There was quite a kerfuffle amongst the concerned citizens of Littleport this week. Mostly about what is actually happening with the leisure centre as it stands, albeit now in a simulation of American General Custer’s last one at Little Big Horn; and about when its long-serving manager Andy Rutterford was actually leaving.

In advance of its closure and relocation, I am now reliably informed Andy’s departure will be this Tuesday February 28.

The leisure ventre has been, and is, of course, a major focus for village activities. For instance, all the many organisations and groups in the village have a presence at the annual summer ‘Fun Day’ that sort of took over from the old ‘Littleport Show’. So, it’s not surprising that people are getting rattled. Also, there have always been regular motorbike shows on its fields.

Although based in Littleport, most of the groups on the fun days are involved in much wider issues than you might think. Naturally they are specific to the village groups, like the Village Hall Committee, but the WI has a campaigning ethos on women’s and wider, global community issues, and so has the Rotary Club and Littleport Lions to name only three.

Having mentioned General Custer, Littleport has great connections with America, having had villagers who have emigrated there, with one of the most famous being William Harley whose son founded the Harley Davidson motorbike company, and the Harley Memorial on the green on Church Lane a major tourist attraction.

Perhaps less obvious a connection to America is that the Rotary was founded in Evanton, Illinois; motto, ‘Service above Self’ and the Lions in Oak Brook, also Illinois, whose motto is, ‘We Serve’.

The Littleport Leisure Centre itself hosts charitable events. This Saturday February 25 at 2pm - 5 pm, the ‘Little Miracles’ charity benefits from the return of Ultimate British Wrestling. A family occasion, all the favourite villains plus the beautiful Roxxi Lawless! This was a sell-out last time so you’ll have to be quick to get a ticket. Phone 01353 860600