Chris Donald: Wisbech and the Fenlands Interesting and curious facts of yesteryear.
Local historian, Chris Donald, came along to tell us all about himself and his interest in unusual and fascinating pieces of local history.
A professional musician, Chris has always had a wide range of musical tastes through pop and classical. His working life has been as a working musician in popular music and allowed him to travel widely.
This interest in music led him into writing some articles about the history of music, but, initially, he had no real interest in general history. However, he became intrigued with the ‘What ifs’’ of life. In the 1960s, his agent had asked if he was available to go to March (well away from his usual circuit of South London). He came for the gig at the Cabaret Club, liked it, and stayed.
His ability to play a pipe organ has led to playing in many churches, but not his own. Because, as a Quaker, the meetings are usually silent. Becoming a Quaker also led to a ‘what if’ moment at the Meeting House on North Brink, Wisbech. He was fascinated by the small graveyard behind it, especially the grave of Jane Stuart, the alleged illegitimate daughter of James II. The memorial laid out in box hedging has purported to have been there since 1742. This kindled his interest in local history.
His research led him to being involved in the celebration for 300 years of the Meeting House in Wisbech in 2011. Also, he wrote a play about Elizabeth Fry, “The Lady on the £5 note”. Then, in 2016, Peter Clayton encouraged him to publish his book: Wisbech’s Secret Princess. Wisbech Quakers. ISBN: 9781526206275.
As a music teacher, Chris advertises in several local magazines. One issue was looking for donations of services for a local charity effort. They had asked Chris about lessons. Instead, he offered them copies of his book, and this progressed to him contributing regular articles of historic, local interest.
He was now regularly publishing interesting facts in four local magazines. ‘What if’ they were just being binned?
He therefore decided to publish a collection of the interesting information he had found; hence his latest book: Wisbech and the Fenlands Interesting and curious facts of yesteryear. Interesting and curious facts of yesteryear : Unusual, fascinating and sometimes amusing / by the author of “Wisbech’s Secret Princess”, Chris Donald. ISBN 9781915292094
Chris was thanked for his fascinating talk and presented with the gift of a peace lily.