Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, UK
info@capitalofthefens.org.uk

Promoting Wisbech’s Independent Shops

Promoting Wisbech’s Independent Shops

A while ago a young reporter from Cambridge came to Wisbech and recorded his thoughts – mostly negative ones – as a Facebook video stream. I responded to him there and then, but it pushed me to get all these columns I’ve been writing off the printed page and onto the internet so I can link him to them next time. That’s now been mostly completed and you can find them on CapitaloftheFens.org.uk. Another thing the reporter kept saying was that the town didn’t have anything unusual to recommend it – “all the shops were the same as other towns”. Now, I know we have some good chain shops and great people working in them, but one of my aims for this column was to promote all the independent shops we have as I thought we had plenty… It was frustrating that he didn’t think to look for them or ask anyone.
When a friend who is into fishing came for the Minecraft project, I told him about the Wisbech Angling Shop on Market Place, an independent shop I hadn’t visited myself, but I hoped it was good for what he needed. I can report that it is! It’s a great little shop with fantastic hosts – not just shopkeepers – they’re friendly to everyone, including me when I went in to ask for some fishing line to make windchimes. I thought this was unusual so was a little embarrassed to go in there, not knowing anything about fishing, but it turns out I’m not the only one asking about their products’ use for other things – jewellery makers for a start. They said they are happy to help anyone out with advice, with lots of people popping in for a chat, some simply asking “tell me how to fish”! I learned that they have supplies for course, pike, and match fishing, and some fly-fishing; that Bob Nudd pops in regularly, and that an Australian customer likes them so much they sent a thank you note and a bottle of sand from Bribie Island near Brisbane!
I think it is testament to these indie shop owners, and to the town’s support of them, that they’ve got such praise from experts and long distance customers alike.
Well done Wisbech, another great place for me to add to a growing list of people making this town what it is today.

Open 8.30 to 5 every day, closing at lunchtime Sundays. A friendly traditional fishing tackle shop run by Paddy and Shaz.