John Devine

Amateur historian Stephen Mudie is documenting three 17th-century forts in Cambridgeshire, including the March Sconce, to highlight the county’s overlooked history. Built around 1643 during the English Civil War, the earth-and-timber fort once measured about 60 metres long and included cannon positions, although only subtle earthworks remain. Mudie’s photographs, maps and records aim to help residents understand how their local surroundings have changed over time.

Volunteers from Chatteris in Bloom say vandals damaged a scarecrow firefighter and a replica FIFA World Cup trophy shortly after judges visited the town for the RHS Britain in Bloom competition. The firefighter display honored crews working at the nearby Holme Fen peat fire, while the group’s wider theme is “Around the World in 80 Days.” The incidents have not been reported to police, and Chatteris remains one of four finalists competing for an award later in the year.

Residents, businesses and volunteer groups in Ramsey raised nearly £4,000 and organized hot meals and refreshments for about 70 firefighters tackling the fire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve near Peterborough. The community response followed the departure of the Rapid Relief Team, which had been feeding crews since the fire began on 8 August. Volunteers prepared meals at Ramsey’s community centre and delivered them to crews working in high temperatures and hazardous conditions, with any remaining funds intended for a firefighters’ fund.

A wildfire at Holme Fen nature reserve in Cambridgeshire has burned for six days and engulfed roughly half of the 660-acre woodland site. Residents, including Julie Heap, say smoke and the smell of burning are increasingly affecting nearby homes and have prepared emergency bags in case evacuation is ordered. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service expects crews to remain at the reserve into the following week, with 11 appliances deployed, additional crews brought in from Merseyside, a helicopter dropping water, and machinery being used to improve access to the burning peatland. Hot weather forecast for Thursday is adding to concerns about the difficult response.

A wildfire burning at Holme Fen nature reserve near Peterborough has engulfed about half of the 660-acre woodland and entered its sixth day. Residents, including Julie Heap, say smoke is moving closer to homes, prompting her family to prepare an emergency bag and keep windows closed. Firefighters face difficult access, intense heat and burning peat, with 11 appliances still deployed and crews expected to remain into the following week. Additional teams from as far away as Merseyside and machinery supplied through Natural England are being used, while a helicopter drops water on the fire.

Doddington-based luthier Andy Parish makes violins from reclaimed oak tables rather than the traditional spruce and maple. He sources the tables from recycling centres, auctions and donations, and says a single table can produce five or six instruments. Musicians including Kerenza Peacock, Eliza Carthy and Nancy Kerr have responded positively to his work, with Peacock considering playing one at the Proms and possibly Glastonbury. Although Parish cannot play the violin himself, he hopes to raise the profile of his handcrafted instruments.

Ninety-year-old Ryan Hawthorn of Chesterton, Cambridge, says weightlifting has improved his physical and mental wellbeing and helps him remain mobile while caring for his unwell wife. Training at Lift Fitness with personal trainer Aidan Cook, he has achieved a 90kg deadlift, exceeding his body weight. Cook describes the feat as remarkable while stressing that older clients require medical checks, close monitoring and carefully adjusted training.

A roof above an Iceland supermarket in March, Cambridgeshire, collapsed onto an adjacent walkway, causing debris to fall and prompting the evacuation of a neighbouring building. Cambridgeshire Police cordoned off the area while awaiting structural engineers, and no injuries were reported.

A farming family in Ramsey St Mary's suffered major losses after more than 100 tonnes of potatoes yielded only £5 per tonne due to market oversupply. Industry group GB Potatoes attributed the price collapse to high production levels and excess carry-over stock across the UK and Europe. The Croft family described the emotional and financial strain, citing rising fertiliser costs and growing uncertainty for potato growers.

Alan Florence recounts engineering early Rolling Stones demo sessions in 1963, recalling the band’s original lineup recording eight R&B covers that initially drew no industry interest. The tapes were eventually purchased by Andrew Loog Oldham, who went on to manage and produce the band as they rose to fame and signed with Decca Records. Florence reflects on their professionalism, the missed opportunity, and the band’s enduring success.

A garden centre owner in Doddington reports that repeated heatwaves are driving customers away and threatening the viability of his business. Temperatures reaching up to 50C inside polytunnels reduce footfall by around 40%, while extreme heat has also caused plant losses despite heavy watering. The centre relies on its own reservoir, which has run dry in the past, and soaring electricity costs from pumping water add further strain. Sustained high temperatures recently forced the centre to close for only the second time, raising concerns about whether it can survive without a return to cooler, wetter conditions.

Volunteers helped transform an outbuilding at Sally's Duck Rescue near Wisbech into a treatment centre for injured geese and other waterfowl after recent attacks and deaths among the flock that roams March. Organisers from The Geese of March highlighted the need for improved care facilities, while the rescue’s founders said the upgraded ward and new fencing will enhance support for hundreds of birds reliant on the charity.

Murals celebrating Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been created by Peterborough street artist Nathan Murdoch to mark England’s World Cup progress. The Kane artwork, replacing a previous Gareth Southgate mural, has attracted significant public attention both in person and online. Local fans have expressed excitement and optimism ahead of England’s upcoming quarter-final against Norway, while Murdoch plans a second mural of Bellingham later in the week.

A lifelong England supporter, Paul Green, has brought his homemade Wisbech flag to eight FIFA World Cups, most recently watching England defeat co-hosts Mexico at the 2026 tournament. Green, who has followed England for more than five decades, praised both the team’s performance and the hospitality of Mexican fans. He has pre-booked tickets for all possible England matches and continues traveling to upcoming fixtures, keeping his well‑known flag in careful condition as it gains recognition on social media.

Doddington Village Sports and Carnival is celebrating its 40th anniversary by attempting to reunite 62 former carnival princes and princesses, with 12 found so far through social media appeals. The event, originating in 1986 alongside a village sports day dating back to 1922, will feature a parade, competitions and expected road closures, drawing hundreds of attendees.

Marshland High School in West Walton marked its centenary with a time capsule burial, community involvement and displays highlighting its history. Students and staff contributed items including uniforms and photographs, while past and present community members shared memories. Messages from public figures, including signed notes from Manchester United players, helped mark the occasion, and students reflected on changes in learning over the past century.