discovering march issue 001, october 2013

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Inside this issue•Local Events•Local News•Consumer Advice•Business FeaturesPlus much more...Your local magazine delivered to your door and enjoyed by over 20,000 readers

MarchDiscovering

Issue 1 / October 2013

Your

new free monthlymagazine

2 Discovering March October 2013 Discovering Whittlesey T: 01733 200609 - M: 07780 922214 - E: [email protected]

October 2013 Discovering March 3

Residential Sales | Residential Lettings | Agricultural PropertyCommercial Property | Development Property

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Call our March offi ce 01354 65205220-24 Market Place, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 9JH

4 Discovering March October 2013

his is our first issue and we look forward to hearing from you – tell us about events, local interest news and what you’d like to see in YOUR new magazine. Discovering March will be delivered completely free to your door every month. But first a little about me. I am thrilled to be editing Discovering March. Some people will remember that for many years I produced the ‘What’s On’ for the area so I know the wealth of clubs and societies in and around March. There really is always something going on and such a diverse range too. I’m not in my first flush of youth it would be fair to say, but I’ve lived in March since my mid twenties and used to go pubbing and clubbing then. Now I prefer to go to one of the many interesting talks put on by March Museum, March Society or the March Wildlife Group or to have a meal in one of the pubs and restaurants in the town! Some people will know me for my donkeys – Daisy and Jenny – who make public appearances from time to time. Others will remember my long standing involvement with the Cats Protection League. For many years I also edited Smallholder magazine until I moved on to fields anew so to speak! There are many active allotment and self sufficiency groups in this area and over the last year I have learnt new skills. I’m hoping that by highlighting all the things on offer in March, people can get out and find the hobby or craft for them or even develop into a useful and possibly moneymaking skill. I’m Vice-Chair of a Junior School, sit on Wimblington Parish Council and have the honour of being on the Tourism Committe for Fenland District Council. I love this area, the scenary, the sense of community, the opportunties and the fact that the

railway means you can go so many places from March too if you want. Tell me what you love best about the area and we’ll print as many as we can. It could be anything from Samphire on March Market to the Christmas Light Switch On. Or a particular view. What is it YOU like about March? We’d love to know.

◌ Editor Liz Wright◌ Design Natasha Shiels◌ Operations Director Andrew Armstrong◌ Sales Director Claire Saberton◌ Accounts Wendy Chapman◌ Photographer Rob Morris www.photographybyrobmorris.com◌ Contributors Jennifer Lawler Debbie Buck Eamonn Dorling Eileen Le Voi Andrew Pugh Skylark Whittlesey Cycles

How to contact us...Advertising Opportunities: Claire Saberton01778 421427 | 07837 [email protected] Armstrong07780 [email protected] Road, Industrial Est, Benwick Road, Whittlesey, PE7 2HD

To suggest a story or contact the editor: Liz Wright01354 [email protected]

Discovering March is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct, 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 [email protected]

MarchDiscovering

Thank you to our contributors and advertisers, without whom this

publication could not be possible.

Welcome to Discovering March

Liz Wright

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Daisy and Jenny

Liz finally getting Open University degree at Ely Cathedral (pictured with her partner Mick)


Discovering

Call us now on: 01733 20878726-28 Broad Street, Whittlesey PE7 1HA | www.kellyvision-kcs.co.uk | [email protected]

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For The Best Bangers In Town!

www.marchqualitymeats.com

March Quality Meats27-29 High Street, March, Cambs, PE15 9JA

Tel: 01354 653156 Open 7 days a week: Monday - Saturday 7am - 5pm, Sunday 8am - 1pm


Since its launch in 2008, Peterborough-based www.safelocaltrades.com has helped put thousands of people, across the PE Postcode area, in touch with local reputable traders.

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Safe Local Trades has been recognised as a tried and tested service and is supported by a host of local agencies, local authority services, neighbourhood watch groups and charities.

Since 2009, founder and owner Eileen Le Voi has also helped to raise more than £13,000 for their chosen charity, Age UK Peterborough. David Bache, CEO of Age UK Peterborough, says: “Safe Local Trades has really helped to compliment the range of services that we offer to the older and vulnerable people by successfully providing trustworthy traders to our clients over the past few years. We are very grateful to Eileen for the tireless work she has done in both creating this much-needed service and for all the fundraising she has done on our behalf.”

David Bache & Eileen Le Voi fundraising for Age UK Peterborough at the

Great Eastern Run 2012

For The Best Bangers In Town!

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A TASTE OF THE WEST IN THE EAST!

Discovering March meets David and Sarah Deptford and Sovereign Quarter Horses


ucked away on the outskirts of March is a unique riding centre. Unique not only because it is a centre of excellence for Western riding but because it is a venture from an established farming family. Sovereign Quarter Horses has been in existence for over forty years and has established itself not of local interest but as a significant centre for Western riders UK wide and abroad. David has represented Great Britain three times to date in nations cup events.He has represented British Reining at the Dubai International Horse Show in a demonstration of all seven FEI disciplines Following in his father’s footsteps David Deptford began Western riding when he was just 8 years old. A successful breeder of some of the greatest show ponies David met his partner, Sarah who soon converted to western riding and has been doing so for around 20 years. David and Sarah have two daughters, Amy and Eleanor, who both ride and compete successfully in the western disciplines. Sovereign were one of the first licensed riding schools for teaching Western riding and they do cater for all levels. Riders can use one of the highly trained school horses or bring their own horse. The lessons are in a purpose built indoor arena and David and Sarah share the teaching between them. David says “It is important to tailor the lessons to you and your own aims and ambitions whether that be purely for pleasure riding or to compete” He holds his UKCC/EQL Level 3 Certificate in Coaching. Sarah made the transition from successfully showing ponies to Western riding which makes her uniquely placed to help riders making a similar transition from English style to Western riding.Their motto is No Stress Lessons!We always teach in a friendly, natural and educational way – No shouting, no stress!We aim to make your lessons and enjoyable experience. David and Sarah also take their skills out to the public at shows and events and can often be seen UK wide giving people an exciting taste of the thrill and beauty of Western riding.

STALLIONS AT STUDBreeding future champions and safe, well put together horses for riding, is uppermost to Sovereign›s stallions. They stand three top class horses.

Where training is concerned Sovereign offer training at all stages of the horse’s life from a youngster through to the more mature. Clinics and camps are part of life for Sovereign where people passionate about Western riding and American Quarter Horses come together to further their knowledge. Sovereign hosts some of the biggest Western Shows in the UK and they welcome spectators free of charge – well worth going along. There is also a competitively priced café serving hot food. The international sized arena is also much sought after and has become the home of Wisbech Riding Club where many March and district horse riders will be found enjoying themselves. Next year Sovereign will host a miniature pony show for the first time.

Their motto is - No stress lessons!

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Why not take a look for yourself and

visit them on 13 October when they will

hold their Autumn Open Day?

Entry is free and there will be Western

Riding demonstrations. You can meet

the 2013 foals and youngstock.

Or go and watch (free again) at the

October Show (on the 20th of October),

which is open to all breeds and levels

of riders. Check out their website

sovereignquarterhorses.com or contact

them 01354 651944 or 07708 523464

FIND OUT MORE


Back to School

hen you examine the key components of success in large and complex organisations it always comes down to two things; strong leadership and great teamwork and that has been very much in evidence in the Neale-Wade Academy over the last year. From the very start of his tenure Jason Wing understood the importance of the second component and worked hard to forge a core team of highly focused people who would work hard with him to improve the school’s fortunes. The Active Learning Trust was delighted to be able to help him with that task but the very fact that he did that meant they knew the first component was also in place.

When the Trust was first approached by Cambridgeshire Local Authority to consider becoming a sponsor for the school, they noted what Jason has already begun and decided that they could certainly work with him. This meant that another team and further leadership support was added to what was already proving to be an effective mix of people and approaches. Everyone recognised that there was a long way to go, and indeed there always will be in education, for we all want the very best possible outcomes for all our children, but this year’s results, both at A level and GCSE have shown that the foundations for that continuing success

are sound indeed. More Neale-Wade sixth formers than ever before have left this year with top grades including one young man with 4 As and those at AS are on course to increase that quota still further next year. At GCSE, that benchmark across the county and country of 5 or A-C grades including English and maths has taken a dramatic leap forward of nearly 8% - and that’s on top of the 8% achieved last year. These record breaking results put the Neale-Wade Academy on a par with surrounding secondary schools and well ahead of a good third of other schools in Cambridgeshire. The high intensity work in mathematics, brokered by the Active Learning Trust has borne particular fruit with Year 11 A – C mathematics results taking a big leap forward and with 40% of Year 10 students already now having an A – C grade in the bag .

Jason Wing says,

These results have reinvigorated the faculty and the appointment of our new Vice Principal - whom we met through the work that the Active Learning Trust facilitated - will further enhance the improvements not only in mathematics but also in English. This has really begun to raise aspirations within the academy. Other statistics demonstrate the improvements that have been made and the 16% overall improvement over the last 2 years puts us in a strong position to challenge the highest performing schools in Cambridgeshire over the next 2 years.

ALT Chief Executive Clive Bush says;

We are proud to be sponsoring the Neale Wade Academy and to be working with Jason and his excellent team – and indeed to be working in March where the support for our work and the academy has been outstanding. We look forward to bringing yet more support to the Academy over the coming year and seeing it gain the reputation for outstanding success that it rightly deserves.

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The Neale-Wade Academy leaps ahead

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Q

Marmite or Jam? Marmite on thick buttered toast

Bicycle or speed boat? Bicycle - I enjoy riding on the back roads of the Fens

Steak or Pasta? Pasta - not a big steak eater rather chicken or pork

Gardening or walking in the country? Walking. I don’t have green fingers although I have started to grow tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Theatre or films?Depends if its MADOC then yes theatre, may go to the cinema but not often.

Then just for fun- choose one of each pair

A word fromyour Mayor – Andrew Pugh

Discovering March asks the questions!helping out the town of March particularly with its shops and businesses. This is a really difficult time for business. I know as I have started my own and times can be hard and unforgiving. I would like to see the government offering up a 12-month free tax and business rate incentive to get these businesses off the ground. It’s important to have a robust traffic system and flow through the town centre that encourages business into the town and keeps the traffic moving at peak times. Also more youth facilities for our children to encourage their growth to adults.

Thinking about the next month (October) are there any events that readers should look out for?Mayors Civic Service St Peters Church 27th Oct food and refreshments after the service.Full council meeting Town hall 7th OctPoppy appeal St Peters Church 1st Nov

And finally Well as the Chairman for FACET I cannot let this go without mentioning the fantastic work the staff and managers achieve daily and their commitment is truly amazing. Special mention for the Trustees who put their free time into painting, repairing the centre and manning stalls at the big events is priceless. The Neale-Wade Academy who have turned around the poor performance of the past and turned it into a truly inspirational learning centre. Well done to you all and everyone concerned

How long have you lived in March? I moved to March on 29th December 1997 after serving for 17 years in BAOR Germany with HM Forces which was my last 5 years in the Army from a total service of 24 years.

Why did you want to become a Councillor?Several things prompted my decision to stand, the local school was not performing and my daughter was being affected by that poor performance. I really wanted to make an impact on the local issues and work to make March a better and safer place to live.

Who is your role model?My grandfather. He was in the Second World War in Egypt and when that was over he worked in a quarry as a mechanic. He lived a simple life of work, family and taught me to be an honest and hard working person and to respect others and that’s the model I would like my children to follow.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement as a Councillor? I wouldn’t like to think any one thing is more important than the next, it’s a real privilege being the Mayor and especially for the second time. The people of March are fantastic, friendly and I have enjoyed representing the town at every opportunity I have had across Cambridgeshire and the other counties. The children in the schools are a real buzz and the local talent from young children to the OAPs is amazing. What a super place March really is!

What do you think is March’s strongest asset?Its people, their resourcefulness and adaptability to change, the local countryside, the canals and waterways and being centrally located, the town has great links to other towns and counties. The local charities that work so hard for our less able citizens, the Neale-Wade Academy which has worked extremely hard to up the stakes and make it a thriving school. The local talents of singers, dancers, comics and organisers who give a lot of their free time for the local people throughout the year.

What would you like to change or develop in your time in off ice?I would like to see more time and effort put into

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The Vera Frances School of Dance

The Vera Frances School of Dance ‘Teach, Dance, Perform, Enjoy’

Established 59 yearsFully registered teachers

Classes for Children and Adults in Pre-school Ballet, Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Ladies Keep Fit, Social Ballroom - Main venue in March with additional classes in Elm

For more information - 01945 860289 or www.facebook.com/VeraFrancesSchoolOfDance

Fully registered teachers RAD, IDTA & UKAMembers of Fitness Professionals

Born and brought up in West London, Vera’s training as a dance teacher began at the age of four with the Joyce Butler Dance School where she continued to assistant teacher status until opening The Vera Frances School of Dance in 1947 in Ealing.

longside her dance training Vera had a busy career in films and stage, working with the likes of Arthur Askey and George Formby. This training became the background to the schools many successful shows. Following her marriage in 1953 Vera came to live in Wisbech and in 1954 opened the school in March with just 9 pupils! But it quickly established a reputation for quality training with high standards in exams. Over the years the school has produced both professional dancers and teachers who have moved on into their own careers. One of these is Vera’s own daughter Lynda who is now co-partner in the present school. Lynda, like Vera, is a fully registered teacher with the RAD, IDTA and UKA; and also holds examiner status. The school is also fortunate that Lynda’s son Iain, now a professional actor, still remains part of the school in his spare time, adding his own theatrical training to

A

...our motto is ‘Teach, Dance,

Perform, Enjoy’›

Vera’s to give the schools regular shows that professional touch. One thing that the school is particularly proud of is that we get so many of our past pupils bringing their own children to learn to dance with us. That is perhaps the best recommendation any teacher could have and why our motto is ‘Teach, Dance, Perform, Enjoy’. So as the school begins its 59th year here in March and starts to plan for its 60th Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year, they hope to make 2014 a year to remember.


Your Health: a Complementary View

Understanding Sciatica

True sciatica involves the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, which reaches from the lower back through the buttock and down to the heel. On its journey, the nerve passes under a muscle

called the “piriformis”, which spans the gap between the head of the femur and the sacrum at the base of the spine.

Tension in the piriformis can “pinch” the nerve, referring pain into the lower back and right down the leg, even into the groin area. There are many reasons why this might happen: the most common is the way some people habitually stand on one leg. In order to do this, we need to tighten up the buttock muscles on that side, and this can lead to a shortening of the piriformis. Other reasons may be: a woman’s pelvic adjustment during pregnancy and childbirth; too much walking on uneven ground or prolonged sitting.

dktherapy - unlocking your pain and stressGentle, fast-acting treatment dissolves pain and frees restrictions.

Helps people of all ages, from newborn to elderly.Tel: 01354 661127 | [email protected]

www.dktherapy.co.uk4 Dartford Road, March, Cambs. PE15 8AQ

Debbie Buck of dktherapy

Many people reading this will know only too well the searing pain into lower back, buttocks and down the leg that we know as “sciatica”. In fact, these symptoms can also indicate a problem with the sacro-iliac (SI) joint, or a herniated disc, which is why it is important to have a diagnosis from a medical doctor.

The piriformis can be quickly and easily relaxed using gentle muscle-release therapies, which may be aided by inversion therapy, known for reversing the effects of gravity on the spinal column. If you are experiencing an attack of sciatica, it may be temporarily relieved by putting a facecloth soaked in cold water over the area just above the buttock on the affected side.”

Pictured below is the Teeter Hangups ® Power VI, one of the award-winning range of inversion tables used at dktherapy. Next month’s column will tell you more about the benefits of using these tables to reverse the effects of gravity on your body.

52 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 9JR

0 1 3 5 4 6 5 0 4 4 4i n f o @ t h e w e d d i n g m a r c h . c o . u kw w w . t h e w e d d i n g m a r c h . c o . u k

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Bridesmaids Dresses

Tiaras & Jewellery

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Comfortable Surroundings

Private Appointments Available

Opening Times Tues - Sat

10am - 4.30pm

The Wedding March


Photography by Rob MorrisFor a unique portrait experience, in

the studio or on location, tailored to your individual needs,

from classic to contemporary.Model portfolios ~ Family group

Corporate portraitsWeddings ~ Press / PR

Print on site service available for school proms, balls,

award ceremonies, parties and other events.

[email protected]:07935204209

www.photographybyrobmorris.com 52 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 9JR

0 1 3 5 4 6 5 0 4 4 4i n f o @ t h e w e d d i n g m a r c h . c o . u kw w w . t h e w e d d i n g m a r c h . c o . u k

Bridal Gowns

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Prom Dresses

Comfortable Surroundings

Private Appointments Available

Opening Times Tues - Sat

10am - 4.30pm

The Wedding March

Flock here to volunteer

To find out more, contact:Welney Wetland Centre, Welney, Norfolk, PE14 9TNt 01353 860711 e [email protected]

Inspire people this winter. Become a WWT volunteer and help save wetlands.

WWT reg. charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 & Scotland, no. SC039410


The dogs will enjoy playing on our secure paddock or going for a walk with one of our kennel hands

50 Duncombes Road, Turves, Nr. Whittlesey PE7 2DS01733 840350 www.mypethotel.co.uk

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At the end of the holiday why not take advantage of our Professional Grooming and Spa treatments for both dogs and cats. The perfect way to end a perfect stay

We can also take care of your rabbits, hamsters or gerbils in our small mammal house or perhaps your

feathered friends in our bird friendly housing

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Book your pets for their holiday at Little Acre Book your pets for their holiday at Little Acre


Win one of four family tickets to see the spectacular firework display at The Skylark Showground

WIN WIN WIN

Name: Address:

Age: Email address:

Answer:

Entry closes Saturday 19th October 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

e are giving away four family tickets (which includes two adults and two children) for the amazing firework display at the Skylark Showground, Manea Road, on Saturday 2nd of November. There will be two spectacular displays, starting at 7:00pm (suitable for younger children) and a second one at 8:00pm. Opening it’s doors at 4pm, you will be able to enjoy a Fun Fair, marquee with live entertainment. fully including a licensed bar and a food village. To win these fabulous tickets, simply answer the question:

What is the name of the person who planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament? a) Guy Fawkesb) Guy Hanksc) Guy PresleyEnter your answer on the form and send your entry to Discovering March Fireworks Competition, C/O Pannins, Market Place, March, PE15 9JF or for postal entries to Discovering March Fireworks Competition, C/O FDC, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ.If you would like to purchase a ticket, the usual admission costs apply – adults are £5.00 and children £2.50. For more information call 01354 740873 or 07913 068770.

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Your Finances

welve months ago I wrote in this publication’s sister magazine, explaining how to extract the maximum benefit from your pension arrangements by approaching an Independent Financial Adviser such as myself, this advice is still valid and even more important in the current economic climate. However, this time I would like to point out some advantages in using pensions as part of your retirement planning. Pensions are a form of investment, they epitomise the tradition of putting something aside when you can influence income for a time when you may not be able to do so. The government approve of such prudence so they provide tax incentives to make it easier. For example, if you want to contribute £125 to a pension plan – it only costs £100, this comes from the tax rebate (basic rate tax payer) – you even get the rebate if you do not actually pay

A monthly feature that focuses on current financial issues. Many local Banks and Building Societies have lost their ‘in house’ adviser and few are independent. Eamonn is a fully

qualified local Independent Financial Adviser.

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Delivering Simple Financial Advice - that really works

tax! This same transaction looked at in another way means that your £100 contribution has actually grown by 25% immediately – that is a fantastic return in anyone’s book. Other tax benefits for higher rate tax payers (40%) and Additional rate (50%) make the advantages even greater. With expert planning individuals might even benefit from not paying National Insurance contributions on their pension payments, this could be as much as an additional 12% saving. If your employer provides a pension contribution so long as you contribute – if you have not joined – it could be costing you dearly. Sometimes the detail is hidden inside your contract of employment – this is another area where Independent Financial Advice can be very helpful. Before long any employer will need to provide a pension for qualifying employees – how will you know whether that includes you if you do not ask?

Call me to arrange a free initial meeting and benefit from my experienceDelivering Simple Financial Advice – that really works!

Investingfor retirement


Gardening Corner

t is now ten years since Skylark opened its doors to its first customers and in that time a lot has changed. From the original conception of a country store selling tools and animal feed the business has evolved in to one of the largest independent garden centres in East Anglia and includes Fenland’s largest tourist attraction, Skylark Maize Maze & Funyard which attracts over ten thousand visitors every year. Since the Garden Centre was started by a local farming family, the company has grown considerably over the last ten years, Café Skylark was built seven years ago and proved an instant hit with locals and visitors alike. The café has now more than doubled in size to cope with demand and a large patio area overlooking the plant house now treble the orignal size.

The garden centre has everything you would need for the garden from locally grown plants, trees and shrubs, tools and accessories to clothing and footwear and pet and animal feed plus much more. A free local delivery services is also available as well as free advice and assistance from our trained and experienced staff. For Autumn, you will find a comprehensive range of Spring flowering bulbs with bulb fibre for containerised planting and long handled planters to help your back. To ensure your lawn looks it best in spring and summer, Evergreen Autumn 2 in 1, will strengthen roots and kill moss throughout the coming months. Autumn is the best month for pruning the majority of fruit and ornamental trees for larger trees, an advanced lopper makes life

a lot easier with its lightweight aluminium construction and the gears give 30% more power than standard loppers. The award-winning Café Skylark is open everyday from 10am to 5pm. The renowned Fenland Breakfast is just one of the speciality dishes on offer, which also include afternoon tea, homemade cakes and daily specials. The café provides a modern friendly environment for everybody offering top quality ingredients cooked to perfection. To contact us or for more information please see www.skylarkgardencentre.co.uk or telephone, 01354 741212.

The Maize maze & funyard will re-open on the 28th October for five days of Halloween fun. The usual attractions will remain in the funyard but there will some spooktacular fun added with apple bobbing, pumpkin shy, face painting, pumpkin carving and fancy dress competitions. For more information, find us on facebook or see www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk.

Adam Henson dropped in to Café Skylark for a farmhouse breakfast


Trees & ShrubsSeasonal BeddingTools & Hardware

Seeds & GrowingClothing & FootwearWild Bird Food & Accessories

Pet & Animal FeedPlus Cafe open Everyday 10am - 5pm

Trees & Shrubs

Tools & HardwareSeasonal BeddingTools & Hardware

Trees & ShrubsSeasonal Bedding

Seeds & Growing

Tools & Hardware Wild Bird Food & AccessoriesSeasonal BeddingTools & Hardware

Clothing & FootwearWild Bird Food & Accessories

Seasonal BeddingSeeds & GrowingClothing & FootwearClothing & FootwearWild Bird Food & Accessories

Plus Cafe open Everyday 10am - 5pm

Clothing & FootwearPet & Animal FeedPlus Cafe open

Competitive Prices and FREE Local Delivery - Call 01354 741212 Open 7 days: 9-6 Mon-Sat & 10-4 Sundays

www.skylarkgardencentre.co.uk Skylark Country Store & Garden Centre, Manea Rd, Wimblington, March, PE15 0PA

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Whittlesey Cycles Your local cycle shop for: Cycle and Accessory sales, Repairs & Servicing. We stock a large range of road, hybrid, mountain, family and folding bikes from Giant, Claud-Butler, Raleigh, Dahon and others. Call in to see our new range of cycling shoes For more information contact us today: 25, Market Street, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, PE7 1AP Site: www.whittleseycycleshop.co.uk Email: [email protected] Phone: 01733 203159




















Stay fit and cycle


















Cycling to work helps you stay fit and healthy, burns calories, and reduces your carbon footprint. It also saves money in fuel and car maintenance. To promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution, in 1999 the Government introduced an annual tax exemption that allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. Effectively, the scheme allows employees to get a bike and cycling equipment up to the value of £1000, tax and National Insurance free and to spread the payments over 12 months. The employee typically saves between 32% for basic rate taxpayers and 42% for high rate taxpayers. There are two main independent Cycle to Work Scheme organisers: www.cyclescheme.co.uk and www.bike2workscheme.co.uk. Between them they have the largest network of independent bike shops with over 1800 shops to choose from. To get a bike through a Cycle to Work scheme, your employer needs to be signed up to the scheme. Once they are the process of getting your

bike and equipment is very simple: Choose which bike shop you would like to get your bike from and pay them a visit. They will take the time to talk about what sort of bike is best for you and provide you with a written quote for these. Go to your employer’s special Cycle to Work scheme web address to request your certificate. Your employer will confirm your eligibility, approve your request and then send the scheme organisers an invoice for the bike package. A hire agreement will also be sent to you to sign. The bike and equipment remain the property of the employer or scheme organiser throughout the hire period, unless the employer uses a finance company to fund the bikes. It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain the bike. Your local independent bike shop will be able to advise about maintenance and servicing and most stores offer a free first service. If the bike is stolen, as long as the employee replaces the bike and continues to use it mainly for commuting purposes, the employer can continue to take the salary sacrifice reductions from gross salary. Your hire payments are deducted from your gross monthly salary. At the end of the 12 month hire period employees are usually given the opportunity to buy the bike for the market value. However this cannot be an automatic entitlement. Alternatively, there may be an option to extend the hire period for a nominal sum to take advantage of greater depreciation.


Events Diary - October

1st Lunch and film club at March Town Hall www.fenlandarts.org.uk

2nd Researching the History of March - an introduction to using local history resources – March Library 7pm £2.50 for non member and £1.50 for members [email protected]

8th ‘Up the cut’ – talk by David Harris – Cambridgeshire Family History Society March Library 6pm www.cfhs.org.uk/

11th Phil Hare playing at March Town Hall with special guests Terry Lees, Tom Harlock and Aimee Peart-Webb 8pm Tickets (£10 and £8.00 concessions) from Paninis Coffee Shop or phone 01354 654869

11th Christian Aid Supper and Quiz Night Centenary Church, High Street £5.00 including supper

11th March Museum Society Geoff Lee on Mills and Milling St Peter’s Church Hall (opposite Museum) 7.30pm £3.00 for non members

11th 7.00-9pm Oliver Cromwell Hotel. An evening with the English Spirit Distillery. A taster evening with a selection of liqueurs and spirits - Ben Elsworth from The English Spirit Distillery based in Newmarket, takes you through the evening with the opportunity to try a selection of their different specially homemade spirits including vodkas, gins and whiskeys. Included is a roast pork dinner served with a Jacket Potato and Coleslaw. Tickets - £10

13th Sovereign Quarter Horses Autumn Open Day PE15 0BS Stags Holt 11.30 onwards Free Foal and Youngstock showcase. 01354 651944 .

14th Harmonica Course – one day March FE Centre 01354 653148

17th Wississipi Jazzmen at March Town Hall Tickets (£3.50 or £6.50 to include cream tea) from Paninis Coffee Shop or phone 01354 654869

Also check out on Facebook Events in March Cambs

18th March Twinning Association race Night 7.30pm 01354 654869

18th Reptiles and Amphibians March Wildlife Group St Peters Church Hall 7.30pm. 01354 656207

20th Guided walk at Gault Wood March Free 14.30 01945 653277

20th Local Produce and Craft Fair March Market Place. Please contact Markets and Events Team on 01354 654321

21th The Golden Lion, Stonea. 7.30pm Paul Jackson will be telling Halloween Tales for an adult audience. Admission is Free, but donations towards costs are most welcome. 01354 650586

26th Halloween fun day The Fossils Galore 60 High Street March PE15 9LD 01354 278089 www.fossilsgalore.co.uk

26th Spiritualist Evening with Tania Marie, Shelley Youell, Geraldine Stormfield and Ann Fordham at Doddington Village Hall. Tickets £8.00 – money raised to Young Epilepsy – Contact 077629 69693 or 01354 677848

27th Oliver Cromwell Local Produce and Craft Market 10am- 2pm – Local produce growers including home gardeners, and Charities, may bring their own six foot table and sell their wares free of charge. Pre book with the Oliver Cromwell 01354 602890 or call in.

If you would like to promote your event please e-mail [email protected]

Check out - www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org


If you would like to promote your event please e-mail [email protected]

Check out - www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

Every Tuesday Westwood Junior School Zumba 7pm Pay as you go

Every Wednesday Rugby Training 7pm at March Rugby Club – Training is free

March Dog Training Club at March FE Centre

Every Thursday 19.45-20.30 Armegeddon Circuit Training £6.00 payg or pre -booking on line

March Town Hockey Club 19.30 -20.30 at Neale Wade all levels welcome 13 plus age.

3rd Monday of the month Now 4 Knitting 14.00 Free March Library 0345 045 5225

2nd Tuesday of the month Woman's Section of the Royal British Legion meet at the March RBL Club at 7.30pm

Wildfowl walks - every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from now until 24 October, 1-2pm.

For more details and a full range of events go to: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney

Picture James Leess

Regular Events

3rd Wednesday of the month Folk Night March RBL

First Saturday of the month10am- 12 noon Over 18s Carry out manual work in Gault Wood such as tree trimming, hedge cutting, seat repairs, planting and bird box erection.

Community Learning Courses in Fenland running all Autumn include Painting, Ballroom and Latin American dancing all levels, Computing, Counselling, French, Guitar, Harmonica, Jewellerymaking, Spanish, Watercolours and Yoga - Call into March FE for full list or phone 01354 653148

Picture Simon Stirrup

28th - 1st November Week of Wickedness at Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard with Halloween themed games such as Apple Bobbing and witches’ hats. Last entry 3pm. For details 01354 741212


rom medieval times Michaelmas, the feast of St Michael the archangel on September 29th, marked the end of harvest and the changing of the weather and the seasons. It was a quarter day along with Christmas, Lady Day and Midsummer Day, a time for collecting rents and doing accounts. Michaelmas signalled the beginning of autumn and shorter working days. With the Harvest feast celebrations came the stocking of provisions for winter survival for people and animals. October was the time for Autumn hiring fairs to take on farm labourers and servants for the coming year. In 1669 because of growing prosperity and greater population in the fens after drainage of the fens, the Justices of the Isle of Ely sought permission from the Bedford Level Corporation to hold a weekly market in March. Wisbech and Ely were the only market towns in the Fens and a third market was needed to deal with increasing trade ‘in Cole-seede, all sorts of graine, hemp, flax, cattell, butter, cheese, and other commodities’. Two years later Sir Algernon Peyton was granted a weekly Friday market and two annual three-day fairs, one before Whitsuntide and one on the second Tuesday in October. However in 1803 the October 8th Cambridge Chronicle reported that although March Michaelmas Fair ought to have been held on October 18th and 19th, that year October 18th was a General Fast, and so the Fair would be held on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st October. On October 7th 1791 a meeting of the proprietors of ‘Messuages, Cottages, and Tofts’, with Common Rights to use the commons and

waste grounds of March, and anyone else interested, was held at the White Hart Inn in March. It was unanimously agreed, that an inclosure of the commons and waste grounds would be highly advantageous to the proprietors, and that steps would be taken to obtain an Act of Parliament to approve it. Solicitors were appointed and commissioners chosen. A Committee of nine proprietors was named and approved by the meeting to form a committee and call a public meeting, at the White Hart. October 5th 1798 in March witnessed an extra public celebration and rejoicing because of the ‘glorious victory’ of Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson at the Battle of the Nile, or Battle of Aboukir, against the French Fleet. A fat ox was roasted on the Market Hill, and was given away with bread and several hogsheads of ale to thousands of the poor of March and district The gentlemen of the United Loyal Doddington Association of cavalry and Infantry paraded in their uniforms through the crowded streets of March amidst loud cheering, led by a band of music, fifes, and a flag carried by Mr Neville Goodman. In the evening there were brilliant lights, and celebrations continued for two days. To find out more about March’s Past and Present visit www.themarchsociety.org.uk

F

1.The Great Level Dorothy Summers 1976 2. The Universal British Directory 1791-2 1793-1798 Cambridgeshire Extracts 3. OCTOBER 15TH 1791 CAMBRIDGE CHRONICLE AND JOURNAL4. Cambridge Chronicle October 13th 1798

Discovering... ..October in the town

by Jennifer Lawler


St Wendreda’s ChurchWimblington Road, MarchTrinity Church (joint Methodist/United Reform Church)High Street, MarchSt Peter’s ChurchHigh Street March St Mary’s Church, WestreaCurrently being rebuilt following a fireSt John’s ChurchStation Road, MarchOur Lady of Good Counsel (Roman Catholic Church)Centenary BaptistHigh Street, MarchMarch Evangelical FellowshipUpwell Road, MarchFor details of all Churches in Marchhttp://together.ourchurchweb.org.uk/march/churches/churches/

Churches

Youth

All Saints Interchurch Primary SchoolCounty Road, March 01354 659000Burrowmoor Primary SchoolBurromoor Road, March 01354 652330Cavalry Primary SchoolCavalry Drive, March 01354 652814Maple Grove Infant SchoolMaple Grove, March 01354 653337The Neale-Wade Academy Wimblington Road, March 01354 653430Thomas Eaton SchoolWimblington. 01354 740392Westwood Community Junior SchoolMaple Grove, March 01354 653033

Schools

March Chess ClubRBL, West End – Every Tuesday eveningMarch and District Model Rail-way ClubRBL, West End – Every Wednesday eveningThe March SocietyMarch Library – First Wednes-day of the monthwww.themarchsociety.org.ukFacebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-March-Socie-ty/186231314793355Facebook group: New March Society group htt-ps://www.facebook.com/groups/470024383063341/Twitter https://twitter.com/March-SocietyEmail: [email protected] Family His-tory Society March BranchMarch Library, City Road – First Tuesday of the monthMarch Camera ClubBritish Red Cross Hall, Rob-ingoodfellowes Lane. www.marchcameraclub.org.ukMarch and District Museum, SocietyHigh Street, March www.march-museum.co.uk Museum is open every Wednesday and Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pmFenland Farm Machinery ClubMarch Conservative Club, Creek Road March. First Thursday of month October to March. Fable, Tales and Folklore – FenlandVenues throughout March and Fenland – watch out for detailsCraft Club MarchMarwick Centre, Marwick Road including Mend and Make.Wisbech Riding ClubRegular Meetings at Sovereign Quarter Horses, March www.wisbechridingclub.co.uk

Clubs20TwentyProductions Skoulding Suite, March Town HallArts opportunities to young people in Fenland.PlayRight Theatre CompanySt Peters Church Hall, High Street. Term-time theatre group and holiday clubs.Fenland All Starz Cheerleading SquadSt John’s Church Hall, Station Road. Boys and girls welcomeYoung People MarchCity Road, March 01354 650645 www.ypm.org.uk Also includes Fen-zone Youth Council1220(March) Squadron ATCHeadquarters Building, Gas Road, March. 01354 651788. [email protected] www.1220atc.org.uk Estover Girls Under 11’sBurrowmoor School 01354 661437

Club Guide To be included in this FREE directory, send your details to: [email protected]

CharitiesRoyal British Legion ClubRookswood Road, West End, March March & Chatteris Talking Newspa-per AssociationRiverside Studio, Town Hall, Market Place March. Volunteers welcomed.RSPCA Cambridgeshire Mid East Branch37-39 High Street, MarchMarch Rotary ClubMarch Conservative Club – Mondays at 7.30pm Drinksense – Fenland20a Deerfield Road, March. March Lions ClubOliver Cromwell Hotel, High Street, March.

Cornerstone Practice 26 Elwybn Road, March 01354 606300Mercheford House28 Elwyn Road, March 01354 656841The Riverside Practice22 Marylebone Road, March 01354 661922Doddington Medical Centre (also at Wimblington)01354 740311

DoctorsMarch Athletic Clubwww.marchathleticclub.co.ukGER Sports and Social Club – home of Cambridge County darts, also outdoor bowls club. Robingoodfellowes Lane, March. www.germarch.co.ukGeorge Campbell Leisure Centre,City Road, March. www.fenland.gov.uk/leisure/leisure-centre/george-campbellMarch Bears Rugby Clubwww.pitchero.com/clubs/marchbears/March Town United F.C.Robingoodfellowes Lane, Marchwww.pitchero.com/clubs/marchtownunitedMarch Town Hockey ClubBurrowmoor Road, March.

Sport


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Fireplace and Stove Specialist

www.aspectfi res.co.ukStockists of: Aga | Charnwood | Chesney’s |

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Opening Times:Mon – Fri 9am-1pm

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Multi-Fuel and Wood Burning StovesRange Cookers and Flue SystemsFireplaces, Gas and Electric FiresHand Crafted Stone Fireplaces

Established family run business experienced in offering a complete package from survey through to design and

installation with our fully qualifi ed team.

Visit us at our diverse showroom where we have an extensive range of fi res and fi replaces on display


This picture shows the Charnwood CT Cookstove’

CharnwoodPremier Dealers.

Aspect Fires 1/2 NVL July.indd 1 18/6/12 16:40:32

37 Market Street, Whittlesey, Peterborough,

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As we are a family run business, we would kindly request that you phone our office and check that we are open before making a special journey to our showrooms - Thank you.

Opening Times:Mon – Fri: 9am-1pm

& 2pm-5pm Sat: 10am-2pm

CLOSED Thursdays, Sundays

& Bank Holidays


Your Local DirectoryRemovalsAuctioneers

Window Cleaning

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So if you’re in search of a bargain come down to our

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We hold Cambridge Auctions once a month

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discovering march issue 001, october 2013

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