March Society announces next talk on photographer Alice Askew after success of previous lecture

March Society’s next talk has been announced following the success of its most recent one, based on domestic gardens.

The society talk this month is on Wednesday, July 16 at 7pm at March Library, based on Alice Askew, a March photographer, with David Edwards, an archivist of the town's museum.

The talk will give visitors the chance to look at the life and work of Alice from 1868-1963, who was the principal photographer in the town from 1916 to 1953.

Everyone is invited to the talk. For members it is £2, and £3 for visitors. There will be refreshments available.

The most recent event was by Iain Webb from the Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust, who gave an interesting and informative talk to The March Society about how to adapt domestic gardens to make them more wildlife-friendly.

He had previously talked to the society about the national decline in both wildlife and wildflowers. Iain said that, although this loss of diversity is now being addressed, domestic gardens can also make an enormous contribution.

He said: “Less frequent cutting of a lawn allows wildflowers to grow and means that butterflies, ladybirds, moths, grasshoppers and other insects can use the lawn for food and habitats.

“Alternatively, leaving a small uncut patch on the lawn will provide similar benefits. Leaving a patch over winter completes the life cycle of wildlife.

“Creating a small pond in the garden – a washing-up bowl sunk into the ground will do – means that several kinds of water-loving species will be attracted.

“If possible, growing a few small bushes or trees in the garden will be welcomed by a variety of birds and insects. Finally, having a compost heap will attract a wide range of wildlife.”

For more information, email info@themarchsociety.org.uk or visit the society’s website by clicking here.