IN light of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with emphasis on the spectacular pageantry on the River Thames, I could not help wondering why we at March do not take more advantage of our own picturesque river.
Apart from the obvious benefit from tourists visiting March on river craft - and very welcome they are - is it not possible on occasions, say every year or alternate years, to organise a river festival for local and visiting boat people to participate in colourful occasions on the River Nene?
To see narrowboats and cruisers locally and from distant places adorned with floral decorations and additional attractions would be wonderful.
We have one of the best parks in the Fens and its close proximity to the river would lend itself admirably to such occasions. Few Fen towns possess the attractions of a river centrally as March.
During a specially arranged Watermen’s event several years ago I counted at least 60 colourful vessels moored beside the river banks and the park became a lively rendezvous for boat people visiting the town from surprising distances. Many commented favourably about March and its central boating facilities.
Such an occasion held during a weekend might ideally combine with the regular town festival and become a feature for skippers to enter as a must in their diaries.
TREVOR BEVIS
St Peter’s Road
March
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