The Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard is looking back on the year of 2025, where we have celebrated the community, shared your stories and kept you up to date with the latest news across Fenland - here we look at the headlines of April, May, and June.
APRIL
An intrepid team of vets swapped their stethoscopes and green scrubs for climbing boots as they took on one of the UK's toughest challenges.
The team from the Nene Veterinary Group, which has surgeries in Peterborough, March, and Wisbech, were gearing up to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, and Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon).
The team of four: Robert Culen, clinical director, vet Giuseppe Palatucci, head nurse Tanya de Mare, and surgeon Ricardo Quacquarelli, were raising money for two great causes: Peterborough Sailability which helps children and adults with disabilities to enjoy sailing, and Centrun Socialynch Sluzieb Orava in, Slovakia, which provides support for families with autism.
In sport teenage boxer Harley Burrows was making sporting history after competing in a national competition.
Harley, from March Boxing Club, secured the winner's belt when he competed in the England Boxing Elite Senior Boxing Championship in Derby.
Later that evening, the 18-year-old went on to sit ringside at the Dalton Smith vs Mathieu Germain fight, where he met with Eddie Hearn.
Head coach for MBC, Dave Cole, said: "It’s Harley’s first year competing at senior level and he boxed the best men in the country at 71-75kg.
"He performed immensely and put on a fantastic show for all to see.
"The club all went to Derby to cheer him on.
"Harley has made history by joining some big amateur names within the business on the list of winners, including Ben Whittaker, who won the same belt in 2016.
"We are expecting big things for Harley in his future as a senior boxer."
MAY
A set of temporary public toilets in a Fenland town was removed this month, ahead of work to rebuild new loos.
Fenland District Council said that the temporary toilets behind the former Barclay's Bank in March town centre were being removed so "the site could be cleared to make way for a construction compound, necessary to build the new permanent public toilets in Grays Lane."
This was the month when the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with events taking place across Fenland.
A piece of artwork in the style of renowned anonymous street artist Banksy appeared on the outskirts of a Fenland town in May.
The charming image depicted an American black bear, which appears to have been spraypainted on a section of crumbling wall.
The identity of the artist who created the picture near Friday Bridge, on Twenty Foot Road, in March, remained a mystery.
Reader Joanne Caskill managed to capture an image of the artwork, which was the latest in a number of paintings in the elusive Banksy's style to have appeared in our area.
The owner of a model shop in March was "honoured" to have been shortlisted for a national award.
Phillips Hobbies was a finalist in the 'best bricks & clicks' category at this year’s Small Awards.
Founded by George Phillips in 2016, Phillips Hobbies specialises in model railways, diecast collectables, plastic kits, jigsaw puzzles, and related toys.
After opening its first physical store in September 2024, the business was named one of just eight finalists in the 'bricks & clicks award'.
JUNE
This month started with the worse possible headlines with the death of a teenager who sadly lost his life in an horrific crash on the A47 near Guyhirn.
Nojukas Korzeniauskas, 18, of Cygnet Crescent, March, was killed when the silver Mazda MX-5 he was driving collided with a Scania double-decker bus on the A47 at Guyhirn.
His family paid an emotional tribute to him and said: "Our dearest Nojukas - you were always our light – our joy, our pride, a part of our hearts.
"Your smile lit up every room, and your laughter was music to our home.
"Though your journey here was far too short, your presence was a miracle full of endless love.
"We – your mama, dad, and brother – say goodbye not as to someone gone, but to someone who will always remain with us – in our memories, our dreams, our hearts.
"Each day without you is full of longing, but each day with your memory is full of love."
Street lights in one Fenland town were making headlines with a councillor describing them as 'unsafe' after dark.
The new lights installed as part of an upgrade by Cambridgeshire County Council in Whittlesey were hitting the headlines for the first time, but the issue was raised numerous times by various Fenland councils throughout the rest of the year.
With councillors all saying the same thing, the new lights are too dim, and raising fears for the public's safety.
But the county council was standing firm and insisting the new lights were as bright as the old ones they replaced.
This was also the month when Fenland communities recognised their unsung heroes with the district's annual Pride in Fenland awards ceremony.
It was the 17th year that the district has recognised people across Fenland who go the extra mile to help their communities and the people who live in them
Opening the event, at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, the district’s Cllr Susan Wallwork said: “With every year that goes by, I become increasingly humbled by the voluntary community in Fenland.
“These awards shine a spotlight on you. It’s also important that we acknowledge the huge numbers of volunteers not in this room who may not have received a nomination, but are no less deserving, and also make a difference to lives every day.
“We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to these people as well as to those of you here tonight.”
A packed itinerary saw crowds flock to the ever-popular Chatteris Midsummer Festival this month.
The three-day event had something for all ages, and kicking off with a concert by the Chatteris Community Choir in the marquee at Furrowfields.
Saturday's fun began with the annual walking parade through the town centre.
Dozens of groups, organisations, and individuals joined the giant parade as it wove its way from Church Lane to the Furrowfields Playing Field.
This year, the theme was television cartoon characters, and there were prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed.
There was live music, stalls, and street food available on both days.
Have you got a story you want to share with us? Get in touch at: sarah.cliss@newsquest.co.uk
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