Littleport has more reasons to abhor Japan than most, along with the rest of East Anglia, whose regiments fought World War Two in the Far East…  

Littleport Prisoner of War [POW], 22-year-old Fred Hockley, was brutally killed by his captors after Japan officially surrendered, and his name is on the Roll of Honour in the lobby of Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club. 

Thankfully Japan has evolved since. 

For instance, Karaoke was invented in 1971 by a young Japanese musician born in that war, Daisuki Inoue was awarded the satirical Ig Nobel Peace Prize for ‘providing a new way for people to learn to tolerate each other.’  

And on Friday, February 24 the club on Ponts Hill hosts its ever-popular karaoke night with KJ Entertainments from 8pm. 

There are always amazing singers but a fun night out for everyone; £2 on the door. 

Also Friday from 8.30pm, the Crown Inn pub presents singer Jo Manning. 

Not The Who group who sang ‘Talkin’ ‘bout my generation’ - but the Senior Social Group, run by Littleport community worker Kathryn Buck - meets up on Thursday, February 23 from 1-3pm to play cards, dominoes etc. 

Or to just chill out over tea and coffee, at the village hall. Lifts are available: 07891 936357/01353 860908. 

Something for all ages, there’s another free printmaking class with all materials provided, February 24 from 10-12pm.  

It is at the Adams Heritage Centre. the 19th century JH Adams shop gifted back to his village by Peter Audus after he bought the site for development, and it has been well-used for community projects ever since. 

The Littleport Society has a huge archive and many publications available.

Open upstairs at The Barn, Main Street free car park every Tuesday afternoon, including Japanese POW survivor Harry Wilding’s story, told by his granddaughter Justine: A Rice Box of Memories.