December, 1954.

4--Annual Church Christmas Fair realised over f88 for Church funds. Football-By defeating Stetchworth, Littleport Town reached the semi-final of the Creake Charity Shield.

Birds exhibited by Mr. P. G. Newton, of City Road, gained seven awards at an open cage bird show held at Newmarket.

10--Cycling-For the second successive year Cyril Arnold topped the Littleport wheelers best all-rounder tables.

15--Annual meeting of the Women's Institute. Mrs. W. J. Gill was re-elected President for the fifth successive year. Mrs. J. L. Burnet (secretary) and Mrs. A. Leggett (treasurer) both relinquished office. A balance in hand of £134/5/10 was reported.

At a recent examination of the Royal Academy of Dancing, Ann Browning, of 5, Upton Place, Littleport, passed Grade V. at Commended level.

15 & 16--Children of the second form of the County Primary School presented their annual play, an adaption of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Miss M. Davy (headmistress) and Miss E. R, Giil were responsible for production.

16--Ely & District Fat Stock Show A cross-bred shorthorn exhibited by Mr. J. W. Barnes, of Littleport, won for him the Silver Challenge Cup awarded for the best steer or heifer in the show.

17--County Youth Competitions--Senior and Junior teams from Black Horse Drove competed in the finals of darts competitions held at March. The Juniors lost but the Seniors defeated Oakwood House Y.C. by five games to four.

24--Engagement announced between Mr. J. Briggs of Crowell, Lincs and Miss Heather Flack, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T. Flack, of Hale Fen, Littleport.

Engagement announced between Mr. L. M. Linaweaver, U.S.A., to Miss Jillian Wilding, youngest daughterof Mr. & Mrs. G.Wilding, of Black Horse Drove.

24--Engagement announced between Mr. W. J. Robert, of Guernsey, Channel Islands. and Miss Margaret Howard, eldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Howard, Plains Lane, Littleport.

31--Mrs. W. Benstead of St. Matthew's, Littleport, announced her retirement from charity work. Over a period of 15 years Mrs. Benstead had collected many hundreds of pounds for various worthy causes.

January, 1955.

4--First annual general meeting of Littleport " Tigers " Cycle Scrambling Club.

5--The Women's Section of the British Legion entertained the "over 70's " to a tea and party at the Grange. Presentations were made to the oldest lady and gentleman present (Mrs. Kent 93, and Mr. Chas. Porter 87).

6--Exhibiting her albino house sparrow at a National Exhibition of Cage Birds staged at Olympia, Mrs, R. Oakman, of The Crescent, gained third prize in the British Bird class.

7--Annual Police Ball held at the Grange. Proceeds were for the Police Widows' and Orphans' Benevolent Fund.

Annual meeting of the Littleport Branch of the British Legion. The treasurer (Mr. E. H. Goodwin) reported an over-all loss on the year of £82/10/0. The Legion Band report revealed that the Band had made a profit of £120/14/6 on the year.

10--Mrs. Walker, of 22, Ely Road, Littleport, was taken to the R.A.F. Hospital, Ely, after being knocked down by a motor van on the Ely Road. She sustained a fractured shoulder and abrasions to the head.

13--Badminton-Wisbech Town defeated the local Hereward club by six rubbers to three.

14--Miss Audrey Hodson, a teacher helper at Littleport County Primary School. passed in English Literature and English Language in recent central Certificate of Education examinations held by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Miss Hodson is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Hodson, of Burnt Chimney Drove.

15--Motor Cycling In the " Les Ayres' Trophy Trial," held at Littleport, Ted Power gained the awarded for the best performance by a Littleport club member. He rode a 500 c.c. Norton.

Marriage between Mr. J. A. Dye, of Framlingham. Suffolk, and Miss P. Ward, of Littleport

18--Death, at the Clarkson Hospital, Wisbech, at the age of 77, of the Rev. Fred Halliwell, Vicar of St. John the Baptist Church, Parson Drove. He was Vicar of Little Ouse from 1924 until 1936.

!!! 19--Meeting of Parish Council. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the standard of local street lighting.

21--Engagement announced between Mr. John Askew, of Bury St. Edmunds, and Miss Betty Baker, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Raker, of Flanders Farm. Littleport.

Presentation made to Mr. L. Brooks on behalf of the management committee of Black Horse Drove Community Association. Mr. Brooks had been chairman since its conception seven years ago.

24--Presentation made to Mr, J. S. Vail by members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. The award was for services rendered to the Brigade during his years of office as Police Sergeant at Littleport.

25--Women's Institute new year party. 150 attended, including the oldest member, Mrs. Ivatt Sallis, aged 83.

28--In a recent examination David Smith, aged 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Smith of 20, The Hythe, and a pupil at Littleport Secondary Modern School, succeeded in obtaining a scholarship to the Cambridge Technical College.

29--Rabbit Successes-Mr. R. Tingay, of The Crescent, Littleport, gained outstanding successes at the National Lop A.D. Club's Show at Sandy, Beds., with his Sooty Lop and Netherland Dwarf rabbits. His awards included the Hall Silver Challenge Cup.

February, 1955.

3--Engagement announced between Sgt. M. L. Jackson, U.S.A., and Miss Peggy Pettengell, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Pettengell, of Black Horse Drove.

Engagement announced between Mr. Ivatt Edward Sallis, eldest son of Mr. & Mrs. H. E. Sallis, of Ely Road, Littleport, and Miss Eileen Jenkins, of Ely.

4--Miss Pamela Easy, who had recently returned from Malta after serving for 12 months as a V.A.D. in the Naval Hospital there, was given a special welcome at the Red Cross Centre, Victoria Street.

Presentation at Black Horse Drove school to Mrs. Gerald Allen. She had been cook at the school for the past six years.

!!! 5--Two swans flying into overhead power cables caused a break in the electricity supply at Littleport.

7--Publication of the 1951 Census Report. It revealed that the population of Littleport in 1951 was 2,599 males and 2,583 females, total 5,182. This showed an increase of 380 on the 1931 Census Report (4802).

8--Women's Institute monthly meeting. Bouquets were presented to Mrs. J. L. Burnet and Mrs. A. Leggett, both of whom had recently retired from office as secretary and treasurer respectively.

10--Mr. & Mrs. G.T. Watson, of 20, Victoria Street, celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.

12--A car driven by Mr. J. W. Frost of Woodfen Road, Littleport, with his mother as passenger, skidded and overturned on the icy road between Chettisham crossing and Littleport. Neither were injured.

!!! 15--Sandy Macpherson, the famous B.B.C. organist, gave two recitals at St. John's Methodist Church, which was packed to capacity.

16--Members of the Littleport Women's Fellowship were the visitors at a meeting of the Burnt Fen W.I. Mrs. R. Eastwood (Littleport) gave a demonstration on sculpturecraft.

!!! 23--First annual dinner of the British Legion " Cork Club." The function was presided over by the club's chairman, Mr. Percy Hobbs, resplendent in a chain of office fashioned from old corks and bottle tops.

Annual meeting of the Town Cricket Club. It was reported that the past season had been good. Two cups, the Smith Memorial and Ronald Darby trophies, were won.

25--Just over 50 women, representing several denominations assembled at the Victoria Street Methodist Church when the Women's World Day of Prayer, the first of its kind in the town, was observed.

!!! 26--The National Union of Agricultural Workers unanimously decided to press for a national minimum wage of £7 a week for farm workers.

March, 1955.

1--Plans for an additional classroom, etc., at Little Ouse C.P. School, together with the provision of central heating for the existing school and the new classroom, were approved at a meeting of the Isle of Ely Education Committee. The total estimated cost was £3,275.

2--Ely Rural District Council adopted a report by the Establishment Committee which gave approval, in principle, to the advancing of loans to residents for building or buying houses.

5--Two young R.A.F. policemen lost their lives when their patrol vehicle plunged into the River Ouse on Lynn Road between Brandon Creek Bridge and Littleport Bridge. The accident is believed to have occurred during a snowstorm.

Isle of Ely Canine Society's limited show, held at Ely. In the Cairn open class, dogs owned by Littleport exhibitors took all three prizes. They were Mr. J. H. Johnson (first and third), Mr. D. Kins (second). In the AV Special Beginners class Mrs. C. G. Sallis' dog gained second prize.

Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Ely, of Mjss Margaret Marsham, eldest daughter of hlr. & Mrs. E. W. Marsham, of Little Ouse, and Mr. Victor Gray, of Ely.

Darts - At the Constitutional Hall an individual darts competition for a Challenge Shield was won by H. Coleby, of Littleport. The competition was organised by the British Legion Band.

9--Littleport Parish Council authorised their clerk to precept for £2,400 for the coming year's estimates. This figure, £500 more than last year, meant an extra eightpenny or ninepenny rate for the parish.

Monthly meeting of Little Ouse and Brandon Bank Women's Institute, A set of table mats was presented to Mrs. R. Thompson of Littleport as a token of appreciation for the help she had given to the Institute.

Members of the Mothers' Union and Young Wives' Group attended a service at the Parish Church. The speaker was Mrs. Pite of Cambridge.

12--Littleport Evening Institute Ladies' Choir won the premier award in the open class for choirs at the City of Cambridge Music Festival. This outstanding success was achieved at the first time of entering for the event. Another Littleport success was gained by the 1st Littleport Company, Girl Guides, who won the principal award in the annual campfire festival for Cambs and the Isle of Ely.

14 & 15--The Littleport and Women's Institute Dramatic Society presented a three-act play at the Constitutional Hall. It was entitled "And this was Odd." The producer was Mr. Henry Crabb.

15--Engagement announced between Mr. James (Nippy) Lee, of Southery, and Miss Maureen Handley, of Littleport.

18--Engagement announced between Miss Pauline Gorham, elder daughter of Mr, & Mrs. B. Gorham, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, and Mr. Ragan Tingay, elder son of Mr. & Mrs. J. Tingay, of The Crescent, Littleport.

19-- Pupils from Littleport schools gained one first class and three second class awards at the annual Youth Festival of Dancing held at Chatteris.

Marriage, at Hong Kong, between Captain Peter Purdy, of the Essex Regiment, only son of Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Purdy, of Linton, Cambs., and formerly of Littleport, and Miss Marjory Monkley, of Bodenham, Herefordshire.

Wedding, at St. Mary's Church, Welney, of Miss Sylvia Scott, of Suspension Bridge, and Mr. William Clarey, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Clarey, of Camel Road, Littleport.

!!! 20--Before a large congregation, Rev. Sydney Chambers (Vicar) blessed a new pulpit at St. Matthew's Church.

Mothering Sunday-At the Parish Church, during the afternoon service, bunches of violets were presented to the mothers by Sunday School scholars.

22--Women's Institutes of the Littleport area held their group meeting at the Constitutional Hall. Gifts were presented to the oldest member present, Mrs. S. E. Hills, of Little Ouse; to the youngest member present, Miss Joan Perry, of Black Horse Drove; and to the member whose birthday fell on the day of the meeting, Mrs. Nicholas, of Littleport.

24--Mr. T. G. Fendick, chief education officer for the Isle of Ely, spoke at a meeting of the Littleport Parent-Teacher Association. His subject was " Value for Money in Education."

Mr. 8: Mrs. J. H. Martin, of the Willow Rows, gave a supper party to their employees and their wives at the Constitutional Hall. It was to mark the coming-of-age of their younger son, Mr, Heber Martin.

!!! 25--A scheme to enable a caller by dialling "999" instead of "O" to secure the special attention of the exchange operator for calls to the Fire, Police and Ambulance Services, was introduced by the Post Office for emergency calls at the Littleport Exchange.

Engagement announced between K. K. Turner, U.S.A.F., and Miss Shirley Elsden, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. Elsden, of Lynn Road, Littleport.

26--The Littleport Boys' Brigade again retained the drill and physical training cups when they took part in the annual competitions organised by the Wisbech and District B.B. Officers' Group and held at March.

29--Marriage, at St. Andrew's Church, Witchford, of Mr. Ronald Cobbin, son of Mr. & Mrs. H. Cobbin, of Littleport, and Miss Jacqueline Maltpress, of Witchford.

April, 1955.

2--Littleport British Legion Band journeyed to London to take part in the 'Daily Herald' Brass Band Competition, held at Westminster. The band was placed eighth.

3--Mrs. Captain Saltwell, a former officer of the Corps, was the guest at Littleport Salvation Army meetings.

Death, at his home at Waterbeach Fen, of Mr. George Preston, a former resident of Littleport. He was 86, and lived for a number of years at Messrs. Hiam's Farm, Mildenhall Road.

5--Mrs. Thelma Shore, of Linton, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Gillett, of Black Horse Drove, celebrated her 21st birthday.

8--Littleport Tigers Cycle Scramble Club defeated Little Downham Spiders by 30 points to 6 in their first scramble of the season.

10--Easter Sunday--140 made their communion at the Parish Church.

11--Marriage of Mr. L. Linaweaver, U.S.A., and Miss Jillian Wilding, of Black Horse Drove.

13--A fashion parade, the first of its kind ever to be held in Littleport, and organised by Messrs. Heygates and Clarke's in conjunction with Messrs. P. S. Gray & Son, was the highlight at the monthly meeting of the Women's Institute.

15--Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Council meeting. The Vicar (Rev. Canon J. K. C. Payne) spoke of the Church roof and its need of repair.

16--Death at his home, Second Drove, Little Downham, of Mr. Albert Convine at the age of 67. For many years he carried on a business as a blacksmith in City Road, Littleport.

Local Boy Scouts "bob-a-job" week realised over £20.

17--John and Ruth Grant, members of the Hour of Revival team, addressed crowded congregations at the Independent Chapel, Globe Lane.

19--Whist drives held at Southery and Burnt Fen realised £6/6/0 and £10 respectively for the Littleport Red Cross Clinic.

20--Mrs. D. King gained one first and two second awards with her Cairn terrier "Millhill Dandy" at a King's Lynn show. Mrs. King resides at 5, Mill Field, Littleport.

22--At a recent examination held at Cambridge in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools Of Music, the following pupils were successful: Pianoforte grade II (elementary), Ann Clift (passed); grade III (transitional), Mary Butcher (passed). They were pupils of Mrs. W. B. Haines, of Victoria Street.

Engagement announced between A/lc Herbert A. Wright. of New Hampshire, U.S.A., and Miss Brenda Doreen Nicholas, youngest daughter of Mrs. C. E. Nicholas and the late Mr. Nicholas, of Black Horse Drove.

!!! Meeting of Coronation and Gala Committee to review tenders submitted by local builders for the erection of the new Coronation Memorial bandstand. The tender of £541/2/6 submitted by  Messrs. Leslie Lofts and Son was accepted.

23--Boy Scouts from Ely and Littleport, together with the local Girl Guide Company, attended a special St. George's Day service at the Parish Church.

It was announced that 24 children of Black Horse Drove Methodist Sunday School had been awarded certificates in a recent scripture examination. Two children had received honours certificates. They were Heather James and Wendy Fletcher.

28--Annual meeting of Littleport and Prickwillow Nursing Association. The secretary (Miss M. Peake) reported that visits by the nurses numbering 6,797 covered a distance of 17,000 miles.

29--Football--By defeating Little Downham by 3 goals to 1. Littleport Town became champions of the Cambs. League, Division I, Section B, and gained promotion to the Cambs. Premier League.

30--Methodist Youth Eisteddfod held at Ely. Littleport winners were J. Firby (handwriting). B. Malkin (singing). M, Badcock  (photography), and H. Badcock (knitting).

As a result of appeals for funds together with a jumble sale, £83 was raised for the Littleport Red Cross Clinic.

May, 1955.

1--St. Ives and District choirs and the Littleport choirs gave a performance of Handells " Messiah" in the Parish Church.

2--Annual meeting of Littleport Angling Club. Cash awards were presented to the three members with the best aggregate weight in matches throughout the previous season. They were Mr. J. Chapman, Mr. C Middleton and Mr. M. Handley.

6--Engagement announced between Margaret, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Bent, of Friars Way, Littleport, and Mr. Eric Underdown, formerly of Black Horse Drove.

Littleport Ladies' Choir gained first prize in the class for two-part ladies' choirs held at March in connection with the Isle of Ely Music Festival. Mrs. Browning conducted.

7--Isle of Ely Civil Defence Tests held at March. In the wardens section both teams came from Littleport, Littleport "B" defeating Littleport "A"

10--Ely Rural District and Parish Council Elections held at Littleport. Out of a possible electorate of 3,718 only 711 voted. Mr. J. C. Armiger again topped both polls.

11--Football-In the match for the Cambs. League, Division 1 Championship, Littleport Town lost to Cambridge City"A" Score, 3-1.

13--Littleport Tigers Cycle Scramble Club lost their unbeaten record to Little Downham Spiders by four points.

14-Mrs. E. A. H. Legge-Bourke was the opener at the St. John's Methodist Church Spring sale.

Isle of Ely Women's Institutes' County Handicraft Exhibition held at Wisbech. Several Littleport members gained stars, Mrs. Gilbert proving the most successful. Her awards included three gold stars. Successful Black Horse Drove members were Mrs. James (13 stars) and Mrs. Cornwell (two stars).

15--S, Major R. Barnard and Lieut. E. Miller bade farewell to the local Salvation Army Corps. Their new appointment was at Burnley.

18--Members of the Women's Fellowship received a letter of thanks for their recent donation of £14 to the Life Boat Institution.

19--Members of the local Salvation Army Corps warmly welcomed their new commanding officer, Senior Major P. Park. Major Park was previously stationed at Poplar, London.

20--A number of local residents journeyed to Wembley to hear Billy Graham address a gathering of 80,000 people at the open air stadium. The trip was organised by the Methodist Minister, the Rev. Gordon Poole.

22--Empire Youth Sunday--Local youth organisations, headed by the Band of the Boys' Brigade, paraded to the Parish Church. The Vicar (Rev. Canon J. K. C. Payne) conducted the service.

27--Mr. & Mrs. J. Allen, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport, announced the engagement of their daughter, Irene, to Mr. Carl Haag, of New York, U.S.A.

28--Tragic death of Geoffrey Alan Spalding, 22 year-old son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Spalding, of 17 Queen's Road, Littleport. He was killed when his motor cycle collided with a lorry on the Slap-up crossroads, Waterbeach.

Annual British Red Cross Society collection held in Littleport. The result was £4/12/11.

Cycling--Cyril Arnold (Littleport Wheelers) won each of the three cycle races at a sports meeting held at Lakenheath.

June, 1955.

1--Mr. & Mrs. William Harrison, of 65, Wisbech Road, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

28 candidates were confirmed at the Parish Church by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Walsh.

2--Annual meeting of Littleport Swimming Club. Only eight members were present.

Black Horse Drove Women's Institute celebrated their seventh birthday party in the gardens of The Willow Rows, the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Martin.

Monthly meeting of the Women's Section of the British Legion. Mrs. V. Hare reported on the recent National Annual Conference at the Albert Hall, London, which she attended as a delegate.

3--Engagement announced between Mr. Michael Reeve, of Great Massingham, King's Lynn, and Miss Kathleen Peachey, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. G. Peachey, of Crouchmoor Farm, Littleport.

4--Pageant of the Fens presented by the Isle of Ely Federation of Women's Institutes at Chatteris. Members of the Littleport, Black Horse Drove, Prickwillow and Little Ouse Institutes, performed the episode entitled "The Littleport Riots".

!!! Miss Lesley Saweard "Christine Archer" of the popular daily B.B.C. feature "The Archers") opened the Littleport Boys' Brigade fete. The estimated profit was about £100.

Marriage, at Ipswich, of Miss Kathleen Cooper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. V. Cooper, of Mill Field, Littleport, and Mr. Derek Rusher, of Ipswich.

7--An outbreak of fire caused the total destruction of a bungalow at White House Road, Little Ouse. It was the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Fincham.

!!! 7--Plans and the siteing of the new secondary modern school in Parsons Lane, Littleport, were approved by the Isle of Ely Education Committee.

11--Circuit sports meeting of the Ely Methodist Sunday Schools held at Littleport. Littleport St. John's succeeding in winning.

Annual garden fete of the Black Horse Drove Community Centre which realised £74.

A sports meeting held at Highfield and organised by the Littleport Wheelers assisted by the British Legion Band, was poorly supported. The only local prize winners were Cyril Arnold (one second) and Poppy Easy (two thirds).

!!! 12--Because no one reported a failure, people in the centre of Littleport were without electricity for over two hours during the afternoon.

14--Monthly meeting of Women's Institute. Supt. F. C. Skoulding gave a talk on Police work and also spoke of the menace of the "Teddy Boy" movement.

15--Mr. & Mrs. Percy Sewell, of 79a, Wisbech Road, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

18-- Hunts. County Show--Among the cattle classes Messrs. Martin and Sons (Littleport) Ltd. gained a first prize with a British Friesian entry.

The Parish Church garden fete, held in the Vicarage grounds, was a great success. Over £100 was raised.

!!! 22--Meeting of Parish Council. Purchase of land in Parson's Lane for the site of the new swimming pool at a total cost of £276 was proposed and adopted.

24--The Isle of Ely Highways Committee agreed to the widening of Lynn Road north of Littleport Bridge near Plantation House.

25--Mr. James Dale opened the Littleport Women's Institute fete held in Mr. and Mrs. Percy Morton's garden in Victoria Street. Mr. Dale is the well-known "Dr. Dale" of the B.B.C. programme, "Mrs. Dale's Diary"

26--Littleport British Legion Band gave afternoon and evening concerts at Hunstanton. Over £40 was raised for the new instruments fund.

29--Littleport Angling Club’s senior children's match. Jean Firby, the only girl competing, was the winner.

30--Littleport Secondary School annual sports. Outstanding performances were put up by Roderick Ambrose (long jump), Margaret Hunt (high jump) and Richard Misson (shot).

July, 1955.

1--Local Primary School scholarship winners. Littleport--Sherry Everett, Margaret Fletcher, Anne Kitchen, Christine Howe, Janice Brown, Hazel Smith, Clive Taylor, David Clarke, John Lee, William Duffin, Peter Green, Brian Kerridge, Stephen Missin, Peter Wilderspin. Black Horse Drove--Heather James, Patricia Gaul, Hazel Smith. Little Ouse--David Register.

2--British Legion Band garden fete in aid of new instrument fund yielded £81.

3-Angling-Littleport Club members held their annual competition for the Hunt Cup. The winner was H. D. Lofts.

6--Littleport County Primary School junior sports. Champions, who each received a cup, were Clive Taylor, Monica Flack, Brenda Malkin and John Cook.

Members of the Mothers' Union enjoyed an outing to Walsingham, Norwich and Sheringham where they were joined by Mrs. F. Morton, a former member, and her daughter, Mrs. Cooper.

8--Mr. R. J. Griffiths, assistant master at Littleport County Primary School, was appointed headmaster of Haddenham junior school.

9--A party of ringers from Harlow rang the bells at the Parish Church.

C. Arnold (Littleport Wheelers) won the one mile cycle handicap at Stretham sports.

10--Cycling-At Wicksteed Park, E. Clarey (Littleport Wheelers) gained first prize in the unknown distance race.

12--"Open day" at the County Primary School. An outstanding feature was the mannequin parade when the girls modelled some of their own creations in needlework.

13--Re-union of old pupils of Littleport Girls' School. A presentation was made to Miss F. Cheek, a former headmistress who had spent 21 years at the school, leaving some 14 years ago to take up a teaching appointment at March from where she was retiring. Miss A. Howard, of Downham Market, another former mistress, now retired, was a warmly welcomed visitor.

!!! 14--Competing in Area 9 of the Hovis national bread competitions held at Peterborough, Messrs. R. E. Thornhill Ltd. gained first prize in the premier class. This win enables the firm to compete in the championship finals to be held next year.

16--Annual Ely and District Scout Sports held at Ely. The major trophy was won by the 1st Littleport Troop.

16--Mr. C. B, Cadnum, exhibiting a black and tan rabbit, gained first place and a challenge certificate in the Manstield Young Stock Show.

!!! A coach, driven and owned by Mr. W. Eastwood, of Littleport, burst into flames in Bedford High Street seconds after a load of passengers had left the vehicle. The only remaining passenger, Mr. Cecil Bridgeford, also of Littleport, escaped with slight injuries, but Mr. Eastwood was severely burned.

17--A break in the supply of electricity to Littleport lasted from 2 p.m. until just before midnight.

Motor cycling W. E. Power, of Littleport, riding a Matchless, won the 350 c.c. Junior race at a meeting held at Lower Stow Bedon.

Fishing near Sandhill Bridge, Mr. H. Willett, of the Littleport Angling Club, landed the largest bream caught in the area for some years. When weighed, it turned the scales at 41b. 1oz.

18--Littleport Girl Guides held a playground fete at the County Primary School, The proceeds amounted to £67/4/0.

19--Graham Carter, a pupil of Littleport Secondary School, gained a prize in the Isle of Ely Schools' Safety Essay Competition.

Essays by Mary Strawson, Pauline Pettitt and June Bidwell, all local pupils, were highly commended.

20--A gelding, exhibited by Mr. F. G. Starling, gained a first prize in the percheron classes at Peterborough Show.

21--The individual winners of the Littleport Secondary Modem School cross country championship races were: First year, Michael Thorpe; second year, Martin Ward; third year, Roger Law; fourth year, Richard Misson.

Death of Mr. George Charles Morton, of Cambridge, and formerly of Littleport. He Was 89.

23--Littleport Horticultural and Foal Show Society's 66th annual show and sports. Fine sunny weather was enjoyed for the twelfth year in succession and nearly 5,000 People attended.

24--Annual Church Parade. The British Legion Band was awarded the Challenge Cup for the best decorated vehicle.

While taking part in the annual church Parade members of the Littleport Fire Brigade were called to a fire at Burnt Fen Station.

24--H.M The Queen approved the award of the Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to the following members of the Littleport section: Sub-Officer J. W. Barnes ; Leading Fireman S· Clifton; Firemen W. A. Gotobed, H. Shaw and C1. C. Barber.

August, 1955.

Ely Sports. C. Arnold (Littleport Wheelers) won the Eastern Counties Centre ten-mile championship.

5 --At a recent examination held in London, Mr. Peter Sutton, of Ponts Hill, was awarded a special Service Layer's certificate. Mr. Sutton is an employee of the Eastern Gas Board.

7--Littleport Angling Club's premier event of the season, the Ludlow Trophy, attracted 81 competitors.

9 - 10--A six-a-side cricket competition held at Highfield, yielded £21/8/0 for the new pavilion fund. The finalists, Southery and Little Ouse, tied at 45.

10--Meeting of the Parish Council. A letter was read from Councillor B. G. Wright tendering his resignation. Mt. L· Brooks of Black Horse Drove, was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Reopening of Littleport Women's Fellowship at Lincoln's Restaurant, their new meeting place.

12--Mr. John William Neville, of Littleport, succeeded in passing the Fellowship examination of the pharmaceutical Society. Mr. Neville is the eldest son of Mr. E. W. A. Neville, and the late Mrs. Neville, of 32, Ely Road.

Engagement announced between Mr. E. R. Lewis, of Wolverhampton, and Miss Mary Walker, only daughter of' Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Walker, of 31, City Road, Littleport.

13--Marriage, at Ely, of Mr. B. J. Hawes, only son of Mr. & Mrs. B. Hawes, of Hempfield Place, Littleport, and Miss Jean Murfitt, of Stretham.

Littleport Boys' Brigade returned from a very successful camp at Towye, North Wales. A presentation was made to Captain and Mrs, Quigley who celebrated their wedding anniversary during the week.

!!! 15--Three bicycles were stolen from the Regal Cinema car park.

16--Death, at the Old People's Home, Ely, of Mrs. Judith Fletcher, formerly of Hempfield Place, Littleport. She was 96.

17--Women's Institute annual tea and party for the "over 70's" held at the Constitutional Hall. The oldest guests present were Mr. Harry Judd (85) and Mrs. Kent (94).

19--At a recent examination held at Cambridge in connection with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Marjorie Hall, a Pupil of Mrs. W. B. Haines, was successful in Pianoforte Grade III.

19--Engagement announced between Mr, Oliver Murfitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Murfitt, of Saffron Close, Littleport, and Miss Pamela Wilson, of Eye Hill, Soham.

Death of Mrs. Hannah Travis, of Silver Street, Ely, at the age of 79. Mrs. Travis was a native of Littleport.

21--Rev. Gordon Poole preached his farewell sermon at St. John's Methodist Church.

Angling-Annual match for the Wood-Rarrett Cup. The winner was Jack Chapman.

23--The Rev. Gordon Poole left Littleport to continue his ministry at Chesham, Bucks. He had been Methodist minister in Littleport for four years.

25--Messrs. Don, Rryan and David Law, of Wisbech Road, visited the B.B.C. Lime Grove TV. studios.

27--Major and Mrs. Edgar Harrison, of Brightlingsea, Essex, visited Littleport. Major and Mrs. Harrison, now retired, commanded the Littleport Salvation Army Corps 37 years ago.

31--Swimming-Littleport Swimming Club gained their first polo victory of the season at Cambridge. They defeated the Cambridge

September, 1955.

3-Marriage, at St. Mary's Church, Ely, between Miss Thelma Colkn, of Ely, and Mr.Vurnham Bean, only son of Mr. & Mrs. R. Bean, of Friars Way, Littleport·

Cricket Littleport Town defeated King's LYnn by seven wickets. Sid Stubbings took his 100th wicket of the season.

4--The Rev. Cyril G. Wade, newly appointed Methodist minister, preached his first sermon at St. John's Methodist Church.

5--Three Littleport boys, all students of Soham Grammar School, gained County scholarship awards. They were V· G· Watson (County Major) R. G. Sallis & P· D· South (County Exhibition)·

9--Miss Margaret Atkinson, second daughter of Mr.& Mrs. A. Atkinson, of The Crescent, Littleport, was successful in passing in Principals of Education and Practice of Teaching, Health Education, and English Language, She had been training for the past two years at Bells park Training College, Hertford.

Meeting of Littleport Parochial Church Council. An architect's report revealed that an estimated cost of repairs to St. George's church amounted to £560.

9--Canaries exhibited by Mr. & Mrs. B. Oakman, of The Crescent, won 13 awards at the Newmarket Caged Bird Association's show.

12--Harvest thanksgiving produce sold at Victoria Street Methodist schoolroom. Proceeds amounted to over £50.

13--Monthly meeting of the Littleport Women's Institute. A competition for the best tray of home-grown vegetables was won by Mrs. Fletcher.

14--Meeting of Littleport Women's Fellowship. A competition for the longest home-grown runner bean was won by Mrs. I. Day, whose entry measured 14 inches.

17--Marriage at the Register Office, Ely, of Miss Gillian Wilson, of Ely, and Mr. Maurice Stevens, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Stevens, of Upton Place Littleport.

Football--Newly promoted Littleport Town, playing their first match in the Cambs. Premier League, defeated Sawston, 4-3. The match was played at Sawston.

18--At a special serViCe held in St. John's Church, Little Ouse, Captain G. H. Robbins, of the Church Army, was licensed by the Bishop of Ely as evangelist-in-charge of that parish.

22--Engagement announced between Mr, Keith Norman, of Ely, and Miss Valerie Norman, Youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. S. Norman, of Ely Road, Littleport.

28--Commencement of Harvest festival services at the Parish Church. The preacher was the Rev. L. Longford, Precentor at Ely Cathedral.

30--Littleport and district collections for Dr. Barnardo's Homes realised £27/8/1. The organiser was Miss E. R. Gill.

Presentation of long service awards to employees at Ely Beet Factory. Mr Henry Crabb, of The Crescent, was a local recipient.

October, 1955.

1--Members of Littleport Bowls Club held their first end-of-season supper in the club pavilion. Cups were presented to Mr. A. Willett (singles cup) and Mr B. Wilson and Mr. W. Leggett (doubles cup)          

2--Harvest thanksgiving services on behalf of the Boys' Brigade were held at St. John's Methodist Church. Mr. Lemmon, of the Wesley College, Cambridge, conducted the Services.

Rushden Salvation Army Band presented a music festival at the Constitutional Hall.

2--A Challenge Trophy scramble organised by the Littleport and District Motor Cycle and Light Car Club and held at Ayres' Farm, attracted 3,500 spectators. Andy Lee, of the Matchless Club, became the first holder of the trophy.

!!! 4--Mr. P. Radcliffe, the well known local chemist, with his wife and son, had a narrow escape while motorjng in France. Their car, driven by Mr. Radcliffe's son, got out of control and turned over several times. The three occupants, though taken to a hospital in Lyons, were not seriously injured, but the car was completely wrecked.

5--It was agreed at a public meeting held at the Town Hall that the Parish Council should apply for a ministerial loan of a further £4,000 towards the proposed swimming pool.

6--Annual meeting of the British Legion Band. In his report, the bandmaster, Mr J. H. Hawkes, stressed the urgent necessity for new instruments. At least £1,000 would be required.

First annual general meeting of Littleport British Legion Women's Section. Mrs. G. P. T. Peacock was elected to the office of president in place of the retiring Mrs. F. G. Starling.

A public meeting sponsored by the Ely branch of the National Union of Teachers was held in the Constitutional Hall. The speaker was Mr. E. Britton, M.A. His subject was "Parent-Child-Teacher."

7--The first General Certificate examination success from a secondary modern school in the Isle of Ely, was obtained by David Smith, a pupil of Littleport School and son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith, of The Hythe, Littleport. David won a scholarship to Cambridge Technical College and gained a general school certificate in woodwork, which included technical drawing and design.

Engagement announced between Mr Patrick Craft, of Bedford, and Miss Shirley Rayner, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Rayner, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport.

9--Captain Robbins, evangelist-in-charge at Little Ouse, took his first service at Black Horse Drove. It was held in the Community Centre.

11--Women's Institute monthly meeting. The social programme was arranged and carried out by members of the Women's Section of the Littleport British Legion.

12--Overseas missions meeting of St. John's Methodist Church. Mrs. J. Wilson, now resident in Littleport, and herself the daughter of a missionary presided.

4--Engagement announced between Mr. Bruce Hines, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hines, of Friars Place, Littleport, and Miss Tessie Feneck, of Malta.

Ely N.F.U. stacking and thatching competitions. Local winners were Stacking (open)--l J. Oakey (J. Kerridge"s Mare Fen Farm); 3 A. W. Padgett (Padgett Bros' Horsley Hale Farm). Thatching (open) 2 A. W. G. Bonnett (Padgett Bros.); 3 H. Bye (J. Kerridge's Farm). Novice Classes Stacking--2 h4r. Hills (J. H. Martin & Sons, B.H. Drove). Thatching--2 Mr. Cornell (J. H. Martin & Sons, B.H, Drove); 3 Mr. Gipp (J. H. Martin and Sons, Upton Farm).

!!! 15--A penny trail held in local streets realised £28 for the new bandstand fund. It was organised by the Littleport Coronation Committee assisted by the British Legion Band.

20--Members of the local Red Cross Detachment were on duty at Cambridge on the occasion of the visit of H.M. The Queen, and H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. Those on duty were Mrs. H. Rowell(commandant), Miss F.E. Lee, Mrs. E. Thorpe, Mrs. R.  Howard and Mrs. Gaffer.

!!! 21--A giant sunflower, grown by Mr. Riley Gipp, of Station Road, Littleport, reached a height of well over 10 ft. It had 30 blooms.

 At a recent house-to-house collection for the National Children's Home the record sum of £40/0/10 was realised. The organiser was Miss D. Adams.

22--A cairn terrier exhibited by Mr T. H. Johnson, of Littleport, gained two first awards at the Isle of Ely Canine Society's show, held at March.

Mr. and Mrs. George Foreman, of 8, Wellington Street, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

24 -Isle of Ely stacking and thatching competition. Mr· Jack Oakey, an employee of Mr. J. E. Kerridge, at Mare Fen, Littleport, was awarded the W. S. Pearson Challenge Cup and became the champion stacker of the Isle of Ely.

November, 1955.

1--Mothers and committee members at the local Infant Welfare Centre took part in a small ceremony to celebrate the 21 years spent together in the nursing Profession by Sisters Railton and Biart, the two popular Queen's Nurses.

2--Mr. Harold Willett, fishing in the river at Little Ouse, hooked and landed a monster Pike weighing 20 lbs.

2--Mr. and Mrs, W. Elmore, 81, Ely Road, Littleport, celebrated their golden wedding.

6--Remembrance Sunday observed in Littleport A congregation comprising all denominations filled the Parish Church to capacity at the afternoon service.

!!! 7--New Cinemascope screen used for the first time at the Regal Cinema.

Presentation of safe driving awards to railway lorry drivers. Littleport recipients were Mr. B. A. J. Garwood (silver bars) and Mr. L. Rowell, (diploma).

8--Monthly meeting of Littleport Women's Institute. It was announced that a telegram of congratulations had been sent from the branch to Mrs. B. Webb, a committee member, who was re-marrying in London.

9--Meeting of Women's Fellowship. Mrs. J. T. Woods retired from the office of chairman, a post she had held for nine years. Mrs. R. Eastwood was elected to fill the vacancy.

11--Engagement announced between Mr Kenneth Missen, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Missen, of Parsons Lane, Littleport, and Miss Ann Miles, of Ealing, London.

19--Annual Methodist Christmas bazaar held in St. John's Methodist schoolroom. The proceeds amounted to £95.

24--At the Norfolk County Music Festival, held at Norwich, Littleport Ladies' Choir were awarded two first-class certificates. Choir was conducted by Mrs. C. R. Browning.

26--A sale of work held at St Matthew's in support of the fund for providing electricity for St, Matthew's Church, realised over £84.

Award of the "Margaret Scott Proficiency Cup" to the Littleport British Legion Women's Section, The award was made at the British Legion County Conference, held at Cambridge. In the needlework and handicrafts competition six members succeeded in gaining certificates. They were Mrs. B. Wilson, Mrs. H. Saul, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Hare, Mrs. Sallis, Mrs. A. Sallis.

Littleport Salvation Army Corps held their annual Christmas Sale. The total amount raised was £45/8/8.

27--Tragic death of Mr, Albert Sparrow, of Mare Fen Farm, Littleport, who was killed when his motor-cycle became involved in a collision with another motor-cyclist near Mildenhall. Mr. Sparrow was a member of local motor-cycling clubs and it was while taking part in a club event - a speed restricted practice sporting trial - that the accident occurred. He was 48.

30--It was revealed that Littleport's total for the Poppy Day fund was £260/11/0.