Spike & Violet White September Ellis Winters & Co Maxey Grounds Residential Maxey Grounds Commercial Paninis Nate's Barbers Haart Estate Agents Nalas Coffee Shop Sharman Quinney Carpet Warehouse Doorbrite Riverside Fish & Chips

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Write in the boxes provided, which shop window features each egg!

In the boxes provided under the pictures, write down the name of the shops where you find the matching Easter eggs for your chance to win a chocolate explosion! Please fill in your details below and post your entry form to: Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET or pop your entry into Paper-chain, 11 Station Road, March PE15 8LB or Paninis, 6 High Street, March PE15 9JE Competition closes 30/4/2022. Good Luck!!

NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL: 52

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THE FUNCTION HALL IS AVAILABLE TO HIRE FOR PARTIES & WEDDINGS ETC PLEASE CALL US TO ENQUIRE

March United Services Club 1 New Road, March PE15 9AN Telephone: 01354 657271 Email: uscmarch@yahoo.com A P RI L 2 0 2 2

Facebook: @marchunitedservices

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What’s Coming Up WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY LUNCHES Every week, served between 12 & 2pm Meals from £6 and desserts from £2

EVERY THURSDAY: PUB QUIZ NIGHT 7.30pm start, FREE entry, all welcome

SATURDAY 16TH APRIL UB40 TRIBUTE NIGHT Members £8, non-members £10. Tickets on sale now.

Club open from 7pm.

SUNDAY 17TH APRIL EASTER CARVERY

Traditional carvery served from 1pm. £16 per person. Booking essential – all welcome

SATURDAY 14TH MAY THE BIRMINGHAM BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE NIGHT Members £8, non-members £10. Tickets on sale now

THE 2022 WHAT’S ON BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CLUB. GET YOUR COPY NOW!

Breaking News...

QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND We have organised a weekend of events at the club to celebrate this historic anniversary – Thursday is Quiz Night, Friday is Music Night with Tony G, Saturday is a fun Casino Night and to finish we have a Hog Roast on the lawn with music from Amy Leeder.

For more information contact the Club on

01354 653150

or go to the Club Facebook page and just search for March Con Club. If you like thepage you will get all the updates for what’s going on.

Why not come and see what the Club has to offer?

Our live music events are second to none in the local area, with comfortable, spacious and well decorated rooms.

IMPORTANT UPDATE! All functions are now ticket-only which must be purchased before the event. This will include our carveries which must be pre-paid.

D I Road, S C O VMarch E R I N PE15 G March NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME 14 Creek 8RD55

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News

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

By Steve Barclay MP

I

t is hard to contemplate the horror people in Ukraine are going through. This is a conflict that is changing by the hour and I’m aware that the fast-moving pace of events means that whatever I write will have changed by the time you read it.

However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the impact it is having around the world, has wide reaching implications – in Europe itself, in other parts of the world where dictators will be watching closely, and domestically where the impacts will be felt strongly in our economy.

I know across North East Cambridgeshire there will be feelings of shock and horror at the atrocities being committed by the Putin regime and support for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their country. In Government we have led in providing lethal weapons to help Ukrainians defend themselves, bilateral aid to the Ukrainian Government and neighbouring countries, and medicinal supplies, and will continue to offer support including to those refugees displaced by the war.

To return to matters in the constituency, specifically plans for an enormous incinerator in Wisbech, I have now received a letter from the Planning Inspectorate regarding my concerns that developer MVV is not complying with the required consultation process. Following this welcome clarification, I have written to Fenland District Council to urge them to consider their adequacy of consultation response, specifically whether the consultation process was properly informed and meaningful (in accordance with what is known as the Gunning Principles).

a further helpful step and will be part of the Planning Inspectorate’s decision on whether it accepts the application for examination. To avoid a local planning decision and qualify as a nationally significant infrastructure project which is determined by the Planning Inspectorate process, the scheme needs to generate over fifty megawatts of power which will mean bringing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable municipal and commercial and industrial waste to Wisbech. I have other concerns about the impacts on health, traffic, and the environment and will continue to fight against this unsuitable scheme.

Congratulations to Littleport’s Field Theatre Group, which has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for SisterSafe, a new street safety project to give young female residents tools and information aimed at reducing their risk of harm in public spaces. I applaud any and all efforts to crack down on the harassment of women and girls.

Given recent high-profile incidents such as the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, it is important that females can feel safe on the streets of our communities.

I’ve also been out and about this month on various visits locally, including Wisbech’s Black Cat Residential Property and their new premises in Bridge Street; and to look around the new Silver Green vets in Boleness Road. It’s great to see local businesses created and expanding.

Finally, after two years of regular COVID updates in this column, it’s good to see the legal restrictions lifted and our Living with COVID plan published. Of course, the virus has not gone away so I would urge you to continue to take precautions and, above all, stay safe.

Fenland District Council’s view on whether MVV has fulfilled its statutory consultation duties is

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 56

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GER Sports AND

Social Club PRESENTS

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LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS Intrigue Circle of Light Clairvoyance Evenings Every Monday starting from 7pm for 7.30pm at The Brazza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ. £4/person.

Please call 01354 655093 for more information.

Solo Club For people who have lost partners through bereavement.

Come along and join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month; midday at Hot Pots Cafe – The Cricket Club, Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Membership £5/year. For more details contact 01354 656181.

March Rotary Club Recycling Collection. Find us at City Road car park on the second Saturday of each month between 8.30am and 10.30am to collect your old newspapers, magazines and other paper for recycling.

Lunch & Film Club Meets on the first Thursday of each month in March Town Hall. Lunch is served at midday followed by the film. £14 per person. Tickets are available from Paninis.

Friends of March Library Coffee Morning. The Friends of March Library hold a coffee morning at March Library on the last Saturday of every month from 10 30am to 12 noon. Hot and cold drinks plus biscuits cost 50p and we also hold a raffle. All profits are spent on/by March Library. Do come and join us. For more details contact Maureen Malvern on 01354 658247.

The Other Art Group Meets every Thursday afternoon 2-4pm at March Library. Membership fee is £25 for 12 weeks paid quarterly. For details contact March Library on 03450 455225 and your details will be forwarded to them.

March Hockey Club Training is every Thursday at Neale Wade School. 6pm7pm Juniors, 7pm-8pm Adults. All abilities welcome. Find us on Facebook – March Town Hockey Club or visit www.marchtownhockeyclub.co.uk for more details.

March Jive Club At The Braza Club, Elm Road, March PE15 8NZ. Meets every Wednesday night 7.30-10.30pm with 1:1 personal tuition available. Every 3rd Friday in the month dance with top line groups and DJs. For more info call Andrew and Donna on 01354 776229 or Terry 07979 442920.

Wisbech and District Flower Club Meets every third Monday of the month at St Peters Hall Wisbech from 7.30pm. Please call Yvonne on 01945 581360 for more information.

March Probus Club Meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at March Conservative Club. We meet as a group of semi or fully retired gentlemen at 10am for a cuppa and a chat and then at 10.30am we have a guest speaker for appox 45 mins covering a wide range of topics.

To find out more please contact Dr Allan J Whyte (Club Secretary) on 07979 887110 or pop in and visit us.

Rings End Nature Reserve Family workshops for all to be involved in. Meets every second Sunday of the month in the car park for the nature reserve Rings End PE15 0BE. Conservation for all 9.30am-12 noon. Please call Hayley on 07962 337988 for more information.

March Marlins Swimming Club Meets each weekday at Manor Leisure Centre Whittlesey and George Campbell Leisure Centre March please come along and join us all abilities welcome (must be able to swim at least one length).

Please contact swimatmarlins@gmail.com

Fenland Foragers Fenland Foragers runs The Little Acorns toddler group on Wednesday mornings, 9-11am in St Johns Church grounds on Station Road, March along with Nature Detectives a group for all ages 9.30-11.30am every other Friday. To book please call Hayley on 07962 337988 www.fenland-foragers-forest-sch.class4kids.co.uk

March Triathlon Club Meets every Tuesday night at 8.15pm for swim training at the George Campbell Leisure Centre. All abilities welcome. £4 per person. Please contact Martyn for more details 01354 460000.

March Yoga Club Meets at March Community Centre on Tuesdays 4.30pm-5.45pm and 6.15pm-7.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11.15am then Elm Primary School or Emneth Central Hall Wednesdays 7pm-8.15pm. For availability please contact Peter on 07905 601585 or email: pabamullins206@ntlworld.com March Parkinson's Group Meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Braza Club, Station Road, March. This is a friendly group and everyone is welcome. £1 per session so pop along for a free taster and check us out. Please contact Wendy Summerlin on 01354 661997 for more details.

Advertise your or

Club Group £30 Meeting FROM

+VAT

EAR

PER Y

Magazines GET IN TOUCH

Please call Paula for more information on 07903 7769211 or email marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

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ROOFING SERVICES

POND MAINTENANCE

5 ★ GUTTERING & FASCIAS ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

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Steve 07393 942998 Andy 01480 877586

O N E CAL D O E S IT ALL L

DECORATING & TILING

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T. D. A. Services

PINE TREE CARE & LANDSCAPES LTD

Decorating and Tiling Specialist Expert interior and exterior decoration, including: • All types of painting, staining & varnishing • Wall & floor tiling • Wallpapering

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if you men tion this advert

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

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

CALL STEVE TODAY 01945 898314/07780 929409

DRAINAGE SPECIALISTS

SEWING SERVICES

March-based Drainage Specialists

Carol’s Sewing Services

NTS DISCOU FOR THE , ELDERLY & D DISABLE S N VETERA

• CCTV Surveys and Investigations • Domestic and Commercial Unblocks • Emergency Unblocks • Pipe Repairs • Patching of Pipe Repairs • Descaling • HPW Jetting • Manhole Frame and Cover Repairs/Replacement • Grease Trap Clearance • Cesspit Emptying

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Including Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaids Dresses etc.

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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 2

OSTEOPATH

GARDEN CARE

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

TREE SURGERY

B L JO AL O SM O

Treatment for neck and back pain. Headache and migraine. Tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.

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Gentle effective treatment for the whole individual. Let us solve your problem.

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

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All Your Gardening Maintenance Covered:

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

01354 278244 07990 040575

VEHICLE REPAIRS

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

Nigel’s Vehicle Repairs of March

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N.V.R

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www.bowlestreeandgardenservices.co.uk

Folleys Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech

SPECIALIST CLEANING

Domestic Cleaning Commercial Cleaning Deep Cleaning End of Tenancy Tel: 01733 736017 www.mrscleverclean.com

Bronze, Silver, Gold Packages Additional extras available Own products & equipment used

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

TELEPHONE 07907 683866 Automatic closing gates installed; please call Nigel to gain access

ELECTRICIANS

A.M Fisher Electrical Contractor March (Est 1972)

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

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TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE

CALL PAULA ON 01778 421427 OR 07903 776211 PRICES START FROM JUST £19

FURNITURE SHOP 45 HIGH STREET, MARCH PE15 9JJ

We can arrange for our van to collect your items Please telephone 01354 653857 OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

W W W .DI SCO VER INGMAGAZI N E S. C O . UK | APRI L 2022

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MARCH MARLINS Making Waves in 2022... arch Marlins Swimming Club is shaking off the adverse effects of COVID and is looking forward to a brighter 2022.

The club lost members during the pandemic but is now looking to once again expand by adding new swimming groups and increasing memberships.

Chair Emma Liversedge said: “COVID placed a big strain on the club. Last summer we did some Zoom training but now we are pulling ourselves back up and are virtually back to where we were before the pandemic.”

March Marlins offers adults and children the chance to learn to swim with them then being coached to a standard to represent the club and participate in competitive galas. It currently has approximately

135 members, spread over ten groups from minnows and skimmers aged five+ up to Masters’ squads.

Emma said the club is adding two new groups with a new Masters squad with more flexible swim times and an adult progress squad for those who can already swim but who want to improve.

The club’s membership is split approximately fifty-fifty between males and females with sessions being held at The George Campbell Leisure Centre, March three times a week and at Manor Leisure Centre twice.

Emma added: “It is a competitive club and members participate in competitions around the east of England and at Cambridgeshire county events, regional meetings and inter-club competitions.”

The next big local meeting on the horizon is the Fenland Open Meet, which will be held on Sunday, May 29th at Whittlesey.

You can contact March Marlins, which is swim21 accredited and fully registered with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), by emailing: swimatmarlins@gmail.com

• We offer stress free house clearances • You will receive the best possible price for your items • Your belongings will still be owned by you until auctioned by ourselves

Please call now for a free quotation for removal of all your items At Glyn Jones Auctions we put our clients and their families first

 01733 963031 Look out for our regular auction dates: www.glynjones-auctions.com Unit 16, Springwater Business Park Station Road, Whittlesey PE7 2EU enquiries@glynjones-auctions.com OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm Saturday: 9am-5pm. Sunday CLOSED

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Coleseed Business Complex, Upwell Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0DJ

TEL: 01354 648 480

IS PROUD TO LAUNCH...

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COURTESY CAR PROVIDED (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

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Silver + Brake Fluid & Spark Plugs (Petrol) & Full Diagnostic Check

£99 +VAT

£149 +VAT

£249 +VAT

To book, please contact us or download our workshop specific web App (see QR Code below).

BREAKING NEWS

CAMBRIDGESHIRE USED CAR SALES LIMITED ARE MOVING!

From Monday 4th April 2022, you can find us on the Coleseed Business Complex on Upwell Road, March, PE15 0DJ. We will be working alongside our newly opened State of the Art Workshop and will soon be joined by our new MOT Centre.

Now we will be able to offer you and your vehicle a great service, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF! (All prices are Subject to vehicle specification - prestige & specialist vehicles may incur additional fees, please check with our friendly team.)

TEL: 01354 648500

www.fenlandvehiclerepairs.co.uk

To Book Now - Scan with

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

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