Residents of March stunned by the nationwide ribaldry have turned the arrival of a wonky Christmas tree in the marketplace into a glorious celebration of festive fun. Since photos and videos of the tree went viral, the wonky tree has captured the imagination of poets, shopkeepers, pubs, and families intent on enjoying the publicity it has created.
Even Cambridgeshire police are in the fun, with an off the wall Facebook post that relates how they “got to the root of the problem” but only after “deploying Special Branch”.
The tree was provided by Elveden Estates from Suffolk, owned by Lord Iveagh. PHOTO: Terry Harris
The Exchange, the bar/restaurant next to the wonky tree has created a special vodka based ‘wonky Christmas tree cocktail’.
And another pub amused regulars last night with its own ‘wonky’ Christmas tree.
Poems are being written about it.
And a butcher, on the opposite side of the road to the market place, has given the Christmas tree in his window a tilt in deference to the ‘wonky tree’ opposite.
There’s now a song about it too! 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://t.co/2wPj46oYzE Via @johnelworthy
— Antony Carpen (@ACarpenDigital) November 26, 2023
Hundreds of comments on social media reflect support for the town’s wonky tree.
And one wag has even launched a ‘March Wonky Tree Appreciation Society’ to ensure enduring love and support for the 2023 tree.
Of the tree itself typical comments on social media include “I love it,” says one post. “Think I'm gonna make our tree in the house all wonky” to another who simply describes it as “fabulously quirky”.
Another proud resident says: “Our little town has gone viral with this tree. Love it. Let’s embrace it and enjoy that this year we are different, and March is very focal right now.”
Love it! love it Love it was how another saw it.
Christmas Tree, Town Centre, March. Picture by Terry Harris.
And another added: “It makes people smile…surely that's the ticket? Whether you love it or not…you smile. Happy Christmas March x”
From one resident, this delightful story – entitled of course ‘The Wonky Christmas tree’
Once upon a time, in a small town called March, there was a Christmas tree that was planted wonky. The tree was so wonky that it leaned to one side and looked like it was about to fall over.
The people of March town were not happy with the tree and thought it was an eyesore. They wanted to cut it down and replace it with a new one. But the tree had a different idea. It wanted to be the town’s Christmas tree and bring joy to everyone.
One day, the tree decided to decorate itself with all the ornaments it could find. It used its branches to hang the ornaments and even put a star on top. When the people of the town saw the tree, they were amazed. They had never seen such a beautiful Christmas tree before.
They realized that the tree was special and that it didn’t matter if it was wonky or not.
From that day on, the tree became the town’s Christmas tree. Every year, the people of March would decorate it with new ornaments and lights.
And every year, the tree would shine brighter than ever before. The tree had brought the town together and had become a symbol of hope and joy.
And so, the wonky Christmas tree lived happily ever after, knowing that it had brought happiness to the people of the town.
Poetry and rhyme abounds, such as this from Karen Jackson
Christmas Tree, Town Centre, March. Picture by Terry Harris.
The 'Wonky Christmas Tree' of March. By Karen Jackson.
There once was an ugly duckling.
Grew wonky when in the ground.
The folk of March moaned at its look.
Said 'Oi, get out of town'
The poor tree kept on standing.
It's branches reaching out.
For lights and decorations.
Where it was sad with nowt.
It cried as it leaned.
Despite its trunk had quirk.
All it wanted was some love.
While March was getting irked.
Then one day the news got out.
The tree, no mates looked silly.
The media got on its case.
Where once its name was Billy.
It's plight was spread across the land.
And even far afield.
It was once an ugly duckling.
It's beauty to be revealed.
The folk of March soaked up its fame.
It was dressed with lights and star.
It's beauty was a sight to see.
They came from near and far.
So, what was an ugly duckling.
It's beauty thought long gone.
A fairy waved it's magic wand.
And it turned into a Swan.
Happy Christmas March.
And Peter Baker added this:
March Christmas Tree. PHOTO: Terry Harris
There is a leaning Christmas tree which makes some people moan.
But others on a Facebook group say, “leave our tree alone”.
So come and see our Christmas tree and gaze upon with pride
But if you really hate it so
Just go and take a ride.
For some festive fun Policing Fenland posted this curious account
We are aware of the local and national interest in March Town’s Christmas tree this year. We were stumped why this would gain such interest.
However, it was important we got to the root of the problem, and after deploying Special Branch we were able to locate and arrest the suspect.
The story of the tree as told by Fenland Police – with this photo
The story of the tree as told by Fenland Police – and with this photo
Described by witnesses as 'approximately 6 inches tall, with a pointy red hat, and a nightmare for parents up and down the country throughout December' we had our suspicions of who was responsible.
Arriving at the scene we noticed the suspect trying to leaf the scene, but he did not twig our attendance!
'Eric the Elf’ has returned slightly earlier than we anticipated, but is now once again in custody, and while the March community will be enjoying some local food and drink at tonight's Christmas lights switch on, the only food he will be enjoying will be an all-day breakfast.
Inspector Morris from the Neighbourhood team said "I want to reassure the public that the Elf will not be granted bail this evening and the community can enjoy the lights switch on without fear of further mischief. Your local neighbourhood team will also be on duty at the event to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable event"
So what happened? Christmas Lights Committee explain
For far as the hard-working Christmas lights committee are concerned, they say the tree’s curvature is “down to the supplier/luck as to what overall size/condition of tree we receive in the end".
"We will pass the feedback we received regarding the tree not being straight to the supplier in the hopes that next year's tree is a better one."
The company who erected the tree had this to say.
“Well, it certainly has been a week. To begin with we found it slightly embarrassing that on our first year assisting to erect the March Town Christmas tree, we caused such a kerfuffle!,” they posted to social media.
“We would like to clarify that the tree was in a bit of a state when it was delivered, and we definitely tried as hard as we could to get it straighter.
“We would like to clarify that the tree was in a bit of a state when it was delivered, and we definitely tried as hard as we could to get it straighter” says the company that erected the tree.
“It was our job to drop the tree in a hole, and when it settled it was definitely not as straight as we had hoped.
“Unfortunately, the tree was wedged, and we couldn't move it without damaging the surrounding pavement or the top of the tree, so we thought it was best to leave it how it was (nothing is perfect, right?)
“Let's hope if we get the opportunity to put the tree up again we can make it slightly less wonky- but after the media coverage we are not sure if the wonky tree should now be a March tradition.
Rose and Crown regulars at the St Peters Road pub certainly know its Christmas in March
“We can only see the media coverage as positive as it definitely has raised awareness to how much work it takes throughout the year to make the event happen. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and selfless team of volunteers
“Please see the link below to the just giving page to aid funding for future March Christmas Light events- the event cannot continue to happen without local support!”
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martin-field…
March Christmas Lights Committee posted to their Facebook page: “The tree has been delivered to the March market place and response on social media appears to be mixed.
“While all feedback is noted, we endeavour to make improvements to the tree, switch on event, and lights.
How could we not do a special cocktail for our famous Christmas tree was the question posed by the Exchange. “Introducing our ‘Wonky Christmas Tree Cocktail’… Vodka, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice and Lemonade,” they explained.
“Can we humbly suggest if you're truly not happy, that you consider becoming a volunteer safety steward.
“Or consider joining the Christmas lights switch on committee, so that you can help to make the necessary improvements”
But that was posted days before the actual switch on and since then there has been nothing but praise for the tree and the lights.
One who missed the lights switch on – and the media vying to speak to anyone who could speak on behalf of the town – was the Mayor Cllr Kim French, who had been due to attend had withdraw four days earlier because of other commitments.
March Meats join the Christmas capers
Cllr Martin Field, a town councillor and member of the lights committee, told the BBC the tree had been put in place by a professional tree surgeon, but the trunk was bent – "so it's in the ground as it should be, but that's what he had to work with".
"We always have a nice big tree and it's a focal point.”
The tree was provided by Elveden Estates from Suffolk, owned by Lord Iveagh.
He is also president of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association which is “dedicated to represent and actively support growers; whilst championing naturally, beautiful British Christmas trees”.
These two – a dinosaur and a Gingerbread person – found the tree hilarious as they walked around March Town during the Christmas Light switch on. PHOTO: Fossils Galore
Elveden Estates is the UK’s number one supplier of corporate and town centre display trees, with their trees on display in towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Europe.
On their website Elveden says they “off a complete and versatile service to ensure that your display tree is the talk of the town”.
In March it is not simply the talk of the town but the country.
