for more details see pages 2 & 3
Wisbech Arts Festival 22 May to 4 June Pages 4 to 10
The fun starts at 12 noon in Wisbech Market Place
Free fun from 12 noon to 8 pm in Wisbech Market Place Music – Funhouse – Kiddies Rides Climbing Wall – Baby Wall – Face Painting – Balloon Twisting – fun for all Treat the family to a great day out with Music from: The Brink – Dave – Romantic Idols – Quantum – The Blues Agent – Country Chrissie and Gra’ams Trousers With the National Anthem by Amy
Pictured here is nine year old Amy from Wisbech who has been practicing the first two verses of the national anthem so that she can sing it at the Wisbech Jubilee Street Party. She will be going on stage after the Mayor of Wisbech has formally opened the event at 12 noon, on Bank Holiday Monday 4 June 2012.
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The fun starts at 12 noon in Wisbech Market Place The Wisbech Jubilee Street Party was the Brainchild of Wisbech Town Councillors, who then set up a working party of lots of interested people to organise this very special event for a very special occasion. The working party included Wisbech Town Councillors Sam Hoy; Jonathan Farmer; David Oliver; Reg Mee; Dave Hodgson and Town Clerk, Erbie Murat. Adding their skills and experience were: Kevin Smith (Horsefair); Keith Smith (Ferry Project); Kevin Rodgers (Lions); Kath Nightingale (Fenland Arts); George Dunlop (Vivien Trust); Peter Clayton (Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House) and Elliott Johnson (Wisbech Youth Council). The star of the organising team was George Dunlop who, single handedly, encouraged 29 shops to get involved with the historic Window Display Competition to be judged by the Mayor of Wisbech. He also encouraged those same shops to enter into the spirit of things with a mystery item competition. This is open to members of the public with a £50.00 cash prize for the winner. The winner will be drawn from a hat by the Mayor of all entrants who have identified all the mystery objects. Entry forms can be obtained from the Rangers running the information stall at the Street Party or from the Town Council Offices before the event.
Pictured here are members of the 3rd Wisbech Ranger Group (Senior Section of the Guide Association) with the Town Clerk for Wisbech in the Council Chamber at 1 North Brink. The 3rd Wisbech Rangers are really looking forward to the Jubilee because they are going to be helping out at the Street Party being organised by Wisbech Town Council, and friends. The Street Party is due to fill the Market Place in Wisbech on Bank Holiday Monday 4th June with frivolity and fun. There will be free fairground rides for the children, free face painter, and a free balloon twister. There will also be a free climbing wall, and toddler climber for everyone, and to cap it all there will be free live music of every variety from Country to Blues to just plain fun. The Rangers will be on the information stall and helping to steward the event, and they will be assisted by the Girls Venture Corps. Also helping out will be cadets from all corners of the district, vintage vehicles including Vivien the 1935 Fire engine and lots of stalls. Chairman of the Town Council Working Party, Cllr Miss Sam Hoy said, the Town Council will be paying for all the entertainments so all the children can have a go at whatever they fancy free of charge. The Mayor will open the Street Party at 12 noon, followed by a rendition of God Save the Queen, and then the fun begins. Put it in your diary – it’s going to be great fun for all the family.’ Back Row left to right – Sheila Otter; Hazel Taylor; Delia Swan; and Erbie Murat Front Row left to right – Jessica Tompkins; Charlotte Johnson; and Lucy Oldman.
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Wisbech Arts Festival 2012
Monday 4 June 2012 Jubilee Street Party Wisbech Market Place
Saturday 2 June May Fair for Centenary Green In the White Lion Yard next to the Centenary Green, behind Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Organisations involved in running various stalls are The Lions, Sessions House, Friends of Victoria Lodge, Wisbech Youth Council, U3A and Real Food Fenland.
From 12noon Stalls include:
FREE fairground rides for children FREE face painting FREE balloon modelling FREE climbing wall
Taste Cooks for the Queen Soft Toy Stall Quick Draw Portraits Bat the Rat
FREE musical entertainment from Romantic Idols Country Chrissy Gra’am’s Trousers The Blues Agent Dave Quantum & THE BRINK With Vivien the Vintage Fire Engine, and lots of charity stalls – there’ll be lots to do for everyone Organised by Wisbech Town Council
Hoopla
Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Sunday 3 June – St Peter’s Precinct Day 1am
Diamond Jubilee Service at St Peter’s Church
12pm
Tomb Tour Walk
Monday 4 June JUBILEE STREET PARTY
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Be Part of Wisbech Arts Festival 2012 The Wisbech Arts Festival is an exciting new initiative taking place for the first time this summer and the Festival team, based at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, is looking for people who are interested in taking part. Events are taking place from May 22 to June 3 – the Jubilee weekend. It is to celebrate the arts and culture of Wisbech, highlighting some of the best talent in the area and using many of its heritage buildings and major educational and entertainment venues as part of the Arts strand of the Cultural Vision for Wisbech. In this, the memorial year of Octavia Hill’s death and following Octavia’s principles of bringing the Arts to the people, the Museum dedicated to her on South Brink will be hosting a number of exhibitions and events, including a “Quilts for Octavia” exhibition and raffle of a quilt made by Freedom Quilters, a lecture on the importance of the Arts, and a Mosaic workshop. In partnership with the Wisbech Camera Club, the 62nd annual photographic exhibition will be spread across a number of venues, including Octavia View, Wisbech and Fenland Museum and the Institute. Other events confirmed are the Centenary Green fundraising auction on May 25 at the Rose and Crown and the Friends of Georgian Theatre launch at the Angles Theatre. Another partner of the Festival is St Peter and St Paul’s Church in the centre of Wisbech with the artist in residence programmes. A Big Story day will be held on Thursday, May 31 in St Peter’s Gardens, led by Father Paul West. The Festival will continue to grow year on year, with links being established across the area, the country and internationally. There are many more events and exhibitions already planned and the Festival team is interested to hear from any artists, arts organisations or community groups that have not yet got their event or exhibition into the programme. Email info@wisbechartsfestival.org.uk with your details to get more information about being part of Wisbech Arts Festival.
The Freedom Quilters with the quilt that is being raffled - tickets available at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
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Wisbech Arts Festival 2012 Photography Exhibitions There will be a dozen exhibitions around the area through the two weeks of the festival. Some of the artists are:
Lucille Carter Lucille was an art teacher and lecturer of art in teachers colleges in Australia and worked for the supervisor of art for the state of Victoria, travelling to seminars teaching school teachers. She came to England and started painting watercolours seriously in 1995. She was accepted by the Society of Floral Painters, and in 2004 into the Society of Botanical Artists, being awarded the Memorial Silver bowl for the best newcomer. Lucille’s Wisbech exhibition will include floral paintings featuring, sunflowers, strelitza, roses, lilies, orchids, carnations, hippeastrum, and tulips and cacti.
The Picturesque Gallery in Hill Street will have an exhibition of the works of Lucille Carter
John Turner John was born in Peterborough and has always had an interest in history and the environment. He spends his spare time photographing the views in and around Peterborough and when he gets a chance, Ireland. John attended Deacon’s School between 2001-2006, where he co-founded the SENSE club, which raised funds for charity and carried out environmental projects. John is currently Manager at Railworld – Sustainable Transport & Environment Centre, an education charity promoting sustainable development in a fun and informative way. He volunteered at the charity since his two week work experience placement in 2002-2006. Visit the website www.railworld.net In 2010, John was elected as Chair of the Peterborough Heritage Attractions Group, which exists to promote and facilitate greater inter-promotion of attractions to visitors to Peterborough and surrounding area. Visit the website: www.peterboroughattractions.org
Sarah Hudson Sarah is a studio-based photographer who specialises in portraits and Illustrative imagery. Having studied at The Norwich University College of the arts completing a degree in photography, Sarah concentrates on minimal contents within her work and focuses on making the subjects intriguing and sometimes bizarre. Her recent work reflects the state of anonymity one can feel when feeling lost and lacking of character. There are no faces to read expressions from, just objects.
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Wisbech Arts Festival 2012 Tim Daniels Tim is a landscape and creative photographer, using modern methods to try to bring out and enhance the essence of the natural and man-made worlds from the visualised image. Self-trained in photography, Tim now specialises in producing unique stock images for commercial use around the world. After winning the title of ‘Fenland Photographer of the Year 2012′, Tim intends to continue shooting landscapes in Wisbech and the surrounding area, attempting to show off the beauty of this part of the world.
The Boathouse will be presenting the work of Tim Daniels.
St Peter’s Lodge near the Church of St Peter & St Paul will house the Wisbech Art Club Exhibition during Wisbech Arts Festival. Well worth a visit.
The Rosmini Centre has two events planned so far; a play about loan sharks, and a dance competition!
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Wisbech Arts Festival 2012 Tuesday 22 May 12.30pm 1pm 3pm 4pm
Launch in Council Chamber Mayor’s Walk around Festival Arenas Lecture: ‘Arts for the People’ with Revd Dr Tiffany Conlin at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Reception at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
Wednesday 23 May Afternoon 7pm 7.30pm
Yaxley Players in the Rose & Crown Yard Wisbech Theatre Book and Friends of Georgian Theatre Launch at the Angles Theatre Lecture on the History of Wisbech Theatre with Peter Clayton at the Angles Theatre
Thursday 24 May 11am
‘Quilts for Octavia’ Exhibition at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Beatrix Potter Under 5s Event at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
12.30pm 12.50pm
Wisbech Camera Club 62nd Annual Exhibition Launch at Wisbech & Fenland Museum ‘Wisbech Theatre Playbills’ Exhibition at Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Friday 25 May 10.30pm 11am 2pm 2pm 6pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm
Stained Glass Lecture & workshop at Wisbech Castle ‘Quilts for Octavia’ Exhibition at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Wisbech Art Club Exhibition at St Peters Church ArtStart Exhibition at the Octavia View Handel Festival of Choirs at St Peter’s Church Hogarth Weekend Reception at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House followed by Hogarth Lecture & Exhibition Spitfire Solo: The Battle of Britain at the Angles Theatre
Saturday 26 May 10am 10am
CoWa Art Exhibition at Wisbech Castle Pump Room FOTOSPEED Print Day at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
11am 1pm
Fairy Tale Festival and Launch of Octavia’s Saturday Story Club at Wisbech Library Centenary Green Charity Auction at the Rose & Crown Bands in Wisbech Market Place ‘Children in camera’ exhibition at Peckover House The Clarkson Singers with “A celebration of England in song” at St Peter’s Church Salsa Workshop at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
Evening 6-7pm
Sunday 27 May 10am 10am
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Popup Arts & Crafts at St Peter’s Lodge Craft Fair at Wisbech Institute
Monday 28 May Royal Photographic Society Lecture at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Film Festival 1 at The Luxe Cinema
2pm
Tuesday 29 May 2pm
Film Festival 1 at The Luxe Cinema Poetry Promenade at Wisbech Institute
Wednesday 30 May 4pm 7.30pm
Schools Multicultural Collection Relaunch at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Wisbech Town Walk: Sticks and Stones starting at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
Thursday 31 May 9.45am 1pm
Big Story Event at St Peter’s Lodge Storytelling at St Peter’s Lodge
Friday 1 June 2pm
Mosaic Workshop, Painting Workshop and Sculpture Workshop at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
Sunday 3 June Diamond Jubilee Service at St Peter’s Church All details correct at time of going to print, but events and venues may be subject to change
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Wisbech Arts Festival 2012 Fairytale Festival Workshop at Wisbech Library Saturday 26th May, 10:30-11:30am How well do you know your Fairytales? Come & listen to old & new versions, then create your own stories from different parts of these traditional tales. Maybe your Goldilocks will be bossed around by two horrid stepsisters and fall asleep for 100 years before being woken by a bowl of porridge? Children (& adults) are welcome to dress up as their favourite Fairytale character! All Ages Welcome Tickets £1.00 ~ available from Wisbech Library Children MUST be accompanied by an adult
New Policing Model Operational in Fenland The new local policing model became operational from April 2. The structure was developed to help the force reduce its budget while creating a model that enhances operational policing, with a focus on local needs. The force will be divided into six areas, in line with local authority boundaries and will have uniformed officers, detectives, PCSOs and Specials who will work as one unit. Chief Supt Andy Hebb, local policing commander, said: "The new local policing model was developed to reduce costs while maintaining the level of service the public receive. In fact the number of officers on the frontline will remain the same so in terms of visible officers the public shouldn’t see any difference.” "The new local policing structure means a number of functions that were previously delivered at a local level will now be delivered by centrally based teams. This means that local officers will be dedicated to dealing with local problems and specialist teams can focus all of their efforts on issues such as domestic violence, missing people and integrated offender management.” Each of the six districts will be run by an area commander who will be responsible for initial response to incidents; the investigation of crimes and incidents; neighbourhood policing; engagement and partnership arrangements; satisfaction; anti-social behaviour and crime reduction. Fenland will be run by Chief Inspector Mike Winters. He said: "The changes made as part of the restructure will ensure that the frontline is not affected by the financial challenges facing the force and allow us, in Fenland, to build on successes that have been achieved in recent years. "The most recent annual crime figures showed offences including robbery, burglary, and incidents of anti-social behaviour, which have such an impact on victims, were all down and I want to keep those figures falling. With our partners, we aim will be to provide a service that benefits local communities by concentrating on operational activity, fighting crime and keeping people safe.” Chief Insp Winters oversees local policing, that is the responsibility of Inspector Robin Sissons, and crime, that is the responsibility of Detective Inspector Dave Murphy.
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Isle Campus engineering apprentices celebrate their success February saw engineering apprentices from the Isle campus celebrate their achievement at an awards ceremony. The apprentices were accompanied by their employers, assessors and tutors in celebrating their success. More than 50 hard-working engineering students completed their intermediate/advanced level apprenticeship programmes at the college. The students achieved a 2-4 year apprenticeship in a variety of engineering disciplines ranging from electronics, fabrication, machinists to electrical and mechanical maintenance. Many have since progressed onto a higher national certificate (HNC) sponsored by their employers as part of their continued professional development. “This event was aimed to hi-light the apprentice’s success in achievement of a complex and demanding framework of qualifications throughout a 2-4 year programme”, said Susie Massen. “Although engineering remains a skills shortage area, employers are becoming aware of the skills gap and are investing heavily to maintain their future growth and development of their businesses”. “Many of our apprentices will progress and develop specialism with their employers and with the right level of encouragement we can raise aspirations and show how engineering can offer a real career path for young people”. Employers included both Fenland and West Norfolk based employers: Able Engineering Ltd, B&B Engineering Ltd, R & L Engineering, Ambit Engineering Ltd, Polar Systems Ltd, Cooper Roller Bearings Co Ltd, British Sugar, Crown Packaging plc, CW Engineering, Foster Refrigerator (UK) Ltd (Eng), Lawtronic Ltd, Mars Food UK, Roomfoss Control Systems Ltd, Princes Ltd, RJ Herbert Engineering Ltd, Solanum Ltd, Stocks AG Ltd, Priden Engineering Ltd, PEME For further information about engineering apprenticeships at the college please visit the College of West Anglia website www.cwa.ac.uk or contact 01553 761144.
( 101 -
for all non-emergency calls.
At the end of March the old 0345 number for the police will fall out of use. The number change is part of a national scheme to make 101 the single nonemergency number in England and Wales. The system has been designed to recognise where the caller is dialling from and connect them with the local police service. If a caller does not want to speak to their local force they will be given the option to be connected to a different one. People should continue to call 999 when an immediate response is needed because a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or someone is in danger.
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ARMED FORCES DAY Wisbech Market Place
This is a celebration of our Armed Forces and will be an opportunity for the public to say thank you and recognise the outstanding contribution the Armed Forces community makes to this country.
Sunday 1st July Join Anthony Carter for a free Taekwon-do lesson at the Hudson Self-esteem Self-discipline Self-control Self- defence Self-confidence. Make the most of your SELF & learn a healthy, enjoyable new skills at the Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 6pm and 7pm
The first lesson is always free Just turn up in comfy clothes Everyone is welcome to join in the youngest student is five and the oldest is well over 50.
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THE WISBECH WOOL SHOP 3 Union Street Wisbech PE13 1DJ 01945 583039
We stock a large selection of wools and knitting patterns. Also, zips, silks, cross stitch, tapestry kits, felt, buttons, workbaskets, and knitting bags etc.
Vivien Fire Engine Trust Wisbech Town Council is proud to support the fire service past and present as part of its Special Projects initiative. During Heritage Weekend in September for example, Vivien the Vintage 1932 Fire Engine is given pride of place outside the Council Chamber at 1 North Brink, and the Trust is given lots of display space in the historic Council Chamber to tell people about the historical relationship between the Town and the Fire Service. More recently, on 19 March 2012, Wisbech Town Council agreed to accept ÂŁ6,000 from Cambridgeshire Fire Service, which will form the funding for a project to enable young people to participate in Dance; Martial Arts; and Scouts activities in the Northern part of Wisbech, and based in Waterlees, at the Oasis Community Centre. The Town Council has agreed to administer the project in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue service. Cllr Miss Samantha Hoy brought the project forward to the Town Council, after having spoken with Martin Ockenden the Risk Manager for the Fire Service, and following a meeting with Town Clerk Erbie Murat.
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Concert for Armed Forces Day St Leonard’s Church, Leverington Saturday June 30th, 3 - 5pm To celebrate Armed Forces Day, Hilgay Silver Band and COPE (Cambridgeshire Older Persons Enterprise) are holding a concert. Plate donations will go to Combat Stress and the Church Restoration Fund.
‘All Our Stories’ - a new grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Lottery Fund has developed this grant programme in support of the BBC’s ‘The Great British Story – A People’s History’ which will be broadcast this spring on BBC2. This grant programme is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in their heritage. For more details, please have a look at the website: www.hlf.org.uk/news/Pages/AllOurStories.aspx
Tickets £5 (including refreshments) from Peter Pryke on 01945 466915.
Spend a Little Shop Students studying hospitality, catering and retail entry level are adopting a practical approach to their course at the College of West Anglia, Isle campus by opening the ‘Spend a Little Shop’ on campus. The shop is open Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 10.30-11.00am and 1.00-1.30pm in C4 and sells a variety of items including food, drink and themed gifts. The students have recently been finding out what it’s like to run their own ‘business. They were tasked with creating an idea for a shop and bringing their ideas to reality through running and managing a ‘tuck shop’ style business as part of their enterprise module. Penny Haythorn, course tutor, said: “The students have come up with their own ideas and have worked really hard to make and sell a variety of items as well as assemble their displays to simulate a real shop environment. They have chosen different themes to focus on, including valentines and mother’s day. The venture has involved some good teamwork and lots of creativity from the students having got involved with sourcing and producing the merchandise”. Penny continued, “It’s crucial that we support our students’ efforts to develop good customer service and money handling skills. It is to their credit that they have been able to source, run and manage this project, which will have a beneficial effect on their education. All funds raised from the ‘Spend a Little Shop’ are ploughed back into the business”. One of the students taking part in the project, Luke Ilsley, said: “It’s really good to be able to put our ideas into reality. We have worked hard making products, designing and managing the shop, so to see the final product is great. It’s also given us a good taste of what it would be like to run our own businesses.”
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Wisbech Town Council
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IT MATTERS TO ADVERTISE HERE 2,500 copies of this newsletter are produced and distributed quarterly in Wisbech plus a copy in full colour appears on www.wisbechtowncouncil.org.uk Advertising costs: Quarter page = £30.00 : Half page = £50.00 : Full page = £90.00 Community events: We can give you a quarter page advert for just £10.00 Editorial: We are able to publicise your events/meetings/functions free of charge Please let us have text and pictures (in electronic format if possible) to wisbechtc@aol.com The copy deadline for the next issue is 1st June 2012 - Ring us now on 01945 461333 Published by: Wisbech Town Council, 1 North Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JR
Get married in style with us Wisbech T own Council is registered for marriages, civil partnerships, renewal of vows, and baby naming ceremonies
Wisbech Town Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour are beautiful, functional and available for hire.
Why go elsewhere when Wisbech Town Council Chamber can provide a unique place to be married for you and up to fifty guests Or do you need a venue for a meeting, conference, sales fair? Call the Clerk’s Office 01945 461333 to make an appointment to discuss your needs and arrange a viewing, or email wisbechtc@aol.com
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Crimestoppers Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping to find criminals and solve crimes. We run the 0800 555 111 phone number which allows members of the public to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. People can also pass us information at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Anonymous means that you will never be asked for your name, your call will not be recorded, your call or online form will not be traced, you will not have to make a statement to the police and you will not appear in court. We do not attempt to trace or record our calls - even for quality control or monitoring purposes. We do not have the facility to use 1471 to find your phone number. We have been told that calls will not appear on any of these bills. If you submit an online form the information will be sent to us over a secure internet connection which makes sure you, and your computer, are anonymous. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously about any crime or criminal activity that you know about. We are not a replacement for 999 because we're not an emergency service. We take information on many issues such as drug dealing, sexual assault, possession of weapons, robbery, criminal damage ........ A full list can be found on the Crimestoppers website. Crimestoppers pay cash rewards of up to £1,000 if the information you give leads to one or more people being arrested and charged. After your call or online form we create a report. Our call handlers will check that the report contains no information that might identify you. The report is sent to the relevant authority, who will deal with the information. The police have to thoroughly research the information you give us in order to act on it. They cannot get a search warrant or make an arrest based solely on anonymous information – there needs to be other intelligence that supports it. Volunteers are integral to the success of the charity Crimestoppers. The hard work and talent of our 450+ volunteers is helping to take criminals out of communities up and down the country. If you would like to get involved or learn more please contact Ann Scott on ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org
ALL CARS/VANS WANTED WE BUY ANYTHING Are you ready to quit smoking for good? Stop Smoking clinics are available at your GP practice and Pharmacy or CAMQUIT have some specialist services available at additional locations in Wisbech: Wisbech Market Place & Oasis Centre. You are entitled to prescription only cost (free if you don’t pay for your prescriptions) for stop smoking support medication when you join our programme. Remember you are 4 times more likely to succeed if you get support! Contact CAMQUIT 0800 018 4304 or www.camquit.nhs.uk
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INC SCRAP/BROKEN DOWN/MOT FAILURES ALL DVLA PAPERWORK COMPLETED FAMILY BUSINESS TRADING FROM EYE FOR 30 YEARS
WHY USE ME? YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO KNOW WHERE YOUR VEHICLE HAS GONE!!!! www.carspurchasedinpeterborough.co.uk TELEPHONE 01733 222653 AFTER HOURS 07762106140 PROMPT COLLECTION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Wisbech Town Council News Forthcoming Wisbech Town Council Committee Meetings Dates of meetings
Planning
2 April 2012 10 April 2012 16 April 2012 23 April 2012 30 April 2012 14 May 2012 18 May 2012
6.30pm
Allotments
Civic Amenities
Resources
6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm
7.30pm 6.30pm
6.30pm
21 May 2012
28 May 2012
Full Council
6.30pm
Mayor Making 12 noon Annual Meeting 7.30pm Annual Assembly 7.30pm
Members of the Press and Public are invited to attend all meetings. There is a 15 minute period set aside for public participation at the beginning of each meeting. If there are no members of the public wishing to participate the main meeting may commence at the time stated above. Members of the public are reminded that the business of public participation must be appropriate to Wisbech Town Council - if in doubt please contact the Town Clerk at 1 North Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JR. Tel: 01945 461333 – our aim is to keep the public informed - Agendas and Minutes for Council meetings can be found on the website www.wisbechtowncouncil.org.uk Also the website is full of information about the festivals and events organised by Wisbech Town council, and back issues of Wisbech Town Matters and Wisbech Town Guides – as well as a copy of the Wisbech Town Plan.
Annual Assembly You are welcome to come to the Council Chamber at 1 North Brink on Monday 28 May at 7.30pm 19
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ROSE FAIR 2012 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? ANOTHER ROSE FAIR IS ON THE HORIZON ALREADY! Sunshine, flowers, crowds of people of all ages having lots of fun – these are memories of last year’s Rose Fair. But preparations are well under way for this year’s event which will celebrate both the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics. This year the Wisbech Rose Fair runs from Wednesday 4th July until Saturday 7th July. It is billed as East Anglia's Premier Flower Festival and, as we've seen in previous years, although it began as a fund raising event for our historic and beautiful town centre church of St Peter and St Paul, it now involves the whole of Wisbech. As always there will be stunning floral displays in St Peter's church, this time on the theme of "Hope and Glory". The church stays open until 8.00pm most evenings - entry is free but donations are appreciated - and there is also the traditional Choral Evensong at 4.30pm each day. The Civic Service will be at 10.00am on Sunday 8th July. On Tuesday 3rd July there is a Preview Evening from 7.30pm until 9.00pm with the Dixieland Band playing and an opportunity to look at the displays when they are at their freshest. Entry is free but there will be strawberries and cream and drinks which can be bought. All profits will go to the upkeep of the church.
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As well as the displays in St Peter's church, there are also flower festivals in Wisbech Baptist Church in Hill Street, where the theme is "God is!", The United Reformed Church in Castle Square where the theme is "Biblical" and Trinity Methodist Church in Church Terrace, where the theme is "The Olympic Games". All are well worth a visit. Also there will be various musical and cultural events in Museum Square during the week. Saturday 7th July is the Parade of Floats at 11-00am and 2-00pm when the whole town centre comes alive. This is organised by the Wisbech Round Table and this year's theme is "The Olympics". Also on Saturday the Norfolk Street traders organise stalls and other attractions in their street, which will be closed to traffic. As usual there is a Park and Ride bus linking the Elm High Road retail park (near the A47 and A1101 roundabout) with Church Terrace in the centre of town. The return fare for adults is ÂŁ2.00 (regrettably no concessions) and children travel free. If you've never come into Wisbech during Rose Fair before why not give it a try this year - you may well find many things worth coming for! Maggie Welford (Rose Fair Committee)
Wisbech Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Association Following the meeting with Karen Kenny, National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardens Eastern Region Representative set up by Wisbech Town Council for its allotment tenants; the inaugural meeting of the Wisbech Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Association was held on 23 February 2012. If you are interested in joining please contact the Secretary: Mr Chris Coward 65 Wisteria Road Walsoken Wisbech PE13 3RH 01945 585601 Chrispcoward@aol.com
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Heritage Lottery Fund surgeries for advice and guidance to be held at Wisbech Town Council Chamber: Thursday 28 June 2012 Thursday 25 October 2012 Thursday 24 January 2013 For further information contact the East of England Office on 01223 224 870
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Wisbech Market Place Set For Changes On 27 July 2011 the freehold for Wisbech Market Place was transferred to Wisbech Town Council by Fenland District Council who had owned it since 1974. With the transfer came £25,000 from the District and a promise of another £25,000 from the County Council on the basis that the Town Council improve the Market Place - and the Town is ready to do exactly that – and to offer more Market traders the opportunities to set up in Wisbech. Options to improve access to Wisbech Market Place have been under examination for some time as part of the Wisbech Transport Strategy, which aimed to encourage more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport use and to encourage the economic vitality of Wisbech. The Market Place area is currently subject to restrictions on vehicular access, but the lack of effective enforcement results in little practical control. Wisbech Town Council aims to change this, with clear demarcation between pedestrians and vehicles. Following receipt of a petition from local traders in early 2009, both the Area Joint Transport Committee and Fenland District Council’s Cabinet supported moving forward with public consultation on two options to improve Wisbech Market Place and the overwhelming feedback was to have proper controls of vehicle access with two options presented: Ÿ Option one was a complete ban on vehicles Ÿ Option two called for a partial ban. Following consultation, the results of 358 completed survey forms showed a fifty-fifty split between Option One and Option Two. When these results were added to the telephone survey of local businesses, it was found that 58% favoured Option Two – and the negotiations began. The results of the surveys are available on the websites of Cambridgeshire County Council and Fenland District Council (published early in 2010). “And now the Town is ready to make the Market Place work,” said David Oliver, the Leader of Wisbech Town Council. “We will not let this opportunity to improve the Market Place slip away. We have already had meetings with the County Council and officers of Fenland District Council that have been really productive. We have also had a meeting with Market stallholders, as well as spoken with people on the Market Place and most people want the Market Place sorted. We will do that. It is going to take a little time, but we will sort it.” “The County Council are putting in place an experimental order on behalf of Wisbech Town Council for 18 months to try out Option Two,” said Erbie Murat, the Town Clerk for Wisbech, “So that we can iron out any quirks and idiosyncrasies and make absolutely sure we get it right.” The experimental order should be in place by November and the Market Place will be divided to make it a much more pedestrian-friendly Market, while providing some short-term free parking. Disabled bays will be increased eventually from six to sixteen and one half of Wisbech Market Place will have general, time limited parking on non-Market days. On Market Days on Thursdays and Saturdays there will be no parking except for disabled parking around the Market area and only in marked disabled bays. Please contact the Town Clerk, Erbie Murat if you are interested or Saturdays on Wisbech Market Place. Telephone 01945 461333 want to learn more about Wisbech or the Town www.wisbechtowncouncil.org.uk or write to The Council Chamber
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in taking a Market stall on Thursdays or email wisbechtcerbie@aol.com. If you Council go to the web-site on at 1 North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR.