Useful Contact DetailsThis magazine is published by the Manea Connect Committee and is delivered...

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Medical ServicesDoctors – Fenland Group Practice Manea Surgery, 4 Cathedral View, Manea PE15 0GN 01354 680774 www.maneasurgery.co.uk. Doddington Medical Centre, 11D Benwick Road, Doddington PE15 0TG Tel: 01354 740311 Wimblington Surgery, North Witchford Lodge, Norman Way, Wimblington PE15 OQB Tel: 01354 740311 www.doddingtonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk Minor Injuries Unit Doddington Hospital, Benwick Road, Doddington PE15 0UG Tel: 01354 637078Emergency Dental Treatment Church Mews Dental Access Centre, 1-4 Church Terrace, Wisbech PE13 1HL Tel: 01945 465919 NHS non-emergency helpline Call 111 for adviceCouncilsCambridgeshire County Council Shire Hall, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AP Tel: 0345 045 5200 www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk County Councillor: John Gowing [email protected] District Council Fenland Hall, County Road, March PE15 8NQ Tel: 01354 654321 www.fenland.gov.uk District Councillor: Charlie Marks Tel: 01354 680005 / 07789 925402 email: [email protected] Parish Council Email: [email protected] www.manea-pc.gov.ukEducationManea Community Primary School Station Road, Manea PE15 0HA Tel: 01354 680293 email: [email protected] www.manea.cambs.sch.uk Head Teacher: Miss N Froggatt Cromwell Community College Wenny Road, Chatteris PE16 6UU Tel: 01354 692193 email: [email protected] www.cromwellcc.org.uk Principal: Mrs J Horn Bsc (Hons), NPQH Neale-Wade Academy Wimblington Road, March PE15 9PX Tel: 01354 606000 email: [email protected] www.neale-wade.org Executive Principal: Mr J WingMeeting Places/Room HireVillage Hall: Main Hall with stage and bar, kitchen, back room. Ann Pickering 01354 688418 Church Rooms: Large room with kitchen. Rosemary Hankins 01354 680585 Royal British Legion: Large function room with bar, also smaller side function/meeting room. Sheila 07854 014923

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MANEA M AT T E R S

Contact us...Chairs:

[email protected]:

[email protected]:

[email protected]

FRO

M O

UR

CO

-CH

AIR

S One of the topics we are featuring in this issue is RECYCLING – something

which individuals of any age can help with on a daily basis. A lot of recycling is currently taking place in and around Manea (P8-10) and on Allpress Farms (P11 & 12).

Something else which people of all generations can help with is the preservation of our endangered prickly friend, the iconic Humble Hedgehog (P17 & 18).

The new Parish Council has already initiated changes for the better in the village so, by Issue 64, there will be much more to report (P46).

PLEASE NOTE – to bring Manea Matters in line with the annual calendar, Issue 64 will cover the months of December 2019, January, February and March 2020. Please bear this in mind if you run a club etc and you have an event in March which you would like to mention.

Finally, if you have an article which you would like to be featured (or you anticipate that you might want to write a follow up), please contact the Chairs' email well in advance of the deadline to avoid disappointment. We meet two weeks before the deadline to finalise the content, so please don’t leave it until the last minute – many thanks.

Dianne Rowe & Pete Townrow Co-Chairs, Manea Connect Committee [email protected]

Useful Contact Details ....................... 01Community Groups ......................03-04Getting About ........................................05Community Car Scheme ....................06Updates ................................................... 07Recycling Initiatives ..............08-09-10Waste on the Farm ........................11-12Yoga .......................................................... 13Manea United Strikers ....................... 14The History of the Chimney Sweep ............................. 15-16The Humble Hedgehog ................17-18Manea Archive ...................................... 19Manea Orchard & Wildlife Area ......20Images of Manea Gala 2019 ..... 21-22 Noticeboard .................................... 23-24Parish Council........................................46

DEADLINE for the Winter edition is Friday 25th October 2019

Contents

The views and beliefs expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Manea Connect Committee and

the Committee reserves the right to amend submitted items at its discretion. The Committee does not represent

or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the advertisements published within Manea Matters.

This magazine is published by the Manea Connect Committee and is delivered free to every household

within the Parish of Manea. An online version is also available at:

www.maneaconnect.co.ukManea Connect Committee is a group of Manea residents

who work with the community to produce this quarterly magazine because Manea really does Matter.

DEADLINE for Issue 64 – Friday 25th October 2019


GROUPSC O M M U N I T Y

Manea Art ClubYou don't need to be able to paint to come along, just willing to give it a go. The Art Club meets every Monday morning, 10am to 12.30pm, in the back room of the Village Hall and is open to all people of any age and ability. It provides an opportunity to practice your skills in a social setting with others who can pass on tips, with occasional demonstrations and workshops run by local experts. With plenty of tea and coffee and the occasional cake, what better way to start the week? Contact: Just turn up.

Internet ClubAre computers and the internet a mystery to you? Want to learn the basics of working online and enjoy old fashioned social networking at the same time with other like-minded people? The Internet Club meets every Wednesday morning, 9.30am to 12ish, in the Church Rooms. Learn how to use email, write and print letters and documents and safely browse the internet with confidence. If you don't have your own, laptops can be provided for use during the session. A charge of £1 per session is made to help cover costs. Contact: Just turn up.

Manea History GroupThe group meets in the Village Hall back room once a month on a Thursday evening and enjoys regular talks and presentations from visiting speakers on a variety of history-related topics. Everybody is welcome to come along;

start time is 7.30pm. There is an entry charge of £2.50 which includes tea and biscuits. 5th September - Manea Photos (Peter Short), 17th October – Middle Level Story (Cliff Carson) and 14th November – A Military Career (Leon Jones).Contact: Ursula on 01354 680406.

Women's Institute (WI)Not just Jam and Jerusalem, come along and give us a try - we may surprise you! We have a varied programme of speakers throughout the year, appealing to all ages and interests. There is also a monthly 'bring along an item' competition, just for fun. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms. Your first meeting is free, so you have nothing to lose... Contact: Steph Short on 01354 680913.

Manea Youth ClubFor ages 10 to 16. The Youth Club offers an evening out for young people with a wide range of fun activities, or just come along and hang out with friends. The club is funded by the Parish Council and run by Young People March. It meets every Tuesday evening in the Village Hall from 7pm. Weekly subscriptions £1.50 so come along and give it a try.First session 8th October.

Baby and Toddler GroupFor children aged 0 to 4 years with their parents, grandmas and grandads, childminders etc. Everyone is welcome and the group provides a great opportunity to chat and network. Sessions run from 9.30am to 11.30am TERM TIME ONLY on Thursdays in the Village Hall. Cost per family per session is £2.00, which includes tea/coffee for parents/carers and a drink and healthy snack for children. Contact: [email protected] or just come along.

DEADLINE for Issue 64 – Friday 25th October 2019 PAGE 4

MANEA M AT T E R S

Manea Over Sixties Club

Despite the name, you don't actually have to be over sixty to come along and enjoy a social afternoon. The club meets every fortnight on a Friday afternoon at 2pm at the Royal British Legion Club for fun and games and a chat over a cuppa in the company of friends. Contact: Just turn up.

Walk and Talk

Not a lot of walking, but plenty of talking! A social group for older people that meets every Monday afternoon in the back room of the Village Hall, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, for tea, cake and conversation with genteel exercise, just to keep you moving, regular quizzes and memory games. Transport to and from the venue can be arranged. Contact: Jean Wells on 01354 680701 or Marlene Baker on 01354 680974.

Manea Afternoon Club

Every 3rd Monday in the month. Come and join us for a cup of tea in the Village Hall Back Room.Resuming in September – note early date.2nd September – Summer Temptation21st October – Pumpkin Panache18th November – Table DecorationContact Val on 01354 680600.

Manea Dinners

Manea Dinners are still providing excellent dinners for our guests at £4.50, which includes a main meal, dessert and endless beverages. Any excess cash goes back to our guests by way of free dinners, entertainment or gifts.If you wish to join us in the Village Hall on a Wednesday at 11.30am for a great meal in great company, then please come along. Anybody of any age will be most welcome, prior notice would be appreciated. Contact: Nicky on 01354 680818.

Royal British Legion Women's Section

The Women's Section of the Royal British Legion hold their meetings at 7pm on the second Monday of each month in the back room of the Village Hall. New members are always welcome.Contact: Joan Barber on 01354 680348.

Manea Allotments

Manea allotments (off Park Road) are now becoming well established. Allotments are still available and can be rented as a full or half plot and can be worked either singly or shared. Annual rents are £30 for a full plot and £15 for a half plot. The allotment association has an active social calendar and help, advice and guidance is available for new members. Contact: [email protected] Manea Allotment Association website is: www.maneaallotments.wix.com/community.

Manea Silver Band

A group of musicians dedicated to bringing brass band music to local communities in a fun and entertaining way. The band is always looking for more members, so if you are a player, a lapsed player or want to learn to play a brass instrument please come along. The band meets for practice on Monday evenings at the RBL with free lessons for learners from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and band rehearsal from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Why not give it a go - you may surprise yourself! Manea Silver Band has an ongoing programme of events; please visit our website www.maneasilverband.co.uk. Contact: Howard Roberts on 07920 776732.

Sewing Group

First Thursday each month at 7:30pm in the Royal British Legion. No charges this year. Contact Steph on 01354 680913.


Buses There are several number 56 buses a day, Monday to Saturday, that run into March and Wisbech. Times from The Rose & Crown are: 09:02 (Sat only) 10:32 12:32 14:32 Return times from March are: 08:34 10:05 12:05 14:05 16:05 and from Wisbech Bus Station: 09:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 There is currently no Sunday service.

Community Car Scheme Manea Community Car Scheme is operated under the umbrella of the County Council and uses volunteer drivers. If you need to make a journey and do not have the use of a car, or are not fit enough to access public transport, the scheme may be able to help. Journeys need to be booked in advance and are charged at 30p per mile, with a minimum charge of £3.00. To book or for more information please phone Phil Coulridge between 9:00am and 5:00pm on 07944 814156. If there is no reply please leave a message and your call will be returned.

Trains You can get a train from Manea Station to

Peterborough, Ely, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. With a single change at Ely you can also go to Cambridge. Trains run at the following times, Monday to Saturday, towards: P'borough: 06:20 07:08 09:10 11:09 13:09

15:09 17:10 18:26 19:09 21:09 Ely/Ipswich: 07:38 08:16 10:17 12:17 14:17

16:17 17:45 18:17 20:17 22:12 Full timetables including times for return journeys are

displayed at the station. Tickets are currently purchased from the Guard on the train. This will change as soon as the new ticket machines (cards only - no cash) are installed. There is currently no Sunday service.

Gett

ing

Abou

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Community Groups If you run, or belong to, a Community Group in Manea

and it is not listed on the previous two pages, please contact the Chairs’ Email – see Page 2. We know there are groups which are missing, but we need YOU to tell us about them – thank you.

We need:• A couple of lines to describe your group• The day(s) on which you meet• The time(s) you meet• Contact names, emails and numbers


MANEA M AT T E R S

Community Car Schemes offer transport to people who need to make medical journeys for the hospital, doctor, optician

and dentist, or social journeys for shopping, hairdressing, family, friends, etc. Usually other means of transport are unavailable, therefore, this scheme provides a valuable service for elderly, isolated or vulnerable people. NB No age restrictions are applicable.

Chatteris Car Scheme covers the villages of Manea, Doddington and Benwick. Phil Couldridge is the co-ordinator whom you can contact on 07944 814156 to leave any requests. Please leave a voice message rather than text and Phil will respond within 48 hours. Although 48 hours’ notice is preferred, Phil will still try to accommodate requests within that timeframe, especially for emergency medical trips. The scheme operates from Monday to Friday 9:00am until 5:00pm.

The scheme is covered by Cambridgeshire County Council insurance with all the drivers being local volunteers.

Journeys are subject to the availability of drivers, which is where Phil would manage the logistics and make appropriate arrangements. At present no drivers are registered in Manea, therefore if you wish to explore this opportunity Phil would be pleased to discuss this very rewarding role.

Passengers do make a financial contribution to the cost of their journey. The current charges

are 30p per mile with a minimum of £5. With no drivers in Manea there is an extra cost of £4 for a driver to come out from Chatteris.

Phil observes that the Community Car Scheme is not used to the expected level in Manea due to the neighbourhood support within the village, probably assisted by the Manea

Facebook page, where transport requests can be regularly seen. Thumbs up for Manea!

COMMUNITYCar Scheme

“The current charges are 30p per mile with a minimum of £5”

If you live in Manea, why not become a Community Car Scheme driver?

Screaming

Swifts

Ouse Washes

PAGE 7 www.maneaconnect.co.uk

SCREAMING SWIFTS -

Back in May I voiced concern about the plight of swifts, as in recent years I had only seen about six in Manea and they are

declining in numbers everywhere. Manea School took immediate

action. Miss Froggatt and Mr Lenton quickly organised a swift nestbox day which was a reward for children achieving 100% attendance (the majority!). Mr Robinson,

the Properties Manager for the school, organised the materials – and cut the plywood. The children had a day making and decorating the boxes, some of which were varnished and put up on the gable wall by Mr Robinson the same day. The boxes have all kinds of pictures on them ranging from the animals living in Africa (where swifts spend the winter) to the

animals and plants seen around Manea. Until that day no swifts had been seen this

year, but a bonus was that during the day the swifts arrived and started

flying over the school. Brilliant timing!

What a positive story to tell and it just shows that we can make a difference.

Update fromMargaret Williams

OUSE WASHES MIDDLE LEVEL BARRIER BANK WORKS –

Update from the

Environment AgencyIf you have wondered what on earth is happening at Welches Dam, Monica Stonham (Public Liaison Officer) is extending the following invitation for you to find out!

These will be held on Thursdays at:RSPB Reserve Welches Dam, Manea 10.00am - 12.00pm

We are hosting weekly surgery events during construction, which started on 15th July 2019 and will finish on 31st October 2019.

These events are designed to provide community support during construction and to address any questions or concerns anyone may have.

Come along for a chat, a cuppa and a biscuit.

WelneyLamb & Flag Public House3.00pm - 5.00pm


MANEA M AT T E R S

At the 'Pride of Fenland' awards, reported in Issue 62 of Manea Matters, we inadvertently left out Sophie Freeman. She

was announced as ‘a schoolgirl from Cromwell College, Chatteris’, thereby missing our attention for any Manea connection. However, Sophie lives in School Lane and well and truly qualifies as a Manea resident. At the ceremony, Sophie was acknowledged for her work involving RECYCLING.

The Waste & Recycling Team from Fenland District Council visited the Brownie & Rainbow packs in Chatteris asking for volunteers for Getting it Sorted. This is a new project to encourage more recycling in Fenland and empower people to make a difference to their community and the environment. Sophie signed up to be a volunteer, which entailed learning what can be recycled and which bin is appropriate for the different types of waste we produce. Sophie can now cascade this information to any group that would be willing to hear her message.

Getting it Sorted volunteers have produced a letter and leaflet that has now been distributed to all households in our Parish. To follow up this mail, Sophie and her mum, Clare, are supporting a 'Recycling Workshop' to be held at the Royal British Legion (RBL) on Wednesday 2nd October at

7:30pm – everyone welcome.For further information on the Getting it Sorted

project you can contact Amy Robinson, the Council's Environment Project Officer, by going online at www.fenland.gov.uk/volunteers or by calling 01354 654321. Alternatively, why not book the date above in your diary or planner for the recycling workshop and enjoy an evening at the RBL?

Recycling Workshop on Wednesday 2nd October at

7:30pm in the RBL

RECYCLING AT HOME

PLEASE GET INVOLVED WITH THE RECYCLING INITIATIVES ON PAGES 8, 9 & 10

“Sophie signed up to be a volunteer, which entailed

learning what can be recycled.”


REMEMBER, REMEMBER – do not put fireworks in your recycling bin as they contaminate recyclable waste due to the chemicals they contain.

As we head into the colder months, it’s time for cosy jumpers, bonfires and fireworks. As a nation we love

fireworks, but have you ever thought about the environmental impact that comes with them? A modern firework consists of a shell of plastic, papier-mâché, or heavy paper surrounding compartments separated by cardboard. That’s a lot of recyclable material that unfortunately can’t be recycled due to the harmful chemicals and substances they contain. The material therefore ends up in landfill and, inevitably, a large percentage of this ends up in waterways polluting the countryside.

This year, why not take an eco-approach? Get the kids involved and make some fireworks out of recycled materials such as plastic bottles and cardboard tubes. Pinterest is full of creative and fun ideas. Or, find

some beautiful crunchy autumnal leaves and pretend they’re fireworks by throwing them in the air! These alternatives are so simple but will provide tonnes of fun as well as teaching children about recycling, reducing waste and getting the family outside in the autumn air!

Or, if you are holding your own display, try and buy fireworks that are sold in recyclable packaging such as cardboard boxes. Make

sure you dispose of your fireworks safely by leaving them in water for 48 hours to

allow all the explosive components to become inert. They can then be

placed in your green bin.If you or someone you know

wants to become a Getting It Sorted volunteer please visit www.fenland.gov.uk/

volunteers.Emma Chapman

Another Getting it Sorted Volunteer

REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR BONFIRE FOR SLEEPING HEDGEHOGS (See P17&18)

FIREWORKSCAN THEY BE RECYCLED?


MANEA M AT T E R S

Collect your used stamps for the RNIB, take them to Manea Surgery, and make a real difference to the lives of blind and

partially sighted people across the UK.For people who still like to

send and receive letters and parcels through the post, there’s a way of supporting RNIB that won’t cost you a penny!

This is an easy way to help support the RNIB and maybe you could ask your friends, family or work colleagues to get involved as well?

Whether they’ve already been used, first or second class, foreign, first day covers, presentation packs or albums! The RNIB can use them all to raise funds for blind and partially sighted people across the UK. Stamps are sold by weight and they raise £20 per kilogram, so it is one of the easiest ways to raise money!

DON’T FORGET The Surgery is still collecting empty Pringles

tubes and Walkers (and other brands) crisp packets so please save yours and take them along. Helen Drinkwater and Steph Short are co-ordinating the collection. Helen reported,

“Since we started, I have sent off two shipments of crisp packets, giving us a total of 1,988 points. This equates to £19.88 which is almost 10 kilos!! A shipment of Pringles tubes will be leaving Manea shortly! Louise Taylor (a mum) is helping the surgery by co-ordinating a collection at the School too.”

Background: Kellogg Company has recently expanded its

Global Sustainability Commitments to include a goal of working toward 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by the end of 2025. They are working in conjunction with TerraCycle – an organisation which works to find ways of recycling even the most difficult to recycle waste.

Take your used stampsTo The Surgery

RECYCLE

We recognise that our farming and packing operations to produce top quality, safe food has an effect on

the local, regional and global environment. As a consequence of this, the company maintains an environmental strategy in sustainable waste management and recognises its responsibilities to recycle materials wherever possible. Waste is minimised, and disposed of through safe and responsible methods.

Waste is a highly regulated part of our farming regime, with regulations put in place by Government. Our principles of waste management are to review current practices, and then to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle. Unfortunately, in some cases we are unable to avoid or reuse the waste that we produce. In these instances, the waste products are stored under shelter and it is ensured that the products cannot escape or be tampered with. These waste products are then collected by licenced waste recovery companies. The pack house uses specialised compactors for their cardboard and paper and film, which is also collected by licenced companies.

There are also measures in place for recycling in our offices at both the pack house and the farm, where waste products are separated from paper and card, which is then recycled.

An article dated 25 July 2019 on the WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) website indicated that agricultural food waste tops 1.6 million tonnes, with 2 million tonnes of surplus – equivalent to 7% of the

PAGE 11 PAGE 11 www.maneaconnect.co.uk

ON THEWASTE

FARM


MANEA M AT T E R S

PAGE 12

Photographs courtesy of Emsephotography

total annual UK food harvest. As explained in previous articles,

leek waste from the pack house is collected in high-sided trailers (to prevent spillage) and taken to our Anaerobic Digestate Plant where it is used as ‘food’ for the digester. Remember – the digestate from the process is also applied back onto the land. Leek waste from harvest is left on the land where it rots and adds nutrients back into the soil. This waste is not necessarily just poorly formed leeks. It also includes, for example, the roots of the leek. The supermarkets we sell to dictate what we pack for their customers. This means that the leeks we pack have to be of a specified shape and size.

As well as helping to comply with waste legislation, keeping our waste to a minimum can also save us money in the long run as it can reduce the quantity of raw materials purchased. It also saves time and money involved in managing and handling waste, reduces disposal costs and reduces harmful effects on the environment.

Technology also goes a long way towards waste reduction. For example, specialist application machinery or lower application rates can reduce the use of pesticides, which is what we aim to do. Applying the product as a spot, patch or varied dose treatment can bring about reduced waste. We currently use specialised equipment, but are always on the lookout for new innovations in the field of

Agriculture.We work towards ‘continuous

improvement’, which means that, even when we know we are dealing really well with our waste management, we still strive towards looking at new methods and applications which could further benefit ourselves (and therefore the environment).

“Agricultural food waste tops 1.6 million tonnes, with 2 million tonnes of surplus – equivalent to

7% of the total annual UK food harvest.”

“We work towards ‘continuous improvement’ – which could further benefit ourselves (and the environment).”

YOGA Yoga has been around for thousands of years and is currently enjoying a rise in popularity. Originally practiced in the East, by men, with a

view to overcoming death, today most of the Yoga we practice in the West is a mixture of breathing, posture and relaxation work.

The most common misconception about Yoga is that you have to be flexible to do it; this is simply not true. A Yoga class encourages you to move through your full range of motion in a way that’s compatible with your body, taking time to focus on your breath, body position and building your own practice.

People come to Yoga for many different reasons; some practice only Yoga, however it also attracts those dealing with an injury or looking to complement a sporting practice. Yoga posture work can help with joint mobility and muscle strength.

It has been well reported that Yoga can help relieve the symptoms of stress and, although not a miracle cure for all ailments, by practicing you can put yourself on the road to a healthier you. Often our lives are busy

and hectic; instead of looking within ourselves for the answer, we reach for medication. Taking a

Yoga approach, tuning into your breath and allowing yourself timeout from a rigorous day is not only good for your mental health

but can also improve your ability to function.Yoga really can improve you on all levels;

there is a style out there to suit everyone. If attending a class isn’t an option, YouTube is a great resource.

Namaste!Valerie Lavender BWY Dip

Manea Yoga classes run on Mondays in the Village Hall

Nameste

Tree

Warrior

hands in Nameste pose

Dandasana

“People come to Yoga for

many different reasons.”


Manea United Strikers have had their most successful season of recent times and we ended it with a trip to St

George’s Park, the England training ground.All of our youth teams have done so well in

their leagues and have played brilliant football. Team spirit at its best.

Special mention has to go to our Under 14s who finished as Runner-ups in their league, the highest placing they have ever had, and got to go the Cambs Colts Presentation ceremony to collect their league trophies.

Looking to the upcoming season as the club goes from strength to strength, we have had lots of interest and we are in a position to start another three teams. So, we will have a new Under 7s, a new Under 9s and a girls-only team who are just training at the moment but hope to enter the league in 2020/2021.

The Girls Training team had a fantastic training session with former Women's England player Claire Thomas who came and spent time with the girls, coaching and offering advice and support.

Manea United Strikers would like to thank the Parish Council for the use of the playing field and the MUGA. They have been very supportive to us this season.

We would also like to thank the British Legion for the use of hall for our meetings and our presentation evening, and a huge thank you to all of our sponsors over the last season.

If anyone has any interest in becoming a coach for future sides or would like to sponsor equipment or kit for the coming season, then please contact the Chairman Mark Tuck 07787 154990.


MANEA M AT T E R S

MANEA UNITED STRIKERS

2018 /2019 SEASONUPDATE


Since pagan times, the images of fire and the hearth have been associated with good luck. When a new bride inherited

the fire irons, she symbolically inherited a home and a new family. Because the Chimney Sweep is depicted with a blackened face, together with his relationship with hearths and fires, he is seen to transport this luck and fertility with him.

Coal, again connected with fire and hearths, is also believed to be lucky. Soldiers have carried small lumps of coal into battle to ensure survival, whilst sailors kept coal in their pockets whilst at sea. Therefore, when coal is given by a Chimney Sweep the luck is multiplied accordingly.

There are many traditions associated with the Chimney Sweep. One such tradition has origins over 200 years ago. As people lined the streets of London to see King George III pass in his royal carriage, one of his horses began to gallop out of control. A Chimney Sweep dashed forward and single-handedly stopped the horse and carriage, saving the life of the King. The Sweep had been the only person brave enough to stop the King's horses. By Royal Decree, King George III proclaimed that all Chimney Sweeps were bearers of good luck and should be treated with respect.

In Victorian times, if coachmen and race-goers saw a Chimney Sweep, they would always raise their hats or call out a greeting for luck. Another reason that Chimney Sweeps are deemed lucky could be related to the

high mortality rate seen in this occupation. This led to an acute shortage of Chimney Sweeps,

therefore you were lucky to meet one!

It is always considered prestigious for

a Sweep

to turn up at a wedding. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh had a lucky Chimney Sweep on their wedding day in 1947, as reported in a newspaper at the time: 'Not by mere chance a sooty chimney sweep sauntered in front of Kensington Palace, on the wedding morning of Prince Phillip

and Princess Elizabeth, thereby affording the excited

THE LUCKY CHIMNEY SWEEP TRADITION


MANEA M AT T E R S

bridegroom an opportunity to dash out from the royal apartment, to wring his grubby hand for chimney sweep's luck.'

The folklore of a Chimney Sweep bringing luck continues to this day, although these traditions are being lost. Respecting the past generates requests for the Chimney Sweep to attend weddings today and shower the newly-wedded couple with good luck.

To see a Chimney Sweep on your wedding day is a sign of Good Luck & Fertility for the newly married couple. The groom shakes hands with a Chimney Sweep who will have a "Lucky Kiss" for the new bride. With the power vested in him by King George III, he will recite a goodwill message and present a keepsake of good fortune which the happy couple may keep and treasure. Then a photo opportunity is available with the lucky Chimney Sweep; guests and the official photographer can then capture this traditional custom.

The photograph shown illustrates Paul Covill, Manea resident, who attends many homes in the village to sweep their chimney each year. Many such villagers may claim that Paul brings good luck along with his visit and cleaning service.

Steve Wright

THE LUCKY CHIMNEY SWEEP TRADITION

“By Royal Decree, King George III proclaimed that all Chimney Sweeps were bearers of good

luck and should be treated with respect.”

“To see a Chimney

Sweep on your wedding day is a

sign of Good Luck

& Fertility for the

newly married couple.”


THE HUMBLEHEDGEHOG

HEDGEHOG FACTSIf you want future generations to enjoy the sight of our iconic prickly friend – you need to TAKE ACTION NOW! Hedgehogs in the UK are disappearing fast – mainly due to us – humans! We run over them (200,000 per year), burn them, mow, strim and poison them – more often than not unintentionally.

In the autumn they find a SHELTERED

SPOT e.g. under a hedgerow, to

hibernate

They EAT slugs, snails, beetles, birds’ eggs and

earthworms - and cat or dog food (not

fish based)!

In the 1950s there were 30 million

hedgehogs in the UK – in

2019 UNDER A MILLION

One hedgehog has between 5,000

and 7,000 SPINES – they are NOT

poisonous

A baby hedgehog is called a HOGLET.

A group is called an ARRAY

CHECK THE ACTIONS

They are NOCTURNAL

and can be heard snuffling and

grunting as they forage for food

50% of the UK population have NEVER SEEN A

HEDGEHOG!


MANEA M AT T E R S

THE HUMBLEHEDGEHOG

HEDGEHOG ACTIONSCheck out the ‘spine bubbles’ to see

what YOU can do to STOP THEIR DRAMATIC DECLINE, and what

measures you can take to increase their population

before it’s too late! The bottom right hand spine

bubbles will tell you where to find help

in a hedgehog emergency.

TAKE ACTION

NOW!

Leave it until the LAST MINUTE TO BUILD A BONFIRE and ALWAYS check

for hedgehogs

Contact the RSPCA at East

Winch (hedgehog specialists)

0300 123 0709 08:00 – 22:00

Contact CAMBS WILDLIFE CARE

Soham 07977 320320 09:00 – 19:30

ONLY give hedgehogs

ground level water – NEVER

milk!

In the 1950s there were 30 million

hedgehogs in the UK – in

2019 UNDER A MILLION

ALWAYS check BEFORE YOU STRIM in your

garden

Cut 13cm high HOLES IN YOUR GARDEN FENCE

to allow free wandering away

from roads

“In the late 1950s an ‘air show’ was held in Days Lode Drove, off Fodder Fen Road.”


For further information, questions, comments, or offers of help please contact Martin Hindry using email: [email protected] (preferred) or Telephone: 01354 680850.

This continues to document memories recounted by members of the community; it is again hoped that they may be of

general interest:The 50s or Fifty Road, now classified as the

B1093, is the road going away from the village and is the turning where Wisbech Road joins Fodder Fen Road. The name refers to individual 50-acre plots which ran from the road down to the Bedford river, being 122yds wide with drainage ditches between each plot. These were run as smallholdings with the intention of being able to live off them. This was bog land before being drained. Today many plots have been amalgamated and the drainage ditches filled in. The “Colony” was located down this road.

In the late 1950s an “air show” was held in Days Lode Drove, off Fodder Fen Road, which was organised by Derek Crouch. Mr Crouch was a farmer in the area and along with a number of wealthy farmers, who also had their own aircraft, brought them to the show. This was a one-off, landmark event for Manea.

There used to be a Wesleyan Church between 19 & 21 High Street, but before it was pulled down by Philip Barnes (1962?), and after its parish use, it was used to store potatoes, having had to have the front doors altered so lorries and tractors could get in and out.

Any additional information, and / or corrections, on any of the above, particularly photographs, would be most welcome.

manea ARCHIVE


MANEA M AT T E R S

MANEA ORCHARD & WILDLIFE AREA -

UPDATE

NEWSSince the publication of the last Manea Matters a new mowing regime has been agreed: in order to allow easy access for walking, picnics and so on, the grass will now be kept reasonably short, and some small patches around trees will be sown with wild flowers.

Recent rare visitors have included various voles, and there have even been some fleeting sightings of an elusive and enigmatic kingfisher.

FRUIT TREESThe trees are labelled and have been professionally thinned. You are welcome to pick fruit—but please check the labels first to ensure that it is ripe; and please leave some for others!

You may notice that one Red Victoria apple tree has been completely cut down and another is lopsided. This is because they have Green Crinkle Disease, caused by an aphid-transmitted virus. They have been heavily pruned to remove the affected sections in an attempt to save them. Heritage varieties are particularly vulnerable.

ANIMALSYou are welcome to exercise your dogs in the Orchard, but do be considerate of the needs of others and ensure that dog poo is picked up and left in the bins. Please do the same with all other rubbish so that the area is kept clean for others to enjoy.

Also, do not leave unwanted domestic animals at the Orchard: doing so is very unfair to them. Do, please, contact the RSPCA instead!

THE ENVIRONMENTThe Orchard is a beautiful place at all times of year. Come and enjoy it this autumn!

Greylag Geese

Peacock Butterfly

Green Crinkle Disease

Somewhere to rest

PAGE 21 PAGE 21 www.maneaconnect.co.uk

Some candid shots of this year’s Gala

Peter Short with Manea Memories

Gill Wise allows her husband,

Phil, a day out to enjoy the

Gala

Royal British Legion

Children's Entertainer

Malcolm Willmott (Gala Chairman) with Rob Skoulding (Mayor of March)

Heartbeat Police


MANEA M AT T E R S

PAGE 22

taken for your delectation by Steve Wright – Volunteer Photographer for Manea Connect Committee!

Petting Farm

Rabbit

Upwood Ukelele Group

Tractors lined up for duty Classic & Historic Cars

Motorcycles

Stilt Walkers


DEADLINE for Issue 64 – Friday 25th October 2019 PAGE 24 PAGE 24



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Dog Daycare in a home environment

Located just outside Manea07824 453160

[email protected]

Find us on Facebook @happypupsmanea

Happy Pups Manea

Licensed to a high standard and insured



MANEA M AT T E R S



MANEA M AT T E R S

PARISH COUNCIL

NAME EMAIL TEL NUMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Lisa Eves [email protected] 53228101354 688188

Chair, Orchard, Defibrillators, Manea Emergency Plan

Janet Coupland [email protected] 01354 680416 Vice Chair, Roads, Railway

Mark [email protected]>Cllr Mark Pratt

07742 87890401354 680890

Footpaths, Trees

Ben Bonos [email protected] 01354 680835 Pavements, Street Lights, Park

Barry Cundell [email protected] 08033601354 680637

Safeguarding, Consulting on Bus Shelters

Steve Emerysteveandwendyemery @tiscali.co.uk

07816 24083601354 680408

Allotments, Manea Pit, Park, Railway, Education Foundation

David Cole [email protected] 67595301354 680469

Cemetery, Manea Pit

Charlie Marks [email protected] 92540201354 740100

Recycling, Roads, Street Lights, District Councillor

Barrie Short n/a07884 21534001354 680645

Manea Pit

Alan Melton [email protected] 07771 524093Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer

It has been a whirlwind three months for the newly elected Parish Councillors who have an ambitious programme of works!

We are very keen to be both visible and contactable and are actively engaging with parishioners to gauge views about a whole raft of subjects. We have started a project to replace our website and to refurbish the noticeboards.

We are working hard to address individual issues and are starting to address larger issues such as speeding, transport (including the railway) and the state of our roads, pavements and footpaths. Great progress is being made already and we will communicate updates as and when we have news.

We had a marvellous day at the Gala and spoke to many parishioners. It was especially lovely to interact with our young people who really engaged with the skate park consultation. Visitors also told us about issues they had. Councillors will contact everyone that left their details.

Some Members of the new Parish Council at this year’s Gala

Lisa Eves – new Parish Council Chair

To assist you contacting the right Councillors please see below:

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