What’s happening in Fenland 8 – 11 September 2016 · Max 60 people per tour/session. Website...

What’s happening in Fenland 8 – 11 September 2016

www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

www.heritageopendays.org.uk

St. Wendreda’s church, March

Heritage Open Days Welcome

England’s favourite heritage festival!Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history, architecture and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are FREE to explore.This is what is happening across Fenland - come and visit and learn about the history in your local area this September.

www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Wisbech Council Chamber1 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JQ

The building was erected in 1811 as an Exchange Hall. The Council Chamber is still a working building used for meetings of Wisbech Town Council. There are now 18 councillors and seven wards within Wisbech parish. The Council Chamber houses many works of art, artefacts and official documents which reflect the civic history and accomplishments of Wisbech.

Heritage Open Days Wisbech

Opening TimesSaturday 10 September: 10:00 - 14:00

Sunday 11 September: 10:00 - 14:00

Booking DetailsNo booking required

AccessStairlift available.

Additional informationMax 60 people per tour/session.

Websitewww.wisbechtowncouncil.gov.uk

Organised byWisbech Town Council

Octavia Hill Birthplace House7 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. The house and its displays demonstrate this remarkable woman’s influence on our life today: her fight against poverty and disease and her quest to bring peace and beauty into the lives of ordinary working people.



Additional informationGeneral Opening Times

Mon/Tues/Wed/Sat/Sun 13:00 - 16:30 (last admissions 4pm)

Thurs/Fri Closed

We open to groups at other times and during the closed season by appointment. The Birthplace House is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Websitewww.octaviahill.org/

Organised byOctavia Hill Birthplace House

Wisbech General CemeteryNorth End, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1PE

This attractive and peaceful corner of Wisbech originated in 1836, 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

The land, around 3 acres, was laid out as a formal garden with gravel pathways, lawns, trees and flowering shrubs following the style of the new cemeteries in London and Paris. It is now a haven for wildlife and a woodland habitat, which is a rarity in this part of Fenland. Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery will be on hand with maps and a list of names if anyone is interested in family research. There will be a display by the Fenland Family History Society and The Wisbech Society will be showing the plans for the chapel restoration! There will also be activities for children on both days.

We would love to meet anyone with relatives buried here. Walk at 14:00 on Sunday led by local historian Peter Clayton



Sunday 11 September: 10:00 - 16:00, Tour 14:00


DirectionsMain entrance along from Asda store, North End; access also available from Harecroft Road playing fields

Websitewww.wisbech-society.co.uk/cemetery.html1

Organised byFriends of Wisbech General Cemetery

All Saints’ Church, WalsokenChurch 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’.

• Coffee Morning 10:00 - 12:00: tea, cakes, raffle etc

• Bell Tower 10:00 - 14:00: a chance to visit the tower and have a go at ringing the bells including hand bells.

• Bell demo 14:00 - 14:45: a demonstration of bell ringing by local ringers

• Talk 15:00: a talk by Peter Wadlow Church Warden on Burials inside the Church.

As well as the coffee morning, refreshments are available all day.



Peckover House & Garden Peckover House, North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR

Free access to the former home of the peckovers, a Quaker banking family who lived here throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy the two acre Victorian garden, special exhibitions in the house, including a scale model of 1795 Wisbech, our Reed Barn tea-room and gift shop. For Heritage Open Day we will also be joined by Tim and Angela from Anglia Dolls Houses, who will be talking to visitors about their latest project with us and their dolls house business.

http://www.angliadollshouses.co.uk/


Opening TimesSaturday 11:00 - 17:00, last admission 16:00


Access informationGeorgian Wisbech exhibition is up two flights of stairs. Access is not possible to the house for wheelchair users, but we have a virtual tour in our accessible tea room.

DirectionsSituated on the North Brink, between the Hare & Hounds and Red Lion public houses.

St Augustine’s Church & Parish Centre: Heritage & Poppy WeekendLynn Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshite, PE13 3AH

A Victorian church built in 1868. Now in its third year of commemorating WW1. The exhibition focuses on the Battle of the Somme and what was happening in the church in 1916, including Weddings and Christenings. Orchard school are doing a backdrop of the Battle of the Somme and Peckover school are doing a 1916 wedding wall mural. Fenland Family History Society: Family history display, and experienced researchers available to assist anyone wishing to research their family history.

Also…

• On Saturday, a service in honour of the fallen from the battle of the Somme.

• Historians’, W.W.1 artefacts and films of the Somme with wedding dresses from our congregation. Other wedding dresses will be available for auction at a later date.

• Sewing Tombola on all four days

• Tea and coffee, cakes, sing song and raffle will be on the Saturday.

Opening TimesThurs/Fri/Sat/Sun: 10:00 - 16:00

Saturday: Fenland Family History Society 1000 - 1600

Sunday: Fenland Family History Society 1000 – 1400


St Leonard’s Church, LeveringtonGorefiled Road, Leverington, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 5AS

St Leonard’s is a fascinating building said to have one of the finest towers in the county: the spire is 162 feet high. Entry is through the two-storey porch and not to be missed is the famous stained glass window depicting the Tree of Jesse.

The stone church was begun in the 13th century. The lower sections of the tower, the arcades separating chancel and south chapel, and part of the south wall stand from this time. The porch was added in the 14th century and the nave was rebuilt in the 15th century, when a north aisle was added. Most of the building is of Barnack stone.

The most striking features of the building are the west tower and spire, and he quite wonderful 14th century embattled porch.

Joining us we have the Fenland Family History Society; the perfect group to chat to if you are researching your families past and need help or advice. The parish Registers will be available together with a collection of Bridal Couture & photographs.

On the Sunday at 3pm there will be a short bell ringing demonstration. We look forward to seeing you.


Opening TimesSaturday: 14:00 - 17:00

Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00; Bell ringing 15:00


DirectionsThe church is located on the Gorefiled Road in Leverington, just north-east of Wisbech off the B1169

Vivien Fire Engine Trust1 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.

There will be a display of photographs in the Council Chamber and Vivien will be on display on Saturday and Sunday.

Opening TimesSat/Sun: 10:00 - 14:00


Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation MuseumOld Lynn Road, West Walton, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 7DA

Members will be on site to answer questions, give guided tours and provide information on the conservation and preservation of exhibits. Music of the wartime will be playing. The Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum was opened in the late 1980’s and has expanded massively, and continues to do so with new exhibits coming in all the time. The Museum has a superb collection of Aviation Archaeology from various aircraft recovered from the Fens. All the exhibits (except some of the aircraft) are housed in purpose built premises, comprising four large themed halls, illustrating all facets of Aviation, some of the Cockpits may be open, depending on the weather.


Opening TimesThurs/Fri: 10:00 - 16:00

Sat/Sun: 09:30 - 16:30


Heritage Open Days Chatteris

Opening TimesThursday: Tour 10:15

Booking DetailsPre-booking: Required

To book a place please contact Julie Smith on 01354 694289 (evenings) or email [email protected] Booking closes: 5 September 2016


DirectionsPlease park in Furrowfields Road Chatteris where there is a large free car park. We will assemble there at 10:00 before the tour is to start at 10:15 on Thursday 10th September. Once all who have booked their place have arrived the tour guide will guide you to the Glassworks location (about 5mins walk from the car park). Please arrive promptly.

Glassworks – TourLondon Glassworks, 112A High Street, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, PE16 6NN

Visits are by tour only to view highly respected and talented glassmaker and designer at work. There will be a demonstration and a chance to find out more about the glassmaker’s art. Visitors will see how a piece of glass is blown and shaped into a contemporary piece of art. There will also be a chance to visit the gallery to view pieces of glass that are for sale. There will also be an opportunity to view ceramics made by Kathryn Hearn. Please ensure you contact organiser to book your free place on the tour. All bookings must be received before the 5th September. Event not suitable for children under the age of 10.

Chatteris Community Archive Town WalkSt. Peters & St. Pauls Church, Market Hill, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, PE16 6BA

A guided walk of about 1 hour and a half exploring the town with information about Chatteris’s shops pubs and stories that form part of the town’s history. Event not suitable for children under the age of 7.

Opening TimesFriday: 18:30



DirectionsPlease assemble outside the Parish Church (St Peter and St Pauls) as the guided walk will begin at 18:30 promptly from there. There is parking in Church lane opposite the Town Council/Museum building.

Lets Take the Train. Explore the East Anglian Film ArchiveCambridgeshire County Council, Chatteris Library, 2 Furrowfields Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, PE16 6DY

The East Anglian Film Archive holds 12,000 hours of film about the Eastern region. Anglia TV and BBC TV contributed a considerable amount of film to the archive and it covers many subjects and areas of East Anglia.

This evening is an event especially arranged for Heritage Open Days. Cambridgeshire Libraries and the East Anglian Film Archive invite you to come and view some archive film with a theme “Let’s take the Train.” Come along for a trip back in time to see film footage of the marshalling yards at March, The Wisbech Fruit Train which is said to be the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine stories, and see John Betjeman’s trip to Hunstanton. Audience is limited to 30 people. Event not suitable for children under the age of 10.

Heritage Open Days Chatteris

Vintage and Veteran Motorcycle DisplayChatteris Museum, 14 Church Lane Chatteris PE16 6JA

Chatteris Museum is hosting a small static display of vintage and veteran motorycles in the Church Lane Car Park. The museum will also be open on Sunday for light refreshments and chance for visitors to view the exhibits.

Opening TimesSaturday: 19:00


Access InformationFree car parking in Furrowfields Road car parks.

Max 30 people per tour/session.

Opening Times Sunday 11th September 11:00 - 16:00

Access InformationCar park opposite Chatteris Museum, 14 Church Lane Chatteris PE16 6JA

Centenary Baptist ChurchHigh Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LB

The Centenary Baptist Church in its elevated position was the site of the town’s 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 of information on the history of the church. Church members will be available to answer questions and show visitors around the building.

Heritage Open Days March

Opening TimesThursday: 13:00 - 16:00


Home from Home and QuizMarch Town Hall, Market Place, March, PE15 9TF

Showing of film, “Home From Home” produced by members 20Twenty Productions film and theatre groups. It is about evacuees in Chatteris in World War II. This will be combined with the March Museum Quiz which will give everyone a chance to test their local knowledge.

Opening TimesFriday: 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00


Display on March’s Heritage in the LibraryCity Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LT

A display on March’s Heritage by The March Society, hosted by March Library.



Friday: 09:30 - 17:00

Saturday: 09:30 - 16:00


Fossils Galore60 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LD

Fossils Galore has a Jurassic walk you can come and explore with living fossils in the form of ferns as well as metal Dinosaur Skeletons, come and learn all about these Dinosaurs and living fossils. Come and see Stompy the Woolly Rhinoceros Skull - one of the best persevered skulls ever found. Learn about Stompy’s life and death and how March used to be back in the Ice Age.

The Fossils Galore Museum is full of real Dinosaur bones, from the famous T-rex to Triceratops, Spinosaurus, Velociraptor and Iguanodon. Come learn how these amazing creatures lived and where in the World they used to roam. We also have Fossils from England. Learn all about these Dinosaurs that once roamed near March.

We will have our Prehistoric activities on offer everything from Fossil hunting to Gold Panning and an Archaeology Dig, have fun learning and take a few things home with you as well. The Fossils Galore Cinema will be showing Dinosaur documentary narrated by our Patron Nigel Marven. Come to Fossils Galore to learn about what lies beneath our feet


Friday: 10:00 - 17:00

Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00


Highlights of MarchGrays Lane, by Barclays Bank, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8TQ

Guided walks, lasting about 40 minutes, led by Andrew Clarke, Secretary of the March Society, focusing on taking in some of the architectural and historical highlights of March. Only guide dogs. Children accompanied by adults.

Ideal size of group is 15, but no need to book, just turn up on the day.


Opening TimesSaturday: Walk 10:00 & 14:00

Booking Details No booking required

Additional informationNo dogs, except assistance dogs.

DirectionsGrays Lane by Barclays Bank

March Masonic Hall City Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LS

The Masonic Hall at March was formerly known as The Primrose Hall and was an addition to the March Liberal Club premises in High Street. Named after the Isle of Ely MP, Capt The Hon Neil Primrose, who died of wounds in 1917 in Palestine, the decision to build the hall was made in 1925 and it was opened in 1932 on the site of former cottages. In 1956 the local Liberals decided to sell the hall and it was eventually purchased by the local Freemasons, who had been meeting in The Griffin Hotel since 1907. The Masonic Hall is now the home to the town’s two Lodges, Caldwell No 3201 and Stone Cross No 6704, as well as various other Masonic orders. Members of the Lodges will be pleased to show visitors around.



Directions In the passage between Iceland and Podiatry clinic

March Railway Station Station Approach, Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, 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 Heritage Open Days event will include a number of railway related displays and a display by the March Society.




Military Graves and Commemorations Doddington Churchyard, Church Lane, Doddington, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0TA

A guided walk around Doddington Churchyard on a theme of military graves and commemorations with particular reference to the First World War with David Edwards. Meet at Doddington War Memorial in the churchyard.

Opening TimesSunday: 14:00 - 15:15


Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Peter Roman Catholic Church8 St. Johns Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8RJ

The Roman Catholic parish of March has been a part of the community since 1911. Our present church was built in 1953 but many local people have never seen inside. The church will be open to give an opportunity to visit and look around. There will be someone to show you around but you can also visit independently. There will be displays about the parish’s history. Everyone is welcome.




St John the Evangelist Church Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8NG

St. John’s Church was built in 1872 and designed by TH Wyatt. As part of Heritage Open Days the church will be offering refreshments and talks about the history of the church.



St Peter’s Church Tower ToursHigh 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.


Opening TimesFriday: Tours 12:00 - 14:00

Saturday: Tours 12:00 - 15:00

Booking Details

No booking required

Access Information Spiral staircase with over 50 steps.

Additional information

Max 8 people per tour/session.

St Wendreda’s Church: TourWimblington 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 TimesThurs/Fri: Tours 11:00 & 14:00

Saturday: Tour 14:00

Booking Details

No booking required

The History of MarchHigh Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JJ

Browse and view our Grade Two listed building. See the special exhibition on the men from March and District who died in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago this year. Find out about the day when the Kaiser’s Zeppelin bombed March.

Entry free, contributions to the museum welcomed. Museum membership available.


Opening TimesSat/Sun: 10:30 - 15:30

Booking Details

No booking required

The History of R. B. Johnson & Co R B Johnson & Co Ltd (est.1839), 6-8 Dartford Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8AD

Perhaps the oldest business that started in March and is still going strong after 176 years of trading in the town. There will be an exhibition in the shop showing some of its history.

Opening TimesThurs/Fri/Sat: 09:00 - 17:00

Booking Details

No booking required

Directions

Turn left at top of Broad street, at the Fountain. Along Dartford Road on left.

Station Road’s Cemetery and March & District MuseumThe Cemetery, Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire

Station Road Cemetery Chapel is probably March’s least known religious building. On Friday 9th September meet at the cemetery chapel at 10.00am for a guided walk round the Cemetery. The visit will consider all aspects of the cemetery whilst paying particular attention to the military commemorations contained within.

At 14:30 the Cemetery Chapel will be open to view. Displays about and talks on

the history of the chapel and cemetery. No booking required and there is no charge but donations to the Museum are welcome. Please gather at the chapel for both events and note that there are no toilet facilities.


Opening TimesFriday: Guided walk 10:00 - 11:30

Visit the Chapel 14:30 - 16:30

Booking Details

No booking required

Additional information

No toilets available.

Ye Olde Griffin HotelHigh Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JS

A presentation on the history of this magnificent coaching inn by Jennifer Lawler Chairman of The March Society.


Booking Details

No booking required

DirectionsOn March Market Place, opposite the Town Hall

Whalebones and Interesting BuildingsAn architectural stroll around the hidden treasures of Dartford Road with Jennifer Lawler of the March Society.


Opening TimesSunday: 14:30


Directions Meet by the Fountain in Broad Street

March Library DayThe library will be holding an open session to promote the resources available. i.e. OS maps from 1887, Road maps from 1972, The Cambs Times on microfiche, Local Studies books, Ancestry and Find My Past websites.


Additional InformationThere will be a member of staff available to demonstrate and direct them to the different resources we have.

What’s happening in Fenland 8 – 11 September 2016 · Max 60 people per tour/session. Website...

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