Revised Issue 49-April 2016 - Website Version

Manea Matters
Issue No. 49
Your quarterly village magazine,
Manea Matters is published four
times a year by volunteers, in
March, June, September and
December and is delivered free of
charge
to
around
1100
households in and around the
Fenland village of Manea.
April/May 2016
Convenient pull-out centre
section with Village Events Diary
and Local Information Sheet.
Visit our website,
www.maneaconnect.co.uk
or scan the QR code with the
QR AP on your smartphone
to go straight to our website.
REGULAR EVENTS CALENDAR
CONTENTS
Monday
Regular Events Calendar
Page 1
Contact us
Page 1
From Our Chairman
Page 2
Notice Board
Pages 4, 5 & 6
Manea’s Action Plan
Pages 7 - 10
Bus and Train Timetables
Page 11
Be Safe From the Scammers Page 12
The Gardening Page
Page 17
Manea Wildlife
Page 19
Manea Surgery
Page 21
Community Groups
Pages 23 - 32
Manea Information Sheet
Pages 26 & 29
Village Diary
Pages 27 & 28
Church Notices
Page 34
Manea People (History Feature) Pages 35, 36
Manea Parish Council`
Page 54
Art Classes - Village Hall, 10.00am
Walk & Talk - Village Hall, 2.00pm
Manea Silver Band - Methodist Chapel, 6.30pm
Bible Study/Fellowship - 1 Westfield Road, 8.00pm
Tuesday
Youth Club - Village Hall, 7.00pm
Karate - Royal British Legion, 7.00pm
Wednesday
Community Navigators, Church Rooms, 11.00am
Internet Club, Church Rooms, 9.30am to 12.00
Manea Dinners - Village Hall, 11.30am
Brownies, Rainbows, Guides (Details, Alex: 688278)
Thursday
Mother/Toddler Group-Village Hall, Term time,
9.30am
CONTACT US
Methodist Jigsaw Group, 2.00pm to 4.00pm most
Event/group submissions:
Thursdays (see p.34)
www.maneaconnect.co.uk
Frameworks Dance Classes, Village Hall, 4.00pm to
For information:- 01354 688344 (Editorial)
7.00pm
01354 680812 (Advertising & Accounts)
Bingo - Royal British Legion, 7.00pm
Spiritual Development, Village Hall Club Room,
This magazine is published by Manea Connect
7.30pm to 10.00pm
Committee, who are:Evening Gardening Club, (MSoG) - 7.00pm to 9.00pm
(check with MsoG)
Mark Buckton (Chairman), Les Herridge (Vice Chair),
Bethy Booth (Secretary), Gloria Brown (Advertising &
Friday
Finance), Peter Townrow, Saffron Covill,
Friday Craft Club, Methodist Chapel, 10am to 12.00
Mike Woodford.
Over 60s Club - Royal British Legion, Fortnightly,
2.00pm (see p.31)
Friends
Bingo - Village Hall, 7.00pm
Pearl Beeken, Sara Beeston, Leila Brookes, Belinda
Carson, Tracey English, Dave Gash, Tere Gash, Penny
Saturday
Goude, Jane Handley, Sally Hookway, Lesley Kennedy,
Live Music - Royal British Legion (RBL), 8.30pm
Andy & Jen Maddams. Mick Martin, Alex Robinson,
Roger Tolfrey, Janet Tweed, Jordan Tweed
Sunday
Editor & Designer
Les Herridge
Church services (Anglican & Methodist) ~ see p.34
Saffron Covill
Manea Pioneer Spiritual Services, Village Hall Club Editor’s Assistant
Website
Bethy Booth, James Rice
Room, from 10.00am
Events Promoter
Dianne Rowe
..................................................................................
Disclaimer:
Readers are reminded that Manea Connect Committee does not
endorse any of the services or activities offered within this magazine.
The editor reserves the right to amend submitted items at his discretion.
...................................................................................
1
Cover Photo:‘Relaxing Amid the Tranquil Surroundings of Manea Pit’
From Our (New) Chairman……
Moving I moved to Manea in 2005 and I
recall the excitement of moving into our
new house and anticipating starting a new
life away from the hustle and bustle of
Luton, in a place where there would be a
real sense of community.
Events
Over the years I have also been
privileged to be involved in many of the events
put on by the Manea Connect Committee (the
people who produce Manea Matters) and
have always been bowled over by their
imagination and enthusiasm for providing the
community with something a little bit special.
Manea Matters
We were not
disappointed. One of the first things we
found when we moved in was a copy of
Manea Matters, left for us by the
previous occupants in a conspicuous place
in the kitchen. I clearly remember looking
through the booklet and thinking what a
mine of information it was for somebody
new to the village, full of stuff about what
is going on, and useful phone numbers,
addresses and contact details.
Members of the Connect Committee have
come and gone since its inception in 2004 but
one thing remains constant: the commitment
to live up to the ideal enshrined in the name of
the committee - to connect the community,
and all the people and social groups within it.
Community When I was asked to take over
as Chair of the Connect Committee I was very
proud to accept. Every Chair has brought
something new to the committee. I would like
my contribution to be the strengthening of that
connection between Manea Matters and the
community by inviting your contributions and
casting a greater spotlight on the people,
groups and events that make Manea such a
great place to live. Then we can say that
Manea Matters is truly produced by the
community, for the community.
Mark, Chairman
Since then every copy that
has dropped through our
letter box has continued to
impress, and to be read,
and substituted for the
previous copy in the
kitchen letter rack… just in
case we need to find
something locally.
And From the Editor.……
Welcome
We are happy to welcome
Mark Buckton on to Manea Connect
Committee. Mark takes over as Chairman
of the committee, replacing Mick Martin,
who recently left the committee after
seven years of dedicated service to our
community.
Manea Matters We hope that you like our
new layout, which we hope will make it a little
easier to find the information that is important
to you.
Your Manea Matters We are moving our
publication dates to March, June, September
and December (see p.5), and we plan to
Mark has a wealth of experience in include community-based features from you,
serving the local community, not least as our readers: our village is all about the people
a Fenland District Councillor. We look after all. So let us have your ideas, uplifting
forward to working with him.
local stories etc.
Les, Editor
2
3
NOTICE BOARD
R M ED
O
KEEP US INF
lly
keep you fu
o
t
t
n
a
w
e
W
ate with
nd up-to-d
a
d
e
m
r
o
f
in
in
ity groups
n
u
m
m
o
c
e
all th
g e.
d our villa
n
u
o
r
a
d
n
a
ny
s know of a
Please let u
of
ew groups
n
r
o
s
e
g
n
cha
a r e a wa r e .
which you
Read Manea
Matters
all in
Go to:www.manea
connect.co.u
k
Manea now has a First
Responder scheme but
more volunteers are ur
needed to provide a go
gently
od level of cover.
An ambulance can take
20 minutes or more to
reach Manea. The atte
of a First Responder ca
ndance
n literally make the diffe
rence between life and
providing assistance un
death,
til the ambulance arriv
es. If you are 18 or ov
have a car, you could be
er
and
a First Responder, YOU
could save a life. Full tra
and all equipment is pr
ini
ng
ovided, no minimum co
mmitment is required,
think how great it would
and
look on your CV.
For more information
or an informal chat,
please contact the M
Coordinator, Jason on
anea
01354 688413 or, for
an
information pack, em
steven.hammond@easta
ail
mb.nhs.uk
4
YOUR PHOTOS
NOTICE BOARD
LE…..
NG PEOP Are you
U
O
Y
G
CALLIN
riting?
flair for w udies or IT?
a
e
v
a
h
ia St
D o yo u
lish, Med
g
n
E
g
in
s t u dy
ung
ura g e yo
o
c
n
e
o
t
keen
hile
atters is
alents w
Manea M o develop their t
lage life.
people t
ting to vil
u
ib
r
t
n
o
c
ting
icles rela
t
r
a
g
in
h
ublis
itted by
onsider p
ity, subm
n
u
m
We will c
m
o
o und
a ne a C
in and ar
g
t o t he M
in
v
li
le
op
young pe he village.
t
t
you migh
a feature s? Who
r
fo
a
e
pa s t u
ve an id
o
If you ha it, why not run it
po r t e r ’ t
m
b
st’ or ‘re
li
a
n
like to su
r
u
o
r
dding ‘j
knows, a n only be good fo
a
c
.
yo ur CV
re c a re e r
your futu
Our next issue of M
anea Matters will be
in
June, and we plan to
carry a Manea Gala
photo on the front
cover.
Manea Matters is all
about involving our
community, so if yo
u have an interestin
g
photo taken at a pr
evious Manea Gala,
we
will consider putting
it on our front cove
r.
Send entries direct
to the editor at
lesherridge@hotm
ail.com to arrive no
later than Friday 15
�� April.
We cannot pay for
any photo that we
use, but you will en
joy a warm glow of
satisfaction at havin
g served your
community, and ca
n bask in the glory
of
your brief moment
of fame.
YOUR MANEA MATTERS
This magazine will in future be published in March, June, September and
December each year. Deadline date for our June issue will be Friday 15�� April.
The change, moving our publication dates back by one month, will have a number
of benefits, including allowing more effective promotion of our annual Manea Gala,
and ensuring that Christmas events are brought to the attention of residents at an
appropriate time.
nea
Ma
Regular contributors will receive an email
reminder of approaching deadline dates
approximately two weeks before each
deadline, as at present.
Need a deadline reminder? Let us know.
See contact details on page 1.
Late submissions are unlikely to be included for
publication due to the considerable additional
work involved.
5
NOTICE BOARD
BOWLS EVENT
Manea RBL Bowls Club will be holding a
general roll-up on Tuesday 19 April
Had a recent experience of using
at 6pm.
health or social care?
Tell us what it was like for you.
Listen:
At Healthwatch, we listen. Tell us what is
working well within our local health and care
services and what you think needs to be
better.
We log what you say and share this
anonymously with the people who make
decisions about our care. This helps them
improve care where it is needed.
Involve:
We can make sure you know about local
opportunities to have your say on health and
care decisions. You can sign up for regular
updates, or get in touch whenever you want
some information.
We can help you find out what health and care
services are available locally, or how to raise a
concern. This is a free, independent and
confidential service.
Challenge:
Healthwatch can challenge health and care
decision makers, if care isn’t working in the
way it should. We can also challenge, if we
think a decision has been made where people
have not been able to contribute. They have
to listen to us, and they have to reply.
Get in touch
Please do tell us how care is working right now
for you and the people who are important to
you. Your experiences are important to us.
We are happy to talk to local groups and
attend events, so please do invite us.
Everybody is very
welcome - Age or
your level (or lack)
of experience is no
barrier. Bowling
and parking are FREE.
For information please contact:John Lygo
March & District Bowling Association
Results/Competitions Secretary,
Press Officer Tel:- 01354 653630
or email:- [email protected]
HELP WRITE MANEA MATTERS
Your free village magazine is becoming even
more community-orientated and we want
you to be involved.
We will consider publishing uplifting stories
about our little Manea community, so send
us features that might interest our readers.
Stories must be positive - negative rants are
best left to social media such as Twitter or
Facebook. We want our readers to be
uplifted.
We may be able to use
Contact us www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk your local photos too.
or call 01480 420628.
Healthwatch Cambridgeshire
follow us @HW_Cambs
See page 1 for contact
6 details.
MANEA’S ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY OF ACTIONS & PROGRESS TO DATE
GROUP (MAPIG)
The Needs What needed to be done, and
Mapping the future for Manea
the associated actions, were listed in
Questionnaire In the summer of 2012 we sections just as they had appeared in the
issued a questionnaire to every household in questionnaire, i.e. Information about
Household,
Education
and
the Parish of Manea, asking YOU what YOU Your
wanted for the future of the village. MAPIG Employment, The Economy, Transport,
was formed to monitor the actions listed in Social & Community, The Environment,
Manea’s Action Plan, which was Communications, and about Manea.
The ‘needs’ are listed in bold below, with
subsequently published in 2013.
the actions taken/progress recorded
Priorities Against each action we stated its directly underneath each one.
priority, the target date for achievement and Key: MM = Manea Matters MC = Manea
which body/ies would be responsible. In Connect.
most instances, we have monitored or
chased the progress of others and in some SECTION 1
Information About Your Household
cases MAPIG has been responsible.
We have kept you regularly
Updates
updated, courtesy of Manea Matters, and
last year we said that we would display any
progress made on both the Station
Noticeboard and on the Community
Noticeboard in Park Road. Unfortunately
space doesn’t permit this so we are
publishing our final report in this edition of
Manea Matters instead, which is distributed
to every local household.
Raise awareness of group oil-buying
schemes.
MAPIG investigated various schemes
(including
the
Fenland
Strategic
Partnership scheme trial) and duly
reported in MM / on MC website.
Raise and promote awareness of efficient
and affordable energy options.
A widely promoted tariff comparison
workshop was held in the Church Rooms.
Mains gas to Manea was costed.
It
involves a pipe to Manea, another pipe
from the road into individual houses and
boiler replacement. It could only work if
enough residents were interested to make
it economically viable and if you were
replacing your oil boiler. It was also
established that single fuel suppliers are
cheaper than dual.
The Parish Council supported a large scale
solar panel application within the parish.
Information Please refer to your copy of
the Action Plan, visit the Manea Connect
website or click on:http://www.maneaconnect.co.uk/map_report
for further information if required.
7
Address concerns re ‘Fuel Poverty’
applying to a fifth of households
MAPIG wrote to Steve Barclay (MP for
NW Cambridgeshire) and published his
response in MM.
SECTION 3 – The Economy
Parish Council planning recommendations
to take account of the local community’s
wishes for planning within Manea.
MAPIG drew up a procedure, based on the
SECTION 2 – Education & Employment
Fenland Local Plan (2014), for the Parish
Council (PC) to consider when making their
Encourage more frequent bus and train planning recommendations.
services to enable access to education
and employment . (See Section 4)
Provide community with additional
educational opportunities
MAPIG invited Cambridgeshire Adult and
Community Learning Services (CACLS) to
respond to the questionnaire’s findings. A
weekly session was established in the
Church Rooms (venue funded by the
Parish Council) and staffed by CACLS and
Care Network Community Champion
volunteers.
Threshold Exceeded As a result, the PC were
made aware that the planning threshold for
growth had been exceeded for some time.
Public Consultations are now being held
before Planning Permission for any new
application for additional dwellings is
granted. The Fenland District Council also
arranged for planning training for all Parish
Councillors.
Promotion of tourism opportunities
MAPIG invited the Fenland District
Councillor responsible for tourism to talk at
their Open Meeting held in March 2014.
Develop appropriate housing to meet the
needs of the elderly
The Parish Council approved a sheltered
accommodation scheme in the village, which
is now under development.
Evening Classes MAPIG identified and
listed the most popular subjects for
evening classes, which were then
advertised in the local press.
MM promoted local educational activities
for 11-15 year olds unable to participate
in those provided in their schools.
8
Develop Local Businesses
MAPIG requested the Cambridgeshire
Enterprise Officer to provide an article for
circulation in MM, which was duly published.
Look at renewable energy options
Covered in Section 1.
SECTION 4 – Transport
Emergency Services to take account of
local community needs
Police Commissioner for Cambridgeshire,
Sir Graham Bright, was invited to attend
MAPIG’s Open Meeting. Sir Graham duly
presented his aims and objectives, after
which there was a Q&A session.
MAPIG has also liaised with all of the
Emergency Services. As a result, a new
Volunteer Firefighter has been recruited.
The First Responder Team is also now in
place
Improve Public Transport
In 2013 trains stopped 20 times per week
(Mon - Sat) at Manea station. Currently
there are 120 stopping per week with further
additional stops planned within the 2016
franchise. The PC stated in Jan-Mar 2016
MM, “The Parish Council is expecting the
station car park to be fully operational by
early 2016”. See p.54 for Parish Council
update.
Establish a Good Neighbour Scheme
A Community Champion from Care
Network spoke at the Open Meeting.
National charities operate local schemes
to help residents in need.
Increase awareness of Fenland Association
for Community Transport
MAPIG promoted the Dial-A-Ride service
and how to become a member.
Expand membership of local clubs and
organisations
MAPIG supplied, via the questionnaire,
leaders/organisers of local groups with
Reduce speeding within the village
Members of MAPIG have regularly attended the contact details of those people who
each Police Forum meeting and duly had expressed an interest in joining such
advocated speeding to be the top priority for groups.
police resources. A volunteer Speedwatch
Identify local Dental Service options
Group is now in operation in the village.
All of the relevant parties, at the highest
levels, were approached by MAPIG.
SECTION 5 – Social & Community
Unfortunately, the necessary funding is
Improve communication between Police, not available so residents will need to
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) continue to register with dentists outside
of the village.
and the local community
Police Forum meetings will now be held in
Manea to address Manea issues only – dates
to be publicised in advance. Please attend to
voice your concerns.
9
Provide information about walking
routes in and around Manea
After successfully applying for an Ouse
Washes Landscape Partnership (OWLP)
grant, MAPIG produced a Walking Map of
Manea, which was distributed free of
charge to each household. The OS map
shows 6 popular walks and each now have
new signposts and waymarkers. Details
of each walk appear on the reverse of the
map and QR codes, when activated, will
greatly enhance the experience, providing
text, photos and vox pops recorded by a
Manea resident.
Improve amenities within the village
Bus Shelters
The Parish Council
commissioned a feasibility study for the
provision of bus shelters and is awaiting
details of the County Council’s review of
bus subsidies before considering this
matter in any detail.
Ensure street lighting is satisfactorily
maintained
MAPIG informed residents of the procedure
for reporting any problems with street
lighting and have reinforced this in MM and
at the Open Meeting.
Ensure all footpaths are clearly signposted
MAPIG applied for, and acquired, new signs
which now show the mileage.
Establish if any marked walks / footpaths
are accessible for wheelchairs
Regrettably, there are currently no
wheelchair accessible walks, but a section of
Walk 1 has been identified as suitable.
Regularly check that local footpaths and
open spaces are kept clean and tidy.
MAPIG invited the local Street Scene Officer
to the Open Meeting , informed residents
(via MM) how to report those who do not
pick up their dog’s mess and requested an
Toilets MAPIG helped install washbasins additional dog poo bin on The Green.
in the toilets on the Playing Fields.
Improve electronic communications
SECTION 6 - Environment
Open Reach has installed Fibre Optic
Broadband and speeds of 40 Meg+ are
Ensure signage for public toilets in the available in the centre of the village. This is
village is clear for both local people and expanding to include outlying areas within
visitors
the parish. MAPIG also published details of
Sign put in place on the High Street, how to determine mobile phone signal
pointing down Park Road and another by strength in the Action Plan (See p.41).
the cemetery pointing towards the Continued improvements to Parish Council
Playing Field.
communications
MAPIG has liaised with the Parish Council
Ensure local roads are safe
(PC) to regularly provide copies of the PC
MAPIG informed residents of the meeting minutes in specified locations. The
procedure for reporting damaged road PC also agreed to purchase the Community
surfaces and/or excessive mud on the Noticeboard, which is now in place in Park
roads. (See p.41 of the Action Plan.)
Road and the left hand panel is reserved
solely for PC communications.
10
GETTING ABOUT - LOCAL TRANSPORT TIMETABLES
TRAINS
No
Sunday
Service
You can catch a train from Manea Station to
Peterborough, Ely, Bury St Edmunds and
Ipswich. With a single change at Ely you can
go to Cambridge as well.
Trains run at the following times (Mon - Sat), towards:
P'borough 0620 0707 0909 1109 1309 1509 1709 1826 1909
2109
Ely/Ipswich 0738 (Cambridge only) 0817 1017 1217 1417 1617
1744 1817 2017 2212
Full timetables, including times for return journeys and weekend
services, are displayed at the station and online (Google ‘Manea Train
Timetable’). Tickets are purchased from the Conductor on the train.
BUSES
No
Sunday
Service
Number 56 buses run into March and Wisbech daily, (Mon-Sat).
Times from the Rose & Crown are: 0902 1032 1232 1432
Return times from March (Tesco) are: 0834 1005 1205 1405 1605
and from Wisbech Bus Station: 0930 1130 1330 1530
For full bus timetables please see Norfolk Green (Stagecoach) website.
11
Rarely in the history of the world have criminals found so many useful ways to relieve
honest people of their cash and property. Ironically, the one thing that has transformed
our lives, often for the better, has made criminals’ lives easier - The Internet. Here we
take a look at just a few of the ways crooks adopt to relieve us of our valuables.
Fore-warned is fore-armed as our grannies used to say.
A List of Who Not to Give Money or
Your Bank Details/Pin Numbers to
● Anyone calling on the phone.
● Anyone cold calling at the door.
● Anyone claiming to need a card
payment for a delivery.
● ‘Banks’ phoning you. Your bank
will never ask for your pin
number. Never call back on the
same phone to check caller as
scammers can stay on the line
or may have provided a false
number for ‘security.’
● ‘Police’ phoning you to report
you have been the victim of a
fraud and asking for your bank
details to check. Comply and
you will be a fraud victim.
● The ‘National Lottery’ calling to
tell you about your ‘win.’ The
only winners will be the callers
if you give them your bank
details.
● A friend or relative who emails to
say they have had an accident or
other crisis abroad, please send
money. Most likely their email
account has been hacked.
● ‘Google’, ‘Microsoft’ or ‘Paypal’
who say you are a ‘Winner’ or are
their 1,000,000th extra favoured
customer who just has to click to
collect.
● ‘YouTube’, ‘Facebook’ or ‘Linkedin’
who say you have a message. If
you have an account, open it
separately to check safely. Do not
click on a link in the email.
● A company asking you to click
on an invoice to pay, most likely
for goods you never ordered.
● Wealthy Nigerian/Saudi/(insert
nationality)/ prince has died and
relative needs to transfer £30
million. You can have 20% of this
- just send your bank details…….
Stay Safe Along with fake websites and
fake urgent messages from your
anti-virus or email account provider,
these are just a few examples - Don’t be
a victim of a con. Be a little paranoid and
stay safe.
Les
Crooks don’t all look
like this. Be alert and
be safe.
12
www.aquacarpetcleaning.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL CARPET
CLEANER
CALL DAVID ON
07989 471556
FOR ALL PRICES AND
BOOKINGS
SPECIAL OFFERS:2 ROOMS £55
STAIRS & LANDING £45
please quote Manea Matters when booking
your clean
VILLAGE COMPUTERS
Laptop/PC repairs and servicing
ANY work £25 + Parts
Advice is free!
Call Trev on 07931 597426
16 Charlemont Drive
30 years of experience
Microsoft ® Certified
13
N
N
EWMA
GROUNDWORKS
(Mini Digger & Driver Hire)
Water Pipes Laid / Moled, Altered or
Repaired
Land Drainage Laid - Footings Excavations - Ground Levelling Concrete Bases - Pathways Patios – Driveways - Fencing
C.S.C.S. & N.R.S.W.A.
Registered
Anglia Water Approved
IGNITION DRIVING SCHOOL
Your Key to freedom!
Martin Farrington
Local reliable driving instructor
Call
01354688042
Or
07897414761
[email protected]
FIRST HOUR IS FREE!
14
D & L Disco
Your local DJ
All Occasions Catered For: Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries,
60s, 70s & 80s Nites to Present Day Music
Our equipment is fully P.A.T. tested as required by law, and we hold public liability insurance
Please contact Del or Lorraine on 01354 680830 or 07769 661960
Website:- www.dldisco.co.uk. E-mail:- [email protected]
D & L Disco
Are on Facebook
26 School Lane, Manea
Open Tuesday to Saturday
Senior Citizens: Tuesday / Wednesday
Ring Tricia on 01354 680288
KGS MOTORCYCLES, MANEA
*MZ/MUZ BIKES * SPARES BOUGHT & SOLD £££
Technical help and advice given,
just ring Kev:- 07799 186640
BIKES, SPARES, JOB LOTS ALWAYS WANTED £££
Open 7 Days Ebay ‘KGS47MZ-PARTS’
Email:- [email protected]
15
For all your vehicle repairs and reliable servicing
contact your local garage
C J MASON
Station Road, Manea, Cambs.
All major payment cards now accepted
Tel: Chris 01354 680217
Ponds & Patio
Guttering
Driveways
Fireplaces
STEVE EMERY
Your Local Handyman
Concreting
Gardens
Painting
(01354) 680408
Mobile - 07816 240 836
Decorating
Fencing
16
Tiling
The Gardening Page
Planning into Practise There are many essential tasks to do as we move out of the
winter months, including planting shrubs or trees, pruning, general tidying, cleaning and
lubricating garden tools, preparing the vegetable patch if not already done and if the soil
is not still too wet.
Arguably though, perhaps the most
important task is finalising our planning for
the coming growing season. Spring is
always very welcome, but has a habit of
creeping up on us, and the good intentions
we had for our gardens last year can easily
be overtaken by events.
Beautiful Gardens It is easy to leave the
garden more or less to its own devices, just
tidying here and there as necessary,
especially if more pressing tasks beckon.
Nothing wrong with that, but those
beautiful gardens that we admire in the
summer don’t suddenly appear by
accident; they are usually the result of
careful foresight. A few handfuls of
strategically planted bulbs, or some
carefully placed new tubs or single-colour
plantings of flowers can make a real
difference.
The Big Idea
Sometimes though, if you
have a good imagination and a bit of
energy, you can make changes of a more
substantial nature that will totally
transform your garden. Think ponds,
rockeries, or perhaps re-routing an old
straight path into gentle curves that will
allow imaginative planting along its length.
17
Rockery
In our flat Fenland
environment, creating artificially raised
areas, even just a small rockery, can give
impact. There are some basic rules
though. If your rockery is not to
resemble a poorly-baked Dundee cake,
spotted with small stones like so many
currants, use the largest and most
natural-looking rocks you can find. Pay
attention to drainage, and plant hardy
alpines that can withstand winter cold
and summer drying out.
Avoid aggressively-growing plants like
the over-enthusiastic Snow-in-Summer
(Cerastium Tomentosum) which are
great for covering sunny banks, but will
totally smother everything else in a very
short time. Sedums, Phlox, Aubretia,
Saponaria, Arabis and Armeria are a
safer bet. A good garden centre will be
able to advise on appropriate varieties,
or talk to Mary at our own Manea School
of Gardening.
Landon
Cerastium (Snowin-Summer)
Easy to grow, but
may outgrow
everything else
very quickly.
A. FIELDING LTD
SALES and SERVICE
Lawnmowers & Strimmers - Chainsaws - Rotavators
Accessories - Power Washers & Steam Cleaners
Compressors & Generators - Grass Cutting Service
Driveway Power Washing
Village Veg and Blooms
For all Your Flower Needs
Bouquets Made to Order
Fresh Fruit and Veg daily
23 High Street, Manea, March, Cambs., PE15 0JA
Call 01354 680025 or 07778 739241(Mobile)
www.afieldingltd.co.uk
18
Many thanks to our guest writer,
Martin Guy, whose Manea Wildlife
contribution in our January issue
reminded us that this area is home to several species of deer. How many of these can
you spot? Guest writer for our June Summer issue of Manea Matters will be the
RSPB’s Gemma Wells, who will be taking a look at nature-friendly farms in the area.
For this issue though, you are stuck with me!
MANEA WILDLIFE
Creatures of the Night
No, we’re not
talking about vampires, but owls. Perhaps
the most frequently seen owl around the
Fens is the Barn Owl, a silent, pale-looking
ghost of a bird, occasionally spotted at
dawn or dusk, gliding smoothly back and
forth along the drainage ditches seeking
out small mammals. I’m always excited to
spot one, as, although not exactly rare,
they are not present in huge numbers,
much to the relief of our hard-pressed
Fen-living voles I am sure.
Barn Owls are essentially nocturnal but are
occasionally spotted in daylight and most
people are familiar with their appearance
(see photo). However, fewer people
realise that Britain hosts five species of
owl, and they might
struggle to spot or
Barn
identify all of them.
Owl
They are Barn Owl,
Tawny Owl, Little
Owl, Short-Eared
Owl and Long-Eared
Owl.
They are similar in size to Barn Owls,
perhaps a shade larger. The Fens are not
too well blessed with woodland, so
Tawny Owls are maybe just a little less
common here than elsewhere.
Long-Eared Owls are nocturnal like Barn
Owls and Tawny Owls, and are a bit
smaller. The distinctive ear tufts identify
them, but I have not seen any in our area.
Short-Eared Owls can be seen both day
and night, and though smaller than Barn
Owls, can sometimes be mistaken
for them as they have similar pale
undersides and a shared habit of
quartering fields and marshland seeking
out small mammals.
Little Owls can sometimes be spotted
sitting on a fence post. As the name
implies, they are the smallest of the
British Owls and they hunt mainly during
the day. About the size of a starling, but
with an owl’s chunky look, the Little Owl
is not native to Britain, having been
introduced during the 1800s.
Tawny Owls are
rarely seen as they
are nocturnal and darker than Barn Owls the name refers to their colour. Their call
will be recognised quite readily though - a
somewhat unearthly screech, in addition to
their well-known ‘Too Wit To Woo.’
19
Les
Little Owl
Medlock, 37a Westfield Road, Manea, PE15 0LS
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9.30 to 5.30
Contact:- 01354 688277 Mobile Nos 07845942027 or 07860658382
We have a wide range of Dolls Houses
Kits-DIY Lighting-Plans-Wallpapers-Furniture etc.
Also Scenery etc for Train Enthusiasts
www.patapestrydollshousesetc.co.uk
20
MANEA SURGERY
Cathedral View, Manea, Cambs.,
PE15 0GN
Tel: 01354 680774
Fax: 01354 688222
Practice Manager: Elizabeth Welcher
Opening Times
Surgery Manea Surgery is open from 8.00am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Doctors GPs’ surgeries are from 9.00am to 11.30am and from 3.00pm to 5.30pm.
Appointments The GPs offer telephone appointments to patients on a daily
basis. Book online too.
Clinics The Practice Nurse and HCA Clinics are from 8.30am to 12.30pm, and from
3.00pm to 5.30pm. They are also able to offer telephone appointments.
Home Visits The Practice also offers home visits to all patients who are unable
to get to the surgery. Home visits should be requested before 10.30am daily.
Dispensary The Dispensary is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm.
Please note, the surgery will be closed from 1.00pm
on 3�� Thursday of month for staff training
21
Tel: 01354 656001 Mob: 07984 453221
Workshop at 5 Century Way, March
56001
MANEA MATTERS
DEADLINES
Rumours Cafe
Manea Matters is published quarterly by
volunteers in March, June, September
and December each year.
Opening Times:
Monday-Saturday
8am – 2pm
Sunday
Closed
16a High Street
Manea
PE15 0JA
01354 688462
Deadline dates for copy for publication
are third Friday in January, April,
July,
and
October, for March, June,
September and December issues
respectively.
Contributions (brief) are
welcomed from
voluntary groups
operating in
Manea.
All Day Breakfasts
Lunch
Takeaway Available
Kids play area, kids portions available and
High chairs!
AND
AMAZING HOMEMADE CHIPS!
nea
Ma er
tt
Ma
*Saturday Special*
Local Butcher selling fresh meat every Saturday!
22
COMMUNITY GROUPS
RSPCA BLOCK FEN
FRIENDS OF DODDINGTON HOSPITAL
Manea Group
Welcome to Brenda Hopkins, who has joined RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre at Fen
Drove, off Manea Road, Wimblington was
the Manea Group as our new Secretary.
built in 2003 on around 70 acres of land.
Delay There has been a further delay with We can accommodate 63 dogs, 72 cats, 32
the two new benches for the hospital rabbits, plus other small animals, poultry
and farm animals. Our facility is always
grounds but they will be in place shortly.
fully occupied.
Purchases The Co-ordinating Group has
agreed to purchase a Heart Monitor and a Priority Highest priority is to help animals
range of colourful posters of cartoon ani- most in need; the sick, injured, neglected
mals, for display throughout the clinics to or victims of cruelty. To do so, we need
make the environment more child-friendly. to provide a safe place for our inspectors
to take animals rescued from cruelty and
Shop The shop opens daily from 0900 and neglect. These numbers continue to rise.
the shop volunteers are always grateful for
any unwanted gifts to sell on the gift trolley. Visit Us We are open to visitors, for
Additional volunteers are very welcome.
viewing from 11.00am to 3.30pm daily
except Wednesdays and our fully stocked
Diary As listed in the last edition of Manea shop is open 9.00am to 3.30pm daily. We
Matters our two Tombolas this year will be sell a variety of pet food and accessories
held in the Village Hall on:
and our experienced staff are on hand to
st
advise you on your pet’s needs.
Friday 1 April 2016
Friday 4th November 2016
Diary We hold a variety of fundraising
Doors Open 6.30pm, Eyes Down at 7.00pm. events and our next event this year is our
Gala Day on Saturday 16th July. If you
We will hold a joint fundraising event with would like a stall please contact Kirstyn on
Benwick and Chatteris Group, a Quiz, at the 0300 123 8442 (local call costs). There is a
Hospital on Friday 14th October.
£10 charge and stallholders must have
More details in the next edition.
Public and Product Liability insurance.The
PLEASE PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARIES NOW!
event is also a fun dog show and is held
outside on our fields.
The next Group Meeting is on Wednesday
4th May 2016 at 7.30pm in the Back Room Thank you all for your support we hope to
of the Village Hall ~ do come along if you see you all soon.
would like to join the Manea Group.
Dianne Rowe – Chairman
01354 688368
23
COMMUNITY GROUPS
MANEA COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME
MANEA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Grants are available for students or The Scheme is still operative. If you need to
groups working with students between 16 make a journey and do not have the use of a
years (by 1st September) and 25 years of car, nor are you fit enough to use public
transport, please phone Delia Wakeling on
age (by 31st August).
07913 417358. This is a mobile phone, but
be ready to give me your home number and
You must reside or lead groups in Manea
I will ring back.
to apply for a grant. All Manea-based
groups can apply.
I am normally able to answer the phone
between 9.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays.
Grants allocated
If I do not answer, I could be driving or
every June
similarly occupied. Please be patient and try
again a little later.
Application form from: Ro King, South View,
Wisbech Road, Manea, March, Cambs. PE15 Journeys are charged at 30p per mile, with a
0HB or Email – [email protected]
minimum charge of £3.00.
MANEA AFTERNOON CLUB
With Walk & Talk
We meet in the the Village Hall back room
at 1.30pm on 3rd Monday of each month.
Diary
18�� April: ‘A Rosy Glow’
16�� May: ‘The Colour Pink’
We will then be on our Summer break, and
will be having a meal out.
We will try to get to the Rose Fair this year
- last year it came during the only
heatwave of the year.
Call Val on 680600 for information.
MANEA OVER SIXTIES CLUB
We now hold our meetings in the Royal
British Legion Club. However, you don’t
actually have to be over sixty to come along
and enjoy a social afternoon.
The Club also arranges a ‘Day Out’ during
the year, plus a Meal and a Christmas Party
Tea, so why not come along and give us a
try? Meetings are held every fortnight on a
Friday at 2.00pm.
Further information:Joan Barber 01354 680348
24
COMMUNITY GROUPS
MANEA SILVER BAND
MANEA DINNERS
The Manea Silver Band is a group of
musicians dedicated to bringing brass band
music to local communities in a fun and
entertaining way.
We perform all over the region, in festivals,
parks, pubs, concert halls, churches, and just
about anywhere we are asked to play!
Manea Dinners are still providing excellent
dinners for our guests at £4.50, which
includes a main meal, dessert, and endless
cups of tea or coffee.
As a non-profit group run by volunteers,
any excess cash goes back to our guests by
way of free dinners, entertainment or gifts.
We are always
looking for more
If you wish to join us in the Village Hall on
members, so if
a Wednesday at 11.30am, then please
you are a player or
come along. You will be most welcome.
a lapsed player or you
want to learn how to play a brass
instrument, please come along or get in touch.
The band rehearses at Manea Methodist
Chapel, Station Road, every Monday. 7.30 to
9.30pm.
We offer free lessons for learners and junior
players, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
For more information contact the band
If we have whetted your appetite and you
secretary, Howard Roberts: 07920 776732. would like to know more about Manea
Or email: [email protected].
Dinners, please call Nicky on 01354 680818.
Read Manea Matters in
Glorious Full Colour at
www.maneaconnect.co.uk
25
MANEA INFORMATION SHEET
APRIL TO MAY 2016
Police Local Neighbourhood Policing Team
Non-emergency number: 101. Emergency: 999.
PCSO (Mobile): 07738 025149 Ext 6512
Transport
Trains - National Rail: 08457 484950, or
Greater Anglia: 08456 007245
Manea (Station Road) - Trains to Ely and Peterborough
and onward connections. Manea is no longer a request stop.
Buses - Norfolk Green (Stagecoach), service 56. - Tel 01553 776980
For bus and train timetables please see page 11
Library Library information line 08450 455225
Mobile library 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 2.35pm - 3.40pm in Station Road
outside school. 3.45pm - 4.20pm in High Street, opp. Old Post Office.
Provides a doorstep service with books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, Videos etc.
Can deliver to members’ homes if unable to attend the library.
(Libraries also located in nearby Chatteris, March & Wisbech).
Note: Cambridgeshire Mobile Library to be phased out over 2 yrs from 2015
Hospitals & Medical Services
NHS 24 - Call 111 for advice
Manea Surgery 01354 680774 (4 Cathedral View, Manea)
Peterborough City Hospital 01733 678000 (Switchboard)
(Edith Cavell Campus, Bretton Gate, Peterborough, PE3 9GZ)
Hinchingbrooke Hospital 01480 416416 (Hinchingbrooke Park,
Huntingdon, PE29 6NT)
Addenbrookes Hospital 01223 245151 (Hills Road, Cambridge)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital 01553 613613 (Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, PE30 4ET)
Minor Injuries Unit:- Doddington 01354 644241 (Monday- Sunday)
Wisbech
01945 585781, Ely 01353 656675 (Monday - Sunday)
Wisbech Dental Access Centre 01945 465919
26
For regular weekly events, please
see p. 1
April
1�� ~ Methodist Worship Lunch, 12.00 to 1.00pm (see p.34)
1�� ~ FODH Tombola, Village Hall, 6.30pm for 7.00pm start (see p.23)
2ⁿ� ~ RBL Live Music, Stubby, 8.30pm
3�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
5�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
6�� ~ Manea History Group, Methodist Church, 7.30pm (see p.49)
9�� ~ RBL Live Music, Barry Chase, 8.30pm
11�� ~ RBL Women’s Section, Village Hall Club Room, 7.00pm (see p.31)
15�� ~ MANEA MATTERS DEADLINE
16�� ~ RBL Live Music, Warren Dewitt Shreves, 8.30pm
17�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
17�� ~ St Nicolas Family Service, Church Rooms, 11.00am (see p.34)
18�� ~ Afternoon Club, Village Hall Back Room, 1.30pm (see p.24)
18�� ~ Manea Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall, 7.00pm (see p.54)
19�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
19�� ~ RBL Bowls Club Event, East Street, 6.00pm (see p.6)
20�� ~ RBL Prize Bingo, 6.45pm (see p.22)
21�� ~ Manea Surgery closed for staff training
23�� ~ RBL Live Music, Clear Cut, 8.30pm
26�� ~ WI, Church Rooms, 7.30pm (see p.32)
30�� ~ RBL Live Music, Kay D, 8.30pm
May
1�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
3�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
4�� ~ FODH Group Meeting, Back Room, Village Hall, 7.30pm (see p.23)
4�� ~ Manea History Group, Methodist Church, 7.30pm (see p.49)
6�� ~ Methodist Worship Lunch, 12.00 to 1.00pm (see p.34)
7�� ~ RBL Live Music, Steve Key, 8.30pm
9�� ~ RBL Women’s Section, Village Hall Club Room, 7.00pm (see p.31)
14�� ~ RBL Live Music, Johnny Marks, 8.30pm
15�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
15�� ~ St Nicolas Family Service, Church Rooms, 11.00am (see p.34)
16�� ~ Afternoon Club, Village Hall Back Room, 1.30pm (see p.24)
27
Apr - May 2016
May (continued)
17�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
18�� ~ RBL Prize Bingo, 6.45pm (see p.22)
19�� ~ Manea Surgery closed for staff training
21�� ~ RBL Live Music, 8.30pm
23�� ~ Manea Parish Council Meeting & AGM, Village Hall, 7.00pm
24�� ~ WI, Church Rooms, 7.30pm (see p.32) (see p.54)
28�� ~ RBL Live Music, Big Ron Tee, 8.30pm
Note, due to changing publication
dates, this issue of Manea Matters
covers just April and May.
However, for your convenience we
have included some June events of
which we have been made aware.
June
3�� ~ Methodist Worship Lunch, 12.00 to 1.00pm (see p.34)
4�� ~ RBL Live Music, Black Steel, 8.30pm
5�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
7�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
8�� ~ Manea History Group, Methodist Church, 7.30pm (see p.49)
11�� ~ Methodist Strawberry Tea, 3.00pm (see p.34)
11th ~ RBL Live Music, George Macintosh, 8.30pm
13�� ~ RBL Women’s Section, Village Hall Club Room, 7.00pm (see p.31)
15�� ~ RBL Prize Bingo, 6.45pm (see p.22)
16�� ~ Manea Surgery closed for staff training
18�� ~ Chilli-Eating Contest, Skylark Garden Centre (see back page)
18�� ~ RBL Live Music, 8.30pm
19�� ~ Orchard Maintenance Day. 10.00am to 12.00 (see p.48)
19�� ~ St Nicolas Family Service, Church Rooms, 11.00am (see p.34)
20�� ~ Manea Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall, 7.00pm (see p.54)
21�� ~ St Nicolas Tuesday @ Two, Church Rooms, 2.00pm to 4.30pm (see p.34)
25�� ~ RBL Live Music, 8.30pm
28�� ~ WI, Church Rooms, 7.30pm (see p.32)
28
Animals and Wildlife
Places of Worship
RSPB Ouse Washes 01354 680212
Welches Dam, Manea
Wetland Reserve and visitor centre
WWT Welney 01353 860711
Hundred Foot Bank, Welney
Wetland Reserve, visitor centre and tea room
(See p.34)
St Nicolas C of E,
High Street, Manea.
Wardens:
Mrs R Hankins: 01354 680585
Mr Bob Day
Manea Methodist Chapel,
Station Road, Manea
Mrs E Lawrence 01354 680591
RSPCA Wimblington 0300 123 0726
Local Towns
Education
Manea Community Primary School,
Station Road, Manea: 01354 680293
Manea Pre-School: 01354 680928
Chatteris (approx 7 miles)
Market Day – Friday
Half day closing –Wednesday
Meeting Places
Village Hall: 01354 688418
(Ann Pickering)
Church Rooms 01354 680585 (Rosemary Hankins)
March (approx 8 miles)
Market Day – Wednesday
and Saturday
Half day closing – Tuesday
Councils, Refuse Collection
& Recycling
Fenland District General Enquiries 01354 654321
District Councillor: Mark Buckton 01354 688442. Email: [email protected]
Manea Parish Council: Terry Jordan 01354 279312
Meets 3rd Monday of the month at 7.00pm - Village Hall
holds a public open forum at the start of each meeting.
Refuse collections 7.00am onwards
Alternate Wednesdays for recycling
Household Waste Site: Hundred Road, March
Recycling Points:
Royal British Legion ~ Newspapers, Magazines, Glass
Wisbech Road/Station Road Junction
~ Clothes, Textiles, Books, CDs, DVDs, PC & Console Games
Fire Station ~ Clothes, Shoes, Linen
29
COMMUNITY GROUPS
MANEA HISTORY GROUP
MANEA ALLOTMENTS
The group meets in Manea Methodist
Chapel, Station Road, on a Wednesday
once a month and enjoys regular talks and
presentations on a variety of historyrelated topics.
Manea Allotments (off Park Road) are now
becoming well established, and take-up of
the plots has been very good.
Rent Annual rents are £25 and £12.50 for
full (approx 220 sq. Metres) and half plots
(approx. 110 sq. Metres) respectively.
Allotment Committee Contact Details:Chairman, Roger Watts :[email protected]
Secretary, Tracey Fison:[email protected]
Treasurer, David Boyd
[email protected]
Start time: 7.30pm. Admission £2.50
Includes tea and biscuits
Diary: 6th April ~ Gill Shepherd
4th May ~ Richard Gibbons
8th June ~ Hilary Ritchie
MANEA VILLAGE HALL
Information: Ursula: 01354 680406
Sunday
Spiritual Service, Club Room from 10.00am
MANEA YOUTH CLUB
New to the village? Parents giving you
aggro? Come along to Manea Village
Hall in School Lane on a Tuesday
evening from 7.00pm and hang out
with us.
School Lane
Manea
PE15 0JN
Monday
Art Class 10.00am, Club Room
Walk & Talk 2.00pm
Afternoon Club 1.30pm, Club Room on 3rd Monday
Tuesday
Youth Club 7.00pm
Wednesday
Manea Dinners 11.30am for 12.00pm, Club Room
Thursday
Toddler Group, 9.30am in term time
Frameworks Dance Classes, 4.00pm - 7.00pm
Self-Development & Spiritual Awareness, 7.30pm 10.00pm, Club Room
To book the Hall or Club Room at
Friday
very competitive rates, please
Bingo 7.00pm
contact the Secretary,
Ann Pickering, on 01354 688418
30
COMMUNITY GROUPS
MANEA CONNECT COMMITTEE
MANEA STREET PRIDE
This quarterly magazine is brought to you by
the Manea Connect Committee, which was
set up in February 2004 to inform villagers of
events and services in and around the village
and to help coordinate community groups
and events. See also our website,
www.maneaconnect.co.uk
We are a small group of volunteers who also
periodically stage events ourselves. If you
can spare a little time to help out, you will be
very welcome. Why not become one of our
‘Friends’ who help deliver Manea Matters?
The aim of the group is to maintain the
flower tubs around Manea and keep the
public areas clean and free from litter.
Volunteers always needed to help keep
our village blooming. Come and join us.
Details:- Andy, on 01354 688335
YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP??
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
WOMEN’S SECTION
Manea is a vibrant, growing community
with numerous friendly social and
activity groups operating quietly - or
some not so quietly - in the background.
The Women’s Section of the Legion hold
their meetings at 7.00pm on the 2nd
Monday of each month at the Village Hall
Clubroom. See Village Diary for dates.
Do you belong to such a group? Have you
told the rest of the community about
what your group does?
Get yourself noticed! Let us know what
you are up to and we’ll give you a regular
quarterly slot in Manea Matters. See
page 1 for contact details.
31
Further information:Joan Barber (Secretary): 01354 680348
COMMUNITY GROUPS
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
EDDIE’S
BE A BEFRIENDER
The Fenland-based charity, Eddie’s, is
looking for reliable volunteers to join their
Befriending Scheme and make a difference
to someone’s life.
Travel and activity costs will be reimbursed
by Eddie’s.
Give It A Go Girls WI
We’re 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, which hopefully will appeal to all
interests and ages.
If you have a caring and understanding
attitude, with a genuine desire to help
people, then please contact Eddie’s today.
[email protected]
or call 01354 651166.
As you see there is also a monthly
competition and a competition /bring
along item, just for fun.
Speaker/
Date
Activity
Clothing
Colour
Bring Along
26��
April
Benefits of
Mediterranean
Diet
Green
Item beginning ‘N’
24��
May
English Spirits
Pink
Item beginning ‘O’
Open Mtg,
28��
June
Upwood Ukelele
FENLAND ASSOCIATION FOR
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT (F.A.C.T.)
Competition/
Item beginning ‘P’
Meetings Band
are held on the 4th Tuesday of
the month.
Come along and join us at 7:30pm in the
Church Rooms, Park Road. Your first
meeting is free.
Information: Steph Short:- 01354 680913
FACT is a not-for-profit organisation serving
the Fens for people who have difficulties
using conventional transport. We aim to
provide accessible, affordable and safe
transport services. You must be a member
of FACT to use this service.
Groups/individuals must register with us
before using our services. Our fleet ranges
from minibuses with 12 – 16 seats which can
carry up to four wheelchair users, to cars for
one wheelchair user/two passengers. Our
vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible.
CONTACT US:- 5 Martin Avenue, March,
Cambridgeshire, PE15 0AY
Telephone: 01354 661234
Fax: 01354 661235
Email: [email protected]
32
MANEA ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB
in East Street, Manea, consists of:
● A Fully Licensed Bar with a full size Snooker Table
● Pool Table - Dart Boards - Slot Machines
● Function room suitable for small parties or meetings for your
club's committees of up to 40 guests
● Large Dance Hall suitable for parties of up to 150 guests.
● Short Mat Bowling in Main Hall
●
● 4-Lane Outdoor Bowls Rink
● Large Car Park
All these facilities are available to
ANYONE, and EVERYONE is welcome
Contact for hall hire: Paddy:- 01354 680694
33
Weekly Activities
(7.00pm start unless stated):● Tuesday, Karate
● 3�� Wednesday, Prize Bingo,
6.45pm, eyes down 7.15pm
● Thursday, Bingo (Over 18s)
● Saturday, Live Music, 8.30pm
Church Notices
High Street, Manea
Station Road, Manea
Regular Events:-
Regular Events:-
Morning praise and prayer most Sundays
at 11.00am.
All Age Worship
tea/coffee/snacks.
Sundays at 10.00am
All welcome.
Family Service in the Church Rooms, 3rd
Sunday of the month at 11.00am:- Tea,
Coffee and Cake. Puppets, Craft, lively
songs. Very child friendly.
Jigsaw Group, Most Thursdays, 2.00 to
4.00pm. A place to enjoy tea and cake with
friends, perhaps share a jigsaw, play
dominoes or bring along a favourite craft.
Tuesday @ Two Church Rooms, Park Road
on alternate Tuesdays, 2.00pm to 4.30pm.
Intended for all ages to enjoy with coffee,
tea & cake, cordials and fruit. Craft
activities, pre-school area, hand-crafted
cards for sale, pre-loved Christian books for
sale or exchange. No charge for the session
or refreshments. (See Diary for dates).
Craft Club, Fridays, 10.00am-12.00 noon,
£2.50. Refreshments provided. A time to
meet new friends & chat. Bring your knitting
or other craft work.
Bible Study/Fellowship Group, Mondays
8.00pm at 1 Westfield Road, Manea.
Diary:Strawberry Tea, Saturday 11�� June, 3.00pm.
At the chapel. Entertainment is from the
Thomas Jay Duo. Tickets from Mrs Lawrence.
Information:Church Wardens Mrs Rosemary Hankins
01354 680585 & Mr Bob Day 01354 688063
Find us on Facebook or our website
www.maneachurch.co.uk
Information:Minister:- Rev Sue Snowden: 01945 772456
Lay Worker:- Sarah Eastol: 01354 680883
Mrs Lawrence:- 01354 680591
Worship Lunch, First Friday of the month,
12.00 to 1.00pm. A simple meal with friends
old and new, £2.00 per person.
34
Fen Folk through the years
FENLAND FLOODS
When the editor of this fine quarterly
magazine asked me to write an article
about flooding in the Manea area, I had
something of a job to find very much on
the subject.
Gale Then came a South-Westerly
gale which “whipped up the water”
throughout the South Level of the
Old Great Ouse catchment area.
This threatened all the Fens,
including the Old Bedford River.
Good News This perhaps is good news
for us all. At the time of the request,
flooding was very much in the news, with
seemingly vast areas of Britain under
water; very worrying for those of us living
in low-lying localities like the Fens.
Manea Volunteers Punts were put
into use to ferry some 50 volunteers
from Manea to the High Bank, which
was in imminent danger of collapse.
Sandbags were pressed into use to
strengthen the banks, and all the
men were soon soaked to the skin.
Livestock Farmers were compelled
to move their livestock, and crops
were speedily moved, where
possible.
Imminent Danger So let me take you
back to March 1937, when the Town
Crier for Manea (we so need one of
those!) rang his bell to signal imminent
danger of flooding in or around the
village.
There had been a
series of heavy
rainstorms, and the
rivers in the area
were full to overflowing.
35
Pumping Station
The pumping
station at Colony was literally
inches away from being inundated.
Had this happened, with water
entering the pumping station, the
engines would have stopped, and far
worse flooding would have resulted.
In a similar scenario in York last
December, York was severely
flooded when a flood barrier had to
be opened to protect a threatened
pumping station to try to prevent a
far worse catastrophe.
Royal Engineers The Royal Engineers
were called out to assist in the
desperate battle with nature.
Sandbags were needed to protect ‘The
Ship’ public house at Purls Bridge.
High Tide The fact was, that with a high
tide, the waters could breach the banks
right across the Fens. It was recorded
that the water was some eight feet above
normal in some rivers.
The Ship at Purls Bridge. Sandbags were needed to
protect it from flooding.
1937 flooding. Believed to be Chatteris.
March at Risk It was not just Manea
at risk. There were also concerns for
Sutton, Ely and Wilburton, and it was
said at the time that, had the banks
breached, the town of March would
have flooded.
The men worked in darkness with
hurricane lamps, putting tons of clay on
to the banks to prevent the water from
overflowing.
Some men worked on the water itself,
using barges.
One of the helpers in the battle against
the floods was mentioned by name, 1947 Floods Some ten years later, floods
one Mr Gerald Cave - a surname not would again threaten the Fens. Early in
1947, some 34 English counties suffered
unknown in Manea.
flooding, with the Fens being particularly
Widespread Chaos The Fens were hard hit yet again. But that’s a story for
not the only area to be affected by the another time…… Janet H
exceptional conditions: Kent fared
very badly too. The River Humber,
too, was giving great cause for
concern on that dreadful night.
36
RHD CONSULTANTS
Need PLANNING PERMISSION?
Building an Extension / Room in the Roof /
Garage Conversion to Living Accommodation ?
Currently Has Vacancies for Children
of Two Years and Above
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ofsted Inspected (Graded ‘Good’)
NCMA Member with 1st Aid Certificate
Full-Time, Part-Time, School Holidays
Pre-School and School Pick-ups
Over 20 Years’ Experience
References Available
Very Homely and One-to-One Care
All drawings , surveys, planning forms,
bio-diversity forms etc as required,
All for £150.00
Drawings are Location Plan, Site Plan, Floor Plans,
All Elevations & Any Sections as Required
PLANNING AGENTS (Est’d 1973) 45 WESTFIELD ROAD
MANEA, PE15 0LS (01354 680273)
Fully Qualified, Part P Registered Electrician
Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Electrical Installations
Testing & Inspection
______________________________________________________
For A Free Quotation Contact Aaron on
07956 94 99 68 | [email protected]
www.aemelectricalservices.co.uk
55 Station Road, Manea, Cambridgeshire
37
38
EGB
Vacuum Ltd
-Engineering the Future
Eddie Barnes
Director
BAGGED POTATO HAULAGE
Mobile: 07769 654380
A regular service into the Midlands area
Unit 30 Earith Business Park
Earith
Cambridgeshire
PE28 3QF
Full & part loads undertaken
39b Westfield Road, Manea,
March, Cambs. PE15 0LS
Tel: +44 1487 840123
Mob: +44 7771 804159
[email protected]
www.egb-vacuum.co.uk
Perce Baxter & Son
General Builder
—-------------------------------:- 01354 692192
Mobile: 07815 563964
39
www.dandjtransport.co.uk
AGGREGATE SUPPLIES
01354 740249
SAND, GRAVEL, BALLAST
GRANITE, BARK, SLATE, TOPSOIL
LIMESTONE OPC
BRICK BATS & TARMAC PLANINGS
DELIVERED OR COLLECTED
SAME DAY/NEXT DAY DELIVERY
LOOSE OR BAGGED
FROM 1 TONNE TO 29 TONNES
MUCK AWAY SERVICE
Tel:01354 740249
40
BRIDAL PACKAGES
OLD DAIRY YARD, WESTFIELD ROAD, MANEA.
41
THE SPICE BANK
CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CUISINE
Locally Sourced
New exclusive
dishes available
Freshly Cooked
Exclusive Menu
SUNDAY ROYAL BUFFET
STARTER | MAIN COURSE
ACCOMPANIED BY RICE,
SHARING SIDE & NAAN
SUNDAY BETWEEN 12 - 3PM
FEAST MENU
ANY STARTER | ANY MAIN COURSE
ACCOMPANIED RICE,
SHARING SIDE & NAAN
SUN - WED
A-La-Cart available
01354 657732 | www.thespicebank.com
42
PHIL BRIDGEMENT
Carpenter/Joiner
1st & 2nd Fix Carpentry ~ Kitchens Fitted
Floor/Wall Tiling
01354 688466 Mobile: 07853 338932
8 Scholars Close, Manea, PE15 0HF
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Qualified Carpenter & Joiner
Most Property Maintenance
Plastering
Floor & Wall Tiling
Kitchen Fitting
Bathroom Fitting
Wooden Flooring
Anything Else?….Please Just Ask
Please contact Anthony Beeching:Home: 01354 688420. Mob: 07800 730693
[email protected]
66 Station Road, Manea, Cambs, PE15 0HE
REARING TO GO
Equine Rug Cleaning Service and Saddlery
Rugs Rearingtogo Saddlery
83 High Street, March, PE15 9LB
Wash & Reproof……£13.00
Tel:- 01354 651737
Wash……………………£7.00
Numnahs……………..£4.00
(Free pick-up & delivery) Equine Rug Cleaning Service, Cat & Dog bedding
washed, £7 per machine load. Repairs undertaken…Individually priced
For all your equine requisites, call Mick on 077690 697424 or 01354 651737
43
PAYNES of CHATTERIS Ltd
(D.A.W. Payne, B.Tech, Elec. Eng)
59 CHARLEMONT DRIVE, MANEA,
CAMBS. PE15 OGA
Tel: 08450 695285 Fax: 08450 694704 Mobile: 07836 280063
Your local qualified NIC EIC electrical contractors
serving the local community for the last 39 years
E
D LEISUR
WORK AN
CLOTHIN
IE
G SUPPL
Personalise your
Garments with
Embroidery & Printing
No Minimum Quantity
In House Digitizing
Service Available
01354 652 880 or 07904 692 413
[email protected]
15 Hostmoor Avenue, March,
PE15 0AX (Near Tesco)
www.s ewlo.c o.uk
44
RS
45
K & R TIMBER
We are a local timber company with quite a big range
Large selection of T & G Shed Cladding
Sleepers
6 by 6 heavy duty Trellis. Other sizes to order
Timber:- 2 by 2, 2 by 3, 2 by 4 etc
Feather Edge & Post & Rail Fencing
Plywood Sheets 8 by 4
Picket Fence panels
10m Rolls Shed Felt
Plus lots of other timber and products. Not sure what you want? - Just pop down and
have a look around. We also build standard size and bespoke Sheds, Summerhouses,
Playhouses, Dog & Cat Runs etc.
For Timber, call Kev: 07919 102091
For Sheds, Buildings etc, call Paul: 07906 344026
Vicarage Farm, Byall Fen Drove, Manea, Cambs
Got an odd-shaped garden?…No problem ~
We can make a building to fit, be it a shed,
playhouse, summerhouse, garden office etc.
Allsorts Sheds, Vicarage Farm, Byall Fen Drove,
Manea, PE15 0JY Tel: Paul on 07906 344026
Email:- [email protected]
46
‘
47
All welcome
Contact Margaret on 01354 688178
[email protected]
48
Your Village Shop
One-Stop - Manea Store
1 Park Road, Manea
PE15 0LL
Tel: 01354 680315
Warm and friendly service, everything you need for daily shopping:
Post Office
Newspapers
Newspaper Delivery
Lottery
Cash Machine
Pay Point Machine
Off Licence
Frozen Food
Dairy Products
Greeting Cards
Household Coal
Fresh meat to order from Betts.
And a lot more
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 6:30am to 8:00pm
Sunday 8.00am to 8.00pm
49
ALAN WRIGHT
SCOOTER PARAMEDIC
DAVE’S
MOBILITY SCOOTER SERVICES
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Plumbing and Heating
General Maintenance & Repairs
REPAIRS
CALL OUT
HOME SERVICE VISITS
BATTERIES TESTING/RENEWAL
PUNCTURE REPAIR
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
DBS CHECKED
WE BUY - WE SELL - WE PX
82, Cavalry Drive,
March, Cambs
PE15 9DP
Tel: 01354 656370
Mob: 07849655316
Tel: 01354
680662
Mob: 07833
281142
No call out charges
MANEA PIONEER CENTER
FOR SPIRITUAL
DEVELOPMENT
&
SPIRITUAL HEALING
MANEA VILLAGE HALL
ALL WELCOME TO OUR DIVINE
SERVICE EVERY SUNDAY
MORNING AT 10.00 – 11.00am
Healing Given Followed by Divine Service 11.15am
Spiritual Development class open to all every Thursday 7.30pm – 10.00pm
All enquiries to Annie Callow on 07402910548
For further events go to Facebook Manea Pioneer Center
50
POPPY APPEAL
Total Raised So far this year the amount
raised is £3307.65. However, this is not
the final total as more donations are
expected.
2015 Total In 2015 the amount raised
was £5105.72.
Thank You On behalf of the Poppy
Appeal I would like to thank all the
collectors who go out in all weathers
selling poppies, also to all the businesses
who have poppy collecting pots.
We Must Remember Them
We must not forget what the soldiers do
They fight for our country to help me and you
So the British Legion do their best
To help all their families and the rest
Selling poppies once a year
To raise some money for ones so dear
Coffee mornings, cake stalls too
The money all helps to remember you
Remember the flag, blue and gold
We must not forget them as they grow old
The soldiers and their families too
Need looking after like me and you
We think of them and we pray
They all will come home safe one day
So when you buy a poppy at your door
Please remember what it's for
Finally, thank you to everyone who
donated to this appeal. Thank you all
very much.
Lesley Kennedy (PAO)
51
Shirley Haylock
WESTFIELD FARMS (MANEA) LTD
__________________________________________
FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS
----------------------------------------
Quality Chipping Potatoes
Ÿ
Contract Farming
Ÿ
Contract Grading/Storage
Ÿ
NEW ~ Drain Jetting
With Latest Equipment
Contact: -
Tel:-
James
01354 680781
Mobile:-
07515 105701
E.Mail:- [email protected]
52
Radiance Nails
by Paula Judd
Qualified, Experienced Nail Technician
Prom Nails- Creative Nail Art - Nail Enhancements
Gel Polish for Natural Nails,and All Aspects of Beauty Treatments.
Pamper Parties for 4 or More Guests - Special Offers
Based in Manea Call or Message Paula:- 07843 664616
[email protected]
53
MANEA PARISH COUNCIL
Ian Woodard
Manea Parish Council
wishes to note the passing of Councillor
Ian “Woody” Woodard. “Woody” was a
dedicated Parish Councillor and very
passionate for wheelchair access at
Manea Pit, where he spent many hours.
Street Lighting The Fenland District Council’s
directive for the street lights within Manea
Village is reflected in the 2016/2017 Council
Tax Precept. This figure represents an increase
for the Parish of Manea of £0.59 per week for
a Band D Property and is mainly to cover the
adoption and maintenance of 51 street lights.
The adoption programme for
street lighting is set to run for
the next 3 years. During and
after this time the Parish
Council will be responsible for all Category 2
street lights.
Ian “Woody” Woodard
"Woody” had an opinion on most, if not
all of the Parish Council’s business and he
would state these opinions firmly, and
was therefore respected by the Parish
Councillors. The Parish Council will
donate a park bench to be sited in the
Manea Pit area with a plaque in memory
of Councillor Woodard.
Other Financial Issues Other factors affecting
Parish Council finances include reductions in
income to the Parish Council from Fenland
District Council, and increased support being
provided to the Youth Club.
Station Car Park The station car park has had
another setback resulting in a further delay to
the opening, and at this time, the Parish
Council is unable to predict an opening time.
Election A Parish Council election, with
three candidates standing for the
Open Forum There is a 15 minute
forum for villagers to address the
position, was held on
February to
Parish Council before the Council
replace Councillor Woodard. Dr Richard
meeting. If you have any subjects
Hirson was duly elected as a Parish
relevant
to
the Manea Parish Council then
Councillor.
come along at 7.00pm. Dates and venues are
advertised on our website, in the minutes of
previous meetings, or contact any Parish
Councillor.
Cllr. Kenneth Risbridger
11th
This page is provided by Manea Connect Committee for the exclusive use of Manea Parish Council, to whom any
enquiries regarding content should be directed.
54
Printed in Cambridgeshire by David J Richards Ltd, 1 West Park Street, Chatteris, PE16 6AH