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Five stories you might have missed in Peterborough

News imageSteve Wainwright Cat Thompson has light brown hair and wears glasses, she is wearing a burgundy T-shirt and is holding a giant clothing peg which is about two feet (0.61m) long. She is in a sunny back garden, with a black shiplapped garden shed behind her on a grass lawn.Steve Wainwright
Cat Thompson said the supersize items her "bored" husband created made her laugh

A theatre group has called for community support after a decline in ticket sales, and a "bored" man has decided to create "supersize" everyday objects.

Here's five stories from Peterborough from the past week you might have missed.

Cost of living impacts theatre group

News imageHannah Ogden A group of people in a variety of costumes rehearse in a room with a wooden floor. Hannah Ogden
Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society celebrated its 125th birthday last year

A 125‑year‑old amateur theatre group said rising living costs were hitting ticket sales and putting its future at risk.

Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) is one of the longest-running amateur theatre societies in the UK and has about 100 members, ranging in age from 16 to 95.

The self-funded charity produces two shows annually, but has seen a decline in ticket sales. It said it relied on "community support".

'Bored' retiree makes supersized objects

News imageJohn Devine/BBC Steve Wainwright sitting on his big plug in the garage, which is next to a giant silver spanner, gold key, tape measure and audio cassette.John Devine/BBC
Steve Wainwright uses wood, metal and plastic to create the objects, which take from a couple of days to two weeks to make

A DIY-fanatic who became bored after retiring has come up with an unusual way of filling his days - creating supersized models of everyday household items.

In scenes reminiscent of '80s Hollywood blockbuster Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Steve Wainwright lives in his home among huge objects including a giant pencil, clothes peg, audio cassette and a 13-amp plug.

"Once retired you can only cook and clean for so many hours," said Wainwright, 62, who lives with his wife in Peterborough and has a background in engineering and electrics.

Assistance dog changes woman's life

News imageCanine Partners Samantha with short hair. She is sitting on a motorised wheelchair with her black dog standing on its two legs looking at her face.Canine Partners
Samantha, 49, said the assistance dogs which have supported her have changed her life

A woman living with a rare neurological condition has become the face of a charity alongside her assistance dog.

Samantha, a former nurse from Peterborough, has dystonia - a progressive condition causing painful muscle contractions and severe physical disability.

She said she was able to "give back to the community" by visiting local nursing homes with her labradoodle, Hank, who was provided by the charity Canine Partners.

Volunteers collect 472 bags of litter

News imagePeterborough Litter Wombles A person holding a white human skull made of plastic.Peterborough Litter Wombles
A discarded plastic skull was among the litter collected by volunteers

A plastic skull, a mouse skeleton, a plastic lizard, and dozens of motorbike parts were among the 472 bags of litter collected during a "spring clean" in Peterborough.

About 200 people took part in the Great British Spring Clean in the city over 16-29 March, which was mainly driven by Peterborough Litter Wombles.

Lido lovers mark 90th birthday

News imagePeterborough City Council Pat Hemsley, who is wearing a navy blue coat and a blue jumper, standing by the poolside. She is smiling at camera. Peterborough City Council
Pat Hemsley, 79, said Peterborough Lido had given her family "terrific memories"

Swimmers at a city's lido have been sharing their memories of the pool in honour of its 90th birthday.

The Grade II-listed Art Deco lido in Peterborough opened in 1936 and has survived several threats of closures and even a World War Two bombing.

Several events have been planned for the celebrations, including an exhibition about the lido's history at Peterborough Museum and the sale of a commemorative book of archive images and personal stories.

The week in sport

Peterborough United drew 1-1 with Cardiff City on Easter Monday. Cardiff took the lead early in the second half through Alex Robertson, only for Posh to equalise just moments later, with Harry Leonard getting his 13th league goal of the season.

It has been a sad time for Peterborough Sports fans, with the side relegated from National League North after a 2-0 defeat by Oxford City. The result ends a four-year stay in the division.

Meanwhile, Peterborough United Women are just one win away from being crowned champions of the Division One Midlands. Posh are unbeaten this season, winning 17 of their 19 matches.

Peterborough Phantoms head coach Ashley Tait says injuries have robbed his team of a chance of glory this season. Phantoms are out of contention to make the final-four weekend, having lost three of their four play-off group games.

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