Discovering Wisbech issue 040, August 2021

Issue 40 32 / August December 20212020

and the surrounding villages

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Wisbech Window THE AVENUES Wanderland THERAPY: EXPECTING A BABY?

Competition - Win LONGHURST GROUP: £100 for Christmas TRY BEFORE YOU MOVE

Christmas YOUNGRecipe TECH Eggnog ACADEMY: OPENING UP THE FUTURE

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

A FANTASTIC RANGE OF DESIGNS FROM CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSIC

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Welcome to your August issue...

This month is a very special one for the “Discovering” magazines “family” as issue number 120 of our flagship, “Discovering Bourne” magazine represents the TenYear Anniversary of its arrival on the local scene. In that time, the “family” has grown to five, (“Whittlesea”, “March”, “Wisbech” and “The Deepings” being the other titles) … and we go from strength to strength!

My own involvement with the “family” began in 2013 and it has been such an enjoyable, and at times rather hair-raising, journey which I would not have missed for the world. I get such an enormous feeling of pride as I see our five magazines evolve over the course of each month, knowing that our wonderful regular contributors, our featured clients, and our fabulous sales, administration, design, and editorial specialists have combined to bring you an inspiring, interesting and entertaining magazine, month after month.

Finally, talking of “families”, our front covers this month feature the smiling faces of my sister Paula and her husband Steve, at their wedding early in July. Love and best wishes to you both xx.

Claire x

I recently had cause to self-isolate after coming in contact with someone who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

I have to say when the instruction came through via track and trace on my NHS phone App I felt very down as the thought of having to stay in again after so many months of lockdown was not something I relished.

However self-isolate I did even though many tests showed that fortunately I was negative.

Knowing I was OK but unable to go out with everyone else who has been starting to rediscover their freedom actually seemed worse than when we were all in full lockdown, a situation that will stay in place for those of us who have been ‘double-jabbed’ until August 16th.

My confinement coincided with the end of England’s Euro 2020 campaign. After the pains of the pandemic, the tournament did appear to pull the country together, even those people who do not usually enjoy football.

Unfortunately, the eventual outcome was all too predictable but at least the ride was fun while it lasted!

Andy

4 ...............Fenland History Society 6 ...............Gardening Tips for August 8 ...............Steve Barclay 9 ...............Wood Green 10 .............Agentis Financial 14 .............Eco-Drives 16 .............Stephenson Smart 20............Heritage Walk 22 ...........Diamond Byte 24 ...........Young Tech Academy 26 ............Interesting and Curious Facts 28 ...........March Podiatry 29 ............Wisbech Funeral Service 30 ...........Chat over a Cuppa 31 .............The Avenues Therapy Centre 34.............Whiting & Partners 36.............Willow Court - Longhurst Group 38.............The Light Cinema 39.............Froglife 40............Mail Train Accident 42.............Let’s get Quizzical 43 ...........Have Fun This Summer 44 ...........Vine Law 45 ...........Directory 46 ...........Wisbech Grammar School With thanks to:

Stephenson Smart, Diamond Byte, The Avenues Therapy Centre, Agentis Financial, Stephen Barclay MP, Whiting and Partners, March Podiatry, Bridget Hunter, Sue Bradshaw, Cover picture courtesy of Gordons Photographic - Bourne

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton | Ops Director Andy Armstrong Editor Andy Hurst: editor.march@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk Design Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Graham Copestake | Rob Harradine

Account Manager Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 marketing.discoveringmagazines@gmail.com

Inside Highlights

Deadline details:

Copy deadline for the September issue is 16th August 2021.

Account Manager Catherine Healy: 07879 478448 catherine@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET 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 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.

AUGUS T 2021

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FENLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

By Bridget Hunter Our plans are still in place for the return of our monthly meetings on Thursday, September 20th, meeting in Wisbech Library from 7pm-9pm. We look forward to seeing our members back to celebrate our twentieth anniversary with a very special meeting. Non-members are always welcome to our meetings for a donation of £2.

Over the past months I have looked to find interesting things connected to our family research to include in my monthly report. With that in mind, and hopefully by now the end of lockdown in view, weddings will now be taking place as before. One of the places family historians search for information on their families is in newspaper reports. We have found some very amusing newspaper reports on wedding announcements which also gave so much information to add to the family history and story.

1814 Marriage – On Monday, the fifteenth instant at Grantham, after a courtship of nearly twenty-four hours, Mr James CARTIER, son of Mrs CARTIER, late of the White Lion Inn, to Miss MOORE, of Buckminster (maybe love at first sight).

1833 – Marriage at Billinghay on fifteenth inst. Mr B BURT, tailor, to Miss Lucy LEARY, of Hawthorn Hall.

The weight of the bride and groom did not exceed thirteen stones; they are supposed to be the smallest couple married at Billinghay Church.

December 28th, 1818, marriage & birth: On Monday last, Mr HAINES, carpenter and wheelwright, married Mrs PRESGRAVE, keeper of the tap at the White Hart Inn, Spalding. Immediately after the ceremony they proceeded to Market Deeping to

spend their honeymoon, and ‘ere the following morning the bride presented her spouse with a fine girl as a Christmas Box. 1832 Marriage: On Tuesday last, Mr Thomas LONGCASTER to Miss Mary REESON (fourteen years of age) both of Leaks near Boston.

December 1812. On Wednesday 25th, Mr FIELD, draper of Hull, and Miss BURTON, the daughter of Mr BURTON, miller and baker of Gainsborough, took advantage of the midnight hour to fly on the wing of love to Hull where hymen made better haste than the lady’s pursuing father, and tied the indissoluble knot before the latter had the opportunity of putting a veto on the proceeding.

But did you know that until the reign of Edward V1 (1461-1470) all marriages were solemnised in the church porch and not in the church itself?

Our teams of transcribers and recorders are still hard at work, producing many new records for our members to use. They can also be found on FindMyPast RESEARCH SESSIONS: We hope to get these started again at our two venues. Wisbech Library on the first Tuesday of each month from 10am-12 noon and in Baytree Garden Centre in Hilgay on the second Monday of each month from 11am-2.30pm.

Our researchers are also busy working on family research for anyone contacting them.

TALKS: Our speakers are already taking bookings to give talks to local groups, clubs etc. Talks include ‘The Fun of Family History’, ‘My Naughty Great Aunt Eliza’ and ‘The Ups & Downs of Being a Magistrate’.

Others are available.

For further information on any of the above please call me on (01945) 587723.

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AUGUST 2021

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Your Garden

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August Gardening Tips ow is the time for some forward planning, which is the key to a successful plot.

As space becomes available when crops finish, you can plant overwintering crops such as Brussels sprouts, spring cabbage and winter cauliflowers. Cabbage seeds can be planted in a temporary bed or in pots or modules – remember to cover them with nets to keep off the birds and caterpillars. Also, for harvesting in the autumn and beyond, you could sow lettuce (keep out of the glare of direct sun), rocket, spring onion, radish plus winter salads, including mibuna, mizuna, mustard leaf and lamb’s lettuce.

Watch out for potato blight, unsightly brown patches which appear rapidly on the foliage, common at the end of August when the weather is humid and damp.

The leaves can be covered in a matter of days and the plant will collapse. All is not lost if you cut off the stems at ground level before the blight reaches the tubers.

Jobs for August include: • Prune gooseberry and currant bushes.

• Strawberry runners that have been potted can be transplanted into a sunny, fertile spot where you have not grown them for at least three years.

Planting them through plastic will help conserve moisture and provide warmth during the winter.

• Make sure that you harvest courgettes, regularly before they grow too large.

• Cut to the ground all summer fruiting raspberry canes that have borne fruit this year and tie in the new green

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canes that will produce next year’s fruit. Take care not to damage the new bright green stems.

Tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash need feeding with a tomato fertiliser.

Outdoor tomatoes should have their growth stopped by the middle of the month – nip out the leading growing shoot just above the highest truss.

Continue pinching out and do not forget to provide support for the plants as they become more heavily laden – also for cucumbers, peppers and even fruit trees.

Keep earthing up potatoes to prevent the tubers being exposed and also brassicas to support unsteady stems.

Dig over any spaces that have been left from harvesting crops, where you could grow “green manure” such as clover or vetch, which will provide nitrogen for the soil or alfalfa, cress or mustard which will help break up the soil.

Pinch out the tops of climbing beans when they reach the top of the canes as this will encourage growth lower down and harvest regularly before they become tough and stringy: you can let some grow on to produce bean seeds for next year.

August sees the National Allotments Week (9th-15th), with the theme “Plotting for the Future”, celebrating the contribution that allotments make to a sustainable future.

If you want to know more about this and the National Allotment Society, visit www.nsalg.org.uk Happy gardening!

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News

SUPPORTING LOCAL YOUNGSTERS’ LEARNING

By Steve Barclay MP

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enland-born author, journalist and philosopher William Godwin once said: “He that loves reading has everything within his reach.” That’s certainly true for me and I hope my annual Read to Succeed campaign will help youngsters in the constituency to feel the same.

Thanks to generous donations from organisations across the patch, the 1500 Year 4 pupils across North East Cambridgeshire will have their own book to keep and read during this year’s school summer holidays.

Companies and organisations that have donated include: Tina Gambell Faster Lente Llamas, McCains Foods, Fraser Dawbarns, Anglian Water, Bretts, Nestle Purina, Fenland District Council, Bishop of Ely, Stainless Metalcraft, Swann Edwards, Peter Humphrey, Fenmarc, Bowser Ollard and Bentley, Clarion Futures and Whittlesey Town Council.

With the disruption to education over the past year, it is more important than ever to support our youngsters’ learning and Year 4 is the age at which children often begin to read more independently.

Also, please don't forget to go to your local library to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

While local services are vital, it’s also important that we have fit-for-purpose major hospitals to deal with complex needs and procedures.

Therefore, I’m supporting the campaign to rebuild the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. Many constituents will have paid a visit to the hospital at one time or another and recent visitors will have seen that the roof is currently supported by almost two hundred metal poles.

My son was born at the QEH so I know from personal experience how important it is to many families in the constituency and beyond.

Finally, I wanted to reinforce my objections to the enormous incinerator that developer MVV is planning for Wisbech. I think there are many key concerns that still haven’t been fully addressed, such as the impacts on health, traffic, and the environment amongst others. Formal public consultation is ongoing and I’d encourage anyone against the proposed incinerator to register their objections on the link www.mvv-medworthchp.co.uk/documents.php

Regular readers will know I am a fierce advocate for health care being delivered as close to home as possible, particularly low risk, high volume, routine services. Therefore, it’s great to see the redevelopment plans for the Princess of Wales Hospital have gone through the planning committee stage with the thumbs up from officers at East Cambs District Council.

Also, I’m delighted that Doddington MIU has reopened after a prolonged closure due to the extreme pressure on the health system during the exceptional circumstances of the last year.

I will continue to work with local health bosses to encourage more health services into sites at Doddington, Ely and North Cambs hospitals as part of our recovery from COVID.

To find out more about my work in Parliament or local campaigns, visit my website or follow me on social media: www.stevebarclay.net  @SteveBarclay  @SteveBarclayOfficial  @SteveBarclayOfficial 26 8

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You can find the book as well as your own Keith soft toy on our website, www.puggypals.com, on Amazon and at Petorama, 39 West Street, Bourne PE10 9NB. You can also follow the adventures of Keith on Instagram @thewinkingpug.

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Mortgage Advice

Homeownership Schemes

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ADVICE FROM CAREN PALMER-WELCH, MORTGAGE AND PROTECTION BROKER

aving for a deposit, securing a mortgage, and finding the right home at the right price is difficult for some people, which can result in them being priced out of buying on the open market. If you are in this situation, it is worth looking into the Government schemes on offer to help you get on the property ladder.

HELP TO BUY The Government’s new Help to Buy scheme replaced the previous scheme. It came into place on April 1st 2021, and comes to an end in March 2023. The new scheme introduced property price caps and is restricted to first-time buyers only, supporting people onto the housing ladder.

You’ll need to pay a minimum deposit of 5% of the property purchase price and arrange a repayment mortgage of at least 25% of the property purchase price. You can then borrow an equity loan to cover from 5% and up to 20% of the property purchase price of your newly-built home. If the property is in London, you can borrow up to 40%.

SHARED OWNERSHIP This route gives first-time buyers, previous homeowners who cannot afford to buy one now, and existing shared owners, the option to buy a share of their home (between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share.

You can buy a home through shared ownership if your household earns £80,000 a year or less (or £90,000 a year or less in London).

95% MORTGAGES From April 19th, first-time buyers are now able to purchase a home with only a 5% deposit. The scheme is aimed at increasing the supply of 5% deposit mortgages for credit-worthy households by supporting lenders to offer these products through a government-backed guarantee. First announced in the 2021 budget, the scheme will help first-time buyers or current homeowners secure a mortgage with just a 5% deposit to buy a house of up to £600,000 – providing an affordable route to homeownership for aspiring homeowners. The Government has offered lenders the guarantee they need to provide mortgages that cover the other 95%, subject to the usual affordability checks.

*Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage*

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Finance

LANDLORDS: ARE YOU READY FOR MAKING TAX DIGITAL?

Making Tax Digital is a new way of working that sees the Government calling

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upon taxpayers to report their income and expenses via digital software. t present it only applies to VAT registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the £85,000 VAT registration.

However, self-employed businesses and landlords with annual business or property income above £10,000 will need to follow the rules for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from their next accounting period starting on or after April 6th, 2023.

This means that any type of landlords, including buy-to-let and furnished holiday lets, with an annual turnover above £10,000, will be required to keep income and expense records digitally and submit their tax return directly to HMRC using compatible software.

There are many affordable cloud accounting software options available to individuals and small businesses, such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Accounting or FreeAgent.

These cloud accounting software solutions are user-friendly. They streamline the recording and reporting process and synch with your business bank account – all via an app on your phone or tablet.

Cloud accounting solutions use bank feeds to import live data; this reduces the time needed to

undertake manual data entry. They are easy to use on the go and can improve the cashflow of your business. This can, in turn help in making crucial business decisions as there will be a better picture of finances with the real time information.

It is understandable that you may be unsure of these big changes, but businesses must ensure their data is accurate and compliant with the new legislation. There will be a penalty regime introduced by the Government for late submissions and late payment of tax.

The deadline for landlords may seem a long way off but it is good to forward plan and may mean you get a better deal from the cloud accounting software provider you choose to use.

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CHANCE TO HELP SHAPE NEW

l a k W e g a t i Her The idea for the Whittlesey Heritage Walk was originally conceived through Fenland District Council’s Growing Fenland project, featuring Masterplans to drive growth and regeneration in each of the district’s four towns, and is now being taken forward thanks to funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).

A public consultation will be launched this month to help shape the creation of a new heritage walk. Fenland District Council is developing plans for the Whittlesey Heritage Walk, a new self-guided trail to celebrate the town’s heritage and encourage visitors to explore its hidden history.

The route identified for the walk is an updated version of the Whittlesey Town Trail, but with highlighted routes to Kings Dyke Nature Reserve, where a new Heritage Centre will be located, Lattersey Nature Reserve and Whittlesea Railway Station, as well as a scenic riverside walk to the south of the town centre.

With way markers and information boards along the route, the walk will illustrate local points of interest and historic landmarks as well as provide

information on local transport options and access to the National Cycling Network Route 63 which runs through the town.

Now residents are being asked to help choose a new logo for the Whittlesey Heritage Walk, and to share any stories or anecdotes they have about the town, the route or local historic buildings that could be included in the walk.

Views are also being sought on what information they would like to see displayed along the route, the location of information boards and seating on the route, and whether people would prefer to access the walk information by mobile phone app, webpage or brochure.

The online consultation is open from August 1st until August 31st. Visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/ consultations to have your say.

Cllr Chris Seaton, the council’s portfolio holder responsible for heritage, said: “This is a really exciting project to create a new heritage walk that will encourage local people and visitors to explore and learn about Whittlesey’s rich heritage while increasing footfall into the town centre.

“The consultation is a great opportunity to get involved! Help us to choose a logo and decide on route information, seating, information boards and more.

We’d love to hear people’s stories about the town and its buildings that could be included in the walk too.”

Paper copies of the consultation survey are available at the Whittlesey Town Council offices in Queen Street or on request via email at: neighbourhoodstrategy@ fenland.gov.uk

For more information on the project, visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/whittleseyheritagewalk 20

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AUGUST 2021

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21 15

The Technology Site

HOW TO AVOID THE

‘PRINT NIGHTMARE’ PHILIP AT DIAMOND BYTE

Microsoft has announced an emergency update to Windows to patch a serious vulnerability and is urging all Windows users to install this update on their PCs as soon as possible. It is so serious that Microsoft has had to issue patches for Windows Server, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and even Windows 7.

The tech giant said that this urgent security update, rolled out on July 6, provides protection for the ‘Print Nightmare flaw’ (also identified as ‘CVE-20211675’), which affects all versions of Windows and which targets the Windows printer spooler service, a process that manages access to printers from multiple users. Hackers are potentially able to use this flaw to install programs, view and delete data, and create new user accounts with administrator

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access. It is also possible for the hacker to install software onto PCs including applications that keep a log of everything typed on the keyboard. If hit by the attack, users could find personal information such as banking details and passwords ending up in the wrong hands.

If you are a Windows user, you need to install the update on your PC immediately in order to keep your system safe. The company has clarified that all Windows versions (Server, 10, 8 and 7) are vulnerable. If you have yet to receive the security update, you should receive it shortly.

In Windows 10, downloading and installing updates is automatic and will happen immediately after checking or, with some updates, at a time when you are not using your computer.

To check you have the latest updates installed, type ‘Windows updates’ in the search bar in the bottom left hand of the screen.

Once in the updates setting, you

Wisbech

should see a message saying: ‘You’re up to date’. If not, simply click on the ‘check for updates button’.

This is also a good time to make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10. To do this, simply type ‘winver’ into the search bar, which will bring up a screen informing you of which version is currently installed.

Microsoft recently released 21H1 also known as the May 2021 update, this is the one you should be using.

In Windows 8 and Windows 7 the best way to access Windows Update is via the control panel.

Simply open the control panel, then choose Windows Update.

Select Check for updates to check for new, uninstalled updates. Installation sometimes happens automatically, or it might need to be done manually via the Install updates button, depending on what version of Windows you’re using and how you have Windows Update configured.

AUGUST 2021

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Opening Up The Future!

S

eptember 2021 will be hailed as the month when Peterborough finally becomes firmly established on the national Performing Arts map. That is the ambition of Pino Soccio, the enthusiastic founding force and managing director of Young Technicians.

The reason is that the Young Technicians Academy, a specialist educational facility, training students in all forms of the Performing Arts, Media and Live Events industries, will be opening its doors in Eagle Park, Yaxley.

Local musician and technician, Pino, can call upon many years of experience, performing both locally, and also at national venues such as London’s O2 Arena. The inspiration behind Young Technicians came whilst Pino was working in a secondary school for many years, wanting to deliver something new and exciting for young people to take part in. Launched in Whittlesey in January 2016, a handful of students were trained in the live events industry. Since then, the scheme has expanded into many different educational establishments across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Fenland and beyond, and consists of a balance of theory work, practical work and endless possibilities for the students who take part.

Becoming a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.) in July 2017 has really enabled it to grow, with money reinvested into the future of the scheme and the students within the community. Now, working with 24

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a directorship team, Pino has created the Young Technicians Academy, due to open next month.

The present Young Technicians programmes have a 98% pass rate, with 85% of students moving into higher education or into jobs related to their respective industries. All students are given multiple opportunities to showcase their new skills in a range of internal and external events, including festivals, showcases, concerts and tour days. A variety of industry professional workshops is hosted throughout the year, in partnership with touring engineers, performers and producers.

At the Academy, specialist sessions will run for an hour a week and, during school holidays, there will be workshops, inventory days, intensive courses, and events, giving students a range of activities to choose from. At the new, purposebuilt, 2,600 sq.ft, Arts Centre in Yaxley, students will be able to collaborate between departments on any projects that students lead, or towards any coursework. The courses are designed to encourage students both academically and creatively, with a wide range of content across theoretical and practical knowledge. No prior knowledge is needed, as full training for each course pathway will be given. If you have a passion for any of the Performing Arts, then the Young Technicians Academy is the best place for you.

Launching next year will be two BTECs, one in Production Arts and one in Performing Arts. If you want to study sound, lighting or stage management or, alternatively, tread the boards and have ambitions to be on the stage, then this unique BTEC programme will be for you. To find our more or to register your interest, email btec@youngtechacademy.co.uk.

AUGUST 2021

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History

Interesting and Curious Facts of Yesteryear Unusual, fascinating and sometimes amusing, by the author of ‘Wisbech’s Secret Princess’, Chris Donald

THE MAN WHO DUG DYKES (part 2)

In the last article, The Man Who Dug Dykes (part 1), Cornelius Vermuyden came from nowhere to become Sir Cornelius Vermuyden. A new chapter was now to begin, the draining of the Fens for which he was to become famous.

The nearest work that Cornelius did to Wisbech was the Horseshoe sluice, on the first bend coming out of town going towards the sea. The sluice was shut as the tide came in, stopping the sea water flooding the land, and as the tide went out, the sluice was opened letting the water from the Fens drain out to the sea. This sluice had been a problem for some time so James I ordered a strong sluice of brick and stone to be made. It lasted just seven days before being demolished by the tide. Cornelius was paid a colossal £8000 to do the job, but the sluice didn’t last long and it was pulled down as useless. John Thurloe used the bricks towards the building of his fine mansion in Wisbech where the old castle used to stand.

The draining of the Fens met the usual protests.

The Fen people were used to making a living the way they had always done and if the land was drained it would deprive them of their livelihood.

They chose Oliver Cromwell of Ely to speak for them and he used this opportunity to rise from a relatively unknown person to become known as ‘Lord of the Fens.’

In 1634 it was declared that steps taken to make the area flood free had failed. King Charles I decided to have the river between Wisbech

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and the sea straightened, an embankment raised on the south side of the Nene between Peterborough and Wisbech and another sluice at Shire Drain to drain the marshes at Tydd. He also planned for a beautiful town and palace at Manea!

In 1642 the Civil War between Charles I and Parliament started and work on the Fens was halted. By 1649, the war was over, the King was executed and Cromwell was in charge, the only time this country has not had a King or Queen.

This time, instead of supporting the commoners, he sent his own regiment to suppress, receiving land for his actions.

Cornelius was employed to build the new Bedford River running alongside the Old Bedford on the southernmost side of the Fens. When he finished, the reclaimed land was only dry in the summer and so of comparatively little use. It was finally sorted out at the end of the 18th century.

In 1658, Oliver Cromwell died and Charles II was proclaimed King. Vermuyden stopped working and in 1673 the Fens had a massive flood. This was because the peat dried and as it did it shrunk making the land lower and so the water flooded in.

Cornelius stopped working and sank into obscurity. Although his name is synonymous with the draining of the Fens there were many other equally eminent engineers who helped drain the Fens. He died in 1667.

AUGUST 2021

Lyncroft Care Home Lyncroft Care Home provides the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our newly refurbished home is beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes Lyncroft feel extra special. If you’re concerned about how your relative is coping and would like them to have more support, Lyncroft provides family-led care in a luxurious and homely environment. For more information about life at Lyncroft Care Home contact Customer Relations Advisor Mel Cushen on 07563 022 290 or email mel.cushen@countrycourtcare.com.

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Health Health

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Verrucae are a type of skin infection caused by a virus that causes visible lesions to appear on the skin. Their appearance may vary; they can grow to bigger lesions and spread on your feet and to other people.

Over a period of time, your immune system can fight the virus to get rid of the verruca, but this

new specialist treatment can help with the more stubborn verrucae.

Many clinics have great success, getting rid of your verrucae with a course of SWIFT treatment, with success rates of up to 86% – much higher than other treatments. We are pleased to provide this specialist treatment to help you to get rid of your verrucae.

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March Wisbech

A U G JUUSLTY 22002211

NEW

FAMILY-RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS COMES TO WISBECH

Wisbech Funeral Service is a new independent, family-run funeral directors that has recently opened in the town.

Located at 17 Old Market, Wisbech, it is owned and run by James and Laura Mooney-Dutton who bring their experience and expertise to the community having owned and operated a small, independent funeral home in London for many years.

James and Laura are proud to offer families in Wisbech and the surrounding areas the caring and flexible assistance for which they have become renowned.

Holders of the London Association of Funeral Directors Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration, they are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to guide you through a distressing and difficult time.

James said: “Although we are new to the area, we have many years’ experience as funeral directors.

We pride ourselves on offering a personal, caring and affordable service.

“It has been hard operating during the coronavirus pandemic as we have had to say ’no’ to people’s requests because of the restrictions, where we always like to say ‘yes.’ Since May 17th, there has been an easing of restrictions on the number of people attending services, but although more than thirty people are now allowed to attend, with social distancing rules still in place it is very much dependent on the size of the venue.”

James became a funeral director following his involvement in funerals as a professionally trained musician. His first experience of a high-profile ceremony was the funeral of Princess Diana, for which he sang in the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

Wisbech Funeral Service are available 24 hours a day for telephone support and advice.

For immediate attention or to discuss funeral arrangements please call on 01945 405950.

For more information contact Wisbech Funeral Service, 17 Old Market, Wisbech PE13 1NB. Tel: (01945) 405950 mail@wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk or via Facebook and Twitter

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Funeral Directors James and Laura are proud to be serving the community

Chapel of Rest Traditional, Modern & Eco-friendly funerals Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans 17 Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1NB 01945 405950 (24 hours) mail@wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk

www.wisbechfuneralservice.co.uk AUGUS T 2021

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C

With Jenna Bolger Jenna’s dog Jasper

Jenna is a qualified hypnotherapist who runs a private practice in Wisbech, helping people with issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, habit stopping and weight loss. She loves every minute of her work, meeting new clients and seeing the rapid results that hypnotherapy offers people. In the summer months, she says hypnotherapy is offered out in the Summer House where you can hear the birds singing, making it a truly relaxing and calming experience. Jenna is now also offering hypnobirthing, supporting mums-to-be to have a calm and stress-free pregnancy. Life coaching is also available.

Jenna is passionate about nature and the environment and loves being outdoors. Her garden is a haven for all sorts of birds, plants and wildlife, helped by various bug hotels, log piles and bird boxes. She loves nothing more than a potter around the garden and watching to see what new birds might be visiting the feeders.

She practises yoga and meditation regularly which helps to keep her stress levels in check and she also enjoys being out in the fresh air with her dog, Jasper, for long walks.

Jenna went to school in Wisbech: The Queen’s School, followed

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by The Isle College, and The Open University. She started her therapy training more than ten years ago and continues to train in new things now. She says she is slightly addicted to learning and constantly finds that there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the courses she wants and read all the books that sit there patiently waiting to be read!

Where were you born and what is your favourite memory of your childhood?

I was born in Norfolk. My best childhood memories are of family holidays at Center Parcs, enjoying their amazing swimming pool and just being out in the trees with the squirrels, deer and birds. I’m sure that is why I love nature so much today.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

My mum. If I have turned out to be anything like her then I will be over the moon. She is such a selfless and generous person, always thinking of others. She has shown me that being kind and compassionate is the way to go.

Which two characters, alive or not, would you most enjoy sharing a meal with and why?

I’m not much of a talker so it would

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R

HAT OVE

Community

a c pa up need to be someone who was good at leading the conversation, otherwise it would be pretty quiet.

Preferably someone who will not judge me for my healthy appetite.

Ideally someone who is going to make me laugh (but hopefully not choke on my food), maybe Michael McIntyre, his humour is simple and non-offensive, and just plain old good fun. Just the way I like it. I’d also love to hear from David Attenborough about some of the amazing things he has seen and experienced in nature.

How would you describe yourself in only five words?

Patient, independent, honest, fun and happy.

If there was one thing which you could change about Wisbech, what would it be and why?

I think that Wisbech needs some kind of country park/nature reserve, where people have enough space to properly walk, run and cycle safely, enjoy nature, have a picnic, spend time with friends and family, where people can work and volunteer to keep the place running, learn about conservation, offering education and wellness activities, all while providing a place for nature to thrive.

What advice would you give to a ‘sixteen-year-old you?’

That if it doesn’t feel right and you’re not happy, then move on and try something else. That’s how we experience the world and learn who we are and what we want from life.

AUGUST 2021

EXPECTING

A BABY?

Seeing those two blue lines on the pregnancy stick can be a truly happy occasion to celebrate. However, it is also natural that pregnancy can raise anxiety and fear.

HYPNOBIRTHING can be used at different stages of pregnancy, including on the day of birth, and it can help you to manage various pregnancy-related worries.

Hypnobirthing helps to create the ideal, relaxing and calm environment for baby to grow and develop inside the womb, by helping you to release any stress, fear or anxieties surrounding the pregnancy and birth.

Hypnobirthing sessions focus on breathing techniques, visualisation, information around the stages of birthing and teaching you self-hypnosis. We also use positive affirmations to assist you to focus on how giving birth is a natural and beautiful event. It is completely safe and you will always be in control.

Sessions are designed and adapted to suit your personal needs.

PRICES – All clients will require an initial consultation for one hour at £50. £50 per one hour session thereafter.

Package deals from £180 which includes the initial consultation and three sessions.

Partners and birth partners are very welcome to join sessions.

Sessions are available both online and at my COVID-safe Therapy Centre in Wisbech.

The sense of relaxation and reduced stress offered by hypnotherapy can offer many benefits: • It can help to eliminate fear and tension in pregnancy • Enhanced bonding between mum/baby/partner • A gentle and calm birth • It can help to minimise the need for artificial intervention • It can increase your confidence and sense of control • A more positive perception of pain I offer some package deals; however, I am also happy to work out an individual package for you if you have something particular in mind. Please do contact me to discuss your needs.

Contact Jenna Website: www.theavenuestherapycentre.co.uk

AUGUS T 2021

Tel: 07521 456989 Email: Jenna@theavenuestherapycentre.co.uk

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31

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33

Important NI Changes for E-mail Scams – Be Careful ex-Service Employees

By Keith Day

Hardly a day passes without reports of yet another scam. They

Steven range Denton from the very familiar delivery company requiring an

additional to drop a parcel, in expired car tax, premium There are £1.92 hundreds of off employers the March area and across services from a global online giant, a bank for which you have no wider East Anglia who employ ex-servicemen and women and account requiring authentication of spending, and many others. who, just over a year ago, got a little good National Insurance Scams and ‘phishing’ become more sophisticated but it’s often the related news fromhave the government.

simple ones that cause the greatest suffering. We have regularly used As had taken on former members of the United armed forces thisthey magazine to warn readers to be extra careful andKingdom’s to be suspicious of they were not required to meet NI contributions liability on the veterans’ unexpected e-mails, phone calls and even printed demands. salary up to what is known as UST - the Upper Secondary Threshold - in the first months that employment.

Thetwelve pandemic has of created a fertile period for conmen and fraudsters who have taken advantage and blitzed both individuals and businesses with However, and there is always a BUT, under current guidelines relief for bogus claims. The response of even a few is their reward. the 2021-22 tax year can only be claimed retrospectively. In other words, the will stillthis need to pay NI contributions in the usual will wayhave for the Whyemployer are we raising familiar topic yet again? Many readers remainder of the 2021-22, this tax year, and make a claim for a rebate at the received a scam/phishing e-mail, supposedly from HM Revenue & beginning of the 2022-23 tax year.

Customs, only to discover it’s a fake. However, not all of those messages are bogus as some taxpayers are finding out to cost. in real time From April 2022, employers will then be able to their claimown the relief via the Employer Payment Summary (EPS) reclaim returns.

Furlough is coming to an end but for many, working-from home continues.

Overlook the last eighteen months communications haveto become fractured Let’s at some of the fine print.

The relief applies all veterans, even on phone digital communications. ifwith theygreat onlyreliance served one day in and the regular armed forces, regardless of when they left, provided they have not been previously employed in a It is vitally important to keep in close touch civilian capacity.

It lasts a full 12-months fromwith the your start accountant date of the who, veteran’s for businesses, first and last lineemployment of defence and can save employment andcan canbebethe carried over if the finishes within the you year. thousands by preventing you from getting on the wrong side of first HMRC. We can quickly discover whether communications from HMRC are This meansinaaddition second to employer can detailed claim theknowledge relief, provided employ legitimate expert and of taxthey affairs. the veteran in the qualifying period - the 12 months extending from the date they begannewspaper their civilianrecently employment.

Naturally, subsequent employers A national recounted the story of someone who would need to confirm the veteran’s employment history before claiming the relief. mistook an HMRC e-mail as a scam. Fearful of being hoaxed, he ignored the messages saying he owed £5000. Now, he faces a large tax bill. He Take care - the veteran will stillincontinue make employee NI contributions had completed his tax return May andto then ignored automated e-mail at the standard rate throughout the employer relief period. reminders warning him there was an overdue balance. He could not spot theall difference between bogus genuine e-mails faced £300to in talk to It’s fairly straight forward but and it you need help, thenand don’t hesitate late payment penalties and interest. your regular Whiting & Partners’ contact or call the local Whiting & Partners office.

That’s just one example and the moral of the story? A conversation with your, accountant who handles your tax affairs, could save you considerable grief.

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Wisbech Office

12 & 13 The Crescent, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1EH Telephone: 01945 584113 wisbech@whitingandpartners.co.uk

If you’re looking for help with your business or personal financial affairs contact our Wisbech Office on 01954 584113 or browse our website whitingandpartners.co.uk for the latest information and advice.

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

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Entertainment Entertainment

The Last Letter From Your Lover

Free Guy

Candyman

Andre Rieu 2021 Concert

Stay cool this summer with something for everyone on the big screen this August If you’re searching for some summer lovin’ then look no further than The Last Letter From Your Lover, released August 6th.

Adapted from Jojo Moyes’ best-selling novel, this passionate, dual narrative love story set in the French Riviera and London during the 1960s and present day tells the tale of elegant Jennifer Stirling and how her life becomes interwoven with that of Ellie Haworth in life-changing events which connect them across almost half a century.

If you’re in need of laughter, then check out hilarious all-action comedy Free Guy from August 13th starring Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds plays boring bank teller Guy, who is stuck in a Groundhog Day existence and oblivious to the brutality that breaks out each day.

Car chases, gun fire, fighter jets and explosions – Guy doesn’t bat an eyelid, it’s just not in his programming, until a chance encounter with an avatar sends his world in a spin and he decides to change his fate to save the city.

Candyman creeps onto our screens from August 27th and takes us to the housing projects of Chicago, where, for as long as residents can remember, the neighbourhood has been terrorised by a ghost story telling the tale of a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, summoned by anyone who dares to repeat his name five times into a mirror. Now a decade later, artist Anthony explores the mythology of Candyman which unleashes terrifying violence and unravels his own sanity.

On Sale Now We begin the month with the girl group beloved by the world. ‘BLACKPINK’ celebrates the fifth anniversary of their debut with the release of BLACKPINK THE MOVIE showing on Wednesday, August 4th and Saturday, August 8th. Join Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa for exclusive interviews and concert footage.

As the month draws to a close, Andre Rieu invites you to come together again with friends, family and loved ones for a heart-warming concert. Andre brings together performers from all over the world in one global spectacular to make you smile, sing and dance. Andre Rieu 2021 Concert: Together Again is showing on Saturday, August 28th and Sunday, August 29th.

Our Offers Treat yourself to £6.50 tickets all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and any time before noon on a Monday, Thursday and Friday when you book online. You can also sign up to MyLight for free to get the best ticket prices, showtimes, news, and special offers straight to your inbox by following the link on our website.

Having missed most of the last year of cinema, why not sign up to our Infinity membership for all the films you can handle for just £14.99 per month? Not only does this give you the freedom to watch as many 2D and 3D films as you want, but you will also receive discounted event tickets, twenty-five percent off all your favourite cinema treats, fifteen percent off alcohol and invites to members’-only screenings.

Keep an eye on our full film listings and offers at wisbech.lightcinemas.co.uk

The Light Cinema, Cromwell Road, Wisbech PE14 0RG Tel: 01945 640000 38 50

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PETERBOROUGH GREEN PATHWAYS PROJECT

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‘Leaping Forward for Young People’ ates of anxiety and depression in young people have risen by 70% in the past twenty-five years (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey) and the extent of the problem is not fully understood. There is increasing evidence that shows exposure to nature contributes to our emotional and physical wellbeing. Froglife has been developing an enduring relationship between young people and nature through many projects such as the Peterborough Green Pathways Project.

Froglife is a national wildlife conservation charity, committed to the conservation of native reptiles and amphibians, using innovative eco-therapy projects to engage people from all walks of life. For over a decade, multiple Green Pathways Projects have been helping young people and those living with dementia all around the UK to develop socially end emotionally through the outdoors.

Our project is supported by BBC Children in Need, along with local grants, helping young people manage extra difficulties in their lives through practical conservation and educational activities.

We receive referrals from schools, charities and children’s services in

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Peterborough, Fenland, South Kesteven and Northamptonshire area. We work in small groups to overcome the barriers that may have prevented them from accessing the outdoors by delivering sessions in local nature reserves, green spaces or community gardens.

The benefits are far wider than we could have anticipated, and include increasing confidence, managing their behaviour and becoming more positive about the future.

Our sessions run for ten weeks, allowing us to take the young people on a wildlife journey and shape the activities we offer. These range from pond dipping to building bug hotels, nature yoga and making nature documentaries. Over the holidays, we run wild workshops, one-off sessions that include reptile surveys, pond dipping and pond restorations.

The positive feedback received really makes us feel we are striving for the right goals and validates how young people play a fundamental role in improving their community and local green spaces. If you would like to sign up for sessions or would like to enquire, please contact us on 07487 517636, or by e-mail at briony.nesbitt@froglife.org and chantel.carr@froglife.org Chantel Carr, (Learning Officer)

D I S C O V E R I N G AWisbech U G U S T 2 0 2 139

1879

Mail Train Accident

By Peter Wright on behalf of March & District Museum

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he night of December 6th, 1879 was one of the coldest that William Thorndon had experienced during his twenty-year career as an engine driver.

With his fireman, Henry Bigley, he left Peterborough at 10.40pm with a fully laden thirty-wagon coal train towards March. They passed Whittlesea at 10.50pm with their engine running tender first. Whittlesea was the only intermediate point with fixed signals, otherwise traffic was regulated on a time interval system.

The next train to leave Peterborough was the mail train to Ely consisting of seven vehicles drawn by a tender passenger engine. The driver, Charles Laxton, had eighteen years’ driving experience but had been on passenger trains for less than a year. The mail stopped at Whittlesea and left there at 11.20pm. There were only seven or eight passengers, including some sailors.

About five miles beyond Whittlesea, the driver of the coal train became aware that the water pipes between the tender and the engine had frozen and he was concerned about the water level in his engine’s boiler. He stopped the train at 11.15pm about one and three-quarter miles from March. Some hot coals were withdrawn from the firebox and used to

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thaw the pipes, a process which took fivesix minutes. The guard of the train, William Burroughs, a man of eight years’ experience, was unaware of why the train had stopped.

After a few minutes he decided to protect his train as he knew the mail train would be soon approaching. He had only gone a short distance when he heard the goods engine whistle and he showed a green light and ran back to his van. Keen to get his train underway again, Thorndon restarted his engine, perhaps too vigorously, causing a wagon coupling towards the rear of the train to snap – dividing the train in two. Burroughs heard the coupling break and immediately exhibited a red light, causing Thorndon to stop again.

Burroughs quickly set off again to protect his train. After three-four minutes delay Bigley was sent back to ascertain the problem.

When he found the broken coupling, he called out to driver Thorndon to set back; Thorndon sounded the whistle and began to reverse. Burroughs, who had reached the gate house at Denis Crossing (possibly Whitemoor Road), heard the whistle and, thinking that the train was ready to proceed again, put one explosive detonator on the line and hurried back to his train.

When he arrived, he discovered that the isolated wagons had still not been recoupled. Fireman Bigley returned to the engine and after Burroughs had recoupled the wagons, he showed a green light. The train began to move and Burroughs re-joined his brake van as it slowly passed him.

However, as he did so he saw the engine of the mail train quickly approaching and had to jump for safety. Driver Charles Laxton claimed that the mail train was running at 30-35mph when he first saw the coal train tail lamps about one hundred yards ahead. He shut off steam immediately and reversed his engine but had no time to whistle for the guard to apply his brake. The fireman applied the tender handbrake. The driver jumped off his engine just before impact, tumbled over several times and suffered much bruising; the fireman suffered a broken arm.

George Laxton, the mail train guard, had twentyseven years’ railway service. He had no warning and was knocked down by the impact. As soon as he extracted himself from the parcels and luggage, he went to the driver who he found lying in a garden groaning, he then left to protect his own train.

two wagons which were badly damaged. The coupling between the engine and tender parted and the latter finished up forty-five feet away derailed, as was the next vehicle, an empty horse box. No passengers were injured.

Fortunately, a train had just passed on the other line. Single line working was introduced but the wreckage was not cleared or normal working restored until the weekend.

Driver Laxton was adamant that his engine had not exploded the fog signal put down by guard Burroughs some 644 yards from the point of the collision. A search found an unexploded detonator only 315 yards from the collision site.

An inquiry acknowledged that the primary cause of the collision was unavoidable due to the frozen water pipes. The driver and the guard of the coal train were criticised for slack working. Driver Laxton of the mail train was criticised for not keeping a sharp lookout as others had claimed that visibility was up to half a mile. The railway company was encouraged to provide a block signalling system on the line rather than relying on timed intervals to prevent accidents.

Top photograph: A Sinclair 2-2-2 similar to one that would have been on the mail train

MUSEUM OPENING TIMES 10.30am-3.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday. Entry is FREE.

The coal train brake van and last wagon were smashed. The engine mounted the top of the next J UAUGUS L Y 2 0 2T1 2021

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

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OLYMPIC GAMES QUIZ This month sees the conclusion of the Summer Olympic Games of 2020, held in Tokyo. Test your knowledge of this fabulous quadrennial feast of sport.

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In which country did the Olympic Games originate: a) USA, b) Italy, c) Greece, or d) France?

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hen were the first modern Olympic Games W held: a) 1848, b)1896, c) 1904, or d) 1922?

Which country hosted the controversial 1936 Summer Olympics: a) Spain, b) France, c) Germany, or d) Poland?

4

Which country has won the most medals in the modern Olympics since their inception: a) Soviet Union, b) USA, c) China, or d) Great Britain?

5

Which one of the following countries has never won a medal in the Summer Olympics: a) Iceland, b) Turkey, c) Sudan, or d) Albania?

6

What nationality is legendary sprinter, Usain Bolt: a) Jamaica, b) USA, c) South Africa, or d) Trinidad and Tobago?

7 8 9

How many Olympic gold medals has Usain Bolt won: a) 5, b) 6, c) 8, or d) 10?

True or false: Bolt has recently had his twin boys named “Thunder” and “Lightning”?

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True or false: When the Summer Olympics were held in Britain in 2012, that was the third time they had been held here?

W ho officially opened the 2012 Summer Olympics: a) Sir Paul McCartney, b) Boris Johnson, c) Queen Elizabeth II, or d) Daniel Craig?

Who became the most decorated sportsman of all time during the 2012 Summer Olympics: a) Michael Phelps, b) Mark Spitz, c) Chris Hoy, or d) Mo Farah?

Which is the only country ever to host the Summer Olympics and not win a single gold medal: a) Argentina, b) Canada, c) Spain or d) Finland?

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Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in Olympic events, but what do participants in fourth to eighth place receive: a) a tax-free lump sum of money, b) a small statue of an Ancient Greek athlete, or c) a diploma?

How many pigeons did Leon de Lunden manage to kill while winning gold in the living pigeon shooting event at the Paris Games in 1900: a) 21, b) 51, c) 81, or d) 121?

After losing a Greco-Roman wrestling bout against the German, Jakob Brendel at the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, the Italian Marcello Nizzola went to the dressing room and did what: a) continued wrestling his opponent, b) committed suicide, or c) attacked his opponent with a dagger?

The playing of which instrument was once an Olympic discipline in Ancient Greece: a) harp, b) trumpet, c) violin or d) piano?

What was unusual about Olympic marathon winner, Abebe Bikila’s running style at the 1960 Games: a) he ran barefoot, b) he rotated his head clockwise as he ran, c) he insisted on whistling as he ran? hat are the colours of the five rings on W the Olympic flag?

Which track athlete, now a television commentator on the Games, won the gold medal in both the 200 and 400 metres in gold shoes at the 1996 Olympics?

Which city will host the 2024 Summer Olympics: a) Berlin, b) Los Angeles, c) Shanghai or d) Paris?

ANSWERS 1) c, Greece; 2) b, 1896; 3) c, Germany; 4) b, USA; 5) d, Albania; 6) a, Jamaica; 7) c, 8; 8) False (one is named “Thunder”, the other is “Saint Leo”!); 9) True; 10) c, Queen Elizabeth II; 11) a, Michael Phelps; 12) b, Canada; 13) c, Diploma; 14) a, 21; 15) c, Attacked his opponent; 16) b, Trumpet; 17) a, He ran barefoot; 18) Blue, black, red, yellow and green; 19) Michael Johnson; 20) d, Paris.

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AUGUST 2021

You Can Be Frugal AND Have Fun

This Summer!

By Sue Bradshaw

D

uring August, our social media feeds will likely be filled with images of families going on adventures, jetting off on holiday, having meals out and enjoying the summer while the kids are off school. For many of us, this can be deflating, especially if money is tight. We’re not all able to afford those kinds of luxuries. However, there are plenty of ways to make this a summer to remember... without spending a fortune.

Fancy a holiday abroad?

Whether money or pandemicrelated restrictions get in the way, you may not be able to get away on a holiday abroad this year. Luckily, the UK is an island surrounded by rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. Why not have a day trip to your nearest beach with a picnic to keep costs down? Often, it’s enough to get away from the same four walls we see every day to provide that feeling of postholiday refreshment.

Feeling a trip to see some animals?

Several zoos ran virtual events and set up live enclosure webcams during the lockdown, including Chester Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo and London Zoo, and many are still available to watch online.

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You can even catch live footage of hippos, elephants, apes and lots more at San Diego Zoo in California from the comfort of your own sofa! Search ‘virtual zoo’ to see what’s out there.

Craving restaurantstyle food?

Search ‘summer meals’ at frozenpennies.com for a whole bunch of frugal tips, alternative ways of cooking and recipes to impress the family at the dinner table.

Want to watch a live sports tournament? How about seeing some new sights?

The Euros may be over for this year, but the kids can still host a match of their own in the backyard. Or why not take inspiration from the Olympic Games taking place in Tokyo this year (COVID permitting!) and put on your own garden sports tournament? Push a soft ball into a sock, tie the end and compete in your own hammer throw challenge, have a hula-hoop-athon, or try your hand at rhythmic gymnastics. Don’t forget to host a closing ceremony and hand out medals, stickers or certificates to the competitors.

March

You don’t need to travel far for a picturesque, energising walk or hike. Check out alltrails. com to find trails near you, with something for all levels and abilities. Who knows what treats you might find right on your doorstep this summer?

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with more than 580 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management education, job clubs, life skills groups and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

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AUGUST 2021 43 Wisbech

Property Moves Made Easier With Vine Law

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By Laura Ball

ine Law continues to grow and has welcomed a new member to their team, Laura Ball, who will be dealing with property matters, both commercial and residential.

Laura is (almost embarrassingly) passionate about property transactions and together we have an approach to property work designed to make the process as straightforward and effortless for clients as possible.

Making it simple The language we use is straightforward. We make the technology we have invested in work for us and our clients, not the other way around. We have created efficiencies to make the process quicker for our clients – more of that below.

Clients have the option of exchanging documents and information through our secure client portal which means immediate notifications as soon as there is movement on the sale or purchase. Clients can also choose to allow us to include their estate agent or mortgage broker to have access to the portal so they are fully up-to-date with how the transaction is progressing.

Not a big fan of technology? Not a problem – we’re on hand to deal with your matter however suits you best, whether that’s by post, phone or if you want to pop in the office for us to have a chat through the process with a cup of tea.

Being prepared and getting ahead We know that as soon as you accept an offer on your property the race is on to get the sale complete. The gun goes off… but then someone hasn’t tied their laces and the race is going

• • • • •

nowhere. We want to help you to ensure your laces are tied up and the race can get off to a flying start. See where we’re going with this?

If you are thinking of putting your property on the market, we would like to work with you and your estate agent to prepare a pre-sale property information pack in order to deal with any issues you might have with the property (even if you don’t know it) before the legal process of the sale has started.

This would involve a thorough review of your title to highlight any troubled areas such as name changes, redeemed mortgages still showing on the title and boundary errors, to name but a few.

If we can deal with these before, rather than during, the conveyancing process, this will prevent delays. We will also ask you to complete the property questionnaire forms – the property information form, and fixtures and fittings form – which can take time so doing them in advance can save time later.

Making life easier Let’s face it, life can be difficult enough and buying and selling property is often seen as one of life’s biggest stresses. Preparing in advance and having a legal team working with you that aims to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, keeping you, your estate agent or mortgage broker involved and updated along the way can hopefully help make this part of life easier for you.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property, are a property developer or estate agent, please get in touch and we will be happy to work with you.

For more information, contact Laura Ball on (01945) 898090 or email lauraball@vinelaw.co.uk

Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers Of Attorney Property Employment Law and HR Services Civil Litigation – dispute avoidance and resolution Legal assistance for start-ups and SMEs

South Brink, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1JA

(01945) 898090 | hello@vinelaw.co.uk | www.vinelaw.co.uk 44 16

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Wisbech March

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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

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Tree Felling, Pruning, Shaping & Crowning Hedges Pruned & Shaped Overgrown Gardens Cleared Waste Removed Fencing/Patios/Turfing/Power Washing All work fully guaranteed No deposits required • OAP discounts

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CALL STEVE TODAY 01945 898314/07780 929409

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

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@discoveringwisbechmagazine AUGUS T 2021

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Teaching the skills today the world needs tomorrow…

Teaching the skills today the world needs tomorrow…

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his was the key message at Wisbech Grammar School’s Speech Day. It was a Senior School Speech Day with a difference on Friday, July 2nd, but after eighteen months of not being able to come together to celebrate the successes of pupils, it was an event welcomed by the socially distanced gathering of the headmaster, staff, pupils, parents and our special virtually present guest, Dr Helen Wright.

The underlying theme was the importance of the journey pupils have made at WGS, emphasising the need to be mindful of where they came from, embrace the knowledge and be excited for the future. Pupils demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout the pandemic and continued to thrive despite the many challenges posed by online remote learning.

Dr Helen Wright talked passionately about the highlights of her own educational journey, reflecting on the unique experiences she had shared with her school friends in their time together. The journeys those friends’ lives had taken, and the wide variety of direction they all took, was looked upon with a sense of amazement and possibility.

“We can’t change that past, but we can take that past on, so it becomes part of our experience and our understanding. It can enrich us.

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“When you go to other places, and meet other people, you see the world differently, and you appreciate both your own part of the world better, and your role on this incredible planet we inhabit and that, actually, is your task from now on – your mission. In fact, it has always been your mission – all of your education to date has been preparing you to work out how you are going to contribute to making a positive difference in the world.”

Dr Wright encouraged the pupils to stay in touch with each other as they experienced their own journeys and share the many, many glorious differences… between an elephant and a post box - a childhood joke she opened her speech with!

Headmaster Chris Staley’s address was delivered in the form of a letter to all, sprinkled with memories and key advice to all pupils moving to the next stage of their journey.

He challenged pupils to develop the key skills and behaviours beyond academic excellence that employers seek.

Wisbech

“These skills in the next phase of your education and life are going to become increasingly important.”

He spoke about critical thinking, problem solving, people management, emotional intelligence, judgement and decision making, being service orientated, cognitive flexibility, amongst others.

And he also talked with passion of his vision for WGS to be a forwardthinking educational establishment – embracing and utilising technology to deliver new ways of teaching rather than using it to deliver old methods.

“Phase one includes upgrades to our whole site IT infrastructure over the summer; iPads are being issued to all 1st form/Year 7 pupils as part of their everyday toolkit; the introduction of AI into online and classroom learning via platforms such as Century.

“The next phase will be rolling out iPads to the rest of the school after the pilot programme in 2021-22, followed by the buildings. We aim to integrate the technology into the buildings to provide smart teaching and learning facilities that work seamlessly with the best education platforms available.”

The final piece of advice to the ‘wonderful Upper 6th form leavers?’

“You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be excellent.

People notice excellence. Stand out and become unforgettable.”

AUGUST 2021

Your local Royal Air Force Association Wisbech Branch welcomes everyone to sample our newly refurbished club.

RAFAWISBECH.CO.UK

For your comfort and enjoyment we offer:

OPENING HOURS: Thursdays Fridays Saturdays

7pm till 11pm 7pm till 11pm 11am till 2pm

(unless there’s an event on, then Saturday evenings too)

• • • • • • • • •

Fully air-conditioned Free Wi-Fi Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks Choice of hot drinks and snacks Pool table Meeting facilities by arrangement Quiz night, games night, entertainment.

Friendly welcome New members always welcome, not required to be ex-forces.

Situated at 22 Lynn Road PE13 3DJ

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

nt ns ge e A eF th of

Right up your street for over 200 years Looking forward to the next 200!

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

2021

March Residential Sales

Wisbech Residential Sales

01354 607100

01945 428820

March Residential Lettings

Wisbech Residential Lettings

01354 607105

01945 428825

March Professional

Wisbech Professional

01354 602030

01945 428830

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