Littleport has, dare I say, more than its fair share of talent – both homegrown and originally incoming from other places – but all adding to the embellishment of its name. 

And as Shakespeare rhetorically asked: “What’s in a name?”   

Having now declared itself officially as a town, will its status as the largest village in England be in doubt?  

And when the town hall, now the library, was built in 1879 and in 1900 we had a town crier, shall the newer village hall be renamed; and a town crier emplaced again – and a first mayor! 

In the lead-up to Christmas, there is always much excitement and activities showcasing those aforementioned talents.  

Music, dance, craftwork, literary pursuits, sports and indeed the organisational skills of mostly voluntary impresarios all to the fore. 

Littleport Leisure Centre has a wonderful programme of winter activities for old and young.  

From soft play for babies and toddlers to roller-skating (no fun skate this Saturday; the club is away competing) and other physical recreations, to exercise sessions to music for older or disabled citizens.  

Visit the centre’s Facebook page or call 01353 373800. 

Littleport Brass won £150 and the Harris Trophy coming second in the Leicestershire Contest last week, and always a treat.  

We are looking forward to their Christmas Concert in the village hall Saturday, December 17 at 3pm. 

And it wouldn’t be a Littleport Christmas without its panto!  

In the voluntary and charitable traditions of the town, The Littleport Players has an amateur cast combined with a professional crew who give their services for love.  

And rehearsals are in full swing for the opening night of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, directed by Karen Booth, at Littleport and East Cambs Academy on December 2 at 7.30pm. 

Charity goes on apace with last week’s fun casino night at the Crown Inn raising £1,224 for the Littleport Community Primary School site defibrillator and money for the Ely Roller Skating Club, too. 

On November 26 and every weekend until Christmas at Adams Heritage Centre in Main Street, Littleport’s Field Theatre Group mounts an exhibition of Littleport’s own textile art, craft and creative writing. 

This refers to all the derogatory names women have been called, from bluestockings to bimbos. Its title: What’s in a Name?