March St George’s Fayre
Sunday 26 April Programme
Visit the town centre’s bustling street market and fun fair. Celebrate with live music and dance performances from 10.30am - 4pm Enjoy a variety of free entertainment from learning how to be a medieval knight to circus skills workshops and much more . . . .
Welcome
Is this really the 9th St Georges Fayre, to be held in March? One of the most crucial aspects in producing this Fayre, is the financial support received from both Fenland District and March Town Councils, without which it would not happen. Not forgetting the enormous number of volunteers, including Councillors, that ensure this show gets off the ground.
March St Georges Fayre is one of
four ‘Four Seasons’ events which take place in Fenland’s market towns throughout the year. The Fayre is delivered by Fenland District Council and a committee of volunteers; it is also supported by March Town Council.
This day is an opportunity for local talent, singers and musicians in particular to show off their skills. A great deal is raised through the efforts of individuals and advertisers in this magazine, whom we thank. The evidence is before your eyes as you peruse it. I really look forward to seeing you there enjoying the day and I will be checking it all out. It is anticipated the weather will be good and that will all add to the enjoyment of this iconic event in our calendar of public entertainment for the town of March. Have a great day!
Many community organisations and people within the town have contributed to the event success over the years including; Fen Craft Fairs, The Chamber of Commerce, March Library, March Museum, March Society, St Peters Church, The Rotary Club, March Lions and many more. We would like to thank everyone involved in the Fayre, your support has been invaluable. If you enjoy the event and would like to contribute in some way, be it through sponsorship or even volunteering please contact: marketsandevents@fenland.gov.uk
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March Rotary Club would like to
The March Society
The monthly newspaper collections, every 2nd Saturday, 9 -12 in City Rd Car Park, now in its forty third year, supports Kids Out, whereby local children, with associated helpers are taken out for a day of fun and education.
Come and talk to us about March, and try our Heritage Quiz. Join us and help to make a difference. Follow us on our website, Facebook and Twitter. Our meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and include talks in March Library with speakers on subjects relating to March and district, and heritage walks. We have been involved in coordinating March Heritage Open Days.
thank the generous March citizens for your support.
The Big Meal Raffle has raised £2550.00 which was donated to Magpas last month. Thank you for the generous donations of meal prizes by over 30 hotels, restaurants and takeaways, and support from the four major supermarkets in town. Rotary Club members have all entered in the community by physically supporting local events. In conjunction with The Lions, we were pleased to take part in the Santa’s Sleigh around the town last December. This year it is planned to increase the coverage.
The Parade
This year’s fayre will start with a jubilant parade at 10:30am in celebration of England’s patron saint St George. Starting at the top of Broad Street leading into the market place for the official opening by the Mayor. Special guests this year include the Royal British Legion Riders and Harley the Dog.
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will have a photo display on March’s Heritage in March Library from April 20th-25th and at St George’s Fayre.
The Society promotes high standards of planning and architecture in March; inform about the geography, history, natural history and architecture of March; support the protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest in March and aim to raise civic pride in March.
Stalls and Activities thro Hippodrome
P
Broad Stree
Street Fun Fair
Toilets Children’s area with activities all day in front of library
Library Grass Area
Car Park Georges’ Performance stage Police Station
Museum open all day
March St Georges’s Fa with stalls throughout
hroughout the town centre
drome
Car Park
Parking
Broad Street
Main Performance Stage Market Place
Nene Parade
ry Grass Area Town Hall Market Place
ges’s Fayre Event Area hout the Town Centre
Narrow boat display on river plus ’Fox’s’ Charity Boat Trips Art Exhibition and Craft Activities in Town Hall Craft Market on Market Place Games in St Peter’s Church Family activities at Fossils Galore
Ely & Littleport Riot
is a Fenland women’s morris side who perform traditional and original dances in a Border style and are based in and around Ely. They will be on the Market place at 1pm. They take their name from the 1816 Ely and Littleport Bread Riots. Their black skirts represent the dark fen soils, their red handkerchiefs the bloody revolt, and their different coloured waistcoats reflecting Fenland individuality. The side is active both locally and internationally with tours across the UK and recently Denmark under the Ely Twinning with Ribe. If you are interested in joining them, or simply finding out more, either make yourself known to one of the dancers, call 07901 671576 or look them up on the internet.
Gifford: Since the band first formed in September 2013 They have gone from strength to strength, continuing to deliver their feel good covers from all genres professionally, and as a result are now working every week all over the country.
This is Gifford’s second appearance at St Georges day in March, this year they will appear on the Market Place at 1:20pm and 2:20pm. They are looking forward to performing for the crowds again and wish everyone a happy and safe celebration of St Georges day. If you would like to book Gifford for a function, wedding or party they are happy to talk about any special requests and will deliver at prices that won’t break the bank. Fully Insured, you are sure to have a great time and keep your audiences happy contact: Luke Palmer on 07542 728149
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Stotts Fish Restaurant Quality Fish & Chips
OPEN ON ST GEORGE’S FAYRE DAY 10.30am - 2.30pm Please call and see us 44 High Street, March 01354 659977 SERVING THE TOWN FOR 25 YEARS
MADAOS are an award winning, local Vintage Cycles: musical theatre group which also has its very own tour. Be on the market place at 3:20pm and you’re sure to be toe tapping.
The March Veteran and Vintage Cycles Club was formed in 1820. This year they will be taking part in the parade at 10:30am down Broad Street to outside the March Museum. The groups aim is to collect, and restore cycles to their original condition. Visitors will be able to see a wide range of vehicles from an 1820s Hobby Horse and Penny farthing to a 1970s Chopper. Riders will be wearing clothing from the era in which the cycles were made.
MADAOS can perform any kind of music to suit events, fundraising or private functions for more information visit www.madaos.org. uk and like them on facebook to be kept up to date with news and details of forthcoming performances.
Pig Dyke Molly: Come to the Market place at 12:40pm and 1:40pm and you will see the eye catching Pig Dyke Molly.
The group will be dancing their 21st century style of Molly dancing, covered from head to toe in glorious black and white. The dances and music are energetic, exciting and sometimes atmospheric. Molly is an East Anglian tradition within Morris dancing, but you won’t see other Molly groups dancing in quite the same way. That’s because the dances, the music, and the stories behind them are original and unique to Pig Dyke. If you are a long-time Pig Dyke fan you might be able to spot some new dances this year. To find out more contact: Tel: 01733 844003 or Email: info@pigdyke.co.uk
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Peterborough Highland Band:
There is something almost magical about the Pipes and Drums. Perhaps it’s the splendour of the kilts and impressive uniforms or perhaps it is the tremendous emotion that is aroused by the sound of the Pipes & Drums. The band will be in the opening parade at 10:30am and again in the Market place at 12:20pm Friendship plays a big part in the band. They have been performing since 1947 and are always looking for new members so if you would like to try your hand at the Bag Pipes – Drums or even Highland Dancing, check out their webpage www.peterboroughpipeband.com or speak to any member of the band for information. Contact: Marilyn on 01733 223148; or Sharon: sm.ellwood@talktalk.net
Craft Fair: Come and
visit the craft fair in the marquee on the market place from 10.30 until 4pm. Lorena Hodgson of Red Barn Creative was pleased to be invited to be part of the committee organising the event for the first time; and is keen to introduce some new craftspeople, while keeping the high quality traders already involved each year.
Fossils Galore will be running
free Educational Prehistoric activities throughout the day. So why not visit them opposite the police station and try your hand at gold panning and fossil hunting. You never know what you might dig up. For those adventurers amongst you there will be a dinosaur Hunt and Dino’s Fossil Quiz too.
Lorena brings a new perspective to the event and with the help of Fenland DC staff has secured some great craftspeople looking forward to showing their range of handmade and locally produced products for you and your home. Red Barn Creative is a not for profit social enterprise for creative people in Fenland www.redbarncreative.org
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‘Once Awake’ are a five piece, female March Youth Theatre: fronted band from Brandon in Suffolk aged from 14-19 years old, see them on the Market Place at 2pm
Currently playing festivals and events around Norfolk and Suffolk, they also played at the premier venue Bedfords in London last month and are currently working with Jim Davis from Pitchshifter and the Prodigy on honing their skills.
20Twenty Productions are very proud to be running 4 youth theatre groups in March for children and young people aged 6 – 19 for the 10th year. You can see the group on the Market Place at 11:40am
Playing a mix of their own funky rock music and classic covers they have perfected a tight sound to their sets. Inviting Once Awake to the St Georges Festival supports the partnership between Fenland and Forest Heath as part of the Creative People and Places project. Their up and coming shows are; Poptastic - May 29th & 30th, Frozen Oz - June 19th & 20th and Sister Act - September 11th & 12th. Tickets for all the shows are available from Panini’s and the shows are performed in March Town Hall Arts Centre. If you have a child who would like to join please contact geri@20twentyproductions. co.uk or call 01354 652769.
Choirs: Visit the market place throughout the day and you will hear choral music from all ages. Promising singers from Burrowmoor Primary School will perform again this year. The pupils will be on stage at 11.20am followed shortly afterwards by Westwood Junior School choir at 12pm. We are also pleased to welcome Hereward Harmony a fantastic barbershop choir at 2:20pm.
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We are pleased to support the St Georges Fayre and will be open on the day We provide treatment for many foot problems, plus relaxing Reflexology, Reiki, Sports & Remedial massage therapy, Counselling services, plus Yoga and Tai Chi classes. Please call in and see us for more information.
March Podiatry Practice Ltd. 47 - 49 High St, March, PE15 9JJ 01354 651200 www.marchpodiatry.co.uk
ÂŁ5.00 off your first Chiropody appointment with Jacky Find us on Facebook. Bring this advert with you to receive your special offer.
Itinery of Times
Market Place
Art Exhibition - Start
10:00 10:20
Parade from Broad Street
10:40
Marching Band
11:00
Official Opening
11:20
Burrowmoor
11:40
20 Twenty Youth Arts
12:00
Westwood
12:20
Marching Band
12:40
Pig Dyke Molly
13:00
Ely & Littleport Riot
13:20
Gifford
13:40
Pig Dyke Molly
14:00
20 Twenty Youth Arts
14:20
Gifford
14:40
Hereward Harmony
15:00
Luci Collins
15:20
MADAOS
15:40
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Town Hall Skoulding Suit
Children’s Craft Activitie
Art Exhibition - Closes
Hall g Suite
St Peter’s Church
George’s Stages
on - Start
t Activities
142 Band
Songs of Praise Christian Smith
Tours of the Tower - Start Mind the Gap Children’s Messy Play and Games Bondy
Whiskey Twist
n - Closes Derecho Defused
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35 High Street, March 01354 652173
John Abbott sponsored Art Business Frontage Competition Competition 2015 March Chamber of Commerce is John has been involved in organising the St George’s Fayre day from 2009. He introduced the sponsored art competition to try to encourage young artists to get involved and this quickly grew to encompass people of all ages who enjoy creating visual art in all its forms and he is hopeful that this will continue for many years to come. This year, the theme of the ‘free to enter’ art competition will be ‘Spirit of the Fens’ with artists being invited to submit entries in a variety of media including; drawing, painting, sculpture, carving, collage etc. and the subject must celebrate the Fens in some form. Photography is included as a separate category. This year, with the kind help and support of 20Twenty Productions the competition will be staged in the Skoulding Suite at March Town Hall 10am - 3pm. For more information call: John on 01354 652653 or Katherine on 01354 652769
Duck Race:
Don’t ‘duck’ out of the fayre too early or you’ll miss the annual duck race from the town bridge at 3pm. Ducks cost £1 per entry and can be purchased on the day from the scouts on the Town bridge. There will be a £50 cash prize for the first duck across the finish line. Fund raised are in aid of the 1st March Scout Group Reg. Charity 300719. Scouting offers outdoor challenges, activities and fun for boys and girls from 6 – 18. To find out more please contact John Lattimore on: 07837 11 7760.
supporting the Fayre this year by encouraging March businesses to decorate their shop windows and frontages in keeping with St George’s Day.
There will be a much converted trophy up for grabs so now’s the time to get creative and adorn the town centre ready for 26th April. If you would like to enter please contact Debbie Buck 01354 661127, mail@ marchchamber.org.uk, deadline for entries April 24th.
Fancy Dress: This year’s theme will be
Knights and Royals. Come and find Princess Fiona at the Skoulding Suite at the Town Hall judging will be at 11:30am. There will be a prize for the best dressed boy and girl in the following categories
Under 5s 5 to 12s Teenagers 13 to 17s Big Kids 18 over
The costume should be child friendly, so no provocative costumes please.
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Knight School: Come along to the library
area and sign up for Knight School. Find out what it really takes to be a medieval knight! Squires will be put through their paces as they prove themselves worthy to learn the way of the sword, trying on armour and learning real sword fighting techniques before being put to the test! Those who complete their training will be knighted and presented with a certificate. Watch out you may need to help St George slay the dragon.
Circus Skills: Come and
join the Party Workshops Family Circus at the library mound, where the star of the show is YOU! Try your hands at juggling, your feet at unicycling or even your nerves on our tight wire walk! With many more skills to have a go at, all ages are welcome! From budding clowns to advanced performers, our friendly staff will help you fit right in! So come along and see what you can do!
Treat your taste buds: There will Birds of Prey: Are you an animal lover? be plenty of delicious food on offer from the bustling street market including speciality cheeses, artisan breads, homemade preserves, traditional sweets, sloe gin and ales and much more! Why not treat yourself to hog roast or a venison burger and top it off with an indulgent desert. There will be plenty for everyone to sample throughout the day and take home too.
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If so visit the library area during the Fayre for your chance to hold a bird of prey. Jeff has reared some of the birds for over 20 years and continues to be a popular attraction.
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Fox Narrow boat trips:
Hop on board the March Adventure with Fox Narrowboats qualified skipper. Enjoy a half hour trip along the Nene departing from the town bridge every half hour, first voyage sets sale at 10:30am from the March Town Bridge on the Middle Level Navigations £3 per person advanced booking accepted 01354 652770. All proceeds to the British Heart Foundation.
Vintage Fire Engine:
Try on the junior fire kit and have your picture taken sitting on the fire engine which this year will be 84 years old on 4th July 2015. Discover the history of the fire engine and its service to the Borough of Wisbech and surrounding villages from 1932 – 1963. Vivien took part in the Historic Commercial Vehicle London to Brighton Run in 2004/2011 coming third in the Concours d’Elegance with ‘Best in Show’ at the 2007 & 2008 Trans Pennine Road Run. If you like what you see then please make a donation to our non- profitmaking charity which helps with the upkeep of this fine machine.
Punch and Judy:
Visit Uncle Mick in the library gardens at 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Mick has been professionally entertaining children for over 30 years starting his career on the beach in Morecombe in 1982. On returning to his home town of Peterborough, he then spent the next 20 summer seasons on the beach at Hunstanton. In 1984 he increased his entertainment to include a magic show, ventriloquism and a mini disco, attending children’s parties, playgroups and family events. He also started a mini funfair with trampolines, traditional Victorian swing boats, roundabouts and bouncy castles, which he has worked at fetes and corporate events nationwide. Watch out for Mick he will be ringing a bell as the show is about to begin. It’s a free show, YES FREE, so don’t miss it “That’s the way to do it Mr Punch.”
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J.H. Betts
Family Butcher
78 Station Road, March
Your Local, Family Butcher * Now selling produce ready for the BBQ Season * * Try our Award-winning Sausages * * Pop in today, Our staff are on hand to help you find the best produce *
J.H. BETTS Family Butchers 78 Station Road, March. PE15 8NN. Tel: 01354 653192