I READ with interest the article on the William Hayes Fisher Skating Cup. William Hayes Fisher was born in Little Downham, the third child of 13 born to the Rev Frederick and Mary Fisher, curate in charge and rector of Downham 1850-1884. William was bapt

I READ with interest the article on the William Hayes Fisher Skating Cup. William Hayes Fisher was born in

Little Downham, the third child of 13 born to the Rev Frederick and Mary Fisher, curate in charge and rector of Downham 1850-1884. William was baptised on May 15, 1853, educated at Haileybury School, took up politics as a career, being MP for Fulham, and was Secretary of State to the Treasury.

He was also a director of the Suez Canal, rose and took the title Lord Downham. He was a great benefactor to the parish, placing and paying for stained glass in the church at the east end in memory of his father, who died in 1884.

In 1897 he paid for the rebuilding of the church porch, in 1912 the renovation of the south door.

On the death of his sister Constance in 1912, William and his brother, the Rev Rob Fisher, paid for an extension to Pymoor Church and school, which was built by his father in 1865. He was also vice president of Downham's flower show. On his death in 1920 he left a sum of money to place a clock on the church tower. This was installed in 1922 by Smiths of Derby, who still to this day maintain and service the clock regularly.

ROGER S MARTIN

(Churchwarden and parish historian)

Beald Drove Farm

Little Downham