The country may have been in the grip of football fever and glued to televisions for the semi final of England against Croatia, but for one undeterred historian, it was business as usual for her talk on March in days gone by.

A trip back in time was enjoyed by the March Society at its 11th annual meeting, on the same night as England’s biggest World Cup match in 28 years.

A spokesman said: “There was a good turnout, despite the meeting coinciding with the England semi-final match, and included an interesting talk by local historian Edna Stacey who brought along a collection of local reference books.”

The audience was taken on a journey through the history of March with fascinating tales of the many interesting characters who have visited, settled and changed the landscape of the town.

From the Romans at Stonea to the Anglo Saxons, the Wuffings, followed by St Wendreda, the Norman Domesday Book, St Wendreda’s Church, March castle and fortresses, the White Hart emblem of Richard II, the Stone Cross, on to the drill hall and the railway and WW2.

• The next event of The March Society is ‘An Evening Stroll in the Riverside, Market and Acre Areas of March’ with Andrew Clarke on Wednesday August 8 at 6.45pm.

Everyone welcome. Members £2, non-members £3, Contact The March Society to book info@themarchsociety.org.uk.

• The March Society is compiling the annual Heritage Days events for September 6 to 9 and 13 to 16, an opportunity to celebrate the town’s heritage which ties in with events across the country.

All events are free. If you would like to organise an event, walk, talk, display or activity in your group or society or building, please contact The March Society before August 1.