Fenland Heritage Weekend 2013 by Paradigm Publishing

Fenland Heritage Open Days 12th - 15th September 2013

Welcome to the Fenland Heritage Weekend! Once again, Fenland is pleased to take part in the national Heritage Open Days event which celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year for four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. Heritage Open Days is a national event, managed by the Heritage Open Days National Partnership and funded by English Heritage and, since its inception in 1994, has developed into Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event. At a local level, here in Fenland, the event is organised by Wisbech Town Council, Fenland District Council and The March Society. The managers of the buildings taking part and the events organised give up their time voluntarily to ensure that Fenland is represented so strongly and we would like to thank them for this. Throughout this book you will find details of the Fenland properties taking part and the events taking place in Chatteris, March and Wisbech. Browse through to see what takes your interest - there’s a lot to choose from! You can also access all this information via the Heritage Open Days website at www.heritageopendays.org.uk. Towards the back of the book you will find information about extra events which are not official Heritage Open Days events but which are happening at the same time, such as the Whittlesey Festival on Sunday 15th September, now in its sixth year and more popular than ever.

Contents Chatteris Page 2 March Page 2 - 8 Wisbech Page 8 - 14 Other Activities, including Whittlesey Festival Page 15 - 16

Have a wonderful time! PLEASE NOTE: All details included in this book were correct at time of going to press. Events and times are sometimes liable to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

Want to take part in 2014? If you would like to be involved in the Heritage Open Days event in 2014, please get in touch! Contacts: Wisbech and surrounding areas: Susanah Farmer, Wisbech Town Council, wisbechtc@aol.com 01945 461333 March: Jennifer Lawler, The March Society info@themarchsociety.org.uk www.themarchsociety.org.uk Chatteris, Whittlesey and villages: Vicki Whittingstall, Fenland District Council tourism@fenland.gov.uk 01354 654321 Or go to www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

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Chatteris Chatteris Red Telephone Box Wood Street, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire Chatteris has its very own red telephone box adopted from BT, one of the last of the Gilbert Scott designed traditional red boxes left in public ownership, on Wood Street in Chatteris. The telephone box will be displaying “History on a Postcard”, the history of the phone box on display in photographs. People will be able to view the photographs at any time during daylight hours.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: Daylight hours Friday 13th September: Daylight hours Saturday 14th September: Daylight hours Sunday 15th September: Daylight hours

Additional Information Also why not pick up a leaflet in the Chatteris library or Chatteris Museum for a do it yourself walk around the town, Using our leaflets you will be able to learn about the little known areas of Chatteris looking at some of the interesting buildings and old characters in the area from times gone by. Organised by Chatteris Community Archive

chatteris.ccan.co.uk

March ‘A Husk of Hares’ at March & District Museum High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JJ A group of hares is called a husk, which like most collective nouns has no logical basis. This is an exhibition celebrating the hare and the environment of the Fens where the flat open fields make them a common sight. Photographer Roger Coleman, writer Sue Welfare and artist John Wiltshire have combined their talents to create sights and sounds to remind us of the life, folklore and habitat of hares. Witches were believed to turn themselves into hares and in that guise would steal milk from cows. The only way to kill a witch hare was to shoot it with a silver bullet. March has a historic connection with hares, it is the nickname of March Town Football club and during the Second World War a group of ladies formed the March Hares entertainment group.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.30 - 3.30 Organised by March & District Museum

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March A Walk Along Station Road, March Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8SQ Guided walks led by Andrew Clarke, Secretary of the March Society, focussing on architectural details of the buildings along Station Road. These will be gentle walks and will take about 1 hour. There is no rough walking and the ground is paved and flat. Ideal size of group is 15, but no need to book, just turn up on the day. Open to any age provided they can cope with the distance but children should be accompanied by an adult.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: Walk at 10.00 & 2.00

Additional Information Max 15 people per walk. No dogs. No booking required. The walks will start at the town side of the station outside The Plate and Porter Restaurant (210 Station Road). Norfolk Green Bus No 56 departs from outside Barclays Bank in March town at 9.55am and 1.55pm and goes to the Plate and Porter - press bell to alight. Walks will start when the bus has arrived. Organised by The March Society

www.themarchsociety.org

Georges 61 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JJ A Public House that dates back to the 1830s, Georges, or The George Inn as it was called, also had an adjoining baker and butchers. In the past it was the centre of the community that was known as Little London, an area heavily populated and invested with disease and vermin.The Public House looked out over an open sewer known as the Hythe and although this was bricked over in the late 1800s it still exists under Georges front beer garden. During Heritage Weekend, staff from Georges will be dressing up in 1800s clothing and will be displaying plans and a layout of how the property used to look.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 8.00am - 11.00pm Friday 13th September: 8.00am - midnight Saturday 14th September: 8.00am - midnight Sunday 15th September: 8.00am - 11.00pm Organised by Georges

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www.georges-march.co.uk

March Centenary Baptist Church High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LB The Centenary Baptist Church in its elevated position was the site of the town’s first nonconformist 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 of information on the history of the church. Church members will be available to answer questions and show visitors around the building, including the famous stalactites under the steps!

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 11.00 - 2.00

Additional Information Pre-booking not required for Thursday 12th Sept between 11.00 and 2.00. To arrange another day or time contact Debbie Goddard on 07539 010770 or debbiemgoddard@btinternet.com. Organised by Centenary Church

The Ship Inn Nene Parade, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8TD The Ship Inn is a Grade II listed building believed to be from the 17th century or earlier. It is a timber framed building with an overhanging upper story, thatched roof and ornately carved beams. There was a prison underground, which has been filled in. There will be a special display of photos and information about the history of The Ship over the last 150 years.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 12.00 midday - 11.00pm Friday 13th September: 12.00 midday - 11.00pm Saturday 14th September: 12.00 midday - 11.00pm Sunday 15th September: 12.00 midday - 11.00pm Organised by The Ship Inn

“The Old Village Green” Walk into March’s History Starting at March Market Place, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JF Take a trip into the March of the past before the railway came with Edna Stacey, former archivist to March Museum and local historian. Edna will be investigating “The Old Village Green” - the area around Broad Street. Meet in March Market Place, no need to book in advance. Walk lasts approx 1.5 hrs.

Opening Times Sunday 15th September: Walk starts at 2.15

Additional Information No booking required, just turn up.

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March St Peter’s Church Tower Tours High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JR 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 at one’s own risk. The church will also host a display of photographs of the restoration of St Mary’s Church, March.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: Open 9.00 - 5.00; Tours midday - 2.00 Friday 13th September: Open 9.00 - 5.00; Tours midday - 2.00 Saturday 14th September: Open 9.00 - 5.00; Tours at 11.00, 12.00, 1.00, 2.00 & 3.00

Additional Information No booking required, but maximum of 15 people per tour. Organised by St Peter’s Church and The March Society

From the Age of Steam to the Age of Water Voles Guided Walk through Ring’s End Nature Reserve,Twenty Foot Road, March, Cambs Rings End Nature Reserve, which is located on the section of disused rail track, from the Twenty Foot road to the village of Rings End. Many of these old railway lines have become havens for wildlife and people and have led to it being declared a local nature reserve. On this section a lot of the old railway furniture is still obvious and therefore this walk will explore how the historic industrial use of the site, now created a habitat for a variety of wildlife; including the rare and elusive water vole. The walk will be suitable for children, but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 6.30 - 8.00

Search for ‘Friends of Rings End Nature Reserve’

Additional Information The walk will start from the Nature Reserve car park, which is situated on the Twenty Foot Road, PE15 0BE. Access to the main part of the site is accessible for wheelchairs/pushchairs Organised by Friends of Rings End Nature Reserve

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March Amey Cespa March Waste Transfer Station Melbourne Avenue, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0EN The visit gives an insight to what happens to domestic waste collected in the March area,recycling and environmental concerns and is led by a member of Amey Cespa’s staff. This is a working site with vehicles and plant moving. High visibility jackets and hard hats will be provided. Participants must wear stout shoes or boots. No children.

Opening Times Friday 13th September: Tours at 9.30 & 11.30

Booking Details Maximum of 15 people per tour. Places must be booked on The March Society’s website www.themarchsociety.org Organised by The March Society

Fossils Galore 60 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LD Fossils Galore will be displaying Jurassic finds from the local area as well as having the brand new discovery of a Late Georgian early Victorian Ice House on display to the public. There will also be free Fossil Handling by Jamie Jordan the local Fossil Expert as well as free identification of any fossils that are brought in. There will be a range of activities for families to do, including Fossil Hunting in the sand pit, Gold Panning, Dinosaur Colouring, Dinosaur Hunt, Geode Breaking and much more.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 10.00 - 5.00 Friday 13th September: 10.00 - 5.00 Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 5.00 Sunday 15th September: 11.00 - 4.00 Organised by Fossils Galore

www.fossilsgalore.com

Display on March’s Heritage in the Library March Library, City Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LT A display on March’s Heritage by The March Society, hosted by March Library. The display will be on from Monday 9th September, through to and including Heritage Weekend.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 9.30 - 7.00 Friday 13th September: 9.30 - 5.00 Saturday 14th September: 9.30 - 4.00 Organised by The March Society

www.themarchsociety.org

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March St Wendreda’s Church:Tour Wimblington Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9QW St Wendreda’s Church is the only Grade I 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 1340s to house the shrine of the relics of St Wendreda, translated from Canterbury Cathedral in 1343, and became a place of pilgrimage. The great glory of St Wendreda’s Church, for which it receives world renown, is its ancient double-hammer beamed roof, which is adorned with 118 carved Angels, making it almost unique. A wonderful example of the wood-carvers art, the roof was built between 1470 and 1520.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: Tours at 11.00 & 2.00 Friday 13th September: Tours at 11.00 & 2.00 Saturday 14th September: Tour at 2.00

Additional Information No booking required, just turn up

Wisbech 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. The Council Chamber houses many works of art, artefacts and official documents which reflect the civic history and accomplishments of Wisbech. The building has a stairlift.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 9.00 - 3.00 Friday 13th September: 9.00 - 3.00 Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 2.00 Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 2.00 www.wisbechtowncouncil.org.uk

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Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Wisbech Wisbech Grammar School North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX Founded in 1379 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity Wisbech Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in the country. 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 & St Paul. The school has occupied a number of sites in the town, by 1898 it was located in premises on the South Brink of the River Nene. Wisbech High School was established in 1905 and the two schools developed along © Wisbech Town Council parallel lines and were amalgamated in 1970.

Opening Times Sunday 15th September: 12.00 midday - 3.00 www.wgs.cambs.sch.uk

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Octavia View 10a-14 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JQ Homeless hostel, cafe and Hope Social Enterprise Shop - come in and see this significant building, especially the amazing ceiling.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 9.00 - 5.00 Friday 13th September: 9.00 - 5.00 Saturday 14th September: 9.00 - 5.00 Sunday 15th September: 9.00 - 5.00

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Vivien Fire Engine Trust 1 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR “Vivien” is a Leyland fire engine, which was proudly serving Wisbech from 1932 until 1963. Named after the Mayoress at the time,Vivien 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.

Opening Times © Wisbech Town Council

Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 2.00 Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 2.00 Organised by Wisbech Town Council

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Wisbech Octavia Hill Birthplace House

7 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JB Octavia Hill (1838-1912) was a woman ahead of her time. An artist and a radical, she was a pioneer of affordable housing and can be seen as the founder of modern social work. Her formidable achievements as an environmental and open space campaigner led to her co-founding the National Trust, which today protects over 300 historic properties and keeps 250,000 hectares of land open to all. Her life and work is documented in Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, a handsome Georgian house facing the river Nene.

Opening Times

Saturday 14th September: 11.30 - 4.30: last admission 4.00 Sunday 15th September: 11.30 - 4.30: last admission 4.00 *Normal admission charges apply Sunday Organised by Wisbech Town Council www.octaviahill.org

Wisbech Clocks In Action Octavia Hill Birthplace House, 7 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JB Illustrated talk from Roy Norman on Wisbech clocks and clockmakers

Opening Times Friday 13th September: 7.00pm

Organised by Octavia Hill Birthplace House

Fenland Family History Society Octavia Hill Birthplace House, 7 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JB Family history display in the foyer, and experienced researchers available to assist anyone wishing to research their family history.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 4.00 www.fenlandfhs.org.uk

Wisbech Social Club & Institute Tower Ballroom, Hill Street, Wisbech, PE13 1BA Photographic Exhibition plus tours of the building.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September 10.00 – 4.00 Sunday 15th September 11.00 - 4.00

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Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Wisbech Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum Old Lynn Road, West Walton, 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.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Friday 13th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Saturday 14th September: 9.30 - 5.00 Sunday 15th September: 9.30 - 5.00

ÂŠ Fenland Citizen - Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Preservation Society

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

14 North Brink 14 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR 14 North Brink is owned by the National Trust and is available as a holiday cottage to paying guests. However, for Heritage Open Days, we are opening up the property for visitors for free.Visitors will be able to look around this fascinating Georgian town house, recently restored to reflect a early 19th century decorative scheme. 14 North Brink is located next door to the National Trust property, Peckover House. Please note that there are stairs up to the entrance and throughout the house, with no wheelchair access.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 12.00 midday - 5.00 (last admission 4.30)

Additional Information 14 North Brink is located next door to the National Trust property, Peckover House. No on-site parking. Nearest car park is Chapel Road, Wisbech, PE13 1RG, approx 500 yards. Organised by National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover

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Wisbech Guyhirn Chapel of Ease

High Road, Guyhirn, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 4EF A plain, finely proportioned, small rectangular building constructed partly of brick and partly of Barnack stone. 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 designed at the end of the Cromwellian Commonwealth, when the Puritan mode of worship was the accepted one, but following the Restoration, the Chapel was adopted by the Church of England as a Chapel of Ease in the charge of the Vicar of Wisbech St Peter until 1854, when Wisbech St Mary was created a separate parish.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 3.00 Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 3.00; Heritage Service 2.30

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Wisbech General Cemetery North End, Chapel Road car park , Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1PE Originating in 1836, this was one of the first Victorian burial grounds in the country primarily for non-conformists. Many prominent residents of Wisbech were buried here over the next 100 years including Samuel Smith, the Victorian photographer who took some stunning images of Wisbech port in its heyday. Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery will be on hand with maps and a list of names if anyone is interested in family research

Opening Times Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 4.00; Walk at 2.00 www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1433351

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

All Saints’ Church, Walsoken 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’. ‘Treasures of All Saints’ - Talks by Peter Wadlow, Churchwarden, during the weekend.

Opening Times © Copyright Evelyn Simak at www.geograph.org.uk/profile/14840 licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence.

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Friday 13th September: 10.00 - 12.00 midday (coffee morning) Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00; Talk at 2.00 Sunday 15th September: 1.30 - 4.00; Talk at 2.00 Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Wisbech Wisbech Castle

Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1ES Wisbech Castle is a Regency Villa built in 1816. It stands on the site of the Norman Castle of 1087, Bishop’s Palace 1478 and Thurloes Mansion, 1656 and was the starting point for the development of the town. Wisbech Castle has a long and colourful history, with Royal visits, notable prisoners and a host of colourful characters who played an important part in its fascinating story. The house is presently furnished in the Regency style and includes interesting furniture and artefacts.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00

www.wisbechcastle.ccceducation.org Organised by Wisbech Town Council

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 any questions they may have regarding the Lodge premises, Freemasonry in general or the Wisbech Lodges in particular. © Wisbech Town Council

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 12.00 midday - 3.00 Sunday 15th September: 12.00 midday - 3.00

Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Wisbech & Fenland Museum Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1DT One of the oldest museums in the United Kingdom and very unusual because it is also home to two historic libraries and a substantial archive, holding diocesan and borough items. The collections were initiated by the town’s Literary and Museum Societies which were formed in 1781 and 1835 respectively.

Opening Times Thursday 12th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Friday 13th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00

LEVEL ACCESS to the Museum via Wilderness Walk. The Museum has a lift and an accessible toilet.

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Wisbech St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church Church Terrace, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1HB The present church was first built in 1187AD when a Norman stone castle was erected to replace an earlier wooden structure. The church is unique in that it possesses a double nave and twin chancels, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of the medieval guilds that built the original church. The magnificent organ was built in 1951 and is one of the finest examples to be found within East Anglia. The church tower will be open - access is via a narrow, steep spiral staircase and caution should be taken.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00, Tower Tours at 2.00 & 3.30 Sunday 15th September: 10.00 - 4.00, Tower Tours at 2.00 & 3.30

Additional information

Wheelchair access to church, but not the tower. Max 6 people per tour. Refreshments available on Saturday as part of the annual Ride+Stride Historic Churches Trust cycle ide. There will be a proms night on Saturday at 6.30pm. £10/ticket, concession £7.50. Organised by Wisbech Town Council

St. Augustine’s Church Lynn Road, Wisbech A Victorian Church. built in 1868 at a cost of £4000. There are lots of interesting things to see including an extensive library. There will be a display of St Augustine’s past.

Opening Times Friday 13th September: 10.30 to 2.00 Saturday 14th September: 10.00 - 4.00 Display, refreshments, tombola, crafted good and Big D Concert. Sunday 15th September: 9.00 - 10.00 Eucharist; 4.00 Evensong

Friends’ Meeting House 21 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX Built in 1854, the Friends’ Meeting House replaced an earlier building made from two thatched cottages 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. The Meeting House was built by Algernon Peckover, who was an amateur architect. 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.

Opening Times

Saturday 14th September: 12.00 midday -5.00 Sunday 15th September: 12.00 midday - 5.00

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Organised by Wisbech Town Council

Other Activities Not official Heritage Open Days events, but happening around Fenland at this time!

Whittlesey Festival Sunday 15th September, 10.30am to 4.30pm Now in its sixth year, the Whittlesey Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Festival starts with a Parade from Broad Street at 10.30 am and will be a fun-filled day out for all the family, with numerous stalls and attractions, circus skills displays, fairground rides, climbing wall, vintage car display, singers, musicians, marching bands and much more. Not fogetting the Craft Fair, Beautiful Baby and local Schools Art Exhibition. This year we will also see a Spitfire fly past which is guaranteed to ‘wow’ the crowds. Whatever your age there will definitely be something for you so why not come along and enjoy a fun and relaxing day out. For more information about the Festival please contact Pauline Edge on 01733 208414 or Jenny Parker on 01733 351005.

See the Restorations at St. Mary’s Church, March Wisbech Road, Westry, March, PE15 0BA.Tours on 13th and 15th September. Curently being restored after it was gutted by fire in 2012. A display about the restoration is being hosted at St Peter’s Church for Heritage Open Days (see page 6); come and see the work in progress!

Opening Times Friday 13th September: Tours at 6.00pm and 7.00pm Sunday 15th September: Tours at 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm.

Booking: Maximum of 12 people per tour. Book via www.themarchsociety.org.

Open Day at St. John the Evangelist Church, March Station Road, March, PE15 8NG St. John’s Church was built in 1872 in the ‘Gothic’ style, with 13th century style fenestration and font, a marble pulpit and a nave with a scissor-braced roof. The church will be having an Open Day to coincide with the ‘Ride, Drive and Stride’ day of 14th September, offering tea, coffee and biscuits and a tour of the church.

Opening Times Saturday 14th September: 10.00am - 6.00pm; Tour at 11.00 (no need to book)

Peckover House and Garden North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR An elegant Georgian town house with wonderful walled garden, Peckover House will be open as usual - normal entry fees apply.

Opening Times Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September: House 1.00 - 5.00, Garden 12.00 - 5.00

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Other Activities Not official Heritage Open Days events, but happening around Fenland at this time!

Talk: “Jeremiah Jackson: Wisbech’s Forgotten Diarist”

Council Chamber, 1 North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JQ Weds 11th September, 7.00pm. Talk by Brian Payne, organised by Octavia Hill Birthplace House.

‘Hill Family’ Day

Octavia Hill Birthplace House, Sunday 15th Hill Family Day – calling all Hills to come along for a meet up at Octavia Hill’s birthplace.

Concert of Gospel Music

Octavia Hill Birthplace House, Thursday 12th, 7.00pm in the Long Room.

‘Barmy Britain’

The Act Theatre, Corporation Road, PE13 2SE - See below left for details

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