Chance to snap up a momento from March’s famous ‘wonky’ Christmas tree

Visitors to next month’s March Christmas market will have the chance to snap up a unique momento.

Pieces of last year’s ‘wonky’ tree are being turned into keep sakes by members of the town’s Men’s and Ladies Make and Mend Sheds and they will be on sale at the market on December 1.

Dave Everett, who helped set up the group two years ago, is delighted that members have had the chance to work on something with such a ‘notorious link’ to the town.

Last year March hit international news headlines when the town’s Christmas tree turned out to be on the ‘wonk’ and was compared to the world-renowned ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’.

As residents took to social media to share their views on the ‘wonky’ tree the story was shared around the world putting March firmly on the map.

This year the town council has deliberately tried to replicate the ‘wonky’ Christmas tree by asking the supplier, Elvedon Forest, to provide a leaning tree – and as with last year the move has once again prompted lots of comments on social media.

But as this year’s tree stands proudly, if a little listing, on its new site on the town’s recently pedestrianised area of Broad Street, volunteers at the March Make and Mend Sheds are busy making use of the wood from last year’s tree.

The town council donated the tree to the group to see if they could make use of it, and Dave and his members have come up with some fundraising ideas that include clocks, stepping stones, a wedding centrepiece and possibly coasters or place mats.

All their creations will be on sale at the Christmas market and will be available on the FACT (Fenland Association for Community Transport) stall.

Visitors will also have the chance to buy an unworked slice of wood as a keep sake from the tree if they would rather.

Dave said there are experiments going on at the moment to see what else the wood can be used for.

The items have not yet been priced and it maybe people will be asked to make a donation to snap up a slice of the town’s “15 minutes of fame”.

Money raised will be split between the Men’s Shed and Ladies Shed groups and March Christmas lights appeal.