December, 1953.

5--A jumble sale organised by the Ladies' Committee of the British Legion Band realised £54. Open Air Service at Crown Corner conducted by the Rev. Gordon Poole. Questions were asked in connection with a sermon recently delivered by him concerning people who have no use for the Church except for marriages and funerals.

Littleport St. Matthew's Institute. A sale of work, organised by Church workers and opened by Mrs. Wm. Gilbert, realised £33 10s. 0d. for Church funds.

7--King's Lynn Fat Stock Show. A Shorthorn bullock, bred and entered by Mr. John Wilson, of Camel Road, was awarded three second prizes.

County Primary School. Parents attended an afternoon's entertainment consisting of dancing, singing and acting performed by the "Tinies".

8--The older children of the County Primary School provided another afternoon's entertainment for parents, the programme consisting of four plays.

Women's Institute. Mrs. W. J. Gill was unanimously re-elected as President. It was announced that the Institute's members had reached a total of 233.

10 & 11--County Primary School. Two successful performances of a play entitled "Robin Hood" were given by the scholars of Form Two. The play was adapted by Miss E. R. Gill.

12--Successful Parish Church Christmas Fair resulted in £75 for Lady Chapel and Parish Hall funds.

Wisbech Fat Stock Show. A steer, fattened by Mr. F. G. Starling, of Flanders Farm, and weighing 10 1/2 cwt., was awarded first prize.

16--Sacred Concert including a portrayal of the Christmas Story held in St. John's Methodist Church.

Members of the Little Ouse County Primary School held their Christmas Party in the school.

17--County Youth Table Tennis Competition. Teams from Black Horse Drove comfortably defeated the Wisbech Youth Club teams in the finals at Oakwood House, March.

18--Christmas Concert given by the Evening Institute Choirs. Soloists were Michael Paul and Ann Browning.

20--Carol Service held in the Salvation Army Hall. Carol Concert given by the British Legion Band. £6 was raised for the Red Cross Clinic.

24--Engagement announced between Mr. Harry Bull, of Bury St. Edmunds, and Miss Geraldine Constable, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. O. Constable, of Letter F Farm, Mildenhall Road.

Death, at Cambridge, of Mrs. Mary Jane Brown, formerly of Victoria Street, Littleport, at the age of 84. She was the widow of the late Mr. James Henry Brown, who died three years ago.

Death, at Althorne, Essex, of Mr. Samson Spooner, formerly of Littleport. He was 87.

25--Engagement announced between Mr. Ronald Isaacson, of Witchford, and Miss Doreen Howard, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Howard, of Plain's Lane, Littleport.

26--Mr. and Mrs. W. Gilson, of Lynn Road, celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry Coverdale, of Ely Road, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

31--Music success. Miss Thelma Pettit, a pupil of Miss W. B. Russell, passed with distinction in a pianoforte examination held at Cambridge in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

January, 1954.

1--Engagement announced between Mr. Brian Hodson, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodson, of Wisbech Road, Littleport, and Miss Jean Burton, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Burton, of Little Ouse.

Annual Dinner of the Black Horse Drove branch of the National Union of Agricultural Workers.

2--Miss Pamela Easy, eldest daughter of Air. and Mrs. Cecil Easy, of 34, Friars Way, and Miss Jose Fletcher, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Fletcher, of 7, Friars Way, both members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment, left England to take up posts in a Naval Hospital in Malta.

8--Visit paid by the school children of Little Ouse and Brandon Bank to the pantomime "Puss in Boots" at the Embassy Theatre, Peterborough.

10--Members of the Littleport Wheelers Cycle Club held their first run of the year.

!!! 13--Parish Council Meeting. It was decided to ask public organisations if they would contribute trees to be planted on the playing field.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Gipp of the Bungalows, Black Horse Drove were awarded a bronze medal for dancing at the Guildhall, Cam-bridge, the occasion being the area finals for Cambs. Hunts and the Isle of Ely, of the Butlin National Amateur Veleta Trophy.

Annual New Year Party of the Mothers' Union. Members of the Young Wives' Group were present as guests.

15--News received of the death in New Zealand, of Mr. John Marshall, a former Warrant Officer of the New Zealand Air Force, who during the last war, lost both his legs after having crashed in a bomber near Welney. Mr. Marshall and his wife stayed some time with Mr. and Mrs. S. Rogers, of Ely Road, Littleport, and became well known in the district.

20--A play entitled "On With the Motley", performed by the Women's Institute Drama Group at the Grange in support of the Fire Service National Benevolent fund.

25--New Year Party of the junior members of the local branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters. This was the first gathering of young members since before the war.

Mr. Maurice Lee, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, of Black Horse Drove, celebrated his 21st birthday.

26---Annual Women's Institute party. A feature was the showing of a film of the local Coronation celebrations, produced by Mr. Philip Houlden

29--Bakery successes. Messrs. R. E. Thornhill Ltd., of Victoria Street, gained successes at a Bread and Confectionery Exhibition, held at Cambridge. They obtained one first prize, one second and one very highly commended. Mr. Derek Elsegood and Mr. Vernon Summerlee, both employees of the firm, were awarded first and second prizes respectively for bread baking.

Annual meeting of Littleport Wheelers C.C. A year of exceptionally outstanding progress was reported.

Engagement announced between Mr. Terence Anthony Scarff, son of Mr. and Mrs. K. Scarff, of Council Houses, Little Ouse, and Miss Mary Green, youngest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. A. Green, of Parson's Lane, Littleport.

29--It was reported that collections and donations by local Methodists for Methodist Overseas Missions during last year amounted to £73 11s. 3d.

30--Visit of the Boys' Brigade Company to Wisbech. They gave marching, bugle and gymnastic displays.

!!! Skating on the river at Littleport.

31--Motor Cycling. The Les Ayres Trophy Trial, held at the Old Bank, was won by J. C. Baker of the Ely and District M.C.C. Best Littleport member award was gained by Perce Youngs.

February. 1954

5--Annual meeting of the British Legion Club. One of the topics discussed was whether a more fitting War Memorial should be erected at one of the town's road junctions.

!!! Swans stranded on the ice-bound river near Littleport Bridge and unable to obtain food or water were regularly fed by Mr. Bert Garwood and Mr. Leon Rowell.

7--Celebration of the 66th anniversary of the Littleport Corps of the Salvation Army.

12--Engagement announced between Mr. James Hileman, of Batavia, Ohio, U.S.A., and Miss Angela Lofts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Lofts, of High Street, Littleport.

14--Programme of "Family Favourites" given in the Constitutional Hall by the British Legion Band under its conductor, Mr. J. H. Hawkes.

16--Meeting at the County Primary School of the Parent-Teacher Association. The speaker was Miss Riche, Vice-Principal of Saffron Walden Training College.

19--First sausage supper and prize presentation of Littleport Wheelers C.C. First annual dinner of the Littleport Motor Cycle and Light Car Club.

20--Wedding, at Manea Parish Church, of Miss Gwendolyn Long, B.A., eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Long, of Manea, and formerly of Littleport. Her bridegroom was Mr. G. B. Box, of Gravesend, Kent.

24--Performance in the Ten Mile Bank Village Hall of the Littleport Women's Institute Dramatic Society's production of "On With the Motley".

27--At the Home Counties Sporting Terrier Club Show at Luton, the entry of Mr. Jack Johnson, of High Street, gained one second and two third prizes, and that of Mrs. D. King, of Mill Field, gained three firsts and two seconds.

28--Bishop Karney, of Southampton, preached at the Parish Church. His visit was a "follow-up" of the mission conducted in the district last Autumn.

March. 1954

2--Annual general meeting of the County Primary School Parent-Teacher Association. Annual Dinner of the Littleport Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade held in the Constitutional Hall. The speaker was the County Commissioner, Dr. K. S. Maurice-Smith.

5--Dinner and social evening of members and friends of the Cromwell Lodge of the R.O.A.B. 6-Guides from Littleport were present at the Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Camp-fire Singing Festival, held at Cambridge.

Annual conference at the Grange Convalescent Home of Retained Firemen of the Fire Brigades' Union, No. 9 District.

Performances at Littleport by the Rushden Salvation Army Band under Bandmaster Giles.

7--R. Murfitt, P. Baumber and C. Arnold represented Littleport Wheelers in the Fenland Road Riding Association's hard-riders' run.

Fire at Manning's Farm, Burnt Fen. The Littleport and Mildenhall Fire Brigades, with the help of some neighbours, confined the fire to one room and eventually extinguished it.

!!! 9--Optical phenomena observed at Black Horse Drove, when two halos and an arc seemed to surround the sun and two mock suns appeared on either side.

Monthly meeting of Women's Institute. A minute's silence was observed in memory of the late Mrs. Bloomneld.

11--Mr. P.H. Houlden gave a showing of his Coronation film to members of the Young Wives' Group and Mothers' Union.

12--It was announced that a new secondary modern mixed school at Littleport headed the Isle of Ely Education Committee's priority list for 1955-56, subject to the Ministry's approval.

At the annual dinner of the Ely Sailing Club it was revealed that during the past year the Salis brothers of Littleport had won eleven cups between them.

13--Party held in the Constitutional Hall for children of members of the Women's Institute.

Marriage, at Sty Lawrence's Church, Wicken, of Miss Iris Dennis, of Wicken and Mr John Newton, son of Mr D. Newton of The Crescent, Littleport.

19--Annual general meeting of the Swimming Club. One of the topics discussed was the use made of swimming amenities by people who paid no subscriptions.

Engagement announced between Mr. George Shore, of Linton and Miss Thelma Gillett, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs A E Gillett, of Black Horse Drove.

Wedding, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Mr. Anthony Carpenter, of Ely, and Miss Dorcas Coulson, daughter of Mr. C. J. Coulson of Parsons Lane, Littleport.

20--Public rehearsal of the British Legion Band in preparation for two contests to be held at Norwich and Westminster. Assistance was provided by Mr. Alan Sparrow who lent the Band his tape recorder which enabled players to hear their faults.

21--Skilful riding contest between Littleport and Ely and District Motor Cycle Clubs held at the Old Bank.

Mr. Charles Wm. Rollitt, of Station Road, celebrated his 91st birthday.

!!! 23--Visit of the children of Black Horse Drove Coronation School to the Regal-Cinema to see the film "The Conquest of Everest".

25--Performance in the St. John's Methodist schoolroom by the Soham Salvation Army Songsters.

26--Second annual general meeting of the Trefoil Guild (Old Guides) held in the Globe Lane Mission Room.

Miss Dorothy Game, of Littleport, a student nurse at St, Bartholomew's Hospital, London,  qualified as a State-Registered Nurse. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Game, of Hempfield Place.

27--For the second time in succession the Littleport Boys' Brigade Company won the only two cups at the Wisbech and District Boys' Brigade Competitions at March. The drill squad was under Cpl. J. Starling and the P.T. squad under CpL M. Mann.

Marriage at Ely, between Miss Velda Pettengell, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs. W. Pettengell, of Black Horse Drove, and Mr. Bert Parker McGee, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Parker McGee, also of Black Horse Drove.

27 & 28--Two exhibitions held in St. John's Methodist Church of the film "Oil Town, USA". depicting the activities and influence of the American preacher, the Rev. Billy Graham.

28--M. Chilvers, W.Sharp and E.Stanley represented Littleport Wheelers C.C. in the Fenland Road Riding Association's 25-mile long-markers' event.

29--The 1st Littleport girl Guides staged an evening of "camp-fire" entertainment at the County Primary School.

29--Marriage, at Ely, between Miss Pamela Royston, of Little Downham and Mr George Lucas, son of Mr and Mrs A Lucas, of Bells Houses, Wisbech road, Littleport.

31--Fourth annual performance of the Ely Male Voice Choir at the Black Horse Drove Community Centre.

Death of Mr. Edwin E. G. Taylor, of Lynn Road, Ely. Mr Taylor was brought up in Littleport and taught at the Town boys school for several years. He was 69.

County Women's Institute's singing competitions held at March The Littleport W.I. choir was placed second to Ely in the open section.    

                                                         April. 1954

1--Concert in  the  St.   John's  Methodist Church given by the Male Voice Choir and a string trio from Downham Market.

3--Visit to the Parish Church of the Diocesan Ringers.

Social evening and dance at the Constitutional Hall organised by the parents' committee of the Boys' Brigade Company.

Wedding, at Ely, of Miss Emily Mclntosh, of Ely, and Mr. John Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Martin, of Littleport.

The British Legion Band journeyed to London to take part in the "Daily Herald" Area contest. Although playing well, the Band was unplaced.

4--Cambridgeshire Road Club's open middle-markers' 25-mile time-trial. Representing the Wheelers were R. Murfitt, M. Chilvers, who gained first handicap prize, and P. Baumber.

5--Concert performed by the scholars of the County Secondary Mixed School The programme consisted of a three-act play, "The Pedlar's Dream", a one-act comedy, "The Grand Cham's Diamond", and two groups of songs performed by the school

7--At the Open Dog Show in the King's Lynn Corn Exchange, the entries of Mr Jack Johnson, of High Street, were awarded a first prize, a second and two thirds, and the entry of Mrs D.King, of Mill Field, gained two seconds.

9--Engagement announced between Mr Brian Francis, of Friars Way, Littleport and Miss Betty Utteridge, of Corringham, Essex.

Mrs Reynolds, wife of the late Vicar of Little Ouse, the Rev I.A.Reynolds, and her daughter Kathleen, left Little Ouse to take up residence in Ipswich.

Collections for the National Lifeboat Institution, organised by the Women’s Fellowship, yielded £15 10s 0d.

10--To conclude the season's Old Time Dancing lessons, a grand dance was held in the Constitutional Hall. The dancing was led by the instructors, Mr and Mrs T Andrews.

10--In a drama festival, organised by the Isle of Ely Women's Institutes and held at Chatteris, the Littleport W.I. team gained first prize in Group C. Their play was entitled "The Witching Hour."

13--Last of a series of several trips from Littleport to Harringay to hear the American Evangelist, Billy Graham.

Women's Institute monthly meeting. A presentation was made to Mrs. J. E. Kerridge in appreciation of her 19 years' service as refreshment hostess.

14--Performance in St. John's Methodist Church given by the Exmoor Choir.

18--Track meeting of the Kettering Friendly Cycling Club at Wicksteed Park. Representatives of the Wheelers were E. Clarey, M. Chilvers and D. Palmer, all having their first experience of hard track racing. In the 440 yards handicap, Clarey won his heat and came second in the final, a performance which he repeated in the 880 yards scratch race.

22--Programme given by the Soham Songsters in the Salvation Army Hall.

23--Engagement announced between Mr. Joseph Goodger, of Welney, and Miss Valerie Goff, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Goff, of New Road, Littleport.

24--Marriage, at St. John's Church, Stamford, between Miss Beryl Greaves, of Stamford, and Mr. Keith Garwood, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Garwood, of Council Houses, Little Ouse.

25--Littleport Wheelers' six-mile time-trial for new members. The winner was A. Willett.

28-The Town Football Club regained the Littleport St. John Ambulance Cup by defeating Haddenham Reserves 6-0 in the final on Highfield.

30--Annual meeting of the Black Horse Drove Community Centre Association. Grave concern was expressed on account of the lack of enthusiasm among the local youth.

May. 1954

1--Girls of Black Horse Drove Coronation School, singing old folksongs, toured the village with their May Queen.

Histon Rabbit Show. A Netherland Dwarf rabbit owned by Master R. Tingay was awarded the J. Lambert Cup.

2--Motor-Cycle Scramble at the Old Bank. Despite wet weather there were more than 2,000 spectators.

3--Annual meeting of the Angling Club. It was stated that local anglers were keen but not interested enough to take part in administrative business.

7--Annual Church and Vestry Meeting held at St. Matthew's. Presentations were made by the Vicar (Rev. Sydney Chambers) on behalf of parishioners to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gilbert who were shortly to leave the district.

8--Wedding, at Ely, between Miss Ruby Gipp, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Gipp, of Station Road, Littleport, and Mr. Charles Kitchen, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Kitchen, of Colville House, Lynn Road, Littleport.

Members of the Women's Fellowship collected over £39 for the Isle of Ely Society for the Blind.

11--It was announced at the monthly meeting of the Women's Institute that the sum of £33 15s. 0d. had been collected by members for the Cancer Research Fund.

!!! 12--It was decided at a meeting of the Parish Council to take advantage of a hire purchase scheme to meet the cost of lighting the new Woodfen Estate.

14--Methodist Youth Department's Scripture Examination. It was revealed that 20 pupils of the Black Horse Drove Sunday School had been awarded certificates. The four with the highest marks were Patricia Gaul, Heather James, Jennifer Fletcher and Hazel Smith, all of whom were awarded honours certificates.

Annual inspection, display and prize-giving of the 1st Littleport Company, the Boys' Brigade. The inspection was made by Lt.-Col. J. G. A. Beckett, T.D., D.L., R.A. (T.A.), of Ely.

Littleport Ladies' Choir gained second place in their class at the Isle of Ely Music Festival held at March. They were beaten by one mark by the Wisbech Group. In the class for male voice choirs Littleport gained 166 marks. There were no other entries in this class.

16--Farewell service held at the Salvation Army Hall for Major W. Hughes and Lieut. D. Brown who had been in command during the previous year.

Track cycle racing meeting of the Kettering Friendly Cycling Club held at Wicksteed Park. In the 5-mile scratch race, Ted Clarey of Littleport Wheelers, gained an easy victory over the British 10-Mile champion, Maurice Ward, of the Polytechnic C.C.

21--County Music Festival at Ely. Performers from Littleport were the secondary Modern School Choir, the Male voice Choir and Miss Ann Browning, who was awarded a 2nd place certificate for the girls' vocal solo.

23--Major Barnard and Lieut A Miller, the new commanding officers were welcomed at special meetings held at the Salvation Army Hall.

28--Collections at Littleport The annual Red Cross Collection realised £50 15s. 4d. The sum of £21 4s. 3d. was collected in support of the Forces' Help Society and Lord Roberts' Workshops, and £26 5s. 0d. was collected for the Canine Defence League.

Mr. George Mackender, of Victoria Street, formerly of the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, had the honour of being in attendance at a banquet in celebration of the homecoming of H.M. the Queen at the Mansion House, London, where he holds the position of sergeant footman.

Royal visit to Malta. Miss Pamela Easy and Miss Jose Fletcher formerly of Friars Way, Littleport, and at present serving as nurses at the Royal Naval Hospital, Bighi, received the honour of parading before the Royal Couple and were later in attendance at a cocktail party given by Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten at Admiralty House.

29--Death at his home at Ten Mile Bank of Mr. George Harley, a native of Littleport, at the age of 73. In 1947 he was awarded the Royal Agricultural Society's Long Service Medal for 48 years service with the same employers (Messrs. Martin Bros.)

The Boys' Brigade Company took part in the display given at Wisbech by the Wisbech Company. King's Lynn Area Music Festival. The Littleport Ladies' and W.I. Choir came first in two classes and the Male Voice Choir in one.

30--The Boys' Brigade Company and Band led the Empire Youth Parade at Ely.

June. 1954

9--Representative groups of all the religious denominations in Littleport attended a series of special meetings in the Constitutional Hall under the auspices of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

Annual outing to Kew Gardens and Hampden Court of the pupils of the Littleport Secondary School under the guidance of their Head Master, Mr. C. R. Browning and members of the staff.

Outing of the children of Little Ouse County Primary School to Whipsnade Park. They were accompanied by their Head Master Mr W P. Register, Mrs. Register and several parents.

Annual outing of the pupils of Black Horse Drove Coronation School. The outing consisted of a sightseeing tour of London.

It was announced that two dancing pupils of Black horse Drove, Avis Langley and Diana James, had passed their Ballet in Education Examination held by the Royal Academy of Dancing.

3--Sixth Birthday party of the Black Horse Drove Women's Institute held in the Community Centre.

5--Boys' Brigade Garden Fete held on the Vicarage lawns. Partly responsible for the large attendance was the presence of the radio personality, Mr. Dennis Folwell, perhaps better known to radio fans as Mr. Jack Archer of Ambridge.

7--Whit Monday. The Boys' Brigade Company gave a performance of P.T., drill and bugle-playing at a sports meeting at Lakenheath.

9--Confirmation at the Parish Church of 15 candidates from the parishes of Littleport, Beechamwell (near King's Lynn) Prickwillow, Upwell and Littleport St. Matthew's.

10--Heavy defeat of Littleport Swimming Club by the Cambridge Amateur Swimming Club at Cambridge. The diving, in which the Littleport members had expected to excel, unfortunately had to be cancelled. Cambridge also won the polo match, the score being 5-0.

11--Annual summer outing to the East Coast of the scholars of the Primary School, accompanied by their Head Mistress, Miss M. Davy and the members of the staff.

Miss Dulcie Chapman, younger daughter of the late Mr. Harry Chapman and of Mrs. Chapman, of Gidea Park, Romford, and formerly of Littleport, appointed senior assistant of the new George Tomlinson Infants' School, Leytonstone.

16--Annual outing of members of the Women's Institute to Norwich. The party called at many places of interest during the journey and finally witnessed a performance of "Anna Lucasta" at the Norwich Hippodrome.

!!! 18--A hen on Mr. G. E. Murfitt's Pools Farm laid an egg measuring 3 1/2 inches in length and 8 inches round its girth. The longitudinal circumference was 9 1/2 inches. The hen died.

Mr. Albert C. Gillett, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Gillett, of Black Horse Drove, received as a fully-accredited local preacher in the Downham Methodist Circuit.

19--Two bus-loads of members of the Boys' Brigade Company, in the charge of Captain D. Quigley, attended the "Festival of Boyhood" at the Empire Stadium, Wembley.

23--Mr Heber Martin, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Martin, of the Willow Rows, left London Airport to begin a stay of 10 weeks duration in America as the guest of the International Research Fund Committee.

25--Miss Margaret Garwood, of Wellington Street, Littleport while on holiday at Butlin's Holiday Camp, at Filey, was selected as the week's best-all-round table tennis player. The choice was made by the famous table tennis champions, Diana and Rosalind Rowe.

25--Engagement announced between Miss June Rosemary Bunting, of King's Lynn, and Mr. Ernest George Constable, of Letter F Farm, Littleport.

Choir Concert held in the Constitutional Hall. Performances were given by the Secondary School Choir and the Littleport Ladies' Choir.

26--British Legion Band Garden Fete held at Highfield. In spite of a cold wind, the fete was well patronised and raised £75.

29--It was decided at a meeting in the British Legion band room that the 50th Women's Section of the British Legion in Cambridgeshire should be inaugurated at Littleport. Open Day of the Littleport County Primary School.

July. 1954

1--Littleport County Primary School scholarship winners. Girls: M. Curtiss, D. Stanley, D. Cole, J. Neville, J. Fendick. Boys: P. Younge, D. Speed, R. Ambrose, G. Walker, K. Fletcher, T. Lee, B. Halls, J. Pettitt.

2--Shortly after his parents had gone out, eight-year-old Anthony Langley, of Ten Mile Bank, discovered the garage doors burning furiously. With great presence of mind he phoned the police but when the Littleport Fire Formation arrived, he had extinguished the fire himself.

Royal Norfolk Show. Prominent prize-winners were the entries of Mr. F. G. Starling and Messrs. J. H. Martin & Sons. Royal Norfolk Show. Mr. James Gaul, of Black Horse Drove, was one of the county's agricultural workers who received long service awards from Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Squadron Leader J. W. J. Leggett, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Leggett, of Hempfield Place, awarded the Queen's Commendation for valuable service in the Air. The award was made in connection with the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

4--Three local cyclists, two from Ely and Peter Baumber, of the Littleport Wheelers entered for the Fenland Road Riding Association's 100-mile time-trial. Of the three only Baumber finished.

Cycling. C. Arnold won the Littleport Wheelers 25-mile time-trial. In the ladies' event, Miss Poppy Easy set up a new Club ladies' record for the event.

Mr. Phillip Radcliffe's car stolen. It was taken from the driveway of his Ely Road house at about midnight.

Littleport British Legion Band took part in the East Anglian Brass Band Rally held at the Wellington Pier Gardens, Yarmouth. Mr. J. H. Hawkes conducted the massed bands during the afternoon's programme.

5--Four men believed to be concerned in the theft of Mr. Phillip Radcliffe's car arrested at Cambridge.

7--Annual outing of the Mothers' Union, accompanied by Mrs. Payne, to see the Luton Zoo Collection. The return journey included Bedford and a visit to the American Cemetery at Madingley.

Formation of the "Waterman's Arms" Angling Society at Little Ouse.

9--Visit of the Littleport Company of the Boys' Brigade to Black Horse Drove, where, under the leadership of Capt. D. Quigley and their bandmaster, Mr. J. Hawkes, they gave a display of physical training, bugle-playing and marching. The British Legion Band also played some popular tunes to entertain the audience.

10--Annual Garden Fete of the local Corps of the Salvation Army held at the residence of Mrs. T. Peake. The proceedings were opened by Mrs. A. F. Price.

11--Special services held at St. John's Methodist Church in connection with the 144th Anniversary of the Sunday School.

!!! 14--It was announced at the local Parish Council meeting that ministerial approval had finally been granted for the proposed new swimming pool. The scheme, which is said to cost £9,500, will necessitate a loan of £7,500, a sum which Councillor H. K. Cross reminded the meeting would take 80 years to pay back.

Visit of the Women's Institute Drama Group to Chatteris, where they gave a performance of "The Witching Hour" in the Palace Theatre.

Annual Sports of the Junior Mixed School held on the Medway Playing Field. The prizes were presented by Councillor H. K. Cross.

16--It was announced that Miss Patricia Gaul, a pupil of the Black Horse Drove Methodist Sunday School, had won an award in the Methodist Youth Department Examination. She was also awarded the East Anglian District Supplementary Prize.

17--Bad weather necessitated the removal of the annual Church Garden Fete to the Constitutional Hall. The occasion was never the-less highly successful and realised £112 for the Church funds.

18--Collapse and sudden death at Sandhill of Mr. J. S. Hadley, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. He was one of a party of coal minors who were visiting Littleport for a day's fishing.

19--Fete in support of the Girl Guides' Camp Fund held in the playing ground of the Primary School. £54 was realised, a sum which exceeded the original target by £14.

21--Visit to the Globe Lane Mission Room of members of the London Bible Interdenominational College who were on a month's evangelistical trek through the Eastern Counties.

23--An evening of intermittent rain and cold winds failed to prevent the Swimming Club's annual gala at Sandhill Bridge.

24--Littleport Horticultural and Foal Show Society's 65th annual show. For the eleventh successive year the Show had fine weather and recorded the exceptionally good attendance of 4,500 people.

25--Annual Church Parade held in continuous rain. The Challenge Cup for the best-decorated wagon was awarded to the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Death, at Bedford, of Mrs. Sybil Barlow, formerly of Littleport. She was the wife of Mr. Harry Barlow, who was headmaster of Littleport Town Boys' School from January, 1920 to August 1949.

29--The Littleport Girl Guides' Company set up camp at Adelaide.

30---Cricket. Littleport Town defeated Mildenhall Town by five runs in the final of the Cyril Smith Memorial Cup. The match was played on Highfield.

31--Successes in the examination held in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music:-Mary Butcher, Marjorie Hall, and Dawn Murfitt, all pupils of Miss W. B. Russell.

!!! Retirement of Police Sergeant J. S. Vail after 17 years as sergeant in charge of Littleport Police Station. Sergeant Vail, who had had over 30 years' service in the Force, is holder of the King's Police Medal for Gallantry, which he was awarded for rescuing a woman and her baby from a burning house in Littleport in 1946. He was also presented with the Carnegie Hero Fund Certificate.

31--Police Sergeant W, Eagle took charge at Littleport Police Station. A former Ely officer, Sergeant Eagle was transferred from March.

August. 1954

2--Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Miss Olive Jones of Ely, to Mr. Bruce Bernard Pearson, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Pearson, of the Plains Farm, Littleport.

5--Cricket Sutton defeated Littleport in the final of the Kirkland Cup. Scores: Sutton 128, Littleport 96.

7--Visit of the Diocesan Ringers to the Parish Church where they gave a performance on the bells which lasted three hours.

8--Motor-Cycle Scramble held at the Old Bank. It was the best of its kind ever held there and was attended by 4,000 spectators.

8--Littleport Wheelers' private 10-mile time trial. Ted Clarey set up a new Club senior record and Cyril Arnold also beat the old one. Tony Willett and M. Read both beat the old junior record and Poppy Easy set up a new ladies' record for the distance.

9--North Norfolk Regatta at Snettisham. The Sallis brothers won the race for the Snettisham Anchor in a howling gale. Over 20 boats capsized.

10--Annual outing to Hunstanton of the scholars of the St. John's Methodist Sunday School.

Monthly meeting of the Women's Institute. Mrs. W. J. Gill (President) expressed special appreciation to Mr. A. S. Harlock, who had designed the new W.I. banner, on view for the first time in the hall.

11--Annual outing to Hunstanton of the pupils and teachers of the Parish Church Sunday School.

Outing of members of the local branch of the Women's Conservative Association to Holkham Hall, calling at King's Lynn, Sandringham, Hunstanton and finally Wells-on-Sea.

13--Tragic death of Mr. Trevor John Robb, aged 17, when his motor cycle collided with a lorry near Forsdyke Bridge, Lines. Mr. Robb was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Robb of Burnt Fen.

14--Departure of the Littleport Company of the Boys' Brigade for their week's camp at Gorton, near Lowestoft.

15--Visit of the British Legion Band to Hunstanton at the invitation of the Entertainments Committee.

18--Annual Tea provided by the Women's Institute for the "Over Seventies". Annual outing to Hunstanton of the parents, friends and children of the Salvation Army.

20-Miss Beryl Levett, of Littleport and Burnt Fen, succeeded in obtaining her B.A. degree with first-class honours in the London University examinations.

21--Marriage at Feltwell of Miss Peggy Turner, of Feltwell, and Mr. Donald W. Stubbings, formerly of Dairy Houses, Littleport. Marriage at Little Downham of Miss Gwendoline Francis, of Cambridge, and Mr. George William Hensby, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hensby, of Black Horse Drove.

23--Littleport Town Cricket Club won the Ronald Darby Cup by defeating Cottenham in the final by 84 runs. The match was played at Sutton.

27--Engagement announced between Mr. Gordon Jefferson of Little Downham, and Miss Alma Thorby, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Thorby, of Parson's Lane, Littleport.

27--It was announced that Miss Poppy Easy of the Littleport Wheelers C.C. had become the first winner of the prize for the best newcomer in the ladies' 10-mile time-trial held by the Fenland Road Riding Association last May.

Formation of the Littleport "Tigers" Cycle Scramble Club.

28--Mr. and Mrs. J. Fletcher, of Manor Farm, Denver, and formerly of Black Horse Drove, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Mr. J. R. Turner and Mr. B. Oakman, both of Littleport, gained canary awards at the Ely & District Cage Bird Society's members' show.

29--Rev. Gordon Poole spoke at the Salvation Army Hall. The subject of his address was the evil of idle talk and tale bearing.

!!! 30--A Harvard aeroplane from Feltwell R.A.F. Station crash-landed at Covenham Farm, Black Horse Drove. The pilot was unhurt.

September 1954

!!! 1--While digging in his garden, Mr. Ken Reeve, of White Hart Lane, unearthed a farthing dated 1694.

5--Littleport Angling Club's annual outing to the Broads. Match-winners were C. Middleton, D. Jefferson, B. Lawrence, W. Scarff, J. Goodge and J. High.

7--Littleport Tigers Cycle Scramble Club staged their first scramble. It was held in connection with the local Gala Week festivities.

A monster turnip, grown by Mr. A. Parsons, of New Road, Littleport, turned the scales at 6lb. 3oz.

10--"Soap-box Derby" held at Ponts Hill in connection with Littleport's gala week. This amusing and thrilling event proved to be the highlight of the week and attracted a large crowd. The champion driver was John Scott who was garlanded with laurels in true traditional style.

Mrs. R. W. Newman, B.Sc., formerly Miss Dorothy Dade, of Littleport and now residing in Melbourne, Australia, appointed as examiner in Biology by the University of Melbourne for its forthcoming public examinations.

14--Littleport Women's Institute monthly meeting. The special speaker was the Rev. Hawthorn, of Chatteris. His subject was "Marriage and Divorce."

17--Engagement announced between L/S. B. A. J. Hardman, of Norley, Cheshire, and Miss Pamela Easy, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Easy, of Friars Way, Littleport.

18--Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, between Miss Sheila Barber, of Ely, and Mr. John Sparrow, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Sparrow, of Mare Fen Farm, Littleport.

21--Littleport W.I. Amateur Dramatic Society presented three one-act plays in the Constitutional Hall. They were entitled "The Five Pound Piece," "Joanna and the Candles," and "The Witching Hour.

24--Engagement announced between Mr. C. E. J. Haines, of Cambridge, and Miss Winifred Betty Russell, of Victoria Street, Littleport.

25--The Pentecostal Mission Chapel in Camel Road dedicated as a full Gospel Church. The ceremony was performed by Pastor R. Fairnie, of Norwich.

Marriage between Mr. R. Isaacson, of Witchford, and Miss D. Howard, of Littleport.

Death of Mr. Ralph Seeker, of Cambridge, and formerly of Littleport. He was 72.

Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Mr. Ronald East, of Witchford, and Miss June Bartell, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Copsey, of Ely, and formerly of Littleport.

28--Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Turner, of 29, Hempfield Place, celebrated their Silver Wedding anniversary.

October. 1954

1--Annual sale of work organised by the Women's Fellowship realised £28 10s. 0d. for Fellowship funds.

Engagement announced between Mr, Kenneth Hubbard, only son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Hubbard, of Black Horse Drove, and Miss Thelma Moden, youngest daughter of Mr. E. Moden and the late Mrs. Moden, of Ponts Hill, Littleport.

Cycling. Littleport Tigers Cycle Scramble Club defeated Little Downham Spiders for the second time.

2--A message of congratulation sent to Father Raven, of St. Matthias Church, Bethnal Green, London, by the Rev. J. K. C. Payne.

It was Father Raven's 50th anniversary as a priest. He will be remembered as a frequent visitor to Littleport during the last war when a large number of his parishioners were evacuees in the district.

3--Parish Church Harvest Festival. The special preacher was the Rev. C. C. Keet, of St. Clements, Cambridge.

6--Meeting of Ely Rural District Council. It was reported that, for the 28th half-year in succession, there were no arrears in rates.

!!! Public meeting held to discuss the question of a new war memorial for Littleport. It was agreed that it should take the form of a Crucifix raised on an inscribed plinth. No site was decided

8--Presentation of awards to Littleport Red Cross cadets. The Grand Proficiency Medal, which is the highest award obtainable by Cadets, was presented to Jean Gotobed.

9--House-to-house collection in aid of the National Children's Home realised over £33. It was organised by Mrs. Gordon Poole.

10--The Nunhead (London) Salvation Army Band visited Littleport. Major Legge-Bourke, the Isle M.P., presided at the afternoon concert.

12--Mr. and Mrs. W. Hensby, of Black Horse Drove, celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary.

15--Women's Institute Group Meeting held at Black Horse Drove for the first time. Miss Minnie Pallister, regular contributor to the B.B.C. Women's Hour programme, was the guest of honour.

17--Dedication at the Parish. Church, of the standard of the recently formed Women's Section of the British Legion. The Vicar (Rev. Canon J. K. C. Payne) conducted the ceremony.

The houses of Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilson and Mr. and Mrs. W. Oakey, both of Wisbech Road, were broken into by thieves.

Littleport Motor-Cycle and Light Car Club held their first scramble. It was staged at Balsham and over 8,000 spectators attended.

30--Mr. and Mrs. Benton Peckett, of Lynn Road, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. 31-The new Women's Institute banner dedicated at the Parish Church by the Rev. Canon J. K. C. Payne.

November. 1954

1--A thief broke into the home of Miss K. Crabb, of 16, Ely Road. A watch and an overcoat were stolen.

2--Miss C. H. Nicholas left Black Horse Drove to take up residence in Ely.

3--Methodist Guild Rally held at St. John's Methodist Church. The speaker was Rev. S. Connolly, of Soham.

4--Littleport members took all but two awards at the Ely and District Cage Bird Society's Show. A snow-white red-eyed albino house sparrow, exhibited by Mr. B. Oakman, gained a first prize.

6--Little Ouse school children collected £3 12s. 9d. for Dr. Barnardo's Homes.

7--Remembrance Day observed at Littleport. The special speaker at the Parish Church was the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gordon Walsh.

Presentation made by the Littleport British Legion to Mrs. H. Rowell, of Greyfield Estate, Ely Road. It was to mark Mrs. Rowell's great work in connection with the Poppy Day fund for 33 years.

8--A 21-year-old serviceman arrested in London by P.S. Eagle. He was charged with breaking into the home of Miss K. A. Crabb of Ely Road, Littleport, and stealing a watch, an overcoat and other property.

11--Death, at Bury St. Edmunds, of Mr. Armiger Benton, formerly of Camel Road, Littleport. He was 76.

12--Engagement announced between Alan, youngest son of Mrs. Clifton of Wisbech Road, Littleport and the late Mr. P. Clifton, and Margaret Anne, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Butcher of Hempfield Place, Littleport.

13--A collection for Dr. Barnardo's Homes, organised by Miss E. R. Gill, yielded over £32.

20--Littleport Ladies' Choir, conducted by Mrs. C. R. Browning, gained first and second class certificates at the Norfolk County Music festival, held, at Norwich.

!!! 68 trees planted at the new playing field. They were given by various local organisations. A special gift, a Small Oak tree was given by Mrs. Mann in memory of her husband, the late Mr. Harry Mann, D.S.M.

Marriage between Miss P. Read, of Sutton, and Mr. W. Bishop, of Littleport.

30--Music Successes. At a recent examination held at Cambridge in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the following candidates, pupils of Miss W. B. Russell, of Victoria Street, were successful: Theory, grade 1 (primary) Ann Clift; and grade 4 Dawn Murfitt.