December, 1948.

4--St. John Ambulance Brigade Sale of Work opened by Mrs. F.G. Starling

7--Death, at Barrington, Cambs., of Mrs. Clara Cobb, wife of the late Mr, Henry Cobb, of Littleport, She was 77

9--Black Horse Drove Women's Institute monthly meeting. Ten members of the Littleport W.I. were the guests for the evening

10--Annual meeting of Littleport Red Cross. The meeting was addressed by the county Director of Red Cross, Miss E. Piggott

Whist drive, held at St. Matthew's Institute, realised the sum of £20 in aid of the children's new year party

11--Church Sewing Guild sale of work. £70 was raised

13--Annual meeting of Women's Institute. Mrs. W.I .Gill was elected President

15--Funeral, at Hornchurch, of the late Mr. William Wythers, of 22, Sandhill, Littleport, Mr. Wythers was 73

16--Speaking at a meeting of the Wesley Guild, Sister Clare Powen, a deaconess of the Wesley Deaconess Order, said, "We are a Christian minority in a pagan country, and our young people have to face a world in which pagan standards and ideals are placed before them, and theirs is no easy path to tread. The sooner we realise this the better and the sooner shall we awaken to our responsibility. To those of us who truly seek to build a better world for our children to live and grow in, it must and will be a constant warfare against the evil influences of our day "

17--Engagement announced between Mr. Bryan William Law, son of Mr. & Mrs. R. E. Law, of Wisbech Road, Littleport, and Miss Hazel Bedford, of Chatteris

18--Wedding, at Southery Parish Church, of Miss Sylvia Brown, of Southery, and Mr. Colin Wilfred Thornhill, youngest son of Mr.& Mrs. K. E. Thornhill, of Victoria Street, Littleport

24---Sister Olive Chapman, elder daughter of Mr. & Mrs. H. Chapman, of 4, Globe Lane, Littleport, succeeded in Passing Part II. (final) examination of the Midwife Teachers' Diploma

31--Y.M.C.A. Youth Club annual party. The occasion was marked by a presentation to the leader, Mr. R, Shelton

Rev. J. Puntis conducted a Watch Night service at Victoria Street Methodist Church

January, l949.

2--" Waifs & Strays" service at the Parish Church. Children brought gifts of 150 toys

8--Marriage, at Ely, of Miss June Pettitt, daughter of Mr. & Mrs, C. Pettitt, of Parsons Lane, and Mr. Jack Butcher, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. Butcher, of Millfield

9--Christmas mime presented by Sunday School scholars at the Parish Church. The mime, beautifully performed by the children, was a presentation of scenes from the infancy of our Lord

Outbreak of fire at premises of Mr. J. H. Register, baker, of High Street. The local formation of the I of E, Fire Service was called and control was soon effected.

10--Monthly meeting of Women's Institute. Members of Chatteris W.I. were responsible for the evening's entertainment

12--Meeting of Parish Council. A scheme for lighting the streets of the parish by means of electricity throughout the year from dusk until midnight was adopted. The estimated cost was just over £817

14--Annual Police Hall held at the Grange. 250 dancers attended

Annual Mothers' Union Christmas party. 50 members were present, including 15 members from St. Matthew's M.U.

16--Salvation Army services conducted by Brigadier J. Ellwood, of Leicester

20--S.J.A.B. Cadet annual party. A presentation on behalf of the girl cadets was made by Jennifer Bishop to Mrs. L. A, Hughes, their officer-in-charge

B.H. Drove Women's Institute monthly meeting. An old friend, Mrs. W.C. Gotobed, gave a demonstration on the making of string bags

21--Death, at Lakenheath, of Mrs. Mary Rogers, aged 85 years. She was the wife of Mr. John Rogers, of Chalk Farm, Lakenheath, and formerly of Littleport

Littleport Women's Conservative Association tea and social. The guests of honour were Mr. M. Cathles (Conservative Agent) and Mrs. Cathles

22--Salvation Army sale and entertainment. It was Opened by Major A. Johnson, of Thornton Heath, Over £20 was realised

26--Boxing-Ely District Youth boxing finals held at Ely. The Littleport Y.M.C.A. Youth Club team won the Ruane Boxing Cup for the second year in succession

27--S.J.A.B. Cadets divisional parade. Efficiency badges were presented to the following:--Acting L/Cpl. Driver, Cadets D. Crabb, A. Murfitt, B. Cross, B. Ayres, J, Key and E. Bowles. It was announced that Cadet John Key was the winner of the annual competition for the best all round cadet for 1948

February.1949

1--Badminton-Littleport Hereward Ladies entertained Mildenhall ladies and defeated them by 6 games to 3

Sudden death of Mr, Arthur Crabb Turner, of Brandon Creek. Mr. Turner, who was 54, had worked for Messrs. Martin Bros. for over 40 years, for 36 years of which he had been foreman of Chain farm, Brandon Creek

5--Boxing-County Championships held at Chatteris, Littleport Y.M.C.A, Youth Club team gained second place. The Hunter Rowe Cup for the best loser went to I,Wilding, of Littleport

6--Members of Littleport Y.M.C.A. Youth Club took part in a B.B.C. Youth Service broadcast, held at Bury St.Edmunds.

11--Party for members and friends held at Messrs. Hope Bros. Sports & Social Club. About 140 were present

12--Husbands of members of the Women's Fellowship were hosts at a party given to their wives, families and friends

14--Women's Institute held their annual party. There was a record attendance

15--Isle of Ely Coursing Club meeting held on ground loaned by Mr. Henry Thompson. Mr. J H. Crane's " Littleport Brindle Boy " gained a convincing victory in the Littleport Stakes

18--An egg of abnormal dimensions and weight was laid by an 8 months old Light Sussex hen belonging to Mr. Dennis Clarke, of Station Road. It weighed 6 ozs. and measured 9 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches

19--At the annual meeting of Wisbech District Odd Fellows, held at Wisbech, retiring Grand Master H. Stimpson (Littleport) told those who felt pessimistic about State Health Insurance not to believe that the day of the friendly societies was over. His advice was : " Don't panic; wait and see. Make your lodges attractive, and make a strong appeal to youth."

23--Five workmen had a narrow escape when riding home from work on a lorry. The vehicle, which was the property of Mr. George Murfitt, of Littleport, was loaded with five tons of potatoes and the men were perched on top. It was driven by Mr. Maurice Murfitt, and was turning a corner at Hale Fen when the load slipped, and all the men fell to the ground with bags of potatoes all around and on top of them. One man, Mr. Bert Neal, was taken to hospital with a broken bone in his foot and the others escaped with a few cuts, bruises and a good shaking.

Women's Fellowship whist drive yielded £22 for Dr. Barnado's Homes

The Vicar and Mrs. Payne, accompanied by 25 members of the Mothers' Union, journeyed to Prickwillow for a party to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the Prickwillow branch

24--Annual social given by S.J.A.B. Nursing Division under the supervision of Div. Supt. Miss E. A. Crabb was a great success

25--Whist drive at St. Matthew's, organised by Mrs. J. Gilbert, realised over £17 for Waifs & Stray's Society

26--Marriage, at Maidstone, Kent, of Mr, Cyril Morton, only son of Mr. & Mrs. F, Morton, of Victoria Street, Littleport, and Miss Grace Mary Cooper, of Maidstone

27--The Rev. George Tibatts, Chaplain of Sidney Sussex, Cambridge, spoke on the work of the United Missions in East Africa at the Parish Church

28--A performance of " Aladdin and the Lamp " given by members of the Parish Church boys' choir

March. 1949

2--Social, organised by Black Horse Drove Community Centre in aid of their new venture, the B H.D. Benevolent Fund. The fund is to be used to help the more needy cases in the area

4--Contact with a family in New-Zealand was made by the Y.M.C.A. Youth Club, Littleport, through the following unusual circumstances. While chopping up a packing case for firewood Mr. R. Shelton (Club Leader) came across a pencilled message on the inside of the case which read: " If this should reach anyone's eye, please write to Jack Havill, Papa-toe-toe, Auckland, N.Z." The message had obviously been written by the person who had made the case, and the club members decided to write to the address. The result was a reply from Mr. Havill, saying how thrilled he had been in receiving an answer to his scribbled note which had been sent about a year ago, and which he had forgotten

5--Death of Mr. Butcher, Littleport's oldest male inhabitant. He was 92

9--New physiotherapy clinic opened at Victoria Street, Littleport. The opener was Lady Spens

10--Meeting of B.H.Drove Women's Institute, Two new members, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Godlington, were welcomed

11--Mr. & Mrs Turner, of 79, Wisbech Road, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary

12--Death of Mrs Ethel Gathercole, of Lakenheath and formerly of Littleport. She was 58

14--Annual Angling Club Meeting. Prizes for the best bream, roach and perch caught during 1948-9, were awarded to Mr. H. Willett, Mr, W Scarfe and Mr. F. Fox respectively

Monthly Women's Institute meeting. A glove-making competition was won by Mrs. J Gilbert

16--Littleport and District Youth Clubs held a dancing competition at the Constitutional Hall. The winning couples were (1) Miss Valerie Goff and Mr. Fred King, (2) Miss Sheila Leggett and Mr. R, Elmore, (3) Miss F. Turner & Mr. N. Gilbert (St. Matthew's)

Wesley Guild social and supper yielded £14 in aid of the Manse Fund

Women's Fellowship meeting. A competition for brandy snaps was won by Mrs, R. Eastwood

17--"Open" evening held at the Y.M.C.A, Youth Club. The Ely Rotary Club table tennis cup was again won by Alan Saul who defeated Fred King

24--Inter-county youth boxing. Isle of Ely defeated Cambridgeshire. G, Butcher and J. Raby, Littleport members of the Isle team, won their bouts

25--Miss Margaret Howard, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Howard, of Burnt Chimney Drove, succeeded in passing the State Final Examination set down by the Central Nursing Council for England and Wales

Annual meeting of Littleport Women's Conservative Association followed by a social which was attended by Major and Mrs. Legge-Bourke

26--Littleport and All England Fur and Fancy Society members' show. The standard of exhibits was high

Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Mr. Maurice Murfitt, of Littleport, and Miss Gwendoline Cross, of Ely

26--27-Jubilee anniversary services held at St John's Methodist Church to celebrate sixty years of Methodism. The visiting ministers were the Rev, Donald Rose, of Cambridge, and the Rev.J. Harold Tanner, of St, Neots

27--Mothering Sunday service held at the Parish Church. The preacher was the Rev. L, H. Weir, Rector of Little Downham

31--Miss Lily Theobald, a former resident of Littleport, retired from the position of kitchen supervisor at the Royal Northern Hospital, North London. She had held the post for 20 years

April. 1949

1--Engagement announced between Mr. A. K. Green, of Ely, and Miss Doreen Page, of Littleport

2--Mr. & Mrs W. Ware, of 54, Hempfield Place, celebrated their silver wedding anniversary

5--Isle of Ely County Council election--Mr. J, C. Armiger and Mr. B. G. Wright were returned unopposed In the Littleport Northern Division Mr. J. H. Martin retained his seat against Mr. Lewis Brooks by a majority of six. Only 48 votes were recorded

8--Boxing tournament, organised by the local Y.M.C.A. Youth Club, provided a thrilling evening's entertainment. The contestants were mainly Littleport, Chatteris and Wisbech lads

14--Mr. & Mrs. George Summerlee, of 33, Victoria Street, celebrated their golden wedding

15--A recent collection held in the Regal Cinema realised the sum of £13in aid of the National Institute for the Blind

Death, at St. Ives, Hunts., of Police Inspector Percy Hall, a former Littleport man, and youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. John Hall, of 22, Ponts Hill. He was 54

17--Cornelius Payne, a 78-years-old pensioner, who had been living in the Tower House Hospital, Ely, committed suicide by drowning himself in the river near Sandhill Bridge. The deceased, whose parents resided at Littleport many years ago, had no known living relatives

Easter Day--A play entitled " Death and Life," depicting scenes on the evening of Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Morning, was presented by Sunday School children at the Parish Church

19--Mr. Benjamin Cook, of 18, Camel Road, was killed in a motor-cycling accident on the Mildenhall Road. He was riding pillion at the time of the accident on a motor-cycle driven by Mr. Barnabas Dodman, of 13, New Road. No other vehicle was involved

20--Mr. & Mrs. George Cox, of 23, Victoria Street, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary

20--A branch of the East Midlands Trustee Savings Bank was opened in Main Street

26--Meeting of B.H. Drove Women's Institute. Mrs. Martin reported that the mime produced by B.H.D. members, "Joe Louis" last fight," was well received at the Ely Group meeting

27--Sudden death of Mr. A. V. Watkins, the well-known slater and tiler, of Parsons Lane. He collapsed and died while repairing the roof of a house at Ely

29--Sgt. C. Fletcher and Cpl, G. Park, members of the S.J.A.B. Cadets, Littleport Division, journeyed to London to attend a training course for S.C.O.'s

30--Marriage, at March, of Mr. Edwin Thomas Rutterford, eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. Rutterford, of Little Ouse, and Mrs. Phyllis Joan Funeral, of March

May 1949.

1--17th anniversary of the Camel Road Mission was celebrated. The services were conducted by Mr. Fletcher, of Girton

7--8-Adjutant E. Kosenthall welcomed at Salvation Army services She had been absent from active service on account of illness

9--Monthly meeting of Women's Institute. Mrs. T. Salljs was awarded first prize in an embroidery competition and Miss Adams was second

11--Ely Rural District Council nnd Parish Council Elections. At Littleport there were 12 candidates for the six R.D. Council seats and 20 candidates for the 15 Parish Council seats. Mr.J.C.Armiger topped the poll in both elections

Women's Fellowship meeting. The guest for the evening was Adjutant Rosenthall, of the Salvation Army

12--Littleport Women's Conservative Association outing to London. They were conducted on a tour of the House of Commons by Major Legge-Bourke, M.P

Death, in Cornwall, at the age of 90 years, of the Rev. Claude Kingdon, for many years Vicar of Prickwillow

14--In a darts competition held in connection with the County Youth Championships at March, Black Horse Drove Y.C. won the C.J.E.S. Fendick Challenge Cup by defeating Whittlesey St. Andrews. In the table tennis competition Littleport Y.M.C.A. were defeated by Oakwood Y.C.

70--The dead body of Mr. George Roland Butcher, of Piper's Hill Farm, Littleport, was found in "The Cut." At the inquest a verdict of suicide was recorded

22--Salvation Army-Capt. Goodson and Lieut. Brooker, the newly-appointed officers, received a warm welcome

Sixteen babies were enrolled at a cradle service held in St, John's Methodist Church

23--B H. Drove Women's institute meeting. The contents of a gift food parcel from Australia were distributed

24--Annual meeting of Parish Council. A proposition that the 'bus terminus in Church Lane should be moved to Gas House Green caused considerable controversy. The question was deferred for three months

27--Engagement announced between Leslie, only son of Mr, & Mrs. H. Hodson and Brenda Doreen, only child of Mr, & Mrs. C.W. Dye, both of Littleport

Boxing--Gordon Butcher and John Raby, members of Littleport Y.M.C.A. Youth Club, were successful in winning their contests in the Chatteris Youth Boxing Club tournament

A party of Netherlands's journalists, on a visit to this country, visited Sir. Henry Thompsons Littleport farm

29--Local youth organisations took part in the Empire Youth Sunday Service held at Victoria Street Methodist Church. The service. was conducted by the Rev. Jack Puntis

29--30--Special services were held to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of Victoria Street Methodist Church

30--Infant Welfare centre was removed from the Town Hall to its new quarters in the Y.M.C.A. hall

June· 1949

1--Marriage, at St, Mary's Church, Ely, of Miss Beryl Joyce Scott. eldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A Scott of Saffron Close, Littleport, and Mr. D. A. Oakman, of Ely

3--At a resumed inquest in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death on Benjamin John Cook, of 18, Camel Road, Littleport. No blame was attached to anyone. Mr. Cook was killed in a motor-cycling accident on the Mildenhall Road while riding pillion on a motor-cycle driven by Mr. Barnabas Dodman. A strong wind or gale, which was blowing at the time, was given as a reason for the accident

4--Marriage, at the Baptist Church, Prickwillow, of Mr. Cecil Ralph Belsham, second son of Mr. & Mrs. R. Belsham, of Dairy Houses, and Miss Irene Elizabeth Gudgeon, of Prickwillow

4--Horses and turnouts belonging to Mr.F.G.Starling figured prominently among the prize-winners at the County Show, held at Trumpington. His gelding, Crofter, gained a championship award in the Shire classes and a first prize in the class for the best commercial gelding of any-breed or type. Although unable to get a first place, Mr. G. C. Bedford gained three prizes in the Shire classes. In the cattle classes Messrs. H. J. & H. G. Martins entries gained several awards in the Friesian sections. Long service awards for agricultural workers were made to Mr. Ernest Edward Butcher and Mr. Charles Joseph Ayres, each with 52 years in the employ of Messrs. H. J. & H. G. Martin. Another employee of Messrs. Martin's, Mr. A. J. Durrant, gained second place in the class for shepherds

5--Mr. E. Youngs, of Littleport, conducted Sunday School anniversary services at Steam Engine Methodist Chapel

7---Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Miss June Boyd, of Ely, and Mr. Brian Keith Harwood, elder son of Mr. & Mrs. Harwood, of Wood Fen House, Littleport

9--Members of Black Horse Drove Women's Institute celebrated their first anniversary

l0--Little Ouse Women's Institute monthly meeting. The guest of the evening was Mrs. Blackwell

11--B.H, Drove community-association's annual garden fate. The opener was Mr. T, G, Fendick ( Chief Education Officer for the Isle of Ely). Proceeds were about £90

Marrige, at Willingham. of Mr. E. Gipp of Willingham, and Miss H, Gatiiercole, of Willingham and formerly of Littleport

At the "passing-out" parade for National Service men, held at Colchester, Pte, J. D, Radcliffe, Suffolk Regiment, son of Mr. Phillip Radclife,, chemist, was presented with the C.O.'s medal as the best recruit in the "other ranks" 1st class squad. He had the week previously passed the War Office selection board for officer's training course

Mr. J. H, Hawkes, conductor of Littleport British Legion Silver Prize Band, led the Lakenheath Band to fourth place in the Norfolk Band Festival, at Reepham

l2--Large congregations attended Christian Mission Sunday School anniversary services

Salvation Army meetings conducted by Brigadier Scott, Divisional Commander, and Mrs. Scott, from Norwich

13--Women's Institute monthly meeting. Miss Peggy Price, head of the demonstration department of "Good Housekeeping," London, gave a demonstration on cooking

15---A party of Women's Fellowship Members journeyed to Kelvedon, Essex, to visit the Dr. Barnardo's Home there.

16--Marriage, at Swanage, Dorset, of Mr. Trevor O. Banyard, nephew of Mr. & Mrs. H. G. Butcher, of Wisbech Road, Littleport, with whom he resided until joining the Grenadier Guards. His bride was Miss Sheila Collier, of Swanage

17--A recent collection made in Littleport for the National Children's Home and Orphanage yielded the sum of £32/3/3. The organiser was Miss Margaret Youngs

18--Hunts. Agricultural Society's annual show. Mr. F.G. Starling was again well to the fore in the list of prize-winners, his horses gaining one first and three second prizes. In the cattle section Messrs. H. J. & H. G. Martin took two first prizes with their Friesians

Christian Mission--140 scholars, teachers and parents, spent a happy day at Wicksteed park

Red Cross Flag Day in Littleport, £55/12/2 was realised

19--Salvation Army Anniversary Sunday

22--Annual meeting of Town Football Ciub, A profit of about £35 was shown on the year's working

25--Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Mr. Ronald Angel, son of Mrs. Angel, of New Road, Littleport, and Miss June Futter, of Ely

26--A party was held in the Old Church School, Little Ouse, to celebrate the 21st birthday of Miss Mary Fincham, of the Bungalow, Whitehouse Road

29--Meeting of Parish Council. On the proposition of Coun. A. S. Harlock it was agreed that a committee be appointed to explore the possibility of the early provision of a swimming pool. A letter from the County Education Officer revealed that the Ministry of Education had approved the County Council's proposal to subscribe £5OO towards the cost of purchase and preparation of the Camping Site by the Parish Council for use as a playing field provided it was available for organised games for school children and youth organisations

July.1948

1--The following were successful in obtaining the Preliminary Certificates of the St. John Ambulance Association which entitles them to Cadet membership of the St. John Ambulance Brigade: First Aid--Bernard Nicholas, Terry Stevens, David Norman, Roger Misson, Deryk Palmer. Home Nursing--Dulcie Sparrow, Maureen Handley, Verna Brown, Mary Lofts, Marjory Tuck, Cynthia Yardy. The Ambulance and Nursing Cadets also underwent their re-examination in First Aid and Home Nursing to maintain their "Annual Efficiency" The results were as follows: Passed--Ambulance Cadets, A.Murfitt, B· Cross, B. Ayres, J Key, N, Buckingham and D. Buckingham, Nursing Cadet (L/Cpl.) Wendy Handley

1--Mr. W. J. Dye, of Littleport, conducted a thatching demonstration organised by the Isle oi Ely Agricultural Executive Committee. The demonstration was held at Paradise Farm, Ely. Mr. Dye was assisted by Mr. Middleton, also of Littleport

2-- Peterborough Regatta Week boxing tournament. Three members of the Littleport Y.M.C.A. Youth Club took Part and all won their contests. They were John Raby, John Colins and. B. Bean

Soft toys and other articles soid from a stall in Main Street by members of the local detachment of the Red Cross yielded over £13 towards the clearance of the debt incurred by the detachment in establishing the Physiotherapy Centre in Victoria Street. The local detachment is entirely responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the centre. No help is received through the National Health Scheme

3--Salvation Army Farewell service held for Lieut. Brooker, who was leaving the Corps after a very short stay

139th anniversary of St. John's Methodist Sunday School. The offerings throughout the day amounted to over £30

Organised in aid of the Methodist Manse Funds, a fate held in Mr. J. H. Adams' garden, realised the sum of £76/19/6. The fete was opened by Mrs. Newton Flew, of Cambridge

9--House-to-house collection and flag day organised by members of the Women's Fellowship realised over £74 for the Isle of Ely Society for the Blind

Y.M.C.A. Youth Club garden fete. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. H. G. Crocker, of New Brunswick, Canada. Mrs. Crocker is a niece of Mr. H. K. Cross, of Littleport. She emigrated with her family to Canada many years ago. Proceeds from the fete totalled £90

10--"Flower Service" Sunday at the Parish Church, The lesson, which was taken from "The Sermon on the Mount," was read by Victor Watson, a member of the Sunday School

11--Women's Institute meeting. Mrs. J. Gilbert gave a report on the annual general meeting of the W.I. held at the Albert Hall, which she had attended as delegate for Little Ouse and Littleport

14--B.H. Drove Women's Institute meeting--34 members of the Littleport W.I. were guests for the evening

The following pupils of the Town Schools were successful in passing the Entrance Examination to Ely High School for Girls and Soham Grammar School:--Girls, Vivian Convine, Cynthia Levett, Jean Metcalfe, Cynthia Yardy, Brenda Cook, Mary Walker, Jean Feltwell, Shirley Harwood, Wendy Hodson, Lily Ward, Gloria Missin. Boys, Anthony Willett, Edward Holmes, Anthony South, Ernest Aspinall, Jeffrey Starling, Ralph Benstead, John Firby, Edward Stanley, Roger Misson

16--Terrific thunderstorm caused widespread flooding in Littleport. Corn crops in the district were severely damaged

Horses belonging to Mr, F. G. Starling and Mr. G. C. Bedford gained many prizes, including championship awards, at Haddenham Young Farmers' open show. Other local prize winners were Messrs. R. Stubbings and H. Wilson (horses), P. Legge and P. E. North (rabbits), and C. H. Turner, Brandon Creek (acetylene welding)

18--Littleport Girl Guides " Open Night " held in the Globe Lane Mission Room, It was attended by the Division Commander, Miss S. M. Martin and the District Commissioner, Mrs Bamford

19--Peterborough Show--Messrs. H. J. & H. G. Martin's British Friesians gained a first prize, a "highly commended" and a "commended" in the cattle sections

20--Presentation of a radio set to Mr. Harry Barlow, headmaster of the Town Boys' School for 29 years, on the occasion of his retirement. The presentation was made by Mr. Heber C. Martin on behalf of the staff and boys and marked the high esteem in which he was held

Parish Church' garden fete. The excellent sum of £127/19/3 was raised

Littleport Angling Club held their Hunt Cup competition. The winners were 1 F. Firby (Cup), 2 D. H. Jefferson, 3 C. Middleton

22--At the recent examination held at Cambridge in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music the following candidates passed with distinction : Pianoforte, Grade 1 (Primary), Betty Violet Pettit, Thelma Alice Pettit and Christine Young. They were all pupils of Miss W· B· Russell, of 21,Victorla Street

Further presentations made to Mr. Harry Barlow from various sections of Littleport people including a well-lined wallet from past scholars, a lighter from the staff of the Girls' and Infants' Schools, a fountain pen from the Town Football Club and a leather bowls case from the Bowls Club

Death of Mr. George Griggs, of Southery. Mr. Griggs, a life-long Methodist, was a well known local preacher

23--3593 people paying in the region oi £450 attended the Horticultural and Foal Show Society's annual show. In the horse classes Mr. G, C. Bedford was again awarded the Luddington Challenge Cup for exhibiting the best foal in the show. Another successful rabbit show (organised by the Littleport and All England Fur and Fancy Society) attracted 153 entries

24--Amalgamated Friendly Societies' annual parade. A Challenge Cup, presented for the best decorated vehicle, was awarded to the Local detachment of the Red Cross for their tableau depicting an operation, with masked and gowned surgeons and nurses at work in the "theatre". The collections amounted to over £80

30--Marriage, at the Parish Church, Codicote, Herts, between Mr. Derrick Stimpson, of Littleport, and Miss Beryl Day, of Codicote

Marriage, at the Parish Church, Downham, between Miss Betty Irene Taylor, of Woodlands, Pymoor, and Mr. Ronald Vincent Cleveland, son of Mr. G. Cleveland and the late Mrs. Cleveland, of Thoroughfare Yard, Littleport

August. 1949

1--Show successes--Mr. F, G. Starling's champion gelding won out-right for him the Ennion Challenge Rose Bowl at Soham Show. Mr. G. C, Bedford took the Gerald Howard Cup for the champion foal

Cricket--Littleport gained an easy victory over Transport House, at Langley Park, Kent. Scores--Littleport 148, Transport House 51

5--Scholars of the Parish Church and St. Crispin's Sunday Schools spent a happy day at Hunstanton

11--35 members and friends of the Mothers' Union journeyed to Felixstowe for their annual outing

12--Mr. F. G. Starling, of Flanders Farm, appointed to act as judge of shire horses and turnouts at the Royal Lancashire Show to be held at Blackpool

Engagement announced between Mr. John Andrew Gerfen, of Daulphin City, Middletown, Pennsylvania, and Miss Doreen Watkins, youngest daughter of Mrs. D. A. Watkins and the late Mr. A. V. Watkins, of Parsons Lane, Littleport

News received from Docking, Norfolk, of the retirement of a native and former resident of Littleport, Mr. A. J. Spooner, who had been for the past 15 years, headmaster of Docking School, Mr. Spooner commenced his career as a junior master under the Late Mr. J. S. Fendick, at Littleport Boys' School

14--3,000 people attended the Littleport· "scramble" motor cycle race meeting, organised by the Ely and District Motor Cycle Club and held at Old Bank, Littleport

A happy family gathering was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, of The Crescent, Littleport, when Mrs. Atkinson's mother, Mrs. Kent, one of Littleport's oldest inhabitants, was reunited with her nine daughters. The occasion was the visit of her third daughter, Mrs. Baunester, from Auckland, New Zealand--the second she has made in 30 years. Mrs. Kent has 35 grand-children, and her great-grand-children number 26. Mr, Kent died 18 years ago and she has also lost three sons

16--42 mothers, 30 babies and 13 toddlers attended the Infant Welfare Centre, This was a record attendance

17--Ninety old age pensioners were given a sumptuous tea and entertainment by members of the Women's Institute

Women's Fellowship members were entertained to an interesting talk by Mrs, Mitchell, of Yorkshire, who had recently returned from, a trip round the world by air. Mrs. Mitchell was on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. R. Eastwood

20--Flag day collection in Littleport, in aid of the Y.M.C.A. War and National Service Fund, raised £19/15/7

26--Mr. D. Jefferson, a member of the Littleport Angling Club, was selected as a member of the Isle of Ely team to take part in the inter-county angling match against Hunts.

27--A fete, organised by members of Messrs. Hope Bros. Sports and Social Club, was opened by Mrs. F. Morton

31--Littleport and Little Downham Girl Guides, in camp at Wolferton, had a thrilling experience when they were visited and inspected by Her Majesty Queen Mary

Sudden death at the "Glebe," Brandon Bank, of Mrs. Florence Ellingham, wife of Mr. G. Ellingham, Mrs, Ellingham was 33

September. 1949

2--Mr .A. W. Gothard, of Ely, appointed headmaster of Wilburton School. Mr. Gothard began his teaching career at Littleport Boys' School

4--Harvest thanksgiving services held at St. John's Methodist Church. The preacher was the resident minister Rev. J. Puntis

5--Y.M.C.A. Youth Club held a re-opening dance and social. About 120 young people attended

7 Women's Fellowship meeting. Interest was centred chiefly on the new piano

8--Mrs. Judith Fletcher, of Hempfield Place, widow of the late Mr. William Fletcher, celebrated her 90th birthday

9--Women's Institute meeting at Little Ouse. Mrs. W. Pendle won a competition by cramming l89 articles into a match box

Marriage, at St. Columba High Church, Manse, Scotland, of Mr. William J. Ross, of Inverness, to Miss Stephanie Mary Rowell, of Ponts Hill, Littleport

Engagement announced between Miss Thelma Whetstone, daughter of Mr, & Mrs, J. Whetstone, of Wellington Street, Littleport, and Mr, R. E. Clarke, of Ipswich

11--Services at Victoria Street Methodist Church devoted to harvest thanksgiving

12--Monthly meeting of the Women's Institute. Mrs. Blackwell gave a talk on the making of pickles and chutney. One new member, Mrs. C. Morton, was welcomed

Maurice Chilvers, a member of the Y.M.C.A. Youth Club football team, played in a county youth trial match at Cambridge

15--Annual meeting of British Legion Band. It was revealed that £90 had been raised for local charities during the past year

Meeting of B. H. Drove Women's Institute, Mrs. Law, of Littleport, gave helpful and interesting tips on the making of pickles and chutney

16--Mr. J. Hawkes, leader of the Littleport British Legion Band, gained a further success by coaching and conducting the Lakenheath Band to first place in a music festival, held at Ipswich

17--Ely & District Fur & Feather Club rabbit show. Littleport prize-winners were :--P.W. North, R, Easey, H, Taylor, E. Middleton, J.W.Mears, P. Legge

18--Tragic death of Mervyn Keith Palmer, 14-months-old son of Mr. & Mrs. A, P. Palmer, of Mile End Road, Prickwillow. The child climbed a ten-foot bank to get out of his garden, crossed a road and fell 21 feet into a drain. He was drowned

Christian Mission Sunday School harvest thanksgiving. A scripture play entitled "Sowing and Reaping," was presented by teachers and scholars

21--Parish Council meeting. A letter from the Ministry of Transport regarding the Council's proposed scheme of electric street lighting for the parish, asked the Council to put up a more modest scheme. It was decided to ask for the main trunk roads and the whole of the shopping centre from Portley Hill to Littleport Bridge to be electrified as a modified scheme

26--Annual meeting of Hereward Badminton Club. A record balance of over £50 was shown

28--Harvest festival services held at the Parish Church, The preacher was the Rev, J, B, Rowsall, Vicar of Ely

29--First meeting of the Workers' Educational Association. The tutor was Dr. R. A. Murray, of Girton College, Cambridge

30--Mr. Donald E. Law, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Law, of Wisbech Road, succeeded in obtaining a pass in a radio examination by the City and Guilds of London Institute

October. 1949

1--First trials of the "Peter Standen" beet harvester held at Little Ouse

2--Harvest festival services continued at the Parish Church. At the afternoon service, gifts of flowers, fruit, etc., were brought by the children for patients of the Palace School, Ely, Audrey Fuller was at the organ. The Rev. A. B. Johnson, Rector of Welney, preached at evensong

3--Meeting of Mothers' Union. A talk was given by Mrs. A. F. Price on a recent week-end spent at the Denham College of Women's·Institutes

8--Youth football--Littleport Y.M.C.A, defeated Black Horse Drove by 5 goals to 2

9--Services of harvest thanksgiving were held at the Church of St. John, Little Ouse

10--Mrs. D, Sparrow, Miss Foreman and Mrs. S. Rogers, three new members, were welcomed at the monthly meeting of the Women's Institute

12--In a stacking competition, organised by the Ely Branch of the N, F. Union, C Webber, employed by Messrs. Martin Bros., was awarded second prize

14--A recent jumble sale, organised by the local detachment of the British Red Cross, together with a collection taken at the Regal Cinema, realised £100 for the Physiotherapy Clinic

15--Sale of work, organised by members of the Women's Fellowship, was opened by Mr. Bernard Fordham

20--About 180 visitors attended a Guild Rally held at Black Horse Drove Methodist Church

21--British Railways, Eastern Region, announced that Mr, J, B. Creek, of Littleport, had been appointed Stationmaster at Coldham

27--Mr· & Mrs W, Summers, of 108, Victoria Street, celebrated their golden wedding

30--A new Girl Guide standard ior England and Wales was dedicated by the Dean of Windsor in St, George's Chapel, Standards from every county in England were taken to the service and Miss M. Davy, captain 1st Littleport Company, was the bearer of the Cambs and Isle of Ely standard

31--Mr. & Mrs. Benton Peckett, of "The Plough," Lynn Road, celebrated their diamond wedding

November. 1949

3 --Mr. F. Barrett, Cambs. Football Association coach, gave a talk on "Tactics" at the Town Hall

3--Annual rally of the Wesley Guild of St. John's Methodist Church, Littleport, The speaker was the Rev. W. Russell Shearer, M.A., Chairman and District Missionary to the Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield District of the Methodist Church

4--Engagement announced between Mr. Leslie James Oakey, of Ely, and Miss Zena Whitehand, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. H. Whitehand, of 11, Parsons Lane, Littleport

5--Mr, & Mrs. J. J. Watson, of 55, Wisbech Road, Littleport, celebrated their golden wedding

Ely Fur and Feather Club's annual adult stock show. Local prize-winners were:--Master E. Middleton (Fur Cup), J. W, Mears, H. Taylor

6--National Day of Remembrance. At the Parish Church, which was filled to capacity, the Vicar (Rev. J. K. Cecil Payne) dedicated the panel on which the names of parishioners lost in the second world war are recorded

8--Sudden death, while at work on his farm, of Mr. George Butcher, of High Street, Littleport. Mr. Butcher, who was 50 years of age, was a native of Southery

l0--First annual meeting of B.H. Drove Women's Institute. In her report the secretary (Mrs. V. O, Clarke) referred to the increase in membership from 28 to 46

11--Mr. & Mrs. Henry Easey, former residents of Littleport, now of Sutton, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Easey was employed by Messrs. Martin Bros. for many years

Engagement announced between Mr. Joseph Hitch, of Ely, and Miss Jean Olive Elsegood, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. Elsegood, of Friars Place

Little Ouse and Brandon Bank Women's Institute monthly meeting. A special guest was Mrs. L. Daniels, of Ely, who was president of the Branch for many years

13--Mrs. Dorothy Lythell, of 23, High Street, having been successful in a football pool, celebrated in a rather unusual way. She telephoned her sister, Mrs. F. Walker, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Walker, who was Miss Ethel Cole, twin daughter of Mr. J. Cole, formerly of Lynn Road, Littleport, left this country as a war bride

14--Monthly meeting of Women's Institute. The secretary, Mrs. A. F. Price, announced her resignation after ten years of office. Mrs. Wyllie was appointed to fill the vacancy

15--Badminton-Littleport Hereward Ladies entertained Downham Mkt. Ladies and won by five sets to four

16--Meeting of Women's Fellowship, An interesting demonstration on ginger biscuits was given by Mrs, R. Eastwood

18--As the result of a recent Flag Day collection, organised by Mr. C. W. Flunder, the sum of £13/11/6 was forwarded to the Forces Help Society and Lord Roberts' Workshops

Group meeting of the Women's Institutes in the Ely area held in the Constitutional Hail. Mrs. W. Gill, president of the Littleport W.I., presided

19--Presentation of a suitably inscribed silver cigarette case by members of the British Legion Band to one of their members, Mr. Charles Key, who was shortly leaving for Australia

East Anglian brass Band Association's annual quartet contest held at Thetford. Littleport British Legion, under the leadership of Mr. J. Hawkes, gained second place in the Class A section. Other Littleport quartet parties obtained fourth, fifth and sixth positions

21--Death, at Hollybush Green Farm, Chevington, Bury St, Edmunds, of Mr. Hugh Jackson, aged 62. He was the son of Mr. James Jackson, for many years of Grubbs Farm, Littleport, and now a resident of Sutton

21--Mr. Charles Key, third son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Key, of New River Bank, together with his wife and baby son, left Littleport to emigrate to Australia. Mrs. Key is an Australian

25--A local radio enthusiast, 16-years-old Fred Pilkington, of 63a, Ely Road, Littleport, tuned in to Station WXLT and " discovered" the Ely Broadcasting Co., Inc., of Ely, Minnesota, U.S.A, He wrote to the station and received a reply from an engineer who said that the city had a population of 6,000, composed mainly of workers in the area's iron ore mines. In January, Fred contacted a resident of another Littleport, also in the States, and situated in Iowa, 200 people reside there

Engagement announced between Mr. Leon Rowell, only son of Mr. & Mrs. R. Rowell, of 49, Upton Place, Littleport, and Miss Mary Rich, of Ely

26--Members of the St. John's and Victoria Street Methodist Churches organised a bazaar in aid of Manse funds. It was opened by Mrs. R. Churchyard, of Ely

28--Marriage, at the Methodist Church, Clapham, of Bertram Wilson, of Little Ouse, to Nancy Edwards, of Soham

Annual British Legion prize giving and concert. The prize-winners were:--Cecil Mott Billiards Cup, Mr. C. Easy; Percy Crabb Billiards Cup, Mr. C. Parsons; Ken Wallis Snooker Cup, Mr. J. Cole; Greene King Billiards Shield, Mr. E, Brislin; British Legion Snooker Trophy, Mr. R. D. Howe; Hilton Luddington Billiards Cup, Mr. S. Scott; British Legion Darts Cup, Mr. E. Reed and Hall, Cutlack & Harlock Domino Cup, Mr, P. Isaacson