Tower and Town, June 2024 (view the full edition)EditorialMy family can trace their roots back to Yorkshire, where Judy and I thought we had settled, in York. Our children were born there, and I was delighted at the prospect of either of them playing cricket for Yorkshire. However, 30 years ago, within 6 months of our now daughter Jaime being born, we had to move south. It took us a few months to discover Manton with its pretty mixture of houses, a fantastic village school with sheep peering over the fence into the playground and, above all, a welcoming and accepting community where everyone wanted to say hello and chat. The view from our house across the water meadow is heaven on earth and a place to blossom. Thirty years later to my surprise some regard me as capable of editing a T&T about the village - from its rich history (set in a landscape with continuous human settlement for well over 4000 years) to a thriving present: from the Manton Hoards through stories by senior villagers to the Village Hall, Preshute School, the Residents' Association and the views of a new resident family. My thanks go to everyone who made this Manton edition of Tower and Town happen. I hope it gives you a sense of the place, its wonderful people and their warm-hearted spirit. 'Community' is alive in our pub, the Oddfellows Arms. Despite playing a vital role in the pandemic, the fate of the pub looked dark for a while. Rescued from closure by a new tenant, John Harrington, it is up to us residents to ensure it blossoms. The pub number is on the cover - so no excuses!!! That Manton spirit is exemplified by MantonFest, the musical highlight in village life! I wish Chairman, Roger Grant, a very happy 'special' birthday. His energy, optimism and tenacity organizing the community has made MantonFest one of the most highly regarded festivals in the southwest. Let's raise a glass to him at MantonFest on the 29th of June - hope to see you there! Cover Photo Credits: Rich Pitts |