I WAS pleasantly surprised to rediscover March s only milestone leaning nonchalantly against St Wendreda s Church. I suspect this link with the past, with its legend erased over time, has probably resided in this position for decades if not centuries. It

I WAS pleasantly surprised to rediscover March's only milestone leaning nonchalantly against St Wendreda's Church.

I suspect this link with the past, with its legend erased over time, has probably resided in this position for decades if not centuries.

It is not so strange when you consider that St Wendreda's is exactly one mile from the centre of town?

It looks as if it has endured a severe accident at some time, pushing it off centre towards the church's outer wall and into relative obscurity.

I wonder if any of our older readers can recall reading the legend, I suspect it would have recorded 'March 1, Ely 20'.

Once milestones and mileposts were common occurrences on our highways but alas no more.

Sharp-eyed persons among us will still spy the odd one alongside a road, sometimes nestled in hedgerows, sometimes proudly restored to their former glory.

Road widening schemes and new dual carriageways have signalled the end of their kind.

None of today's signing will endure as long as St Wendreda's 'old friend'.

DAVID JILLINGS

Marylebone Road

March