The spirit of optimism abounds in Littleport, perhaps best epitomised by its glossy community magazine that in the depths of winter prepares its spring edition.  

Called ‘Littleport Life’, it covers as many group activities, stories, and features that can be included within its covers. 

It is all paid for by Littleport’s many businesses and services who advertise and thus pay for its actual production every quarter. 

And it’s the community that gets it round to every household, with volunteer deliverers, from dedicated individuals to the scouts and ThePort youth club.  

This month has seen the opening of the new purpose-built community centre that will host ThePort’s youth club activities, as well as a host of other community-based regular gatherings.  

Almost a second village hall in the newly built area of Highfields, Cornfield Lane, CB6 1EX, it is also available to hire via the parish clerk, Ms Diane Bayliss (call 01353 860449).  

Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm are earmarked for a swap-shop unit organised by ThePort and town council youth worker Joanne Coe.  

“It’s a great way to get what you need without spending, simply swap something you have at home in good condition, or in date if food stuff etc.,” she said. 

“We will also accept donations for people in need and the foodbank.”  

Joanne also mentions the Warm Hub at St George’s Parish Church Wednesdays 2-4pm and Fridays 10.30am-12.30pm. 

Another great way to be warm and have fun is on offer on January 14 at The Crown Inn with a family prize bingo night! 6.30pm start for bingo sales then ‘eyes down’ at 7pm until 9pm.  

For more information, call 01353 862700. 

Although like The Crown and The Swan, the Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club has no scheduled entertainers booked this month (but bingo every Wednesday night).  

It is a warm and welcoming venue; it is a social club and those who fancy joining can ask at the bar for details. 

In the centre of Littleport are its historic Main Street shops, convenience stores, takeaway pizzas, burgers and fish and chips.  

There are also Chinese or sit-down Indian restaurants, the Spanish tapas bar Habis, the Italian La Strega home-style cooked food - and groceries, with barbers and hairdressers that are as good as any in the big cities.