New Year is a time of new beginnings, and in 2026 that's especially the case for two dedicated Fenland District Council team members, both retiring after 46 years.

Refuse team members Peter Tompkins and Hedley Fynn-Brand have our huge gratitude and respect for their decades of service.

Their story is featured in this month's The Fenlander, alongside details of Christmas events in full swing (don't miss Wisbech Christmas Fayre on Sunday, Dec 14) and festive adjustments to our services.

There's also news of new toilets for March town centre and a new outdoor education area at a Whittlesey nursery thanks to grant funding. Plus details of free training for businesses and community safety messages.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season. We'll see you for the next The Fenlander in 2026!

Refuse workers retire after each serving for 46 years

Image above: Hedley Fynn-Brand, left, and Peter Tompkins each retiring from Fenland's refuse and recycling team after 46 years with Fenland District Council

Two refuse workers have retired from Fenland District Council after each serving for 46 years.

Peter Tompkins and Hedley Fynn-Brand each joined the council in the year Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister.

Cllr Steve Tierney, portfolio holder for refuse and recycling collection, said: "Our huge gratitude goes to Peter and Hedley not just on behalf of the council but all of Fenland for such long and dedicated service."

Discover what Peter and Hedley had to say on their retirement at: Refuse workers retire after each serving for 46 years

Christmas events in full swing  

Image above: Little performers bring smiles to March Christmas Market

 

Thousands of visitors enjoyed the biggest ever March Christmas Market and final preparations are now being made for Wisbech Chirstmas Fayre on Sunday (Dec 14).

March Christmas Market had more stalls than ever with 190 offering a wonderful range of gifts, crafts and produce. Visitors also enjoyed hot festive food, a host of live entertainment, free children's rides, Santa's grotto and an indoor craft market.

Wisbech Christmas Fayre promises to be similarly fantastic.

Also free to attend, it takes place in Wisbech town centre 10am to 3pm.

• Discover more at: Wisbech Christmas Fayre 2025
• See who you can spot in photos from March Christmas Market on our Facebook post.

Image above: Crowds enjoy March Christmas Market

Accessing our services over Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year will see some differences in our opening hours and service availability.

You'll still be able to use our website day and night to report issues.

Through our website, you can also apply for things, find information and make payments. 

For details of changes, including to bin collections and our call centre opening hours, see: Accessing our services over Christmas and New Year

New Year opening for March toilets

A new toilet block in March town centre is expected to be open for use in the New Year.

Completion of the toilets was delayed by an unforeseeable issue with a collapsed sewer.

Fenland District Council's Cllr Chris Seaton, lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: "It's frustrating and unfortunate that this unforeseeable issue delayed completion.

"The new toilet block will be a long-term asset to the town and a further enhancement of the redeveloped Broad Street area and we look forward to it being open and operational in the New Year."

See more: New Year opening for March toilets

Nursery children enjoying new outdoor area thanks to grant

Children at Park Lane Nursery, Whittlesey, are enjoying an enhanced outdoor play and environmental education area thanks to a grant.

The nursery was awarded £36,500 from Glassmoor Local Environment Fund, which provides funding for projects that improve the environment and enhance residents' knowledge of an environmental issue. The fund is one of several similar funds available for projects in Fenland.

The grant enabled the development of the nursery's outdoor area including with a new pergola, bug hotels and nature play equipment.

See more: Nursery children enjoying new outdoor area thanks to grant

NHS Hearing aid maintenance drop-ins

Free hearing aid maintenance drop-in sessions are available regularly in Fenland, provided by Cambridgeshire Deaf Association Hearing Help Team.

At the sessions you can have your NHS hearing aid cleaned, re-tubed, get replacement ear hooks and batteries. No appointment necessary, just drop in.

Chatteris

• King Edward Centre, 3 King Edward Road, Chatteris, PE16 6NG
• Monthly - every second Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 3.30pm
• Free parking available

March

• St Peter’s Church Hall, High Street, March, PE15 9JR
• Bi-monthly - first Wednesday of every other month, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
• Next session January 7
• Free parking available

Whittlesey

• Whittlesey Library, 31-35 Market Street, Whittlesey, PE7 1BA
• Monthly - every fourth Tuesday of each month, 10am to 11.30am
• Free parking available

Wisbech

• Queen Mary Centre, Queens Road, Wisbech, PE13 2PE
• Bi-monthly - first Wednesday of every other month, 2pm to 3.30pm
• Next session: February 4
• Free parking available

Details supplied by Cambridge Deaf Association.
Please check before travelling: Cambridge Deaf Association website

Don't miss 'Businesses Against Abuse' accreditation training

Businesses are being urged not to miss free accreditation training in Fenland to join the Businesses Against Abuse scheme.

Businesses Against Abuse (BAA) is a free training scheme to get businesses working together to prevent sexual harassment and abuse against women and girls by tackling predatory behaviour.

This is a chance for your business to take a stand to prevent violence. 

Accreditation training sessions will take place on Thursday, January 15, and Thursday, February 5, at Fenland Hall, County Road, March.

Discover more and sign up at:

• Businesses Against Abuse on Eventbrite
• What is Businesses Against Abuse?
• How to get involved

Domestic abuse support

The festive season can be a time of heightened domestic abuse issues and especially challenging for anyone living with abuse.

In Fenland, support is available, whether you are suffering or you're worried about someone you care about.

Remember, you are not to blame. Never be afraid to ask for help and support.

Discover more information and where to get help at: Domestic Abuse Fenland

Drink and drug driving crackdown

Motorists must not to be tempted to drink or drug drive this festive season and beyond, Cambridgeshire police have warned.

PC Adrian Boddington, the force’s casualty reduction officer, said: “Whatever your plans for Christmas are, include how you are getting home in them. Don’t be tempted to take the risk, have a plan and stick to it. Drink and drug driving is a choice, your choice.

“Consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance, so there is no temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit. Before you get behind the wheel please think – is it really worth the risk?

“I’d also like to remind people that they can help us make our roads safer by reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“We have a dedicated hotline, and all calls are taken in confidence. One call could save a life.”

The hotline: 0800 032 0845 is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Discover more: Cambridgeshire police drink and drug driving awareness

Spotting the signs of child exploitation

Do you know the signs of child exploitation?

Knowing the signs and being aware of the support available can help to equip parents and carers with the knowledge and tools to intervene early.

Ivison Trust, a charity focused on protecting children and supporting families, provides information to support families and protect young people.

See:

• Child exploitation - would you know the signs video
• Spotting the signs of child criminal exploitation and child sexual exploitation