Discovering Whittlesea issue 220, November 2022

Welcome to your November issue...

It’sgetting closer by the day, and I’m not talking about the ticklish thirty days ahead for us ladies, as some of our chaps let loose that moustache once more during “Movember”. No, I’m talking turkey, trees, tinsel and trimming-up, as the whole wonderful Christmas season gathers momentum once more. Whatever you are planning over the next few weeks and hopefully finding plenty of ideas in this issue to help you, make sure to book early for your special events. I hope you all continue to find your “Discovering” magazine both entertaining and useful, as we approach the Christmas period, just around the corner. Finally, I’d like to wish our youngest son, Ed, a very happy 21st birthday this month!

Inside Highlights

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I recently went on a ‘Jolly Boys’ coach outing to the races with some friends and fellow punters. It’s always a good day, regardless of whether I back a winner – a rare event – and this was no exception.

A few drinks, much mickey taking and one race win later we stopped off at a pub on the way home which was completely deserted save for staff dressed in lederhosen and a DJ banging out some Euro disco hits. Now bearing in mind this place was not in a built-up area, it was a very strange scene. However, it was quickly established that they were having a German-themed Oktoberfest celebration later that evening and sure enough the place soon started filling up with customers. We only stayed for a couple of drinks but were there just long enough to enjoy a young Oompah band entertain the audience with their versions of modern day, classic pop songs... a very surreal experience but one which in these days of unremitting gloomy news was an unexpected but welcome surprise...

With thanks to: Harvest Barn, Natalie Brannigan, March Podiatry, Coleen Everitt, Cllr David K M Mason, Whittlesey Christian Church, Eileen Le Voi, Tania Cannon and Eamonn Dorling.

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the December issue is Monday, 14th November 2022.

Discovering Whittlesea 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.

CHURCH SERVICES AND ACTS OF REMEMBRANCE

Friday 11th November at 10.50am: Act of Remembrance at Coates Memorial

Friday 11th November at 10.50am: Act of Remembrance at Whittlesey Memorial

Sunday 13th November at 9.30am: Morning Service with Act of Remembrance – St Andrew’s

Sunday 13th November at 10am: Holy Communion with Act of Remembrance at Holy Trinity then to Coates Memorial

Sunday 13th November 10.55am: Act of Remembrance (refreshments available from 10.30am)

Sunday 13th November 10.55am: Morning Service with Act of Remembrance – St Thomas’ Pondersbridge

Sunday 13th November at Midday: Turves War Memorial - Act of Remembrance

Sunday 13th November 12.15pm: Eastrea War Memorial with Act of Remembrance

For more details on church services, please contact hello@pathway-church.co.uk, or call the Rev. Emily Davis on 01733 205337. Any later changes will be listed on www.wpcteam.co.uk

REMEMBRANCE PARADE

Sunday 13th November 2022 from 2pm

The Remembrance Parade in Whittlesey this year will start from a NEW LOCATION.

The parade will form up at 1.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall on Parkinsons Lane ready to step off at 2pm, it will process onto Barrs’ Street and Market Street following the normal course to the War Memorial on Queen Street for the Act of Remembrance.

Following the laying of wreaths, the parade will move to St Mary’s Church for a service of Remembrance, this will be followed by a reception and refreshments at Childers on Station Road.

If you have any questions about this, please contact Sue Piergianni Town Clerk on 01733 351296 or email clerk@whittleseytowncouncil.gov.uk

Should you wish to obtain a wreath, please contact Sue Taylor on 07504 668209.

Christmas Comes To Harvest Barn

It’s beginning to look a lot like Chris..., sorry but we have to mention it at some point and we can’t avoid the tinsel and glitter any longer!

Christmas is definitely coming to Harvest Barn with a bang this year, as we plan our Christmas Craft Market with Santa’s Grotto. Join us on Saturday/ Sunday November 26th-27th and Saturday/Sunday, December 3rd-4th for our annual Christmas Craft Market, where you’ll be able to browse a wide range of gifts, crafts, food and more.

We only work with small, local suppliers and producers, so this is a great time to show your support for all of the wonderful local artists and crafters near you and hopefully find some lovely Christmas goodies and gifts. Parking and entry to the market is completely free and the event runs from 10am until 3pm.

Running alongside our Christmas Market, Father Christmas will be joining us in his grotto – tickets and booking information all available on our website www.harvestbarn.co.uk

We have our very own Paula from Pop up Blooms back with her popular wreath workshops this year – you can come along and make your own traditional moss-based festive wreath. Come and have fun, maybe learn a new skill, and create your very own festive wreath for your front door from scratch. No previous experience is needed. Paula will guide you through the process, step-by-step.

We have a range of festive hampers available in the shop or online – packed full of seasonal and local goodies. Our hampers are a perfect Christmas gift – especially if you need a specialist dietary hamper: we have amazing gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan options available.

We’re also very excited to announce our Sunday carvery. Starting on Sunday, November 6th, served from mid-day until 3pm, take your pick from a range of locally reared meat, freshly made, fluffy roast potatoes, yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, stuffing and as much seasonal vegetables as you can handle!

Why not treat you and your family to a festive Sunday carvery lunch, surrounded by the sparkling lights of the farm shop, overlooking the endless views of the Fenland countryside? We’re also doing a midweek carvery special on Tuesdays from November 15th. Booking is highly recommended on 07878 871295.

It’s drilling time on the farm and Ben and Steve are busy getting the crops for next summer’s harvest planted now. It is very dry still but fortunately a little rain last week helped to soften the ground enough to get on! The apple harvest is all in too and we are about to start juicing our lovely apples again –you can buy a box of twelve bottles or individual bottles from the farm shop or try our online shop –the link is on our website.

Tel: 07878 871295

Email: info@harvestbarn.co.uk

Open Monday: Saturday 09:00-17:30

Sunday: 10:00-16:00

Coffeeshop closes 17:00 Mon-Sat and 15:00 on Sundays

E N T R A

Freshly

Toffee

Toffee apples are popular at this time of the year and the kids will love helping to decorate them with their favourite sweets and treats!

Method

• Insert a wooden skewer or lolly stick into the stalk end of each apple. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.

• Put the sugar in a heavy-based pan with 120ml cold water and heat gently, stirring until it dissolves. Bring to the boil and add the vinegar, butter and golden syrup. Boil gently for 12 minutes, until it has reached the soft-crack stage (138°C on a sugar thermometer, or the point at which a little of the mixture, dropped into cold water, forms threads that bend slightly before breaking).

• Dip the bottom two-thirds of the apple in the toffee, turning to coat. Working quickly, get the children to add their decoration of choice to each apple. Leave to set on the baking parchment for 15 minutes.

Kate’s Ready For Christmas!

Kate’s Whole Bakes was created this year after finding out that I myself have many intolerances that were starting to really affect my life; the biggest ones being wheat, dairy, chicken and wine!

I have studied the gut/brain connection since then and come across many other sufferers who felt there were no options out there for them when they wanted a sweet treat. My bakes and treats are all gluten, refined sugar and dairy-free with no artificial colours or preservatives but that doesn’t compromise the taste in any way, shape or form.

I believe a healthy body breeds a healthy mind and the two are inextricably linked.

I have created a healthy breakfast bar for those on the go and they are available in packs of five or ten. Everything I sell can be frozen so you can just defrost one when you fancy. I have had great success at holistic fairs and many orders, week after week. I have now put together a ‘Christmassy’ range ready for the festive season, including ‘After Eight’ slices. Orders are being taken now and a postal service will soon be available at a small cost.

You can buy some goodies from Kate’s Whole Bakes at the Gift and Craft Fair at Manor Leisure Centre on Sunday, 27th November (details below).

By Natalie Brannigan

hen you gain loyal customers, put this to work by asking for referrals.

Loyal customers are people who will recommend you as they have experienced your service. Your customers are one of the best ways to obtain new customers. But don't wait for them to bring colleagues, friends, and family to your business. Instead, take control and create a way to actively ask for referrals from your satisfied customers.

Are you ready for Eddie’s?

Eddie’s offers a huge variety of activities for adults with disabilities that aim to promote independence and encourage ongoing development.

Based in a spacious building on Norwood Road, March, members can attend and participate in activities from gardening, woodwork, music and movement, to mixed media and sew and stitch.

Senior Arts Co-ordinator, Lisa Jenns, said, “Our new location has enabled us to develop and begin growing produce for our ‘food to fork’ project. This has involved us planting, growing, maintaining and harvesting our own vegetables to make things such as ratatouille and soup.”

“Our woodwork members use skills to reuse old wood and create new items such as bird tables, planters, hanging baskets and much more for our enterprise project in our pop-up shop.”

Eddie’s is open to men and women with learning disabilities aged over eighteen. The day service runs Monday- Friday 9.30am-3.30pm. On Thursday evenings, Eddie’s opens for their Splat Theatre group, with sessions for both adults and children. Here members can join in with all things theatre from singing, dancing to performing on stages around the county

For more information, contact Eddie’s on 01354 655487; Email: info@eddies.org.uk; www.eddies.org.uk

Eddie’s has been providing support for people with learning difficulties in Cambridgeshire for more than seventy years and has top-class facilities in March.



Give The Gift Of Good Health

At this time of year it can be hard to find a suitable present for loved ones. We all know how important it is to stay fit and healthy and our team of clinicians can help you to stay active and doing the things you love.

We offer gift vouchers for any amount to spend on our treatments or products we sell, to help you to look after your feet. They make the perfect gift at any time of year, but especially Christmas, to help to support those new year resolutions to look after yourself more!

We can take orders over the phone and send them to you or they are available for collection from our reception. Call us on 01354 651200.

March Podiatry Practice Ltd 47-49 High Street, March PE15 9JJ Tel 01354 651200 www.marchpodiatry.co.uk

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

Important Safety Advice

BY COLEEN EVERITT, ALTO ELECTRICAL LIMITED

Whenhaving building work completed, the consumer unit is often left until last, and this could mean leaving in a system that may not be compliant or offer fault protection. I understand the desire to leave this work until last; it is almost like a “cherry on the top” but, by completing this work at the beginning, it gets a chance to serve its purpose in the event of an accident or fault.

This fault protection protects you and your family from electric shock and also helps to prevent electrical fires. But having the correct protection at the outset will protect your builders from injury if they drill through cables or encounter unexpected connections. Having an RCD (residual current device) will make your electrical system trip off within milliseconds, protecting your heart from damage.

Next time you have any work completed, check you have protection in place for your workforce, and if you are not sure, you can e-mail us a photo of your consumer unit to enquiries@altoelectrical.co.uk and we can advise if your electrical inspection is in date, and whether your system is properly protected, giving you and your builder peace of mind.

Whittlesea

Why you should consider the condition of your electrics when having building work completed

When:

COUNCILLOR

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

TRIBUTES PAID TO RALPH BUTCHER

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to former Whittlesey councillor Ralph Butcher who has passed away. The former chairman of Fenland District Council was the driving force behind the fifty-year campaign to build Whittlesey’s Kings Dyke Crossing scheme. Mr Butcher, who lived in Coates with his wife Pat, was first elected as a councillor in 1971, when talk of a crossing over Kings Dyke was first mooted.

He served for many years on Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Whittlesey Town Council – where he earned the title of the town’s longest serving councillor – before retiring from his roles in May 2019.

Chairman of Fenland District Council Cllr Alex Miscandlon said: “Before his retirement, Ralph was my fellow ward councillor for the Benwick, Coates and Eastrea ward. I was always so grateful for his support and guidance, and really valued his friendship and wise counsel.”

ENJOY CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN PETERBOROUGH

Peterborough Sings! popular Christmas Magic event returns to Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday, December 10th with a family-friendly matinee at 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm, featuring soloist mezzo-soprano Karen England of classical crossover duo the OperaBabes.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

As many readers will know, sadly we recently saw the passing of one of our most distinguished citizens, Thomas (Ralph) Butcher who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ralph was a local man through and through, having lived in Coates for the whole of his life, being educated in Whittlesey before taking up employment in his father’s coal merchant business which in later years was expanded into agricultural haulage.

Ralph entered local politics and served with distinction initially on the Whittlesey Urban District Council, which evolved into Whittlesey Town Council. He later held a number of senior posts on both Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. He is now immortalised by his name appearing on the causeway which straddles the Kings Dyke railway, a project for which he campaigned for over forty years.

Ralph served under me on Whittlesey Town Council during my term as Mayor in 2013-2015 and it was my pleasure and honour to reverse the roles when Ralph became Mayor in 2017, before ill health unfortunately caused him to retire.

Our association stretched beyond local politics as we served together as Trustees of The Whittlesey Charity for fourteen years, an organisation which to this day assists many in the local community.

Additionally, over a period of twenty-five years we worked together at Whittlesey Conservative Club where, in my capacity as trustee and latterly secretary, I was always grateful for Ralph’s considered advice in his respective roles of chairman and then club president. Rest in peace Ralph.

After five years of planning for a heritage centre in Whittlesey a decision has been taken to suspend the project. Rising construction costs and a funding gap that had increased to around £500,000, would have taken the total costs to over £1 million, which is considered at the present time to represent

poor value for the local taxpayers and so reluctantly a halt has been put on the project until it can be revisited in better economic times. However, a considerable amount of funding was originally granted by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to finance the heritage centre and these funds are still in the hands of the CPCA.

Application has therefore been made to the CPCA to release these funds to finance a major improvement of the facilities at the Manor Leisure Centre and a decision was due to be reached at their main board meeting last month.

The Remembrance Day Parade will take a slightly different route to overcome traffic and policing issues on the A605. This year the parade will commence at 2pm in Parkinson’s Lane and then proceed along Barr Street and Market Street to the War Memorial in Queen Street. After the laying of wreaths, a Remembrance Service will take place in St Mary’s Church at 3pm.

Until next time...

Cllr David K M Mason

Mayor & Leader, Whittlesey Town Council

FANCY A GAME OF FOOTBALL?

Any girls aged aged eight to thirteen wishing to join in the successful girls football coaching sessions on Whittlesey’s Manor Field should contact Fenland Youth Radio for an application form. Email: hello@fenlandyouthradio.com Photo: courtesy Julie Windle/RWT

Herald Christmas

Aspectacular ‘Son et Lumiere’ presentation for all the family, created by the award-winning artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, is planned to transform Peterborough Cathedral this month. It is an art installation using projected light and sound, based around the Nativity story, and timed to coincide with the start of the Advent season... a perfect way to begin looking towards Christmas!

The audience will see a colourful light projection onto the outside of the cathedral (about 20 minutes), accompanied by music composed by David Harper. Then they are ushered into the medieval building to experience an immersive light and sound installation, inspired by the fragility and beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. There is no fixed duration to the inside part of the show and the audience is invited to explore the cathedral space in their own time.

Refreshments, including hot chocolate and mulled wine, will be on sale inside the cathedral. Please note that the show will go ahead, whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately for the outdoor part of the show, and that only a limited amount of seating will be available.

Ticket prices

Entry, by timed ticket, is at half-hour intervals:

Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th November: between 5pm and 8.30pm. (Select a time when you book.) £7.50 adult: £6 child under 12 years: £20 family (2 adults + 2 children under 12 years, or 1 adult + 3 children under 12 years): under 3s free.

Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November: between 5pm and 9.30pm. £8 adult: £6.50 child under 12 years: £25 family (2 adults + 2 children

under 12 years, or 1 adult + 3 children under 12 years): under 3s free.

A booking fee is added to the prices listed. To book or to enquire about a free ‘carer ticket’ for someone assisting a ticket holder with a disability, please email info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or call 01733 355315 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

WEDNESDAY

Tickets: Wed & Thurs: £7.50 adult, £6 child (U12), £20 family. Fri & Sat: £8 adult, £6.50 child (U12), £25 family. Booking fee applies. U3’s free.

Timed evening entry. This event will go ahead whatever the weather. Please dress accordingly. Book now: peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/luxmuralis

2021.

David Rose

SAXONGATE RESIDENTS’

GROUP PUBLIC MEETING

Our group campaigns to ensure local businesses, primarily those based at Saxon Pit Whittlesey, follow the rules to avoid needless pollution while pushing to reduce HGV traffic and improve local air quality and noise monitoring by government bodies. Saxon Pit is a former brick pit covering an area of around seventy hectares near Snoots Road and

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

the BP garage on the A605. A football pitch is less than one hectare so it is a big site. The site will now require long-term monitoring because, at some point, non-conforming waste was deposited there in breach of permits.

There is now a large number of potentially significant sources of industrial pollution in Whittlesey. The view from our new A605 road bridge highlights that. Our recent residents’ survey has shown that people are increasingly worried about the situation and we are fully supported by Whittlesey Town Council in our endeavours.

If you would like to help or know more about the issues and our many activities, please attend our next public meeting on Thursday, November 24th at 7pm at the Falcon Hotel, Whittlesey.

You can also join our group or just follow us at Facebook.com/SaxongatePE7 (https://www.facebook.com/SaxonGatePE7/) or by emailing saxongate2022@gmail.com

Alderman Jacobs Pre-School

2024 school year

Highly Qualified Staff

Places available from the age of 3 for 2023/24

Early Years funding available 15 and 30 hours

Hands on learning experiences in the

environment

PE sessions led by our Specialist Teacher

Morning, afternoon or all day sessions available

To book a place at an open session, go to www.aldermanjacobs.cambs.sch.uk under the Pre School tab. For more information, please call us on 01733 202403.

LOCAL CLUBS & GROUPS

Whittlesey Amateur Boxing Club

River Drove, Beggars Bridge, Coates PE7 2DH. Contact Gary Morris: 07512 394975 or email: airborneaerials@hotmail.co.uk

Whittlesey Junior Football Club

For U7s

Whittlesey Lions Club

Meets second Monday of month at 7.30pm at The New Crown, 58 High Causeway, Whittlesey PE7 1QA. New members welcome. Contact Steve Palmer, 18 Glenfields, Whittlesey PE7 1HX, 01733 351405, whittlesey.lions@btinternet.com www.whittleseylions.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

March & District Model Railway Club

The Rookswood Club, Rookswood, 27 West End March, PE15 8DP 01733 204997. Mike Wyldbore (Secretary): secretary@mdmrc.co.uk www.mdmrc.co.uk

Whittlesey Table Tennis Club

Meets at Whittlesey Indoor Bowls Club. Mon 6-9pm, Wed 2-5pm, Thurs 7-10pm, Fri 2-5pm. Chairman: Dr Peter Hau. Call 01733 808008 or 07554 624525 or email peter@hauforensics.com www.whittlesey-table-tennis.co.uk

Gentle Keep Fit Class

Gentle keep-fit class at Coates Public Hall. Fridays 10am11am. £3.50 per session. All welcome. Contact Karen Mucklin for more info on 07516 461438.

Whittlesey Manor Dolphins: Swim England Affiliated Club Meets Mondays (term time) 6.30-8.30pm depending on ability. At Whittlesey Swimming Pool. Free Trial – to book contact manordolphins@gmail.com

Painting Group

Meets every Tuesday in Eastrea Village Hall between 1pm and 4pm. Been established for 6 years. Please contact Sue on 01733 205241 for more details.

Whittlesey Ladysmith WI

Meets on the second Tuesday of the month, at 7.30pm, at St Andrew's Parish Hall. For more information, please contact Liz Phillips 0798 2854872 or find us on Facebook.

Respite Activity Sessions

Whittlesey Indoor Bowls Club 194-198 Station Road, PE7 2HA. Open all year round. For more information visit www.whittleseyIbc.co.uk, or call 01733 202209 or email whittleseybowlsclub@yahoo.co.uk

Parent-friendly Specialists and Home to the Biggest Brands

Olivers Babycare’s store is part of EDPA Limited, a long-established online retailer, trading in Peterborough for sixteen years.

John Lewis announced in April 2021 that their Peterborough branch would close immediately, leaving the area without a specialist baby store. That was the catalyst for the CEO of EDPA, Gerad Barclay, to fill the gap, by opening the Olivers Babycare store, at 24b King Street Industrial Estate, Langtoft, PE6 9NF.

Speed was of the essence. EDPA already operated five warehouses around Peterborough; creating shop space, therefore, was not a problem. Designing the store space and finding professionals for the shop fitout during the Covid lockdown was certainly a challenge though. However, with determination and incentives, the store fitout was completed quickly, and it opened in June 2021.

In recognition of the out-of-town location, emphasis was placed on quality, to create a parent-friendly, relaxing environment which includes baby changing facilities and air conditioning. The shop was instantly popular, attracting parents from the Deepings, Bourne,

“We are here to help”

Liz - Before joining Olivers Babycare, Liz worked in childcare for eight years. Being a mother herself, Liz can share her wealth of knowledge on “all things babies and children” and the things that make parents’ lives that bit easier. Liz works in the store most days, ready to create a personal shopping experience for you whilst visiting Olivers Babycare.

Charlotte - is a mum of two and has worked at Olivers Babycare for four years. She has incredible product knowledge and is also Sales Manager for EDPA Ltd. She stays in touch with trends by working in the shop on Saturdays, sharing her knowledge and experience and helping you find the best options for you and your family.

March, Stamford, Peterborough, Bedford, Cambridge, Norwich, Leicestershire, Rutland, and Nottinghamshire.

These early customers indicated that they wanted to see more products on display in-store, so, in order to meet the demand, Olivers Babycare invested heavily to triple the space, thus enabling them to have feature displays from big-name brands, such as Silver Cross, Nuna, Joie, Venicci, Cybex, Munchkin, Uppababy, and Chicco, to name but a few. Customers can try these products in-store and have access to a range of 4,000 products from the extensive stock in the warehouses.

You can find out about all their latest promotions, new products, fantastic competitions, and product demos via their social media: @oliversbabycareuk @oliversbabycare.

Consumer Advice

Shoppers Urged to be Extra Vigilant as “Black Friday” Draws Near

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

With “Black Friday” coming up on November 25th, millions of shoppers will be looking to bag a bargain, particularly online, but it’s a perfect opportunity for scammers to target potential victims. Scam online shopping bargains cost shoppers £15.4 million over the Christmas period last year, according to ‘Action Fraud’.

Here's some helpful tips on spotting a scam:

If you’re making a purchase from a website or person you don’t know and trust, research the seller first.

• Use a payment method that offers buyer protection, such as a credit card.

• Take care with links in emails and texts. Some of these may contain links to fake websites.

• Make sure you have a strong password for your email. Criminals can use your email to access other online accounts, such as those you use for online shopping.

• Keep your devices up to date. Make sure you install the latest software and app updates.

Popular scams to look out for:

• Order confirmation. These emails will claim that an order has been confirmed but won't tell you what the order is. Instead, you'll be asked to click on a link to find out. If you do, you will then be directed to a page that looks just like the retailer's site, but it'll be fraudsters who will receive your personal information if you have inputted it anywhere.

• Fake invoices. A fake invoice from a scammer claiming that your payment hasn't been received, asking you to re-enter your bank details. If you receive one of these, regardless of whether you think you have tried to purchase, make sure you read the information carefully and compare it against your most recent bank statement.

• Billing error. Scammers email shoppers saying their billing information is incorrect and that they need to change them immediately, or they will lose out on an order. This sense of urgency is when you should be suspicious, as they hope to draw you into entering your bank details into a fake website they've created to look like the real deal.

If you think you may have been taken in by a bogus website, take a note of the website's address, then close down your internet browser. Report the details online to Action Fraud (or call 0300 123 2040) and contact your bank to seek advice.

New Carbon Monoxide Laws Introduced

Here at Cannon

Co

know it isn’t always easy keeping up-to-date with changes in the property market and any changes in legal requirements for landlords.

One of the more recent changes for landlords is that there is a new legal requirement regarding carbon monoxide alarms. The gov.uk website states The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on October 1st, 2022. From that date, all relevant landlords must:

1 Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.

2 Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

3 Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice. If you are a landlord and have any questions regarding this you can call (01733) 641030 or email us at office@cannonandco.uk

WHITTLESEY’S RICH HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE IN NEW HERITAGE WALK

A new heritage walk celebrating the ancient market town of Whittlesey has been launched.

New signage, seating, and information boards, a walk brochure, and an interactive app now guide visitors along the much-anticipated Whittlesey Heritage Walk, unearthing the unique history of the town along the way.

The walk is split into a longer 2.8km route and a shorter 1.3km, each beginning and ending in the Market Place, with its late 17th century open market house, the Buttercross.

The routes, which are updated versions of the Whittlesey Town Trail, take in historic landmarks, places of interest, and examples of well-preserved architecture spanning several centuries. There is also the option to add on a scenic riverside walk or follow routes to the Kings Dyke Nature Reserve, Lattersey Nature Reserve, and Whittlesea Railway Station.

To complete the heritage walk, visitors can follow the information boards at various stopping points along the routes, or download the Whittlesey Heritage Walk brochure from www.fenland.gov.uk/

WhittleseyHeritageWalk

Copies of the brochure are also available from the Whittlesey Town Council offices in Queen Street (check their website for opening hours: www.whittleseytowncouncil.gov.uk)

Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder responsible for heritage, said: “If you love history and love exploring on foot, you’ll love the Whittlesey Heritage Walk.”

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

WHITTLESEY LADYSMITH WI: TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS

Whittlesey Ladysmith WI will be making Christmas baubles, with Beryl Brookes, at its next meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 8th at St Andrew’s Parish Hall.

Guests are always welcome to come along and meet new friends. For more information ring Liz on 07982 854872.

COATES WI AGM

Coates WI will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, November 2nd.

At the September meeting Sylvie Short gave a very entertaining talk about her life after retirement to become an author while In October Robert Brown gave an interesting behind the scenes talk about the vital drainage work undertaken in our area to keep us all dry.

For any information, please contact Fiona on (01733) 208516 or Jen on 07703 385661.

FOOD BANK OPENING AT MANOR LEISURE CENTRE

The food bank of Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid was due to officially re-open at the Whittlesey Manor Leisure Centre on Tuesday, November 1st. It has been operating at the Christian Church in Broad Street since 2014 and praise has been given to the elders and congregation of Whittlesey Christian Church who have provided their premises for our use.

Cllr David K M Mason, chairman, Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid, said: “After a prolonged search, we are grateful to Fenland District Council and Freedom Leisure for offering us the former football changing rooms which have now been extensively refurbished and rewired for our requirements.”

Existing customers were due to be informed of the new arrangements and any new customers should in contact Sue Jennings on 07375 143146.

ALUMINIUM DRINKS CAN COLLECTION

Thanks have been paid to all those local residents who have collected cans, in particular Eamonn Dorling and Michael Weston, plus of course other members of Whittlesey Street Pride.

Organisers say empty your cans fully — spillages of even a few drops of drinks per can make helpers’ vehicles smell! (Guinness and Coke seems to be the worst mix).

The collection point is in the Ivy Leaf car park in Whittlesey, where you will find a crusher attached to the machine; you then deposit your crushed cans into the container.

COUNCIL THANKS TOP VOLUNTEERS

Fenland District Council has once again honoured the district’s finest volunteers.

The council’s annual celebration evening returned in full force to recognise the continued efforts of Street Pride, In Bloom, Friends, and Getting It Sorted Recycling volunteer groups, and to say a big, well-deserved ‘thank you’

At the Braza Club in March last month, the council brought together more than eighty volunteers to show its appreciation for their commitment and recognise all they’ve done over the last twelve months.

Seven awards were presented and there was also a guest presentation from Helen Dye, of Natural Cambridgeshire, who spoke about the support on offer from the partnership and the potential of nature projects, and live music from 1950s’ Rock ‘n’ Roll band, The Summertime Kings.

Whittlesey In Bloom and Friends of Whittlesey Cemetery were highly recommended in the best nature project category for not letting bouts of vandalism deter their efforts, and tending to areas all year round, for all to enjoy.

Benwick Street Pride/In Bloom won the best reduce, reuse and recycling project category. A project to install a tree seat, made from 100% recycled materials, as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, was said to have brought a piece of village history back to life and involved many members of the community.

HOMES SOUGHT FOR UKRAINIANS

Could you open your home to refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine? Fenland District Council is appealing for more people to join its team of Ukrainian hosts.

YOUNGSTERS ENJOY SCHOOLS' FUN DAY

Park Lane, New Road and hosts Alderman Jacobs Schools in Whittlesey welcomed a selection of youngsters to have a day of training and fun.

The new sports stars will now be going back to their schools and passing their newly learned skills onto fellow pupils. Organisers Mrs Cradock and Mrs Bowden were thanked for organising the day.

Fenland Youth Radio Breakfast Show host and Whittlesey Sports Association chairman Rob Windle was also present to capture the atmosphere.

Since the launch of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, more than one hundred Ukrainian refugees have so far been temporarily rehomed in Fenland. But with the war continuing, and thousands of refugees seeking safe homes in the UK this winter, further hosts are needed.

Prospective hosts need to be able to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months, and those who are successfully matched to Ukrainian guests are offered a £500 per month ‘thank you’ payment.

If you are interested in becoming a host, call Fenland Homes for Ukraine support officer Tom Walczak for an informal chat on (01354) 622302 or email: twalczak@fenland.gov.uk

Repair

Replace? The Choice is Yours!

and Nicky Oglesby, joint-owners, and trading as M Oglesby Installations, have recently taken on a skilled window fitter with over thirty years’ experience. This is part of the gradual increase in sales and the need for Martyn to pass over the larger installations and concentrate more on the general day-to-day running of the business and the increase in the repair side of the business, thus enabling their many customers to make serious savings if they wish to do so.

the installation of new and replacement uPVC and aluminium windows, conservatories and doors will hopefully continue to represent a large share of business for this Spalding-based

company which has been trading since 2013. With a solid reputation and over twenty-five years in the building trade, the company can provide the “full package” with a conservatory installation, for example.

This means that any brick or blockwork, any tiling, or any serious structural modifications, such as lintel installations are entirely within his capability.

M Oglesby Installations provide a full range of installation services and repairs on windows, conservatories, and doors, including locks, hinges, handles and misted glass unit replacement.

So, however large or small the job, M Oglesby Installations will have the solution, serving an area across much of South Lincolnshire and parts of North Cambridgeshire.

DO

INCREASE WITH

By

Some do, but we need to be clear about which measure of inflation we are referring to. Some benefits have no index linking (increases matched to the rate of inflation) and are adjusted at various times. Official figures show the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 9.9 percent for the twelve months to August 2022. This is the Government’s preferred measure. The Retail Price Index (RPI) was 12.3% in August 2022. Wage increases were 5.2%.

More important will be the numbers calculated by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) for September 2022 because these are the ones used on which inflation-linked benefits are based. So, what does this mean in the real world?

If inflation is roughly 10% and wages are increasing at about 5% – this would indicate that prices are going up faster than incomes. As a pensioner in receipt of state pension, the higher of inflation (CPI), wages or 2.5% is used to calculate pension increases that apply from the following April. If you are on the current minimum benefit (£185.15 per week), it will go up to £203.47. If the things you buy increase by CPI, you will be no worse off.

If someone getting an increase in their wages of 5.2% (the national average) your spending power will drop by 4.7%. Likewise, anyone on benefits that are linked to wage increases.

Delivering Simple Financial Advice - that really works

Dorling

There is (at the time of writing) a debate raging in government about whether benefits should rise by CPI or average wage increases.

If you have an employer pension, the trustees may have other links to inflation that might not be as generous as CPI. Remember that rates of inflation used by the ONS can only be an average – it is important to bear in mind that everybody’s individual inflation rate will differ from everyone else’s because we do not all buy the same goods and services in the same amounts.

If the cost of living is becoming difficult to meet, there are agencies to help, including the Citizens Advice Bureau. You can also visit the government website. Some face-to-face services are available but need to be booked. You can do your own research for help online if you have access to a computer or a library. Issued by Wealthline Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and any forecast is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information contained in this editorial should not be construed as offering investment or tax advice.

Brooks Wealth is a trading style of Ampris Limited who are an appointed representative of Wealthline Limited, Registered in England 08761632 (Registered office: 8a Cowgate, Peterborough). Wealthline Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 684319.

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.

Insurance10yearGUARANTEE BACKED

that

interested in doing because they don’t make

or those

little

that never get done because

may not have either the skills, tools or time.

Garden

cut

tree surgery

Fencing – repaired replaced or installed

feather board and palisade

repaired, replaced or installed

installed and maintained

laid, cleaned and re-sanded

repaired and roofs re-felted

Butts installed

cleared.

wood flooring

switches

and floors & tiles replaced

projects

got the time to do.

let

just have

have a look at it?

you find it

left

find that

taps and pipes...sorted

Washing machines, dish washers and taps installed

Sinks, toilets and bathrooms fitted

pipes unblocked.

Carpentry

those wobbly shelves sorted

Doors fitted/hung/adjusted to fit/work properly.

Locks and door furniture fitted

Kitchen & bedroom units repaired, adjusted and fitted.

Does your caravan need a little

REPAIR

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

SERVICING

From a minor service to a full comprehensive check, our

will give you peace

mind for

journeys ahead.

INSURANCE

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

ACCESSORIES

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

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.

Cost of Living Support in Fenland

Across the country, people are struggling with the cost of living. Energy, food and fuel prices continue to rise, leaving people facing the biggest squeeze in household budgets for more than 50 years.

To help people manage their household budget, Fenland District Council have teamed up with energy partner

and Citizen's Advice Rural Cambs to ensure that everyone has access to the support and guidance available.

out more at: