A CLERGYMAN told town councillors and civic leaders it was so sad when people say of March, or any other place, it is boring, there is nothing to do The Rev Anthony Chandler, rector of St Peter s, told guests at Sunday s Civic service : These people

A CLERGYMAN told town councillors and civic leaders it was "so sad when people say of March, or any other place, 'it is boring, there is nothing to do'"

The Rev Anthony Chandler, rector of St Peter's, told guests at Sunday's Civic service : "These people have not opened their eyes.

"It is so often true that people will only remember and talk about the bits that they don't like, instead of most things that are done well and taken for granted in our town.

"In the body of March, there are many excellent facilities and organisations for people of all ages- people only have to open their eyes, or ask, and there is much on offer to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages."

The Rev Chandler added: "Thankfully, many people are prepared to make sure that all these parts function well and make a contribution to the life of the town."

He was addressing guests at the service which was attended by mayors and council chairmen from many Cambridgeshire towns who had paraded to St Mary's Church.

Town councillors heard the Rev Chandler remind them that "our mayor and the town council recognise that we need a vibrant and lively town- and that only comes about because they, and other people, are prepared to do their bit and not only care for the town, but also make sure that March is an integral part of the wider body of Fenland, Cambridgeshire and central Government."

The Rev Chandler took partnership and working together as his theme, and said it was important to recognise that "we need each other, we need all the contributions that people can make.

"All our voluntary and statutory parts need to work together. They need to respect each other, and to sympathise with each other."

He added: "If the body of our town is to be good and healthy, it needs to work in partnership and all the parts need to respect one another's differences and work together well and in harmony."

During the service a collection raised £156 for the mayor's charity.