Discovering March issue 112, January 2023

Welcome to your January issue...

Another year upon us and I wonder whether 2023 will follow the same dramatic (at times, manic) course that we all witnessed with the year just gone.

Perhaps a bit more “calm and quiet” wouldn’t go amiss! Of course, we start with our resolutions, and here’s ours from us all at the Discovering Magazines team: We’ll strive to continue providing you with a lively, interesting, useful, and entertaining magazine every month. Please keep the feedback coming our way, and all the very best to you all for a happy, healthy, and successful 2023. Finally, a piece of advice for all you guys, seeking a quieter life: If at first you don’t succeed… do as your partner suggested to you an hour earlier!

Claire x

Welcome to 2023... let’s hope it will prove to be a positive year for everyone who lives in Fenland.

We have a great first issue to ring in the new year, hopefully the first of many... The Discovering team will once again be working hard to bring you all your favourite regular columns over the coming months as well as news of local activities to keep you informed and entertained throughout the year. If you have an event planned then please let us know about it and we will do our level best to include it in the forthcoming issues. Let’s hope that when we reach December 2023 we can look back on a memorable year!

thanks

Happy New Year

Deadline details: Copy deadline for the February issue is Friday,13th January 2023.

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.

With

to: Steve Barclay MP, Trevor Langley, Vine Law, Peter Wright, Eileen Le Voi, Joan Munns, Diamond Byte and The Light Cinema.

HALLAM TRAVEL STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SEATS AVAILABLE:

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Weds 28th December £60

Nutcracker at the London Coliseum (afternoon show) ONLY 8 LEFT Fri 30th December £100

Strictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Weds 25th January £90

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty (afternoon show) ONLY 19 LEFT Thurs 26th January £66

Cirque Du Soleil – Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities Thurs 2nd February £105

Hamilton (afternoon show) Thurs 2nd February £112

Dirty Dancing (5pm show)

ONLY 1 LEFT Fri 3rd February £77

Abba Voyage (afternoon show) Sun 5th February £103

Mamma Mia! The Party (afternoon show) Sun 12th February £169

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical (afternoon show) Thurs 16th February £60

Kew Gardens and the Orchid Festival Sun 19th February £46

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (both parts) Weds 22nd February £140

Moulin Rouge! (afternoon show) ONLY 1 LEFT Sat 25th February £132

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby (afternoon show) Sat 25th February £57

The Mountbatten Festival of Music (afternoon show) Sat 11th March £80

Wicked (afternoon show) Sun 12th March £79

Brick Lane Music Hall: St Patrick’s Day (includes afternoon tea) Thurs 16th March £75

Sewing for Pleasure, Creative Crafts & Fashion and Embroidery Shows Sat 18th March Adult £33 Child £29

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (afternoon show) Sun 19th March £77 & Juliet (afternoon show) Fri 24th March £72

Thriplow Daffodil Event & Country Fair

Sat 25th March Adult £30 Child £27

Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour Sun 26th March Adult £53 Senior £51 Child £45

The Lion King (afternoon show)

Weds 29th March £72

The Lord’s Tour Sat 1st April £58

Silverstone Interactive Museum

Sun 2nd April Adult £42 Child £35

Legoland Thurs 6th April Adult £59 Child £54

Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners

Sat 8th April £52

Oxford Leisure Day Sat 15th April £28

Camden Markets

Sun 16th April £30

Bakewell Market & Judith Mary Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Mon 17th April £55

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill Weds 19th April Adult £38 Child £31 NT Member £24

Bakewell & Matlock Bath

Wroxham Barns & Southern Comfort River Trip

Sat 22nd April £26

Sun 23rd April £32

Windsor Castle Thurs 4th May Adult £58 Young Person £49 Child £47

London for King Charles III Coronation

Blickling Estate

Sister Act (afternoon show)

Chatham Historic Dockyard

Southend on Sea

Titanic – The Musical (afternoon show)

Sat 6th May £39

Sun 7th May Adult £39 Child £32 NT Member £24

Weds 10th May £65

Sat 13th May Adult £46 Senior £45 Child £42

Sun 14th May £30

Weds 17th May £60

RHS Garden, Wisley

Ain’t Too Proud (afternoon show)

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Sat 20th May Adult £43 RHS Member £30

Thurs 25th May £70

Sat 27th May £125

Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens Sun 4th June Adult £34 Child £32

Matilda (afternoon show)

Weds 7th June £77

Black Country Living Museum & Dudley Canal and Caverns Sat 10th June

Adult £54 Senior £52 Child £45

42nd Street (4pm show) Sun 11th June £86

Annie – The Musical (afternoon show) 14th June £62

English National Ballet Cinderella in the round at the Royal Albert Hall (afternoon performance) Sun 25th June £100

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival Sat 8th July £65

Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth – 5 days ONLY 11 LEFT Sun 9th July £448

Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial Sat 15th July Adult £37 Child £32

Whitby Leisure Day Sun 16th July £31

Aspects of Love (afternoon show) Weds 19th July £86

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Weds 26th July £58

Tower Hotel, London – 4 days ONLY 18 LEFT Fri 28th July £321

Scarborough Leisure Day

Thurs 3rd August £27

The Telford Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort – 5 days Sun 6th August £430

Liverpool FC Tour and Museum

Sat 12th August Adult £51 Senior £47 Child £42

The Princess River Cruise Experience (includes 2 course lunch) Sun 13th August £48

Skipton & Canal Boat (includes 2 course meal) Weds 16th August £62

Chatsworth House and Gardens

Sat 19th August Adult £43

RHS Garden, Harlow Carr Sun 20th August Adult £38 RHS Member £28

Greenwich Leisure Day

Sat 2nd September £31

Twickenham Stadium Tour and World Rugby Museum Sun 3rd September Adult £54 Senior £49 Child £46

Phantom of the Opera (afternoon show)

Cannon Hall Farm

National Memorial Arboretum

Weds 6th September £75

Sat 16th September £35

Sun 17th September £26

The Drifters Girl (afternoon show) Thurs 21st September £68

Ramsey Park Hotel, Isle of Man – 6 days Sat 23rd September £602

Everybody’s Talking about Jamie (afternoon show)

Weds 27th September £55

Alfie Boe Fri 6th October £92

Mrs Doubtfire (afternoon show)

Leyburn & Masons Gin Distillery

Natural History, Science and Victoria & Albert Museums

Thurs 12th October £75

Sat 14th October £56

Sun 15th October £31

Regent Street Motor Show/London Leisure Day Sat 4th November £31

Hogwarts in the Snow Sat 30th December Adult £78 Child £66

Parent & Child Fostering is where a parent and baby stay with you at a time when they need extra support. You observe, teach, and guide the parent over a short period of time to give them the tools, confidence and independence to have the best start in life.

FELICIA’S STORY

Felicia has had eight Parent & Child Fostering placements within her three years of fostering. She said “fostering has sat at the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. Too many children have such a difficult start in life, and I wanted to try and change that”.

Why Nexus?

Choosing nexus was a nobrainer for me. The whole team is so supportive and helpful, and nothing ever seems like too much trouble. . They also ensure my daughter is happy with having people in our home.

Parent and child fostering

My social worker phoned to ask if I would consider a parent and child placement temporarily. By the time this placement ended, I knew this was the route I wanted to go down. I took a leap of faith by handing my notice in at the school and haven’t looked back. You have to be very open-minded. They might do things differently from how you would parent your child, and you have to be able to stand back and let them do things their way, as

long as it is safe. Unfortunately, sometimes these people haven’t witnessed a safe way of parenting themselves, so they don’t know any better.

The highs and lows

I have always established a good working relationship with the mums. When they leave, they are so grateful and appreciative. Having difficult or awkward conversations with them is always quite daunting; however, if you approach the conversation in a nonjudgemental way, they will take the information on board.

What advice would you give

Do your research. Fostering can be incredibly challenging, but seeing the difference you are making in young people’s lives, makes it’s so rewarding that it would be hard to do anything else.

Felicia and her daughter have helped many young families.

My social worker phoned to ask if I would consider a parent and child placement temporarily. By the time this placement ended, I knew this was the route I wanted to go down.

Thelma’s Slimming World Journey

Driving past her local Slimming World group in Wimblington, she thought: “I am so unhappy about my size 22, so, on February 7th, 2022, I decided to walk in on my own. I was worried of what people would think of me, but I was greeted with open arms. My consultant Dawn Breacher and everyone at the group was so friendly and supportive.

“I found it very easy to settle into food optimising; for breakfast I would have a mushroom and pepper omelette with an orange or overnight oats with extra berries, or a fruit salad. Lunch would be a big salad or eggs with tomatoes and mushrooms or a bacon, lettuce and tomato. I used lighter mayonnaise and added it into my ‘syn’ allowance for the day. Then, for dinner, I

would cook a Slimming World meal with lots of extra vegetables, and would always have a couple of the Slimming World ready meals in the freezer just in case I didn't have time to cook. “Dawn has always been there for me even when I went through a difficult time with hospital appointments. Now I am the happiest I have been in a really long time; I am very nearly at my target weight which I planned to hit by Christmas 2022. I have gone from a size 22 bottoms to a 14 and a 20 top to a 10; I am the healthiest I have felt in years and the happiest.”

Ring senior consultant Dawn on 07515 557803 or visit Wimblington Parish Hall on Mondays 9.30am or 11am where a warm welcome awaits you.

Monday – 9.30am or 11am at Wimblington Village Hall: Contact Dawn on 07515 557803

Wednesday – 9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm & 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

Thelma had struggled with her weight for years; eating the wrong food, fast food and then feeling bad because she had yet another takeaway or unhealthy meal.

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Now

RGE Group is the home of injection moulding expertise, specialising in tooling, precision plastic injection mouldings and product development engineering.

Since 1965, innovation and high-quality standards have been at the heart of the company’s culture allowing the family-owned business to gain knowledge and experience from all around the globe.

Kierun Ali, Recruitment Officer, said: “We are proud to announce that RGE has once again been named as one of the top one hundred businesses in Cambridgeshire.

“The Cambridgeshire Limited report by Grant Thornton UK gives a unique insight into the performance of the Cambridgeshire business community. We are delighted to have made the list for 2022, among so many leading organisations across the county.

“2022 has been a fantastic year for RGE; we have enjoyed working on some exciting projects, investing in, and growing our injection moulding capabilities, and working to create long-term sustainability.”

The company is looking to take on new staff at its Whittlesey factory, seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including product handlers, setters and apprentices.

Its products include a range of office furniture including contract chairs, arm rests and pads, gas lifts, backs, seats and mechanisms, castors, chair bases and accessories. Plus, it also supplies a range of material handling goods including crates, pallets and large container systems.

If you are interested in joining this market-leading company, then please email careers@rgegroup.com or call 01480 482506.

By Steve Barclay MP

As we start another year, I’m sure many of you – like me – are reflecting on the last twelve months, wondering how it seemed to go so quickly yet marvel at how much was packed into an eventful 2022. At the same time, we’re looking to the year ahead and perhaps setting some goals, making resolutions and pledging to be better, do better, or simply feel better. This hope, optimism, and desire for continuous improvement is what is so amazing about the human spirit. Over the last month, I have met many who think of others before themselves, who go above and beyond, and who inspire me with their selflessness, tenacity, and dedication to the community. Therefore, it’s only right that we start a new year with a reminder of their generosity. Firstly, many congratulations to Kath Sansom, from March, who has received a She Inspires award in the National Agent of Change category. Kath, who founded the Sling the Mesh Campaign in 2015, has fought tirelessly to raise awareness and effect change, resulting in a string of successes for patient safety.

Congratulations too to those unsung heroes, community volunteers, and dedicated groups who were among the winners and runners up at the annual Pride in Fenland awards. Their selfless dedication to supporting others, whether through fundraising, organising events, volunteering, knitting blankets for those in need or teaching others, is an inspiration to us all. In total, eighty-three nominations were made at this year’s fifteenth annual awards, organised by Fenland District Council and the Fenland Citizen newspaper. Alan Wheeldon, June and Claud Parrish, Phoenix Youth Provision, Grace Randall,

Anna Elliott, Paul Kendall, Walsoken Community Action Group, The Friends of St John’s Church in Parson Drove, Stanley Spinks, Betty Cunningham, Sindy Cooper, Martin Scott, Colin Bedford, and Don Bradshaw – you are all truly remarkable!

There are many out there who do fabulous work, often under the radar, often unnoticed. Scout groups locally do a huge amount, so it was a pleasure to visit the 1st Doddington Scout group to discuss my role as an MP, how Parliament passes legislation and answer their wider questions. Well done to all involved and thanks also to James Langley, Helen Knowles, Jonathan Harwood and Anne Appleby who give up their time every week to enable such groups to happen. Meanwhile, it was great to see the opening of more than 30km of repaired and strengthened flood defences – the culmination of a major civil engineering project over eight years. Led by the Environment Agency and funded by the Government, with construction delivered by Jackson Civil Engineering, this scheme marks a major step forward in protecting our area from flooding. It builds on the earlier funding we secured for the £17 million repair of the Whittlesey Washes South Barrier bank flood defences. Together, these schemes show how the Government is investing in the future of the Fens, where flood protection is essential for so many homes and businesses, as well as wildlife.

Finally, it was great to catch up with James Downes and other members of the Leverington Parish Council to see the new bench dedicated to the late Her Majesty the Queen. This latest bench was made by GLW Engineering of Wisbech who have done a fantastic job. Well done to everyone involved.

THE GREEN

Super Smoothie

Kickstart your January mornings with a breakfast boost! Don̛t let the colour put you off... this smoothie recipe is packed full of iron, potassium and vitamins and tastes like a tropical dream!

Method

Tightly pack the spinach in to a measuring cup.

Add the spinach to a blender with the water. Blend together until all chunks are gone. It should resemble green water when blended well.

Add the pineapple, mango and banana to the blender. Using frozen pineapple and mango chills the smoothie down and saves time cutting and prepping.

Blend it all together until smooth and creamy. Depending on your blender, this could take as little as thirty seconds or as long as two minutes.

Pour into a glass and serve immediately to enjoy!

DRINKS FOR CELEBRATIONS

(and for other times too!)

Sparkling wines are always great for celebrations, events, and occasions. There are many countries, worldwide, that produce sparkling wines. Champagne is very much recognised as a leader in this type of wine.

For this month’s quest, I searched for Champagnes which for me had that ‘something extra’ appeal – ‘without breaking the bank’ – whilst retaining a fine perlage and having excellent presentation, amongst other qualities.

A. Carpentier Champagne (12.5% vol) I found to be excellent. Possessing elegance, with floral overtones, this well-balanced, French delight constantly adorns many dining tables, and is also a very popular ‘welcome drink’, at numerous receptions. The perfect perlage of fine bubbles adds to the overall enjoyment of this production. Montaudon Elixiris Champagne (12% vol) has a lot of devotees. Established during 1891, this company continues to produce Champagne to a most exceptional standard, combining the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes, splendidly. This refreshing and fruity delectation carries on pleasing, gaining more lovers of Champagne, yearly.

Following combinations of complementing wines for dishes, at dining occasions, with some people choosing white or red wines (or pink ones) to accompany various foods, we come to something for afterwards. Certainly, several fortified wines and liqueurs appeal. I do like a good liqueur and the Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur (17% vol) ‘hits the spot’ for me. This small-batch production delight is made using the best Irish dairy cream. Blended with fine spirits and fine Irish whiskey, this makes a very popular and splendid ending to a meal. It can be enjoyed straight or over ice. Many like it with ice cream or accompanying coffee. Simply wonderful! Flavoured gin liqueurs are also extremely popular. Hortus Rhubarb & Ginger Gin Liqueur (20% vol) is a blended, handcrafted, botanical production, which I found to be very pleasing. It is, as it states, a gin, traditionally distilled in copper stills in England, with rhubarb and ginger flavours coming through, for the mouthfeel and palate. And, I would add – superbly!

I found these productions at a Lidl store, whose wines and drinks offer amazing value and are most worthwhile locating. Advice, in store, is always available. Visit www.lidl.co.uk

As always, enjoy!

By Trevor Langley

TURNING HOME DREAMS INTO A REALITY

Rhochi Architecture & Design Ltd is a local company that can turn your home improvement ideas into a reality.

The company specialises in providing a range of building solutions from concept to completion, handling everything clients require, from surveys and initial designs through to planning and construction drawings and building regulations.

The Doddington-based business was formed in 2018 by Rebecca White, who graduated from Leicester’s De Montfort University in 2012 after completing her RIBA accredited BA (Hons) degree in architecture.

She has more than fifteen years’ experience as a specialist in residential design, from extensions, refurbishments and alterations to small and largescale new developments.

Rebecca (34), who is married with two young sons, said: “Most of my work is predominantly for homeowners, although I can assist businesses. The majority is in the Fenland area although I currently have contracts in Ipswich and London. There is

really no geographical limit to where I can take on work, as much of it can be done from my office, particularly when dealing with new builds.

“Work has included single storey extensions, garden rooms, replacing conservatories; basically providing more space for family life. I aim to help people achieve their home improvement aspirations.”

Contact Rhochi Architecture & Design Ltd on (01354) 742703; Email rebecca@rhochi.co.uk; www.rhochi.co.uk

5% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU QUOTE DISCOVERING MARCH MAGAZINE

THOUSANDS TAKE TO THE STREETS OF MARCH

Thousands of people flocked to March’s ever-popular Christmas Market. They soaked up the festive atmosphere and enjoyed a whole host of Christmas music, entertainment, shopping, festive food, drink and much more.

The free event, delivered by March Events Committee in partnership with Fenland District Council, has grown year on year – with more than one hundred and fifty stalls filling the town centre and even more indoor activities for families to enjoy.

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

Email: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

GET NEW THREADS FOR YOUR TED

Has your Teddy Bear lost its Mojo? Well, if so and he’s aged less than forty years, then you can contact March Bearspot to get it back to tip-top condition. For a clean-up, replacement of eyes, nose or stuffing, repair of limbs, ears or pads, or even a new overcoat then contact (01354) 651821.

Local traders offered a selection of fresh local food and produce and there was a great choice of quality crafts, toys, homewares, decorations and jewellery.

Plus, children’s rides returned to the Market Place and were free-of-charge all day thanks to local sponsors, with youngsters having the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto thanks to Fenland Farmers, and there were performances by local musicians and choirs.

The event followed hard on the heels of the town’s Remembrance Parade which saw six hundred people on parade and around four thousand watching with seventy-two wreaths presented.

WORK ON MARCH MARKET PLACE TO START

The first regeneration project to go ahead as part of the once-in-a-generation transformation of March town centre is about to get underway.

Works to enhance March Market Place will start this month funded by the town’s £8.4 million March Future High Streets Fund (MFHSF) programme.

It’s said the investment will improve the appearance and car park layout of the Market Place and introduce new and improved facilities, enhancing its position as a key community space in the heart of the town centre.

The scheme includes new paving, seating and trees, and refurbishment of lampposts as well as the installation of EV infrastructure for future Electric Vehicle charging points.

The March Market Place works will commence on Monday, January 9th, and are expected to take approximately twelve weeks to complete, weather dependent. The Market Place will be closed to public vehicles from Sunday, January 8th.

The final market day on the Market Place will be on Saturday, January 7th, before it temporarily relocates to City Road Car Park every Wednesday and Saturday for the duration of the works.

The highways work in Broad Street is being funded by a combination of a £4.2 million investment from MATS and £3.6 million from the Future High Streets Fund programme.

It is claimed that replacing the traffic signals with a mini roundabout at the north end of Broad Street

will improve traffic flow through the town centre and meet increasing capacity needs as the town continues to grow in future. It will also improve safety, reduce air pollution from standing traffic and offer a more open, social and pedestrianfriendly environment.

Tips For Taking On A Business Lease

It can be an exciting time when you are looking at taking new premises for your business. However, it’s important not to get caught up in the excitement and forget to pay close attention to the contractual obligations you are taking on under your business lease. To give you an idea of what to look out for, these are our top tips for things to consider and look for before taking on a lease.

1 Can you afford it?

It isn’t just the headline rent that you need to think about. There are almost always other sums that you will be liable for under the lease. Typically, the tenant also has to pay for the insurance for the property, rates, water, utilities, cleaning, maintenance and repairs. You may have to pay a rent deposit and rent is usually paid in advance. Check for rent reviews. How often might the rent go up and how is the rent increase calculated? If you have an RPI rent increase at the moment, you might be in for a rough ride. You may also have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax when you take on a lease, depending on the amount you pay under the lease.

2

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

If the rental market is strong, you might not get far in a negotiation but it often pays to try. Tenants may be able to negotiate an initial short rent-free or reducedrent period at the start of the tenancy, break clauses if you aren’t sure how long you want to be there or your repairing obligations might also be up for negotiation. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to talk to the agent.

3 Repairs

It is crucial that you understand your obligations to carry out and pay for repairs to the property. Building repairs can be eye-wateringly expensive and tenants often don’t realise that they might have to pay for them. One of the nastiest surprises a tenant can get is when their landlord asks them to fix the roof.

Tenants will generally not have to pay for repairs where the damage was caused by something which is covered by insurance but if the insurance doesn’t cover it, it may fall in your lap. If you are unsure about what your repair obligations are under the lease, take legal advice. The cost of that advice will be well worth it to avoid the risk of an unexpected, nasty surprise later down the line.

4 Insurance

The landlord will typically insure the property against the usual risks, and you will reimburse them for the cost of the insurance premium and any excess charged if a claim is made.

Check who is responsible for uninsured risks. An example might be flooding that the landlord can’t get insurance for. If the lease doesn’t mention uninsured risks, the tenant is probably responsible for any repairs needed but this can often be another area of negotiation.

Your contents won’t be insured by the landlord so speak to your broker about taking out insurance cover.

5 How long do you need?

Leases can be for a year, a few years or much longer. A shorter lease is better if your business is new or cashflow might be uncertain. If you are a more established business and will be investing a lot in the site, longer may be better. Tenants under a business tenancy do have statutory rights to a new lease once their current one expires (subject to certain situations where the landlord can object). However, landlords sometimes make contracting out of this right a condition of the lease. If you want the option to stay on when your lease expires, you will need to make sure the lease allows for this.

Taking the time to check these and other details may save you expense and difficulties later.

For advice or information on leases, contact Kim Cross at hello@vinelaw.co.uk or telephone (01945) 898090.

• Property

•

•

Create ‘Kerb Appeal’ and Add Value to Your Home

This Holbeach-based firm are establishing a very impressive reputation for the quality of their work and the service they provide, across a wide area of South Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties. This can be clearly confirmed by the huge number of very favourable recommendations from satisfied customers on their website, www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk, but especially on their Facebook pages.

Resin driveways are a long-lasting and easy-tomaintain option to transform the front of your home. An eco-friendly alternative, thanks to the non-toxic materials used, and available in a range of colours, a resin driveway is naturally draining, meaning no more puddles from heavy rainfall. They are highly resistant to rust, oil, corrosion, salt, and cracking, and are also the safest option, being resistant to abrasion, slipping, indentation and ignition.

The business owner explains how important it is to have a sound foundation, upon which the resin is to be applied. He recommends

RECOMMENDATIONS:

❝ … the men worked very hard, they were polite and very tidy and were able to answer all questions we asked them - a big thank you to Mark and his staff - well done!” (C.H.)

❝ From my very first meeting I felt I could trust Mark to ensure a professional job would be done. The team were very hard working and a pleasure to work with.” (P.H.)

❝ Mark’s team were very professional, tidy, and really friendly - cannot fault any aspect of their work from start to finish. They have transformed the front of our bungalowcannot recommend highly enough.” (S.S.)

to his clients the method which involves the excavation of the existing surface and installation of a permeable, tarmac sub-base, before a mixture of stone aggregate and a resin bonding solution is to be applied.

Whether you are looking for something subtle or eye-catching, Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd are confident you will find a driveway, path or patio that fits your requirements and complements your home. Their prices are very competitive, and their service is friendly, professional, with high quality, experienced installers.

To discuss your requirements or for a free quote, please call 01406 308201 and check out their gallery at www.lincolnshireresindrivesltd.co.uk for examples of their work.

Pauper Burial at March

By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum

The following letter was published in the Cambs Times on Friday, May 6th, 1898. It shows that some aspects of Dickensian Britain were alive in March at the end of the Victorian era.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir – Last Saturday, I buried a young girl who had died at March Hospital, and whose funeral was paid for by the parish. I do not know who is to blame for the funeral arrangements but I must protest strongly against one feature of them. It is no charity to provide the poor with a decent burial; that is their due, a debt owed to them by the people amongst who they have lived. I found to my great amazement that the coffin was not borne in a hearse, nor upon a bier, nor on the shoulders of bearers, but was placed simply in an old cart that was more fit to carry a horse to the shambles. Such contemptuous and public disregard for the feelings, must arouse the indignation of all who think about it. If this is the spirit in which our poor laws are administered, we can understand why so many would rather starve than go to the workhouse.

Some of us have no sympathy with many mourning customs, but at least we are all agreed upon the necessity of a decent burial and orderly conveyance and committal of the dead to the grave. As the minister conducting the funeral, I feel compelled to invoke your influence for the prevention of such an outrage as this in the future. Yours truly, George. E. Startup

The Rev George Startup was the Pastor at the Wesleyan Chapel in March at the end of the 19th century and the deceased was Naomi Garner, aged twelve, daughter of Charles Garner, of Lamb's Yard.

March Isolation Hospital was in Gaul Drove (Road). It was of wooden construction with an iron roof. It opened in 1886 with a maximum capacity of eight rooms. The patients were cared for by a nurse and her husband. Not surprisingly, they were paid premium rates for the job of looking after serious infectious illnesses. Payment was on a sliding scale, which depended on the number of patients and the severity of their disease; for measles, croup, erysipelas – one patient 6s per week; two patients 9s per week and three or more 12s per week; for scarlet fever, smallpox, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid, typhus and enteric fever – one patient 10s per week; two patients, 15s per week and three or more patients £1 per week.

It was closed in 1933, being replaced by a larger establishment in Wisbech. Although it reopened briefly during World War Two, the buildings were demolished and the site has, since 1969, been a camp ground for local scouts.

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Don’t Fall Foul of the Self-Assessment Scammers

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

For many, the start of new year often means tackling that job that has been pushed to the back of the “todo list” – filling out their Self-Assessment form! But, as we approach the January deadline, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging Self-Assessment customers to be on their guard against fraudsters and scams.

The warning comes following startling statistics surrounding reported scams in the twelve months to August 2022.

During this time, HMRC

• responded to 181,296 referrals of suspicious contact from the public – some 80,662 of these offered bogus tax rebates,

• responded to 55,386 reports of phone scams, reported 10,565 malicious web pages to be taken down,

• worked with the telecoms industry and Ofcom to remove forty-eight phone numbers being used to commit HMRC-related phone scams.

Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text, and phone, with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion.

Contacts like these should sound alarm bells –HMRC would never call with threats of arrest.

Advice from HMRC for customers:

• If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

• Tax scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a rebate. Take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on www.gov.uk

• Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with HMRC, which is why Self-Assessment customers should be extra vigilant.

• The deadline for filing paper tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year was October 31st, 2022, and January 31st, 2023, for those filing their tax return online. Customers who file their return online should not share their HMRC login details.

Report any suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC using the online form on www.gov.uk or phone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

WILD ABOUT MARCH HAZEL

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

Hazel, Corylus avellana, is usually a bushy shrub; catkins and flowers appear early in the year usually in January. The catkins, which produce pollen distributed by the wind, are very visible. The flowers are vivid cerise but are not easy to find being only 3mm or ⅛ inch long. They appear at the end of small bulbous buds and once you spot one suddenly there are lots as you get your ‘eye in.’

Much later in the year from August through to October hazel nuts appear and disappear as squirrels and mice will eat them long before they are ripe. I have searched the hazel in Gault Wood to see no nuts at all. I also searched all the photographs I have taken since my first digital camera in 2002 so I cheated and bought a bag of mixed nuts for Christmas and sorted out the hazel nuts. Since prehistoric times, hazel has been utilised by man for a variety of purposes. Three thousand years ago, Welsh fishermen built their boats, called coracles, from large basket like structures with animal hides stretched over to make a waterproof hull. They are still built today with water-proofed canvas covers. Woven panels of hazel were used to fill the walls of timber framed buildings in a technique called ‘wattle & daub.’ The woven hazel was fixed between the wooden vertical posts and the spaces between and around was filled with daub, a mixture of mud and straw with some cow dung added as it contained partially digested fibres that would help to bind everything together.

Similar woven hazel hurdles are very useful producing lightweight portable fences for controlling sheep.

Hazel rods make the skeletons for basket making and they are very useful sticks for supporting garden plants.

Being so useful, hazel was widely planted and coppiced, cut down to the ground, about every seven years. The stumps would produce many new branches that would grow long and straight ready to harvest after another seven years.

There is a little coppiced hazel in Gault Wood but the crowns left have to be protected from deer and ‘dead hedges’ of the cut branches are put close around and over the crowns as a deer deterrent. Since deer hunting has stopped, the population of all breeds of native deer has increased enormously and introduced species, especially Muntjac, have added to the grazing pressure.

If you see hazel catkins on a January walk have a look and try to find some of the tiny flowers. Next Gault Wood Work Party is Saturday, January 7th 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)

Main photo: Gault Wood hazel

Photo: Hazel flower, Coton footpath

A new dawn for TVS Interfleet

DEADLINE

Windows 8.1 End of Life begins on January 10th, 2023. This means Microsoft will no longer update or support the operating system after this date (in fact, Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 8.1 in January 2018, which meant new features were no longer added, and warranty claims became invalid).

This doesn’t mean however that Windows 8.1 will stop working on this date – you can continue to use it for as long as you want. But just because you can continue to use Windows 8.1 during its End-ofLife stage, it doesn’t mean you should. The biggest danger with continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10th is that it won’t be patched for any new viruses or security problems. Moreover, the more people that use Windows 8.1 after its Endof-Life date, the bigger the incentive will be for malicious hackers to target viruses at it.

So, if you still use Windows 8.1, what should you do? One option is to upgrade to Windows 10. The upgrade process is relatively easy, and in many cases, you can keep your files on your PC. Most programs have been updated to work on Windows 10, and the layout and interface are similar to Windows 7. You may need to buy a Windows 10 licence, and these can be quite

expensive (the deadline for the free upgrade was back in July 2016).

The only issue you may have is that Windows 10 is due to reach its end of life on October 14th, 2025, therefore if you were thinking of buying a new desktop or laptop, you may now wish to consider buying a Windows 11 compliant one.

Windows 11 has its own set of stringent requirements, such as:

• The CPU must be recent, i.e., from about the last four years or so, examples of this are an eighth Gen Intel or a 3rd gen AMD Ryzen Laptop or second Gen AMD Ryzen Desktop chip or newer.

• The PC must have a TPM 2.0 security chip.

• The computer’s motherboard bios must be capable of using Secure Boot.

If your PC is unable to meet these requirements, and this will unfortunately apply to many out there, you will not be able to update to Windows 11. Admittedly, it can be forced on to older equipment; however, Microsoft does not recommend this as you will undoubtedly face issues in the future.

Regardless of which option you choose, you should still ensure that your documents are safely backed up before upgrading.

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR ARTICLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA BACKUP – WWW.DIAMONDBYTE.CO.UK

Wisbech St Mary-based Fenland Timber, which has been supplying domestic and commercial customers throughout Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire since 2016, has been rebranded with the company name being changed to Frankham’s & Sons Ltd and trading as Frankham’s Timber & Building Supplies.

Owner Sam Frankham (36) said he has been thinking about rebranding the business for some time and wanted to get the new name in place for the beginning of the year. He said: “My customers often say they’re going to see Sam Frankham so I think it will future proof the business and give people something to talk about which is good advertising for us.

“It also gives me the chance to branch out into other areas and I have already rebranded the onsite tool shop as Frankham’s Hardware & Tools.”

The company is a timber yard and landscape merchants where people can get whatever they need to complete a job, with sheds and fencing being the most popular types of work.

Sam, who is helped in the business by his wife Maryann and four permanent employees, said the business supplies a wide variety of services and timber products to choose from, much of which is sourced locally, with new lines added all the time.

Check out Frankham’s Timber & Building Supplies at Units 1-3 Sandbank Barns, Sandbank, Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire PE13 4SE. Tel: 01945 410177; Email: sales@frankhams.co.uk; Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm; Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday, 8am-3pm; Sunday, appointment only.

IN JANUARY

Sam Mendes' love letter to the cinema Empire of Light hits our screens on January 9th. The love story set in a theatre on the coast in the 1980s, explores the very human connections and hardships of the employees in the Empire – with the relationship between Hilary (Olivia Colman) and newcomer Stephen (Michael Ward) at the centre of it and highlights those connections amidst a backdrop of social issues and the magic of film. A hedonistic, drug-fuelled, and unapologetic Hollywood scene is the backdrop for Babylon on January 20th. The star-studded film includes Brad Pitt as Jack Conrad, an ultra-famous silent movie actor who is wondering what the changes in Hollywood will do for his career, and Margot Robbie is Nellie LeRoy, an ambitious young actress who finds herself in the spotlight. Set in 1920s’ Hollywood, Babylon explores the early days of the movie scene, when silent films were beginning to transition to sound, or 'talkies', and decadence, depravity, and outrageous excess lead to the rise and fall of several ambitious dreamers.

A deeply personal portrait of 20th Century American childhood, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans released on January 27th is a comingof-age story, about a young man’s discovery of a shattering family secret and an exploration of the power of movies to help us see the truth about each other and ourselves. Inspired by Spielberg’s own childhood, the film won the Audience Award at the Toronto Film Festival, instantly vaulting it to the top of the Oscars’ race. This fictional version of Spielberg’s childhood and adolescence is sure to be one of the year's most genuinely heartfelt films.

The 27th also sees the release of What’s Love Got To Do With It? The cross-cultural rom-com from the producers of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually asks: how do you find lasting love in today’s world? For documentary-maker and dating app addict Zoe, swiping right has only delivered an endless stream of Mr Wrongs, to her eccentric mother Cath’s dismay. For Zoe’s childhood friend and neighbour Kaz, the answer is to follow his parents’ example and opt for an assisted marriage to a bright and beautiful bride from Pakistan. As Zoe films his hopeful journey, she begins to wonder if there’s something to learn from a profoundly different approach to finding love.

Event Cinema Start 2023 in style with André Rieu in Dublin on January 7th & 8th. Exclusive to cinemas, this celebratory concert is the best way to welcome in the new year! André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will delight you with romantic melodies, popular classics, party tunes, and beloved waltzes. André in Dublin is the maestro’s first recorded concert in the Irish capital for more than twenty years – it is a truly special event not to be missed.

Royal Ballet 22/23 season continues with Like Water for Chocolate on January 19th. A modern Mexican classic of magic realism provides the basis for The Royal Ballet’s new full-length work, reuniting Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon with the creative team who transformed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Winter’s Tale into dance, composer Joby Talbot and designer Bob Crowley. More blockbuster films coming your way include Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, Magic Mike’s Last Dance, Creed III and John Wick: Chapter 4. Book your tickets and find out more by heading over to: wisbech.thelight.co.uk

The Fabelmans

Babylon Empire Of Light What's Love Got To Do With It?

GER PRESENTS

AND Sports Social Club

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 or 01354 654169.

Lunch & Film Club

Meets on the first Thursday of each month in March Town Hall. Lunch is served at midday followed by the film. £15 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). 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

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 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 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.

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

speaker for approx 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 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.

REPAIR

INSURANCE

SERVICING

ACCESSORIES

SPARES

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