Discovering March issue 130, July 2024 by Discovering Magazines

Welcome to your July issue...

So, it’s beginning to look a bit more like summer weather, now that the rain has finally given up on breaking all known records for deluges.

I suppose now we’ll be hearing that the temperatures over the coming few months are the highest ever recorded too!

In 1935, George Gershwin penned the immortal line: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy”, and I’d like to think that, every year, we, at Discovering Magazines, go some way to making your summer a little easier with our extensive range of interesting features, advice and a comprehensive schedule of what’s happening in your area in the weeks to come.

The last few weeks have been so busy with fun outdoors events, now that we’re well into the “School Fairs and Village Fetes” time of year. In whatever ways you choose to spend these summer days, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday time.

American statesman Benjamin Franklin was said to have proclaimed that the only two certainties in life were death and taxes... well I’ve got a third one to add: aches and pains.

Now I’m a relatively fit person. I’m not on any pills or potions for illnesses and save for a longstanding battle with back pain caused by sciatica I think I’m pretty healthy for my age.

However, every morning when I wake up, I seem to suffer from a new ache or pain. It comes from nowhere and can affect most parts of my body before suddenly disappearing as quickly as it arrived. I have also developed a persistent pain in one of my feet which means that one day I walk along like someone half by age and the next like someone twice my age.

My day now begins with a bout of stretching exercises to help me navigate the day ahead until the health gremlins attack again during the night.

These aches and pains are probably the result of years of wear and tear... a bit like what happens to a classic car with a lot of miles on the clock shortly before it turns into a clapped-out old banger...

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton: 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Sales Sallyanne Davis: 07737 026594 | sal@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Richard Hallam

Copy deadline for the August issue is Friday, 12th July 2024.

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.

Shed Shop, Eileen Le Voi, Vine Law, Chris Donald, March Podiatry, Joan Munns, Richard Munns, Lin Stanton, Jennifer Lawler, Diamond Byte, and Trevor Langley.

Rai & Rai Showcase Bespoke Bathrooms Proudly

ColourFence: A Beautiful Backdrop to Your Summer Garden

The ColourFence range is maintenance free, guaranteed for twenty-five years, withstands gusts of 130mph, and is fireproof and environmentally friendly. Professionally installed for peace of mind ColourFence has installed more than 100,000 fences throughout the UK. There’s a choice of colours and, now, new grey has been added to the range. Simply fit and forget! And you can choose either a plain or trellis top.

What do customers like best about ColourFence?

Sharone, director of ColourFence Cambridge, explains: “Without a doubt, it’s the no maintenance aspect of the fence and its longevity. Additionally, the choice of colours (brown, green, blue, cream and new grey) gives the garden a beautiful and stylish backdrop.” Is ColourFence `weatherproof`?

• The answer is YES.

• ColourFence is made of Colorbond™ steel.

• Colorbond™ steel requires no painting, and it will not rust, peel, rot or warp.

• ColourFence has been tested to stand up to wind gusts of 130mph.

Customers see ColourFence as weatherproof, because the winter storms do not leave them with a huge repair bill, and they do not need to paint or maintain the fence at all for the length of the twenty-five year guarantee.*

ColourFence can be supplied and installed by a local team of professional installers, ensuring a professional job. Go green with its 100 percent recyclable product – say no to composite plastic and treated wood.

Please see the advert for more details and for a free no-obligation quote, contact (01354) 800 034; www.colourfencecambs.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply.

MATTERS COMMUNITY

RESIDENTS TOLD NOT TO BIN BATTERIES

Fenland District Council is warning residents about the dangers of binning batteries and electrical items after a fire broke out in the back of a bin lorry in March.

Crews were collecting bins in the Elliott Road area when they noticed smoke coming from the back of the lorry.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly and assisted with extinguishing the four tonnes of materials once safely tipped and fortunately no-one was hurt in the incident. The fire service believes the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that had been put in a bin. Lithium-ion batteries are in a lot of everyday items, like mobile phones, toothbrushes, toys, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters and their use has increased as e-cigarettes and vapes have become more popular.

These batteries can get crushed or damaged in bin lorries, releasing flammable electrolytes which can lead to explosions and trigger rapidly spreading fires.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for refuse and cleansing, parks and open spaces, said: “Our very simple plea to

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

residents is not to put any battery, electrical item or vape into any household waste bin, or indeed any waste bin. We have seen how easily they can cause a fire and put the safety of our crews at risk. Please make sure you recycle your batteries responsibly and never put them in the bin.”

Nationally, battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites are an increasing problem, with research published from Material Focus revealing there had been more than 1200 such fires across the UK in the last year – an increase of 71 percent from 700 in 2022. Batteries, of all kinds, whether loose or hidden in electricals – should never be placed in your waste or recycling bins at home.

For more information on recycling batteries and electricals, visit: www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

New Roofs

Flat Roofs

Tile & Slate Roofs

Leadwork

Re-pointing Chimney Stacks

Consumer Advice

Do Your Research When Enlisting a Tradesperson

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

Consumers generally do not ask to see verification of tradesmen, nor do they ask to see their insurance or relevant qualifications. Many cases have come to our attention since our launch sixteen years ago, with one recent case of an elderly gentleman who enlisted the services of a tradesman on the recommendation of a neighbour serving as a warning!

The work seemed to have been carried out satisfactorily, and the customer paid the bill – despite not receiving an invoice from the tradesman or a receipt for payment. A few weeks passed when the customer noted issues with the work but was told that the tradesman would not accept responsibility, leaving them with shoddy work and the prospect of finding a new tradesman to rectify the situation.

This is where Peterborough-based Safe Local Trades can offer genuine peace of mind.

By ensuring that all members on our register undergo a stringent vetting process, abide by a Service Charter, and are monitored on an on-going basis, we offer reassurance that the traders on Safe Local Trades are reputable and trustworthy. Spaces on our register are limited, allowing us to carefully select members, all of whom are confident in being vetted and monitored; this deters traders who know that their work is substandard, or their service is poor.

The following checks have been carried out on all our members:

• Interviewed in person

• DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checked

• Proper identification (e.g., driver’s licence)

• Proof of membership to any Trade Association

• Proof of qualifications (where applicable)

• Proof of statutory qualifications required by law (e.g., Gas Safe Registered, Part P, etc)

• Certificate of Public Liability Insurance and Employers Insurance if applicable

• Certificate of Incorporation for Limited Companies and credit checked

• UTR (Unique Tax Reference) verification for Sole Traders to ensure HMRC registered

• Certificate of VAT registration document (if applicable)

• References taken from up to five previous customers

• Sign and agree to abide by the standards set out in our Service Charter

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.

At Lincolnshire Resin Drives Ltd, we create resin driveways, resin paths, block paving and pathways. Resin driveways and paths give the ﬁnishing touch to your property. We are trained in resin bound surfacing and understand that any work undertaken can be a big decision.

Our work is always to the highest standard.

With many years experience helping customers design and create their perfect driveways/patios hassle free.

Lasting Powers of Attorney: A Vital Tool

We simply can’t stress how important it is to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

It is the only way that you can appoint the people that you trust to look after you and your finances if you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself or are struggling to cope with financial matters. Leaving it too late can cause problems for you and your loved ones. With the cost-of-living crisis still an issue for many households, making LPAs is often put on the back burner due to the costs involved. However, this may prove to be a false economy in the long term.

There are two types of LPA: one covering health and welfare decisions, the other property and financial affairs.

Property and Financial Affairs

If you are living alone or have taken sole responsibility for your household finances it is vital to have someone you trust to help you if you are no longer able to cope, but they will need to be appointed as your attorney under an LPA to do this. Even as a married couple, if you lose the ability to manage your own affairs, your spouse will not be able to access money held in a sole account in your name (such as an ISA) however vital those funds might be to continue running your home or to providing care for you.

If you are currently using savings to top up your income, would losing access to them cause you difficulties?

Health and Welfare

If you have definite views about the type of medical treatment or care that you would want

to receive an LPA allows you, via your attorney, to have your say even if you lose capacity.

Without an LPA for health and welfare, medical staff can decide what treatment is appropriate for you. This may mean you could receive treatment that you would not have given consent for if you were able to make decisions for yourself.

Professional Advice

Using a professional to draft your LPA means that you are able to build in safeguards and to give guidance and instructions to your chosen attorneys that will be approved by the Office of the Public Guardian, the body responsible for registering the documents.

Our charges and options

We believe it is important for everyone to have access to professional advice and assistance when putting LPAs in place and recognise that cost can be a barrier, so we are offering the following option. If you aren’t able to pay in full at the time you instruct us, we offer the option to split the payment into three equal instalments between the start and end of the process, typically paid over four months. We will talk to you about the additional registration fees payable to the Office of the Public Guardian and will work with you to see whether you are able to obtain a reduction or full discount on those fees at the time of making your application.

If you would like to talk to us about putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place then call Cath Collins on (01945) 898090 or email her at cathcollins@vinelaw.co.uk

• Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers Of Attorney

• Property

• Employment Law and HR Services

• Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution

• Legal assistance for start-ups and SMEs

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

ROBERT DELIVERS A SOLID SERVICE

SOLID FUEL BOILERS

Servicing & Repairs for all Solid Fuel Appliances

Parkray

| Rayburn | Trianco

| Open Fires

FULL SALES & SERVICING ON ALL PARTS

QUALITY SERVICING FOR ALL TYPES OF BOILERS & ROOM HEATERS

ALL GRATES & GLASS FRONTED DOORS FITTED

DOOR RE-ALIGNMENT CARRIED OUT

Robert Brooks has been servicing and supplying parts for a wide range of solid fuel boilers, stoves and heating systems for the past twenty-four years. His company, Solid Fuel Boilers, which is based in Sandy, Bedfordshire, stocks a wide range of parts for many of the leading manufacturers such as Parkray, Rayburn and Trianco.

Although there has been a move away from using solid fuel over the past few years, Robert said there is still a big demand for service work.

He said: “Obviously numbers have reduced over the years, but there is still a good demand for servicing work and parts in rural areas such as Fenland. A lot of people are still using solid fuel.

“Many of the big companies supply parts but don’t carry out service work but we do and can deliver quality servicing for all types of boilers and room

01733 785 796

MATTERS COMMUNITY CROWDS FLOCK TO D-DAY BEACON LIGHTING

Thousands of local people attended a beacon lighting ceremony in West End Park, March to mark the eightieth anniversary of D-Day on June 6th.

Mayor of March, Cllr Gary Christy, lit the beacon and there was a parade with serving veterans, and cadets, as well as an Act of Remembrance with the service ending with the singing of the National Anthem.

Music was supplied by March Brass 2000 and there were also food stalls, a bar, World War Two vehicles and displays on the night.

LIONS GALA

The March Lions Gala was due to take place at West End Park, March on Saturday, June 29th, featuring a wide array of stalls and a selection of food vendors and fairground rides with owners of classic cars also being encouraged to attend. March Lions Club is a voluntary organisation raising money to support local and national charities through its Gala, Santa’s Sleigh and other events. If you are interested in helping or joining the club or would like more information, please contact the website, march-lions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5101.

Email:

The Beatles were too expensive!!!

The low-lying fertile loam soils of the Fens are ideal for growing corn. At first, farmers would sell their corn to the merchants in the open markets but, as the business grew Corn Exchange buildings were built like the one in Wisbech on the North Brink, built in 1811. By the 1840s, Wisbech was one of the largest if not actually the largest corn market in the whole country and the Fens became known as the Granary of England.

But this Corn Exchange building was to become famous for much more than just corn. In 1857, the building was enlarged and it is now so big that you could fit an Olympic-sized swimming pool in it. And because of its enormous size, it has been used for an incredible range of things.

Over two hundred years we have seen it used for public meetings, concerts, talks, lectures, public exhibitions, auctions, shows, fairs, dancing, roller skating, wrestling, boxing and even bingo. It is so big that as well as the ground floor it has a first floor that houses the Wisbech Town Council.

But, with all its interesting history of events, the period that people remember most is the 1960s when the Fens became the ‘Las Vegas of the East Anglia’. There was a burst of entertainment.

At the Corn Exchange there were very big names of that time; Jerry Lee Lewis, Lulu, Adam Faith, Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey and the Rolling Stones! It was hoped to have the Beatles, but they were just too expensive to afford.

And Wisbech wasn’t the only place in the Fens to have big names; March gave good competition. They had the Marcam Hall, a disused cinema. Big, big names appeared there too. The Who, The Kinks, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the Moody Blues. But as well as that they had something the Wisbech Corn Exchange didn’t have and that was… Sir Elton John!!!

How could they have afforded him? Well, actually, nobody knew at the time that they were listening to Elton John.

Ken Wallis, co-owner of Marcam Hall, booked a band called Bluesology whose lead keyboard player was called Reg Dwight.

Later on, Reg Dwight changed his name to something that sounded more “a bit more Show Business like” and guess what, he thought of the name… Elton John. But unfortunately, later Marcam Hall burnt down.

One small thing to note, under the Marcam Hall, there was a cellar club that had cabaret acts, dancing, drinking and food and was open to members only. Ken Wallis advertised the acts that were on each week and that they were accompanied by ‘East Anglia’s leading duo’.

And that duo was led by a musician from London... Chris Donald!

But back to Wisbech and the Corn Exchange. This building, because of its size and height can cope with larger audiences than any other hall in the town so there is more scope to play with. Whether it be performances or trade shows or indoor markets it can cope well. And, of course, it can all be served up with plenty of tasty hot and cold refreshments from the Rolling Stones Cafe.

Wisbech does not want to lose more of its heritage, so many buildings have been lost and it is marvellous that there are people who have taken on the task of not only saving this building but also wanting to run it as a commercially sound business that will help pay for the upkeep of it. They are the Wisbech Corn Exchange Conservation Trust. Because of their efforts, thousands of people have either visited the building or viewed it on social media in the last few years.

It is possible that this grand building can give a lot of pleasure and happiness to many, many people. The Trust have got a fine job on their hands. If you can support them in any way possible, please do so.

To find out more Google, Wisbech Corn Exchange. or wcxct.org

Written by Chris Donald, author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’ and

An exhibition of artwork by local disabled people.

This Disability Pride month, disabled artists from March have come together to create a diverse collection of artwork. By showcasing their talents and abilities, they hope to transform attitudes towards disabled people. 22 - 31 July at March Library

Please check library opening hours. For more information, contact Sophie.Pearson@scope.org.uk

Summ er

CONCERTS 2024

Bands in the Park (West End, March)

Sunday 7 July Wicken Coronation Band

Sunday 14 July Chatteris & Manea Silver Band

Sunday 21 July Soham Comrades Band

Sunday 28 July Stamford Stompers

Sunday 4 August HuMS Big Band

Sunday 11 August Hereward Ukulele Group

Sunday 18 August Newmarket Town Band

Sunday 25 August Somersham Town Band

CONCERTS START AT 2PM AND FINISH AT 4PM

In the event of inclement weather, bands may relocate to St Peter’s Church, High Street if it is available

ORGANISED BY MARCH TOWN COUNCIL

s the warm weather of summer beckons, it's time to shed our winter boots and slip into sandals and flip-flops. But before you expose your feet to the world, it's important to give them some extra TLC. Proper foot care during summer can help prevent discomfort, pain, and potential foot problems. Here are some podiatry tips to share for keeping your feet in top shape this season.

Hydration is key: Staying hydrated is not only vital for your overall health but also for your feet. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin. Remember to drink plenty of water to maintain adequate moisture levels.

Nail care: Trim your toenails rounded at the end to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting them too short as it may increase the risk of infection. Regularly inspect your nails for discoloration or thickening, which may indicate a fungal infection.

Sunscreen for feet: Apply sunscreen generously to your feet, especially the tops and sides. Don't forget to protect the delicate skin on your feet from harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Moisturise daily: Keep your feet moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Choose a goodquality foot cream and apply it after showering or before bedtime. Focus on areas prone to dryness, such as heels and soles.

Proper footwear: Choose open-toe shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Look for styles with arch support and avoid

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flat, unsupportive flip-flops. Remember to wear breathable socks with closed shoes to prevent excessive sweating and fungal infections. Preventing fungal infections: To minimise the risk of fungal infections or verrucae, avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools, gyms, and communal showers. Wear flip-flops or water shoes in changing rooms to protect your feet from potential infections.

Foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes, where moisture can accumulate, leading to bacterial or fungal infections. Remember to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Regular exercise: Keep your feet active and healthy through regular exercise. Walking, jogging, or performing simple foot stretches can strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of foot pain and injuries.

Remember to seek professional care if you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, or any concerning symptoms; don't hesitate to consult a podiatrist. Our team of podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend suitable treatment, and offer expert advice personalised to your needs. By following these summer foot care tips, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping your feet healthy and happy. Embrace the warmth, stay active, and step out confidently with feet that are ready to take on any adventure!

March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200

March Podiatry Practice Ltd

47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ

March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200

www.marchpodiatry.co.uk

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

BSc (Hons), LicAc, MBAcC

Meadow Brown Butterfly Maniola jurtina

By Joan Munns, of March Wildlife Group & March &

District Woodland Group

The Meadow Brown is probably the most common brown butterfly in the UK. Unlike most butterflies, the female is larger and more colourful than the male. It occurs anywhere in the UK but is seldom seen above 200m (655ft). The butterfly varies throughout the country, being larger and brighter in the north. The adults are on the wing from the beginning of June until the end of September and individuals can live for up to a month. Unlike most butterflies, they will take flight when there is no sun and can even be seen flying in light drizzle. They are not strong fliers keeping close to the grasses and flowers moving minimally to feed. Maybe because of this lack of mobility they are often taken by birds and ageing, faded, specimens often have chunks missing from their wings to the extent that it seems impossible that they can fly; but they do.

In weak sun or on cloudy days they will rest with their wings open when the difference between the sexes can be seen. The male is fairly uniform greyish brown with a small black false eye spot on each upper wing. This spot contains a tiny white pupil or glint when fresh and it is surrounded by an orange border. The female has a large bright orange area in the upper wing with a large black false eye spot with a distinct white pupil or glint. This false eye can often be double like a fat figure of eight. In sunny weather they perch with their wings folded showing only the lower underwing, which is greyish brown with a darker inner area divided from a lighter outer area by a zigzag line. There are also tiny black dots on the lower underwing. When they are feeding, they will leave some of the upper underwing visible and the large false eye spot of the female can be seen.

The main food plants of the caterpillar are native grasses and even a small patch of unkempt grass can support a colony. Mown or closely cropped

stray far from their breeding site and are unlikely to be seen in town gardens.

The caterpillar develops slowly taking eight to nine months to reach full size and it will hibernate when small. It is green matching the grass on which is feeds. Allegedly on spring evenings it will climb to the top of grass stems and can be found by torchlight. The chrysalis is also pale green with black stripes and forms at the base of grass stems.

Next Gault Wood Work Parties are Saturdays July 6th and August 3rd 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)

grass is seldom chosen. They do not

Meadow Brown female aged and attacked by birds

Meadow Brown female feeding on bramble

Inset: Meadow Brown male wings folded

RRAILWAY Heroism

By Richard Munns on behalf of March & District Museum

ecent commemorations of the anniversary of the D-Day landings bring back memories of the actions of two March men in June 1944.

On June 1st, 1944, a freight train of munitions was loaded at Immingham Docks for the American forces in Suffolk. The train stopped at March and Ben Gimbert with James Nightall took over as driver and fireman. As they approached Soham, Ben noticed that the wagon of bombs just behind the locomotive was on fire. The rapid action of both Ben and James released this wagon from the other forty-three wagons of bombs and fuses. As they were drawing through Soham Station, the wagon on fire exploded. James was killed but Ben survived and later returned to his work as a driver on the railway. The town of Soham was severely damaged but not so much as if the whole train had exploded. Both Ben and James were awarded the George Cross and the LNER Silver Medal for Courage and Resource.

The LNER medal was instituted in 1941 ‘for outstanding acts of gallantry and resource which are not connected with enemy action, but which are of such a standard as would warrant recommendation for government recognition had the acts been connected with enemy action’. The medal was decommissioned in 1947 with the nationalisation of the railways and the cessation of hostilities. During its six-year period, only twenty-two were awarded, including the two to Ben Gimbert and James Nightall. Only one woman received the medal, Mrs V M Hewitt a level crossing keeper at Drake’s Lane Crossing at Earsham, Suffolk. On July 6th, 1945, a convoy of US army lorries carrying ‘cluster’ bombs in wooden cases was passing over the crossing when two collided resulting in a number of the boxes falling onto the railway lines. Mrs Hewitt seized her emergency equipment and ran along the track towards the approaching train. She only paused to lay three detonators on the rail and waved her red flag to the engine driver. The train was brought to a halt just 175 yards short of the obstruction.

The last medals were awarded to four Cambridge based men who in July 1947 fought a fire in a wagon of Mustard Gas bombs which were being taken for disposal. The fire was in the third wagon of the train of forty open wagons and they too separated these wagons from the rest of the train before tackling the fire with buckets of water. The recipients were two LNER drivers, Frederick Smart and William Thorburn, and two firemen, Douglas (Doug) Westland, previously of March, and Alfred Chandler. Documentation concerning the Soham explosion and Ben Gimbert’s medal is on view at March Museum together with his George Cross, the Daily Mail Order of Industrial Heroism and the Coronation Medal. The medals were donated to the Town by Christopher Clayton, who purchased them when they were sold at Sotherby’s by Violet Gimbert in 1983.

London & North Eastern Railway Roll of Honour

• Free hearing tests

• State of the art rechargeable hearing aids which are compatible with all mobile phones

• Eﬀective painless wax removal

• Noise protection

You can visit us at one of our local clinics:

St Ives Practice

13 The Broadway St Ives PE27 5BX

Tel: (01480) 300955

Wisbech Practice 31 High Street Wisbech PE13 1DE

Tel: (01945) 466386

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

Email: info@clearerhearing.co.uk

“When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.”

Award-winning

care at The Gables care home in Chatteris

We provide short-term, respite care or longer-term support at our home in Chatteris.

Rooms at The Gables are decorated to an exceptionally high standard and most feature ensuite facilities. There are large, communal living and dining areas and access to our beautiful, well-kept garden where we host events with families and our local community.

We provide high quality care including fresh, nutritious meals and a wide variety of activities are available. Prices start from £1,000 per week, depending on the room and level of care required.

Our home is rated as good with the Care Quality Commission and for the last 7 years, has been rated as one of the Top 20 care homes in East Anglia based on reviews from the highly respected carehome.co.uk website.

To find out more, please give us a call or visit us online.

Tel: 01354 693858

Email: TheGables@blackswan.co.uk

www.blackswan.co.uk

By Lin Stanton, Debt Centre Manager for Fenland Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

FIVE WAYS TO SAVE on your weekly food shop

It’s hard to believe how much all of our shopping bills have gone up in the last couple of years. As food prices remain high, now is a great time to look at ways to try and keep costs down where we can.

Create a food shop budget

With food costs constantly changing, it’s easy to spend a lot more than you’d like on your weekly shop.

Set a budget limit and do your best to stick within it. Try cheaper alternatives to reduce your costs and avoid putting extra items into your shopping trolley just because they’re on offer.

Be aware of yellow labels

Big yellow labels in supermarkets can make us think we’re getting a real bargain, but are they really good deals or just colourful stickers to tempt us to buy stuff we don’t really need?

Yellow label items can be a bargain, but sometimes you can still get the same product

cheaper elsewhere or buy a different size of the same product for less. It’s worth taking a minute or two to double check.

Check the cost per amount

Which sized product is the best to buy? If you look at the less obvious black and white labels, you’ll often see a price per weight breakdown. This is super helpful to check as buying in bulk might mean you get more for your money.

Check the ‘best before’ date

There’s no point buying food that you won’t have time to eat before it goes out of date. Check the best before dates, plan your meals in advance, and don’t buy things that you

regularly waste in order to save money and reduce food waste.

Try budget recipes

There are plenty of free resources online to help you learn new meals that you can cook on a budget. To find tasty budget recipes and sign up to a free local life skills course run by a church near you, visit capuk.org/lifeskills and take your money saving knowledge to the next level.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with more than 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

THE ELECTRIC PALACE

By Jennifer Lawler

The Electric Palace has stood in a prominent position at the head of Broad Street and March’s Conservation Area for 112 years.

In 1602 the area north of Broad Street and Dartford Road was named Norwoodside and divided into fields. The old road to Wisbech, now called Robin Goodfellow’s Lane, ran through the centre. The site of the Electric Palace, west of Robin Goodfellow’s Lane, was described as Dartford field close, measuring two-and-a-half acres and owned by Robert Locky.1

By 1838 brewer Nathan Gray had his house and brewery etc on the site. In his bankruptcy sale in July 1840 the brewery, Darthill House and land were sold for £1155 to William Pratt.2

In June 1904, the Dart Hill estate of the late Mrs Mary Ann Wise was sold in the Griffin Hotel. ‘A most desirous residential property’ facing Broad Street with stables, coach house, outhouses, large walled-in gardens, tennis lawn, conservatory, greenhouse, forcing house, well-equipped laundry, and large paddock with buildings, totalling nearly four acres.3

In September 1911 Joseph Collingwood, J.P., county, town, and district councillor, purchased Dart Hill House with its gardens and grounds. He built the Electric Palace Cinema and its five shops including a café at the end of his grounds facing Broad Street and opened Darthill Road through the centre of his estate. He offered land alongside Robin Goodfellow’s Lane to the council, to construct a road forty feet wide asking March Urban Council to pay for roadwork. This would have connected Broad Street to the road ahead, to continue to the station but it was rejected.4

Joseph Collingwood transformed the centre of March with this stylish Art Nouveau building providing March’s first purpose-built cinema, a popular entertainment for the town. It has been described as having ‘an unmistakable air of exoticism in the semi-circular Diocletian windows and the arabesque style cupola.’5

The main entrance, used by those with higher-priced tickets, opened into a vestibule with mosaic floor and tiled dado and a central white enamelled kiosk with a staircase on each side to access the balcony. The main hall was very impressive with dark red walls and rich red velvet plush seating and accommodated 250 people, 3d for a front seat and 4d further back. The floor was lower towards the screen to enable a better view for all. The more expensive 6d seats on the balcony, and 9d in the front seats, were velvet tip-up ones. The cinema held 350 people and for safety there were six exits. Electric lighting was installed throughout, including the four feet high ‘Electric Palace’ sign and gas lighting.6

Later used as an auction hall, the cinema has stood empty since 2010. Applications for listing have been rejected. Many would like to see this significant historic landmark restored like Harwich’s Electric Palace and used as a community centre.

1 1602 map, March Museum

2 Cambridge Independent Press July 18th, 1840, p6

3 Cambridge Independent Press June 10th, 1904, p1

4 The Cambridgeshire Times September 9th, 1921, p2

5 SAVE Britain's Heritage, https://www.savebritainsheritage. org/campaigns/item/996/Building-of-the-Month-May-2024Electric-Palace-Broad-Street-March-Cambridgeshire-PE15-8LA

6 The Cambridgeshire Times August 16th, 1912, p5

Photo: The Electric Palace today and inset: how it could look restored

Are you interested in volunteering?

If so, come along to one of our Volunteer Cambs’ coffee mornings to find out about the many opportunities available across Fenland.

Simply turn up for a coffee and a chat, and a chance to meet one of the ‘Spotlight Organisations’ and learn about the opportunities available to you.

Meetings

Wisbech: Third Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Trinity Methodist Church Cafe

Whittlesey: Third Friday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Whittlesey Library

March: Third Wednesday of the month, 10am – 12pm at March Library starting 17th July

Chatteris: Third Monday of the month, 10am – 12pm at Chatteris Library starting 16th Sept

Are you a voluntary organisation looking for volunteers?

If so, we would love to hear from you. We are holding regular organisation meetings in all four Fenland market towns to help you with recruitment, and an opportunity for you to share your successes and challenges with other local organisations.

To complement the above, we are arranging Volunteer Fairs in the area. Our first one is in Wisbech on 30th August, at Wisbech Tesco, between 10am and 3pm – we would love to see you there.

Do pop in to say hello!

For further details please contact Rima Simkute: rima@cambridgecvs.org.uk 07709 741 962 or Sarah Hall: sarah@cambridgecvs.org.uk 07871 281 565

volunteercambs.org.uk

FENLAND VOLUNTEER BLEND

Pop along to our friendly group to chat about volunteering in your local community!

We are meeting every month in March, Wisbech, Whittlesey and Chatteris. 10:00am - 12:00pm.

Refreshments provided.

For more information

Call: 07709741962

Email: rima@cambridgecvs.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you!

volunteercambs.org.uk

AFTER WINDOWS 10

The countdown to the ‘end-of-life’ of Windows 10 is well under way. In just under eighteen months’ time (from October 14th, 2025), Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education editions. This means that new updates or security fixes for all these versions will no longer be available. Users will therefore need to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to continue receiving security updates, which will ensure that their personal privacy and data security are not compromised.

What does ‘end-of-life’ mean for an operating system?

When a Windows version reaches its end-of-support date, the software itself doesn’t actually stop working, so users could technically keep using it. However, this is absolutely not something we would recommend. With sophisticated phishing attacks, remote exploits and ransomware rearing their ugly heads on an all-too-regular basis, users will risk compromising their personal data if they continue to use an unsupported operating system.

How do I find out more about the Windows 11 Upgrade?

Microsoft has created a

webpage which provides important information about the upcoming end of support for all the old Windows versions, including Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (although quite frankly, if you are still using Windows 7 or 8, you are playing a very dangerous game and should stop using it immediately):

www.microsoft.com/en-us/ windows/end-of-support

What do I need to be able to upgrade to Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 is free for Window 10 users; however, there are minimum system requirements that your PC will need to meet, such as:

• An eighth-gen Core CPU and above, or the Ryzen 2000 series and above for desktops or 3000 and above for laptops*.

• A minimum of 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

• Windows 10, version 2004 or higher must already be installed.

• A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. This is a security chip, embedded in a laptop and plugged into a desktop, which acts like a lockbox for keys as well as an encryption device which is required for the more advanced security that Windows 11 provides. Without it, your computer will be unsupported.

PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

If you aren’t sure whether your PC will upgrade to Windows 11, you can use the PC Health Check tool to find out. In Windows, type ‘PC Health Check’ in the Search box on the taskbar. (If a PC health check update is available, install it so that you have the latest version.) if you don’t have PC Health Check installed, you can install it by going to: https://aka. ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

Once completed, the Health Check will let you know what, if anything, is preventing your PC from upgrading to Windows 11. For example, if it informs you that your CPU is too old, then you’ll have to upgrade it. However, if you do, you will also need to switch out the motherboard. The list of corrections could be extensive and expensive, and it might well be cheaper and certainly easier to buy a new PC or laptop that comes pre-installed with Windows 11.

*The health check may show that your computer does have a compatible CPU, however, confusingly the computer might

not actually be compatible due to other components not being enabled in the BIOS. If this is the case, your laptop or desktop may need a minor tweak, which can be carried out by a reputable PC specialist.

My PC will upgrade to Windows 11 - how do I get it?

If your PC is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, type Windows Update in the search box on the taskbar and follow Microsoft’s instructions. Or you can go to the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/ en-gb/software-download/ windows11/

A Windows 11 installation should activate using a Windows 10 key. However, if your computer has never had Windows installed on it, you will need a valid licence, which you can purchase from either the Microsoft Store or a reputable retailer.

What else should I be aware of?

It is really important, that before you start any upgrade, you

back up your files and system, especially if your computer does not meet the Windows 11 system requirements or if you choose to clean install Windows 11. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your files and data. You can choose a quick cloud back up option or back up to an external hard drive (SSD or HDD).

Because Microsoft requires your system to have 64GB or more free space for Windows 11, make sure you have enough free space on your drive. If necessary, you can delete temporary files or alternatively, move any unneeded or seldom used large files to an external drive.

For laptops, make sure the power cable is plugged in, and if you are updating a PC, make sure the power supply is uninterrupted. A reliable internet connection is also important as you need to stay connected to the web whilst Windows 11 installs, so avoid updating using mobile data hotspots, public Wi-Fi, and/or an unstable private connection.

Roasted Chicken WITH MINTED BROAD BEANS & FETA CHEESE

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 large sprig of fresh mint, plus handful small leaves

750g broad beans

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

200g feta cheese

Broad beans are in season now and so versatile! This simple recipe pairs them with family favourite roast chicken and salty feta cheese.

Method

1 Slash each breast in a couple of places, then place in a dish with the olive oil, half the lemon zest and juice, and the garlic. Season well and leave to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

2 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the mint sprig and blanch the broad beans for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain, discard the mint and refresh under cold water, then drain again. You can slip each broad bean from its outer shell, if you like. Whisk the rest of the lemon zest and juice with the extra-virgin olive oil, season and drizzle over the beans. Crumble in the feta and stir it through, along with the mint leaves. Set aside.

3 Heat a frying pan over a high heat and brown the chicken breasts until both sides are golden, then transfer to a roasting tin and roast for 5-10 minutes, or until cooked. Serve immediately, sliced in half, with the minted broad beans and feta.

July Dates

regular Quiz & Bingo Nights, open mic nights Discos, Karaoke and Music Entertainment Evenings function rooms available to hire for parties, weddings, anniversaries, christenings and wakes

THE ROOKSWOOD CLUB

Please enquire in club for event times & prices plenty of outside seating in a south facing garden to enjoy

– fri 5TH –OpenMic Night – fri 12TH –BINGO – FRI 26TH –QUIZ – SAT 27TH –DEAL OR NO DEAL – tUES 16TH –Fenland Folk Night members only club: For more information or a new membership form please call in and see us 27 west end, march pe15

opening hours: tues 7-10.30pm thurs 7-10.30pm fri 6.30-11pm sat 12-11pm sun 12-8pm

Finding some Favourites

Many people enjoy a favourite wine, either by itself or when accompanying foods. Certainly, these days, there are numerous choices, including dry, medium, sweet and sparkling productions all being available, from supermarkets, independent wine merchants and online too.

Red wines display ripe, juicy dark fruits and pair well with steaks, red meats and other dishes – and are very much enjoyed by themselves, perhaps in a quiet moment (or two). Dry red wines are very popular, with casual drinkers and connoisseurs having their own favourites. Pinot Noir is one of the grape varieties that produces excellent wines.

Alte Vogtei zu Ravensburg has most splendid wine productions, and their superb organic Pinot Noir (12.5% vol) dry wine is very popular. Wine making here is documented back to at least 1251. The grapes, for their Pinot Noir wine, are carefully hand-picked. Baden – and a lot of Germany’s wine-producing regions – offer many delights.

From Italy, Primitivo Salento (14% vol) is highly appreciated and enjoyed. Masseria Metrano produces excellent wines. This dry, red production is wonderful to accompany many dishes.

WINES

ByTrevorLangley

Sparkling wines have, for many years, been an absolute joy. Great for welcoming guests, to accompany food and fabulous for parties, celebrations and events, these delectations continue to constantly grow in popularity.

Prosecco is much loved as a sparkling wine and Allini has a wonderful production (11% vol) from Treviso, Italy. This Brut wine is presented in a very attractive gold-coloured bottle and makes a great ‘talking point’ at countless dining tables. Cava is another immensely popular sparkling wine. Amorany (11.5% vol) pleases many and is widely used for celebrations and events. This Spanish Brut delight is very much a major contender in the stakes for delightful, enticing sparkling wine productions.

I located these wines, plus an excellent selection of still white wines, at a Lidl store. It is most worthwhile, in my opinion, to look at the wines and other beverages in Lidl’s sections for drinks and their website is very informative too: www.lidl.co.uk).

As always, enjoy!

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Discovering Magazines is giving you the opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one who has sadly passed away.

We will be running obituaries in the magazine so you can honour the life of a cherished family member or friend.

If you would like to honour a special person in your life then please supply 100 words including their name, age, occupation, family and funeral details and a short tribute, plus a head and shoulders image, and we will feature it in the magazine for just £29 an insert.

For more details, contact Paula Kirtland on 07903 776211 or email: marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

JULY DATES: SAT 6th & 20th Please

Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-2pm Saturday 9am-4pm

1 High Causeway, Whittlesey PE7 1AE

Tel: 01733 202865 or 07726 370106 ohsewcaroline@hotmail.com www.ohsewcaroline.co.uk

9am, 10.30am, 5.30pm & 7pm at 2nd March Scout Hut, Mill View (Nr Sainsbury’s), March, Cambs PE15 8SY Contact Jamie on 07415 175655

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Fenland Music Centre: For musicians of all ages and abilities. Fridays (term-times) 6-9pm at St Peter's Church March. Orchestra, Concert Band, String, Wind, Brass & Recorder Ensembles. For more information see our website, find us on Facebook or email fenlandmusiccentreassociation@gmail.com

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.

Friends of March Library: 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. For more details contact Maureen Malvern on 01354 658247.

Wisbech and District Flower Club: See beautiful flower arrangements being made by local and national demonstrators. Meets every 3rd Monday of the month at St Peters Hall, Wisbech. For more information, call 07949 443251.

March Parkinson's Group: Meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm 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.

March Lions Club: Meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm in the FACT Community Room at Martin Avenue. New members always welcome. For more information visit marchlions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5101.

March Raceway: One of the oldest 1/12 radio control car oval clubs in the UK. Our members range from 8 to 75 years old so all are welcome! Race every Friday at Longhill Road Social Club, Longhill Road, March PE15 0PR (at the prison). Doors open 6.30pm. For fixtures and further information visit marchraceway.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.

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.

March Triathlon Club: Meets every Thursday 8-9pm for swim training at the George Campbell Leisure Centre. All abilities welcome. For more information, please contact Mary-Anne Short via email at shortbyname@gmail.com

March Probus Club: Meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at March Conservative Club as a group of semi or fully retired gentlemen; 10am for a cuppa and a chat and then at 10.30am we have a guest 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.

March Bridge Club: At the Braza Club, Station Road, March. Every Thursday 1.15 -4.30pm. Cost £3 per session. Please contact George Jupp on 01354 652586 or 07963 771179

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 is 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 Marlins Swimming Club: We swim every week night and can offer membership to swimmers of all ages and abilities from stage eight to masters. We are a friendly, competitive swimming club. Contact us for a free trial session at swimatmarlins@gmail.com

The Other Art Group: Meets every Thursday afternoon 2-4pm at March Library. Membership fee is £30 for 12 weeks paid quarterly. For details contact March Library on 03450 455225 and your details will be forwarded to them.

March Rifle Club: meets at the indoor range, Upwell Road, March, every Tuesday evening from 7pm-9pm to shoot 0.22LR target rifles. Also potential for air rifle shooting. Please contact us prior to first attendance. Email info@marchrifle.club

The March Society: March’s civic society, involved in the promotion and conservation of March. Concerned with March geography, history and architecture. Our next event is a talk and presentation by Iain Webb, Community Conservation Officer of The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire on July 24th at 7pm. Entry is £2 members, £3 visitors. Visit www.themarchsocietychessck.co.uk

March Dog Training Club: Meets at Tower Hall, Maltmas Drove Fridaybridge PE14 OHW every Wednesday evening. Membership is £5 per year and classes are £3 per session. Puppy class commences at 6pm. For more information of other classes please contact Maggie on 01354 657185 or 07514 882509.

March Bears Rugby Club: Be part of a thriving, supportive, and fun-loving community that celebrates rugby in all its forms. Reach out on social media: @marchbearsrugby on Facebook and Instagram or email info@marchbearsrufcorg.uk to learn more.

Do You. Dance?: Every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm8.15pm at St Wendreda's Church Hall, 11 Church Street, March PE15 9PY. A small disco with a DJ, where you can come and dance your socks off for an hour to popular music from all decades. It's exercise you don't know you're doing! Adults only. Entrance fee is £3 each. Please contact Tricia on 07772 626233 for more information.

The Green Party: Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at The Rookswood Club, 27 West End, March at 7.15pm and on Zoom quarterly. For more details, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FenlandNECAMBSGreens

www.wisbechtennisclub.org.uk

wtcmembership@hotmail.co.uk

Right up your street for over 200 years

Looking forward to the next 200!

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