campaigners by the bridge
A few of of the wonderful campaigners and supporters who have helped us win so many battles, with Peter Vaughan who gave us a large donation which helped pay for our consultants. Photo taken by Manning's Pit bridge in November 2016.

Save Manning's Pit

Big Autumn Party, November 2018

A great time was had by all!


Thank you everyone who came, and most especially to those who stayed for the whole evening despite the fact that for most of the evening the heaters were not working and it was VERY cold!  This was not the fault of the Hall, and we remain very grateful to the organisers.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to show any films but the highlight of the evening was Martin Haddrill's performance of his new song for Manning's Pit. We have had paintings, poems, films and historical exhibitions, but we have never had a song, despite wanting one right from the beginning, so we were all thrillled about this.

As usual, there was more than enough to eat and drink and we all enjoyed meeting up with friends and supporters. Some really interesting people turned up, including one of the award winning poets who has already walked around Manning's Pit, Mary and John Breeds from the Countryside Centre in Braunton who have been so helpful with their plant and moth surveys, and other supporters from further afield.

There were some good displays, especially Tim Saunder's Board with its summing up of what we have acheived, and quotes from Shakespeare.  They were especially appropriate since despite being self-taught Benjamin Manning always quoted Shakespeare whenever he gave a public speech.

We also had some lovely laminated photographs showing Stuti Billore's  Save Manning's Pit posters/flags from India and Clare's photographs of her holding a Save Manning's Pit flag on the Arctic ice.

 It is wonderful to see how our message has resonated world wide.

Our one apology is for the lack of a good photographer, because the Tree of Love for Manning's Pit  was a wonderful sight in its corner by the stage. A special thanks to Wendy Robinson for making it look so beautiful, and thanks too to the band of willing helpers who set everything up, to mark for opening and shutting the Hall for us, Jane Bulpett for yet another amazing cake, Chris Bulpett for his magnificent speech and Bev Snowden who reminded everyone that there are only a few days left before the Poetry Competition closes on Friday November 30th.

So if you haven't entered already, make sure you deliver your poems by Friday evening!  We hear entries are coming thick and fast now.

Report by Christine Lovelock, who managed a very small speech, mainly saying thank you to everyone.


Martin Haddrill with his guitar (apologies for low quality image)

Martin Haddrill singing at the Party