President’s report
It’s not obvious but some of you may have noticed an ageing brass plaque on the left-hand wall of the entrance to the Pool. It is an Honour Roll remembering nine regular swimmers at Manuka Pool who gave their lives in the Second World War. One of them is Lindsay Knowles, the brother of FoMP honorary member Merv Knowles.
The Honour Roll is a prized part of the Pool’s social history, but it has been neglected and is now in a sad state of disrepair.
FoMP plans to restore it and to track down the service records and stories of some of those whose names appear on it. We have written to Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, seeking the Memorial’s assistance in restoring the Roll and exploring some of its history behind it.
Signage
Have you noticed the wonderful old signage at the pool in original art deco style? We are keen to preserve those signs and to bring back some of those that have disappeared but which can be seen in old photos.
Numbers
According to manager Bryan it has been a bumper January, with some 40 per cent more customers through the gates. It coincides with the Bureau of Meteorology announcement that January has been Canberra’s hottest on record. With an average maximum temperature of 32.8°C, we sweated through 22 days above 30°C.
With global average temperatures rising at rates that frighten the climate scientists, we ought to get used to it. Summers like this are the ‘new abnormal’. Great for Pool takings, but…
New contract
In a month or so, Active Canberra, the agency of the ACT Government that looks after sporting facilities, will call for tenders for the next 5-year contract to manage Manuka Pool.
FoMP has met with Active Canberra to urge it to place a stronger emphasis on protecting and enhancing the heritage values of the Pool.
Manuka Precinct Survey
An online survey is seeking the views of Canberrans on planning for the Manuka Oval and Pool precincts. We are concerned that the community consultation process will be skewed towards out-of-town sporting interests and local traders.
It is important to have as much input as possible so we can best represent the views of members and friends. So find the survey by Googling “surneymonkey manuka oval”, and let us know what you think.
Volunteers are happier
FoMP is dedicated to supporting Manuka Pool’s heritage and community value and aims to improve the experience for its users. Last year was quite exhausting as we fended off the threat from the huge development proposal. Now we are looking forward to future activities like fundraising, lobbying, social events, and grant applications for heritage protection.
If you have a particular passion or talent you would like to bring to FoMP then please let us know.
And let’s not forget – volunteering makes you happier. Please email friendsofmanukapool@gmail.com if you can help or would like to know more.
Craft Telopea Park
Telopea Park is one of three parks chosen to pioneer the ACT Government’s “Craft Your Park” initiative. CYP will add natural play components to the play spaces in the Park. (Anyone with kids will know how boring the existing play equipment is.)
The Government is keen for community input, and needs it now. Visit http://www.aila.org.au/craftyourpark for info.
The proposed location is adjacent to the existing playground, extending down the slope towards the stormwater drain. This location is between the car parking and BBQ areas. It stops some 20m before the edge of the drain – enough to provide clear sight lines for parents to prevent children from jumping or falling into it. (The bridges over the drain are an excellent spot for playing Pooh sticks.)
There is a Facebook page for community comment:
https://www.facebook.com/craftyourparktelopea/
Also, feel free to email comments directly to Annika at AHoffman@groupgsa.com.
FoMP Budget submission 2017-18
Late last year the ACT Government called for budget submissions for 2017-18. FoMP made a submission seeking support for Manuka Pool. This has generated some media interest in both heritage and planning.
The Canberra Times carried a front-page story about the value of Manuka Pool featuring our Honorary Member Merv Knowles, who was present at the Pool’s opening on Australia Day 1931.
Friends of Manuka Pool 