Flying flag for open spaces

A new flag that is set to flutter above Centenary Green in Wisbech has been unfurled during May Day celebrations at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House.

The bright banner celebrating the town’s most famous daughter, a co-founder of the National Trust who believed that open spaces made a vital contribution to people’s wellbeing, is set to be hoisted above the green which adjoins the Birthplace House at 7 South Brink.

In December 2013 the green was opened on a site that had been a derelict eyesore for more than 10 years by Dame Helen Ghosh, director general of the National Trust, to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Octavia Hill in 1912.

The public garden is a living legacy reflecting the principles of a local hero who proved a doughty fighter in the open spaces movement, helping to save even the smallest neighbourhood open space as an ‘outdoor sitting room’ and campaigning on behalf of ‘pure earth, clean air and blue sky’.

Volunteers at the museum, residents of Octavia Mews and Ferry Project workers joined Peter Clayton, chairman of the Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Trust, to give the flag its first day in the sun.

Mr Clayton said:  “This is one of the green amenity open spaces of Wisbech, which is accessible to all and is used rain or shine.   We are happy to sustain and maintain this green as an amenity for the people of Wisbech.”