Littleport is celebrating the repair of its clock!

London’s Big Ben and its chimes have only been telling city dwelling Londoners the time since 1859.

The clock on Littleport’s St George’s parish church tower was telling village residents the time and striking the hour as long ago as 1744.

When the old clock was replaced by the 14-18 war memorial clock with its Cambridge Chimes before Christmas in 1919, at the dedication ceremony Vicar Rev Shelton declaimed “Those chimes when we are dead and gone will ring out to coming generations the deathless fame of those who fought and died in the Great War.”

But our clock stopped telling the right time weeks before Christmas and the chimes were up the wall too, so we were all grateful when it was stopped altogether.

Now Littleport’s citizens are even more grateful to the town council as the clock and its chimes have been restored.

When the chimes ring the half hour past ten o’clock every Friday morning the Littleport community food hub (£2 basket) and foodbank (needs a referral, free) opens at St George’s church.

Organisers say: “It’s staffed by volunteers who offer much more than just food supplies - come along for a cup of tea, a chat and a listening ear.”

This Saturday (March 9) at Littleport Leisure Centre, when the clock strikes 9am, it’s parkrun time.

And, at 9.30am, its Ely Roller Skating Club for all abilities’ fun skate.

At 8.30pm there is free entertainment at The Crown with KJ and the Catt.

And eyes down at 7.30pm on Wednesdays for Bingo at the Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

There is a roll of honour for Littleport’s fallen in both world wars in the lobby.

From 4-5pm next Thursday (March 14) at Littleport Village Hall, where Tia Colcomb holds her Bumbly Bees Music Group on Tuesday mornings for 0-5year-olds, from 10-11am.

Tia will sign her new book, ‘Bumbly Bee and the Day the Flowers Lost Their Music’, with reading, music and dancing ribbons. Entry is free.