Discovering Wisbech issue 027, July 2020

Issue 27 / July 2020

and the surrounding villages

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

July Garden Tips

The splendours of Wishbech

Recipe Strawberry Ice Lollies

Yo u r f a v o u r i t e c o m m u n i t y l i f e s t y l e m a g a z i n e – P R I C E L E S S

To help businesses get themselves online, we are creating beautiful websites from only ÂŁ150 Whether you need a brand new website or a refresh of your existing one, we can give your business the impact it deserves and help you get noticed.

Call us on 01778 421427 or email sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Introduction

Welcome to Your July Issue.

Welcome to July’s issue of your favourite community lifestyle magazine. As I write, I’m full of optimism after having recently spent a whole morning visiting a host of shop owners in Bourne. Monday June 15th had been earmarked weeks ago as the day when non-essential retail outlets could re-open after twelve long weeks ‘locked down’. Still very cautious and adhering to the guidelines regarding social distance, we were able to see such relief on many smiling faces, as the light at the end of this dismal old tunnel is starting to become brighter with each passing day.

Yes, it has been hell for many, with redundancies and a likely recession both being a serious threat. However, I have been so impressed with the many ways people in our area have pulled together, sharing and caring, all keen to come out of this horrible pandemic stronger than before. Those cheerful shop owners and customers sent out a message – we are now ready to get back to normal, so let’s keep on our guard, follow the advice and keep caring for each other. That optimism is tangible and hopefully reflected on many of the pages in front of you right now.

Claire x

Welcome everyone to Discovering Wisbech’s July edition! I hope you’re all staying safe and well. These last few months have been scary, and strange to say the least. However, it’s also taught me a lot. It’s taught me to appreciate all of the little things, to look forward to things and not take them for granted. It’s taught me that family is everything, and it’s brought me an overwhelming sense of community. Things such as the NHS clap, really showed me personally what amazing people we have around us. Thank you to all of the Key Workers who have kept working hard during these weird times, and thank you everyone for being sensible and keeping your communities safe! I hope you enjoy this magazine and have a lovely month everyone!

Holly - Jean x

Publisher and Sales - Claire Saberton 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Account Manager - Paula Peake

Inside Highlights 3.....................Welcome to July’s Discovering

Wisbech Magazine!

4....................July Gardening Tips 6.....................Covid-19 briefing

with Fraser Dawbarns.

10 - 11 ........Whiting & Partners!

12...................Maxey Grounds COVID-19 update 13...................Coronavirus and the

travel industry 12...................Fenland Family History Society 14...................Anglian Water launches

new initiative 18...................The Splendours of Wisbech 18...................History - The Octagon Church 20 ................Strawberry Ice Lollies!

21...................Wines worth locating:

The Winebarn 22..................Orchard House Care Home 25..................Advice from Diamond

Byte Solutions 26 ................Kids Puzzle Page 28..................Puzzle page 29..................July’s Directory

07903 776211 | marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com Op. Director - Andy Armstrong | 07780 922214 Account Manager - Tori Martin 07498 588487 | info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Group Editor - John Schwarz | editor.bourne@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Editor - Holly-Jean | holly@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Design - Sarah Gumbley | Rob Harradine | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake Accounts: 01778 421427 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

With thanks to:

Fraser Dawbarns, Diamond Byte Solutions, Wisbech Society, Trevor Langley, Ellie Cuthbert

Discovering Wisbech 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, 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

JULY 2020

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

3

Your Garden

July Gardening Tips

J

uly is a joy as you start to pick all those wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables. However, the vegetable patch or allotment is still very demanding, and watering and weeding are key.

Make sure you keep crops well-watered. It is better to water them frequently and generously, as intermittent watering can cause problems with flowers falling, fruits failing to form, skins splitting and premature bolting. Watering at the beginning or end of the day is preferable as the temperatures are lower and the sun not so strong and spreading a mulch will help to slow down evaporation and suppress weeds. Also hoeing is good for water retention as it breaks up the soil and it also keeps weeds at bay.

It is now time to lift garlic; hang the bulbs out in the sun or in an airy shed. Onions also need drying well before they are stored. A few days before harvesting, loosen the soil around the roots, choose a dry day to lift the bulbs and lay them on the ground in the sun. Do not be tempted to store them until they are thoroughly dry as they will not keep as long and probably rot. Also, early potatoes can be lifted and, if you are not using the space for anything else, a green manure can be planted, such as mustard (a fast growing crop), which will help prevent weed growth and can be dug in, when fully grown, to provide nutrients for the soil.

Although it is getting late for sowing and planting, there are still a few crops that can be planted:

4

D I S C O V E R I N G

March Wisbech

• Lettuce, rocket and a variety of salad leaves – succession sow for an ongoing supply in the autumn.

• Fast-growing varieties of peas, beetroot and carrots.

• Florence fennel.

• Plant out your leeks. Just dib a hole about 150mm, six inches deep and drop the leek into the hole. Water it in and the job’s done. You do not need to fill the holes with soil; enough will wash in with watering and rain. The reason you plant in a hole is to blanch the stem.

• Plant out cabbage, cauliflowers, Brussels, broccoli and kale for autumn and winter cropping, using the space created by lifting onions, garlic and early potatoes.

• Plant potatoes ready for Christmas. Garden centres usually stock the winter varieties.

Other jobs to do in the vegetable patch: • When climbing beans have reached the top of the canes, pinch out the growing tip.

• Strawberries will finish fruiting so tidy up old foliage and cut off runners or use them to produce new plants.

• Earth up brassicas to give them a firm hold in the soil and give them a top-dressing of nitrogenous fertilizer or an organic liquid feed.

• Don’t forget to nip off the side shoots of your tomatoes, they appear in the ‘v’ between leaf stems and main stems, and when there are four or five trusses, pinch out the growing tip of the plant to allow the fruit to ripen.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

JULY 2020

We follow Covid-19 Guidelines At Access4Lofts there’s always space for safety!

01733 663207 Making your HOUSE a HOME STOVES

FIREPLACES

We offer a choice of Solid Fuel Fires, Gas or Electric

We offer a choice of Solid Fuel Fires, Gas or Electric

OPEN FOR BUSINESS as usual adhering to government health and safety covid guidelines.

GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite, Silestone or Quartz worktops

CUSTOMER SERVICE

FREE DELIVERY

KR GUARANTEE

With over 60 years experience, we know our customers are what keeps us alive.

For all deliveries over a certain amount and within a certain radius. Please call to find out more.

All our fireplaces are sold with standard manufacturer guarantee, we are always on hand to help!

Austin Fields Trading Est, King’s Lynn PE30 1PH

TEL: 01553 772564 | www.krfireplaces.co.uk JULY 2020

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

5

55 or over?

you unlock ld u co y it u q e ch u m w o H from your home?

Most lifetime mortgages allow you to: • Maintain 100% ownership of your home • Unlock a tax-free lump sum of money

• Continue to live in your own home • Not have to make monthly repayments

Contact us for further details

We are based in March, Cambridgeshire but cover the whole of the UK Andrew Parkinson

07811 2 8 0 8 2 2

andrew@basicallymortgages.co.uk

Gosia Dzik

07540 104048

gosia@basicallymortgages.co.uk

G & A Mortgages Ltd 4 Brook Close, March Cambs, PE15 9UR | 01354 661527 G & A Mortgages Ltd is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered No. 11123141, Registered Address 4 Brook Close, March, Cambs PE15 9UR. A Lifetime Mortgage will be secured against your home. Lifetime mortgages may affect your entitlement to state benefits.

Roller Garage Doors – Industrial Shutters – Awnings Retractable/Fixed Grills – Glass Verandas

We also supply sectional garage doors and composite front doors

J.WILLIS

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS A professional Kitchen and Bathroom installation service covering the Fenland area

07702 082 002 jw_kitchensandbathrooms@outlook.com jwkitchensandbathrooms jw_kitchenandbathrooms

High Security | High Quality | Wide Range of Colours Fully Insulated | Quiet, Smooth Operation Remote Controlled | Emergency Override

• Wickes and Wren approved Installer • BiKBBi registered

OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL

P R !

O FO SS SH N NE PE I O US B

For all your Blinds, Awnings and Curtains

GE N RA T AR EN TO TM LL IN CA PO SE AP EA PL

Blinds in Harmony

AN

SPECIAL OFFER 20% OFF When 2 or more vertical blinds are purchased!

Conservatory blinds • INTU blinds (no screws used) Vertical / Roller / Pleated / Roman blinds • Venetian blinds, wood and aluminum Black-out blinds • Fly screens • Child safety devices available on all blinds Awnings and Canopies • Made to measure and handmade curtains Curtain tracks and poles supplied and fitted • DOMESTIC and COMMERICIAL Come & visit our showroom at 15 Market Place, Whittlesey, PE7 1AB Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and Saturday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

Telephone 0800 028 2942 or 01733 840258 • enquiries@blindsinharmony.co.uk

Visit us at www.blindsinharmony.co.uk DW Blinds in Harmony Half Page AD JULY 20.indd 1

JULY 2020

12:51 D I S C O V E R I N G 17/06/2020 Wisbech

7

Scam Alert We have warned several times that unscrupulous criminals are using the Covid-19 pandemic to defraud businesses and individuals. Incidents continue to rise, so it’s worth renewing that warning because it’s reported that 3,000 victims have lost in excess £10 million to coronavirus scams.

Writes Keith Day. Among the most common examples, scammers claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs offering financial support as a result of Covid-19.

Quite simply, if you receive an email, text or call claiming to be from HMRC that asks you to click on a link or give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it’s a scam.

There are many others, as reported by our clients and our own staff.

Doorstep crime: Criminals targeting older people on their doorsteps and offering to do their shopping. Thieves take the money and do not return.

Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Online scams: E-mails designed to trick people into opening malicious attachments, so placing information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk.

Fake online resources - such as false coronavirus maps which deliver malware to damage or infiltrate data on your computer.

Refund scams: Companies offering fake holiday refunds for people who have been forced to cancel their trips. If you’re seeking a reimbursement, be wary of fake websites set up to claim holiday refunds.

Telephone scams: As more people self-isolate at home, there is an increasing risk that these scams will rise with criminals claiming to be your bank, mortgage lender or utility company.

There have even been reports of thieves extorting money from consumers by claiming they are collecting donations for a Covid-l9 ‘vaccine’.

Scams can be identified in a number of ways. There is additional information on our website whitingandpartners.co.uk as well as on the websites of HMRC and Cambridgeshire Trading Standards department.

8

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

JULY 2020

Serving the Eastern Region for over 90 Years

Moving your business forward with the latest help and advice…

Providing core accounting services with specialist expertise in: • • • • • •

Agriculture Business Start up Charities Construction Contractors Cloud Accounting

• Corporate Tax & Finance • Manufacturing • Private Client Tax • Property • Wealth Management

If you’re looking for help with your business or personal financial affairs contact your local office or browse our website for the latest information and advice.

March Office The Old School House, Dartford Road, March, Cambs. PE15 8AE Telephone: 01354 652304 march@whitingandpartners.co.uk Peterborough Office Eco Innovation Centre, Peterscourt, City Rd, Peterborough, Cambs. PE1 1SA Telephone: 01733 564082 peterborough@whitingandpartners.co.uk Ramsey Office 108 High Street, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE26 1BS Telephone: 01487 812441 ramsey@whitingandpartners.co.uk Wisbech Office 12 & 13 The Crescent, Wisbech, Cambs. PE13 1EH Telephone: 01945 584113 wisbech@whitingandpartners.co.uk

whitingandpartners.co.uk Bury St. Edmunds | Ely | King’s Lynn | March | Mildenhall | Peterborough | Ramsey | St. Ives | St. Neots | Wisbech

Covid-19 Situation Update Here at Maxey Grounds our priority always has been, and remains the safety and health of our colleagues, clients and the general public.

That is why we were operating remotely before the Government advised everybody to work from home where possible. Throughout the lockdown period we have been operating as fully as Government restrictions permit and using methods that safeguard all we interact with.

Now that the Government are permitting the property market to operate and allowing viewings and transactions to proceed, our means of working is changing. However, the same overall priority of safety for all remains.

Since the Government advice remains to work from home where possible, our staff are still working remotely. However, the investments we have made in the last few years on technology mean that calls to our usual phone numbers and emails will reach us and will be dealt with promptly. We are progressing plans to ensure our offices can be operated in a safe manner when it is judged appropriate and safe to reintroduce face-to-face contact with clients.

We have introduced policies and procedures for inspections and viewings to enable these to take place maintaining the hygiene and social distancing guidelines, where it is safe to do so. Our staff are all fully briefed on maintaining a safe environment for all involved in inspections and viewings. We are also introducing virtual tours using the latest photographic technology so that before a physical viewing takes place, prospective buyers can have looked at the property remotely and have a good understanding of the property, its condition and the accommodation it provides so that unnecessary physical viewings of properties are minimised. These tours, initially provided for vacant property during lockdown, are being rolled out across all properties on the market.

We continue to use the remote communication tools including phone and video conferencing meetings that have served us well over the last eight weeks and enabled us to continue to provide a service to clients throughout the lockdown period.

Our property auction on July 1st is proceeding in an online format, and there is still sufficient time to enter any new lots. We have received many enquiries about the properties already being offered.

Since restrictions were eased on May 13th, the phones and emails have been busy with people wanting to sell, buy and rent property. Several sales have already been agreed, so now that transactions can progress, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Our message to you is simple. Thank you for continuing to cooperate with us to ensure all stay safe and healthy during these difficult times. Maxey Grounds are, and have been throughout, open for business in the new “normal� way and look forward to speaking to you soon.

18th May 2020

10

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

JULY 2020

DON’T LEAVE THINGS UP IN THE AIR

Mortgage Force 17 Elwyn Road, March, Cambs PE15 9BT 01354 699604 www.mortgageforce-cambs.co.uk

JULY 2020

Please Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mortgageforcecambs/

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

11

FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY As I write this, we are in lockdown because of the coronavirus and, sadly, all our exciting plans are on hold.

Our monthly meetings are not happening until further notice. Our research sessions are also on hold until we get the all-clear to restart. Our exciting and anticipated Family and Local History Day had to be postponed and we hope to hold it in September in Wisbech Library.

But, in this quiet time, our members have been able to get on with research projects, not only for themselves but also for others who have requested help. Our chairman has been busy and found herself some more distant cousins.

One of our researchers has been busy investigating a family for a lady who knew little about her family. She has been able to get quite a long way back on both sides of her family with a complication of first cousins marrying, also of a second marriage which was against canon law as it was to his dead wife’s sister!

While we listened and watched the VE Day celebrations, so many memories were being shared; many never told before. Which reminded me of what we tell people new to family history - start by asking your elderly relations for their memories. Sadly, most people do not start until they retire,

and those precious memories are lost. It is those memories that put flesh on the facts.

As a child, I was close to my grandparents and loved to hear their stories about their lives. I remember those stories and add them to the fabric of my family research.

My grandmother was the eldest of ten children and had to help run the house. The very large kitchen was the hub of the house which she told me took seventeen buckets of water to wash the floor. Her father was a very strict chapel man. Her mother was constantly ‘with child’ and took to the bottle. Their farm was well away from the village, and she had an arrangement with the farmworkers to bring her bottles of drink and hide them under the rhubarb leaves, where she left the empties so that her husband would not find them. There are so many stories I can recall which makes my family history come to life.

We all look forward to hearing your stories and what your research has brought during this shut-down at our next meeting and/or research sessions.

So, please don’t just wait for the next anniversary to get your elderly relatives to share their memories with you. Their lives were often very different from those we live now.

For information or queries about any of the above, please call Bridget 01945 57723.

12

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

JULY 2020

Travel

Travel

Experience the Heart and Soul of Southeast Asia with Vietnam and Cambodia Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries and is now a hotspot for foodies, beach lovers and thrill-seekers alike. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds combine to create an authentic adventure, making it an inviting getaway for intrepid travellers. Combining the highlights of these two countries will give you a fascinating history, a rich contrast of flavours and a deep insight into the delights of Southeast Asia. Here are just a few of the highlights….

By Ellie Cuthbert Marketing & Admin Assistant

Angkor Wat The temple complex of Angkor Wat is the undisputed highlight of Cambodia. Dating back to the 12th century, this sacred site is impressive for both its grand scale and its incredible detail. Watching the sun peek from behind the iconic temple towers is an experience well worth waking up before the crack of dawn for.

COR CO RONAVIRUS the enchanting grottoes, swim or kayak around the emerald waters, or trek through the forested islands where you will encounter many rare animals. Experience an overnight boat tour for an out-of-this-world sunset and sunrise.

AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Koh Rong Cambodia’s idyllic island of Koh Rong is the country’s largest island and holds twenty-eight beautiful Ha Long Bay ithin just a few Bay months, the outbreak of COVID-19 has itineraries using a wide range of suppliers order to meet beaches.

If you’reinlooking for Exploring Ha Long is a must for hadto a major impact travel and tourism. However, our customers’ needs. postcard-perfect tropical beaches any visit Vietnam.

Thisonbeautiful Hanoi thewonder travel industry is awith resilient industry and is already We also expect to seewith a significant in prices powderdrop white sand,for lapped by natural is dotted Vietnam’s capital is the place to bouncing back, making steps to recovery. certain destinations throughout the world, depending a turquoise ocean, this is theonplace over a thousand unique limestone experience city life to the full, with Being on the high streetare for more than ten years, the their COVID-19 ‘R’ rate. Providing the UK allows travel to to come. islands, most of which its constant buzz of motorbikes, Holiday With Usand Group has experienced shocks to these destinations, we are likely to see them running special uninhabited undisturbed.

Visit many endless street food and vibrant

W

the industry including the collapse of large companies like offers and discounts in order to kick-start a recovery in nightlife. It’s one of the most Thomas Cook and Monarch Airlines, as well as the drastic tourism. ancient capitals in the world, impacts of volcanic ash clouds. Each time we have always With thousands of holidaymakers being forced to change where you can find well-preserved got back on our feet and continued to serve our local their holiday plans this year, we have seen a large increase in colonial buildings, ancient pagodas community. We have now reopened our doors for new customers rebooking their holiday for 2021. This is great for and unique museums all within the bookings and are seeing customers booking early to secure the travel industry as customers rebooking are continuing to city centre. Just a short drive away their next holiday for something to look forward to. support agents and suppliers. you’ll find its tranquil countryside We expect the future of travel is likely to change for As a result of this, availability for 2021 holidays is quickly with lush parks, traditional villages a short time until a vaccine is found. We may see more becoming reduced. This may mean if you don’t book your and stunning mountains. holidaymakers travelling to closer destinations with shorter 2021 holiday early, you may have less choice on flights, flights as well as opting for villas and self-catering holidays accommodation, tours and excursions. to limit their close contact with other tourists. Many may Don’t miss out on having choice and flexibility. Now is the alsoJoin decide to stay in the UK or take road trips and selfperfect to get travel plans secured before us for an inspiring evening with the UK’s leading Asia specialist,time Wendy Wuyour Tours, to find out how you can prices uncover drives abroad. The Holiday With Us Group is prepared for rise and availability continues to decrease.

You can book the delights of Southeast Asia on a variety of extraordinary tours. For more information, all of these changes. Being an independent agency, with confidence knowing all our holidays are ABTA & ATOL please visitwe www.holidaywithus.co.uk/events have the ability to package together holidays with tailored protected. Contact our travel experts today.

Vietnam and Cambodia Evening – November 19th 2019

The Holiday With Us Group Phone: 0800 167 0232 Email: enquiries@holidaywithus.co.uk www.holidaywithus.co.uk J34 U L Y D2 0I2 S 0 C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

D I S C O V E R I N G OCT Wisbech OBE R 2 0 1139

Anglian Water:

Supporting you and your loved ones

W

ithin these uncertain times many people are worrying about their finances… If you think you’ll have difficulty paying your water bill, Anglian Water has lots of help and support available to you, from providing flexible and affordable payment plans, to guiding you to external help and benefits.

If you or one of your loved ones are in one of the high risk groups that are especially vulnerable to coronavirus or need extra help due to age, ill health or disability, you could benefit from Anglian Water’s Priority Services Register which provides free, practical support.

Some of the ways priority services could help you include; • If there’s a burst water main and your supply is interrupted, they will contact you and where needed deliver bottled water • A scheme to protect you from bogus callers and scams • Bills in different formats (including braille, large print, and audio). If English isn’t your first language, 14 20

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech March

they have translators available to speak to you via their language line or if you prefer could chat online • Nominate a trusted relative, friend or carer about your water supply and/or bills; with your permission they will be their first point contact and will be able to contact Anglian Water on your behalf • Knock and wait; Anglian Water will wait longer for you to answer the door when visiting Registration is quick and easy! To find out more about priority services and to sign up, call Anglian Water on 0800 919 155; go online at: www.anglianwater.co.uk/priority or download Anglian Water’s ‘My Account’ App and manage all aspects of your account.

Y 2020 JJUUNL E

L TO AL N O PE O U O H YO N S E I SE GA A “Gorgeous curtains. Will be back in the future.”

“…a fabulous

service and amazingly well made curtains…”

With over 20 years experience of making bespoke made window dressings tailored to you.

From Pinch Pleat to Eyelet curtains, Roman to Venetian blinds.

First Floor, North End, Wisbech PE13 1PE • Call us on 01945 660900 or 07733 386929 thecurtainandblindstudio@gmail.com • @thecurtainandblindstudio

DWB The Curtain and Blind Studio 1/2 Page H AD MAY 18.indd 1

24/04/2018 14:05

your flooring specialists • major stockists with over 50 rolls of carpets and vinyls in our 8,500ft showroom • our mobile showroom comes to you • covering all of cambridgeshire and norfolk • call for a free estimate

domestic and commercial carpets, vinyls, laminates, rugs and more...

JULY 2020

01945 476517 north end, wisbech, cambs PE13 1PE www.simply-interiors.com | sales@simply-interiors.com

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

15

NOW OPEN, FOLLOWING STRICT GOVERNMENT HYGIENE STANDARDS

NOW OPEN Welcome back to all our customers!

FREE DESIGN & QUOTE ON YOUR NEW KITCHEN!

KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • HOME APPLIANCES • TV CALL US NOW: 01733 208787 OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm Sat 9am-1.30pm 26-28 Broad Street, Whittlesey PE7 1HA sales@kellyvision-kcs.co.uk www.kellyvision-kcs.co.uk

P

FREE PARKING IN

WHITTLESEY!

Spotlight on Wisbech

The Splendours of

By Eric Somerville

T

WISBECH

he attraction of Wisbech is that its splendid architecture can mostly be seen within a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.

In the mid-19th century Wisbech was a prosperous commercial and administrative centre. Local businessmen and merchants either bought or built many of the grand properties that grace the town today.

The parish church of St Peter and St Paul is unusual, having two naves and two chancels under the same roof. Nearby is the Wisbech and Fenland Museum, being one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. A short distance away is Wisbech Castle, an imposing villa on the site of earlier fortifications. It is located at the apex of a regency circus of grand townhouses known as The Crescent, Union Place and Ely Place.

Italianate building. Turning left along the river into North Brink one passes the Corn Exchange, with the town council chamber above it, before coming to Peckover House. This National Trust property was the former home of the Peckover family. They were Quakers and great local benefactors. On the bend of the river in the distance is Elgoods Brewery with its magnificent gardens.

Returning through the Old Market to Freedom Bridge, there are views of the quays and former warehouses, the yacht harbour and the working port, where seagoing vessels still discharge their cargoes of timber.

Further down North End is the atmospheric Wisbech General Cemetery, one of the earliest garden cemeteries in the country. This ‘pocket park’ is a haven for wildlife and a suitable place to sit and reflect having toured the town.

Below: A Merchant Trail map, edited and updated by Eric Somerville

Beyond, the towering Clarkson Memorial dominates the skyline. It commemorates Thomas Clarkson, the campaigner for the abolition of the slave trade, who was born in the town. From here ahead on South Brink is the birthplace of Octavia Hill, the 19th century social reformer and one of the founders of the National Trust. A short diversion down Alexandra Road takes in the Angles Theatre, one of the few remaining operating Georgian theatres in the country.

Returning to cross the river by the town bridge the Old Market is entered, with Barclays Bank housed in a magnificent JULY 2020

S C March DD I SI C OO V V E E R R I NI N GG Wisbech

23 17

History

THE OCTAGON CHURCH Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear by Chris Donald

This month’s story is a sad one and one with an unusual end. It is the story of the Octagon church that used to be situated in the old market at Wisbech, where the veterinary practice is now. It was built in 1826 and after 126 years it was demolished in 1952. Many people wish it was still there, even just as a tourist attraction.

To start with let’s go back to the early 1800s. The main church in Wisbech was St Peter’s when, as well as the seating that is there now, there were galleries, so they could seat a massive 1,800 people. There is a picture of what it looked like in the church guide. It is hard to believe but they needed even more seats so the only option was to build another church. This would be at the far end of the Old Market.

Firstly, they needed money to build it.

Some land was sold and raised over £479,000 (£5,000).

The rest of the money was raised by the selling of £4,700 (£50) shares. The owners of these shares had the right to have their seats, so out of the 800 seats, only 200 were free for anybody to sit in.

It seems strange to talk about free seats in a church but in those days one way of getting income for a church was to sell the pews. The more money you had the better, more auspicious pew you could afford. It was the same at St Peter’s. If you look at the pews they are all numbered, so you might, for instance, own number 143.

The new church was to be based on the marvellous Octagon Tower which is at the pinnacle of Ely Cathedral.

This tower was the idea of a 14th-century monk, Alan of Walsingham, who was also an architect. He worked with the royal master carpenter, William Hurley, to build a revolutionary masterpiece of medieval engineering. After eighteen years of hard work it was finally finished and 600 years later it still stands.

Alas, rather than using a specialist architect, William Swansborough, Churchwarden at St. Peter’s and former Town Bailiff, was used to design the Octagon Church and in 1826 the building was erected. It cost nearly a million pounds (£10,000). But, unlike Ely Cathedral where just the tower is octagonal, they decided the whole building should be octagonal. This was the first mistake. Nobody, it seems, understood about acoustics (the science of sound waves). After only twenty years the lantern was in a state of decay and became unsafe due to defective foundations.

Simply, the foundations weren’t strong enough to hold

it. Mr Swansborough had miscalculated. And it had to be substituted by a lower and lighter feature looking like a coronet designed by a different architect, Mr Buckler.

Three years later, the Wisbech historians, Walker and Cradock, described the church as, “It’s construction, though tending to draw the congregation round the speaker, is so mismanaged, that in some parts of the chapel, where the hearers are nearest the pulpit, it is with difficulty the words of the preacher can be distinguished. Two or three perceptible voices, glancing from different faces of the chapel, cross one another, and render either reading or preaching in such part indistinct. The gallery looms over the floor of the chapel, making its paltry (measly) proportions appear less. The architect, in consequence of his unfortunate design, was obliged to put the pulpit in front of the chancel arch, thereby hiding all that part of the chancel from view; and sundry long cracks in this part give threatening, before the edifice is twenty years old, of instability.” They also pointed out that it would be hard to find a building combining so many and such remarkable examples of bad construction.

The problem is that a church with four walls has problems with reverberation (that is an echo.) Sounds echo from one wall to another. The Octagon Church had eight walls which meant that the echoes were more than doubled. This is why many of the congregation couldn’t hear properly.

Mr Swainsborough didn’t understand the problems of acoustics. You see the Octagon lantern at Ely Cathedral was up in the roof of the cathedral. The main part of the building has four walls, not eight.

Unfortunately, it seems that he also didn’t understand the need for suitable foundations to hold up the church and the lantern. The church was very tall, 88 feet (nearly 27 metres),102 feet (31m.) long and looked massive next to the neighbouring buildings.

In the 1880s the congregation was dwindling and by 1946 the church closed its doors for good. The local newspaper made suggestions for its use including impractical things such as a place for the Wisbech Male Voice Choir to practise there as well as the Orchestral Society, the annual Oratorio Society and the Wisbech Dramatic and Operatic Society. All things that were soundly based and for which the building was unsuited.

Only 6 years later and it was demolished.

(All prices are quoted as today’s value. The original cost in the 19th century is given in brackets.)

18

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

JULY 2020

Dentistry with a difference Why have we received so much positive feedbacksince opening in 2018?

Perhaps because we offer a different style of dentistry with our focus on: • •

Preventative and family care Consultant expertise in Orthodontics & Oral Surgery

Patient-focused general & specialist dentistry Friendly and relaxed environment State of the art 3D imaging facilities Accepting Denplan and private patients 2nd opinions, leading to realistic & cost effective treatement options

THE PRIESTGATE CLINIC would like to welcome Sana to the practice Sana Shinki General Dentist

GDC REG NO: 282424

Dr. Sana Shinki graduated from Trinity College Dublin Ireland. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry. Sana places great importance in making her patients feel at ease, especially helping nervous patients overcome their fear of attending the dentist. She strives to create a warm, friendly & professional approach to patients. Sana was awarded "Most Caring Dentist" by Colgate in 2018.

If you would like to book an appointment with Sana please contact reception on 01733 865000 or alternatively, email reception@priestgateclinic.co.uk

If you would like to book an appointment, please call

01733 865000 www.priestgateclinic.co.uk

26 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1WG reception@priestgateclinic.co.uk

Recipe

STRAWBERRY ICE LOLLIES The kids will love these (adults too!) and they are so simple to make! Perfect for those sunny afternoons spent in the garden...

Method

Ingredients

150g fresh strawberries 90g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 500g tub of low-fat natural yogurt 100g melted white chocolate 60g sugar balls or strands

You will need 6 or 8 ice lolly sticks

D I S C O V E R I N G

2 Mix in the low-fat natural yogurt. Pour into the ice-lolly moulds and freeze. Once frozen, take them out of the moulds and dip the tips of the lollies in the melted white chocolate, then quickly dip them in the sugar balls or strands. Serve as soon as they set!

Tip: You could swap the strawberries for other fresh berries like blackberries or raspberries instead!

6 or 8 ice lolly moulds

20

1 Put the strawberries, caster sugar and vanilla extract into a bowl. Crush the fruit until roughly broken up and the sugar has dissolved.

Wisbech

JULY 2020

TAKEAWAY MENU ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Wines Worth Locating: The Winebarn

G

ermany utilises Riesling grapes to great advantage and the resulting wines have a range from Trocken (dry), Kabinett (mediumdry), through medium and sweet, to Beerenauslese (very sweet) and Eiswein (even sweeter).

The WineBarn Ltd company specialises in finding, importing and offering German wines of superb quality and elegance. Their managing director is Iris Ellmann, who is very much acknowledged and respected, and one of the UK’s first Fellows (The Riesling Fellowship), as an expert in German wines. The team are extremely proud of having been recognised as The IWC Best German Wine Merchant. Advice includes recommendations for food pairings and for any other occasions and events. The WineBarn also offers a Rare and Antique Wines Service, sourcing elusive investment wines from hidden German cellars. For this ‘quest’ I searched for dry Riesling wines.

SUNDAY ROASTS

The Allendorf family have a history of over 700 years, living and working in the Rheingau region, which is home to the famed Riesling white wine grape. Their estate is recognised as one of the largest family-owned wineries in the Rheingau. ‘Allendorf Save Water Drink Riesling’ (dry) has a primary fruity sensation, including apricot and crisp apple, for the nasal senses.

Continuing to the mouthfeel and palate’s enjoyment, this is a very popular, refreshing wine. www.thewinebarn.co.uk/collections/allendorf

Since the latter part of the 15th century, the Aldinger family have worked the land in the town of Fellbach. Committed and dedicated to their productions, the wines produced have exceptional quality. ‘Aldinger Rebhuhn Riesling Trocken’ I found to have very acceptable orchard fruits on the bouquet. It is certainly crisp and fresh, with a good finish on the palate. Ideal to grace many dining tables, this is another popular production. www.thewinebarn.co.uk/collections/aldinger Riesling wines are great to accompany numerous dishes of cuisine, as well as having the ability to be enjoyed on their own. These and many more excellent wines with a passion, (a good number of which are multi-award-winning) are available from The WineBarn Ltd. Ordering is easy and available online, too. Orders are dealt with quickly and efficiently, dispatching to all types of properties, including hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, retailers, private clients, homes and offices. The WineBarn is delivering now.

The WineBarn Ltd, 16 Taylor’s Yard, Sutton Scotney, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 3XX Tel: 01962 761215 E-mail: wine@thewinebarn.co.uk www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Tel: 01733 351001 As always, enjoy!

Trevor Langley Email: falconhotel@hotmail.co.uk

ORCHARD HOUSE CARE HOME – WHERE OUR FAMILY CARES FOR YOUR FAMILY

Situated in a pleasant residential area of Wisbech, Orchard House Care Home is purpose-built and carefully designed to support our residents to live happy, fulfilled, and comfortable lives.

We offer bespoke meaningful and person centred, residential dementia, nursing, and end of life care on a short term, long term, or respite basis, where we care for your family like one of our own.

What sets us apart at Orchard House is that there is never a dull moment!

With a varied and vibrant social lifestyle on offer, there is always something for everyone with recent activities including glamourous fashion shows, armchair aerobics, and karaoke sessions. Residents have also enjoyed keeping the garden in full bloom, perfect for all of the BBQs we enjoy. Heather, a resident from Orchard House, says: “Many good carers, real affection and interested. Looked after me kindly while I had fun.”

Orchard House is a home from home.

You can spend time in our bright and relaxing social lounges, where you can take part in daily activities or spend time with friends and loved ones. Our dining room is perfect for enjoying our freshly and lovingly prepared daily menus and all bedrooms are beautifully decorated and homely.

We are very proud of the great links we have within our local community.

Earlier this year, we welcomed students from the College of West Anglia across 22

D I S C O V E R I N G

a range of departments – students on construction and decorating courses volunteered their time to help spruce up the garden and home, and a team of hair and beauty students provided glamourous Hollywood makeovers to residents for a recent ‘movie’ themed fashion show where our residents hit the catwalk themselves.

We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from our local community, families, and friends during the global pandemic. From staff at the local college making masks, to posters and banners created by our extended family, the support has come from all ages, including Eden Rose, aged four, who wanted to lift our spirits during this difficult time.

Eden’s Aunt Sarah, our deputy manager, explained: “She spent many hours sat at her drawing desk completing these posters, she also

Wisbech

stands outside clapping with her xylophone every Thursday to show her appreciation to all the keyworkers!”

We’ve also been supported by our local ‘Blue Light Heroes’, especially our local Fire Service who joined us for #ClapForCarers on Thursdays.

Family is the beating heart of Orchard House, and during these past few months we’ve ensured that our residents and their loved ones have been kept connected with regular FaceTime and Skype sessions and have also created our own bi-weekly magazine. Registered manager Maxine Baine said: “We have wonderful links with our families, and during these last few months, because we’ve put such an emphasis on making sure our residents and families have stayed connected, they are now even stronger!”

Kerry Bell, the daughter-in-law of a resident at Orchard House, praised the care her mother-in-law has received: “The change in my mother-in-law in less than a week is nothing short of amazing. She has dementia and was not eating or drinking properly, not talking, not walking without assistance and just slept all day. The care she has received is exceptional. Her room is homely but functional. She eats and drinks everything. She is talking all the time, she’s awake all day and walking with a stick. She truly has a new lease of life and I put it all down to the amazing care she has received at Orchard House.”

JULY 2020

Respite Care Offer 4 weeks for the price of 3 weeks *

Orchard House Care Home Where our family cares for your family Are you caring for a loved one or relative?

Why not take a break with the assurance that our amazing team will take over the care for you so that you can have some time to yourself to relax or to enjoy a holiday?

Our kind and caring team provide a range of personalised residential, dementia and nursing care. The home includes a variety of features to support residents to feel at home such as en-suite bedrooms, welcoming lounge, dining areas and a host of daily activities.

For more information about how we could help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the number below or feel free to pop in for a coffee and a chat.

Feel free to call or email us at any time:

01945 223 874 care.orchard@rchcarehomes.co.uk Orchard House Care Home 107 Money Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2JF

www.rchcarehomes.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply, valid for 4 consecutive weeks only, applicable to new residents and private funding enquirers only.

Tuesdays with Carrie

Tel: 07876 636833

Wednesdays, Thursdays (pm) and Saturdays with Sally

Tel: 07919 410258

£3.75 PER WEEK

Mondays with Tina

Thursdays with Rachel

Tel: 07798 894639

Tel: 07768 526360

The Technology Site

Updating to Windows 10 Windows 10’s May 2020 Update is finally here. However, it may take several weeks (or even months!) before Windows Update offers the update on your system.

“Why can it take so long?” many of my customers have asked.

The main reason that Microsoft rolls out these updates slowly and to a limited number of PCs at first is that it needs to test how the rollout is going. If there are suddenly blue screens, performance bugs, or other problems, Microsoft can “pause” the rollout and fix the bugs before resuming it. Therefore, if the update has not appeared in Windows Update on your PC yet, it’s probably because Microsoft isn’t yet confident that it will work perfectly with your PC. So how do you know if your PC has received the update? Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your PC. Click “Check for Updates” and if you see the words “Feature update to Windows 10, version 2004”, click “Download and install” under it to install the update.

If you just see a “You’re up to date” message without any information about the new version of Windows 10, Microsoft hasn’t made it available to your PC yet.

Do please remember that before performing any updates to your PC, we really do advise that you back up your PC. This can be done using “file backup”, which

allows you to copy of all the files stored on your PC onto an external hard drive. Please see our article from several weeks ago for guidance on how to do this (also available on our website: www.diamondbyte. co.uk). We would also advise delaying the update if you are working on something important just in case the update goes wrong.

DO PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BEFORE PERFORMING ANY UPDATES TO YOUR PC, WE REALLY DO ADVISE THAT YOU BACK UP YOUR PC If you run into a bug or another problem with the update, it is possible to roll back to your old version of Windows 10, provided you do it within the first ten days after upgrading as Windows 10 will remove the required files to free up disk space on your PC. To do this, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,” click “Get started” and click through the wizard that appears.

If you don’t see this option here, you, unfortunately, can’t go back to your previous version of Windows 10 because its files have been removed from your PC. If you do experience any problems, please contact us.

DIAMOND BYTE PC & Laptop Repairs & Sales wisbech@diamondbyte.com • www.diamondbyte.com

01945 585201 Find us on Facebook at fb.me/thepcguy JULY 2020

Repairs From Just £45!

Business To Business • Home Users Call Out Services • Remote Support Virus Removal • Online Security Data Recovery • Network Setup Broadband/Wireless Setup Upgrades & Custom Built PC’s

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

25

Summer Wordsearch

CAN YOU FIND THESE SUMMERY WORDS HIDDEN IN THE GRID OPPOSITE! Park

Beach Bucket

Camping

Spade

Picnic

Swimming

Vacation

Bikini

Shorts

Joke Corner What did one eye say to the other eye?

BETWEEN US, SOMETHING SMELLS! Why are fish so smart?

BECAUSE THEY LIVE IN SCHOOLS! Where do cows go on Friday nights?

26

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

THEY GO TO THE MOO-VIES! JULY 2020

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION BUY IN CINEMA OR ONLINE FROM £10 TO £150

Experience the best in Cinema

FILM

BAR

FOOD

Experience the best in Cinema

FILM + BAR + FOOD

Experience the best in Cinema

FILM + BAR + FOOD

INCLUDES FREE ENVELOPE & NOTE-CARD OR UPGRADE TO A GIFT-TIN FOR £3

JULY 2020

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

27

T H E

C O V I D - 1 9

LOCKDOWN QUIZ Food and Drink

PA THRRT EE

1. Of what is bonito a variety?

12. Which EE who was in “The Breakfast Club” is Charlie Sheen’s brother?

2. What is the head waiter at a French

13. One of the most well-known silent

restaurant called?

3. Which cereal is the only one grown standing in water?

4. How is a drink served when it is

film stars, this CC wrote, produced, and starred in the 1940 film “The Great Dictator”.

14. Canadian-born actor of English parents,

described as “Frappe”?

this MM has had many film roles including “Shrek” and “The Love Guru”.

5. Coquille St Jacques is a fancy name for what?

15. Which DD played ‘Billy the Limpet’ in the

6. In which country would you expect to

film “Mean Machine” but is better known for his role in Eastenders?

7. What part of a wine bottle is the punt?

Pot Luck:

8. Which spirit is fermented and distilled from sugar cane?

16. On what scale is Cola 3, beer 3.2, wine

be served a yoghurt-based starter called ‘tzatziki’?

3.5, water 7, blood 7.4 and sea water 8.5?

17. What kind of tuna commands the highest

Alliterative Actors and Actresses 9. Which SS is the star of the “Rocky” film franchise?

10. Which LL played Cady Heron in “Mean Girls”?

11. Which RR played the Sundance Kid

alongside Paul Newman’s Butch Cassidy?

prices at Tokyo’s famous fish markets?

18. Which small edible fish is named after a large European island?

19. Coined by a nine-year-old, what is the name for the digit 1 followed by 100 zeros?

20. The King of Spades, Diamonds and

Clubs has one, but what does the King of Hearts not have?

Answers: Food and Drink: 1. Tuna, 2. Maitre d’ or maitre d’hotel, 3. Rice, 4. With finely crushed ice, 5. Scallops, 6. Greece or Turkey, 7. The indentation in the base, 8. Rum. Alliterative Actors and Actresses: 9. Sylvester Stallone, 10. Lindsay Lohan, 11. Robert Redford, 12. Emilio Estevez, 13. Charlie Chaplin, 14. Mike Myers, 15. Danny Dyer. Pot Luck: 16. pH Scale; 17. Bluefin; 18. Sardine (after Sardinia.; 19. Googol; 20. A moustache.

28

D I S C O V E R I N G

Wisbech

JULY 2020

Like us on Facebook @discoveringwisbechmagazine GARDEN MAINTENANCE

TREE SURGERY

FUNERAL SERVICES

Pete’s

Ponds

ALL TYPES OF POND MAINTENANCE CARRIED OUT 2 Queensway, Pointon Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0NE Tel: 07393 367410 Email: peteburlton@live.com  Search Pete’s Pond Clearances

PETER BARNES FUNERALS Independent Funeral Directors ALL ASPECTS OF TREE SURGERY FOR WISBECH, MARCH, CHATTERIS AND SURROUNDING AREAS: • Felling, shaping and pruning • 24hr emergency service • Stump grinding and removal • All waste removed • Fully insured CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION

T: 01945 450082 M: 07711 897089

www.bowlestreeandgardenservices.co.uk

Folleys Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech

Our Family Helping Yours, Whenever and Wherever You Need Us

24 Hour Service Golden Charter Funeral Plans 38 Murrow Bank, Murrow, Wisbech PE13 4HB

Tel: 01945 700 200 Mob: 07894 164201 E: peterfunerals@btconnect.com W: www.peterbarnesfunerals.co.uk

 Se rvi ci ng  MO T s  Repa ir s  Ty r es  Ai r Con  R ec ov ery the gara g e m a rch.co.uk

01354 66 14 11

T h e Garage M arch , Wi s bech Road, PE1 5 8 EB JULY 2020

Spring Business Directory

29

V

nt ns ge e A eF th of

Right up your street for over 200 years

A I fo Ple V EW rm a A s I IN or e c LA G e o B S in nt L fo ac E rm t at us io n

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.

2020

56

Wisbech Residential March Residential 01945 428820 01354 607100 Wisbech Professional March Professional 01354 D I S C602030 O V E R I N G01945 March428830

maxeygrounds.co.uk JUNE 2020