The March Society recently celebrated the 16th anniversary of its launch in 2007.

At the annual meeting, chairman Jennifer Lawler thanked the committee members and everyone who has given their support over the year.

The new committee will continue in the society’s aims to protect and enhance March’s natural and built environment.

Following the annual meeting, the names, locations and details of dozens of March public houses that existed in 1906 were outlined in a presentation by Jennifer.

Inn signs originated when few could read and the origins of some of the ancient names were given.

Names given to local pubs were related to heraldry, religion, notable people or occupations.

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Heraldic names were given such as the White Hart, Ye Olde Griffin, Rose and Crown and White Lion.

Occupations included the Coachmakers’ Arms, Boot and Shoe, Carpenters’ Arms, Hammer and Anvil and the Plough.

Notable people were acknowledged in The George, King William lV, Lord Nelson and Robin Hood.

Some pub names were also locally chosen as The Cock Inn, The Anchor, The Boat and The Ship Inn. Details on stabling and vehicle accommodation were given.

Some of these original public houses are still in business, some now incorporating restaurants.

Others have been demolished and new buildings built on their sites. A few of the original pub buildings are still standing but are being used in other ways.

The March Society’s next talk will be on Wednesday October 18 at 7pm in March Library.

Dr Laurie Friday, from the Centre for Landscape Regeneration at Cambridge University, will present ‘Exploring Landscape Regeneration in the Fens.’

‘What might the Fens of the future look like? The Fens are at the heart of urgent questions about how to respond to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.’

Everyone is welcome. £2 for members, £3 visitors, including tea, coffee and biscuits.

Visit https://themarchsociety.chessck.co.uk or email info@themarchsociety.org.uk. The group can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.