Advertiser review of the year 2025: March

March began with an exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist speaking out after former neighbours in Maidenhead received ‘wanted’ posters linked to an arrest warrant issued overseas.

Political protest continued later in the month when around 75 demonstrators gathered outside Maersk’s Maidenhead offices ahead of its annual general meeting.

Members of the Palestine Youth Movement protested the conflict in Gaza, chanting slogans, displaying banners and claiming they prevented staff from entering the building.

Acclaimed chef Simon Bonwick and his wife Deborah were announced as the new custodians of the historic Crown at Bray, taking over from Nigel Sutcliffe and James McLean.

The Bonwicks previously earned a Michelin star at The Crown in Burchetts Green.

Retail developments included The Range opening in the former Homebase unit in Stafferton Way, while Squire’s garden centre opened in Hare Hatch following the closure of Dobbies.

Environmental concerns were highlighted by Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, who urged the Government to tackle what he described as a ‘catastrophe’ of sewage pollution in the River Thames.

In a letter to Environment Secretary Steve Reed, the Marlow rowing icon called for urgent action and criticised Thames Water’s infrastructure failures.

It was not water, but gas that was causing concern in Cookham – or rather gas pipe roadworks. The start of 34 weeks of major roadworks on Sutton Road was described as ‘another nail in the coffin’ for the High Street.

In sport, Marlow FC were relegated from the Southern League Premier South despite a spirited performance watched by former England defender Rio Ferdinand.

The headteacher of Holyport College said it’s ‘wonderfully reassuring’ that its recent Ofsted judgement recognises their ‘unique and inclusive community’ after being rated outstanding on all fronts for its boarding offering.

Hundreds celebrated Holi across the borough, and Maidenhead Heritage Centre hosted filming by American broadcaster CBS and Anne Diamond OBE ahead of 80th anniversary VE Day commemorations, highlighting the wartime role of the Air Transport Auxiliary based at White Waltham.