December, 1961.

1--Red Cross enrolment ceremony held at Littleport. It was revealed that Mrs. H. Rowell, local detachment commandant, had been presented with the Honorary Life Membership Badge for outstanding work in connection with the Red Cross.

British Legion Women's Sections Group Meeting held at Little Downham. A highlight was the presentation of the Readhead Cup to Mrs. A. Sallis of the Littleport Branch, the year's winner of the Standard Bearers' contest.

2--Annual Parish Church Sale raised £17O for the organ fund.

9--Miss Cynthia Greenacre, of 38, Upton Place, Littleport, was chosen as "Miss Littleport" in the annual competition organised by the local British Legion Women's Section.

Littleport's effort for the 1961 Poppy Day appeal, realised the total of £274 3s. 0d., the highest sum since records were first kept in 1921. The organiser was Mrs. Ida Rowell.

At the annual prize-giving of the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal, Junr. L./Cpl. Stephen Misson, a cornet player, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. I. Misson, of 5, Lynn Road, was presented with a silver medal for winning the year's "Cassell's Prize" in competition for the most outstanding player.

Mr. Charles Rudderham, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Rudderham, of New Road, Littleport, was married at St. Mary's Church, Ely, to Miss Brenda Phillips, of Ely.

10--Thieves broke into the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Gilbert, of Broadlands, Wisbech Road, Littleport. About £20 was stolen.

13--Scholars of the County Primary School presented their annual play, "The Princess and the Swineherd".

14--Messrs. A. T. Grain & Sons' Christmas fat stock show and sale. Littleport first prize winners were Messrs. Padgett Bros, (fat heifer); Mr. H. E. Sallis (pen of 4 bacon pigs); Mr. W. J. Murfitt (pen of 6 store pigs).

15--Engagement announced between Miss Joan Lord of Ely, and Mr. Rex Neville, younger son of Mr. Aubrey Neville and the late Mrs. Neville, of Ely Road, Littleport.

19--39th annual meeting of Littleport Women's Institute. Mrs. W. J. Gill was elected president for the 14th year in succession.

20--At a ceremony at St. James's Palace, London, the Duke of Edinburgh presented the Gold Standard of his Award Scheme to John Edward Thorp, of 36a, Wisbech Road, Littleport, a former member of the 10th Ely (King's School) Scout Troop.

22--Children of the Black Horse Drove Methodist Sunday School collected £8 for the National Children's Home.

Mr. and Mrs. L. Greenacre, of Upton Place, Littleport, announced the engagement of their only daughter, Cynthia, to Alan second son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Page, of Main Street, Littleport.

£50 was raised for the Church Organ Fund as the result of a tour of the streets by a band of church workers with recordings of carols taken previously in the Parish Church.

Engagement announced between Miss Myra House, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V. House, of Saffron Close, Littleport and Mr. Amos Stevens, of Hauxton, Cambs.

23--Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Shipp, of Camel Road, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Both are members of the Salvation Army.

31--Two local firemen, Sub-Officer J. Barnes, J.P., in charge of Littleport Fire Station, and Fireman W. Chase, retired from the Fire Service. Leading Fireman Sam Clifton was promoted to Sub-Officer to take Mr. Barnes' place as officer in charge of the Littleport Station.

January, 1962.

1--Listed in the New Year Honours was the award of the O.B.E. (Military) to Wing Commander J. W. J. Leggett, son of Councillor and Mrs. Wm, Leggett of Hempfield Place, Littleport.

2--The Governors of the Martin School reported to the Isle of Ely Education Committee that there was an urgent need for additional teaching accommodation at the school in view of the increased numbers taking G.C.E. courses.

5--Engagement announced between Mr. Peter Morley, of Ely, and Miss Margaret Proctor, eldest daughter of Mr, and Mrs. F. Proctor, of Victoria Street, Littleport.

7--Littleport Motor Cycle Club's Les Ayres Trophy Trial. The award for the best Littleport Club member went to R. D. Cote.

8--Annual Ely Police Ball held at the Grange.

9--Annual New Year party of Littleport Women's Institute. A letter was read from a former popular member, Mrs. W. Milne Wilson, now in South Africa.

12--Messrs. Law Bros. (Builders) Ltd. of Littleport were given two contracts, together worth over a quarter of a million pounds, by King's Lynn Corporation.

14--A united rally in connection with the Universal Week of Prayer was held at St. John's Methodist Church. The speaker was the Rev Bill Bathman, the well-known American evangelist.

14--A nativity play entitled "On Christmas Day in the Morning" was presented at St. John's Church, Little Ouse. It was produced, by Capt. G. H. Robbins.

17--The precept approved by the Parish Council was at £2,250, £650 lower than the previous year's figure and meant a drop in the rate from l/7d. to l/2 1/4d.

!!! Littleport Parish Council recommended that the sum of £2,400 collected for the provision of a swimming pool in the village should be handed over to the County Education Authority for the provision of a swimming pool for schoolagers and young persons under 21 belonging to registered youth organisations.

18--Funeral of Mr. "Joe" Hawkes. The British Legion Band, mourning their president and former bandmaster, led the cortege to the cemetery playing Handel's "Dead March from Saul".

26--Sherry Everett and Mary Strawson, both of Littleport, were offered places in colleges following their success in examinations at Ely High School.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Edmenson, of Barkhams Lane, Littleport, announced the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth, to Mr. Edward Martin, of Barton Farm, Ely.

Following her success in the Autumn examinations at the Martin School, Sylvia Scott was accepted as a student at St. Osyth's College, Clacton.

29--The lady members of the Littleport Bowls Club, who were previously a separate section, amalgamated with the men at the club s annual meeting. Although the bar receipts were slightly down the treasurer revealed a balance in hand of £145.

February. 1962

1--The following retired firemen from Littleport were awarded testimonials to mark their long and loyal service: J. W. Barnes, C. C. Barber, W. H. Chase, W. A. Gotobed, A. E. Butcher, H. Shaw, and F. Mason.

Annual society meeting of St. John's Methodist Church. Miss K, Railton reported that the splendid sum of £198 had been collected for Overseas Missions in 1961.

6--Funeral at Lakenheath of Mr. Ernest Morley. Although a native of Lakenheath, he had lived in recent years with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cross, at 3, Ten Mile Bank Road, Littleport. He was 79.

7--Meeting of the British Legion, Women's Section. A letter from the Parish Council asking for the branch's assistance in clearing the War Memorial debt was discussed. It was agreed to help in any money-raising effort made for this purpose.

Mr L Brooks presented attendance certificates at the Coronation School, Black Horse Drove. Roland Fletcher achieved 100 per cent attendance.

9--Littleport Town Cricket Club held their annual dinner at the Odd Fellows' Hall. It was voted "the most successful ever".

Littleport Wheelers Cycling Club Annual Supper. Among the guests was a veteran cyclist, Mr. W. Sennitt, of Upware, who donated a gift of a Cup to the Club to be competed for annually.

11--Littleport Angling Club's open gala attracted an entry of 202 from a wide area. Evensong at the Parish Church was sung by Mr. Peter Sutton, the lay reader.

13--W.I. spoons were presented to Mrs. H. Benton and Mrs. T. B. Gordon and cups and saucers to Mrs. J. Chase and Mrs. W. J. Gill at the monthly meeting of the Women's Institute.

14--Miss Janet Brooks, of Little Ouse, was elected "Miss Valentine" at a Valentine Day dance held at the Constitutional Hall. Miss Sandra Simpson, a former "Miss Littleport", was third.

!!! 16--Children of Black Horse Drove School received a picture of a European bee-eater from Nurse Biart. Nurse Biart is & medical missionary with the Zambesi Mission in Nyasaland.

Darts at the Ex-Servicemen's Club - "Young Uns" v. "Old, Uns" - The "Old Uns", skippered by Herbert Lofts, won 6-5.

17--Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Peterborough, of Miss Shirley Tait, of Peterborough, and Mr. Derek Rudderham, second son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Rudderham, of New Road, Littleport.

60 members and guests of the Littleport Badminton Club attended a dinner and social at Lincoln's Restaurant. It was the Club's first social function since its re-formation.

21--Members of the British Legion Women's Section organised the first of a series of socials for young people. The function was a great success.

23--Engagement announced between Mr. Ernest Reynolds, only son of the late Rev. I. A. Reynolds and the late Mrs. Reynolds, formerly of the Vicarage, Little Ouse, and Miss Janet Wiggins, of Ipswich.

Miss Violet Hill, of Barkhams Lane, Littleport, was presented with the Imperial Service Medal at Ely Post Office. The award was in recognition of her good and faithful service and marked her retirement from the Postal Service in which she had been employed for 41 years. A further presentation of a slide projector and screen was made to her on behalf of her fellow workers.

Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Bumpsteed, of Victoria Street, Littleport, announced the engagement of their elder son, Clifford, to Miss Margaret Paling, of Sileby, Leicestershire.

Over fifty members and guests attended a dinner at the Odd Fellows' Hall arranged by the Littleport branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters.

Engagement announced between Mr. Rex Turner, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Turner, of Hempfield Place, Littleport, and Miss Angela Carse, of Cambridge.

24--Marriage, at All Saints Church, Bury St. Edmunds, of Miss Shirley Newman, of Bury St. Edmunds, and Mr. John Gray, only son of Mr. and Mrs P. S Gray of The Gables, Ely Road, Littleport.

28--Meeting of the Women's Fellowship. It was decided to donate £3 to the Parish Church Organ Fund.

28--P.c. J. E. Evison spoke to the pupils of Black Horse Drove Coronation School on road safety.

March. 1962

1--Black Horse Drove Youth Club junior darts team lost to Whittlesey Youth Club in the finals of the County Darts Competition held at Chatteris. The score was 5-4.

!!! 2--Mr. Graham Haggar, of 126, Victoria Street, pleaded before Ely Magistrates to be allowed to keep his Alsatian bitch, Tina. after evidence had been given that she had bitten two people in Littleport. Following a demonstration in the court of his control over the dog, Mr. Hagger was allowed to keep her.

Sir Harry and Lady Legge-Bourke were the guests of honour at a social and dance organised by the Littleport Women's Conservative Association.

Engagement announced between John, only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Laycock, of Soham and Jennifer, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Bishop, of Littleport.

Annual meeting of the Primary School Parent-Teacher Association. Miss M. Davy (headmistress) expressed thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Wyllie for the gift to the school of an oak table made specially to match the lectern.

3--Marriage at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Chettisham, between Miss Mary Coleman, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Coleman, of Chettisham, and Mr. Roy Oakes, second son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Oakes, of Burnt Chimney Drove Littleport.

5--Films depicting the work of the Faith Mission, a movement for the evangelisation of rural areas, were shown at the Independent Chapel Mission Room.

6--Littleport's oldest inhabitant, Mrs. Alice Kent, of City Road, celebrated her 101st birthday.

!!! 7--Swimming pool meeting. A Parish Council resolution offering the £2 400 in hand to the Isle of Ely Education Committee towards the cost of a "teaching pool" at the Martin School was overwhelmingly rejected.

8--Meeting of Ely Methodist Circuit. It was Reported that the new Manse to be built at Hoofs Close, Littleport, would cost with furnishings, about £4,000

9--County British Legion Billiards and Snooker finals held at Cottenham. P. Rust (Soham) defeated Littleport's Charlie Baker 350-344 in the billiards final, while Littleport's R. Black beat K Peacock (Soham) by three frames to nil at snooker.

9--Annual Women's World Day of Prayer Service held at the Salvation Army Hall.

10--Littleport British Legion Band dam tournament. Eric Taylor of Hilgay won the competition for the fourth time in five years.

11--The following pupils of Littleport County Primary School succeeded in passing the 11 plus examination:- Boys:-P.Padget, J. Saul, D.Gilbert, L.Covell, R.Eastwood, P.Goodfellow, J.Murfitt, S.Murfitt, L.Winters. Girls:- S.Crane, S.Dewey, V.Judd, H.Lee, L.Cousins, L.Crabb, M.Gilbert, J.Page.

13--Littleport Women's Institute members' night. Mrs. J. Gilbert was congratulated on gaining the cup awarded for most points in competitions for three consecutive years, and she was presented with a miniature cup to retain.

14--It was revealed that during 1961 £53 9s. 4d. had been collected in Littleport for the British Empire Cancer Campaign.

15--Mrs. Gordon Poole, wife of a former Littleport Methodist minister, spoke at a meeting of the Circuit Women's Fellowship held at Ely.

16--The engagement was announced between Mr. David Smith, only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith, of Station Road, Littleport, and Miss Beryl Bates, of Aslacton, near Norwich.

17--Marriage at Chatteris Parish Church, of Mr. Kenneth Hubbard, only son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Hubbard, of Railway House, Black Horse Drove, and Miss Kathleen Hicks, of Chatteris, a well-known East Anglian Beauty Queen.

Marriage, at the Baptist Chapel, Lakenheath, of Miss Olive Cole-man of Lakenheath, and Mr. David Goodge, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Goodge of Ely Road, Littleport.

21--Annual meeting of Littleport Town Cricket Club. The secretary Mr F Watson, spoke of the success of the indoor practice sessions held at the Martin School gymnasium during the year.

Littleport Parish Council meeting. It was decided to defer a suggestion that the £57 6s. 7d. still owing on the war memorial should be provided out of rates.

Meeting of the newly-formed Swimming Pool Committee. Future money-raising efforts were planned.

24-At the parish church, Mepal, Miss Christine Murton, of Mepal, was married to Mr. Norman Howe, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Howe, of Silt Road, Littleport.

25-Cycling-The Littleport Wheelers team of Roy Murfitt, Keith Fletcher and Peter Bamber began the Fenland R.R.A. season in magnificent form when they won the team event in the medium gear 25 mile time trial over the Wisbech-Peterborough

30-Miss Rosemary Harris, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Harris, of Victoria Street, Littleport, was successful in passing her hospital and "final State Nursing examinations.

31--Local pianoforte students gained the following successes in the Associated Board examinations held at Cambridge:-Grade II-Susan Handley (merit); Grade III-Linda Law (merit) and Janis Ambrose; Theory of Music, Grade I-Linda Law The Littleport Ladies' Choir, under their conductor, Mrs. C. R. Browning, were successful in winning the Banham trophy in the open class for Ladies' choirs, at the City of Cambridge Music Festival, gaining 91 marks. This mark proved to be the highest in the Festival and gained for them the premier Kerr award.

Death, at his home, in March, of Mr. Wilfred Ambrose, aged 66. Born in Littleport, he moved to March in 1912.

April. 1962

1--The Mothering Sunday service at St. John's Methodist Church was conducted by Miss K. Railton.

Mr. Philip Harley, of Wisbech Road, Littleport, had his motor cycle stolen while he was watching racing at a scramble at Great Cornard, in Suffolk.

4--Marriage, at Ely Register Office, of Miss Jean Bonnett, twin daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Bonnett, of Bush Farm, Ely Road, Littleport, and Mr. Stanley Graves, second son of Mrs. D, Graves, of Camel Road, Littleport.

!!! 7--A Coypu rat measuring 32 inches from nose to tail, and weighing well over a stone was shot at Littleport by Mr. H. W. Lee, of The Moorings.

9--Pupils of the Martin School presented their annual Easter Concert.

10--A calendar from the branch's Australian link was displayed at a meeting of Littleport Women's Institute.

12--The presentation of a gold wristlet watch was made to Mr. Arthur Gafer in recognition of his 25 years of service to Messrs, Thornhill's bakery. The presentation was made by Mr. R. Thornhill, proprietor of the firm.

Squadron Leader Merryfield, of the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely, gave a lecture at the local Red Cross Centre. His subject was the aid to life saving mouth-to-mouth respiration method.

13--Sixth birthday party of the Over Sixties Club. A performance of twist dancing was provided by a group of younger members.

15--Mr. A. L. Covell, driving a Morris 1000 with Mr. G. Gibbs as navigator, won the Audley Garage Cup-the premier award in the Annual Car Touring Trial, organised by the Littleport and District Motor Cycle and Light Car Club.

18--A day course on ground crop spraying was given by a lecturer in agriculture on Mr. F. G. Starling's Peacock's Farm, Littleport Annual party for the over seventies held at the Odd Fellows' Hall. It was organised by the British Legion Women's Section

20--Good Friday-Methodists and members of the other free churches in Littleport joined in a united service held in the Salvation Army Hall.

Mr. and Mrs. M. Mitchell, of Wisbech Road, Littleport, announced the engagement of their second daughter, Elizabeth, to Mr. Keith Russell, of Stretham.

22--Easter Sunday-Over 150 communicants took Holy Communion at the Parish Church.

!!! Birth of Michael George Green with two perfectly formed teeth. He is the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Green, of Silt Road, Littleport.

Services at the Gospel Hall were conducted by Mr. G. Bull, a former missionary in Tibet.

23--Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Miss Joan Reeder, of Ely, and Mr. Eric Simper, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Simper, of High Street, Littleport.

25--Meeting of Littleport Women's Fellowship. The news that the secretary, Mrs. F. Metcalfe, was leaving Littleport, was received with regret.

!!! Annual general meeting of the East Anglia United District of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds held at Ely. In his address the Provincial Chief Shepherd (Bro. W. Saul, of Littleport) referred to the need for better pay for nurses. He described their present wage as a disgrace to the country.

26--Death at Tips End, of Mrs. Eveline Bedford, aged 76. She was a native of Littleport.

27--Engagement announced between Mr. David Machin, of Mepal, and Miss Christine Howe, youngest daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Howe, of Mildenhall Road, Littleport.

Engagement announced between Mr. Donald Robinson, of Great Barford, Bedford, and Miss Margaret Craft, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Craft, of Victoria Street, Littleport.

Engagement announced between Mr. David Craft, of Littleport, and Miss Pamela Brand of Burnt Fen.

28--Women's Institute members collected £50 in aid of the British Empire Cancer Campaign.

Football-Littleport Town were beaten in the final of the North Cambs. Cup by Whittlesey United at Chatteris. The only goal scored was from a penalty.

!!! 30--Annual meeting of Littleport and Prickwillow Nursing Association. It was revealed that during the year the nurses had made no less than 5,830 visits.

Gift day service held at St. John's Methodist Church. £151 was received.

May. 1962

1--Little Ouse and Brandon Bank Women's Institute's 42nd birthday party. A guest was Mrs. M. Mortimer Rose, a former president.

4--Football-Littleport Town defeated Little Downham Swifts by 5 goals to 2 in the final of the Downham Recreation Cup competition.

Pupils of the Martin School returned home from a holiday in Luxembourg. The holiday was organised by Mr. E. J. Cottier.

The engagement was announced between Mr. James Woodburn, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Woodburn, of The Crescent, Littleport, and Miss Janet Saberton, of Little Downham.

5--Spring sale for the Over Sixties Club realised £80.

Scripture examination held at St. John's Methodist Sunday School Results were: Ann Berry, honours (88 marks); Carol Lawrence, 1st class certificate; Marilyn Newton, Michael Angel and Frances Perry, 2nd class certificates; Vivienne Perry, Angela Lawrence and Partricia Borley, 3rd class certificates.

Norwich Citadel Salvation Army Band gave a concert at the Martin School.

Mrs. R. Benstead, of Wisbech Road, collected £4 10s. 0d. for the Marie Curie Memorial Foundation.

Mr. John Profumo, Secretary of State for War, visiting the Army Apprentices' School at Harrogate, talked to 15 1/2 year old Alan Ewing, who is stationed there. Alan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. V. Ewing, of Parsons Lane, Littleport.

6--Confirmation service by Bishop Walsh held at St. John's Church, Little Ouse. Mr. Lewis Brooks, of Black Horse Drove, was presented with a long service certificate for his forty years' work as a local preacher in the Methodist Church.

7--Mr. Graham Fisher, landlord of the Plough and Harrow, won two trophies for darts and snooker in Littleport British Legion competitions.

8--Mr. Cyril Shaw, of Wisbech, Prospective Labour Candidate for the Isle of Ely, spoke at a meeting held at the Primary School. Ten people attended.

11--Sir Harry and Lady Legge-Bourke attended the Martin School's first prizegiving.

12--Miss Sylvia Hurrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hobbs, of Crouchmoor Farm, Littleport, was married to Mr, Benjamin Mitson, of Wisbech, at Ely Register Office.

12--Fifth Youth Eisteddfod of the Ely Methodist Circuit held at Ely. The following Littleport certificate winners took part in the grand rally: Helen Clarke, Michael Elmore, Diane Clarke, Patricia Clarke and Graham Clarke.

Marriage at Ely Register Office, of Miss Eileen Smith, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith, of King's Yard, Victoria Street, and Mr. Tony Sharman, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Sharman, of Station Road, Littleport.

£23 16s. 5d. was collected in Littleport for the Royal National Life-boat Institution. Mrs. P. Morton was the organiser.

13--Mr. Stanley Boddington, Musical Director of the famous G.U.S. (Footwear) Band, was the guest conductor at a concert organised by Littleport British Legion Band held at the Constitutional Hall.

14--Death of Mr. Herbert Sallis, of City Road. He was a founder member of the Gospel Hall.

15--First session of the Isle of Ely County Music Festival. In the vocal solo classes, Marjorie Porter, of Littleport, gained two firsts.

16--Annual Vestry and Parochial Church meeting. Expenses incurred during the year exceeded income by £152.

16--Junior competitions in connection with the County Youth Festival held at Ely. Peter Rutterford of Littleport, was the winner of the boys' solo class. In the girls' solo class Janice Ford was one of the three chosen to compete in the final.

Captain and Mrs. Howard Clark, of the Salvation Army, left Littleport to take up an appointment in Ireland.

17--County Music Festival-In the novice recorders' class, Helen Lee, Susan Crane and Susan Dewey, all pupils of Littleport County Primary School, gained first, second and third places respectively.

18--County Music Festival-Littleport Ladies' Choir, conducted by Mrs. C. R. Browning, were awarded two firsts at the session held at Wisbech.

19--Cricket-Littleport v. Westwood Works (Peterborough)-Skipper Norman South scored 100 not out, the first century ever made on Highfield. The result was a draw.

Welcome meeting held at the Salvation Army Hall for Captain and Mrs. Cook, the newly appointed officers.

23--isle of Ely County Music Festival winners' concert held at the Martin School.

!!! Meeting of Littleport Parish Council-The disgusting way in which the conveniences on the Camping Close Playing Field were used came under heavy discussion.

24--Twenty five members of the Mothers' Union with the Vicar and Mrs. Payne attended the Deanery Festival at Prickwillow. Red Cross collections in Littleport realised £45 15s. 4d.

26--A mammoth sale, organised by Mrs. W. J. Gill in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund, realised £142.

31--About 800 cigarettes were stolen from Mrs. M. Roak's shop in Lynn Road.

June. 1962

2--Littleport Boys' Brigade garden fete was opened by Mr. E. G. Hooper of Biggleswade, a former manager of Lloyds Bank, Littleport.

3--Littleport were the winners of a six-a-side cricket tournament organised by the West Norfolk Fertilisers' Sports Club at King's Lynn.

6--Members of all denominations attended St. John's Methodist Church Schoolroom to hear a talk by Nurse Railton. She spoke of her visit to her former colleague, Nurse Biart, and of the conditions at the Zambesi Mission in Nyasaland, where Nurse Biart is serving.

7--Annual Primary School outing to the London Zoo.

12--Before leaving Littleport for his ordination at Ripon Cathedral, Mr. Peter Sutton was presented with a white stole by the Rev. J. K. C. Payne as an expression of gratitude and good wishes from his many friends.

13--Coun. H. K. Cross was elected for a further year of office as chairman of the Ely Rural District Council.

Members of St. George's Young Wives made a presentation to Mrs. Peter Sutton who was shortly to leave Littleport.

16--St. John's Methodist Church garden fete held in the garden of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Morton's house, yielded £79. Chairman for the opening ceremony was Mr. J. Badcock, of Buntingford, and formerly of Littleport.

Mr. F. G. Starling and Mr. G. P. T. Peacock won prizes with their Percheron horses at the Hunts. Agricultural Show.

Marriage, at Ely Register Office, of Miss Celia Pettit, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Pettit, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, and Mr. Alan Clarke, of Birmingham.

17--Sunday School anniversary services at Steam Engine Methodist Chapel were conducted by Mr. E. Youngs of Littleport.

Mr. Peter Sutton, a resident of Littleport since 1946, was ordained a Deacon at Ripon Cathedral by the Lord Bishop of Ripon. He is to minister in the parish of Kippax, in Yorkshire.

21--Martin School sports--Outstanding performances were put up by boys: R. Bowles, R. Taylor, G. Wilson, M. Bond and P. Fletcher; and girls: I. Feltwell, V. Speed, C. Fletcher, C. Scott, C. Moulding, J. Ambrose, C. Woodruffe and P. Horton.

22--Marriage, at the Parish Church, Lakenheath, of Mr. Bruce Matthews, of King's Lynn, and Dr. Cynthia Levett, third daughter of Mr. C. W. Levett, of Sedge Fen, and the late Mrs. Levett, formerly of Littleport.

23--British Legion Band Garden Fete held in the garden of Hampden House. Proceeds £75.

Mr. Ernest Gent, of Camel Road, Littleport, was married to Mrs. Violet Hunt, of Ely, at Ely Register Office.

25--Littleport's first bus shelter was erected in Church Lane.

27--Primary School Sports for Infants--The prizes were presented by Mrs. R. Wyllie.

Meeting of the Women's Fellowship. A presentation was made to the retiring secretary, Mrs. F. Metcalfe, who had recently left Littleport to live at Ely.

Members of the Women's Institute journeyed to Yarmouth. The occasion was their annual summer outing.

29--Mr. G R. Eastwood elder son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Eastwood, of Lynn Road, Littleport, obtained an Upper 2nd Degree (Bachelor of Science) in Physiology and Biochemistry after completing a three-year course at Southampton University.

30--Squadron Officer Bray, of the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely, opened the Parish Church Garden Fete. £130 was raised.

July. 1962

4--Littleport Primary School Sports Day. Presenting the prizes, Mr. K. E. Darby complimented the children on their sportsmanship and urged them to remember that it was not winning that mattered, but running a good race and losing cheerfully. It was important to remember this all their lives.

Littleport Angling Club's annual children's match. T. Lofts won the senior section and M. Angel the junior.

Cricket-British Legion Ladies v. Happy Wanderers. The result was a tie, 65 runs each.

6--Engagement announced between Mr. Graham Lord, of Bright ling-sea, Colchester, and Miss Jane Carruthers, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Carruthers, of Granby Street, Littleport.

The Happy Wanderers, representing the Littleport British Legion, won their way through to the final of the Cambs, and Isle of Ely British Legion Cricket Cup competition by defeating Over British Legion in a 20 overs match at Cottenham.

Mr. E. W. Simper, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Simper, of High Street, Littleport, was successful in passing the intermediate examination of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Mr. J. H. Martin revealed that with the exception of March, 1929, and September, 1959, June was the driest month of the century. Rain fell on only one day, recording .08 inches.

7--Littleport Salvation Army Garden Fete. The proceeds amounted to £75. Mrs. Eric Strawson was the opener.

Miss Diane Ellingham, of Ely, was married at St. Mary's Church, Ely, to Mr. Brian Murfitt, only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Murfitt, of Friar's Place, Littleport.

8--There were 20 communicants when the Rev. S. Chambers celebrated Holy Communion in the Community Centre at Black Horse Drove.

Angling-A catch of 120 small roach won the local Club's Wilson Cup for Mr. A. K. Green.

9--Bowls-Mr. Albert Strawson, the last local survivor in the Cambs. Bowling Association's singles championship, was beaten in a quarter-final match by Mr. George Page, of St. Neots.

10--Monthly meeting of Littleport Women's Institute. A talk on the work of the National Spastics Society was given by Mr. Knight, of Peterborough.

13--Children of the Primary School journeyed to London for their annual outing. Highlights were a tour of the Tower of London and a visit to Earls Court to see the Royal Tournament.

General meeting of the Isle of Ely County Association of Teachers held at the Martin School. Mr. J. Roberts and Mr. G. Smith, both of Littleport, were elected as delegates to the National Sectional Meeting of the N.U.T., to be held in London in January, 1963.

Engagement announced between Miss Shirley Starling, of Ely, and Mr. John Eastwood, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Eastwood, of Lynn Road, Littleport.

15--Littleport and District Motor Cycle and Light Car Club's annual road touring trial. P. K. Harley was first, Roy Benstead second and P. Johnson third. All three rode Norton machines.

16--Representing the Isle of Ely Constabulary in the No. 5 District Police Bowls Singles Championship, P.c. Tony George, of Littleport won the competition and became the first member of the Isle Force to do so.

17--Tragic death by drowning in the River Little Ouse, of 15 year old Christopher Ward, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Ward, of the Anchor Inn, Brandon Bank.

!!! Pupils of the Primary School were the performers at a musical evening held at the School. The headmistress, Miss Davy, thanked the parents for turning out the children so spick and span in their appearance.

18--Meeting of Littleport Parish Council. A plan prepared by the County Council for parking restrictions in Main Street was adopted.

20--A recent collection in Littleport for the National Children's Home realised £40. The organiser was Mrs. J. R. Lusty.

22--Feast Sunday-Littleport Amalgamated Friendly Societies' annual Church Parade. £109 was collected. The major challenge cup for the best decorated vehicle was won by the entry of Messrs. Hiam's Letter "F" Farm.

!!! 23--Meeting of the swimming pool committee. It was revealed that with the help of voluntary labour the pool would cost approximately £8,500.

24--Open day at the Primary School. The prizes donated by Mr. W. Leggett for the two best all-rounders who were leaving the school were awarded to Susan Dewey and Lester Covell.

25--Meeting of Isle of Ely Women's Institutes' County Executive. Mrs. Gilbert, of Littleport was congratulated on passing the tests for making lampshades.

28--Littleport Horticultural and Foal Show Society's 73rd Annual Show. The number of horse entries was the highest for years. 3,500 people attended.

Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Miss Gillian Chapman, of Ely and Mr. Martin Sallis, second son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Sallis, of Ely Road, Littleport.

28-Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Sileby, Leicestershire, between Mr Clifford Bumpsteed, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H Bunrosteed, of Victoria Street, Littleport, and Miss Margaret Paley of Sileby.

August. 1962

1-An appeal was launched by the Vicar (Rev. Canon J. K. C. Payne) for £2,000, the sum required for the restoration of the Parish Church Organ.

Meeting of the local branch of the British Legion Women's Section. A talk on "The Story of Lace" was given by Miss K. Davis of Wisbech.

Nurse Railton and Nurse Smith, Littleport's Queen's Nurses, were installed in their new home at Hoof Close.

3-The engagement was announced between Mr. Tony Pratt, of Kennett, Newmarket, and Miss Eileen Bell, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Bell, of The Crescent, Littleport.

The engagement was announced between Miss Eileen Partridge, of Ely, to Mr. Geoffrey Constable, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Constable, of Parson's Lane. Littleport.

6--Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Ely, between Miss Janice Dolby, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Dolby, of Ely and formerly of Littleport, and Mr. Alan Youngs, only son of Mr. and Mrs E. Youngs, of Upton Place, Littleport.

7--An evening mystery tour by coach was enjoyed by members of Little Ouse and Brandon Bank Women's Institute.

13--Cricket-Alan Wilson of Littleport, Ely City's fast bowler, was awarded his County Cap.

15--Sixteen year old Peter Hardingham, of Riverside Cottages, Sandhill Bridge, Littleport, was found unconscious half in and half out of a drain near Hilgay. He was rescued by Mr. Robert Clingo, of Hilgay, and taken to King's Lynn Hospital suffering from shock.

Littleport Women's Institute entertained the Over Seventies to a tea and party at the Constitutional Hall.

Littleport's oldest inhabitant, Mrs. Alice Kent (101) enjoyed the happy reunion with old friends.

16--Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Quigley left Littleport for Newmarket. Mr. Quigley, former local branch manager of the Eastern Gas Board, was appointed to Newmarket as District Superintendent eighteen months ago. He will be remembered chiefly for his untiring work as captain of the local Boys' Brigade.

17--Drivers and conductors of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co's Ely depot were awarded safe driving and safe conducting awards. Local recipients were:-drivers: V. House, G. Washington, L. w. Fox, P. Starling; conductors: G. Lemmon, D. Murfitt and K. Borley.

17--Junior Sergeant Trevor Pope, whose home is at Black Horse Drove Littleport, was awarded the prize for the best individual shot at a passing out parade held at the Junior Leaders' Regiment Royal Engineers, Old Park Barracks, Dover.

Engagement announced between Miss Vivian Convine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Convine, of Drages Farm, Woodfen, Littleport, and Mr. Graham Hawes, of Wicken.

Miss Frances Davies, elder daughter of Mrs. H. Cooper, of Cheam, Surrey, and grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Curtis, of New Road, Littleport, was married at Ely Register Office to Mr. Richard Misson, second son of Mr. and Mrs. T. I. Misson, of Lynn Road, Littleport.

Members of the University of London Society of Change Ringers rang the bells at the Parish Church.

18--Marriage at St David's Church, Newtown, Montgomeryshire, of Mr John Turner, of Exeter, and Miss Ann Browning, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Browning, of Upton Place, Littleport The bride will be remembered locally for her musical activities and when only 16 she succeeded in winning the Mayor's Trophy at Cambridge Festival of Music.

Three coaches conveyed the employees of Messrs. Hope Bros, to Yarmouth. The occasion was their annual outing.

19--Captain J. C. Payne read the lessons at the Parish Church.

24--Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwards, of Soham, announced the engagement of their daughter, Kathleen, to David, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Lofts, of Crown Lane, Littleport.

25--Marriage, at St. Peter's Church, March, of Miss Joan Fox, of March, and Mr. Charles Peacock, only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Peacock, of Longfield Road, Littleport.

26--Opening day of Littleport Carnival Week in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund took the form of a grand parade of decorated floats through the streets followed by a united service at Highfield. The day's takings amounted to £115.

27--A Morris Cowley car with five occupants was involved in a collision with a Land Rover at Chapman's Corner bend on Station Road. Four of the car's occupants were taken to the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely. The fifth died. He was 18 year old Terence Archer, of Lakenheath.

September. 1962

1--Grand finale to Littleport Carnival Week attended by huge crowds. After an afternoon and evening of entertainment and sports at Highfield and a torchlight procession to Ponts Hill, the week closed with community singing and the announcement of the winners in the mammoth prize draw. The net takings during the week amounted to £790 for the Swimming Pool fund.

Marriage, at Ely Register Office, between Mr. Amos Gamer, of Ely, and Miss Lilian Smith, fourth daughter of Mrs. C.Benstead, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, and the late Mr. R. Smith.

2--Littleport British Legion Band paid its last visit of the season to Hunstanton The "Carnival Week Buskers", led by Mr Ron Barber, delighted the holiday-makers.

Mr. Kenneth Atkin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Atkin, of the Black Horse, Black Horse Drove, committed suicide. He was 36

4--For using a car for which no test certificate had been issued within the previous twelve months, Mr. Ralph Stebbings, of Black Horse Drove, was fined £2 by Chatteris Magistrates

7--Mr. and Mrs. A. Cooper, of New River Bank, Littleport, announced the engagement of their youngest daughter, Shirley, to Mr Rodney Mayo, of Ely.

8--Annual Church Garden Party at Little Ouse raised £80 The opener was Mrs. Geoffrey Peacock, of Littleport. Mrs. P. Smith, of Woodfen Road, won £605 on the Spastic League Club's "goals bingo".

The community Annual Garden Fete at Black Horse Drove, held in the garden of the Willow Rows, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Heber Martin, realised £85.

10--Death, at Colchester Hospital, of Mrs. Lucy Stubbings, wife of Mr. Christopher Stubbings, of Brightlingsea, and formerly of Littleport. She was 80.

11--Monthly meeting of Littleport Women's Institute. It took the form of a birthday party to mark the Institute's 40th anniversary

!!! 12--Plans by Ely Co-operative Society to pull down the historic Globe Inn, birthplace of the Littleport Riots, and replace it with a supermarket, were approved by Ely Rural District Council.

14--News received of the death in Canada, at the age of 74, of Mr. Smith C. (Sam) Tuck, a former resident of Littleport. In his earlier years he lived at Coronation Terrace, New Road. He emigrated in 1913.

16--The Rev. Peter Sutton, of Kippax, preached at the Parish Church.

17--Meeting of the Swimming Pool Committee. A balance sheet presented by the treasurer (Mr. R. D. Howe) revealed a total profit of £1,039 10s. 0d. made since the committee was formed in March, 1962.

21--News received of the death in Canada of Mrs. W. H. Brookes, aged 81 Mrs Brookes was formerly Miss Eliza Tuck, of Coronation Terrace, New Road, Littleport. She left Littleport for Canada in 1912 and married a Canadian in 1933.

22--Isle of Ely Federation of Women's Institute's County Produce Show held at Ely The following members of the Littleport Institute were awarded stars for their entries: Mrs. C. Easy-I gold. 3 red; Mrs. J. W. Harwood-1 gold, 2 green; Mrs. E. Misson

23--A fishing match organised by Littleport Angling Club realised £35 for the Swimming Pool Fund.

28--Annual meeting of Black Horse Drove Community Association, A balance in hand of £76 was reported by the treasurer, Mr. C. J. E. S. Fendick.

28--Eight teams took part in a "Top of the Form" contest held at Littleport and organised by the United Nations Association. Members of the winning team, five local teenagers, were Angela Malkin, Michael Dewey, Terry Pennick, John Geraty and William Wilkinson.

29--Marriage, at St. Andrew's Church, Sutton, between Miss Thelma King, of Sutton, and Mr. John Day son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Day of New River Bank; Littleport.

Mr. and Mrs. G. Chapman and Mrs. E. Gathercole, members of the local Over Sixties' Club, returned from a holiday at Gorleston. The holiday was arranged under the elderly people's holiday scheme.

Retirement of the Rev. Sydney Chambers after fifteen years as Vicar of Littleport St. Matthew's.

30--A Littleport motorist, Mr. Cedric Hart of Victoria Street, crashed into a fallen tree at midnight on the Lynn Road, near Little-port Bridge.

October. 1962

1--A car, driven by an American serviceman, overturned at the dangerous Chapman's Corner on the Station Road. The accident was caused by a dog which ran into the front of the oncoming car.

3--Annual meeting of the Littleport British Legion, Women's Section. In her report the secretary (Mrs. G. Henshaw) appealed to members to attend the monthly meetings more fully, bearing in mind that funds were still needed for the disabled, and to remember their motto, "Service, not self."

A one-day course on sugar beet harvesters and cleaner loaders, organised by the Isle of Ely College and Horticultural Institute, was held on Mr. F. G. Starling's Peacock's Farm.

6--Spanish "Senors" and "Senoras" in national costume paraded the streets of Littleport. They were members of the Women's Institute and the occasion was the Institute's annual parade and fair in aid of the tea and party for the over seventies. The profits were £145.

7--Parade and meeting of the Littleport Branch of the National Union of Agricultural Workers. The branch's new banner, the first in the Isle of Ely, was dedicated at St. John's Methodist Church by the Rev. J. R. Lusty.

First ever Fenland Moto-Cross organised by the Littleport Motor Cycle and Light Car Club was held at Ayres' Farm, Littleport. Andy Lee was the winner of the Littleport Challenge Trophy.

12--Mr. C. R. Browning, headmaster of the Martin School, took part in a discussion on the eleven plus examination which was televised on the BBC's East Anglian Television News.

13--Annual Autumn Fair arranged by members of the Over Sixties' Club in aid of their funds realised £45.

14--Dedication, at the Parish Church, of the new altar and reredos in the Lady Chapel by the Bishop of Ely (Dr. N. B. Hudson). Dr. Hudson described it as a doubly notable occasion for they were remembering that October saw the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Vicar (Canon J. K. C. Payne). After a service of Holy Communion held in the Community Centre Black Horse Drove, Mr. T. B. James, as Churchwarden, presented a cheque to the Rev. Sydney Chambers, thanking him for his great kindness and wishing him a happy retirement

16--Valerie Smith (Ely High School), Bernard Burling, David Register and Clive Taylor (Soham Grammar School), were awarded County Major Scholarships by the Isle of Ely Education Committee.

18--Tragic death of 18 year old John Oxborough. He was killed instantly when he collided with a lorry while returning home from work on his brother's motor-cycle along the Littleport-Mildenhall Road. He was the twin son of Mr. and Mrs." Sidney Oxborough, of Redmere Farm, Burnt Fen.

19--A Flower Arranging Club was formed at a meeting held at the Martin School. Prime mover of the project was Mrs. J. Gilbert.

Engagement announced between Miss Anne Ridgewell, of Dagen-ham, and Mr. Maurice Pendle, youngest son of Mrs. A. Pendle and the late Mr. P. Pendle, of Lynn Road, Littleport

Mr. Hugh Summerlee, a member of one of the oldest local families, visited Littleport after 65 years in America. Aged 77, Mr. Summerlee left Littleport in 1897 with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Summerlee, to start a new life in Dunkirk, New York State.

20--The Primary School autumn fair realised £111 for school funds.

22--Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Brooks, formerly of Littleport and now living in Canada, celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. They emigrated to Canada in 1911.

Singer Frank Ifield met two of his local fans at the Regal Cinema, Cambridge. They were Mrs. Jean Hitch and Mrs. Pamela Murfitt, of Littleport. He thanked them for flowers which had been sent to him by 30 teenagers from Littleport.

24--A loss of £4 on the annual show was revealed at a meeting of the Horticultural and Foal Show Society.

26--Mr. and Mrs. Francis Halls, of Plains Lane, Littleport, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

National Farmers' Union county stacking and thatching competitions. Mr. J. Oakey, who stacks for Messrs. J. E. Kerridge & Son, of Mare Fen, Littleport, retained the stacking champion ship and won for himself the W. S. Pearson Challenge Cup. Mr. Oakey had previously won both the open stacking and open thatching classes in competitions organised by the Ely branch of the N.F.U.

27--Littleport Bowls Club Annual Dinner. Club competition awards; were made to Mr. A. See (singles), Mr. P. Jackson and Mr. P Morton (pairs), and Mrs. F. Firby (ladies' singles).

Fishing at Little Ouse, eleven year old Colin Register hooked, a 15 1/2 lb. pike. Colin is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Register of High Street.

28--Chas. Kitchen won Littleport Angling Club's Outing Trophy fished in the Relief Channel, Denver.

Captain and Mrs. E. Cook bade farewell to the local Salvation Army Corps.

31--A band of young Parish Church bell ringers, under the leadership of Mr. Horace Laws, appeared on a B.B.C, television programme.

November.  1962

1--Major Reese, the newly appointed commanding officer, was welcomed at the Salvation Army Hall.

2--Mr. Martindale, Secretary of the Parish Councils' Association and Playing Fields' Association attended a meeting of the Swimming Pool Fund Committee. Speaking of the possibility of a grant towards the proposed pool for Littleport, he said that grants made by the Ministry of Education were only available to voluntary organisations and not to Parish Councils. The grants were normally one-third of the total cost of the project the usual limit being £3,300.

3--Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Ely, between Miss Jean Oxborough, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Oxborough, of Redmere Cottages, Burnt Fen, and Mr. Victor Coleby, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Lythell, of Lynn Road, Littleport.

Inter-School Football-Littleport County Primary defeated Manea County Primary by 5 goals to nil at Manea.

Marriage, at Chatteris Parish Church, between Miss Shirley Barker, of Chatteris, and Mr. Geoffrey Willett, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Willett, of Main Street, Littleport.

4--Sunday School prizegiving at St. John's Methodist Church. A presentation was made to Miss B. Lee, the Sunday School secretary, who had resigned after 14 years' service.

5--Mr. J. A. Willsdon, of Saffron Close, Littleport, was appointed headmaster of Stretham Junior School. He was previously on Miss Davy's staff at the local Primary School.

7--Bishop G. J. Walsh inducted the Rev. Edward Berryman Wood as the new Vicar of Littleport St. Matthew's.

9--Mr. and Mrs. James Crabb, of Camel Road, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

9--Engagement announced between Miss Jean Day, youngest daughter of Mrs. I. Day, of Plantation Farm, Burnt Fen, and Mr. Harold Griggs, of Soham.

11--Remembrance Day marked by a parade and special service at the Parish Church. Capt. G. H. Robbins conducted the Remembrance Day service at Black Horse Drove.

12--Meeting of St. John's, Little Ouse, Parochial Church Council. A presentation was made to the Rev. Sydney Chambers, now retired. Apart from being Vicar of St. Matthew's, he was for seven years Priest-in-Charge of St. John's

15--101 year old Mrs. Alice Kent, of City Road, opened Mr T H Law's new supermarket at 1, Main Street.

16--First meeting of the newly-formed Flower Arrangement Club was held at the Martin School.

The engagement was announced between Mr. Geoffrey Walker, son of Mrs. J. W. Goodge and the late Mr. H. Walker, of Hempfield Place, Littleport, and Miss Ruth Peppercorn, of Great Chester-ford, Essex.

17--Opening and dedication of the new Littleport Methodist Manse at Millpit Furlong. Miss Grace Gotobed, of King's Lynn, and formerly of Littleport, assisted in the ceremony.

St. Matthew's Church Annual Sale. The proceeds were £120.

20--A representative of a London wine producing firm was the special speaker at a meeting of the Women's Institute. Members enjoyed the delightful "tasters" which he handed round.

24--Cremation at Cambridge, of Mrs. Minnie Pointer, of Victoria Gardens, Littleport.

Mr. Charlie Bonongwe, of Ntonda, Nyasaland, spoke at St. John's Methodist Church. He is the African headmaster of the school where Nurse Biart is working.

Salvation Army Christmas Fair realised £43. Miss M. Davy was the opener.

An intruder broke into the home of Mr. George Bonnett, of Wisbech Road, Littleport St. Matthew's. A small sum of money was taken.

30--Police Inspector W. G. Eagle, stationed at Ely, retired. He came to Littleport as officer-in-charge in 1954 and moved to Ely in 1960.

Engagement announced between Miss Shirley Laws, of Southery, and Mr. Ralph Stebbings, only son of Mr. and Mrs. George Stebbings, of Black Horse Drove.