Page 19 - Issue 65 Online

MANEA MA TTERS
MANEA MATTERS
Silver Band to resurrect the band. A few of the old

instruments were retrieved; some players
had their own instruments or were using
school ones and, with a nucleus of about 12
section at the Crystal Palace Brass Band youngsters and a couple of adults, the band
contest. News of the band's success in London reformed. Several players from the original band
was allegedly sent home by carrier pigeon. They also rejoined.
still have the original score of the piece of music In 1991 the band ventured abroad for the
performed on that occasion. The story unfolds first time and established twinning links in
that the Band was cheered Germany. The German Band
by the whole village upon reciprocated the visit in
their return at Manea Train Much of the music, 1993 and Manea Silver Band
Station. which was stored under has made subsequent visits.
The band continued to be the stage at the school, After the retirement of Mr
successful until the 1960s. was eaten by mice and Wilson in 1999, the Band
Falling membership and had to be destroyed was fortunate to obtain the
a lack of enthusiastic services of Peter Cain, who
leadership lead to its had enjoyed a distinguished
cessation. Sadly, at that time many of the career with the Green Jackets Army Band.
instruments were loaned to other bands in the From 2009 various people have held the baton
area and no record was kept of their distribution. including; Clare Hall, Shaun Pope and James
Much of the music, which was stored under the Stygall.
stage at the school, was eaten by mice and had Recently the Manea Silver Band has 'co-
to be destroyed.
operated' with Chatteris Town Band to form
In 1982, with the arrival of David Wilson as a strong alliance. In February 2020 this
headmaster at the local school, it was decided successful 'co-operation' resulted in a complete

DEADLINE for Issue 66 – Friday 22 May 2020 PAGE 19
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