Discovering March issue 109, October 2022

Every now and then, something happens either in our own lives or on a larger scale which just makes us stop in our tracks.

One such moment struck the world when we heard that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. Along with millions of others, I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when that news reached me. A fabulous life well lived, a role model for us all and the “glue which has kept our society together”, no one will ever forget her.

No apologies for focusing my comment this month on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Like most other people, I have only ever experienced the Queen being on the throne and it seems very strange to think of life in Britain in the future without her.

I never had the privilege of meeting her, although I did see her on several occasions in London and at Sandringham, However, her presence has been there in the background every day, from starting out at school, to heading into employment and getting married and having children. She has always been a constant. Revered for her dedicated service to the country over many decades, she was a very special person who spanned the generations and embodied the spirit of country. We will not see her like again...

SPONSORED BY THE SHED SHOP

W hat a summer we had! But now, nights will be longer and days shorter, so best to get time in at the allotment before the clocks go back. Harvest or protect any remaining crops that are susceptible to frosts and clear away any remaining debris, and place on the compost heap: the larger the quantity, the better as this helps the heap to warm up and accelerates the rotting process. It is advisable to shred or pulverise thick, woody stems such as sweetcorn, beans, and brassicas, so that they decompose more quickly. Do not put any diseased foliage on the compost heap; burn or discard it.

If you have an allotment or space in your vegetable patch, have you thought about planting a native hedge for wildlife? If you choose something like blackthorn (for sloe berries), elderberry, or crab apples, you will also have a niche crop... mmm, sloe gin! There is a variety of companies on the Internet that sell mixed edible hedging packs. Crops that can be sown this month include:

• Early broad beans.

• Japanese over-wintering onion sets.

• Last chance to transplant spring cabbages – be sure to net them to prevent pigeons eating the young leaves.

• Plant garlic.

• Plant bare-rooted fruit trees or move existing ones – the soil still has some warmth.

• Sow a pot of basil seeds and put in a propagator or on a warm windowsill, keeping the soil moist. Parsley and mint can be dug up from an established clump, put in a pot and kept on the windowsill – much cheaper than buying pots from the supermarket! Other jobs for this month include:

• Continue to earth up celery and leeks.

• Protect cauliflowers by bending a leaf over the curd.

• Finish pruning blackberries and raspberries.

• Keep removing yellow leaves from brassicas – leaving them on the ground risks spreading grey mould.

• If you have not already done so earth up, or stake (or both) Brussels sprouts and sprouting broccoli plants.

• Pick the unripe tomatoes and put a few in a bag with a ripe banana –this gives off ethylene gas which speeds ripening.

• Cure pumpkins and squashes – cut and leave them to dry out in the sun, it hardens the skins, and they will keep for longer.

• Cut back asparagus and artichoke foliage and compost.

• Remove runner bean canes: if left in the ground they will easily rot.

• Divide rhubarb crowns.

Happy gardening!

COUPLE CAN CARRY OUT ALL YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

The couple’s business, RW Home Improvements, has been operating for the past twenty years in Harlow, Essex but is now locally based after the couple moved to March in August this year.

Rick said: “We decided to move away from Harlow because there was so much new-build work going on that with a bigger population it was going to be virtually impossible to get about on the roads, particularly if there was an accident on the M11 or M25.

“We didn’t know March but a customer we had moved to a bungalow here and recommended the town. We have great neighbours and love it. “Although we have semi-retired, we didn’t want to sit back and rest on our laurels and so decided to start work straight away and have just picked up our first job which is in Wimblington.”

Rick (63) and Jan (62) can carry out a wide range of internal and external work.

Inside work:

• Painting and decorating (including wallpapering)

• Fit coving

• Shelves/blinds/curtain poles/fit mirrors or pictures etc.

• Trim down doors, after new carpet has been fitted

• Fit loft ladder and board loft

• Fit internal doors and handles

• Fit architrave and skirting boards

• Re-mastic around shower tray/bath and kitchen worktop

• Fit new toilet seat

Outside work

• Fencing and shed repairs

• Power wash driveways/patio and decking

• Clean conservatory roof and sides

• Assemble garden shed and remove old shed if required

• Fence and shed painting

Rick prides himself on being reliable and professional and always visits potential customers for a free written quote. In addition, the company has liability insurance and a waste licence.

He said: “We are looking to work primarily in March and the nearby villages, such as Wimblington and Doddington. We always treat customers how we would like to be treated ourselves and we carry out all the work ourselves.”

RW Home Improvements is based at 27 Breton Avenue, March PE15 9EY. Tel: (01354) 629281 or 0781 7216067; Email: rwhomeimprovements@hotmail.co.uk; Facebook: RW Home Improvements

Husband and wife team Rick and Jan Wollen may be new to March but they’re certainly not new to the art of home improvements.

By Cath Collins

MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN TWO EASY STEPS

As a lawyer dealing with wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, I hear two comments a lot. The first is ‘I know I ought to make a will’ and the second ‘We really wanted Mum/Dad to sort out powers of attorney but they wouldn’t.’ They often say that their parents saw these as unnecessary expenses that they couldn’t afford.

In fact, in times of rising prices and increasing utility bills, they are documents that mean someone can help you to manage increasing costs by talking to the utility companies on your behalf to make sure that payments are not being unnecessarily increased.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to decide who is going to look after you and your finances if you aren’t able to do so.

Even if you have capacity to make other decisions, if there is something you need help with and a financial LPA is in place, with your consent your attorney can deal with these things on your behalf –it might be trying to negotiate with utility companies about increasing direct debit payments or finding out if there are benefits that might assist with the costs of living increases.

Sadly, by the time that help is needed it may be too late to put LPAs in place.

If you can’t tell anyone who you would like to look after your affairs, someone will need to make an application to the Court of Protection for permission to do so. During the time the application is being dealt with by the court, which can be up to a year, no-one is able to manage your finances. This could mean that your family might have to pay your bills or even pay for your care from their own resources until they can access your funds.

The best time to draw up Lasting Powers of Attorney is, strangely, when you don’t need them. You can take the time to decide who the best people are to help you to manage if you are struggling or to deal with things if you aren’t able to anymore.

By putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney and a will, you not only get the peace of mind that you will be looked after and your affairs will be sorted as you wanted after your death but you also give the gift of peace of mind to those that will be looking after you and dealing with your estate.

Wills

Most people know what a will is and why they ought to have one. At its simplest, your will sets out who you want to sort out your estate and how you want it divided after your death.

For some people they know the who and the how and for them making a will doesn’t present a problem. For others, it can be more difficult and for them making a will can feel like climbing Mount Everest. They don’t know how to start, so they don’t. Unfortunately, this can mean that those left behind have to follow rules that they know their deceased loved one wouldn’t have liked. The end result might be that the estate goes to someone that the deceased hadn’t seen for years, rather than those that supported them during their lifetime.

From my experience, the greatest gift you can give to those you leave behind is the peace of mind that they are doing what you would have wanted.

If you need advice in relation to wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, please contact Cath Collins on (01945) 898090 or email cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk for a no obligation chat.

WILD ABOUT MARCH

BLACKBIRD

Turdus merula

The blackbird is probably the most common British bird and the migrants, escaping the cold of Scandinavia, will soon be bolstering the local numbers.

The male is jet black with a bright yellow bill and eye ring that gives it an outraged or hard done by expression. The female is all brown with a yellowish buff bill and she can have some speckling on her breast making her look like a song thrush. Song thrushes are now quite rare in March and seldom seen around houses. Both male and female hold their heads and tails high when stationary and frequently cock their tails especially when giving their ‘chook chook’ warning call. They will often fly away if disturbed in a cacophony of ‘chooks.’ They are mostly ground birds and where there is sufficient cover will run away rather than take flight.

The male blackbird has a wonderful song that can fill the evening air when he sings from a suitable vantage point. The powerful song also dominates the early dawn chorus.

They will build nests in bushes or trees and will have multiple broods in a year if conditions are favourable. The young are like speckled females and can be noisy making themselves easy targets for predators.

Watching blackbirds visiting our bird table, which is quite close to our kitchen window, it has become clear that they are not the sharpest pencil in the box. Most days we put out a small amount of porridge oats into which a small amount of sunflower or rapeseed oil has been absorbed. If we are late, a blackbird will sit on the back fence with an outraged expression. The fence is only six feet from the bird table and he will often not move when the food is taken out and he will immediately pounce on it. Within seconds a second blackbird

will appear, it could be male or female, and the first bird will chase the interloper way. By the time he returns, a third blackbird will have reached the food and that too will be chased away. This pattern continues and whilst these pursuits are in progress collared doves, wood pigeons, starlings and even robins will come and eat the food and the blackbird will not chase any of them away. It doesn’t take long for all the food to be gone and the original blackbird will stand on the empty table looking outraged.

Despite all of their behaviour failings they are very successful and long may they be so.

Next Gault Wood Work Party is Saturday, November 5th 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 focuses on phenology, which is the study of plant and animal reaction to climate change. Nature's Calendar (woodlandtrust.org.uk)

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

Raising Money for Fenland Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

By Lin Stanton, Centre Manager for Fenland CAP

What is CAP? CAP is a Christian debt help charity that works alongside local churches to runs local debt help centres like the one here covering March and Wisbech. We work with people to make a budget that they can live on and help them find the best solution out of debt. CAP helps people of all faiths and no faith and all our services are free and non-judgemental.

At present we have thirtyfive clients on our books, in various stages of their journey out of debt and we stay with people until they become completely debt free.

Why are we raising funds? Christians Against Poverty have highly trained staff working to contact clients’ creditors and arrange repayment terms, create a budget for clients to live on and repay their debts. These services have to be funded and staff paid. So, Fenland CAP pay a regular monthly payment for these services so we are able to offer this vital service to people

in our community who are in financial difficulty.

Our Fenland team are mostly volunteers but petrol, office expenses, phones, internet costs etc. have to be met each month.

We do fund raising events to cover these costs. This year we have had a quiz night, a high tea event and last week we did a sponsored walk in Sandringham.

Why support Fenland’s CAP Debt Centre?

The cost-of-living crisis is badly impacting people on low incomes and leading many in our area into unmanageable debt so

our free debt help service is very much needed right now. If you would like and feel able to support our work in any way please email me via: linstanton@capuk.org

If you’re a member of a church in March or Wisbech and would be interested in finding out how to become a befriender to join me in visiting clients, then please get in touch.

If you need our services, please phone the free phone number 0800 328 0006.

Contact linstanton@capuk.org or 07787 204359

Find choice for every space, style and budget

How to ‘Winter-proof’ Your Home and Save Money

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

With the rising cost of living and soaring energy bills, there are some easy steps to ‘winter-proof’ your home before the cold weather sets in. There are many clever tips to help save money, whether you are able to carry them out yourself or (in the interest of confidence and safety) need a tried and trusted tradesman.

To make sure that October offers more treats than tricks, and to avoid a November nightmare, remember to:

Check all external pipes: Blocked or leaking pipes can freeze, then expand and burst, causing potentially expensive water damage.

Insulation: A fully draught-proof and insulated home can create huge savings. Check the basics, starting with obvious draught points. Invest in some draught excluders and check the cladding around your boiler and pipes.

Bleed your radiators: This releases any trapped air, allowing hot water to fill every part of your radiator and warm the property more efficiently.

Get a boiler service: Arrange for a professional to service your boiler each year. Boilers account for around 55% of what is spent on energy bills in a year.

Clear out your gutters: Leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blocks and overflows. Consider investing in gutter leaf guards.

Turn off electrical items: Even if they’re on standby or plugged into a socket, they could still be using some energy.

Don’t charge your phone overnight: Most phones only take a few hours to fully charge, so yours could be left plugged in for hours unnecessarily, wasting electricity and money.

Don’t wash in half measures: Wash only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.

Keep your fridge around three-quarters full: If full, it uses more electricity to maintain the temperature and circulate the cold air.

Take it slow: Even though slow cookers are on for a long time, they are more energy-efficient than a standard oven.

Turn it down: Turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save around £80 a year. For all your home improvement needs, which in turn could help to save energy and keep utility costs down, visit www.safelocaltrades.com

COVID-19

A BLOOMING GREAT TEAM...

The team and residents at March’s Aria Court Care Home are celebrating after winning Athena Care Homes’ inaugural gardening competition! Athena in Bloom was launched this year to help give green fingered residents the opportunity to keep up their passions, to help develop links with local community groups and to ensure that Athena Care Homes’ gardens are beautiful, welcoming places to catch up with loved ones.

Aria Court had a bumper return as the home took the prize in five of the twelve categories on offer and scooped the award for the overall winner! Successes came in the best wildlife conservation project, best gardening club, best dementia involvement, innovation in care and bringing the outside in categories.

Aria Court’s home manager Mav Feast said:

“The past two years has been a labour of love, redeveloping gardens to generate an environment that is both sustainable and meets the holistic needs of our residents.

“It’s been a shared passion for the team; spreading far and wide through residents, relatives, team members and the wider community. We’ve worked with Tesco, FACET, Factory shop and many more members of the local community.

“I am immensely proud of the contribution all stake holders have made and continue to make on the transformation the home has taken. None of this could be possible without the support of every single person; whether it be donations of seeds for the wild gardens, or support to upcycle marble for our new bar in our very own ‘break away’ area. I cherish deeply the commitment and hard work of our team and this award is richly deserved by our residents and team.”

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

MAFF MAKES ITS MARK

The March Armed Forces Fair (MAFF) proved to be a great success with thousands of people flocking on to West End Park to view the many exhibits and stands.

Businesses, charities and organisations linked to the Armed Forces were featured along with many local groups.

Discovering March took a stand which was manned by Operations Director Andy Armstrong and Sales Manager Paula Kirtland who met many readers keen to learn more about the magazine.

ARTS EVENTS FOR ALL

The Library Presents has announced its packed tenth season of arts-based events based in libraries – including March – throughout the autumn. Tickets are now available to purchase for this year’s eclectic programme, which includes a fantastic and diverse offering of world-class live music, dance, magic, theatre, and circus with events for all ages, adults and families.

There are many men who would love to sing. Most never get around to it, don’t have the opportunity, or may be too self-conscious to give it a go.

Hereward Harmony is a friendly, well-established, male singing chorus who are running a ‘Learn to Sing’ Course at the Orton Wistow Community Centre, PE2 6XN (each Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.00pm on October 6th to November 3rd.)

The simple fact is that just about everyone can sing, so what could be better than a free course that will help you discover your voice by signing up to the ‘Learn to Sing’ course at Peterborough’s Orton Wistow Community Centre.

The Library Presents’ exciting programme of more than sixty events will run from October 1st to December 13th and is bigger and better than ever before.

You do not have to read music and will sing a part alongside at least one experienced singer. You will receive sheet music and teach tracks that will allow you to practise during the week.

Reserve your place now by ringing Alan Lund on 07850

Hereward Harmony is a well-established male Barbershop Chorus who sing in traditional four-part close harmony. Consisting of bass, baritone, lead and tenor, anyone can find a part to suit their voice. They normally sing a wide range of numbers but during the course will concentrate on a few songs to achieve good progress. The course will be each Thursday from 7.30pm to 9pm from October 6th to November 3rd. You do not have to read music and will sing a part alongside at least one experienced singer who will help and encourage you.

Reserve your place now by ringing Alan Lund on 07850 007057. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ HerewardHarmony

BOOST FOR PROPERTY-BUYERS

Buying a property in Fenland has become quicker and simpler for everyone.

As part of its digital transformation, Fenland District Council has worked with HM Land Registry to transfer its local land charges (LLC) register to its national digital register.

The LLC Register allows users to search information online instantly, enabling buying decisions to be made earlier in the conveyancing process.

Most local land charges are restrictions or prohibitions on the use of property or land, such as planning permissions or listed building status. A search of the national register will reveal whether a property is subject to a charge and enable the buyer to make an informed decision about the purchase.

Anyone can access the register’s search for local land charges service. Business customers can also access it through their portal account or Business Gateway. For more information visit GOV.UK

The upcoming season’s workshops and performances range from award winning folk music to interactive visual events, as well as returning family favourites from past seasons, including the ever-popular ‘Graffiti Classics’.

You can now buy tickets for all the events, ranging from £2 to £10, which include options to ‘pay what you think’, family saver and free companion tickets for disabled audience members.

For more information, visit: https://www.library.live/ the-library-presents and to stay up-to-date go to Facebook and Instagram at: @TheLibraryPresents

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL

The Royal British Legion has been supporting our Armed Forces community past and present for more than one hundred years.

This year’s appeal runs from Saturday, October 29th to Saturday, November 12th and the group is seeking additional volunteers to help man its supermarket stands.

If you like to sponsor a lamp post poppy, contact poppy appeal organiser Kay Larham on 0790 8009378 or email klarham@yahoo.co.uk There’s a suggested minimum donation of £10.

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

“Everything was explained clearly and we had more than one opportunity to ask questions or for clarification which was very helpful.” Mr & Mrs Dodd “Could not improve service” Mr Wiggins

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.

By putting Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) in place you can get the assurance of a legally binding and formally registered document that gives lasting powers of attorney to a person who knows you, and whom you know you can trust. There are two types of LPA:

Health and Welfare LPA: Your healthcare in loving hands You’ll want to make your own healthcare decisions if you can. What about if you can’t? Don’t risk leaving your healthcare decisions up to family members who can’t agree or – worse – to a court appointed guardian. Select your own advocate who knows your wishes and has your best interest at heart.

Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Financial care-taking when you need it most

Allow a trusted friend or family member to take care of your home, your bills, your business, and your day-to-day expenses by giving them legal authority to act on your behalf when you can’t.

Don’t have LPAs in place? You’re not alone. People have a lot of great ‘reasons’ why they don’t have LPAs.

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.

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

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: 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.

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? 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. Have more questions about how LPAs can work for you? Contact Chris or Robynne at Olive Tree Law on (01487) 474352 or hello@olivetreelaw.co.uk

Know who will be in charge when you can’t be. Without a contest.

CLOSE TO HOME

By Richard Munns on behalf of March & District Museum

Today, it is difficult to realise how near to the town centre farming businesses came but on Friday, June 27th, 1901, the March Fire Brigade had a call-out that could hardly be closer to their station in March Town Hall when, just before 1 o’clock in the afternoon, a fire occurred in Mr F Ground’s stack yard in Elwyn Road.

It is reported that the fire was started by the son of one of Mr Ground’s employees who found a match and, no doubt, out of pure mischief struck it and put the flame to a large stack of straw. As the child was coming away from the stack, Mr John Inglett drove by. He immediately attempted to extinguish the flames but the straw was very dry and the fire rapidly gained a firm hold.

A number of men helped in removing some implements from the vicinity but they could not move a good tumbril cart which was standing beside the stack and this together with a ladder was destroyed.

Meanwhile the alarm had been raised by means of the fire bell and, with creditable promptness, the whole of the brigade turned out. As the fire was so near the station, it was not necessary to call in the horses and the firemen themselves dragged the steam engine down to a spot by the river and near the stack yard. The hose was affixed to the engine

and, within about eight minutes, steam was raised and two streams of water were being poured on the stack, which by now was burning furiously. Fortunately, it was in an isolated position and the wind was blowing away from other buildings. Therefore the flames had not spread and the firemen directed all their efforts to putting the fire out before a change of wind could occur. After about three hours’ work. this was achieved and the damage was confined to the stack, ladder and cart.

The value of the loss was estimated at between £30 and £40 but the property was insured by the Norwich Union Fire Office, for which Mr F Grounds was himself the agent.

The brigade, consisting of W Tusingham, John Inglett, G Inglett, J Mail, G Marshall, H Hopkins, M Bond, J Winterton, A Large, R Seekings J W Whye, A Granger and J Flagg under Mr Henry Bond, returned to the station at about 4.30pm where the engine was cleaned by A Hern and the total paid to the firemen was recorded as £6/4/0d.

Photo: Members of the public watch the progress of the fire brigade from opposite what is now Jubilee Court and the two jets can be seen dousing the fire with water drawn from the river.

MUSEUM OPENING TIMES is

Sweet PotatoSOUP

Method

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, roughly chopped

2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

4cm fresh root ginger, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

½ tsp dried red chilli flakes

700g sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 pints vegetable stock

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Recipe: bbc.co.uk/food/recipes

1 Heat the oil in a large, lidded saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened. Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilli flakes and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant.

2 Stir in the sweet potatoes and stock. Turn up the heat and bring the pan to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.

3 Remove the pan from the heat and blend the soup, using a stick blender, until smooth. Alternatively, tip it into a food processor and blend. Season to taste and serve.

For garnishes, try drizzling a little coconut milk or cream into each bowl, or sprinkle over some freshly chopped coriander, or fry up a pinch of cumin seeds and chilli flakes in a little oil and swirl into the soup.

A big bowl of comfort, that can also be frozen for future meals... winner, winner, soup for dinner!

Amonastery can be a single building or indeed a collection of buildings for monks or nuns that have living quarters, places to work, and a place for prayer, possibly a chapel or a church.

Self-sufficient monasteries can include a school, plus agricultural aspects, manufacturing facilities, amongst other activities. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey is located near Coalville, Leicestershire, and this Roman Catholic Trappist monastery was established during 1835. The Abbey Church is dedicated to the Greater Glory of God and recorded as being in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Bernard.

Mount Saint Bernard Abbey offers many interesting features for visitors, from both the UK and overseas, throughout the year. The Abbey Shop has numerous, most appealing items and products for sale, including a good number of books, with some authored by the monks. Cards, gifts, pictures, pottery, and honey (from their own apiary) are all available.

Award-winning Tynt Meadow English Trappist Ale (7.4% vol) is a very popular production, by Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. During 2017/18, space was created for a new brewery, with the production

of the beer being carried out by the monks. The labelling for the bottled beer bows to, and honours a 12th century Cistercian script, created by Brother Anselm Baker, who was an early monk of the community and an artist of note.

The name ‘Tynt Meadow’ reflects and respects connections with the land and monastic life here for nearly two hundred years. This full-bodied beer is fermented twice and utilises English barley and hops, plus an English strain of yeast, all to great advantage. The deepish brown colour has a reddened hue and entices to the gentle aroma, evoking thoughts of dark fruits. I found the beer to be well-balanced, having overtones of chocolate. The very pleasurable mouthfeel continues to the palate’s delight, for a memorable finish.

For more details, including Tynt Meadow ale stockists, the excellent website has all information.

Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, Oaks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 5U. Tel: (01530) 832298/832022.

Email: monks@mountsaintbernard.org shop@mountsaintbernard.org brewery@mountsaintbernard.org Trevor Langley

“I will be forever grateful for you and all the volunteers. It takes a special kind of person to help and care about total strangers

Could this be you?

We are looking for volunteers in Fenland to help local people live happy, independent lives, connected to their communities. Our roles are flexible, so whether you have an hour a week, or more to spare, please get in touch with Tina on 01223 869892.

For more information on opportunities, or to refer or donate to our services, please visit www.care network.org.uk

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

If you are aresident of Cambridgeshire orPeterborough and wouldlike to lose weight, youmay be eligible for aFREE 12 REFERRAL!WEEK

Visit the websitefor details

By Steve

The news of the death of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth II has caused great sadness across the constituency and our country. Much has been written about the remarkable seventy years of service and duty she displayed, and readers will have their own memories of her, particularly those who happened to meet the Queen in person.

I had the fortune to meet Her Majesty as recently as July at Windsor Castle, which is a personal memory to cherish, and more recently the privilege of attending the accession council at St James Palace for the proclamation of the new King Charles III. This has been followed locally by our district council proclamation led by the chairman of Fenland District Council Cllr Alex Miscandlon, and as I write plans were being made for the funeral.

Before the news from Balmoral, we had some positive news to celebrate regarding improvements to local healthcare. For years I have campaigned for routine health services to be available to people nearer their homes. While no-one questions the need for centres of specialism when people are very sick and need specialist treatment, there are many low risk, high volume services that patients should be able to access without travelling long distances.

A knock-on effect of the COVID pandemic means waiting lists are high and services are struggling to cope with the backlog. This is why I’m so pleased that Wisbech is set to be a priority location for a Community Diagnostics Centre in Cambridgeshire. Patients needing certain checks, scans and tests will be able to access services much closer to home. It means an increase in more than 40,000 scans in Wisbech during the first year of service, removing the cost, disruption and worry of travel for patients at a time when they are already anxious about potential diagnoses. The plans mean some tests, such as MRI or CT scans, should be available to patients at

Wisbech from December this year. From next April there should be extra capacity for NOUS services (Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Scans) which are used to create images of soft tissue structures to help diagnose gallstones and other illnesses) and Phlebotomy (having blood taken for testing). New services for Echocardiography (an ultrasound scan that shows how well your heart is working) will also be introduced. Other services are also being considered while existing ones such as Xray and Endoscopy will continue. I’m also delighted to hear that once up and running, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System is considering a trial to open the diagnostics centre seven-days-aweek to support waiting list reduction. Another Community Diagnostics Centre is also being planned at Ely with new and additional capacity in similar services (except Endoscopy) aiming to be introduced from April next year.

Meanwhile, sticking with health, the autumn COVID jab booster programme is underway so find out if you’re eligible and how to book here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/how-to-geta-booster-dose/

It is very disappointing that the Planning Inspectorate has decided to accept the application for an enormous incinerator in Wisbech for examination. As I’ve said many times, this incinerator plan is totally unsuitable for Wisbech and I will continue to fight against it. The Planning Inspectorate now has three months to prepare for the examination. In October people and organisations can register to become an ‘interested party’ on the application and submit their comments. You can do this on the Planning Inspectorate website: https:// infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ projects/eastern/medworth-energy-from-wastecombined-heat-and-power-facility/#

October's Top Picks

Bend the knee to Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical epic

The Woman King on October 7th. Inspired by true events, the film tells the untold story of an all-female army who rise up to fight for their freedom and future. The Woman King stars the Academy Award-winning star of The Help, Widows, and The Suicide Squad, Viola Davis, who plays General Nanisca, a tribe leader who will stop at nothing to protect the Kingdom of Dahomey –once located within what is now present-day Benin – in this emotionally epic journey.

We continue the regal theme with the release of The Lost King on October 7th which reunites the creative team behind the Oscar-nominated hit Philomena, and promises more of the wit, charm and fighting underdog spirit as one intrepid amateur historian discovers the remains of King Richard lll beneath a car park in Leicester. This is her story.

Emily, released on October 14th, tells the imagined life of one of the world’s most famous authors, Emily Brontë. The film stars Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Death on the Nile) as Emily, a rebel and misfit, as she finds her voice and writes the literary classic Wuthering Heights. The film explores the relationships that inspired her – her raw, passionate sisterhood with Charlotte and Anne, her first forbidden love for Weightman, and her care for her maverick brother whom she idolises.

Event Cinema

In celebration of fifty years of Billy Joel, Live at Yankee Stadium comes to the big screen for a special two-night fan event on October 9th and 11th. Billy Joel’s legendary 1990 concert at Yankee Stadium stands as one of the greatest concert

films of all time. The newly edited version includes a never-before-released performance of ‘Uptown Girl’ along with interviews from Billy and behind-thescenes footage from the event’s production. The set list consists of re-edited versions of songs from the original film including ‘Piano Man’, ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’, ‘New York State Of Mind’, ‘Shout’ and more – all live from the iconic stadium in The Bronx.

Family Favourite

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to the big screen on October 14th. When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) – who loves baths, caviar and great music – living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbour Mr Grumps, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.

Why not sign up to our Infinity membership and watch all the 2D and 3D films you can handle for just £15.99 per month? Our members also receive 25% off favourite cinema treats, all day, every day (excluding alcohol), discounted Event Cinema tickets, and invites to member only screenings. To find out more head to our website or ask a team member for details.

More blockbuster films coming your way include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and Avatar: The Way of Water. Keep an eye on our full film listings at wisbech.lightcinemas.co.uk

Emily

The Lost King

The Woman King

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Establishing

his business, “Pete’s Ponds”, four years ago, Pete was taking the next step forward from having a lifelong interest in fishing and maintaining ponds for 10 years. (5 part-time and 5 full-time).

Now, Pete is willing to travel anywhere he’s needed to offer his wide range of services. These include pond cleans and clearances, new builds and refurbishments, liner replacements and, especially at this time of the year, pre-winter pond

and fish health checks.

You can be confident that your pond and its contents will be in safe hands as Pete has public liability insurance for all the work that he carries out for you.

LOCAL & GROUPS

Intrigue Circle of Light Clairvoyance Evenings

Every Monday starting from 7pm for 7.30pm at The Braza 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.

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. There is a meeting at the Rookswood Club on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7pm to discuss the nature reserve management and events. All are welcome (please check Facebook for any last minute changes to venue) Our next work party will be October 9th, 9.30-11.30am. Please call Hayley on 07962 337988 for more information.

March Yoga Club

Meets at March Community Centre on Tuesdays 4.30pm5.45pm 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 10.30am12.30pm at the Braza Club, Elm 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.

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. 6pm-7pm 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.

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

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 U3A

For people in their third age; retired or not in full time employment. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Braza Club, Elm Road, March at 2pm. There are a range of activities available in groups run by U3A members. New members are very welcome. If you would like any more information please email march.u3a.enquires@gmail.com

March Family History Group

Meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 2-4pm in March Library Meeting Room. A wide variety of speakers on both family and social history research. Everyone welcome. For more details contact Wendy on 01354 650932.

March Town Cricket Club

Burrowmoor Road, March PE15 9RS. Cricket for adults, ladies and juniors including All Stars & Dynamos (From 5 to 15 years). Regular social events and bar open most evenings. Telephone 01354 652029 or visit www.marchtowncricket.com for more information.

March Lions Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in March Town Hall. New members always welcome. For more information visit marchlions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5101.