Littleport’s village sign at the top of Ponts Hill tells all who can see it that this is a place with a colourful history, and that Littleport has a modern-day vibrant outlook. 

Famous woodcarver Jeremy Turner was commissioned in 2001 by the Littleport Women’s Institute whose WI insignia sits atop the carved oak pillar; at its reverse, the Littleport Beacon. 

The WI is a thriving, welcoming non-party political organisation of women.  

They not only enjoy social gatherings on the second Tuesday of the month at the village hall [next meeting, March 14 - 7.15pm] but busy themselves with important matters of the day.  

This year our local group voted for a national resolution to ‘Save Our Water – Every Drop matters.’ 

As for Jerusalem sung before every meeting, it was composed in March 1916 by Sir Hubert Parry who said he hoped it would “become the women voters hymn.” 

Ely Standard: WI member Cynthia Leggat and husband Andy work on cleaning, touching up the paintwork and varnishing the Littleport village sign.WI member Cynthia Leggat and husband Andy work on cleaning, touching up the paintwork and varnishing the Littleport village sign. (Image: Cathy Gibb-de Swarte)

And Littleport’s not-so-secret garden, Peacock’s Meadow, has a splendid sign created by the Littleport Crafters. 

The group meets under the guidance of professional Littleport artists Sukie Hoyle [01353 860140] and Fiona Lidgey-Robinson, at the Adams Heritage Centre on the first and third Saturday of every month, 2-4pm.  

It was mounted and installed last March by an internationally acclaimed Littleport man, Royal Academician, metal sculptor, Tim Peacock, and Ian Stevens. 

There’s a Littleport group for every interest.  

From the Littleport Branch of the Royal British Legion [contact Martin or Penny Goodearl: 01353 861037] to the Town Lands monthly coffee mornings [next one Tuesday, March 14: 10am-12pm] at the old Salvation Army Citadel, now Feoffees Hall. 

On Ponts Hill Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club has a race night on Friday at 7.30pm [01353 860378] and is open for general relaxation this weekend.  

While the Crown Inn on Main Street has the Rendition Trio on Saturday, March 11 from 8.30pm.