Fenland Heritage Weekend 6th - 9th September 2012 Explore Fenland’s History - FREE!
CONTENTS A warm welcome to the 2012 Fenland Heritage Weekend! Fenland is very pleased to be taking part in this national event and this year there are even more properties and activities to enjoy from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th September. Browse through this brochure and see what Fenland has to offer! Take a look also at the back page where you will find activities that, although not strictly part of Heritage Open Days, are still a fantastic way to spend your time right on your own doorstep. Many thanks to the organisers at all the properties, who are investing their own time and effort to make the Heritage Weekend a success. Please do remember that they reserve the right to vary or cancel their programme due to circumstances beyond their control and it is advisable, where possible, to contact individual properties for last minute information.
Property / Event A Bygone Look at Chatteris
Days Open Fri
A Look At West End March, Past and Present (Walk) A Stroll Around Hive End, Chatteris
7 Sat
3
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
7
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
Chatteris Red Telephone Box
Thu Fri
Sat
Council Chamber, Wisbech
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
8
Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Museum
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
11
Fenland Family History Society
Thu Fri
Sat Sat
Sun
9
Sat
Sun
5
Sat
Sun
10
All Saints’ Church, Walsoken Centenray Baptist Church, March
Thu
Friends Meeting House, Wisbech Georges Public House, March
Thu Fri
Guyhirn Chapel of Ease March Library hosts The March Society & More
Thu Fri
Sat
March Railway Station
Sat
4 Sun
Sat
Old London Road, March (Walk) Peckover House
Sun
10
Sun
10
Sun
4
Sat
Sun
8 11
The Rose and Crown Hotel, Wisbech
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
The Ship Inn, March
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
St Peter’s Church, March
Thu Fri
Sat
St Wendreda’s Church, March
Thu Fri
Trinity Church, March
Thu Fri
Vivien, the Fire Engine Wisbech and Fenland Museum
Thu Fri
4 3 5
Sat Thu Fri
7
9
Fri
Octavia Hill Birthplace House, Wisbech Octavia View, Wisbech (Art Exhibition)
6 Sun
Sat
March Museum March Waste Transfer Station
5 6 6
Sat
Sun
3
Sat
Sun
8
Sat
9
Wisbech Castle
Sat
9
Wisbech Court House
Sat
Wisbech General Cemetery Wisbech Masonic Lodges Wisbech Social Club & Institute Young People March
11 Sun
Wisbech Grammar School
2
Page
Fri
10
Sun
8
Sat
Sun
11
Sat
Sun
9 5
MARCH March was once an island surrounded by marshes. As the land was drained and made more fertile the town grew and prospered. Today March is a busy market town on the course of the old River Nene which winds its way through the town centre, past the park and pretty riverside gardens. The river is often busy with colourful boats cruising the Fenland waterways. This stretch of river is part of the Nene-Ouse Navigation Link which joins the River Nene at Peterborough with the River Ouse at Denver. The town centre has an unusual Broad Street lined with shops and headed by an elaborate ‘Fountain’ which was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V and which celebrates its Centenary this year. South of the town the medieval Church of St Wendreda has a stunning double hammerbeam roof with 120 carved angels which is said to be ‘worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind to see’.
Trinity Church, Methodist/United Reformed High Street, March, PE15 9LH
www.eamethodist.org.uk/churches.php?MarchTrinity Built in the late 19th Century to replace the small St.Paul’s Methodist Chapel in Gas Road. Trinity Church will have a display of photographs showing the development work that was carried out during the late 1980s to convert what was then St Paul's Methodist Church into what became Trinity Church, by the joining together of three churches in the town - St Paul's, The United Reformed Church and The Primitive Methodist. There will also be tours on Friday and Saturday. Thursday 6th Friday 7th Saturday 8th Sunday 9th
Open 10.00am - 2.30pm Open 10.00am - 2.30pm, Tours at 10.00am and 2.00pm Open 10.00am - 2.30pm, Tours at 10.00am and 2.00pm Open 10.00am - 12.30pm for normal Sunday service
March Railway Station Station Approach, Station Road, March, PE15 8SJ The railway first came to March on December 10th 1846 and was open to the public in January 1847. The platforms were opened on November 23rd 1885. The Friends of March Station group was formed in August 2009 to rejuvenate the disused side of the station. The plans are to bring the centre rooms back into use as a small meeting room, railway museum, and art gallery. The Heritage Weekend Open Day will include a number of railway related displays. For more information please see the Friends of March Railway Station website http://www.fomrs.org.uk. Saturday 8th 10.00am - 3.00pm
A Look at West End March, Past and Present Guided Walks led by Andrew Clarke, Secretary of the March Society. Meet behind Barclays Bank, 2 Broad Street, March, PE15 8TQ. These will be gentle walks and will take a maximum of 40 minutes. Ideal size of group 15, but no need to book, just turn up on the day. Saturday 8th
Walks at 10.00am and 2.00pm 3
March Museum High Street, March, PE15 9JJ
01354 655300
www.marchmuseum.co.uk
March & District Museum was erected in 1851 by March Consolidated Charities as a girls' grammar school to be known as the South District Girls' School. It was one of three Carr stone buildings in the town, probably built by Morton Peto who was involved in the building of the March Railway. The building closed as a school in 1975 and in 1976 the premises were purchased by March Town Council to be used as a Museum and was opened as such in 1977. To celebrate 2012's Heritage Open Days, in addition to the usual Saturday weekend opening the Museum will also be open on the Sunday. Special attractions will include a drawing competition for children and young people up to the age of 16 and will be judged at 3.30pm by Deputy Mayor, Andrew Pugh. The drawings should be of a building, monument or item of local historical importance and found in the March area. Please bring your drawings along with a short description of why the item drawn is of such interest to you, to the Museum on Sunday 9th from 10.30am. Last entries will be accepted at 2.30pm. Please attend the Museum at 3.30pm for the Deputy Mayor's Announcement of the winner. Mrs Edna Stacey will also be conducting one of her ever popular town walks that are always thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved and a great deal is learned too. Please see below for details. Further information of events and items of interest can be found at our website, www.marchmuseum.co.uk Saturday 8th, 10.30am – 4.00pm Sunday 9th, 10.30am - 4.00pm
Bring your competition entries by 2.30pm, judging at 3.30pm
Old London Road - A Guided Walk Meet outside March Museum, High Street, March, PE15 9JJ Take a walk into March history with Edna Stacey, Museum archivist and local historian. Meet outside March Museum, no need to book in advance. Walk lasts approx 1½ hrs. Sunday 9th September 2.00pm
The March Society and more at March Library March Library, City Road, March, PE15 9LT For Heritage Weekend, The March Society will be at March Library with a display entitled 'Photographs of Buildings of Local Interest in March'. In addition, the library will be hosting displays from a number of community groups on Saturday 8th September, including The March Society, The Friends of March Railways Station and Shape Your Place. Young People from the Atelier East Young Curators Forum will be there and are inviting local people to share their memories and photos with them, to form part of a new archive for Fenland and go towards a HLF funded touring exhibition. Please bring local photos, press cuttings, stories and memories to share! Thursday 6th Friday 7th Saturday 8th 4
Library open 9.30am - 7.00pm Library open 9.30am - 5.00pm Library open 9.30am - 4.00pm, Community Group Displays 10.00am - 3.00pm
The Ship Inn Nene Parade, March, PE15 8TD
01354 656999
The Ship Inn is a Grade II listed building believed to be from the 17th century or earlier and has been recently refurbished. It is a timber-framed building with an overhanging upper storey, thatched roof and ornately carved beams. There was a prison underground which has been filled in. For Heritage Weekend there will be a special display of photos and information about the history of The Ship over the last 150 years. Visitors are invited to drop in at their leisure during normal opening times. Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th, normal opening times
March Waste Transfer Station Melbourne Avenue, March, PE15 0EN Interested in the local environment? Want to know where your rubbish goes once Fenland District Council collects it? Then this is your chance. This is a working site with vehicles and plant moving. High visibility jackets and hard hats will be provided and only members of the public wearing stout shoes or boots will be allowed on the site. No sandals. No Under 9’s. Under 14’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum number for tour 15. Tours organised by Andrew Clarke of The March Society. Please book online at website www.themarchsociety.org.uk. Friday 7th
Tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm Please book as detailed above.
George’s Public House 61 High Street, March, PE15 9JJ www.georges-march.co.uk The George was a traditional public house in March's High Street with records back to at least 1830. For the Heritage Open Days event Georges will have a special display of information and photographs. Visitors are welcome to drop in during normal opening times. Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th, normal opening times
Young People March The Centre, City Road, March, PE15 9LS
www.ypm.org.uk
Young People March (YPM) is a voluntary organisation which was established in 1993, achieving charitable status in 1994 and which became a Limited Company in 2009. The centre is run with help from adults, and young people who volunteer, bringing a wide range of skills from the local community. Our goal is to provide a safe and cared for environment in which ALL young people of the area can access positive experiences to enrich and smooth their successful transition from child to adulthood. We work hard to offer opportunities and guidance that will enhance and structure young people’s education, training, employment and social lives so that they are better equipped to take an active role in all aspects of their community. For Heritage Weekend we will have a display depicting the history of YPM. Friday 7th
11.00am - 1.00pm 5
St Wendreda’s Church Wimblington Road, March, PE16 9QW
www.stwendreda.co.uk
St Wendreda's Church is the only Grade One Listed building in the town. Almost certainly the current church is built on the site of an earlier Saxon timber church. Wendreda was a daughter of the Saxon King Anna and, in the 7th century, established a mission on the site to minister to the poor and needy. The church was enlarged in the 1340's to house the shrine of the relics of St. Wendreda, and became a place of pilgrimage. The great glory of Saint Wendreda's Church, for which it receives world renown, is its ancient double-hammer beamed roof built between 1470 and 1520, which is adorned with 118 carved Angels, making it almost unique. Guided Tours from the Church Hall, adjacent to the church. Thursday 6th Friday 7th
Tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm Tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm
St.Peter’s Church High Street, March, PE15 9JR
www.stpeterschurchmarch.btck.co.uk
St Peter's church dates from 1881. The clock is believed to date from the late 17th century and to be the oldest working mechanical object in March, made without bolt or screw. It was erected in the old Market buildings in 1832 and when the buildings were demolished in 1898, the clock was given to St Peter's church by Mr George Sharman. The bell was made in 1832 in Downham Market and weighed five hundred-weight. Tours of the bell tower take place over the Heritage Open Days Weekend. People should be aware that there is a spiral staircase with over 50 steps, so is only suitable for the reasonably fit and is undertaken entirely at one's own risk. Maximum of 6 people per tour. The church will also host a display of photographs of the restoration of St Mary's Church, March. Thursday 6th and Friday 7th
Church open 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tours 12 noon to 2.00pm, by appointment - Please email info@themarchsociety.org.uk
Saturday 8th
Church open 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tours every hour on the hour between 11.00am and 3.00pm. No need to book for Saturday
Centenary Baptist Church High Street, March, PE15 9LB The Centenary Baptist Church in its elevated position was the site of the towns first non-conformist church built in 1799. In 1870 in was demolished and a new one built. In 1959 it was gutted by a fire and rebuilt yet again. The Church will have a display information on the history of the church and have people who can answer questions regarding the same. There will also be guides available to show visitors around the building. Thursday 6th
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1.00pm - 3.00pm
CHATTERIS Chatteris would have been a seaside town in Neolithic times, it perched on the edge of a vast tract of salt marshes, with the sea just to the east. The town we see today grew around the abbey of St Mary from around 1010. A market place formed in front of the abbey and streets evolved to connect the abbey to the other settlements in the Fens. Although there is little sign of the abbey remaining, Chatteris is still well connected and is an ideal base for touring the Fens and south Cambridgeshire. The events here have been organised by the Chatteris Community Archive and Chatteris Museum. Go to www.ccan.co.uk for more memories of Chatteris.
A Bygone Look at Chatteris Vermuyden Room, Chatteris Library, 2 Furrowfields Road, PE16 6DY Come along to this slide show organised by the Chatteris Community Archive and enjoy what will be a fascinating look at how Chatteris has changed over the years. No need to book - first come first served to get a seat! Maximum of 30 viewers. Friday 7th
2.30pm
The Garage on Chatteris High Street, early 1960s
A Stroll Around Hive End Organised by Chatteris Community Archive and Chatteris Museum A trail around Hive End area of Chatteris exploring the scene of the great Chatteris Fire, discovering the origins of many of the place names on route such as Salem court or Clare Street, finding out what potatoes have got to do with charitable giving and how a terrace of cottages got their songbird name. Follow the trail and make walking the dog a little more interesting. Pick up a leaflet from Chatteris Museum in Church Lane or from the Library in Furrowfields Road (opening times below) and follow the trail in your own time. Thursday 6th Friday 7th Saturday 8th
Museum open 2.00 - 4.30pm; Library closed Library open 10.00am - 5.00pm; Museum closed Museum open 10.00am - 1.00pm; Library open 10.00am - 1.00pm
West Park Street, the start of the Stroll Around Hive End
Chatteris Red Telephone Box Wood Street, Chatteris Chatteris has its very own red telephone box adopted from BT, the last of the Gilbert Scott designed traditional red boxes left in public ownership on Wood Street in Chatteris. It no longer has a phone but has been restored and throughout Heritage Weekend it will have on display a number of photographs of the Town from the past. The photographs will be from the Chatteris Community archive and will be a varied selection of old class photos from King Edward School along with "then and now" views of the town. The telephone box is kept locked but the exhibition will be easily viewed through the panes of glass at all times. Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th 7
Available for viewing at all times
WISBECH Wisbech, the Capital of the Fens, is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture, a legacy from an era when the town was a booming trade centre. Stroll along the Brinks or round the Crescent to see some fine Georgian houses. A little further along North Brink is a completely different example of Georgian architecture. Elgoods Brewery was one of the first Georgian breweries to be built outside London and has stood almost unchanged for more than 200 years.
Council Chamber 1 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JQ The building was erected in 1811 as an Exchange Hall on a site previously occupied by The Nag’s Head public house. The upper rooms which comprise Wisbech Town Council Chamber and offices were originally a gentlemen’s club billiard room and newspaper room. They have been in use for Council business since 1836 and the passing of the Municipal Act when ‘the town was divided into two wards was denominated a borough and the homely Town Bailiff and Capital Burgesses were succeeded by a more aristocratic body of Mayor Aldermen and Councillors’. The Council Chamber is still a working building used for meetings of Wisbech Town Council. It houses many works of art, artefacts and official documents which reflect the civic history and accomplishments of Wisbech. Max 60 people allowed in the Chamber at any one time. Stairlift available. Thursday 6th & Friday 7th September Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
9.00am to 3.00pm 10.00am to 2.00pm
Vivien Fire Engine Trust "Vivien" the Leyland fire engine proudly served Wisbech from 1932 to 1963. Named after the Mayoress at the time, it was regarded as one of the most up-to-date fire engines in the district. It featured the distinctive “Borough of Wisbech Fire Brigade” lettering and the Borough of Wisbech armorial bearings on the side. Vivien will be parked outside the Council Chamber on North Brink and an exhibition will be on display in the Chamber. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th 10.00am to 2.00pm
Peckover House 15 North Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JR National Trust property with 2 acre garden. Saturday 8th Sunday 9th
12.00 noon – 5.00 pm, with last admission 4.30pm - free entry for Heritage Open Days. Normal entrance fees apply
Wisbech Grammar School North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX Wisbech Grammar School was founded in 1379 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity and is thus one of the oldest schools in the country. Its origins are enshrined in the school badge. For more than six hundred years the school has played its part in the life of the town, and its presence was the vital factor in the granting in 1549 of a Charter for Wisbech. The first scholars met in 1379 in a small room over the south porch of the Church of St Peter and St Paul. The school has occupied a number of sites in the town, but by 1898 it was located in premises on the South Brink of the River Nene. In 1905 Wisbech High School was established in Harecroft House on the North Brink, formerly a home of the Peckover family. The High School provided the same educational opportunities for girls that the Grammar School offered to boys. For sixty-five years the two schools developed along parallel lines and in 1970 they were amalgamated. The boys moved across the river to share extended premises on the North Brink, and the new school has continued to build upon the traditions of both former establishments. Sunday 9th 8
12.00 noon to 4.00pm
Friends Meeting House 21 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX Built in 1854, the Friends’ Meeting House replaced an earlier building in which local Quakers had worshipped since 1711. The plainness of this newer building, still in regular use, reflects something of the fundamental simplicity of the Quaker faith. It was built by Algernon Peckover, an amateur architect, it has behind it is a small graveyard where many members of the Peckover family are buried. Another grave is that of the reclusive Jane Stuart, an illegitimate daughter of James II, who came to live in Wisbech and died here in 1742, aged 88. As well as visiting the property, visitors are invited to attend and experience a Quaker worship meeting at 10.00am. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
Open 12.00 noon to 5.00pm
Wisbech Castle Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1ES Wisbech Castle is a Regency Villa built in 1816 together with the completion of houses in the Crescent, Union Place and Ely Place. It stands on the site of the Norman Castle of 1087, Bishop's Palace 1478 and Thurloes Mansion, 1656. The site was the starting point for the development of the town, with the Market Place being established just outside the original castle walls. There will be a Craft Fair and Farmers’ Market in the grounds and the re-enactment group “4 and 20 Blackbirds” will be recreating life in a Victorian household. Saturday 8th September
10.00am – 4.00pm
Wisbech & Fenland Museum Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1DT Wisbech & Fenland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United Kingdom. It is very unusual because it is not only a museum, but also home to two historic libraries and a substantial archive, holding diocesan and borough items. Come and discover a treasure house of rare and unusual artefacts, illuminating history, both local and worldwide, recent and ancient. There will also be a Heritage Weekend Drop-In Workshop on the Saturday which will cost 50p per child. The Victorian Activities include dressing up in Victorian costumes, handling artefacts, crafts, trails and word searches. Children under the age of 10 to be accompanied by a responsible adult Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th Drop-In Workshop Saturday 8th September
10.00am – 4.00pm 10.30am - 2.30pm (50p charge)
Wisbech Social Club and Institute Hill Street, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1AP A movement for a working men's club started in 1863, the parent body being the Young Men's Total Abstinence Society. Its first headquarters were in hired rooms in Upper Hill Street, but in 1867 the club moved to its existing premises at Alfred House, Lower Hill Street. This building has numerous rooms and passageways and a landmark Clock Tower. An exhibition of photographs from the Lilian Ream archive will be on display. Any tours of the building will be in controlled groups. Charge of £2 per person for tours. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
11.00am – 4.00pm
Fenland Family History Society Wisbech Library, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1EU Thursday 6th 1.30pm – 4.30pm Local and Family History Explored: Speaker Bill Smith Friday 7th 10.00am – 4.30pm Friday morning: experienced researchers offering help and advice on researching your family history Friday afternoon: speaker Brian Jones Researching family and local history through Newspapers Saturday 8th 10.00am – 4.30pm Saturday morning: Research for Children Saturday afternoon: Experienced Researchers offering help and advice on researching family history. 9
Octavia Hill Birthplace House 7 South Brink, PE13 1JB The life and work of Octavia Hill is documented in Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House. Saturday 8th Sunday 9th
11.30am - 4.30pm, Last admission 4pm - free entry for HODs. Normal entrance fees apply
Octavia View 10a - 14 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JQ Art exhibition by a local artist Helen Breach www.helenbreach.com Artist in Residence at the College of West Anglia. Living just a stone's throw from the ruins of the Norman Cluniac Priory at castle Acre Helen finds the ancient monument a constant spur to her imagination. As well as portraits in charcoal, pastel or oils, Helen enjoys the challenge of commissions for site-specific works whether themed or of a particular subject or colour configuration. Large public car park on Somers Road opposite entrance to Octavia View. Thursday 6th, Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
9.00am – 5.00pm
Wisbech General Cemetery North End, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1PE Set up in 1836 primarily as a cemetery for non-conformists. The land was purchased from one of the leading nonconformists of the day, Mr Joshua Bland, and over the next 100 years many prominent citizens of Wisbech were buried here. Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery will be on hand with maps and lists of names if anyone is interested in family research. Sunday 9th
10.00am – 4.00pm, Guided Walk at 2.00pm
Guyhirn Chapel of Ease High Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 4EF Also known as Guyhirn Old Church or Guyhirn Puritan Chapel, the Chapel of Ease is a plain, finely proportioned, small rectangular building constructed partly of brick and partly of Barnack stone. Both its exterior appearance and the austerity of its internal arrangements, with the original narrow wooden pews to prevent kneeling still in place, proclaim the building's Puritan origin. It was in fact designed at the end of the Cromwellian Commonwealth, when the Puritan mode of worship was the accepted one, but by the time construction was completed in 1660, the Restoration had come and Anglicanism had resumed its place as the official (and only legal) form of English religious observance. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September 10.00am – 3.00pm Heritage Service at 2.30pm on Sunday 9 September - all welcome.
All Saints' Church Church Road, Walsoken, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3RA All Saints has been a centre of worship since 1146. Situated exactly 1 mile from the centre of Wisbech, the church has been described as 'The grandest Norman parish church in Norfolk'. Talks by Peter Wadlow, Churchwarden, during the weekend. All welcome to attend Sunday service.
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Friday 7th
10.00am – 12.00 noon
Coffee morning - bring & buy, raffle, refreshments
Saturday 8th
10.00am – 4.00pm
including at 11.00am and 3.00pm talk by Church Warden, Peter Wadlow entitled 'Treasures of All Saints'
Sunday 9th
1.30am - 4.00pm
including Sunday Service at 10.30am Walk and talk in the churchyard at 3.00pm by Church Warden, Peter Wadlow.
The Rose and Crown Hotel 23-24 Market Place, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1DG, 01945 589800, www.theroseandcrownhotel.com The Rose and Crown Hotel, the oldest surviving hotel in Wisbech stands proudly overlooking the Market Place in the heart of the town centre. Originally a principal coaching Inn it started life back in the 15th Century, a historic reminder of Wisbech’s importance as a commercial centre and the Capital of the Fens. The newly refurbished hotel exudes a refined, relaxed charm that will put you at ease with its warmth and welcome. The hotel offers 26 individually styled bedrooms, along with exceptional dining facilities to suit all occasions and with 3 elegant function rooms is the perfect venue for conferencing, weddings and private functions. Do come and enjoy the charm and hospitality in this character hotel. The public areas will be open over the Heritage Weekend and a conducted tour will take place at 11.00am each morning. . (Cellars will not been open for viewing). Due to the unique characteristics of this listed building caution should be taken when walking through the hotel. Open on 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th September. Conducted Tour at 11.00am each day Please congregate in the hotel reception for the tour – pre booking is advisable, telephone 01945 589800.
Wisbech Masonic Lodges The Crescent, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1EH A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, opened in 1803, and now a Masonic Temple. A rare opportunity to view the interior of this Georgian building, along with a display of regalia. Members of the Lodge will be available to show visitors around the premises and answer questions. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th
10.00am – 4.00pm
Wisbech Court House Lynn Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3DE This building, now closed as a working Court House, has a main court room which is the most striking feature of the whole building, combining the necessary dignified atmosphere with a light and airy spaciousness. It is a typical 1950s style court room, designed to accommodate a Crown Court with jury. There is half height wooden panelling to all walls, with bench seating in maroon Vyanide Dunlopillo cushioning and seven magistrates’ chairs in matching fabric. The furniture and panelling is of Slavonian Oak which was originally polished with white wax. Many of the doors have an ornate frame. A new, secure, dock has been constructed with the same, or similar, wooden frame in a modern style which blends well with the old. The exterior was designed in the Georgian manner to harmonise with the character of the town centre, and in particular with the Brinks. External facing bricks are extensively used. The plinth,window surrounds, frieze, cornice and decorative stonework to the entrance doorways are constructed in natural Portland Stone. Saturday 8th
10.00am -4.00pm
Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum Old Lynn Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 7DA Fenland & West Norfolk Aircraft Preservation Society is responsible for setting up the museum and was formed in the mid 1970s. The museum holds many interesting collections of aviation archaeology. All the exhibits (except the aircraft) are housed in purpose built premises comprising of three large themed halls, with interactive displays, well lit cabinets and structured themes. The museum is situated within the Bambers Garden & Leisure Complex on the B198 just outside Wisbech. Brown tourist signs can be followed fom the A47 and the B198. Car parking available on Bambers Leisure site. Thursday 6th & Friday 7th Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th
10.00am – 4.00pm 9.30am – 5.00pm 11
OTHER EVENTS As well as the Heritage Open Days, other local events and activities over the weekend include............... Whittlesey Festival, Sunday 9th September Whittlesey sits on the very western edge of the Fens, close to the cathedral city of Peterborough. The town has an interesting maze of streets with a mix of architecture spanning several centuries. The Buttercross in the Market Place is one of the most striking buildings and a reminder of Whittlesey’s rich trading and agricultural history. Whittlesey has two beautiful churches, both close to the town centre. The Church of St Mary is famous for its glorious spire supported on elegant flying buttresses from the massive tower below. The Church of St Andrew is less grand but has the light airy feel that is typical of many East Anglian churches.
The Buttercross
The Whittlesey Festival coincides with Heritage Weekend, being held on Sunday 9th September. A fantastic family day out, including a classic car show, dancing and entertainers, stalls, fairground rides and more.
© Jim Linwood, www.flickr.com/people/brighton
Sunday 9th
10.00am - 4.00pm
Merchants’ Trail, Wisbech Wisbech has many more interesting examples of architectural, cultural and social interest. Walk around and take in the beauty of the Brinks, the wealth of Georgian properties and other sites of interest. Throughout Wisbech you may see numbered plaques set into the pavement. These identify the Wisbech Merchants Trail. For full details see www.strideguides.com/Wisbech where you can download an audio guide for your iPod or MP3 player and a map of the route.
National Bandstand Marathon, Sunday 9th September This summer Fenland has three bandstands involved in the National Bandstand Marathon which is bringing live music performances to bandstands across the UK in one of the final events of the Cultural Olympiad. Simultaneous concerts will be held at Bandstands around the country on this, the closing day of the Paralympics and London 2012. March March Brass 2000 will be performing in the Bandstand in West End Park 2.00 - 4.00pm. Bring a chair or blanket and come along to enjoy the music. If wet, the concert will be held in Trinity Church. Chatteris Chatteris Town Band, currently celebrating 130 years of performing, will be playing in the town bandstand in Market Hill 2.00 - 4.00pm. If wet, the concert will be held in the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Wisbech The Wississippi Jazzmen perform in the Wisbech Bandstand in the Town Park, Lynn Road from 2.30 - 4.00pm. The Wisbech Bandstand was erected in 1908 and is a Grade II Listed building. Bring a chair or blanket and come along to enjoy the music. Booklet published by www.paradigmpublishing.co.uk
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