I bumped into Mamun Rashid from the Post Office and Spice Lounge on the corner of Granby Street and Wellington Street, (his dad owns it) and although he is a muslim, he also told me he enjoyed the festivities of the season.

Ely Standard: Fen Tiger Ernie James in 1975.Fen Tiger Ernie James in 1975. (Image: Archant)

Many hundreds of pounds were raised before Christmas to help those less fortunate, for instance the local fire officers held their annual Christmas bingo night at the village hall for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Malc Cornwell said: “We raised the fantastic amount of £1,800 and Alan King of DA Construction pledged £200 to make it £2,000. We thank everyone for supporting us.”

The total raised by Joolz Gordon from sales of her cards came to £257. Joolz will be happy to get your Christmas cards to recycle for next year’s effort.

Lots of gifts, including those hand-made twiddle muffs and fiddle blankets, were delivered by Timebank members, Sally-Anne Gold, Maureen Fresco, Jo Evans and Millie Evans, to care homes around Littleport.

Littleport Foodbank was given huge donations of gifts and food boxes by Sharon Heaps of Littleport Slimming World.

Now looking forward to 2018, this Sunday if you want to see in the new year in style, you are spoiled for choice in Littleport.

The Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club (not just for ex services people, but everyone) has Rocking Revival that is ticket-only, call in to buy yours, or phone to reserve, 01353 860378.

Both The Crown Inn, that presents Carl Chapman, a firm favourite with many, from 8.30pm onwards on the 31st, and The Plough & Harrow’s New Year’s Eve Disco, are free.

The Swan on the River at 1, Sandhill, invites you to put on your glad rags and join them to Disco the night away from 8pm in the bar!

Joanne Coe’s family New Year’s Eve do with Inter City Disco at the village hall is all sold out. I’m sure a great time will be had from the oldest to the youngest! (Under 2’s were free.)

Looking forward to the new year, the Littleport Society has a fascinating 1975 film, about Fen Tiger, speed skater, punt gunner, Ernie James from Welney. ‘A Man between Three Rivers’ at the village hall, 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.